Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
A slightly spicy, second chance celebrity romance — multiplied by two. Creating a cleverly executed love triangle that results in a heart wrenching story of lost-and-found love, personal discovery, and healing.
In a race to settle down and become a mother, musical genius Maggie Vine is still struggling to find success in life and love well into her thirties when the same marriage pact she made with two different men years apart proves faithful on her thirty-fifth birthday. Now, simultaneously reacquainted with her past flames, one her first love and the other her best friend, she is forced to make a final choice that promises to lead her into the future she has always dreamed of living.
Told in three alternating timelines (not chronological), Maggie explores both second chance romances in the present day while experiencing each of them for the first time in the past. Despite the life encounters shared over the years (many traumatic) there doesn’t seem to be much growth or maturity in any of the main characters. True to any Hollywood romance this story is frustratingly unethical, emotionally messy, and unrealistic. But also deliciously addicting, funny, and sweetly nostalgic. I enjoyed the Trader Joe’s plot line. And appreciated having a relentless female protagonist with an authentically supportive girl friend. Plus, being strung along to the absolute utter end. No spoilers here. Will you be Team Garrett or Team Asher?
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, infertility, suicide, ptsd.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
In a race to settle down and become a mother, musical genius Maggie Vine is still struggling to find success in life and love well into her thirties when the same marriage pact she made with two different men years apart proves faithful on her thirty-fifth birthday. Now, simultaneously reacquainted with her past flames, one her first love and the other her best friend, she is forced to make a final choice that promises to lead her into the future she has always dreamed of living.
Told in three alternating timelines (not chronological), Maggie explores both second chance romances in the present day while experiencing each of them for the first time in the past. Despite the life encounters shared over the years (many traumatic) there doesn’t seem to be much growth or maturity in any of the main characters. True to any Hollywood romance this story is frustratingly unethical, emotionally messy, and unrealistic. But also deliciously addicting, funny, and sweetly nostalgic. I enjoyed the Trader Joe’s plot line. And appreciated having a relentless female protagonist with an authentically supportive girl friend. Plus, being strung along to the absolute utter end. No spoilers here. Will you be Team Garrett or Team Asher?
Trigger warnings: sexual assault, infertility, suicide, ptsd.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
DNF @ 22%, audio. New mantra for 2024, life is too short to waste time on bad books.
I really dislike when older fmc acts like a teenager. I really dislike love triangles. The time jumps were super confusing. A 12 year missed connection with a man is your own damn fault, I hate miscommunication/non communication.
This book just isn’t for me.
I really dislike when older fmc acts like a teenager. I really dislike love triangles. The time jumps were super confusing. A 12 year missed connection with a man is your own damn fault, I hate miscommunication/non communication.
This book just isn’t for me.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you like angst, second chances, and love triangles, this will right up your alley. It’s emotional, and the main character is messy (who makes a marriage pact, let alone two pacts with two different men?).
If you appreciate music, the book will likely be of more interest to you. I’m not a music person, but I still enjoyed the story, though I think some references will not age well (example: “Cruel Summer” being underrated, but it’s everywhere this summer). Check the trigger warnings because there are some sensitive topics that come up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
If you appreciate music, the book will likely be of more interest to you. I’m not a music person, but I still enjoyed the story, though I think some references will not age well (example: “Cruel Summer” being underrated, but it’s everywhere this summer). Check the trigger warnings because there are some sensitive topics that come up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Loveable characters:
No
This book is painfully millennial and contains a lot of lyrics pop culture references and singing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Pregnancy
Moderate: Suicide
While the writing might be good, the main character was very much unlikeable. Won’t get into the whys as it could be spoilers.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Just no. The author uses "females." The protagonist isn't relatable to me at all. The banter between her and the guy Garrett isn't cute or funny at all. And a character buys a doodle from a pet store (aka supporting animal abuse). Nope, nope, nope.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty
