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Second Fiddle: A delightfully romantic feel-good romcom short
A wedding planner wannabe trying to save her fledgling career at a glam safari wedding. A gorgeous violinist who’s not telling the whole truth. And a baboon moonlighting as cupid…what could possibly go wrong?
Intern Sophie James is one weekend and one glamorous African safari wedding away from becoming a permanent member of the Star Weddings team. All she needs to do is not mess up.
But booking a wedding string quartet that turns up minus a first violinist would definitely count as messing up. She could fill in herself; after all, she knows her way around a violin. Except a dream-destroying mistake a long time ago saw her pack away her instrument forever, and the thought of playing again is almost as harrowing as the thought of slinking back to her parents’ house after yet another career sunk in a sea of failure.
It’s a good thing then that Sophie finds herself in the right place at the right time to rescue the delectable—and heaven-sent—violinist Nate Holt from a baboon that’s holding him captive in his game lodge shower. Now she has all the leverage she needs to convince him to fill in at the wedding in the bush.
Which is problem solved. Or so Sophie thinks. Because it turns out that problems, like baboons, are seldom solitary. As Sophie rushes to put out one career-ending fire after another, there’s another fire sparking into life between her and Nate. But there’s something Nate isn’t telling her. Something Sophie really should have noticed, if she hadn’t been so wrapped up in her own insecurities.
Once she finds out the truth about him, will she turn and run, letting her painful past continue to dictate her life? Or will she take Nate’s hand and confront what happened all those years ago, so she can finally grab hold of a future she didn’t even know she wanted?
A low-spice, super-swoony romcom novella set in the exotic bushveld of a South African game reserve, with a wish-he-were-mine book boyfriend and an uplifting, heartwarming happily-ever-after.
Intern Sophie James is one weekend and one glamorous African safari wedding away from becoming a permanent member of the Star Weddings team. All she needs to do is not mess up.
But booking a wedding string quartet that turns up minus a first violinist would definitely count as messing up. She could fill in herself; after all, she knows her way around a violin. Except a dream-destroying mistake a long time ago saw her pack away her instrument forever, and the thought of playing again is almost as harrowing as the thought of slinking back to her parents’ house after yet another career sunk in a sea of failure.
It’s a good thing then that Sophie finds herself in the right place at the right time to rescue the delectable—and heaven-sent—violinist Nate Holt from a baboon that’s holding him captive in his game lodge shower. Now she has all the leverage she needs to convince him to fill in at the wedding in the bush.
Which is problem solved. Or so Sophie thinks. Because it turns out that problems, like baboons, are seldom solitary. As Sophie rushes to put out one career-ending fire after another, there’s another fire sparking into life between her and Nate. But there’s something Nate isn’t telling her. Something Sophie really should have noticed, if she hadn’t been so wrapped up in her own insecurities.
Once she finds out the truth about him, will she turn and run, letting her painful past continue to dictate her life? Or will she take Nate’s hand and confront what happened all those years ago, so she can finally grab hold of a future she didn’t even know she wanted?
A low-spice, super-swoony romcom novella set in the exotic bushveld of a South African game reserve, with a wish-he-were-mine book boyfriend and an uplifting, heartwarming happily-ever-after.
107 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2023
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 19, 2023
4.25⭐️
Cute romcom set in South Africa
📚 romcom
📚 comedy of errors
📚 novella
🚫 spice
|Synopsis|
Sophie & Nate
Lost as to what to do with her life after not perusing a career as a solo violinist, Sophie is working as a wedding planner for the event of the year. However, they’re one violinist down for the string quartet. All looks lost until she makes a deal with the mysterious Nate to be the first chair.
“And I rather liked you playing by my side. At least I’ll be safe from baboons”
|Thoughts|
Well wasn’t this just a sweet and charming short read. There were multiple times throughout the story where I found myself laughing or sighing at how sweet the characters were being.
I was pleasantly surprised with the backstory and depth given to the characters in such a short story. And it’s nice to read a romcom not set in your traditional American small town or regency England.
“My folks are never going to believe I spent my morning playing to wild African elephants”
This is the perfect read if you’re looking for a fast paced and classic romcom.
Wish we could have spent more time with Sophie & Nate but I always think that’s a sign of a well written story…you just never get enough of them.
That ending though…just so sweet! (I’ve basically highlighted the last chapter because it was so stinking cute).
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this eARC in exchange for this honest review.
🟢 Follow for more bookish content at instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
Cute romcom set in South Africa
📚 romcom
📚 comedy of errors
📚 novella
🚫 spice
|Synopsis|
Sophie & Nate
Lost as to what to do with her life after not perusing a career as a solo violinist, Sophie is working as a wedding planner for the event of the year. However, they’re one violinist down for the string quartet. All looks lost until she makes a deal with the mysterious Nate to be the first chair.
“And I rather liked you playing by my side. At least I’ll be safe from baboons”
|Thoughts|
Well wasn’t this just a sweet and charming short read. There were multiple times throughout the story where I found myself laughing or sighing at how sweet the characters were being.
I was pleasantly surprised with the backstory and depth given to the characters in such a short story. And it’s nice to read a romcom not set in your traditional American small town or regency England.
“My folks are never going to believe I spent my morning playing to wild African elephants”
This is the perfect read if you’re looking for a fast paced and classic romcom.
Wish we could have spent more time with Sophie & Nate but I always think that’s a sign of a well written story…you just never get enough of them.
That ending though…just so sweet! (I’ve basically highlighted the last chapter because it was so stinking cute).
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this eARC in exchange for this honest review.
🟢 Follow for more bookish content at instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
June 24, 2024
Loved this cute romantic comedy with a touch of South African flare !
A lovely quick read !
A lovely quick read !
August 1, 2023
A comedy of errors novella, Second Fiddle by Meg Chronis brings sweetness and music together. Set in South Africa, it really hit a note of relatability for me. His positivity is just what she needs and his ability to support her even when she will not support herself very much reminds me of my own relationship dynamic (yes, I’m working on that “confidence in my work” thing). I found the interactions to be enduring and the book to be well-paced, I could have stayed with these two in South Africa for much longer!
Meet Sophie James. She is interning for a wedding planner while trying to figure out what to do with her life. She is only one weekend (and one glamorous African safari wedding) away from becoming a permanent member of the Star Weddings team. She cannot afford for anything to go wrong. Meet Nate Holt. A beautiful woman rescues him from a baboon that’s holding him captive in his game lodge shower. After finding out he’s a violinist, she uses her newfound leverage to get him to fill-in for the no-show in the string quartet (a quartet does denote four, after all).
This story was everything you want out of a novella: a comedy-of-errors full of sweetness you never wanted to end. Chronis delivered an endearing story about love, courage, and taking second chances on yourself. I laughed, I cried, and was completely enthralled with the backstory and depth given to the characters and story in such a format. Fast-paced, this is a quick read and exactly what you should grab if you’re looking for an adorable palette cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and Meg Chronis for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Sophie James. She is interning for a wedding planner while trying to figure out what to do with her life. She is only one weekend (and one glamorous African safari wedding) away from becoming a permanent member of the Star Weddings team. She cannot afford for anything to go wrong. Meet Nate Holt. A beautiful woman rescues him from a baboon that’s holding him captive in his game lodge shower. After finding out he’s a violinist, she uses her newfound leverage to get him to fill-in for the no-show in the string quartet (a quartet does denote four, after all).
This story was everything you want out of a novella: a comedy-of-errors full of sweetness you never wanted to end. Chronis delivered an endearing story about love, courage, and taking second chances on yourself. I laughed, I cried, and was completely enthralled with the backstory and depth given to the characters and story in such a format. Fast-paced, this is a quick read and exactly what you should grab if you’re looking for an adorable palette cleanser.
Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours, and Meg Chronis for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2023
"Second Fiddle" by Meg Chronis is an enchanting tale that strikes a beautiful chord between passion, ambition, and the pursuit of one's dreams. This captivating novel takes readers on a melodic journey through the world of music, highlighting the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and the unexpected joys found in the harmonies of life.
I give "Second Fiddle" a ★★★★☆ (4/5) star rating. Meg Chronis skillfully portrays Olivia's internal struggles, allowing readers to empathize with her and root for her as she navigates the challenges of her musical career. The author's writing style is lyrical, drawing readers into the enchanting world of classical music and immersing them in the emotional rollercoaster experienced by Olivia.
Throughout the novel, Chronis weaves a compelling narrative filled with vivid descriptions, evoking the passion and intensity of musical performance. The exploration of sibling dynamics adds depth to the story, and the themes of self-doubt and perseverance resonate with readers on a profound level.
"Second Fiddle" is a beautifully written and engaging novel that will captivate both music enthusiasts and those looking for a poignant tale of personal growth. Meg Chronis' ability to bring the world of music to life, combined with the relatable and inspiring journey of the protagonist, makes this book a symphony of heart and harmony that is definitely worth a read.
I give "Second Fiddle" a ★★★★☆ (4/5) star rating. Meg Chronis skillfully portrays Olivia's internal struggles, allowing readers to empathize with her and root for her as she navigates the challenges of her musical career. The author's writing style is lyrical, drawing readers into the enchanting world of classical music and immersing them in the emotional rollercoaster experienced by Olivia.
Throughout the novel, Chronis weaves a compelling narrative filled with vivid descriptions, evoking the passion and intensity of musical performance. The exploration of sibling dynamics adds depth to the story, and the themes of self-doubt and perseverance resonate with readers on a profound level.
"Second Fiddle" is a beautifully written and engaging novel that will captivate both music enthusiasts and those looking for a poignant tale of personal growth. Meg Chronis' ability to bring the world of music to life, combined with the relatable and inspiring journey of the protagonist, makes this book a symphony of heart and harmony that is definitely worth a read.
June 20, 2023
Sophie James is under a lot of pressure. As an intern for an intense wedding planner, her future is up in the air unless she can make this next wedding perfect. When the string quartet backs out, she jumps in with a big save and offers to have her sister's quartet step in.
Only disaster strikes and her sister is unable to play, leaving the quartet with no first violin. Her sister sends a back up, and when he arrives, Sophie is beyond smitten and she may have bum-rushed him as soon as he exited his SUV.
But the man isn't who she thought he was, leaving her embarrassed AND still down a first violin, so Sophie decides to grab her future by the violin strings and beg him to play anyway in exchange for saving him from a crazy baboon. He agrees, and a comedy of errors ensues.
Second Fiddle is a hilarious, sweet novella set in South Africa. Sophie and Nate are adorable together. His positivity is just what she needs, and I love that he supports her even when she refuses to support herself.
This is a novella, but I could have stayed with these two for much longer! Their interactions were enduring and well-paced, and I can only imagine what other predicaments they could find themselves in.
Thank you to NatGalley and the author, Meg Chronis, for the opportunity to review this! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Only disaster strikes and her sister is unable to play, leaving the quartet with no first violin. Her sister sends a back up, and when he arrives, Sophie is beyond smitten and she may have bum-rushed him as soon as he exited his SUV.
But the man isn't who she thought he was, leaving her embarrassed AND still down a first violin, so Sophie decides to grab her future by the violin strings and beg him to play anyway in exchange for saving him from a crazy baboon. He agrees, and a comedy of errors ensues.
Second Fiddle is a hilarious, sweet novella set in South Africa. Sophie and Nate are adorable together. His positivity is just what she needs, and I love that he supports her even when she refuses to support herself.
This is a novella, but I could have stayed with these two for much longer! Their interactions were enduring and well-paced, and I can only imagine what other predicaments they could find themselves in.
Thank you to NatGalley and the author, Meg Chronis, for the opportunity to review this! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2023
Second Fiddle....
Second Fiddle is a cute novella based upon music. You don't need to be a music lover to enjoy this story. The story is based primary around the violin. Sophie is organizing a wedding, which will make or break her career. When the first violinist decides not to show, she must go into fighting mode to fix the issue quickly or risk her career. Sophie, herself used to play the violin but something in her past caused her to quit. Now enters Nate, a wonderful violinist, who Sophie wants to be the first violinist. Nate is keeping a secret and once Sophie finds out, we aren't sure what the future will hold for them.
Grab Second Fiddle for a quick, cute read on a rainy day or a day at the beach! Along the way, you might also want to pick up a violin and see what music you can make!
Second Fiddle is a cute novella based upon music. You don't need to be a music lover to enjoy this story. The story is based primary around the violin. Sophie is organizing a wedding, which will make or break her career. When the first violinist decides not to show, she must go into fighting mode to fix the issue quickly or risk her career. Sophie, herself used to play the violin but something in her past caused her to quit. Now enters Nate, a wonderful violinist, who Sophie wants to be the first violinist. Nate is keeping a secret and once Sophie finds out, we aren't sure what the future will hold for them.
Grab Second Fiddle for a quick, cute read on a rainy day or a day at the beach! Along the way, you might also want to pick up a violin and see what music you can make!
September 2, 2023
This was a cute novella about it never being too late to give yourself a second chance to achieve your dreams.
Sophie is about to have the quartet she hired for a wedding turn into a trio if she can't find another violinist to play. Enter Nathan Holt. The answer to all of Sophie's prayers... but little did she know exactly how much.
Nathan was a great character to combat Sophie's neuroses, anxiety, and doubt in herself. Even with all his metaphors and personal anecdotes, Sophie was able to glean insight into her own circumstance and how she wasn't living up to her true potential. As short as this story was, there was a lot going on: internal struggles, epiphanies, and personal growth.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie is about to have the quartet she hired for a wedding turn into a trio if she can't find another violinist to play. Enter Nathan Holt. The answer to all of Sophie's prayers... but little did she know exactly how much.
Nathan was a great character to combat Sophie's neuroses, anxiety, and doubt in herself. Even with all his metaphors and personal anecdotes, Sophie was able to glean insight into her own circumstance and how she wasn't living up to her true potential. As short as this story was, there was a lot going on: internal struggles, epiphanies, and personal growth.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2024
One book and one novella and I am totally in love with @megchronisauthor and her writing! I think, at this point, she is officially my favorite South African author. I love how everything she writes makes me laugh so. Damn. Much!! Second Fiddle is a wonderful novella with feel good moments and funny mishaps that left me giggling and grinning and kicking my feet!
I absolutely loved Sophie. She had a determination that I loved, her past was haunted and I loved seeing her finally believe in herself and grow. And then we have Nate Holt, a renowned American Violinist who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time - multiple times! Yep, I'm talking naked baboon shower scene, IYKYK 😉😂
I absolutely adored Nate, I have read alot of cinnamon roll MMCs lately and Nate is definitely at the top of that list. I love how he went out of his way to help a stranger, I love that he provided Sophie with support and encouragement and made her realise that her mistakes are learning curves and does not make her a failure.
I also really love the setting, a wedding venue out in the bush with wild animals and game drives and perfection. I loved the string quartet element too. I also really loved - as I mentioned before, everything Nate Holt is and does - but the ending of this book, where Sophie finally followed her own dream and Nate gave her the platform to do it. I absolutely devoured this novella and I'm ready for whatever Meg is going to write next!
I absolutely loved Sophie. She had a determination that I loved, her past was haunted and I loved seeing her finally believe in herself and grow. And then we have Nate Holt, a renowned American Violinist who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time - multiple times! Yep, I'm talking naked baboon shower scene, IYKYK 😉😂
I absolutely adored Nate, I have read alot of cinnamon roll MMCs lately and Nate is definitely at the top of that list. I love how he went out of his way to help a stranger, I love that he provided Sophie with support and encouragement and made her realise that her mistakes are learning curves and does not make her a failure.
I also really love the setting, a wedding venue out in the bush with wild animals and game drives and perfection. I loved the string quartet element too. I also really loved - as I mentioned before, everything Nate Holt is and does - but the ending of this book, where Sophie finally followed her own dream and Nate gave her the platform to do it. I absolutely devoured this novella and I'm ready for whatever Meg is going to write next!
June 22, 2023
Sweet quick read about finding your passion and following it.
Sophie needs a violinist to save her wedding planning job and along comes Nate who is more than he seems.
I loved the fact that this story was about classical musicians and talks about different musical pieces. You can tell the author loves the violin. The descriptions of South Africa were also beautiful!
The story was predictable but so fun and Nate is such a supportive and caring MMC.
A great short read!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sophie needs a violinist to save her wedding planning job and along comes Nate who is more than he seems.
I loved the fact that this story was about classical musicians and talks about different musical pieces. You can tell the author loves the violin. The descriptions of South Africa were also beautiful!
The story was predictable but so fun and Nate is such a supportive and caring MMC.
A great short read!
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 7, 2024
Wonderful, fun short story. Sophie, trying to keep her head afloat as an intern for a wedding planner needs a violinist to fill in for her sister, Hilary. When one arrives, Sophie assumes it is her sister's replacement. Nate is a violinist who has arrived for a holiday, not to play at the wedding Sophie is working on. When another member of the sting quartet cannot play, both Sophie and Nate end up standing in. One mishap after another leads to disastrous results, although Sophie's encounter with Nate is the one good thing to happen to her, as she gives up trying to please her father and decides to follow her own dream with Nate's encouragement and support.
June 18, 2023
A big thank you to NetGalley and the author (Meg Chronis Books) for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a novella so very short. This is a cute,, funny, yet sad story. The setting is in South Africa. Sophie James has always tried to live up to her father's expectations, and failed. She meets Nate Hole an American violin soloist. This was inspiring and interesting. I loved the part where Nate said if you are truly passionate about something that nothing will stop you from doing it. 4 stars I would recommend this short read.
July 23, 2025
Second Fiddle is the perfect bite-sized romcom that delivers all the feel-good vibes in one irresistible safari wedding setting. From page one, I was hooked by Sophie, our lovable, slightly chaotic intern, who's desperate to prove herself at the biggest wedding of her career. Cue the quartet showing up short a violinist, a panic spiral, and one very unexpected solution in the form of a gorgeous guest with a violin case… and a baboon problem.
July 22, 2023
*** Thanks you to the Publishers and to Netgalley for providing with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
This was a cute novella about two violinists who find one another in a sort of meet-cute mishap that turns into something special. I enjoyed the positivity of Nate and the vulnerable, sweetness of Sophie.
This was a cute novella about two violinists who find one another in a sort of meet-cute mishap that turns into something special. I enjoyed the positivity of Nate and the vulnerable, sweetness of Sophie.
July 31, 2023
As many of us, Sophie James wanted to please her parents and thought that, in doing so, she would be happier. Many years have passed since her 'failure' but her dad never forgave her and that had made her a very insecure person... And then she met Nate Holt. If you want to know what happens next read the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
Absolutely delighted with this Gem of a book. If you haven’t read it yet why not? After all it’s free , all you need to get you hooked on reading a Meg Cronin book
is this read and maybe a long lunch hour time to devour it.
is this read and maybe a long lunch hour time to devour it.
June 16, 2023
this was a really cute romantic novella. i loved how she found her own passion without her father's interference and nate was really supportive and sweet. a very light read. thank you to netgalley for the arc.
January 28, 2024
Nate and Sophie are trapped by a baboon in his bathroom while he is buck naked! Lol! What's not to love?! Musical hilarity ensues as Nate and Sophie fall musically in love. I LOVE their story so very much. It's truly an honor and a privilege.
February 3, 2024
Artists can e temperamental sometimes. Then again a. Parent can go overboard with discipline too when balance takes place understanding comes. Love the funny stories so very very funny! My fav was the soloist!! He is funny, caring. Loving and supportive. He made me smile
June 15, 2023
When Sophie meets Nate she mistakes his identity but he helps her out anyway. Will meeting him give her the confidence to go for what she wants in life? A great short read.
September 6, 2023
A great novella set in South Africa. It was a quick read with fun moments in the South African bush! I love books set in South Africa so this was another feast.
January 12, 2024
Cute, light-weight rom com.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews