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Rules for Second Chances
Liz Lewis has tried everything to be what people want, but she’s always been labeled different in the boisterous world of wilderness expeditions. Her marriage to popular adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis is a sinkhole of toxic positivity where she’s the only one saying no.
When she gets mistaken for a server at her own thirtieth birthday party, Liz vows to stop playing a minor character in her own life. The (incredibly well-researched and scientific) plan? A crash course in confidence . . . via an improv comedy class. The catch? She’s terrible at it, and the only person willing to practice with her is a certain extroverted wilderness guide who seems dead set on saving their marriage.
But as Liz and Tobin get closer again, she’s forced to confront all the reasons they didn’t work the first time, along with her growing suspicion that her social awkwardness might mean something deeper. Liz must learn improv’s most important lesson—“Yes, and”—or she’ll have to choose between the love she always wanted and the dreams that got away.
Brimming with heart and heat, Rules for Second Chances explores the hardest relationship question of all: can true love happen twice . . . with the same person?
When she gets mistaken for a server at her own thirtieth birthday party, Liz vows to stop playing a minor character in her own life. The (incredibly well-researched and scientific) plan? A crash course in confidence . . . via an improv comedy class. The catch? She’s terrible at it, and the only person willing to practice with her is a certain extroverted wilderness guide who seems dead set on saving their marriage.
But as Liz and Tobin get closer again, she’s forced to confront all the reasons they didn’t work the first time, along with her growing suspicion that her social awkwardness might mean something deeper. Liz must learn improv’s most important lesson—“Yes, and”—or she’ll have to choose between the love she always wanted and the dreams that got away.
Brimming with heart and heat, Rules for Second Chances explores the hardest relationship question of all: can true love happen twice . . . with the same person?
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2024
109 people are currently reading
23967 people want to read
About the author
Maggie North
2 books313 followersMaggie North writes deeply emotional, strangely hilarious novels about introverts at the end of their [expletive] ropes, STEM, Canada, and other overlooked, underrated things you'd love to discover. She enjoys being autistic a lot more since her diagnosis as an adult. She lives in Ottawa, Canada with her spouse, The Kid, and a rotating cast of hypoallergenic aquarium friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 855 reviews
September 19, 2025
3.5 stars
This book ended up being a little heavier than I expected, but maybe that's because the FMC was a socially awkward introvert, something which I can completely relate to.
I enjoy second chance romances, but the structure of this one was a little weird. Not sure how I felt about the whole improv storyline, just kind of made some scenes more cringe than they needed to be.
But I liked the dynamic between the FMC and MMC, especially when they took the time to have real conversations about their relationship instead of not communicating about it which is what fucked them the first time around.
Solid effort for a second chance romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This book ended up being a little heavier than I expected, but maybe that's because the FMC was a socially awkward introvert, something which I can completely relate to.
I enjoy second chance romances, but the structure of this one was a little weird. Not sure how I felt about the whole improv storyline, just kind of made some scenes more cringe than they needed to be.
But I liked the dynamic between the FMC and MMC, especially when they took the time to have real conversations about their relationship instead of not communicating about it which is what fucked them the first time around.
Solid effort for a second chance romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
August 9, 2024
Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, and I’m so excited every time I find a book with this trope (we definitely deserve more SC romances!). So I was really excited to read this. But I couldn’t even enjoy this book. You want to know why? Because it was so, so confusing, I’m lying in bed wanting to read a cute, heartwarming romance, but all I did was get a headache from trying to understand this book.🥲✋🏼 I think it was the writing style that really confused the book for me.☹️
𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝙼𝚈 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝.🫂
!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!
𝚂𝚒𝚍𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎: 𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝙼𝚈 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙿𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚈𝙾𝚄𝚁 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘𝚝.🫂
!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!
June 24, 2024
DNF! I tried but between the slowness and the narrator’s annoying voice I just couldn’t get into it. On to better choices.
November 3, 2023
I am genuinely not sure how to put my love for this one into words. Utterly unique. A singular story filled with hope, swoon, and healing told by way of gorgeous prose. This is going to be a forever favorite and god I want everyone to experience this book and for them to be changed by it, too. F*ck Maggie North is a GENIUS YOU GUYS. Add it. Add it, add it.
May 28, 2024
**ARC of this book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Seems like I've became too cynic to truly enjoy romance. Happy endings that are stretched to encompass all plot lines and all characters are no longer satisfying to me and usually make me lower my rating. That's exactly what happened here.
Rules for Second Chances is written in the first person and since Liz Lewis is a pretty distinctive narrator, getting used to her way of storytelling takes some time. Once you get there the story becomes very pleasant - there are some hilarious side tangents, witty quips galore and overall bubbly, chaotic energy that make this book almost cozy. Unfortunately it also feels like there are too many things happening at once - Liz tries to overcome her social awkwardness, fix her relationship with her husband, sister and mother-in-law, build new friendships, get noticed at work and generally reinvent herself. There is a wedding, search for the missing child, confrontations with narcissist. Everything lasts for one-two chapters and lacks any kind of emotional load because it comes and goes way to quick. So in the end this book get a few chuckles out of me but failed to make me feel anything.
Its a solid debut with a very recognizable voice. I will read this author's next book.
Seems like I've became too cynic to truly enjoy romance. Happy endings that are stretched to encompass all plot lines and all characters are no longer satisfying to me and usually make me lower my rating. That's exactly what happened here.
Rules for Second Chances is written in the first person and since Liz Lewis is a pretty distinctive narrator, getting used to her way of storytelling takes some time. Once you get there the story becomes very pleasant - there are some hilarious side tangents, witty quips galore and overall bubbly, chaotic energy that make this book almost cozy. Unfortunately it also feels like there are too many things happening at once - Liz tries to overcome her social awkwardness, fix her relationship with her husband, sister and mother-in-law, build new friendships, get noticed at work and generally reinvent herself. There is a wedding, search for the missing child, confrontations with narcissist. Everything lasts for one-two chapters and lacks any kind of emotional load because it comes and goes way to quick. So in the end this book get a few chuckles out of me but failed to make me feel anything.
Its a solid debut with a very recognizable voice. I will read this author's next book.
October 14, 2024
4.5 stars!
I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this book. But once I did, it took off for me.
I can relate to many parts of Liz. Unseen, unheard, dismissed in many ways. You end up feeling that way in many areas of your life. One thing she is passionate about is work. So diving into something so far out of her comfort zone felt like something she had to do.
There are several areas in this story that I hated. Blowing up her marriage and all the issues surrounding that was hard for me to read. But when her hubby kept trying and being overly supportive to help her with her dreams and goals, it was then that I had hope for the ending.
North wrote all of the characters in such a way you had times of love and time of hate. Supporting characters are so important for the story and the growing reconnection between Liz and Tobin gives a rollercoaster of emotions. The 3rd act sucks the life out of you! The ending restores you.
Rules for Second Chances is full of second chances and a strong love that gives you hope to overcome and heal. Liz is not my favorite person at times and Tobin is so underrated! Overall, the story is awesome, diving into tough subjects and overcoming obstacles.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/rules-for-se...
I have to admit that it took me a bit to get into this book. But once I did, it took off for me.
I can relate to many parts of Liz. Unseen, unheard, dismissed in many ways. You end up feeling that way in many areas of your life. One thing she is passionate about is work. So diving into something so far out of her comfort zone felt like something she had to do.
There are several areas in this story that I hated. Blowing up her marriage and all the issues surrounding that was hard for me to read. But when her hubby kept trying and being overly supportive to help her with her dreams and goals, it was then that I had hope for the ending.
North wrote all of the characters in such a way you had times of love and time of hate. Supporting characters are so important for the story and the growing reconnection between Liz and Tobin gives a rollercoaster of emotions. The 3rd act sucks the life out of you! The ending restores you.
Rules for Second Chances is full of second chances and a strong love that gives you hope to overcome and heal. Liz is not my favorite person at times and Tobin is so underrated! Overall, the story is awesome, diving into tough subjects and overcoming obstacles.
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/rules-for-se...
July 31, 2024
Rules for Second Chances is a blend of a second chance romance and mixed with a coming-of-age novel. It has some nuanced and relatable themes, as well as important representation. And while I liked all the character growth, but the romance itself was underwhelming. It ended well, but for the majority of the book I was annoyed with Liz for completely ignoring Tobin, and a few scenes were a little cringey as well. As a whole, I do think it's a solid story, mostly for the aforementioned themes, but I can't say that I loved every minute of it.
Thank you to the publisher and MacMillan Audio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher and MacMillan Audio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
December 13, 2024
I was so on the fence about this one because I kept seeing it recommended by other authors I like but the reviews seem so mixed. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The premise is unlike anything I have read before. As were the characters to be honest or really just Liz. There were so many things that made this book unique in my opinion. We have a marriage that is failing. We have two characters that have opposite opinions on how to handle it. We have an improv class that turns into kind of couples therapy in the BEST way. We have relationships that are not healthy in this but that are endured because of how things can look to the world or be misinterpreted.
I have to say I had a hard time connecting with Liz at first. We start off with her being so blunt with Tobin- she's done. She has been trying to tell Tobin her challenges for a minute but he isn't hearing her. Well he is now. She moves out. She doesn't give him a chance at first which is what I struggled with BUT as I mentioned there was a lot of background we missed. Tobin just seemed like a lost puppy without Liz. Liz is at a point in her life where she feels like she has lost herself. She has been in a marriage where she doesn't feel heard and at a job where she keeps getting passed up. She needs a change of scenery. So she decides to push the envelope and take an improv class. The problem is that the teacher happens to be one of Tobin's best friends, and they haven't told anyone that they are on a break (whatever that means). She decides that she isn't going to back out. She is going to do this! Then Tobin approaches her about trying something a little outside of the box. His friend also wrote a book about couples therapy- it puts couples in different environments and tries to rebuild the foundation they had from the start. Liz finds herself agreeing reluctantly. But every scenario they have reminds her of the man she fell in love with. The man who is doing all of these ridiculous things lie dressing up as a pirate or a merman and not talking so their body language will. But Liz has put these rules in place like no touching or kissing. She wants clear boundaries. She has made up her mind on where they are- but now she is starting to question if she is losing the best thing she ever had and if she has pushed Tobin too far to get him back to tell him how she really feels.
I can't recommend this one enough. I found myself covering my eyes from embarrassment, laughing out loud, swooning, crying. Just such a wide range of emotions because of what this couple went through. I LOVED watching them reconnect and realize that all is not lost and that relationships are WORK. This was a breath of fresh air in my opinion and I am SO happy that I got that ARC for book 2- can't wait to watch those two unravel each other :)
I have to say I had a hard time connecting with Liz at first. We start off with her being so blunt with Tobin- she's done. She has been trying to tell Tobin her challenges for a minute but he isn't hearing her. Well he is now. She moves out. She doesn't give him a chance at first which is what I struggled with BUT as I mentioned there was a lot of background we missed. Tobin just seemed like a lost puppy without Liz. Liz is at a point in her life where she feels like she has lost herself. She has been in a marriage where she doesn't feel heard and at a job where she keeps getting passed up. She needs a change of scenery. So she decides to push the envelope and take an improv class. The problem is that the teacher happens to be one of Tobin's best friends, and they haven't told anyone that they are on a break (whatever that means). She decides that she isn't going to back out. She is going to do this! Then Tobin approaches her about trying something a little outside of the box. His friend also wrote a book about couples therapy- it puts couples in different environments and tries to rebuild the foundation they had from the start. Liz finds herself agreeing reluctantly. But every scenario they have reminds her of the man she fell in love with. The man who is doing all of these ridiculous things lie dressing up as a pirate or a merman and not talking so their body language will. But Liz has put these rules in place like no touching or kissing. She wants clear boundaries. She has made up her mind on where they are- but now she is starting to question if she is losing the best thing she ever had and if she has pushed Tobin too far to get him back to tell him how she really feels.
I can't recommend this one enough. I found myself covering my eyes from embarrassment, laughing out loud, swooning, crying. Just such a wide range of emotions because of what this couple went through. I LOVED watching them reconnect and realize that all is not lost and that relationships are WORK. This was a breath of fresh air in my opinion and I am SO happy that I got that ARC for book 2- can't wait to watch those two unravel each other :)
dnf
May 8, 2025this is so boring and them hanging out once a week to do improv skits over 8 weeks to save their marriage is a joke, surely.
June 25, 2024
Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North
Contemporary chick lit, romance with diverse characteristics for the couple. Second chance in that the couple is working on themselves and their marriage through therapy and improv.
Liz Lewis isn’t comfortable in social situations. She’s a data analyst and a numbers person. It’s where she excels. But that also means she is overlooked at promotion time since she doesn’t have the skills or experience to sell her ideas or her personality.
Her 30th birthday is a catalyst for herself and her marriage. She needs to learn to stop being a bit player in her own life. She’s told an improv class may be the ice breaker she needs. Maybe it will help her marriage as well as her confidence at work.
One key is to stop saying “no”. Use, “yes, and” to keep the conversation moving.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Gail Shalan who does a wonderful job with the two distinct voices, as well as the clear stress and anxiety that Liz is going through. She also performs Tobin’s voice a bit softer and appeasing which fit his character dead on. I listened to this at 1.5, my preferred speed.
Sad story that has a happy ending after a lot of soul searching and obstacles. I’m glad I was able to listen to this and not just read an ecopy. I’m not sure I would have finished if I just had an ebook. I need more happy, love and laughter before the 94% mark. So yes, a lot of angst here but they are dong the right thing in working on it. Yes, they clearly loved each other. But the story is them both finding a way to start over and get out of the trap of not talking to each other. Doing what they individually think is best without ever discussing. Which was sometimes hard to then have them walk away from each other as they were still working through their issues for the majority of the story.
They wanted and follow a form of therapy and that is never a bad thing in my opinion. It’s just a lot of work.
If you like angst and self improvement and figuring out those deeply hidden emotions, this romance is ultimately happy so don’t be afraid to jump in.
I received a copy of t this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
Contemporary chick lit, romance with diverse characteristics for the couple. Second chance in that the couple is working on themselves and their marriage through therapy and improv.
Liz Lewis isn’t comfortable in social situations. She’s a data analyst and a numbers person. It’s where she excels. But that also means she is overlooked at promotion time since she doesn’t have the skills or experience to sell her ideas or her personality.
Her 30th birthday is a catalyst for herself and her marriage. She needs to learn to stop being a bit player in her own life. She’s told an improv class may be the ice breaker she needs. Maybe it will help her marriage as well as her confidence at work.
One key is to stop saying “no”. Use, “yes, and” to keep the conversation moving.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Gail Shalan who does a wonderful job with the two distinct voices, as well as the clear stress and anxiety that Liz is going through. She also performs Tobin’s voice a bit softer and appeasing which fit his character dead on. I listened to this at 1.5, my preferred speed.
Sad story that has a happy ending after a lot of soul searching and obstacles. I’m glad I was able to listen to this and not just read an ecopy. I’m not sure I would have finished if I just had an ebook. I need more happy, love and laughter before the 94% mark. So yes, a lot of angst here but they are dong the right thing in working on it. Yes, they clearly loved each other. But the story is them both finding a way to start over and get out of the trap of not talking to each other. Doing what they individually think is best without ever discussing. Which was sometimes hard to then have them walk away from each other as they were still working through their issues for the majority of the story.
They wanted and follow a form of therapy and that is never a bad thing in my opinion. It’s just a lot of work.
If you like angst and self improvement and figuring out those deeply hidden emotions, this romance is ultimately happy so don’t be afraid to jump in.
I received a copy of t this from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio.
June 27, 2024
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑹𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉
Release Date: June 25, 2024
4.5⭐️3🌶
This book hit me right in my neurodivergent heart! Everything about Liz I can relate to. From her inability to connect with people at work and at home, to her constant self doubt and feeling like everyone is less-socially awkward than her.
Liz is in a stalled marriage that she doesn't know how to restart or get out of. She needs more communication with her husband, but they're in a rut of not talking. Liz is also trying to move up at work but she's been dubbed the "spreadsheet girl". So, her boss advises her to take an improv class to work on being more outgoing.
One of her husband's friends (one of the many) is the improv instructor and gives her husband his published and popular marriage therapy book that includes improv scenes. They decide to give his book a try to save their marriage.
I recommend this for all Colleen Hoover and Christina Lauren fans!
A big thank you to @netgalley for approving me for this ARC!
Release Date: June 25, 2024
4.5⭐️3🌶
This book hit me right in my neurodivergent heart! Everything about Liz I can relate to. From her inability to connect with people at work and at home, to her constant self doubt and feeling like everyone is less-socially awkward than her.
Liz is in a stalled marriage that she doesn't know how to restart or get out of. She needs more communication with her husband, but they're in a rut of not talking. Liz is also trying to move up at work but she's been dubbed the "spreadsheet girl". So, her boss advises her to take an improv class to work on being more outgoing.
One of her husband's friends (one of the many) is the improv instructor and gives her husband his published and popular marriage therapy book that includes improv scenes. They decide to give his book a try to save their marriage.
I recommend this for all Colleen Hoover and Christina Lauren fans!
A big thank you to @netgalley for approving me for this ARC!
November 29, 2023
So, there's some breath-takingly lovely sentences and scenes when Liz & Tobin are on page together. I really enjoyed the improv as marriage counseling book and the practices they do together to help work through their problems. The intimate scenes were quite delicious. These parts helped me finish and not DNF.
That said, wading through the rest of Liz's self-actualization journey wasn't for me. The pitch contest plot line felt tacked on to create conflict between Liz and her husband when clearly, they already had enough. The single POV kept Tobin to be a pretty big cipher to me; he felt "too perfect" and Liz's internal thoughts focused significantly on his physical characteristics and her pants feelings for him, and how woefully inadequate she thought she was for him. From Tobin's actions on page, I didn't really get the angst I wanted out of a marriage in trouble plotline.
Not what I was hoping for, but if you enjoy more a woman's personal journey to understanding her neuro-divergencies and learning basic therapy techniques, and discovering she was perfectly fine as she was, maybe pick it up. Also, there was a great merman cosplay moment that truly was a lot of fun.
This author has potential, I wouldn't rule out trying another.
That said, wading through the rest of Liz's self-actualization journey wasn't for me. The pitch contest plot line felt tacked on to create conflict between Liz and her husband when clearly, they already had enough. The single POV kept Tobin to be a pretty big cipher to me; he felt "too perfect" and Liz's internal thoughts focused significantly on his physical characteristics and her pants feelings for him, and how woefully inadequate she thought she was for him. From Tobin's actions on page, I didn't really get the angst I wanted out of a marriage in trouble plotline.
Not what I was hoping for, but if you enjoy more a woman's personal journey to understanding her neuro-divergencies and learning basic therapy techniques, and discovering she was perfectly fine as she was, maybe pick it up. Also, there was a great merman cosplay moment that truly was a lot of fun.
This author has potential, I wouldn't rule out trying another.
November 11, 2024
Liz is looking for a change in her life. She's reconnected with Toby to see where it goes. I enjoyed the chemistry between them.
December 17, 2023
Liz and Tobin are everything to me. Maggie North has such a talent for creating characters that feel like real people you might know in your life, and truly Liz and Tobin feel like some of my dearest friends. I loved getting to know them, watching them work so hard to save their relationship, and seeing the way they both grew over the course of the story. With a premise of using improv to save a marriage, there's plenty of humor and moments that will have you laughing, but Maggie is incredibly talented because she can take the reader from laughing to sobbing in a handful of sentences. The angst and depth of emotion in this book is wonderful, and Maggie's prose is stunning. There are so many times I stopped and underlined, just in awe of the way she put words together. One of my favorite books, and I can't wait for more stories from Maggie!!
January 28, 2025
I am not going to be able to truly do justice to this incredible #ownvoices autism second chance/marriage in trouble debut. That said, know that I ABSOLUTELY loved it and it was one of those books that just finds you at the right time and truly speaks to you deep in the heart.
Liz and Tobin have been married for eight years but lately have drifted apart so far that Liz feels unseen. Ignored at work and in her own life, Liz is determined to put herself first and go after a promotion she has been dreaming about for years.
When her boss encourages her to join an improv class to improve her leadership potential it turns out to be the opportunity she didn't know she needed, allowing her a chance to both make new friends and work on her relationship with her husband too.
Set in a small mountain town in British Columbia, I loved the Canadian wilderness setting of this book. I also really loved how the author is able to make you laugh out loud through so many great role-playing scenes (The Little Mermaid, Titanic, The Princess Bride, Never Been Kissed, etc) and break your heart through countless emotional family moments. Both Tobin and Liz have extremely complicated relationships with family members (Tobin's father and Liz's sister).
If you enjoy love stories full of heart, laughs and big feels, you are not going to want to miss this absolutely delightful Canadian debut!! I seriously cannot recommend it enough and am so grateful to have been part of a travelling ARC team. Many thanks also to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
🔥Steam level: a couple of open door scenes, mild details
Liz and Tobin have been married for eight years but lately have drifted apart so far that Liz feels unseen. Ignored at work and in her own life, Liz is determined to put herself first and go after a promotion she has been dreaming about for years.
When her boss encourages her to join an improv class to improve her leadership potential it turns out to be the opportunity she didn't know she needed, allowing her a chance to both make new friends and work on her relationship with her husband too.
Set in a small mountain town in British Columbia, I loved the Canadian wilderness setting of this book. I also really loved how the author is able to make you laugh out loud through so many great role-playing scenes (The Little Mermaid, Titanic, The Princess Bride, Never Been Kissed, etc) and break your heart through countless emotional family moments. Both Tobin and Liz have extremely complicated relationships with family members (Tobin's father and Liz's sister).
If you enjoy love stories full of heart, laughs and big feels, you are not going to want to miss this absolutely delightful Canadian debut!! I seriously cannot recommend it enough and am so grateful to have been part of a travelling ARC team. Many thanks also to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
🔥Steam level: a couple of open door scenes, mild details
December 14, 2023
Liz and Tobin relationship was cute but it ended up not working for me. I usually love the "second chance romance" trope but the conflict in this one seemed absurd to me. The writing style ended up making it harder for me to enjoy this one.
December 17, 2023
➵ 3.75 ⭐️
I wasn't sure how much I'll like Rules for Second Chances when I started it although i requested it because some of my fav romance authors were promoting it.
It wasn't exactly what i expected and I was thrown off by the MC's (Liz) improv classes and what was happening.
Even though the book is advertised as contemporary romance and there is romance in it, it is in the center of everything Liz is going through, the book is definitely more about Liz and her journey than it is about the second chance romance. Not having Tobin's POV also didn't help, I don't think he was fleshed out enough.
I struggled a little with Liz in the beginning because I didn't find her too relatable though I could put myself in her shoes. I definitely loved the second half of the book better, the romance and Liz's development were great.
Regardless, I liked both Liz and Tobin and I was rooting for them, some parts really made me tear up.
Their chemistry was great and I loved the hot scenes between them.
Also, can I just point out that the dialogue between McHuge and Liz in the first half was a little ridiculous. I kept asking myself who talks that way?. It felt like it was trying to be forcefully funny, and a little extra, it works in some comedy movies but in RfSC was a little too much. I didn't hate it but I could've done without it.
All in all this was a good debut, I'd definitely read more by Maggie North in the future.
eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
It aches, the careful way he reaches for me, his big, soft eyes tangling me up in blue silk. An arm sliding at my waist, another across my back. A slow lean in, a sigh when his forehead touches mine. It's a prayer, almost, the way we stand together, my hands light around his shoulders, his hands light on my heart.
I wasn't sure how much I'll like Rules for Second Chances when I started it although i requested it because some of my fav romance authors were promoting it.
It wasn't exactly what i expected and I was thrown off by the MC's (Liz) improv classes and what was happening.
Even though the book is advertised as contemporary romance and there is romance in it, it is in the center of everything Liz is going through, the book is definitely more about Liz and her journey than it is about the second chance romance. Not having Tobin's POV also didn't help, I don't think he was fleshed out enough.
I struggled a little with Liz in the beginning because I didn't find her too relatable though I could put myself in her shoes. I definitely loved the second half of the book better, the romance and Liz's development were great.
Regardless, I liked both Liz and Tobin and I was rooting for them, some parts really made me tear up.
Their chemistry was great and I loved the hot scenes between them.
Also, can I just point out that the dialogue between McHuge and Liz in the first half was a little ridiculous. I kept asking myself who talks that way?. It felt like it was trying to be forcefully funny, and a little extra, it works in some comedy movies but in RfSC was a little too much. I didn't hate it but I could've done without it.
All in all this was a good debut, I'd definitely read more by Maggie North in the future.
eternal gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc
all quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication
December 3, 2023
A spectacular debut that will make you wonder why you were reading regular love stories before. This is such a beautifully constructed, clever examination of self and marriage and I was all in for Liz and Tobin. In fact, all of the characters were fantastic--as is the setting. Easily one of my best reads of the year. Maggie North is an astonishing writer and I can't wait for everyone else to read when it publishes in June 2024.
February 17, 2024
I am sad to report that despite the beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis, this book fell flat. It took a while for the conflict between the couple to be fully fleshed out, which made it hard to understand both characters. This book would have been more enjoyable if the focus was solely on the heroine's personal growth and journey.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
March 5, 2024
this book was...strange. sadly, that feels like the most apt term to describe rules for second chances. thanks to a pretty cover, a promising synopsis and a decent first half, I assumed this would receive a high rating by the end. sadly, the gaps in the story really started to grow bothersome by the 60% and grew hard to ignore.
2.5 ★
given the main trope of this book was "marriage in crisis", so much of its success relied upon whether or not the author could convince the audience that the love between tobin and liz was worth saving, that they were deserving each other. this is what I struggled with most. our main characters felt underdeveloped, especially tobin. it would have enhanced the story greatly if it were dual pov, rather than single. in addition to struggling to care about the main couple, what surrounded their journey was so busy and chaotic. there was far too much going on, almost to the point of confusion. grand scenarios lacked set up and description, resulting in having to reread several passages just to make sense of who, where, what, why.
while there was some interesting self-discovery navigated by liz that did some redeeming, I lacked investment in the couple's happy ending by the time the final conflict rolled around after my attention was spread thin across so many (mostly unnecessary) subplots. while rules for second chances had the bones for something good, the execution fell short.
thanks to st. martin's press and maggie north for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 ★
given the main trope of this book was "marriage in crisis", so much of its success relied upon whether or not the author could convince the audience that the love between tobin and liz was worth saving, that they were deserving each other. this is what I struggled with most. our main characters felt underdeveloped, especially tobin. it would have enhanced the story greatly if it were dual pov, rather than single. in addition to struggling to care about the main couple, what surrounded their journey was so busy and chaotic. there was far too much going on, almost to the point of confusion. grand scenarios lacked set up and description, resulting in having to reread several passages just to make sense of who, where, what, why.
while there was some interesting self-discovery navigated by liz that did some redeeming, I lacked investment in the couple's happy ending by the time the final conflict rolled around after my attention was spread thin across so many (mostly unnecessary) subplots. while rules for second chances had the bones for something good, the execution fell short.
thanks to st. martin's press and maggie north for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
Quick Summary: A "perfect moment come to life"
My Review: Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North was a second chance women's fiction story/romance. It featured an outgoing wilderness adventurer (Tobin) and a quirky, introverted number cruncher (Liz).
About the Book: It takes two people to make a marriage work. What happens when one person loses sight of the other? What happens when the hopes and dreams of the future disappear? What happens when the two are no longer seen as one?
My Final Say: This book was lovely. There were so many issues at play. While it did focus on Tobin and Liz, it also touched on some heavy family dysfunctions. I loved that it largely concentrated on what it takes to rebuild a healthy marriage. Additionally, I appreciated how it centered attention on acceptance of self and on embracing a united partnership via unconditional love. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction and stories of personal development and growth will love this story.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💗
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this work. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to review this title.
My Review: Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North was a second chance women's fiction story/romance. It featured an outgoing wilderness adventurer (Tobin) and a quirky, introverted number cruncher (Liz).
About the Book: It takes two people to make a marriage work. What happens when one person loses sight of the other? What happens when the hopes and dreams of the future disappear? What happens when the two are no longer seen as one?
My Final Say: This book was lovely. There were so many issues at play. While it did focus on Tobin and Liz, it also touched on some heavy family dysfunctions. I loved that it largely concentrated on what it takes to rebuild a healthy marriage. Additionally, I appreciated how it centered attention on acceptance of self and on embracing a united partnership via unconditional love. Readers who enjoy realistic fiction and stories of personal development and growth will love this story.
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💗
Thank you to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin), and to NetGalley for granting access to a digital ARC of this work. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to review this title.
February 19, 2024
Who knew that the second chance for love in your life could come from improv. It's such a funny and cute little story. Could definitely seeing this become a fun 2nd chance rom-com.
June 22, 2024
This was such an enjoyable read. I absolutely loved the improv element!!
My favourite part about this book was Liz and her self discovery journey. She found her voice and her worth. There's really nothing more beautiful than that.
Honourable Mentions:
▪️"Ahoy there" - this scene made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes!!
▪️Rathtrevor Beach! If you haven't been, you must!!
▪️ YETI, the ginger cat!!
▪️Autistic Rep!!
My thanks to St. Martin's Press for this gifted copy!
My favourite part about this book was Liz and her self discovery journey. She found her voice and her worth. There's really nothing more beautiful than that.
Honourable Mentions:
▪️"Ahoy there" - this scene made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes!!
▪️Rathtrevor Beach! If you haven't been, you must!!
▪️ YETI, the ginger cat!!
▪️Autistic Rep!!
My thanks to St. Martin's Press for this gifted copy!
June 26, 2024
4.25⭐️
Marriage in crisis is one of my least favorite romance tropes, but I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut from Maggie North! I always gravitate towards books with neurodivergence rep, and I loved how we get to go on Liz’s journey with her as she learns to be her true self. The pacing wasn’t perfect and I think I would have preferred this as dual POV, but by the end I was definitely emotionally invested. A few of the side characters seem primed for their own books, and I’m excited to see what Maggie has in store for us next!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
Marriage in crisis is one of my least favorite romance tropes, but I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this debut from Maggie North! I always gravitate towards books with neurodivergence rep, and I loved how we get to go on Liz’s journey with her as she learns to be her true self. The pacing wasn’t perfect and I think I would have preferred this as dual POV, but by the end I was definitely emotionally invested. A few of the side characters seem primed for their own books, and I’m excited to see what Maggie has in store for us next!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
June 1, 2025
3.5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
I liked this - I thought the beginning was absolutely heart wrenching. While the heroine frustrated me at points, making hypocritical decisions, ultimately she realizes her hypocrisy, and I think that’s an important lesson that we all ultimately learn.
I do think this had too many subplots, and the main plot suffered because of it: there was just too much going on. Regardless, I liked our hero and heroine as a couple, and I think their story was so sweet.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
I liked this - I thought the beginning was absolutely heart wrenching. While the heroine frustrated me at points, making hypocritical decisions, ultimately she realizes her hypocrisy, and I think that’s an important lesson that we all ultimately learn.
I do think this had too many subplots, and the main plot suffered because of it: there was just too much going on. Regardless, I liked our hero and heroine as a couple, and I think their story was so sweet.
June 14, 2024
I'm not sure why, but I found this story hard to follow. There was a lot going on. And though I love a second chance romance, especially one revolving around an already married couple, the reason Liz wanted a divorce seemed ... irrational.
A part of me understood, and I really connected with her social challenges, but the issues within her marriage felt very one-sided and erratic. I spent the majority of the time feeling bad for Tobin. I think having his perspective would have given a more well-rounded conflict.
On the plus side, I thought Liv and Tobin had great chemistry. The use of improv as therapy was really fresh and fun. It was interesting to see two characters attempt to address their problems in an indirect, unconventional way. But at the same time, please just talk to each other like mature adults.
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A part of me understood, and I really connected with her social challenges, but the issues within her marriage felt very one-sided and erratic. I spent the majority of the time feeling bad for Tobin. I think having his perspective would have given a more well-rounded conflict.
On the plus side, I thought Liv and Tobin had great chemistry. The use of improv as therapy was really fresh and fun. It was interesting to see two characters attempt to address their problems in an indirect, unconventional way. But at the same time, please just talk to each other like mature adults.
(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2024
★★★★✩ 4 stars
Liz Lewis always feels overlooked and out of place. No one seems ever to see her efforts or talents because she's an introvert. Tobin Renner-Lewis, her husband, is seemingly the most extroverted and charismatic man ever to exist. Ever since Liz and Tobin got married, Liz felt as if their communication and passion disappeared. In a journey to find herself and what she truly wants, can Liz also fall in love for the second time?
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for early access to the audiobook version of this!
➥things I liked
Rules for Second Chances was such an inspirational and enjoyable read, and I rarely felt bored or underwhelmed. Maggie North's writing made it so easy to connect with Liz and empathize with her as a person. I felt like her neurodivergent traits were described well and realistically (though I am not neurodivergent myself, so I can't say much on the topic). I loved watching Liz discover who she is and fix the mistakes she made in the past. The ending was so cute and felt perfectly paced. I also loved Tobin and how lovable he is but also how he was able to work through his trauma with his dad and learn to set boundaries. Another thing is I enjoyed how the author described the setting, and it just added to the whole vibe of the book. Reading about their improv adventures while hiking by the mountains, for example, is just such an amazing scene and has humor, romance, and picturesque.
ꨄthings I didn't like
I honestly don't have many complaints about this book, but I just didn't initially feel very emotionally connected with Tobin and Liz's relationship. I understand that is kind of the point, but the feeling lasted longer than I would have liked.
✭favorite quote(s)
"...Determined to wrap this part up in time to binge at least half a season of Bridgerton before I pass out."
"He gave me everything but himself"
"Maybe true love only happens once in a lifetime, but what if it happens again with the same person?"
"I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Nothing about you needs changing, as far as I'm concerned."
♫playlist
Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townshend
So High School by Taylor Swift
Sunsetz by Cigarettes After Sex
exile by Taylor Swift and Bon Iver
Mess It Up by Gracie Abrams
ballad of a homeschooled girl by Olivia Rodrigo
making the bed by Olivia Rodrigo
Liz Lewis always feels overlooked and out of place. No one seems ever to see her efforts or talents because she's an introvert. Tobin Renner-Lewis, her husband, is seemingly the most extroverted and charismatic man ever to exist. Ever since Liz and Tobin got married, Liz felt as if their communication and passion disappeared. In a journey to find herself and what she truly wants, can Liz also fall in love for the second time?
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for early access to the audiobook version of this!
➥things I liked
Rules for Second Chances was such an inspirational and enjoyable read, and I rarely felt bored or underwhelmed. Maggie North's writing made it so easy to connect with Liz and empathize with her as a person. I felt like her neurodivergent traits were described well and realistically (though I am not neurodivergent myself, so I can't say much on the topic). I loved watching Liz discover who she is and fix the mistakes she made in the past. The ending was so cute and felt perfectly paced. I also loved Tobin and how lovable he is but also how he was able to work through his trauma with his dad and learn to set boundaries. Another thing is I enjoyed how the author described the setting, and it just added to the whole vibe of the book. Reading about their improv adventures while hiking by the mountains, for example, is just such an amazing scene and has humor, romance, and picturesque.
ꨄthings I didn't like
I honestly don't have many complaints about this book, but I just didn't initially feel very emotionally connected with Tobin and Liz's relationship. I understand that is kind of the point, but the feeling lasted longer than I would have liked.
✭favorite quote(s)
"...Determined to wrap this part up in time to binge at least half a season of Bridgerton before I pass out."
"He gave me everything but himself"
"Maybe true love only happens once in a lifetime, but what if it happens again with the same person?"
"I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. Nothing about you needs changing, as far as I'm concerned."
♫playlist
Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townshend
So High School by Taylor Swift
Sunsetz by Cigarettes After Sex
exile by Taylor Swift and Bon Iver
Mess It Up by Gracie Abrams
ballad of a homeschooled girl by Olivia Rodrigo
making the bed by Olivia Rodrigo
December 20, 2023
“𝐎𝐡, 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐃𝐢𝐳.”
Adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis and Liz Lewis appear in this marriage in crisis romance Rules for Second Chances.
I was so glad to find out this book had autism representation and the marriage-in-crisis trope; I hadn't anticipated either of those things. And Maggie did a fantastic job writing it.
It just seemed unfair to me to only have Liz's pov and not Tobin's, given that this was a marriage in crisis and a second shot at love. Tobin was going through a lot with his family, so I was anticipating his pov to come through.
Also, I was confused for around 85% of the book. To begin with, I didn't really understand why they were having so many problems. Sometimes I understood, but most of the time it was confusing. Then there's the revelation that Tobin and Liz shared a job halfway through the novel, which, unless I missed it earlier, surprised me greatly. Finally, the entire issue involving Tobin's father and his young fiancé was just ignored.
Despite having some of my favorite tropes, I didn't really enjoy the writing or the way it was done because there were a lot of pointless scenes and extremely long paragraphs that would quickly bore me.
*Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and to the author, Maggie North, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
Adventure guide Tobin Renner-Lewis and Liz Lewis appear in this marriage in crisis romance Rules for Second Chances.
I was so glad to find out this book had autism representation and the marriage-in-crisis trope; I hadn't anticipated either of those things. And Maggie did a fantastic job writing it.
It just seemed unfair to me to only have Liz's pov and not Tobin's, given that this was a marriage in crisis and a second shot at love. Tobin was going through a lot with his family, so I was anticipating his pov to come through.
Also, I was confused for around 85% of the book. To begin with, I didn't really understand why they were having so many problems. Sometimes I understood, but most of the time it was confusing. Then there's the revelation that Tobin and Liz shared a job halfway through the novel, which, unless I missed it earlier, surprised me greatly. Finally, the entire issue involving Tobin's father and his young fiancé was just ignored.
Despite having some of my favorite tropes, I didn't really enjoy the writing or the way it was done because there were a lot of pointless scenes and extremely long paragraphs that would quickly bore me.
*Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and to the author, Maggie North, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*
December 24, 2023
Dnf @ 20%
Liz is so annoying it’s making my head hurt
Liz is so annoying it’s making my head hurt
August 19, 2024
4.5 stars. This made me cry so much and I loved it! Emotionally, it’s a 5 star read; on a technical level, it’s 4 stars so I’m splitting the difference.
I was initially skeptical about the improv premise but when I cried while reading the sample, I decided to give it a go. And then I cried all over again when I started the book for real. Liz’s plight had a chokehold on me. She’s lonely and overlooked in her marriage, work, and town. The final straw comes when someone sees her plating her own birthday cake and assumes she’s a caterer instead of the guest of honor. She’s in desperate need of a fresh start and that includes a separation from her husband Tobin.
Liz and Tobin stopped communicating with each other a while ago but Tobin is shocked when she leaves and he’s not ready to end their marriage. Liz, meanwhile, is focused on figuring out how to prove herself in a sexist workplace and that leads her to an improv class, which is supposed to help with social anxiety. She’s going to need all the help she can get if she’s going to win a shot at a pitch contest at work.
But she is terrible at improv. Cringingly awful. She’s socially isolated and doesn’t have anyone to practice with…except for Tobin. A couples therapist won’t be available for a few months (for unclear reasons) but his best friend (and Liz’s improv class teacher) has written a couples therapy book that’s based around improv exercises. Out of other options, Liz begrudgingly agrees to go through the workbook with him once a week. While I wish there had been more of an explanation for why no couples therapist was available initially (really??) and that they’d started seeing someone before the book’s end, the exercises did ultimately prove to be helpful for Liz and Tobin. They needed to get out of the rut they were in and to start seeing each other anew. At the same time, their issues were fairly intractable and without a neutral third-party, I’m not sure how far they could realistically get on their own. I still think they would have benefited from in-depth conversations much sooner.
As Liz is working on her business pitch, her world is expanding. Through improv, she makes other friends. Sharon, in particular, is the best. She’s making more of an effort with her sister Amber. (Not that Amber deserves it.) She’s learning that there are plenty of people who appreciate who she is and find value in what she has to say. This was wonderful to see. Her slowly growing confidence spills over to being more open with Tobin and her new friends.
The overwhelming message is that people are valuable as they are and you can’t judge a book by its cover. Tobin and Liz both present to the world in ways that don’t fully represent them. Working on their marriage means going beyond their impressions of each other and figuring out how to better communicate and support one another. It also means learning that sex can’t fix everything. They have more work ahead of them but I was pleased by Liz’s realizations about how her withholding hurt the relationship just as much as Tobin’s issues. I really believed in their efforts and reconciliation and it did my heart good.
One area that gave me pause was the way this explored neurodivergence.
I appreciated Liz learning there’s nothing wrong with her or the way she views the world. She’s been trying to fit in at a toxic, sexist workplace and that was never going to work. It might have been more effective if the realizations about being autistic and her workplace being the worst had had more room to breathe or not happened on top of one another. But sometimes that’s life.
I’m looking forward to whatever North writes next!
Characters: Liz is a 30 year old autistic bisexual white adventure company operations coordinator and introvert. Tobin is a white adventure guide and extrovert. They have a half-blind outdoor cat named Yeti. They’ve been married for 3 years and together for 8. This is set in Grey Tusk Village and Pendleton, Canada.
Content notes: autism diagnosis, FMC separates from MMC, social anxiety, stress hives, ableism, missing child (found), epipen for secondary character stung by wasp, toxic sister, recurring paternal abandonment, MMC’s father is a serial cheater, MMC’s father impregnates and gets engaged to someone else (he’s still common law spouse with MMC’s mom), codependency between MMC and his mom, workplace sexism, misogyny (MMC’s father), past broken wrist (still not fully healed), FMC’s sister is divorced single mom (husband left after their daughter was diagnosed with autism), pregnancy epilogue, childbirth, on page sex, alcohol, past inebriation (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
I was initially skeptical about the improv premise but when I cried while reading the sample, I decided to give it a go. And then I cried all over again when I started the book for real. Liz’s plight had a chokehold on me. She’s lonely and overlooked in her marriage, work, and town. The final straw comes when someone sees her plating her own birthday cake and assumes she’s a caterer instead of the guest of honor. She’s in desperate need of a fresh start and that includes a separation from her husband Tobin.
Liz and Tobin stopped communicating with each other a while ago but Tobin is shocked when she leaves and he’s not ready to end their marriage. Liz, meanwhile, is focused on figuring out how to prove herself in a sexist workplace and that leads her to an improv class, which is supposed to help with social anxiety. She’s going to need all the help she can get if she’s going to win a shot at a pitch contest at work.
But she is terrible at improv. Cringingly awful. She’s socially isolated and doesn’t have anyone to practice with…except for Tobin. A couples therapist won’t be available for a few months (for unclear reasons) but his best friend (and Liz’s improv class teacher) has written a couples therapy book that’s based around improv exercises. Out of other options, Liz begrudgingly agrees to go through the workbook with him once a week. While I wish there had been more of an explanation for why no couples therapist was available initially (really??) and that they’d started seeing someone before the book’s end, the exercises did ultimately prove to be helpful for Liz and Tobin. They needed to get out of the rut they were in and to start seeing each other anew. At the same time, their issues were fairly intractable and without a neutral third-party, I’m not sure how far they could realistically get on their own. I still think they would have benefited from in-depth conversations much sooner.
As Liz is working on her business pitch, her world is expanding. Through improv, she makes other friends. Sharon, in particular, is the best. She’s making more of an effort with her sister Amber. (Not that Amber deserves it.) She’s learning that there are plenty of people who appreciate who she is and find value in what she has to say. This was wonderful to see. Her slowly growing confidence spills over to being more open with Tobin and her new friends.
The overwhelming message is that people are valuable as they are and you can’t judge a book by its cover. Tobin and Liz both present to the world in ways that don’t fully represent them. Working on their marriage means going beyond their impressions of each other and figuring out how to better communicate and support one another. It also means learning that sex can’t fix everything. They have more work ahead of them but I was pleased by Liz’s realizations about how her withholding hurt the relationship just as much as Tobin’s issues. I really believed in their efforts and reconciliation and it did my heart good.
One area that gave me pause was the way this explored neurodivergence.
I appreciated Liz learning there’s nothing wrong with her or the way she views the world. She’s been trying to fit in at a toxic, sexist workplace and that was never going to work. It might have been more effective if the realizations about being autistic and her workplace being the worst had had more room to breathe or not happened on top of one another. But sometimes that’s life.
I’m looking forward to whatever North writes next!
Characters: Liz is a 30 year old autistic bisexual white adventure company operations coordinator and introvert. Tobin is a white adventure guide and extrovert. They have a half-blind outdoor cat named Yeti. They’ve been married for 3 years and together for 8. This is set in Grey Tusk Village and Pendleton, Canada.
Content notes: autism diagnosis, FMC separates from MMC, social anxiety, stress hives, ableism, missing child (found), epipen for secondary character stung by wasp, toxic sister, recurring paternal abandonment, MMC’s father is a serial cheater, MMC’s father impregnates and gets engaged to someone else (he’s still common law spouse with MMC’s mom), codependency between MMC and his mom, workplace sexism, misogyny (MMC’s father), past broken wrist (still not fully healed), FMC’s sister is divorced single mom (husband left after their daughter was diagnosed with autism), pregnancy epilogue, childbirth, on page sex, alcohol, past inebriation (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
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