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Second Verse
Back in their teens, musician Poppy and artist Norah were glued at the hip, their friendship blossoming into a whirlwind romance. But just as quickly as things heated up, something happened that forced Poppy to pull the plug, leaving Norah heartbroken and in the dark about what went wrong. With a secret she couldn't share, Poppy hit the road to pop stardom, reluctantly leaving Norah behind.
Fast forward twenty Poppy has retired from her embarrassing career as a cheesy popstar and Norah has given up on her artistic dreams altogether. Both of them are now parents and strangers to one another, their youthful love affair just a painful memory. Until they unexpectedly bump into each other at the school gates and learn their kids aren’t just in the same class but total besties. And while it’s extremely awkward for Norah and Poppy to be around each other, they’ve got no choice but to play nice. Between playdates, bake sales, and kids parties, old sparks start flying, reigniting their long-lost friendship and the attraction they once shared.
As they navigate the chaos of parenting, rediscover each other's quirks, and confront the mystery of their sudden separation years ago, Poppy and Norah find themselves laughing, bickering, and maybe even falling in love all over again. But will their history get in the way? Or could everything they ever wanted still be in front of them?
Second Verse is a funny and charming tale about the art of giving love (and life) a second shot.
Fast forward twenty Poppy has retired from her embarrassing career as a cheesy popstar and Norah has given up on her artistic dreams altogether. Both of them are now parents and strangers to one another, their youthful love affair just a painful memory. Until they unexpectedly bump into each other at the school gates and learn their kids aren’t just in the same class but total besties. And while it’s extremely awkward for Norah and Poppy to be around each other, they’ve got no choice but to play nice. Between playdates, bake sales, and kids parties, old sparks start flying, reigniting their long-lost friendship and the attraction they once shared.
As they navigate the chaos of parenting, rediscover each other's quirks, and confront the mystery of their sudden separation years ago, Poppy and Norah find themselves laughing, bickering, and maybe even falling in love all over again. But will their history get in the way? Or could everything they ever wanted still be in front of them?
Second Verse is a funny and charming tale about the art of giving love (and life) a second shot.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2024
106 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 9, 2024
Natasha West’s books are usually a romp through a section of real life. The characters and situations could be plucked from anyone’s ‘day to day’, just the accents are different. This is a satisfying ride through a slice of second chance and arriving at happily-ever-after.
July 23, 2024
A great villain, two flawed characters, a lovely plot over a greater span of time and second chances.
July 21, 2024
Absolutely loved it! Sweet and adorable at times, heavy in others, and filled throughout with Natasha's writing style and humor, it was a very enjoyable read; relatable at times as well, and you can't help but want the best for Norah and Poppy (and the worst for the manipulative and annoying ones). As always, an easy recommendation, along with all of her other books.
July 19, 2024
Great read
Really good fun, I feel the sensitive parts were written well. There was a great combination of humour throughout the book, even when sad subjects were discussed yet it did not take away from the meaningfulness.
I would always highly recommend Natasha West books for a great mix of humour and seriousness.
Really good fun, I feel the sensitive parts were written well. There was a great combination of humour throughout the book, even when sad subjects were discussed yet it did not take away from the meaningfulness.
I would always highly recommend Natasha West books for a great mix of humour and seriousness.
December 13, 2024
I want to punch Mrs Claudwell in the face and then kick her in the crotch.
Would have been a five star if it was steamier, the chemistry was definitely there.
Would have been a five star if it was steamier, the chemistry was definitely there.
August 15, 2024
3.75 ⭐️Cute, easy read. I always love lesbians with kids. The whole situation is basically a miscommunications and that’s infuriating but that’s also just my personal preference. I really liked the book.
August 9, 2024
I really liked this novel, I just wish there had been more to it. This one was a page turner that did an amazing job of pulling me in and making me keep diving through the story. I was shocked though when I checked the page number, thinking I was maybe 1/3 through the novel and I found that it was closer to ¾! I feel like this could have been much more than it was; there could have been greater development and/or the author could have played with their situation and dynamic a bit more. This is somehow both a compliment and a complaint, as what was in this novel was really great but it just felt lacking a bit and I know more would have been better.
I would absolutely recommend this novel. It is a quick and very enjoyable read.
I liked the characters and the relationships displayed. The writing was very well done. The story alternated from the past to the present (a LOT, more than usual) in a way that kept my attention in a very effective way. It was like reading both timelines at the same time, instead of alternating chapters back and forth, and it worked! You can feel the characters tension and conflict, as well as their clear feelings as the relationship develops. This novel discussed several types of relationship dynamics and I think it did a good job in exploring different roles and conflicts. The storyline was engaging and entertaining as well. I liked how the author followed the past timeline longer than I expected and showed more of the fallout from “certain events” and I think this was one of the really good choices in this novel that added a lot.
On the downside everything was just a bit….. underwhelming? The conflict past conflict was good, but it would have been easy to make it better. I felt like the stakes were relatively low and could have been ratcheted up considerably with just a few more steps. More stakes=more emotional=more satisfying to read. Maybe that’s just me though. The ultimate resolution in the novel was also very quick and not as satisfying as I would have expected following the entire novel building up to that point. This is true of the entire ending part in general.
There wasn’t much in the way of huge dramatics, which is either a good or bad thing depending on the readers preference. There was a bit of miscommunication which was disappointing, but at the same time it made a lot of sense in context so I’m not holding it against the novel. Overall, despite my many gripes, I found that I really did enjoy this novel a lot. It was kind of like a comfort-food novel, like a Hallmark movie, just something fun and enjoyable that I was glad to experience.
I would absolutely recommend this novel. It is a quick and very enjoyable read.
I liked the characters and the relationships displayed. The writing was very well done. The story alternated from the past to the present (a LOT, more than usual) in a way that kept my attention in a very effective way. It was like reading both timelines at the same time, instead of alternating chapters back and forth, and it worked! You can feel the characters tension and conflict, as well as their clear feelings as the relationship develops. This novel discussed several types of relationship dynamics and I think it did a good job in exploring different roles and conflicts. The storyline was engaging and entertaining as well. I liked how the author followed the past timeline longer than I expected and showed more of the fallout from “certain events” and I think this was one of the really good choices in this novel that added a lot.
On the downside everything was just a bit….. underwhelming? The conflict past conflict was good, but it would have been easy to make it better. I felt like the stakes were relatively low and could have been ratcheted up considerably with just a few more steps. More stakes=more emotional=more satisfying to read. Maybe that’s just me though. The ultimate resolution in the novel was also very quick and not as satisfying as I would have expected following the entire novel building up to that point. This is true of the entire ending part in general.
There wasn’t much in the way of huge dramatics, which is either a good or bad thing depending on the readers preference. There was a bit of miscommunication which was disappointing, but at the same time it made a lot of sense in context so I’m not holding it against the novel. Overall, despite my many gripes, I found that I really did enjoy this novel a lot. It was kind of like a comfort-food novel, like a Hallmark movie, just something fun and enjoyable that I was glad to experience.
August 4, 2024
A Second Chance Story Of Love!
Natasha West has written a lot of quirky romances with different twists. This one fits in with her catalog of love. I enjoyed the past and present reflections so we can see what was currently happening and what actually did happen back then. Poppy was a guitarist who was trying to get her band some interest and Norah was an artist who had a passion for sketching. Both were 18 when their life took a hit. Having pretty much grown up together, they had a pretty good read on each other. But when the unthinkable happens, Poppy pulls away from Norah after hearing a song Poppy apparently wrote about her, a love song. A song that brought them together intimately. So when Poppy dismisses her, Norah is crushed. Now over twenty years later, they run into each at the school both their kids go to and they are now best friends. Suddenly Poppy being back in town might not be good for anyone. A very fast and enjoyable read.
Natasha West has written a lot of quirky romances with different twists. This one fits in with her catalog of love. I enjoyed the past and present reflections so we can see what was currently happening and what actually did happen back then. Poppy was a guitarist who was trying to get her band some interest and Norah was an artist who had a passion for sketching. Both were 18 when their life took a hit. Having pretty much grown up together, they had a pretty good read on each other. But when the unthinkable happens, Poppy pulls away from Norah after hearing a song Poppy apparently wrote about her, a love song. A song that brought them together intimately. So when Poppy dismisses her, Norah is crushed. Now over twenty years later, they run into each at the school both their kids go to and they are now best friends. Suddenly Poppy being back in town might not be good for anyone. A very fast and enjoyable read.
October 14, 2024
In their teens, Poppy and Norah's close friendship blossomed into romance, but Poppy suddenly ended things, leaving Norah heartbroken. Years later, Poppy has retired from her pop star career, and both are now parents. When they unexpectedly reunite at their kids' school, old sparks reignite. Between playdates, they rediscover their connection and confront their past.
The story jumps between 20 years ago and now. Poppy and Norah's first encounter happens when Poppy's mom asks her to see Norah after her dad's death so she can have a friend help her with her grief. Poppy and Norah have more in common than they thought, with Poppy being a musician and Norah an artist. They start to explore more than a friendship when Poppy ends things with Norah and leaves town to become a pop singer.
20 years later, broke and with a little girl, Poppy returns to town to live in her mom's house. Norah has a little boy and is in marriage counseling trying to make her marriage work. As their kids become close and best friends, they are forced to see each other and eventually work out their past.
The family dynamics while raising 5-year-olds was fun to read. Some of the things the kids would say or ask and how they would respond to them had me laughing. The setting is modern, the single mom representation feels real and they picking up on their friendship again made me happy for them.
Spicy level (1)
The story jumps between 20 years ago and now. Poppy and Norah's first encounter happens when Poppy's mom asks her to see Norah after her dad's death so she can have a friend help her with her grief. Poppy and Norah have more in common than they thought, with Poppy being a musician and Norah an artist. They start to explore more than a friendship when Poppy ends things with Norah and leaves town to become a pop singer.
20 years later, broke and with a little girl, Poppy returns to town to live in her mom's house. Norah has a little boy and is in marriage counseling trying to make her marriage work. As their kids become close and best friends, they are forced to see each other and eventually work out their past.
The family dynamics while raising 5-year-olds was fun to read. Some of the things the kids would say or ask and how they would respond to them had me laughing. The setting is modern, the single mom representation feels real and they picking up on their friendship again made me happy for them.
Spicy level (1)
August 29, 2024
I haven't read a lot of Natasha West, but it's a fact that every single text of hers that I've read was just great.
I think what I like the most in her writing is the characters and, most importantly, the character interactions. They're so excruciatingly real. It's like looking at a portrait of everyday life. In this book, particularly the scene when Norah and Poppy were talking by the ice cream van, I burst out laughing because it was exactly what could 100% happen if you stand for too long in front of an ice cream van in England.
The story itself was cute and heartfelt, a lovely insight on the consequences of words unsaid and decisions made without giving the other person a chance of an input.
It was a lovely one sit read, and it is certain that I will be picking up other titles from this author.
I think what I like the most in her writing is the characters and, most importantly, the character interactions. They're so excruciatingly real. It's like looking at a portrait of everyday life. In this book, particularly the scene when Norah and Poppy were talking by the ice cream van, I burst out laughing because it was exactly what could 100% happen if you stand for too long in front of an ice cream van in England.
The story itself was cute and heartfelt, a lovely insight on the consequences of words unsaid and decisions made without giving the other person a chance of an input.
It was a lovely one sit read, and it is certain that I will be picking up other titles from this author.
September 11, 2024
I really liked this. I have so far enough all of Natasha West's books though, so I read it expecting it to be fun and light hearted. It doesn't disappoint.
As the title suggests (perhaps) it is a second chance romance between Norah and Poppy. They bump into each other taking their kids to school - their kids then become friends.
This is a story where 1 of them has previously disappeared from the life of the other as they were warned off. They did not tell them at the time.
Miss West likes to talk about poo. She frequently does this in her books. Generally speaking she does it in a way that is amusing and relatable rather than smelly and childish.
They do of course end up back together again - there would be no point in the book if they did not.
Epilogue
This is set 3 years down the line. It shows consequences for the parent who had previously broken them up.
As the title suggests (perhaps) it is a second chance romance between Norah and Poppy. They bump into each other taking their kids to school - their kids then become friends.
This is a story where 1 of them has previously disappeared from the life of the other as they were warned off. They did not tell them at the time.
Miss West likes to talk about poo. She frequently does this in her books. Generally speaking she does it in a way that is amusing and relatable rather than smelly and childish.
They do of course end up back together again - there would be no point in the book if they did not.
Epilogue
This is set 3 years down the line. It shows consequences for the parent who had previously broken them up.
August 9, 2024
real life
Natasha West’s books are usually a romp through a section of real life. The characters and situations could be plucked from anyone’s ‘day to day’, just the accents are different. This is a satisfying ride through a slice of second chance and arriving at happily-ever-after.
Natasha West’s books are usually a romp through a section of real life. The characters and situations could be plucked from anyone’s ‘day to day’, just the accents are different. This is a satisfying ride through a slice of second chance and arriving at happily-ever-after.
August 29, 2024
The author did a good job showing us what happened between the two main characters many years ago, you just feel for them. I'm glad they met up again and have a happy ending as well. As a Mom it shows what can happen if you force your views onto your children, it doesn't always work out for the best.
July 22, 2024
Very very solid and well written Natasha West romcom. Sweet, funny, a bit angsty second chance romance. Flashbacks in the first half of the book supported the current date events and gave a back story without clumsiness.
September 4, 2024
Could have been great…
It started off so good but quickly made me lose interest. The reason behind the whole drama felt weak and over played. Felt it could have been a better reason and really there was not enough of a good explanation for me. Also rushed ending.
It started off so good but quickly made me lose interest. The reason behind the whole drama felt weak and over played. Felt it could have been a better reason and really there was not enough of a good explanation for me. Also rushed ending.
September 5, 2024
Hilarious and Delightful!
Absolutely charming. Poppy and Norah were so fun to read. I never know where the story might land us next, and the wit also has me smiling. As a gal who found myself crawling home too, this story has a special place in my heart.
Absolutely charming. Poppy and Norah were so fun to read. I never know where the story might land us next, and the wit also has me smiling. As a gal who found myself crawling home too, this story has a special place in my heart.
October 27, 2024
I believe in second chances 🤞🏻
‘You didn’t just leave because you were bored?’ Norah asked.
‘Bored?’ Poppy repeated in disbelief. ‘Norah, I was mad about you,’ she assured her. ‘It’s half the reason I went into that horrible band. I was heartbroken. I needed a distraction".
‘You didn’t just leave because you were bored?’ Norah asked.
‘Bored?’ Poppy repeated in disbelief. ‘Norah, I was mad about you,’ she assured her. ‘It’s half the reason I went into that horrible band. I was heartbroken. I needed a distraction".
November 27, 2024
fast but good
Loved the characters. Lived the plot. Loved the accented British word choice but i have no idea what some of that stuff means. However, the love story was beautiful. Thanks
Loved the characters. Lived the plot. Loved the accented British word choice but i have no idea what some of that stuff means. However, the love story was beautiful. Thanks
July 23, 2024
Good Story
A good story with low spice that seemed to lose the thread just a bit coming to the end. There is lots more I can say but that captures it pretty much.
A good story with low spice that seemed to lose the thread just a bit coming to the end. There is lots more I can say but that captures it pretty much.
August 3, 2024
Very engaging and enjoyable.
September 6, 2024
cute, but lacking
Cute characters, but they lacked depth and chemistry. Expected to be drawn in more to their story, since it spanned decades
Cute characters, but they lacked depth and chemistry. Expected to be drawn in more to their story, since it spanned decades
October 12, 2024
An enjoyable read of a second chance romance from two women with their communication faults! A family villain which was quite bitter and two enjoyable kids thrown in!
October 28, 2024
Loved it
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
I love everything by this author. It's laugh out loud funny, heartfelt, and relatable. The characters are amazing. Can't wait to read all of her books.
December 7, 2024
kids make books better I fear.
December 22, 2024
I really like their interactions in their childhood. Shy but genuine.
Want to read
January 6, 2025DNF
February 13, 2025
Pov : 2 characters, switch between present and 20 years ago
Spice : 2-3 scenes
Trope : High school friends to lovers reunite 20 years later
Notes : very sweet characters except one mother
Spice : 2-3 scenes
Trope : High school friends to lovers reunite 20 years later
Notes : very sweet characters except one mother
September 5, 2025
A very generous 3. Almost dnfd at the Jamaican nanny visiting their mom in Cape Town (presumably CT in South Africa…) and with the use of “preggers.”
December 27, 2024
Mid read tbh. But it served its purpose. Could’ve been way better though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews