I’ve never been one to date. I fall in love quickly, but it fades by the end of the night. It’s the way I’ve always wanted It. Growing up with the mother I had, unworthiness was drilled into my core, and it’s something I’ve lived with my whole life. So why do I find myself playing along when a man way out of my league—according to my mother—decides to play the role of my fake-boyfriend for the evening? And why does it all feel so much deeper when we unexpectedly cross paths again? The cherry on top? I’m forced to watch him act like he’s in love with someone else, leaving me fighting with feelings I never knew I was capable of until now.
Mr. GQ
When I met Jenna Rogers, I pretended to be somebody I wasn’t: her boyfriend. And when she went along with it, I counted myself as lucky. But when she hurried out of my hotel room the next morning, all my luck vanished when I remembered I knew nothing about her. That all changed when she and I came face to face on day one of my new job. Our new job. And what did I do? I told every single person within earshot that she was my girlfriend, because I had no intention of sharing her with anybody else. She just had to agree to it.
Facing an unexpected wave of loss and guilt, Jenna turns to the one person she never thought she would to seek comfort. All while ignoring that feeling in the pit of her stomach that tells her to run.
I am so glad I found Jade Young because what an author. I didn’t think I could read a book as good as Not for Me… until I picked up her second. Jade Young is the QUEEN of interlinking humor, emotion and romance. Her books are addictive, jaw dropping and passionate.
Second to Me had my jaw on the floor within the first four chapters. Never in my life have I fell for a male main character as fast as I did for Cole Green because boy does that man know how to act. He had me kicking my feet, screaming into my kindle, throwing it down to take a beat all within his FIRST LINE.
I loved spending time with Jenna, especially going along with her through her journey of self acceptance and becoming confident in who she is. I honestly felt a lot of myself in her as a main character so her struggles and story arc felt super real, raw and emotional. The story telling, the complex characters were phenomenal and I can’t belive she doesn’t have the hype she deserves.
I don’t rate books five starts lightly - but the two I’ve read in the past 5 days have been everything. The ending of the book and the setting of the scene for book three has been so excited for its relsease this year but I really don’t know how anything can top what I’ve just read!
I am so incredibly thankful to have been able to read this book as an ARC. I read the first book in this series (Not For Me) before reading Second to Me, and I'm so happy I did. The timelines overlapse slightly, and there are spoilers about Not For Me in this book. In Second To Me, you get a glimpse into Jenna’s (Jennifer Rogers) life. She is an amazingly talented hairdresser, successful business owner, and best friend to Cassandra.
Jenna struggles with body issues and family problems, and you see throughout the book how they affect her everyday life. Jenna is convinced she will never settle down with anyone because she thinks no one would want her for her, instead spends all her time running her salon.
Jenna gets offered her dream job to work on the set of a movie for hair and make-up. The movie is being shot in a small town called Grangewood Creek, where her best friend just moved back to.
Will Jenna finally let down her walls and find someone who loves all of her?
Jenna is definitely my favourite out of the series. She is such a strong and relatable character.
Jade Young is such a talented author, I can't wait to read the rest of the series ❤️
I wasn't a big fan of this book. I felt like I was missing something the whole time I was reading this. The two characters decide to fake date for no reason, and then they were both confused on why they were fake dating... like girl so was I. My biggest complaint is that I wish there was more character development for Jenna and Cole and I wish their relationship went deeper. Everything in this was very surface level. I was sadly underwhelmed.
A hairdresser for the stars meets an up and coming star and starts a sexual relationship. They become fake friends with benefits. In the end they are truly in love and planning marriage. Good book. Lots of sex and sleepovers. Thank you Jade Young for a great book.
Cole and Jenna are everything i needed in a pallet cleanser book! Fun, vibrant and perfectly spicy these two had me smiling and unable to put this book down .
The second book in the Herring Girls series and its another great read by Jade Young.
Jenna and Cole are the FMC and MMC in this one, their relationship was a journey and the angst was worth it. Cole is persistent and I loved that. He showed Jenna that he wasn't just using her, he delved deeper and eventually broke down her walls. Jenna had so much hurt that she dealt with, especially surrounding her mother and the related struggles, I genuinely got teary for her
This one has some deep issues involving body image insecurities, parent loss/neglect and hurt, difficult work situations but none of the feelings feel forced. Along with the hardships and hurt, there is some great banter, some hilarious laughable moments, some great spicy scenes and the developing romance that develops made it a great read.
Loved that we got more of Cassandra and Harley, the Herring girls play a big role in helping Jenna with her feelings surrounding Cole even with their sarcasm and we got more of the platonic soul mate friendship that Jenna and Cassandra have. Loved that Jenna has her found family through the Herring Girls, it is heart warming and that Cole respected those friendships, even seeking guidance from them. Harley coming in as a protective brother type was funny but sweet. I look forward to reading the next in line about Olive.
I fell in love with the Herring Girls series after reading Not For Me and the fantastic second chance romance that was the Harley and Cassandra Story.
In Second To Me we follow Jenna, Cassandra's best friend and the unofficial fourth Herring sister, a talented stylist who has just landed what could be the first step in achieving her dream of a career working alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names and as an added bonus, the movie is being filmed in the same town where her best friend lives.
Everything is going fantastically for Jenna until the universe slaps her with a big dose of reality and the good looking stranger she had convinced herself that she would never see after that one crazy night, shows up at her new job.
Second To Me will hit you in the feels with a cast of lovable and relatable characters that feel like friends and have you needing more.
If you are a fan of: Small town romance vibes Fake dating Witty banter Supporting characters you love to hate Male characters that give you warm fuzzies
Then Second To Me is a must read!!!
There are some issues within this book that could be an issue for some readers so AS ALWAYS check the TWs before you dive in.
Jade’s storytelling really has a way of pulling me in even when I’m stressed out by character interactions.
There were moments that had me giggling and kicking my feet and other moments that made me so angry that I had to put the book down for a few days to process before picking it up again and remembering why I love this world and these men so much.
Both FMC AND MMC are so down to earth and the perfect pair. The interactions with the characters from book 1 were such a nice addition that made me remember why Harley is definitely my number 1 book boyfriend but you definitely don’t have to know the first story to enjoy the second.
I had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC and it did not disappoint. First I would like to say thank you to Jade for allowing me to read your work before the rest of the world!
I made sure to go and read book 1 (not for me) before starting this one and I am so glad I did as it allowed me to get consumed by the story and have a full understanding of any previous background knowledge.
I have adored this series and cant wait for the next one!
It's no secret that I'm a huge Jade Young fan and supporter after reading her debut novel Not For Me, book 1 in The Herring Girls series (Top 5 faves 2024 reads so far) at the start of the year. Like all great interconnected standalones books 1 & 2 are similar yet different, and we get to know more about the inner circle characters as well as meet some new interesting characters.
Second To Me follows Jenna and Cole's story with what started as a one night stand with a stranger turns into fake dating on set of a movie in which Jenna is lead hair and make-up and Cole is a debut lead Actor. From that first time that they meet, they know deep down there is more there than meets the eye. I love how Jenna's character develops with the assistance of Cole as she overcomes so many skeletons in her closest. As she finds the courage to stand up to one person who should always be there for a little girl as she grows up yet was never there for Jenna. Cole literally transforms from rags to riches, and he too goes through a transformation in his own right. This book has one nightstand, fake dating, found family, toxic family, curvy FMC, possessive MMC, and so much more!
There is a trigger warnings list, so please check the trigger warnings before going into this book.
This story had me hook, line, and sinker from the start!
I recommend reading book 1 Not For Me before going into this one as it has spoilers if you do not.
I was not stressed out reading this one as I was the first book haha. Dang authors.
Love how he just goes yeah we are dating haha. Fake dating is my one of favourite tropes especially when it's fake dating in the workplace swooning the hotness there.
Don't even get me started on Miss Girls Girl who doesn't understand the word "no" She has been added to my most hated side characters list. Sorry Jade but not really.
I may also have smashed this out in one day as well. I think I shocked Jade when I messaged her saying I finished it before Midnight haha.
Where is my Cole Green?? I fell in love with him from the first few chapters after the night at the F and T Awards (IYKYK 🥵) but then to what his character grow throughout the story and his slow realisation of what he truly wants was amazing to read.
My girl Jenna! I found her character so relatable, from her struggles with body issues, and not believing that someone could want her for more than just some physical activity really hit home! But again it was so beautiful to see her tear down those walls, and cut out the toxicity from her life that has always made her feel that way!
And obviously the romance between the two was so fun to read, will they..won’t they..I hope they do!! And the found family aspect of the Herring Girls series is lovey too, I can’t wait to read about our girls Olive and Lizzie in the other books in this series.
If you haven’t read any of Jade’s books yet what are you playing at 🤔
What an emotional Rollercoaster read! I so quickly fell in love with this story and its characters. The role of "fate," friendships, and chance meetings... swooning over here! But I reallyyyyy loved the representation of what family can be (check out the dedication page when you get this also!) and don't have to be. And to stand up for what you want. Not all bodies are perfect. This is definitely a recommended romance read!
I had the pleasure of reading this as an arc and I loved it! I made sure to go and read the first in the interconnected series (Not For Me) before reading this one and they were both fantastic!
I love that the FMC was so relatable as she dealt with body image and anxieties. I've always loved the fake dating trope so this book was perfect for me and the teasing between the FMC and MMC was next level. I have read many interconnected romance series but this one definitely sits somewhere at the top. I was so excited to see the FMC from the first book play such an active role in this book, it was nice to continue to see her relationship with Harley continue while Jenna's story with Cole was just beginning.
I am so glad to have found this adorable series, and I can't wait for Lizzie's story!
What an immense pleasure to have been chosen as a beta reader for Second To You. Having read Jade’s first book as a beta reader, I’m fully invested in this series. I loved spending my time reading about Jenna and the hard hitting topics just made her more relatable as a character. I really loved the dynamic between her and Cole. I can’t wait for book number three!
I was fortunate enough to have received this book as an ARC.
This book has my heart and my soul! As a plus size girl I know what it's like to constantly live inside your own head.
Jenna has been through a lot in her 31 years, she has always felt second best. She has put her heart and soul into her career.
Cole lives above a bar where he works as a bartender, waiting for his big break.
A chance meeting throws this pair together and the whirlwind that follows is amazing.
I have no words to describe just how much I loved this book. I laughed and I cried. I was happy and I was sad. I felt pain and heartache. But under all of this, there was so much love! The bond Jenna and the Herring Girls have is unbreakable. It is true friendship goals.
I cannot recommend this book enough! Most of the time, it mirrored my own thoughts. And as in real life, it took something big to make Jenna realise that she has worth and that she will no longer come second.
Take that chance, as scary as it may be...you never know what lies on the other side.
I wanted to express my appreciation for receiving this ARC that comes out July 30th!
First, this is the second book of the Herring Girls Series. It can be read as a standalone, but there are some spoilers from book one, titled Not For Me :)
It was the perfect small-town and fake dating romance that I needed, and a subplot involving a complicated relationship that our lovely FMC, Jenna, faces with her parent. I loved the plus-size rep and I appreciated that even though she had moments of confidence, she was also a girl dealing with her insecurities brought on by her own mother. The found family trope is one of my favorites so every moment with the Herring sisters was perfect.
Cole was one of those MMCs that I will keep near to my heart,lol he was sweet, and at times possessive, but not over the top.
For my spice rating, I would for sure give it a 3/5 This book gets a perfect 5 for me! I look forward to the next book in this series <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I had the privilege of being on Jade Young's ARC team once again. I loved this one just as much. I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters. Jenna realizing her worth over the course of the book was amazing. Cole was a total sweetheart. There was nothing about this book that I didn't love.
How is it that I can love this book even more than book one when book one has my whole heart!?! I knew from the dedication that this book was special. Is it possible to be hooked from the dedication? Yes, yes, it is. This book is a small town, one night stand, fake dating, friends with benefits masterpiece which also includes, a possessive MMC, toy rep, toxic family, a curvy FMC, and is an interconnected stand alone! This book focuses on Jenna, who is the curvy FMC (which we love to see), and the self-proclaimed single friend. The story begins with Jenna about to embark on working her dream job as a hair stylist on a movie set. I connected with her experience of struggling with confidence and standing up for herself as well as stress baking. Too real girl! Then we have Mr. GQ. Jenna doesn’t know his name initially, but boy is he noteworthy from the moment he steps onto the page. I love me, a possessive and protective guy!! His type is only her, and he’s obsessed with her curves, I mean... what else do I need to say? The aspect I loved the most in this story was Jenna’s experience emotionally. She is hard on herself aaand has clear mommy issues, but the way this was written was so realistic. I loved every second of it. My favourite moments were when he stood up for her and the cupcake 🧁🤌🏻🤌🏻 Jade writes friendships so well. It’s actually incredible, and the spice in this book was top tier! I was giggling and loving every second of every word of this book. I can't wait for book three!!! 5 stars!!
I am so grateful to be one of the first ARC readers of this wonderful book. I already loved Jade Young's first book, but this one only made this story series even better. I loved how the love between the FMC & MMC naturally grew. Everything between them felt real and not forced. I liked how involved her friends were and how they supported each other. I felt like i was on a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this book. There were moments when I laughed a lot at their banter and sarcastic comments, but also moments where I felt sad about the things the FMC was experiencing and had experienced. Besides all the romance & funny moments the spicy scenes really had me hooked 🌶️🔥🤌🏽😍. I can’t wait till her next book💃🏼.
Jade has done it again. I went in expecting a fluffy and cute romance but Jade has once again provided way more than that.
There is depth in this book. Touching on heavy everyday insecurities and relationships that are not always good for you. There were times when reading this book that my inner child was screaming at the FMCs mum as well as the FMC and I was just so addicted to this book.
If you love any of the things listed below please go and read this book. But also check out Jades first book called Not for me. I also loved this book and rated it 5 stars!
This book will be released on the July 30th. So keep a look out!
❄️ Cute nickname ❄️ Fake Dating ❄️ Curvy FMC ❄️ Small Town ❄️ Found Family ❄️ Sex toys ❄️ Friends with benefits ❄️ Interconnected standalone
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
literally the definition of giggling, kicking my feet and twirling my hair! i love the herring girls so much and jenna is an absolute sweetheart (catch me outside becky) being a curvier girl, there is so much i can relate to with jenna and all i hope for future curvy girls is they have someone who helps them know their worth if they don't already know it! cole green is an absolute smoke show as well and we love a man who wants to die by thigh suffocation 😏
Being a beta reader for this book was such an incredible honour to be able have some of the first glimpses into the life of Jenna Rogers.
This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions! I found myself having a strong connection to the main female character Jenna, as the situations she faces in her everyday life are very relatable as I’m sure a lot of others who read this book may also feel too.
There were many moments that had me kicking my feet and feeling giddy whenever her and Mr. GQ interacted. Watching his and Jenna’s feelings blossom into something more than just a fake relationship was such a ride that I’ll be more than willing hop back on and take again! I am totally smitten by them.
Within these pages you’ll find - a fantastically written slow burn romance. - moments that’ll make your heart melt. - moments that’ll make you cry. - the perfect amount of spice. - a relatable main female character that struggles with her self confidence. - plus size representation.
If that peeks your interest, then Second To Me is the book for you. Please make sure you go and read Jade Young’s first debut novel Not For Me if you haven’t already! ✨🫶
I absolutely loved this book!!! Jenna is an absolute curvy queen! It was so refreshing to have a curvy FMC, who has all the insecurities and all the portrayed confidence. Cole was also one heck of a MMC, and I fell in love with them both. The tension was great, I loved the friendship the sister/friends have, the spice was top notch, especially that first scene (iykyk). I found Jenna so relateable because we had so much in common and if she were a real person we would totally be friends. I loved the first book in this series as it was my first small town, second chance romance, but I loved this one even more. Can not wait for the next Herring Girl book!!!
Already there have been mentions of Harley and Cassandra and I’m loving it . Jenna is definitely my type of girl I already love the way she thinks and the way she is. Oh my jade young you have me blushing over these chapters. Mr. GQ you smooth talker the jealousy and the way he is over Jenna 😍. Me and Jenna would be best friends her love for she’s the man and bakes when she’s stressed 🤝. I loved Harley Wingrove in not for me and I love him even more in second to me 🥺❤️. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 everyone needs to read and add this to their TBR lists right now 😍!!!!