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Second to None
Fame broke us. Now the love of my life is back, asking for my help with the one thing he wasn't ready to do: come out.
Levi
I thought my boy band days were behind me—along with the heartbreak that came with them. I’ve traded world tours for a countryside house and a steady job that lets me raise my sister’s kid. So when Cassian Monroe, the ex-bandmate who shattered my heart, waltzes back into my life, I know I should keep my distance. Problem is, I’ve never been able to stay away from him.
Cass
I’ve spent years hiding behind dazzling smiles, scared to be true to myself. And it cost me the only man I’ve ever loved.
I’m ready now. But with my life under a microscope, even the truth needs a bit of staging. Candid pictures, dinner dates, and just the right amount of mystery—it’s the perfect PR strategy. The only catch? I want Levi Blake, the one who got away, to help me sell the story.
Second to None is a standalone MM rockstar romance told in dual POV. It features epic mutual pining and meddling friends, a precocious seven-year-old, two men who never stopped loving each other, and a HEA that shows that second chances aren’t given—they’re earned.
Levi
I thought my boy band days were behind me—along with the heartbreak that came with them. I’ve traded world tours for a countryside house and a steady job that lets me raise my sister’s kid. So when Cassian Monroe, the ex-bandmate who shattered my heart, waltzes back into my life, I know I should keep my distance. Problem is, I’ve never been able to stay away from him.
Cass
I’ve spent years hiding behind dazzling smiles, scared to be true to myself. And it cost me the only man I’ve ever loved.
I’m ready now. But with my life under a microscope, even the truth needs a bit of staging. Candid pictures, dinner dates, and just the right amount of mystery—it’s the perfect PR strategy. The only catch? I want Levi Blake, the one who got away, to help me sell the story.
Second to None is a standalone MM rockstar romance told in dual POV. It features epic mutual pining and meddling friends, a precocious seven-year-old, two men who never stopped loving each other, and a HEA that shows that second chances aren’t given—they’re earned.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2025
62 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Zarah Detand
18 books431 followersWriter of M/M romances. Chaos monkey. Coffee snob. Cheese is her love language.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
People in love with other people is her jam, with a particular penchant for snappy dialogue and a slow burn that is all the more satisfying once it finally catches fire. Playing with tropes of the famous-meets-non-famous variation? Bring it on! Fake relationships? Yes, please. All's fair as long as everyone gets their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 10, 2025
The youth won't remember it, but back in the before times there were these ads where a harried looking white woman would stare into the camera and say, with increasing hysteria, "the traffic! the boss! the kids! the chores!" and then banshee-cry, "CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY!!!!!!!" [cut to non-harried white woman stroking her skin sensually in a cloud of chemically perfumed bath bubbles].
This book is Calgon.
It was just, like, super relaxing? And not even the story itself, so much, although for a second-chance romance it was pretty low angst. Just the whole experience of reading something by an author who clearly knows what she's doing, has a crisp, understated style and a good ear for dialogue, understands pacing, and is attuned to the exact point where tropes go from enjoyably silly to ridiculously unbelievable. I just kind of calgoned my way through the whole book, minus the bubbles and sensual skin-stroking. Was it earth-shattering? No. Was it a thoroughly enjoyable read? Indeed. Even the kid didn't get on my nerves too much, because, let's be real, it is virtually impossible to write a kid between the ages of 1 and 13 that talks and behaves like an actual human child instead of a mini-Yoda. The kid served their dramatic purpose (raising the stakes for Levi's re-involvement with Cass) and didn't make me roll my eyes too hard, and that's really the best you can hope for.
One thing I appreciated was that, in the big third act crisis, one of the characters was being suuuuuuuper unreasonable, like way out over his skis, and then in the aftermath, when he was relating his side of things to the other characters, still in an indignant stromp, they were like, dude. WTF??? Why did you act that way? What were you thinking?? I mean, somewhat more sympathetically, but still. I really like it when there is deserved pushback against MCs, because there is nothing more annoying as a reader than feeling like a character is behaving poorly and, instead of being called out on it, the friends or whoever reflexively back them up even when they're in the wrong -- either because the author doesn't think real friendship can sustain calling people on their shit, or because the author is so in love with their character they can't actually see that they're being an asshole. The fact that one of the MCs went so instantly into unfair attack mode, and later was confronted with and had to acknowledge that reaction, made the whole third act crisis seem more relatable and poignant, because it is much truer to how people actually behave when they feel threatened and vulnerable, and also to how people (should) behave when their friend has fucked up. So kudos for that. I also appreciated how the author very explicitly calls out the idea that to "do anything" for a partner is super romantic and idealized, as it implies a slippery notion of the self and self-worth and what can and should be expected in romantic relationships. A very nice touch.
The main thing keeping this from being a 5-star read (beyond the mini-Yoda) is simply my own preference for a higher angst level: I like more suffering in my second-chance romances. But no complaints here. Sometimes we just need calgon to take it away.
I got an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is Calgon.
It was just, like, super relaxing? And not even the story itself, so much, although for a second-chance romance it was pretty low angst. Just the whole experience of reading something by an author who clearly knows what she's doing, has a crisp, understated style and a good ear for dialogue, understands pacing, and is attuned to the exact point where tropes go from enjoyably silly to ridiculously unbelievable. I just kind of calgoned my way through the whole book, minus the bubbles and sensual skin-stroking. Was it earth-shattering? No. Was it a thoroughly enjoyable read? Indeed. Even the kid didn't get on my nerves too much, because, let's be real, it is virtually impossible to write a kid between the ages of 1 and 13 that talks and behaves like an actual human child instead of a mini-Yoda. The kid served their dramatic purpose (raising the stakes for Levi's re-involvement with Cass) and didn't make me roll my eyes too hard, and that's really the best you can hope for.
One thing I appreciated was that, in the big third act crisis, one of the characters was being suuuuuuuper unreasonable, like way out over his skis, and then in the aftermath, when he was relating his side of things to the other characters, still in an indignant stromp, they were like, dude. WTF??? Why did you act that way? What were you thinking?? I mean, somewhat more sympathetically, but still. I really like it when there is deserved pushback against MCs, because there is nothing more annoying as a reader than feeling like a character is behaving poorly and, instead of being called out on it, the friends or whoever reflexively back them up even when they're in the wrong -- either because the author doesn't think real friendship can sustain calling people on their shit, or because the author is so in love with their character they can't actually see that they're being an asshole. The fact that one of the MCs went so instantly into unfair attack mode, and later was confronted with and had to acknowledge that reaction, made the whole third act crisis seem more relatable and poignant, because it is much truer to how people actually behave when they feel threatened and vulnerable, and also to how people (should) behave when their friend has fucked up. So kudos for that. I also appreciated how the author very explicitly calls out the idea that to "do anything" for a partner is super romantic and idealized, as it implies a slippery notion of the self and self-worth and what can and should be expected in romantic relationships. A very nice touch.
The main thing keeping this from being a 5-star read (beyond the mini-Yoda) is simply my own preference for a higher angst level: I like more suffering in my second-chance romances. But no complaints here. Sometimes we just need calgon to take it away.
I got an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2025
I finished my ARC Second to None last night... Late last night. Wayyyyy later than I should've been reading when you have work the next day, but I could not stop!
This book is simply beautiful. I absolutely adored Levi and Cass. I loved how the story flowed, the now and the then. I loved the way the two MCs navigated their past hurts and mistakes, and recognised that the spark, that thing that made them *them* was still there. I loved how the angst that is infused into the story makes sense in the context of the story and is done in such a gentle yet fierce way (this will make sense when you read the book).
There is so much heart in this book, and this comes not just from the MC's themselves, it's also infused by a stellar cast of secondary characters. I adored band of brothers, I loved Levi's parents with their open hearts and solid, loving presence, and I thought Emily (Emmy) to be the right mix of precocious and precious.
Zarah's writing is so beautiful and this is one of the loveliest second chance romances I've ever had the pleasure to read. I look forward to adding a physical copy of this book to my collection.
This book is simply beautiful. I absolutely adored Levi and Cass. I loved how the story flowed, the now and the then. I loved the way the two MCs navigated their past hurts and mistakes, and recognised that the spark, that thing that made them *them* was still there. I loved how the angst that is infused into the story makes sense in the context of the story and is done in such a gentle yet fierce way (this will make sense when you read the book).
There is so much heart in this book, and this comes not just from the MC's themselves, it's also infused by a stellar cast of secondary characters. I adored band of brothers, I loved Levi's parents with their open hearts and solid, loving presence, and I thought Emily (Emmy) to be the right mix of precocious and precious.
Zarah's writing is so beautiful and this is one of the loveliest second chance romances I've ever had the pleasure to read. I look forward to adding a physical copy of this book to my collection.
May 11, 2025
Dla mnie książki Zarah Detand to totalnie komfortowe czytanie 🤗
Są ciepłe, optymistyczne, urocze, mają zazwyczaj taki przynajmniej lekki humor oraz bohaterów, których trudno nie polubić (noooo, z małymi wyjątkami 😉) - po prostu najzwyczajniej w świecie poprawiają mi nastrój.
Nie dostaną na pewno Literackiej Nagrody Nobla czy nie wpiszą się do klasyki literatury - ale ode mnie, nie po raz pierwszy już, ponownie 5 gwiazdek 💙
Są ciepłe, optymistyczne, urocze, mają zazwyczaj taki przynajmniej lekki humor oraz bohaterów, których trudno nie polubić (noooo, z małymi wyjątkami 😉) - po prostu najzwyczajniej w świecie poprawiają mi nastrój.
Nie dostaną na pewno Literackiej Nagrody Nobla czy nie wpiszą się do klasyki literatury - ale ode mnie, nie po raz pierwszy już, ponownie 5 gwiazdek 💙
July 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
TW - alcohol abuse (past, mentioned), rehab (past, mentioned), social anxiety (sc, mentioned), death of a sibling (cancer / brain tumour (briefly recounted incl hospital setting), past, mentioned), grief, brief discussions on body image (RE a sc), alcohol consumption, homophobia (internal / industry, implied), adoption (mentioned), Alzheimer’s (grandparent, mentioned), insomnia
Tropes - rockstar, single dad / guardian, second chance, fake dating
Representation - queer rep, closeted MMC, gay rep
inconsolable
The emotional damage in the pages of this book destroyed me in the best way. If you're a second chance hater, this will reform you. If you're a crier, you will ball your eyes out.
It's so hard for me to actually put into words what this book is but it is defo my favourite of the year so far. It was amazing and it ruined me... you should read it, lol
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
TW - alcohol abuse (past, mentioned), rehab (past, mentioned), social anxiety (sc, mentioned), death of a sibling (cancer / brain tumour (briefly recounted incl hospital setting), past, mentioned), grief, brief discussions on body image (RE a sc), alcohol consumption, homophobia (internal / industry, implied), adoption (mentioned), Alzheimer’s (grandparent, mentioned), insomnia
Tropes - rockstar, single dad / guardian, second chance, fake dating
Representation - queer rep, closeted MMC, gay rep
inconsolable
The emotional damage in the pages of this book destroyed me in the best way. If you're a second chance hater, this will reform you. If you're a crier, you will ball your eyes out.
It's so hard for me to actually put into words what this book is but it is defo my favourite of the year so far. It was amazing and it ruined me... you should read it, lol
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek/ The Naughty List / The Naughtier List
TW/CW not to be repurposed by authors / publishers for website / book / content use without permission
May 24, 2025
I love this author. I’ve read books by her before, and I love her easy humour, her realistic take on relationships, and her skill at creating a pace that is perfect for the ups and downs of the story.
Levi and Cass were lovely characters; both loved each other so much, but were so young when they first started out. So much so that navigating a relationship whilst maintaining his career was too much for Cass, and he made a mistake and let Levi go.
There’s necessary angst throughout as they decide whether or not to take another risk on each other. We’re given the ending we all want when the two decide that being a family with Emily is exactly what they both want.
Even though the story and the ending are pretty predictable, it’s the journey to get there that makes this book great. All of the tiny details she fits in along the way to make it feel really authentic and interesting. She flips from American to English depending on who’s talking, the sarcasm, and colloquialism’s. It’s all just so finely tuned that nothing feels out of place or that you’re being force-fed information about a topic the author enjoys. It’s all relevant and makes the story more enjoyable.
It definitely won’t be the last book by this author that I’ll read; I haven’t read a bad one yet.
Levi and Cass were lovely characters; both loved each other so much, but were so young when they first started out. So much so that navigating a relationship whilst maintaining his career was too much for Cass, and he made a mistake and let Levi go.
There’s necessary angst throughout as they decide whether or not to take another risk on each other. We’re given the ending we all want when the two decide that being a family with Emily is exactly what they both want.
Even though the story and the ending are pretty predictable, it’s the journey to get there that makes this book great. All of the tiny details she fits in along the way to make it feel really authentic and interesting. She flips from American to English depending on who’s talking, the sarcasm, and colloquialism’s. It’s all just so finely tuned that nothing feels out of place or that you’re being force-fed information about a topic the author enjoys. It’s all relevant and makes the story more enjoyable.
It definitely won’t be the last book by this author that I’ll read; I haven’t read a bad one yet.
May 9, 2025
A MUST-READ BY ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING VOICES IN MM ROMANCE
Second to None is yet another stunning example of why Zarah Detand stands out as one of the best writers in contemporary MM romance today. This story seamlessly blends deep, emotional themes with a refreshing sense of humor and romance, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. Levi and Cass’s journey toward love and self-acceptance is beautifully woven with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and the kind of chemistry that makes your heart ache in the best way.
While the book tackles serious issues—including identity, second chances, and the cost of fame—it never feels too heavy. Instead, Detand masterfully infuses warmth, laughter, and an undeniable charm into every page, creating an uplifting experience. Cass’s transformation, Levi’s cautious hope, and the meddling friends (plus a precocious seven-year-old!) ensure there are plenty of moments that make you smile through the angst.
Because sometimes all it takes is a second chance—and this book proves just how worth it they can be. An absolute must-read!
(I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy, and this is my honest review. )
Second to None is yet another stunning example of why Zarah Detand stands out as one of the best writers in contemporary MM romance today. This story seamlessly blends deep, emotional themes with a refreshing sense of humor and romance, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. Levi and Cass’s journey toward love and self-acceptance is beautifully woven with witty banter, heartfelt moments, and the kind of chemistry that makes your heart ache in the best way.
While the book tackles serious issues—including identity, second chances, and the cost of fame—it never feels too heavy. Instead, Detand masterfully infuses warmth, laughter, and an undeniable charm into every page, creating an uplifting experience. Cass’s transformation, Levi’s cautious hope, and the meddling friends (plus a precocious seven-year-old!) ensure there are plenty of moments that make you smile through the angst.
Because sometimes all it takes is a second chance—and this book proves just how worth it they can be. An absolute must-read!
(I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy, and this is my honest review. )
March 29, 2025
Zarah Detand writes stories that are a joy to read. Her stories, rich with excellent references, deepen our appreciation for the moment and convey the characters' emotions. Her range encompasses relationships with royalty, sports, hospitality, law enforcement, and entertainment.
Her books are generally in the 200+ page range, engaging with their detailed characters and plots that feature twists. Her attention to British and different American references is a welcome comfort as part of the infrastructure of her multi-cultural storytelling.
In this offering, Levi was once a member of a five-member teenage band and fell in love with fellow band member Cass. Levi wanted to acknowledge their love, but Cass did not want to come out, and their resultant separation ended the band’s chemistry. The official statement was that they were on hiatus.
Levi’s family suffered the loss of his sister to cancer and his grandmother’s decline due to Alzheimer's. He promised to take care of his sister’s child, Emily, and did so magnanimously. When the opportunity arose to help a cancer charity, the five members reunited to perform a song for the benefit, providing a backdrop for Levi and Cass to reconcile. Cass had become an even bigger star, performing for huge crowds, but was lonely for Levi and what they shared.
Thus, this is a story of reconciliation and moving forward, marked by a song for charity, while also reuniting the relationships they formed as teenagers and bandmates. Levi is devoted to his sister’s child, Emily, and seeks to protect and care for her throughout this journey.
Now, it’s Cass who wishes to come out, and to do so in a way that doesn’t upset his fans. To help with this process, Levi agrees to some public appearances alongside Cass, as it becomes clear that his love for Cass has never truly faded. While the fake dating Cass requested serves as publicity, it also confirms Cass’s enduring love for Levi. Levi learns more about Cass’s regrets concerning not fully embracing Levi’s love for him.
Angst for the sake of lengthening the plot is not something I appreciate, but in this case, it arises as Levi clings to his love for Cass without realizing it is actionable. Nevertheless, the fake dating leads to some intimate moments between the two, and a shared vacation with Levi, his parents, and Emily results in intense personal time together. Excluding Emily from the fake dating setups for camera time is a hard limit for Levi, and an inadvertent incident causes him to dismiss Cass immediately.
The reconciliation efforts stem from unexpected connections and the still-tight bonds among the boy band members.
This is a sweet story with reasonable angst, but we are rewarded with tearful declarations of love and a deep hope for a life together.
If you haven't experienced Zarah Detand’s magic, this latest offering is an excellent example of her work and its success in crafting an engaging and entertaining story.
I did receive this book as part of an advance read, but the opinions expressed here are my own and were not influenced by the author or any other person.
Her books are generally in the 200+ page range, engaging with their detailed characters and plots that feature twists. Her attention to British and different American references is a welcome comfort as part of the infrastructure of her multi-cultural storytelling.
In this offering, Levi was once a member of a five-member teenage band and fell in love with fellow band member Cass. Levi wanted to acknowledge their love, but Cass did not want to come out, and their resultant separation ended the band’s chemistry. The official statement was that they were on hiatus.
Levi’s family suffered the loss of his sister to cancer and his grandmother’s decline due to Alzheimer's. He promised to take care of his sister’s child, Emily, and did so magnanimously. When the opportunity arose to help a cancer charity, the five members reunited to perform a song for the benefit, providing a backdrop for Levi and Cass to reconcile. Cass had become an even bigger star, performing for huge crowds, but was lonely for Levi and what they shared.
Thus, this is a story of reconciliation and moving forward, marked by a song for charity, while also reuniting the relationships they formed as teenagers and bandmates. Levi is devoted to his sister’s child, Emily, and seeks to protect and care for her throughout this journey.
Now, it’s Cass who wishes to come out, and to do so in a way that doesn’t upset his fans. To help with this process, Levi agrees to some public appearances alongside Cass, as it becomes clear that his love for Cass has never truly faded. While the fake dating Cass requested serves as publicity, it also confirms Cass’s enduring love for Levi. Levi learns more about Cass’s regrets concerning not fully embracing Levi’s love for him.
Angst for the sake of lengthening the plot is not something I appreciate, but in this case, it arises as Levi clings to his love for Cass without realizing it is actionable. Nevertheless, the fake dating leads to some intimate moments between the two, and a shared vacation with Levi, his parents, and Emily results in intense personal time together. Excluding Emily from the fake dating setups for camera time is a hard limit for Levi, and an inadvertent incident causes him to dismiss Cass immediately.
The reconciliation efforts stem from unexpected connections and the still-tight bonds among the boy band members.
This is a sweet story with reasonable angst, but we are rewarded with tearful declarations of love and a deep hope for a life together.
If you haven't experienced Zarah Detand’s magic, this latest offering is an excellent example of her work and its success in crafting an engaging and entertaining story.
I did receive this book as part of an advance read, but the opinions expressed here are my own and were not influenced by the author or any other person.
May 9, 2025
I cannot quite put my finger on what it is, but this author writes in a way that just makes me so happy when I'm reading!
I am an absolute sucker for a boy band book/series, and this one definitely scratches that itch! Neon Circuit hit dizzying heights until they abruptly broke up five years ago. Unknown to the rest of the world, that breakup was precipitated by a much more personal breakup between two of the members. Levi now spends his days mentoring music acts for a record label and raising his niece/daughter, Emily. He definitely doesn't spend any time thinking about Cass. But then the band talks about getting back together to do a song for a charity event, forcing him to confront the past. With Cass determined that they not lose touch again, can Levi keep his walls standing?
Second chance romances have to walk a tricky line. The reason for the breakup has to be believable, but neither character can have behaved so heinously as to make people root against them getting back together. This book treads that line perfectly, where I was simultaneously devastated for both of them and rooting for them to get out of their own ways and just make out already!
Levi and Cass (and Emily, will never forget Emily) were fantastic characters. They went in completely opposite directions after the band broke up, and I loved seeing how they had each changed (and in some ways stayed the same), and their pull to each other was super obvious from their first scene together. This is a bit of a slow burn, but once these two give in, they are white hot (though, in this author's typical style, sex scenes aren't super graphic, but they get the point across nicely!).
I also very much liked that in the big conflict, while one character very much was in the wrong, he realized it and owned up to it pretty quickly. Also, their friends/former bandmates did not let either of them be stupid or wrong without calling them out on it, which I liked. A loyal friend is important, but a true friend will also call you out when it's needed.
And speaking of friends, I loved the former bandmates. I would happily read a whole series about these men! And of course, Emily frequently stole a scene with her cuteness.
Overall, this book just kind of gives you a cozy hug, and doesn't let up until the last pages (even through the angsty bits, which never get overly angsty). I have loved every book I've read by this author, and this is no different!
CW: sexual content, past alcohol abuse, death of a sibling, invasive paparazzi
I am an absolute sucker for a boy band book/series, and this one definitely scratches that itch! Neon Circuit hit dizzying heights until they abruptly broke up five years ago. Unknown to the rest of the world, that breakup was precipitated by a much more personal breakup between two of the members. Levi now spends his days mentoring music acts for a record label and raising his niece/daughter, Emily. He definitely doesn't spend any time thinking about Cass. But then the band talks about getting back together to do a song for a charity event, forcing him to confront the past. With Cass determined that they not lose touch again, can Levi keep his walls standing?
Second chance romances have to walk a tricky line. The reason for the breakup has to be believable, but neither character can have behaved so heinously as to make people root against them getting back together. This book treads that line perfectly, where I was simultaneously devastated for both of them and rooting for them to get out of their own ways and just make out already!
Levi and Cass (and Emily, will never forget Emily) were fantastic characters. They went in completely opposite directions after the band broke up, and I loved seeing how they had each changed (and in some ways stayed the same), and their pull to each other was super obvious from their first scene together. This is a bit of a slow burn, but once these two give in, they are white hot (though, in this author's typical style, sex scenes aren't super graphic, but they get the point across nicely!).
I also very much liked that in the big conflict, while one character very much was in the wrong, he realized it and owned up to it pretty quickly. Also, their friends/former bandmates did not let either of them be stupid or wrong without calling them out on it, which I liked. A loyal friend is important, but a true friend will also call you out when it's needed.
And speaking of friends, I loved the former bandmates. I would happily read a whole series about these men! And of course, Emily frequently stole a scene with her cuteness.
Overall, this book just kind of gives you a cozy hug, and doesn't let up until the last pages (even through the angsty bits, which never get overly angsty). I have loved every book I've read by this author, and this is no different!
CW: sexual content, past alcohol abuse, death of a sibling, invasive paparazzi
April 21, 2025
I’ve been waiting for months for Zarah’s next book and Second to None was so worth the wait! This is a lovely story; sweet, heartfelt, and a joy to read. Plus it has just the right amount of spice, angst, and cat cameos. 😊 The enemies-to-lovers trope is such a difficult one to pull off well; you want the enemy factor to be believable, but the cause of the characters’ dislike/estrangement/hurt can’t be so compelling that when they finally get together, they seem to have betrayed themselves or act in ways that are inconsistent with how their characters have been drawn. Zarah handles this delicate balance so beautifully in this book that while your heart aches for the hurt that Levi and Cass have gone through, it also aches for them to find a way back to each other. Zarah also nails the second chance trope, which is another one that can fall flat if it isn’t portrayed carefully. The reasons Cass and Levi fell apart in the first place are entirely consistent with their very young selves, and the changes they’ve each made while they were apart make it clear that it wasn’t magic, but growth and maturing and hard work that brought them to a place where their relationship could work and be better than before. As much as I read romance with the understanding that I’m going to have to suspend my disbelief and go along with plot lines that are more straightforward than real life ever is, something in me also wants to read about people and situations that might actually exist. Zarah always writes about real human beings – people with real flaws and relationships with real (but not insurmountable) challenges. The only letdown is that I have to go back to waiting for her next book to be released! I guess I will just have to console myself by re-reading her other books in the meantime.
April 1, 2025
This book is really something special - Cass & Levi’s story is heartfelt, beautifully written, and full of emotion. There’s great banter, amazing friendships with former band members, some fun snippets of them during their boy band days, an astute 7-year-old, and a lot of old feelings that resurface in this second chance romance.
The writing was really beautiful, with vivid descriptions of places, people, things, etc. Some authors just have a beautiful way with words and metaphors and Zarah is one of them. Some of my favorite lines from the story -
- A scattering of other boats dotted the water, their white hulls like dashes of punctuation on the vast blue page of the ocean.
- I was speaking too quickly, words dripping like hot oil into a sizzling pan.
- Maybe a nice, big scoop of gelato would sweeten the potential heartbreak.
I found myself trying to read more slowly and with more intent because I didn’t want the story to end. I loved seeing Levi’s bond with Emily and how he rose to the challenge of raising her despite their unfortunate circumstance. It felt like the perfect blend of side characters, there to support the story but not overwhelm it. I enjoyed how emotional/angsty/full of pining the story was without feeling like it was too much. I really just loved their story and would definitely recommend this one!
Some of the tropes in Second to None:
- Second chance romance
- Boy Band/Rockstar
- Single dad
- Fake relationship
- Mutual pining
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The writing was really beautiful, with vivid descriptions of places, people, things, etc. Some authors just have a beautiful way with words and metaphors and Zarah is one of them. Some of my favorite lines from the story -
- A scattering of other boats dotted the water, their white hulls like dashes of punctuation on the vast blue page of the ocean.
- I was speaking too quickly, words dripping like hot oil into a sizzling pan.
- Maybe a nice, big scoop of gelato would sweeten the potential heartbreak.
I found myself trying to read more slowly and with more intent because I didn’t want the story to end. I loved seeing Levi’s bond with Emily and how he rose to the challenge of raising her despite their unfortunate circumstance. It felt like the perfect blend of side characters, there to support the story but not overwhelm it. I enjoyed how emotional/angsty/full of pining the story was without feeling like it was too much. I really just loved their story and would definitely recommend this one!
Some of the tropes in Second to None:
- Second chance romance
- Boy Band/Rockstar
- Single dad
- Fake relationship
- Mutual pining
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 6, 2025
This is my third ARC with Zarah Detrand and I’ve also read the rest of her “library”! Once again, Detrand hits it out of the park with this story about former bandmates / lovers who reconnect after several years — and insert a young, precocious little girl into the mix.
Second to None has Detrand’s brand of lower-angst, HEA, sarcasm, heated scenes and funny friends. One MC is British and the other is American. I liked how she flipped between their POVs and used the proper spelling based on who was talking and used their colloquial banter.
The flashbacks to when these two MCs were in a band together helped set the stage and tell the story — you also didn’t have to wait long in the story to understand the past events, which I hate when it takes half the book to do. The other 3 bandmates feature prominently and I especially love their meddling. Mason is the best with his simple wisdom and pointed jabs. (I almost wish he would get his own book, hint hint.)
I often wonder how Detrand has so many fine-tune details in each book specific to that setting — whether it was the band / road life, the scene in Sardinia, the MCs homes or the personality behind Emily (the daughter). She has a knack for painting a picture through her stories that I just love.
I highly recommend reading Second to None!
Second to None has Detrand’s brand of lower-angst, HEA, sarcasm, heated scenes and funny friends. One MC is British and the other is American. I liked how she flipped between their POVs and used the proper spelling based on who was talking and used their colloquial banter.
The flashbacks to when these two MCs were in a band together helped set the stage and tell the story — you also didn’t have to wait long in the story to understand the past events, which I hate when it takes half the book to do. The other 3 bandmates feature prominently and I especially love their meddling. Mason is the best with his simple wisdom and pointed jabs. (I almost wish he would get his own book, hint hint.)
I often wonder how Detrand has so many fine-tune details in each book specific to that setting — whether it was the band / road life, the scene in Sardinia, the MCs homes or the personality behind Emily (the daughter). She has a knack for painting a picture through her stories that I just love.
I highly recommend reading Second to None!
April 10, 2025
4.5/5 This was a beautiful second-chance romance. I enjoyed seeing how much Cass and Levi had grown up, how Cass was ready to reach out when he’d been too scared before. Emily was very sweet, and I enjoyed the times they got to be together and start building a family.
I loved how supportive the whole (former) band was. They’re an awesome group of friends, and I love how that lasted through the break-up and the issues between Cass and Levi. It was so clear they were decent people even when they made mistakes. (Also, Frank was great!)
The video-caused angst was rough, but I appreciated the chance it afforded for really asking the hard questions and figuring out how to love forward. I like how their lives entwined at the end. These two really earned their HEA!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
I loved how supportive the whole (former) band was. They’re an awesome group of friends, and I love how that lasted through the break-up and the issues between Cass and Levi. It was so clear they were decent people even when they made mistakes. (Also, Frank was great!)
The video-caused angst was rough, but I appreciated the chance it afforded for really asking the hard questions and figuring out how to love forward. I like how their lives entwined at the end. These two really earned their HEA!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
March 28, 2025
You know how you think you won't like a trope sometimes and then you read it and say to yourself I LOVE THIS? Zahra has out done herself with this one, probably her best book so far. The beauty of the things these men said whether in their heads or to each other had me gasping and shedding a fair amount of tears along the way. Lines like "I stepped back because I had to, and dropped my heart at his feet when I left. That was fine. I never truly reclaimed it anyway." A story of love and loss, of found and real family who help you along the way to figuring out the path that was there for you to take. Things out of the mouth of children who make it all simple. This was an ARC read for me but the tears and words are all my own.
May 9, 2025
There were no surprises or unexpected plot twists - but with high-quality writing and clearly well thought out use of these tropes, this is particularly enjoyable reading. A second chance romance tends to have a lot of angst and grovelling for forgiveness - but that didn't really happen for these characters, and it worked. These characters and situations could be real, which is particularly appealing.
April 4, 2025
Another fun one from Zarah Detand!
Her works are always emotionally moving, but Second to None may be the most so as it digs into the main characters’ family lives.
Loved the Boy Band theme and the will they/won’t they tension.
Cass and Levi might be my favorite Detand pairing yet!
Her works are always emotionally moving, but Second to None may be the most so as it digs into the main characters’ family lives.
Loved the Boy Band theme and the will they/won’t they tension.
Cass and Levi might be my favorite Detand pairing yet!
April 12, 2025
Zarah has done it again: She made me fall in love with her main characters. I loved the characters, plot and light angst throughout the book. I honestly couldn’t put the book down!
September 27, 2025
3.5 stars, pretty good. kind of basic. maybe its because i've read too many of these mlm books..
September 21, 2025
Solid 4 star read. This was an absolut gem. I loved the story of the two main characters who were together during their time in a boyband and now years later meet again. It was fun, sweet, emotional, pretty low angst but kept me hooked from start to finish. This was my second book by this author and I think it is time to check out her other stories!
September 5, 2025
The start was great. The author did a really good job introducing all the band members individually and giving them relatively small yet distinct parts to make them feel like separate characters.
I loved Emily, though was kind of confused at her age. Seemed to be a weird mix of the cleverness of a sassy teenager without the sardonic apathy of one. She was generally cute whenever she showed up so I mostly ignored the "she feels like she was written too old fornher young age"
Levi and Cass were also pretty well characterized. I loved their complicated dynamic and that despite both wanting to reconnect, things held them back (Levi being hurt over Cass ending things and Cass feeling guilty over it)
The story sort of takes a bit of a dive when Levi agrees to fake date Cass though. I feel like their reconciliation hadn't been far enough along for Cass to have asked for such a thing, especially when Levi had actual concerns over Emily possibly being caught in the crossfire. Then they have sex where Levi literally says that he still wasn't over Cass but they act like they were still planning on fake dating? What? They literally dicked each other down for the first time in years AND expressed romantic feelings for one another but there wasn't a conversation about what they wanted to be? Even a quick "I want to be with you but Emily is my priority" or hell, having Levi lie and say he wasn't looking for Cass' love anymore would've sufficed. I could not understand why they didn't have a conversation renegotiating the terms of their fake dating when they acknowledged that they were still attracted AND cared for each other.
When Emily inevitably got involved, it was incredibly annoying when Levi blamed Cass for it, as if he was the one who'd personally leaked the video showing her with them. Yeah, totally not Levi's fault for agreeing to the fake dating thing despite knowing Emily was always at risk of being thrust into the public's eye OR for inviting Cass to his vacation where Emily was also supposed to be. Totes. Not even knowing that Levi was being irrational because of his emotions could save that very stupid third act break up.
Everything after that was disappointing since it built up on a very shaky premise imo. The HEA was sweet, if a little understated, and Cass not holding any anger towards Levi for his explosion felt like a wasted opportunity but at that point the book probably would've been too long anyway.
TL;DR: Decent start, but doesn't follow through in a satisfying way because the third act breakup is the result of Levi being entirely irrational and not taking any blame for what happened. Cass should've been a lot more depressed or angry, because the third act lacked lasting emotion after the breakup imo. Their reconciliation suffers and feels flat as a result.
I loved Emily, though was kind of confused at her age. Seemed to be a weird mix of the cleverness of a sassy teenager without the sardonic apathy of one. She was generally cute whenever she showed up so I mostly ignored the "she feels like she was written too old fornher young age"
Levi and Cass were also pretty well characterized. I loved their complicated dynamic and that despite both wanting to reconnect, things held them back (Levi being hurt over Cass ending things and Cass feeling guilty over it)
The story sort of takes a bit of a dive when Levi agrees to fake date Cass though. I feel like their reconciliation hadn't been far enough along for Cass to have asked for such a thing, especially when Levi had actual concerns over Emily possibly being caught in the crossfire. Then they have sex where Levi literally says that he still wasn't over Cass but they act like they were still planning on fake dating? What? They literally dicked each other down for the first time in years AND expressed romantic feelings for one another but there wasn't a conversation about what they wanted to be? Even a quick "I want to be with you but Emily is my priority" or hell, having Levi lie and say he wasn't looking for Cass' love anymore would've sufficed. I could not understand why they didn't have a conversation renegotiating the terms of their fake dating when they acknowledged that they were still attracted AND cared for each other.
When Emily inevitably got involved, it was incredibly annoying when Levi blamed Cass for it, as if he was the one who'd personally leaked the video showing her with them. Yeah, totally not Levi's fault for agreeing to the fake dating thing despite knowing Emily was always at risk of being thrust into the public's eye OR for inviting Cass to his vacation where Emily was also supposed to be. Totes. Not even knowing that Levi was being irrational because of his emotions could save that very stupid third act break up.
Everything after that was disappointing since it built up on a very shaky premise imo. The HEA was sweet, if a little understated, and Cass not holding any anger towards Levi for his explosion felt like a wasted opportunity but at that point the book probably would've been too long anyway.
TL;DR: Decent start, but doesn't follow through in a satisfying way because the third act breakup is the result of Levi being entirely irrational and not taking any blame for what happened. Cass should've been a lot more depressed or angry, because the third act lacked lasting emotion after the breakup imo. Their reconciliation suffers and feels flat as a result.
May 11, 2025
I count myself lucky to have read Zarah's latest book, "Second to None," as one of her ARC readers. Zarah has this ability to flesh out her characters and make them seem like family after just a few chapters. I rooted for Cass's and Levi's relationship as much as their best friends and bandmates did. I was also as skeptical as Levi's niece/daughter that Cass could pull his shit together and be who Levi needed. You'll love to see these two get back together after a terrible break-up and long years of pining. Cass comes out during this story, and it's a cute way to do it. Levi and Cass play-act a reunion that could be seen as something more by the paparazzi and Cass's fans. If you love a good love story with just a little angst, you'll be sure to love this one. Highly recommended!
May 19, 2025
3.5 stars
I think Goodreads ate my thoughts because I swore I wrote one before and somehow it was missing. So I am writing this again, hoping I remember what I wrote before
While the emotion of the second-chance story between Levi and Cass really worked well for me, but at the same time, I felt this one was like a nod/homage to any OneDirection fanfiction out there. Not that it was anything wrong with that, but I never really connected to that fandom, so sometimes, I also felt detached to the story as a whole. I liked the friendship of the five men though. Levi's parents were awesome! I wish there were more scenes of Alba, the cat.
So all in all, it was good read but not my favorite from Detand.
I think Goodreads ate my thoughts because I swore I wrote one before and somehow it was missing. So I am writing this again, hoping I remember what I wrote before
While the emotion of the second-chance story between Levi and Cass really worked well for me, but at the same time, I felt this one was like a nod/homage to any OneDirection fanfiction out there. Not that it was anything wrong with that, but I never really connected to that fandom, so sometimes, I also felt detached to the story as a whole. I liked the friendship of the five men though. Levi's parents were awesome! I wish there were more scenes of Alba, the cat.
So all in all, it was good read but not my favorite from Detand.
May 8, 2025
This is a good lovers to enemies to friends to lovers story as Levi and Cass have a 10 year history, former band members since their teens, in a relationship for part of the five years the band was together, but fighting the last year, tearing themselves and the band apart. Their future goals were too different, Cass chose fame and Levi wanted something different, so he walked. It is 5 years since the band broke up, Cass is doing an appearance at a Fight Against Cancer concert, and he suggests the band get together and release a video for it as an additional fundraiser. Cass and Levi haven’t spoken in those 5 years, but Cass is hopeful Levi will accept, wanting to see him again to see if those old feelings are still as strong for him as they were. Levi agrees, not as much to see Cass (he does on one level) but because his sister died of cancer, leaving her daughter in his care, and he wants to honor her memory. (Cass didn’t know this.)
When they meet again to work on the video, the old feelings are still there, but the hurt and heartbreak from that time is always on their minds. As they spend time together, walls start to lower, and the physical attraction is strong, leading to a connection on that level. Once the video is done, Levi and his daughter Emily are going to Italy for a week, and Levi invites Cass to come along, partly so Cass can get a break he really needs, and partly to help get rumors started before Cass comes out as gay. Strong feelings are rekindled, and both admit to themselves that love is still there, but can it survive Cass’s fame and the life Levi has built for himself and Emily? When a promise Cass has made is broken, everything falls apart, throwing this new relationship In jeopardy and threatening what was being rebuilt.
Characters are so engaging and relatable, the reader gets pulled into their story and it’s almost like watching a movie unfold, it’s that realistically written. You feel the resentment and lingering pain from the original breakup, as well as the feelings that have simmered in the background for years, never forgotten no matter how hard both have tried, surging to the surface when they are near each other again. The other bandmates play pivotal roles as sounding boards, listening and offering encouragement and support, able to see what is still there after all the years, with Mason especially in tune to them. Emily is so thoughtful and articulate for a 7 year old, almost wise beyond her years in some ways, yet an excitable and energetic child at the same time. She just wants Cass and Levi to not make each other sad again, and she makes a difference as they confront their problems. Alba, the cat, added the right amount of humor (and phantom feelings from claws kneading on chests as a morning wake up call) speaking to the cat lover/owner in me.
There is a lot of strong emotion on both sides, and the dual point of view presents that very well. You feel like you really know both characters on a personal level, understanding and empathizing with both sides, but also seeing where stubbornness and blindness to the other’s point of view hinders the relationship moving forward. Old fears and pain leave scars, hard to overcome.
The book kept me engaged the entire time, swept along in the roller coaster that was the feelings and perceptions on both sides. I was satisfied they got their HEA, able to put past hurts and resentments aside to build a future for the three of them as a family.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
When they meet again to work on the video, the old feelings are still there, but the hurt and heartbreak from that time is always on their minds. As they spend time together, walls start to lower, and the physical attraction is strong, leading to a connection on that level. Once the video is done, Levi and his daughter Emily are going to Italy for a week, and Levi invites Cass to come along, partly so Cass can get a break he really needs, and partly to help get rumors started before Cass comes out as gay. Strong feelings are rekindled, and both admit to themselves that love is still there, but can it survive Cass’s fame and the life Levi has built for himself and Emily? When a promise Cass has made is broken, everything falls apart, throwing this new relationship In jeopardy and threatening what was being rebuilt.
Characters are so engaging and relatable, the reader gets pulled into their story and it’s almost like watching a movie unfold, it’s that realistically written. You feel the resentment and lingering pain from the original breakup, as well as the feelings that have simmered in the background for years, never forgotten no matter how hard both have tried, surging to the surface when they are near each other again. The other bandmates play pivotal roles as sounding boards, listening and offering encouragement and support, able to see what is still there after all the years, with Mason especially in tune to them. Emily is so thoughtful and articulate for a 7 year old, almost wise beyond her years in some ways, yet an excitable and energetic child at the same time. She just wants Cass and Levi to not make each other sad again, and she makes a difference as they confront their problems. Alba, the cat, added the right amount of humor (and phantom feelings from claws kneading on chests as a morning wake up call) speaking to the cat lover/owner in me.
There is a lot of strong emotion on both sides, and the dual point of view presents that very well. You feel like you really know both characters on a personal level, understanding and empathizing with both sides, but also seeing where stubbornness and blindness to the other’s point of view hinders the relationship moving forward. Old fears and pain leave scars, hard to overcome.
The book kept me engaged the entire time, swept along in the roller coaster that was the feelings and perceptions on both sides. I was satisfied they got their HEA, able to put past hurts and resentments aside to build a future for the three of them as a family.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
November 23, 2025
So this was going to be a three for most of the book, honestly it was kind of boring and I didn’t feel super connected to the MCs but it was ok. Literally at one point I was like “nothing is happening there’s no drama” and THEN the drama happened and I was like ok, this is getting good, pulling me in, but the things he said to him?? Absolutely not. Uncalled for. And that “grovel” that was NOT a grovel? “Oh hey, I know I told you that you’re just a good lay but I’d deign to keep sleeping with you if you change everything about you and your life” like f you. I don’t care that you brought his guitar, he didn’t even care about it. And you have the audacity to see what he’s trying to do and be like “well AKTSHUALY I didn’t ask you to be someone different” YEA YOU DID DOUCH CANOE. You have known him how long? I get that maybe being one direction wasn’t YOUR whole life because you also had a family but he LOVED it and if you love someone else you’re not going to ask them to give something like that up. If you love them you understand that it’s not going to be that way forever and you’re going to support them until they make a transition to something else inevitably. Like I was the Tyra Banks “I’ve never in my life yelled at a girl like this” so hard, I don’t know that I’ve gone from liking to absolutely loathing a character like I have with this book. Obviously they both need to grow up and communicate but his blow up was so out of proportion and he did not repair what needed to be repaired.
April 9, 2025
Second to None is an MM Rockstar Romance with a storyline roughly described as: fame broke us, but time and fate (and perhaps some well-meaning nudges from a fab group of friends) have granted us a second chance. If you read MM romance, you're probably thinking "I've read this before", but assuredly, you have not read it like this.
Zarah Detand has a special way of telling stories - making the ordinary extraordinary, turning tropes into treasure, making you feel deeply without melodrama. Second to None is a wonderful read with indelible characters that melt, break and heal your heart. Levi and Cass are flawed, but they've grown up while apart from each other. So in some ways they're different, but their love for each other remains and if anything, has grown. There's a chance for their old story to become a new and better one if they can get out of their own way. It's a storyline with a hook and Detand's words are thoughtful, precise and make it all feel fresh and new.
Detand is particularly adept at striking imagery - painting in vibrant detail the fictional world that Levi and Cass inhabit while also breathing life into these very relatable, loveable men. The only complaint I have about this story is that it ended - I really would have loved more time with Cass and Levi, basking in their HEA. Notwithstanding, the time Detand gives us with Cass, Levi and their boy band buddies is a joy. Highly recommended.
Zarah Detand has a special way of telling stories - making the ordinary extraordinary, turning tropes into treasure, making you feel deeply without melodrama. Second to None is a wonderful read with indelible characters that melt, break and heal your heart. Levi and Cass are flawed, but they've grown up while apart from each other. So in some ways they're different, but their love for each other remains and if anything, has grown. There's a chance for their old story to become a new and better one if they can get out of their own way. It's a storyline with a hook and Detand's words are thoughtful, precise and make it all feel fresh and new.
Detand is particularly adept at striking imagery - painting in vibrant detail the fictional world that Levi and Cass inhabit while also breathing life into these very relatable, loveable men. The only complaint I have about this story is that it ended - I really would have loved more time with Cass and Levi, basking in their HEA. Notwithstanding, the time Detand gives us with Cass, Levi and their boy band buddies is a joy. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2025
Thanks to Zarah Detand for providing an ARC copy. I am, alas, solidly biased as she is one of my favorite authors, and in the humble opinion of someone who reads A TON of MM romance, one of the absolute best doing it today.
On its face, this is not my type of book. I don't generally go for any of the three main tropes here (second chance, rock star, and single dad), but all three of these were played out in such a way that they never felt overwrought or shoehorned in. All of them were necessary to the plot and character development.
The presence of the child in this book is handled with quite a light touch. The complex familial relationship of the MC is a big part of why he is so reticent to reengage with his former lover and bandmate, and it rings true. The kid isn't even that irritating, which is a massive success. She's sometimes kind of bratty and only occasionally issues forth the Darndest Things.
What I like best about Detand is her mastery of characterization. All of her characters are unique and well rounded. Once we get to know them, they remain true to their own personalities with growth that feels natural and realistic. The two MCs of this book are perhaps her best yet. If it weren't for them both being so desperately and individually flawed, damaged, and likeable, their romance wouldn't be anywhere near as compelling, and it really, really is.
The best part of Detand's romances is the pure yearning. These aren't cheap instalove/instalust stories that are just an excuse to get the pants off. It really feels like these characters love each other so deeply and truly. Even though it's obvious how the story will go (it's a romance novel, it's going to have an HEA, this is not a surprise) the journey to get there is wonderful.
I loved everything about this book. I'm actually rereading it despite having a ceiling high TBR. It is so far my favorite of Detand's books, which is saying quite a bit as they are all so, so good. I would more than highly recommend anything at all she has written to any fan of M/M contemporary romance, and in fact to any fan of romance in general. You won't be disappointed.
On its face, this is not my type of book. I don't generally go for any of the three main tropes here (second chance, rock star, and single dad), but all three of these were played out in such a way that they never felt overwrought or shoehorned in. All of them were necessary to the plot and character development.
The presence of the child in this book is handled with quite a light touch. The complex familial relationship of the MC is a big part of why he is so reticent to reengage with his former lover and bandmate, and it rings true. The kid isn't even that irritating, which is a massive success. She's sometimes kind of bratty and only occasionally issues forth the Darndest Things.
What I like best about Detand is her mastery of characterization. All of her characters are unique and well rounded. Once we get to know them, they remain true to their own personalities with growth that feels natural and realistic. The two MCs of this book are perhaps her best yet. If it weren't for them both being so desperately and individually flawed, damaged, and likeable, their romance wouldn't be anywhere near as compelling, and it really, really is.
The best part of Detand's romances is the pure yearning. These aren't cheap instalove/instalust stories that are just an excuse to get the pants off. It really feels like these characters love each other so deeply and truly. Even though it's obvious how the story will go (it's a romance novel, it's going to have an HEA, this is not a surprise) the journey to get there is wonderful.
I loved everything about this book. I'm actually rereading it despite having a ceiling high TBR. It is so far my favorite of Detand's books, which is saying quite a bit as they are all so, so good. I would more than highly recommend anything at all she has written to any fan of M/M contemporary romance, and in fact to any fan of romance in general. You won't be disappointed.
May 16, 2025
I do like Levi and Cass, I think they make a really cute couple together after they sorted out their past and started making strides as a united couple and family unit. The characters themselves were really great! I loved how supportive Cas and Levi's friends and bandmates are, no matter what they make sure to try to show up for each other any way they can. I liked the camaraderie between all of the characters, and Emily is an absolute sweetheart! She's a bundle of joy who's way too smart for her own good and who is good at playing matchmaker in her own way.
Although I have to say I struggled getting into this story. The premise sounded great, the characters made me want to keep reading and I was curious to see where Cass and Levi's complicated relationship would go. However, for me it just felt as though things were a bit too drawn out. Then when the MC's finally started making progress there was an angsty moment that occured that split them up once more, and they had to once again try to find their way back to each other. That's not to say that's a bad thing, its just my opinion, and what contributed to me not loving this story as much as I hoped I would.
But!! I loved the epilogues at the end and I thought the Dual POV's was really great and well written. Getting Emily's perspective at the end was amazing and truly a terrific way to end this story.
Although I have to say I struggled getting into this story. The premise sounded great, the characters made me want to keep reading and I was curious to see where Cass and Levi's complicated relationship would go. However, for me it just felt as though things were a bit too drawn out. Then when the MC's finally started making progress there was an angsty moment that occured that split them up once more, and they had to once again try to find their way back to each other. That's not to say that's a bad thing, its just my opinion, and what contributed to me not loving this story as much as I hoped I would.
But!! I loved the epilogues at the end and I thought the Dual POV's was really great and well written. Getting Emily's perspective at the end was amazing and truly a terrific way to end this story.
May 17, 2025
3.5 to 4 stars.
This book is an interesting case for me, I wanted to slap some sense into both characters most of the time and honestly I even got a little mad, but I needed to reach the end of the story even if that meant to sleep at 5AM, rooting for them and all.
Maybe I've been gaining a lot of class consciousness so I couldn't really relate to the characters and their luxurious lives at all, first of all I kinda hated how Levi didn't offer more resistance to getting back and was surprised that that moment were at , I didn't want him to help Cass at all and later when the leak happened I got on the other side because it was so obvious that could happen, .
Cass on the other side, I still think it was so low for him to request the fake dating to Levi after that shit that happened first, I understand that they both were child consumed by the industry but still I wanted for him to get lost, he charmed his way into my heart when the book was in it second half and honestly I think the end is satisfactory, so I don't regret reading this book, also I don't think I'm reading it again, but if a friend want a book with these themes I'm going to recommend it for sure!
This book is an interesting case for me, I wanted to slap some sense into both characters most of the time and honestly I even got a little mad, but I needed to reach the end of the story even if that meant to sleep at 5AM, rooting for them and all.
Maybe I've been gaining a lot of class consciousness so I couldn't really relate to the characters and their luxurious lives at all, first of all I kinda hated how Levi didn't offer more resistance to getting back and was surprised that that moment were at , I didn't want him to help Cass at all and later when the leak happened I got on the other side because it was so obvious that could happen, .
Cass on the other side, I still think it was so low for him to request the fake dating to Levi after that shit that happened first, I understand that they both were child consumed by the industry but still I wanted for him to get lost, he charmed his way into my heart when the book was in it second half and honestly I think the end is satisfactory, so I don't regret reading this book, also I don't think I'm reading it again, but if a friend want a book with these themes I'm going to recommend it for sure!
August 25, 2025
3.5 rounded. As per the uge, Zarah Detand's book is an awesome read. I also have fun with her books. I enjoyed this story too. Although I gotta say, Emily's speech and thoughts were sometimes that of someone older than her seven years of age, which made her unbelievable at several instances. Plus, I can't be the only one who thinks "One Direction" when there's a boy band made up of five people. The parallels were even more apparent here, what with . But most of all, . But like I said, I still enjoyed this book.
May 4, 2025
Standalone. Second chance. Single dad. Hurt/comfort. Fake relationship. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Former boyband member and now single parent to his niece, Levi has never stopped loving his first love, Cass, a fellow member in their group and the man that broke Levi’s heart. Cass uses the excuse of a one time reunion to try and see if Levi will let him back in his life, Cass still loves him and regrets choosing fame over Levi.
This was such a fabulous second chance story, the yearning was so heartbreaking and the fact that Cass and Levi still loved each other after years apart was obvious on every page. Both Cass and Levi have regrets and also have matured so that the hurt and anger become secondary to caring for one another as friends since they had spent years together growing up and touring. The lovely secondary supportive characters added wonderful layers, from Levi’s niece and his parents, to the former band members that refuse to give up on the two men that really are meant to be together. I enjoyed every moment of this book, the heartbreak, the sweetness, the spice. 4.5 rounded up
Former boyband member and now single parent to his niece, Levi has never stopped loving his first love, Cass, a fellow member in their group and the man that broke Levi’s heart. Cass uses the excuse of a one time reunion to try and see if Levi will let him back in his life, Cass still loves him and regrets choosing fame over Levi.
This was such a fabulous second chance story, the yearning was so heartbreaking and the fact that Cass and Levi still loved each other after years apart was obvious on every page. Both Cass and Levi have regrets and also have matured so that the hurt and anger become secondary to caring for one another as friends since they had spent years together growing up and touring. The lovely secondary supportive characters added wonderful layers, from Levi’s niece and his parents, to the former band members that refuse to give up on the two men that really are meant to be together. I enjoyed every moment of this book, the heartbreak, the sweetness, the spice. 4.5 rounded up
February 15, 2025
I am utterly besotted with Zarah Detand’s latest book, which may be my absolute favorite that she’s ever written. Second to None follows the second-chance romance between Levi and Cass, two former boyband members. These lovely men are perfectly suited for each other, and you can’t help rooting for their HEA the entire time. Also, the other boyband members (Mason, Ellis, and Jace) are truly delightful people; when all 5 are together they bring magic to the page. The story is filled with the author’s trademark clever banter and deep emotional connections. Zarah’s pacing is exquisite, and every emotional shift feels authentic and natural. Filled with evocative phrasing and snappy banter, this book frequently made me laugh out loud, while some scenes were so gorgeously, emotionally rich that I wept at their beauty. Finally, I finished with happy tears and all the warm and fuzzy feelings I could desire. Be sure to read the bonus scene told from an unexpectedly delightful POV. You owe it to yourself to read Second to None and Zarah’s other wonderful stories!
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