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A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances
What happens when the man who broke your heart reappears just before your wedding?
The new romantic comedy from award-winning author Steph Vizard for fans of Beth O'Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Lizzy Dent.
To Do List
1. Replace decapitated groom cake topper
2. Complete twenty-page questionnaire for second-choice celebrant
3. Break family curse
4. Ignore ex-boyfriend / current client
Rebecca, a super-smart consultant, is determined to defy the family marriage curse, which claims no woman marries their first fiance, and prove that Matt is The One.
Although the wedding planning lurches from one disaster to the next and she has to steer a major work project before the big day, Rebecca is sure she can stay on top of things. That is until Alex – the ex who dramatically broke her heart at Oxford University – reappears in the boardroom as her new client. How dare he still be as infuriatingly clever and hot as before? And since when did he start wearing shirts with collars?
As Rebecca's past and present collide, she realises her choices can't be resolved with a trusty pros and cons list. Before she makes it down the aisle, she'll have to finally come to terms with the age-old head or heart?
Praise for A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances
'Get ready to feel deeply and fall in love hard. A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances is as smart as it is swoony.' Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus
'Charmingly brilliant and brilliantly charming' Jodi McAlister
'A fun, perfectly executed romcom that plays cleverly with the idea of missed connections and what-ifs ... Vizard's characters are intelligent thirty-somethings whose personalities work against the stereotype of the emotionally naive or unstable female protagonist so often seen in coming-of-age romances. Readers who enjoy multilayered plots that extend beyond the novel's central relationship will enjoy the triumph of friendship in Vizard's sophomore novel ... Readers of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez and Mhairi McFarlane will be swept away by A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances, an Australian romcom that deserves the bestseller status of its international counterparts.' Books+Publishing
'I haven't been this gripped by a love triangle since Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. Smart, sweet and oh so satisfying' Karina May, author of That Island Feeling
'Steph Vizard once again pulls off a highwire high concept mash-up of delectable romance tropes - love triangle, second chance, A CURSE - and grounds it with deeply human, loveable characters. Think Richard Curtis, via Melbourne, with a dash of Oxford glamour and lens-flared young love. This is a sparkling, cinematic and satisfying modern romance, deftly written.' Clare Fletcher
'A standout. Sharp, witty and utterly charming, I devoured this in one day. An absolute joy to read, from the first page to the last. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane' Jessica Seaborn, author of Isn't It Nice We Both Hate the Same Things
'Warm, witty, and delightfully romantic. A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances will tug at your heart and leave a soft lump in your throat.
The new romantic comedy from award-winning author Steph Vizard for fans of Beth O'Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Lizzy Dent.
To Do List
1. Replace decapitated groom cake topper
2. Complete twenty-page questionnaire for second-choice celebrant
3. Break family curse
4. Ignore ex-boyfriend / current client
Rebecca, a super-smart consultant, is determined to defy the family marriage curse, which claims no woman marries their first fiance, and prove that Matt is The One.
Although the wedding planning lurches from one disaster to the next and she has to steer a major work project before the big day, Rebecca is sure she can stay on top of things. That is until Alex – the ex who dramatically broke her heart at Oxford University – reappears in the boardroom as her new client. How dare he still be as infuriatingly clever and hot as before? And since when did he start wearing shirts with collars?
As Rebecca's past and present collide, she realises her choices can't be resolved with a trusty pros and cons list. Before she makes it down the aisle, she'll have to finally come to terms with the age-old head or heart?
Praise for A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances
'Get ready to feel deeply and fall in love hard. A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances is as smart as it is swoony.' Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus
'Charmingly brilliant and brilliantly charming' Jodi McAlister
'A fun, perfectly executed romcom that plays cleverly with the idea of missed connections and what-ifs ... Vizard's characters are intelligent thirty-somethings whose personalities work against the stereotype of the emotionally naive or unstable female protagonist so often seen in coming-of-age romances. Readers who enjoy multilayered plots that extend beyond the novel's central relationship will enjoy the triumph of friendship in Vizard's sophomore novel ... Readers of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez and Mhairi McFarlane will be swept away by A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances, an Australian romcom that deserves the bestseller status of its international counterparts.' Books+Publishing
'I haven't been this gripped by a love triangle since Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. Smart, sweet and oh so satisfying' Karina May, author of That Island Feeling
'Steph Vizard once again pulls off a highwire high concept mash-up of delectable romance tropes - love triangle, second chance, A CURSE - and grounds it with deeply human, loveable characters. Think Richard Curtis, via Melbourne, with a dash of Oxford glamour and lens-flared young love. This is a sparkling, cinematic and satisfying modern romance, deftly written.' Clare Fletcher
'A standout. Sharp, witty and utterly charming, I devoured this in one day. An absolute joy to read, from the first page to the last. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane' Jessica Seaborn, author of Isn't It Nice We Both Hate the Same Things
'Warm, witty, and delightfully romantic. A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances will tug at your heart and leave a soft lump in your throat.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
32 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 30, 2025
A memorable Aussie rom-com about the head versus the heart.
January 24, 2026
Funny and very Melbourne! Loved the ending
October 8, 2025
I’ve read some absolutely cracking Australian rom coms this year, and this is up there at the top of the list. Ticked so many boxes for me: very likeable/relatable FMC, delicious tension in the love triangle storyline and super fun, well-written supporting characters. What a treat.
October 4, 2025
I said it about The Love Contract and i'll say it again, please adapt this book into a movie!
August 31, 2025
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for the gifted proof copy💗
This felt a little different compared to my usual reads- in a good way! Although it was a romcom, it wasnt very romance-heavy as this book dealt with many other themes such as familial issues & dynamics, personal growth, heartbreak, & friendship, making it feel more “women’s fiction” rather than “romance fiction.”
This feels like your quintessential chick-flick that you’d watch with your female friends, sister, mum, aunty etc, & came out of the theatre feeling like a changed woman because the story is quite thought provoking. I finished reading this & it basically felt like “wow, my frontal lobe just developed…” because the internal conflict that Rebecca (the fmc) experienced in this book was actually quite a difficult issue to navigate, & I personally had no clue which way the story would or should go.
At first I thought I knew how I would personally navigate the situation that Becs had found herself in, however, I feel like I went on the journey of self discovery & growth with Bec, because my mindset seemed to evolve whilst reading. I definitely had a favourite mmc & knew who I was rooting for, but as the story progressed, as i got more invested in each of the characters, & as the emotional stakes got higher, I was torn about who I thought she should end up with. So this love triangle was executed well.
This felt a little different compared to my usual reads- in a good way! Although it was a romcom, it wasnt very romance-heavy as this book dealt with many other themes such as familial issues & dynamics, personal growth, heartbreak, & friendship, making it feel more “women’s fiction” rather than “romance fiction.”
This feels like your quintessential chick-flick that you’d watch with your female friends, sister, mum, aunty etc, & came out of the theatre feeling like a changed woman because the story is quite thought provoking. I finished reading this & it basically felt like “wow, my frontal lobe just developed…” because the internal conflict that Rebecca (the fmc) experienced in this book was actually quite a difficult issue to navigate, & I personally had no clue which way the story would or should go.
At first I thought I knew how I would personally navigate the situation that Becs had found herself in, however, I feel like I went on the journey of self discovery & growth with Bec, because my mindset seemed to evolve whilst reading. I definitely had a favourite mmc & knew who I was rooting for, but as the story progressed, as i got more invested in each of the characters, & as the emotional stakes got higher, I was torn about who I thought she should end up with. So this love triangle was executed well.
December 4, 2025
Such an enjoyable rom com that is so much more than that - a beautiful look at following your head or your heart. This one was great because it really subverts the genre in a realistic, enjoyable way. I had a wonderful time.
September 9, 2025
A Smart Girl’s Guide To Second Chances is an enjoyable and easy to read rom-com you can easily devour in a single sitting!
Everything about this book was perfect, from the storyline to the characters all the way to keeping you on your toes in regards to Bec’s love life and if she ends up with Matt or Alex or neither.
What made this story was that it portrayed a complicated and messy relationship that occurs in real life, which will allow many people to resonate with.
Another real life aspect of this story was that it wasn’t just centred around a love life but around family, friends and work relationships / life balance. It was breathtaking to see that all creates demonstrated growth not just the main characters - Bec, Matt and Alex - but that their family and friends also demonstrated growth!
A Smart Girl’s Guide To Second Chances clearly depicts the nature of messy and real human relationships in the real life in a rom com setting that reads will throughly enjoy and resonate with in their own way.
Thank you so much to Steph Vizard, NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the eARC of this book!
Everything about this book was perfect, from the storyline to the characters all the way to keeping you on your toes in regards to Bec’s love life and if she ends up with Matt or Alex or neither.
What made this story was that it portrayed a complicated and messy relationship that occurs in real life, which will allow many people to resonate with.
Another real life aspect of this story was that it wasn’t just centred around a love life but around family, friends and work relationships / life balance. It was breathtaking to see that all creates demonstrated growth not just the main characters - Bec, Matt and Alex - but that their family and friends also demonstrated growth!
A Smart Girl’s Guide To Second Chances clearly depicts the nature of messy and real human relationships in the real life in a rom com setting that reads will throughly enjoy and resonate with in their own way.
Thank you so much to Steph Vizard, NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the eARC of this book!
September 1, 2025
Thoughts? 28/08 - It’s 1:30 A.M on a work night but I physically couldn’t put this ARC down. Thank you so much Harper Collins AU and NetGalley and of course Steph Vizard.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This had everything I want from a romance novel including the gut twisting limbo of not knowing how things can possibly resolve. This book had not one but TWO men I was rooting for. What an absolute palaver. How is that even possible?
Rebecca is marrying Matt but the universe serves her a curveball in the form of her ex (arguably love of her life) as her newest client just weeks before her wedding. Alex destroyed her heart 9 years ago after having put it back together. That doesn’t mean she can repress all the good memories that preceded that forever. But Matt is perfect - he makes Rebecca feel safe. He’s reliable. He’s kind. He’s fantastic with her family. He’s supportive. They want all the same things in the future. Is Alex back in her life with an agenda? Is the family curse really true?
This was incredibly well written with a fine tuned emotional intelligence that fans of Mhairi McFarlane (ME) would certainly appreciate. This book was a heavy debate of head versus heart with excellent arguments for both. Everything was very believable and realistic. The issues were appropriately scaled and handled. I really couldn’t fault it. PSA: no cheating or love triangles. Nothing morally untoward.
Well done Steph, you keep getting better and better. Can’t wait for what’s next! 😍
This had everything I want from a romance novel including the gut twisting limbo of not knowing how things can possibly resolve. This book had not one but TWO men I was rooting for. What an absolute palaver. How is that even possible?
Rebecca is marrying Matt but the universe serves her a curveball in the form of her ex (arguably love of her life) as her newest client just weeks before her wedding. Alex destroyed her heart 9 years ago after having put it back together. That doesn’t mean she can repress all the good memories that preceded that forever. But Matt is perfect - he makes Rebecca feel safe. He’s reliable. He’s kind. He’s fantastic with her family. He’s supportive. They want all the same things in the future. Is Alex back in her life with an agenda? Is the family curse really true?
This was incredibly well written with a fine tuned emotional intelligence that fans of Mhairi McFarlane (ME) would certainly appreciate. This book was a heavy debate of head versus heart with excellent arguments for both. Everything was very believable and realistic. The issues were appropriately scaled and handled. I really couldn’t fault it. PSA: no cheating or love triangles. Nothing morally untoward.
Well done Steph, you keep getting better and better. Can’t wait for what’s next! 😍
October 8, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins Publishers Australia for providing a digital copy to review*
What happens when your ex (that you never really got over) reappears just before your wedding? From this hook alone, I knew I needed to read this book. I was also long overdue for a contemporary romance, and this fulfilled that need.
The book is entirely from Rebecca’s perspective, as she prepares to wed the love of her life. The story goes between two time periods. ‘Current day’, where Rebecca is planning her wedding to Matt, and around 10 years previous, where she is at Oxford and meets Alex. I loved going back and forth between the two and seeing how what happened in the past still affects her.
While this is a romance book, Rebecca’s relationships with the people in her life are also put into focus. Her relationships with each member of her family are complicated, and we see how her parents' divorce affected the trajectory of her life. I loved how fleshed out the secondary characters were. They all had their own issues, which in turn helped Rebecca’s development.
When it comes to a second-chance romance, you think you know how it will end, but this one kept me guessing, which was fun. I enjoyed seeing Rebecca’s journey in both her professional and personal life and how, overall, this story just felt real. There are aspects I think a lot of readers could relate to.
What happens when your ex (that you never really got over) reappears just before your wedding? From this hook alone, I knew I needed to read this book. I was also long overdue for a contemporary romance, and this fulfilled that need.
The book is entirely from Rebecca’s perspective, as she prepares to wed the love of her life. The story goes between two time periods. ‘Current day’, where Rebecca is planning her wedding to Matt, and around 10 years previous, where she is at Oxford and meets Alex. I loved going back and forth between the two and seeing how what happened in the past still affects her.
While this is a romance book, Rebecca’s relationships with the people in her life are also put into focus. Her relationships with each member of her family are complicated, and we see how her parents' divorce affected the trajectory of her life. I loved how fleshed out the secondary characters were. They all had their own issues, which in turn helped Rebecca’s development.
When it comes to a second-chance romance, you think you know how it will end, but this one kept me guessing, which was fun. I enjoyed seeing Rebecca’s journey in both her professional and personal life and how, overall, this story just felt real. There are aspects I think a lot of readers could relate to.
November 27, 2025
I adored Steph’s previous book of The Love Contract- has it really been 2 years since I read that?!
A Smart Girls Guide to Second Chances is a great read, it follows a dual timeline of past Rebecca and present Rebecca and the two biggest romances of her life.
When the guy that absolutely crushed her heart years ago reenters her life, while she is planning an absolutely doomed wedding… who should she choose?
This book is witty, but has heart. It has some truly deep moments and the FMC learns a lot about herself and her family, and truly grows as a person.
I really enjoys Steph’s writing, the ending went the complete opposite direction to what i expected 🤯
January 16, 2026
The first half of the book would have been an unenthusiastic 3 stars as a mediocre rom-com, with predictable, well-worn plot devices and tropes and a hefty requirement for suspended disbelief, but about 2/3 of the way down the tedious path came a reveal that was just too stupid to recover from. It would have been a rare DNF for me but it was a book club choice so I slogged through it despite not caring in the slightest about any of the characters.
January 31, 2026
A solid 3/5 but not in a bad way. I chose this book looking for something easy going and predictable and whilst in some ways it was in others it gave more than I expected. Humorous, heartfelt and emotionally thought provoking. Would recommend for an easy enjoyable read.
December 14, 2025
honestly... Wonderful. a great literary romance which sucked me in.
January 7, 2026
Light hearted rom-com based in Melbourne, Australia.
October 9, 2025
I love that this book took a different direction — I was worried it was going down the route insinuated by its flashbacks and overall structure. A rarity in the romance genre. Four stars.
October 4, 2025
A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances by Steph Vizard
On Thursday night, Ross and I went to Reading's Carlton to the Book Launch of Steph Vizard's second novel, A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances. I hadn't read Steph's first novel, but I requested A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances on NetGalley based on the beautiful cover art (although I somehow forgot to get a photo of it). And because I'd read quite a few 'heavy' books recently, I thought it was time for something a bit lighter.
Steph said during the book launch that she wanted to write a book for the smart girls she knows, and she's achieved that with A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances. This is a warm book; the alternating timelines effectively develop both the story and the characters' tension. The conflict between characters was realistic, with family dynamics and parental expectations heightening the emotional stakes for Rebecca.
I enjoyed the female relationships (best friends, mothers, sisters, nieces), and how they evolved and developed throughout the story, from university friends to new mothers to businesswomen, possibly even more so than the love triangle. The blurb says "perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Sally Thorne" and I have to admit I've not read any of those authors, so I can't comment on that but; I will say that A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances will appeal to people who enjoy books by Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, or Helen Fielding. All the authors I've enjoyed.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the ARC in exchange for my review. A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances by Steph Vizard is out now.
Thumbs up. I liked it.
Body count = 0. Unless we are counting relationships.
#NetGalley @NetGalley @harpercollinsaustralia #harpercollinsaustralia #booksaboutbooks ##ASmartGirlsGuidetoSecondChances #BrotherandSisters #AustralianAuthor #AussieAuthor #booksdeevaareads #2025bookshelf #deevaasbookshelf #booknerd #CreativeLife #goreadabook #allthebooks #DesignInspiration #newrelease #Designer #murdermystery #GraphicDesign #DesignNerd #designdeevaa #Bookish #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #TBRList #Chicklit #Romcom
On Thursday night, Ross and I went to Reading's Carlton to the Book Launch of Steph Vizard's second novel, A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances. I hadn't read Steph's first novel, but I requested A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances on NetGalley based on the beautiful cover art (although I somehow forgot to get a photo of it). And because I'd read quite a few 'heavy' books recently, I thought it was time for something a bit lighter.
Steph said during the book launch that she wanted to write a book for the smart girls she knows, and she's achieved that with A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances. This is a warm book; the alternating timelines effectively develop both the story and the characters' tension. The conflict between characters was realistic, with family dynamics and parental expectations heightening the emotional stakes for Rebecca.
I enjoyed the female relationships (best friends, mothers, sisters, nieces), and how they evolved and developed throughout the story, from university friends to new mothers to businesswomen, possibly even more so than the love triangle. The blurb says "perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary, Mhairi McFarlane and Sally Thorne" and I have to admit I've not read any of those authors, so I can't comment on that but; I will say that A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances will appeal to people who enjoy books by Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, or Helen Fielding. All the authors I've enjoyed.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the ARC in exchange for my review. A Smart Girl's Guide to Second Chances by Steph Vizard is out now.
Thumbs up. I liked it.
Body count = 0. Unless we are counting relationships.
#NetGalley @NetGalley @harpercollinsaustralia #harpercollinsaustralia #booksaboutbooks ##ASmartGirlsGuidetoSecondChances #BrotherandSisters #AustralianAuthor #AussieAuthor #booksdeevaareads #2025bookshelf #deevaasbookshelf #booknerd #CreativeLife #goreadabook #allthebooks #DesignInspiration #newrelease #Designer #murdermystery #GraphicDesign #DesignNerd #designdeevaa #Bookish #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #TBRList #Chicklit #Romcom
October 11, 2025
Rebecca, a super-smart consultant, is determined to defy the family marriage curse, which claims no woman marries their first fiance, and prove that Matt is The One. Until Alex – the ex who dramatically broke her heart at Oxford University – reappears in the boardroom as her new client. As Rebecca's past and present collide, she realises her choices can't be resolved with a trusty pros and cons list. Before she makes it down the aisle, she'll have to finally come to terms with the age-old question: head or heart?
What a gem! I enjoyed this book thoroughly from the start to the end. I knew I was in for a treat as I had loved Vizard’s debut, and this was just as sassy (if not more) and multi-layered as her previous book.
Rebecca, Matt and Alex were all likeable, multi-dimensional characters. And this was a true love triangle story as both Matt and Alex were wonderful and truly deserving main love interest title. I couldn’t choose between them myself! All characters felt real - they felt like the actual friends you’d hang out with. And I loved that they made good, rational decisions that felt authentic to me, with realistic complex dilemmas.
Another thing that felt authentic to me was the details around Rebecca’s consulting job. The work details felt right, and the challenges Rebecca had to overcome in the corporate world were accurate. Vizard’s attention to details on the corporate world was awesome - and rare to find in a rom-com book.
Throw in little genius bits like the concept of ‘bad news hedging’, and I was fully hooked. The last ten chapters of the book were like treasures to me - there were so many quotable lines. Vizard’s meticulous plotting and execution were so visible to me - her writing style in general suits me really well. This was amazing, and she didn’t even need to write a single villain to keep it interesting. I had a book hangover for a while after closing the last page!
(Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
What a gem! I enjoyed this book thoroughly from the start to the end. I knew I was in for a treat as I had loved Vizard’s debut, and this was just as sassy (if not more) and multi-layered as her previous book.
Rebecca, Matt and Alex were all likeable, multi-dimensional characters. And this was a true love triangle story as both Matt and Alex were wonderful and truly deserving main love interest title. I couldn’t choose between them myself! All characters felt real - they felt like the actual friends you’d hang out with. And I loved that they made good, rational decisions that felt authentic to me, with realistic complex dilemmas.
Another thing that felt authentic to me was the details around Rebecca’s consulting job. The work details felt right, and the challenges Rebecca had to overcome in the corporate world were accurate. Vizard’s attention to details on the corporate world was awesome - and rare to find in a rom-com book.
Throw in little genius bits like the concept of ‘bad news hedging’, and I was fully hooked. The last ten chapters of the book were like treasures to me - there were so many quotable lines. Vizard’s meticulous plotting and execution were so visible to me - her writing style in general suits me really well. This was amazing, and she didn’t even need to write a single villain to keep it interesting. I had a book hangover for a while after closing the last page!
(Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for a gifted review copy)
See my bookstagram review.
October 5, 2025
I had not long finished Steph Vizard’s first book, The Love Contract, which I absolutely devoured, when I saw A Smart Girls Guide to Second Chances pop up. Even though I already have a kazillion books already on my TBR list and shelves, I was severely tempted and clicked request on Netgalley, in hope that I would be approved to it. Lo and behold, was - which I am very grateful for as I absolutely loved this book!
A Smart Girls Guide to Second Chances is a fantastic rom-com about Rebecca (Becs), who is about to marry Matt, but is finding that the lead up to the wedding is proving to be a bit on the disastrous side. This is not helped by whispers of a family curse – Rumour has it that no woman in her family has ever married her first fiancé.
Unexpectedly, her ex Alex reappears in her life, as a client of all things, and his return brings back and stirs up a whole heap of memories and emotions, especially as he had once completely broken her heart.
I was absolutely glued to this book. I loved how there were dual timelines that moved between the past and present. They really gave the reader a well-rounded view of Bec’s relationships, both new and old. Although it was a rom-com, there were moments that really made me reflect on how experiences can shape us and can continue to have an affect our lives if we allow them to.
In relation to the love triangle… there was a moment where I actually didn’t know how I wanted to the book to end. All of the main characters were extremely relatable and likeable.
A VERY enjoyable and addictive read. Highly recommend!! Thank you to Steph Vizard, HarperCollins Publishers and Netgalley for e-Arc of this fab read!
A Smart Girls Guide to Second Chances is a fantastic rom-com about Rebecca (Becs), who is about to marry Matt, but is finding that the lead up to the wedding is proving to be a bit on the disastrous side. This is not helped by whispers of a family curse – Rumour has it that no woman in her family has ever married her first fiancé.
Unexpectedly, her ex Alex reappears in her life, as a client of all things, and his return brings back and stirs up a whole heap of memories and emotions, especially as he had once completely broken her heart.
I was absolutely glued to this book. I loved how there were dual timelines that moved between the past and present. They really gave the reader a well-rounded view of Bec’s relationships, both new and old. Although it was a rom-com, there were moments that really made me reflect on how experiences can shape us and can continue to have an affect our lives if we allow them to.
In relation to the love triangle… there was a moment where I actually didn’t know how I wanted to the book to end. All of the main characters were extremely relatable and likeable.
A VERY enjoyable and addictive read. Highly recommend!! Thank you to Steph Vizard, HarperCollins Publishers and Netgalley for e-Arc of this fab read!
January 18, 2026
I loved much about this book but it was let down by a couple of things.
I like that it kept me guessing. It's a true love triangle, with three attractive & multilayered MCs who grow during the course of the story. I didn't know who Bec was going to end up with, if anyone. From not too far in, I knew who I hoped it would be but suspected that it would be the other man. I didn't know how Steph Vizard was going to resolve matters but was pleased with the direction she chose.
The book is much more than a romance. It's an exploration of complex family relationships, which have had a significant affect on Bec's life choices. The secondary characters are well developed & believable. Bec's work life in management consulting (which I have no knowledge of) & the dilemmas she faces there, are interesting & appear to be well researched.
Bec certainly has a lot on her plate. Between planning a wedding (and NOTHING is going to plan), a new project at work & the reappearance in her life of a man she was once in love with, she has a lot of balls in the air.
The story is told entirely from 32 year old Bec's POV, alternating between present day Melbourne & Oxford university nine years earlier. However I found the reveal about what happened on the last day at Oxford far-fetched. Most of the relationship issues between family & friends are sorted out plausibly in the final chapters but I didn't like the last few pages as, to me, it left the main relationship unresolved.
I like that it kept me guessing. It's a true love triangle, with three attractive & multilayered MCs who grow during the course of the story. I didn't know who Bec was going to end up with, if anyone. From not too far in, I knew who I hoped it would be but suspected that it would be the other man. I didn't know how Steph Vizard was going to resolve matters but was pleased with the direction she chose.
The book is much more than a romance. It's an exploration of complex family relationships, which have had a significant affect on Bec's life choices. The secondary characters are well developed & believable. Bec's work life in management consulting (which I have no knowledge of) & the dilemmas she faces there, are interesting & appear to be well researched.
Bec certainly has a lot on her plate. Between planning a wedding (and NOTHING is going to plan), a new project at work & the reappearance in her life of a man she was once in love with, she has a lot of balls in the air.
The story is told entirely from 32 year old Bec's POV, alternating between present day Melbourne & Oxford university nine years earlier. However I found the reveal about what happened on the last day at Oxford far-fetched. Most of the relationship issues between family & friends are sorted out plausibly in the final chapters but I didn't like the last few pages as, to me, it left the main relationship unresolved.
August 4, 2025
Rebecca, (aka Becs), is about to be married to a man she knows is caring and reliable, who really really loves her, but if something can go wrong leading up to this wedding it will - and is it all because of the family curse? A curse which means a marriage to your first fiancé will never happen. Becs ,who is a logical and intelligent woman, knows it is all a bit rubbish, however when even the cake toppers can't make it out alive, she isn't sure all is going to go to plan. It doesn't help either when Alex, the love that got away, comes back into her life - is she making some huge mistake? This was a really lovely rom-com with a cast of super characters surrounding Rebecca and her fiancé, Matt - you definitely become quite torn by the situation that Rebecca has found herself within. What is the right answer and who should you be rooting for to get over the wedding line? It wasn't an easy answer. It is one of those stories that you become more and more invested in as it progressed. This was my first book by this author - certainly will be seeking out more as I know that she has written another book called 'The Love Contract'. I look forward to reading it and any future creations. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in return for my honest opinion.
September 25, 2025
A terrific love triangle set in Melbourne, Australia. As much about family, and what we choose for ourselves, as it is a romance, these two themes balanced each other and offered a layered and satisfying read 💖
Rebecca is a management consultant, only weeks away from marrying Matt. Their wedding plans are going awry, but they are in tune with each other and pushing through. In her final project before the wedding she is directed to work with Alex, her first love, who she hasn't seen in nine years.
This is thoughtful, clever writing, weaving in themes about family and loyalty, at the same time that Rebecca navigates how to face up to her past and commit in the present. It's tricky for her, she has two best friends facing tough times, an emotionally absent father, residual anger after her parents' separation, her mother's remarriage, and even a family curse. Rebecca has a lot of work to do to be honest with Matt, communicate with her family and also to choose the life she wants.
A Smart Girl's Guide is labelled as a romcom, but it felt more serious than that, even though there's plenty of comedy around the wedding disasters. How much can actually go wrong in planning a wedding? Turns out it's more than you'd think!
Recommended for a smart, and heartfelt read. Thank you Steph Vizard and Harper Collins Australia for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Rebecca is a management consultant, only weeks away from marrying Matt. Their wedding plans are going awry, but they are in tune with each other and pushing through. In her final project before the wedding she is directed to work with Alex, her first love, who she hasn't seen in nine years.
This is thoughtful, clever writing, weaving in themes about family and loyalty, at the same time that Rebecca navigates how to face up to her past and commit in the present. It's tricky for her, she has two best friends facing tough times, an emotionally absent father, residual anger after her parents' separation, her mother's remarriage, and even a family curse. Rebecca has a lot of work to do to be honest with Matt, communicate with her family and also to choose the life she wants.
A Smart Girl's Guide is labelled as a romcom, but it felt more serious than that, even though there's plenty of comedy around the wedding disasters. How much can actually go wrong in planning a wedding? Turns out it's more than you'd think!
Recommended for a smart, and heartfelt read. Thank you Steph Vizard and Harper Collins Australia for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
September 23, 2025
I love a good love story and Steph Vizard has delivered another brilliant read for us!
Ahh I absolutely adored this novel and didn’t want it to end. It was wholesome, pure goodness!
Rebecca is a lot of fun, while she’s dealing with many wedding planning mishaps and a family curse, the biggest disaster is when her ex Alex shows up!
When Alex shows up, Rebecca is reminded about their past and all the fun they had. Is there a temptation from the past? Unfinished business? Or has that ship sailed?
I loved reading about Rebecca’s past and her life with Alex, but her present life was also perfect and Matt was such a sweetheart! I found myself going from team Alex to team Matt every few chapters!
I love a good list myself and I’m always surrounding myself with them, so in true Rebecca style this is why you should pick up this book as soon as it hits the shelves!
✨ perfect rom com
💖 heartwarming
✨ fun
💖 flirty
✨ sharp and witty
💖 lovely fiancé v hot ex
✨ wholesome
💖 feel all the feels
Thank you so much @harpercollinsaustralia and @stephevizard for sending me this early copy.
Ahh I absolutely adored this novel and didn’t want it to end. It was wholesome, pure goodness!
Rebecca is a lot of fun, while she’s dealing with many wedding planning mishaps and a family curse, the biggest disaster is when her ex Alex shows up!
When Alex shows up, Rebecca is reminded about their past and all the fun they had. Is there a temptation from the past? Unfinished business? Or has that ship sailed?
I loved reading about Rebecca’s past and her life with Alex, but her present life was also perfect and Matt was such a sweetheart! I found myself going from team Alex to team Matt every few chapters!
I love a good list myself and I’m always surrounding myself with them, so in true Rebecca style this is why you should pick up this book as soon as it hits the shelves!
✨ perfect rom com
💖 heartwarming
✨ fun
💖 flirty
✨ sharp and witty
💖 lovely fiancé v hot ex
✨ wholesome
💖 feel all the feels
Thank you so much @harpercollinsaustralia and @stephevizard for sending me this early copy.
September 29, 2025
Rebecca is a smart, mid-30s consultant living in Melbourne, planning her wedding to her perfect fiance, Matt. Planning your dream day should be fun, but for everything they tick of the wedding to-do list, another disaster pops up, and she wonders if she is succumbing to her family wedding curse. To make matters worse, she's up for a hard earnt promotion, but her ex-boyfriend, and first love Alex, has just become her next client, and she's left reminiscing about what might have been.
This book is classified as womens fiction, but the author also takes some popular romance tropes and gives them her own twist to make a heartfelt, engaging, and thought-provoking tale. This story made me nostalgic for 2000s rom-com movies, but it's also more layered than that. Vizard combines humour with an exploration of complex family dynamics, grief, friendship, the pressures of building a career, and love in all its forms. I was invested in all the facets of the story from Alex's research business, to Stella's maternal load, to the complexities of Rebeccas family dynamics. In regards to the romantic relationships, I was rooting for both MMCs, and I honestly didn't know how it was going to end or who Rebecca might choose.
This story was so much more than I expected. It is a heartfelt, funny story of love in all its forms and the power of second chances. Thank you netgalley and harpercollinsaustralia for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
This book is classified as womens fiction, but the author also takes some popular romance tropes and gives them her own twist to make a heartfelt, engaging, and thought-provoking tale. This story made me nostalgic for 2000s rom-com movies, but it's also more layered than that. Vizard combines humour with an exploration of complex family dynamics, grief, friendship, the pressures of building a career, and love in all its forms. I was invested in all the facets of the story from Alex's research business, to Stella's maternal load, to the complexities of Rebeccas family dynamics. In regards to the romantic relationships, I was rooting for both MMCs, and I honestly didn't know how it was going to end or who Rebecca might choose.
This story was so much more than I expected. It is a heartfelt, funny story of love in all its forms and the power of second chances. Thank you netgalley and harpercollinsaustralia for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Read
September 28, 2025"To Do List
1. Replace decapitated groom cake topper
2. Complete twenty-page questionnaire for second-choice celebrant
3. Break family curse
4. Ignore ex-boyfriend / current client"
Rebecca is determined to defy her family's curse: that no woman marries their first fiance. But when Rebecca's ex, Alex, shows up as her new client, she begins to wonder whether she should believe in the family curse.
Being a fan of well-done love triangles, I love this set up. It's always the best when the two love interests in the love triangles are both top tier. Matt & Alex were both superbly set up and written by Steph that even I had a hard time picking one!
Becs is delightful and easy to relate to, making it very easy to become entralled in her world and her choices. Her relationships with Matt & Alex and her family and friends felt so real - beautiful and messy, which is important.
I think this is a beautiful exploration of messy and real human relationships and Steph's writing makes it easy to read and enjoy.
4.5 ✨ rounded up to 5.
Thank you to HarperCollins for an e-arc! All opinions are my own.
1. Replace decapitated groom cake topper
2. Complete twenty-page questionnaire for second-choice celebrant
3. Break family curse
4. Ignore ex-boyfriend / current client"
Rebecca is determined to defy her family's curse: that no woman marries their first fiance. But when Rebecca's ex, Alex, shows up as her new client, she begins to wonder whether she should believe in the family curse.
Being a fan of well-done love triangles, I love this set up. It's always the best when the two love interests in the love triangles are both top tier. Matt & Alex were both superbly set up and written by Steph that even I had a hard time picking one!
Becs is delightful and easy to relate to, making it very easy to become entralled in her world and her choices. Her relationships with Matt & Alex and her family and friends felt so real - beautiful and messy, which is important.
I think this is a beautiful exploration of messy and real human relationships and Steph's writing makes it easy to read and enjoy.
4.5 ✨ rounded up to 5.
Thank you to HarperCollins for an e-arc! All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2025
This story snuck up on me in just the best possible way. It was a whip smart, funny and refreshingly reflective rom com.
Normally the ending of a rom com is obvious from the get go (which is not a bad thing!), but I loved not knowing which way this would go. The ending felt a little unexpected, but entirely satisfying and authentic.
I loved the way Vizard drew characters that were nuanced, flawed and overall entirely loveable for their humanity. The story explores how we are shaped by our past, and the wake that occurs when someone breaks free from that cycle.
Becs, Matt, and Alex were endearing, earnest, and loveable, and I enjoyed watching their chemistry play out. Their story is messy, emotional, hopeful, and honest. The Australian setting made it all the richer and was woven beautifully through, making this a warm, comfortable and familiar read. I’d highly recommend for fans of Sally Thorne and Beth O’Leary, and anyone looking for an intelligent and entertaining rom com.
Thank you to the publisher for a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Normally the ending of a rom com is obvious from the get go (which is not a bad thing!), but I loved not knowing which way this would go. The ending felt a little unexpected, but entirely satisfying and authentic.
I loved the way Vizard drew characters that were nuanced, flawed and overall entirely loveable for their humanity. The story explores how we are shaped by our past, and the wake that occurs when someone breaks free from that cycle.
Becs, Matt, and Alex were endearing, earnest, and loveable, and I enjoyed watching their chemistry play out. Their story is messy, emotional, hopeful, and honest. The Australian setting made it all the richer and was woven beautifully through, making this a warm, comfortable and familiar read. I’d highly recommend for fans of Sally Thorne and Beth O’Leary, and anyone looking for an intelligent and entertaining rom com.
Thank you to the publisher for a complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 6, 2025
‘A Smart Girl’s Guide to Second Chances’ is brilliant. Intelligent, witty, warm and insightful.
I’m typically not a fan of love triangles (why would anyone be when ‘why choose?’ exists?) - but Steph Vizard executes this usual bomb of a trope with aplomb.
ASGGTSC hooks you from the first page and continues to build momentum - upping the intrigue, the emotional stakes and your investment in the characters and story with every page you turn. I couldn’t put it down.
Was a huge fan of FMC Becs (overly preoccupied with lists - same, girl, same) and the entire ragtag cast of supporting characters. MMC Matt was swoony as all hell.
ASGGTSC is a masterful dissection of and commentary on relationships - self, romantic, familial and platonic. It was beautiful and thought provoking - and at times heartbreaking.
Complicated and messy yet undeniably romantic. Easy 5 stars and a hard recommend from me.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the ARC.
I’m typically not a fan of love triangles (why would anyone be when ‘why choose?’ exists?) - but Steph Vizard executes this usual bomb of a trope with aplomb.
ASGGTSC hooks you from the first page and continues to build momentum - upping the intrigue, the emotional stakes and your investment in the characters and story with every page you turn. I couldn’t put it down.
Was a huge fan of FMC Becs (overly preoccupied with lists - same, girl, same) and the entire ragtag cast of supporting characters. MMC Matt was swoony as all hell.
ASGGTSC is a masterful dissection of and commentary on relationships - self, romantic, familial and platonic. It was beautiful and thought provoking - and at times heartbreaking.
Complicated and messy yet undeniably romantic. Easy 5 stars and a hard recommend from me.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Australia for the ARC.
August 28, 2025
A Smart Girl’s Guide to Second Chances is a laugh out loud, witty and charming romance read that all fans of the genre will love. Love Triangles aren’t usually my thing, but Steph Vizard has managed to craft her story in a way that I didn’t even register it has being an issue throughout the book. It’s elegantly done and makes for a real good time.
I couldn’t put it down from the moment I picked it up. The characters are funny and relatable - our FMC, Becs, is obsessed with list-making and I couldn’t relate harder to her character traits. We have a heartthrob MMC and a hilarious cast of characters that really rounds out this story.
What I loved most about this book is that it’s not just a good time, but it also explores deeper themes of belonging, heartbreak, and human strength. It’s written beautifully and really just adds another layer of depth to an already relatable story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the eARC of this book!
I couldn’t put it down from the moment I picked it up. The characters are funny and relatable - our FMC, Becs, is obsessed with list-making and I couldn’t relate harder to her character traits. We have a heartthrob MMC and a hilarious cast of characters that really rounds out this story.
What I loved most about this book is that it’s not just a good time, but it also explores deeper themes of belonging, heartbreak, and human strength. It’s written beautifully and really just adds another layer of depth to an already relatable story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the eARC of this book!
October 6, 2025
THIS BOOK IS PERFECTION!!
5 STARS...NO NOTES 💗🌟
I haven't cried at a book all year & this one got me!! It was beautiful, real, funny & you all need to buy it & read it!!
Steph THANKYOU for writing the ultimate rom-com, I was hooked from start to end but I also didn't want it to finish but I also needed to know how it ended 🙈
The missed connections & what-ifs were tackled so perfectly, at moments I was holding my breath & then I was laughing!! That allergic reaction scene was genuinely hilarious I could picture it so perfectly in my head. I absolutely loved Rebecca & her story!!
THE LOVE TRIANGLE!! Probably the best written love triangle that I have personally read, it felt REAL & heartwarming but also heartbreaking 💔 (my heart is still a little bit broken...I won't say for who because no spoilers here 😉)
Contemporary romances have my heart & this is going straight on my list for all time faves! 💗
5 STARS...NO NOTES 💗🌟
I haven't cried at a book all year & this one got me!! It was beautiful, real, funny & you all need to buy it & read it!!
Steph THANKYOU for writing the ultimate rom-com, I was hooked from start to end but I also didn't want it to finish but I also needed to know how it ended 🙈
The missed connections & what-ifs were tackled so perfectly, at moments I was holding my breath & then I was laughing!! That allergic reaction scene was genuinely hilarious I could picture it so perfectly in my head. I absolutely loved Rebecca & her story!!
THE LOVE TRIANGLE!! Probably the best written love triangle that I have personally read, it felt REAL & heartwarming but also heartbreaking 💔 (my heart is still a little bit broken...I won't say for who because no spoilers here 😉)
Contemporary romances have my heart & this is going straight on my list for all time faves! 💗
July 29, 2025
Oh Steph, what have you done! I finished this last night, and my heart! Had I not been reading this ARC on my iPad, I might have slept with it under my pillow. And then I needed to go back this morning and reread the last few chapters again.
I loved this book so much. There wasn't a character in it that wasn't beautifully drawn. The relationships between friends, lovers and family felt so real. This was a love story that was as complicated and messy as real life, and one that I think so many people will identify with, and fall in love with. But it wasn't just about the love story between the two main characters, Rebecca and Matt. We saw Becs resha[ing her relationship with friends and family, and eventually with herself and her career.
I loved this book so much. There wasn't a character in it that wasn't beautifully drawn. The relationships between friends, lovers and family felt so real. This was a love story that was as complicated and messy as real life, and one that I think so many people will identify with, and fall in love with. But it wasn't just about the love story between the two main characters, Rebecca and Matt. We saw Becs resha[ing her relationship with friends and family, and eventually with herself and her career.
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