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Their Second First Date
- GenresRomance
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Tif Marcelo
33 books758 followersTif Marcelo is a veteran US Army nurse and holds a BS in Nursing and a Master’s in public administration. She believes and writes about the strength of families, the endurance of friendship, heartfelt romances, and is inspired daily by her own military hero husband and four children. She hosts The Stories to Love Podcast, and is the USA Today bestselling author of In a Book Club Far Away, Once Upon a Sunset, The Key to Happily Ever After, which was a Target Diverse Book Club pick, The Holiday Switch, and the Heart Resort and Journey to the Heart series. She and her books have been featured in The Today Show, Shondaland, Real Simple Magazine, The Asian Journal and more! Her website, which includes a link to her newsletter, is www.TifMarcelo.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 24, 2026
One bad first date, and then the universe said, "let’s try again!"💘😄
I went into Their Second First Date smiling, and I stayed that way the whole time. Francesca, aka Frankie and Ty’s first date, is an absolute disaster, awkward, uncomfortable, and painfully relatable. As a single mom, Frankie’s juggling real life, real responsibilities, and zero patience for nonsense, and I loved how grounded and real she felt from page one.
What really stole my heart, though, were the kids. Frankie’s son and Ty’s daughter are full-on matchmaking chaos, and watching them scheme their way into forcing these two adults to spend time together was pure rom-com gold. The slow shift from irritation to understanding to something way more tender felt natural and swoony, and Ty turned out to be exactly the kind of cinnamon roll meets grumpy hero I adore.
This book is warm, funny, and full of second chances proof that sometimes the worst first date can lead to the best love story. If you love small-town vibes, blended-family feels, and kids who absolutely run the show, this one is a delight. 💕
✨️Thank you, Literary Media Tours and Tif Marcelo, for sharing Their Second First Date with me!
I went into Their Second First Date smiling, and I stayed that way the whole time. Francesca, aka Frankie and Ty’s first date, is an absolute disaster, awkward, uncomfortable, and painfully relatable. As a single mom, Frankie’s juggling real life, real responsibilities, and zero patience for nonsense, and I loved how grounded and real she felt from page one.
What really stole my heart, though, were the kids. Frankie’s son and Ty’s daughter are full-on matchmaking chaos, and watching them scheme their way into forcing these two adults to spend time together was pure rom-com gold. The slow shift from irritation to understanding to something way more tender felt natural and swoony, and Ty turned out to be exactly the kind of cinnamon roll meets grumpy hero I adore.
This book is warm, funny, and full of second chances proof that sometimes the worst first date can lead to the best love story. If you love small-town vibes, blended-family feels, and kids who absolutely run the show, this one is a delight. 💕
✨️Thank you, Literary Media Tours and Tif Marcelo, for sharing Their Second First Date with me!
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)
Their Second First Date is a charming, heartfelt romance about two single parents finding love after divorce.
Frankie and Ty’s first date is an absolute disaster — but fate (and their kids!) keep pushing them back together. As head of the PTA and a devoted mom, Frankie can’t avoid Ty once he gets involved for his daughter. And since Ty is the town veterinarian, their paths cross even more often.
What I loved most was the maturity in this story. Both characters are navigating life after divorce while balancing parenting, careers, and emotional baggage. Their dual POV allowed readers to really understand how differently they communicate — and how those differences create both tension and growth.
The small-town setting, scheming kids, and adorable dog moments added warmth and charm throughout.
If you enjoy mature characters, relatable emotional journeys, and sweet but layered romances, this is a great pick.
Their Second First Date is a charming, heartfelt romance about two single parents finding love after divorce.
Frankie and Ty’s first date is an absolute disaster — but fate (and their kids!) keep pushing them back together. As head of the PTA and a devoted mom, Frankie can’t avoid Ty once he gets involved for his daughter. And since Ty is the town veterinarian, their paths cross even more often.
What I loved most was the maturity in this story. Both characters are navigating life after divorce while balancing parenting, careers, and emotional baggage. Their dual POV allowed readers to really understand how differently they communicate — and how those differences create both tension and growth.
The small-town setting, scheming kids, and adorable dog moments added warmth and charm throughout.
If you enjoy mature characters, relatable emotional journeys, and sweet but layered romances, this is a great pick.
February 24, 2026
After a disastrous first date, single mom Francesca Espiritu is determined to avoid veterinarian Ty Goldman at all costs, except their kids and small-town PTA duties keep throwing them together. When their children decide to play matchmaker, Frankie and Ty just might discover that a terrible first impression could lead to the love they’ve been looking for all along.
This was such a sweet, feel-good romance. I adored Ty with his easygoing, golden-retriever energy and genuinely tender heart. He felt steady and sincere in a way that perfectly balanced Frankie’s tightly wound, PTA-supermom personality. Frankie could be a little rigid at times, but knowing how much she carried on her shoulders made her guarded nature understandable, and I still found her incredibly endearing.
The true scene-stealers, though, were Aria and Liam. Their not-so-subtle matchmaking attempts were adorable, and while this isn’t a full-on Parent Trap retelling, I loved the playful nods and the chaotic little schemes they cooked up to force their parents into each other’s orbit.
The small-town setting delivered all the cozy romance vibes I want including a close-knit community, lovable secondary characters, and plenty of run-ins that kept the tension simmering. Miscommunication plays a big role (which isn’t usually my favorite trope), but given how disastrous that first date was, it felt believable and earned.
If you love single-parent romances, opposites attract dynamics, and meddling kids who know better than the adults, this one is for you. This was my first Tif Marcelo read, and I’m already excited to see what’s next in The Single Hearts Club series.
Thank you to the author, Literary Media Tours, and Harlequin for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a sweet, feel-good romance. I adored Ty with his easygoing, golden-retriever energy and genuinely tender heart. He felt steady and sincere in a way that perfectly balanced Frankie’s tightly wound, PTA-supermom personality. Frankie could be a little rigid at times, but knowing how much she carried on her shoulders made her guarded nature understandable, and I still found her incredibly endearing.
The true scene-stealers, though, were Aria and Liam. Their not-so-subtle matchmaking attempts were adorable, and while this isn’t a full-on Parent Trap retelling, I loved the playful nods and the chaotic little schemes they cooked up to force their parents into each other’s orbit.
The small-town setting delivered all the cozy romance vibes I want including a close-knit community, lovable secondary characters, and plenty of run-ins that kept the tension simmering. Miscommunication plays a big role (which isn’t usually my favorite trope), but given how disastrous that first date was, it felt believable and earned.
If you love single-parent romances, opposites attract dynamics, and meddling kids who know better than the adults, this one is for you. This was my first Tif Marcelo read, and I’m already excited to see what’s next in The Single Hearts Club series.
Thank you to the author, Literary Media Tours, and Harlequin for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
Francesca "Frankie" Espiritu and Ty Goldman have a memorable, and memorably short, first date. They immediately clash over a poorly chosen topic and Frankie storms out of the restaurant. Of course, in a small town where they are both single parents of children the same age, there will be no avoiding each other. As the two reencounter each other first at the veterinarian's office where Ty works and then a PTA meeting led by Frankie at the local elementary school, they begin to wonder if their first impressions weren't (almost) completely wrong and if perhaps they should give dating each other another shot. With the assistance of their well-meaning, matchmaking children, the two develop a friendship and start heading towards more.
This book was part of the Harlequin Reader Service Special Edition box for January 2026. It is a closed-door, second chance romance.
Book club style musings:
1. I really like their two children and the two seem like they would make great siblings.
2. While both of the leads have relatively amicable relationships with their child's other parent, the struggles of co-parenting with an ex-partner were realistically approached. I also thought the introduction of a new significant other was handled realistically and I liked that the author didn't make Frankie a saint or the new lady a devil.
3. I love dogs, so the occasional mentions of pets were appreciated.
4. I found Vivian and Ryan interesting and I'm glad to learn that their story is next.
5. There were quite a few typos and I found that distracting. Harlequin needs to have more beta readers look these over before publication. I volunteer as tribute!
This book was part of the Harlequin Reader Service Special Edition box for January 2026. It is a closed-door, second chance romance.
Book club style musings:
1. I really like their two children and the two seem like they would make great siblings.
2. While both of the leads have relatively amicable relationships with their child's other parent, the struggles of co-parenting with an ex-partner were realistically approached. I also thought the introduction of a new significant other was handled realistically and I liked that the author didn't make Frankie a saint or the new lady a devil.
3. I love dogs, so the occasional mentions of pets were appreciated.
4. I found Vivian and Ryan interesting and I'm glad to learn that their story is next.
5. There were quite a few typos and I found that distracting. Harlequin needs to have more beta readers look these over before publication. I volunteer as tribute!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Second chances are sometimes the best chances.
This romance was easy to read and quick to grab my attention.
As a veterinarian myself--and as a mom who works long hours--I immediately connected with Ty. Every aspect of him rang true: missing moments with his child because of work, navigating both the joy and the heartbreak of the job, and questioning if he still loved his career. It's all 100% authentic.
Frankie is headstrong, assertive, opinionated, and unapologetically vocal. She wears her brashness like a shield. She is also a character that is difficult to like at times--self centered, quick to judge, and not always good about seeing life through other people's eyes. And yet, I connected with her, too. Because sometimes I channel a little Frankie energy myself.
It didn't take me long to fall head long into this romance. Two mature, complicated adults finding what is missing in their lives and finding it in each other. Is it messy? Yes. Are there pitfalls and second guessing and external complications? Definitely. Is it real? Absolutely.
I truly loved this book. It keeps romance real--in all its beautiful and messy glory.
Thank you to the author for providing me an advanced copy of this book. My review and my opinions are my own and completely honest.
This romance was easy to read and quick to grab my attention.
As a veterinarian myself--and as a mom who works long hours--I immediately connected with Ty. Every aspect of him rang true: missing moments with his child because of work, navigating both the joy and the heartbreak of the job, and questioning if he still loved his career. It's all 100% authentic.
Frankie is headstrong, assertive, opinionated, and unapologetically vocal. She wears her brashness like a shield. She is also a character that is difficult to like at times--self centered, quick to judge, and not always good about seeing life through other people's eyes. And yet, I connected with her, too. Because sometimes I channel a little Frankie energy myself.
It didn't take me long to fall head long into this romance. Two mature, complicated adults finding what is missing in their lives and finding it in each other. Is it messy? Yes. Are there pitfalls and second guessing and external complications? Definitely. Is it real? Absolutely.
I truly loved this book. It keeps romance real--in all its beautiful and messy glory.
Thank you to the author for providing me an advanced copy of this book. My review and my opinions are my own and completely honest.
February 24, 2026
Thank you @literarymediatours and @tifmarcelo for my advanced reader copy.
I am a sucker for a cutesy feel good romance and this one was definitely it. Second chance at romance. A beautiful friendship despite the awful first impression. Finding how strong they both are apart and together. And of course conspiring kids.
Ty is navigating the single dad life with a teenage daughter, which that’s hard enough. But add in that he’s new to the area, incredibly unhappy with his career path and is head over first sight with someone who can’t stand him.
Frankie is a divorced mom who, let’s be honest here, is a bit of a control freak. She goes on lots of first dates but that’s about as far as they go. She is quick witted, protective and loves fiercely. And she can’t stand the new local vet after their first date.
But that’s not really what’s going on. While this was a cute feel good romance that had all the best moments, I felt this one was a bit deeper than that. This was about finding yourself and realizing that, for many, what’s holding you back is yourself. And while that’s all scary, letting go of control can bring some major surprises into your life.
I am a sucker for a cutesy feel good romance and this one was definitely it. Second chance at romance. A beautiful friendship despite the awful first impression. Finding how strong they both are apart and together. And of course conspiring kids.
Ty is navigating the single dad life with a teenage daughter, which that’s hard enough. But add in that he’s new to the area, incredibly unhappy with his career path and is head over first sight with someone who can’t stand him.
Frankie is a divorced mom who, let’s be honest here, is a bit of a control freak. She goes on lots of first dates but that’s about as far as they go. She is quick witted, protective and loves fiercely. And she can’t stand the new local vet after their first date.
But that’s not really what’s going on. While this was a cute feel good romance that had all the best moments, I felt this one was a bit deeper than that. This was about finding yourself and realizing that, for many, what’s holding you back is yourself. And while that’s all scary, letting go of control can bring some major surprises into your life.
February 26, 2026
Thank you to Literary Media Tours and Tif Marcelo for an eARC of Their Second First Date!
4⭐️
Single mom Francesca knows within thirty minutes that her date with veterinarian Ty is a disaster and vows never to repeat it. Despite their mutual dislike, their paths keep crossing when Ty joins the PTA at his daughter Aria’s school. Determined to play matchmaker, Aria and Frankie’s son Liam set out to orchestrate a second chance at love.
TSFD was like The Parent Trap from the adults perspective. Frankie and Ty complement each other well and I loved the way that they cared for their kids. It was clear that they both wanted to make sure that they were making the right decision for their kids and putting them first. Their miscommunication stems from how they both interacted with their exes and it takes time for them to learn from their pasts and any residual pain.
Peak is the perfect small town setting for this series. This is a clear, classic small town where everyone knows and looks out for each other. I loved this cast of characters and I’m excited to see where the series goes and watching more of The Single Hearts Club fall in love❤️
4⭐️
Single mom Francesca knows within thirty minutes that her date with veterinarian Ty is a disaster and vows never to repeat it. Despite their mutual dislike, their paths keep crossing when Ty joins the PTA at his daughter Aria’s school. Determined to play matchmaker, Aria and Frankie’s son Liam set out to orchestrate a second chance at love.
TSFD was like The Parent Trap from the adults perspective. Frankie and Ty complement each other well and I loved the way that they cared for their kids. It was clear that they both wanted to make sure that they were making the right decision for their kids and putting them first. Their miscommunication stems from how they both interacted with their exes and it takes time for them to learn from their pasts and any residual pain.
Peak is the perfect small town setting for this series. This is a clear, classic small town where everyone knows and looks out for each other. I loved this cast of characters and I’m excited to see where the series goes and watching more of The Single Hearts Club fall in love❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I found this story very cute and easy to follow. I loved that the characters were easy to relate to. I also enjoyed the “parent trap” vibes with the kids trying to set up the parents.
Frankie and Ty do not have the best first date and it ends quickly. But when they find out they will be working together in the PTA, they begin to form a closer friendship.
We get glimpses of co-parenting on both sides on the MCs. One parent is more of a long distant parent and the other is moving on and introducing the child to the new partner. Frankie doesn’t take the changes so easy.
Frankie is a very outspoken person, she kinda says what she thinks. She also judges too harshly and very quickly. She wants the best for Ty and she is very helpful, but can also try to push him on her timeline. Ty is so sweet, but he also makes mistakes when it comes to their relationship.
I enjoyed that this felt like a true story that could actually happen with single parents. It’s not easy navigating new relationships and cops renting, but this story showcases it.
Frankie and Ty do not have the best first date and it ends quickly. But when they find out they will be working together in the PTA, they begin to form a closer friendship.
We get glimpses of co-parenting on both sides on the MCs. One parent is more of a long distant parent and the other is moving on and introducing the child to the new partner. Frankie doesn’t take the changes so easy.
Frankie is a very outspoken person, she kinda says what she thinks. She also judges too harshly and very quickly. She wants the best for Ty and she is very helpful, but can also try to push him on her timeline. Ty is so sweet, but he also makes mistakes when it comes to their relationship.
I enjoyed that this felt like a true story that could actually happen with single parents. It’s not easy navigating new relationships and cops renting, but this story showcases it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a closed door single parent, second chance romance! This book had the parent trap vibes and IYKYK!! I loved the parent trap with Lindsey Lohan and this is that but without the summer camp and finding out they’re related 😂
I genuinely really enjoyed this book! Ty just moved to town after separating with his ex wife because she wanted to chase her dreams of being a baker. Insert Francesca (Frankie), who’s looking for a relationship after her divorce.
Frankie is part of the PTA at her son Liam’s school so she’s having to find people to help fill rolls. Ty’s daughter, Aria, encourages him to get on with the PTA so that he can be more involved with the community. What he doesn’t know is who will be there.
I loved that Frankie got him to be more confident in himself and supported his woodworking business from day 1!
The roll that the kids played in getting their parents back together was so sweet! A super sweet ending!
I genuinely really enjoyed this book! Ty just moved to town after separating with his ex wife because she wanted to chase her dreams of being a baker. Insert Francesca (Frankie), who’s looking for a relationship after her divorce.
Frankie is part of the PTA at her son Liam’s school so she’s having to find people to help fill rolls. Ty’s daughter, Aria, encourages him to get on with the PTA so that he can be more involved with the community. What he doesn’t know is who will be there.
I loved that Frankie got him to be more confident in himself and supported his woodworking business from day 1!
The roll that the kids played in getting their parents back together was so sweet! A super sweet ending!
February 25, 2026
What looked to be a promising first date turned into an unexpected disaster. Frankie believed that maybe this time around things would go well. Unfortunately she did not account for the date to start off by touching on sensitive topics which led to a disastrous first date. With her storming off and thinking they wouldn’t run into each other too much. Though as luck would have it that was not meant to be and soon our two MC’s are around each other a little too often. Of course this doesn’t have to mean anything it’s just parental duties and nothing else.
I loved the veterinary aspect of the story and the importance it gave to caring for an animal. Also, the way the children each rallied around their respective parent as they navigated life as a single parent who wished to find love again.
I loved the veterinary aspect of the story and the importance it gave to caring for an animal. Also, the way the children each rallied around their respective parent as they navigated life as a single parent who wished to find love again.
March 4, 2026
First in the Single Hearts Club series, in which PTA president and worker at her family's B&B, Franky Espiritu is shocked that the first date she has with veterinarian Ty Goldman goes so badly that she walks out on him.
He is shocked, too, and then discovers that his daughter and her son are friends in the same fifth grade class at school. At her insistence, Ty agrees to join the PTA and then offers to make a bookshelf for the library in hopes that his involvement in the PTA volunteer group will help his daughter make new friends. But Ty also has to confront his preference to work with his hands rather than remain a veterinarian, even though he's offered a permanent position at the local animal hospital.
Franky finds herself drawn to the man, without realizing that its their kids who keep pushing the adults together. But will that even work when their respective exes soon show up?
He is shocked, too, and then discovers that his daughter and her son are friends in the same fifth grade class at school. At her insistence, Ty agrees to join the PTA and then offers to make a bookshelf for the library in hopes that his involvement in the PTA volunteer group will help his daughter make new friends. But Ty also has to confront his preference to work with his hands rather than remain a veterinarian, even though he's offered a permanent position at the local animal hospital.
Franky finds herself drawn to the man, without realizing that its their kids who keep pushing the adults together. But will that even work when their respective exes soon show up?
February 26, 2026
Special thank you to Literary Media Tours for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ty and Frankie are single parents trying to get back into the dating scene. Their first date is nothing but a disaster and both of them leave hoping to not ever deal with that uncomfortable situation again. Needless to say, their children are not about to back down until Frankie and Ty try that date one more time.
This book is heartwarming and definitely one that can make you believe in second chances. I really enjoyed how you could feel the desire and tension between Frankie and Ty even though the romance was closed door. This was a quick, easy read that reminded me of a Hallmark movie in the best way possible.
Ty and Frankie are single parents trying to get back into the dating scene. Their first date is nothing but a disaster and both of them leave hoping to not ever deal with that uncomfortable situation again. Needless to say, their children are not about to back down until Frankie and Ty try that date one more time.
This book is heartwarming and definitely one that can make you believe in second chances. I really enjoyed how you could feel the desire and tension between Frankie and Ty even though the romance was closed door. This was a quick, easy read that reminded me of a Hallmark movie in the best way possible.
February 24, 2026
This book has a strong-willed female main character, Frankie, with walls built partly due to her divorce. When she goes on a first date with newly arrived veterinarian Ty, it is a disaster. But life keeps throwing them together and when their kids pair up to fix them up, they try again. I thought the way they both had character flaws to work through felt true to life, as was the way they needed their friends and family to help them see what was an actual deal-breaker and what was just something to work through. I also enjoyed the aspect of the PTA being made up of mostly single parents! Overall, I enjoyed reading this romance. 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A first date that ends in disaster, two matchmaking kiddos, and adorable dogs! Yes please! Ty and Frankie keep running into each other which is bound to happen in their small town, but their kids also have something to do with their “chance” encounters. I loved following along with them as they get to know each other and open up to the possibility that there just might be something sparking between them! Things heat up of course and you get to see their relationship grow! A fun romance and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it!
Thank you so much Literary Media Tours and Tif for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a great book about love and finding love. How two people can be so different but still find a way to love. Plus the kids being matchmakers. This book had me mad at both Frankie and Ty at parts because well they were hard headed but they still found their way back to each other because of their kids.
Thank you Tiff Marcelo for allowing me to read this arc.
Thank you Tiff Marcelo for allowing me to read this arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2026
I am a total fangirl for a second chance romance. Two single parents going through life with kids and jobs and just life in general. To find love while doing all that made the read extremely relatable. The dual POV’s gave a deeper look into each character. I would definitely recommend this book to others. Thank you to Tif Marcelo and Literary media tours for the chance to read an early copy.
March 10, 2026
This is a sweet and funny romance, and it’s the first book in a new series, The Single Hearts Club. There’s a minor character in a new school librarian named Christine— a fun bonus for me!
Give this book a try if you’re in the mood for a charming romance and like stories with:
💞Second-chance romances
🧑🧒Single Parent challenges
🧲Opposites Attract
🚪Closed Door Romance
🚸Matchmaking kids
🩺Handsome Veterinarians
📚Romance series
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
It’s a cute love story about single parents who are brought together through their children.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews