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One More Time
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26'The perfect blend of heart and heat' SARAH MORGAN
A Fated Mates Hot Summer pick for July!
A second-chance, opposites-attract, spicy rom-com for fans of Annabel Monaghan’s Nora Goes Off Script and all things Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers.
………..
All they needed was an encore.
A question mark added to the final line of legendary rock band Super’s biggest hit from the 90s changed everything. For months, speculation ran wild, fans and journalists alike searched for the girl in the song – the girl that lead singer, Nicky Broome, was clearly so deeply in love with.
Only Lucy Rollins knows the truth. And she’s three marriages past the sensational night they spent together twenty-eight years ago.
The last thing Lucy expects is to collide with her rock star ex in a hotel hallway, ahead of attending a glamorous destination wedding. It’s a chance encounter that feels like fate – decades have passed and yet the electricity between them is as powerful as ever.
Is it finally time to press play on their relationship?
Maybe this love song was meant to last forever …
………..
Perfect for fans
Second chances Opposites attract Rockstar romances Dreamy settings Spice
A Fated Mates Hot Summer pick for July!
A second-chance, opposites-attract, spicy rom-com for fans of Annabel Monaghan’s Nora Goes Off Script and all things Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers.
………..
All they needed was an encore.
A question mark added to the final line of legendary rock band Super’s biggest hit from the 90s changed everything. For months, speculation ran wild, fans and journalists alike searched for the girl in the song – the girl that lead singer, Nicky Broome, was clearly so deeply in love with.
Only Lucy Rollins knows the truth. And she’s three marriages past the sensational night they spent together twenty-eight years ago.
The last thing Lucy expects is to collide with her rock star ex in a hotel hallway, ahead of attending a glamorous destination wedding. It’s a chance encounter that feels like fate – decades have passed and yet the electricity between them is as powerful as ever.
Is it finally time to press play on their relationship?
Maybe this love song was meant to last forever …
………..
Perfect for fans
Second chances Opposites attract Rockstar romances Dreamy settings Spice
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 9, 2026
3 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
A satisfying, second chance romance that following 40 something university academic, Lucy, and her rock star ex, Nicky. Who she bumps into (quite literally) at a Vegas hotel nearly thirty years after she saw him last.
I absolutely loved this! The 90s nostalgia was really good, though it was Nicky and Lucy’s brief time together as teens that really made the flashbacks compelling.
Their past dynamic was surprisingly sweet, and only made the chemistry and complicated feelings between Lucy and Nicky (in the present day) all the more interesting.
Getting to explore both of their POVs (past and present) and delving into the feelings neither got to express the first time was heart meltingly poignant. And made the conversations they do eventually have (after decades of wondering what if) even more meaningful. I was completely invested!
The contrast between their past and present selves was great too, and I loved juxtaposing that naivety and optimism against the guarded, world weary adults they’ve become.
Especially Lucy, who tries soo hard not to let her past relationships or emotional scars define her. Her moments of self reflection and growth do lead to some conflicted feelings, but I was rooting for her every step of the way!
I loved Nicky too! He’s quietly restrained, full of yearning and soo insecure when it came to Lucy, something I didn’t expect in a legendary rock star. But it did have me cheering for him and Lucy to find their endgame happiness.
If you love chemistry-laden dynamics, or an abundance of swoon-worthy moments—then you’re gonna enjoy this. Though I do warn, it’s quite a pacy read so some characters (Lucy’s bestie Kim and daughter, Chloe) weren’t as fully developed as I would’ve liked. I did still love both however, and really need Kim to get her own spin-off!
Overall, this was a fun and beautifully relatable romance— that anyone craving MCs older than a college grad, should definitely consider checking out!
Also, thanks to HQ for the proof.
A satisfying, second chance romance that following 40 something university academic, Lucy, and her rock star ex, Nicky. Who she bumps into (quite literally) at a Vegas hotel nearly thirty years after she saw him last.
I absolutely loved this! The 90s nostalgia was really good, though it was Nicky and Lucy’s brief time together as teens that really made the flashbacks compelling.
Their past dynamic was surprisingly sweet, and only made the chemistry and complicated feelings between Lucy and Nicky (in the present day) all the more interesting.
Getting to explore both of their POVs (past and present) and delving into the feelings neither got to express the first time was heart meltingly poignant. And made the conversations they do eventually have (after decades of wondering what if) even more meaningful. I was completely invested!
The contrast between their past and present selves was great too, and I loved juxtaposing that naivety and optimism against the guarded, world weary adults they’ve become.
Especially Lucy, who tries soo hard not to let her past relationships or emotional scars define her. Her moments of self reflection and growth do lead to some conflicted feelings, but I was rooting for her every step of the way!
I loved Nicky too! He’s quietly restrained, full of yearning and soo insecure when it came to Lucy, something I didn’t expect in a legendary rock star. But it did have me cheering for him and Lucy to find their endgame happiness.
If you love chemistry-laden dynamics, or an abundance of swoon-worthy moments—then you’re gonna enjoy this. Though I do warn, it’s quite a pacy read so some characters (Lucy’s bestie Kim and daughter, Chloe) weren’t as fully developed as I would’ve liked. I did still love both however, and really need Kim to get her own spin-off!
Overall, this was a fun and beautifully relatable romance— that anyone craving MCs older than a college grad, should definitely consider checking out!
Also, thanks to HQ for the proof.
August 3, 2025
I'm definitely a sucker for a rockstar romance and this is now up there with my favourites!!
I was beaming right from the start of this, I adored Lucy and Nicky together instantly and their chemistry was on fire!🔥
Is it cheesy at times? Yes
Is it predictable ? Yes
Did that put me off at all? Absolutely not!
I loved this book inside and out and already want to read it all over again! If you're in the mood for swooning and sexy story then you need this book in your life 😉
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was beaming right from the start of this, I adored Lucy and Nicky together instantly and their chemistry was on fire!🔥
Is it cheesy at times? Yes
Is it predictable ? Yes
Did that put me off at all? Absolutely not!
I loved this book inside and out and already want to read it all over again! If you're in the mood for swooning and sexy story then you need this book in your life 😉
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2025
Thank you to HQ Digital and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Oh how I love me a rockstar romance, I am in awe at how amazing this book was.
Nicky and Lucy’s story was so wonderful and sad at the same time.
It’s been 28 years since Nicky last seen Lucy, the girl that changed his world. The girl that has never been far from his mind even after all these years.
An accidental spillage of bridal shower items in a hotel has these two old flames bumping into each other leaving both of them flabbergasted.
It’s been 28 years and there’s still some strong feelings there, not only lust but a whole lot of sadness and anger.
Nicky and Lucy’s relationship is a strained one. She’s hurt from things that happened in the past and he’s feeling a whole lot of guilt about said things.
Watching them reconnect from their first accidental meeting in vegas until they both part ways has been fun.
We get the fun moments, the sexy moments and the sad moments in between. We find out exactly what hurt Lucy and why it happened.
Lucy’s character growth has been one of my favourite moments. She’s been stuck in easy mode, her ex’s were safe and easy, her job is easy and her house is easy. She cares for everyone around her and is willing to do anything and everything for them no matter what but when it comes to herself she’s timid. That moment when she finally comes to her senses and realises what she’s been doing was fantastic! The new fierce and bold Lucy was beautiful to see.
This was my first read from this author and it’s been a joy reading this. The characters, the story, everything was put together so well and flowed so easily. There’s author did a superb job on brining these characters to life.
If you’re a fan of
* Rockstar romance
* Second Chances
* Opposites Attract
* Spicy Romcoms
then you’ll enjoy this one.
Oh how I love me a rockstar romance, I am in awe at how amazing this book was.
Nicky and Lucy’s story was so wonderful and sad at the same time.
It’s been 28 years since Nicky last seen Lucy, the girl that changed his world. The girl that has never been far from his mind even after all these years.
An accidental spillage of bridal shower items in a hotel has these two old flames bumping into each other leaving both of them flabbergasted.
It’s been 28 years and there’s still some strong feelings there, not only lust but a whole lot of sadness and anger.
Nicky and Lucy’s relationship is a strained one. She’s hurt from things that happened in the past and he’s feeling a whole lot of guilt about said things.
Watching them reconnect from their first accidental meeting in vegas until they both part ways has been fun.
We get the fun moments, the sexy moments and the sad moments in between. We find out exactly what hurt Lucy and why it happened.
Lucy’s character growth has been one of my favourite moments. She’s been stuck in easy mode, her ex’s were safe and easy, her job is easy and her house is easy. She cares for everyone around her and is willing to do anything and everything for them no matter what but when it comes to herself she’s timid. That moment when she finally comes to her senses and realises what she’s been doing was fantastic! The new fierce and bold Lucy was beautiful to see.
This was my first read from this author and it’s been a joy reading this. The characters, the story, everything was put together so well and flowed so easily. There’s author did a superb job on brining these characters to life.
If you’re a fan of
* Rockstar romance
* Second Chances
* Opposites Attract
* Spicy Romcoms
then you’ll enjoy this one.
August 18, 2025
It was an okay read. I enjoyed the new setting of two people in their 40s rekindling their love. All the supporting characters were charming and supportive. On the downside I’m not all too on board about the ending. I understand that it’s supposed to convey the message that love is all you need and everything is possible but being rather rational I can’t really relate. Still enjoyed the book as a whole and went through it in a day but the ending was rather meh.
August 23, 2025
Real rating 2.5...this book is fine. But just fine, ya know? Another tale of a rock star connecting with a person from the past. I suppose I was disappointed by the compromise at the end of the book - a lot of work to just throw away 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
Lucy is a professor at a small town university, on track for tenure. She is in Las Vegas for her daughter's week-long wedding extravaganza. Lucy's first ex-husband (yep, there are three) is a hedge fund millionaire who has bankrolled the entire wedding - hence why Lucy and her daughter (and most of the guests) are staying in a super high-end Vegas hotel in the sort of suite usually only for the mega rich. Despite the money being thrown at the party and the hiring of a wedding planner, Lucy is juggling willy toys and trying to find her room key when she literally bumps into Nicky Broome, lead singer of global rock band Super, who also happens to be her high school crush, who ghosted her after one incredible night together. Despite it being 28 years since they last spoke, and there is a 'thing' about that, Nicky and Lucy immediately recognise each other and are just as madly in love/lust as they were when they were teenagers.
Cue lots of flashbacks to discover how Lucy and Nicky broke up and the big secret they are keeping. There is some good stuff about the 1990s (mixtapes and the like) and also a lot of references to music/musicians - which may or may not appeal to readers.
Lucy has a sassy straight-talking BFF (since high school) who likes to give her advice at every opportunity, and her daughter isn't averse to putting Lucy into awkward situations eg inviting all three ex-husbands to be at the wedding!
Nicky didn't really get any character, he was a bit of a cardboard cut-out and because of that, of course he can't have any personal growth or change of heart it all has to come from Lucy. There is a reason why Lucy has three ex-husbands but it gave me the ick. Overall, I think there were lots of things that only seemed to be in the book to make a scene/plot device work rather than being integral to the plot (eg Lucy's ex-husband being so rich).
I found my biggest bugbear with this book was it wasn't really sure what it wanted to be. The cover gave off Annabel Monaghan vibes, but Lucy wasn't like one of her heroines. It sort of went down a 1990s music nostalgia route, like Nick Hornby, then dropped it. It wasn't spicy or sweet enough to fall into one category or another. There was a lot of personality dissection as if it were women's fiction, but then it had the rockstar romance in Vegas rom-com vibe.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Cue lots of flashbacks to discover how Lucy and Nicky broke up and the big secret they are keeping. There is some good stuff about the 1990s (mixtapes and the like) and also a lot of references to music/musicians - which may or may not appeal to readers.
Lucy has a sassy straight-talking BFF (since high school) who likes to give her advice at every opportunity, and her daughter isn't averse to putting Lucy into awkward situations eg inviting all three ex-husbands to be at the wedding!
Nicky didn't really get any character, he was a bit of a cardboard cut-out and because of that, of course he can't have any personal growth or change of heart it all has to come from Lucy. There is a reason why Lucy has three ex-husbands but it gave me the ick. Overall, I think there were lots of things that only seemed to be in the book to make a scene/plot device work rather than being integral to the plot (eg Lucy's ex-husband being so rich).
I found my biggest bugbear with this book was it wasn't really sure what it wanted to be. The cover gave off Annabel Monaghan vibes, but Lucy wasn't like one of her heroines. It sort of went down a 1990s music nostalgia route, like Nick Hornby, then dropped it. It wasn't spicy or sweet enough to fall into one category or another. There was a lot of personality dissection as if it were women's fiction, but then it had the rockstar romance in Vegas rom-com vibe.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
August 2, 2025
One More Time was one of my most highly anticipated new releases of the 2nd half of 2025. I started reading it last night and couldn't wait to get back to it today.
As a fortysomething woman myself, I loved reading a romance between two fortysomethings and it was fantastic that Riley was allowed to be a gorgeous woman who rock star, Nicky can't keep his hands off without any worrying about wrinkles or grey hair. More of that please.
Unlike when they first got together, Riley and Nick both have life experience now. Nicky's a rock star with his band, Super and Lucy's a professor on the tenure track, they've both got three ex-spouses and children. I think the fact that it's been twenty eight years since they last saw each other and they've still got such insane chemistry says a lot. Their shared love of music is so interesting and I'm glad the author provided playlists at the end of the book so I can look up some of the songs I haven't heard before.
I'm kind of obsessed with books about musicians although it always sucks that they're not real so I can't actually listen to their music. I get why it broke Lucy's heart and she couldn't listen to it (or any of Nicky's songs) for the longest time but how swoonworthy is it that he wrote a hit song (Breathing Room) for her after their one night together?
In addition to Lucy and Nicky, another of my favourite things about One More Time is Lucy's playful relationship with her daughter, Chloe. It was so funny when Chloe caught Nicky in Lucy's room for the first time. The friendship between Lucy and Kim is #goals; she's the only one who was there to witness Lucy and Nicky v1.0 and so she's the perfect person to give Lucy a much needed kick-in-the backside when Lucy's scared to venture out of her comfort zone.
I'm excited to read more from this author.
As a fortysomething woman myself, I loved reading a romance between two fortysomethings and it was fantastic that Riley was allowed to be a gorgeous woman who rock star, Nicky can't keep his hands off without any worrying about wrinkles or grey hair. More of that please.
Unlike when they first got together, Riley and Nick both have life experience now. Nicky's a rock star with his band, Super and Lucy's a professor on the tenure track, they've both got three ex-spouses and children. I think the fact that it's been twenty eight years since they last saw each other and they've still got such insane chemistry says a lot. Their shared love of music is so interesting and I'm glad the author provided playlists at the end of the book so I can look up some of the songs I haven't heard before.
I'm kind of obsessed with books about musicians although it always sucks that they're not real so I can't actually listen to their music. I get why it broke Lucy's heart and she couldn't listen to it (or any of Nicky's songs) for the longest time but how swoonworthy is it that he wrote a hit song (Breathing Room) for her after their one night together?
In addition to Lucy and Nicky, another of my favourite things about One More Time is Lucy's playful relationship with her daughter, Chloe. It was so funny when Chloe caught Nicky in Lucy's room for the first time. The friendship between Lucy and Kim is #goals; she's the only one who was there to witness Lucy and Nicky v1.0 and so she's the perfect person to give Lucy a much needed kick-in-the backside when Lucy's scared to venture out of her comfort zone.
I'm excited to read more from this author.
August 21, 2025
Book 88 of 2025 finished 20/8/25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Twenty eight years after Lucy and Nicky spent the night together they have collided again. Only instead of being infatuated teenagers, Lucy is a university professor and Nicky is a world famous singer. Their chance encounter has pulled up all those feelings from the past and their attraction is still as electric as it always was. Can they finally start their love story, or was their love a one hit wonder?
My thoughts: second chance, celebrity romance, opposites attract, medium spice romcom.
I loved the 90s nostalgia which runs throughout this book, referring to music, movies, and the culture. I enjoyed this but some readers may be put off by it if 90s isn’t your thing.
Lucy is a single mum of an older child and spends a lot of time worrying about her daughter and meeting the emotional needs of others which I can absolutely relate to.
This is a dual POV but Nicky is a very underdeveloped character. He has no depth or growth and I think that’s my biggest issue with this book. I was reading about their emotions but I couldn’t feel it. I needed more angst or longing…anything!? And their spice scenes were open door but the effort that was put into these, I think it would have been better to leave that door closed.
Overall I enjoyed the book and loved the 90s vibes but I think it definitely needed more character development and romance.
Thank you to HQ for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty eight years after Lucy and Nicky spent the night together they have collided again. Only instead of being infatuated teenagers, Lucy is a university professor and Nicky is a world famous singer. Their chance encounter has pulled up all those feelings from the past and their attraction is still as electric as it always was. Can they finally start their love story, or was their love a one hit wonder?
My thoughts: second chance, celebrity romance, opposites attract, medium spice romcom.
I loved the 90s nostalgia which runs throughout this book, referring to music, movies, and the culture. I enjoyed this but some readers may be put off by it if 90s isn’t your thing.
Lucy is a single mum of an older child and spends a lot of time worrying about her daughter and meeting the emotional needs of others which I can absolutely relate to.
This is a dual POV but Nicky is a very underdeveloped character. He has no depth or growth and I think that’s my biggest issue with this book. I was reading about their emotions but I couldn’t feel it. I needed more angst or longing…anything!? And their spice scenes were open door but the effort that was put into these, I think it would have been better to leave that door closed.
Overall I enjoyed the book and loved the 90s vibes but I think it definitely needed more character development and romance.
Thank you to HQ for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2025
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book is expected to be released on July 31, 2025.
After an electrifying hook-up and promises for a summers worth of more, Lucy doesn't hear from Nicky ever again. That is...directly. Nicky, who left and became a member of the popular rock band Super, wrote their biggest hit after leaving Lucy without a goodbye or any closure. He wrote a love song that took the world by storm and left the public speculating who the mystery girl was -- for nearly three decades. Lucy, keeping her mystery girl status a secret, spends the next twenty eight years being reminded of her spectacular night, and devasting heartbreak, every time she turns on the radio, goes to a party, or is waiting in line at the store. The last thing she expects is to run into Nicky while in Vegas for her daughter's wedding, or for him to want to spend time with her. It's been twenty eight years, and Lucy has to decide if she can move past her hurt and anger to give Nicky a second chance, or if it's time to say goodbye forever.
Normally I love a celebrity x normal person romance, but unfortunately One More Time fell flat for me. Everything felt rushed, and the characters (both main and side) were underdeveloped and surface level. I wish we could have seen more of the romance between Nicky and Lucy, it felt like we were being told they were in love and had this decades long longing for each other, but we never actually see that on the page. Instead, we get lots and lots of sex. I think this resulted in everything between our main characters feeling like lust, not true love. Even with Lucy and Kim, the supposed best friend, we are told (repeatedly) they have been best friends for 40 years but we don't actually see much close friendship between them. However, despite not totally being for me, I did enjoy reading a romance with characters in their mid forties. I don't normally read books where the characters are older, and it was refreshing to see people coming together after failed marriages and having kids. Another positive I enjoyed is that because of their age, Nicky and Lucy first got together in an age without social media. It helps put into perspective how difficult it could be to get a hold of someone if they move unexpectedly, or get married/a new name, etc., which brought a very believable element to how they lost touch for over two decades and how serendipitous their meeting was. Overall, this was not my favorite book, but I enjoyed the redeeming elements mentioned above.
After an electrifying hook-up and promises for a summers worth of more, Lucy doesn't hear from Nicky ever again. That is...directly. Nicky, who left and became a member of the popular rock band Super, wrote their biggest hit after leaving Lucy without a goodbye or any closure. He wrote a love song that took the world by storm and left the public speculating who the mystery girl was -- for nearly three decades. Lucy, keeping her mystery girl status a secret, spends the next twenty eight years being reminded of her spectacular night, and devasting heartbreak, every time she turns on the radio, goes to a party, or is waiting in line at the store. The last thing she expects is to run into Nicky while in Vegas for her daughter's wedding, or for him to want to spend time with her. It's been twenty eight years, and Lucy has to decide if she can move past her hurt and anger to give Nicky a second chance, or if it's time to say goodbye forever.
Normally I love a celebrity x normal person romance, but unfortunately One More Time fell flat for me. Everything felt rushed, and the characters (both main and side) were underdeveloped and surface level. I wish we could have seen more of the romance between Nicky and Lucy, it felt like we were being told they were in love and had this decades long longing for each other, but we never actually see that on the page. Instead, we get lots and lots of sex. I think this resulted in everything between our main characters feeling like lust, not true love. Even with Lucy and Kim, the supposed best friend, we are told (repeatedly) they have been best friends for 40 years but we don't actually see much close friendship between them. However, despite not totally being for me, I did enjoy reading a romance with characters in their mid forties. I don't normally read books where the characters are older, and it was refreshing to see people coming together after failed marriages and having kids. Another positive I enjoyed is that because of their age, Nicky and Lucy first got together in an age without social media. It helps put into perspective how difficult it could be to get a hold of someone if they move unexpectedly, or get married/a new name, etc., which brought a very believable element to how they lost touch for over two decades and how serendipitous their meeting was. Overall, this was not my favorite book, but I enjoyed the redeeming elements mentioned above.
August 1, 2025
Lucy and Nicky were teenage lovers. It didn't last, but their feelings did. Serendipity brings them together again, and the heat is still there, but it's nearly thirty years since their moment. Lucy still feels rejected, and Nicky is still guilty. Can the emotional journey they undertake in Las Vegas bring them together, or is it going to be just another moment between them? Nicky is a glamorous rock star, the setting is glitzy Las Vegas, and Lucy is a hardworking academic. However different their lives, the attraction between them burns strong, but emotionally, they are undecided, and it's this conflicted journey that makes this romance compelling. There is humour, poignancy and spice, and complex characters, and they have to confront a world of hurt and misunderstanding to achieve happiness. I like the romantic storytelling, the emotion, passion and the musical references.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Emily S. Morris and Harper Collins for this ARC.
This book was so much fun! Our two protagonists bump into each other at a vegas hotel after 20+ years apart and sparks fly. I fell in love with both of them and was rooting for them from the beginning. I liked the side characters too, Chloe in particular was a delight.
The Las Vegas setting was transporting, I felt fully immersed in the glitz and glamour and it took my mind off the real world completely.
The romance felt believable, I appreciated that the characters were older because their life experiences made them more well rounded and authentic. The music element was unique too, it added tension and romance through their shared love of it.
I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a spellbinding, romantic, lighthearted read. 18+ because there are spicy scenes throughout.
This book was so much fun! Our two protagonists bump into each other at a vegas hotel after 20+ years apart and sparks fly. I fell in love with both of them and was rooting for them from the beginning. I liked the side characters too, Chloe in particular was a delight.
The Las Vegas setting was transporting, I felt fully immersed in the glitz and glamour and it took my mind off the real world completely.
The romance felt believable, I appreciated that the characters were older because their life experiences made them more well rounded and authentic. The music element was unique too, it added tension and romance through their shared love of it.
I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a spellbinding, romantic, lighthearted read. 18+ because there are spicy scenes throughout.
August 1, 2025
I think what hooked me about this book is the cringey, rollercoaster rockstar romance and this didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the easy writing and short chapters, I enjoyed the flashbacks of time to learn about the past story and how that came into a second chance romance trope. I enjoyed the main character's romance and the characters around them.
Everything all fit together and was everything you'd expect from a spicy romcom. Cringey language, cheesy humour but an interesting story I haven't actually read about before. The spice is ok and sometimes the main character infuriated me, but I enjoyed the ending and like I said got everything I expected from it. I believe this is the authors only novel and I would absolutely pick up another from hers. Great read to take on holiday or get you out of a slump.
Thankyou to HQ Publishing for a gifted copy of this book
Everything all fit together and was everything you'd expect from a spicy romcom. Cringey language, cheesy humour but an interesting story I haven't actually read about before. The spice is ok and sometimes the main character infuriated me, but I enjoyed the ending and like I said got everything I expected from it. I believe this is the authors only novel and I would absolutely pick up another from hers. Great read to take on holiday or get you out of a slump.
Thankyou to HQ Publishing for a gifted copy of this book
August 5, 2025
Thank you to HQ, Lou Nyuar, and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Usually I am a sucker for second chance romances, but this one left me craving more. I really tried to give it a chance but it being in third person made it really hard for me to connect with the characters. And the insta-love reaction from the MMC really didn't do it for me. Everything felt rushed and underdeveloped.
I really wish my review was different. I was left wishing we could have seen more of a spark and romance between Nicky and Lucy. One thing I did enjoy was seeing a romance with older characters, most of the stuff out there are young adults in their 20's. So I hope to see more of that in the future from Emily Morris and other authors.
Overall, not a favorite read but I am sure others will enjoy it. It does have some cute aspects to it.
Usually I am a sucker for second chance romances, but this one left me craving more. I really tried to give it a chance but it being in third person made it really hard for me to connect with the characters. And the insta-love reaction from the MMC really didn't do it for me. Everything felt rushed and underdeveloped.
I really wish my review was different. I was left wishing we could have seen more of a spark and romance between Nicky and Lucy. One thing I did enjoy was seeing a romance with older characters, most of the stuff out there are young adults in their 20's. So I hope to see more of that in the future from Emily Morris and other authors.
Overall, not a favorite read but I am sure others will enjoy it. It does have some cute aspects to it.
August 16, 2025
📚 Book Review 📚
Fun, flirty, raunchy and spicy, this is a great read.
Fantastic chick lit romance between Nicky the rock star and Lucy, the college professor. Back in college both had an amazing night together and went their separate ways, only to bump into each other three marriages and three kids, down the line.
Told from both pov this is a frolick of a read and something I really enjoyed. For me, I loved that it was about two people hooking up together in their forties, so more relatable for my tender age! It’s spicy, saucy and fun, easy to read and perfect for a holiday read.
Thank you so much to @hq for sending me a copy of this book to read and review, I loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Fun, flirty, raunchy and spicy, this is a great read.
Fantastic chick lit romance between Nicky the rock star and Lucy, the college professor. Back in college both had an amazing night together and went their separate ways, only to bump into each other three marriages and three kids, down the line.
Told from both pov this is a frolick of a read and something I really enjoyed. For me, I loved that it was about two people hooking up together in their forties, so more relatable for my tender age! It’s spicy, saucy and fun, easy to read and perfect for a holiday read.
Thank you so much to @hq for sending me a copy of this book to read and review, I loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 3, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book. It was a complete chick lit romance between Nick, a rock star and Lucy, an academic and professor of college students. Nick and Lucy had a dalliance in their teens and haven’t set eyes on each other for over 20 years. They quickly fall back into a “fling” after meeting at a hotel in Vegas where Lucy’s daughter is getting married
The story flits between modern day and flash backs to their first meeting. The book does get fairly raunchy in some parts so isn’t for anyone who may be easily offended.
I won’t say what happens as don’t want to give spoilers will just say it’s an easy read.
The story flits between modern day and flash backs to their first meeting. The book does get fairly raunchy in some parts so isn’t for anyone who may be easily offended.
I won’t say what happens as don’t want to give spoilers will just say it’s an easy read.
July 16, 2025
4.5 stars
What a delightful read. I adored Lucy and Nicky and their smoking chemistry sold me. They’re down for each other, but Lucy is cautious after their romance ended abruptly, albeit in a day before we had mobile phones and internet to remain in contact with people. For her, hearing Nicky’s hit song everywhere was a source of pain. I also loved that while their lives were wildly different – he a rock star and she an academic trying to get tenure at her small mid-west university – they were evenly matched. Both have three divorces, adult kids, and total music nerds making playlists (I loved all the musical references and kept reaching to my phone to start playing some of the bands including Brad who I’ve never ever seen referenced anywhere).
Refreshingly, it features a sex positive heroine who took charge in the bedroom, even as a teenager. The author really presented her characters with the wisdom and maturity that comes being in their late 40s, while still knowing to have fun (Lucy and best friend Kim’s banter during wedding activities was so much fun). Supporting characters were also fantastic. They were well-rounded. I loved Lucy’s best friend Kim who knew to push Lucy, be a voice of reason, but where many authors fail, she doesn’t overtake Lucy’s life and boss her into submission. Lucy’s daughter Chloe was also delightful. Just as spunky as her mum, and thankfully we didn’t see some bride that’s going all bridezilla.
It was well-paced with lots of fun moments (oh boy all Lucy’s ex husbands at one wedding!) that I breezed right through. I also loved that flashbacks were kept to a minimum and not until we had a lot of present day action. It drives me up the wall to read second chance and its constantly going back and forth in time, instead of focusing on whether their romance can realistically work in the present day.
A sexy, fun second chance romance that pulls off the hard feat - convincingly demonstrate that two middle aged adults could swiftly fall in love again nearly thirty years after a brief but memorable encounter after graduating high school.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the ARC.
What a delightful read. I adored Lucy and Nicky and their smoking chemistry sold me. They’re down for each other, but Lucy is cautious after their romance ended abruptly, albeit in a day before we had mobile phones and internet to remain in contact with people. For her, hearing Nicky’s hit song everywhere was a source of pain. I also loved that while their lives were wildly different – he a rock star and she an academic trying to get tenure at her small mid-west university – they were evenly matched. Both have three divorces, adult kids, and total music nerds making playlists (I loved all the musical references and kept reaching to my phone to start playing some of the bands including Brad who I’ve never ever seen referenced anywhere).
Refreshingly, it features a sex positive heroine who took charge in the bedroom, even as a teenager. The author really presented her characters with the wisdom and maturity that comes being in their late 40s, while still knowing to have fun (Lucy and best friend Kim’s banter during wedding activities was so much fun). Supporting characters were also fantastic. They were well-rounded. I loved Lucy’s best friend Kim who knew to push Lucy, be a voice of reason, but where many authors fail, she doesn’t overtake Lucy’s life and boss her into submission. Lucy’s daughter Chloe was also delightful. Just as spunky as her mum, and thankfully we didn’t see some bride that’s going all bridezilla.
It was well-paced with lots of fun moments (oh boy all Lucy’s ex husbands at one wedding!) that I breezed right through. I also loved that flashbacks were kept to a minimum and not until we had a lot of present day action. It drives me up the wall to read second chance and its constantly going back and forth in time, instead of focusing on whether their romance can realistically work in the present day.
A sexy, fun second chance romance that pulls off the hard feat - convincingly demonstrate that two middle aged adults could swiftly fall in love again nearly thirty years after a brief but memorable encounter after graduating high school.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 16, 2025
sooooo, let me just start this out by saying this wasn’t a bad read, it just didn’t deliver for ME. i was expecting a rockstar rom-com but it didn’t quite hit in certain areas.
i liked lucy as an fmc. she was relatable and it was easy to sympathize with her. it was nicky that i didn’t really care for, which is meh especially because it’s a romance.
read if you like
-second chance
-rockstar romance
-relatable fmc
-fast paced and easy to read
thank you netgalley and hq for the arc in exchange for an honest review <3
July 30, 2025
I love a second chance romance, and One More Time completely delivered—only this one comes with nearly 30 years of history, heartbreak, and unresolved feelings.
Lucy and Nicky had one unforgettable, epic night together decades ago... and then life happened. Now, fate (and Vegas) brings them face to face again, but things are a bit more complicated—between them, they’ve got grown-up kids, multiple marriages, and Nicky just happens to be a world-famous rockstar. The emotional (and literal) baggage could fill a bus.
The slow reveal of their shared past and what tore them apart was gripping and, honestly, quite moving. Their chemistry? Still off the charts. The burn is slow but so satisfying, and I adored the mix of humour, heat, and those moments where they just threw caution to the wind.
This was such a fun, emotional, and sexy read—I couldn’t put it down. If you love stories about love that stand the test of time (and chaos), this one’s for you.
Lucy and Nicky had one unforgettable, epic night together decades ago... and then life happened. Now, fate (and Vegas) brings them face to face again, but things are a bit more complicated—between them, they’ve got grown-up kids, multiple marriages, and Nicky just happens to be a world-famous rockstar. The emotional (and literal) baggage could fill a bus.
The slow reveal of their shared past and what tore them apart was gripping and, honestly, quite moving. Their chemistry? Still off the charts. The burn is slow but so satisfying, and I adored the mix of humour, heat, and those moments where they just threw caution to the wind.
This was such a fun, emotional, and sexy read—I couldn’t put it down. If you love stories about love that stand the test of time (and chaos), this one’s for you.
July 30, 2025
I received this as an arc from NetGalley and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was an okay second chance romance but it didn’t quite work for me. It was written in the third person and dual point of view which is my least favorite way of writing as I feel like it disconnects me from the characters. Nicky and Lucy had a lot of potential to be great characters but I felt like I never got to know them and therefore I wasn’t that invested in their romance. I liked that it was a later in life romance and I liked the HEA.
This was an okay second chance romance but it didn’t quite work for me. It was written in the third person and dual point of view which is my least favorite way of writing as I feel like it disconnects me from the characters. Nicky and Lucy had a lot of potential to be great characters but I felt like I never got to know them and therefore I wasn’t that invested in their romance. I liked that it was a later in life romance and I liked the HEA.
October 8, 2025
I LOVED this book! The story is so well thought out. The characters are believable. ESM has a gift for writing dialogue that is clever, authentic and FUNNY! I didn't expect to really like this because the characters were in their mid 40s, which, for some reason, did not strike me as romance material. I was wrong. It's a great story and I have added it to my favorites to be read over and over again.
September 22, 2025
A lovely romance following Lucy and Nicky as they bump into each other again after 28years.
I really enjoyed the dual POV, getting to read both characters' thoughts really made me more invested.
I thought Kim as. side character was fab, and I love to have a book focused on her next.
I really enjoyed the dual POV, getting to read both characters' thoughts really made me more invested.
I thought Kim as. side character was fab, and I love to have a book focused on her next.
January 2, 2026
Maybe this is a me problem but that the fact she did the big declaration of love and not him when he was the one who left… kinda peed me off. However, I did still love it. Read in one sitting. Like 8 hours… I didn’t put it down.
August 30, 2025
Trash. Written to genre conventions with no attention to characterisation or heart.
September 26, 2025
its just pure fluff novel but sometimes thats what you need, nice palate cleanser book. Recommend for holiday read
received early - all views are my own
received early - all views are my own
November 6, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this love story.
November 14, 2025
It was fine but also felt like reading a fan fiction I shouldn't be reading.
August 23, 2025
The synopsis for this one had me excited however the execution was somewhat lacking as I found the story to be just okay. I couldn't get into the romance as there wasn't a lot of chemistry. The characters were okay but I didn't find myself cheering them on as I do with many other romance stories.
August 8, 2025
I’m afraid this one wasn’t for me - I didn’t like the way it was written, the story or the characters! So disappointing.
Thank you to HQ for my #gifted uncorrected proof copy.
Thank you to HQ for my #gifted uncorrected proof copy.
November 9, 2025
So what if the fanfic became real?
One More Time by Emily S. Morris took me on a heart-pounding journey through love, nostalgia, and the irresistible pull of fate.
Lucy unexpectedly reunites with her past love, rock star Nicky, and the sparks fly like they're teenagers again. Their story clearly transcends time, and the chemistry is everything. There’s something magical about seeing two people who once shared such intense passion reconnect after decades apart.
The backdrop of a glamorous destination wedding adds to the allure, providing a stunning setting that feels almost cinematic. The moments they share are infused with nostalgia, reminding us of the intricacies of young love and the realities of adult life. There is so much heart in this story, and it’s not just about romance; it’s about growth, healing, and coming to terms with the past.
The characters are relatable—minus the whole rockstar thing!—and I can feel their connection even through their struggles. Plus, I love playful banter, and Lucky and Nicky showcase that tension in spades.
The second chance aspect of it was such a beautiful part of this story. Lucy gets to be young again and find what she wants out of life, because it's never too late. Getting to explore this character growth—and the romance of it all—gave me so much hope.
This book is such a must-read for anyone who loves rockstar romances, sweet reunions, and stories that get you teary-eyed. There’s plenty of spice and passion entwined in Lucy and Nicky's reunion, making this an unforgettable summer read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
One More Time by Emily S. Morris took me on a heart-pounding journey through love, nostalgia, and the irresistible pull of fate.
Lucy unexpectedly reunites with her past love, rock star Nicky, and the sparks fly like they're teenagers again. Their story clearly transcends time, and the chemistry is everything. There’s something magical about seeing two people who once shared such intense passion reconnect after decades apart.
The backdrop of a glamorous destination wedding adds to the allure, providing a stunning setting that feels almost cinematic. The moments they share are infused with nostalgia, reminding us of the intricacies of young love and the realities of adult life. There is so much heart in this story, and it’s not just about romance; it’s about growth, healing, and coming to terms with the past.
The characters are relatable—minus the whole rockstar thing!—and I can feel their connection even through their struggles. Plus, I love playful banter, and Lucky and Nicky showcase that tension in spades.
The second chance aspect of it was such a beautiful part of this story. Lucy gets to be young again and find what she wants out of life, because it's never too late. Getting to explore this character growth—and the romance of it all—gave me so much hope.
This book is such a must-read for anyone who loves rockstar romances, sweet reunions, and stories that get you teary-eyed. There’s plenty of spice and passion entwined in Lucy and Nicky's reunion, making this an unforgettable summer read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
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