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Second Chance Duet
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26A swoony, slow burn romance about a struggling composer whose big break comes at a cost—working side-by-side with her college nemesis.
Celia García has always had one to compose film scores. But after a decade of advertising jingles, that dream couldn’t be further out of reach—until an old college friend presents her with a life-changing opportunity. A big-name director so desperately needs a composer for his TV debut that he’ll take a chance on someone new. There’s only one catch. Celia has to work—and live—with her college nemesis, Oliver Barlowe.
Celia remembers Oliver as arrogant, rude, and entitled—the picture-perfect scion of Hollywood royalty. Soon, though, late nights and long days together reveal how much Oliver’s changed, sparking new feelings and the discovery that their rivalry wasn’t quite as mutual as she thought. But in an industry where she needs to work twice as hard to be seen as half as good, a romance with Oliver could end Celia’s career just as it’s starting
Celia García has always had one to compose film scores. But after a decade of advertising jingles, that dream couldn’t be further out of reach—until an old college friend presents her with a life-changing opportunity. A big-name director so desperately needs a composer for his TV debut that he’ll take a chance on someone new. There’s only one catch. Celia has to work—and live—with her college nemesis, Oliver Barlowe.
Celia remembers Oliver as arrogant, rude, and entitled—the picture-perfect scion of Hollywood royalty. Soon, though, late nights and long days together reveal how much Oliver’s changed, sparking new feelings and the discovery that their rivalry wasn’t quite as mutual as she thought. But in an industry where she needs to work twice as hard to be seen as half as good, a romance with Oliver could end Celia’s career just as it’s starting
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
159 people want to read
About the author
Ana Holguin
2 books62 followersAna Holguin grew up in the American Southwest and eventually made her way to the other side of the Mississippi, where she landed in Chicago. She now lives and writes in the City of Broad Shoulders.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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December 16, 2025Excited to read another book by this author!
December 6, 2025
My latest & greatest SIX star read !!!!!!
Ana Holguin has done it AGAIN!
She has a WAY of making you FEEL.
I laughed. I cried (at literally everything; whether it was actually emotional or simply bc Ana set the scene absolutely flawlessly)
I simply cannot describe how REAL these characters felt. Every detail of their personalities, inner-thoughts, actions, goals, dialogue— it was all so consistently ✨them✨ & unique in a way that felt… natural, & memorable.
⏰ dual timeline perfection, the entire story wasn’t hanging in the balance waiting to find out what happened “before”, but it set the stage for the characters development both individually & together.
💘 rivals to lovers that actual felt like they were rivals !!!!! A span of 13 YEARS, PEOPLE.
🥁 she’s so direct, & she’s a chicken nuggets + fries type of girl, & the family dynamics were absolutely heart-warming.
🎹 he’s so troubled, but also SO CARING & THOUGHTFUL. The man goes to THERAPY & is actively working out all his kinks.
👯♀️ just another note to say that the family!!!! in this book really stood out in a way that both stood out & fell seamlessly in line with the plot.
I’m so so proud of Ana with her second published novel & feel beyond blessed to have been able to read it early 🫶🏼
Ana Holguin has done it AGAIN!
She has a WAY of making you FEEL.
I laughed. I cried (at literally everything; whether it was actually emotional or simply bc Ana set the scene absolutely flawlessly)
I simply cannot describe how REAL these characters felt. Every detail of their personalities, inner-thoughts, actions, goals, dialogue— it was all so consistently ✨them✨ & unique in a way that felt… natural, & memorable.
⏰ dual timeline perfection, the entire story wasn’t hanging in the balance waiting to find out what happened “before”, but it set the stage for the characters development both individually & together.
💘 rivals to lovers that actual felt like they were rivals !!!!! A span of 13 YEARS, PEOPLE.
🥁 she’s so direct, & she’s a chicken nuggets + fries type of girl, & the family dynamics were absolutely heart-warming.
🎹 he’s so troubled, but also SO CARING & THOUGHTFUL. The man goes to THERAPY & is actively working out all his kinks.
👯♀️ just another note to say that the family!!!! in this book really stood out in a way that both stood out & fell seamlessly in line with the plot.
I’m so so proud of Ana with her second published novel & feel beyond blessed to have been able to read it early 🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In her second novel, Ana Holguin delivers an adorable romance between two composers tasked with creating the score for an upcoming TV show. Celia García is a struggling artist in NYC. When she meets up with a friend for dinner, she learns about the opportunity of a lifetime, but it comes with a catch: she can help compose the score for an upcoming TV show, but she must collaborate with her old college rival, Oliver Barlowe. Told in the past and present POVs, this book explores Celia's growth as an artist, as well as her relationship with Oliver throughout their college years and their present work on the musical score. Celia thought Oliver always hated her... but does he really?
This book was great! This was my first of Holguin's novels, and now I want to read her debut, Up Close and Personal! I thought Holguin really knew what she was talking about with the composing scenes (especially when she mentioned that AI is replacing human efforts!) I was engaged with all the musical talk and the look at the competition between students at Julliard. The settings of NYC and Maine added a lot to the story; each were beautiful in their own way.
I thought Celia and Oliver were such interesting characters with unique motivations. I really enjoyed the dichotomy between what Celia was telling us about Oliver vs. Oliver's actions on the page. You could tell that he was DOWN BAD for her from the start! He always pined for her, even if he couldn't demonstrate it. Although the alternating timelines were a bit tricky for me to follow at times, I loved how you got to see and appreciate Oliver's growth as a character throughout the years. He was a different type of MMC than many of the others in the current romance market, and I enjoyed him!
Celia's struggles as an artist were relatable, and I enjoyed getting to see her have her big break. I loved her relationship with her family and with Oliver. The intersectionality of her being a woman and a Latina in a white, male-dominated field was explored well.
My only gripe was the third-act breakup. I don't think Celia was to blame for what happened, but I can understand Oliver's side, too. I'm interested to see what other readers think about it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing, for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book was great! This was my first of Holguin's novels, and now I want to read her debut, Up Close and Personal! I thought Holguin really knew what she was talking about with the composing scenes (especially when she mentioned that AI is replacing human efforts!) I was engaged with all the musical talk and the look at the competition between students at Julliard. The settings of NYC and Maine added a lot to the story; each were beautiful in their own way.
I thought Celia and Oliver were such interesting characters with unique motivations. I really enjoyed the dichotomy between what Celia was telling us about Oliver vs. Oliver's actions on the page. You could tell that he was DOWN BAD for her from the start! He always pined for her, even if he couldn't demonstrate it. Although the alternating timelines were a bit tricky for me to follow at times, I loved how you got to see and appreciate Oliver's growth as a character throughout the years. He was a different type of MMC than many of the others in the current romance market, and I enjoyed him!
Celia's struggles as an artist were relatable, and I enjoyed getting to see her have her big break. I loved her relationship with her family and with Oliver. The intersectionality of her being a woman and a Latina in a white, male-dominated field was explored well.
My only gripe was the third-act breakup. I don't think Celia was to blame for what happened, but I can understand Oliver's side, too. I'm interested to see what other readers think about it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing, for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
December 8, 2025
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the early copy of this book!
Listen, I absolutely adored Ana’s debut novel, Up Close & Personal and was beyond thrilled to get to read her next book early. I previously compared Ana’s writing to Abby Jimenez and after this book, I still believe that. She writes romances that are so much more than romances. There’s mental health representation through out and on the MMC side, which isn’t all that common. I love seeing a man who has the same issues that I do, social anxiety and feeling isolated is not a female only issue and I am always so happy to read books that show that representation in a man.
This book focuses on Celia and Oliver, college nemesis who haven’t seen or spoken to each other since they graduated college over a decade ago. Going to Juilliard, they were both constantly competing and let that pressure turn into hate for each other. We get flashbacks back to the college days to help build their background and I really enjoyed that little bit of insight. Flash forward to today and Celia gets the opportunity from an old college friend of a lifetime to work as composer on a new but hopefully huge TV show. The catch? The director will only work with an up and coming composer if she works together with Oliver.
Not only work together, but Oliver offers his family’s home and studio to work in. Which means the old enemies now have to live together until the project is complete. This is a second chance romance/enemies to lovers with forced proximity and I ate it up the entire time. When they started to flirt through Scrabble, I was kicking my feet and giggling the whole time 😍 I love the Hispanic culture that is included from Celia’s background and her family was a riot. This was just such a delightful read even when it focused on some heavier topics, mental health issues, loneliness/isolation, and having to be that tougher, never failing older sister. I absolutely cannot wait for what Ana writes next, but I already know I will love it.
Listen, I absolutely adored Ana’s debut novel, Up Close & Personal and was beyond thrilled to get to read her next book early. I previously compared Ana’s writing to Abby Jimenez and after this book, I still believe that. She writes romances that are so much more than romances. There’s mental health representation through out and on the MMC side, which isn’t all that common. I love seeing a man who has the same issues that I do, social anxiety and feeling isolated is not a female only issue and I am always so happy to read books that show that representation in a man.
This book focuses on Celia and Oliver, college nemesis who haven’t seen or spoken to each other since they graduated college over a decade ago. Going to Juilliard, they were both constantly competing and let that pressure turn into hate for each other. We get flashbacks back to the college days to help build their background and I really enjoyed that little bit of insight. Flash forward to today and Celia gets the opportunity from an old college friend of a lifetime to work as composer on a new but hopefully huge TV show. The catch? The director will only work with an up and coming composer if she works together with Oliver.
Not only work together, but Oliver offers his family’s home and studio to work in. Which means the old enemies now have to live together until the project is complete. This is a second chance romance/enemies to lovers with forced proximity and I ate it up the entire time. When they started to flirt through Scrabble, I was kicking my feet and giggling the whole time 😍 I love the Hispanic culture that is included from Celia’s background and her family was a riot. This was just such a delightful read even when it focused on some heavier topics, mental health issues, loneliness/isolation, and having to be that tougher, never failing older sister. I absolutely cannot wait for what Ana writes next, but I already know I will love it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Almost, but not quite there yet.
That's how this reader would characterize this book.
First, it's billed as an enemies to lovers. It's not. Given their past interactions (author seamlessly moved from present and past), their interactions were more of an arm's length misunderstood interaction mostly in Celia's head. What was jarring? The bulletins as to the fictional show were at times unnecessary except for the initial ones. The latter provided context of the show but there some that had no significance (ie when two stars were in NYC and one stormed off). The family group chat, on the other hand, showed the strong bond of Celia not just with her two younger sisters but her parents as well. Secondly, once their moment over Scrabble occurred, it seemed that their physical interaction too quickly escalated. Given the decade of pining expect a bit more buildup.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That's how this reader would characterize this book.
First, it's billed as an enemies to lovers. It's not. Given their past interactions (author seamlessly moved from present and past), their interactions were more of an arm's length misunderstood interaction mostly in Celia's head. What was jarring? The bulletins as to the fictional show were at times unnecessary except for the initial ones. The latter provided context of the show but there some that had no significance (ie when two stars were in NYC and one stormed off). The family group chat, on the other hand, showed the strong bond of Celia not just with her two younger sisters but her parents as well. Secondly, once their moment over Scrabble occurred, it seemed that their physical interaction too quickly escalated. Given the decade of pining expect a bit more buildup.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Second Chance Duet – Ana Holguín
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the little glimpses into the past, but man… what I would’ve given for a dual POV. I wanted to know what was going on in Oliver’s head so badly.
Celia and Oliver together just worked. I loved their dynamic and really enjoyed watching both of them grow—individually and as a couple. Their character development felt earned, and I stayed invested in their careers and their relationship the entire time.
This was such an easy book to sink into and fly through, and I was fully along for the ride. Ana Holguín writes romances that are about so much more than romance. The mental health representation—especially on the MMC side—meant a lot to me. Seeing a man deal with social anxiety and isolation was refreshing and honestly validating. Those struggles aren’t “female only,” and I’m always grateful when a book acknowledges that.
Second Chance Duet – Ana Holguín
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved the little glimpses into the past, but man… what I would’ve given for a dual POV. I wanted to know what was going on in Oliver’s head so badly.
Celia and Oliver together just worked. I loved their dynamic and really enjoyed watching both of them grow—individually and as a couple. Their character development felt earned, and I stayed invested in their careers and their relationship the entire time.
This was such an easy book to sink into and fly through, and I was fully along for the ride. Ana Holguín writes romances that are about so much more than romance. The mental health representation—especially on the MMC side—meant a lot to me. Seeing a man deal with social anxiety and isolation was refreshing and honestly validating. Those struggles aren’t “female only,” and I’m always grateful when a book acknowledges that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was adorable! Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
Celia and Oliver went to Juilliard together 13 years ago and didn't always see eye to eye. Oliver seemingly was handed all of the roles that Celia wanted because of Oliver's famous father.
Now Celia has the opportunity of a lifetime to work on a real TV show project, but she must work and live with Oliver. Together, the two of them grow closer as Celia starts to see how Oliver has changed - he's not the same arrogant snob that Celia thought he was years ago (or was he?)
This was an adorable read! I loved Ana's first book and it was such a treat to read this second one. Celia and Oliver's romance feels very natural and the two of them were extremely likable. I loved that this book was largely set in beautiful Maine, where I'm from. The author did a nice job capturing the feel of Boothbay Harbor.
Celia and Oliver went to Juilliard together 13 years ago and didn't always see eye to eye. Oliver seemingly was handed all of the roles that Celia wanted because of Oliver's famous father.
Now Celia has the opportunity of a lifetime to work on a real TV show project, but she must work and live with Oliver. Together, the two of them grow closer as Celia starts to see how Oliver has changed - he's not the same arrogant snob that Celia thought he was years ago (or was he?)
This was an adorable read! I loved Ana's first book and it was such a treat to read this second one. Celia and Oliver's romance feels very natural and the two of them were extremely likable. I loved that this book was largely set in beautiful Maine, where I'm from. The author did a nice job capturing the feel of Boothbay Harbor.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Second chance duet is by Ana Holguin is a slow burn romance about two composers whose big break into the industry comes with a cost!
This book was the perfect mix of spice, romance, and tension! Celia and Oliver’s relationship in and out of the studio held so many levels of complexity and chemistry. Celia simply wants to get through life without another warning from her landlord. While Oliver is trying to change the image his father as portrayed for him.
This book lived the best of my two favorite worlds. Music and books! . I loved the flashbacks from when they were in Juilliard showing where it all began. However I do wish that we could see inside of Oliver’s mind! Overall I think this book is perfect for music and romance lovers!
Level:🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨enemies to lovers
✨slow burn
✨work place romance
✨”I thought you knew”
✨found family
This book was the perfect mix of spice, romance, and tension! Celia and Oliver’s relationship in and out of the studio held so many levels of complexity and chemistry. Celia simply wants to get through life without another warning from her landlord. While Oliver is trying to change the image his father as portrayed for him.
This book lived the best of my two favorite worlds. Music and books! . I loved the flashbacks from when they were in Juilliard showing where it all began. However I do wish that we could see inside of Oliver’s mind! Overall I think this book is perfect for music and romance lovers!
Level:🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨enemies to lovers
✨slow burn
✨work place romance
✨”I thought you knew”
✨found family
November 12, 2025
Ana is at it again! What a delightful music-filled romcom. Sharing a house with your college nemesis (who got HOT) in order to make music together?? Sign me UP!!!! It's got family, friendship, dual timeline tension, charming wit, New York vibes, and a very inappropriate way to use a piano (iykyk) - it's definitely a romance but also a moving portrait of a woman trying to make a name for herself in an often unwelcoming industry. Such an uplifting, feel-good time - with spice that will have you kicking your feet. Yummm.
December 9, 2025
I loved this book! It was such a wonderful experience. It is single POV, but didn’t feel lacking. Both of the characters went to Juilliard and we see some flash backs to their time there. It added to the story and didn’t drag it along. It isn’t really a second chance romance. It’s more of a we knew each other and were kind of enemies in the past and now we have to work together. I definitely recommend it.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
December 27, 2025
3.75 stars 🌟 a musical romance, one of my favorite tropes 😋 i liked how celiaoliver came back to each other and how oliver’s years of pining worked in the end 🎼🗽🎹 this went a little too fast for my taste around the 50% mark, but i think this couple was super cute so it wasn’t too bad that i had to dnf 😇 i love books about music & new york city so this was definitely something i enjoyed!
a special thank you to netgalley and forever publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
a special thank you to netgalley and forever publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this romance, and loved that it gave a peak into a side of entertainment you don’t see a lot with composing. The relationship that grew between the former rivals was sweet, the only thing I wanted was a glimpse into Oliver’s character, because he was so quiet that it would’ve helped flesh out the romance.
I received an ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I enjoyed this romance, and loved that it gave a peak into a side of entertainment you don’t see a lot with composing. The relationship that grew between the former rivals was sweet, the only thing I wanted was a glimpse into Oliver’s character, because he was so quiet that it would’ve helped flesh out the romance.
I received an ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 29, 2025
HE WAS JUST *AWKWARD* BACK THEN, HE JUST *LIKED* HER, WHY DO I EAT THIS SHIT UP?!?!?! I LOVE THE FORCED PROXIMITY OF THEM IN THE HOUSE TOGETHER, THE FACT THAT THEY'RE BOTH SO GOOD AT WHAT THEY DO, AND THE GENTLE CARE THEY TAKE WITH EACH OTHER, GAH I LOVED IT
December 20, 2025
3.5 stars
rep: Latina protagonist
music composition was a cool career to explore in this book and I did enjoy it for the most part. but it had less development in the romance than I would’ve liked :/ quick cute read tho !
rep: Latina protagonist
music composition was a cool career to explore in this book and I did enjoy it for the most part. but it had less development in the romance than I would’ve liked :/ quick cute read tho !
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
the dialogue and text message conversations are not particularly inspired.
✰ DNF 20%, I just prefer some witty banter is that too much to ask?
thank you to forever for the ebook arc in exchange for an honest review
✰ DNF 20%, I just prefer some witty banter is that too much to ask?
thank you to forever for the ebook arc in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the arc!
4.5 stars
Full rtc!
4.5 stars
Full rtc!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
i saw coastal maine and I was like okay bet
October 11, 2025
I read and loved Ana's debut (Up Close & Personal), so was really excited to get to read an early version of her sophomore novel, Second Chance Duet.
These pages are packed with so much culture, swoon, social commentary, family dynamics, and heat. Celia is the female lead dreams are made of—driven, independent, capable of growth and change, AND ALSO soft and open to love in all forms. And Oliver proved himself to be a man who deserved her.
I will forever read everything Ana puts out. Highly recommend you do the same!
These pages are packed with so much culture, swoon, social commentary, family dynamics, and heat. Celia is the female lead dreams are made of—driven, independent, capable of growth and change, AND ALSO soft and open to love in all forms. And Oliver proved himself to be a man who deserved her.
I will forever read everything Ana puts out. Highly recommend you do the same!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews