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9 days and 19:19:41
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Seconds to Spare
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 19:19:41
50 copies available
U.S. only
Buckle up for a wild ride with this airborne locked-door thriller. Previously a Wattpad WEBTOON Watty Award winning story.
Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Werth is trapped in what feels like a never-ending nightmare. She's the only person onboard Aloha Airways Flight 1333 who’s stuck in a 28-minute time loop, one that repeats over and over again. During each loop, four things always happen:
1. The Internet goes out and the pilot warns of upcoming turbulence.
2. There are five minutes of moderate shaking.
3. A woman in the very last row collapses.
4. The plane tilts forward and begins to nosedive.
When Orion James –the cute boy who's been asleep the entirety of each cycle– wakes, it triggers an alarming change in the events Evelyn has come to count on. As the two grow closer and learn to trust each other, they discover there’s more to the loop than they initially realized. They must discover the hidden clues, piece together the moving puzzle, and save everyone onboard –before it’s too late.
Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Werth is trapped in what feels like a never-ending nightmare. She's the only person onboard Aloha Airways Flight 1333 who’s stuck in a 28-minute time loop, one that repeats over and over again. During each loop, four things always happen:
1. The Internet goes out and the pilot warns of upcoming turbulence.
2. There are five minutes of moderate shaking.
3. A woman in the very last row collapses.
4. The plane tilts forward and begins to nosedive.
When Orion James –the cute boy who's been asleep the entirety of each cycle– wakes, it triggers an alarming change in the events Evelyn has come to count on. As the two grow closer and learn to trust each other, they discover there’s more to the loop than they initially realized. They must discover the hidden clues, piece together the moving puzzle, and save everyone onboard –before it’s too late.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
4 people are currently reading
7785 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 14, 2026
I won an ARC of this book via Goodreads giveaway and I am giving my honest opinion.
This was an interesting read for me. I liked the story and how it’s written. Its easy to read and it’s a good pace. I found that the mystery kept me wanting to read more. It’s a time loop so of course things repeat, however, some things do change as the main characters try to figure out how to break out of the time loop.
I liked the ending because it shows the vulnerability of a human being and how it’s ok to not be on with some things one experiences. It also shows how we can still move on with our lives and try to heal from the trauma.
This was an interesting read for me. I liked the story and how it’s written. Its easy to read and it’s a good pace. I found that the mystery kept me wanting to read more. It’s a time loop so of course things repeat, however, some things do change as the main characters try to figure out how to break out of the time loop.
I liked the ending because it shows the vulnerability of a human being and how it’s ok to not be on with some things one experiences. It also shows how we can still move on with our lives and try to heal from the trauma.
January 16, 2026
I rarely give five star reviews, but I enjoyed this book that much!
You might think reading a book about the same 28 minute time span would get boring or repetitive, but that wasn’t the case. The book starts in the middle of the action right away as we meet Evelyn in her 192nd time loop. We see her try different things to break the loop but every time the same four things happen and then the plane crashes and the loop resets. But when Orion James wakes up for the first time during one of the loops, they start working together and things start changing. And when they realize that each loop is getting a second longer, they realize they won’t have unlimited tries to correct it.
This book kept me interested right from the beginning and I highly recommend it. I could see it becoming a movie with its mix of action and humor.
Thank you to #GoodReadsGiveaways and St. Martin’s Press/ Wednesday Books for an arc of this book.
You might think reading a book about the same 28 minute time span would get boring or repetitive, but that wasn’t the case. The book starts in the middle of the action right away as we meet Evelyn in her 192nd time loop. We see her try different things to break the loop but every time the same four things happen and then the plane crashes and the loop resets. But when Orion James wakes up for the first time during one of the loops, they start working together and things start changing. And when they realize that each loop is getting a second longer, they realize they won’t have unlimited tries to correct it.
This book kept me interested right from the beginning and I highly recommend it. I could see it becoming a movie with its mix of action and humor.
Thank you to #GoodReadsGiveaways and St. Martin’s Press/ Wednesday Books for an arc of this book.
January 2, 2026
This was a fascinating YA thriller that really captivated me! I had to know what they would find out next in their time loop and if they would get out alive! I loved the premise but the only down side was to be expected because it was a stuck in a time loop theme, it obviously took a while for the FMC to understand what was happening, so the first little bit of the book was a bit repetitive; although needed to understand the time loop!
It made me think of all the little things that seem insignificant that can mean the world or in this case, life or death!
Thank you Goodreads giveaway for allowing me to win this ARC
It made me think of all the little things that seem insignificant that can mean the world or in this case, life or death!
Thank you Goodreads giveaway for allowing me to win this ARC
December 31, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much it has taken me a pause before being able to write a proper review. Apologies for that, as I do greatly appreciate having been gifted the chance to read this as an ARC
This was a unique read that combined suspense, sci-fi, and introspection into a gripping story that was hard to put down. And romance, which I very rarely enjoy being part of the plotline. It was not a spoiler in this case, and I give high props to any author who can accomplish making me enjoy (cheer for even) young love.
I found it interesting how, from just the limited perspectives included, so many characters became well developed through just those two person's interactions and reports. It made me think of our impact on others in those small pieces of time, and the dynamic of shared space.
Overall, while it was also exciting, for me this was a "thinker", which I enjoyed. Lots of topics touched upon, particularly "the bag". I feel that was handled so beautifully. I loved the end also. This was amazingly satisfying.
This was a unique read that combined suspense, sci-fi, and introspection into a gripping story that was hard to put down. And romance, which I very rarely enjoy being part of the plotline. It was not a spoiler in this case, and I give high props to any author who can accomplish making me enjoy (cheer for even) young love.
I found it interesting how, from just the limited perspectives included, so many characters became well developed through just those two person's interactions and reports. It made me think of our impact on others in those small pieces of time, and the dynamic of shared space.
Overall, while it was also exciting, for me this was a "thinker", which I enjoyed. Lots of topics touched upon, particularly "the bag". I feel that was handled so beautifully. I loved the end also. This was amazingly satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Loved this! Seconds to Spare centers around a time loop, and subtly invites reflection for readers to think deeply about the choices we make daily, and how we can easily become stuck within our own familiar routines or loops that we fall into. Stayed with me way beyond the last pages. It's packed with thoughtful insights, love, humor, and characters that are easy to fall for - you can't help but root for them! A really wonderful read, thank you to Wednesday Books for the ARC!
January 5, 2026
Such a cool concept that I think was executed wonderfully!! You get attached to the main characters easily and I found myself flying through this book in search for answers. Ending was satisfying and the last page was so realistic lolz
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Seconds to Spare follows Evelyn as she’s trapped in a 28-minute time loop on a crashing plane. She goes through hundreds of cycles trying to get the loop to end with no use. But when Orion, the cute boy who’s asleep for each cycle, wakes up, it triggers changes. The two grow closer as they work together to stop the loop only to realize more danger is going on and they might not make it out alive.
This was a really intense, fast-paced, and engaging read. The concept of the book really intrigued me. Especially the plane crashing element. There’s definitely a heavy layer of intensity and dangerous intrigue laced throughout the novel. It was really easy to fly through as I was very curious to see what would happen. There were some slow parts, but I enjoyed the book overall. The ending is super wild and explosive and I really liked the reveals.
Evelyn was a really interesting main character. I enjoyed the exploration of her grief and coming to terms with everything. I thought it was really cool how she learned and retained so much of the people on the flight. She definitely has a big heart. I really liked her romance with Rion. They fit really well together and it was very sweet.
If you like fast-paced, intense time loop stories, I’d definitely recommend checking this out!
Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the arc!
This was a really intense, fast-paced, and engaging read. The concept of the book really intrigued me. Especially the plane crashing element. There’s definitely a heavy layer of intensity and dangerous intrigue laced throughout the novel. It was really easy to fly through as I was very curious to see what would happen. There were some slow parts, but I enjoyed the book overall. The ending is super wild and explosive and I really liked the reveals.
Evelyn was a really interesting main character. I enjoyed the exploration of her grief and coming to terms with everything. I thought it was really cool how she learned and retained so much of the people on the flight. She definitely has a big heart. I really liked her romance with Rion. They fit really well together and it was very sweet.
If you like fast-paced, intense time loop stories, I’d definitely recommend checking this out!
Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Seconds to Spare by Rachel Reiss is the high-stakes, heart-pounding airborne thriller I didn’t know I needed. Trapped in a relentless 28-minute time loop on a doomed flight, Evelyn Werth races against the clock (literally) to save everyone on board—including herself. When the mysterious (and very cute) Orion finally wakes up, everything changes in the best way.
Reiss masterfully builds suffocating tension in such a confined space—every cycle feels more desperate, more claustrophobic, and more impossible to escape. The time-loop concept is executed brilliantly: smart clues, clever resets, and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested beyond the pure adrenaline. The budding romance between Evelyn and Orion feels earned and adds a sweet, human layer to all the chaos without ever slowing things down.
If you love fast-paced YA thrillers with sci-fi twists (think Before I Fall meets The Final Girls), confined-space suspense, or anything that keeps your pulse racing, grab this one the second it drops in May 2026. I flew through it in one sitting—pun very much intended.
Rating: ★★★★½
(Thank you for the ARC!)
Want to read
October 9, 2025"Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Werth is trapped in what feels like a never-ending nightmare. She's the only person onboard Aloha Airways Flight 1333 who’s stuck in a 28-minute time loop, one that repeats over and over again. During each loop, four things always happen:
1. The Internet goes out and the pilot warns of upcoming turbulence.
2. There are five minutes of moderate shaking.
3. A woman in the very last row collapses.
4. The plane tilts forward and begins to nosedive.
When Orion James –the cute boy who's been asleep the entirety of each cycle– wakes, it triggers an alarming change in the events Evelyn has come to count on. As the two grow closer and learn to trust each other, they discover there’s more to the loop than they initially realized. They must discover the hidden clues, piece together the moving puzzle, and save everyone onboard –before it’s too late."
1. The Internet goes out and the pilot warns of upcoming turbulence.
2. There are five minutes of moderate shaking.
3. A woman in the very last row collapses.
4. The plane tilts forward and begins to nosedive.
When Orion James –the cute boy who's been asleep the entirety of each cycle– wakes, it triggers an alarming change in the events Evelyn has come to count on. As the two grow closer and learn to trust each other, they discover there’s more to the loop than they initially realized. They must discover the hidden clues, piece together the moving puzzle, and save everyone onboard –before it’s too late."
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
What a wild, thrilling ride! The only thing better would have been if I were actually on a flight while reading this! This book is funny and insightful while also dealing with grief and loss. I’m not always a fan of romance, but it wasn’t overdone in a way that it became the main focus. Also, the ending was fantastic! It was an unusual premise that the author pulled off brilliantly. The only criticism I have is that when the perspectives of Evelyn and Orion changed, it was a little hard to tell one from the other. I would give this book a solid 4-½ stars, so I’ll round up to 5.
Thank you for the ARC!
What a wild, thrilling ride! The only thing better would have been if I were actually on a flight while reading this! This book is funny and insightful while also dealing with grief and loss. I’m not always a fan of romance, but it wasn’t overdone in a way that it became the main focus. Also, the ending was fantastic! It was an unusual premise that the author pulled off brilliantly. The only criticism I have is that when the perspectives of Evelyn and Orion changed, it was a little hard to tell one from the other. I would give this book a solid 4-½ stars, so I’ll round up to 5.
Thank you for the ARC!
January 21, 2026
I was lucky enough to have won an ARC of this from a giveaway, and started reading it right away. I really wasn't sure what to expect, having never read the novella it was adapted from, but this book really exceeded my expectations. I couldnt put it down, every page had me hooked. I love the unexpected twists. They were (in my opinion) well done, and i didnt see them coming. I like the very realistic parts of dealing with grief and mental health, the way Evelyn was, eventually, able to get over the things that happened with her father. The way Orion was able to make it to his 19th birthday. And, of course, the very real aftermath and trauma of everything that happened after the fact. It wouldnt have made sense if the two of them were just.. over everything?? In the end, when they decide to instead have a long roadtrip, it was so cute. I am so happy that they stayed together even after the loops
I also love Evelyn and Orion (theyre so cute pls 😭💗🙏)
I also love Evelyn and Orion (theyre so cute pls 😭💗🙏)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this book. Reading the book, which didn’t take long at all, was very intriguing. I really liked how the characters interacted with one another and bonded throughout the story. The progression of the characters throughout Seconds to Spare was great. The book was a great mystery. I really enjoyed how the author put together clues for me and the characters to solve together. The characters did engage with sensitive subjects making part of the story feeling tense. Overall, great story. I really enjoyed reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
What a wild ride, so to speak. As soon as the books starts, you jump right into things--no backstory or events leading up to the 'loops'. But, over time you learn about the two main characters, as well as some of the other passengers. I thought things slowed down a little near the middle, but then picked up and I was invested for the remainder of the book. I was waiting for a twist ending, but there really wasn't one, which was ok. Overall, an enjoyable book with likeable characters.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
thank you Goodreads, for this Advance Reader Copy.
this is a fast-paced book! the ending is very exciting. the beginning drags a bit, with the loops, but the author made them interesting, even when things were repetitive. definitely a unique story.
3.5 stars, but i did round down, instead of up. for me, it wasn’t good enough to go up to 4.
this is a fast-paced book! the ending is very exciting. the beginning drags a bit, with the loops, but the author made them interesting, even when things were repetitive. definitely a unique story.
3.5 stars, but i did round down, instead of up. for me, it wasn’t good enough to go up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a story about practice rounds.
Ahhhhhh I loooooooooveeeee a time loop. This was a fantastic, pulse pounding, unexpectedly funny, super stressful story. I love a locked room thriller,and with the addition of a sci-fi element this became unputdownable- I was glued to the page for my entire flight.
Thank you so much @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks
Ahhhhhh I loooooooooveeeee a time loop. This was a fantastic, pulse pounding, unexpectedly funny, super stressful story. I love a locked room thriller,and with the addition of a sci-fi element this became unputdownable- I was glued to the page for my entire flight.
Thank you so much @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Caught in a tine loop on a crashing plane, nothing changes with each of 18 year old Evelyn efforts. No one else is aware of the loop. Trapped and alone and nearing 400 loops when the sleeping boy wakes joins her. Received from Goodreads for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I was pleasantly surprised by this one!!
It was not what I was expecting at all after reading the blurb.
I cannot imagine having ton live through this one time much less over and over.
I was engrossed in this story completely the entire time.
It was not what I was expecting at all after reading the blurb.
I cannot imagine having ton live through this one time much less over and over.
I was engrossed in this story completely the entire time.
January 20, 2026
I was lucky to win this book on Goodreads and when I started to read it I thought “oh no”. An airplane story! I hate to fly! The story moves along and kept me interested! A lot of of things going on aboard 🤪🥸
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was full of twists and turns! From Evelyn being stuck all alone in a 28 minute loop to Orion waking up and changing things. This book will keep you on your toes! Be sure to pre-order, it comes out May 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
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Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Caught in a time warp on a flight across the Pacific, passengers face a life-or-death situation.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews