Second Courses

by Robin Blackburn

She takes over her cheating ex’s restaurant and hires her first love as chef—putting second chances back on the menu.

Lyndsay Leach spent seventeen years supporting her celebrity-chef husband, but when he leaves her for a much younger woman, she makes a bold—and slightly petty—move: She takes the one thing he never thought she would, his prized Lake George restaurant.

There’s just one problem. She’s never run a kitchen, her secret writing career has stalled, and her first love just walked through the door and wants the head chef job. Okay, more than one problem.

Now, with a rival restaurant opening right down the road and a scathing food critic on the way, Lyndsay has one shot to prove that she’s no longer a supporting character in someone else’s story—and maybe find love at the same time.

Of course, nothing’s easy, as Lyndsay soon finds out. But sometimes the second course is the one worth waiting for.

Tropes you'll love:

Second chance romance
First love reunited
Forced proximity
Midlife reinvention
Love after divorce
Small-town lake setting
Restaurant drama
80s references

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2026

Reviews

[Aisvarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy Release Day💛✨

Actual rating - 3.5⭐

What to expect -
💛 Small town romance
💛 Second chance
💛 Reuniting with your first love
💛 Middle-aged FMC x MMC
💛 Restaurant owner x head chef
💛 Self-discovery
💛 Female friendship

Lyndsay has recently found out that her husband has been cheating on her and is heartbroken that he wants a divorce after being married for nearly twenty years. She’s always let him have the spotlight as the celebrity chef and has supported him through everything, so this news makes her question her self-worth. When she gets the keys to one of his restaurants that has been shut down for remodeling, she decides to take a leap and try running it herself. That’s where she meets her first love, Marcus, reconnects with him, and begins working alongside him to establish the smooth running of the restaurant, and sparks definitely fly!!😉

This was such a wholesome and heartwarming read about a woman rediscovering herself and falling back in love with the right person. And it truly was amazing to see how much a person can shine when they’re with someone who genuinely cares about them and supports them no matter what, unlike someone who’d rather keep them in the background (aka our FMC’s ex-husband🙄). Lyndsay was literally like her 18-year-old self again, shining with energy and passion, and brimming with confidence whenever she was with Marcus, and I loved that for her. And I was so happy seeing the success of the restaurant and all the beautiful things she found after returning to the small town of Lake George.

Marcus was such a green flag MMC. Even though he had to break up with her years ago for a valid reason, it feels like he has always regretted that decision. I loved that he owned up to his mistake and apologized to her now, even after all these years. We love an MMC who can acknowledge his wrongs and strive to be better😌 Also, he had me drooling throughout the entire book with his cooking because every dish sounded delicious (and yes, he cooks for her😍🤌🏻✨). He never pressured her into anything she didn’t want, while constantly supporting and reassuring her decisions, and he truly felt like the perfect person for her.

The friendship between Lyndsay and Chloe was another highlight of the book. They were absolutely giving Hannah and Allie from the Off-Campus series, and honestly, everyone deserves a friendship like that in their life🥺💛

Overall, this was such a sweet and cozy romance that gives you hope that there’s more to life even after your 30s.

Huge thanks to Beyondthebooks PR and the author for the ARC

[Nena Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. I love how she took charge of her own life after the divorce. I really disliked her ex, he was just awful lol, this was a fun and carefree read for me

[Megan Soria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy mother of Mary this book...

At first this book gives off No Reservation(love me some Catherine Zeta Jones) vibes w/ a twist, where our FMC Lyndsay is in a new season of life where her cheating soon to be ex husband tries to screw her over, but she ends up getting 1 of his pride & joys- his restaurant in Lake George. Now in the process of starting her life over she has no idea how she's going to run & operate a restaurant.
But as fate would have it her 1st love just so happens to walk through her door... Literally looking to get back into a kitchen (cause of course he's a talented chef).
In a whirlwind of rekindling old flames, while successfully working as partners with the new 518 Farm-to Table restaurant, it’s looking like all blue skies ahead☁️☁️.
But in true asshole fashion, her now ex has to try to tear her down, even though he's already engaged to the homewrecker pastry chef he was cheating with?? As "restuarant wars" unfold so do other plot twists that left me genuinely PISSED😤.

But I'm getting ahead of myself a bit- in the process Lyndsay's actual day job as a successful writer & for the last 17yrs had been writing best selling novels under a pen name. In attempts to get back to her creative roots she's trying to balance being an author & restuantuer, & with the support of her bestie she decides her next book should be a "tell all" memoir about her life & marriage with her celebrity chef ex, her secret writing career & her "new" found love with her old 1st love.

But then this happens... Chapter 22 is all I'm going to say. Literally 90% through we get this giant fucking bomb thrown on us & for 5mins this is me👇🏽

I'm not gonna lie this was a 4⭐️ read for me up until Chapter 22- just WHY?? Like I GET there was more for why Marcus acted like a dumbass but COME ON?! This dude is in his 50's and he cant just communicate with his partner that her SOB douche of an ex-husband is trying to black mail him & ruin their lives?? #sorrynotsorry for that spoiler
Like WTF ya'll signed the same NDA's... and now Lyndsay's just supposed to accept this crap & be like its okay I still love you Marcus??! UGH. THEN I get to page 297- yes with only 10 FREAKIN PAGES LEFT- & I'm even MORE annoyed because Lyndsay's just a sucker & is like its okay *snap* all's forgiven cause he bought her a restaurant, confesses his love for her, saying she's it, (Yeah cause you both old) & 3rd times the charm "its kismet" that their supposed to be together?🫠🫠
"I can give second chances a second chance" ??????????????
Just overall FUCK rich white men who think they can throw money around to get or buy what they want.
Like Robbie you couldn't have at least given us the cliche of "there's no price tag on love" or "money can't buy happiness/love" as Lynds' response?

As I try to calm myself down from emotionally getting dragged through the gravel with this shit storm of a plot twist, it honestly was just too hard for me to get back to loving this story at the LITERAL end of the book even though it had a HEA.
I get that the author was trying to create some dramatic effect here, but respectfully, just no. It totally killed my mood and the rest of my good vibes for the end of this story.

This honestly was soo good up until 90% in. I'm still grateful to receive this ARC & really liked the "midlife" take on the characters, but I've never been left so dissatisfied & pissed with a second chance romance like this one🥲.
Maybe we should just skip the second course & go straight to dessert.

[Hemakshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5⭐)

Received an Advance Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Life is kinda predictable, or so Lyndsay Leach, a former author, thought. But then she finds out that David Montero, her celebrity-chef husband of 20 years is cheating on her and wants a divorce. In a moment of revenge and spite, she decides to take his beloved restaurant. Leaving a lifetime behind, she decides to run the restaurant as her own but then life throws at her the memories of her high school, and her ex, Marcus Bremerton who is coincidentally in the same town and is an accomplished chef. Ok life, I think I get your point🫠

What a beautiful story!!!

Throughout the book we see her struggles during her marriage and the aftermath of a very public divorce, her doubts, her reasons, her triumphs, her relationships. Her starting and navigating her new life and of course, the sheer audacity and ego of her husband, this is an excellent and amazing story. You might think, what is going on in my life, but I actually needed this story 💛

I don't think only people in their mid life or in their forties or fifties should read this, but this is for everyone who feels we only get one chance at life.

Marcus is one hell of a man, in a good way and someone who should be there in everybody's life. Where can I find someone like him🙂🤌???

Chloe!!!! The bestest friend!!!! The rock of Lyndsay through thick and thin. Girl I love you💖

It has romance, women's struggles and her triumphs, a piece of something ex husband, drama, 80s references and of course lots and lots of food. If you're like me, you'll be craving dishes you haven't even tried🫠🤌

As someone who sees her parents navigating their midlife, this story really did something to my heart ❤️

But this at it's core, is a story about Lyndsay, and her life. And just like her, we all got our fair share of struggles and crises and hurdles. But we should not be afraid of this life, of the question - what will happen now... Or be afraid or doubtful about the second chances or may I say, second courses, life throws at us. In the words of the author - Reinvention is always an option and Relevance isn’t something you age out of.

Never hesitate to take the next step and more importantly, never hesitate to take the first step.

To me and to you🫂

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come for the mouthwatering food writing and swoony Adirondack setting, stay for the second chance love story and the satisfaction of watching a woman reinvent her life on her own terms. We need more stories about vibrant, ambitious women chasing and fulfilling new dreams midlife. As a woman in my 40s, stories like this make me even more excited for my 50s and beyond, and all the possibility that lies ahead with the wisdom and confidence we collect along the way.

Thank you Robin for this lovely, empowering story. Your characters are so easy to root for...as are you!! Can't wait to see what you publish next.

"Maybe in life, as in writing, you have to burn the first draft to find the real story underneath." -Second Courses

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book so fast on vacation, but I didn't want it to end. So good! The character development, details about their lives and the setting of the book. All of it. It's a fun read, but has depth too. Wow! I highly recommend this book.

[Spiced Tea Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Courses was such a charming, heartwarming read. It’s a sweet story of a woman’s reinvention, finding love when she least expects it, and discovering that it’s never too late for a fresh start. The picturesque Adirondack lake setting completely stole my heart. I wanted to pack my bags and stay there forever. And don’t even get me started on the food…I seriously wished the restaurant’s menu was real because I would’ve ordered everything. This is the perfect feel good read full of hope, romance, and fresh starts.

[Ayesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second courses by Robin Blackburn is an amazing novel centered around Lyndsay Leach. The whole story is from her POV. This is a book written by a woman for women and I would say that one can learn a lot from it. Lyndsay Leach in her mid 50s after a messy divorce discovers herself, she takes a chance and proves that one can restart their life altogether after a massive setback also.

The narration, plot, characters and setting were phenomenal. The character of Lyndsay was portrayed in a beautiful manner where one can see her growth , both in personal life and career. Her character growth can inspire many people who are going through existential crisis.

Marcus-the male lead was what we call a green flag. Some people just with their kindness and care can make your day and even life. This is the person Lyndsay needed in her life and he was there for her each and every time. Together they both were a great team and it was just amazing to read how they managed the whole restaurant from scratch. Their romance was not grand but the small gestures and selfless love they had for each other can melt your heart.

The setting of Lake George and the whole restaurant and food description was in such a detailed manner that one can feel the essence of the place while reading. And yes there is a lot of food here and can make one hungry. I just want to visit this restaurant and taste their extraordinary food.

The friendship between Chloe and Lyndsay was heartwarming and I would say everyone needs a friend like Chloe. She was just always there for Lyndsay no matter what.I did like all the 80's references and nostalgia mentioned in the story.

The concept of second chances in life was the central part of the plot and it was executed really well. I enjoyed every moment of it and was cheering for Lyndsay in every event that took place.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about self discovery, romance, feel good book with lots of food.

And Yes I want to say to all those women who go through messy situations you can always start your life and give second chance no matter at what age you are in!

P S. Can I reserve a place in 512 farm to table restaurant because the dining experience looks incredible??

[Keshsews ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍳 ARC REVIEW 🍳

You guys absolutely need to read this book! Trust me you'll enjoy this one! This book follows author Lindsay Leach who is getting divorced from her famous chef husband, David Montero, and now finds herself owning one of David's prized possessions - his restaurant.

Having no experience in running a restaurant and in the midst of a divorce, Lindsay finds herself learning how to navigate this chapter of her life as well as finding out how to live again. She's on a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance. But alongside this, she reconnects with an old flame who had wondered into her restaurant and this is the continuation of something magical that happened once a long time ago.

This book is about figuring out that no matter what life throws at you, you're never too late or too old to start over or to start again. It's never too late to chase your dreams and more importantly to never give up parts of yourself to make someone happy.

I absolutely devoured this book! I loved Lindsay's journey and seeing her overcome her struggles. She's such an inspiring character and definitely someone you can learn lessons from. The message of this book was so beautiful and empowering especially if you're in a later stage at life, it's never too late to start again!

I liked how Lindsay overcame all her struggles and reading about her journey. I loved the descriptions of the food. It made me very hungry reading this book but it was really good and I loved how there were actual examples of dishes and food made.

My only issue was that it was a bit difficult to tell when the days changed. I think it's a formatting issue but I wish there was a bit more space in between these changes to make it more distinguished.

Other than this was a great book. I had an amazing great time reading this! Thank you so much to Robin Blackburn for sending me this ARC!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Courses is a novel that feels like sitting down with a close friend who has wonderful news to share. At its heart is Lyndsay, a woman in her mid-fifties navigating divorce and the daunting, exciting work of reinventing herself. One of the aspects I loved most about this story was seeing a woman in her fifties get to start over and build something new for herself.

The romance with Marcus, her high school sweetheart, is the sweetest thread running through the story. I loved that a woman in her fifties could find love again, and the author wrote it in a way that felt realistic and heartwarming. I found myself rooting for the two of them from the very first pages, and I thought about Lyndsay and Marcus even when I wasn't reading, which is the surest sign a story has its hooks in you.

Lyndsay's friendship with her longtime friend is another highlight. Her supportive friendship is exactly the kind everyone deserves, the sort who shows up through the hard parts and then gently nudges you toward something new and a little bit scary. I loved that she pushed Lyndsay to try something new, and it was a good reminder that the right people in your life help you do things you might not try on your own.

Then there is the restaurant world, which I knew almost nothing about going in. The author brought it to life so vividly that I was fascinated by every detail, and setting it in a place I recognized made it feel even more real. The descriptions of the food were so mouthwatering that I wanted to try every dish, and I genuinely wished the restaurant were a real place I could visit.

The pacing is wonderful, never rushed and never dragging. I cheered Lyndsay on all the way through. Second Courses is a heartfelt, hopeful story about love, friendship, and starting over, and I can't recommend it enough.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Courses was such a beautiful and heartfelt story about second chances, believing in yourself again after difficult circumstances, and finding the courage to put yourself back out there ❤️

From the very beginning I was completely invested in Marcus and Lyndsey’s journey. I mean… of course you’re going to fall for your first love all over again — especially when he’s a talented chef who looks like that 😮‍💨🍷👨‍🍳 I was rooting for these two so hard to finally get the happy ever after they deserved.

The 80s references throughout the book had me reminiscing so much about my own music collection and brought such a nostalgic feel to the story 🎶✨ It added another layer of warmth and comfort that made this such an easy book to sink into.

The closed-door spice was also really well written and woven naturally into the plot. Nothing felt forced — it all added beautifully to the emotional connection between the characters.

And honestly… the dedication at the beginning stopped me in my tracks. It really made me think that maybe there is someone out there for all of us no matter our age, our past, or what others may tell us otherwise 🩵

This is definitely one for your relaxing holiday TBR — give me a gorgeous chef, emotional second chances, small-town charm, and a little bit of Kismet any day ☀️🍽️

Thank you so much to @robinblackburnwriter and @beyondthebookspr BooksPR for the opportunity to read this before publication.

✨ Tropes & Themes
🤍 Second Chance Romance
🤍 First Love Returns
🤍 Midlife Reinvention
🤍 Small Town Romance
🤍 Finding Yourself Again
🤍 Closed Door Romance


#secondcourses #robinblackburn #arcreview #secondchanceromance #midliferomance

[Soha Amer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional growth, cozy restaurant drama, and mature second-chance romance. Second Courses is the kind of story that feels warm, comforting, and quietly empowering all at once. It blends heartbreak, reinvention, and romance into a cozy small-town setting filled with food, tension, and second chances.

After her celebrity-chef husband leaves her for someone younger, Lyndsay finally stops playing the supporting role in someone else’s life and takes control of the one thing he never expected: his beloved restaurant. The catch? She has no idea how to run it… and her first love has just shown up asking to be the head chef.

The chemistry between Lyndsay and her first love feels mature and layered in the best way. This isn’t teenage insta-love—it’s two people reconnecting after years of life experience, regrets, heartbreak, and unfinished feelings. Their history adds so much emotional depth to every interaction.

The restaurant setting also makes the story incredibly immersive. Between kitchen chaos, rivalry, food critic pressure, and the small-town atmosphere, the book feels like a comforting rom-com movie with emotional stakes.

What stands out most is Lyndsay’s personal journey. Watching her rebuild her confidence, rediscover herself, and realize she deserves more than survival makes the romance even more satisfying.

If you love cozy romances with grown-up characters, emotional healing, small-town charm, and delicious restaurant drama, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

“Sometimes the life you rebuild becomes better than the one you lost.”

[Virginia Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a bit of a book slump, and looking for something to hook me to jump back into reading. THIS was it! I was so excited to be on the ARC team for Second Courses, and even more excited when after the second page I was completely hooked. As someone who loves cooking and chefs in general, I was roped in right away. Lyndsay is relatable, and she reads like a young woman trying to right herself after a crisis. You forget she’s in her early 50’s because she and Chloe - her best friend - bebop around like 30somethings and are so fun. Gave me the same vibes as my own best friend!

Here’s what I’ll say - so I don’t spoil it: I love a slow burn. I love romance that doesn’t require a XXX label or an explicit warning. I love rooting for the protagonist from the beginning and watching good things happen to them (even though it’s scary because you KNOW it can’t last)… the twist GOT ME. Gah. But the resolution was also so good because I just absolutely didn’t expect it and it was perfection. The language Ms. Blackburn uses is so descriptive, I had a perfect cinematic view in my head of what it all looked like.

My one con: there were a few little things where I thought … is that an editing error? Or “that timeline doesn’t quite make sense” that took me out of the moment for a second but. Nothing ever threw me for more than a page and it wasn’t story shattering.

I got the incredible good fortune of reading this book early with an ARC, thanks to Beyond the Books PR and Robin Blackburn.

[teddiesandtomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something incredibly refreshing about reading a romance that proves love stories don't have an expiry date.. What I loved most about this book was its emotional maturity. The characters aren't trying to figure out who they are for the first time; they're trying to figure out who they are after life hasn't gone according to plan. That gave the story a depth that felt incredibly authentic and relatable.
Lyndsay was such an easy protagonist to root for. Watching her step out of the shadow of a marriage that had defined so much of her life and begin reclaiming her own dreams was genuinely satisfying. Her journey felt empowering without ever feeling unrealistic...
The romance was equally enjoyable. The history between the characters adds emotional weight to every interaction, and the connection that develops feels believable because it's built on both who they were and who they've become...
The behind-the-scenes restaurant drama, rivalries, and high-pressure moments added an extra layer of entertainment to the story and kept the plot moving.
Beneath the romance is a message about self-worth, resilience, and realizing that your life doesn't end when one chapter closes. Sometimes the future you never planned for turns out to be exactly what you needed...
Overall, Second Courses is a warm, uplifting, and emotionally satisfying read filled with growth, healing, and hope. If you enjoy second chance romances, stories about rebuilding your life, and characters who prove it's never too late to pursue happiness, I highly recommend picking this one up.

[Robert DeBusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does anyone care about a random guy's review of the first romance novel they've ever read? Probably not, but I wanted to leave a few thoughts, just in case another random guy is looking to take their leisure reading in a new direction. Honestly, I had no intention of reading this book, as romance was a genre my wife enjoyed but I'd never given a chance. However, I saw this paperback on the coffee table, picked it up, and gave the back a once-over. Yup, it's a romance! I almost put it down, but flipped to the first page and started reading. Oh, intriguing opening. An interesting first few pages followed this. Before I knew it, I was a few chapters in and enjoying a romance?! I quickly realized this book had many of the qualities I look for in my favorite genres: well-developed characters whom I like to root for (or against), a plot that pulls me forward and leaves me eager to read another chapter, and twists and turns I don't expect. Beyond romance, this story is driven forward by chefs, kitchens, and food. Unfortunately, everything I know about the culinary world has come passively via television, but I found following the life of a restaurateur surprisingly exciting. As I read, I was sucked in by the tension of a busy restaurant kitchen, with many opportunities for success and failure. By the end, I had mostly forgotten I was reading a romance novel. This was just a really great book that I'm very happy to have given a chance.

[Aarushi Garg · Rating 3 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*

Second courses follow Lyndsay Leach, a woman in her 50s, who's dealing with a divorce from her partner of 17 years. On professional aspect, she is dealing with a major writer's block at a time when she is supposed to submit a new book. And to top it all, she is now left with her ex husband's prized restaurant that she has to manage.


Enter Marcus, a charming chef, AND HER FIRST TRUE LOVE. Still handsome, still charming, still Lyndsay's weakness.

But no, the book is not about their love story. It is about a woman rediscovering herself, despite being challenged from every side, despite navigating unchartered territories– with the help of people who believe in her. And through the process she discovers the version of herself that believes in her too. It's about trying new things when you are supposed to have it all figured out.

The highlight of the book for me was the friendship between Lyndsay and Chloe. It's the best.

As the name suggests, the book explores the idea of second chances, not just romantically– but in life.


Oh and a special mention to the very spicy reviews by Huck Monahan. Loved them to bits!


This one's for you, if you enjoy:
💛 Second Chance Romance
🩵 First Love Returns
💛 Midlife Reinvention
🩵 Forced Proximity
💛 Small Town
🩵 Restaurant Drama
💛 80s References

[Maggie Mulloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with this uplifting, hopeful, and romantic story right away. The protagonist, Lyndsay Leach, is feeling lost after her seventeen-year marriage ends, a relationship in which she came second to her celebrity-chef husband’s success. She takes over his popular Lake George restaurant without any culinary experience, but as fate would have it, her first love, Marcus (the one who broke her teenage heart), is a chef in need of a job.

Marcus and Lyndsay have great chemistry that’s built on a shared past. I like that Marcus is on a similar journey as Lyndsay and that they both must figure out how to chart a new path together.

What I loved most about this book is that Lyndsay never gives up. She’s a tough, funny, and relatable protagonist. I was rooting for her on every page as she overcame one obstacle after another. Perhaps it’s because she’s middle-aged and has developed a strong sense of self, even as she embarks on a new chapter. She knows what she’s no longer willing to give up, and I found that refreshing and inspiring.

This is the kind of story that leaves you thinking about the characters well after you finish reading about them.

Thank you to author for the ARC!

[Rachita (oneinakindle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Courses by Robin Blackburn is a refreshing read from your usual romance books.

Lyndsay has spent over 17 years supporting her celebrity chef husband while putting her own dreams behind but now she’s going through a divorce and has to start over. She has taken over one of her ex husband’s restaurant and wants to start her own which is terrifying enough. But then she hires her first love as head chef, and her ex is opening a brand new restaurant on the same street.

The book is fast paced and the writing is so descriptive that you can easily picture everything! What I loved the most is how Lyndsay puts her 100% to everything she does, and has a good character growth from how she was before and after the divorce. The renovation and business setup side of the story was a bonus for me personally, because I love to watch transformation videos on YouTube (I mostly watch home setup majorly 🙈)

Cozy, heartfelt, and it will absolutely make you want to open your own restaurant! 4🌟


Thanks to the author and Beyond the Books PR for the ARC copy!

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that I saw on Instagram and immediately loved the cover, loved the synopsis and then knew that I had to read it and read it sooner rather than later! I enjoyed the character's (mostly), the location (sounds amazing), the determination and of course, the pettiness of Lynds...

The author grabbed the reader's attention right from the start and didn't let it go. I was hooked! I enjoyed the tour of the city, the making of the menu, and I could feel the character's drama, angst and betrayal through the pages. This is one of those books where you will laugh, yell, curse and feel as if revenge was served...and served well done...there is no sending this back (twice).

I loved the second chance, the third chance and the redemption that the main character achieves. I love the message behind the story, that it's never too late to start over and of course this reader is a huge fan of the HEA.

Do yourself a favor and add this one to your TBR list - you won't want to miss out!!

[Tammy-Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mini Arc Review

Second Courses by @robinblackburnwriter

Thank you to @beyondthebookspr for the e arc, for an honest review

There's always something better than a first course, it gives you the taste of the feeling but with a second courses there is so much flavour, you know what you like, you know it's sensational and built from old feelings, returned love and friends once lost.

I love how this show cases a woman in the restaurant and food industry taking her stride, rebuilding after being cheated on by her husband. Then her first love comes back into her life. She is who she is and she stands her ground, she has broken hearts but she still lets people on. There are trials and errors more heartbreaks, more loving sparks to reignite. I love will loyalty lies and lost but to begin again. Never losing your passion but doing it in secret to not lose who you really are.

It will also make you hungry.

Releases May 26th, 2026

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cozy, heartfelt read that blended romance, food, and personal growth in the best way. Lyndsay, fresh out of a painful divorce from her celebrity-chef husband, finally steps into the spotlight of her own life by taking over his restaurant. I loved watching her navigate the chaos of running a business she wasn’t prepared for, while also rediscovering herself and her confidence.

The second-chance romance, her first love, added so much emotional depth. Their history made every interaction layered and meaningful, and I appreciated that this wasn’t a young, impulsive love story, it was about two people reconnecting after years of heartbreak, regrets, and life experience.

The restaurant setting was another highlight. The descriptions of food, the pressure of critics, and the small-town atmosphere made the story feel immersive and warm. Honestly, it made me hungry while reading! I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at renovations and the business side of things.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Beyond the Books PR and the author for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I love an FMC with a little life experience, a little gray, and a toxic ex that she’s moving past. I love a woman taking charge of her own life after making herself small for said ex. I love a second chance romance. The chemistry between Lyndsay and Marcus is comfortable, like putting on a favorite piece of clothing, but also full of anticipation, as they still have new things to learn after not seeing one another for 35 years. I love how Marcus shows Lyndsay that working together isn’t a reason not to be together.
I was so angry with Marcus at one point – what he did made zero sense based on his character up to that point, but I’m proud of Lyndsay for standing up for herself. Later, we see why he did what he did, and while I didn’t like it, I understood it. Mostly.
Lyndsay’s character growth is evident, from before to after her divorce. I think she always had it in her to take care of herself, but her ex made it near impossible. Overall, this was a fun second chance romance with middle aged main characters who have a whole life past, and a chance to make a new life on their own terms.

[Morgan Riles · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thank you @beyondthebookspr and @robinblackburnwriter for allowing me to be an arc reader for Second Courses- if you like:
✔️Second Chance Romance
✔️First Love Returns
✔️Midlife Reinvention
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Small Town
✔️Restaurant Drama
✔️80s References
Then this is the book for you! I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. I will have to say I thought I had it figured out, but boy was I wrong- that middle section completely threw me off. It goes to show anyone that at any age or strange in life there are always “second courses” and we should not be afraid to allow ourselves to be happy no matter what. As a woman in her 40’s I did find it inspiring and I am a huge fan of happily ever after!! 🥰 so again thank you and I will be recommending Second Courses to anyone who will listen to me!

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most perfect book to kick off my summer season of reading! SECOND COURSES by Robin Blackburn was a delightfully immersive book with a strong sense of place that takes place in upstate New York during a season of starting over. Starting over from an unexpected divorce, starting over as a stalled (and secret!) writer, starting over as a brand-new restaurant owner and starting over by rebuilding thoughts and ideas about what could be one day at a time. I was completely smitten with Lyndsay and how she showed up on every page with a full range of emotions and a hopeful spirit. From love to career and everything in between, she shows the reader it’s possible to start over more than once and in more than one area of our life, too. Plus, I think I’ll FINALLY get on the sourdough bandwagon if I can figure out how to get a gluten-free starter and up my meal planning game because of the delectable descriptions of the amazing meals shared inside. Add this one to your summer stack!

[Chrissie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

**No Spoilers**
Wow! What a great read! The story hooked me from the start and I had a hard time putting it down. I kept thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it. I read it in two days! It’s so refreshing to enjoy a book with a FMC in her fifties that knows what she wants - and doesn’t want. Lyndsay is an inspiring character and I just love her.
Also loved all the 80’s references.
I was rooting for Lyndsay and Marcus from the start. I’m a sucker for those Hallmark kind of love stories.
The descriptions of food, places and decor were fabulous. I felt like I was right there in the room. Really wishing 518 FTT was a real place. I’d certainly be making a reservation!
I was waiting with anticipation for this book and it did not disappoint. I’ll read it again, and now I’m looking forward to what’s next from Robin.
Highly recommend!

[Danielle Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book! It has such a fabulous FMC—I want to be Lyndsay's friend in real life. We all deserve to feel like the main character in our own stories, and Robin Blackburn has done such an amazing job both giving that to Lyndsay and also reminding readers that they shouldn't settle until they find the same. This book also has a wonderfully strong sense of place. I am familiar with the area, and everything is described SO beautifully; I feel like I'm really there. Also, this book made me hungry—so many amazing-sounding dishes being prepared! :-) Definitely a must-read!

Thank you to the author for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[MyBookNest7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Women are capable of extraordinary things when the world underestimates them.”

Hear, hear!! ♥️

Gosh, I loved Lyndsay’s journey from when she began to pick herself up after her life got derailed right to when she finally has all the pieces back together. Right to when she is truly happy.

I don’t think I knew how much I needed this story in my life right now, and how much I was rooting for Lyndsay. While I absolutely love that Marcus is back in her life, I think I appreciate Chloe more than any other character. The way she’s written to “not have any chill,” to how she already had figured out the big news, and her constant support; she truly is the friend everyone should have. I would really love to join her journey someday as well!!

[Elizabeth Benavidez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Lyndsay, what a powerhouse character! From heartbreak to happy and on her own terms. It’s a fast read because you can’t put it down. I was so enamored with the story and loved reading a romance that felt more where I was headed than where I have been age wise. That opened a whole new literary interest for me. I loved reading about the food and restaurant development, you can’t help cheer for all the characters (not you, David) as they find their place in the small town culinary scene. There’s a good mix of plot and character that helps the story flow seamlessly. A little laughing, some panicked WTF’ing, and an absolute 5 star read. Can’t wait to share this book with friends, especially as they embrace a second course.

[Besan Fawaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Robin Blackburn and Beyond the books PR for an ARC copy!

Second Courses was a such a cozy and enjoyable read. It is a perfect book to pick up for the upcoming summer months! Set in tourist town of Lake George in NY, Lyndsay, an accomplished author has to wrestle with starting over after her divorce from world renowned Chef and restaurateur David, as the new owner.
First order of business is hiring a new chef…
coincidence or kismet ~ her first love is now a Chef returning the Lake George looking for his own place.
Will this end with Michelin stars or will it all go up in flames before it even begins?!
✨a few twists I didn’t see coming
✨midlife second chance
✨open door spice 🌶️
✨first love

[Micheala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one's for you, if you enjoy:
💛 Second Chance Romance
🩵 First Love Returns
💛 Midlife Reinvention
🩵 Forced Proximity
💛 Small Town
🩵 Restaurant Drama
💛 80s References


I received this book as an ARC from the author for an honest review.
It took me a while to provide feedback, but up until now I’ve been trying my best to put into words what this book made me feel and honestly, I am so glad I signed up to read this book.


It really makes you think about life and how you are perceived during your midlife crises and who will be there for you when you trying to reinvent your life into something entirely new.

This couple is so sweet and the MMC and FMC are just made for each other. Minus the small town drama, I actually loved this book.

Thank you Robin Blackburn.