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Second to Nun: A Second Chance Forbidden Romance
Chaperoning her cousin on a reality dating show was supposed to be easy. Falling for the undercover agent pretending to be a contestant? Not so much. Nina has spent her entire life trying not to take up too much space. So when her cousin is cast on the new reality dating show Mountain Man, Nina knows what's expected of stay quiet, stay helpful, and stay out of the spotlight.
But that plan implodes the moment Wes shows up.
Wes is the only person who’s ever truly seen Nina. Unfortunately, he’s also an undercover FBI agent, pretending to be a contestant so he can take down a dangerous criminal. Getting distracted by Nina could ruin everything.
Wes can’t risk blowing his mission. Nina can’t risk her family getting dragged into the mess. Which means they absolutely, definitely need to stay far away from each other.
Too bad that’s the one thing neither of them seems capable of doing.
Because reality TV is unpredictable. And falling in love might be the most dangerous twist of all.
Second to Nun is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. It is Book #3 in the Bad Habit Book Club series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
But that plan implodes the moment Wes shows up.
Wes is the only person who’s ever truly seen Nina. Unfortunately, he’s also an undercover FBI agent, pretending to be a contestant so he can take down a dangerous criminal. Getting distracted by Nina could ruin everything.
Wes can’t risk blowing his mission. Nina can’t risk her family getting dragged into the mess. Which means they absolutely, definitely need to stay far away from each other.
Too bad that’s the one thing neither of them seems capable of doing.
Because reality TV is unpredictable. And falling in love might be the most dangerous twist of all.
Second to Nun is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. It is Book #3 in the Bad Habit Book Club series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
- GenresRomance
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 9, 2026
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, and was glad to get our final nun’s story! I especially love that we went back to Green Valley where my favorite Winston Brothers live! This may be kind of my favorite? I know i liked it more than the last book, but it’s been a while since I read the first one, and I remember really liking it, but my rating on it was only 4 stars, and this one I give 4.5.
There were several flashbacks in this one as we learn what Nina’s background was. Learning how horrible her uncle had been to her, but also getting a chance to see when she met Wes and how they kind of fell in love, even when she was a nun. What her reasoning was for leaving that life. But we got to know her more than just the shy, quiet little mouse that let her religious family basically treat her as a servant and rarely as a relative.
That was one hard thing, understanding how she could let her uncle and family treat her so bad. But the author did a good job of showing how Nina’s inner voice had become what she’d heard from her uncle, and so then it was easier to see her trouble with standing up for herself. And when we finally found out, towards the very end, truly the third act drama – not a break up thankfully – why her family made her become a nun in the first place, it was just wow. And having all her new friends sticking up for her? That was so good too.
Oh and Wes, the nerdy FBI agent, I adored him! What a wonderful guy, perfect book boyfriend in my opinion. Even his cantankerous partner was a good guy.
Of course as I mentioned at first, I LOVED going back to Green Valley and spending time with favorite characters. I do miss that world and wish I had time to go back reread whenever any of the characters pop up in other stories like this. There was great banter in the story, lots of good emotion, and a little bit of steam. Not too over the top, but still enough to make it a little steamy.
I’m hoping that we get the former priest friend in the group with his own book, as he is the only one left and I want more about him. I also feel like it would be nice to know more about what happened with Nina’s family. How did Harmony and the rest feel about what happened to their dad, did her aunt know what he was doing? How much was she a part of it? I don’t remember getting much on that at the end.
But still, I really liked this, and as I said, it might be my favorite in the series, other than the first was so good to hook me!
This review was originally posted on Lisa Loves Literature
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, and was glad to get our final nun’s story! I especially love that we went back to Green Valley where my favorite Winston Brothers live! This may be kind of my favorite? I know i liked it more than the last book, but it’s been a while since I read the first one, and I remember really liking it, but my rating on it was only 4 stars, and this one I give 4.5.
There were several flashbacks in this one as we learn what Nina’s background was. Learning how horrible her uncle had been to her, but also getting a chance to see when she met Wes and how they kind of fell in love, even when she was a nun. What her reasoning was for leaving that life. But we got to know her more than just the shy, quiet little mouse that let her religious family basically treat her as a servant and rarely as a relative.
That was one hard thing, understanding how she could let her uncle and family treat her so bad. But the author did a good job of showing how Nina’s inner voice had become what she’d heard from her uncle, and so then it was easier to see her trouble with standing up for herself. And when we finally found out, towards the very end, truly the third act drama – not a break up thankfully – why her family made her become a nun in the first place, it was just wow. And having all her new friends sticking up for her? That was so good too.
Oh and Wes, the nerdy FBI agent, I adored him! What a wonderful guy, perfect book boyfriend in my opinion. Even his cantankerous partner was a good guy.
Of course as I mentioned at first, I LOVED going back to Green Valley and spending time with favorite characters. I do miss that world and wish I had time to go back reread whenever any of the characters pop up in other stories like this. There was great banter in the story, lots of good emotion, and a little bit of steam. Not too over the top, but still enough to make it a little steamy.
I’m hoping that we get the former priest friend in the group with his own book, as he is the only one left and I want more about him. I also feel like it would be nice to know more about what happened with Nina’s family. How did Harmony and the rest feel about what happened to their dad, did her aunt know what he was doing? How much was she a part of it? I don’t remember getting much on that at the end.
But still, I really liked this, and as I said, it might be my favorite in the series, other than the first was so good to hook me!
This review was originally posted on Lisa Loves Literature
May 10, 2026
I love this series and this book is a fantastic addition. It’s filled with humor, tough family dynamics and a very unexpected love story.
Although this story is filled with humor there are also moments that made me sad/mad. Nina’s “family” life is very unexpected, not family like and not normal. The flashbacks to her childhood were heartbreaking…I shed a few tears while reading the Christmas scene. Awfull! Nina doesn’t have a lot of confidence until she meets Wes. Love how she grows, decides she’s had enough and confronts those who have done her wrong.
Wes is an incredible male lead. He is not what you expect..based on the first few chapters…but becomes one of my favorite characters. He is patient, kind and funny. He is soooo good for Nina.
“I love you, too”…..”Still, Always.”
Loved all the Green Valley mentions, locations and how Sienna and Raquel were running the “show”.
Although this story is filled with humor there are also moments that made me sad/mad. Nina’s “family” life is very unexpected, not family like and not normal. The flashbacks to her childhood were heartbreaking…I shed a few tears while reading the Christmas scene. Awfull! Nina doesn’t have a lot of confidence until she meets Wes. Love how she grows, decides she’s had enough and confronts those who have done her wrong.
Wes is an incredible male lead. He is not what you expect..based on the first few chapters…but becomes one of my favorite characters. He is patient, kind and funny. He is soooo good for Nina.
“I love you, too”…..”Still, Always.”
Loved all the Green Valley mentions, locations and how Sienna and Raquel were running the “show”.
May 11, 2026
I liked this book, but definitely could have been better. I loved Wes - he was hilarious and I thought Nina was sweet and sassy. But it was the storyline that I had a hard time getting behind. Nina was like Cinderella - living with evil relatives. Few parts I don't understand. Nina had sex at 18 (was falsely led to believe she was in love a guy) and then was sent off to be a nun because of her sin. While she is a postulant, she meets Cass in a prison and kisses him. Because of her upbringing, she feels guilty and speaks out how she kissed someone and now can no longer be a postulant. It just felt like how can she be so naive that she had to speak up and tell her evil relatives. Also, at some point during the filming of this reality show, her friend Grady comes to visit. Wes thinks maybe it's a boyfriend, but he never asks about her, evening after knowing that Nina and Grady were going out to dinner. Wes declares he likes Nina and Nina declares it back. Just was abrupt. And I felt the reality TV show storyline felt choppy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2026
Delicious Rom-Com Treat
This newest entry in the Smartypants universe is a delightful treat. The story is filled with clever humor and sweet, slow-burn romance. The characters are charming and intelligent. Our hero is swoon-worthy, but self-aware enough to joke about the hero cliche. Nina, our main female character is endearing and awesome as she struggles to heal. This bright comedy is also a thoughtful exploration of spiritual and emotional development.I highly recommend this book and series.
This newest entry in the Smartypants universe is a delightful treat. The story is filled with clever humor and sweet, slow-burn romance. The characters are charming and intelligent. Our hero is swoon-worthy, but self-aware enough to joke about the hero cliche. Nina, our main female character is endearing and awesome as she struggles to heal. This bright comedy is also a thoughtful exploration of spiritual and emotional development.I highly recommend this book and series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC from the author day.
I adored these two characters. They both went through so much, but especially Nina. A beautiful story about being a good human and finding your happily ever after. They both deserved it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I adored these two characters. They both went through so much, but especially Nina. A beautiful story about being a good human and finding your happily ever after. They both deserved it. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nina has always hid from the world. After she left the convent she was determined to show her family how grateful she was wa but she soon realized they were taking advantage of her
Meeting Wes again brought a new challenge but soon they were finding their way. What a story. I felt so bad for Nina but so happy she found her voice. Read it!!!
Meeting Wes again brought a new challenge but soon they were finding their way. What a story. I felt so bad for Nina but so happy she found her voice. Read it!!!
May 10, 2026
Very entertaining
The main characters were funny, and honest in such a genuine way, the book was easy to read. I loved catching up with Sienna and Raquel (from previous Penny Reid books that take place in Tennessee), and also enjoyed other side characters like Lyle, Morrie and Deja. I'm looking forward to reading about Grady Kelley.
The main characters were funny, and honest in such a genuine way, the book was easy to read. I loved catching up with Sienna and Raquel (from previous Penny Reid books that take place in Tennessee), and also enjoyed other side characters like Lyle, Morrie and Deja. I'm looking forward to reading about Grady Kelley.
May 14, 2026
A Second Chance Forbidden Romance
Second to Nun is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. It is Book #3 in the Bad Habit Book Club series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Chaperoning her cousin on a reality dating show was supposed to be easy. Falling for the undercover agent pretending to be a contestant? Not so much
Second to Nun is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. It is Book #3 in the Bad Habit Book Club series, Seduction in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Chaperoning her cousin on a reality dating show was supposed to be easy. Falling for the undercover agent pretending to be a contestant? Not so much
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was so fun. I am so glad to finally get Nina’s story, and it did not disappoint. Wes was perfect for her. It was also great to revisit Green Valley and some of our favorite leading ladies. Looking forward to Grady’s story next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've been waiting for Nina's story for a long time. It sure did not disappoint! Getting to know her story, then seeing her bloom and, little by little, break away from her past, it's simply wonderful. Wes geeking out and throwing out references left and right, I loved it. The visit to Penny Reid's Green Valley is the cherry on top.
Now we only really really need Grady's story... ;)
In case you're interested, those are the stories of some of the characters that appear in Second to Nun:
Helen & Thad: Nun Too Soon, by Lissa Sharpe
Matilda & Kimo: Nun the Wiser, by Lissa Sharpe
Sienna: Grin and Beard It, by Penny Reid
Rae: Totally Folked, by Penny Reid
Banana Cake Queen: Beard Science (and Engagement and Espionage, and Marriage and Murder), by Penny Reid
Now we only really really need Grady's story... ;)
In case you're interested, those are the stories of some of the characters that appear in Second to Nun:
Helen & Thad: Nun Too Soon, by Lissa Sharpe
Matilda & Kimo: Nun the Wiser, by Lissa Sharpe
Sienna: Grin and Beard It, by Penny Reid
Rae: Totally Folked, by Penny Reid
Banana Cake Queen: Beard Science (and Engagement and Espionage, and Marriage and Murder), by Penny Reid
May 12, 2026
3.5 stars. Very cute!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this new addition to both Green Valley and the Bad Habits Book Club universe! I was super curious as to how Nina's story would turn out and when we were teased about her going to GV in Matilda's book my curiosity was further picked. Loved how she bonded with cameo extraordinaire Sierra and Rae!
I wasn't sure in the beginning about the reality dating show premise of it all, but once we got to know Cass I easily got onboard (although some moments were still a bit much for me).
I laughed with the characters, I got outraged at some characters, I felt sympathy for others, and I had a really good time reading this weird adventure of our favourite ex postulant. And now how long do we have to wait for Grady??
I wasn't sure in the beginning about the reality dating show premise of it all, but once we got to know Cass I easily got onboard (although some moments were still a bit much for me).
I laughed with the characters, I got outraged at some characters, I felt sympathy for others, and I had a really good time reading this weird adventure of our favourite ex postulant. And now how long do we have to wait for Grady??
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews