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The Second Draft
An ice queen's newfound passion for her best friend upends both their lives in this beautiful lesbian romance about the power of desire and discovery.
No one has ever melted uptight Anne Lowell's icy exterior, not even the husband of thirty years she just divorced. Still, she has her dazzling best friend and neighbor, Sadie Rosenthal, to brighten her days, so she's content. Really, she is.
But when Anne realizes that her feelings for warm-hearted Sadie might be more than just friendship, she's no longer able to ignore the shattering truth she's spent a lifetime repressing. Anne's choice is clear.
She can keep her rigid existence, or she can find the courage to begin a daunting journey with Sadie—one that just might help them both find true happiness.
No one has ever melted uptight Anne Lowell's icy exterior, not even the husband of thirty years she just divorced. Still, she has her dazzling best friend and neighbor, Sadie Rosenthal, to brighten her days, so she's content. Really, she is.
But when Anne realizes that her feelings for warm-hearted Sadie might be more than just friendship, she's no longer able to ignore the shattering truth she's spent a lifetime repressing. Anne's choice is clear.
She can keep her rigid existence, or she can find the courage to begin a daunting journey with Sadie—one that just might help them both find true happiness.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
About the author
Carrie Byrd
2 books158 followersCarrie Byrd is a best-selling sapphic romance author, college professor, and California native who lives just outside Philadelphia. She loves hiking and kayaking, burritos, video games, Old Hollywood, Eagles football and Phillies baseball, teaching poetry, talking a mile a minute, and traveling around the world with her wife.
An extrovert who thrives on a stage, Carrie once won first place by crowd vote for her improvised lip sync of “Jessie’s Girl” at a packed drag brunch. She considers it one of her life’s greatest accomplishments.
Carrie’s favorite word is thistle. It feels good to say out loud.
An extrovert who thrives on a stage, Carrie once won first place by crowd vote for her improvised lip sync of “Jessie’s Girl” at a packed drag brunch. She considers it one of her life’s greatest accomplishments.
Carrie’s favorite word is thistle. It feels good to say out loud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
April 30, 2026
4.25 ⭐
I went into this book feeling excited but also a little nervous, as I remembered struggling to connect with Byrd’s debut, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But The Second Draft completely surprised me in the best way. From the very first pages, I felt pulled in, and I just knew this story was going to be meaningful—and how right I was.
One of the standout elements for me was the characters. I wasn’t expecting them to feel this layered and real. They didn’t just exist on the page. They lived. Even though the main characters come from very different backgrounds than mine, I never felt disconnected. If anything, I felt more invested because their emotions and struggles were written in such a genuine, human way.
Anne’s journey really stayed with me. She starts off emotionally guarded, hiding behind control and perfection, but slowly begins to unravel those walls. Watching her go from someone who avoids feeling to someone who allows herself to fully experience her emotions was incredibly powerful. Her growth felt messy, honest, and real, especially as she begins to prioritize her own happiness over expectations. I also appreciated how her unhealthy coping mechanisms were addressed and how her transformation wasn’t just external but deeply internal.
Her coming-out journey added another meaningful layer to the story. It explores what it means to unlearn shame and face internalized beliefs, especially when those ideas have been ingrained from such a young age. Anne’s path isn’t easy, but it’s honest. Seeing her slowly accept herself and share that truth with others felt incredibly impactful.
The family dynamics were another highlight. Watching Anne realize how her own behavior had shaped her daughters, and then actively choose to change, was such a touching aspect of the story. The effort she puts into being more open, more present, and more understanding made those relationships feel so real and hopeful.
And then there’s Sadie. I adored her. She’s warm, introspective, a little chaotic, and completely unapologetic about who she is. She’s incredibly easy to like, and her authenticity makes her all the more relatable. What I loved most, though, is that beneath her outward confidence lies someone deeply wounded. She carries doubts and fears, especially the fear of not being enough. That vulnerability added another layer to her character and made me love her even more.
The romance really drew me in as well. Sadie and Anne have been friends for years, and it isn’t until something threatens to pull them apart that Anne begins to recognize her feelings. I’ll admit I was surprised by how immersed I became in their love story, especially since it developed fairly quickly. It’s not exactly insta-love, since they already share four years of history, but it doesn’t follow the slow-burn pace I usually enjoy. Anne realizes her feelings relatively early on, and while she doesn't officially get together with Sadie until later, I would have liked a little more time for her emotional realization to unfold.
I also noticed that while the romance starts strong, it loses some momentum in the middle. Just as things were progressing nicely, the relationship took a bit of a backseat to Anne’s personal journey. I didn’t mind the shift overall, but I think maintaining that romantic momentum a little longer could have made their connection feel even more powerful.
Still, their connection was beautiful. Soft, supportive, and deeply emotional. Their chemistry was evident from the start and only grew stronger as the story progressed. I was quickly drawn into their dynamic. Despite being opposites, they fit together effortlessly. Even when they struggled, their bond never felt fragile. It just kept evolving. The longing between them was also beautifully portrayed. Even after acknowledging their feelings, you could still sense how deeply they yearned for each other. Their love felt all-encompassing, and it gave me all the emotions. I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time.
The writing itself felt very atmospheric. It was both sharp and gentle, balancing emotional intensity with quieter, reflective moments. Even when the pacing slowed, the emotional impact never disappeared. It lingered in a way that made the story feel even more intimate.
Overall, The Second Draft is a deeply emotional and introspective story about identity, growth, and learning to accept yourself. With complex characters, meaningful family dynamics, and a tender love story at its core, it’s the kind of book you carry with you even after it ends. Definitely one I’d recommend picking up.
A big thank you to the author for the eARC, I'm feeling very lucky to have read it early!
I went into this book feeling excited but also a little nervous, as I remembered struggling to connect with Byrd’s debut, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But The Second Draft completely surprised me in the best way. From the very first pages, I felt pulled in, and I just knew this story was going to be meaningful—and how right I was.
One of the standout elements for me was the characters. I wasn’t expecting them to feel this layered and real. They didn’t just exist on the page. They lived. Even though the main characters come from very different backgrounds than mine, I never felt disconnected. If anything, I felt more invested because their emotions and struggles were written in such a genuine, human way.
Anne’s journey really stayed with me. She starts off emotionally guarded, hiding behind control and perfection, but slowly begins to unravel those walls. Watching her go from someone who avoids feeling to someone who allows herself to fully experience her emotions was incredibly powerful. Her growth felt messy, honest, and real, especially as she begins to prioritize her own happiness over expectations. I also appreciated how her unhealthy coping mechanisms were addressed and how her transformation wasn’t just external but deeply internal.
Her coming-out journey added another meaningful layer to the story. It explores what it means to unlearn shame and face internalized beliefs, especially when those ideas have been ingrained from such a young age. Anne’s path isn’t easy, but it’s honest. Seeing her slowly accept herself and share that truth with others felt incredibly impactful.
The family dynamics were another highlight. Watching Anne realize how her own behavior had shaped her daughters, and then actively choose to change, was such a touching aspect of the story. The effort she puts into being more open, more present, and more understanding made those relationships feel so real and hopeful.
And then there’s Sadie. I adored her. She’s warm, introspective, a little chaotic, and completely unapologetic about who she is. She’s incredibly easy to like, and her authenticity makes her all the more relatable. What I loved most, though, is that beneath her outward confidence lies someone deeply wounded. She carries doubts and fears, especially the fear of not being enough. That vulnerability added another layer to her character and made me love her even more.
The romance really drew me in as well. Sadie and Anne have been friends for years, and it isn’t until something threatens to pull them apart that Anne begins to recognize her feelings. I’ll admit I was surprised by how immersed I became in their love story, especially since it developed fairly quickly. It’s not exactly insta-love, since they already share four years of history, but it doesn’t follow the slow-burn pace I usually enjoy. Anne realizes her feelings relatively early on, and while she doesn't officially get together with Sadie until later, I would have liked a little more time for her emotional realization to unfold.
I also noticed that while the romance starts strong, it loses some momentum in the middle. Just as things were progressing nicely, the relationship took a bit of a backseat to Anne’s personal journey. I didn’t mind the shift overall, but I think maintaining that romantic momentum a little longer could have made their connection feel even more powerful.
Still, their connection was beautiful. Soft, supportive, and deeply emotional. Their chemistry was evident from the start and only grew stronger as the story progressed. I was quickly drawn into their dynamic. Despite being opposites, they fit together effortlessly. Even when they struggled, their bond never felt fragile. It just kept evolving. The longing between them was also beautifully portrayed. Even after acknowledging their feelings, you could still sense how deeply they yearned for each other. Their love felt all-encompassing, and it gave me all the emotions. I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time.
The writing itself felt very atmospheric. It was both sharp and gentle, balancing emotional intensity with quieter, reflective moments. Even when the pacing slowed, the emotional impact never disappeared. It lingered in a way that made the story feel even more intimate.
Overall, The Second Draft is a deeply emotional and introspective story about identity, growth, and learning to accept yourself. With complex characters, meaningful family dynamics, and a tender love story at its core, it’s the kind of book you carry with you even after it ends. Definitely one I’d recommend picking up.
A big thank you to the author for the eARC, I'm feeling very lucky to have read it early!
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April 2, 2026Hello, readers! I deeply appreciate your interest in The Second Draft. If you decide to pick up a copy, I hope Anne and Sadie's story resonates with you.
The MCs in this book find tremendous joy and healing on their journey(s) of self-discovery, but The Second Draft also explores the very painful consequences of lifelong self-denial and unacknowledged emotional wounds. For a list of subject material that may be distressing to readers, please visit my website. (Heads up: the content warnings are also mild spoilers.)
Please take care of yourselves.
The MCs in this book find tremendous joy and healing on their journey(s) of self-discovery, but The Second Draft also explores the very painful consequences of lifelong self-denial and unacknowledged emotional wounds. For a list of subject material that may be distressing to readers, please visit my website. (Heads up: the content warnings are also mild spoilers.)
Please take care of yourselves.
May 25, 2026
Poignant and sexy af. I WILL be rereading this.
May 18, 2026
I loved this book, what a gift. Anne is such a nuanced, vibrant character despite being buttoned up for so long- or because of it. It was wonderful to read a book with two MCs over 50, with so much heart and soul. Remind me of Grace and Frankie, but plenty different. I loved the side characters. I loved color-outside-the-lines Sadie. I loved all the soul-searching and youthfulness matched with wisdom and vulnerability. It was well-written and so refreshing. I inhaled it.
Short summary: Anne and Sadie couldn’t be more different, which is fine because as best friends they complement each other perfectly. But when Sadie pursues a job that might move her across the country, Anne realizes Sadie is so much more than the girl next door.
Short summary: Anne and Sadie couldn’t be more different, which is fine because as best friends they complement each other perfectly. But when Sadie pursues a job that might move her across the country, Anne realizes Sadie is so much more than the girl next door.
May 20, 2026
Do you remember Nora Ephron screenplays? If you ever watched When Harry Met Sally or You've Got Mail, you know what I am talking about... imagine that type of writing with realism, neurotic quirks, humor and hilarious scenes, and you'll have The Second Draft.
I must say I have imagined a Jewish version of Diane Keaton and the icyness and classic beauty of Michelle Pfeiffer playing Sadie and Anne.
Carrie Byrd managed to squeeze a whole novel in a short temporal frame, making it so even more cinematographic.
After a short prologue, us readers are immediately catapulted in the states of affairs: 60 years old Anne is panicking at the knowledge of her best friend Sadie possible departure to the other side of the States to take a new job, and realizing she can't live without her. Why?
That possible event will be the catalyst of a series of frantic happenings that in rapid succession will lead both Anne and Sadie to a new stage of their lives.
For Anne, divorced and with two daughters, it will be a revelation. Who she is and what she needs after years of denial.
For Sadie, also divorced and with one son, it will be trusting again that love is real and she is worthy of it.
Loved Sadie as a hopeless romantic, and her poetry, and her neurodivergent ADHD speed of speech (losing the thread of thought, so realistic), but the one the cracked me up the most was Anne... She has some memorable lines lol. The two really complete each other. They create a balanced flavor together.
Ps. The scenes with the family members also made me laugh a lot.
Again... it was like watching a dramatic comedy with balanced quirkiness, vulnerability, depth and great dialogues.
And spice! 🔥🔥🔥
4.5 stars for me!
I must say I have imagined a Jewish version of Diane Keaton and the icyness and classic beauty of Michelle Pfeiffer playing Sadie and Anne.
Carrie Byrd managed to squeeze a whole novel in a short temporal frame, making it so even more cinematographic.
After a short prologue, us readers are immediately catapulted in the states of affairs: 60 years old Anne is panicking at the knowledge of her best friend Sadie possible departure to the other side of the States to take a new job, and realizing she can't live without her. Why?
That possible event will be the catalyst of a series of frantic happenings that in rapid succession will lead both Anne and Sadie to a new stage of their lives.
For Anne, divorced and with two daughters, it will be a revelation. Who she is and what she needs after years of denial.
For Sadie, also divorced and with one son, it will be trusting again that love is real and she is worthy of it.
Loved Sadie as a hopeless romantic, and her poetry, and her neurodivergent ADHD speed of speech (losing the thread of thought, so realistic), but the one the cracked me up the most was Anne... She has some memorable lines lol. The two really complete each other. They create a balanced flavor together.
Ps. The scenes with the family members also made me laugh a lot.
Again... it was like watching a dramatic comedy with balanced quirkiness, vulnerability, depth and great dialogues.
And spice! 🔥🔥🔥
4.5 stars for me!
May 17, 2026
Wow, this was an absolute treat of a book. I feel like the only words to describe it are: raw, vulnerable, and honest.
After learning that her best friend got a job offer that would move her across the country, Anne reevaluates what Sadie really means to her after four years of friendship. The book includes themes of self-discovery later in life, breaking cycles, mending family wounds, and a heartwarming love story to tie it all together.
To be quite honest, I’m not sure if I was just in the perfect mood to read this, but it was just incredible! The writing was beautiful, the characters had depth, and I just very much loved Anne and Sadie. If you’re looking for a funny, intimate, and heartfelt read, then this is the perfect pick!
After learning that her best friend got a job offer that would move her across the country, Anne reevaluates what Sadie really means to her after four years of friendship. The book includes themes of self-discovery later in life, breaking cycles, mending family wounds, and a heartwarming love story to tie it all together.
To be quite honest, I’m not sure if I was just in the perfect mood to read this, but it was just incredible! The writing was beautiful, the characters had depth, and I just very much loved Anne and Sadie. If you’re looking for a funny, intimate, and heartfelt read, then this is the perfect pick!
May 9, 2026
This was an incredibly sweet story about Anne, who, after four years of friendship, realizes at the age of sixty that she can’t imagine life without her neighbor Sadie. From that moment on, a journey of self-discovery begins. It was both touching and beautiful to see how something like this can develop so naturally — even later in life. And at that age, it is inevitable that you end up having conversations about this with your adult daughters, which added an interesting and heartfelt dynamic to the story.
I also really admired how the author managed to create genuine sexual tension during what was, at its core, a very practical conversation about a relationship between two women in their sixties. And honestly, I didn’t expect it, but Anne’s sexual awakening in particular turned out to be surprisingly spicy at times.
About halfway through the book, something happened that felt like a high-speed train suddenly and unexpectedly derailing. Thankfully, that part didn’t last too long, and the story soon found its way back onto the tracks, continuing again at a gentler and more careful pace. I realize this sounds a bit vague, but you’ll probably understand exactly what I mean once you read the book yourself.
The writing itself was also beautiful, with this line standing out to me in particular:
> “Each second that ticked by felt like another lost moment in a lifetime of lost moments.”
This is Anne reflecting during her late-in-life journey of self-discovery, and I thought it captured her emotions perfectly.
While the ending made sense rationally, emotionally it still felt a little abrupt, almost as if the plug had suddenly been pulled. That took me a moment to process — but I’ve recovered by now 😉.
I also really admired how the author managed to create genuine sexual tension during what was, at its core, a very practical conversation about a relationship between two women in their sixties. And honestly, I didn’t expect it, but Anne’s sexual awakening in particular turned out to be surprisingly spicy at times.
About halfway through the book, something happened that felt like a high-speed train suddenly and unexpectedly derailing. Thankfully, that part didn’t last too long, and the story soon found its way back onto the tracks, continuing again at a gentler and more careful pace. I realize this sounds a bit vague, but you’ll probably understand exactly what I mean once you read the book yourself.
The writing itself was also beautiful, with this line standing out to me in particular:
> “Each second that ticked by felt like another lost moment in a lifetime of lost moments.”
This is Anne reflecting during her late-in-life journey of self-discovery, and I thought it captured her emotions perfectly.
While the ending made sense rationally, emotionally it still felt a little abrupt, almost as if the plug had suddenly been pulled. That took me a moment to process — but I’ve recovered by now 😉.
May 1, 2026
I enjoyed the characters a lot in this one, both Anne and Sadie and their children were fun to get to know. However, I do wish the romance had more time on page. I felt like just when things were moving forward between the two leads, they end up apart for a good portion of the book. Good story overall, but the romance took second stage to the coming out story, and that brought my enjoyment of the book down a fair amount. 3.5 ⭐️
May 9, 2026
I need six days to process, but goddamn did I love this book
May 2, 2026
5stars are not enough.
What an extraordinary journey.
What an extraordinary journey.
May 7, 2026
Interesting and rare plot set up with two straight divorced mothers who meet in their 50s as new neighbours and their feelings 'stir'.
Anne is quiet, reserved, prim and proper. Still a bit bitter from her divorce. She has an often strained relationship with her daughters.
Sadie is loud, bold, with a quirky fashion sense and wigs, also a tenured Poet teacher, neurodiverse and loves to talk.
I loved the writing. The witty banter, the romantic declarations and the sprinkling of poetry prose. The detailing of the family dynamics helped keep the balance.
The story is told at pace and a lot happens in the first half of the book. Tho I found the references to fashion and Californian culture left me feeling a bit lost.
The chemistry is hot and chaotic. Their emotions as they discover their sexuality is raw and moving.
I appreciated the way the author took the time to let their complicated personalities and feelings develop. There are many memorable scenes.
Overall it is a lovely romantic story full of hope. And Sadie and Anne are such great rich characters.
I loved it. And the fact that the story features us often forgotten women over 50 means its getting 5 stars obvs.
Anne is quiet, reserved, prim and proper. Still a bit bitter from her divorce. She has an often strained relationship with her daughters.
Sadie is loud, bold, with a quirky fashion sense and wigs, also a tenured Poet teacher, neurodiverse and loves to talk.
I loved the writing. The witty banter, the romantic declarations and the sprinkling of poetry prose. The detailing of the family dynamics helped keep the balance.
The story is told at pace and a lot happens in the first half of the book. Tho I found the references to fashion and Californian culture left me feeling a bit lost.
The chemistry is hot and chaotic. Their emotions as they discover their sexuality is raw and moving.
I appreciated the way the author took the time to let their complicated personalities and feelings develop. There are many memorable scenes.
Overall it is a lovely romantic story full of hope. And Sadie and Anne are such great rich characters.
I loved it. And the fact that the story features us often forgotten women over 50 means its getting 5 stars obvs.
May 9, 2026
Well, how hot, cute, funny, tender, intimate and loving is this book!
This book really is a treat, thank you @byrdwrites for bringing us The Second Draft, a story that feels soft, hopeful, emotional, and seriously sexy all at once. (And yes I know I’m repeating myself somehow)…
Watching these women navigate love, vulnerability, and second chances later in life was beautiful.
All of a sudden I’m not scared of being 60 anymore!
Meet late in life sapphics Anne and Sadie
This book really is a treat, thank you @byrdwrites for bringing us The Second Draft, a story that feels soft, hopeful, emotional, and seriously sexy all at once. (And yes I know I’m repeating myself somehow)…
Watching these women navigate love, vulnerability, and second chances later in life was beautiful.
All of a sudden I’m not scared of being 60 anymore!
Meet late in life sapphics Anne and Sadie
May 1, 2026
So raw and achingly tender
May 19, 2026
This book was stunning! My experience with my sexuality and coming out was pretty much the exact opposite of Anne's but that didn't stop me from being able to empathize and see parts of myself in her journey. This book made me reflect on the idea of identity and family when you're queer - how we choose how we show up in the world and the community we find when we're strong enough to look for it. I loved how this story was more than just a romance (which was itself extremely sweet and hot and tender and poetic) but a journey of self-discovery and acceptance for both Anne and Sadie. It really struck a cord in me seeing how Anne and Sadie realized how they've modeled certain behaviours that have influenced their children and how they began unraveling those threads to forge healthier relationships with them. I also appreciated seeing how Byrd tackled sensitive topics like alcohol use and body image in a way that felt meaningful and non-judgemental. Overall, this book really showed how transformative love can be - not just in the romantic sense but in the love between a parent and children, love in friendship, love in community, love for yourself - and I thought it was beautifully done.
May 26, 2026
I was interested in this story, but in the end I found it quite unbelievable. I would have preferred it to be more realistic. As a utopian tale, it works well, honestly. I would like to live in a world like that, but I'm afraid that won't be possible now or in the foreseeable future.
As for seeing myself represented in the main characters, I have nothing in common with them apart from my age and the symptoms that come with age and these are actually quite well portrayed. Perhaps my social status is lower, and that might explain the lack of empathy I felt at times. The religious aspect, without specifying any particular faith, didn't help me empathize either, to be honest.
However, as an attempt to show a repressed desire—really repressed, not just dormant—that lots of people experience, whether they choose it or not, and that gets discovered late but is then fully accepted and lived by the protagonist, the story is interesting
But it also felt too long to me. So it hasn't quite been to my liking overall
As for seeing myself represented in the main characters, I have nothing in common with them apart from my age and the symptoms that come with age and these are actually quite well portrayed. Perhaps my social status is lower, and that might explain the lack of empathy I felt at times. The religious aspect, without specifying any particular faith, didn't help me empathize either, to be honest.
However, as an attempt to show a repressed desire—really repressed, not just dormant—that lots of people experience, whether they choose it or not, and that gets discovered late but is then fully accepted and lived by the protagonist, the story is interesting
But it also felt too long to me. So it hasn't quite been to my liking overall
June 16, 2026
Borrowing a quote from the book to describe my reading experience of this book:
‘“My God,” she murmured, “how could anyone be so arrogant as to believe words could ever describe this?”’
‘“My God,” she murmured, “how could anyone be so arrogant as to believe words could ever describe this?”’
June 12, 2026
I enjoyed this. I liked the older MCs which was different, and good. Just a bit too much angst for me tho, so 4 stars not 5.
May 17, 2026
3,5 - 4 ⭐️
May 9, 2026
My first thought after finishing this book was how was I going to find the adequate words to express how I felt reading it. I’m going to try but I’ll probably fail miserably.
The writing is excellent, the characters so believable, the emotions just simply real. The humour sat wonderfully in amongst the serious. One example…clam chowder. From now on every time I hear, see, think about that I won’t be able to not smile…even though clam chowder is not to my taste. And there were beautiful ‘word scenes’, far too many to mention.
The relationship between the characters is full of emotion, real emotion, nothing fake. It felt so real life and not a fantasy. It was heart warming and romantic, took your breath away, with not a sliver of cynicism, as the two characters were finding themselves through each other.
In our world awash with awful characters, your heart warms because you’re filled with genuine hope that there are people like these still in existence. I’d like to give it more stars because, believe me, you will feel this book in your chest as you read.
The writing is excellent, the characters so believable, the emotions just simply real. The humour sat wonderfully in amongst the serious. One example…clam chowder. From now on every time I hear, see, think about that I won’t be able to not smile…even though clam chowder is not to my taste. And there were beautiful ‘word scenes’, far too many to mention.
The relationship between the characters is full of emotion, real emotion, nothing fake. It felt so real life and not a fantasy. It was heart warming and romantic, took your breath away, with not a sliver of cynicism, as the two characters were finding themselves through each other.
In our world awash with awful characters, your heart warms because you’re filled with genuine hope that there are people like these still in existence. I’d like to give it more stars because, believe me, you will feel this book in your chest as you read.
April 30, 2026
Lovely. I read it twice over the past days, and have just been wanting to let the experience settle a little.
I loved Anne and Sadie--I loved everyone in their extended social circle (shout out to my ADHD girly Claire and my man Manny from the airport parking lot) and the warm Californian world they exist in. Anne's self discovery is a break-neck dash into freedom. The woman is on a move. Sadie is specific, vulnerable and hot as shit.
I read the preview on Carrie's website at least half a dozen times before this came out. I followed the original work for years, and I'm joyful to see it in this new and improved form.
I loved Anne and Sadie--I loved everyone in their extended social circle (shout out to my ADHD girly Claire and my man Manny from the airport parking lot) and the warm Californian world they exist in. Anne's self discovery is a break-neck dash into freedom. The woman is on a move. Sadie is specific, vulnerable and hot as shit.
I read the preview on Carrie's website at least half a dozen times before this came out. I followed the original work for years, and I'm joyful to see it in this new and improved form.
April 17, 2026
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I did my best to avoid any major spoilers and I think I’ve managed that.
Sadie has one of the best character introductions I’ve ever read. She’s vibrant and leaps off the page to show you exactly who she is and that person is an absolute delight.
One thing I just adore about Carrie is her prose and not just for her language use (which let’s be real is incredible). Carrie trusts her readers in ways I don’t always feel in a lot of contemporary books. She lets the reader connect the dots, introduces us to her characters and her settings in a way that’s not too rushed and not too slow. It’s as if she sits you down and says hey want to hear a great story bc I’d love to tell it to you and I find myself responding with an enthusiastic yes every time.
The way I ACHED both at and after Anne’s birthday. What a rollercoaster of shock, panic and confusion.
A coming out story with an older protagonist has always been a dream of mine and the way this book delivers the complexities of it happening at 60 are nothing short of breathtaking. There’s grief, joy, discovery and heartache and I teared up at each point.
Something I can’t stand in romances is when the relationship is a fix it for every problem. I fully appreciate this book for not going that direction. Anne’s revelation around her feelings and thus her identity is definitely a catalyst but it’s not just Sadie’s love and relationship that repairs things for Anne, it’s part of a much bigger picture and Anne living a fuller life.
The sex scenes were pitch perfect.
Truly the only fault I found with this story was that although James, Anne’s ex husband, had the chance to be three dimensional, Sadie’s does not. This ordinarily might not irritate me so much (and could definitely be chalked up to the story being told from Anne’s POV) but given Fred, Hal, and Talisha are the only named characters of color (that I can recall), it rubbed me the wrong way.
Overall, this is a great story and I’ve been recommending it to anyone that’ll listen.
I did my best to avoid any major spoilers and I think I’ve managed that.
Sadie has one of the best character introductions I’ve ever read. She’s vibrant and leaps off the page to show you exactly who she is and that person is an absolute delight.
One thing I just adore about Carrie is her prose and not just for her language use (which let’s be real is incredible). Carrie trusts her readers in ways I don’t always feel in a lot of contemporary books. She lets the reader connect the dots, introduces us to her characters and her settings in a way that’s not too rushed and not too slow. It’s as if she sits you down and says hey want to hear a great story bc I’d love to tell it to you and I find myself responding with an enthusiastic yes every time.
The way I ACHED both at and after Anne’s birthday. What a rollercoaster of shock, panic and confusion.
A coming out story with an older protagonist has always been a dream of mine and the way this book delivers the complexities of it happening at 60 are nothing short of breathtaking. There’s grief, joy, discovery and heartache and I teared up at each point.
Something I can’t stand in romances is when the relationship is a fix it for every problem. I fully appreciate this book for not going that direction. Anne’s revelation around her feelings and thus her identity is definitely a catalyst but it’s not just Sadie’s love and relationship that repairs things for Anne, it’s part of a much bigger picture and Anne living a fuller life.
The sex scenes were pitch perfect.
Truly the only fault I found with this story was that although James, Anne’s ex husband, had the chance to be three dimensional, Sadie’s does not. This ordinarily might not irritate me so much (and could definitely be chalked up to the story being told from Anne’s POV) but given Fred, Hal, and Talisha are the only named characters of color (that I can recall), it rubbed me the wrong way.
Overall, this is a great story and I’ve been recommending it to anyone that’ll listen.
April 30, 2026
Oh how I loved this book. I had high expectations after reading Carrie's debut last year and this one blew it out of the water. It was so witty and sweet and the spice was spicing. I'm not one for toaster ovens but I just loved this one all around.
June 14, 2026
A wonderfully told late in life sapphic awakening that’s warm, bitingly funny and romantic. I absolutely loved this story and highlighted so much of it, which I almost never do.
The ideal romance. No more need be said.
The ideal romance. No more need be said.
May 16, 2026
It's not often that you get books with older protagonists, but it is always good to see. People can discover themselves at any age - it's never too late, and having that representation is invaluable. There is a lot to Anne and Sadie's journey, and it is heavy at times, but it is really well told, heartfelt, and just a wonderful read. The growth, the healing, the finally being able to be themselves - there is something special to coming out stories (and honestly to sapphic books in general), and I really enjoyed my time with this one.
May 3, 2026
Sapphic Grace and Frankie???? I love it
April 21, 2026
Loved this! I got an advanced copy at Cass Con and I’m so glad I did!
I am a slow reader and I plowed through this in a week. This is equivalent to a fast reader finishing a book in a day. That’s how I know I struck gold.
The opening line in the prologue about blowing up a driveway had me hooked. These characters were lovable and I was rooting for them. I found that I was really drawn to Sadie and her quirky personality. As someone who often feels like I’m “too much”, I could relate to fears and found some commonality.
Thank you, Carrie! Thank you for bringing this characters into my life. I can’t wait to dive into Loser of the Year.
It was also so wonderful to meet you at Cass Con.
I am a slow reader and I plowed through this in a week. This is equivalent to a fast reader finishing a book in a day. That’s how I know I struck gold.
The opening line in the prologue about blowing up a driveway had me hooked. These characters were lovable and I was rooting for them. I found that I was really drawn to Sadie and her quirky personality. As someone who often feels like I’m “too much”, I could relate to fears and found some commonality.
Thank you, Carrie! Thank you for bringing this characters into my life. I can’t wait to dive into Loser of the Year.
It was also so wonderful to meet you at Cass Con.
May 21, 2026
If I could rate this book higher than 5 stars I would; it deserves all the stars. I typically don’t write reviews, even for my 5 stars reads. But this book was just perfect in so many ways that I felt I had to get my thoughts out.
Firstly, this book is absolutely hilarious, I laughed out loud multiple times and it had me up until 4:30am because I couldn’t put it down. “Claire has Four Parents and They’re All Gay. All of Them” is probably one of my favourite lines in any book ever.
To put The Second Draft into a nutshell, thing Grace and Frankie, but funnier and more gay and therefore perfect. The side characters were also all so well developed even without needing much page time; Byrd just does such a good job at painting a vivid picture I feel like I knew everyone in this story personally. The relationship between parents and children are also all so painfully accurate and I appreciate that she doesn’t allow any of her MCs to get the “they’re perfect” treatment. Each person is flawed and damaged, but we learn about why they are that way and we get to join them in their journey of changing old habits. Though sometimes I wish certain people in my life were as open to embracing change as what Anne is.
The dialogue was human and realistic in a way that very few other authors manage to accomplish in my opinion. But more than the humor and the dialogue, this book was just so poetic and profound. The amount of times I had to pause and reread something a few times to fully absorb it either because it was so beautiful or because it was so accurate to my life and how I feel deep inside, well I lost count. This is one of those books I’ll be thinking about for a long time and I’ll definitely get the audiobook when it cones out and give it a listen too, just for an excuse to experience it all over again. Holding thumbs for an Abby Craden narration…
I’m so relieved this didn’t follow the usual formula of a romance with an 80% forced conflict. It was anything but that. The whirlwind of emotions that the characters go through over a two day period is so relatable to me and captured something that the usual climactic conflict in most books lack. It was authentic. There were unmet expectations, miscommunications, wild emotions. Sometimes in books arguments get summarized into a few lines and end after a page. In my experience, arguments have a whole lot of misunderstandings and back and forth and going in circles and stewing over things after the fact, that I feel like most authors either fail to capture or cut out to stick to a word count. But I feel like a lot of the human-ness is lost in that process. I think Byrd did a fabulous job at constructing real conflict, and had the characters work through that in a realistic and non-linear, slightly messy but ultimately more realistic way. I also feel like that dizzying experience that comes with major emotional revelations was captured so well in this book.
We could all be so lucky to find a love like Anne and Sadie’s. To be loved is to be known, indeed. These two displayed their love in so many ways it was at times so intimate I felt like I was a voyeur.
Also the spice was way hotter than expected, I definitely wasn’t prepared. I also appreciated the potentially unexpected roles that came out during intimate moments. While extremely hot they were also realistic and didn’t shy away from the natural awkwardness and shyness that can come with intimate moments. The spice balanced perfectly with the wholesome and all lead to an absolutely phenomenal, realistic and relatable book.
I feel like there’s so much more I could go on about with this book, but nothing I can say can really capture the experience of reading the book for yourself.
10/10, highly recommend. All the stars. No notes
Firstly, this book is absolutely hilarious, I laughed out loud multiple times and it had me up until 4:30am because I couldn’t put it down. “Claire has Four Parents and They’re All Gay. All of Them” is probably one of my favourite lines in any book ever.
To put The Second Draft into a nutshell, thing Grace and Frankie, but funnier and more gay and therefore perfect. The side characters were also all so well developed even without needing much page time; Byrd just does such a good job at painting a vivid picture I feel like I knew everyone in this story personally. The relationship between parents and children are also all so painfully accurate and I appreciate that she doesn’t allow any of her MCs to get the “they’re perfect” treatment. Each person is flawed and damaged, but we learn about why they are that way and we get to join them in their journey of changing old habits. Though sometimes I wish certain people in my life were as open to embracing change as what Anne is.
The dialogue was human and realistic in a way that very few other authors manage to accomplish in my opinion. But more than the humor and the dialogue, this book was just so poetic and profound. The amount of times I had to pause and reread something a few times to fully absorb it either because it was so beautiful or because it was so accurate to my life and how I feel deep inside, well I lost count. This is one of those books I’ll be thinking about for a long time and I’ll definitely get the audiobook when it cones out and give it a listen too, just for an excuse to experience it all over again. Holding thumbs for an Abby Craden narration…
I’m so relieved this didn’t follow the usual formula of a romance with an 80% forced conflict. It was anything but that. The whirlwind of emotions that the characters go through over a two day period is so relatable to me and captured something that the usual climactic conflict in most books lack. It was authentic. There were unmet expectations, miscommunications, wild emotions. Sometimes in books arguments get summarized into a few lines and end after a page. In my experience, arguments have a whole lot of misunderstandings and back and forth and going in circles and stewing over things after the fact, that I feel like most authors either fail to capture or cut out to stick to a word count. But I feel like a lot of the human-ness is lost in that process. I think Byrd did a fabulous job at constructing real conflict, and had the characters work through that in a realistic and non-linear, slightly messy but ultimately more realistic way. I also feel like that dizzying experience that comes with major emotional revelations was captured so well in this book.
We could all be so lucky to find a love like Anne and Sadie’s. To be loved is to be known, indeed. These two displayed their love in so many ways it was at times so intimate I felt like I was a voyeur.
Also the spice was way hotter than expected, I definitely wasn’t prepared. I also appreciated the potentially unexpected roles that came out during intimate moments. While extremely hot they were also realistic and didn’t shy away from the natural awkwardness and shyness that can come with intimate moments. The spice balanced perfectly with the wholesome and all lead to an absolutely phenomenal, realistic and relatable book.
I feel like there’s so much more I could go on about with this book, but nothing I can say can really capture the experience of reading the book for yourself.
10/10, highly recommend. All the stars. No notes
May 23, 2026
After finishing this my emotions and thoughts are all over the place, in a good way but im already grieving the loss of Sadie and Annie, because I'll never read a story like these two had.
The yearning had me yearning, and its just so raw, so beautiful, so bittersweet, so innocent, so urgent, like if they didnt have each other, then they cant breathe without the other. Frankly, that's exactly what happened, they can't function if the other isn't present, its as if they're a part of each others soul, part of the same piece and if one is lost, then the other will fail without it.
On a VERY rare occasion, this is one of the few books where I read more than one of the sex scenes, and everytime, it was so incredibly intimate, and the true definition of the word "love making", it was so sweet :((
"When I write a poem, you’re the feeling that presses down my pen. I love the foggy mornings best because I’m surrounded by the color of your eyes."
this was so beautiful:(((((
and my favorite quote, despite this being filled with loads and loads of it, was "you’re a poem"
ugh I died, my poor litle gay heart can't handle this
Another thing that I truly admire about this book, is the gentle self discovery and their coming out journey, despite being in their 60s. It teachs a moral that you still have life ahead of you no matter how old you are and its never late to try anything new, and more importantly, to discover yourself, to embrace a different version of the one that you grew up with and to embrace it with willingness, because its okay and it will be alright.
In addition to that, I love how the emotionally intenligent Sadie is, and despite both of them being scared, they still communicated, which sums up the whole book in a few.
"The second Draft" is very deep and it delves into all of the aspects of life in late 50s and early 60s, the relationship with children and grandchildren, the aftermaths of divorce, and how different each Sadie and Anne dealt with alone, but helped each other to overcome the trauma that this hurdle had left on them, they healed each other, and their families as well.
The yearning had me yearning, and its just so raw, so beautiful, so bittersweet, so innocent, so urgent, like if they didnt have each other, then they cant breathe without the other. Frankly, that's exactly what happened, they can't function if the other isn't present, its as if they're a part of each others soul, part of the same piece and if one is lost, then the other will fail without it.
On a VERY rare occasion, this is one of the few books where I read more than one of the sex scenes, and everytime, it was so incredibly intimate, and the true definition of the word "love making", it was so sweet :((
"When I write a poem, you’re the feeling that presses down my pen. I love the foggy mornings best because I’m surrounded by the color of your eyes."
this was so beautiful:(((((
and my favorite quote, despite this being filled with loads and loads of it, was "you’re a poem"
ugh I died, my poor litle gay heart can't handle this
Another thing that I truly admire about this book, is the gentle self discovery and their coming out journey, despite being in their 60s. It teachs a moral that you still have life ahead of you no matter how old you are and its never late to try anything new, and more importantly, to discover yourself, to embrace a different version of the one that you grew up with and to embrace it with willingness, because its okay and it will be alright.
In addition to that, I love how the emotionally intenligent Sadie is, and despite both of them being scared, they still communicated, which sums up the whole book in a few.
"The second Draft" is very deep and it delves into all of the aspects of life in late 50s and early 60s, the relationship with children and grandchildren, the aftermaths of divorce, and how different each Sadie and Anne dealt with alone, but helped each other to overcome the trauma that this hurdle had left on them, they healed each other, and their families as well.
May 25, 2026
How do you describe this delicious book?! I love that the MCS are over 50 and just now discovering themselves after divorce . Both women were married to men, had children (now grown) and are awakening to their reality. What a joy to join them in their discovery. This book is A FAVORITE! I LOVE THIS BOOK! Worth more than 5 stars!
June 12, 2026
RTC (maybe lol)
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