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Always second choice
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Expected 13 Jun 26408 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 13, 2026
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May 18, 2026
ARC Review
This story follows Selena and her husband Lucien, a loving couple living in London.
Selena returns to the US for her sister’s wedding, and is straight away forced to face her past and ex boyfriend: Kai.
Lucien, knowing he is dying and his time is limited, tries to plan a reconnection between them both.
Bad points:
On the technical side, the writing didn’t always land for me, and parts of the plot felt like they could have used a bit more depth or research. It pulled me out of the story, which is a shame because the emotional premise is strong.
The writing itself felt a bit robotic, and the dialogue is nonsensical in parts. The characters are quite flat, and there isn’t much spectrum of emotion coming from them. It’s all or nothing.
Good points:
The premise of the book is good, the vibes, the emotion and the heartbreak.
Overall, it could be a very good book with developmental and line edits from a professional editor.
This story follows Selena and her husband Lucien, a loving couple living in London.
Selena returns to the US for her sister’s wedding, and is straight away forced to face her past and ex boyfriend: Kai.
Lucien, knowing he is dying and his time is limited, tries to plan a reconnection between them both.
Bad points:
On the technical side, the writing didn’t always land for me, and parts of the plot felt like they could have used a bit more depth or research. It pulled me out of the story, which is a shame because the emotional premise is strong.
The writing itself felt a bit robotic, and the dialogue is nonsensical in parts. The characters are quite flat, and there isn’t much spectrum of emotion coming from them. It’s all or nothing.
Good points:
The premise of the book is good, the vibes, the emotion and the heartbreak.
Overall, it could be a very good book with developmental and line edits from a professional editor.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75 stars
So there I was, sitting on my couch and reading, tears streaming down my face, while at the same time, laughing my head off. It's probably happened before, but it's been so long that I can't recall the book that caused it.
There's this big, emotional thing happening, and then there's what's possibly the most hilarious, ridiculous scene I've ever read. And I'm snorting and weeping and trying not to freak out my dog.
Reading this book broke my heart SO HARD. Just completely shattered it for Selena and Lucien. Then it was stitched back together; not perfectly just differently. It's kind of disconcerting, feeling so much all at once, and makes me sure that this story will stick with me for a long time.
It's easy to read something and think, "that character is so dumb. I can't believe they're accepting this behavior" or "How could one person treat another like that?". But I've always approached things from a different angle. I try to understand the character's perspective, given what I'm told of their life and history. So I can understand how it feels to be the second choice, the overlooked one, the consolation prize. I can accept the character's choice to scoop up all the "crumbs when [they] deserved the buffet".
I think one of the best things about this story is Selena's growth and with it, her realizations about love.
I figured out about halfway through how the story was going to end. Sometimes that's disappointing, but in this case, I didn't mind. Because, even though I was right, I still didn't know how they were going to get there. And the journey was everything.
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending me a copy of the ARC for Always Second Choice. You put me through an emotional wringer, but it was worth it.
I received a free copy, and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Stand-out quotes:
* * "I married him because he is the love of my life. The man who gives me peace, not pain. He taught me what I truly deserve. I was accepting crumbs when I deserved the buffet." * *
* * You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. * *
So there I was, sitting on my couch and reading, tears streaming down my face, while at the same time, laughing my head off. It's probably happened before, but it's been so long that I can't recall the book that caused it.
There's this big, emotional thing happening, and then there's what's possibly the most hilarious, ridiculous scene I've ever read. And I'm snorting and weeping and trying not to freak out my dog.
Reading this book broke my heart SO HARD. Just completely shattered it for Selena and Lucien. Then it was stitched back together; not perfectly just differently. It's kind of disconcerting, feeling so much all at once, and makes me sure that this story will stick with me for a long time.
It's easy to read something and think, "that character is so dumb. I can't believe they're accepting this behavior" or "How could one person treat another like that?". But I've always approached things from a different angle. I try to understand the character's perspective, given what I'm told of their life and history. So I can understand how it feels to be the second choice, the overlooked one, the consolation prize. I can accept the character's choice to scoop up all the "crumbs when [they] deserved the buffet".
I think one of the best things about this story is Selena's growth and with it, her realizations about love.
I figured out about halfway through how the story was going to end. Sometimes that's disappointing, but in this case, I didn't mind. Because, even though I was right, I still didn't know how they were going to get there. And the journey was everything.
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending me a copy of the ARC for Always Second Choice. You put me through an emotional wringer, but it was worth it.
I received a free copy, and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Stand-out quotes:
* * "I married him because he is the love of my life. The man who gives me peace, not pain. He taught me what I truly deserve. I was accepting crumbs when I deserved the buffet." * *
* * You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. * *
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this book before it was published.
In short, the story goes back and forth between the past and present of Kai, Selena and Lucien.
True love and ultimate betrayal. The greatest joy and the worst pain. Completely broken down and rising from the ashes. It has everything and more. This is a romance novel, but not a typical chick flick.
It grabs you and it's hard to put the book down. You breath it in one breath and then you wonder why. You could have read it slower, so it would have lasted longer.
Mega mega mega.. I thought from the beginning that this book would need tissues and I was right. And I'm very happy that the ending was the way it did. I was hoping for it and if it had been any different I would have been very disappointed.
So thank you to the author for writing such a heartfelt and engaging book. The release date is June 13th, so everyone will be able to enjoy it soon. I highly recommend it. Just get your tissues ready now 😉
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. I never noticed how dehydrated I was after giving all my water to Kai. Until Lucien came along and watered me without me ever having to ask." - The Best analog ever. I loved it
In short, the story goes back and forth between the past and present of Kai, Selena and Lucien.
True love and ultimate betrayal. The greatest joy and the worst pain. Completely broken down and rising from the ashes. It has everything and more. This is a romance novel, but not a typical chick flick.
It grabs you and it's hard to put the book down. You breath it in one breath and then you wonder why. You could have read it slower, so it would have lasted longer.
Mega mega mega.. I thought from the beginning that this book would need tissues and I was right. And I'm very happy that the ending was the way it did. I was hoping for it and if it had been any different I would have been very disappointed.
So thank you to the author for writing such a heartfelt and engaging book. The release date is June 13th, so everyone will be able to enjoy it soon. I highly recommend it. Just get your tissues ready now 😉
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. I never noticed how dehydrated I was after giving all my water to Kai. Until Lucien came along and watered me without me ever having to ask." - The Best analog ever. I loved it
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I received this ARC, I thought I knew what kind of story I was getting into. I was wrong. Lira writes pain the way only someone who truly understands it can - not loudly, not for show, but in that quiet, suffocating way that settles into your chest and stays there. 💔
Selena is not a perfect heroine and that is exactly why she broke me. She is every woman who loved too hard, waited too long, and still somehow found the grace to keep going. And Lucien- I cannot talk about him without giving things away, so I'll just say this: he reminded me that love, real love, looks nothing like what we're usually sold. Wow🌹Let me not discuss about what Kai did and then sacrificed - it's just so painful yet shows how love triumphs at the end. Just for this, you need to read this story to feel it....
This book made me sad, angry, it made me grieve and cry, and somewhere near the end it made me breathe again in a way I didn't expect and didn't know I needed. Sad yes but still they survived and all won in someway or the other. 🕊️
Lira, you handled deeply sensitive, deeply human experiences with so much care and respect; that doesn't go unnoticed. This story deserved to be told and you told it beautifully. I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time.
Thank you for trusting me with something this real.
I am leaving my honest review here! ♥️
Selena is not a perfect heroine and that is exactly why she broke me. She is every woman who loved too hard, waited too long, and still somehow found the grace to keep going. And Lucien- I cannot talk about him without giving things away, so I'll just say this: he reminded me that love, real love, looks nothing like what we're usually sold. Wow🌹Let me not discuss about what Kai did and then sacrificed - it's just so painful yet shows how love triumphs at the end. Just for this, you need to read this story to feel it....
This book made me sad, angry, it made me grieve and cry, and somewhere near the end it made me breathe again in a way I didn't expect and didn't know I needed. Sad yes but still they survived and all won in someway or the other. 🕊️
Lira, you handled deeply sensitive, deeply human experiences with so much care and respect; that doesn't go unnoticed. This story deserved to be told and you told it beautifully. I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time.
Thank you for trusting me with something this real.
I am leaving my honest review here! ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I signed up to receive an ARC for this book, and honestly… WOW. This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I devoured it in just over 24 hours, and let me tell you when a book hooks me within the first 5%, you know it’s good. And this was THAT good.
“You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don’t bring water.”
I have so many highlights in my Kindle, but this one stood out the most.
The story follows our FMC, Selena, who is currently living in London with her husband, Lucian. Through flashbacks, we slowly uncover her past as her sister’s wedding brings everything she’s tried to bury back to the surface.
Lucian’s dying wish is to make sure Selena gets her happy ending, even if it’s not with him 🥺 But after Kai completely shattered her heart, is her first love really who she needs?
I felt every single emotion throughout Selena’s story — the heartbreak, the raw vulnerability, the self-doubt, and the way she made herself small for the kind of love she thought she deserved. This book was deeply emotional from beginning to end, and that ending was beautifully devastating.
And yes… after all the emotional damage, we do get a HEA, and it was absolutely worth it.
“You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don’t bring water.”
I have so many highlights in my Kindle, but this one stood out the most.
The story follows our FMC, Selena, who is currently living in London with her husband, Lucian. Through flashbacks, we slowly uncover her past as her sister’s wedding brings everything she’s tried to bury back to the surface.
Lucian’s dying wish is to make sure Selena gets her happy ending, even if it’s not with him 🥺 But after Kai completely shattered her heart, is her first love really who she needs?
I felt every single emotion throughout Selena’s story — the heartbreak, the raw vulnerability, the self-doubt, and the way she made herself small for the kind of love she thought she deserved. This book was deeply emotional from beginning to end, and that ending was beautifully devastating.
And yes… after all the emotional damage, we do get a HEA, and it was absolutely worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. This book really takes you on a roller coaster ride.
Honestly, when I received this ARC I was excited. I was expecting a morally gray MMC and a second chance trope, but boy oh boy, it's not exactly like that. It was so much more. I certainly did not expect the book to end the way it did AND I'm happy I was wrong.
Selena is hard not to root for, even though she is not perfect - like everyone, she's human. I think that many women will see themselves in her, especially when they were in their high school/collage years. Loving someone so much that you are constantly waiting to be chosen by them is tiring and heartbreaking and Lira really did a great job portraying the ache, the yearning, the exhaustion. I honestly feel emotionally drained after reading this, I can't even count how many tears I've cried.
The only problem I have with this book is the fact that the trauma in this book can be triggering to people who experienced it, so some kind of trigger warning in the beginning would be nice. Also, in some parts of the book I felt like characters were teleporting from place to place without explanation, for example, Selena was sitting on her towel at the beach and suddenly Kai is running towards her in the water. Not sure if I misread it but it happend a couple of times. Still, I highly recommend this book.
Honestly, when I received this ARC I was excited. I was expecting a morally gray MMC and a second chance trope, but boy oh boy, it's not exactly like that. It was so much more. I certainly did not expect the book to end the way it did AND I'm happy I was wrong.
Selena is hard not to root for, even though she is not perfect - like everyone, she's human. I think that many women will see themselves in her, especially when they were in their high school/collage years. Loving someone so much that you are constantly waiting to be chosen by them is tiring and heartbreaking and Lira really did a great job portraying the ache, the yearning, the exhaustion. I honestly feel emotionally drained after reading this, I can't even count how many tears I've cried.
The only problem I have with this book is the fact that the trauma in this book can be triggering to people who experienced it, so some kind of trigger warning in the beginning would be nice. Also, in some parts of the book I felt like characters were teleporting from place to place without explanation, for example, Selena was sitting on her towel at the beach and suddenly Kai is running towards her in the water. Not sure if I misread it but it happend a couple of times. Still, I highly recommend this book.
May 31, 2026
Not going to lie I really struggled through this one. Not because it was bad but because it was so relatable. This is one of those books that tears your heart out but carefully pieces it back together, the scars are still visible though.
I really connected with Selena. You could really feel her pain, the hope of finally being chosen. She spent years loving him while he couldn’t see what was right in front of his face. Each interaction with Kai broke you just a little more.
I did like Kai. He was such a complex character. I honestly think he was just afraid to love Selena in fear of being hurt. It wasn’t about her looks or her character, I think it was more the fear of loss. He admits seeing his father being abusive to his mother and fearing himself becoming just like him. I guess in a way he kind of did. However he truly redeems himself in ways no one would ever expect.
Lucien is the ultimate man. He’s the one we always dream of but never find. He’s selfless, adoring, he does everything he possibly can for her and is even willing to try to leave his wife in the hands of her first love. Just so she doesn’t have to live alone after he passes.
This was truly a beautiful story. One that will live with me for a very long time.
I really connected with Selena. You could really feel her pain, the hope of finally being chosen. She spent years loving him while he couldn’t see what was right in front of his face. Each interaction with Kai broke you just a little more.
I did like Kai. He was such a complex character. I honestly think he was just afraid to love Selena in fear of being hurt. It wasn’t about her looks or her character, I think it was more the fear of loss. He admits seeing his father being abusive to his mother and fearing himself becoming just like him. I guess in a way he kind of did. However he truly redeems himself in ways no one would ever expect.
Lucien is the ultimate man. He’s the one we always dream of but never find. He’s selfless, adoring, he does everything he possibly can for her and is even willing to try to leave his wife in the hands of her first love. Just so she doesn’t have to live alone after he passes.
This was truly a beautiful story. One that will live with me for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author Lira for the opportunity to read this book.
Always Second Choice was an enjoyable read, but it left me with some mixed feelings. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I was invested in seeing how the story would unfold. There were definitely moments that pulled at my emotions, especially when it came to the main character's struggles with feeling overlooked and not being someone's first choice.
I appreciated the emotional themes and could relate to some of the insecurities and frustrations the characters experienced. That said, there were times when I struggled to connect fully with certain decisions and reactions, which made it harder for me to stay completely immersed in the story.
The writing kept me turning the pages, and I was curious to see how everything would come together in the end. As for some parts worked really well for me, other aspects felt a little rushed or didn't have quite the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Overall, this was a decent read with an interesting premise and heartfelt moments. It may resonate strongly with readers who enjoy emotional relationship-driven stories. While it wasn't a perfect fit for me, I'm glad I gave it a chance and would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Always Second Choice was an enjoyable read, but it left me with some mixed feelings. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I was invested in seeing how the story would unfold. There were definitely moments that pulled at my emotions, especially when it came to the main character's struggles with feeling overlooked and not being someone's first choice.
I appreciated the emotional themes and could relate to some of the insecurities and frustrations the characters experienced. That said, there were times when I struggled to connect fully with certain decisions and reactions, which made it harder for me to stay completely immersed in the story.
The writing kept me turning the pages, and I was curious to see how everything would come together in the end. As for some parts worked really well for me, other aspects felt a little rushed or didn't have quite the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Overall, this was a decent read with an interesting premise and heartfelt moments. It may resonate strongly with readers who enjoy emotional relationship-driven stories. While it wasn't a perfect fit for me, I'm glad I gave it a chance and would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished Always Second Choice and I swear this book reached into my chest and ripped my heart out in the best possible way.
This one hit hard. If you’ve ever loved someone more than they loved you, always felt like the backup option, or constantly ended up second best, this book is going to absolutely wreck you. The heartbreak, the self doubt, the quiet kind of pain she carries through this story all felt so raw and real.
I felt every emotion right alongside her. There were moments that genuinely hurt to read because of how relatable they were, but watching her slowly heal, grow, and finally start putting herself first was honestly beautiful.
The emotional tension in this book was everything. The spice was both steamy and emotional at the same time, which made every moment hit even harder. And the second chance romance element? Perfect.
Lira Darkwaters wrote something that felt honest and real without making it unbearably heavy. I finished this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down.
If you love emotional romances full of angst, healing, heartbreak, and hope, you need to read this one. I’m still thinking about it.
This one hit hard. If you’ve ever loved someone more than they loved you, always felt like the backup option, or constantly ended up second best, this book is going to absolutely wreck you. The heartbreak, the self doubt, the quiet kind of pain she carries through this story all felt so raw and real.
I felt every emotion right alongside her. There were moments that genuinely hurt to read because of how relatable they were, but watching her slowly heal, grow, and finally start putting herself first was honestly beautiful.
The emotional tension in this book was everything. The spice was both steamy and emotional at the same time, which made every moment hit even harder. And the second chance romance element? Perfect.
Lira Darkwaters wrote something that felt honest and real without making it unbearably heavy. I finished this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down.
If you love emotional romances full of angst, healing, heartbreak, and hope, you need to read this one. I’m still thinking about it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a story of healing and finding yourself. It has tragedy, betrayal, and heartbreak in especially the flashback and diary scenes.
You have Lucien who knows he is dying and wants his wife to live a happy life after him. He was such a good man to her even though the one aspect that took a point away was trying to give her to someone who didn't deserve her. Selena is someone who gives EVERYTHING while getting nothing until Lucien. You have friends who were terrible and cheaters.
This is heavy in the flashbacks and it gives you the moments that took away her shine. Then when it comes back you see how she is taking everything back and owning it. It truly showed that there will always be someone who appreciates your effort and care when other people didn't. She is a beautiful soul and it was truly so hard to understand how she put up with all of it for so long.
I am happy with how it ended but it also felt like not everyone ended up owning how they abandoned or hurt her. I think if there was a bit more with her cousin and old friends acknowledging that then it could have been perfect.
You have Lucien who knows he is dying and wants his wife to live a happy life after him. He was such a good man to her even though the one aspect that took a point away was trying to give her to someone who didn't deserve her. Selena is someone who gives EVERYTHING while getting nothing until Lucien. You have friends who were terrible and cheaters.
This is heavy in the flashbacks and it gives you the moments that took away her shine. Then when it comes back you see how she is taking everything back and owning it. It truly showed that there will always be someone who appreciates your effort and care when other people didn't. She is a beautiful soul and it was truly so hard to understand how she put up with all of it for so long.
I am happy with how it ended but it also felt like not everyone ended up owning how they abandoned or hurt her. I think if there was a bit more with her cousin and old friends acknowledging that then it could have been perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Read*
Thank you so much to Lira for giving me a copy of this book ❤️
I honestly have no words.....this book was absolutely brilliant and I couldn't put it down! The way Lira wrote this book, I felt everything that Selena went through. There were moments where I was happy, emotional, crying and angry and when you have a book that can make you feel so many different emotions, you know you have done it right.
The love between Selena and Lucien was just so beautiful and after everything they went through together and what she went through with Kai, I'm so glad there was a happy ending even if it was so sad at the same time!
One quote that really got me as I resonated so much to it, which yes did make me cry, as I have experienced this too many times in my life was:-
'You came into my life and you saved me. You brought colours into my dark world. You gave me purpose. But most of all, you made me realise, I don't have to change who I am to be loved. And I don't have to destroy myself to find it'
Lira, thank you for the amazing opportunity to read your book, I absolutely loved it ❤️
Thank you so much to Lira for giving me a copy of this book ❤️
I honestly have no words.....this book was absolutely brilliant and I couldn't put it down! The way Lira wrote this book, I felt everything that Selena went through. There were moments where I was happy, emotional, crying and angry and when you have a book that can make you feel so many different emotions, you know you have done it right.
The love between Selena and Lucien was just so beautiful and after everything they went through together and what she went through with Kai, I'm so glad there was a happy ending even if it was so sad at the same time!
One quote that really got me as I resonated so much to it, which yes did make me cry, as I have experienced this too many times in my life was:-
'You came into my life and you saved me. You brought colours into my dark world. You gave me purpose. But most of all, you made me realise, I don't have to change who I am to be loved. And I don't have to destroy myself to find it'
Lira, thank you for the amazing opportunity to read your book, I absolutely loved it ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
HOLY SHIT..
Just when you Think your life is going to be a second chance. That second chance gave you.. your life back..
I want this book immediately ..
"Thank you," he whispered. "For what?" "For letting me meet you." I smiled. Really smiled. "Thank you for finding me."
"Remember me as the guy who was your best friend. Not the monster I became. Because my heart was always yours.
Some of these statements are going make you sob uncontrollably when you finish reading this book. There is a HEA.
BUT OMG!! IT IS GOING TO BE HARD EARNED. VERY HARD EARNED.
This author knew what she was doing when she wrote this book and I will be here for it everytime.
Thank you Lira Darkwaters for writing this book about this amazing story between these people.
All these characters were so believably. real. I felt every bit of pain, their laughter, and the joy in this book.
I meant it from the bottom of my heart WHATEVER you write i will be thankful to own it.
This was one Hell of a journey .....❤️💯
Just when you Think your life is going to be a second chance. That second chance gave you.. your life back..
I want this book immediately ..
"Thank you," he whispered. "For what?" "For letting me meet you." I smiled. Really smiled. "Thank you for finding me."
"Remember me as the guy who was your best friend. Not the monster I became. Because my heart was always yours.
Some of these statements are going make you sob uncontrollably when you finish reading this book. There is a HEA.
BUT OMG!! IT IS GOING TO BE HARD EARNED. VERY HARD EARNED.
This author knew what she was doing when she wrote this book and I will be here for it everytime.
Thank you Lira Darkwaters for writing this book about this amazing story between these people.
All these characters were so believably. real. I felt every bit of pain, their laughter, and the joy in this book.
I meant it from the bottom of my heart WHATEVER you write i will be thankful to own it.
This was one Hell of a journey .....❤️💯
Review of advance copy received from Author
Always Second Choice - Lira Darkwaters
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
This story follows a woman who's always been second choice. Forever the giver, never the receiver.. Always supporting but never being supported.
Overlooked and overshadowed. That is, until she met a man that helped her reclaim her power, her self worth and loved her just the way she is. As if he could see who she truly was.
I won't lie.. I foresaw the Book ending one way, and I am grateful it did not go that way.
The ending was sad... but those flashbacks? They were heartbreaking. I genuinely cried along with her.
It got religious towards the end..no reference of any religion til a certain point, which is fine.. it just felt a bit unnesseacary to say certain things..but again, everyone has different views and all that. It didn't ruin the overall book, it just felt randomly placed (for me anyway).
I did enjoy this book. I genuinely could not put it down. Definitely reccomend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
This story follows a woman who's always been second choice. Forever the giver, never the receiver.. Always supporting but never being supported.
Overlooked and overshadowed. That is, until she met a man that helped her reclaim her power, her self worth and loved her just the way she is. As if he could see who she truly was.
I won't lie.. I foresaw the Book ending one way, and I am grateful it did not go that way.
The ending was sad... but those flashbacks? They were heartbreaking. I genuinely cried along with her.
It got religious towards the end..no reference of any religion til a certain point, which is fine.. it just felt a bit unnesseacary to say certain things..but again, everyone has different views and all that. It didn't ruin the overall book, it just felt randomly placed (for me anyway).
I did enjoy this book. I genuinely could not put it down. Definitely reccomend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received an ARC of this book*
I don't quite know how to start this. The last 50 pages, the culmination of the journey we've been on with Selena, Kai, and Lucien earnt the fourth star in my rating. There were times I struggled with the timeline and plot points as there was some repetition and errors on consistency. However, ultimately, the sheer amount this book made me feel meant it definitely wouldn't be lower than three stars and the resolution gave me so much hope that four stars was only fair. Written in multiple perspectives, we follow Selena and her loves- one damaging, one healing. We read flashbacks to help carry the current story and we go on an emotional rollercoaster- one consisting of corkscrews, loops, invisible drops, plummets and anything and everything else. I felt anger, hope, frustration, longing, a chapter of full comic relief. This book is raw and painful but ultimately hopeful. There's one hell of a twist and a redemption arc like no other.
I don't quite know how to start this. The last 50 pages, the culmination of the journey we've been on with Selena, Kai, and Lucien earnt the fourth star in my rating. There were times I struggled with the timeline and plot points as there was some repetition and errors on consistency. However, ultimately, the sheer amount this book made me feel meant it definitely wouldn't be lower than three stars and the resolution gave me so much hope that four stars was only fair. Written in multiple perspectives, we follow Selena and her loves- one damaging, one healing. We read flashbacks to help carry the current story and we go on an emotional rollercoaster- one consisting of corkscrews, loops, invisible drops, plummets and anything and everything else. I felt anger, hope, frustration, longing, a chapter of full comic relief. This book is raw and painful but ultimately hopeful. There's one hell of a twist and a redemption arc like no other.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author.
OK 4.5 stars — and I’ll tell you why.
First: I appreciated that Lucien was a love interest. That man is a gem and I loved him. His kindness, confidence, and the way he loved Selena was genuinely lovely to read.
But my biggest issue was Selena herself. What a doormat. And Kai? I hated him so much. He never truly loved her, and I felt that through every page. It felt more like he liked having her there and hated losing access to her when she finally pulled away.
And Selena just kept letting him back in. A man with almost no redeeming qualities. I was honestly glad when she finally ripped into him at the end.
This is not your classic second-chance romance. At times it’s painful to read — not because of the writing, but because of how toxic the former relationship feels. And honestly? I didn’t like Lucien’s plan at all either.
Still, I read the whole thing in one sitting, which says a lot. Thanks for the ARC!
OK 4.5 stars — and I’ll tell you why.
First: I appreciated that Lucien was a love interest. That man is a gem and I loved him. His kindness, confidence, and the way he loved Selena was genuinely lovely to read.
But my biggest issue was Selena herself. What a doormat. And Kai? I hated him so much. He never truly loved her, and I felt that through every page. It felt more like he liked having her there and hated losing access to her when she finally pulled away.
And Selena just kept letting him back in. A man with almost no redeeming qualities. I was honestly glad when she finally ripped into him at the end.
This is not your classic second-chance romance. At times it’s painful to read — not because of the writing, but because of how toxic the former relationship feels. And honestly? I didn’t like Lucien’s plan at all either.
Still, I read the whole thing in one sitting, which says a lot. Thanks for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Five star reviews don’t come from me often… but this book? Six stars.
Lira Darkwaters, thank you SO much for the ARC of Always Second Choice.
This story has carved out a permanent place in my heart, and the moment it becomes available for purchase, I’ll be first in line.
This book had everything. It made me laugh, it made me ugly cry, it shattered my heart and then somehow put every piece back together in a way that felt even stronger. The emotional range is unreal — the kind of reading experience that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
I wish I could give you a neat little overview of the plot, but honestly? Just read it. Going in blind is part of the magic, and you won’t regret a single second.
Triggers: yes, there is a major one. I can’t name it without spoiling a pivotal part of the story, but please proceed with caution knowing that it deals with a very sensitive topic.
I cannot recommend this book enough!!! It’s powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Lira Darkwaters, thank you SO much for the ARC of Always Second Choice.
This story has carved out a permanent place in my heart, and the moment it becomes available for purchase, I’ll be first in line.
This book had everything. It made me laugh, it made me ugly cry, it shattered my heart and then somehow put every piece back together in a way that felt even stronger. The emotional range is unreal — the kind of reading experience that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.
I wish I could give you a neat little overview of the plot, but honestly? Just read it. Going in blind is part of the magic, and you won’t regret a single second.
Triggers: yes, there is a major one. I can’t name it without spoiling a pivotal part of the story, but please proceed with caution knowing that it deals with a very sensitive topic.
I cannot recommend this book enough!!! It’s powerful, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t often cry while reading, but this book had me shedding a tear or two. What an emotional, heart wrenching journey filled with pain and incredible character development. It felt like the author ripped open my heart, pulled out all the emotions living there and wrote them onto the page. I connected so deeply with Selena because I have been that girl, and so many of her thoughts felt painfully familiar.
And Lucian? Quite possibly one of the biggest green flag MMCs I’ve ever read. An absolute gem of a character from beginning to end and he deserves everything.... even if he does come up with some really bad ideas.
"I picked you because in a room full of people your beauty is the only one I see"
And Lucian? Quite possibly one of the biggest green flag MMCs I’ve ever read. An absolute gem of a character from beginning to end and he deserves everything.... even if he does come up with some really bad ideas.
"I picked you because in a room full of people your beauty is the only one I see"
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Nope, I definitely did not cry(I did). I finished this book in two days and felt every possible emotion while reading it. One minute I was angry, the next I was heartbroken, and then somehow angry all over again. This story completely wrecked me in the best way while still leaving me hoping Selena gets her HEA.
“God took the sunshine from me and gave me a storm because I only appreciated the storm. And my karma was watching my sunshine shine on another man.”
This book hurt, healed, and shattered me all at once. Absolutely unforgettable.
This was my very first ARC review and I will definitely recommend it.
Always Second Choice — By Lira Darkwater
⭐ 4.5/5 - Star Rating
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 - Spice Level
“God took the sunshine from me and gave me a storm because I only appreciated the storm. And my karma was watching my sunshine shine on another man.”
This book hurt, healed, and shattered me all at once. Absolutely unforgettable.
This was my very first ARC review and I will definitely recommend it.
Always Second Choice — By Lira Darkwater
⭐ 4.5/5 - Star Rating
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 - Spice Level
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was an absolute delight to read! The flashbacks provided valuable insights into the characters, particularly the history between two of the main characters. The author’s love for the characters was palpable throughout the book, and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a single day, thoroughly enjoying the plot, romance, history, and the unexpected twists. The journey of the MCF in discovering her identity and the healing process she underwent with the MMC were particularly captivating. The book had a profound impact on me, evoking a range of emotions from tears to laughter and even anger. I highly recommend this book and will definitely read it again. The author’s writing and storytelling are truly exceptional, and I eagerly anticipate reading more of her works.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐ Absolutely breathtaking and devastating.
Wow! This had me crying like absolutely nothing else. The emotions are so incredibly real and hit so close to home. It is beautifully written and takes you on a complete rollercoaster of feelings.
From the very beginning, I found myself deeply relating to Selena. I truly thought I knew what to expect and was ready for whatever this story was going to throw at me- but boy, was I wrong. The pain, the heartbreak, and the ultimate betrayal caught me completely off guard.
I finished the entire book in about 5 hours. If you want a story that will make you ugly-cry but also show you what real, true love looks like, this is the book for you. An easy 5 star read.
Wow! This had me crying like absolutely nothing else. The emotions are so incredibly real and hit so close to home. It is beautifully written and takes you on a complete rollercoaster of feelings.
From the very beginning, I found myself deeply relating to Selena. I truly thought I knew what to expect and was ready for whatever this story was going to throw at me- but boy, was I wrong. The pain, the heartbreak, and the ultimate betrayal caught me completely off guard.
I finished the entire book in about 5 hours. If you want a story that will make you ugly-cry but also show you what real, true love looks like, this is the book for you. An easy 5 star read.
May 29, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy from the author
Where do I even start? This absolutely broke my heart, more than once. The author did an amazing job of really setting up the emotional aspects. There are flashback that give the backstory and they were hard for me to read. Not in a bad way but because of what this girl was going through. Selena was always second choice.
It took her completely breaking for the cycle to end and it was all worth it in the end. The ending was not what I expected and I couldn’t be happier about that.
I can’t recommend this book enough! Based on the cover I assumed it would have some darker parts to it. So be aware that this does have darker aspects and topics. So worth a read!
Where do I even start? This absolutely broke my heart, more than once. The author did an amazing job of really setting up the emotional aspects. There are flashback that give the backstory and they were hard for me to read. Not in a bad way but because of what this girl was going through. Selena was always second choice.
It took her completely breaking for the cycle to end and it was all worth it in the end. The ending was not what I expected and I couldn’t be happier about that.
I can’t recommend this book enough! Based on the cover I assumed it would have some darker parts to it. So be aware that this does have darker aspects and topics. So worth a read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book absolutely gutted me! It was so rough to read how much Selena gave to Kai growing up and how he took it all for granted. Then you read about the absolute love and devotion her husband has for her and you can't help but want to run Kai over with a bus. Selena's love for her husband was the purest and deepest a love could hope to be and it was so nice to see her express it. It was fun to see the banter and relationships between Selena and her family as well as Lucien when he met everyone. You get to meet the older Kai but I felt no love for him after reading the past POV. I was not expecting to see how things went down in the end but LOVED the ending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well, I was promised a devastating read and Lira fully delivered. I thought I knew what I was preparing myself for but it turns out that was not enough as I cried for a good 5 minutes at the ending.
Selena is extremely relatable for any of us that never felt good enough or always felt like a backup option and may we all be blessed with a Lucien, regardless of how long that is for.
There's trauma, healing, heartbreak, twists and a never ending emotional rollercoaster that comes with no safety belt. This standalone is an amazing book that will hit you in all of the feels and I highly recommend giving it a read if you like your love stories to come with emotional baggage.
Selena is extremely relatable for any of us that never felt good enough or always felt like a backup option and may we all be blessed with a Lucien, regardless of how long that is for.
There's trauma, healing, heartbreak, twists and a never ending emotional rollercoaster that comes with no safety belt. This standalone is an amazing book that will hit you in all of the feels and I highly recommend giving it a read if you like your love stories to come with emotional baggage.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🖤ARC REVIEW🖤
WOW. WOW. WOW.
I am so happy and and absolutely distraught at the same time.
I signed up for this ARC because I love second chance romance. Boy howdy, I didn't expect what I got.
Lira wrote this book with so much description that I fell for Lucien, that my heart bled for Selena, that I hated AND loved Kai. And while the book ended, my tears didn't.
4⭐️:
While this book was VERY good, it can be triggering to people in some. Know that the mention of Suicide and child loss do come up.
Sometimes I felt like there was so much description and movement that the plot was lost due to my confusion.
WOW. WOW. WOW.
I am so happy and and absolutely distraught at the same time.
I signed up for this ARC because I love second chance romance. Boy howdy, I didn't expect what I got.
Lira wrote this book with so much description that I fell for Lucien, that my heart bled for Selena, that I hated AND loved Kai. And while the book ended, my tears didn't.
4⭐️:
While this book was VERY good, it can be triggering to people in some. Know that the mention of Suicide and child loss do come up.
Sometimes I felt like there was so much description and movement that the plot was lost due to my confusion.
May 27, 2026
Reviewed as an advanced copy provided by the author.
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down. This story is one of first love, betrayal, loss, growth and more love. It’s well structured and told in three different POV taking place in the present and recounting the past for the perfect emotional rollercoaster. I was fully engrossed in all main characters and completely drawn into the story. The writing is dynamic and kept me wanting to see how the characters storyline would play out in the end. Highly recommend!
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down. This story is one of first love, betrayal, loss, growth and more love. It’s well structured and told in three different POV taking place in the present and recounting the past for the perfect emotional rollercoaster. I was fully engrossed in all main characters and completely drawn into the story. The writing is dynamic and kept me wanting to see how the characters storyline would play out in the end. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Copy Review
Wow… this book… I don’t even have the words to describe it. I don’t think I have ever loved or cried so much for a book. From beginning to end the entire story is so well written and just transports you to this little world. The love Lucien has for Selena is something most people can only dream of finding. The raw emotions, the love, the pain, the sorrow, the happiness, all of it, is just unbelievably beautiful.
Wow… this book… I don’t even have the words to describe it. I don’t think I have ever loved or cried so much for a book. From beginning to end the entire story is so well written and just transports you to this little world. The love Lucien has for Selena is something most people can only dream of finding. The raw emotions, the love, the pain, the sorrow, the happiness, all of it, is just unbelievably beautiful.
Review of advance copy
I received this book as an ARC!
I was chosen for an ARC for this book and I couldn’t be more thankful! Because WOW! This is the rollercoaster I needed! All the characters are well developed, leave you wanting more. The book when you think you got the answer, you’re wrong! My emotions were all the map. From wanting to cry to laughing. I can’t wait to continue to read more from this author. Thank you again for choosing me!
I was chosen for an ARC for this book and I couldn’t be more thankful! Because WOW! This is the rollercoaster I needed! All the characters are well developed, leave you wanting more. The book when you think you got the answer, you’re wrong! My emotions were all the map. From wanting to cry to laughing. I can’t wait to continue to read more from this author. Thank you again for choosing me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 🤍
This story is about a woman named Selena who has been second choice for everything in her life until she met her husband Lucien.
There are multiple POV’s and the story switches from past to present. Although at times I felt it was a little rushed, it was still a great read. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster and even had me tearing up near the end.
Lucien is an absolute sunflower in my eyes 🤍
This story is about a woman named Selena who has been second choice for everything in her life until she met her husband Lucien.
There are multiple POV’s and the story switches from past to present. Although at times I felt it was a little rushed, it was still a great read. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster and even had me tearing up near the end.
Lucien is an absolute sunflower in my eyes 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Author
PAIN. I was in so much pain while reading this 😭😭 Oh boy did I ugly cry in almost every chapter.. And I'm not a cry baby 😭
This book was pure emotional damage. Kai, I f*cking HATE you and at the same time my heart aches so much for you 😭🖤 The ending left me staring at the wall for minutes while tears kept falling.. It was HEA and at the same time it was not.. I'M BROKEN 💔😭
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was pure emotional damage. Kai, I f*cking HATE you and at the same time my heart aches so much for you 😭🖤 The ending left me staring at the wall for minutes while tears kept falling.. It was HEA and at the same time it was not.. I'M BROKEN 💔😭
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I dont even know where to begin..
The hurricane of emotions this book made me feel...incredibly heart broken, loved and cherished.
The author did such a good job and projecting the main characters, their emotions, their motives. It was unbelievably good. I know this is a book I'll definitely never ever forget. Its engraved in my brain!
The hurricane of emotions this book made me feel...incredibly heart broken, loved and cherished.
The author did such a good job and projecting the main characters, their emotions, their motives. It was unbelievably good. I know this is a book I'll definitely never ever forget. Its engraved in my brain!
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