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Joely Morgan never expected to start her life over again just months shy of the Big 4-0. But she didn’t expect her husband to cheat on her either. She packs up her kids and heads home to Mom—who happens to own the most popular restaurant in town. Joely immediately throws herself into emotionally charged cooking, and her passion-infused sweets are an instant hit.

Xander Davy, the much younger, good-looking, smooth-talking restaurant manager, can’t help but notice the new, attractive addition to his kitchen. The only problem, as he sees it, is that she doesn’t seem to know how desirable she is. He quickly decides to remind Joely what it means to feel like a sensual woman again.

Xander’s shameless pursuit makes Joely’s soon-to-be ex rethink letting her go. He uses the children to try to get Joely back, but their sixteen-year-old daughter has other plans. She’s fallen head over heels with none other than Xander, who has his sights set firmly on her mother.

In BACK FOR SECONDS, author Ginger Voight serves up a heaping amount of sensuality and angst in a tale of sexual and personal awakening, one that examines reclaiming womanhood no matter where you are in life.

460 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2015

39 people are currently reading
499 people want to read

About the author

Ginger Voight

60 books710 followers
Ginger Voight is a screenwriter and bestselling author with over twenty published titles in fiction and nonfiction. She covers everything from travel to politics in nonfiction, as well as romance, paranormal, and dark, “ripped from the headlines” topics like Dirty Little Secrets.

Ginger discovered her love for writing in sixth grade, courtesy of a Halloween assignment. From then on, writing became a place of solace, reflection, and security. This was never more true than when she found herself homeless in L.A. at the age of nineteen. There, she wrote her first novel, longhand on notebook paper, while living out of her car.

In 1995, after she lost her nine-day-old son, she worked through her grief by writing the story that would eventually become The Fullerton Family Saga.

In 2011, she embarked on a new journey—to publish romance novels starring heroines who look more like the average American woman. These "Rubenesque" romances have developed a following thanks to her bestselling Groupie series. Other titles, such as the highly-rated New Adult series, Fierce, tap into the "reality-TV" preoccupation in American entertainment, which gives her contemporary stories a current, pop culture edge.

Known for writing gut-twisting angst, Ginger isn’t afraid to push the envelope with characters who are perfectly imperfect. Whether rich, poor, sweet, selfish, gay, straight, plus-size or svelte, her characters are beautifully flawed and three-dimensional. They populate her lavish fictional landscapes and teach us more about the real world in which we live simply through their interactions with each other. Ginger’s goal with every book is to give the reader a little bit more than they were expecting, told through stories they'll never forget.

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5 stars
38 (32%)
4 stars
43 (36%)
3 stars
22 (18%)
2 stars
8 (6%)
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6 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves.
1,462 reviews18 followers
July 1, 2021
A 17 yo marriage faces a midlife crisis.
'That’s the great thing about mistakes. Even if you can’t undo them, you can always start over.'

Profile Image for Margo.
2,115 reviews130 followers
Read
July 11, 2022
This one has a lot of followers because the H is so charismatic. However, it's resolved in a way I can't get past. She pushes him away and he tells her that he is going out dancing with two of the many OW in his life and implies that he'll probably have sex with someone he meets there. She shows up and he is grinding against her ex-husband's mistress and she can see that he is turned on from the dance. He drops the OW like a hot potato and leaves with the h, but it is too sleazy for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews639 followers
December 27, 2017
I liked very much.
A housewife who is kicked to the curb by her cheating husband who traded her for a younger woman.
She gets destabilized and devastated at first but goes on with her life and realizes that she was not happy with her life.
A strong woman who puts the well-being of everyone ahead of hers. But with adversity she becomes a better person.
And everything really gets better. Xander is swoon worthy!
I recommend!

"“Society.” He chuckled as he took a sip. “Ah, yes. Society. Where everyone pretends to be something they’re not in the name of being polite.” He gave her a wink. “Fuck society.”"

"“I’m ready to take my time with you, love. One night. One weekend. One month or one year. We’re not finished until my job is done.”"

"“That’s what it feels like to come with a nice hard dick inside of you,” he said. “In case you’d forgotten.” Before she could say anything more, he lifted her legs up by her knees and bent her forward. “And this is what it feels like to be fucked, Joely. Because I know damned well that no one has ever been man enough to show you. Until now.”"

141 reviews38 followers
October 22, 2018
one of my favorites of this trope because

1. She does NOT take the cheating husband back
2. She and the husband both admit fault
3. They both become better people after the divorce
4. H is so sweet

For a book about a marriage falling apart, it made me pretty hopeful about life and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 2 books254 followers
May 9, 2015
Oh Ginger, you never disappoint!!! I was hesitant to like the characters, but they grew on me. With the exception of Russell and Jena :-)
Profile Image for Lustful Literature.
1,822 reviews336 followers
May 13, 2015
**DEBBIE'S REVIEW**

Did you ever finish reading a book and wonder what in gods name did the main character see in that asshole of a husband? That was exactly what I was thinking after I finished this book.

This is the story of Joely Morgan. She is almost 40 and finds out her husband Russell of 17 years who by the way is a doctor has been sleeping with a younger woman from his office. After she confronts him he tells her basically he wants the younger woman and she should move out with their three children or stay and live with his cheating.

Joely to say is devastated doesn’t even begin to describe how she feels. Her children and husband was her whole world and at the age of thirty-nine she has to find herself again and a job to boot. She moves back in with her mom who owns a restaurant and this is when the story really gets good.

I loved Joely’s mother and grandmother. They always had her back and supported her. Joely after basically leaving the life she has only known for seventeen years has no self-esteem and sees herself as basically worthless. That was until Xander Davy showed her exactly what she had to offer and helped her see what everyone else saw in her.

“I’m reminding you what it means to be a beautiful, sensual, desirable woman. I want you to own that every single time you walk into a room.”

I really got Joely and all her insecurities I mean I think most of the things she saw when she looked at herself is what most woman at that age that had given birth to three children would see. To make the matters worse that ass she was married to constantly would throw it in her face that her body was not desirable. He also flaunted the fact that he was sleeping with a much younger woman every chance he got.

Although Joely had body image issues I loved her spunk and the fact she was determined to make a life for her and her three kids without that excuse for a husband she left. There was not one thing about Russell that I liked. He was selfish and heartless and treated Joely like garbage. The worst thing about him was he blamed her for his cheating. In his mind he actually thought that because their sex life became bland it gave him the right to cheat. I almost lost my shit when I go to the part that Russell introduces his wife to the skank Jena that he was screwing around with as “the kids mother” Seriously, I wanted to rip his head off at that point.

The book flowed fantastically and kept me on my toes throughout. I have a feeling this story isn’t over and can’t wait for the next book in this series. My gut is telling me it will have me wanting to throw my kindle at the wall.
Profile Image for Samantha  Kurtz of Sammy's Book Obsession.
273 reviews37 followers
May 21, 2015
5 Stars From Sammy's Book Obsession!


MY THOUGHTS~

I was provided with a Review Copy/ARC for review.

I finished this book days ago and I cannot stop thinking about it! I absolutely loved it! I love all things Ginger Voight anyway, but Back For Seconds was a terrific read. It was never boring. Completely hooked me and evidently still isn't planning to let go. It was a total page turner from front to back!

Back For Seconds was superbly written. This author never disappoints! She is incredibly talented at writing stories that just come to life before you and leave their footprint forever. The characters in this book were well developed and some really complex. I so enjoyed getting to know them. Love peeling back the layers!

I can't wait for whatever comes next from Ginger Voight! Back for Seconds can be read as a standalone, but is actually part of a new series! I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!
Profile Image for Michelle.
623 reviews
May 5, 2015
I'm all for drama, but this was too much.
Profile Image for Leigh Parrish.
1,058 reviews35 followers
July 22, 2015
This book had potential, but the flow of it & the constant change between POVs was a lot to get used to. I like drama in my books but the ending in this one ruined the book for me.
2,103 reviews24 followers
June 28, 2019
Recommendation from Kindle Korner

The minute I read about the cheating of the husband in this story I knew it was going to be a growl of a read.

The husband was of course described as "tall and fit" whilst the wife "hips had widened at every birth and whose boobs had begun to lose their battle with gravity, whose long brown hair looked best tied back in a convenient pony tail" He was "so tall and fit" he was now able to dip his toe back into the dating waters giving I could not give a F**K about his wife. Girls of all ages flocked to him and of course one had ending the cheating asshole 17 years marriage.

Assehole? Well that is a pretty mild description of the MC in this story. Obnoxious, narcissic, dick I could go on about him and his attitude to his wife and kids but I won't. He was just a despicable husband and human being.

The Wife? She of course was a doormat, letting him walk all over her because "she took those marriage vows seriously" this is what she signed up for when she married him. He had groomed her to be his partner in every way, she wore generic clothing (whatever the hell that actually means) shunned make up, gained thirty pounds with her last pregnancy which he didn't let her forget (Teeth gnashing). The constant guilt that the wife carried was so self inflicted, her ongoing woes about being too old at 40 "to start over again" and her constant tearing down of her self esteem gave him permission to do the same.

This was such a pretentious storyline and painted such a bad picture of what a marriage should NOT be like but in the end the asshole did her a favour. A real man would have fought for his wife.

The author could not make up her mind and at times her description of the FC changed from one of a frump to a siren. More so when she met her 27 distraction. It took Joely a long time to realise that she was a woman, a woman who had given a man three children and not just someone with a jiggly tummy, droopy breasts, stringy hair.

The author tried to push the envelope with Back For Seconds but her characters were just too imperfect for me.

There is a continuation of this storyline in the next book.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,664 reviews52 followers
October 19, 2019
Lots of delicious secrets in this amazing book: deceit, jealousy, betrayal, out of control abuse of power and sweet revenge.
Joely Morgan is a loving, caring, hard-working and really sweet woman. She did not deserve that lying, cheating, sleazy husband of hers.
So when Zander, a super-fine, younger man, sweeps Joely off her feet, her trust issues make her a tad bit reluctant. I loved Zander and how he treated Joely and her kids. They both deserve happiness!
733 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2020
Got a little noisy at the end. I really want her cookie recipe. Especially since she never once chilled that dough!

Doctors work toward medical degrees, not doctorates.
Don’t let politics interfere in telling the story. Suddenly there was a demonstration in my reading. It was jarring. Show. Don’t tell...or rather lecture.
From asshole husband’s POV at 42%, didn’t care for this at all.
A Brit would toast cheers, not mazel tov.
Profile Image for Kerry.
673 reviews29 followers
February 2, 2020
I loved how Joely picked herself up after finding out about her husband's affair. Loved the way the story portrayed her becoming stronger, but hated that it was pointing towards Xander as being the reason for this. But that maybe because I hated Zander! I know there are other books to follow, but I couldn't stomache another page with him on it!
84 reviews
February 11, 2019
Good book

I enjoyed reading this book. Loved all the characters , especially Xander . Very good read. On to the next one
1 review
Read
November 18, 2023
This book was so boring I literally started crying. Suffered through 13 whole chapters. If you’re middle aged and bored to death, maybe you’ll enjoy but eish this was terrible.
Profile Image for Misha.
667 reviews27 followers
July 1, 2025
4 star

I actually stopped reading this and tried to move on but in the end, I ended up buying it so I could finish the story. It was actually pretty good. I loved how she had family around her and how she made a career on her own, with their help. I loved how she found a better man and didn't take her husband back when he wanted to reconcile. Her husband was such an a--. It was good that she learned to stand up for herself and get back her self respect.

Nothing super crazy or mind blowing but a good story, overall. I'd recommend it. It was a solid read and I thoroughly enjoyed my time while I went on the journey with her.

5 reviews
February 25, 2017
Beautifully written.

Just the right amount of every emotion necessary to make a book amazing. Can't wait to get started on the next book to see what happens next.
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,277 reviews58 followers
May 16, 2015
This latest by Ginger Voight, admittedly one of my absolute favorite indie authors, is a book that is the perfect escape when you need a bit of hope in your life.

The story of Joely Morgan, scorned wife who must start all over again after 17 years of marriage, when her husband decides to seek out a newer and younger model, could be any woman’s experience. We watch as this harried mom of 3, sets up a new life living with her beloved mother and grandmother and help run the family’s restaurant. With constant struggles to do what’s best for her kids, just trying to hold herself together and seek employment at the same time, clearly romance is not on her mind. Staying as far away from the opposite sex is definitely the plan these days. But when a very sexy, very suave Xander Davy becomes the new restaurant manager, even the best laid plans can get a bit sidetracked.

To experience firsthand how Joely starts to explore this new life thrust upon her so suddenly was a joy to read. Her newfound freedom to be whomever she wants to be now, made me smile. She didn’t expect to find love again. She didn’t expect to start her own business. But with the help of Xander, Joely is able to realize just how talented a baker she is and that she still has so much love to give. She and Xander complement each other in ways each didn’t think possible. Yet, together they fill each other’s hearts and souls when it was truly the last thing on their minds.

What I loved about this story most was that this could be any woman’s journey. Unexpected events happen that continually shape our lives and if we’re smart like Joely, we move on and grab opportunity and maybe even a second chance at love when offered. It’s a well written and simply heartwarming book that felt very true, very real and is well worth your time. The main characters of Joely and Xander and the secondary characters of Lillian, Granny Faye, Hannah, Nash and Kari all complimented each other perfectly. This extended family had its ups and downs but ultimately, they are a solid and united team with a whole lot of love to give.

This is not one to be missed.

A very solid 5 stars!
Profile Image for Raylene Green.
441 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2015
Reviewed for Hooked on Books---5 stars!

I am a sucker for a second chance book; this is even better because it throws fastballs your way and it's even infused with one of my favorite pastimes: cooking! Honestly, I loved Joely and I loved Xander just as much. Ginger has the ability to rope you in with this heartfelt, but hot tale of a second chance for an almost mother getting ready to hit the big 40 who is completely lost and looking for herself. Ginger is quickly becoming another favorite of mine!
Profile Image for Hooked On Books.
1,887 reviews65 followers
May 22, 2015
Reviewed for Hooked on Books---5 stars!

I am a sucker for a second chance book; this is even better because it throws fastballs your way and it's even infused with one of my favorite pastimes: cooking! Honestly, I loved Joely and I loved Xander just as much. Ginger has the ability to rope you in with this heartfelt, but hot tale of a second chance for an almost mother getting ready to hit the big 40 who is completely lost and looking for herself. Ginger is quickly becoming another favorite of mine!
Profile Image for Janet.
218 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2015
I love stories with Second Chances

Without going through the whole plot and giving spoilers I'll just say I enjoyed the story. Older woman, younger man, and a chance at love for a second time in life. I thought it dragged a little in the middle to end and I skipped a paragraph or two but I read till the end and enjoyed it nonetheless.
Profile Image for Susan.
882 reviews10 followers
July 12, 2015
Younger man, older woman story. Not a big fan of those. I didn't realize it but the story continues to a book 2. I would have liked if the author hadn't put so many character story lines in book. It kept me interested though. Can't find anything about 2nd book.
Profile Image for Coribooks.
317 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2016
Absolutely loved this book. Second book I've read if Ginger Voights and what an amazing writer she is. This book had a really fantastic storyline. Just couldn't put it down. I had to keep going!! Thanks Ginger for writing this book. You are brilliant!
29 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2016
Loved it!!!!

I am a really big fan of Ginger Voight's books and series but I can honestly say that this one is my favorite! I can't wait for the next book!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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