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The Cure for Second Lead Syndrome
Second Lead Syndrome:
The intense desire to see the female lead of a drama end up with the sweet, lovable second male lead instead of the boring, emotionless male lead. Symptoms may include wanting to throw objects at the TV and losing all faith in true love.
Bria Copeland is addicted to K-dramas. She loves the romance. She loves the drama. And most importantly, she loves the second leads: the secondary male characters who are secretly in love with the female leads. They’re nice. Sweet. Caring.
But they never get the girl.
It doesn’t make any sense!
So, when Bria realizes her brother’s friend, Caleb Nichols, is a real-life second lead, she just has to intervene. Caleb has been hopelessly in love with his best friend, Paige, for years now. And if he doesn’t act fast, he might lose her to the hot new surfer guy from California.
Bria knows this plot well, and she knows exactly how the story will end.
Unless she can rewrite it.
When she proposes an idea to Caleb—to transform him into a male lead—he thinks she’s crazy. Maybe she is, but Bria is sure the plan will work. All they have to do is recreate some of the most clichéd scenes from K-dramas and Paige will be falling for him in no time!
The only problem?
If she's not careful, Bria may just end up falling for the second lead herself.
Bria Copeland is addicted to K-dramas. She loves the romance. She loves the drama. And most importantly, she loves the second leads: the secondary male characters who are secretly in love with the female leads. They’re nice. Sweet. Caring.
But they never get the girl.
It doesn’t make any sense!
So, when Bria realizes her brother’s friend, Caleb Nichols, is a real-life second lead, she just has to intervene. Caleb has been hopelessly in love with his best friend, Paige, for years now. And if he doesn’t act fast, he might lose her to the hot new surfer guy from California.
Bria knows this plot well, and she knows exactly how the story will end.
Unless she can rewrite it.
When she proposes an idea to Caleb—to transform him into a male lead—he thinks she’s crazy. Maybe she is, but Bria is sure the plan will work. All they have to do is recreate some of the most clichéd scenes from K-dramas and Paige will be falling for him in no time!
The only problem?
If she's not careful, Bria may just end up falling for the second lead herself.
Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2021
25 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Abram
4 books309 followersAmanda Abram began her career as a writer at a young age, writing weird short stories for her elementary school writing class, and penning Full House fan fiction during her spare time. She later graduated to writing novel-length Harry Potter fan fictions before finally taking a shot at writing her own original novels. As a hopeless romantic who enjoys remembering a simpler time, she primarily writes Young Adult romantic comedies so she can relive her youth vicariously through her teenage characters.
Amanda lives in Maine with her boyfriend and slightly bonkers cat, Lily. When she’s not stressing over her chronic writer’s block, she can be found binging episodes of K-dramas on Netflix.
Amanda lives in Maine with her boyfriend and slightly bonkers cat, Lily. When she’s not stressing over her chronic writer’s block, she can be found binging episodes of K-dramas on Netflix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 7, 2022
Oh my gosh, this is the second book I've read by Amanda Abram and so far she has NOT disappointed me at all!!!
This book gave me sooo many butterflies and the slow-burn romance was everything! Also, I totally understand Bria's love for Kdramas, and of course, like what happened to Caleb, once u start watching it, that's it, you're going to be obsessed!
But so far, in all the books I have read by Amanda (this one and 'Challenge Accepted'), one thing I really love is that the Male Leads are sweet, and not like those abusive, dominant, bad ones. For example, Caleb isn't the normal cliched 'Hot-popular-most-handsome-guy-of-the-school-everyone-loves' guy, he's just a good-looking 'boy-next-door' and that actually is so realistic (still, books have ruined me and now I don't think I'm ever going to find a guy who'll be so idealistic).
Also, like Amanda, she isn't the cliched 'Oh-I'm-so-unique-and-different-from-everyone-else' kind of girl. She's normal. Like any other girl. Which I absolutely LOVE because hey, it's RELATABLE.
This book could definitely be it's own K-drama lol.
Also, this book makes me want to have an older, over-protective brother which I'm never going to have TT. (Also, definitely not me shipping Natalie and Brayden together)
Anyway, definitely recommended for a sweet, cavity-giving romance read with 2 believable, and awesome characters!
This book gave me sooo many butterflies and the slow-burn romance was everything! Also, I totally understand Bria's love for Kdramas, and of course, like what happened to Caleb, once u start watching it, that's it, you're going to be obsessed!
But so far, in all the books I have read by Amanda (this one and 'Challenge Accepted'), one thing I really love is that the Male Leads are sweet, and not like those abusive, dominant, bad ones. For example, Caleb isn't the normal cliched 'Hot-popular-most-handsome-guy-of-the-school-everyone-loves' guy, he's just a good-looking 'boy-next-door' and that actually is so realistic (still, books have ruined me and now I don't think I'm ever going to find a guy who'll be so idealistic).
Also, like Amanda, she isn't the cliched 'Oh-I'm-so-unique-and-different-from-everyone-else' kind of girl. She's normal. Like any other girl. Which I absolutely LOVE because hey, it's RELATABLE.
This book could definitely be it's own K-drama lol.
Also, this book makes me want to have an older, over-protective brother which I'm never going to have TT. (Also, definitely not me shipping Natalie and Brayden together)
Anyway, definitely recommended for a sweet, cavity-giving romance read with 2 believable, and awesome characters!
August 10, 2021
So fun.
I have literally read 100s of teen and young adult books over the last few years. I have never read one like this!
It was sweet and felt fresh. It's a new take on teen romance. I didn't feel like this was a trope being reimagined. I loved this book and have enjoyed several other books by this author.
I have literally read 100s of teen and young adult books over the last few years. I have never read one like this!
It was sweet and felt fresh. It's a new take on teen romance. I didn't feel like this was a trope being reimagined. I loved this book and have enjoyed several other books by this author.
dnf
October 19, 2022DNF @ 33%
I was a bit scared to start this book. I didn’t know if the writing was going to live up to the last book I just read by her. Along with the last book, I read the synopsis and wondered why I had added this to my TBR. Especially, since the heroine likes K-dramas and I can’t get around the hype for them. Just not my thing. So why did I add this book?
Bria was forced by her mother to go to a bonfire with her twin brother and not allowed to watch K-dramas for a week. At the bonfire, she runs into Caleb who she figures out is in love with his best friend, Paige. Paige happened to be talking to the new guy in town, Tyler. Bria makes it her mission to help Caleb get the girl and no longer be in the friend zone.
Once Bria’s plan was laid out, I figured this book was going to be filled with cringy YA moments. Moments that may be hard to read. I didn’t exactly get to those moments. This is a complete 180 from the last book. I loved the couple in the last book. This couple not so much. I liked Caleb but Bria I wasn’t a big fan. She seemed like an airhead that lived in a fantasy world. It was hard to follow her. So I am pulling the plug.
I was a bit scared to start this book. I didn’t know if the writing was going to live up to the last book I just read by her. Along with the last book, I read the synopsis and wondered why I had added this to my TBR. Especially, since the heroine likes K-dramas and I can’t get around the hype for them. Just not my thing. So why did I add this book?
Bria was forced by her mother to go to a bonfire with her twin brother and not allowed to watch K-dramas for a week. At the bonfire, she runs into Caleb who she figures out is in love with his best friend, Paige. Paige happened to be talking to the new guy in town, Tyler. Bria makes it her mission to help Caleb get the girl and no longer be in the friend zone.
Once Bria’s plan was laid out, I figured this book was going to be filled with cringy YA moments. Moments that may be hard to read. I didn’t exactly get to those moments. This is a complete 180 from the last book. I loved the couple in the last book. This couple not so much. I liked Caleb but Bria I wasn’t a big fan. She seemed like an airhead that lived in a fantasy world. It was hard to follow her. So I am pulling the plug.
July 23, 2021
3.5 stars
I was in the mood for something really light-hearted that I didn't have to shed a single tear and also not think much but just get lost in some teen drama; and this was exactly that.
A sweet, predictable and fluff filled YA Contemporary Romance which made my young heart swoon all over the characters and their story.
I was in the mood for something really light-hearted that I didn't have to shed a single tear and also not think much but just get lost in some teen drama; and this was exactly that.
A sweet, predictable and fluff filled YA Contemporary Romance which made my young heart swoon all over the characters and their story.
September 9, 2021
I just loved this book. Bria and Colton have tons of sizzling chemistry. I loved how they cared and became such good friends then lovers.
The romance is my favorite. I loved all the references to the K dramas. It was nice to see that the author did her research. It was super fun to see how Bria hopelessly fell for Colton.
Colton is so sweet. He genuinely cares for Bria and this is my favorite.
In summary, great novel. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
The romance is my favorite. I loved all the references to the K dramas. It was nice to see that the author did her research. It was super fun to see how Bria hopelessly fell for Colton.
Colton is so sweet. He genuinely cares for Bria and this is my favorite.
In summary, great novel. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
July 18, 2024
2 ⭐️
Estuvo entretenido pero no fue para mi.
Estuvo entretenido pero no fue para mi.
January 6, 2025
very cutesy
a girl after my own heart
a girl after my own heart
July 28, 2025
1st read:
I love this book. It made me want to cry towards the end. I just couldn’t put it down. I even finished it in one day.
2nd read:
It really must be a good book, because I had been wanting to read it for a while now. I had almost completely forgotten what it had been about. It’s a fun read that I totally recommend if you’re looking for something short, fun, sweet, with a hint of drama✨.
3rd read:
I really do like this book. It's clean, short, sweet, no dramatic plot, and no entanglements. I realize I haven't read it in a while, and it's something short and entertaining enough to help me get back into reading lol
I love this book. It made me want to cry towards the end. I just couldn’t put it down. I even finished it in one day.
2nd read:
It really must be a good book, because I had been wanting to read it for a while now. I had almost completely forgotten what it had been about. It’s a fun read that I totally recommend if you’re looking for something short, fun, sweet, with a hint of drama✨.
3rd read:
I really do like this book. It's clean, short, sweet, no dramatic plot, and no entanglements. I realize I haven't read it in a while, and it's something short and entertaining enough to help me get back into reading lol
November 9, 2021
This book has a very different, fresh, and unique concept of two people falling for each other. I have read a lot of high schools romance books, but this book beats all of it. By far, this is one of the best books in the young adult genre. This book has a very cute, sweet, vibe.
Absolutely loved this book. Couldn't stop reading. This book was everything from funny to family bonding and love. All the K-Drama fans out there are gonna love this book.
Second Lead Syndrome: The intense desire to see the female lead of a drama end up with the sweet, lovable second male lead instead of the boring, emotionless male lead. Symptoms may include wanting to throw objects at the TV and losing all faith in true love.
Amanda Abram
@Amanda Abram please write more books. You are really know how to keep the readers hooked and have unique ideas. Please write more.
Absolutely loved this book. Couldn't stop reading. This book was everything from funny to family bonding and love. All the K-Drama fans out there are gonna love this book.
Second Lead Syndrome: The intense desire to see the female lead of a drama end up with the sweet, lovable second male lead instead of the boring, emotionless male lead. Symptoms may include wanting to throw objects at the TV and losing all faith in true love.
Amanda Abram
@Amanda Abram please write more books. You are really know how to keep the readers hooked and have unique ideas. Please write more.
January 18, 2024
A really fun read! Some cringy moments but I really enjoyed it and I liked the main characters which is always very important in romances IMO. No bitchy best friend like in many YA books I've read, even the "competition" seems nice, even though we don't get to know her that well.
The plot seemed kind of new. The "geeky" girl helps the cute but not too popular guy get his love interest. So I liked that it wasn't the usual player and "breathtakingly hot guy" helping out the shy girl and that Bria is like genuinely nice and wants to help, even when she realizes she likes Caleb and doesn't think he likes her back or that she would end up with him.
So not too cheesy or exaggerated "love of life" kind of stuff even if I think the awkward laughter after Paiges and Calebs kiss because "friends = no romantic feelings" came a bit sudden and too easy after he pined for her for a long time.
I like that there where no broken hearts at all, so I can overlook that it was a bit unrealistic after Paige and Caleb were both very jealous.
Definitely enjoyed it, might reread
The plot seemed kind of new. The "geeky" girl helps the cute but not too popular guy get his love interest. So I liked that it wasn't the usual player and "breathtakingly hot guy" helping out the shy girl and that Bria is like genuinely nice and wants to help, even when she realizes she likes Caleb and doesn't think he likes her back or that she would end up with him.
So not too cheesy or exaggerated "love of life" kind of stuff even if I think the awkward laughter after Paiges and Calebs kiss because "friends = no romantic feelings" came a bit sudden and too easy after he pined for her for a long time.
I like that there where no broken hearts at all, so I can overlook that it was a bit unrealistic after Paige and Caleb were both very jealous.
Definitely enjoyed it, might reread
April 22, 2023
It was such a sweet read. Bria is such a cutie. A total girl next door with lots of quirkiness. I was impressed thatCaleb was not a hot shot or a bad boy or a nerd. He was nice guy next door. Both being just regular teenagers trying to figure out first love.
Would have given a 5/5 if it gave more insight into Caleb's perspective. I literally do not know when exactly and how he started falling for Bria. It Kinda came outta nowhere for me, since we didn't have his pov. I felt like he was into paige untill the very last moment (the kiss). He may have been confused but he hardly appeared to be more into Bria than paige(except for a few moments). This made me feel their chemistry was not upto the mark. That being said, overall the book fun n light hearted.
Would have given a 5/5 if it gave more insight into Caleb's perspective. I literally do not know when exactly and how he started falling for Bria. It Kinda came outta nowhere for me, since we didn't have his pov. I felt like he was into paige untill the very last moment (the kiss). He may have been confused but he hardly appeared to be more into Bria than paige(except for a few moments). This made me feel their chemistry was not upto the mark. That being said, overall the book fun n light hearted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2021
I guess I'm only disappointed because I loved Amanda Abram's earlier books so much and had high expectations for this.
I didn't like a lot of things that happened in this book.
Why would you think that something from a tv show will happen in real life I don't get it at all.
Why would you ask a stranger, 'are you in love with this girl over there?'
What is wrong with you.
The brother that didn't want his sister to hang out with him, because he didn't want his friends to hit on her? What is this?
I don't know. It was kind of cringing sometimes.
But! I did enjoy the cuteness so it gets 2.5 stars.
I didn't like a lot of things that happened in this book.
Why would you think that something from a tv show will happen in real life I don't get it at all.
Why would you ask a stranger, 'are you in love with this girl over there?'
What is wrong with you.
The brother that didn't want his sister to hang out with him, because he didn't want his friends to hit on her? What is this?
I don't know. It was kind of cringing sometimes.
But! I did enjoy the cuteness so it gets 2.5 stars.
September 7, 2021
2.5 stars. Very cute, short, fun and wholesome in a disney channel sort of way. Predictably nice, sometimes you feel like eating a soft-serve vanilla ice cream, nothing more nothing less.
BUT, as a former dramaholic, I feel dear author could have gone deeper into the k-drama tropes, maybe if this story had been in college instead of highschool? Then again, it wouldn't be the same story at all because college Brianna would be making papers about k-dramas instead of thinking they could be applied to real life lol.
.
BUT, as a former dramaholic, I feel dear author could have gone deeper into the k-drama tropes, maybe if this story had been in college instead of highschool? Then again, it wouldn't be the same story at all because college Brianna would be making papers about k-dramas instead of thinking they could be applied to real life lol.
.
December 7, 2025
I was totally hooked from the moment Bria started helping Caleb out, I thought I would know what will happen next, but I was in for a ride-this book kept me on my toes as Bria kept helping Caleb try to win his best friend,Paige as his love. Loved the K-drama reference without ruining K-dramas for me, which American written books seem to do sometimes, I'd totally recommend this book for YA romance, K-drama fans.
May 16, 2022
So really everything about the book was just ok. Except I LOVED how she wrote down all the classic scenes from kdramas and tried to recreate them in real life. I thought it was hilarious. The main girl actually did have a fun spunky personality too. The writing was just ok haha. But I really did love the kdrama aspects of it
December 21, 2022
Good
I’d say if you want to read this book, then go ahead, but something was missing. I don’t really feel like the chemistry was built enough, maybe, and the confession scene was so fast idk. Still, I do really like this author if you’re looking for a book to read and aren’t really sure about this one Challenge accepted by the same author is so good and one of my favorites.
I’d say if you want to read this book, then go ahead, but something was missing. I don’t really feel like the chemistry was built enough, maybe, and the confession scene was so fast idk. Still, I do really like this author if you’re looking for a book to read and aren’t really sure about this one Challenge accepted by the same author is so good and one of my favorites.
July 30, 2022
“That’s the real reason I drove all the way here tonight,” he added. “To tell you that I like you. As more than a friend. As more than some girl who decided to selflessly help me become a male lead. Because I…I’m falling for you, Bria.”
July 31, 2021
This is a great summer read! I loved all of the characters and their quirks. It was just so easy to get sucked into the story. Another great book from Amanda Abrams!
August 27, 2021
I love it.
Adorable and just about everything I am looking for a YA novel. Brother's best friend is probably my favorite trope. There is a little language and descriptive kisses.
Adorable and just about everything I am looking for a YA novel. Brother's best friend is probably my favorite trope. There is a little language and descriptive kisses.
September 11, 2021
Sweet.
September 17, 2021
Cute story
Super sweet young adult romance. When trying to help her brothers friend Caleb . She accidentally falls for him .
Super sweet young adult romance. When trying to help her brothers friend Caleb . She accidentally falls for him .
September 18, 2021
Cute, clean YA romance with a trope I hadn’t really read before with the k-drama aspect
3.5 ⭐️
3.5 ⭐️
October 26, 2021
Awesome. MUST READ
So goood. I love the way the author writes. The main character, Bria, was so enjoyable and not annoying and unable to contain her emotions like most YA novels.
So goood. I love the way the author writes. The main character, Bria, was so enjoyable and not annoying and unable to contain her emotions like most YA novels.
November 5, 2021
Cute plot.
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 19, 2023
A very cute romance !
March 25, 2024
Perfect Sweet Romance
This was such a fun read.
Loved how everything tied together and the amount of growth with the characters was so organic.
This was such a fun read.
Loved how everything tied together and the amount of growth with the characters was so organic.
September 17, 2021
Cute!
I love it! The story is cute and entertaining. It made me laugh out loud at some points. I could really relate to the characters, especially Bria because I watch k-dramas too lol.
It was a good book!
I love it! The story is cute and entertaining. It made me laugh out loud at some points. I could really relate to the characters, especially Bria because I watch k-dramas too lol.
It was a good book!
August 15, 2025
i re read all the amanda abram books i read before but somehow i missed this one. overall i love the whole book and the idea of it. bria, a k-drama OBSESSED girly gets BORED and helps her brothers best friend out with winning the girl he loves by using kdrama methods and gestures to make paige - the girl caleb loves fall in love with HIM. but while helping him BRIA FALLS IN LOVE WITH HIM. the fact that everyone thought it was bria and caleb and THEY were just stupid. and how their gestures switched with him catching her, looking like he’s kareoke singing TO HER. overall it’s a cute sweet rom com with an fun kind mmc and a quirky cute fmc. love amanda abram and definitely will continue reading her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews