What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Chances: A Sapphic Romance Anthology
Second chances--are they always deserved? This collection of contemporary romance stories explores the different ways women can be messy and still find a happy ending.
Paperback
First published February 9, 2021
12 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Chace Verity
29 books113 followersChace Verity (she/they) is publishing queer as heck stories with a strong romantic focus, although queer friendships and found families are important too. Chace prefers to write fantasy but dabbles in contemporary and historical fiction as well. An American citizen & Canadian permanent resident, Chace will probably never be able to call a gallon of milk a "four-liter."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 9, 2021
3.5 stars
This was delightful!!!
Story 1 : Out For Delivery by Leigh Landry
Rating 2/5: this was okay but kind of... weird? There's this dead body (and murder mystery) the MCs have to deal with and we're reminiscing about the good ol' days and the mistakes of the past? And then we don't even know how the mystery gets resolved? To me, it lacked the emotion and the plot, I would have loved it more if the author had decided to focus more on one or the other, I know this is a Second Chance Anthology but maybe they could have resolved their conflict, left no hard feelings between them and moved on?
Story 2: Your Mess Is Mine by Dee Holloway
Rating 5/5: unapologetically lesbian and horny, that's the shit i want to see!!!
The only "critique" I'd have for this is that I think it'd be a bit difficult for non-native English readers to really immerse themselves, there were a few words that I think are typical US slang that left me a bit confused at times. Other than that, sublime.
Story 3: The (Virtual) Bodyguard by Chace Verity
Rating 4/5: Tala and Dahlia, my soft (and horny) lesbians <3
I took a star off because if there one thing I will never be able to relate to or understand is gamer culture, that shit gives me legit anxiety.
Story 4: The Best Places by Candace Harper
Rating 2.5/5: mmmh, this one is probably the most difficult one to rate? I really liked the concept of the story but the characters were a bit flat, Ros especially. And I felt like the dog plot-line at the end took away space from some interesting conversations that could have happened between the two characters, their backstory, their desires and hopes for the future, their feelings.
Overall, what I really liked was that these characters got to be their queer selves and there wasn't on-page homophobia (in certain cases, it wasn't even a thing and I love that!!!). It truly is so refreshing to see people just being themselves, living their messy lives and trying to figure relationships out.
Also, Petition for Dee Holloway to write a full length novel, please i beg
This was delightful!!!
Story 1 : Out For Delivery by Leigh Landry
Rating 2/5: this was okay but kind of... weird? There's this dead body (and murder mystery) the MCs have to deal with and we're reminiscing about the good ol' days and the mistakes of the past? And then we don't even know how the mystery gets resolved? To me, it lacked the emotion and the plot, I would have loved it more if the author had decided to focus more on one or the other, I know this is a Second Chance Anthology but maybe they could have resolved their conflict, left no hard feelings between them and moved on?
Story 2: Your Mess Is Mine by Dee Holloway
Rating 5/5: unapologetically lesbian and horny, that's the shit i want to see!!!
The only "critique" I'd have for this is that I think it'd be a bit difficult for non-native English readers to really immerse themselves, there were a few words that I think are typical US slang that left me a bit confused at times. Other than that, sublime.
Story 3: The (Virtual) Bodyguard by Chace Verity
Rating 4/5: Tala and Dahlia, my soft (and horny) lesbians <3
I took a star off because if there one thing I will never be able to relate to or understand is gamer culture, that shit gives me legit anxiety.
Story 4: The Best Places by Candace Harper
Rating 2.5/5: mmmh, this one is probably the most difficult one to rate? I really liked the concept of the story but the characters were a bit flat, Ros especially. And I felt like the dog plot-line at the end took away space from some interesting conversations that could have happened between the two characters, their backstory, their desires and hopes for the future, their feelings.
Overall, what I really liked was that these characters got to be their queer selves and there wasn't on-page homophobia (in certain cases, it wasn't even a thing and I love that!!!). It truly is so refreshing to see people just being themselves, living their messy lives and trying to figure relationships out.
Also, Petition for Dee Holloway to write a full length novel, please i beg
February 16, 2021
I love this anthology!
If I wasn't a part of this, it would still be a five star read. You should absolutely pick it up.
If I wasn't a part of this, it would still be a five star read. You should absolutely pick it up.
February 7, 2021
I received an advance copy from the editor for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Out for Delivery by Leigh Landry
Rating: 3.75/5
Content notes:
This is a pretty sweet novella. Susan and Casey broke up when Casey used Susan’s computer on an illegal gambling site and Susan got arrested. They both still care about each other, but Susan lost her trust in Casey. When she has to deliver a package to Casey and finds a dead body in the back of her truck, suddenly Casey is the one in her corner as she tries to figure out the real murderer. I liked the way how, even in short story, I was able to see how much Susan and Casey still care for one another, as well as them finding a way to reconnect so they can give their romance a second chance.
Your Mess is Mine by Dee Holloway
Rating: 3.5/5
Content notes:
Trace has built a business where she helps jilted women sell their ex’s left behind items, and often that includes a round of post-breakup sex. But when her own ex messages her after her divorce, she has to decide whether she’s willing to help her while her heart still smarts from how things ended with Tansy.
I feel like this story may have worked better as a full length novel. It ended up being sweet and I liked seeing Tansy’s growth especially, but it also felt like something was missing. I would definitely enjoy more about Trace and Tansy working on rebuilding what they could have, and seeing Colt reconnect with his sister. Your Mess is Mine feels like a story with potential that didn’t quite work for me.
The (Virtual) Bodyguard by Chace Verity
Rating: 5/5
Content notes:
Oh my gosh, this was Wonderful! Tala has been the virtual bodyguard for DallasGlow in mafia themed MMORPG for the last five years, but when she misses a raid on Valentine’s Day for a hookup-date, Dallas suddenly ghosts her. When Tala meets Dahlia at the library where she works, she’s immediately smitten, which is only compounded when she realizes Dahlia is Dallas!
This was so sweet and cute! Like, it was perfectly paced where it felt like a complete story and the friendship between Tala and Dallas developing anew IRL and the emotional confession, gah, it’s so good!!
The Best Places by Candace Harper
Rating: 4.25/5
Content notes:
This was really sweet. When Rebecca returns to her deceased husband’s hometown at the news of his parents’ death, she is met by Rosalyn, her college roommate and best friend. Over the course of arranging the funeral, Rebecca and Rosalyn reconnect and recognize their romantic feelings. The reconnections between them and having a chance to clear the air of past hurts was overall very sweet.
Overall:
Rating: 4.125
Second Chances is one of my favorite romance tropes, and when I had a chance to read this anthology I couldn’t pass it up! Chace Verity is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve read and enjoyed books by Leigh Landry and Candace Harper; Dee Holloway was the only new-to-me author in this anthology. And overall this was a really cute anthology with really sweet stories. I love the different ways second chance was interpreted, from exes reconnecting to best friends reconnecting and realizing the love they share is romantic. If you’re looking for something sweet and mostly cozy, you should definitely pick up this anthology!
Out for Delivery by Leigh Landry
Rating: 3.75/5
Content notes:
This is a pretty sweet novella. Susan and Casey broke up when Casey used Susan’s computer on an illegal gambling site and Susan got arrested. They both still care about each other, but Susan lost her trust in Casey. When she has to deliver a package to Casey and finds a dead body in the back of her truck, suddenly Casey is the one in her corner as she tries to figure out the real murderer. I liked the way how, even in short story, I was able to see how much Susan and Casey still care for one another, as well as them finding a way to reconnect so they can give their romance a second chance.
Your Mess is Mine by Dee Holloway
Rating: 3.5/5
Content notes:
Trace has built a business where she helps jilted women sell their ex’s left behind items, and often that includes a round of post-breakup sex. But when her own ex messages her after her divorce, she has to decide whether she’s willing to help her while her heart still smarts from how things ended with Tansy.
I feel like this story may have worked better as a full length novel. It ended up being sweet and I liked seeing Tansy’s growth especially, but it also felt like something was missing. I would definitely enjoy more about Trace and Tansy working on rebuilding what they could have, and seeing Colt reconnect with his sister. Your Mess is Mine feels like a story with potential that didn’t quite work for me.
The (Virtual) Bodyguard by Chace Verity
Rating: 5/5
Content notes:
Oh my gosh, this was Wonderful! Tala has been the virtual bodyguard for DallasGlow in mafia themed MMORPG for the last five years, but when she misses a raid on Valentine’s Day for a hookup-date, Dallas suddenly ghosts her. When Tala meets Dahlia at the library where she works, she’s immediately smitten, which is only compounded when she realizes Dahlia is Dallas!
This was so sweet and cute! Like, it was perfectly paced where it felt like a complete story and the friendship between Tala and Dallas developing anew IRL and the emotional confession, gah, it’s so good!!
The Best Places by Candace Harper
Rating: 4.25/5
Content notes:
This was really sweet. When Rebecca returns to her deceased husband’s hometown at the news of his parents’ death, she is met by Rosalyn, her college roommate and best friend. Over the course of arranging the funeral, Rebecca and Rosalyn reconnect and recognize their romantic feelings. The reconnections between them and having a chance to clear the air of past hurts was overall very sweet.
Overall:
Rating: 4.125
Second Chances is one of my favorite romance tropes, and when I had a chance to read this anthology I couldn’t pass it up! Chace Verity is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve read and enjoyed books by Leigh Landry and Candace Harper; Dee Holloway was the only new-to-me author in this anthology. And overall this was a really cute anthology with really sweet stories. I love the different ways second chance was interpreted, from exes reconnecting to best friends reconnecting and realizing the love they share is romantic. If you’re looking for something sweet and mostly cozy, you should definitely pick up this anthology!
January 27, 2021
So maybe I'm a little biased! But I do genuinely love this collection--it's got something for every lady-loving romance reader, from mutual MMORPG pining and sassy single moms to Peloton jokes and the cutest dog ever riding shotgun. Each story arrives with content warnings and heat levels, so readers can feel comfortable motoring on through or proceeding with caution!
More thoughts and some fun graphics on Twitter.
More thoughts and some fun graphics on Twitter.
February 9, 2021
Just like it says on the tin, this is an anthology of four wlw second chances romances! I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that while I own books by three out of the four authors, I’ve only ever read one – the absolutely fluffy and hilarious Deal with the Demon by Chace Verity. I feel like this was a great introduction to all of them and definitely had me shuffling things around on my TBR!
“Out for Delivery” – Leigh Landry. ★★★
Content warnings:
Susan knows it’s going to be a bad day at her job delivering packages when her first delivery is to her ex Casey’s house. And then she finds her boss’s dead body in the back of her truck. The premise is completely bonkers. Casey insists Susan try to figure out who killed her boss before going to the police, so they ride around together doing deliveries with a dead body in the back of the truck while simultaneously trying to do amateur detective work. Despite the fact that Susan doesn’t completely trust Casey (for good reason), she goes along with it. Despite the bonkers-ness, it’s obvious that Casey cares deeply about Susan and regrets her past actions. The ending of the story was especially sweet, but the whole murder plot didn’t quite work for me. I loved the dog, though!
“Your Mess Is Mine” – Dee Holloway. ★★★★
Content warnings:
Trace has a dual business – she sells off her clients’ ex’s possessions, and sometimes even comforts them in a more physical manner. But when her ex Tansy contacts her out of the blue during a messy divorce, Trace has to decide whether the possible paycheck is worth reopening old wounds.
There was a lot I liked about this story. Trace’s business idea was absolutely brilliant, and I loved how butch she was – at one point, she’s chopping wood in her backyard when Tansy shows up unexpectedly. Trace knows what she wants in life. Tansy, however, didn’t, and that’s what ultimately caused the breakdown in their relationship. For a long time she was willing to be led along by someone else, be someone she wasn’t – literally relegated to a guest room in her own house.
My main issue with this is that it felt like it ended too abruptly and left too much unfinished. There was a whole subplot with Tansy’s brother, Colt (who was also Trace’s best friend) that wasn’t resolved. I think this is perhaps more of a 3.5 stars for me, but I’d definitely read this as a full-length novel, just saying.
“The (Virtual) Body Guard” – Chace Verity. ★★★★★
Content warnings:
Tala started playing a Mafia-themed game during rehab after a car accident that left her in a wheelchair. Now, years later, she can hardly imagine a day where she doesn’t spend time as a bodyguard to her online best friend, Dallas. But when she misses a raid due to a last minute Valentine’s date, Dallas suddenly ghosts her. Tala’s grieving the loss of the friendship when she meets a gorgeous woman at the library she works at, catches a glimpse of her screen, and realizes she’s Dallas. Dallas – Dahlia – is even more wonderful IRL, but how can Tala tell her who she is without ruining this new friendship?
I absolutely loved these two. Tala favors a butch aesthetic, and she exercises religiously, while Dahlia’s a trans lesbian. Dahlia has very good reasons for being so hurt by Tala’s actions, even if it was “only a video game,” and despite those reasons, this is really a comforting and sweet story. I loved how Dahlia would walk Tala to work every day, along with all the other bits and pieces of their “new” friendship. Definitely my favorite of the collection!
“The Best Places” – Candace Harper. ★★★★
Content warnings:
After the death of her husband fifteen years ago, Rebecca left her judgmental in-laws and the small town they lived in behind for good. When she receives a letter on Christmas Eve that she’s the executor of her in-laws’ estate, she’s torn, but decides to go along with her daughter Emma. She’s surprised to find the lawyer is her roommate from college, Rosalyn. They were best friends once, but that fractured when Rebecca married Rosalyn’s cousin, Bill, and Rosalyn didn’t support her against her in-laws, who saw her as nothing but a gold-digger.
This was just so unbelievably sweet, and it is the absolute epitome of the “missed chances” version of the second chance trope. It really felt like Rebecca and Rosalyn had a history and it was wonderful to watch them reconnect. I also liked Rebecca’s relationship with Emma. She felt like a real teen, and I liked how her perspective on her (previously unknown) grandparents and “their” town was included. I also liked the rep. Rosalyn’s asexual and panromantic, Rebecca is pan as well, and her daughter is bi.
Overall, this was a great collection, and I’m hoping for more just like it, whether it’s more second chance stories or whether the authors decide to explore a different trope.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“So far we’ve got a dead guy and a dog in your truck this morning,” Casey said. “Anything else you want to disclose?”
A dead guy, a dog, and Susan’s ex in her truck. But that didn’t seem worth pointing out at the moment.”
“Out for Delivery” – Leigh Landry. ★★★
Content warnings:
Susan knows it’s going to be a bad day at her job delivering packages when her first delivery is to her ex Casey’s house. And then she finds her boss’s dead body in the back of her truck. The premise is completely bonkers. Casey insists Susan try to figure out who killed her boss before going to the police, so they ride around together doing deliveries with a dead body in the back of the truck while simultaneously trying to do amateur detective work. Despite the fact that Susan doesn’t completely trust Casey (for good reason), she goes along with it. Despite the bonkers-ness, it’s obvious that Casey cares deeply about Susan and regrets her past actions. The ending of the story was especially sweet, but the whole murder plot didn’t quite work for me. I loved the dog, though!
“There was no note of allure in her voice when she said again, “This is nice stuff, Trace. Let’s just—let’s do business.”
Business, right then, was the last thing Trace wanted to do.”
“Your Mess Is Mine” – Dee Holloway. ★★★★
Content warnings:
Trace has a dual business – she sells off her clients’ ex’s possessions, and sometimes even comforts them in a more physical manner. But when her ex Tansy contacts her out of the blue during a messy divorce, Trace has to decide whether the possible paycheck is worth reopening old wounds.
There was a lot I liked about this story. Trace’s business idea was absolutely brilliant, and I loved how butch she was – at one point, she’s chopping wood in her backyard when Tansy shows up unexpectedly. Trace knows what she wants in life. Tansy, however, didn’t, and that’s what ultimately caused the breakdown in their relationship. For a long time she was willing to be led along by someone else, be someone she wasn’t – literally relegated to a guest room in her own house.
My main issue with this is that it felt like it ended too abruptly and left too much unfinished. There was a whole subplot with Tansy’s brother, Colt (who was also Trace’s best friend) that wasn’t resolved. I think this is perhaps more of a 3.5 stars for me, but I’d definitely read this as a full-length novel, just saying.
“Things hadn’t worked with Justine or any other girl in the past because they weren’t Dahlia. She only wanted to commit (fake) crimes with Dahlia.
And more.
She wanted to do more with Dahlia.”
“The (Virtual) Body Guard” – Chace Verity. ★★★★★
Content warnings:
Tala started playing a Mafia-themed game during rehab after a car accident that left her in a wheelchair. Now, years later, she can hardly imagine a day where she doesn’t spend time as a bodyguard to her online best friend, Dallas. But when she misses a raid due to a last minute Valentine’s date, Dallas suddenly ghosts her. Tala’s grieving the loss of the friendship when she meets a gorgeous woman at the library she works at, catches a glimpse of her screen, and realizes she’s Dallas. Dallas – Dahlia – is even more wonderful IRL, but how can Tala tell her who she is without ruining this new friendship?
I absolutely loved these two. Tala favors a butch aesthetic, and she exercises religiously, while Dahlia’s a trans lesbian. Dahlia has very good reasons for being so hurt by Tala’s actions, even if it was “only a video game,” and despite those reasons, this is really a comforting and sweet story. I loved how Dahlia would walk Tala to work every day, along with all the other bits and pieces of their “new” friendship. Definitely my favorite of the collection!
“The Best Places” – Candace Harper. ★★★★
Content warnings:
After the death of her husband fifteen years ago, Rebecca left her judgmental in-laws and the small town they lived in behind for good. When she receives a letter on Christmas Eve that she’s the executor of her in-laws’ estate, she’s torn, but decides to go along with her daughter Emma. She’s surprised to find the lawyer is her roommate from college, Rosalyn. They were best friends once, but that fractured when Rebecca married Rosalyn’s cousin, Bill, and Rosalyn didn’t support her against her in-laws, who saw her as nothing but a gold-digger.
This was just so unbelievably sweet, and it is the absolute epitome of the “missed chances” version of the second chance trope. It really felt like Rebecca and Rosalyn had a history and it was wonderful to watch them reconnect. I also liked Rebecca’s relationship with Emma. She felt like a real teen, and I liked how her perspective on her (previously unknown) grandparents and “their” town was included. I also liked the rep. Rosalyn’s asexual and panromantic, Rebecca is pan as well, and her daughter is bi.
Overall, this was a great collection, and I’m hoping for more just like it, whether it’s more second chance stories or whether the authors decide to explore a different trope.
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 15, 2021
Four stories about second chances. The first two about getting back together after a relatively recent break-up. The third about two gamers who've grown close online without ever meeting in-person until a misunderstanding. Then a chance meeting in person where only one of them knows who the other is. The fourth, and longest, is about meeting up as an adult with a college friend after a rift and rekindling a romance.
I read this book because second chances are one of my favorite romance tropes. I learned that the version of this trope I like best is the last one--reclaiming someone from the past. None of the stories was particularly well written and only the last one was at all engaging. I recommend the book to those who want to truly know which type of second chance you actually prefer most.
I read this book because second chances are one of my favorite romance tropes. I learned that the version of this trope I like best is the last one--reclaiming someone from the past. None of the stories was particularly well written and only the last one was at all engaging. I recommend the book to those who want to truly know which type of second chance you actually prefer most.
January 5, 2024
3 stars. I had previously read the stories from Leigh Landry and Chace Verity. 2 stars for ‘Out for Delivery’ by Leigh Landry, 3 stars for ’The (Virtual) Bodyguard’ by Chace Verity. As for the new to me stories they were both fine. 3 stars for ‘Your Mess Is Mine’ by Dee Holloway. It was my second favorite in the collection. Very entertaining plot. 3.5 stars for ‘The Best Places’ by Candace Harper this one was my favorite and left me wishing it was a full length novel by the end. This story had the best writing and the most interesting story going on. I really liked it. Overall, this anthology was just okay. Nothing amazing but easily digestible.
February 14, 2021
Four different chances of getting back together!
Each story was the individual telling of how circumstances change people viewpoints on why they didn't want to stay in the first place! But extremely glad they did realize that some of the fault was not caused by the preparatory. Enjoy!
Each story was the individual telling of how circumstances change people viewpoints on why they didn't want to stay in the first place! But extremely glad they did realize that some of the fault was not caused by the preparatory. Enjoy!
January 28, 2021
I received an ARC of this and loved it.
The first story by Leigh Landry is more a mystery than a romance, however, it's really well plotted and the romance shines through at the end.
Dee Holloway's writing is so poetic and lush. Read this one for the beauty of the language, and enjoy the prickly story too.
Chace Verity's story was utterly brilliant, emotional and full of forgiveness (eventually). What a ride.
Candace Harper's story of homecoming had all the elements you want from such a story; uncertainty, a sassy teenager, mixed memories, and unexpected love. Good friendship too.
The first story by Leigh Landry is more a mystery than a romance, however, it's really well plotted and the romance shines through at the end.
Dee Holloway's writing is so poetic and lush. Read this one for the beauty of the language, and enjoy the prickly story too.
Chace Verity's story was utterly brilliant, emotional and full of forgiveness (eventually). What a ride.
Candace Harper's story of homecoming had all the elements you want from such a story; uncertainty, a sassy teenager, mixed memories, and unexpected love. Good friendship too.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews