Second Chance Romance Books
I love a happy ending, especially for two main characters getting a second chance at love- with each other! Since the pandemic, I have been reading a ton of romance books. At this point, I consider myself a bit of an expert on the subject. For this reason, I wanted to give you a list of my favorite second chance romance books.
I love a happy ending. But not all romances are created equally! #IYKYK. I wanted to make sure that you could have a list of my favorites in this trope that are guaranteed to make you smile. If you are looking for other tropes like Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books or Friends to Lovers Romance Books, I have you covered there as well
If you have ever wondered what books fulfill the second chance romance trope, you are not alone. The characters in the books are often childhood sweethearts or “the one that got away” which makes the happy ending that much sweeter. So many books fall into more than one category. These are our favorite second chance romance novels. There is even one that is coming to Broadway!
The Best Second Chance Romance Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in the subgenre of second chance romance books. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best New Second Chance Romance Books
One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye- Click to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Older Second Chance Romance Books You Might Have Missed
Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams – Click to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Fantasy Second Chance Romance Books
Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle – Click to read the review and see more books in this category
Best Historical Fiction Second Chance Romance Books
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks- Click to read the review and see more books in this category
*Second chance romance trope contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best New Second Chance Romance Novels
One Year Ago in Spain
Author: Evelyn Skye
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: Bestselling author of The Hundred Loves of Juliet
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Claire is a lawyer at a top Manhattan firm who falls in love with Matias, a Spanish artist. After a year together she begins to question if they can last long-term because they are so different. When Matias has a horrible accident that leaves him in a coma in Madrid, she rushes to his side. There she finds his soul and can talk to him. But she is the only one. And, to make things even more complicated, he doesn’t remember her. In order to save him, Claire is will have to make him fall in love with her a second time.
His family doesn’t understand why she is not spending more time at the hospital with him waiting for him to wake up and they do not believe her when she tries to explain. Now she must find a way to bring Matias back to her. Can they fall in love again?
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a unique and fun opposites-attract love story. Claire is so pragmatic, she has such a hard time trusting her feelings and Matias is impulsive and carefree. They compliment each other so well and while their first meet-cute was instant, I loved watching them fall in love a second time.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books / Most Anticipated New June 2024 Book Releases / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
The Breakup Tour
Author: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Pop superstar, Riley Wynn is going on tour for her latest album and bringing along her first love as her pianist for the hit song inspired by their romance. As they tour across the states, they reflect on why their relationship ended so long ago and feel the tugs of an invisible string pulling them back together 😉.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was such a fun read during my winter vacation. I was rooting for Riley and Max the entire time (while imagining that Travis Kelce was a pianist and not a football star.) It’s Taylor Swift fanfic and just plain fun! *Gifted by Berkley Publishing
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Books / Novels about Musicians / Second Chance Romance Books
Husbands and Lovers
Author: Beatriz Williams
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Mallory is searching for a donor kidney for her son after he eats a poisonous death cap mushroom and goes into kidney failure. Now, she is forced to confront secrets from her mother’s past and her own. Her mother’s adoption and her romance with her childhood best friend who is a famous singer-songwriter.
This is a nonlinear narrative that also goes back to 1951 Cair. It is the story of a Hungarian refugee who is married to a British Diplomat but has an affair with the manager of the Cairo Hotel. This pick from the spring 2024 book releases is a story that is so much more than the sum of its parts.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Jackie loves it
I was not sure what to expect from this book but there was so much to dissect when I was done reading. At its heart, this is a story of women and what we do to survive and thrive.
Find this book in: June 2024 Book Releases / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Poolside Reads / Second Chance Romance Books
Happy Place
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Emily Henry is an author who is always consistent with her romances. She may be the queen of romantic comedy books. Nothing says “summer reads” like Emily Henry.
Harriet and Wyn have been together for years until they broke up 5 months ago. The only problem is that they still haven’t told their best friends and now they will be sharing a room during their yearly vacation with their friends.
How hard can it be to keep up the facade of a happy couple? If you love fake dating books, this is one of the best. And if you are hoping these two will have a second chance at love, you will not be disappointed.
There is something special in every one of Emily Henry’s romances and this newest book is no exception. It is one of the best books of 2023!
Why Jackie loves it
Emily Henry finds a way to write books that are so readable with characters that are so loveable. I was rooting for these two the find their way back to each other.
Find this book in: Emily Henry Books / Second Chance Romance / Romantic Comedy Books / Fake Dating Books
Meet Me at the Lake
Author: Carley Fortune
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Will and Fern spent one amazing, adventure-filled day together in their early 20s with a promise to meet up again one year later. When Fern shows up and Will doesn’t, she is heartbroken.
Now, nine years later, Fern has inherited the lakeside resort that she never wanted to run, her ex-boyfriend is the resort manager, and she needs help. When Will shows up at the resort with an offer to help get things back in order, she doesn’t know if she can get over her old feelings and trust him again.
Why Jackie loves it
Set between Muskoka and Toronto, it reminded me of my childhood and teenage years! This is a romance novel that left my heart feeling gushy. I wanted to start at the beginning as soon as I was done the last page. This is my favorite of Carley Fortune’s books.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a good lake romance- especially since I met my husband at camp (which had a small lake). There is something about this book that is so romantic and hopeful, it left me wanting more.
Adaptation Information
Archewell Productions, head by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is slated to release this film to Netflix.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Novels / Hotel Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Carley Fortune Books In Order / Books Becoming Movies
Second Chance Romance Books You Might Have Missed
The Bromance Book Club
Author: Lyssa Kay Adams
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: Bromance Book Club #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Gavin, a professional baseball player in Nashville, recently discovered his wife has been faking her orgasms. Determined to do better in the bedroom, and avoid a divorce in the process, Gavin joins a secret club – a book club!
But this book club is unlike any other. It’s comprised of the biggest alpha males in Nashville and they only read romance books. Together, the members of the bromance book club help Gavin win back his wife.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was the perfect break I needed into a world of romance. The idea of a bunch of men getting together to read romance novels to try and improve their relationships is amazing.
Although now that I think of it, maybe this book is a fantasy. This book is a perfect light read that I finished in a day and as far as rom-com novels go, it is a definite must-read!
Find this book in: Sports Romance Novels / Faux Celebrity Fiction / Books about Books / Rom-Com Books / Second Chance Romance
Twice in a Blue Moon
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Omg. Is it possible for me to give this book all the heart eyes? 😍😍😍 This was my first Christina Lauren book and I don’t know how I’ve held out for this long. I mean… have I been living under a rock? Sam was Tate’s first love when she fell for him on her 18th birthday trip, but he exposed her in the worst way possible.
Now a big-name actress, the last person she expects to see on-set is the man who broke her heart. I loved this book so much. It gave me all the feels!!!
Why Kirsten loves it
This feels like a love story for the ages and Christina Lauren captured everything I could want in a second chance love story perfectly. This is exactly the book I needed to make me a fan!
Why Jackie loves it
This book was also my first Christina Lauren book and I feel exactly the same way as Kirsten. How could I have not read her (them) before? This sweet second chance at love made me so happy!
Find this book in:28 Faux Celebrity Fiction and Influencer Books / Books With Colors in the Title /Second Chance Romance Books
Seven Days in June
Author: Tia Williams
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: June 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The latest Reese’s Book Club pick was quite a unique read. It was billed as a romance but that doesn’t do this novel justice. Yes, there are some steamy scenes, but it also deals with childhood trauma, drug addiction, racial issues, and single motherhood.
Eva Mercy is a single mom and a bestselling author of Erotica. Shane Hall is an award-winning novelist. The two meet at a literary event and sparks fly, but what nobody knows is that the two met years ago and spent a week together. Since that time, their novels have been declarations of love for each other.
Trigger Warnings
Trauma, addiction
Why Kirsten loves it
It was much heavier than I expected especially with a second chance romance novel. If you are looking for something that will make you think, this is the right pick for you from our list of books about books.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a complex and deep second-chance romance. The years have been difficult for these two and they carry a lot of baggage.
Find this book in: Books About Books Books / Becoming Movies in 2024 / Second Chance Romance Books
Exes and O’s
Author: Amy Lea
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Named a Best Romance of 2023 by Entertainment Weekly
International Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
What a creative romance novel! I loved the slow-burn roommate-to-lovers story because of its fun premise. Tara, an avid romance novel lover, is trying to create her own second-chance romance story by attempting to re-date all her ex-boyfriends.
Her new roommate, Trevor, is a playboy who offers to be her moral support. We know they are going to get a happy ending in this second chance romance novel, but the journey is what makes this story! It was so charming.
Why Kirsten loves it
Find this book in: The Complete List of Romance Tropes/ 26 Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books / Second Chance Romance Books
Plot
Want a funny romance? You Deserve Each Other totally fits the bill. This hilarious tale of an engaged couple hit the spot for me this weekend. They don’t love each other anymore, but neither Naomi or Nick wants to be the one to call off their engagement.
Whoever does, foots the bill for the whole shebang. Shenanigans ensue as they attempt to get each other to end the relationship.
Why Kirsten loves it
This romance book had me cracking up. I was giggling so often that my kids started getting angry. It was cute, light-hearted, and utterly predictable.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books
Historical Fiction Second Chance Romance Novels
Plot
If you love the second chance romance trope, this is an iconic book that skyrocketed to fame after the movie came out. This is one of the rare instances where the movie brought the book to life. And that kiss……
Post WWII, Noah cannot stop thinking about the beautiful and charismatic deb who stole his heart nearly a decade earlier. Allie is a socialite who is supposed to marry a wealthy lawyer. She is not supposed to be thinking about Noah. Will these two get their second chance at romance?
The Notebook is on Broadway and Jackie and I were lucky enough to go see it. Were we both sobbing? 100%. Was it fantastic 100%
Why Kirsten loves it
To me, this is the quintessential second chance romance!
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the book and then loved it even more after I saw the movie. This is one of the rare exceptions where the movie was just as good as the book.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books
Stars in an Italian Sky
Author: Jill Santopolo
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Where do I even start with this book? I loved it so much. In Genoa Italy, in 1946 Vincenzo and Giovanna fell in love. But, they belong to two different worlds. She is the daughter of a tailor and she is almost royalty.
In 2017, Cassandra and Luca are in love. When Luca asks Cassandra’s grandmother to be a model for his new painting, with his grandfather, the past and its secrets are revealed.
I cannot say enough about this book that is part contemporary fiction and part historical fiction. It had me absolutely bawling by the end, ugly crying, and I LOVED it. The ending was perfect, fitting, and cathartic.
This is a perfect pick for books set in Italy and a must for our ultimate beach reads 2023 post. If you love second chance romance books, this is one of the best there is.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could not wait to read this book because I was looking for a book set in Italy. Santapolo never fails to write fantastic books with compelling characters and plotlines that will bring you to tears.
Why Jackie loves it
I adored this book and while books usually don’t make me cry, this one had me ugly crying. I adored every minute of this book- the characters, the plot, and how the story came together were just what I needed.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Second Chance Romance Books /
To Have and To Hoax
Author: Martha Waters
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Named a Best Romance of April (2020) by Goodreads, Popsugar, Bustle, and more!
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you loved the Bridgerton book series then you will love this book. Lady Violet Grey and her husband Lord James Audrey fell in love and got married in a whirlwind romance.
Five years later, they barely speak because of “the Argument”. When Lady Grey receives a letter that says her husband is unconscious after being thrown from a horse, she rushes to his side only to find him awake and drinking in a tavern. She decides to teach him a lesson. This is one of the best romantic comedy books I have read.
Why Jackie loves it
The story is a quick-moving battle of wills that will have you simultaneously rooting for the couple and wanting to smack some sense into them. Will they get their second chance at love? This book will not disappoint.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books / Rom-Com Books / Enemies to Lovers Books
Fantasy Second Chance Romance Novels
Old Flames and New Fortunes
Author: Sarah Hogle
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Romina Tempest uses the language of flowers to manifest love for buyers of her flora fortunes. To save her family business she needs an investor to expand the shop. Her friend and business partner, Trevor, convinces her that a fake dating scheme will get his father to invest.
But things get complicated when Trevor’s dad announces his engagement to the mother of her high school sweetheart, Alex. Should she keep up the ruse with Trevor OR give Alex a second chance?
Why Kirsten loves it
Alex and Romina had such great chemistry and Trevor’s antics had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. The magical element is light enough that even non-fantasy readers will enjoy this one. #Gifted by Berkley
Find this book in: Books for Summer / Second Chance Romance
Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: Fallen #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Luce has been sent to Sword and Cross boarding school, a place for other troubled kids like her. The minute she gets to the school, Daniel catches her eye but he will not give her the time of day. But there is more to Daniel and Luce will discover his secrets no matter what the cost.
This Fae series is addicting. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. If you are looking for romance books about second chances (or third or fourth), you will love this book. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, then you will love this series of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up the first book in this YA fantasy series and quickly fell in love with the first book and the story of Daniel and Luce’s love.
Why Jackie loves it
This Fae series is addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, this is the book for you!
Find this book in: Fae Books / Best Fantasy Books for Teens / Urban Fantasy / Books Set in High School / High School Romance Books / Books like ACOTAR
The Ex Hex
Author: Erin Sterling
Year: 2021
Genre: Magical Realism/ Fantasy Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
The Graves Glen Series
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the most charming Halloween romance book about witches EVER. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it, but it’s perfect for the spooky season and a perfect book for fall.
Nine years ago Rhys Penhallow broke Viviane Jones’ heart and so she cursed him. Now he’s back in the town his family founded to infuse magic back into the ley lines but everything goes wrong!
As his curse takes over the town, Rhys and Vivi have to work to end the curse and restore the right magic back to the town…if they can keep their rekindled romance at bay long enough!
Why Jackie loves it
There is so much to this fantasy romance book to love. The story is sweet, charming, and easy to read for a fun Halloween read.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Second Chance Romance Books
The Hundred Loves of Juliet
Author: Evelyn Skye
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
After a terrible divorce, Helene moves to a small town in Alaska to write a novel. When she meets Sebastian, a handsome fisherman, he is the personification of all the dreams she ever had of her perfect man.
Helene is determined to find the truth about her instant connection to Sebastian, but he’s determined to keep it from her.
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t want to spoil exactly how this Romeo and Juliet retelling is connected to the original story, but it’s a lovely romance with many mini-romances scattered throughout.
Why Jackie loves it
This book will keep you turning the pages and smiling at the end. Kirsten and I both think this is one of the best romance books of 2023.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Cozy Books / Second Chance Romance / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels
Expert Tip
Do you love romance novels and are not sure what to pick for your next read? Are you new to romance novels and are not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions
- Think about the kind of romance you want to read. Each trope will have a very different feel
- For example, an enemies-to-lovers romance will have an antagonistic feel, a friends-to-lovers romance will have comfortable love, and a second-chance romance will have a nostalgic love story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Second Chance Romances?
Characters in a second chance romance have a history together, often having experienced a breakup or separation. Often the characters were childhood sweethearts. The story explores their renewed chance at love, allowing them to overcome past mistakes, learn and grow, and rediscover their connection. We here at Beyond the Bookends think this is one of the best romance tropes.
Why Do We Love Romances Books About Second Chances?
Second chance romance books are romance books that have you rooting for love and cheering at the end. The characters in the books are often childhood sweethearts or “the one that got away” which makes the happy ending that much sweeter. We here at Beyond the Bookends love a happy ending.
Related Content
Epilogue
Which second-chance romance novels are your favorite? Did we miss anything? Let us know which books you think we should add to our TBR
Ultimate List of Romances
If you love all things romance, then this is the list for you! This is carefully divided by sub-genres like second-chance romance books, romcoms, and more.
The Complete List of Romance Tropes: Our 12 Favorites
Looking for more romances categorized by trope? Here are all my favorites.
Romance Book Lists
Do you love second chance romance books like we do? Check out all of our romance book lists!
