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The Second You're Single
Cheerfully irreverent, bitingly funny, and filled with romantic charm, The Second You're Single is all about navigating the most romantic month of the year, and how love always seems to arrive when you least expect it.
Freelance writer Sora Reid believes in inertia. She’s the odd one out in a close-knit family of go-getters, including her Japanese-American mom, who hints about her need to lose weight, and her soon-to-be married, overachieving younger sister, who needs her to have a date for the wedding, since a wedding party couples' dance with their Scottish great uncle Bob simply won't do. For Sora, minimal input, minimal expectations is the way to go. She’d rather stay at home with her insufferable neighbor and her adorable pitbull.
The one thing that disrupts her inertia: an intense dislike for Valentine’s Day. What is it with the commercial love machine? Why do we pin our hopes on one romantic day, when staying home with a package of bacon and a bottle of tequila would be way better? Sora’s been betrayed and disappointed more than once and her heart is starting to feel like her Grandma Mitsuye’s antique Japanese ceramic bowl, with its many gold-filled cracks.
When her pledge to stay single in February inspires readers to #gosolo, Sora has a responsibility to empower her readers. But relationships aren’t built to last, so it shouldn’t be that hard. Right?
Enter Jack Mann. A muscle-bound baker who looks like he lifts logs on the weekends, Sora hasn’t thought of Jack since they were in elementary school together. When they see each other at the local grocery store and the attraction hits hard, Sora knows she has to shut it down, quick. She can’t #gosolo AND get the guy. She can’t let down her readers. And relationships always end, so why should Jack be any different–even though he’s confounding all her long-held expectations of love?
Freelance writer Sora Reid believes in inertia. She’s the odd one out in a close-knit family of go-getters, including her Japanese-American mom, who hints about her need to lose weight, and her soon-to-be married, overachieving younger sister, who needs her to have a date for the wedding, since a wedding party couples' dance with their Scottish great uncle Bob simply won't do. For Sora, minimal input, minimal expectations is the way to go. She’d rather stay at home with her insufferable neighbor and her adorable pitbull.
The one thing that disrupts her inertia: an intense dislike for Valentine’s Day. What is it with the commercial love machine? Why do we pin our hopes on one romantic day, when staying home with a package of bacon and a bottle of tequila would be way better? Sora’s been betrayed and disappointed more than once and her heart is starting to feel like her Grandma Mitsuye’s antique Japanese ceramic bowl, with its many gold-filled cracks.
When her pledge to stay single in February inspires readers to #gosolo, Sora has a responsibility to empower her readers. But relationships aren’t built to last, so it shouldn’t be that hard. Right?
Enter Jack Mann. A muscle-bound baker who looks like he lifts logs on the weekends, Sora hasn’t thought of Jack since they were in elementary school together. When they see each other at the local grocery store and the attraction hits hard, Sora knows she has to shut it down, quick. She can’t #gosolo AND get the guy. She can’t let down her readers. And relationships always end, so why should Jack be any different–even though he’s confounding all her long-held expectations of love?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2023
About the author
Cara Tanamachi
3 books204 followersCara Tanamachi lives near Chicago with her husband and five children (two by
biology and three by marriage), and their 85-pound Goldendoodle, Theodore. Raised near Dallas, Texas by her Japanese-American dad and her English-Scottish American mom, she was the oldest of two children (the debate still rages whether she or her brother are currently the family favorite). The University of Pennsylvania (Go Quakers!) grad worked as a newspaper reporter, and then published many novels under the name, Cara Lockwood. A former single mom, she spent eight years dating (hilariously and awkwardly) before finding the love of her life on Bumble (yes, Bumble!). She believes we all could use a little more happily ever after.
biology and three by marriage), and their 85-pound Goldendoodle, Theodore. Raised near Dallas, Texas by her Japanese-American dad and her English-Scottish American mom, she was the oldest of two children (the debate still rages whether she or her brother are currently the family favorite). The University of Pennsylvania (Go Quakers!) grad worked as a newspaper reporter, and then published many novels under the name, Cara Lockwood. A former single mom, she spent eight years dating (hilariously and awkwardly) before finding the love of her life on Bumble (yes, Bumble!). She believes we all could use a little more happily ever after.
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December 29, 2022I'm eight chapters in and putting the toe tag on this one.
Sora is a writer who's sworn to a solo February without men after she "kinda" decided that continuing to sleep with Dan, a married man with children, isn't cool. It’s a bit like saying, “Hmmm … maybe I SHOULDN’T have lit that house on fire.” Ugh. There's problem number one with this book.
Then there's problem number two: the sometimes forced and repetitive humor. Sora references bacon 65 times in the book - half of those in the first eight chapters alone. Yes, bacon surely is a little gift from heaven, but you can only milk one joke for so long, and this milk has gone sour!
This brings me to problem number three: Food and body size are frequently mentioned and Sora's mom fat-shames and pressures Sora to diet constantly, though she's an average size, then commends Sora's irritating size double 0 sister, Nami. So much for body positivity!
That leads me into problem number four: For a book that seems to be highlighting the idea of women embracing their worth - particularly apart from a man, there's not one single likable female character so far. As yet, I've gotten a buffet of sarcastic, shallow, vapid, pushy, entitled, and whiny females. I can't root for the ladies here when these are my only options!
The potential love interest - pastry chef Jack - seems OK, but it's hard to understand what he finds so appealing about Sora, so ... problem number five ... I'm not invested in waiting for their HEA ending. Run for the hills, Jack, and take those oft-mentioned tasty mini tortes with you!
To seal the deal for me is problem number six: in a major tonal whiplash move, the author brings in a child with leukemia. She's the only character I'd be pulling for, but she feels so out of place in a book that’s built itself around mostly light, sarcastic and sometimes sexual humor thus far.
There is one bright spot for me in all this: Cara Tanamachi can write. I can see her talent in the words and structure, even if this particular story is missing the mark for me. It’s not a bad book - it’s just not the type of story and humor I gravitate towards. Check out other reviews to see if it’s a better fit for you!
DNF - no rating
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press Griffin, NetGalley and author Cara Tanamachi for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due for publication January 31, 2023.
Sora is a writer who's sworn to a solo February without men after she "kinda" decided that continuing to sleep with Dan, a married man with children, isn't cool. It’s a bit like saying, “Hmmm … maybe I SHOULDN’T have lit that house on fire.” Ugh. There's problem number one with this book.
Then there's problem number two: the sometimes forced and repetitive humor. Sora references bacon 65 times in the book - half of those in the first eight chapters alone. Yes, bacon surely is a little gift from heaven, but you can only milk one joke for so long, and this milk has gone sour!
This brings me to problem number three: Food and body size are frequently mentioned and Sora's mom fat-shames and pressures Sora to diet constantly, though she's an average size, then commends Sora's irritating size double 0 sister, Nami. So much for body positivity!
That leads me into problem number four: For a book that seems to be highlighting the idea of women embracing their worth - particularly apart from a man, there's not one single likable female character so far. As yet, I've gotten a buffet of sarcastic, shallow, vapid, pushy, entitled, and whiny females. I can't root for the ladies here when these are my only options!
The potential love interest - pastry chef Jack - seems OK, but it's hard to understand what he finds so appealing about Sora, so ... problem number five ... I'm not invested in waiting for their HEA ending. Run for the hills, Jack, and take those oft-mentioned tasty mini tortes with you!
To seal the deal for me is problem number six: in a major tonal whiplash move, the author brings in a child with leukemia. She's the only character I'd be pulling for, but she feels so out of place in a book that’s built itself around mostly light, sarcastic and sometimes sexual humor thus far.
There is one bright spot for me in all this: Cara Tanamachi can write. I can see her talent in the words and structure, even if this particular story is missing the mark for me. It’s not a bad book - it’s just not the type of story and humor I gravitate towards. Check out other reviews to see if it’s a better fit for you!
DNF - no rating
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press Griffin, NetGalley and author Cara Tanamachi for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s due for publication January 31, 2023.
March 5, 2023
Hmm… complex feelings in the air!
I have to admit;the book’s BIPOC, Asian culture and LGBTQ representations were realistic.
But three things made me irritated:
1)Mixed, dislikable, conflicting approach to body and weight image!
2)The very insta love and lack of chemistry between main characters
3)The unfair crazy ex-girlfriend approach.
I was so hopeful to read about women’s fiction with more feminism vibes after checking the blurb! It was promising to read a romance centered on midsize heroine.
Sora could be more likable character if she stops her long monologues, quitting to mention about her endless love for bacon!
Jack was dreamy-picture perfect boyfriend material: blond, blue eyed, hot and he’s a baker! He is in love with the heroine since elementary school but I didn’t feel that intense chemistry between them so I found their love a little unrealistic.
Last third: there’s a quick angsty part which resolved faster than I expected and lost its effect instantly.
Overall: it’s still fast reading, some parts are entertaining but it’s not catchy and heartfelt enough to stay on your mind for a long time. So I decided to give solid three stars to move on my next reads.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I have to admit;the book’s BIPOC, Asian culture and LGBTQ representations were realistic.
But three things made me irritated:
1)Mixed, dislikable, conflicting approach to body and weight image!
2)The very insta love and lack of chemistry between main characters
3)The unfair crazy ex-girlfriend approach.
I was so hopeful to read about women’s fiction with more feminism vibes after checking the blurb! It was promising to read a romance centered on midsize heroine.
Sora could be more likable character if she stops her long monologues, quitting to mention about her endless love for bacon!
Jack was dreamy-picture perfect boyfriend material: blond, blue eyed, hot and he’s a baker! He is in love with the heroine since elementary school but I didn’t feel that intense chemistry between them so I found their love a little unrealistic.
Last third: there’s a quick angsty part which resolved faster than I expected and lost its effect instantly.
Overall: it’s still fast reading, some parts are entertaining but it’s not catchy and heartfelt enough to stay on your mind for a long time. So I decided to give solid three stars to move on my next reads.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Shelved as 'read-audiobooks'
March 17, 2023Thank you RB Media and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
Audiobook rating: Enjoyed it but don't think too deeply LOL
Performance: 4/5 | Plot: interesting premise, but execution is ??/5 | Ending: 3/5
So while I was balls deep listening to this, I went a read some reviews and I had myself a little chuckle. See, when I listen to books, my critical thinking skills are yeeted out the window. In particular, Kat's review was a swift kick of reality to the chest. All her points were ON POINT, but I never even picked up on it because the book was in one ear out the other. It's like a movie, but without the visual aids. I get caught up in the narration and have zero thoughts percolating LOL.
But when I really sat back and thought about the story, I realized it was low-key – nay, high-key – questionable. First of all, Sora mentioned bacon way too much. We get it. She's a quirky chubster (/sarcasm) with a penchant for bacon. She's *not like those skinny hoes* who only eat raw grass and tree branches. Can girl have a diverse palette at least? Like maybe she likes mac 'n cheese too? I enjoy bacon as much as the next fatty mcfat (because only fatty mcfats like "tasty" food in this book), but Sora basically had a sexual attraction to it. Chillax!!
Next, we have conflicting messages. When Sora's life is peak hot mess express, her bestie tells her to get it together and eat healthier, which Sora agrees to. HUH??? What happened to bacon4life??? Now you gotta eat healthy to get your life together? And then the male lead, Jack, outgrew his "piggyjack" nickname to be the stud of all studs. Soooo did she want a big boy (*play SZA*) or nah?? Ok and don't get me started on the WOW HIS PEEN IS A FOOTLONG SUB reveal. Where is the normal peen rep?? Imagine if the roles were reversed and the male protagonist was like DAMN THAT ASS IS SO PHAT AND THAT WAIST IS ON INVISIBLE?? TITTIES ON 36DD MY FAVE!!! The woke hoes would be in SHAMBLES over the objectification.
What I did like was the half Asian rep. You've got Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, etc. The whole East Asian spread right here.
My advice: if you want to enjoy this, listen to it with your earholes. I believe if I eyeball read this, I would've been hella annoyed. The audiobook allowed me to enter the "ignorance is bliss" zone because I wasn't thinking about what I was hearing, just going along with it LOL
Audiobook rating: Enjoyed it but don't think too deeply LOL
Performance: 4/5 | Plot: interesting premise, but execution is ??/5 | Ending: 3/5
So while I was balls deep listening to this, I went a read some reviews and I had myself a little chuckle. See, when I listen to books, my critical thinking skills are yeeted out the window. In particular, Kat's review was a swift kick of reality to the chest. All her points were ON POINT, but I never even picked up on it because the book was in one ear out the other. It's like a movie, but without the visual aids. I get caught up in the narration and have zero thoughts percolating LOL.
But when I really sat back and thought about the story, I realized it was low-key – nay, high-key – questionable. First of all, Sora mentioned bacon way too much. We get it. She's a quirky chubster (/sarcasm) with a penchant for bacon. She's *not like those skinny hoes* who only eat raw grass and tree branches. Can girl have a diverse palette at least? Like maybe she likes mac 'n cheese too? I enjoy bacon as much as the next fatty mcfat (because only fatty mcfats like "tasty" food in this book), but Sora basically had a sexual attraction to it. Chillax!!
Next, we have conflicting messages. When Sora's life is peak hot mess express, her bestie tells her to get it together and eat healthier, which Sora agrees to. HUH??? What happened to bacon4life??? Now you gotta eat healthy to get your life together? And then the male lead, Jack, outgrew his "piggyjack" nickname to be the stud of all studs. Soooo did she want a big boy (*play SZA*) or nah?? Ok and don't get me started on the WOW HIS PEEN IS A FOOTLONG SUB reveal. Where is the normal peen rep?? Imagine if the roles were reversed and the male protagonist was like DAMN THAT ASS IS SO PHAT AND THAT WAIST IS ON INVISIBLE?? TITTIES ON 36DD MY FAVE!!! The woke hoes would be in SHAMBLES over the objectification.
What I did like was the half Asian rep. You've got Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, etc. The whole East Asian spread right here.
My advice: if you want to enjoy this, listen to it with your earholes. I believe if I eyeball read this, I would've been hella annoyed. The audiobook allowed me to enter the "ignorance is bliss" zone because I wasn't thinking about what I was hearing, just going along with it LOL
August 20, 2022
✨This was a flaming chaotic mess and bacon can go fuck itself.✨
Frankly I didn’t have the energy to write a long and detailed review about all the ways this book was a Problem for me. Yet I did.
✨
I love seeing midsize rep but this book did not make me, a midsize person, feel comfortable. There were too many offhand comments made by SORA let alone every other fricken character in this book besides maybe Jack. She was constantly concerned about people’s eating habits, weights, and bodies—making broad generalizations and weird comments. It was almost to the extent of putting others down in order to feel better.
She was also obsessed with bacon which was just plain distracting. Sure, make the midsize character obsessed with food to the point of a gimmick. Other characters would call out the way she talked about bacon, and it was even used as a way to shame her since she didn’t fit into a bridesmaid dress due to her overconsumption. I get what the author was attempting, but it fell absolutely flat.
Jack was “chubby” as a kid but “lost a bunch of weight and went on a diet” and “looks great” now. Not a message I necessarily needed to read about. He did say he didn’t want people to always mention how he lost weight, but everyone around him including Sora gave that vibe. Sora initially said he had a slight beer belly but not “gross big.” Again, not a comment I like to see. Then when she sees him naked, he’s not “too skinny or too fat.” Again again, le sigh.
✨
Women were constantly villainized as plot points and given pretty poor arcs. Mal’s character was tiresome, but I do think it brought up good points of men also being the victim of stalking and invasive behaviors. I just think it could’ve been handled in less of a cookie-cutter tropey way of “crazy ex girlfriend.” It was also then turned back around him and how he was the reasons she kept coming back and exhibiting stalking behaviors. He told her no and it should’ve been respected and I didn’t see that as a “form of punishment for cheating on him.”
I also did not like Jack’s POV sections. He used the phrase “AF” right away and I got the ick. He generally did not sound like a real person, especially his beginning parts. His part in the third act breakup was tiresome and wholly expected. I also did not like how Jack was so cagey about admitting he slept with Mal the week before he saw Sora at the grocery store. He was hiding it and making her feel weird about being slightly concerned.
✨
Overall, the vibe of this book was weird and off-putting. The concept seems cool but the “no sex and dating” February thing was just a poor way to make the relationship forbidden, since they literally had sex before 50%. It just really made no sense why they couldn’t wait the two weeks. This book should’ve been slow burn, but it was an instalove (literally “Love” was thrown about so soon) nightmare.
Jack was weird about it when he literally knew she was holding off on dating because of her job. Then Sora reveals it all in a wishy washy article, naturally gets hate, “explains herself” in another wishy washy article, and everything is fine again.
⭐️/5 🌶.5*/5
*Sex was talked about, but there wasn’t any explicit language or scenes. It was closed door and time jump to next morning. One of my biggest pet peeves is closed door shutting us out of sex, but then CONSTANTLY bringing up just how crazy and bananas the sex was and how good it was. All. The. Time.
**Also in one of Sora’s articles she was like “scientific evidence shows single people are happier than married people” but cites no sources. I’m sorry but that’s a lazy article right there are we sure she’s a professional? No I’m absolutely not sure. If you’re gonna include articles and stuff that the MC writes, make sure they actually sound like they’d gain the traction of 400,000 likes.
***Not every adult social event needs you to bring a date. Was I really that embarrassing for not bringing a date to my brother’s wedding? Also, you absolutely can remove chairs way easier than adding them.
CWs: body shaming, weight shaming, cancer, miscarriage, pandemic mentions, cheating (not between MCs), relationship status shaming
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Read Now eARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
Frankly I didn’t have the energy to write a long and detailed review about all the ways this book was a Problem for me. Yet I did.
✨
I love seeing midsize rep but this book did not make me, a midsize person, feel comfortable. There were too many offhand comments made by SORA let alone every other fricken character in this book besides maybe Jack. She was constantly concerned about people’s eating habits, weights, and bodies—making broad generalizations and weird comments. It was almost to the extent of putting others down in order to feel better.
She was also obsessed with bacon which was just plain distracting. Sure, make the midsize character obsessed with food to the point of a gimmick. Other characters would call out the way she talked about bacon, and it was even used as a way to shame her since she didn’t fit into a bridesmaid dress due to her overconsumption. I get what the author was attempting, but it fell absolutely flat.
Jack was “chubby” as a kid but “lost a bunch of weight and went on a diet” and “looks great” now. Not a message I necessarily needed to read about. He did say he didn’t want people to always mention how he lost weight, but everyone around him including Sora gave that vibe. Sora initially said he had a slight beer belly but not “gross big.” Again, not a comment I like to see. Then when she sees him naked, he’s not “too skinny or too fat.” Again again, le sigh.
✨
Women were constantly villainized as plot points and given pretty poor arcs. Mal’s character was tiresome, but I do think it brought up good points of men also being the victim of stalking and invasive behaviors. I just think it could’ve been handled in less of a cookie-cutter tropey way of “crazy ex girlfriend.” It was also then turned back around him and how he was the reasons she kept coming back and exhibiting stalking behaviors. He told her no and it should’ve been respected and I didn’t see that as a “form of punishment for cheating on him.”
I also did not like Jack’s POV sections. He used the phrase “AF” right away and I got the ick. He generally did not sound like a real person, especially his beginning parts. His part in the third act breakup was tiresome and wholly expected. I also did not like how Jack was so cagey about admitting he slept with Mal the week before he saw Sora at the grocery store. He was hiding it and making her feel weird about being slightly concerned.
✨
Overall, the vibe of this book was weird and off-putting. The concept seems cool but the “no sex and dating” February thing was just a poor way to make the relationship forbidden, since they literally had sex before 50%. It just really made no sense why they couldn’t wait the two weeks. This book should’ve been slow burn, but it was an instalove (literally “Love” was thrown about so soon) nightmare.
Jack was weird about it when he literally knew she was holding off on dating because of her job. Then Sora reveals it all in a wishy washy article, naturally gets hate, “explains herself” in another wishy washy article, and everything is fine again.
⭐️/5 🌶.5*/5
*Sex was talked about, but there wasn’t any explicit language or scenes. It was closed door and time jump to next morning. One of my biggest pet peeves is closed door shutting us out of sex, but then CONSTANTLY bringing up just how crazy and bananas the sex was and how good it was. All. The. Time.
**Also in one of Sora’s articles she was like “scientific evidence shows single people are happier than married people” but cites no sources. I’m sorry but that’s a lazy article right there are we sure she’s a professional? No I’m absolutely not sure. If you’re gonna include articles and stuff that the MC writes, make sure they actually sound like they’d gain the traction of 400,000 likes.
***Not every adult social event needs you to bring a date. Was I really that embarrassing for not bringing a date to my brother’s wedding? Also, you absolutely can remove chairs way easier than adding them.
CWs: body shaming, weight shaming, cancer, miscarriage, pandemic mentions, cheating (not between MCs), relationship status shaming
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this Read Now eARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
March 20, 2023
I can handle mixed messages from people but PLEASE, not in my books.
Sora, Sora, Sora, you’re a big bag of insecurities, respectfully. I get that having these flawed characters are necessary sometimes to teach us some lessons, but they should at least be bearable right? It was really hard to connect with her and I felt as though I saw little to no growth from her.
She and Jack didn’t really have much in common except that they knew each other from their childhoods. I get that Jack was different from the guys she’s dated but I felt that she put him too high on a pedestal. He will literally be doing what any decent human being should be doing or saying and Sora will be like “Oh My GoD! wHaT a MaN! HoW iS hE sTiLl SiNgLe.” It was clear she hadn’t been treated right by most men but this was extreme.
One strength of this book though was humor. Some parts had me laughing which was great.
I’m sorry but I wouldn’t recommend this.
Sora, Sora, Sora, you’re a big bag of insecurities, respectfully. I get that having these flawed characters are necessary sometimes to teach us some lessons, but they should at least be bearable right? It was really hard to connect with her and I felt as though I saw little to no growth from her.
She and Jack didn’t really have much in common except that they knew each other from their childhoods. I get that Jack was different from the guys she’s dated but I felt that she put him too high on a pedestal. He will literally be doing what any decent human being should be doing or saying and Sora will be like “Oh My GoD! wHaT a MaN! HoW iS hE sTiLl SiNgLe.” It was clear she hadn’t been treated right by most men but this was extreme.
One strength of this book though was humor. Some parts had me laughing which was great.
I’m sorry but I wouldn’t recommend this.
March 20, 2023
If I hear the words crème brulée one more time, I will riot. I have nothing good to say about this. Sora gives women a bad name. Everyone in this book is incredibly unlikeable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
January 26, 2023
Review coming soon.
December 20, 2022
1.5 stars
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This year, we should all go on a dating cleanse.
Goodbye, Dry January. Hello, Solo February.
Sora is over Valentine's Day, feeling bad about her appearance, and like she has to keep up in the dating world. When she publishes an article for the magazine she freelances for, she suddenly finds herself the popular leader of the #GoSolo February movement. So, of course, she runs into an old grade school classmate that has grown up right.
Jack is working in a grocery store as their baker after losing his prestigious job working under a chef at a Michelin-star restaurant due to his now ex-fiancee. He's up for a baker of the year award and hopes to use the prize money to open his own bakery soon. When he sees the girl he had a massive crush on in school and then they start talking and he realizes she's still a funny and smart person, his crush comes roaring back. But personal and professional issues keep creeping up between these two.
This is not my meet-cute. I am not in a rom-com. I am in a horror movie.
The Second You're Single definitely leaned into the biting part of “biting rom-com” with a tone, secondary characters, and comments that weren't the most fun to read about. Told in first person pov chapters between Sora and Jack, I'm not sure there was clear definition between their character voices. Sora had more bitterness to her but the sense of humor between the characters that brought them together also made them sound the same. Sora is divorced after finding out her husband was cheating on her, the husband that she pregnancy scare married, she ended up miscarrying, and has bounced from man to man, the last being a man who she found out ended up being married. With her younger sister Nami getting married in a month, her mother breathing down her neck to lose weight, have a date for the wedding, and Valentine's Day coming up, Sora decides to let all the dating balls in the air drop and go solo all of February. The article she publishes for a magazine gets super popular and while her personal life feels in shambles, her professional life seems to be picking up.
I’ve wanted to kiss this man since I first saw him frosting baked goods at Margo’s.
With a declaration to be single all of February, Sora, of course, meets Jack. They did have an entertaining meet-cute, Sora's ex-husband and his new girlfriend make an appearance and Jack kind of saves Sora, and I liked the two's banter at first. We learn more about Jack and how he's dealing with a stalker of an ex-fiancee who has the money to really devote herself and is trying to buy the building Jack wants his bakery in so they can be “partners” and she can get back in his life, after cheating on Jack with her brother-in-law. Jack's ex-fiancee Mal, and Sora's ex-husband's girlfriend get that Other Woman treatment and it never felt great how Sora's character thinking pitted herself against thinner, more health conscious women. From Sora's point-of-view the women give her “looks”, and maybe they do in the story, but this “I love bacon, therefore they hate me and I'm less shallow than them.” felt very tired. There was a didn't need to be this long scene where Sora's sister and mom take her to an aerial aerobics class and the whole thing felt cringy '80s movie. There was also this line thought by Sora: I can tell he’s got big, thick, muscular arms, and the tiniest hint of a beer belly. Not gross big, just a slight, comforting pudge. “Not gross big,”??? I was confused and turned off by how this story was going about it's messaging.
“Sounds like you kind of have a crush on me, Jack Mann.”
You can probably see where this was going, Sora gaining professional success with her go solo articles but meeting Jack and really liking his company and wanting to go out on the dates Jack is asking her to go. You might also think, “Well, they only have to wait a month.”. At halfway through, these two admit the elementary school crushes they had on each other and jump in the sack, a jump in the sack scene that had some good sexual lead up but just as the condom went on, we're abruptly slam-to-black and Sora's waking up the next morning. By 60% they admit their love for one another but Jack gets up in his feels about feeling like Sora's dirty little secret as she keeps promoting that men suck. There's some dealing with their issues, Sora growing up being told by her mom to not stick her neck out and dealing with how her father's temper (he died of a heart-attack/stroke a year ago) still affects her today and Jack deals with his trust issues and current stalking issues from his ex-fiancee. Their family and friends get brought in with Sora's friend Stella the psychologist giving her advice and her troubled relationship with mom and sister and Jack's younger brother having marriage problems with his wife after their young daughter is in remission from cancer. I'm not sure I'd market this as a rom-com with these very decidedly not laugh riot issues thrown in all over the place.
“So, I’m not going to be afraid of broken hearts. That just comes with living. Just a risk we all take to find happiness.”
The ending gives us Sora putting a dent in her career by trying to be gutsy and go for Jack, but it blows up with a Big Misunderstanding (the way Sora completely ruined a huge moment for Jack left a bad taste in my mouth). Then the last 20% was a flurry of everyone's relationships and issues getting happy resolves, some feeling less forced than others. This story took place over a month's time and I can't say I believed in Sora and Jack's love. The biting tone had some off-putting moments and the rom-com aspects were drowned out with some pretty serious issues. I would also feel remiss not mentioning that the dog on the cover did not in anyway match Sora's rescue pit mix, Larry who was described as black and white with a colored black patch over the eye that was missing. Justice for Larry (and maybe rom-coms?).
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This year, we should all go on a dating cleanse.
Goodbye, Dry January. Hello, Solo February.
Sora is over Valentine's Day, feeling bad about her appearance, and like she has to keep up in the dating world. When she publishes an article for the magazine she freelances for, she suddenly finds herself the popular leader of the #GoSolo February movement. So, of course, she runs into an old grade school classmate that has grown up right.
Jack is working in a grocery store as their baker after losing his prestigious job working under a chef at a Michelin-star restaurant due to his now ex-fiancee. He's up for a baker of the year award and hopes to use the prize money to open his own bakery soon. When he sees the girl he had a massive crush on in school and then they start talking and he realizes she's still a funny and smart person, his crush comes roaring back. But personal and professional issues keep creeping up between these two.
This is not my meet-cute. I am not in a rom-com. I am in a horror movie.
The Second You're Single definitely leaned into the biting part of “biting rom-com” with a tone, secondary characters, and comments that weren't the most fun to read about. Told in first person pov chapters between Sora and Jack, I'm not sure there was clear definition between their character voices. Sora had more bitterness to her but the sense of humor between the characters that brought them together also made them sound the same. Sora is divorced after finding out her husband was cheating on her, the husband that she pregnancy scare married, she ended up miscarrying, and has bounced from man to man, the last being a man who she found out ended up being married. With her younger sister Nami getting married in a month, her mother breathing down her neck to lose weight, have a date for the wedding, and Valentine's Day coming up, Sora decides to let all the dating balls in the air drop and go solo all of February. The article she publishes for a magazine gets super popular and while her personal life feels in shambles, her professional life seems to be picking up.
I’ve wanted to kiss this man since I first saw him frosting baked goods at Margo’s.
With a declaration to be single all of February, Sora, of course, meets Jack. They did have an entertaining meet-cute, Sora's ex-husband and his new girlfriend make an appearance and Jack kind of saves Sora, and I liked the two's banter at first. We learn more about Jack and how he's dealing with a stalker of an ex-fiancee who has the money to really devote herself and is trying to buy the building Jack wants his bakery in so they can be “partners” and she can get back in his life, after cheating on Jack with her brother-in-law. Jack's ex-fiancee Mal, and Sora's ex-husband's girlfriend get that Other Woman treatment and it never felt great how Sora's character thinking pitted herself against thinner, more health conscious women. From Sora's point-of-view the women give her “looks”, and maybe they do in the story, but this “I love bacon, therefore they hate me and I'm less shallow than them.” felt very tired. There was a didn't need to be this long scene where Sora's sister and mom take her to an aerial aerobics class and the whole thing felt cringy '80s movie. There was also this line thought by Sora: I can tell he’s got big, thick, muscular arms, and the tiniest hint of a beer belly. Not gross big, just a slight, comforting pudge. “Not gross big,”??? I was confused and turned off by how this story was going about it's messaging.
“Sounds like you kind of have a crush on me, Jack Mann.”
You can probably see where this was going, Sora gaining professional success with her go solo articles but meeting Jack and really liking his company and wanting to go out on the dates Jack is asking her to go. You might also think, “Well, they only have to wait a month.”. At halfway through, these two admit the elementary school crushes they had on each other and jump in the sack, a jump in the sack scene that had some good sexual lead up but just as the condom went on, we're abruptly slam-to-black and Sora's waking up the next morning. By 60% they admit their love for one another but Jack gets up in his feels about feeling like Sora's dirty little secret as she keeps promoting that men suck. There's some dealing with their issues, Sora growing up being told by her mom to not stick her neck out and dealing with how her father's temper (he died of a heart-attack/stroke a year ago) still affects her today and Jack deals with his trust issues and current stalking issues from his ex-fiancee. Their family and friends get brought in with Sora's friend Stella the psychologist giving her advice and her troubled relationship with mom and sister and Jack's younger brother having marriage problems with his wife after their young daughter is in remission from cancer. I'm not sure I'd market this as a rom-com with these very decidedly not laugh riot issues thrown in all over the place.
“So, I’m not going to be afraid of broken hearts. That just comes with living. Just a risk we all take to find happiness.”
The ending gives us Sora putting a dent in her career by trying to be gutsy and go for Jack, but it blows up with a Big Misunderstanding (the way Sora completely ruined a huge moment for Jack left a bad taste in my mouth). Then the last 20% was a flurry of everyone's relationships and issues getting happy resolves, some feeling less forced than others. This story took place over a month's time and I can't say I believed in Sora and Jack's love. The biting tone had some off-putting moments and the rom-com aspects were drowned out with some pretty serious issues. I would also feel remiss not mentioning that the dog on the cover did not in anyway match Sora's rescue pit mix, Larry who was described as black and white with a colored black patch over the eye that was missing. Justice for Larry (and maybe rom-coms?).
December 19, 2022
I'll keep this short, because I don't like to nag on unreleased books that I don't like, but I just never found myself caring too much about this novel. The premise sounded quite Hallmark movie-esque, which isn't a bad thing, that kind of cheesiness can be fun at times, but once I started this book I realized that I didn't love the characters too much either. So with a plot that felt uninspired, and character's who I didn't care much for, the never found myself able to care for the romance of this story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
September 21, 2022
I mean, of course, I'm legally obligated to give myself five stars. :)
March 14, 2023
The Second You're Single by Cara Tanamachi was a really cute read and I thought it was very enjoyable! This is another book where I was really surprised by the low average on Goodreads, and while Sora professes her love for bacon pretty heavily throughout the story, there is nothing wrong with that in my eyes. The #gosolo thing she did was an interesting concept and through it, she was able to figure out what she truly wanted for herself. Surprise, what she really wanted was a relationship that fulfilled her, and the answer to that came in the form of Jack. I loved that the book alternated between their 2 viewpoints, and the best part was probably Sora's dog. The humor between her pup and the neighbor got me laughing, and I thought the romance ended up being really sweet as well.
I'm not sure if this will be something that will stick with me for a particularly long time, but that doesn't really mean anything considering how many books I actually remember (hint, not many). It flowed really well, and I loved the audiobook which is narrated by Michael Braun & Cindy Kay. They were awesome to listen to and I was very happy with them as narrators, so I would highly recommend it. I didn't have the same issues that others did with the constant mentions of bacon, or Sora's concern over others' eating habits, and I was just able to immerse myself and really enjoy the funny parts as well as the romance and general storyline. The Second You're Single worked out really well for me, and if you are a fan of romances and think it sounds good, I would recommend giving it a shot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I'm not sure if this will be something that will stick with me for a particularly long time, but that doesn't really mean anything considering how many books I actually remember (hint, not many). It flowed really well, and I loved the audiobook which is narrated by Michael Braun & Cindy Kay. They were awesome to listen to and I was very happy with them as narrators, so I would highly recommend it. I didn't have the same issues that others did with the constant mentions of bacon, or Sora's concern over others' eating habits, and I was just able to immerse myself and really enjoy the funny parts as well as the romance and general storyline. The Second You're Single worked out really well for me, and if you are a fan of romances and think it sounds good, I would recommend giving it a shot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 21, 2024
I’m afraid this is not the book for me. While I like the premise and thought the dialogue and banter was funny at times, I really struggled with the FMC Sora. As much as I like her witty, sarcastic, and sometimes acerbic tone, Sora is judgmental and hypercritical. And she has an unhealthy obsession with food, especially bacon, and how people look. By chapter four, Sora mentions food over 15 times, and she even has a commentary on dog food. It was… a lot.
The fat phobia, fat shaming, insults directed toward people who are health conscious, and her overall attitude and preoccupation with food and body sizes did not appeal to me at all. I think that the story was trying to show the struggles people of all shapes and sizes go through, but the delivery was off.
People who like childhood friends turned lovers contemporary romances with witty, and sometimes inappropriate, banter might enjoy this one. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
The fat phobia, fat shaming, insults directed toward people who are health conscious, and her overall attitude and preoccupation with food and body sizes did not appeal to me at all. I think that the story was trying to show the struggles people of all shapes and sizes go through, but the delivery was off.
People who like childhood friends turned lovers contemporary romances with witty, and sometimes inappropriate, banter might enjoy this one. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
December 20, 2022
2.5 stars
This was frustrating and forgettable. But a quick read, which I can always appreciate. I'm always here for a second chance romance, but an elementary school crush pining for years and the feelings are still going strong after all these years is a little ridiculous and unbelievable in a not fun and cute way. But I really didn't enjoy all the focus on weight - from Sora's mom's pointed comments, and Jack's constant reminiscing about his days a chubby child, and Sora's judgments of the health conscious, it was a little too much for me. Sora was immature and kinda judgmental and it was hard for me to care about the relationships - platonic and romantic - that she was involved in because I didn't really care about her or her journey.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This was frustrating and forgettable. But a quick read, which I can always appreciate. I'm always here for a second chance romance, but an elementary school crush pining for years and the feelings are still going strong after all these years is a little ridiculous and unbelievable in a not fun and cute way. But I really didn't enjoy all the focus on weight - from Sora's mom's pointed comments, and Jack's constant reminiscing about his days a chubby child, and Sora's judgments of the health conscious, it was a little too much for me. Sora was immature and kinda judgmental and it was hard for me to care about the relationships - platonic and romantic - that she was involved in because I didn't really care about her or her journey.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2023
It's a typical rom-com.
The storyline is predictable. Girl meets boy. Girl falls for boy. Of course, like all rom-com and romance novels, the lack of communication and honesty was a problem. I also agree with the other reviews. The humor was forced and over the top at times. But the story does get better in the second half. As long as you don't take the story too seriously, you'll enjoy it.
***I would like to thank NetGalley, Cara Tanamachi (the author), and RB Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
The storyline is predictable. Girl meets boy. Girl falls for boy. Of course, like all rom-com and romance novels, the lack of communication and honesty was a problem. I also agree with the other reviews. The humor was forced and over the top at times. But the story does get better in the second half. As long as you don't take the story too seriously, you'll enjoy it.
***I would like to thank NetGalley, Cara Tanamachi (the author), and RB Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**
February 8, 2023
Sora is done having her heart trampled on by guys. What better way to exorcise the relationship fails than take herself off the market and simply be single the entire month of February? But she meets up with a childhood friend, Jack, and sparks that shouldn't be flying are. Balancing her piqued interest with her singledom crusade suddenly becomes a difficult assignment, both personally and with her writing career.
I think there are a lot of pluses about this book - a mid-sized heroine with an obsessive love for bacon, a childhood friend returning as a love interest, finding joy in one's self versus in a relationship. I liked both main characters too but somehow it fell flat. Maybe it was that Sora's character growth was slow or that the lack of communication stunted her relationship with Jack or that it came off as fat-phobic rather than body positive most of the time. I can't quite put my finger on it. So while I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it either. I recommend for fans of childhood should-have-been sweethearts and slow burns.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
I think there are a lot of pluses about this book - a mid-sized heroine with an obsessive love for bacon, a childhood friend returning as a love interest, finding joy in one's self versus in a relationship. I liked both main characters too but somehow it fell flat. Maybe it was that Sora's character growth was slow or that the lack of communication stunted her relationship with Jack or that it came off as fat-phobic rather than body positive most of the time. I can't quite put my finger on it. So while I didn't love this book, I didn't hate it either. I recommend for fans of childhood should-have-been sweethearts and slow burns.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
May 26, 2024
The Second You're Single is fun read. I enjoy the whoe package. The plot, the characters, the sarcasm, the writing style, the banter. Everything.
Miss Tanamachi done a great job giving her story to life. I can not help smiling over while reading the book.
4 stars
Miss Tanamachi done a great job giving her story to life. I can not help smiling over while reading the book.
4 stars
September 16, 2022
A cute laugh out loud romance perfect for lovers of the unhoneymooners.
Our Mc is a curvy bacon loving woman who has had bad luck in the dating department, she decides to write an article for solo February to boycott valentines day but the hits keep coming. She runs into a childhood friend at the grocery store who has had a serious glam up- think brawny paper towels guy. But also her ex husband and surprise surprise brawny hottie ex shows up too. They manage to reconnect and flirting and escapades continue. Also an adorable dog is involved!
This was a cute and fun story on growth, love, friendship and being happy with who you are-bacon lovers unite!
Our Mc is a curvy bacon loving woman who has had bad luck in the dating department, she decides to write an article for solo February to boycott valentines day but the hits keep coming. She runs into a childhood friend at the grocery store who has had a serious glam up- think brawny paper towels guy. But also her ex husband and surprise surprise brawny hottie ex shows up too. They manage to reconnect and flirting and escapades continue. Also an adorable dog is involved!
This was a cute and fun story on growth, love, friendship and being happy with who you are-bacon lovers unite!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
I really tried to love this book. I stopped and started reading multiple times, but unfortunately I could not get into it. I liked the premise and had high hopes for this one, but the characters just let me down. I struggled to relate to them and develop any kind of connection.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for kindly providing me with an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2023
I soooo enjoyed this debut romcom from a new auto-buy author for me!! This dual POV, fade to black, childhood friends to lovers romance gave me all the feels and had me laughing from beginning to end. I really loved both the main characters Jack and Sora and was rooting for them to get their HEA! I mean a guy who's secretly had a crush on you from kindergarten AND he's a baker?!? Yes please!
Sora was also really likeable and I related with her struggles as a freelance writer for an online women's magazine, trying to get that full-time job with benefits even though it wasn't bringing her joy. Add in the fun twist where she ends up having to commit to being single for #SoloFebruary even though Jack comes along and tempts her at every turn.
I didn't love the miscommunication, third act break up - I really hate when things could be resolved so much quicker if the two MCs just talked to one another. But other than that I was here for this story from start to finish, adorable rescue pitbull included! Recommended for fans of the movie How to lose a guy in 10 days. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This was good on audio too narrated by Cindy Kay and Michael Braun.
CW: miscarriage, toxic past relationship
Sora was also really likeable and I related with her struggles as a freelance writer for an online women's magazine, trying to get that full-time job with benefits even though it wasn't bringing her joy. Add in the fun twist where she ends up having to commit to being single for #SoloFebruary even though Jack comes along and tempts her at every turn.
I didn't love the miscommunication, third act break up - I really hate when things could be resolved so much quicker if the two MCs just talked to one another. But other than that I was here for this story from start to finish, adorable rescue pitbull included! Recommended for fans of the movie How to lose a guy in 10 days. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! This was good on audio too narrated by Cindy Kay and Michael Braun.
CW: miscarriage, toxic past relationship
August 28, 2022
This is a light, quick read with the childhood friends to lovers and boy falls first tropes.
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book. Sora, a freelance writer, is swearing off men for the month of February after a series of bad relationships. Sora is committed to staying single until she runs into Jack, a talented and gorgeous chef, who just so happens to be Sora’s former classmate. Sora and Jack hit it off right away and Sora’s patience is tested as she tries to keep it platonic until March.
I loved Sora and Jack’s meet cute and the easy chemistry that followed but I do wish that their relationship was more developed. Jack had a crush on Sora in grade school but there was little development to show why he liked her in the present. Another thing that didn’t work for me was how judgmental the heroine was. She was constantly criticizing other people’s bodies. Sora very much wants to be seen as ‘not like the other girls’ and in 2022, I’m so over that trope.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book. Sora, a freelance writer, is swearing off men for the month of February after a series of bad relationships. Sora is committed to staying single until she runs into Jack, a talented and gorgeous chef, who just so happens to be Sora’s former classmate. Sora and Jack hit it off right away and Sora’s patience is tested as she tries to keep it platonic until March.
I loved Sora and Jack’s meet cute and the easy chemistry that followed but I do wish that their relationship was more developed. Jack had a crush on Sora in grade school but there was little development to show why he liked her in the present. Another thing that didn’t work for me was how judgmental the heroine was. She was constantly criticizing other people’s bodies. Sora very much wants to be seen as ‘not like the other girls’ and in 2022, I’m so over that trope.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
May 5, 2023
If you love a sassy and sarcastic narrator, and you're anti-Valentines, but secretly a softy, you will enjoy The Second You're Single.
I related to a lot of the Sora's sentiments. I found myself chuckling here and there as I read. I especially appreciated reading a romance novel with diverse characters, specifically a half Japanese character.
I love childhood friends to lovers, however in the case of this book, we do not get to see much of why Jack is enamored with Sora in the present. With that being said, I felt like the chemistry between the two was lacking.
Overall, it was a decent read.
I listened to the audiobook while I read along. The audiobook is standard. I thought the female narration suited the character well. Did I swoon and die over the male narrator's voice? No, but it was fine.
Content warning: This novel explores topics of weight, pediatric cancer, and death of a parent.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced ready copy in exchange for my honest review. Expected Release Date: January 31, 2023
I related to a lot of the Sora's sentiments. I found myself chuckling here and there as I read. I especially appreciated reading a romance novel with diverse characters, specifically a half Japanese character.
I love childhood friends to lovers, however in the case of this book, we do not get to see much of why Jack is enamored with Sora in the present. With that being said, I felt like the chemistry between the two was lacking.
Overall, it was a decent read.
I listened to the audiobook while I read along. The audiobook is standard. I thought the female narration suited the character well. Did I swoon and die over the male narrator's voice? No, but it was fine.
Content warning: This novel explores topics of weight, pediatric cancer, and death of a parent.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced ready copy in exchange for my honest review. Expected Release Date: January 31, 2023
August 21, 2022
I’m keeping this review short because I don’t want to speak negatively about it needlessly; this book might be other’s cup of tea but it was not mine.The whole premise, while sounding good in theory,but the execution was very lacking.
Sadly, this one just wasn't for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sadly, this one just wasn't for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2023
The Second You're Single is such a fun, fast-paced romcom with great character development on both sides. I enjoyed the romance even though there were times I wanted to scream at the characters to communicate more. The side stories involving Sora and her mom/sister were especially touching and the epilogue had me swooning.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2023
So, I'm a little torn about my feelings on this one. I like wide representation of this book, and the inclusion of people of various sizes, races, and sexual preferences. However, I didn't click very much with the lead. Sora is a relatable character, but some of her discussions on weight and body issues did not vibe well with me. Also, bacon in itself is not funny, and the overuse of bacon as a punchline began to annoy me.
There were some very strong messages within the book that I loved. While Sora is writing her #solofebruary articles, some of the advice that she gave was very deep and thought provoking about taking care of your self and being your own adult. I really enjoyed the #solofebruary concept and was kind of disappointed she didn't take it more seriously. I felt like if she was adamant, then the tension between her and Jack would have been much stronger. There wasn't a ton of chemistry between the two leads to me, and I feel like more tension and a longer time of waiting and developing a friendship would have strengthened that chemistry for me.
I think its a cute book, very easy to read, and an overall good message. I think would be a good read for someone trying to find themselves and understand their own needs.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
There were some very strong messages within the book that I loved. While Sora is writing her #solofebruary articles, some of the advice that she gave was very deep and thought provoking about taking care of your self and being your own adult. I really enjoyed the #solofebruary concept and was kind of disappointed she didn't take it more seriously. I felt like if she was adamant, then the tension between her and Jack would have been much stronger. There wasn't a ton of chemistry between the two leads to me, and I feel like more tension and a longer time of waiting and developing a friendship would have strengthened that chemistry for me.
I think its a cute book, very easy to read, and an overall good message. I think would be a good read for someone trying to find themselves and understand their own needs.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for granting me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 30, 2022
DNF 70% in. I really tried to get into this book. At some point I was even curious how it would end. I not opposed to insta love but this was ridiculous. Also I was really not enjoying that the main character talked about her weight non stop. I thought as I continued to read she would stop but it only got worse. Lastly I don’t think I can ever see, eat or hear the word bacon ever again.
Oh and lastly the scene with her sister when she was trying on dresses was HORRIFIC
Thank you to net galley, the author and the publisher for the arc
Oh and lastly the scene with her sister when she was trying on dresses was HORRIFIC
Thank you to net galley, the author and the publisher for the arc
January 19, 2023
This started out well and then fizzled for me. I loved the concept and the beginning was funny but as soon as she met Jack, it got very predictable and almost like a slapstick comedy; I was half expecting a laugh track. It dragged for me and I eventually gave up on it. This was a DNF for me but I can see why others would like it.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #RBMedia for an honest review.
Want to read
September 6, 2022Yay I can't wait to get my Giveaway copy!
April 3, 2023
THE SECOND YOU'RE SINGLE by Cara Tanamachi is a delightful romantic comedy about a freelance writer named Sora Reid who is not lucky in love. Sora decided to write a daily piece for the magazine she works for about the benefits of being single in February and entitled it Solo February. Things get complicated when she runs into Jack Mann, a childhood friend, at the local grocery store. Jack is a muscle-bound baker, and Sora finds herself attracted to him despite her beliefs about relationships always ending. This was a fun read with all the usual drama… maybe a bit too much for my taste. It had a similar plot as Exes & O’s by Amy Lea. Overall, it was humorous and heartwarming.
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January 31, 2023
Overall I thought this was a fairly cute Valentine's read. I liked the Go Solo challenge and taking time to be happy with yourself before jumping into another relationship. There's also some nice BIPOC representation, which I don't see enough in my romance reads.
Sora is the quirky character who says and does cringey things and talks way too much about bacon. I get that she loves it, but it became more of a personality trait and was too much. Jack is the shy kid who grew up to be a hot baker, but still needs to work on establishing boundaries and sticking up for himself. The romance wasn't super developed, it relied a lot on them knowing each other from kindergarten (which I thought was odd, considering they're so different from thirty years ago).
The "crazy ex-girlfriend" wasn't my favorite. She was undeveloped and just there to be a villain and cause drama. The drama was too easily resolved and I wish this had been fleshed out more.
The story flows well and it's a quick read. Easy to jump into and get through if you're looking for a holiday read this Valentine's.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the copy
Sora is the quirky character who says and does cringey things and talks way too much about bacon. I get that she loves it, but it became more of a personality trait and was too much. Jack is the shy kid who grew up to be a hot baker, but still needs to work on establishing boundaries and sticking up for himself. The romance wasn't super developed, it relied a lot on them knowing each other from kindergarten (which I thought was odd, considering they're so different from thirty years ago).
The "crazy ex-girlfriend" wasn't my favorite. She was undeveloped and just there to be a villain and cause drama. The drama was too easily resolved and I wish this had been fleshed out more.
The story flows well and it's a quick read. Easy to jump into and get through if you're looking for a holiday read this Valentine's.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the copy
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January 30, 2023There was a line near the beginning when Sora thought that Jack was the sort of person she instantly felt comfortable with, as if they'd been pals their whole lives, when I thought, oh, good, a friends to lovers romance.
Unfortunately, there turned out to be a contrived thing where they knew each other in grade school, with him crushing on her, and he was the fat kid, and... yeah. I think this book was intended to be size-friendly, but there was so very much self-conscious awareness of fat, and how hard Jack worked to get a hot body (with no fat), and it didn't help that Jack's ex was a one-dimensional witch, also skinny, while there's Sora obsessed with bacon.... the bubbly, quick pacing and the wit kind of bogged down in problems.
That worsened with the inevitable and dreaded Breakup of Doom that seems to be the de rigueur climax in romances these days. I really liked the writing when I wasn't having subversive fat-phobia thrown at me. I'd like to see more by this author, but maybe lighter on the Problem Novel aspect.
Unfortunately, there turned out to be a contrived thing where they knew each other in grade school, with him crushing on her, and he was the fat kid, and... yeah. I think this book was intended to be size-friendly, but there was so very much self-conscious awareness of fat, and how hard Jack worked to get a hot body (with no fat), and it didn't help that Jack's ex was a one-dimensional witch, also skinny, while there's Sora obsessed with bacon.... the bubbly, quick pacing and the wit kind of bogged down in problems.
That worsened with the inevitable and dreaded Breakup of Doom that seems to be the de rigueur climax in romances these days. I really liked the writing when I wasn't having subversive fat-phobia thrown at me. I'd like to see more by this author, but maybe lighter on the Problem Novel aspect.
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