The 30 Best Romance Books About Second Chances

Second-chance romance is a trope that’s growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. These romances are realistic and emotional while remaining hopeful and almost always having a happy ending. The following thirty best romance books about second chances have everything you could wish for: sparkling wit, talented writing, and a romantic pairing that you’ll love rooting for. Give this popular trope a try and add these can’t-miss romance books to your library today! 

The Best Romance Books about Second Chances: 

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren 

If you aren’t already reading Christina Lauren’s sweet and sexy writing, then consider this your sign to start: and no better place to begin than with the heartwarming standalone novel, Love and Other Words.  

Macy Sorensen has settled for an ambitious and emotionally dull life without love — until she runs into Elliot Petropoulos by chance, the first and only love of her life. Years ago their relationship shattered and they haven’t spoken since. Can they overcome the secrets that kept them apart for a second chance at romance? 

You can buy Love and Other Words here, and prepare for a read that’s as moving as it is romantic. 

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry 

Emily Henry, the certified rom-com queen, dazzles and delights readers again with People We Meet on Vacation.

Meet Poppy and Alex: they’re polar opposites, best friends, and travel companions — or, they were, until a disastrous summer trip two years ago ended with them not talking. But Poppy misses her best friend, and she has one more trip planned to win back Alex’s friendship — and maybe a little bit more. 

You can purchase People We Meet on Vacation here, and be ready for a laugh-out-loud reading experience. 

Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey 

Tessa Bailey writes heartfelt romances with an extra serving of steam, and Love Her or Lose Her is no exception. 

When Rosie asked her husband Dominic to attend a “marriage boot camp” with her, she never thought he’d agree. To her surprise, he says yes, and as they complete bizarre assignments together they find themselves growing surprisingly closer. 

But Dominic has been keeping a secret, and it threatens to tear apart everything the couple has been working so hard to improve. 

You can buy Love Her or Lose Her here, and check out the rest of the Hot and Hammered collection for more sizzling romance reads. 

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle 

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle is a witty, trope-driven romance that you can’t-miss (and wouldn’t want to)! 

Naomi Westfield and Nicholas Rose are engaged to be married in just three months — but they both want out of the engagement. However, whoever officially ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. 

The two of them go head-to-head against each other, but with the countdown growing closer each day, Naomi is realizing something truly scary: she doesn’t want out of the wedding anymore. But is it too late? 

You can purchase You Deserve Each Other here, and prepare to be rooting for  Naomi and Nicholas’s quirky relationship in no time. 

Final Offer by Lauren Asher 

Lauren Asher’s Final Offer is the third book in her wildly popular Dreamland Billionaires collection and is the fan-favorite of the three. 

Callahan Kane broke Lana Castillo’s heart six years ago and he has loved her ever since. When his grandfather’s inheritance sends him back to his hometown, he’s forced to face Lana and everything he lost — and Lana isn’t planning to make it easy for him. 

You can buy Final Offer here, and check out The Fine Print and Terms and Conditions for more sexy billionaire romance reads.   

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune 

Carley Fortune’s debut novel Every Summer After is a sweeping, can’t-miss story of second-chance romance and love after loss. 

Meet Percy Fraser: she’s spent a decade avoiding the idyllic lakeshore of her childhood, unable to make up for the mistake she made there years ago. When a troubling phone call sends her back to Barry’s Bay, she must confront Sam Florek: he’s her childhood best friend, and he’s the one person she’s spent years running away from. 

You can purchase Every Summer After here, and see for yourself what the hype surrounding this book is all about! 

The Good Luck Charm by Helena Hunting

If you’re looking for a rom-com that’s sporty, sexy, and full of heart, look no further than Helena Hunting’s The Good Luck Charm. 

Lilah’s heart was shattered when Ethan left her to pursue his hockey career, and she has no clue what to expect when he comes back eight years later. Ethan misses Lilah and he wants her back — all he has to do is convince her that he means it. 

You can buy The Good Luck Charm here, and prepare to fall for this brilliant second-chance romance in no time. 

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover 

Beloved romance novelist Colleen Hoover delivers again with All Your Perfects, an emotional and engaging read that you won’t be able to put down. 

At the center of Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is a truly imperfect marriage, and years of mistakes and secrets are slowly tearing them apart. But the one thing that could save their marriage might also be the thing that pushes them beyond the point of repair. 

You can purchase All Your Perfects here, and brace yourself for a tear-jerking, one-of-a-kind love story. 

Just My Type by Falon Ballard 

Falon Ballard’s Just My Type is a charming second-chance romance that’s brimming with lovable characters and delightful twists and turns. 

Lana Parker has bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationship ever since her painful high school breakup. She’s newly single when Seth Carson, the high school ex, takes a position writing for Lana’s site. 

The two of them are pitted against one another to produce new content for a relationship column — and this is quickly becoming a matter of the heart. 

You can buy Just My Type here, and curl up with this book for the perfect cozy night in! 

First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel 

Not just a second-chance romance but also an enemies-to-lovers story — Sajni Patel’s First Love, Take Two is a rom-com you won’t want to miss. 

Meet Preeti Patel: she’s on the verge of becoming a doctor and she just got herself a new place. All her excitement about her move goes out the door when she comes face-to-face with her new roommate and discovers that he’s none other than Daniel Thompson: the ex-boyfriend she never really got over. 

You can purchase First Love, Take Two here, and you’re sure to find yourself captivated by this quirky romance in no time. 

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary 

Internationally bestselling author Beth O’Leary charms readers again with The Road Trip, a witty and warm tale of deep love and friendship. 

Dylan and Addie broke up two years ago and they haven’t spoken since — until the drive to their mutual friend Cherry’s wedding brings them together. Dylan’s car breaks down and he’s forced to hitch a ride with Addie (plus assorted friends and acquaintances). 

With no space to keep them apart and hours of driving ahead of them, Addie and Dylan confront the truth about what happened in their relationship. But could it be too late for them to get their second chance?  

You can buy The Road Trip here, and prepare to laugh a lot, smile even more, and never want this delightful book to be finished. 

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling 

Magic and romance make the perfect mix in The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling, a laugh-out-loud read with a lot of heart. 

What’s a young witch to do when she gets her heart broken but to cast a harmless curse on her ex-boyfriend? Vivienne didn’t mean to cause Rhys anything but a couple of bad hair days, but when havoc is wreaked on the town years later, she and Rhys team up to get to the bottom of her misdirected spell. 

Nothing could possibly go wrong — right? 

You can purchase The Ex Hex here, and make sure to check out the follow-up novel The Kiss Curse for more romantic mayhem. 

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren 

Escapism, romance, and epic adventure fill the pages of Christina Lauren’s Something Wilder, a shockingly funny genre-bending romance. 

Lily Wilder leads treasure hunt tours through the canyons of Utah for a living — her father was a notorious treasure hunter, and she was lucky enough to find all the maps he left behind. Just another day on the job turns into a whole lot more when the man she used to love, Leo Grady, walks into one of her tours — and he’s determined to win her back. 

You can buy Something Wilder here, and make sure you set aside time in the day for reading. You won’t be able to put this one down! 

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley 

Kate Bromley’s Talk Bookish to Me is a picture-perfect romance for reading enthusiasts like yourself, with books, writing, and happy endings at its core. 

Kara Sullivan is a bestselling romance novelist with a big deadline coming up and she hasn’t written anything. As if this wasn’t bad enough, she runs into her first love Ryan Thompson — he’s part of her best friend’s wedding party. 

It turns out that seeing Ryan was just what Kara needed to kick off her highly awaited novel. But could he be just what she needed in her personal life, too? 

You can purchase Talk Bookish to Me here, and prepare to be rooting for Ryan and Kara’s second chance at romance. 

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

If you’re looking for a queer rom-com that’s equal parts sweet and spicy, then Alexandria Bellefleur’s Count Your Lucky Stars is the book for you! 

Margot Cooper doesn’t do relationships, but when she runs into her first love, Olivia Grant, after ten years apart, she begins to wonder what she’s been missing. When luck puts Olivia out of a place to stay while she’s visiting, Margot offers up her place. 

Can the two of them seize this second chance, or will a relationship between them end in disaster like last time? 

You can buy Count Your Lucky Stars here, and check out the rest of the Written in the Stars collection for more delicious romance. 

Maybe This Christmas by Susannah Nix 

Susannah Nix’s Maybe This Christmas is a short and sweet holiday romance that will have you swooning and smiling like no other. 

Alexandra and Lucas shared their first kiss one fateful Christmas night, but life took the pair in different directions and they had to say their goodbyes. Every Christmas for ten years they’ve met up and celebrated the anniversary of their first kiss — but maybe this Christmas they’ll find a way back to each other for good. 

You can purchase Maybe This Christmas here, and prepare for a cute, emotional love story that’s sure to keep you hooked. 

Been There Done That by Hope Ellis 

Been There Done That by Hope Ellis is a well-written second-chance romance with twists and turns that will leave you gasping for breath. 

Zora Leffersbee is already having a rough go at life — the last thing she needed was for Nick Rossi, her ex, to show back up and make everything more confusing. Nick’s life is full of secrets, including why he came back to Green Valley, and Zora can never find out — no matter how much it hurts both of them. 

You can buy Been There Done That here, and buckle up for a wild, steamy reading experience. 

Built to Last by Erin Hahn 

Erin Hahn’s Built to Last is a sparkling second-chance romance that’s as touching and emotional as it is sexy. 

Shelby Springfield and Cameron Riggs were former child stars together, and she considers him to be the one that got away. When their mutual acquaintance, Lyle, asks the two of them to get together for a home renovation show they agree — but what they don’t know is that Lyle’s using the show to try and tear the two apart. 

You can purchase Built to Last here, and prepare for a hilarious, heartfelt read that you won’t want to miss. 

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman 

Elissa Sussman’s adult fiction debut Funny You Should Ask wins her a place on any and every must-read rom-com list. 

Told in the past and the present, Funny You Should Ask follows the romance between Chani Horowitz and Gabe Parker. Chani wrote a piece on film star Gabe years ago, and her connection with him was much deeper than she had ever expected. When she’s asked to revisit him for a second interview she says yes, no matter how scared she might be that he doesn’t feel as strongly as she does. 

You can buy Funny You Should Ask here, and you’re sure to be caught up in Gabe and Chani’s sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud banter in no time. 

The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale 

Lillie Vale’s The Shaadi Set-Up is an emotional contemporary love story with an endearing cast of characters you’ll grow to love. 

Rita Chitniss signs her and her boyfriend up for a matchmaking site, intent on showing him that they make the perfect match. Imagine her surprise when the site matches her with her ex, Milan, instead — and Milan just hired her to help him flip a house. 

You can purchase The Shaadi Set-Up here, and you’re bound to fall for this funny rom-com read with surprising emotional depth. 

Luck & Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz 

If you’re in the market for a romance that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between, then you need to get your hands on a copy of Sarah Grunder Ruiz’s Luck & Last Resorts. 

Nina is the chief stewardess on the Serendipity, a superyacht, and she’s been issued an ultimatum by the chef. Chef Ollie Dunne is none other than Nina’s ex, and he’s determined to get her to admit that she’s still in love with him by the end of the charting season. 

All they have to do is spend months together at sea — what could go wrong? 

You can buy Luck & Last Resorts here, and prepare for a romantic seafaring adventure that will have you hooked. 

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover 

Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us is breathtakingly romantic, heartbreakingly sexy, and full of unforgettable twists and turns. 

Lily hasn’t had the easiest life, but things are starting to feel a bit more hopeful when she meets Ryle, a handsome neurosurgeon who just might let her into his heart. Then Atlas Corrigan shows up, her first love and her only link to her past, and everything with Ryle threatens to unravel right after it began. 

You can purchase It Ends With Us here, and make sure to check out the sequel, It Starts With Us, to see what happens next. 

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Emotions run high in Tia Williams’s Seven Days in June, a deeply moving tale of resilience, love, and loss. 

Eva Mercy is a single mom and an author, who runs into fellow novelist Shane Hall at a literary conference. Sparks fly between the two of them, but what nobody else knows is that Eva and Shane have known each for years… and there are some questions that Eva needs to have answered before the conference is done. 

You can buy Seven Days in June here, and don’t forget the box of tissues that you’re sure to be reaching for while you read. 

Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren 

It’s time to dub Christina Lauren the reigning second chance romance queen because this masterful writing duo has done it again with their whirlwind novel Twice in a Blue Moon. 

Tate Jones and Sam Brandis were each other’s first everything — first love, first kiss, and first heartbreak. Fourteen years have passed and Tate is now an up-and-coming actress — and the first person she sees when she steps on set is the last person she would have ever expected: Sam himself. 

You can purchase Twice in a Blue Moon here, and prepare to be gripped by this novel like no other. 

Swear on This Life by Renee Carlino 

Renee Carlino’s Swear on This Life is an intoxicating contemporary read with grippingly realistic characters and romance. 

Meet Emiline: she’s a writing instructor at UC San Diego and she picks up the popular novel that everyone is talking about, a debut by the mysterious J. Colby. Once she starts reading she can’t seem to stop, but for one significant reason: this book is about her. And that means that the person who wrote it, J. Colby, is really Jase — her best friend and first love that she hasn’t seen in decades. 

You can buy Swear on This Life here, and you’re likely to have found a new favorite book in this delightfully page-turning package. 

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds 

Justin A. Reynolds’s Opposite of Always was written for an older teenage audience, but this heart-wrenching story of love and loss will keep readers of all ages entertained. 

Jack and Kate are young, in love, and full of hope and happiness, until Kate passes away and their story is cut abruptly short. Or is it? Jack is taken back to the day he and Kate met, and he’s prepared to do anything it takes to save her life — no matter the consequences. 

You can purchase Opposite of Always here, and prepare for a read that will have you laughing and crying all in one breath. 

And Now You’re Back by Jill Mansell 

Jill Mansell’s And Now You’re Back is a warm and uplifting read that’s the perfect blend of romance and real life. 

Didi Laing and Shay Mason met during Didi’s vacation to Venice, beginning a whirlwind romance of youthful bliss and hope. One day Shay disappeared out of nowhere, and thirteen years later he’s back — but the secrets that took him away in the first place were never forgotten. So why has he returned now? 

You can buy And Now You’re Back here, and you’re sure to be captivated by this mysterious story of long-lost love. 

Kiss and Tell by Melanie Jacobson 

You’re in for a lot of laughter with Melanie Jacobson’s Kiss and Tell, a one-of-a-kind romance read that’s bound to have you hooked. 

Tabitha Winters is living a glamorous life in New York when her friends come up with an idea she can’t turn down: they want to return to Oak Crest, the old summer camp they all used to be counselors at. Once Tabitha’s at the camp she runs into her old flame, Sawyer Reed, who is there to hold her to their old marriage pact. This summer just got more interesting. 

You can purchase Kiss and Tell here, and prepare to be charmed by this quirky second-chance romance read. 

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Beloved novelist Taylor Jenkins Reid’s After I Do is one of her earlier works, yet it holds the same expertise and depth as her more recent writing. 

Lauren and Ryan’s marriage is failing, but they’re not giving up yet — instead they hatch an unconventional plan. They take a year apart from each other in hopes of finding a way back to love, and Lauren’s journey to define what love means is as emotional as it is inspiring. 

You can buy After I Do here, and you’re sure to fall for this nontraditional love story in no time. 

The Fixer Upper by Lauren Forsythe 

Lauren Forsythe writes witty contemporary romances with strong heroines at their center, and The Fixer Upper is Forsythe at her best. 

When Aly realizes how much time she spends “fixing up” her boyfriends’ problems, she decides to put her talents to good use. She sets up an underground service for women who want their man to do the work for himself — but things get complicated when Aly’s hired to “fix up” none other than her childhood best friend and first love. 

You can purchase The Fixer Upper here, and prepare for an intelligent rom-com that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. 

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