ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 2.5/5

Some people need to calm down, get off goodreads, and go outside to touch some grass. Seriously?

For the love of god, let people write the books they want, read the books they want, be excited for the books they want, and rate the books the way they want, jeez. The amount of people I've seen in other people's reviews of this book bashing both the person writing the review and haley, I can't even begin to tell you. Don't even bother trying to start bullshit with me about this book, cause I've had it with people on here consistently all up people's asses for the books they read. Just because you don't like it or don't want to read it, doesn't mean that anyone else cannot like it or read it. Or just because you liked it, does't mean that other people have to like it too. It's never that deep and the hate for this book is on a whole other level.

I didn't completely love this book, but regardless you don't see me in people's comments trying to shame them for their ratings. Some of you take reading so seriously that it's ruining the fun in it for the rest of us.

Anyways, rant aside, it's finally review timeeeee. It's not that long, sorry, but I don't know what else to write.

Honestly, if I'm being serious, I requested this book because I saw this book on a lot of my bestie's feed. I don't really watch videos from super popular booktokers or booktubers if at all. I had heard about haley but my opinion of this book is completely separate from her as an influencer because I've never watched her videos.

While it wasn't totally for me, I still have to say that it was a sweet romance. I'm just a little harsh when it comes to rating books if you've ever seen the way I rate books. Although, if this is one of your most anticipated reads for 2026, I think you'll still have a fairly good time. The first few chapters were a little rough to get past, but I think it does pick up a little bit after that.

This book was honestly cathartic and I feel like I read this at the perfect time. I don't really know how to explain it in words right now, but it just makes sense. I think I would have given it a lower rating had I read a different time, but something really worked here.

Who am I even kidding? I folded as soon as I knew it was second chance.

The promposal scene was so precious. Blair and Declan were so sweet. Individually and together.

I thought the romance was a little too linear for me, but given that this was a debut, I didn't mind much. I also really appreciated how there was no smut because some books just work without it.

"I always wanted to give him more than he wanted of me."

"I miss you, Little Bird. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, fly back to me."

I HIGHLY ADVISE YOU TO READ THIS BOOK FOR YOURSELF AND NOT JUST LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE ONLINE! THIS BOOK. I have never EVER in my life felt so seen by a main character. I am Blair and Blair is me. The plot did not reinvent the wheel, but I can't remember the last time I read a romance book that actually did, so I gave it a clear pass. Declan and Blair had TONS of chemistry, I don't know what people were talking about when they said they didn't and I found the entire story incredibly sweet. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!

If I could give this no stars, I would. The story makes no sense, it flip flops between what it wants to be (a girl made good who can make it on her own) and what it is (angsty erotica), the characters are utter insanity and the fact that they are encouraged to be siblings who also want to bang each other makes me icky. It’s not what the blurb sets it out to be.
Also, I struggle with the fact that consent in sex seems to be secondary to the act (and forcing the act) itself. All the girls pine for it and all the boys take. The lack of strong women in this angered me most.
I’m annoyed that I’ve spent actual hard earned money on this.