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Always second choice
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2026
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June 3, 2026Review of an ARC received by the author
Always Second Choice is a romance novel with a lot of heart (hahaha convenient pun).
Selena and Lucien are the perfect couple, happy, dedicated, deeply in love. But Lucien knows very little about her past, and even less about the man back home who subjected her to years of emotional and mental abuse. When they return to Selena's home town for her sister's wedding, her past come crashing back.
Lucien is hiding his own secrets, and without knowing Selena's difficult past with her once best friend, aims to try and reunite them.
Overall I really enjoyed this read, and loved the duel timelines and the way Lira explored Selena's past. Occasionally some scenes felt... Over the top and didn't match the tone of the rest of the book. I also didn't love the way that suicide played into the book. I feel like the same solutions could have been reached in other ways that did not require it, and it felt as though it was supposed to be romantic (but suicide is not romantic).
Still, all in all, it was a good book that didn't feel like it was falling into the same cookie cutter format that many books do.
Trigger warnings: abuse, miscarriage, cheating, depression, suicide, attempted suicide
Always Second Choice is a romance novel with a lot of heart (hahaha convenient pun).
Selena and Lucien are the perfect couple, happy, dedicated, deeply in love. But Lucien knows very little about her past, and even less about the man back home who subjected her to years of emotional and mental abuse. When they return to Selena's home town for her sister's wedding, her past come crashing back.
Lucien is hiding his own secrets, and without knowing Selena's difficult past with her once best friend, aims to try and reunite them.
Overall I really enjoyed this read, and loved the duel timelines and the way Lira explored Selena's past. Occasionally some scenes felt... Over the top and didn't match the tone of the rest of the book. I also didn't love the way that suicide played into the book. I feel like the same solutions could have been reached in other ways that did not require it, and it felt as though it was supposed to be romantic (but suicide is not romantic).
Still, all in all, it was a good book that didn't feel like it was falling into the same cookie cutter format that many books do.
Trigger warnings: abuse, miscarriage, cheating, depression, suicide, attempted suicide
June 6, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
Selena has spent most of her life feeling like she comes second, until she met Lucien.
This was an emotional read that had me feeling everything from frustration to heartbreak, and even tearing up by the end.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs and past/present timeline, though the pacing felt rushed at times, making it harder for me to fully connect with some of the story’s emotional moments.
Lucien was the standout for me—impossible not to love 🤍
Selena has spent most of her life feeling like she comes second, until she met Lucien.
This was an emotional read that had me feeling everything from frustration to heartbreak, and even tearing up by the end.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs and past/present timeline, though the pacing felt rushed at times, making it harder for me to fully connect with some of the story’s emotional moments.
Lucien was the standout for me—impossible not to love 🤍
May 18, 2026
ARC Review
This story follows Selena and her husband Lucien, a loving couple living in London.
Selena returns to the US for her sister’s wedding, and is straight away forced to face her past and ex boyfriend: Kai.
Lucien, knowing he is dying and his time is limited, tries to plan a reconnection between them both.
Bad points:
On the technical side, the writing didn’t always land for me, and parts of the plot felt like they could have used a bit more depth or research. It pulled me out of the story, which is a shame because the emotional premise is strong.
The writing itself felt a bit robotic, and the dialogue is nonsensical in parts. The characters are quite flat, and there isn’t much spectrum of emotion coming from them. It’s all or nothing.
Good points:
The premise of the book is good, the vibes, the emotion and the heartbreak.
Overall, it could be a very good book with developmental and line edits from a professional editor.
This story follows Selena and her husband Lucien, a loving couple living in London.
Selena returns to the US for her sister’s wedding, and is straight away forced to face her past and ex boyfriend: Kai.
Lucien, knowing he is dying and his time is limited, tries to plan a reconnection between them both.
Bad points:
On the technical side, the writing didn’t always land for me, and parts of the plot felt like they could have used a bit more depth or research. It pulled me out of the story, which is a shame because the emotional premise is strong.
The writing itself felt a bit robotic, and the dialogue is nonsensical in parts. The characters are quite flat, and there isn’t much spectrum of emotion coming from them. It’s all or nothing.
Good points:
The premise of the book is good, the vibes, the emotion and the heartbreak.
Overall, it could be a very good book with developmental and line edits from a professional editor.
Read
June 11, 20264.25 / 5
### Review
The story follows Selena who spent years trapped in a toxic cycle with her childhood best friend (Kai). She was consistently his secret fallback option, yet continued to devote herself to him. Kai would sneak into her room at night to cuddle and talk. All of this while dating other girls openly.
His manipulation ran deep as one night, Selena invited him to a party. She thought it was finally a real date as he also clung to her. He acted as if she was his everything until he took Selena’s best friend aside. Selena watched every moment of their betrayal. Even after that, he still climbed through her window to proclaim that she was his “north star.”
Her response broke my heart but made me extremely proud:
*"It’s not true… A north star leads you home. But you never come home to me."*
Even still, he claimed he wouldn’t survive losing her, pulling her into his suffocating grip.
Eventually, Kai proposed, and they moved in together. However, the cycle only worsened when Jade—Selena’s cousin—came to visit. Kai insisted Jade stay with them. During a severe storm, Kai left to find Jade. The destructive fire continued to burn as his proclamation of love lingered in the air. In a moment of pure cruelty—when Selena cried asking if he was safe—Kai claimed he was alone while actively hooking up with Jade. She heard every movement over the phone Kai always made her feel special until a shinier object caught his eye.
Eventually Kai and Jade married. On their wedding day, Selena spoke to Kai. Unsurprisingly, he left her broken and sobbing. As they exchange vows, Selena suffered a miscarriage, bleeding out in the very same building. Kai wanted nothing to do with her or their child anyway.
At her absolute lowest point, standing in a bathroom with a bottle of pills, a timely voicemail changed everything. It was an interview offer in London, including a personal message from the CEO: *"No matter how dark things seem, there’s always another chapter."* Selena packed her bags, left her toxic relationship behind, and never looked back. That CEO was Lucien, who welcomed her, gave her the space to heal, and supported her through her deepest struggles. They fell deeply in love and married.
Of course, a happily ever after would not come easily. Lucien’s heart began to fail. His fear of leaving her alone drove him to concoct a misguided plan to reunite Selena with Kai. Lucien falsely believed that he was her true love—without knowing he cheated or that Selena has a miscarriage.
After discovering the cheating incident, Lucien tracked Kai down and beat him up. Shortly after, he found out that Selena had a miscarriage which he was never told about. He thought it to be a special secret between Selena and her true love. Lucien left without an argument from Selena. He didn’t know that she vowed to never beg another man to stay in her life again. His return was EVERYTHING. *"I forgot something… You."* I was honestly screaming, crying, and throwing up at this point, desperately wanting a happy ending for them. Selena revealed that she was pregnant with Lucien’s baby. She reassured him that he could never be Kai as there is no competition between them.
Lucien’s health rapidly declined; Selena was desperate. She was praying as Kai cornered her. He begged for her to marry himself and let him raise Lucien’s child as his own. She fiercely refused.
In a final, dark twist of redemption, Kai discovered he was a perfect medical match for Lucien. Lost without his north star and realizing the damage he had caused, Kai intentionally overdosed on pills to sacrifice his life so Lucien could live, leaving a note for the transplant. As Selena beautifully noted, *"He finally chose me. Not with his life. With his death."*
Lucien and Selena ultimately survive and build a beautiful life together in London. They choose to comfort Kai's memory by naming their firstborn son after him, with Selena opting to remember the best friend he used to be rather than the monster he became. They are now expecting a baby girl, finally getting the peace they deserve.
---
### Final Thoughts
I stayed up until 5 AM to finish Selena’s story. Darkwaters’s writing had me completely hooked, and I absolutely loved the dual-timeline format that let us read the past and the present at the same time.
Upon starting the book, I honestly thought Kai and Selena would end up together. However, I LOVE that Lucien and Selena are endgame; I was terrified she would be left alone in the end.
I was honestly confused as to how the heart was still functional after an overdose. It took me out of the story as I thought about the logistics. My only major grievance is that Lucien and Selena chose to honor Kai’s memory by naming their firstborn after him. I HATED THIS. I understand the relationship was complex, but I do not think it was a good idea at all and honestly wanted to rename the child myself.
Overall, I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to everyone. Just be aware that the story comes with heavy trigger warnings for emotional abuse, cheating, self-harm, miscarriage, and death.
---
blog | instagram | x (twitter) | goodreads | storygraph
### Review
The story follows Selena who spent years trapped in a toxic cycle with her childhood best friend (Kai). She was consistently his secret fallback option, yet continued to devote herself to him. Kai would sneak into her room at night to cuddle and talk. All of this while dating other girls openly.
His manipulation ran deep as one night, Selena invited him to a party. She thought it was finally a real date as he also clung to her. He acted as if she was his everything until he took Selena’s best friend aside. Selena watched every moment of their betrayal. Even after that, he still climbed through her window to proclaim that she was his “north star.”
Her response broke my heart but made me extremely proud:
*"It’s not true… A north star leads you home. But you never come home to me."*
Even still, he claimed he wouldn’t survive losing her, pulling her into his suffocating grip.
Eventually, Kai proposed, and they moved in together. However, the cycle only worsened when Jade—Selena’s cousin—came to visit. Kai insisted Jade stay with them. During a severe storm, Kai left to find Jade. The destructive fire continued to burn as his proclamation of love lingered in the air. In a moment of pure cruelty—when Selena cried asking if he was safe—Kai claimed he was alone while actively hooking up with Jade. She heard every movement over the phone Kai always made her feel special until a shinier object caught his eye.
Eventually Kai and Jade married. On their wedding day, Selena spoke to Kai. Unsurprisingly, he left her broken and sobbing. As they exchange vows, Selena suffered a miscarriage, bleeding out in the very same building. Kai wanted nothing to do with her or their child anyway.
At her absolute lowest point, standing in a bathroom with a bottle of pills, a timely voicemail changed everything. It was an interview offer in London, including a personal message from the CEO: *"No matter how dark things seem, there’s always another chapter."* Selena packed her bags, left her toxic relationship behind, and never looked back. That CEO was Lucien, who welcomed her, gave her the space to heal, and supported her through her deepest struggles. They fell deeply in love and married.
Of course, a happily ever after would not come easily. Lucien’s heart began to fail. His fear of leaving her alone drove him to concoct a misguided plan to reunite Selena with Kai. Lucien falsely believed that he was her true love—without knowing he cheated or that Selena has a miscarriage.
After discovering the cheating incident, Lucien tracked Kai down and beat him up. Shortly after, he found out that Selena had a miscarriage which he was never told about. He thought it to be a special secret between Selena and her true love. Lucien left without an argument from Selena. He didn’t know that she vowed to never beg another man to stay in her life again. His return was EVERYTHING. *"I forgot something… You."* I was honestly screaming, crying, and throwing up at this point, desperately wanting a happy ending for them. Selena revealed that she was pregnant with Lucien’s baby. She reassured him that he could never be Kai as there is no competition between them.
Lucien’s health rapidly declined; Selena was desperate. She was praying as Kai cornered her. He begged for her to marry himself and let him raise Lucien’s child as his own. She fiercely refused.
In a final, dark twist of redemption, Kai discovered he was a perfect medical match for Lucien. Lost without his north star and realizing the damage he had caused, Kai intentionally overdosed on pills to sacrifice his life so Lucien could live, leaving a note for the transplant. As Selena beautifully noted, *"He finally chose me. Not with his life. With his death."*
Lucien and Selena ultimately survive and build a beautiful life together in London. They choose to comfort Kai's memory by naming their firstborn son after him, with Selena opting to remember the best friend he used to be rather than the monster he became. They are now expecting a baby girl, finally getting the peace they deserve.
---
### Final Thoughts
I stayed up until 5 AM to finish Selena’s story. Darkwaters’s writing had me completely hooked, and I absolutely loved the dual-timeline format that let us read the past and the present at the same time.
Upon starting the book, I honestly thought Kai and Selena would end up together. However, I LOVE that Lucien and Selena are endgame; I was terrified she would be left alone in the end.
I was honestly confused as to how the heart was still functional after an overdose. It took me out of the story as I thought about the logistics. My only major grievance is that Lucien and Selena chose to honor Kai’s memory by naming their firstborn after him. I HATED THIS. I understand the relationship was complex, but I do not think it was a good idea at all and honestly wanted to rename the child myself.
Overall, I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to everyone. Just be aware that the story comes with heavy trigger warnings for emotional abuse, cheating, self-harm, miscarriage, and death.
---
blog | instagram | x (twitter) | goodreads | storygraph
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The Illusions of Us by Alicia Marie and A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner have always been my benchmarks for heartbreak. For yearning. For toxic relationships. For characters you love, hate, and somehow still can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve turned the final page.
I genuinely believed nothing could come close.
I was wrong.
Very, very wrong.
The heartbreak in Always Second Choice felt different.
This wasn’t the kind of heartbreak that left me devastated.
This was the kind that left me angry.
Kai…
I cannot remember the last time a character frustrated me this much.
The manipulation. The selfishness. The constant taking from someone who loved him so deeply.
Everything Selena endured because of him had me sitting there wondering how one person could repeatedly choose themselves while expecting someone else to keep choosing them back.
And then he leaves.
No explanation.
No accountability.
No regard for the damage left behind.
Only to come back later with words that felt far too small for the pain he caused.
“But I still love you. I just didn’t know what love was until I lost you.”
“I was devastated without you.”
And all I could think was, now you say that? Now you say this when she literally chose you all the time.
Some characters are morally grey.
Some characters make mistakes and grow from them.
But Kai tested every ounce of patience and forgiveness I had as a reader.
And then there was Lucien.
This man.
This green-flag CEO who saw Selena when she could no longer see herself.
The man who loved her gently, patiently, and wholeheartedly.
The man who helped her rebuild the parts of herself that had been chipped away piece by piece.
Every time Lucien appeared on the page, I found myself silently begging but for now I won’t day why.
The emotional damage this book caused should honestly come with a warning label.
I was reading the final chapters in Starbucks, completely minding my own business, when the tears started.
Not dramatic tears.
Not sobbing.
Just quiet tears that would not stop falling.
The kind where you’re still turning pages, still reading, still trying to compose yourself, but your heart is breaking a little more with every chapter.
At one point, the Starbucks employee actually asked me if I was okay.
I wasn’t.
When this book releases, read it.
Let it break your heart.
Then come find me, because I still need to talk about.
The Illusions of Us by Alicia Marie and A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner have always been my benchmarks for heartbreak. For yearning. For toxic relationships. For characters you love, hate, and somehow still can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve turned the final page.
I genuinely believed nothing could come close.
I was wrong.
Very, very wrong.
The heartbreak in Always Second Choice felt different.
This wasn’t the kind of heartbreak that left me devastated.
This was the kind that left me angry.
Kai…
I cannot remember the last time a character frustrated me this much.
The manipulation. The selfishness. The constant taking from someone who loved him so deeply.
Everything Selena endured because of him had me sitting there wondering how one person could repeatedly choose themselves while expecting someone else to keep choosing them back.
And then he leaves.
No explanation.
No accountability.
No regard for the damage left behind.
Only to come back later with words that felt far too small for the pain he caused.
“But I still love you. I just didn’t know what love was until I lost you.”
“I was devastated without you.”
And all I could think was, now you say that? Now you say this when she literally chose you all the time.
Some characters are morally grey.
Some characters make mistakes and grow from them.
But Kai tested every ounce of patience and forgiveness I had as a reader.
And then there was Lucien.
This man.
This green-flag CEO who saw Selena when she could no longer see herself.
The man who loved her gently, patiently, and wholeheartedly.
The man who helped her rebuild the parts of herself that had been chipped away piece by piece.
Every time Lucien appeared on the page, I found myself silently begging but for now I won’t day why.
The emotional damage this book caused should honestly come with a warning label.
I was reading the final chapters in Starbucks, completely minding my own business, when the tears started.
Not dramatic tears.
Not sobbing.
Just quiet tears that would not stop falling.
The kind where you’re still turning pages, still reading, still trying to compose yourself, but your heart is breaking a little more with every chapter.
At one point, the Starbucks employee actually asked me if I was okay.
I wasn’t.
When this book releases, read it.
Let it break your heart.
Then come find me, because I still need to talk about.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.75 stars
So there I was, sitting on my couch and reading, tears streaming down my face, while at the same time, laughing my head off. It's probably happened before, but it's been so long that I can't recall the book that caused it.
There's this big, emotional thing happening, and then there's what's possibly the most hilarious, ridiculous scene I've ever read. And I'm snorting and weeping and trying not to freak out my dog.
Reading this book broke my heart SO HARD. Just completely shattered it for Selena and Lucien. Then it was stitched back together; not perfectly just differently. It's kind of disconcerting, feeling so much all at once, and makes me sure that this story will stick with me for a long time.
It's easy to read something and think, "that character is so dumb. I can't believe they're accepting this behavior" or "How could one person treat another like that?". But I've always approached things from a different angle. I try to understand the character's perspective, given what I'm told of their life and history. So I can understand how it feels to be the second choice, the overlooked one, the consolation prize. I can accept the character's choice to scoop up all the "crumbs when [they] deserved the buffet".
I think one of the best things about this story is Selena's growth and with it, her realizations about love.
I figured out about halfway through how the story was going to end. Sometimes that's disappointing, but in this case, I didn't mind. Because, even though I was right, I still didn't know how they were going to get there. And the journey was everything.
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending me a copy of the ARC for Always Second Choice. You put me through an emotional wringer, but it was worth it.
I received a free copy, and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Stand-out quotes:
* * "I married him because he is the love of my life. The man who gives me peace, not pain. He taught me what I truly deserve. I was accepting crumbs when I deserved the buffet." * *
* * You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. * *
So there I was, sitting on my couch and reading, tears streaming down my face, while at the same time, laughing my head off. It's probably happened before, but it's been so long that I can't recall the book that caused it.
There's this big, emotional thing happening, and then there's what's possibly the most hilarious, ridiculous scene I've ever read. And I'm snorting and weeping and trying not to freak out my dog.
Reading this book broke my heart SO HARD. Just completely shattered it for Selena and Lucien. Then it was stitched back together; not perfectly just differently. It's kind of disconcerting, feeling so much all at once, and makes me sure that this story will stick with me for a long time.
It's easy to read something and think, "that character is so dumb. I can't believe they're accepting this behavior" or "How could one person treat another like that?". But I've always approached things from a different angle. I try to understand the character's perspective, given what I'm told of their life and history. So I can understand how it feels to be the second choice, the overlooked one, the consolation prize. I can accept the character's choice to scoop up all the "crumbs when [they] deserved the buffet".
I think one of the best things about this story is Selena's growth and with it, her realizations about love.
I figured out about halfway through how the story was going to end. Sometimes that's disappointing, but in this case, I didn't mind. Because, even though I was right, I still didn't know how they were going to get there. And the journey was everything.
Thank you to the author for reaching out and sending me a copy of the ARC for Always Second Choice. You put me through an emotional wringer, but it was worth it.
I received a free copy, and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
Stand-out quotes:
* * "I married him because he is the love of my life. The man who gives me peace, not pain. He taught me what I truly deserve. I was accepting crumbs when I deserved the buffet." * *
* * You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. * *
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC REVIEW**
I greatly appreciate the author for the advanced reader copy of Always Second Choice. I was provided the copy in exchange for my honest review.
I slept on how to approach my review as want to be honest about my feedback but do so in a constructive and respectful manner. This book was a high miss for me - not for the overarching plot, but for the writing and execution. Looking at the other reviews, I'm left to wonder if we read the same book!?
The story is about a girl with zero self esteem, chasing a guy (her supposed BFF) for most of her life, only for him to rip her heart out time and time again. Fast forward some years later, the story shifts to how her new husband and how he helped her overcome the trauma her ex caused. This is a dual timeline learning about what happened "before" and what is occuring "now" belewtween all the characters, as they are now same event with her current husband, the ex and the woman he cheated with (her cousin).
Overall, I thought the plot had promise. The story could have been so good. However, the characters were one dimensional, the dialog amateurish and points in the story were very repetative. Unsure if this had a professional editor but it does not appear that way.
The writing stayed consistently bad throughout. The characters didn't have any depth. The spicy scenes were more cringey than sexy. The ending was so far over the top unrealistic that it induced eye rolls. Honestly, the writing felt a bit juvenile and at least partially written by AI.
The book is solid for a rough draft and could be a great read if the plot was more robust, if the dialogue flowed easier and felt like actual conversation between people, and if the sentence structure was improved. As is, however, it was pretty bad. I truly hope a good editor gets their hands on this manuscript before it goes to print.
I greatly appreciate the opportunity and am very sorry that my feedback is less than positive.
I greatly appreciate the author for the advanced reader copy of Always Second Choice. I was provided the copy in exchange for my honest review.
I slept on how to approach my review as want to be honest about my feedback but do so in a constructive and respectful manner. This book was a high miss for me - not for the overarching plot, but for the writing and execution. Looking at the other reviews, I'm left to wonder if we read the same book!?
The story is about a girl with zero self esteem, chasing a guy (her supposed BFF) for most of her life, only for him to rip her heart out time and time again. Fast forward some years later, the story shifts to how her new husband and how he helped her overcome the trauma her ex caused. This is a dual timeline learning about what happened "before" and what is occuring "now" belewtween all the characters, as they are now same event with her current husband, the ex and the woman he cheated with (her cousin).
Overall, I thought the plot had promise. The story could have been so good. However, the characters were one dimensional, the dialog amateurish and points in the story were very repetative. Unsure if this had a professional editor but it does not appear that way.
The writing stayed consistently bad throughout. The characters didn't have any depth. The spicy scenes were more cringey than sexy. The ending was so far over the top unrealistic that it induced eye rolls. Honestly, the writing felt a bit juvenile and at least partially written by AI.
The book is solid for a rough draft and could be a great read if the plot was more robust, if the dialogue flowed easier and felt like actual conversation between people, and if the sentence structure was improved. As is, however, it was pretty bad. I truly hope a good editor gets their hands on this manuscript before it goes to print.
I greatly appreciate the opportunity and am very sorry that my feedback is less than positive.
June 20, 2026
Wow! Wow! Just Wow!! 🤯
This was an absolute 5 star read for me and a book that hooked me from the very first page and never let go. I went into this expecting an emotional romance, but what I got was so much more. This story completely wrecked me and was a full blown emotional roller coaster.
The author did an incredible job creating characters that felt real. Not “book characters” real people. Their flaws, hopes, heartbreaks, insecurities, and choices felt so authentic that I found myself completely invested in every single one of them. I wasn’t just reading their story; I was feeling it right alongside them.
This book explores love, loss, trauma, healing, regret, loyalty, and what it means to truly value the people in your life. It is raw, emotional, and beautifully written. One moment I was smiling, the next I was heartbroken, the next completely furious, and then somehow laughing again a few pages later. It took me through every emotion possible. This book was DEEP!
What impressed me most was how layered and complex the relationships were. Nothing felt simple or one dimensional. Every interaction carried weight, history, and emotion behind it. The story constantly challenged me to see situations from different perspectives, which made the emotional impact hit even harder.
Without giving anything away, this is a story about the people we hold closest, the choices we make, and the consequences that can follow us for years. It is heartbreaking, hopeful, frustrating, beautiful, and unforgettable all at the same time.
The writing was phenomenal. The pacing was phenomenal. The emotional depth was phenomenal.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Huge kudos to the author for creating a story that feels so powerful, so human, and so emotionally impactful.
I cried both happy and sad tears. I got angry. I hoped. I hurt.
And I absolutely could not put it down.
This was an absolute 5 star read for me and a book that hooked me from the very first page and never let go. I went into this expecting an emotional romance, but what I got was so much more. This story completely wrecked me and was a full blown emotional roller coaster.
The author did an incredible job creating characters that felt real. Not “book characters” real people. Their flaws, hopes, heartbreaks, insecurities, and choices felt so authentic that I found myself completely invested in every single one of them. I wasn’t just reading their story; I was feeling it right alongside them.
This book explores love, loss, trauma, healing, regret, loyalty, and what it means to truly value the people in your life. It is raw, emotional, and beautifully written. One moment I was smiling, the next I was heartbroken, the next completely furious, and then somehow laughing again a few pages later. It took me through every emotion possible. This book was DEEP!
What impressed me most was how layered and complex the relationships were. Nothing felt simple or one dimensional. Every interaction carried weight, history, and emotion behind it. The story constantly challenged me to see situations from different perspectives, which made the emotional impact hit even harder.
Without giving anything away, this is a story about the people we hold closest, the choices we make, and the consequences that can follow us for years. It is heartbreaking, hopeful, frustrating, beautiful, and unforgettable all at the same time.
The writing was phenomenal. The pacing was phenomenal. The emotional depth was phenomenal.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Huge kudos to the author for creating a story that feels so powerful, so human, and so emotionally impactful.
I cried both happy and sad tears. I got angry. I hoped. I hurt.
And I absolutely could not put it down.
June 13, 2026
Always second choice is an emotional contemporary romance featuring Selena Davis and Lucien Thorne.
Selena has been living in London for four years, and happily married to Lucien for two. Her older sister, Sabrina, is getting married so she needs to return to the US. She is apprehensive about going back as the last time she was there her heart was broken. She is certain she will see her cousin, Jade Sterling, the woman who married her ex-fiancé, Kai Frost. Kai was her best friend and first love.
Lucien will be accompanying his wife, the love of his life, and will stand by her side. But he has been keeping a secret from Selena. He's hoping she doesn't find out before he can accomplish his mission.
This story unexpectedly pulled me in. I love how it was told in the present with flashbacks informing the reader of key events which occurred and influenced the characters and their story. Selena was a relatable character and it was easy to support her. As for Lucien, I don't think there are words that encompass what a beautiful man he is. His ability to see Selena, and be there for her was quite moving. To be so adored seems almost impossible. I don't want to mention Kai as he made me so angry, but I will say he made an excellent villain and leave it at that.
There were quite a few lines that resonated for me. Here are just a few:
"Loving the wrong man makes you feel ugly, makes you question every reflection, makes you shrink until you barely recognize yourself. But the right man doesn't need to change you. He just hands you a mirror and watches you realize you were glowing all along."
"The wrong man makes you believe you're hard to love. The right one makes you wonder why you ever believed that lie."
"Love is not about what you give. It is about who stays when you have nothing left to give."
Darkwaters definitely delivers a few truth bombs in her book. I enjoyed it and I hope you do too.
Selena has been living in London for four years, and happily married to Lucien for two. Her older sister, Sabrina, is getting married so she needs to return to the US. She is apprehensive about going back as the last time she was there her heart was broken. She is certain she will see her cousin, Jade Sterling, the woman who married her ex-fiancé, Kai Frost. Kai was her best friend and first love.
Lucien will be accompanying his wife, the love of his life, and will stand by her side. But he has been keeping a secret from Selena. He's hoping she doesn't find out before he can accomplish his mission.
This story unexpectedly pulled me in. I love how it was told in the present with flashbacks informing the reader of key events which occurred and influenced the characters and their story. Selena was a relatable character and it was easy to support her. As for Lucien, I don't think there are words that encompass what a beautiful man he is. His ability to see Selena, and be there for her was quite moving. To be so adored seems almost impossible. I don't want to mention Kai as he made me so angry, but I will say he made an excellent villain and leave it at that.
There were quite a few lines that resonated for me. Here are just a few:
"Loving the wrong man makes you feel ugly, makes you question every reflection, makes you shrink until you barely recognize yourself. But the right man doesn't need to change you. He just hands you a mirror and watches you realize you were glowing all along."
"The wrong man makes you believe you're hard to love. The right one makes you wonder why you ever believed that lie."
"Love is not about what you give. It is about who stays when you have nothing left to give."
Darkwaters definitely delivers a few truth bombs in her book. I enjoyed it and I hope you do too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Always Second Choice, is a captivating story, deep, emotional, and beautiful. It is the kind of story that touches you and makes you feel every single word.
Our MFC, Selena, learns the hard way that love isn’t about choosing others while forgetting herself. It is not about waiting to be seen, to be noticed, to be cared for, or to be chosen; it is not about masking the pain someone keeps giving you with forgiveness. Love is not painful, it is not forced, and the process of giving someone an undeserved place in your life will always hurt, the wounds heal, but the scars remain.
The question is not why someone stays after being broken so many times by the same person; the real question is, why is it so hard to love and choose yourself? Why does others opinion about you define who you are and how you feel?
In this story, there were people who made mistakes, unforgivable mistakes, the kind that hurt deeply and kill you from the inside, supporting the idea that some people are meant to stay out of your life for good.
Redemption is not forgiveness, but the seeking of peace while writing a new chapter in someone’s story, even if you are no longer part of it.
The MMC, Lucien, represents “true love,” the love that heals, cares, and cherishes; the love that always chooses you, the love to choose back. It is a love that you may never find in this lifetime, and that’s okay, because your first choice should always be yourself.
I love the author's writing style, a clean and beautiful narration that definitely made me, as a reader, connect with the story deeply.
*Always Second Choice* is released tomorrow, June 13, 2026, and I couldn’t be more honored to be an ARC reader for this book. A book I truly enjoyed.
Our MFC, Selena, learns the hard way that love isn’t about choosing others while forgetting herself. It is not about waiting to be seen, to be noticed, to be cared for, or to be chosen; it is not about masking the pain someone keeps giving you with forgiveness. Love is not painful, it is not forced, and the process of giving someone an undeserved place in your life will always hurt, the wounds heal, but the scars remain.
The question is not why someone stays after being broken so many times by the same person; the real question is, why is it so hard to love and choose yourself? Why does others opinion about you define who you are and how you feel?
In this story, there were people who made mistakes, unforgivable mistakes, the kind that hurt deeply and kill you from the inside, supporting the idea that some people are meant to stay out of your life for good.
Redemption is not forgiveness, but the seeking of peace while writing a new chapter in someone’s story, even if you are no longer part of it.
The MMC, Lucien, represents “true love,” the love that heals, cares, and cherishes; the love that always chooses you, the love to choose back. It is a love that you may never find in this lifetime, and that’s okay, because your first choice should always be yourself.
I love the author's writing style, a clean and beautiful narration that definitely made me, as a reader, connect with the story deeply.
*Always Second Choice* is released tomorrow, June 13, 2026, and I couldn’t be more honored to be an ARC reader for this book. A book I truly enjoyed.
June 14, 2026
Lucien Stole My Heart, Kai Shattered It
Alright Besties... As someone who rarely picks up romantic tragedies because I don't enjoy having my heart ripped out, and "Always Second Choice" did just that. 🥺 Lira Darkwaters created an emotional story filled with love, loss, sacrifice, and impossible choices that had me invested from beginning to end.
Lucien absolutely stole my heart from the start. His devotion to Selena was unwavering, selfless, and honestly had me rooting for him the entire time. Kai, on the other hand, took me on a roller coaster of emotions. He broke my heart repeatedly before eventually finding a way to mend it... 😭 To then get wrecked. UGH!
What kept this from being a perfect read for me was Selena's continued pull toward Kai, even after he repeatedly hurt her. There were moments when I found myself frustrated because she had someone who loved her so completely in Lucien, yet she remained emotionally tethered to a relationship that caused so much pain. Some of the later plot developments also felt a bit much for my personal taste, particularly toward the ending.
That said, the emotional depth of this story is undeniable. This is a beautifully written, thought-provoking romance that explores grief, love, and the complicated reality of the heart.
If you're looking for an emotional read that will make you reflect on the people we love, the choices we make, and what it truly means to let go, this one is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. 👍🏼
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Alright Besties... As someone who rarely picks up romantic tragedies because I don't enjoy having my heart ripped out, and "Always Second Choice" did just that. 🥺 Lira Darkwaters created an emotional story filled with love, loss, sacrifice, and impossible choices that had me invested from beginning to end.
Lucien absolutely stole my heart from the start. His devotion to Selena was unwavering, selfless, and honestly had me rooting for him the entire time. Kai, on the other hand, took me on a roller coaster of emotions. He broke my heart repeatedly before eventually finding a way to mend it... 😭 To then get wrecked. UGH!
What kept this from being a perfect read for me was Selena's continued pull toward Kai, even after he repeatedly hurt her. There were moments when I found myself frustrated because she had someone who loved her so completely in Lucien, yet she remained emotionally tethered to a relationship that caused so much pain. Some of the later plot developments also felt a bit much for my personal taste, particularly toward the ending.
That said, the emotional depth of this story is undeniable. This is a beautifully written, thought-provoking romance that explores grief, love, and the complicated reality of the heart.
If you're looking for an emotional read that will make you reflect on the people we love, the choices we make, and what it truly means to let go, this one is absolutely worth adding to your TBR. 👍🏼
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
June 19, 2026
4.25⭐️5😭
I have to start by saying that I love the way this author writes. I enjoy wordier books where descriptions are detailed and immersive. For me, that level of detail really makes a story come alive.
I think I went through every emotion possible in the span of a few hours because I read this book in a single day. I simply couldn't pull myself away from it. The story begins with two POVs, and then a third is added around the middle. There are also flashbacks throughout, and my God, they are absolutely gut-wrenching.
Selena's character really made me stop and think. It highlights how many people tolerate far too much for the tiniest piece of happiness, never realizing they deserve so much more once they're no longer weighed down by a giant POS.
Kai was given about 1,000 chances too many. In my opinion, he didn't deserve even one. I have never been so angry at or hated a character as much as I hated this man. Kai will forever be the king of douche canoes.
My guy Lucien, though? This man is a saint. He is a lifesaver, someone who will nurture you and help rebuild you piece by painful piece.
The first twist had me ready to throw hands. There was no way I was going to accept the author letting that happen! I was heartbroken, furious, and completely invested all at once.
The only reason I didn't rate this higher is because I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the second twist. I understand why it happened, and it was truly monumental, but I think it may have been painted in the wrong light. It's a sensitive subject, and I feel it needed a little more care or perhaps a different approach. That said, this is just my opinion.
Go read it, and then let's talk about it!
I have to start by saying that I love the way this author writes. I enjoy wordier books where descriptions are detailed and immersive. For me, that level of detail really makes a story come alive.
I think I went through every emotion possible in the span of a few hours because I read this book in a single day. I simply couldn't pull myself away from it. The story begins with two POVs, and then a third is added around the middle. There are also flashbacks throughout, and my God, they are absolutely gut-wrenching.
Selena's character really made me stop and think. It highlights how many people tolerate far too much for the tiniest piece of happiness, never realizing they deserve so much more once they're no longer weighed down by a giant POS.
Kai was given about 1,000 chances too many. In my opinion, he didn't deserve even one. I have never been so angry at or hated a character as much as I hated this man. Kai will forever be the king of douche canoes.
My guy Lucien, though? This man is a saint. He is a lifesaver, someone who will nurture you and help rebuild you piece by painful piece.
The first twist had me ready to throw hands. There was no way I was going to accept the author letting that happen! I was heartbroken, furious, and completely invested all at once.
The only reason I didn't rate this higher is because I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the second twist. I understand why it happened, and it was truly monumental, but I think it may have been painted in the wrong light. It's a sensitive subject, and I feel it needed a little more care or perhaps a different approach. That said, this is just my opinion.
Go read it, and then let's talk about it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Your job is to stop giving flowers to people that don’t bring water.”
“We all make mistakes. It doesn’t make us villains; it makes us humans.”
These two quotes perfectly capture the heart of Always Second Choice.
I read this book in one sitting because there was absolutely no way I could put it down.
One man—her best friend, her person—slowly breaks her down, piece by piece. Another man patiently helps her rebuild herself and reminds her of the love, respect, and happiness she deserves.
And then comes an ending that shattered me. In the end, one of them makes the ultimate sacrifice to give her the life she deserves.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I was giggling, kicking my feet, smiling like an idiot, wanting to throw my Kindle across the room, and then openly sobbing a few chapters later.
✨ Dual timeline
✨ Multiple POVs
✨ Open-door romance
✨ Friends-to-lovers elements
✨ Heartbreak and healing
✨ Emotional character growth
✨ Found-family vibes
✨ A story about knowing your worth and choosing yourself
The characters felt real and flawed. Nobody was perfect, which made the story hit even harder. The author does an incredible job of showing how love can both hurt and heal, and how sometimes the hardest thing to do is walk away from the people you’ve outgrown.
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the final page.
If you love emotional romances that make you feel everything, add this one to your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A heartbreaking, beautiful, unforgettable read. 💜📚
June 13, 2026
📜 Thank you so much Lira for this eARC!! These are my honest thoughts.
You just know, that you are going to cry, when you read the first page.
This book spoke to a piece of me, that i had burried some time ago. The place where you never feel good enough, important enough or just like the first choice. I think everyone feel like that at some time in their life, but in various degrees. I experienced it a lot in dating in my teenage years, and I must say - Lira captured it perfectly. Will it make you angry? Yes. Will it make you hurt? Also yes. But it will also heal something.
Also, prepare to want to hit something, because damn 🙃
But all in all, it's such a heartfelt story. The writing is beautiful, where you can feel the comfort and atmosphere. The jumping in time was a bit chaotic sometimes, but overall worked. Despite it being a serious and sad story, there were good and funny moments. There is also spice yes, but not the good kind in my opinion. The love is there though, in different forms (I don't want to spoil anything)
Finally i just want to say: you are enough ❤️
I wish I could give Selena and Lucien a hug.
If you love a tragic but heartwarming love story, you should definitely read this one. Prepare to cry and yell. I have decided to give it 4⭐️ and not 5, because i don't really like reading the following triggers. But, i was still captured by the book and I connected deeply with the characters. The story was really well thought.
Potential triggers:
- cheating
- betrayal
- death
- sickness
- harmful thoughts and actions
You just know, that you are going to cry, when you read the first page.
This book spoke to a piece of me, that i had burried some time ago. The place where you never feel good enough, important enough or just like the first choice. I think everyone feel like that at some time in their life, but in various degrees. I experienced it a lot in dating in my teenage years, and I must say - Lira captured it perfectly. Will it make you angry? Yes. Will it make you hurt? Also yes. But it will also heal something.
Also, prepare to want to hit something, because damn 🙃
But all in all, it's such a heartfelt story. The writing is beautiful, where you can feel the comfort and atmosphere. The jumping in time was a bit chaotic sometimes, but overall worked. Despite it being a serious and sad story, there were good and funny moments. There is also spice yes, but not the good kind in my opinion. The love is there though, in different forms (I don't want to spoil anything)
Finally i just want to say: you are enough ❤️
I wish I could give Selena and Lucien a hug.
If you love a tragic but heartwarming love story, you should definitely read this one. Prepare to cry and yell. I have decided to give it 4⭐️ and not 5, because i don't really like reading the following triggers. But, i was still captured by the book and I connected deeply with the characters. The story was really well thought.
Potential triggers:
- cheating
- betrayal
- death
- sickness
- harmful thoughts and actions
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this book before it was published.
In short, the story goes back and forth between the past and present of Kai, Selena and Lucien.
True love and ultimate betrayal. The greatest joy and the worst pain. Completely broken down and rising from the ashes. It has everything and more. This is a romance novel, but not a typical chick flick.
It grabs you and it's hard to put the book down. You breath it in one breath and then you wonder why. You could have read it slower, so it would have lasted longer.
Mega mega mega.. I thought from the beginning that this book would need tissues and I was right. And I'm very happy that the ending was the way it did. I was hoping for it and if it had been any different I would have been very disappointed.
So thank you to the author for writing such a heartfelt and engaging book. The release date is June 13th, so everyone will be able to enjoy it soon. I highly recommend it. Just get your tissues ready now 😉
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. I never noticed how dehydrated I was after giving all my water to Kai. Until Lucien came along and watered me without me ever having to ask." - The Best analog ever. I loved it
In short, the story goes back and forth between the past and present of Kai, Selena and Lucien.
True love and ultimate betrayal. The greatest joy and the worst pain. Completely broken down and rising from the ashes. It has everything and more. This is a romance novel, but not a typical chick flick.
It grabs you and it's hard to put the book down. You breath it in one breath and then you wonder why. You could have read it slower, so it would have lasted longer.
Mega mega mega.. I thought from the beginning that this book would need tissues and I was right. And I'm very happy that the ending was the way it did. I was hoping for it and if it had been any different I would have been very disappointed.
So thank you to the author for writing such a heartfelt and engaging book. The release date is June 13th, so everyone will be able to enjoy it soon. I highly recommend it. Just get your tissues ready now 😉
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water. I never noticed how dehydrated I was after giving all my water to Kai. Until Lucien came along and watered me without me ever having to ask." - The Best analog ever. I loved it
June 12, 2026
This story has tragedy, betrayal, heartbreak, and some moments that made me want to grab Selena by the shoulders and lovingly yell, “Ma’am, stop being a doormat for Kai.” But at the heart of this book is healing, finding yourself again, and learning that love should not require you to disappear.
I really loved the dual timelines between the present day story and the past diary scenes. They added so much depth and helped the heartbreak feel more layered without making the whole book unbearably heavy. Honestly, I was not convinced this story was going to give me a happy ending, but I was so pleasantly surprised by where it landed.
And Lucien? Whew. His love was fierce, selfless, and so deeply rooted in Selena’s happiness, even when his choices frustrated me to no end. Watching him push her toward someone who did not respect or value her the way he did had me stressed, but you really do have to read it to understand.
Overall, this was such an emotional, relatable story about heartbreak, healing, and finally realizing who deserves your flowers. I am so grateful to Lira Darkwaters for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this emotional story. My opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Favorite Quote:
“You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water.”
I really loved the dual timelines between the present day story and the past diary scenes. They added so much depth and helped the heartbreak feel more layered without making the whole book unbearably heavy. Honestly, I was not convinced this story was going to give me a happy ending, but I was so pleasantly surprised by where it landed.
And Lucien? Whew. His love was fierce, selfless, and so deeply rooted in Selena’s happiness, even when his choices frustrated me to no end. Watching him push her toward someone who did not respect or value her the way he did had me stressed, but you really do have to read it to understand.
Overall, this was such an emotional, relatable story about heartbreak, healing, and finally realizing who deserves your flowers. I am so grateful to Lira Darkwaters for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this emotional story. My opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Favorite Quote:
“You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I received this ARC, I thought I knew what kind of story I was getting into. I was wrong. Lira writes pain the way only someone who truly understands it can - not loudly, not for show, but in that quiet, suffocating way that settles into your chest and stays there. 💔
Selena is not a perfect heroine and that is exactly why she broke me. She is every woman who loved too hard, waited too long, and still somehow found the grace to keep going. And Lucien- I cannot talk about him without giving things away, so I'll just say this: he reminded me that love, real love, looks nothing like what we're usually sold. Wow🌹Let me not discuss about what Kai did and then sacrificed - it's just so painful yet shows how love triumphs at the end. Just for this, you need to read this story to feel it....
This book made me sad, angry, it made me grieve and cry, and somewhere near the end it made me breathe again in a way I didn't expect and didn't know I needed. Sad yes but still they survived and all won in someway or the other. 🕊️
Lira, you handled deeply sensitive, deeply human experiences with so much care and respect; that doesn't go unnoticed. This story deserved to be told and you told it beautifully. I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time.
Thank you for trusting me with something this real.
I am leaving my honest review here! ♥️
Selena is not a perfect heroine and that is exactly why she broke me. She is every woman who loved too hard, waited too long, and still somehow found the grace to keep going. And Lucien- I cannot talk about him without giving things away, so I'll just say this: he reminded me that love, real love, looks nothing like what we're usually sold. Wow🌹Let me not discuss about what Kai did and then sacrificed - it's just so painful yet shows how love triumphs at the end. Just for this, you need to read this story to feel it....
This book made me sad, angry, it made me grieve and cry, and somewhere near the end it made me breathe again in a way I didn't expect and didn't know I needed. Sad yes but still they survived and all won in someway or the other. 🕊️
Lira, you handled deeply sensitive, deeply human experiences with so much care and respect; that doesn't go unnoticed. This story deserved to be told and you told it beautifully. I'll be thinking about these characters for a long time.
Thank you for trusting me with something this real.
I am leaving my honest review here! ♥️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I signed up to receive an ARC for this book, and honestly… WOW. This was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I devoured it in just over 24 hours, and let me tell you when a book hooks me within the first 5%, you know it’s good. And this was THAT good.
“You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don’t bring water.”
I have so many highlights in my Kindle, but this one stood out the most.
The story follows our FMC, Selena, who is currently living in London with her husband, Lucian. Through flashbacks, we slowly uncover her past as her sister’s wedding brings everything she’s tried to bury back to the surface.
Lucian’s dying wish is to make sure Selena gets her happy ending, even if it’s not with him 🥺 But after Kai completely shattered her heart, is her first love really who she needs?
I felt every single emotion throughout Selena’s story — the heartbreak, the raw vulnerability, the self-doubt, and the way she made herself small for the kind of love she thought she deserved. This book was deeply emotional from beginning to end, and that ending was beautifully devastating.
And yes… after all the emotional damage, we do get a HEA, and it was absolutely worth it.
“You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don’t bring water.”
I have so many highlights in my Kindle, but this one stood out the most.
The story follows our FMC, Selena, who is currently living in London with her husband, Lucian. Through flashbacks, we slowly uncover her past as her sister’s wedding brings everything she’s tried to bury back to the surface.
Lucian’s dying wish is to make sure Selena gets her happy ending, even if it’s not with him 🥺 But after Kai completely shattered her heart, is her first love really who she needs?
I felt every single emotion throughout Selena’s story — the heartbreak, the raw vulnerability, the self-doubt, and the way she made herself small for the kind of love she thought she deserved. This book was deeply emotional from beginning to end, and that ending was beautifully devastating.
And yes… after all the emotional damage, we do get a HEA, and it was absolutely worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. This book really takes you on a roller coaster ride.
Honestly, when I received this ARC I was excited. I was expecting a morally gray MMC and a second chance trope, but boy oh boy, it's not exactly like that. It was so much more. I certainly did not expect the book to end the way it did AND I'm happy I was wrong.
Selena is hard not to root for, even though she is not perfect - like everyone, she's human. I think that many women will see themselves in her, especially when they were in their high school/collage years. Loving someone so much that you are constantly waiting to be chosen by them is tiring and heartbreaking and Lira really did a great job portraying the ache, the yearning, the exhaustion. I honestly feel emotionally drained after reading this, I can't even count how many tears I've cried.
The only problem I have with this book is the fact that the trauma in this book can be triggering to people who experienced it, so some kind of trigger warning in the beginning would be nice. Also, in some parts of the book I felt like characters were teleporting from place to place without explanation, for example, Selena was sitting on her towel at the beach and suddenly Kai is running towards her in the water. Not sure if I misread it but it happend a couple of times. Still, I highly recommend this book.
Honestly, when I received this ARC I was excited. I was expecting a morally gray MMC and a second chance trope, but boy oh boy, it's not exactly like that. It was so much more. I certainly did not expect the book to end the way it did AND I'm happy I was wrong.
Selena is hard not to root for, even though she is not perfect - like everyone, she's human. I think that many women will see themselves in her, especially when they were in their high school/collage years. Loving someone so much that you are constantly waiting to be chosen by them is tiring and heartbreaking and Lira really did a great job portraying the ache, the yearning, the exhaustion. I honestly feel emotionally drained after reading this, I can't even count how many tears I've cried.
The only problem I have with this book is the fact that the trauma in this book can be triggering to people who experienced it, so some kind of trigger warning in the beginning would be nice. Also, in some parts of the book I felt like characters were teleporting from place to place without explanation, for example, Selena was sitting on her towel at the beach and suddenly Kai is running towards her in the water. Not sure if I misread it but it happend a couple of times. Still, I highly recommend this book.
June 16, 2026
This story follows Selena and her husband Lucien, a loving couple living in London. It’s about Selena who spent years trapped in a toxic cycle with her childhood best friend Kai. Her husband Lucien, knowing he is dying tries to plan a reconnection between them both. His fear of leaving her alone drove him to this.
Lucian did not know about all the betrayals. That Kai cheated or that Selena has a miscarriage. Once he learned of that, he tracked Kai down and beat him up. That’s when he learned about the miscarriage.
Lucian was the greatest character in this book. His love was selfless and all he wanted was Selena's happiness. No matter the cost to himself. In the end, Kai discovered he was a perfect medical match for Lucien whose health was fast declining. He chooses to help that along himself and Lucien and Selena ultimately survive and build a life together with multiple children.
This was an emotional read that will have you feeling everything from frustration, heartbreak, hurt, mad, comfort and happiness. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the past with present timeline, though the pacing telt rushed in some parts of it. If there was more time spent with this, it could be a huge success. I think there are some points that could be more emotional or more plot.
Overall, I’d rate it 3.5/5 so rounded to 4.
Lucian did not know about all the betrayals. That Kai cheated or that Selena has a miscarriage. Once he learned of that, he tracked Kai down and beat him up. That’s when he learned about the miscarriage.
Lucian was the greatest character in this book. His love was selfless and all he wanted was Selena's happiness. No matter the cost to himself. In the end, Kai discovered he was a perfect medical match for Lucien whose health was fast declining. He chooses to help that along himself and Lucien and Selena ultimately survive and build a life together with multiple children.
This was an emotional read that will have you feeling everything from frustration, heartbreak, hurt, mad, comfort and happiness. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the past with present timeline, though the pacing telt rushed in some parts of it. If there was more time spent with this, it could be a huge success. I think there are some points that could be more emotional or more plot.
Overall, I’d rate it 3.5/5 so rounded to 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2026
Not going to lie I really struggled through this one. Not because it was bad but because it was so relatable. This is one of those books that tears your heart out but carefully pieces it back together, the scars are still visible though.
I really connected with Selena. You could really feel her pain, the hope of finally being chosen. She spent years loving him while he couldn’t see what was right in front of his face. Each interaction with Kai broke you just a little more.
I did like Kai. He was such a complex character. I honestly think he was just afraid to love Selena in fear of being hurt. It wasn’t about her looks or her character, I think it was more the fear of loss. He admits seeing his father being abusive to his mother and fearing himself becoming just like him. I guess in a way he kind of did. However he truly redeems himself in ways no one would ever expect.
Lucien is the ultimate man. He’s the one we always dream of but never find. He’s selfless, adoring, he does everything he possibly can for her and is even willing to try to leave his wife in the hands of her first love. Just so she doesn’t have to live alone after he passes.
This was truly a beautiful story. One that will live with me for a very long time.
I really connected with Selena. You could really feel her pain, the hope of finally being chosen. She spent years loving him while he couldn’t see what was right in front of his face. Each interaction with Kai broke you just a little more.
I did like Kai. He was such a complex character. I honestly think he was just afraid to love Selena in fear of being hurt. It wasn’t about her looks or her character, I think it was more the fear of loss. He admits seeing his father being abusive to his mother and fearing himself becoming just like him. I guess in a way he kind of did. However he truly redeems himself in ways no one would ever expect.
Lucien is the ultimate man. He’s the one we always dream of but never find. He’s selfless, adoring, he does everything he possibly can for her and is even willing to try to leave his wife in the hands of her first love. Just so she doesn’t have to live alone after he passes.
This was truly a beautiful story. One that will live with me for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author Lira for the opportunity to read this book.
Always Second Choice was an enjoyable read, but it left me with some mixed feelings. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I was invested in seeing how the story would unfold. There were definitely moments that pulled at my emotions, especially when it came to the main character's struggles with feeling overlooked and not being someone's first choice.
I appreciated the emotional themes and could relate to some of the insecurities and frustrations the characters experienced. That said, there were times when I struggled to connect fully with certain decisions and reactions, which made it harder for me to stay completely immersed in the story.
The writing kept me turning the pages, and I was curious to see how everything would come together in the end. As for some parts worked really well for me, other aspects felt a little rushed or didn't have quite the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Overall, this was a decent read with an interesting premise and heartfelt moments. It may resonate strongly with readers who enjoy emotional relationship-driven stories. While it wasn't a perfect fit for me, I'm glad I gave it a chance and would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Always Second Choice was an enjoyable read, but it left me with some mixed feelings. The premise immediately caught my attention, and I was invested in seeing how the story would unfold. There were definitely moments that pulled at my emotions, especially when it came to the main character's struggles with feeling overlooked and not being someone's first choice.
I appreciated the emotional themes and could relate to some of the insecurities and frustrations the characters experienced. That said, there were times when I struggled to connect fully with certain decisions and reactions, which made it harder for me to stay completely immersed in the story.
The writing kept me turning the pages, and I was curious to see how everything would come together in the end. As for some parts worked really well for me, other aspects felt a little rushed or didn't have quite the emotional impact I was hoping for.
Overall, this was a decent read with an interesting premise and heartfelt moments. It may resonate strongly with readers who enjoy emotional relationship-driven stories. While it wasn't a perfect fit for me, I'm glad I gave it a chance and would be interested in reading more from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Love Story with a Side of Kleenex
This story while heartbreaking at times, was warm. I cried, laughed, cried some more. It was so much truth in this book about things that people face and it's raw.
Selena's life was riddled with so much pain but seeing her growth was rewarding. Lucien's love was so fierce that he wanted to guarantee Selena's happiness no matter what. Them together was so sweet and you could feel the love emanating off the page.
Kai, I felt bed for him looking for things that weren't real because he didn't know how to face the truth behind what real really was. In the end he did what he felt was the only way he could atone which was bitter sweet.
This book was well written and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. Which makes it a grade A standalone that really sticks with you.
One of my favorite quotes in the story was:
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water."
Reminding you to stop allowing someone else to grow at your expense but at the same time don't be afraid to let people in again.
I will definitely be looking for more work from this author!
This story while heartbreaking at times, was warm. I cried, laughed, cried some more. It was so much truth in this book about things that people face and it's raw.
Selena's life was riddled with so much pain but seeing her growth was rewarding. Lucien's love was so fierce that he wanted to guarantee Selena's happiness no matter what. Them together was so sweet and you could feel the love emanating off the page.
Kai, I felt bed for him looking for things that weren't real because he didn't know how to face the truth behind what real really was. In the end he did what he felt was the only way he could atone which was bitter sweet.
This book was well written and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. Which makes it a grade A standalone that really sticks with you.
One of my favorite quotes in the story was:
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water."
Reminding you to stop allowing someone else to grow at your expense but at the same time don't be afraid to let people in again.
I will definitely be looking for more work from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Selena spent her life being used by people around her. Never being chosen and always abandoned when she wasn't needed anymore. Everytime she liked someone, they always left her for someone else, and she was left alone. Until she meets Lucien. The man who gave her everything and who chose her over everyone. She thought she would spend her life with him but faith had other plans for her.
My heart broke for the young woman that she was, being abandoned over and over again by the people she loved. This book made me cry, made me mad and made me realize how life can sometimes be unfair. This book broke me. And then repaired me. It made me cry and some passages made me think and come to some realizations. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
"Loving the wrong man makes you feel ugly, makes you question every reflection, makes you shrink until you barely recognize yourself. But the right man doesn't need to change you. He just hands you a mirror and watches you realize you were glowing all along."
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water."
My heart broke for the young woman that she was, being abandoned over and over again by the people she loved. This book made me cry, made me mad and made me realize how life can sometimes be unfair. This book broke me. And then repaired me. It made me cry and some passages made me think and come to some realizations. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
"Loving the wrong man makes you feel ugly, makes you question every reflection, makes you shrink until you barely recognize yourself. But the right man doesn't need to change you. He just hands you a mirror and watches you realize you were glowing all along."
"You are a garden. Some people water you. Some people take your flowers and throw them on the ground. Your job is not to give more flowers. Your job is to stop giving flowers to people who don't bring water."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just finished Always Second Choice and I swear this book reached into my chest and ripped my heart out in the best possible way.
This one hit hard. If you’ve ever loved someone more than they loved you, always felt like the backup option, or constantly ended up second best, this book is going to absolutely wreck you. The heartbreak, the self doubt, the quiet kind of pain she carries through this story all felt so raw and real.
I felt every emotion right alongside her. There were moments that genuinely hurt to read because of how relatable they were, but watching her slowly heal, grow, and finally start putting herself first was honestly beautiful.
The emotional tension in this book was everything. The spice was both steamy and emotional at the same time, which made every moment hit even harder. And the second chance romance element? Perfect.
Lira Darkwaters wrote something that felt honest and real without making it unbearably heavy. I finished this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down.
If you love emotional romances full of angst, healing, heartbreak, and hope, you need to read this one. I’m still thinking about it.
This one hit hard. If you’ve ever loved someone more than they loved you, always felt like the backup option, or constantly ended up second best, this book is going to absolutely wreck you. The heartbreak, the self doubt, the quiet kind of pain she carries through this story all felt so raw and real.
I felt every emotion right alongside her. There were moments that genuinely hurt to read because of how relatable they were, but watching her slowly heal, grow, and finally start putting herself first was honestly beautiful.
The emotional tension in this book was everything. The spice was both steamy and emotional at the same time, which made every moment hit even harder. And the second chance romance element? Perfect.
Lira Darkwaters wrote something that felt honest and real without making it unbearably heavy. I finished this in one sitting because I physically could not put it down.
If you love emotional romances full of angst, healing, heartbreak, and hope, you need to read this one. I’m still thinking about it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a story of healing and finding yourself. It has tragedy, betrayal, and heartbreak in especially the flashback and diary scenes.
You have Lucien who knows he is dying and wants his wife to live a happy life after him. He was such a good man to her even though the one aspect that took a point away was trying to give her to someone who didn't deserve her. Selena is someone who gives EVERYTHING while getting nothing until Lucien. You have friends who were terrible and cheaters.
This is heavy in the flashbacks and it gives you the moments that took away her shine. Then when it comes back you see how she is taking everything back and owning it. It truly showed that there will always be someone who appreciates your effort and care when other people didn't. She is a beautiful soul and it was truly so hard to understand how she put up with all of it for so long.
I am happy with how it ended but it also felt like not everyone ended up owning how they abandoned or hurt her. I think if there was a bit more with her cousin and old friends acknowledging that then it could have been perfect.
You have Lucien who knows he is dying and wants his wife to live a happy life after him. He was such a good man to her even though the one aspect that took a point away was trying to give her to someone who didn't deserve her. Selena is someone who gives EVERYTHING while getting nothing until Lucien. You have friends who were terrible and cheaters.
This is heavy in the flashbacks and it gives you the moments that took away her shine. Then when it comes back you see how she is taking everything back and owning it. It truly showed that there will always be someone who appreciates your effort and care when other people didn't. She is a beautiful soul and it was truly so hard to understand how she put up with all of it for so long.
I am happy with how it ended but it also felt like not everyone ended up owning how they abandoned or hurt her. I think if there was a bit more with her cousin and old friends acknowledging that then it could have been perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Read*
Thank you so much to Lira for giving me a copy of this book ❤️
I honestly have no words.....this book was absolutely brilliant and I couldn't put it down! The way Lira wrote this book, I felt everything that Selena went through. There were moments where I was happy, emotional, crying and angry and when you have a book that can make you feel so many different emotions, you know you have done it right.
The love between Selena and Lucien was just so beautiful and after everything they went through together and what she went through with Kai, I'm so glad there was a happy ending even if it was so sad at the same time!
One quote that really got me as I resonated so much to it, which yes did make me cry, as I have experienced this too many times in my life was:-
'You came into my life and you saved me. You brought colours into my dark world. You gave me purpose. But most of all, you made me realise, I don't have to change who I am to be loved. And I don't have to destroy myself to find it'
Lira, thank you for the amazing opportunity to read your book, I absolutely loved it ❤️
Thank you so much to Lira for giving me a copy of this book ❤️
I honestly have no words.....this book was absolutely brilliant and I couldn't put it down! The way Lira wrote this book, I felt everything that Selena went through. There were moments where I was happy, emotional, crying and angry and when you have a book that can make you feel so many different emotions, you know you have done it right.
The love between Selena and Lucien was just so beautiful and after everything they went through together and what she went through with Kai, I'm so glad there was a happy ending even if it was so sad at the same time!
One quote that really got me as I resonated so much to it, which yes did make me cry, as I have experienced this too many times in my life was:-
'You came into my life and you saved me. You brought colours into my dark world. You gave me purpose. But most of all, you made me realise, I don't have to change who I am to be loved. And I don't have to destroy myself to find it'
Lira, thank you for the amazing opportunity to read your book, I absolutely loved it ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good! It even had me crying towards the end from the highs and lows all happening at once.
I loved that it multiple POV’s so you could see the perspective of the three important people this story is about. I was so glad when Selena snapped back and stood up for herself to Kai, he deserved everything she had said to him and more after what he put her through. Lucien’s love for her was always so clear and he only ever wanted the best for her, he thought he was doing the right thing but changed his mind when he knew the full truth. Also, Jade is a horrible person, I don’t care that she tried to help in Lucien’s plan, after everything she done and put Selena through, I don’t know how Selena could even be civil with her.
This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions but overall, I love this book and the way it was written and how the author told this story. It never left me wondering about their past because of the flashbacks the author put in throughout the book. I didn’t expect the ending, the last handful of chapters had tears constantly in my eyes for sad parts and the happy parts.
🌶️ /5
I loved that it multiple POV’s so you could see the perspective of the three important people this story is about. I was so glad when Selena snapped back and stood up for herself to Kai, he deserved everything she had said to him and more after what he put her through. Lucien’s love for her was always so clear and he only ever wanted the best for her, he thought he was doing the right thing but changed his mind when he knew the full truth. Also, Jade is a horrible person, I don’t care that she tried to help in Lucien’s plan, after everything she done and put Selena through, I don’t know how Selena could even be civil with her.
This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions but overall, I love this book and the way it was written and how the author told this story. It never left me wondering about their past because of the flashbacks the author put in throughout the book. I didn’t expect the ending, the last handful of chapters had tears constantly in my eyes for sad parts and the happy parts.
🌶️ /5
Review of advance copy received from Author
🔥ARC REVIEW🔥
Omg… this book is a rollercoaster! “Always Second Choice” follows Selena and her love story between two men, Kai, her first love, and Lucian, her current husband. Through flashbacks and changing perspectives, you learn the twists and turns of Selena’s unfortunate past relationship with Kai. And let me tell you, this book will have you HATINGGG some of these characters. They’re so well written, and just when I thought they couldn’t get worse, they one-upped themselves. Talk about twisted. Holy moly.
Lucien hatches a plan to set Selena up with Kai, as Lucien’s secret terminal illness persists. This gave me flashbacks to Twilight because these men were planning her future without her! Lucien and Selena are darling, but you’ll have to read to see how their love story ends. I had a hunch on how I thought the book would wrap up and I was wrong!
Darkwaters keeps a good pace and develops characters you root for, as well as ones you love to hate. I have not read a romance like this one, but the tragic matters at hand make you not want to put this story down! If you’re looking for a WILD romance, “Always Second Choice” is officially out this Saturday 🌟
Omg… this book is a rollercoaster! “Always Second Choice” follows Selena and her love story between two men, Kai, her first love, and Lucian, her current husband. Through flashbacks and changing perspectives, you learn the twists and turns of Selena’s unfortunate past relationship with Kai. And let me tell you, this book will have you HATINGGG some of these characters. They’re so well written, and just when I thought they couldn’t get worse, they one-upped themselves. Talk about twisted. Holy moly.
Lucien hatches a plan to set Selena up with Kai, as Lucien’s secret terminal illness persists. This gave me flashbacks to Twilight because these men were planning her future without her! Lucien and Selena are darling, but you’ll have to read to see how their love story ends. I had a hunch on how I thought the book would wrap up and I was wrong!
Darkwaters keeps a good pace and develops characters you root for, as well as ones you love to hate. I have not read a romance like this one, but the tragic matters at hand make you not want to put this story down! If you’re looking for a WILD romance, “Always Second Choice” is officially out this Saturday 🌟
June 14, 2026
Get your tissues ready, this book takes you on a true emotional rollercoaster. The story alternates between the perspectives of Selena, her husband Lucien, and her ex, Kai, with well placed flashbacks that add real depth to their relationships and history. Lucien is dying, and all he wants is for Selena to be happy. His final mission is to reunite her with Kai, setting up an emotional and complex journey. As the flashbacks unfold, we see Selena’s past with Kai and everything she endured, making the present day decisions even more powerful. I found these parts very emotional and in some parts sadly relatable. I was completely invested from start to finish, it was incredibly hard to put down, with each chapter leaving me wanting more, though it did at times feel a little rushed. There were moments that genuinely made me laugh out loud, and others that had me in tears. As for the ending, I thought I had it figured out halfway through, but it still managed to shock me at the end, and let me say it was truely shocking. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, it’s both heartwarming and utterly heartbreaking at the same time.
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