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First Love, Second Draft
She’s a romance writer burned out on love. He’s her famous baseball star ex-husband. The last man she wants to be forced to work with is the one who broke her heart.
Rom-com writer Gracie Parker hasn’t written a bestseller since she and her husband, a major league baseball star, divorced five years ago. On thin ice with her publisher—and with a looming deadline—Gracie couldn’t have picked a worse time for a painful injury that has her flat on her back. At this point, she’d accept help from anybody . . . except her first love and ex-husband, Noah Parker.
The baseball season has just ended in massive disappointment for Noah. He’s facing the stark reality that he gave up everything for a career that’s let him down and that it might be too late to get back the one person he should’ve held on to. So when Gracie’s nephew calls, saying Gracie’s looking for a tenant for her next-door rental, it feels like it’s meant to be.
All Gracie cares about is turning in her manuscript on time, which is directly at odds with Noah’s attempts to win her back, even if she is slightly charmed by his kindness. But can people ever really change? Then Noah throws a curveball that could give Gracie the extension she needs, but it will mean working directly with Noah, something she’s not sure she can face. With no other choice, and everything on the line, Gracie must decide if it is too late for a second draft of their own love story.
Sweet second chance romantic comedyClean, stand-alone sports romance novelThemes of redemptionBookish heroineBaseball star heroIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
Rom-com writer Gracie Parker hasn’t written a bestseller since she and her husband, a major league baseball star, divorced five years ago. On thin ice with her publisher—and with a looming deadline—Gracie couldn’t have picked a worse time for a painful injury that has her flat on her back. At this point, she’d accept help from anybody . . . except her first love and ex-husband, Noah Parker.
The baseball season has just ended in massive disappointment for Noah. He’s facing the stark reality that he gave up everything for a career that’s let him down and that it might be too late to get back the one person he should’ve held on to. So when Gracie’s nephew calls, saying Gracie’s looking for a tenant for her next-door rental, it feels like it’s meant to be.
All Gracie cares about is turning in her manuscript on time, which is directly at odds with Noah’s attempts to win her back, even if she is slightly charmed by his kindness. But can people ever really change? Then Noah throws a curveball that could give Gracie the extension she needs, but it will mean working directly with Noah, something she’s not sure she can face. With no other choice, and everything on the line, Gracie must decide if it is too late for a second draft of their own love story.
Sweet second chance romantic comedyClean, stand-alone sports romance novelThemes of redemptionBookish heroineBaseball star heroIncludes discussion questions for book clubs
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2025
65 people are currently reading
7709 people want to read
About the author
Becca Kinzer
8 books489 followersBecca Kinzer lives in Springfield, Illinois where she works as a critical care nurse. When she’s not busy taking care of sick patients or using up all the storage on her phone with pictures of her dog, she enjoys making up lighthearted stories with serious laughs. She is the author of multiple titles including Dear Henry, Love Edith, which won the 2024 Carol Award for debut novel, and Love in Tandem.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
April 12, 2025
I just finished "First Love Second Draft" and I've got to say, this book really hit home. The story follows Gracie Parker, who's honestly a mess right now - she's got writer's block, she's nursing an injury, and she's trying her best to keep old wounds buried. Then who should show up but Noah Parker, her ex-husband and former baseball hotshot, who's dealing with his own career crisis. Talk about awkward timing!
What really worked for me was how the book balanced its lighter moments with some genuinely touching scenes. I found myself completely invested in Gracie - she's got this fantastic dry humor and fierce independence that I loved, even though sometimes I wanted to reach through the pages and give her a good talking-to! And Noah? He completely won me over. Instead of the typical arrogant athlete stereotype, we get this genuinely vulnerable guy who's actually willing to own up to his mistakes and do better.
The way these two circled each other felt so real - their chemistry practically leaped off the page, but there was nothing easy about their path back to each other. Every conversation felt loaded with history, and when they finally opened up to each other, I'll admit it - I got a bit misty-eyed.
There were times when the story dragged a bit, especially when we got stuck in Gracie's head for too long, but it always managed to pull me back in. I particularly enjoyed how baseball wasn't just window dressing but actually tied into Noah's character development. Plus, the banter had me literally laughing out loud at points!
I'm giving this one 4 stars (really 3.5 rounded up). While it's not perfect, it's exactly what I needed - a sweet, uplifting story with enough substance to make it memorable. If you're into romance with a dash of sports and characters who feel like real people, definitely give this one a shot.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers | Tyndale Fiction for sharing this uplifting romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
What really worked for me was how the book balanced its lighter moments with some genuinely touching scenes. I found myself completely invested in Gracie - she's got this fantastic dry humor and fierce independence that I loved, even though sometimes I wanted to reach through the pages and give her a good talking-to! And Noah? He completely won me over. Instead of the typical arrogant athlete stereotype, we get this genuinely vulnerable guy who's actually willing to own up to his mistakes and do better.
The way these two circled each other felt so real - their chemistry practically leaped off the page, but there was nothing easy about their path back to each other. Every conversation felt loaded with history, and when they finally opened up to each other, I'll admit it - I got a bit misty-eyed.
There were times when the story dragged a bit, especially when we got stuck in Gracie's head for too long, but it always managed to pull me back in. I particularly enjoyed how baseball wasn't just window dressing but actually tied into Noah's character development. Plus, the banter had me literally laughing out loud at points!
I'm giving this one 4 stars (really 3.5 rounded up). While it's not perfect, it's exactly what I needed - a sweet, uplifting story with enough substance to make it memorable. If you're into romance with a dash of sports and characters who feel like real people, definitely give this one a shot.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers | Tyndale Fiction for sharing this uplifting romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 26, 2025
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕}
⚾️ Release Date: April 15, 2025 ⚾️
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The toxicity in this book was astounding, to say the least. Good lands! I’m not sure who we were supposed to be rooting for, but I certainly hope it wasn’t supposed to be the giant red flag whose name is Gracie 🤦🏻♀️ There were so many problems with this story, not the least of which was everything that had to do with Gracie and Noah’s relationship. Number one: they should not have gotten a divorce in the first place; that created this whole problem to begin with! What ever happened to not giving up on your marriage and extending grace to your partner? The same grace that you would like to be shown as well, mind you. The absence of God was blatantly evident, though in the end they did circle back to Him.
I was not aware that this book would also be focused on Gracie’s nephew, Matt, and his love life. Was I a fan of this plot line? Ummm…that would be a hard no. I could not have cared less about his character, which is sad considering he was supposed to be one of the main characters in this story.
So all that being said, I really struggled to connect with any of the characters. I read the entire book in hopes that it would improve, but alas, it did not. There were some things with the writing style that I didn’t love but I could have easily overlooked had I enjoyed the story. But since I didn’t love the story, the writing style really started to get on my nerves as well. Would I recommend this book to others? Probably not.
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.
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I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are purely my own.
{𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒇𝒕}
⚾️ Release Date: April 15, 2025 ⚾️
.
.
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The toxicity in this book was astounding, to say the least. Good lands! I’m not sure who we were supposed to be rooting for, but I certainly hope it wasn’t supposed to be the giant red flag whose name is Gracie 🤦🏻♀️ There were so many problems with this story, not the least of which was everything that had to do with Gracie and Noah’s relationship. Number one: they should not have gotten a divorce in the first place; that created this whole problem to begin with! What ever happened to not giving up on your marriage and extending grace to your partner? The same grace that you would like to be shown as well, mind you. The absence of God was blatantly evident, though in the end they did circle back to Him.
I was not aware that this book would also be focused on Gracie’s nephew, Matt, and his love life. Was I a fan of this plot line? Ummm…that would be a hard no. I could not have cared less about his character, which is sad considering he was supposed to be one of the main characters in this story.
So all that being said, I really struggled to connect with any of the characters. I read the entire book in hopes that it would improve, but alas, it did not. There were some things with the writing style that I didn’t love but I could have easily overlooked had I enjoyed the story. But since I didn’t love the story, the writing style really started to get on my nerves as well. Would I recommend this book to others? Probably not.
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.
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I received a complimentary arc from NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are purely my own.
February 7, 2025
this is one of those books where all i can say is: i should’ve dnfed.
the blurb? sounds immaculate. second chance, baseball mmc, writer fmc, angst, etc etc u get the idea.
the execution? genuinely what the fuck was going on. it’s ironic that the title is “first love second draft” because this felt like a first draft. this felt like it had zero editing and zero beta reading and just zero review at all. it was messy and lacked depth. i didn’t care about the characters or their stories or romance one bit.
thank you to tyndale house publishers & netgalley for an arc! all opinions are my own <3
the blurb? sounds immaculate. second chance, baseball mmc, writer fmc, angst, etc etc u get the idea.
the execution? genuinely what the fuck was going on. it’s ironic that the title is “first love second draft” because this felt like a first draft. this felt like it had zero editing and zero beta reading and just zero review at all. it was messy and lacked depth. i didn’t care about the characters or their stories or romance one bit.
thank you to tyndale house publishers & netgalley for an arc! all opinions are my own <3
April 16, 2025
One star only because they were both celibate during the 5 year separation, otherwise nothing to rave about.
He chose career over wife and when his career tanks and he gets fired, this is when he decides to fight for ex-wife AFTER he gets a call for help from her nephew. After 5 years? Yeah, no. Also, nephew getting his own POV is bonkers. MCs have no chemistry. Plot is stupid. Writing is stupid. The End.
He chose career over wife and when his career tanks and he gets fired, this is when he decides to fight for ex-wife AFTER he gets a call for help from her nephew. After 5 years? Yeah, no. Also, nephew getting his own POV is bonkers. MCs have no chemistry. Plot is stupid. Writing is stupid. The End.
April 15, 2025
I’m so excited Gracie and Noah’s story is out in the world! Not only did I love writing a second chance romance to bring these two characters back together, I love that Gracie’s nephew Matt gets a sweet little second chance romance of his own on these pages too. So yep. Looks like I’m just gonna have to give this one five stars. No way around it.
April 5, 2025
I absolutely 100% recommend this book if you like to giggle and laugh out loud. If you enjoy lovable, zany, and crazy characters, romance, and sweet poignant moments with Biblical inspiration, then this book is for you. I couldn't put it down, and when I had to, I kept thinking about the characters in the story. Because after just a few pages, they became my people. Now, after finishing the happy-ever-after ending, I'm still thinking of them. I have a huge book hangover, for crying out loud. I loved everything about this book and hope you will too.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, and this is my honest opinion.
February 27, 2025
What happens when life is a series of disappointments? When your spouse seems to turn away from you rather than toward you in grief? Five years later Gracie is in need of help and the only one available is her ex. There’s moments of comedy. Moments I wanted to force them to talk. And moments of grace and redemption. The happily ever after wasn’t guaranteed in this novel of second chances and choices. I loved the secondary second chance romance between Matt and Rachel.
April 11, 2025
I absolutely, positively LOVED this LAUGH OUT LOUD, SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE. I hope no real horses were harmed during the writing of this story. Kidding. The fictional horse didn’t have a leg to stand on. I sooo wanted Noah and Gracie to reconcile, but I enjoyed their arguments. First Love, Second Draft gets brownie points with it’s secondary love story where Noah and Gracie champion her nephew’s relationship. A funny and heartwarming read.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
April 12, 2025
And this, my friends, is exactly why you shouldn't let reviews keep you from picking up a book you're curious about. If I had listened to all the negative chatter about this one, I probably would’ve skipped it. But thankfully, I didn’t, and oh, I’m so glad I gave it a shot!
From the moment I read the synopsis, I had a feeling this story would be my kind of read. I’m usually not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but there’s just something about a divorced couple finding their way back to each other that always gets me. Marriage isn’t easy; it’s messy, it’s real, and when you’ve been with someone for years, chances are, you’ve seen their worst moments and struggled together and apart. Two imperfect people don’t make a perfect relationship... that math will never add up! But when they lean on God and allow Him to fulfill their needs, that's where the beauty is. And that opens up the relationship to one that allows for falling down, getting back up, and a second chance to get it right.
Noah and Gracie’s journey back to each other was rocky (like, really rocky), but it was also sweet, funny, and just full of heart. I laughed out loud quite a bit reading this. Watching Noah fight for their marriage and prove to Gracie that she will be number one in his life? So touching. And seeing Gracie finally face the truth that she never really moved on because no one could ever take his place? So, so sweet.
Add in the sweet side romance between Matt and Rachel (friends to lovers trope, for those who adore those), plus some heartfelt family dynamics, and this book turned into something really special.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but that didn’t affect my thoughts one bit. Just speaking from the heart here. 💛
From the moment I read the synopsis, I had a feeling this story would be my kind of read. I’m usually not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but there’s just something about a divorced couple finding their way back to each other that always gets me. Marriage isn’t easy; it’s messy, it’s real, and when you’ve been with someone for years, chances are, you’ve seen their worst moments and struggled together and apart. Two imperfect people don’t make a perfect relationship... that math will never add up! But when they lean on God and allow Him to fulfill their needs, that's where the beauty is. And that opens up the relationship to one that allows for falling down, getting back up, and a second chance to get it right.
Noah and Gracie’s journey back to each other was rocky (like, really rocky), but it was also sweet, funny, and just full of heart. I laughed out loud quite a bit reading this. Watching Noah fight for their marriage and prove to Gracie that she will be number one in his life? So touching. And seeing Gracie finally face the truth that she never really moved on because no one could ever take his place? So, so sweet.
Add in the sweet side romance between Matt and Rachel (friends to lovers trope, for those who adore those), plus some heartfelt family dynamics, and this book turned into something really special.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but that didn’t affect my thoughts one bit. Just speaking from the heart here. 💛
April 18, 2025
My Quick Takes:
-5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none/kisses only
- Content 🤔 divorce, parental death, traumatic childhood, miscarriage
Another 5 star read from Becca Kinzer, who has become an auto buy author for me. Her lighthearted, charming characters always make me laugh out loud throughout the plot, and tear up when the heavier topics hit.
While First Love, Second Draft is a baseball romcom, it’s light on the baseball. The male main character is a retired pitcher and the plot centers around his pursuit of and forced proximity to his ex wife as he tries to win her back.
New with this book, Kinzer added a 3rd point of view that lends itself to a second romance subplot. I really enjoyed getting to know another character in the story from their POV that wasn’t the make or female main character. It was a successful change from the single and dual pov seen in romance novels.
If you want a lighthearted read that’s sure to make you laugh, look no further than Becca Kinzer’s romcom novels!
-5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 none/kisses only
- Content 🤔 divorce, parental death, traumatic childhood, miscarriage
Another 5 star read from Becca Kinzer, who has become an auto buy author for me. Her lighthearted, charming characters always make me laugh out loud throughout the plot, and tear up when the heavier topics hit.
While First Love, Second Draft is a baseball romcom, it’s light on the baseball. The male main character is a retired pitcher and the plot centers around his pursuit of and forced proximity to his ex wife as he tries to win her back.
New with this book, Kinzer added a 3rd point of view that lends itself to a second romance subplot. I really enjoyed getting to know another character in the story from their POV that wasn’t the make or female main character. It was a successful change from the single and dual pov seen in romance novels.
If you want a lighthearted read that’s sure to make you laugh, look no further than Becca Kinzer’s romcom novels!
December 18, 2024
Gracie is currently at rock bottom. Divorced, struggling to pay her and her Dads medical bills, behind on her next novel, and now injured? Things couldn't get worse. That is, until her meddling nephew calls in her ex-husband to come take care of her, and he jumps at the chance to rekindle what they once had. Gracie is left to wonder how long he'll stick around this time and how soon baseball will interfere again.
This was one of the strangest second-chance romances I've ever read. The characters were fine but not lovable. Her sister Mona is a terrible sister, and I'm still baffled as to why her nephew gets his own POV and chapters worked into her story. It doesn't add anything to the novel and just continues to have it drag on to be much too long.
Also, I don't know how two people could divorce in their mid to late 30's and then not be with other people? In 5 years? Still calling each other husband and wife and babe. Especially after he left her devastated after a massive personal loss to focus on his job and never chose to explain it. It was just awkward and dragged out, and we don't get the reasons behind things until too late in the novel to even have investment into the characters.
Then there's the epilogue that really didn't need to be included. If anything, it brought the book down further due to how awkward and clunky it was, and how it reinforces that despite remarriage, he's still going to continue to find ways to choose baseball.
Overall, I found this a slow and frustrating book, and I wouldn't recommend it.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Tyndale House for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was one of the strangest second-chance romances I've ever read. The characters were fine but not lovable. Her sister Mona is a terrible sister, and I'm still baffled as to why her nephew gets his own POV and chapters worked into her story. It doesn't add anything to the novel and just continues to have it drag on to be much too long.
Also, I don't know how two people could divorce in their mid to late 30's and then not be with other people? In 5 years? Still calling each other husband and wife and babe. Especially after he left her devastated after a massive personal loss to focus on his job and never chose to explain it. It was just awkward and dragged out, and we don't get the reasons behind things until too late in the novel to even have investment into the characters.
Then there's the epilogue that really didn't need to be included. If anything, it brought the book down further due to how awkward and clunky it was, and how it reinforces that despite remarriage, he's still going to continue to find ways to choose baseball.
Overall, I found this a slow and frustrating book, and I wouldn't recommend it.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Tyndale House for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2025
I have one piece of advice for anyone considering reading this book: don't read it when you're having a coughing fit. Or any sort of coughing issue. Because trying to laugh and cough at the same time just doesn't work well (ask me how I know). You'll sound like a wheezing raccoon half coughing out a lung and half choking on a chortle. And there are several parts in First Love, Second Draft that will make you laugh.
Yet, for all of the humor, there are just as many touching and serious parts as well. Gracie and Noah both deal with emotional pain from their divorce. Noah as well suffers from a pained childhood, and Gracie's dad is in ill health. The ending, especially, will tug on the heartstrings.
It was both amusing and sweet to watch Gracie and Noah travel the journey of reconciliation. Equally enjoyable was the little side romance with Matt, Gracie's nephew, and his love interest. I honestly don't know which couple I liked better. They both were adorable.
As known by anyone who has followed my reviews for a while, I don't usually gravitate toward contemporary romance. Especially sports romances. But I'm so happy I picked up First Love, Second Draft, because it is truly an enjoyable story, and one I will be adding to my "read again" list. And for me to say that about a contemporary romance should tell you something about the book itself.
There are so many good parts in the story: parts that will cause you to laugh, snicker, root for the characters, enjoy the strong theme of family, and catch a case of the feels. Kinzer's writing style is smooth and flows well, but for me personally, the very best line in this book is not from the story itself, but from the last sentence in the Author's Note: "With Jesus, there is always reason to hope.
How beautiful and true that line is, and how applicable it is to both life and First Line, Second Draft's plot.
This is the first Becca Kinzer book I've read, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to the publisher/NetGalley.
Yet, for all of the humor, there are just as many touching and serious parts as well. Gracie and Noah both deal with emotional pain from their divorce. Noah as well suffers from a pained childhood, and Gracie's dad is in ill health. The ending, especially, will tug on the heartstrings.
It was both amusing and sweet to watch Gracie and Noah travel the journey of reconciliation. Equally enjoyable was the little side romance with Matt, Gracie's nephew, and his love interest. I honestly don't know which couple I liked better. They both were adorable.
As known by anyone who has followed my reviews for a while, I don't usually gravitate toward contemporary romance. Especially sports romances. But I'm so happy I picked up First Love, Second Draft, because it is truly an enjoyable story, and one I will be adding to my "read again" list. And for me to say that about a contemporary romance should tell you something about the book itself.
There are so many good parts in the story: parts that will cause you to laugh, snicker, root for the characters, enjoy the strong theme of family, and catch a case of the feels. Kinzer's writing style is smooth and flows well, but for me personally, the very best line in this book is not from the story itself, but from the last sentence in the Author's Note: "With Jesus, there is always reason to hope.
How beautiful and true that line is, and how applicable it is to both life and First Line, Second Draft's plot.
This is the first Becca Kinzer book I've read, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to the publisher/NetGalley.
February 28, 2025
˗ˏˋ 1 star ⟡ ݁₊ .
ugh, i was kinda excited for this book but it completely let me down.
to start off, i feel like the entire divorce was completely unnecessary in the first place. noah had no character development and grace deserved better.
also my question is: why is there a POV dedicated to the nephew, matt? he's not even the love interest and his POV didn't even add on anything to the plot. he would probably be better off in a separate novella.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
ugh, i was kinda excited for this book but it completely let me down.
to start off, i feel like the entire divorce was completely unnecessary in the first place. noah had no character development and grace deserved better.
also my question is: why is there a POV dedicated to the nephew, matt? he's not even the love interest and his POV didn't even add on anything to the plot. he would probably be better off in a separate novella.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2025
this was great🤣 3.5⭐️ reminded me of my favourite rom-com movie “Crazy Stupid Love”.
There were 3 POVs:
Gracie, Noah (her ex husband), and Matt (her nephew).
And 2 relationships:
Gracie & Noah / Matt & Rachel.
i liked the parallels the author kept making between both couples.
Also loved the ending including a
“You answered”
“You called” scene❤️
I was so touched by how everything came together.
The chapter where Gracie was making everyone act out a kissing scene from her book had me in tears laughing!
Noah arguing about the “logistics” of the kiss, Rachel taking her acting role way too seriously, Matt trying to carry Rachel by her head, and some random TIME TRAVELING HORSE?! it was chaos and just amazing.
I was just as curious as everyone else in the book to see how Gracie was gna turn that disastrous story of hers into an actual rom-com.
There were 3 POVs:
Gracie, Noah (her ex husband), and Matt (her nephew).
And 2 relationships:
Gracie & Noah / Matt & Rachel.
i liked the parallels the author kept making between both couples.
Also loved the ending including a
“You answered”
“You called” scene❤️
I was so touched by how everything came together.
The chapter where Gracie was making everyone act out a kissing scene from her book had me in tears laughing!
Noah arguing about the “logistics” of the kiss, Rachel taking her acting role way too seriously, Matt trying to carry Rachel by her head, and some random TIME TRAVELING HORSE?! it was chaos and just amazing.
I was just as curious as everyone else in the book to see how Gracie was gna turn that disastrous story of hers into an actual rom-com.
April 12, 2025
unfortunately i did dnf this one. i felt as though the story was quite busy and lacked direction. there were a lot of different characters and storylines which led to me feeling a bit lost within the pages.
the brief for this book held promise and intrigue, i think that the overall concept was one that could have flourished with a bit more refinement!
thank you to NetGalley and Tyndall House Publishers for the arc!
the brief for this book held promise and intrigue, i think that the overall concept was one that could have flourished with a bit more refinement!
thank you to NetGalley and Tyndall House Publishers for the arc!
December 4, 2024
This should be called First Love, First Draft. This book made absolutely no sense from the character details to the way the story is told. I honestly feel apathetic towards the characters, like I don’t love or hate them - I just don’t care for them. Except maybe for Gracie’s dad, Buck. First off, why do we have a POV and chapters dedicated to her nephew? He’s not a main character, he’s not her love interest. This is a story about family, but his aunt getting back with her ex-husband. This just makes the story confusing, because him being in love with a girl from high school doesn’t add to the story. Second, you mean to tell me it’s been 5 years since Gracie and Noah divorced and they’re still so hung on each that they call each other husband/wife without the ex in front? At that point, they should just be separated. Noah never actually apologizes for not being their for Gracie during the catalyst of their divorce. He only justifies his stupid decision by blaming childhood trauma he NEVER told her about and that baseball is his job. We don’t actually see Noah’s growth or how their divorce affected him besides “I’m so loney”. This novel could’ve been very well written with a dying parent and traumatizing divorce but it lacked the depth needed for these topics.
Thank you Tyndale House publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you Tyndale House publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 7, 2025
DNF 65%. Lots going on it this story … the writing sort of jumps all over the place and there’s not a lot of cohesion. Red flags GALORE from all characters (for example, the MMC spikes the FMC’s drink TWICE with medicine she doesn’t want which is so very creepy).
There is weirdly two separate romances in this and the secondary romance is very random and unnecessary.
Some of the dialogue was clever and funny but the jokes got real old, real fast.
I didn’t realize this was a “Christian” romance until after I started it and I don’t enjoy those which is a personal preference.
I really tried to give this one a chance but it wasn’t working for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is weirdly two separate romances in this and the secondary romance is very random and unnecessary.
Some of the dialogue was clever and funny but the jokes got real old, real fast.
I didn’t realize this was a “Christian” romance until after I started it and I don’t enjoy those which is a personal preference.
I really tried to give this one a chance but it wasn’t working for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
This book was hilarious and addictive. Not only do we get a slow burn second chance romance for Gracie and her ex-hubbie Noah, but we get the cutest little romance for her nephew Matt and his childhood bestie Rachel. I was rooting so hard for both couples.
Noah and Gracie overcame so much and I appreciate when a second chance romance turns out to be so beautiful and emotional! Matt and Rachel are actually soulmates and their banter was silly and cute.
Every character was written so well and I really loved the plot!
Noah and Gracie overcame so much and I appreciate when a second chance romance turns out to be so beautiful and emotional! Matt and Rachel are actually soulmates and their banter was silly and cute.
Every character was written so well and I really loved the plot!
June 21, 2025
Fun and light-hearted! This was a well-done second chance romance that I just ate up!
April 19, 2025
4.5 stars
Becca Kinzer has become a favorite author for when I want to swoon, laugh out loud, and cry a little too – all in the same book – and First Love, Second Draft definitely hits the spot! Or, perhaps I should say it hits a home run considering the fact that Gracie’s ex-husband Noah is a baseball star. And Kinzer really does knock it out of the park in this novel (no surprise), particularly when it comes to the snappy dialogue and banter. Not just between the romantic pairings – though the banter there is perfectly fabulous – but also between family and friends. The tight pace of the conversations and the quick comebacks kept me giggling from start to finish, and I confess I even snort-laughed a couple of times… and may have also out loud told Noah’s agent to ‘STOP TALKING” hahaha. If I started quoting my favorite passages, I’d be here all day. But I think for sure a majority of them would involve Gracie’s nephew Matt and his best friend/love interest Rachel (the grocery store scene!!). They are so adorably awkward and so endearing together.
There’s a lot more to First Love, Second Draft than just the hilarious dialogue though. Or the swoonilicious romances (more on the main one in a second). Becca Kinzer does a phenomenal job of balancing the lighthearted or chemistry-laden moments with the deeper, more emotional issues that they’re working through, without either temperament feeling out of place. The acute disappointments and loss, the flawed relationships, the themes of restoration and second chances all fit in almost tenderly with the zany scenarios and toe-curling kisses, like we’re getting a peek at this little slice of life and, really, we are. Perhaps none more so than with divorced exes Gracie and Noah and their forced proximity while Gracie recovers from a very painful injury. And yes, if you guessed that there’s all kinds of opportunity there for laugh-out-loud humor or delicious romantic tension, you would be right on both counts – and I loved every minute (even when I wanted to shake Gracie lol). But there is also beautiful room here for Kinzer to use their forced time together to open up some festering wounds, clear out the scar tissue and infection, and begin the work of truly healing what shattered between them. I loved every minute of that too (even when I wanted to shake Gracie lol).
Bottom Line: In First Love, Second Draft, author Becca Kinzer effortlessly combines yummy romance, laugh-out-loud hilarity, and poignant character growth to deliver a grand slam romcom with lots of heart. From Gracie’s ill-fated romcom drafts (that horse LOL) to Noah’s blatant flirting, the slapstick comedy, some fabulous kisses, and even little quirky bits like the FedEx driver, the mice, the ‘stealthy’ meeting at the diner, etc. there’s so much to smile about. I fell head over heels for the dialogue in this novel, and I was wholly invested in these characters, however purposely-flawed they may have been. In fact, there are no perfect people in this book, except maybe Gracie’s dad Buck who is pretty wonderful, and that means we’ve got several great layers to explore along with the more lighthearted aspects of the story. Another highly enjoyable read from Becca Kinzer – already eager for her next book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
Becca Kinzer has become a favorite author for when I want to swoon, laugh out loud, and cry a little too – all in the same book – and First Love, Second Draft definitely hits the spot! Or, perhaps I should say it hits a home run considering the fact that Gracie’s ex-husband Noah is a baseball star. And Kinzer really does knock it out of the park in this novel (no surprise), particularly when it comes to the snappy dialogue and banter. Not just between the romantic pairings – though the banter there is perfectly fabulous – but also between family and friends. The tight pace of the conversations and the quick comebacks kept me giggling from start to finish, and I confess I even snort-laughed a couple of times… and may have also out loud told Noah’s agent to ‘STOP TALKING” hahaha. If I started quoting my favorite passages, I’d be here all day. But I think for sure a majority of them would involve Gracie’s nephew Matt and his best friend/love interest Rachel (the grocery store scene!!). They are so adorably awkward and so endearing together.
There’s a lot more to First Love, Second Draft than just the hilarious dialogue though. Or the swoonilicious romances (more on the main one in a second). Becca Kinzer does a phenomenal job of balancing the lighthearted or chemistry-laden moments with the deeper, more emotional issues that they’re working through, without either temperament feeling out of place. The acute disappointments and loss, the flawed relationships, the themes of restoration and second chances all fit in almost tenderly with the zany scenarios and toe-curling kisses, like we’re getting a peek at this little slice of life and, really, we are. Perhaps none more so than with divorced exes Gracie and Noah and their forced proximity while Gracie recovers from a very painful injury. And yes, if you guessed that there’s all kinds of opportunity there for laugh-out-loud humor or delicious romantic tension, you would be right on both counts – and I loved every minute (even when I wanted to shake Gracie lol). But there is also beautiful room here for Kinzer to use their forced time together to open up some festering wounds, clear out the scar tissue and infection, and begin the work of truly healing what shattered between them. I loved every minute of that too (even when I wanted to shake Gracie lol).
Bottom Line: In First Love, Second Draft, author Becca Kinzer effortlessly combines yummy romance, laugh-out-loud hilarity, and poignant character growth to deliver a grand slam romcom with lots of heart. From Gracie’s ill-fated romcom drafts (that horse LOL) to Noah’s blatant flirting, the slapstick comedy, some fabulous kisses, and even little quirky bits like the FedEx driver, the mice, the ‘stealthy’ meeting at the diner, etc. there’s so much to smile about. I fell head over heels for the dialogue in this novel, and I was wholly invested in these characters, however purposely-flawed they may have been. In fact, there are no perfect people in this book, except maybe Gracie’s dad Buck who is pretty wonderful, and that means we’ve got several great layers to explore along with the more lighthearted aspects of the story. Another highly enjoyable read from Becca Kinzer – already eager for her next book!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
February 5, 2025
✨Arc Review✨
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚. 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲, 𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱-𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥?”
👏🏼
I loved this read! It was refreshing to have an older FMC. I’m laughing recalling all the humor that is generously sprinkled throughout this story—Oh! And the banter between ALL the characters was chef’s kiss 😚🤌🏼
Rita Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Tyndale Publishing and Netgalley for this arc opportunity 🫶🏼
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚. 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲, 𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱-𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦, 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥?”
👏🏼
I loved this read! It was refreshing to have an older FMC. I’m laughing recalling all the humor that is generously sprinkled throughout this story—Oh! And the banter between ALL the characters was chef’s kiss 😚🤌🏼
Rita Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Tyndale Publishing and Netgalley for this arc opportunity 🫶🏼
March 24, 2025
I loved the ending. And the title was a cute pun on the relationships within.
But I honestly struggled to like the main character or even to see why the hero had been attracted to her. The younger couple, who were a secondary focus with a friends to lovers trope, was cute.
There were some funny laughable moments. But some of the bathroom humor, etc. was a little much for me.
The ending redeemed the story for me. But only just.
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.)
But I honestly struggled to like the main character or even to see why the hero had been attracted to her. The younger couple, who were a secondary focus with a friends to lovers trope, was cute.
There were some funny laughable moments. But some of the bathroom humor, etc. was a little much for me.
The ending redeemed the story for me. But only just.
(Disclosure: I received a digital review copy from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.)
April 12, 2025
This book took me by surprise in the best way. It was a little slow for me to get hooked on the characters but once I did I was hooked! The story had me legitimately laughing out loud (I never laugh out loud at books) and the ending had me tearing up then laughing.
Gracie was definitely a GRUMP with a capital G and I struggled to like her character for a lot of the book, but once her past came to light, I came to semi understand where she was coming from. Noah was clearly head over cleats for her and worked overtime to prove that despite their divorce, he was still the man for her.
And Gracie's nephew Matt's story? I thoroughly enjoyed it. It almost mirrored Gracie and Noah's romance from when they were young.
The faith was definitely on the lighter side, but where it was done I found it done well.
This was one of those stories where some of the characters were unlikable *cough* Mona *cough cough* but I still felt invested in the story.
The whole author theme definitely resonated with me as she struggled to write a solid story and the characters just flying off the rails (there was a time traveling horse).
But man oh man did this book make me laugh!
RATINGS:
💋
✝️.5
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Gracie was definitely a GRUMP with a capital G and I struggled to like her character for a lot of the book, but once her past came to light, I came to semi understand where she was coming from. Noah was clearly head over cleats for her and worked overtime to prove that despite their divorce, he was still the man for her.
And Gracie's nephew Matt's story? I thoroughly enjoyed it. It almost mirrored Gracie and Noah's romance from when they were young.
The faith was definitely on the lighter side, but where it was done I found it done well.
This was one of those stories where some of the characters were unlikable *cough* Mona *cough cough* but I still felt invested in the story.
The whole author theme definitely resonated with me as she struggled to write a solid story and the characters just flying off the rails (there was a time traveling horse).
But man oh man did this book make me laugh!
RATINGS:
💋
✝️.5
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
March 6, 2025
Second chance romance are always some of my very favorites, and when you throw in a baseball player MMC and writer FMC, this one definitely seemed up my alley. When Gracie finds herself injured and in need of help, the last person she wants it from seems to be the only one who can provide it--- her ex-husband of five years- Noah. These two had a really cute chemistry, despite their complicated history. As the story goes on, we learn more about not only that history... but also more about Noah's childhood--- which is something he'd always kept from everyone, including Gracie. I loved seeing them work through everything and to get that second chance at love. In addition to Noah and Gracie's story, we also get Gracie's nephew Matt's POV too. While this threw me off at first, I found that I did enjoy that little bit of a second romance as well. While this was overall a lighter hearted read, it does take on a few tougher topics to include a mention of miscarriage, which could be triggering for some readers. This was a cute story, and one that fans of Christian romance are sure to want to check out for themselves.
**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2025
First Love Second Draft 5🌟⚾️
This was such an easy 5-star read—no question about it! The way Becca Kinzer wrote this book? Absolute perfection. I laughed so hard I’m sure my neighbors thought I’d lost it. And yes… I cried. Twice. Tissues were 100% necessary.
This story carved out a permanent place in my heart—just like Becca has. Please read this book and then DM me immediately because I need to debrief! I’ve got tabs marked for all the moments I want to revisit whenever I need a good laugh (or a good cry).
Thank you, Becca, for this gem of a book! Now… can I get an early copy of your next one? Because I’m ready. You are one of my favorite authors—your stories bring everything: swoon-worthy romance, laugh-out-loud humor, top-tier banter, threads of faith, and all the deep feels. Everything.
@beccaannkinzer @tyndalehouse
This was such an easy 5-star read—no question about it! The way Becca Kinzer wrote this book? Absolute perfection. I laughed so hard I’m sure my neighbors thought I’d lost it. And yes… I cried. Twice. Tissues were 100% necessary.
This story carved out a permanent place in my heart—just like Becca has. Please read this book and then DM me immediately because I need to debrief! I’ve got tabs marked for all the moments I want to revisit whenever I need a good laugh (or a good cry).
Thank you, Becca, for this gem of a book! Now… can I get an early copy of your next one? Because I’m ready. You are one of my favorite authors—your stories bring everything: swoon-worthy romance, laugh-out-loud humor, top-tier banter, threads of faith, and all the deep feels. Everything.
@beccaannkinzer @tyndalehouse
November 25, 2024
I want to thank the publisher for granting my wish to read this book. It was so nice to be chosen. Gracie and Noah were ex spouses that were still in love with each other. She had an unfortunate accident and needed assistance, so he swooped in to help her and to win her back. At the same time her nephew Matt was trying to win over his best friend Rachel. It was all cute. Though I’m not sure how I feel about exs getting back together. There were moments of humor and lightness throughout serious topics of a dying dad and the loss of a pregnancy. The epilogue though was just okay but not needed. Overall, it was an okay, clean, and at times a sweet romance. Thank to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
May 10, 2025
Sadly, I have had to abandon reading this book at about 35% in. I could not connect to any of the characters to the point that they all started to annoy me very much. I really liked the premise of this book and I think it has a lot of potential, but none of the characters seemed three dimensional to me, especially Matt and Rachel, whose story seems to make up half of the book when they weren't even mentioned in the description. I also couldn't connect to Grace and Noah, even though Grace seems like a character I'd love - author, hopeless romantic, fiercely independent - but both of them just cannot talk to each other or respect each others boundaries at all, and that's just a no for me in romances. I'm quite sad about quitting this book since it seemed so promising, and I will probably pick up another one of Becca Kinzer's books, because these probably are things that could be ironed out in a new novel.
April 22, 2025
This was such an enjoyable second-chance romance! I usually don't love books where a husband and wife get back together, but maybe that's because other authors haven't written this trope as well as Becca Kinzer. She knocked it out of the park - and yes, that's a baseball reference because there is a bit of baseball in this book, which I loved. (A hero who is a pitcher? I will read it every time. One of my favorite movies is For the Love of the Game, and this book reminded me of everything I love about that movie.) The banter in the dialogue is spot-on throughout this novel, and every scene strikes a perfect balance between clever humor and emotional depth. There's also a subplot second-chance romance involving the heroine's nephew that is as adorable and sweet as the main love story. This was just all-around excellent, and I can't recommend it highly enough for your spring and summer TBR!
I received a digital review copy of First Love, Second Draft from Netgalley.
I received a digital review copy of First Love, Second Draft from Netgalley.
Want to read
January 15, 2025🧡 ┆.ೃ࿔ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 ❀
i wanted to read this for some reason and i got the arc sooo
i wanted to read this for some reason and i got the arc sooo
April 22, 2025
I LOVE a good second chance romance and this one did not disappoint. Gracie is a romance writer struggling to make her deadline, and the last thing she needs is her ex-husband moving in next door distracting her and calling her “babe.” Noah is a baseball star who’s been booted from the roster, but he’s looking for a second chance to win Gracie’s heart before it’s too late.
I loved the quirky situational humor, the side romance, and the main characters I couldn’t help but root for. I loved reading about a man fighting for his marriage, and I think that is what set it apart from other romances I’ve read. Reading about and rooting for characters with history just made my heart happy.
If you’re looking for a sweet (just kisses) second chance romance, definitely give this a try. Added bonus if you’re a baseball fan ⚾️
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the advanced review copy! All opinions are my own.
I loved the quirky situational humor, the side romance, and the main characters I couldn’t help but root for. I loved reading about a man fighting for his marriage, and I think that is what set it apart from other romances I’ve read. Reading about and rooting for characters with history just made my heart happy.
If you’re looking for a sweet (just kisses) second chance romance, definitely give this a try. Added bonus if you’re a baseball fan ⚾️
Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the advanced review copy! All opinions are my own.
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