i have to start by saying that as a second chance trope supremacist first and foremost, this one felt so refreshing to me. i feel like this book used a different "formula" than what we're used to seeing when it comes to the trope and i really really loved that.

it's been a good while since a book got me truly hooked and made me feel as much as this one did. i'm a sucker for romance books that manage to make you truly care for other elements beside the main love story and let's just say that by the final chapters i had tears in my eyes because of bea's journey alone. loved loved loved. and the writing?!?!?! this was my first story by ali rosen, but definitely won't be my last.

like i previously mentioned, bea and jack were not what i was first expecting from a second chance couple, but i ate it up every second of their interactions and honestly i wish there were more! getting other glimpses into their past would've made this perfect for me — alongside adding more of bash and jack.

with that said, i couldn't recommend this book more. if you're like me that's always looking for romance stories that feel real and get you smiling like a fool, go read this one when you can!

A work place second chance romance. Jack broke Bea's heart and now, as adults, they have to work together. She's got so much on her plate-not only her son Bash but also her job, the job that requires her to cross the Atlantic repeatedly, that she isn't prepared for romance, I usually remind readers that workplace romances (at least these two are peers) aren't good idea but this is well handled. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This book was an interesting one. I liked it, but it took me a while to get into it. I would put it firmly in the Gro-mance category. There was a romance there, but it was a bit overshadowed by the odd pacing and outside drama.

Bea's life is filled with issues at home. Her son is great, but her soon to be ex-husband is difficult and she's still working through the things that broke them up. When her job takes her to Ireland for a day and a half every other week, she reconnects with her high school boyfriend and they begin an Irish only fling that helps Bea find her true self again.

When I settled into this book, I really enjoyed it. The writing was great, I liked both of the main characters, and there was well developed cast of side characters. The pacing was just off for me. It took place over almost an entire year. This wasn't a slow burn situation; the couple gets together fairly early but it takes them a while to decide to be all in. Family and job issues are the bulk of the first 60%. It did give me an opportunity to really get to know the couple and their pasts, so that's a plus. There's a bit of a second chances trope here, but I thought it could have been taken out completely. Their past is not a barrier to them getting back together, so it just made the trope feel a bit shoehorned in.

I would read more from Ali Rosen. I liked her characters and story development.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced e-book in exchange for my honest review.

The book focuses on Beatrice, who is recently separated, and is forced to work with the first boy who broke her heart 20 years later. Beatrice and Jack have such profound growth through the book and I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.
It was SOOO refreshing to read a female protagonist who is ambitious and values her career, while also being an amazing, dedicated mother. It is a slow burn romance, which I really enjoyed. I loved the female friendships in this book (Beatrice was constantly supported and called out on her BS by her best friends). I wish Jack had a little more personality (he was a little too quiet and stoic for me).

I wish I enjoyed this more. For one, it is partially set in Ireland. Woo! And two, because I really liked the intent behind this story. Beatrice was a great character! Struggling with the balance of her divorce, motherhood, and growing career, I was excited to see her find happiness.

But this was just too ... slow. It follows Beatrice as she travels back and forth from New York to Ireland for work (she's the VP of business development). While there she develops a friends-with-benefits situation with Jack, the newly appointed Chief Technology Officer—but more importantly, the man who broke her heart in high school twenty years ago.

There just wasn't a lot happening in this one. Beatrice would travel for work, have fun with Jack, return home, and repeat. I found myself wanting to skim over the repetitive scenarios. It's not that there wasn't any meaningful conversations between Beatrice and Jack, but overall the emotions and longing for a second-chance romance weren't quite there for me.

This book was so captivating, I could not put it down. From the dreamy Irish backdrop to the heart of the main character Bea, I simultaneously needed to keep reading but also never wanted it to end. The characters in this book felt like friends and I was instantly transported right into the story as if I were following my friends and colleagues along on this adventure. I cannot recommend this book enough.

I’m Alternate Endings, Ali Rosen gives the reader some of the most authentic and realistic characters found in the romance genre. Bea and Jack are living messy, complicated lives. Their shared history makes their unexpected reunion feel inevitable even as it makes life more challenging. The interactions and dialogue feel entirely plausible.

The real allure of this book lies with the supporting characters. Bash is pure joy. He is delightful in his innocence and exuberance. Bea’s support network of bubble bath taking while FaceTiming friends give her the kind of truthful, unfiltered advice all women need. The relationship between Bea and Lukas seems entirely genuine as they navigate the intricacies of co-parenting after divorce.

This book started slowly for me, but picked up after the first 25%. I’m glad I stuck with it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this! Ali Rosen writes deep characters and engaging storylines that feel both character and plot driven, which I like. There were some really great lines in this one! I definitely got twinges of that longing and yearning that I love. Like “Recipe For Second Chances,” “Alternate Endings” straddles that line between romance and women’s/lit fic—much like Emily Henry’s books. They feature prominent romantic storylines but are also heavily influenced by the personal growth of the main character(s).

The story follows Bea, a recent divorcee who shares a son named Bash with her ex, and Jack, her high school ex. After years of no communication (and bitterness on her part), they find themselves thrown into work together when Jack is hired by Bea’s eccentric boss. We follow Bea and Jack as they reacquaint themselves, quickly become “sex friends,” and over time, rekindle a deeper connection.

The story felt consistently paced overall, and I appreciated the growth displayed in Bea and Jack— both together and separately. I liked that Bea’s divorce wasn’t harped on excessively. It was a theme and was talked about, but the majority of the interactions we see with the ex wind up being neutral/positive so the growth felt genuine. It was clear that Bea was really trying to get out of her own way to be a better mom/friend/etc. The romance storyline was sweet. Bea and Jack had some good banter, but definitely took their sweet time learning to communicate. The story was spicy in the sense that they had a lot of sex, but the scenes weren’t really explicit on-page. I liked seeing their emotional connection deepen throughout the story. The small ways they started showing up for each other contributed to the believability of their arc.

The side characters were, for the most part, enjoyable. But I did find myself frustrated/annoyed with Bea’s boss, Brigid. She just came across to me as very insensitive, blasé, and manipulative. I understand that Bea appreciates a lot of that detachedness, but the ups and downs of that relationship as Bea clearly worked to be better herself, bothered me. I wish Brigid had softened up better, sooner.

Overall I really enjoyed this! Ali Rosen is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me and I enjoy recommending her to friends and followers.

I loved Ali Rosen’s last book and had great hop for Alternate Endings but it was very lackluster and missing the trademark Ali Rosen wit.

While I really enjoyed the characters, wittiness, and romance in Alternate Endings, I found myself wanting MORE (of all three but especially the romance) by the time I finished. This was a very sweet book, but ultimately I don't think Ali Rosen's writing is for me.

All I have to say is I am so glad that Ali Rosen is sharing more than recipes now with her second novel.

Alternate Endings is the story of Bea, newly divorced and navigating coparenting, while kicking butt at her career.

Bea is working her way up at the company, but it involves travel between NYC and Ireland. That puts stress on her schedule with her son, but she navigates this like a pro.

But then, she is introduced to the new CTO of the company - Jack. Well, he just so happens to be her ex from high school.

But Jack and Bea suddenly become intangled with more than work. Can Bea navigate love, parenting and a new role?

This book was FABULOUS. Ali writes characters with such growth and honesty.

Bea and Jack have flaws, but the story is so on point with people gaining second chances and pure growth. I adored all the secondary characters, I could read about Bash (Bea's son) all day!

Thank you Netgalley, Ali Rosen and publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This is a really lovely non spicy RomCom. Set between New York and Co. Galway (Ireland) it follows Bea, a nearly (newly) divorcee in her personal and professional life. A story about second chances and vocalizing what you want.

As an Irish person (a Galwegian in fact) I'm really glad that the parts set in Ireland weren't twee and full of misconceptions or preconceived ideas about Irish people or Ireland.

I loved this. And I loved following Bea & Jack on their way to finding their love for each other after 20yrs.

A real feel good story.

Alternate Endings was a sweet, slow burn romance with plenty of heart and humor. The characters were a delight, and I'd be hard-pressed to choose a favorite from the main characters, friends, co-workers, and kid. I also loved that the female main character was mid-30s, divorced, with a kid, and a high-powered job. Parts of the book are set in Ireland, so reading this around St. Patrick's Day was really fun, especially since the author is also a chef and provides some yummy, on-theme recipes at the end. My only complaint is that I found the pacing a bit slow. Even so, this was my first novel by Ali Rosen, and it won't be my last!

Thank you to Montlake for gifting me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

I didn't love this one. The writing felt underdeveloped and the plot was predictable and flat. I wish the author held tension for the characters for longer because we all knew they would ultimately end up together. It had potential, but just wasn't executed well.

I loved this book. Admittedly it took me a little bit to get into it but once I did, I couldn't find enough time to just sit and read. I am very much hoping for a sequel to see what happens next with all of these characters.

4.5 stars

**ARC provided by Netgalley for my honest review**

Alternate Endings is Ali Rosen's second novel and I really enjoyed it.

I don't read book blurbs and I requested this book because I enjoyed the author's first book, which I listened to and I'm so glad I was able to read an ARC.

Alternate Endings isn't your typical romance book and I say it in a good way. I loved the way Beatrice changed through the book and how she is learning to balance her personal life with her work life and give love a second chance.

The book deals with infertility issues that accorded while Bea was married and the way her marriage ended have a huge impact on her current relationship with Jack.

Bea and Jack have history from school and it didn't end on a good note but now that he is working with her and they are spending time in Ireland for work, they need to find a way to move on from the past.

The book had potential for unnecessary drama and I'm happy the author didn't go that route and what started as a no string attached sex between Bea and Jack while they are in Ireland becomes much more.

I really liked the secondary characters, Bea's friends helping and supporting her and also her former sister in law who lives with Bea and is still one of her best friends. Bea's son Bash was so funny and I loved reading about him.

Really liked this! It moved very quickly and I finished it in two days. I really enjoyed Bea’s and Jack’s story. Plus Bash was adorable. I do wish that there had been more flashbacks from their high school days, I didn’t feel like I got the whole picture on what all happened.

But overall, this is a great read for anyone looking for a fun romance.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

"Alternate Endings" offers a refreshing take on the complexities of love, second chances, and the unpredictability of life's twists and turns. Beatrice Leal's journey through divorce, co-parenting, and rediscovering herself amidst the chaos of her personal and professional life is both relatable and compelling.

Rosen skillfully weaves together Bea's emotional turmoil with the backdrop of Ireland's picturesque scenery, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. As Bea grapples with her feelings for her ex-husband, the challenges of co-parenting, and the unexpected rekindling of romance with Jack Sander, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

The character development in "Alternate Endings" is exceptional, with Bea's internal struggles and growth portrayed with depth and authenticity. Jack's return into her life adds layers of complexity and nostalgia, leading to a poignant exploration of forgiveness and the power of second chances.

What sets this novel apart is its exploration of different paths and potential outcomes. The title "Alternate Endings" aptly reflects the narrative's theme of choice and consequence, leaving readers pondering the infinite possibilities of love and happiness.

Overall, "Alternate Endings" is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the nature of relationships and the pursuit of fulfillment. With its beautifully crafted prose and engaging storyline, it's a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to Ali Rosen and for the gifted digital copy of her gorgeous book, which is both a charming second-chance romance and a thoughtful story about the conflicting pressures put on women as parents, partners, and professionals.

At the pinnacle of her career and managing co-parenting with her ex-husband, Bea's life takes an unexpected turn when her boss announces a move to Ireland. This decision, requiring frequent travel, threatens Bea's delicate custody arrangement. In Ireland, she is confronted with a surprise: the new Chief Technology Officer is Jack Slater, her high school love, who broke her heart. Their relationship, initially frosty, thaws into a 'what happens in Ireland, stays in Ireland' co-workers-with-benefits arrangement. As their connection deepens, Bea discovers a newfound confidence, thanks to Jack's quiet support. This evolving relationship and the complex dynamics of Bea's friends and boss form the heart of the story, culminating in a poignant reflection on past events and a hopeful future.

This book is such an evolution for Bea - deciding she can choose how to respond to the challenges in front of her, ask for what she wants, own her successes, and solve her own problems. I love how she navigates coming to terms with the dissolution of her marriage, gains confidence in herself, and how Jack gives her the space and confidence to do those things. He doesn't swoop in to help her; he pushes her to help herself. In addition to Bea and Jack, Bea's friends and boss play critical roles in the story. Additionally, Bea and Jack revisit their different perspectives on what happened twenty years ago, and each sees those events through new eyes. By the end, I cared tremendously about these characters and reflected on my own conflicts of trying to be successful as a partner and mother while also being dedicated to a job I love.

What a nice and a well written second chance romance. I love how the plot goes and as an adult I love how relatable all the characters. Looking forward to reading more of the the books of Author Ali Rosen.