Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Second To None
AUTHOR: Zara Detland
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 228 Pages
RELEASE DATE: May 9, 2025
BLURB:
Fame broke us. Now the love of my life is back, asking for my help with the one thing he wasn’t ready to do: come out.
Levi
I thought my boy band days were behind me—along with the heartbreak that came with them. I’ve traded world tours for a countryside house and a steady job that lets me raise my sister’s kid. So when Cassian Monroe, the ex-bandmate who shattered my heart, waltzes back into my life, I know I should keep my distance. Problem is, I’ve never been able to stay away from him.
Cass
I’ve spent years hiding behind dazzling smiles, scared to be true to myself. And it cost me the only man I’ve ever loved.
I’m ready now. But with my life under a microscope, even the truth needs a bit of staging. Candid pictures, dinner dates, and just the right amount of mystery—it’s the perfect PR strategy. The only catch? I want Levi Blake, the one who got away, to help me sell the story.
Second to None is a standalone MM rockstar romance told in dual POV. It features epic mutual pining and meddling friends, a precocious seven-year-old, two men who never stopped loving each other, and a HEA that shows that second chances aren’t given—they’re earned.
REVIEW:
For a Charity event, and one night only, Cass suggests getting the old band back together. Is this a money-making gesture for the charity, or does he have a more personal motive? When Levi hears the idea, he knows he’s going to say yes, but with misgivings. The last time Levi saw Cass, the man broke his heart, and the same could happen again, with more significant consequences.
Second to None is a super-sweet tale of two men who were in love, but the timing was off, and then, hearts, and the band members went their separate ways. I couldn’t help liking the story. It is engaging, and I especially liked the meddling friends. However, as lovely as it was, some parts were a tad predictable, with much of the drama taking place inside the characters’ heads. Any blips on the journey are fleeting, too, which some people will love. I prefer things to be a little more strung out.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Levi and Cass. The copy I received hadn’t undergone its final edit. Therefore, I won’t be commenting on any technical aspects. Worldbuilding revolves around traditional musical venues and the home. The descriptions were just right for me, as they provided enough information to form a clear picture in my head without going into minute detail.
Cass and Levi are good people, as well as former boyfriends and ex-boyband members. When they split, Cass went solo, while Levi entered the business side of music. They were young, naive, and in love. Years on, they are older, wiser, and have periods of self-reflection.
The extended cast members, including young and old, as well as peers, are a wonderful addition. They added the cheek, banter, heartfelt friendship, and thought-provoking questions. They were the heart of the story.
Second to None is an extremely sweet tale with plenty of ‘have I missed my chance’ moments, inner thoughts, sage advice, and meddling friends.
RATING: 
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