Janae Sanders' Second Time Around: A Novel

LaQuette

Jan 2026 · Savvy, Sexy, & Single Club Book 2 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this ebook

"Smart, fun, and steamy." —Booklist

"A gratifying romance between kind, confident, deserving leads." —Kirkus Reviews

A single mom gets a second chance at love with her high school sweetheart.

Wary of love after divorce, Janae Sanders focuses on the best things in her life: her son James and her besties in the Savvy, Sexy, and Single Club. As for romance? Not today, Satan. That is, until high school heartthrob Adam Henderson crashes back into her life at their 20-year reunion. Sparks fly, but just when Janae considers dating again, the new superintendent of James’ school district slashes his beloved arts program. Instead of getting her groove back, Janae gets her protest on.

Returning home after twenty years, Adam jumps at the chance to reacquaint himself with Janae, the one who got away. But he’s nearly reached his limit, juggling a meddling father, school politics, and—unbeknownst to him—Janae’s ire. If he can’t get the head of the PTA off his back after cutting programs that were costing the district money, his debut role as superintendent and his love life hang in the balance.

When a school board meeting is called and they both realize they’ve been dating the enemy, Janae gives Adam two choices: restore the program or lose her. Adam proposes a third option: one weekend at his cabin to talk it all out—funding the arts, and old feelings too. When her girls cheer her on, Janae must decide if she’s willing to risk it all. Armed with sass, sarcasm, and a suitcase full of emotional baggage, Janae and Adam discover that sometimes love shows up in the most infuriating and unexpectedly sexy ways.

Ratings and reviews

4 1/2 stars. Janae had a rough marriage and divorce, but she was a devoted parent to her son. I loved how she was so strong for everyone, completely out there when needed, and loyal to her friends. It was a little hard when she would doubt herself or her worth, especially in regards to Adam and their history. Adam was determined to win Janae's heart despite his own unhappy marriage as his feelings for her had not changed. I did applaud him for his decision to follow his own future.

Single mom Janae’s life is upended when her teenage crush Adam returns. Their chemistry is undeniable, but he’s now the school superintendent threatening her son’s arts program. A weekend getaway to resolve their conflict—and explore their feelings—forces Janae to decide whether love is worth fighting for. Loved this! Fun and emotional, the book explores midlife romance in a sensitive, sensual style. I enjoyed the strong, confident characters. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.

About the author

LaQuette, author of Vanessa Jared’s Got A Man and Royal Bride Demand, writes sexy, stylish, and sensational romance. That means sentimental and steamy stories (Hallmark-like tales, but HAWT) with big emotions featuring fashionable and bold characters. If this Brooklyn native and current Ph.D. student isn’t writing, reading, or studying, she's probably trying on or looking for her next great makeup find.