Book 2 better than book 1.

I have started 3 books that are the second in the series and have not liked them, might be DNF. I am wondering what books you have read where the second books is out of this world better than the first. Can be standalone, interconnected, etc. Any series.

Maybe I'm just in a bad space for seconds haha but can't get into any, let me know suggestions of getting out of this rut too or why you have DNF the second.