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The Husband Wishlist
Jessie Lopez has been burned before when it comes to love, which is why when things fall apart with 'small-dick Brian', she decides enough is enough!
After one too many drinks, she and her sister, Anna, come up with 'The Husband Wishlist' - a somewhat trivial, and definitely random, list of all the attributes Jessie's future husband needs to have. It's a list that sits idle on her device for two years, until 'hot doughnut guy', also known as Anderson West, comes along...
Jessie finds herself sitting next to Andy on her extremely delayed flight from London back to the States for Christmas. What starts out as free champagne, fun banter, and potential law-breaking behavior on a Boeing 777, soon turns into everything Jessie never expected when she finds Andy crossing off an impossible number of things on her Husband Wishlist.
According to Anna and their overprotective and opinionated tiger mom, this might just be the Christmas miracle Jessie's stale love life needs.
Jessie's not quite sure she's ready to accept that Andy could be 'the one' though, especially when it's been less than twenty-four hours since they met.
After one too many drinks, she and her sister, Anna, come up with 'The Husband Wishlist' - a somewhat trivial, and definitely random, list of all the attributes Jessie's future husband needs to have. It's a list that sits idle on her device for two years, until 'hot doughnut guy', also known as Anderson West, comes along...
Jessie finds herself sitting next to Andy on her extremely delayed flight from London back to the States for Christmas. What starts out as free champagne, fun banter, and potential law-breaking behavior on a Boeing 777, soon turns into everything Jessie never expected when she finds Andy crossing off an impossible number of things on her Husband Wishlist.
According to Anna and their overprotective and opinionated tiger mom, this might just be the Christmas miracle Jessie's stale love life needs.
Jessie's not quite sure she's ready to accept that Andy could be 'the one' though, especially when it's been less than twenty-four hours since they met.
- GenresChristmas
369 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
7 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Van Der Eyk
8 books49 followersBridget Van der Eyk is an up and coming contemporary romance author - “10 Dates” is her debut novel. She lives in country NSW, Australia on a 5-acre property with her husband (Josh), 2 children (Zoe and Max), and 2 dogs (Kevin and Stella).
When Bridget is not working a full-time teaching job or binging Korean zombie shows on Netflix, she is busy writing her next novel.
Bridget loves writing smart, strong, and sassy female characters that have little parts of herself embedded in them! #girlpower
When Bridget is not working a full-time teaching job or binging Korean zombie shows on Netflix, she is busy writing her next novel.
Bridget loves writing smart, strong, and sassy female characters that have little parts of herself embedded in them! #girlpower
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 1, 2026
Thank you to the author for producing me an ARC of The Husband Wishlist!
This was such a cute book - a Christmas meet cute, Insta-love (in the best way), whirlwind romance. Jessie and Andy are so sweet and I love the way they banter. Jessie feels so real with her inner dialogue and overthinking brain.
Overall, a fun, easy Christmas novel that will have you giggling in your chair while you read 💕
This was such a cute book - a Christmas meet cute, Insta-love (in the best way), whirlwind romance. Jessie and Andy are so sweet and I love the way they banter. Jessie feels so real with her inner dialogue and overthinking brain.
Overall, a fun, easy Christmas novel that will have you giggling in your chair while you read 💕
August 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | eARC provided by the author | Out 7 Oct 2025
A meet-cute, Christmas-set, spicy HEA with all the romcom trimmings 🎄💫
Jessie Lopez has sworn off love after “small-dick Brian” (her words, not mine!) and a string of romantic misfires. One tipsy night, she and her sister create The Husband Wishlist—a list of traits her perfect man must have. Two years later, she finds herself on a delayed flight from London to the US, seated next to Anderson West, aka “hot doughnut guy”… who somehow ticks every single box.
From free champagne to festive flirting, this is a cosy, lighthearted romance that delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, swoony journey to happily ever after.
I can see why readers will adore this—Andy is the ultimate wish-fulfilment hero, and Jessie’s banter with her family adds warmth and humour. But for me, it lacked the messy, complicated tension I gravitate towards in romance. Jessie’s character sometimes read as immature, and the romance unfolded so smoothly that I found myself wishing for a few more emotional roadblocks along the way. I was hoping for something akin to While You Were Sleeping, but instead, this is a gentler, simpler love story.
Perfect for believers in love-at-first-sight holiday magic 🎄✨
A meet-cute, Christmas-set, spicy HEA with all the romcom trimmings 🎄💫
Jessie Lopez has sworn off love after “small-dick Brian” (her words, not mine!) and a string of romantic misfires. One tipsy night, she and her sister create The Husband Wishlist—a list of traits her perfect man must have. Two years later, she finds herself on a delayed flight from London to the US, seated next to Anderson West, aka “hot doughnut guy”… who somehow ticks every single box.
From free champagne to festive flirting, this is a cosy, lighthearted romance that delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, swoony journey to happily ever after.
I can see why readers will adore this—Andy is the ultimate wish-fulfilment hero, and Jessie’s banter with her family adds warmth and humour. But for me, it lacked the messy, complicated tension I gravitate towards in romance. Jessie’s character sometimes read as immature, and the romance unfolded so smoothly that I found myself wishing for a few more emotional roadblocks along the way. I was hoping for something akin to While You Were Sleeping, but instead, this is a gentler, simpler love story.
Perfect for believers in love-at-first-sight holiday magic 🎄✨
January 6, 2025
So grateful to have this arc of this beautiful book💐 this book is the absolute cutest sweetest book ever. I like Andy’s character so much. If you are a swiftie you need to add this book to your holiday tbr this year! There’s so many cute swiftie moments that make me so happy. I can’t wait for the world to read this!
-meet cute
-Christmas time
-traveling
-swifties🥳
-meet cute
-Christmas time
-traveling
-swifties🥳
August 26, 2025
"I am one hundred percent deceased. I am dead. I have died and gone to romcom heaven. RIP me."
This story was the cutest love at first sight to full on tension, character growth. This was such an amazing read.
This story was the cutest love at first sight to full on tension, character growth. This was such an amazing read.
December 19, 2025
A flight from London to New York, bad weather, and a very important list…it’s The Husband Wishlist.
Jessie is trying to get home for Christmas. After an extended delay due to bad weather, she’s finally on board…now she just wants a quiet flight so she can forget about her problems. The only problem is, she has discovered her neighbour is quite possibly the most beautiful man in the world…and he’s up for a chat.
While she talks to Andy, she can’t help but notice he’s ticking off items on a list she and her twin made after a bad breakup - the Husband Wishlist. After two years single, Jessie is beginning to think she won’t find love…but could it possibly be sitting next to her, smelling like grapefruit?
This was a super cute story. It made me laugh out loud multiple times and I loved the text exchanges between Jessie, her sister and their ‘tiger’ mother. I really enjoyed how each item on the list was revealed gradually.
The story is not just about the relationship. It’s also about Jessie reclaiming her old self. She is not a swoony romantic - after all bad relationship, she is wary of jumping without looking. But she can’t deny the connection she and Andy have, despite knowing each other less than 48 hours.
This book is pretty much the definition of a fast burn relationship. It is open door, with an attempt to join the mile high club included. The story deals with a cheating ex, losing yourself, and feeling you’ve disappointed your family. It also includes matching Christmas sweaters and frequent Taylor Swift references.
I highly recommend this book to fans of romcom who want a sigh-worthy holiday romance.
Jessie is trying to get home for Christmas. After an extended delay due to bad weather, she’s finally on board…now she just wants a quiet flight so she can forget about her problems. The only problem is, she has discovered her neighbour is quite possibly the most beautiful man in the world…and he’s up for a chat.
While she talks to Andy, she can’t help but notice he’s ticking off items on a list she and her twin made after a bad breakup - the Husband Wishlist. After two years single, Jessie is beginning to think she won’t find love…but could it possibly be sitting next to her, smelling like grapefruit?
This was a super cute story. It made me laugh out loud multiple times and I loved the text exchanges between Jessie, her sister and their ‘tiger’ mother. I really enjoyed how each item on the list was revealed gradually.
The story is not just about the relationship. It’s also about Jessie reclaiming her old self. She is not a swoony romantic - after all bad relationship, she is wary of jumping without looking. But she can’t deny the connection she and Andy have, despite knowing each other less than 48 hours.
This book is pretty much the definition of a fast burn relationship. It is open door, with an attempt to join the mile high club included. The story deals with a cheating ex, losing yourself, and feeling you’ve disappointed your family. It also includes matching Christmas sweaters and frequent Taylor Swift references.
I highly recommend this book to fans of romcom who want a sigh-worthy holiday romance.
October 9, 2025
Jessie and Andy meet on a plane trip from London to New York. More than a little bit of instalove, these two have such fun together and I enjoyed their banter. Most of the book takes place on the flight as they get delayed and muddled around - plenty of flying cliches and tropes here, including a touch of the 'mile high' 😉
Two years ago, Jess and her twin drunkenly created a list of all the things that an ideal man would be and this list is central to Jess' thinking when she meets Andy.
Jess is super-close to her identical twin and is managing the expectations of their tiger-mother, even though she's in her thirties. There are lots (= lots) of text messages between these three as Jess gives the family chat all the detail about her time with Andy.
Andy is an off-duty pilot with some 'ins' with the crew, so there's champagne and (maybe) upgrades. He sees something in Jessie he wants to pursue. He's a stereotypical golden retriever, with lots of sunny energy.
The Husband Wishlist is low-angst, low in conflict, full of instalove and connection as the clock ticks down to their flight landing in New York. Such an easy holiday read!
Thank you Bridget Van Der Eyk for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Two years ago, Jess and her twin drunkenly created a list of all the things that an ideal man would be and this list is central to Jess' thinking when she meets Andy.
Jess is super-close to her identical twin and is managing the expectations of their tiger-mother, even though she's in her thirties. There are lots (= lots) of text messages between these three as Jess gives the family chat all the detail about her time with Andy.
Andy is an off-duty pilot with some 'ins' with the crew, so there's champagne and (maybe) upgrades. He sees something in Jessie he wants to pursue. He's a stereotypical golden retriever, with lots of sunny energy.
The Husband Wishlist is low-angst, low in conflict, full of instalove and connection as the clock ticks down to their flight landing in New York. Such an easy holiday read!
Thank you Bridget Van Der Eyk for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
September 30, 2025
The Husband Wishlist is a cozy yet delightfully spicy rom-com that I absolutely devoured!
Jessie and her twin sister Anna create a “husband wishlist” one tipsy night after Jessie experiences a rough breakup. What begins as a playful way to lighten the mood suddenly takes on new life when Jessie crosses paths with Anderson West (aka “hot doughnut guy”).
I loved how part of the story unfolds through a group chat narrative, it brought extra depth, humour, and energy to Jessie’s world. The cultural threads woven through the story also resonated deeply with me, as someone who shares that background and understands the layered dynamics of those relationships.
As Jessie gets to know Andy, the chemistry between them is undeniable, and I was swept up in the spontaneity, laughter, tenderness, and spice that followed. This book gave me everything I look for in a rom-com: fun, heart, connection, with a touch of spice, and a satisfying ending that left me smiling.
I received an ARC of this book, and these reflections are my honest thoughts shared voluntarily.
Jessie and her twin sister Anna create a “husband wishlist” one tipsy night after Jessie experiences a rough breakup. What begins as a playful way to lighten the mood suddenly takes on new life when Jessie crosses paths with Anderson West (aka “hot doughnut guy”).
I loved how part of the story unfolds through a group chat narrative, it brought extra depth, humour, and energy to Jessie’s world. The cultural threads woven through the story also resonated deeply with me, as someone who shares that background and understands the layered dynamics of those relationships.
As Jessie gets to know Andy, the chemistry between them is undeniable, and I was swept up in the spontaneity, laughter, tenderness, and spice that followed. This book gave me everything I look for in a rom-com: fun, heart, connection, with a touch of spice, and a satisfying ending that left me smiling.
I received an ARC of this book, and these reflections are my honest thoughts shared voluntarily.
September 11, 2025
✈️ The Husband Wishlist ✈️
I said it when we first finished it, and I stand by it. This is my favourite Bridget Van Der Eyk read yet. I don't want to give too much away as I think everyone should put this on their Christmas reading wishlist, but i'll share 13 reasons why i loved it:
1. Older FMC and MMC - in their 30s
2. Banter and wit that made me laugh out loud at times
3. Our FMC Jessie had relatable emotions and back story
4. The family group chat with Mum that had all too real moments
5. That the meet cute wasn't some grandeur moment, and Jessie wasn't dressed to the nines
6. When Jessie learns the perks of meeting a pilot in more ways than one
7. The MMC Andy West - * chefs kiss *
8. Jessie and Andy learned about one other, who they were, through conversation and actively listened to one another
9. The Karaoke scene, which like all good karaoke moments, is fuelled by too many drinks
10. The reports back to the family chat with hilarious commentary from Mum and sister
11. When it was necessary to create a separate chat with sister to sister communication
12. When Jessie learns what the husband wishlist really was and what it represented
13. When i realised how this book ties into Bridget's other works
This is a cosy and heart-warming rom-com that i can't wait for our romance girlies to read. Well done Bridget 🫶🫶
The Husband Wishlist releases October 7th 🥰
I said it when we first finished it, and I stand by it. This is my favourite Bridget Van Der Eyk read yet. I don't want to give too much away as I think everyone should put this on their Christmas reading wishlist, but i'll share 13 reasons why i loved it:
1. Older FMC and MMC - in their 30s
2. Banter and wit that made me laugh out loud at times
3. Our FMC Jessie had relatable emotions and back story
4. The family group chat with Mum that had all too real moments
5. That the meet cute wasn't some grandeur moment, and Jessie wasn't dressed to the nines
6. When Jessie learns the perks of meeting a pilot in more ways than one
7. The MMC Andy West - * chefs kiss *
8. Jessie and Andy learned about one other, who they were, through conversation and actively listened to one another
9. The Karaoke scene, which like all good karaoke moments, is fuelled by too many drinks
10. The reports back to the family chat with hilarious commentary from Mum and sister
11. When it was necessary to create a separate chat with sister to sister communication
12. When Jessie learns what the husband wishlist really was and what it represented
13. When i realised how this book ties into Bridget's other works
This is a cosy and heart-warming rom-com that i can't wait for our romance girlies to read. Well done Bridget 🫶🫶
The Husband Wishlist releases October 7th 🥰
October 29, 2025
5⭐️
First I want to thank @ for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was in a reading slump going into this book and it completely got me out of it. It was such a quick and fun read that I found myself not wanting to put it down.
I loved Jess and Andy they both felt real and relatable. Jess got cheated on by her previous boyfriend so her and her sister decide to make a “husband wishlist”. This wishlist had certain characteristics that she wanted her future husband to have. As Jess is on a plane ride coming home to the states for the holidays she ends up sitting next to Andy. They hit it off right away and Jess starts to notice that he checks off a lot of things from her list.
If you like holiday hallmark movies I think this is the perfect book for you. It had everything I look for in a romance book, banter, spice, text messages, relatable characters, and that warm and fuzzy feeling that the holidays give you.
First I want to thank @ for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was in a reading slump going into this book and it completely got me out of it. It was such a quick and fun read that I found myself not wanting to put it down.
I loved Jess and Andy they both felt real and relatable. Jess got cheated on by her previous boyfriend so her and her sister decide to make a “husband wishlist”. This wishlist had certain characteristics that she wanted her future husband to have. As Jess is on a plane ride coming home to the states for the holidays she ends up sitting next to Andy. They hit it off right away and Jess starts to notice that he checks off a lot of things from her list.
If you like holiday hallmark movies I think this is the perfect book for you. It had everything I look for in a romance book, banter, spice, text messages, relatable characters, and that warm and fuzzy feeling that the holidays give you.
August 14, 2025
This book was my first ARC read, and I couldn't be happier!
FMC, Jessie meets MMC Andy on a flight from London to New York. As they talk and get to know each other, Jessie finds herself thinking about her Husband Wishlist she created after her last breakup. Slowly, Andy starts checking her wishlist boxes, one of them requiring the love of the same type of donut.
There's romance, a bit of teasing, and a slow burn, which is totally worth it! Epic banter between the characters and an overall feel-good read!
FMC, Jessie meets MMC Andy on a flight from London to New York. As they talk and get to know each other, Jessie finds herself thinking about her Husband Wishlist she created after her last breakup. Slowly, Andy starts checking her wishlist boxes, one of them requiring the love of the same type of donut.
There's romance, a bit of teasing, and a slow burn, which is totally worth it! Epic banter between the characters and an overall feel-good read!
September 8, 2025
So lucky to have an ARC of this book🫶
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The storyline was so charming and cheeky. I'm not usually into the close proximity troop but I just loved this one.
Jessie and Andy have an instant connection with witty banter and the perfect festive romance that every girl needs. Along with ticking every box on a wish list that every girl probably makes when they have had a glass too many.
I loved both the characters in this and just love the way that Bridget writes making it so easy to read.
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The storyline was so charming and cheeky. I'm not usually into the close proximity troop but I just loved this one.
Jessie and Andy have an instant connection with witty banter and the perfect festive romance that every girl needs. Along with ticking every box on a wish list that every girl probably makes when they have had a glass too many.
I loved both the characters in this and just love the way that Bridget writes making it so easy to read.
August 9, 2025
Thank you to the lovely author for this beautiful ARC. I devoured this book.
It is a sweet love story with realistic characters. A perfect read during the Christmas season for those who love a festive romance with a sprinkle of Taylor Swift, a bit of spice and Love Actually vibes.
I love the small link to previous novels by Bridget, set over seventy-two hours, it is brilliantly written and highly recommended ❤️.
It is a sweet love story with realistic characters. A perfect read during the Christmas season for those who love a festive romance with a sprinkle of Taylor Swift, a bit of spice and Love Actually vibes.
I love the small link to previous novels by Bridget, set over seventy-two hours, it is brilliantly written and highly recommended ❤️.
October 7, 2025
I have been a fan of Bridget since 2022. I loved her Hollywood Socialite series, but I have to say, The Husband Wishlist is by far my favorite of her books!
Forced proximity, a swoon worthy leading man (there’s just something about those West men… iykyk 😉) intense chemistry, and hilarious banter in a family group chat.
Do yourself a favor and get your copy today! And while you’re at, get one for your bestie too… it’s perfect for a buddy read! ☺️
Forced proximity, a swoon worthy leading man (there’s just something about those West men… iykyk 😉) intense chemistry, and hilarious banter in a family group chat.
Do yourself a favor and get your copy today! And while you’re at, get one for your bestie too… it’s perfect for a buddy read! ☺️
October 14, 2025
3.5 stars (when will they let us do it haha)
2.5 spicy
A meet-cute, Christmas-set, spicy HEA with all the romcom trimmings
was super cute had all the feels.
was love at first sight he falls first hard and fast.
i wish i could get his POV.
FMC: Jessie Lopez
MMC: Anderson West aka hot doughnut guy
trigger/tropes
strangers-lovers
FMC gets cheated on but her ex small-dick Brian
open door spice
2.5 spicy
A meet-cute, Christmas-set, spicy HEA with all the romcom trimmings
was super cute had all the feels.
was love at first sight he falls first hard and fast.
i wish i could get his POV.
FMC: Jessie Lopez
MMC: Anderson West aka hot doughnut guy
trigger/tropes
strangers-lovers
FMC gets cheated on but her ex small-dick Brian
open door spice
August 25, 2025
(Received as an ARC does not influence my opinion)
Oh my goodness this was the cutest! This has me so ready for Christmas. I love this quick little holiday romance between Jess and Andy! I wanted to keep Andy all for myself, he honestly reminded me of a golden retriever 🥹 even though this was a quick read, it was full of good plot and side character development!
Oh my goodness this was the cutest! This has me so ready for Christmas. I love this quick little holiday romance between Jess and Andy! I wanted to keep Andy all for myself, he honestly reminded me of a golden retriever 🥹 even though this was a quick read, it was full of good plot and side character development!
September 2, 2025
I loved the whole concept of this. A great tale of manifesting what you want in a partner and sometimes the universe delivers exactly what you asked for. For a basically instalove story, this felt like it gave time for actual character development. While I didn’t love how fast the ending worked out, it makes sense for how the whole story evolved.
October 8, 2025
THE HUSBAND WISHLISTIS A FAST PACED ROMCOM, THAT I DEVOURED.
ANDY IS ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE WITH HIS
GOLDEN RETRIEVER ENERGY..
BUT ISN'T THAT WHAT WE WANT OUT OF OUR
FAIRYTALES. JESSIE IS A SNARKY, QUICK WITTED FMC.
SHE DOESN'T WANT TO GET HURT AGAIN, ABOUT AS MUCH AS SHE DOES WANT TAYLOR SWIFT TICKETS. BRIDGET'S WRITING WAS EASY TO READ AND GAVE ME ALL THE HALLMARK FEELS.
ANDY IS ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE WITH HIS
GOLDEN RETRIEVER ENERGY..
BUT ISN'T THAT WHAT WE WANT OUT OF OUR
FAIRYTALES. JESSIE IS A SNARKY, QUICK WITTED FMC.
SHE DOESN'T WANT TO GET HURT AGAIN, ABOUT AS MUCH AS SHE DOES WANT TAYLOR SWIFT TICKETS. BRIDGET'S WRITING WAS EASY TO READ AND GAVE ME ALL THE HALLMARK FEELS.
August 5, 2025
This book was such a joy! I loved these characters so much and I honestly loved the pacing, their story, it was so perfect. There is nothing like a romance on a plane during Christmas to make you feel like magic is real. 10/10
August 15, 2025
This is my first ARC read. This book captured my attention in the first paragraph. If you want a book you won't be able to put down this book is it. There were no boring moments like some books I couldn't wait to get to the final chapters. she is my new favorite author.
August 29, 2025
This story was the perfect pallet cleanser. With kick-my-feet sweet moments, absolutely perfect banter, and laugh out loud shenanigans, The Husband Wishlist is amazing.
If you want something light but full of heart, this is the book for you.
If you want something light but full of heart, this is the book for you.
October 7, 2025
This book was absolutely binge worthy omg it had me giggling so much i absolutely loved it the characters were amazing and the plot of the story was incredible
December 20, 2025
This was a really enjoyable read. I loved the insta-love, it made the story fast-paced and addictive.
September 27, 2025
devoured The Husband Wishlist and loved every second of it! Forced proximity + Taylor
Swift lyrics + nonstop banter = PERFECTION.
Jessie and Andy absolutely stole my heart. Jessie is this fun, independent woman who's been through some stuff, and Andy, well, he's officially book boyfriend of the year.
Funny, caring, ridiculously handsome he checks every box.
The banter between them had me laughing out loud, but honestly? Some of my favorite parts were the group texts with Jessie, her twin, and their mom. Her sassy mom deserves her own spin-off &
If you're looking for a flirty, funny, swoony romance, don't sleep on this one. The Husband Wishlist comes out October 7th, and trust me-you want it on your TBR!
Swift lyrics + nonstop banter = PERFECTION.
Jessie and Andy absolutely stole my heart. Jessie is this fun, independent woman who's been through some stuff, and Andy, well, he's officially book boyfriend of the year.
Funny, caring, ridiculously handsome he checks every box.
The banter between them had me laughing out loud, but honestly? Some of my favorite parts were the group texts with Jessie, her twin, and their mom. Her sassy mom deserves her own spin-off &
If you're looking for a flirty, funny, swoony romance, don't sleep on this one. The Husband Wishlist comes out October 7th, and trust me-you want it on your TBR!
September 7, 2025
A Christmas romance for all the Instalove non-believers, those who believe in soulmates, and my favourite kind of people - the Swifties! ✨🫶🏼
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews