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Senior Year Bucket List
Caleb Samuels.
Smug. Irritating. Pain in the …
After high school, I was content with the idea of never seeing him again.
But as his sister Merilyn’s best friend, it was bound to happen eventually. I just didn’t expect it to be at her wake, where, following a foolish, naive, and completely ridiculous incident, I’m prepared to return to my perfectly routine life and wash my hands of him forever. Again.
Unfortunately, Merilyn had other plans.
Even though she traveled the world, her final request is for Caleb and me to recreate our senior year bucket list and take her ashes along for one last adventure.
All the foolish, naive, and—you guessed it—completely ridiculous memories return in an instant.
He tormented me, teased me, kissed me like no one ever had, made me fall for him, and broke me like no one else ever would.
Reliving it all might end with a crash worse than the first.
Or maybe not.
Maybe the fall would never end.
*New Adult
*Second Chance
*Best Friend's Brother
Smug. Irritating. Pain in the …
After high school, I was content with the idea of never seeing him again.
But as his sister Merilyn’s best friend, it was bound to happen eventually. I just didn’t expect it to be at her wake, where, following a foolish, naive, and completely ridiculous incident, I’m prepared to return to my perfectly routine life and wash my hands of him forever. Again.
Unfortunately, Merilyn had other plans.
Even though she traveled the world, her final request is for Caleb and me to recreate our senior year bucket list and take her ashes along for one last adventure.
All the foolish, naive, and—you guessed it—completely ridiculous memories return in an instant.
He tormented me, teased me, kissed me like no one ever had, made me fall for him, and broke me like no one else ever would.
Reliving it all might end with a crash worse than the first.
Or maybe not.
Maybe the fall would never end.
*New Adult
*Second Chance
*Best Friend's Brother
251 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2019
78 people are currently reading
1636 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Miller
12 books607 followersJ.M. Miller lives on Florida’s Emerald Coast with her husband and daughter.
When she isn't spending time with her family or being distracted by social media sites, she writes contemporary and fantasy romance novels.
When she isn't spending time with her family or being distracted by social media sites, she writes contemporary and fantasy romance novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 22, 2019
Senior Year Bucket List, a standalone by J. M. Miller, tells the story of Celia and Caleb and their relationship before and after the death of her best friend and his sister, Merilyn. Despite the fact that they were pretty much exact opposites, Celia and Mer were inseparable in high school. Caleb had a crush on Celia, and he teased and tormented her because of it.
Senior year, they created a bucket list to push themselves to do a myriad of adventurous things before leaving for college. Caleb joined in on the fun, but when Mer asked him to be her first and he never showed, that was the last time they ever spoke to one another. Until, Mer dies unexpectedly, and her wishes bring them back together for one last adventure.
Senior Year Bucket List is cute, sweet, and full of adventure with a healthy dose of steam. Celia and Caleb are likable characters that you'll be rooting for from the beginning. There is a kind of melancholy feel to the first half of the book (Mer did die and all. 🤷🏻♀️), but overall, it is a light, new adult romance with minimal conflict and angst. I have to be honest and say that it was not at all the type of book I was in the mood for or usually read. Nevertheless, I wound up enjoying it which says a lot.
I teared up in a couple of places. I laughed. I hurt for the characters, and I appreciated the sex scenes being a bit steamer than I thought they would be for this type of book. That bonus epilogue was the shortest one I have ever read, and it made me laugh out loud. Perfect ending!
If you enjoy cute, second chance romances with a sweet hero, this one's for you!
Senior year, they created a bucket list to push themselves to do a myriad of adventurous things before leaving for college. Caleb joined in on the fun, but when Mer asked him to be her first and he never showed, that was the last time they ever spoke to one another. Until, Mer dies unexpectedly, and her wishes bring them back together for one last adventure.
Senior Year Bucket List is cute, sweet, and full of adventure with a healthy dose of steam. Celia and Caleb are likable characters that you'll be rooting for from the beginning. There is a kind of melancholy feel to the first half of the book (Mer did die and all. 🤷🏻♀️), but overall, it is a light, new adult romance with minimal conflict and angst. I have to be honest and say that it was not at all the type of book I was in the mood for or usually read. Nevertheless, I wound up enjoying it which says a lot.
I teared up in a couple of places. I laughed. I hurt for the characters, and I appreciated the sex scenes being a bit steamer than I thought they would be for this type of book. That bonus epilogue was the shortest one I have ever read, and it made me laugh out loud. Perfect ending!
If you enjoy cute, second chance romances with a sweet hero, this one's for you!
February 15, 2020
Such a sweet, cute second-chance love story without the dramalalala that I'm usually used to see in stories like this. ♥
June 10, 2022
BASIC FACTS:
Pages: 253
My rating: 4
Genre: Second Chance Romance
Themes: Loosing a sister/best friend, Bucket List
Protagonist Ages: FMC 23, MMC 22
Pacing: slow but good
Plot Rating: 4
Senior Year Bucket List is a na Romance, where a 23 years old FMC and a 22 Years old MMC complete her Senior Year Bucket List, they started some years before.
This was a sweet read. I really liked Celia and Caleb. In some ways they are opposites, who bing a new side out of the other. They have known each other since Celia moved into town when she entered highschool. And there is a good reason why Caleb needs a second Chance with Celia.
It was a quick and easy read. And I enjoyed it very much.
July 29, 2019
I love the best friend's brother/sister trope. I love reunion, second chance romances. First Off, this cover😍😍. It’s literally a scene in the book, and in my eyes, makes it so much more special! 😍😍. Celia and Caleb have history. Caleb is Celia's best friends brother, Celia and Merilyn are complete opposites but their friendship worked. Celia is safe, doesn't take chances, while Mer is a thrill seeker, which is a part of her even after she graduates high school. Caleb has always pushed Celia's buttons, pushing her to feel things, once they get over bickering, they fall in love, but things happen, Celia and Caleb end up complete heartbroken, and years pass.
Fast forward, they're reunited at Mer's funeral. At Merilyn's request, she wants Celia and Caleb to complete or redo their senior year bucket list. I just want to completely say, I absolutely loved this story. I love reading Caleb's inner thoughts about how much love he has for Celia. These two absolutely have so much emotions, feelings and they belong with each other. The life experiences and realizations of their future/happiness comes to light during their journey on finishing their bucket list together. This was a fun, sweet, easy, second chance, best friends brother romance. I really enjoyed it very much.
Fast forward, they're reunited at Mer's funeral. At Merilyn's request, she wants Celia and Caleb to complete or redo their senior year bucket list. I just want to completely say, I absolutely loved this story. I love reading Caleb's inner thoughts about how much love he has for Celia. These two absolutely have so much emotions, feelings and they belong with each other. The life experiences and realizations of their future/happiness comes to light during their journey on finishing their bucket list together. This was a fun, sweet, easy, second chance, best friends brother romance. I really enjoyed it very much.
August 7, 2019
Celia never thought she'd be here, at her best friend's funeral. And she really wasn't prepared to see Mer's younger brother, Caleb. Caleb, the boy who annoyed her and Mer all throughout their growing up years. Caleb, the boy who broke her heart. And now she and Caleb are grieving Mer's death. And then she finds out Mer has one last request for them - for the two of them to complete the Senior Year Bucket List they had created back in high school. Will this bucket list bring dormant feelings to the surface? Will Celia give Caleb a second chance, the one he wants so badly?
Senior Year Bucket List is sweet, so sweet. Caleb and Celia are absolutely adorable, especially Caleb. It's also a little more emotional than I had been expecting, but there's certainly nothing wrong with that. So if you want to spend a few hours reading something sweet that will tug on your heart a tad, I highly recommend you giving Senior Year Bucket List a try.
ARC via author for an honest review.
Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.
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July 31, 2019
A new-to-me-author with a delightful and fun-to-read second chance romance that switches back and forth between senior year in high school and then sends you forward five years to the present. After the death of Caleb's sister and in keeping with her last wishes, he confronts her best friend to complete a high school bucket list of "to do's." It's tender-hearted, funny, sweet, charming with some sizzle -- and a little sadness too.
July 29, 2019
That bonus epilogue LOL
Senior Year Bucket List was a really cute read. It deals with loss, second-chance and an adventure that made me want to go on one of my own.
In high school, Mer and Celia created their own bucket list. Mer was always the adventurous one, whereas Celia was more guarded and careful. Off they went to start checking off the items on the list.
After high school, Mer went on to live an adventurous life for the world to see. When she died, it came as a shock to everyone, especially Celia and Caleb. The producers from Mer's videos contacted Caleb to see if he would be willing to continue on with the list and check some items off, while at the same time, giving closure to Mer's followers. And Caleb asks Celia to follow along.
This story was so sweet. It was so lovely to see Celia open up and doing the list with Caleb. Going on this journey helped her to be less guarded and enjoy life!
I was so loving the best-friend's-brother trope! In this case, Caleb is younger by a year, I believe. I loved reading the flashbacks and how Caleb acted like the annoying little brother who had a crush on his sister's best friend. It was so entertaining! And once Caleb reconnected with Celia, he treated her like a freaking queen! I was swooning over him 😍
I craved more of her and the calmness she seemed to bring me from being close, like nothing else mattered.
Reading about how Caleb always had a thing for Celia, and how things went on with him, had my heart a little sad. They deserved happiness together! They never should have gone their separate ways!
Like I said above, this book had me wanting to to have my own bucket list! I wish I had thought of doing something like this in high school or college and doing it with friends! It would have been so much fun!
Overall, I recommend this book if you're looking for a quick read that, while it deals with loss, it does it in a way that has you feeling all the warm fuzzies. It's all about reminiscing and it teaches you how you should always live life to the fullest!
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Senior Year Bucket List was a really cute read. It deals with loss, second-chance and an adventure that made me want to go on one of my own.
In high school, Mer and Celia created their own bucket list. Mer was always the adventurous one, whereas Celia was more guarded and careful. Off they went to start checking off the items on the list.
After high school, Mer went on to live an adventurous life for the world to see. When she died, it came as a shock to everyone, especially Celia and Caleb. The producers from Mer's videos contacted Caleb to see if he would be willing to continue on with the list and check some items off, while at the same time, giving closure to Mer's followers. And Caleb asks Celia to follow along.
This story was so sweet. It was so lovely to see Celia open up and doing the list with Caleb. Going on this journey helped her to be less guarded and enjoy life!
I was so loving the best-friend's-brother trope! In this case, Caleb is younger by a year, I believe. I loved reading the flashbacks and how Caleb acted like the annoying little brother who had a crush on his sister's best friend. It was so entertaining! And once Caleb reconnected with Celia, he treated her like a freaking queen! I was swooning over him 😍
I craved more of her and the calmness she seemed to bring me from being close, like nothing else mattered.
Reading about how Caleb always had a thing for Celia, and how things went on with him, had my heart a little sad. They deserved happiness together! They never should have gone their separate ways!
Like I said above, this book had me wanting to to have my own bucket list! I wish I had thought of doing something like this in high school or college and doing it with friends! It would have been so much fun!
Overall, I recommend this book if you're looking for a quick read that, while it deals with loss, it does it in a way that has you feeling all the warm fuzzies. It's all about reminiscing and it teaches you how you should always live life to the fullest!
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July 10, 2020
Senior Year Bucket List
✔ standalone
✔ new adult
✔ second chance
✔ best friend's brother
✔ past and present
Release date - July 29th
Caleb Samuels.
Smug. Irritating. Pain in the …
After high school, I was content with the idea of never seeing him again. But as his sister Merilyn’s best friend, it was bound to happen eventually. I just didn’t expect it to be at her wake, where, following a foolish, naive, and completely ridiculous incident, I’m prepared to return to my perfectly routine life and wash my hands of him forever. Again.
Unfortunately, Merilyn had other plans.
Even though she traveled the world, her final request is for Caleb and me to recreate our senior year bucket list and take her ashes along for one last adventure. All the foolish, naive, and, you guessed it, completely ridiculous memories return in an instant. He tormented me, teased me, kissed me like no one ever had, made me fall for him, and broke me like no one else ever would.
Reliving it all might end with a crash worse than the first. Or maybe not. Maybe the fall would never end.
January 10, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
It’s always so refreshing to read a new author and not expect much but you actually love the book. And I was a bit doubtful when I saw ratings here on Goodreads but once again the ratings proved to be wrong in my case.
I got this book in a giveaway and the reason why I entered the giveaway was this cover! There’s something so romantic and appealing in kissing in the rain. And when you read about the half of the book you find out that the cover fits perfectly with this book. And that scene is probably my favorite!
This book pulled me in right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I love the writing style, the characters, the whole unique story that I probably misjudged when I thought about how it’s gonna play out.
And the thing I really love in a book is going back and forth with present and past. I love when characters have a past when they were young and I enjoyed more reading those past chapters. Also this book has dual POV which is a plus for me.
I felt this book! I connected with characters, I felt their chemistry. And Caleb has won my heart too. They made me smile and swoon and feel their pain and loss too. It’s a heartwarming love story about second chances that makes you feel good.
It’s always so refreshing to read a new author and not expect much but you actually love the book. And I was a bit doubtful when I saw ratings here on Goodreads but once again the ratings proved to be wrong in my case.
I got this book in a giveaway and the reason why I entered the giveaway was this cover! There’s something so romantic and appealing in kissing in the rain. And when you read about the half of the book you find out that the cover fits perfectly with this book. And that scene is probably my favorite!
This book pulled me in right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. I love the writing style, the characters, the whole unique story that I probably misjudged when I thought about how it’s gonna play out.
And the thing I really love in a book is going back and forth with present and past. I love when characters have a past when they were young and I enjoyed more reading those past chapters. Also this book has dual POV which is a plus for me.
I felt this book! I connected with characters, I felt their chemistry. And Caleb has won my heart too. They made me smile and swoon and feel their pain and loss too. It’s a heartwarming love story about second chances that makes you feel good.
July 17, 2019
I flew through this one trying to find out where it all went wrong with Celia and Caleb. My heart was all over the place as it was sent on an emotional roller coaster. Happiness, anger, sadness...they all flitted through my mind at some point. I am sitting here still, hours later, thinking on it all and these incredible characters.
Honesty time? I wanted to read this one, but just not at this time. My reads lately have gravitated towards apocalyptic and zombies. This was not one of those reads. But I knew the time was drawing short and it's release was coming up soon. So I dove in. And so glad I did. It was fantastic and absolutely what I needed without knowing it.
Miller brings her fans another exciting, romantic, page turner with SENIOR YEAR BUCKET LIST. Such a fun, unique plot. I am so glad we got the back and forth between the past and the present. It really helped pull me in and get to know the characters a little better. I especially loved getting to know Mer a little more, since she is the sole reason Celia and Caleb are united once again.
5 Stars!
Honesty time? I wanted to read this one, but just not at this time. My reads lately have gravitated towards apocalyptic and zombies. This was not one of those reads. But I knew the time was drawing short and it's release was coming up soon. So I dove in. And so glad I did. It was fantastic and absolutely what I needed without knowing it.
Miller brings her fans another exciting, romantic, page turner with SENIOR YEAR BUCKET LIST. Such a fun, unique plot. I am so glad we got the back and forth between the past and the present. It really helped pull me in and get to know the characters a little better. I especially loved getting to know Mer a little more, since she is the sole reason Celia and Caleb are united once again.
5 Stars!
July 30, 2019
4.5 stars
This was my first book by the author and I was quite impressed. The writing was great, pacing was perfect, and the whole story was creative and fun. It’s a best friend’s brother trope, as well as a second chance romance. Celia’s best friend, Merilyn, passes away, and she runs into Merilyn’s brother, Caleb, at the wake. He reaches out to her a week later that Merilyn wanted them to relive and finish their senior year bucket list. The story is told in both past and present, and so you can see that this was a second chance romance. You can see that these two had so much chemistry from the very beginning, and there were a bunch of missed chances along the way and some miscommunications. Both past and present chapters line up with the senior year bucket list, and everything flowed quite well. I couldn’t put the book down and would highly recommend this one!
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was my first book by the author and I was quite impressed. The writing was great, pacing was perfect, and the whole story was creative and fun. It’s a best friend’s brother trope, as well as a second chance romance. Celia’s best friend, Merilyn, passes away, and she runs into Merilyn’s brother, Caleb, at the wake. He reaches out to her a week later that Merilyn wanted them to relive and finish their senior year bucket list. The story is told in both past and present, and so you can see that this was a second chance romance. You can see that these two had so much chemistry from the very beginning, and there were a bunch of missed chances along the way and some miscommunications. Both past and present chapters line up with the senior year bucket list, and everything flowed quite well. I couldn’t put the book down and would highly recommend this one!
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 8, 2020
Second chance romance. It’s a mash up! Nicholas Sparks meets Morgan Matson’s Since You’ve Been Gone. Definitely a mix between YA and new adult with the past and present writing and the overall tone of the book. Mer suffered a fatal aneurysm and her last wish was for her younger brother, Caleb, and her high school bestie, Celia, to finish Mer and Celia’s senior year bucket list. Cute and quick read. You’ll swoon over future Caleb but might want to flick his nose during his high school years. 😜 He makes up for it at the end. The bonus epilogue will have you LOL 😂 with a huge smile plastered to your face.
August 8, 2019
My heart is beyond full after reading this story about Caleb and Celia. Celia's and her best friend Mer came up with their senior year bucket list and made their best attempts to do them. Upon Mer's death Caleb (Mer's little brother) convinces Celia that Mer wants to have the list finished. This is such an adventure of breaking out of your shell and learning to grow personally and the love story that built up in this pulled on my heart strings and left me with feels straight to the bone.
THis book was such incredible medicine for my soul.
THis book was such incredible medicine for my soul.
July 25, 2019
So happy l got to read Senior Year Bucket List, because I enjoyed every moment of this gorgeous story! Love going on the bucket list journey with Caleb, Celia and Merilyn's ashes, conquering fears and knocking off items that they didn't get too back in senior year! Loved that Caleb & Celia had got a second chance! A sweet love story! Awesome epilogue made me cry, and bonus epilogue made me laugh! A must read!
August 6, 2019
Oh my, what a story!
It kinda started with a bang. Celia and Caleb‘s story starts in High school actually. Caleb‘s sister Merilyn and Celia were best friends. C & C haven’t seen each other for a while and meet again at Merilyn’s wake.
Her last wish was to redo her Senior year bucket list, and Celia helps Caleb doing so.
It was nice to get back into their HS lives to get to know them. It’s a really sweet but also kinda sad story. Emotions were all over the place 😅
Really liked this story, and can recommend this book for you.
Kindly received an arc for an honest review
It kinda started with a bang. Celia and Caleb‘s story starts in High school actually. Caleb‘s sister Merilyn and Celia were best friends. C & C haven’t seen each other for a while and meet again at Merilyn’s wake.
Her last wish was to redo her Senior year bucket list, and Celia helps Caleb doing so.
It was nice to get back into their HS lives to get to know them. It’s a really sweet but also kinda sad story. Emotions were all over the place 😅
Really liked this story, and can recommend this book for you.
Kindly received an arc for an honest review
July 27, 2019
Caleb and Celia set out on an adventure neither of them expected to happen. This story is one of recovery from grief, living in the moment, accepting life as what it is. It's a beautiful tale of love after a loss, and it's told in a dual POV from past and present times, so you get a full picture of their lives and how life brought them to where they are now.
July 16, 2019
I was provided an advanced copy via the author in exchange for an honest review. My honest review is that I couldn't put this down and I loved it!
This follows Celia and Caleb in the wake of Merilyn's death. Mer was a thrill seeker from an early age and she turned her love of adventure and doing crazy things into a way of life. She had a YouTube channel and a huge following, and it all started with the Senior Year Bucket List she and Celia started their senior year of high school. Celia and Mer were best friends, Celia the more reserved quiet friend and as you can imagine Mer the one pushing her out of her comfort zone. They kept a notebook of all of the things they wanted to do before they graduated from the mundane to the adventurous. Mer's younger brother, Caleb also joined in on the bucket list, but he also tormented Celia every step of the way. He also broke her heart. When Caleb and Celia are reunited at Merilyn's wake, they aren't quite sure what to make of each other. Caleb approaches Celia about Mer's final wish in her will that they recreate and complete the remaining items on their bucket list spreading her ashes in all of the places they visit.
Caleb asks her to walk down memory lane and they agree that they can do this one last thing for Mer. They don't take long to make up for lost time rekindling what they lost. Unfortunately their second chance romance does not go perfectly. Caleb and Celia film their adventures reliving Celia and Mer's senior year, but someone is leaking the footage. Celia isn't completely sure she can trust Caleb after the last time he destroyed her, and Caleb isn't sure he can live with losing her a second time.
This was just the story I needed. I don't read a ton of romance but when I do it needs to grab my attention and not let go. This did just that and more! This hits all the right emotions at the right times. You get some romance, steamy scenes, humor, adventure, and a good message about following your heart in love and in life. I really loved getting to know Caleb and Celia both when they were in high school and in their 20s. This alternates between Caleb and Celia's perspectives both now when they are in their 20s, and then when they were 17 and 18 respectively. The alternating timeline and perspectives was done very well, and we get to know Merilyn as well as the opposing character through the other's eyes.
This follows Celia and Caleb in the wake of Merilyn's death. Mer was a thrill seeker from an early age and she turned her love of adventure and doing crazy things into a way of life. She had a YouTube channel and a huge following, and it all started with the Senior Year Bucket List she and Celia started their senior year of high school. Celia and Mer were best friends, Celia the more reserved quiet friend and as you can imagine Mer the one pushing her out of her comfort zone. They kept a notebook of all of the things they wanted to do before they graduated from the mundane to the adventurous. Mer's younger brother, Caleb also joined in on the bucket list, but he also tormented Celia every step of the way. He also broke her heart. When Caleb and Celia are reunited at Merilyn's wake, they aren't quite sure what to make of each other. Caleb approaches Celia about Mer's final wish in her will that they recreate and complete the remaining items on their bucket list spreading her ashes in all of the places they visit.
Caleb asks her to walk down memory lane and they agree that they can do this one last thing for Mer. They don't take long to make up for lost time rekindling what they lost. Unfortunately their second chance romance does not go perfectly. Caleb and Celia film their adventures reliving Celia and Mer's senior year, but someone is leaking the footage. Celia isn't completely sure she can trust Caleb after the last time he destroyed her, and Caleb isn't sure he can live with losing her a second time.
This was just the story I needed. I don't read a ton of romance but when I do it needs to grab my attention and not let go. This did just that and more! This hits all the right emotions at the right times. You get some romance, steamy scenes, humor, adventure, and a good message about following your heart in love and in life. I really loved getting to know Caleb and Celia both when they were in high school and in their 20s. This alternates between Caleb and Celia's perspectives both now when they are in their 20s, and then when they were 17 and 18 respectively. The alternating timeline and perspectives was done very well, and we get to know Merilyn as well as the opposing character through the other's eyes.
July 27, 2019
3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This was such a heartwarming little story about second chances. What's even better is that is centers upon the Best Friend's Brother trope, which is displayed perfectly in this book.
I liked these characters but I didn't feel overly connected to them. I felt that Celia's character had the most growth and depth by far. This journey that she takes with Caleb opens her eyes to a lot of things about herself and what she wants. Though Caleb's character felt less developed than Celia, I liked him a lot. His adoration of Celia was too sweet for words.
I liked the plot of the story, but I felt that it was too light on the conflict. The urgency just wasn't really there. The past conflict in the book was here and gone too quickly and the present conflicts in the book felt too glazed over or minuscule.
I thought that Celia and Caleb were adorable together. You could really feel the perfect chemistry that they had with each other. Their familiarity and friendship from high school were really evident in their interactions with each other. You could just feel their history in their body language and words.
Overall, this is a fun and sweet story of acceptance, self-realization, and second chances that I very much enjoyed. It is the perfect summer read that will take you on a beautiful journey. It's a perfect example that this life is short and you should never settle or stay stagnant. Make this life yours.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Disclaimer: This review MAY contain spoilers. I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This was such a heartwarming little story about second chances. What's even better is that is centers upon the Best Friend's Brother trope, which is displayed perfectly in this book.
I liked these characters but I didn't feel overly connected to them. I felt that Celia's character had the most growth and depth by far. This journey that she takes with Caleb opens her eyes to a lot of things about herself and what she wants. Though Caleb's character felt less developed than Celia, I liked him a lot. His adoration of Celia was too sweet for words.
I liked the plot of the story, but I felt that it was too light on the conflict. The urgency just wasn't really there. The past conflict in the book was here and gone too quickly and the present conflicts in the book felt too glazed over or minuscule.
I thought that Celia and Caleb were adorable together. You could really feel the perfect chemistry that they had with each other. Their familiarity and friendship from high school were really evident in their interactions with each other. You could just feel their history in their body language and words.
Overall, this is a fun and sweet story of acceptance, self-realization, and second chances that I very much enjoyed. It is the perfect summer read that will take you on a beautiful journey. It's a perfect example that this life is short and you should never settle or stay stagnant. Make this life yours.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
July 29, 2019
I just loved this story! Pulled at my heart strings majorly. I just love a story that turns a tragedy into something beautiful. Merilyn was an adventurous young adult. She dies young leaving behind so many to grieve for her. Two of those major people being her best friend Celia and her younger brother Caleb. In her will (yes she had a will because she lived dangerously always seeking an adventure) she wants her Caleb and Celia to relive the Senior Year Bucket List they had created. Caleb and Celia always had an attraction they tried to not act on. I just loved following these two as they went on their own adventure together. The connection between them was so strong. I have to say I just loved Caleb. He was my favorite character. This story is absolutely beautiful. It has moments of inspiration and also heart break. It always warmed me heart fully. And there were many times I was laughing out loud. Again, I just loved it! I can't recommend it enough. Trust me it will become a quick favorite.
July 27, 2019
Amazing doesn’t even cover the description of this book! I LOVE LOVE LOVE finding new authors and this one was recommended by a good friend! This book took senior year to a whole new level. I’m loving the writing style and these characters!!
This story had me crying so much and a lot of it was because I felt like we were all best friends too. Which made me feel their pain, their happiness and so much more! I don’t want to tell about specific people because this whole book had me speechless and emotional. The adventures they went on and the creativity it took to put these into a book so we could experience it with them is so exciting. Add into the adventures with romance and drama plus a little mystery and you get this giddy feeling the crawls under your skin each time a task is about to happen.
I have to say that this book is in my top 10 for 2019! The feels I got reading plus the message I felt behind this story, it meant more to me than I thought it would! Live for today! Don’t waste those moments you think you are trying to do the right thing!
This story had me crying so much and a lot of it was because I felt like we were all best friends too. Which made me feel their pain, their happiness and so much more! I don’t want to tell about specific people because this whole book had me speechless and emotional. The adventures they went on and the creativity it took to put these into a book so we could experience it with them is so exciting. Add into the adventures with romance and drama plus a little mystery and you get this giddy feeling the crawls under your skin each time a task is about to happen.
I have to say that this book is in my top 10 for 2019! The feels I got reading plus the message I felt behind this story, it meant more to me than I thought it would! Live for today! Don’t waste those moments you think you are trying to do the right thing!
July 28, 2019
So far, this author's books have never disappointed. Some I liked, other I enjoyed and a few I loved.
This is the latter.
I thought it would be a rom-com like Spied - with a few feels and swoon-worthy hero. Oh no, I underestimated the power of this book. See, it's heartbreaking. Our heroine, Celia has lost her best friend. Mer was the daring of the duo, the one who took most risks, pulling Celia along with her, having her step out of her shell. That's how their senior year bucket list was born.
While after college Celia chose to lead an uneventful and boring life - I actually applaud some choices she made, ones many frown upon, but I loved that she did that one thing I'm sure Mer would have been proud of - until Mer's death. That's when she encounters Caleb, Mer's younger brother whom she always had a crush on, but was afraid to act on. Caleb, who happened to grow up really nice and ohdearGod, while I could say something crude here, I'll stick to be still, my beating heart!
Caleb has officially dethroned Mark. I loved Mark, I still do, but oooh Caleb! While yes, he had some a-hole tendencies in high school, he had his reasons - I know, I'm not excusing his behavior, you have to trust me on this and read the book, find out why.
So many feels and everything just flowed. The writing style is as good as always, character development and story line. Read this book, book worms. 5 stars.
This is the latter.
I thought it would be a rom-com like Spied - with a few feels and swoon-worthy hero. Oh no, I underestimated the power of this book. See, it's heartbreaking. Our heroine, Celia has lost her best friend. Mer was the daring of the duo, the one who took most risks, pulling Celia along with her, having her step out of her shell. That's how their senior year bucket list was born.
While after college Celia chose to lead an uneventful and boring life - I actually applaud some choices she made, ones many frown upon, but I loved that she did that one thing I'm sure Mer would have been proud of - until Mer's death. That's when she encounters Caleb, Mer's younger brother whom she always had a crush on, but was afraid to act on. Caleb, who happened to grow up really nice and ohdearGod, while I could say something crude here, I'll stick to be still, my beating heart!
Caleb has officially dethroned Mark. I loved Mark, I still do, but oooh Caleb! While yes, he had some a-hole tendencies in high school, he had his reasons - I know, I'm not excusing his behavior, you have to trust me on this and read the book, find out why.
So many feels and everything just flowed. The writing style is as good as always, character development and story line. Read this book, book worms. 5 stars.
July 26, 2019
*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Celia and Caleb are reconnected after the death of her best friend who is also Caleb's sister, who have left them to complete their senior year bucket list.
In the story we see how they recreate some of their high school moments while they created new memories. During that we also learn more about their high school time through flashbacks, which I adored. Both of them work through difficulties and help each other while going through a very emotional trip.
I really liked this book. The emotional start was a bit unexpected but not in a bad way. All their shared moments between the main characters were lovely and the flashbacks were some of my favourite moments.
Celia and Caleb are reconnected after the death of her best friend who is also Caleb's sister, who have left them to complete their senior year bucket list.
In the story we see how they recreate some of their high school moments while they created new memories. During that we also learn more about their high school time through flashbacks, which I adored. Both of them work through difficulties and help each other while going through a very emotional trip.
I really liked this book. The emotional start was a bit unexpected but not in a bad way. All their shared moments between the main characters were lovely and the flashbacks were some of my favourite moments.
May 8, 2020
A wonderful read!
Reliving it all might end with a crash worse than the first...
Or maybe not...
Maybe the fall would never end...
Aww, the hero is so loveable and romantic. He loved her right from high school and I loved seeing them rekindle their relationship and love.
So adorably wonderful. I didn't realise how much I needed this book until I cracked it open and started reading it.
Full of loss, pain, regrets, decisions, adventure, second chances and love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
Reliving it all might end with a crash worse than the first...
Or maybe not...
Maybe the fall would never end...
Aww, the hero is so loveable and romantic. He loved her right from high school and I loved seeing them rekindle their relationship and love.
So adorably wonderful. I didn't realise how much I needed this book until I cracked it open and started reading it.
Full of loss, pain, regrets, decisions, adventure, second chances and love.
Perfect for readers of contemporary romances.
July 30, 2019
I love this heartwarming story of the Senior Year Bucket List. It is emotional, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. There is humour, adventure, steamy romance, and a second chance for love. The characters are wonderful and the storyline is unique.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book by this author and I am looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2019
Ok, so I suck at giving reviews because I never know what to say beyond "loved it; loved the characters"! But I am going to give it a try...
I loved the story... loved the characters! LOL! Seriously! This is one of those books that once you start reading, you won't want to put it down. I read it in a day! I spent a lazy day on the couch just reading away and when I finished the book, I wanted to cry because I felt like my best friends had moved away! This book gives you all the feels! From love, romance, happiness, sadness and anger... it covers it all! Caleb is the guy you want in your life forever, even when he is being a moron! Celia is sweet but kind of boring and I loved seeing her overcome her fears and insecurities in honor of her best friend. This book makes you realize that you only live once and you need to embrace it every single day! Definitely a great, unique story line and I liked how it went back and forth between past and present because it helped you get a feel for who the characters really were. I definitely recommend this read to anyone who believes in second chances, living life to the fullest and being honest with yourself for what you want in life!
I loved the story... loved the characters! LOL! Seriously! This is one of those books that once you start reading, you won't want to put it down. I read it in a day! I spent a lazy day on the couch just reading away and when I finished the book, I wanted to cry because I felt like my best friends had moved away! This book gives you all the feels! From love, romance, happiness, sadness and anger... it covers it all! Caleb is the guy you want in your life forever, even when he is being a moron! Celia is sweet but kind of boring and I loved seeing her overcome her fears and insecurities in honor of her best friend. This book makes you realize that you only live once and you need to embrace it every single day! Definitely a great, unique story line and I liked how it went back and forth between past and present because it helped you get a feel for who the characters really were. I definitely recommend this read to anyone who believes in second chances, living life to the fullest and being honest with yourself for what you want in life!
August 5, 2019
An new adult nest friends brothers second chance romance. Told in past and present.
Caleb is Merilyn younger brother. He broke Celia’s heart in the past.
Celia is Merilyns best friend. She’s reserved and quiet.
When tragedy strikes these two are brought back together. Together they go on this adventure to fulfill a loved ones last wish.
An emotional roller coaster. A complete page turner. Overall an a romance adventure filled with humor all in one. A great read completely
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Caleb is Merilyn younger brother. He broke Celia’s heart in the past.
Celia is Merilyns best friend. She’s reserved and quiet.
When tragedy strikes these two are brought back together. Together they go on this adventure to fulfill a loved ones last wish.
An emotional roller coaster. A complete page turner. Overall an a romance adventure filled with humor all in one. A great read completely
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
July 26, 2019
This is a wonderful read and once I started reading Celia and Caleb's book I could not put it down it is a really good well written book that just sucks you right in, this is a really emotional but fun read I would definitely recommend you get comfy with this one.
July 30, 2019
Such a fun, sweet story. First loves, best friends and second chances. Life is all about second chances right? This sure was a great ending for a bucket list. Cross everything off, find yourself and find true love. Seems pretty perfect to me. A good summer (or anytime) read.
April 12, 2020
This was a cute story. I loved Caleb and Celia! They were cute together. This was a fun, light read.
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