As the release of this debut novel began quickly approaching, the author started posting teasers, moodboards, and sneak peaks. With every post she made, I became more excited to get my hands on a copy! It's almost like she saw inside my brain and put together all of the elements that I enjoy most into one romance novel! Keep reading to get the inside scoop on all of my thoughts about one of my most anticipated 2023 releases!
The List of Things is a romance novel was released on August 1st! It is the debut novel of author, Emma Miller. You can add the book to your 'Want to Read' list on Goodreads, purchase it on Amazon, or purchase it from Barnes and Noble! You can also follow the author, Emma Miller, on Instagram!
Every golden retriever needs their black cat…
Despite being in a hate-hate relationship with the thought of romance in her own life, Kamryn Hart adores it in the fictional sense. Rom-coms, romantic TV shows, you name it. That doesn’t stop her from living her life without connections, or serious relationships. When the year is coming to an end, and Kamryn is helping the university’s heartthrob football player with one last study session, she’s presented with an opportunity that’s just too good to turn down, but also way too good to be true. A list of romantic things that she thought could only happen on the big screen, and an infuriatingly charming quarterback willing to tick them off one by one to show her just how fun romance can be.
Star quarterback, and hot ticket item at Seattle Pike University, Bellamy Archer is nothing short of an all american football dream. Hot, charming, and completely in love with the thought of love. Bellamy is looking for memories and excitement after finals are over. With three weeks before football summer sessions Bellamy makes a promise to Kamryn that he intends on keeping. Kamryn enters the agreement warily, but will she continue to believe romance is a farce, or will she break the only rule she’s set, no strings attached?
I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads. This immediately skyrocketed towards the top of my 2023 rankings. I devoured this book! This gave everything I needed it to. I have been experiencing one of the worst reading slumps of my entire life (which annoyingly is happening when I finally have time to really sit down and read) but this book reignited my enjoyment of reading!
Emma created this story and Kamryn and Bellamy, specifically, in a way that had me attached to them from the beginning. What I found so refreshing about this book was that I loved both characters individually as much as I loved them as a pair. I find that in romance books, I often love the couple together but don't connect to the individual characters as much. I didn't have that problem here because both lead characters were complex, unique, and well-developed.
I thought the pacing of this book was on-point. Though I never doubted Emma's writing abilities, it can be difficult to nail the pacing of a romance novel--especially in a debut novel. It never felt forced or rushed, which I think is a true testament to the author and her writing style.
When I highlighted this book on the blog a few weeks ago, I mentioned that Emma (the author) was a well known writer of online stories and fan fiction. I have followed Emma's writing since she started and it has been such a joy getting to follow along on her journey to becoming a published indie-author. Before I started reviewing books, I read her works so getting to review this book here on my blog feels like a 'full circle' moment. I am thrilled that this was such a hit for me, but I am not surprised one bit! Anything that Emma writes will be a success---I am absolutely sure of it.
The author includes a note at the beginning of the book that makes readers aware that there is depictions and discussion of sexual assault in this book. As a book reviewer, I try to make mention of certain themes or scenarios that may be troubling for some readers so I really appreciated that the author included this at the very beginning of the book. Adult language, dialogue, and scenarios are depicted often throughout this book---I would highly recommend for readers 18+. Readers discretion is always advised.
If you can't tell from this absolutely glowing review, adored this book! I will be waiting (im)patiently for all of Emma's upcoming works, she is an auto-read author for me. Hopeless romantics, romcom enthusiasts, and football romance readers---this is the perfect book for you!
Typically with all books that I read, I make a playlist to go along with the book. This book was a bit unique because the author included a hand-selected song to accompany every chapter. I compiled the author's choices in a playlist for The List of Things which you can find on Apple Music or Spotify.
Have you read The List of Things? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
As always, thank you for reading!
XO,
Madison
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