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The Checklist Romance #1

The List of Things

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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?

400 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2023

25 people are currently reading
2455 people want to read

About the author

Emma Miller

3 books221 followers

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5 stars
287 (38%)
4 stars
261 (35%)
3 stars
129 (17%)
2 stars
36 (4%)
1 star
27 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
2 reviews
August 6, 2023
I was really excited for this book, as I have kept up with the author for a while now, and I'm going to be honest I was disappointed, it read like a wattpad fanfiction made by a 14 year old, not the good kind of fanfiction that one would want to own as a book and class as a piece of literature. I'm not going to say it was poorly written but it wasn't the best, I'm used to books that are written eloquently with complex language and well structured sentences, and it felt sort of half hearted in places, maybe I'm too picky but I just found myself cringing slightly at some of the language and sentence structure. The grammar was also terrible, maybe a proof-reader or an advanced reader group who actually understand basic grammar rules could help solve this issue for the next book. The story was interesting but fairly cliché and did feel rather predictable in places, as if it followed the basic plot of every chick flick from the 2000's. The characters themselves were annoying and I found myself despising the main character, it's very hard to resonate and feel invested in a story in which you cannot stand the main character and are ultimately rooting for their downfall. And their names? I'm sorry but why. I couldn't take it seriously with the ridiculous names, I understand thinking up unique names is important for authors but they felt like the ridiculous names that millennial Facebook moms give to their children and get bullied for. I am aware we're reviewing the novel itself here but the cover design looks as if it was made on ibis paint or PicsArt or something similarly amateur, not particularly aesthetically pleasing, as a graphic designer it irks me slightly, if you're going to make a book at least try to make it look nice, come on.This book had a lot of potential but wasn't as good as I had hoped, maybe my expectations were too high. I'm hoping that the next book in the series will live up to these expectations because the potential is definitely there.
Profile Image for Kat Tracy.
216 reviews486 followers
July 24, 2023
This was everything I needed in a romcom. I loved it so much. Ugh I want a Bellamy.
Profile Image for Kate Whitley.
209 reviews
August 2, 2023
holding emma’s first physical book in my hands and getting the chance to read it before i came out was an absolute PRIVILEGE and i’m so proud of her <333

the list of things is such a special novel and the story of bellamy and kamryn is perfect for those die hard rom-com fans :’) the book playlist was a perfect addition and i cant wait to read more from emma!!
Profile Image for Jet.
80 reviews
Read
February 5, 2024
dnf at 24%

damn this was bad. some authors should stick to wattpad wtf the grammar, the sentence structure, the dialogue??? did an editor even look at this? it honestly felt like this was written for 13 year olds but then the main character’s only personality trait was sex
Profile Image for olivia ୨ৎ.
11 reviews60 followers
August 1, 2023


The List of Things - Emma Miller

★ ★ ★ ★/5

first of all, happy release day to the lovely emma miller!! this book is truly your labor of love and i’m so happy that you chose to share this story with us.

the list of things follows the story of kamryn hart and bellamy archer. kamryn loves love, but only in literature and movies, not in her own life. one day she decides to make a list of things she’s seen, but has never done. bellamy discovers this list and takes it upon himself to prove to kamryn that romance can exist outside of a movie screen. the only rule, no strings attached. easy!

this story had me hooked from the moment i first read the synopsis. why? because kamryn and i seem to have a very similar view of love. within the pages of my favorite books i simply cannot get enough romance, but place it in my own life and i panic. i’m safe from heartbreak if i never fall in love.

however, kamryn and bellamy’s story was so unbelievably hopeful. through the story you learn that these “romcom moments” can become your reality. romance isn’t perfect and real love can be messy, but it can also be a beautiful thing.

if you’re looking for
- grumpyxsunshine
- frenemies to lovers
- college sports
- romcom energy

then this is the perfect book to add to your summer reading list.

also… can someone point me in the direction of the bellamy archer store… thanks xx
Profile Image for Ashley (Xaden Riorson's Version).
128 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2024
I made it through the first chapter. There was a grammatical error in the second sentence. It looked like it had never seen an editor. It was self published though, so I suppose there is a higher chance of that actually being true.

This is the author's first book off Wattpad, and OMG you can tell. I feel awful being so mean but after a flipthrough of the book the whole thing is written so wrong and even grammarly could tell you that.

I'm surprised this made it into bookstores. I think she should stick to Wattpad.

Also now I feel like I may slump again with how bad the very first chapter of this book is ( God forbid the spicy scene I found and read through during my flipthrough) and I can call this a complete and utter waste of my time.

Do not read.
Profile Image for ceci.
363 reviews51 followers
August 26, 2023
This book was so funny, cute and sweet. I loved it
Profile Image for Mariam.
92 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2023
5/5⭐️
Thank you so much Emma for the ARC and happy release day!!

When I tell y'all this book had me grinning and kicking my feet like a small child. Bellamy is such a golden retriever boyfriend and such a nice difference to what l've been reading. Kamryn is the black cat grumpy one and to see the rolls reverse is so good.

Also the list? And the way Bellamy was determined to finish it, hellooooo! Such an adorable rom-com.

I've always loved Emma's writing since her wattpad days and to see her now debut her first official novels, brings me to tears and l'm so happy to have read this one. It's definitely a comfort, not only for its content but Emma being dear to me makes me want to protect this book.

But with that being said, I didn't rate this book with the sole thought of Emma and I being friends. I believe she truly deserved it. The writing was great, the story line was amazing and fit the definition of rom-com, Bellamy and Kamryn were so cute, and the fact that I never wanted to put the book down unless I was forced too, says something.

If you're looking for a rom-com, this ones for you!
Profile Image for Bailey.
9 reviews
October 28, 2023
DNF — literally the worst book I’ve ever read. I stopped at chapter nine and regret reading that much. The characters are dull, with no real development. Seems like the author just wanted to write a story about two characters in college falling in love (if I can even call it love?) and uses the plot of at least two other books. Also, there was a scene that was almost word for word of what happened in the hunger games between Katniss and Peeta… I definitely do not recommend.
Profile Image for Grace.
30 reviews
November 8, 2023
That was PAINFUL unrealistic and I knew I knew that going into it but I thought there’d be some level of realism but no. It would slay as a movie- especially with the sound track she built into each chapter- but it’s way too corny for a book
Profile Image for Sarah.
11 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
easily one of the best books i’ve read this year!! cant wait for everyone to be able to enjoy it!!!💛
Profile Image for Hannah Greve.
22 reviews
June 20, 2023
I was one of this novel's beta readers, and it was amazing!!

Lately, I have been on a memoir kick and have been having a bit of trouble staying focused on fiction novels but this book made me fall back in love with fiction. I had no trouble staying focused on Kathryn’s and Bellamy’s story. Before I get into the characters I want to talk about the author’s writing style. Emma has a gift for not only being extremely descriptive but a gift for literally creating a movie in her reader's head. I work in film/television and reading how Emma describes emotions, places, and people is exactly how descriptive we need scripts to be in order to put together plans to create a set, learn who our characters are along with their mannerisms, and how a room should feel. Each chapter has a song tied to it and that helps create Kathryn’s world in our minds.
We have a very fun and interesting group of characters in this novel. Kathryn is a very human character that I feel like a TON of people can relate to. She is studying sports medicine. She’s smart, independent, sarcastic, confident, and determined. Kathryn is a secret romantic which is something I personally relate to. Bellamy is a not-so-secret romantic. He is caring, flirty, selfless, supportive, and extremely easy to fall in love with. He is yet another fictional character that now has my heart and has set even higher standards for any love interest in my life! Bell is the reason why “if he wanted to he would” exists! Though the novel is about Kathryn and Bellamy we get to know and love their friends. Sienna is the best friend we all want and need. Lawson and Cam remind me of some of my best friends from college - they are very supportive but will also mess with you in a fun-loving way.
Kathryn and Bellamy’s dynamic is something that is addictive. They are very complex people, and we learn more about them throughout the chapters. Sometimes books like this can get rushed or the characters' interactions begin to feel repetitive but that is NOT the case with List Of Things. The details we get about the character show how much thought has gone into them and who they are. This is a perfectly paced novel and I cannot wait to see what Emma writes next. I have devoured Emma’s past stories and I am sure she will continue to create my new favorite characters.
I am very honored and thankful to be one of the beta readers for this incredibly written romance and cannot wait to recommend it to everyone I know. I can't wait to place the physical copy of this book on my shelf once it comes out.
Profile Image for Abbey Tobias.
116 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2023
Emma mf Miller has done it once again!

I have never been more excited for a book release than this one! I’ve been a fan of Emma’s writing since the Stylist series back in 2019, so when I heard that she was publishing a novel, I had high hopes.

Also I may have shed a slight tear over the dedication… I’ve never had a book dedicated to me (in a way) before.

The List of Things is a college romance about a Golden Retriever Quarterback and his journey to complete a list of things his Black Cat Tutor has seen in romance movies but never experienced herself (Ferris wheel kisses, food fights in the kitchen, romantic first times etc).

Bellamy Archer is a walking green flag and my new all time favourite book boyfriend.
I would protect Kamryn Hart with my life because she deserves the world.

Do yourself a favour and give this book a read!

xoxo a proud Cherry ❤️🍒
Profile Image for Marrit.
217 reviews
July 24, 2024
100/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ STARS OMFG!!

Its been said that beautiful things don't ask for attention. And oh, how humbly beautiful this book is.

'No one is too kind for anyone… Kamryn baby…” He pulls me back and looks at me. “You’re the kind of person people write romance books about. Don’t accept less than that.'

I want someone to love me like this.

Is this one of the best books I've ever read? yes. Will I ever move on? Unlikely. This is a book I could re-read anytime and never get bored of it. I would die for this book. I would just simply DIE.

A book like this deserves a thousand words review, but all I have to say is how grateful I am that stories like this have been written - stories that can make my heart ache, make me giggle, kick my feet and make me speechless -
Profile Image for domina.
53 reviews
August 5, 2023
hands down one of the best football romances i’ve read, i am so in love with kamryn and bellamy like it’s not even funny, it is a prefect book if you love watching rom-coms such as the notebook or how to lose a guy in 10 days
Profile Image for Sami.
48 reviews
August 1, 2023
The List of Things is pretty much the absolute cheesiest, most disgustingly cute rom-com that you could possibly get. And I mean that in the best way.

Books like these are what I like to call “pallet cleansers”, meaning whenever I have finished a long series or a heavy story, then I need something sweet to cleanse my pallet. This book is exactly that.

As advertised, Bellamy is the epitome of a “golden retriever boy” which typically those types turn me off, but his charm burrowed under my skin. His perfect counterpart, Kamryn, is quick-witted and headstrong, yet brooding and wary of love. I found myself relating to her in ways I did not expect, which only made me appreciate her character more.

It was apparent that both Bellamy and Kamryn had lived through experiences that made them exactly who they are. I found myself wanting to dive deeper into those emotions/experiences from their characters throughout the story.

The List of Things is for those who devour romance novels like it is their last meal. It is a heartfelt story that gave me butterflies and had me covering my face, blushing on numerous occasions.

A wonderful job by Emma for her debut novel. I can’t wait to see what she creates next!
Profile Image for sophie.
205 reviews
July 30, 2023
emma’s writing is so beautiful and never fails to make you fall in love with her story. bellamy and kamryn were everything. i need a guy to check off my own list of things
Profile Image for Malia.
80 reviews4 followers
April 16, 2024
DNF!!! No you guys this was so awful, you don’t even understand. Literally worse than her Wattpad writing. Also wtf kind of name is Bellamy? Not a hot one I’ll tell u that. And the subtle Harry references were so fucking cringey. The way she writes just pisses me off so much. Had to stop reading at chapter 6 bc I couldn’t torture myself anymore.
Profile Image for Destini Nesbitt.
22 reviews
August 1, 2023
I feel so honored to have been able to beta this book! Emma’s writing is filled with so much heart and passion. I don’t want to give too much away because I want other readers to feel like same things I did as I was reading this! These characters are so developed, the plot fully blossomed, and the story was just so picturesque. Watching Bellamy and Kamryn’s story unfold is something I am thankful to be a part of! I loved the addition of songs to each chapter and while I was reading, I listened to each song and in doing so felt the story on a whole other level. This is a book people are going to be talking about for a long time!This book was a journey with the most real and raw characters and who went through so many different heartaches but found each other through it all!
July 1, 2023
I have been Emma’s fan 3 years now, and she never ceases to amaze me
Kamryn’s and Bellamy’s story is so beautiful, it literally makes me want to cry.
Emma, i love it, i love you
Profile Image for Chelsea Nicole.
98 reviews13 followers
November 23, 2023
I’ve been following Emma for awhile now, and this book. It’s a perfect romantic feel. The characters and their chemistry and banter had me hooked. The list. The song choices. It was like watching a movie in my head. I was in a reading slump and this book pulled me out. If you love romance, whether it be books or movies, this book is for you. It has the feel good feeling that love stories give you. It gave my butterflies, parts had me screaming and kicking my feet.
We love a man who goes above and beyond for his girl!

Proud of you Emma!
Profile Image for Kalee Jackson.
74 reviews7 followers
August 3, 2023
There are many things I could write in this review. I could tell you how if you are a fan of rom coms like The Notebook and 27 dresses, you would like this book. I could tell you if you like tv shows like Gilmore Girls and Greys Anatomy, you would like this book. I could tell you if you like Taylor Swift or Harry Styles, you would like this book.

“He turns back to me as I stand on the sidewalk, if I’m going to be rained on, I’m going to do it right.”

“Because his kiss hits like a drug that I could never recreate no matter how hard I tried.”

“Because if you don’t go now, I’m not going to let you leave, ever…”

The List of Things by Emma Miller is a romance about Kamryn Hart, the black cat, who makes a list of things she had only seen in the movies that were too good to be true. Bellamy Archer is the golden retriever star quarterback of SPU who finds Kamryn’s list one day while being tutored by Kamryn. Bellamy vows to Kamryn that over the next couple of weeks, he will complete Kamryn’s list with her. Kamryn only has one rule: no strings attached.

Emma Miller is an artist with her words in her first published novel. This book perfectly captured the essence of a romantic comedy. Kamryn Hart is the perfect FMC with confidence and a big heart that she only lets few see. Bellamy Archer is the king of green flags. Each character, even side character’s, had their own personality that were unique and fun. By the end of the book you need more.

Something that makes this book unique and sets it apart from other romance novels or sports romance novels, is the playlist associated with the book. At the beginning of the book, there are two pages worth of a playlist Emma made especially for this book. To make it more unique, each chapter is titled with a song from the playlist. While I was reading this book, I played each song before reading the chapter to put myself in the author’s headspace.

I will never listen to Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine again.

I laughed. I cried. I giggled. I kicked my feet.

I never tabbed a book before this one. But after 70 pages in, I knew it was going to be an all time favorite and I needed to mark all my favorite things.

Excuse me while I go watch all my favorite rom com movies and make a list while listening to New Year’s day by Taylor Swift.🫶🏼

65 reviews
August 4, 2023
I wish I could give this book more stars beyond 5. I went into this knowing I was more than likely going to love this book. I love Emma’s writing. As many did I found her on Wattpad and read her fan fiction so I knew the writing of this was going to be phenomenal. This is going to be a book that I’m going to tell people about for a very long time. It’s going to be one I wish I could read for the first time all over again.

By the first half of the book I was like I hope this gets turned into a movie some day. Emma writes so vividly you can truly picture every scene and writing like that is, in my eyes, the perfect set up for a movie. This book low key rocked my world and I think I might be in a book slump for a minute now 😂. But that being said I’m a firm believer of the book is always better for books that get turned into moves but I also believe that if the right opportunity arose this book would get one of the best book to movie adaptation ever.

I feel like I should write more depth on the book but I also like to avoid spoilers so I really won’t. Just know that if you are a romance reader sport or not you will not regret reading this book.

I cannot wait to read more from Emma and I hoping that with there being a series from this universe we get to see more of Bellamy and Kamryn.
Profile Image for McKenzie.
78 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2023
wow. where do i start? i am so unbelievably impressed with this book. her FIRST published book. its incredible, i was eating it up from page one. it was so easy to fall in love with these characters and their story.

i love how it started, i love how it ended, and i love everything in between. i mean THIS is romance. it’s been so hard for me to find a good romance lately that wasn’t overly cheesy and exaggerated with the same plot lines. i genuinely have nothing about this book i would change.

“I’ve been waiting for something since the day I left you with everything..” is the line that stuck with me and will continue to stick with me. i cant explain it except for i love when men are down bad for strong independent women.

I LOVE LOVE.

p.s. i need the next book like yesterday
Profile Image for Shelby Barber.
10 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2023
This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I’ve been a fan of Emma’s writing for years, since her first book on Wattpad. I cannot describe how proud I feel to see her following her passion and becoming a PUBLISHED FUCKING AUTHOR.

This book is so so special. I’ve always loved how Emma builds a beautiful world and puts deep care into all the little details, always incorporating music. Over the past few hours of reading this story, I have felt so many emotions. Curiosity, the giggling-and-kicking-my-feet kind of excitement, frustration, sadness, pure joy.

I see so much of myself in Kamryn. The way she loves rom-coms and is secretly a hopeless romantic, but believes without a doubt that she’ll never find that kind of love in real life. That men like that don’t actually exist.

Kamryn and Bellamy’s story is so beautiful. It made me cry, it made me smile, it made me think inward about my mentality toward romantic relationships and the way I view myself.

I just truly fell head over heels in love with these characters and this story. I’m so grateful I had the pleasure of going on this journey, and I cannot wait to read Emma’s next novel.
Profile Image for Sanne.
59 reviews
October 9, 2023
First of all, I love Bellamy and I need a Bellamy in my life...

Secondly, oh my God. I loved this. I can't really relate to Kamryn at all, but I loved her. And Bellamy is a dream... He has been added to my long list of book boyfriends.

This book made me giggle and cry and laugh out loud. As a full-time fangirl, all the little mentions of Taylor Swift and Harry Styles made me smile, and I LOVE the songs for each chapter.

I love the list, and I might make one myself... Hopefully my Bellamy will ask to do it with me because that is just a need at this point.

I started reading Emma's stories on Wattpad, and now I will be reading all her books that she publishes because I love whatever she writes, honestly.
Profile Image for robyn gamez.
29 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2023
2.5 stars. i loved the idea of this book, but the grammar and editing really got me. i’ve followed emma on social media for a while now (hello fellow harrie), so i was super excited to pick this up. hoping that the grammatical issues are improved for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews

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