The Bucket List

by Carrie Jacobs

17 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days. That's how long I've been crushing on Del, the cute IT guy down the hall. We've bonded over 80s music and Seinfeld references our younger-than-GenX coworkers don't quite appreciate. I'm pretty sure if I asked him out, there's a good chance he'd say yes. Just one problem. I don't take chances. I'm naturally risk-averse.

Okay, fine, let's call it like it is. I'm boring.

When our company hands out the worst employee appreciation gifts ever – leatherbound bucket list journals – I'm faced with just how deep my boringness runs. Trust me, it’s deep.

It's so deep that after a week, the only item on my bucket list is to buy a scratch-off ticket. When this leads to Del and I sharing a modest lottery jackpot, I'm inspired to make a list for real, and inch my way outside of my comfort zone.

But is Del willing to wait around while I figure out how to live a little, or are inside jokes and an office crush all we'll ever have?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Patti McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun light read

[Karen Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

so fun

Cute, fun and light read after a few pretty deep and harrowing thrillers. Just the palate cleanser I needed and I enjoyed it so much more than I expected. I picked this one up from a “stuff your kindle” promotion and I’m so glad I did. I chose it because of the title and that I’m the age to start putting that bucket list to work! It’s and older adult romance but just what I needed right at the time I needed it!

[M.C. Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are only a handful of authors on my list in which I will pick up a copy of their book without reading the description on the back cover because I know I will enjoy reading whatever they write. Carrie Jacobs has been placed on that list. I love her writing style with relatable, mature characters with a hallmark sweet romance. Shasta is a relatable character who works as an accountant at a corporate company that likes to spend a lot of money on things that aren't necessary instead of upgrading deteriorating equipment. Who hasn't worked at a company that doesn't always put necessities as chief priority? Meet her partner in crime, Del. An IT guy that she has a good bit in common. They have a love of Seinfeld and sarcasm. The company they work for invites them to write down a bucket list, to help boost morale. At first Shasta wants nothing to do with making a bucket list, especially when she has no idea what to even put on the list. With encouragement from Del, she starts adding small stuff that many people take for granted. It's easy to get trapped in a routine life and not take a time out to do something different and enjoyable. Soon a friendship blossoms into a little something more. I highly recommend putting The Bucket List on your bucket list to read!

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a sweet clean rom com read. I really liked the two main characters and how the story was unique compared to most rom-coms. I loved her bucket list and how we see through each chapter it get tackled and added on. I also loved how they were an older couple learning to love again. I related a bit to Shasta and her personality and experiences. It wasn't the best read, but a super easy pleasant charming read with hope and a happy ending. Nothing too spicy, too dramatic, or too crazy; a very realistic and simple story. 3.5 stars, good!

[Jennifer Bonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet, 5 star read from Carrie Jacobs! Shasta and Del are the perfect match, and I loved seeing Shasta step outside her comfort zone as she worked through her bucket list-and her reservations-with Del by her side.

And even though this is first and foremost a romance, it has to be said that if you've ever worked in a corporate environment, this will be the most relatable book you've ever read because Jacobs' office humor is on point!

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with every book Carrie has written, I loved this book! This is a sweet, clean, rom com that I would highly recommend! I enjoyed this book reading it entirely within 2 days of receiving it. Another great book written by Carrie!

[Jenny Derochemont · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute and wholesome story. The age group of the main characters was older than I usually read, but I did feel like I could identify with Shasta in several ways. This is my first read by Carrie Jacobs and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun love story

I loved the concept of the bucket list and the Shasta and Del meeting at work and developing a friendship first. I didn't like how quickly we jumped ahead to a more serious romance and then the book was over; I wanted more!

[Tiara Outzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development of Shasta, Del, Allie and Kat was so fun to experience. This is a lighthearted, easy read with a HEA. I’m a PA girl, so the mention of Knoebels and that grueling drive down I81 to Tennessee spoke to my SOUL. I laughed out loud, shed a few tears.. a cute book for sure!

[Beth Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Carrie writes an amazingly well crafted story! Got me inspired to start my own bucket list.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I identify myself way too much with Sashta

[Aubrey Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little summer read

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I really enjoyed this book! It is by a new to me author and I am very glad I found her.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story of Shasta and Dell. Love the premise but got annoyed with the characters lol. Would read more from her.

[Maha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light book that can be read in a short time.

[Mabel Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fun, sweet, CLEAN romance!

[Rebecca Scobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10- Not a bad read, I loved the mother daughter dynamic and their little side stories. I really liked Del until he used the word wasted… really dude!? That kinda threw me off the book but oh well!

[Ellie Leabch]

I loved seeing Shasta come out of her comfort zone and just be happy. Del and Shasta are so cute I love it

[Sarah Paulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little cheesy but very cute! I enjoyed reading a story about an older couple navigating a relationship after their divorces and with grown kids.

[Jane Neagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story that flowed great. The references are fun and and the characters have a lot of heart and are very realistic. Excellent summer read!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.