Better Luck Next Time

by Taylor J. Bridgeforth

Tatum Morgan couldn't help counting down the days to the end of her senior year of high school. She craved an atmosphere outside of her hometown and the memories of her dad leaving their family. With mere weeks to go before graduation, Tatum and her boyfriend, Jeremy are finalizing their plans for the summer and college. Tatum is waiting for her acceptance letter from the University of Southern California, while Jeremy’s indecision of what he’ll do after graduating high school hover over the couple and their longevity.

However, on the night of Theodore Roosevelt High School’s senior graduation party, everything changes.

What follows a short summer and a long spiral, Tatum’s freshman year at USC is supposed to be her new start–with new friends and new interests. But the exaggerated tales from home and Jeremy have followed her to campus and he’s determined to restore his relationship with Tatum; and both could hinder her progress.

How will Tatum focus on her future with her past obstructing her present?

339 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2023

About the author

Taylor J. Bridgeforth multitasks as an author, reader, podcast host and YouTuber. Outside of those immediate interests, she likes to sing karaoke, play Mario Kart, travel, nap and eat. Taylor lives in Indianapolis, IN with her family. Better Luck Next Time is her first novel.

Reviews

[Emily Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good. I finished it in one day. I haven’t had a book that I read this quick in a long time.

Taylor, congrats on your book baby! It’s so good!

[Christina C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridgeforth’s debut novel definitely stands out amongst the rest. The voice given to her characters is strong and very real. It takes you back to that hormonal place with the messiness of teenage lust and trying to find your place in the world. While I typically don’t read YA, this one had me turning pages late into the night, addicted to the toxicity lol

I love it when a main character makes you question whether or not you want to root for them- I think it adds intrigue in a novel and makes me push towards the ending even more! Overall so impressed and can’t wait to explore Taylor’s newest publications!

[Heather Terrill Stotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better Luck Next Time does a great job capturing that awkward, in-between space of being technically grown but still unsure about everything. Tatum’s voice is sharp, sometimes self-protective, and often vulnerable in ways she doesn’t even see. It’s not a story that tries to teach a lesson—it just lets the mess unfold. As a reader, especially one who works with teens, I appreciated how real that felt.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tatum is so ready for high school to be over so her new life can begin. She is chomping at the bit to go to college; the only thing concerning her is her boyfriend Jeremy. He has no idea what he wants to do after graduation and it's causing Tatum to be very concerned about their future. It also doesn't help that Tatum has daddy issues and is convinced that all men will leave her. She doesn't want to say the L word and isn't sure if she should lose her virginity to Jeremy. She likes him a lot and wants to look forward to a future together but being in love and making love seem like too big a leap. Right before graduation Tatum, her best friend Kait, and Jeremy go to a party together and nothing will ever be the same. I really wanted to like this, but this highlighted such a toxic relationship. It was cringy and uncomfortable. I was so ready for the book to end and I didn't like a single character (except Dean). I think I may be getting to old and cynical for young adult books?!

[cmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s very rare for me to write a review and not just leave stars. I’ve read 5 debut novels this year from indie authors and “Better Luck Next Time” runs near the top of that list. I can’t wait to follow this author’s journey and see how she grows!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️!!!! I’ve been neglecting YA books for a while (and kind of in a reading slump in general tbh) and BLNT was the perfect book to bring me back! Plenty of turns, and plenty of characters that easily grow on you (both positively and negatively 👀). Taylor’s writing makes it easy and enjoyable for you to paint each scene and interaction in your mind, while keeping you on your toes for what might happen next.

The whole story was chef’s kiss but the last half of the book kept me up way past my bedtime and that’s just how I like it 😌 amazing job Taylor!!!💖

[Brooklyn Zumwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Litcherally amazing!!!!! I couldn't put it down. It was so wonderful getting lost in this book. I can't wait for the next book by Taylor 🤍

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor did an amazing job of capturing the adolescent years! Her debut novel about first love, self-love, and the end of high school/college transition is well written and sucks you in from the start. I'm excited to read the novella based on one of the supporting characters!

[Kasseidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

sooo this book is marketed as a self-love, coming-of-age story, and I was definitely ready to be ABSOLUTELY SAT!! I liked the seasonal structure - following Tatum and Jeremy throughout their senior year of high school to fresh year of college. BUT WHEN I TELL YOU SHII HITS THE FAN, IT HITS OFTEN AND FAST!!! just as I settled into each season, a major life event (TW: self-harm, alcohol abuse, substance abuse) would hit out of nowhere—leaving me with my jaw on the floor, and not necessarily in a good way. While I appreciated the rawness of the Tatum's journey, the pacing felt abrupt at times, and I felt the storyline of Tatum was all over the place (again, maybe that was the point and I don't understand true art #apologies).

ALSO!! don't event get me started on Jeremy and Tatum’s relationship after high school because it absolutely didn’t work for me—I wish he had simply moved on and lived his life. I can't say more without spoiling the book, so...... The ending had a strong concept, but it felt rushed, and reminded me of the final episodes of One Tree Hill, where suddenly everyone is grown with kids. This book definitely had its moments, but the execution didn’t fully land for me. #srrybbygorgeous

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

if I do say so myself 🤪

[Kayla McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know how I feel about this book...it kind of gave me whiplash. I thought the beginning was really drawn out and the ending was rushed.

[Risa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the first ten chapters nothing was happening but it eventually picks up. I also did not like the female lead from the beginning and she only gets worse. But the overall story was good.