Love, Loss, & Lists

by Amber West

Henry Moore always has a plan. Whatever the situation, he’s already thought through five different scenarios, outcomes, and proceeds accordingly. His thorough nature has served him well; a successful executive career, close-knit family, and a long and happy marriage.

Eva Cruz is everything to everyone. A dutiful employee who goes above and beyond, a loyal wife always ready to compromise to make her marriage work; Eva just wants to do the right thing and keep everyone happy.

When a simple phone call throws their lives off course and eventually into each others’ paths, they both find themselves struggling to figure out life and love all over again.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

About the author

Amber West is a Northeastern transplant dodging rodent sized bugs and sweltering heat in the jungles of Central Florida. When she isn’t battling the urge to pass out, she’s busy being a wife, mother, geek, and writer, in no particular order.

You can find her on Instagram & Threads (@ambernwest).

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chokehold this book has on me! Wow! Unexpected!

I won the ebook free from a giveaway as the description tickled me, however I was unprepared for this!

Eva, Henry, Leo, Agesia, Oliver, Mia and Gandalf feel like friends now. I adore how this all came together!

The feelings I experienced throughout this were real! I was seething over Steve and Stuart! Gah! A roller coaster of emotions!

Well done! Highly recommend!

[Lara Belanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Eva was such a powerful woman and in a male dominated career. She did not take anything from anyone! Henry was so lovable, and he was such a great friend to Eva. Leo was the best neighbor and best friend Eva could have in her building. Henry & Leo's entire family was amazing and it felt like I was sitting at the dinner table with them for family dinners! I am beyond excited to read book 2!

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t walk… RUN to read this book!

So, so, SO good! Amber West is a great writer! If you are looking for a sweet, tender, believable story about a midlife pair of people finding love again, this is it. It was funny, it was genuine, it was solid. Don’t waste time, start reading it today!

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - a thorough pleasure to read!

Witty banter, delightful plot, well developed characters - a totally sympathetic heroine, a knight in shining armor who sees her for the gem she is... oh my heart! So very, very good!

*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt this book started off so-so, but it almost grew as I read it. By the end, I found that I really appreciated this story. It's more than a love story. It's a story of a strong woman in corporate America who has learned that she is the most important person in her own life.. Eva is someone witty, smart, and knows what she deserves. It was refreshing to see a mature character like she is and be unapologetically herself.

[Melissa C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drop kicked me in the feels!

I don’t even know where to begin without spoilers. I was consumed by this book. First of all…the characters being in my age group was a nice change! Loved the banter! Loved the growth we saw with the FMC! This book had me giggling AND crying! Love, love, love.

[Melanie Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Love Loss & Lists. It was very nice to see representation of an older couple. Henry is absolutely adorable and Eva is a woman to be admired. I really liked everytime Eva started to get upset and she used the STOP technique her therapist taught her. It's always good to see therapy talked about in books and it is even better to see it in action.

[Emily Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love, Loss, and Lists" swept me off my feet and into a whirlwind of laughter, romance, and introspection. From the very first page, I found myself completely consumed by the vibrant characters and their relatable dilemmas.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to make me giggle uncontrollably while simultaneously tugging at my heartstrings. Each page is filled with witty banter, hilarious mishaps, and genuine moments of vulnerability that had me kicking my feet in delight.

As Henry and Eva navigate through life's twists and turns, their chemistry leaps off the page, making it impossible not to root for their happily ever after. What starts as a simple phone call soon evolves into a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me breathless with anticipation until the very last page.

"Love, Loss, and Lists" is more than just a love story; it's a reminder that sometimes the best things in life happen when we least expect them. A five-star read that left me giddy with joy and longing for more.

[Rachel Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Loss + Lists by Amber West

We read this book as part of the Romance Book Lovers Club so a few chapters a day and the slow burn was slowwww but so so worth the wait. I loved the build up to their relationship and the tension, them getting to know each other, looking after each other and showing each other how they care. I loved loved loved Henry and how he helped Eva to see her worth after her awful relationship with Chad. Loved all the side characters, Agesia especially with her friendship and wisdom and Gandalf the dog!! The friendship with Leo and how he helped her get with Henry. This book also had me laughing out loud in a lot of places! Very funny! Oh and all the food, yum. This book truly takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, especially with everything happening at work with the idiot men that work with Eva. And then what she’s dealing with in her personal life too! But all written so well.

The only thing I would change about this is maybe get them together a bit sooner, I mean it was 98% before they kissed!! Then they got engaged there and then, I know when you know you know and it was sooo sweet but felt a bit rushed at the end. I just wanted a few chapters at least of them actually being together and seeing them in a relationship.

I will forever be reading everything Amber West writes, highly recommend!! I’ll be recommending this book EVERYWHERE. The way she writes characters, the storyline, the setting, the slow burn, oh so good!! Henry the protector!! *swoon*

[Amanda Iman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
I really loved a lot of this book. The food and music pairings were absolute perfection! I adored Leo and can't wait for his book.

I had some mixed feelings about the ending though and after a very slow burn, it suddenly felt rushed. But I also know I'm being a bit fiddly.

Eva was a fantastic main character that I related to. Her ex was a lot like my birth father. I also found it very refreshing to read about to fully grown adults.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read. Closed door romance. I legit laughed out loud.

[Casey L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Had me captivated from start to finish, unable to put it down! I loved how relatable the characters in the story were, the excellent dialogue and the mini twists/turns throughout. Would highly recommend, particularly to the mid-age audience who have spent any time in a corporate/office type setting as it really resonated with the characters lives. Cannot say enough good things about this book! If you are a music enthusiast, then this is definitely a must read as the author put together an awesome playlist to go with this book making it even more authentic.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This authors writing is easy and enjoyable, and the book sucked me right in. The characters are likeable and realistic, the dialogue is funny and witty. The corporate struggles and personal struggles felt real and relatable. Highly recommend this book and this author!!

[David Acocella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smirks, smiles & satisfaction

"Smirks, smiles & satisfaction" is how I would describe my experience reading this book. I found myself smirking and smiling quite a bit while reading this book. The comedic banter is very thoughtful and it doesn't overshadow any heartfelt scenes, but more accentuates and empowers them.

I feel like the book is paced and structured well. I found myself super interested in both main characters and I always welcomed the shift in scene between them. I never felt like I wanted to jump forward to get back to what the other character was doing. Each chapter was well laid out and kept me vested in each character's story.

I'm not normally a rom-com reader but this but was very satisfying read. While I didn't finish it in one sitting, its definitely one I could have finished in one go. Instead I decided to pace myself over Easter weekend, knowing that I would have 3 sleep deprived nights spent on an 18-year-old futon tucked away in my in-laws sewing room. I needed the joy that a good book brings to bear through the restless nights and this book delivered.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!

This book hit every single one of ‘the feels’! Such a wonderfully written story will a budding romance, twists and turns, humor, great relatable characters and more! Found this on a whim and I couldn’t put the book down, finishing it in a day!

[Steph L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibes
Age Gap
Boss X Employee
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Latinx FMC
Fake Relationship

“I think sometimes people get so used to something being there they stop appreciating it. You never know the last time you’ll see or experience something that makes you happy. So I like to treat every time like it’s both my first and last time here. I’m sure you’re the same way about something.”

9.86/10

I read this as part of a read-along, and I had no idea how much this book would punch me in the feels. Reading the rest of this series for sure because I need to know what happens next. One of my favorite books of the year!

Characters-10

As a people pleaser, Eva spoke to me on a personal level. Also, as someone who loves multiple lists for various things, I saw myself in Eva as well. Henry Moore is book boyfriend material for sure, and I just loved his character. The brothers in this are great, and they had such funny moments together. The Found Family vibes between Eva, the brothers, the sister in law, and the niece were amazing, and I loved seeing them all together.

Setting-10

The setting came alive the more you read this book. I loved all the locations in this book.

Writing-10

The writing in this book was excellent. I loved the mixture of lighter and heavier scenes, adding emotional depth to the characters. Love, Loss, and Lists had a charm to the writing style that I love seeing in books.

Plot-9.5

I loved this story! I thought the story was perfectly paced for the revelations at the end of the book. I love a slow burn romance, and this was one of the best ones. I loved the personal journeys and the journeys the couples take over the course of this story.

Enjoymentment-10

Love, Loss, and Lists was a tale told with charm and heart. I loved the passion the characters had over the course of this story. Loved everything about this book.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, buckle up bookworms, because "Love, Loss & Lists" by the fabulous Amber West is one wild ride you won't want to miss! Meet Henry Moore, the ultimate planner extraordinaire, and Eva Cruz, the queen of keeping everyone happy. Their worlds collide in the most unexpected way, throwing them into a whirlwind of emotions and second chances.

First off, let's talk characters. Henry and Eva? Absolute gems! Henry's got his plans for everything, and Eva's all about making sure everyone's smiling. But when fate throws them a curveball, watching them navigate the chaos is like witnessing your besties figuring out life over coffee – relatable, raw, and oh-so-real.

Now, onto the plot. Hold onto your hats, folks, 'cause this one's a doozy! From heartwarming reunions to jaw-dropping revelations, every chapter packs a punch. But don't worry, there's plenty of sweet moments to balance out the tears. It's like your favorite rom-com, but with an extra serving of feels and a side of soul-searching.

And let's not forget about Amber West's writing style – it's like sinking into a cozy blanket on a rainy day. Her words wrap around you, pulling you deeper into Henry and Eva's world with each turn of the page. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be rooting for these characters like they're your own flesh and blood.

In the end, "Love, Loss & Lists" isn't just a book – it's an experience. It's about rediscovering love, embracing life's messiness, and finding beauty in the chaos. So grab a copy, grab a snack (or two), and get ready to lose yourself in a story that'll tug at your heartstrings and leave you craving more.

[Heather]

This is my first official book review. I'm not sure why I've never reviewed them before but I'm more aware of Indie authors now and how to support them, especially when their books are THIS good. I'm not usually a standalone book kind of reader, I like a series, but Love, Loss, & Lists is just brilliant. The character building is done so extremely well. It's pretty tough to do when there are multiple characters with differing layers but Amber writes beautifully. I found myself ending the book on a happy note and thinking about the characters for weeks. Actual weeks, I kid you not. I will be getting her books for end of the year teacher gifts since my kiddo is heading off to high school next year and I know this is a great summer read for his teachers. I am literally pushing this book on anyone who is a romance reader. The witty banter is fantastic and relatable. I don't really know what qualifies as a trope but I'm going to give you what I call the tropes I found in this book and you can punish me later if I'm using "tropes" incorrectly. I'm very glad to know her other book and novella are connected to this book in their own way. Fantastic and enjoyable read! Thank you, Amber West.

*Age Gap
*Witty banter
*Comedy Romance
*Slow Burn
*Second chance
*FMC in STEM

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I loved her book!
In this review:
-my own stupidity
-what I loved
-what I would have loved

So, my own stupidity... I started this book without reading the blurb first so I didn't know who the love interests were supposed to be and I was confused because everyone was married. Then the heroine was made obvious but I still hadn't figured out who the hero was. I thought, "There are two guys and I loved both of them. Which one would I want her to end up with? I can't decide." I should have stopped right there and read the blurb. It would have helped because I'm not a fan of love triangles and that is what I feared this was going to be. (It's not).

What I loved: I loved the banter, which kinda took me by surprise initially. I loved the closeness of Henry's family even if Henry is the butt of a lot of taunting/teasing. I loved that they accepted Eva so easily into their group. I loved that Eva was so smart and a little saucy. I loved that she didn't allow her coworkers to intimidate her with their blatant sexism. I loved Henry's ability to see a problem and be able to quickly process potential outcomes and then move forward. I loved watching them awkwardly navigate how to move forward in a relationship. I loved Leo's ease in forming a relationship with Eva. After all, he did get murder cookies out of it.

I was saddened by the loss of the friendship between Eva and Cam but since Eva pushed her away, it was her loss. Cam tried.

What I would have loved: My only real complaint about this book is that I would have liked more of it. Maybe an epilogue? I kept wondering where they end up working. I kept expecting a job offer that never materialized. How did Henry's kids feel about Eva? And what about Leo? Did he feel a loss at only being friends with Eva? I had the sense that he would have liked more. And does he get to find love next?

I found I loved this story. The writing was great and I loved the characters. I was happy to discover a new author to enjoy. I hope to read more of her books.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Bookskee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a minute to fully get into the flow of this book and I was worried I may not like it.
It was really cute and very adorable though. I enjoyed the dialogue and jokes a lot. The office drama? Oh yes, that still happens in this day and age.
The evolution of Henry's and Eva's friendship was a joy to read . I did not mind one bit that this book was void of spicy scenes but I was taken aback at how things swiftly came to an end. After the realistic progression of the book, the ending left me in disbelief. I must surely be missing some pages!
Even though that is my biggest issue with this book , I cannot give it any less than 4 stars because it truly was a sweet read!

[Rebecca Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber West’s *Love, Loss, and Lists* is the kind of novel that sneaks up on you with its charm and refuses to let go. I found myself completely engrossed, turning pages deep into the night—2 a.m. and still unable to stop.

The story is sweet and airy, a perfect blend of heart and lightness. The couple’s journey had me invested, eager to see how they would evolve both individually and together. West’s writing flows with ease, carrying an emotional depth that beautifully captures the highs and lows of love in a way that feels both natural and deeply engaging.

If you’re looking for a book that will have you hooked until the final page, *Love, Loss, and Lists* is a must-read.

[Candi It’s Noisy in Here Podcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The characters feel so real—like people I would be friends with—and the humor is spot-on and completely relatable. At a time in my life when I’m at a crossroads with my career, my identity, and what I truly want, this book was the perfect reminder that mid-life is meant to be lived—and that it can actually be fun. It also reinforced an important truth: we don’t have to take crap at work. If you’re looking for a smart, funny, and deeply relatable read, Love, Loss & Lists delivers in every way. AND it includes a playlist! Highly recommend!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so worried this would be a sad book! But it was so fun and amazing! Eva is such a dynamic character and I love her comebacks! Henry is the template for every good solid guy ever! So great! I loved the whole friend/neighbor thing with Leo! He made this book so much fun! The comedic relief! This is a must read! You will totally be team Eva when it comes to the evil co-workers! As soon as I finished I was like where’s the next one I need more of this!!

[Mary Escolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so refreshing. I loved the characters and the detail Amber put into this book. So well done. Quite an abrupt ending but I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing!!! Toward the ending of the book I was on the edge of my seat and stayed up far too late wanting to get to the end. Phenomenal work, Amber. The Spotify playlists, recipes, and vision board are all amazing touches I haven’t seen done before. I am truly so glad I stumbled upon this one!

[Aimee | aimeeds.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happily surprised with this book! I loved the characters, the great, witty banter, and it was a grown up love story (not due to spice, but due to mature characters)! No cheesy eye roll moments like a lot of romance books have, which is just not my thing. There were so many great moments of humor, other spots had butterflies in my stomach and eyes tearing up. A great story of growth and finding love again after heartbreak. Absolutely loved it from start to finish.

[Elaine Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. An easy-to-read story with lovely characters and a great story line.

Eva is a people pleaser and does her utmost to make sure everyone is happy. Henry is a planner and has a list for everything. But when their worlds are turned upside down and beyond their control, they both have a lot to come to terms with.

A lovely romantic comedy.

[Heidi Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a lovely surprise!

I originally downloaded the book as a favor to the author since she requested someone to read it on a Facebook group but as soon as I started I couldn’t stop. I even laughed out loud at one point. I don’t give a lot of reviews but this one was worth reviewing. Loved it!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the writing style! It gave dual POV in chronological order with some overlap. The end had me scratching my head… it kind of came out of nowhere and literally went from 0 to 100 in one paragraph. I’m really intrigued by Leo and excited to see he’ll have his own book.

I’ll also say Eva is better than me because I would’ve told her to burn it all downnnnnnnnn.

[Courtnie Krauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Amber West since she wrote the Ruth Valley Missing. This book isn't my normal read, but I loved it. Henry is the perfect man.

Spoiler Alert: While I love the sloooow burn, I do wish there had been a little bit more of them actually together.

I think we need a second book of just them navigating blended family and more list items!

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t walk, RUN to read this book!

So, so, SO good! Amber West is a great writer! If you are looking for a sweet, tender, believable story about a midlife pair of people finding love again, this is it! It was funny, it was genuine, it was solid. Don’t waste time, start reading it today!