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The Con List
Hannah's world turns upside down when her family as she knows it is split into two. Upon moving to Sydney she meets Ben, an aspiring soccer athlete trying his best to get scouted into the big leagues. To cope with the big changes in her life, she starts a con list journal to release all the tension she is feeling, but what happens when the list is released? As Ben and Hannah try to navigate their feelings, study hard to make their dreams come true, and cope with the events in their lives, they have to decide if some things can be forgiven for the sake of love.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 4, 2025
Such a well written and amazing story. If you like highschool sports romances this is the read for you! There are so many life lessons that we all can learn from in this book! I definitely recommend checking this book out as well as the wonderful author. 🥰
February 26, 2025
What a cute little story! I had the privilege of reading this book before it was released and I enjoyed it so much! It’s the perfect cosy palate cleanser if you’ve been reading some more intense stories (like a war book which I just had 😭) - it’s feel-good, relatable and inspiring with such a beautiful message. An author’s underlying message is what’s most important to me in a story, and Jane Alexander beautifully takes the characters on their own journey of self-growth, reaching a conclusion that I melted at, at the end.
The story is also filled with funny quips, so I was giggling as I read. For example: “Listening with your vagina is an interesting skill, Melody.” 😂🙊
There’s also references to some of our favourite musicians, like Gracie Abrams! However the closest reference to Taylor was that one of the cars was a Suzuki Swift (it’s a stretch, I know 😂).
💓 Favourite quotes 💓
- “We do silly things to numb our pain.”
- “Did he screw up? Yes, but I knew now he was a human being, he made mistakes, like I had…”
- “Sometimes we have to forgive… in order to love.”
- “The lesson to learn from this, from my story, is that you will always grow as a person, whether that is through pain, through joy, through mistake. Be kind to yourself. And most importantly: Love.”
The story is also filled with funny quips, so I was giggling as I read. For example: “Listening with your vagina is an interesting skill, Melody.” 😂🙊
There’s also references to some of our favourite musicians, like Gracie Abrams! However the closest reference to Taylor was that one of the cars was a Suzuki Swift (it’s a stretch, I know 😂).
💓 Favourite quotes 💓
- “We do silly things to numb our pain.”
- “Did he screw up? Yes, but I knew now he was a human being, he made mistakes, like I had…”
- “Sometimes we have to forgive… in order to love.”
- “The lesson to learn from this, from my story, is that you will always grow as a person, whether that is through pain, through joy, through mistake. Be kind to yourself. And most importantly: Love.”
February 9, 2025
The Con List ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this book if you like:
- Indie authors
- YA books
- Teen dramas
- Australia setting
- Diverse characters
- Experiencing Change
- High School romance
- Characters with life goals
- Learning how to heal
- Forgiveness, trust & love
- Life-long friendships
This book could seriously be made into a popular high school TV drama. (However, books are always better than film. 😉) The characters, events, and experiences were extremely relevant to what high school students all around the world experience today. Trauma, grief, loss, betrayal, change, hope, forgiveness, trust, friendship, passion, love… all the things. I definitely cried at least 4x while feeling the feelings right along with the characters. This book was just released on Amazon available in paperback and on Kindle unlimited. A second book in the series is in the works! @authorjanealexander #theconlist #indieauthors #highschooldrama #teenromance #yabooks #arcreader #romancebook #bookstagram
Read this book if you like:
- Indie authors
- YA books
- Teen dramas
- Australia setting
- Diverse characters
- Experiencing Change
- High School romance
- Characters with life goals
- Learning how to heal
- Forgiveness, trust & love
- Life-long friendships
This book could seriously be made into a popular high school TV drama. (However, books are always better than film. 😉) The characters, events, and experiences were extremely relevant to what high school students all around the world experience today. Trauma, grief, loss, betrayal, change, hope, forgiveness, trust, friendship, passion, love… all the things. I definitely cried at least 4x while feeling the feelings right along with the characters. This book was just released on Amazon available in paperback and on Kindle unlimited. A second book in the series is in the works! @authorjanealexander #theconlist #indieauthors #highschooldrama #teenromance #yabooks #arcreader #romancebook #bookstagram
February 9, 2025
This book was such a cute and quick read! The Con List has all the good stuff, instant love, a secret relationship, a jealous ex stirring up drama, and a little soccer. Ben was an absolute sweetheart (seriously, so easy to love), and Hannah was just as great. Their relationship developed fast, but it was really cute.
It’s fast-paced, light, and very little spice—perfect if you’re looking for a feel-good romance. Definitely recommend if you want something sweet and easy to fly through in one sitting!
It’s fast-paced, light, and very little spice—perfect if you’re looking for a feel-good romance. Definitely recommend if you want something sweet and easy to fly through in one sitting!
February 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Hannah and Ben make a cute couple, and I really enjoyed Gemma's character! I found Hannah's coping mechanism of writing con lists to be an interesting plot point. However, I had difficulty connecting with Hannah as a character, and I noticed that the writing style was a bit choppy at times, which made it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. But overall, I liked the story idea and am excited to read more from Jane and see her grow as an author!!
Hannah and Ben make a cute couple, and I really enjoyed Gemma's character! I found Hannah's coping mechanism of writing con lists to be an interesting plot point. However, I had difficulty connecting with Hannah as a character, and I noticed that the writing style was a bit choppy at times, which made it hard to fully immerse myself in the story. But overall, I liked the story idea and am excited to read more from Jane and see her grow as an author!!
February 11, 2025
This book is a really easy read; you can get into it in no time, literally. This was a book that I got into from the start, and you can understand everything that’s happening in this world because this takes place in high school, so the language is easy to understand. And it just flows really well; the characters are relatable. And this was also a sports romance.
Hannah wasn’t unbelievable for me because she went through something I didn’t, and I really like the coping mechanism, like it was interesting for the plot that’s a character. I really liked her, but I don’t think she’s my character, like she’s the character that I relate to most.
Ben was also kind of the same character as Hannah. I really like him and the woman; they're super cute, but I can relate to them, and I love their relationship because they went through something. I haven’t liked losing a parent because of the divorce, and making a comment was actually the best I’ve ever had in a high school romance again.
I gave it five stars, and I cannot wait to read other books in this series and get to know the other characters love stories. Also, thank you for this opportunity. I’m so glad I could read your book.
Hannah wasn’t unbelievable for me because she went through something I didn’t, and I really like the coping mechanism, like it was interesting for the plot that’s a character. I really liked her, but I don’t think she’s my character, like she’s the character that I relate to most.
Ben was also kind of the same character as Hannah. I really like him and the woman; they're super cute, but I can relate to them, and I love their relationship because they went through something. I haven’t liked losing a parent because of the divorce, and making a comment was actually the best I’ve ever had in a high school romance again.
I gave it five stars, and I cannot wait to read other books in this series and get to know the other characters love stories. Also, thank you for this opportunity. I’m so glad I could read your book.
February 8, 2025
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Loved this book, it was such a nice simple, sporty romance!
The Con List was extremely well written and had me hooked from the start. I feel like it really embraces true teenage drama and relationships.
Loved this book, it was such a nice simple, sporty romance!
The Con List was extremely well written and had me hooked from the start. I feel like it really embraces true teenage drama and relationships.
May 26, 2025
I started reading this book because it popped up for free on Amazon Kindle. Even though I’ve grown out of high school romances over time, I decided to give it a chance. However, I couldn’t really connect with the story, I felt like everything happened too fast, and the main characters fell in love way too quickly. The plot itself isn’t anything extraordinary, but it’s not terrible either. Maybe if I had read it back when I was in school, I would have enjoyed it more.
I liked her mom, I would like read about her, she was soy cute and good mom with Hannah❤️🩹
Pdt: I don’t forgive her dad and Melody, sorry not sorry
I liked her mom, I would like read about her, she was soy cute and good mom with Hannah❤️🩹
Pdt: I don’t forgive her dad and Melody, sorry not sorry
March 14, 2025
★★★★
Okay, so The Con List was such a cute and easy read! It’s got all the good stuff: instant love, secret relationship drama, a jealous ex stirring the pot, and a little bit of soccer. Ben? Total sweetheart. Hannah? Super likable. Their relationship moved fast, but honestly, I wasn’t mad about it.
The whole “con list” thing as a coping mechanism was actually pretty cool and gave the story a unique twist. I didn’t fully connect with Hannah, but I still liked her character and thought she was written well. Compared to the first book I read from Jane, this one had way more depth, which I really appreciated. The writing was a little choppy at times, but it didn’t take away from the overall vibe of the book.
If you’re looking for something fast, light, and drama-filled (without too much spice), this one’s for you. Perfect for a cozy night in when you just wanna fly through a cute romance. Big thanks for the ARC!!! I'm excited to see what Jane writes next!
Okay, so The Con List was such a cute and easy read! It’s got all the good stuff: instant love, secret relationship drama, a jealous ex stirring the pot, and a little bit of soccer. Ben? Total sweetheart. Hannah? Super likable. Their relationship moved fast, but honestly, I wasn’t mad about it.
The whole “con list” thing as a coping mechanism was actually pretty cool and gave the story a unique twist. I didn’t fully connect with Hannah, but I still liked her character and thought she was written well. Compared to the first book I read from Jane, this one had way more depth, which I really appreciated. The writing was a little choppy at times, but it didn’t take away from the overall vibe of the book.
If you’re looking for something fast, light, and drama-filled (without too much spice), this one’s for you. Perfect for a cozy night in when you just wanna fly through a cute romance. Big thanks for the ARC!!! I'm excited to see what Jane writes next!
April 30, 2025
I really enjoyed The Con List. It was a quick, engaging read with a great storyline and solid characters. The only downside was the number of typos, which were a bit distracting. Still, definitely worth a read!
February 24, 2025
This book delivers a whirlwind of emotions, drama, and romance as we follow Hannah, a high school student whose life is turned upside down after a major family upheaval. Moving to a new city isn’t easy, and navigating friendships, relationships, and personal growth makes things even more complicated.
At her new school, Hannah meets Ben—a charming, effortlessly cool guy who gives off major Peter Kavinsky vibes. Their connection feels straight out of a rom-com, but just when things seem perfect, unexpected challenges put her friendships and relationships to the test. Through heartbreak, self-discovery, and second chances, she learns valuable lessons about trust, forgiveness, and love.
The book is fast-paced with engaging character development, though it could have explored its themes more deeply. It follows a familiar high school romance arc, complete with drama, emotional moments, and a satisfying resolution. If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted read with a mix of romance and self-discovery, this one is worth picking up!
At her new school, Hannah meets Ben—a charming, effortlessly cool guy who gives off major Peter Kavinsky vibes. Their connection feels straight out of a rom-com, but just when things seem perfect, unexpected challenges put her friendships and relationships to the test. Through heartbreak, self-discovery, and second chances, she learns valuable lessons about trust, forgiveness, and love.
The book is fast-paced with engaging character development, though it could have explored its themes more deeply. It follows a familiar high school romance arc, complete with drama, emotional moments, and a satisfying resolution. If you're looking for a fun, lighthearted read with a mix of romance and self-discovery, this one is worth picking up!
March 7, 2025
What a cute and sweet story! It was about Hannah who went through a divorce of her parents and how she chose to cope with it was to write a con list of the people in her life. So many things happened at once and it was a whirlwind of emotions. Then we meet Ben who is the high school soccer star and Hannah and him hit it off. We follow them both as they navigate their relationship and the drama that comes along with it. I really enjoyed Gemma as well, who was Hannah’s best friend and I can’t wait to learn more about her. This kind of gave me mean girl vibes except Hannah wasn’t the mean girl, the new group of friends, one girl in particular was.
March 23, 2025
The Con List by Jane Alexander is a must-read for YA contemporary fans!
Hannah’s life is in turmoil—her parents are splitting up, she’s moved to a new house, and she’s starting over at a new school. Her way of coping? Making ‘con lists’ for every decision, and person, she faces. But when she meets Ben, a charming and driven soccer player, she finds herself in uncharted territory. As their connection grows, Hannah has to decide whether love is worth stepping outside her comfort zone.
What I loved about this book:
Engaging & Relatable Characters – Hannah’s struggles feel real, and her voice is so authentic. Some parts definitely reminded me of a younger me. Kylie was definitely the cool girl in my school. And I think we all knew a Ben and Chase.
A Great Teen Sports Romance – The chemistry between Hannah and Ben is so natural and heartwarming. While this was a quick read, and I could definitely have seen it drawn out more, you can't help but cheer for the couples in this book!
Australian Indie Talent – Jane Alexander is a fantastic indie author, and it’s exciting to see more Australian locations being used in stories!
More to Come! – Jane has a new book releasing in May, and I can’t wait to read it and see another couple's story come to our pages!
If you love YA books with heart, humor, and swoony romance, The Con List is for you!
Hannah’s life is in turmoil—her parents are splitting up, she’s moved to a new house, and she’s starting over at a new school. Her way of coping? Making ‘con lists’ for every decision, and person, she faces. But when she meets Ben, a charming and driven soccer player, she finds herself in uncharted territory. As their connection grows, Hannah has to decide whether love is worth stepping outside her comfort zone.
What I loved about this book:
Engaging & Relatable Characters – Hannah’s struggles feel real, and her voice is so authentic. Some parts definitely reminded me of a younger me. Kylie was definitely the cool girl in my school. And I think we all knew a Ben and Chase.
A Great Teen Sports Romance – The chemistry between Hannah and Ben is so natural and heartwarming. While this was a quick read, and I could definitely have seen it drawn out more, you can't help but cheer for the couples in this book!
Australian Indie Talent – Jane Alexander is a fantastic indie author, and it’s exciting to see more Australian locations being used in stories!
More to Come! – Jane has a new book releasing in May, and I can’t wait to read it and see another couple's story come to our pages!
If you love YA books with heart, humor, and swoony romance, The Con List is for you!
March 12, 2025
This was a heartwarming read. The storytelling of this author is very smooth and engaging. I really enjoyed it. It is a fast story easy to read and follow. Hannah is going through many things that as teenagers we can experience in different ways. She chooses to write down her feelings, and the way she feels about people, ups and downs happens and she sees herself in a hard situations. MMC Ben is a sweetheart, the boy next door!
I was only missing more dialog and information from certain important situations in the story, but that’s truly my own personal preference!
I was only missing more dialog and information from certain important situations in the story, but that’s truly my own personal preference!
February 12, 2025
3.5
Quick, cute and easy read with a little bit of teenage drama thrown in the mix.
Contemporary romance based in Melbourne and Sydney Australia.
YA book - MCs are in senior year of high school.
No on page spicy scenes, a few kisses.
Some really sweet scenes. 💕
A bit of insta love.
While I felt too old for this book 😂 and rated based on my personal feelings, I do believe a younger audience would devour it and absolutely fall in love with the characters! 💕
Quick, cute and easy read with a little bit of teenage drama thrown in the mix.
Contemporary romance based in Melbourne and Sydney Australia.
YA book - MCs are in senior year of high school.
No on page spicy scenes, a few kisses.
Some really sweet scenes. 💕
A bit of insta love.
While I felt too old for this book 😂 and rated based on my personal feelings, I do believe a younger audience would devour it and absolutely fall in love with the characters! 💕
February 27, 2025
I loved this story! The characters felt like real people to me and I was cheering them on! My only complaint was that I wish this book was longer. This is a good read when you want to curl up under a blanket on a rainy day. It's a comfort book. I highly recommend it!
February 24, 2025
A wonderful YA romance that brings back the feelings of young love and summer. 💘 Very lovely read ~ can't wait for the next one.
February 27, 2025
Enjoyed this book so so much. It was really cute and such an easy read. So well written by the author, can wait for her next book🥰
March 8, 2025
Super cute cozy read nakes me wish i had that highschool love. And ben parker raises the bar for expectations of men loved it cant wait for the next one
March 11, 2025
💖The Con List By Jane Alexander 💖
TCL was one of the easiest and sweetest books I’ve read in a long while! Hannah and Ben’s relationship felt so genuine and easy going - I found myself picturing their dates and special moments as if I was watching a movie. Lost count of how many times I smiled and my heart ached for Hannah as she went through her worst moments.
Synopsis: We follow Hannah as she struggles to navigate family turmoil leading to major life changes. Moving cities, starting a new high school, falling in love with her friends’s ex-boyfriend and much more. To cope and ease her anxiety, she starts writing “con lists” in a journal that is never meant to see the outside of her new home. Until said journal falls in the wrong hands and her life turns upside down.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice Rating: 1/5 🌶️ - Closed door or fade to black scene(s). Mostly includes depictions of feelings and emotions.
Note: My star ratings are based on my overall perspective taking into account the standards and expectations of the specified genre.
#ARC #ARCReview #BookReview #Bookstagram #Bookish #HonestBookReviews #YoungAdult #ContemporaryRomance #Romance #IndieAuthors #Australia #SummerRomance
TCL was one of the easiest and sweetest books I’ve read in a long while! Hannah and Ben’s relationship felt so genuine and easy going - I found myself picturing their dates and special moments as if I was watching a movie. Lost count of how many times I smiled and my heart ached for Hannah as she went through her worst moments.
Synopsis: We follow Hannah as she struggles to navigate family turmoil leading to major life changes. Moving cities, starting a new high school, falling in love with her friends’s ex-boyfriend and much more. To cope and ease her anxiety, she starts writing “con lists” in a journal that is never meant to see the outside of her new home. Until said journal falls in the wrong hands and her life turns upside down.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice Rating: 1/5 🌶️ - Closed door or fade to black scene(s). Mostly includes depictions of feelings and emotions.
Note: My star ratings are based on my overall perspective taking into account the standards and expectations of the specified genre.
#ARC #ARCReview #BookReview #Bookstagram #Bookish #HonestBookReviews #YoungAdult #ContemporaryRomance #Romance #IndieAuthors #Australia #SummerRomance
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews