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Bucket List To Love
Aya Contreras is thrilled to be studying in the land of sakura and sushi. Tokyo is a fascinating city to live in—vending machines, cosplayers, karaoke boxes, and bright, colorful conbinis on every corner. And the architectural design program she’s in is everything she dreamed it to be. The only problem? Her tutor doesn't seem to like her. Well, she doesn't like him very much either. Sure, Ryohei Mori is talented, and there's no denying he's hot. But he's also a surly, bossy know-it-all who eats too many cookies. Another annoying thing about him is he's nosy. And when he stumbles upon the crazy bucket list Aya's sisters forced on her, he teases her mercilessly about it. But when their professor pairs them up for a design competition, things get . . . interesting. Fueled by beer and a whole lot of cookies, can Aya and Ryo cross out some items on her bucket list without killing each other? Or will they realize there's much more to each other than they'd originally thought?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
153 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2017
15 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Santi
8 books39 followersC. P. Santi is a Filipina writer based in Tokyo, Japan. She is a wife to an engineer / indie songwriter and is a full-time mom to two energetic boys. She loves cooking, baking, eating chocolate, watching J-doramas, singing at karaoke, and running around the house playing tickle tag. She also loves dreaming up stories about the people she meets.
In another life, she is also an architect and academic.
C. P. Santi blogs about writing and creative stuff at http://thejapayukichronicles.blogspot.jp. You can also view her other works in progress at http://www.wattpad.com/user/cpsanti
In another life, she is also an architect and academic.
C. P. Santi blogs about writing and creative stuff at http://thejapayukichronicles.blogspot.jp. You can also view her other works in progress at http://www.wattpad.com/user/cpsanti
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July 27, 2018A very sweet romance, friends to lovers. Aya is dumped by her long term boyfriend just before heading off to Japan as a graduate student, where she briefly gets on the wrong side of her tutor then falls for him, except he's heading off shortly to study in the Netherlands. There's not a lot of conflict except in the heroine's uncertainty about whether she's up for a long term relationship and/or ready to trust another man; the hero is a sweetie. Strong Tokyo atmosphere, and it's very interesting to see culture clashes not coming from a Western perspective for once.
August 5, 2017
I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOOOO MUCH!
"But love isn't logical. It's not something you can predict or solve with equations. It just is. And sometimes, you just have to want it enough to make some sacrifices."
Reasons to read this book:
- Aya is a Filipina gradstudent who is studying abroad in Tokyo. The scenery in this book is majestic, lovely, and beautiful in every way. I've never visited Tokyo, but the scenes felt so real throughout the story that I felt as if I was standing right next to Aya during her stay there.
- SISTERHOOD! Aya has an amazing relationship with her sisters (and family in general) AND I WAS LIVING for all of it!
- Back track to our girl, Aya, who is just the best. I related to her in so many ways because she's such a determined woman, intelligent, and despite what she thinks, she's brave.
- RYO
- RYO, RYO, RYO. I have a new book boyfriend, guys. I thought I was going to get a hate-love romance out of this book but what I got was so much better! It was more like dislike (thanks to a misunderstanding) to friends to love and it was the besssssst! Aya and Ryo were so sweet together and HILARIOUS! I was laughing at their banter and it was just everything. I can not gush enough over this romance!
- The writing was amazing. This was my first book by C.P. Santi and her writing is fantastic! I'm a little picky with romance novels when it comes to the dialogue between characters because I NEED to feel that chemistry in order to root for a HEA.. And C.P. Santi's dialogue was EVERYTHING. I must read more of her work ASAP!
- Last but not least.. You should read this book because you should support Filipino authors! ;)
"Look, I can't give you any assurances about the future. I can just tell you how I feel about you, and ask you to trust in that. Because however much you try to deny it, there is an us."
Oh and PS - I was happy to see some long distance love in this story! I hardly ever read about that type of relationship and was all for it in this book. <3
"But love isn't logical. It's not something you can predict or solve with equations. It just is. And sometimes, you just have to want it enough to make some sacrifices."
Reasons to read this book:
- Aya is a Filipina gradstudent who is studying abroad in Tokyo. The scenery in this book is majestic, lovely, and beautiful in every way. I've never visited Tokyo, but the scenes felt so real throughout the story that I felt as if I was standing right next to Aya during her stay there.
- SISTERHOOD! Aya has an amazing relationship with her sisters (and family in general) AND I WAS LIVING for all of it!
- Back track to our girl, Aya, who is just the best. I related to her in so many ways because she's such a determined woman, intelligent, and despite what she thinks, she's brave.
- RYO
- RYO, RYO, RYO. I have a new book boyfriend, guys. I thought I was going to get a hate-love romance out of this book but what I got was so much better! It was more like dislike (thanks to a misunderstanding) to friends to love and it was the besssssst! Aya and Ryo were so sweet together and HILARIOUS! I was laughing at their banter and it was just everything. I can not gush enough over this romance!
- The writing was amazing. This was my first book by C.P. Santi and her writing is fantastic! I'm a little picky with romance novels when it comes to the dialogue between characters because I NEED to feel that chemistry in order to root for a HEA.. And C.P. Santi's dialogue was EVERYTHING. I must read more of her work ASAP!
- Last but not least.. You should read this book because you should support Filipino authors! ;)
"Look, I can't give you any assurances about the future. I can just tell you how I feel about you, and ask you to trust in that. Because however much you try to deny it, there is an us."
Oh and PS - I was happy to see some long distance love in this story! I hardly ever read about that type of relationship and was all for it in this book. <3
October 20, 2018
“But in real life, though, God always listens, but He doesn’t always give us what we want.”
Bucket List To Love was yet another adorable read from C.P. Santi. She easily captures my heart with her stories, so far she is a three out of three for me. I love how either constant and developed her characters are, she created them with such authenticity from the characters background to simply giving them a character or a mind of its’ own. And such touching stories. That really transport you to that rich cultural setting may it be here in the Philippines and like in this one in Japan.
It is an #OwnVoices read about Aya, a Filipino woman who broke up with her longtime boyfriend, later then boards to Japan to study architecture. With her heart still mending and knowing that her ex is studying in Japan too. Aya has to learn how to move on without breaking down every time she sees him there. Her sisters gave her a little something to help her move on, they gave Aya a list of things to do.
When Aya arrives in Japan, she is scheduled to meet her tutor Ryo, seemingly impossible to please. He acts coldly towards her and Aya returns the attitude back. How long will it last? They have to change this atmosphere around them to work better together, right? There goes the tale…
I love the haters to lovers trope going on here. And how developed it was in such a rational way, nothing forced and nothing hashed out fast. It felt like the characters are really going in their own way with the decision and actions they are leaning on. The story unfolds right off my face, I feel like these characters’ took the author into their world rather than the author truly controls them. Does that make sense?
And lastly, I enjoyed Japan as if I was there, the setting was purely pure of the culturally rich and scenic beauty of it. It was introduced in colorful notes of the hows and the wheres of Japan, leaving me so sure that this should be added in your to read list.
August 2, 2017
I've been waiting so long to read this book. And now I've finally done it and absolutely loved it. It has the pastel aesthetic that you all love so much and if you could see my Pinterest board right now omg.
What drew me in the most is the hate to love trope. But now that I've read it, it's more like a dislike to love? They don't hate each other, not really. Actually there is just a misunderstanding, and after talking about it, they hit it off really well. They become really good friends and help each other out. They have this amazing dynamic between them and it's really adorable to see because you can see how they are falling for each other.
It's an #ownvoices novel; the main character is Filipino, just as the author. But it's set in Tokyo and all the book develops there. Aya is going on a exchange program (something like that?) where she meets Ryo, her tutor, and lots of new friends. She just broken up with her ex and he is going there as well so her sisters write her a bucket list to enjoy her trip, Ryo finds out about the list and decides to help her.
I hope everyone picks it up if they are in the mood for cute contemporary romance set on the other side of the world with main characters of color, an adorable love story between two architect students working together, and lots of fun stuff happening around them!
What drew me in the most is the hate to love trope. But now that I've read it, it's more like a dislike to love? They don't hate each other, not really. Actually there is just a misunderstanding, and after talking about it, they hit it off really well. They become really good friends and help each other out. They have this amazing dynamic between them and it's really adorable to see because you can see how they are falling for each other.
It's an #ownvoices novel; the main character is Filipino, just as the author. But it's set in Tokyo and all the book develops there. Aya is going on a exchange program (something like that?) where she meets Ryo, her tutor, and lots of new friends. She just broken up with her ex and he is going there as well so her sisters write her a bucket list to enjoy her trip, Ryo finds out about the list and decides to help her.
I hope everyone picks it up if they are in the mood for cute contemporary romance set on the other side of the world with main characters of color, an adorable love story between two architect students working together, and lots of fun stuff happening around them!
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July 25, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/25/2018)!💝
February 21, 2017
The first of the new batch of Spark Books that I read did not disappoint! There's a lot to love about Aya and Ryo's story, and I love that it shows Filipinos abroad in a different context.
One of my favorite parts was when they found inspiration for the compe from Meiji Shrine. It's a beautiful place, and I pictured it so well in my head when they talk about it here in the book. Aya's fears and issues are relateable, but you just want her to go ahead and kiss her cookie monster Ryo already (god they are so adorable). The author managed to show the fast pulse of Tokyo against a sweet love story, which makes the book enjoyable.
I would have liked to see the list incorporated more into the story (like a recap from the ates?), but all in all, this is a fun read that made me happy all throughout!
And in my head, Ryo and Shinta (from Jay Tria's books) are brothers who fight over cookies and fried chicken. Bow.
One of my favorite parts was when they found inspiration for the compe from Meiji Shrine. It's a beautiful place, and I pictured it so well in my head when they talk about it here in the book. Aya's fears and issues are relateable, but you just want her to go ahead and kiss her cookie monster Ryo already (god they are so adorable). The author managed to show the fast pulse of Tokyo against a sweet love story, which makes the book enjoyable.
I would have liked to see the list incorporated more into the story (like a recap from the ates?), but all in all, this is a fun read that made me happy all throughout!
And in my head, Ryo and Shinta (from Jay Tria's books) are brothers who fight over cookies and fried chicken. Bow.
July 12, 2017
***I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I first got my copy, I just couldn’t wait to start reading right away. I mean, Japanese love story=yes, yes, yes, right? The opening line alone already got me hooked, and I snuggled in knowing this was going to be a delight.
Sadly, after the first chapter (which was awesome), I found myself dragging along the next few scenes. It wasn’t until 50% of the book when I finally got hooked again, and thankfully, I soared through the whole thing to the very end because it was just that wonderful. The second half of the book is definitely the strong part, and I loved the chemistry and playful tension (and super fun banter!) between the main couple.
That’s not to say that the supporting cast wasn’t just as fab! What I loved about this story is that Aya has a wonderfully close-knit family, and I always find myself yearning for more whenever Kit, Yumi (their names are so creative!), and their parents show up. I would have loved to see more scenes from them. :)
What I also admired was that the ex was not made out to be this horrible person. It was all very realistic, as both the ex and the ex's new bae were still wonderful people toward the end. Definitely no hard feelings there. <3
Overall, once you get through the hump of the first half, the story will suck you in with its quirkiness and beauty (yes to all the Japanese culture references and the beautiful scenery). The feels made me bite my lip plenty of times because Ryo is LOVE. If you’re in the market for a hot new book boyfie, Ryo will definitely not disappoint!:)
When I first got my copy, I just couldn’t wait to start reading right away. I mean, Japanese love story=yes, yes, yes, right? The opening line alone already got me hooked, and I snuggled in knowing this was going to be a delight.
Sadly, after the first chapter (which was awesome), I found myself dragging along the next few scenes. It wasn’t until 50% of the book when I finally got hooked again, and thankfully, I soared through the whole thing to the very end because it was just that wonderful. The second half of the book is definitely the strong part, and I loved the chemistry and playful tension (and super fun banter!) between the main couple.
That’s not to say that the supporting cast wasn’t just as fab! What I loved about this story is that Aya has a wonderfully close-knit family, and I always find myself yearning for more whenever Kit, Yumi (their names are so creative!), and their parents show up. I would have loved to see more scenes from them. :)
What I also admired was that the ex was not made out to be this horrible person. It was all very realistic, as both the ex and the ex's new bae were still wonderful people toward the end. Definitely no hard feelings there. <3
Overall, once you get through the hump of the first half, the story will suck you in with its quirkiness and beauty (yes to all the Japanese culture references and the beautiful scenery). The feels made me bite my lip plenty of times because Ryo is LOVE. If you’re in the market for a hot new book boyfie, Ryo will definitely not disappoint!:)
August 9, 2017
There's sort of a running #romanceclass joke that all the Moris are related: there's Jay E. Tria's actor-LI-unicorn Shinta Mori; Ryohei Mori, the cookie monster tutor in this book; and of course there's me, pseudonymous author. This book made me mourn this joke a bit, because I love it, but I now I can't enjoy it as much, because my feelings for Ryohei ugh he is my joke/canon cousin what is this confusion! Unlike Shinta, who is my OTP with Jill, I want to steal Ryohei from Aya. Huhu sorry/not sorry.
Maybe it's because C.P. Santi, who lived in Japan, evoked the country so vividly in this book, and Ryohei is such a well-drawn LI so perfect for the setting. I visited Tokyo last year and though it was just a week I wanted to move there. So maybe this is just me wanting to move to the country and snagging a tall, hot tutor too--nothing against Aya, the MC (I mean, this book taught me a lot of handy Japanese terms too so I guess I'm ready? Haha.). I loved Aya's introduction--chucking coffee at her ex's lap--and her adorable family, especially her sisters (whom I hope get their own books). There were times I wanted to strangle her, but she does come around in the end.
If anything I wish there were more sexy times. Lots and lots of sexy times. Joke-cousinship be damned.
Maybe it's because C.P. Santi, who lived in Japan, evoked the country so vividly in this book, and Ryohei is such a well-drawn LI so perfect for the setting. I visited Tokyo last year and though it was just a week I wanted to move there. So maybe this is just me wanting to move to the country and snagging a tall, hot tutor too--nothing against Aya, the MC (I mean, this book taught me a lot of handy Japanese terms too so I guess I'm ready? Haha.). I loved Aya's introduction--chucking coffee at her ex's lap--and her adorable family, especially her sisters (whom I hope get their own books). There were times I wanted to strangle her, but she does come around in the end.
If anything I wish there were more sexy times. Lots and lots of sexy times. Joke-cousinship be damned.
July 13, 2017
"God always listens, but He doesn't always give us what we want."
When Caryn asked me if I wanted to participate in the promo blitz for the E-book of BLTL, I signed up as soon as she sent me the link. I was in awe seeing the cover, sakura trees = Japan = Japanese love story, and that opening line in the first chapter really got me hooked.
I enjoyed reading Aya's story cause it was so relatable especially in the first part, though it was kinda slow. The second half of the book was fast-paced and with a lot of "kilig" and fun banter between Aya and Ryo. As the story goes on, you can definitely see the protagonist character developments.
I loved how the story highlighted the difference between the Filipino and Japanese culture. It gives you a diverse feeling. You'll love the supporting characters of this book especially Aya's sisters. I'm also glad that in the end, there was no bitterness left in Aya's heart towards Adrian.
This book made my heart dance, made me smile, and gave me something to ponder.
"Relationships aren't only about the good things, they're also about the difficult and ugly things, too."
September 9, 2017
I think this is one of the most "feel-good" books I've ever read. It was absolutely lovely and so, so enjoyable. I adored the authenticity behind living in Japan as a foreign student (the author experiences it herself, so I was !!!) and the romance was believable, funny and touching at times. A must read for everyone searching for a unique love story (with parts of it being LDR); for me it came at a much needed time and managed to get me out of a reading slump.
Loved it!
Loved it!
December 26, 2023
More a 3.5
Very cute novella with a HFN that made sense for the plot and the number of pages.
I've felt some issues were presented in a very simplistic way, probably for plot purposes, but it made me feel some things were too easy in what is certainly a lot more complicated in real life.
I liked the story, nevertheless, but I do feel something is missing which I can't really pinpoint...
Very cute novella with a HFN that made sense for the plot and the number of pages.
I've felt some issues were presented in a very simplistic way, probably for plot purposes, but it made me feel some things were too easy in what is certainly a lot more complicated in real life.
I liked the story, nevertheless, but I do feel something is missing which I can't really pinpoint...
February 4, 2017
I love this book of CP Santi! It took me to the beautiful country of Japan and all the culture it is known for and made me fall in love with a Japanese guy named Ryo. I'm not much of a reviewer (as I am more of a writer) but what I can say is what this book made me feel ... It made me smile (A LOT!), it made me sad a bit (goodbyes albeit temporary are not my thing), it made me laugh with all its Japanese quirks and my need to pronounce out loud all those Japanese words in the book (Thank God for the glossary at the back!). It never bored me but rather I had to fight my attention between the book and my crush on TV.
I ended up closing the book with a smile on my face because it was the perfect book for romance with all its added sidelines of family and friendship, school, travel and food! Thanks, Caryn, for this lovely story! :-)
I ended up closing the book with a smile on my face because it was the perfect book for romance with all its added sidelines of family and friendship, school, travel and food! Thanks, Caryn, for this lovely story! :-)
December 8, 2022
STOP THIS WAS SO CUTE 😭
IN MY FEELS
IN MY FEELS
August 23, 2017
Falling in love in Tokyo? Under the sakura trees?? THAT COVER???
Like a shinkansen, I zoomed my way to Caryn's FB and practically demanded a copy of the book (lol). It wasn't yet out then, so I had to wait for a while, but when it arrived on my doorstep, I was superexcited, I even did a kind of flat lay, and I almost never ever do flat lays!
(Never underestimate the ahrt~ of sako, heehee. Also isn't this very Zen??)
Onto the story: it's dreamlike, and as a dreamer (ehem), I completely got into it. Studying abroad is something I reallyreallyreally want to do, and if that's one of your goals, too (and especially if Japan is one of your #travelgoals), then you can try living it through this book first. It takes you through the joys and pains~ of being an exchange student, and how it feels to be roaming one of the most exciting cities in the world. It made me want to fly back asaaaaaaap!
But don't keep your #turistafeels so high up—this is a story about students and students falling in love, after all, so there's more studying and falling in love more than Instagram story-worthy moments.
Speaking of students falling in love, I'll let you on in a secret:
Now that we're talking precious, I want to give a shoutout to the awesome sisterhood in this book! I'm the only daughter and I have to admit I sometimes crave for *sisterly luv* so experiencing having ates through this book was so いいですね! (Did I say that correctly, Caryn? Haha! Ahh, this made me want to study Nihonggo again, too!)
They're talking about Ryo, by the way. Take that as your cue to go to the nearest National Book Store and pick up your own copy.
(For international readers, reach the author @arkiCpsanti.)
Like a shinkansen, I zoomed my way to Caryn's FB and practically demanded a copy of the book (lol). It wasn't yet out then, so I had to wait for a while, but when it arrived on my doorstep, I was superexcited, I even did a kind of flat lay, and I almost never ever do flat lays!
(Never underestimate the ahrt~ of sako, heehee. Also isn't this very Zen??)
Onto the story: it's dreamlike, and as a dreamer (ehem), I completely got into it. Studying abroad is something I reallyreallyreally want to do, and if that's one of your goals, too (and especially if Japan is one of your #travelgoals), then you can try living it through this book first. It takes you through the joys and pains~ of being an exchange student, and how it feels to be roaming one of the most exciting cities in the world. It made me want to fly back asaaaaaaap!
But don't keep your #turistafeels so high up—this is a story about students and students falling in love, after all, so there's more studying and falling in love more than Instagram story-worthy moments.
Speaking of students falling in love, I'll let you on in a secret:
Now that we're talking precious, I want to give a shoutout to the awesome sisterhood in this book! I'm the only daughter and I have to admit I sometimes crave for *sisterly luv* so experiencing having ates through this book was so いいですね! (Did I say that correctly, Caryn? Haha! Ahh, this made me want to study Nihonggo again, too!)
They're talking about Ryo, by the way. Take that as your cue to go to the nearest National Book Store and pick up your own copy.
(For international readers, reach the author @arkiCpsanti.)
January 10, 2019
Aya Contreras is excited to have the opportunity to study architectural design in Tokyo. Armed with a bucket list from her sisters and ready to take on her study program, she discovers one black cloud in her otherwise amazing experience - Ryo, her assigned tutor (a buddy to help her acclimatize), doesn’t seem to like her very much. But when they’re paired together for a design competition, they learn that there’s more to each other than meets the eye… When I picked up Bucket List to Love, I was in the mood for something light and fluffy and this fits that description perfectly. (It’d make a cute TV movie too.) I enjoyed the fact that this was set in Tokyo, Japan (one of my favorite places in the world!) and features a lot of Japanese cultural details and vocabulary (again, something I truly love). In fact, that was my favorite thing about this story overall! While I did end enjoy the family and friendship bits, and while I thought the romance was cute, I didn’t particularly find this one memorable. It especially fell flat for me in terms of giving me a romance that I could really sink my teeth into it and root for, which was a little disappointing. Still, if you’re looking for stories in this genre (and want to read something written by a Filipino author), it was definitely a quick, fun-at-the-time read.
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Find me (and more bookish thoughts) online:
Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter
July 31, 2017
I recently watched the movie Kita Kita which was also set in Japan, specifically Sapporo, Japan which I really really love (but that's for a different review haha). So, yeah right now anything Japanese related will pick my interest and yes this book screams Japanese to me and also because this is romanceclass, you can't go wrong with that. I have received an epub copy of this book from the author itself for an honest opinion. The book cover was just lovely, Cherry Blossoms are love.
The book screams to me, I don't know why but my interest for anything Japanese was very on point in every aspect. I used to study basic Japanese language but stop for sometime. So, when I saw a promo blitz of this book on twitter, I immediately signed up and indulge in the life of the characters Aya and Ryo. And hell yeah when I started reading this I get excited every chapter. That bucket list sets the deal. The sisters are very very clever. And some entries are very hilarious, who would have dared to ride some penis something right? But I guess Kanamara Matsuri sure would be fun! (*winks*)
The story is very simple but I love everything about it. I love all the feels and all the kilig I have in this book. I love how the story unfolds. I love Aya and her sisters, they are so cool, they have their own individualism, they have different views, opinions, outlook in life but they respect, love and support each other. I love their support system, the tubs of ice cream was a bonus factor of course. At times, I get annoyed by how Aya thinks, but I totally understand her maybe because she experience how it feels to get hurt by someone you love. I am so glad her sisters helped her in moving on in some way. Aya has enjoyed herself with the company of other people until she feels that she is ready to fall in love again but still feeling fear and doubt that this someone will eventually hurt her. I love how the relationship of Aya and Ryo develops throughout the story, from being awkward to being super close. I love the way they connect with each other, the way their feelings evolve around each other without them knowing it is really amazing. Aya is very game with her sisters jokes and trips and all and at the same time she has this strong passion with her work being an Architect. I love how natural she is with Ryo and she sure has a lot to discover with herself and him. Ryo on the other hand. Oh my Ryo, Ryo, Ryo my God you are such a glorious guy, I so adore and love you. I fell in love with you in every thing that you do. My heart is skipping a bit each time I read how wonderful you are. If a guy like him would teach me how to ride a bike, I would even ride a 10 wheeler truck. I would definitely strive very hard to learn it and impress him! And I really do think that they are very perfect for each other. They complimented each other the way they can handle each other characteristics which really do set them apart because they are different. The supporting characters in this story are so great. I love all of them Aya's family, mostly her sisters, I also love her parents very cool! Aya and Ryo's labmates and yes Ryo's sister. I wonder how it would be like if Aya and Ryo's sister would go out together. I think it will be super fun and extremely crazy! Add to this crazy, loveable madness is the food from cookies to parfaits, definitely a romanceclass books would not be complete without delicious food, right?? So if you are reading this indulge with the beautiful story of Aya and Ryo, and fell in love with their one of a kind story. I couldn't keep the smile off my face after I am done reading. I would love to read it again sometime soon with an actual book on hand. I want to relive the memories of Aya but mostly Ryo because he is LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.
This book is so quirky, addictive, and such a delight to read. Who would've thought that I will fall more in love with Japan and its culture, it is depicted very beautifully through the authors words. This book made me grin, made me smile, feel and made me believe that love happens when you least expect it. And how beautiful it is to think about Japan's architectures, my mind is imagining this things and I feel like I am one with the characters. This book has brought me to places I haven't been to. Places I only see in books and in the Internet only. These words has transported me to were Aya and Ryo is. And I absolutely love the feeling of it. Thank you so much Ms. Caryn for bringing me to Japan and make me fall in love with your stories.
July 19, 2017
Leave it to C. P. Santi to paint Japan with words this beautifully! :)
I started reading this Monday night and well, I finished it the following night. It’s unputdownable! I do understand some qualms about the pacing of the first few chapters, but I feel like the sluggish parts were necessary to set Aya’s background (her tight-knit family, her passion for Architecture, Japan, and well, Adrian). I wish the bucket list was incorporated more towards the end, too, (I don’t remember her specifically crossing out #8, but maybe I’ll see it better when I reread). I also had problems with all the names. Hah. But that’s just me.
The first chapter is super awesome, though, and it gives a certain perspective on what that relationship was, especially when set against Aya and Ryo’s romance later on. I also love that Aya is the goody-goody child and that her sisters are fun and ‘wild’, and that they really care about each other.
The strong sense of place is the best part for me in this book (aside from the romance, of course). I’ve never been to Japan even though I’ve always wanted to go and somehow, in C. P. Santi’s vivid narrative, it’s like I went there for an overnight trip. Haha. The conscious inclusion of Filipino and Japanese words in the dialogue made it even more authentic.
To keep myself from spoiling the book, here’s a Bucket Bulleted List of things to Love about it:
+ The constant and endearing “Daijoubu?”
+ “Hell yeah”
+ Giant parfait and ice-cream toast. Yum!
+ The whole system of welcoming new exchange students.
+ Adrian. (This is 50/50 because there’s a part here where he says something asshole-y and I hate him. But there’s a another part where he’s okay towards the end so IDK.)
+ Hazel
+ Annacris and Ramon Contreras. And their meetcute! *heart eyes*
+ Karaoke save
+ The planned grand gesture and the actual grand gesture
+ Cookie Monster and bikes and pizza and the roof!
I love that the romance isn’t over the top but is no less potent (signature C.P. Santi) and that the conflict is clearly defined, as well as the resolution. Aya was subjected to an abrupt change in her life, and a massive change at that, but she knew who she was, what she wanted (not always clear, but that’s where her awesome sisters come in) and that she could weather whatever curveball life throws at her. Still, as strong as she was, she was human, and humans fear and break and cry. The comical, rom-com vibe of the story was light, but the depth of Aya’s character was kept intact and I love that Ryo’s character complemented hers in a way that wasn’t intrusive or forced.
4.5 of 5 Stars. I love this so much! I want to express it in more articulate words, but nope, I can’t. i just LOVE IT! <3
***I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
***This review also appears on my personal blog: bentchcreates.tumblr.com
I started reading this Monday night and well, I finished it the following night. It’s unputdownable! I do understand some qualms about the pacing of the first few chapters, but I feel like the sluggish parts were necessary to set Aya’s background (her tight-knit family, her passion for Architecture, Japan, and well, Adrian). I wish the bucket list was incorporated more towards the end, too, (I don’t remember her specifically crossing out #8, but maybe I’ll see it better when I reread). I also had problems with all the names. Hah. But that’s just me.
The first chapter is super awesome, though, and it gives a certain perspective on what that relationship was, especially when set against Aya and Ryo’s romance later on. I also love that Aya is the goody-goody child and that her sisters are fun and ‘wild’, and that they really care about each other.
The strong sense of place is the best part for me in this book (aside from the romance, of course). I’ve never been to Japan even though I’ve always wanted to go and somehow, in C. P. Santi’s vivid narrative, it’s like I went there for an overnight trip. Haha. The conscious inclusion of Filipino and Japanese words in the dialogue made it even more authentic.
To keep myself from spoiling the book, here’s a Bucket Bulleted List of things to Love about it:
+ The constant and endearing “Daijoubu?”
+ “Hell yeah”
+ Giant parfait and ice-cream toast. Yum!
+ The whole system of welcoming new exchange students.
+ Adrian. (This is 50/50 because there’s a part here where he says something asshole-y and I hate him. But there’s a another part where he’s okay towards the end so IDK.)
+ Hazel
+ Annacris and Ramon Contreras. And their meetcute! *heart eyes*
+ Karaoke save
+ The planned grand gesture and the actual grand gesture
+ Cookie Monster and bikes and pizza and the roof!
I love that the romance isn’t over the top but is no less potent (signature C.P. Santi) and that the conflict is clearly defined, as well as the resolution. Aya was subjected to an abrupt change in her life, and a massive change at that, but she knew who she was, what she wanted (not always clear, but that’s where her awesome sisters come in) and that she could weather whatever curveball life throws at her. Still, as strong as she was, she was human, and humans fear and break and cry. The comical, rom-com vibe of the story was light, but the depth of Aya’s character was kept intact and I love that Ryo’s character complemented hers in a way that wasn’t intrusive or forced.
4.5 of 5 Stars. I love this so much! I want to express it in more articulate words, but nope, I can’t. i just LOVE IT! <3
***I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
***This review also appears on my personal blog: bentchcreates.tumblr.com
July 31, 2017
The paperback of this version had been out for months now, but I didn't get around to reading it until C.P. Santi released this Kindle edition with a very lovely cover.
The challenge for those who joined the #SparkNA class was to write an MC who is unique and that she should be brave. Caryn did fulfill that challenge wonderfully by creating Aya. She is a level-headed girl who knows what she wants and what she deserves and I immediately liked her for that. She had her own personality, she didn't mind it even when her sisters were more alike. She also agreed to their bucket list and still went on to study abroad even when that was originally planned with her ex. I mean, she got dumped but still went to Japan, to study in the same university as the ex nonetheless. If that was not brave, I don't know what is.
Ryo Mori seemed like a brooding guy, but he was also funny. I loved his banter with Aya and how he was supportive of her bucket list even when he teased her about it at first. I liked that he didn't push her to do things and understood her reasons.
This story also had a very lovable group of supporting characters and I especially loved Aya's sisters. I too, have two sisters and in some ways, I was able to relate to her. We're not as adventurous as the Contreras sisters, but the dynamics of tres marias, that I get. I also liked how the conflict about Aya's ex was resolved. Such a mature way of handling things.
Other things I liked : the idea of goukon, brick toast, the Japanese words here and there. Reading this made me think of my Tokyo trip last year. I didn't get to see Sakura because it was summer when I went there, but I visited Meiji-jingu. I even remember Japanese girls who were in costume asked me for a photo because I was wearing a Sailor Moon shirt. All the sushi and quirkiness that is Tokyo was precisely captured by Caryn and I feel that this is her strength. When she writes about the places she's been to and the things she did/does, she gets to translate them into charming stories of love.
I heard that the ebook was an "improved" version (storyline is the same though), so whether you've read the paperback or not, get this copy from Amazon and be taken by Aya and Ryo's story.
The challenge for those who joined the #SparkNA class was to write an MC who is unique and that she should be brave. Caryn did fulfill that challenge wonderfully by creating Aya. She is a level-headed girl who knows what she wants and what she deserves and I immediately liked her for that. She had her own personality, she didn't mind it even when her sisters were more alike. She also agreed to their bucket list and still went on to study abroad even when that was originally planned with her ex. I mean, she got dumped but still went to Japan, to study in the same university as the ex nonetheless. If that was not brave, I don't know what is.
Ryo Mori seemed like a brooding guy, but he was also funny. I loved his banter with Aya and how he was supportive of her bucket list even when he teased her about it at first. I liked that he didn't push her to do things and understood her reasons.
This story also had a very lovable group of supporting characters and I especially loved Aya's sisters. I too, have two sisters and in some ways, I was able to relate to her. We're not as adventurous as the Contreras sisters, but the dynamics of tres marias, that I get. I also liked how the conflict about Aya's ex was resolved. Such a mature way of handling things.
Other things I liked : the idea of goukon, brick toast, the Japanese words here and there. Reading this made me think of my Tokyo trip last year. I didn't get to see Sakura because it was summer when I went there, but I visited Meiji-jingu. I even remember Japanese girls who were in costume asked me for a photo because I was wearing a Sailor Moon shirt. All the sushi and quirkiness that is Tokyo was precisely captured by Caryn and I feel that this is her strength. When she writes about the places she's been to and the things she did/does, she gets to translate them into charming stories of love.
I heard that the ebook was an "improved" version (storyline is the same though), so whether you've read the paperback or not, get this copy from Amazon and be taken by Aya and Ryo's story.
July 24, 2017
Aya had just broken up with her boyfriend of six years when she discovered something about him. A study grant to Japan was just the thing she needed to forget about her broken heart. Afraid to fall in love again, Aya tried hard to steer clear of temptations, but her hot and gorgeous tutor made it impossible to do so. Add the bucket list that her meddling but sweet sisters insisted for her to do, it was only a matter of time before Aya found herself falling in love under the Meiji Shrine.
When I learned about this latest story by CP Santi, I knew I had to read it. The book gave me all the feels! I felt like I was watching a J-Drama with MatsuJun as the male lead and the characters came alive with the wonderful storyline, friendly banters, beautiful sceneries and that exciting bucket list.
I enjoyed the way Ryo and Aya's relationship developed. Not forced, not dictated. I couldn't help but smile and grin at them, I actually looked like a fool while reading A Bucket List to Love. Ryo Mori was such a darling.
What I really loved most was how Japan was beautifully depicted and narrated by the author. So amazing! I know a thing or two about Japanese culture but I've never been to the Land of the Rising Sun. I've always been fascinated with anything related to Japan. JPop, JDrama, you name it, I can handle it. (A big fan of Arashi here!). And the author made me want to go there soon. In my opinion, Japan is one of the best countries to visit or live in the world.
Overall, I thought this was a well written book with reasonably well pacing that reminded what it was like when I was in college. CP Santi has always bedazzled me with her tales and feel-good love stories. I am so stinking in love with her. Plus, I got to read and finish her book during her birthday, which made this story really special.
I don't know about you, but this book just moved right to my top ten all-time favorite books list. I can’t recommend it enough. This is a book I'm definitely going to re-read someday.
When I learned about this latest story by CP Santi, I knew I had to read it. The book gave me all the feels! I felt like I was watching a J-Drama with MatsuJun as the male lead and the characters came alive with the wonderful storyline, friendly banters, beautiful sceneries and that exciting bucket list.
I enjoyed the way Ryo and Aya's relationship developed. Not forced, not dictated. I couldn't help but smile and grin at them, I actually looked like a fool while reading A Bucket List to Love. Ryo Mori was such a darling.
What I really loved most was how Japan was beautifully depicted and narrated by the author. So amazing! I know a thing or two about Japanese culture but I've never been to the Land of the Rising Sun. I've always been fascinated with anything related to Japan. JPop, JDrama, you name it, I can handle it. (A big fan of Arashi here!). And the author made me want to go there soon. In my opinion, Japan is one of the best countries to visit or live in the world.
Overall, I thought this was a well written book with reasonably well pacing that reminded what it was like when I was in college. CP Santi has always bedazzled me with her tales and feel-good love stories. I am so stinking in love with her. Plus, I got to read and finish her book during her birthday, which made this story really special.
I don't know about you, but this book just moved right to my top ten all-time favorite books list. I can’t recommend it enough. This is a book I'm definitely going to re-read someday.
September 23, 2017
I bought this book after hearing the livereading during the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival this year. It was steamy; the chemistry between Ryo and Aya got me interested and curious as to how they got themselves into that situation.
This is about Aya, a Filipina who went to Japan to study architecture, and Ryo, her tutor/guide in Japan. A love story set in Japan = a definite yes for me!!!
Their love story does not start easy. They aren't really in good terms in the beginning. But their relationship becomes better and stronger as they spent more time together and apart from each other. Their story teaches us two things: open and clear communication is key to making any relationship work and food is makes things better.
What I didn't like about this book is on page 92. I felt that there was no need to be graphic about their morning after. It could've ended with just "hungry for you" and a sentence stating what happened next, in my opinion.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely look out for Ms. CP Santi's other works.
**I give this 4.5 stars, really, but Goodreads does not have that option. OTL
This is about Aya, a Filipina who went to Japan to study architecture, and Ryo, her tutor/guide in Japan. A love story set in Japan = a definite yes for me!!!
Their love story does not start easy. They aren't really in good terms in the beginning. But their relationship becomes better and stronger as they spent more time together and apart from each other. Their story teaches us two things: open and clear communication is key to making any relationship work and food is makes things better.
What I didn't like about this book is on page 92. I felt that there was no need to be graphic about their morning after. It could've ended with just "hungry for you" and a sentence stating what happened next, in my opinion.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book and will definitely look out for Ms. CP Santi's other works.
**I give this 4.5 stars, really, but Goodreads does not have that option. OTL
Read
February 5, 2023this wasn't a bad time and the sexual tension was well executed but i had a hard time getting through the narrative itself because it bordered on head hopping, i.e. third person isn't a license to show the pov of every character, especially not tertiary characters thinking "these two would be a cute couple" as early as chapter 4. what's more, the attempts at omniscient narration became a handicap—for instance, we immediately know that ryo isn't actually hostile to aya from the get-go but instead is attracted to her, which would've been more romantic had it been revealed much later on, after they've grown closer. as it is, with the cards laid face up on the table from the very beginning, their declaration of feelings and consummation, etc. aren't nearly as satisfying and feel more like going through the motions. zero mystery. had a hard time connecting with such flat characters either (he loves sweets, we get it)
i also didn't appreciate the casual ableism and trivialization of mental illness, which happened more than a couple of times.
i also didn't appreciate the casual ableism and trivialization of mental illness, which happened more than a couple of times.
February 16, 2019
ajdjsjjajdks
it took me a real long while to get through this but i’m gonna blame it on the fact that it was cause i’m not a big fan of ebooks at the moment. but anyways!! this was super super cute and kilig! i loved ryo and aya and their romance! their banter was absolutely adorable and i just—it was sO CUTE! i swoon over ryo!!
i wish that i got to read ryo meeting aya’s parents and aya meeting ryo’s! and there were several scenes that they skipped over that i felt bummed about missing like when aya met ryo’s sisters and stuff. and some of the transitions from scene to scene felt chopped, but is cool! it’s very heavily focused on ryo and aya’s relationship. like immensely. and yeah! very cute tho!! super kilig and super nakakagigil (basically, swoonworthy and gush-filled)
it took me a real long while to get through this but i’m gonna blame it on the fact that it was cause i’m not a big fan of ebooks at the moment. but anyways!! this was super super cute and kilig! i loved ryo and aya and their romance! their banter was absolutely adorable and i just—it was sO CUTE! i swoon over ryo!!
i wish that i got to read ryo meeting aya’s parents and aya meeting ryo’s! and there were several scenes that they skipped over that i felt bummed about missing like when aya met ryo’s sisters and stuff. and some of the transitions from scene to scene felt chopped, but is cool! it’s very heavily focused on ryo and aya’s relationship. like immensely. and yeah! very cute tho!! super kilig and super nakakagigil (basically, swoonworthy and gush-filled)
August 13, 2018
I LOVED THIS STORY! I am not a huge fan of contemporary, but this book totally captured my heart.This story was very cute and touching. I feel like I read this book at the right time. I could relate to many of the feelings and situations in the book. There are not many books with characters that are in their mid 20s or near the end of their college career. As a 24 year old this was a refreshing read. I also enjoyed the fact that it was written by a foreigner who is residing in Japan. So, the author was able to use her knowledge and experiences as a foreigner in Japan to help shape Aya's experiences. Next year, I will be going to Japan to work after I graduate college. So, this book has become very special to me.
February 5, 2017
Cookies, a hot tutor, and a super adorable MC. I liked Aya's quirks, and her family was just so cool. The scenes were kilig (and hot) as well! I was blushing in some parts. It also made me want to visit Japan. It's a light read but packed with feels! Aside from the bicycle scene with Ryo, I especially liked the part where Aya and Adrian resolved things and agreed to become friends. I really liked how the plot went, and the characters were very easy to relate to. I got a bit confused with the transition between some of the chapters though, but all in all, it's one of my favorite romanceclass / SparkNA reads <3 Will definitely get more of CP Santi's books :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2017
I think I was smiling the whole time I read this book. C.P. Santi has a certain charm to her writing style that makes me think she's a really cool person to hang out with in real life. Tagalog words such as "hoy" or "ha" made a world of difference in her dialogues as well as the Japanese words that add authenticity to the banter. I enjoyed this as much as her first novella "Be Careful What You Wish for". I think this is her strength--writing Japanese-Filipino romance set in the Land of the Rising Sun.
August 23, 2018
Romantic
Aya's story is romantic and thoughtful. It is a fascinating look at Tokyo from a Philippine students point of view, as well. As usual family plays a big role, but so does trust and just knowing how to tell "the one". I found my in test held all the way through. All the characters are likeable, even the guy who dumped her and his new girlfriend. I loved everything about this one--including the lovely Christmas story added to the end.
Aya's story is romantic and thoughtful. It is a fascinating look at Tokyo from a Philippine students point of view, as well. As usual family plays a big role, but so does trust and just knowing how to tell "the one". I found my in test held all the way through. All the characters are likeable, even the guy who dumped her and his new girlfriend. I loved everything about this one--including the lovely Christmas story added to the end.
September 30, 2018
I gave the book 3.5 stars, and that is exactly how I feel about it. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t loved it either. It was quite sort of in between kind of book. Mostly because it was extremely mundane. It felt like average love story, one of my friends might tell about herself. This is me, of course, but I prefer something more from the books I read. Not account of we went there, we did that, we kissed, we broke up, we emailed, we got back together. I addition I stayed indifferent toward the main character. Also, the fact that the main drama in the romance was purely her own doing, didn’t help either.
I almost dropped the book after the first chapter, because I hate stereotypical girly post-brake up sisterhood. In my experience girls (I know) never talk this way, never act this way. However, after that, the story got better, and I sort of enjoyed it. The problem is I was never surprised or intrigued; It all went rather predictable till the very end. In overall it felt like mediocre, too familiar j-drama.
I almost dropped the book after the first chapter, because I hate stereotypical girly post-brake up sisterhood. In my experience girls (I know) never talk this way, never act this way. However, after that, the story got better, and I sort of enjoyed it. The problem is I was never surprised or intrigued; It all went rather predictable till the very end. In overall it felt like mediocre, too familiar j-drama.
September 1, 2020
Lost potential
The idea of the story is good, but it lacks deepness. The story is shallow and predictable. It goes from one moment to another without really working the trama. The characters are also plain.
The idea of the story is good and ends up being entertaining, but the writing definitely needs to be more structured and let the flow of the story go deep to fully enjoy it.
The idea of the story is good, but it lacks deepness. The story is shallow and predictable. It goes from one moment to another without really working the trama. The characters are also plain.
The idea of the story is good and ends up being entertaining, but the writing definitely needs to be more structured and let the flow of the story go deep to fully enjoy it.
April 20, 2021
I'm really biased with Japanese leads. Lol.
I did love this. For somebody who understands little Nihongo, I am happy about the Japanese words incorporated here and there.
How to get myself a Ryo? Don't we all want somebody like him?
I wish it was longer, so I can experience more of Aya and Ryo while they're in a relationship.
A second part would be appreciated. Hahaha!
I did love this. For somebody who understands little Nihongo, I am happy about the Japanese words incorporated here and there.
How to get myself a Ryo? Don't we all want somebody like him?
I wish it was longer, so I can experience more of Aya and Ryo while they're in a relationship.
A second part would be appreciated. Hahaha!
November 2, 2018
大好きです!!!
I love this book so much! I love how well the elements of each culture, Filipino and Japanese were beautifully incorporated. Ryo and Aya’s story gave me laughs and kilig all throughout.
I love this book so much! I love how well the elements of each culture, Filipino and Japanese were beautifully incorporated. Ryo and Aya’s story gave me laughs and kilig all throughout.
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