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Catalyst #2
The List
Can getting out of your comfort zone prove to be the thing you needed most in your life?
Penelope
I’ve always been in the background.
After working my ass off for years with my best friend, we’ve finally hit a point where everything seems to be working out for us professionally.
My friends think I need to live a little, so they set me up on a staycation with a list of things to do that will result in stepping out of my comfort zone.
Never in a million years did I expect someone like Andy to completely uproot everything I thought I knew about myself.
Andy
Working crazy hours as an athletic trainer for a professional rugby team has been a dream come true.
But recently, I’ve been wondering if there’s something more out there.
The job and the hours are taking their toll, and it’s time to find some stability in my life.
Meeting Penelope at my best friend’s wedding feels like a sign.
I’m determined to create the life I’ve always wanted, and that starts with the woman I never saw coming.
When a simple game of this or that leads to more, can we take a leap of faith? Can we find more than we ever dreamed of with each other and not let the past dictate our future?
Penelope
I’ve always been in the background.
After working my ass off for years with my best friend, we’ve finally hit a point where everything seems to be working out for us professionally.
My friends think I need to live a little, so they set me up on a staycation with a list of things to do that will result in stepping out of my comfort zone.
Never in a million years did I expect someone like Andy to completely uproot everything I thought I knew about myself.
Andy
Working crazy hours as an athletic trainer for a professional rugby team has been a dream come true.
But recently, I’ve been wondering if there’s something more out there.
The job and the hours are taking their toll, and it’s time to find some stability in my life.
Meeting Penelope at my best friend’s wedding feels like a sign.
I’m determined to create the life I’ve always wanted, and that starts with the woman I never saw coming.
When a simple game of this or that leads to more, can we take a leap of faith? Can we find more than we ever dreamed of with each other and not let the past dictate our future?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
5 people are currently reading
828 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 12, 2023
I enjoyed the List. It was quick to read and fast-paced.
Penelope spends her life working non stop. Her friends made her a list to step out of her comfort zone.
Penelope the FMC was heartbreaking. She has been through so much; I had teary eyes several times. I liked how her friends were supportive. The list made me want to be brave and told me that with help you can heal from your trauma.
Andy is such a cinnamon roll. He is the perfect boyfriend. I felt in love with him.
I loved how deep their story was, and how much Andy helped Penelope. And the tension! There was some spice. I could feel the attraction between Andy & Penelope.
Penelope spends her life working non stop. Her friends made her a list to step out of her comfort zone.
Penelope the FMC was heartbreaking. She has been through so much; I had teary eyes several times. I liked how her friends were supportive. The list made me want to be brave and told me that with help you can heal from your trauma.
Andy is such a cinnamon roll. He is the perfect boyfriend. I felt in love with him.
I loved how deep their story was, and how much Andy helped Penelope. And the tension! There was some spice. I could feel the attraction between Andy & Penelope.
March 20, 2023
Pen: Penelope Hahn is a hard working, badass personality who's sworn off men after an abusive relationship experience in the past! She doesn't like being touched, is curvy, wears only black, loathes shopping because of the judgemental eyes she receives, hence, self-conscious! A sci-fi junkie! And the COO of a mental health organization started by her bestie and her husband, Bea and Riggs (you met them in book 1)!
Andy: Andy (Brown) Becker, with him, I learnt what a cinnamon roll boyfriend means! He's a sweetheart, perfect partner you could ever ask for, very caring and gentle and respectful and supportive! He was an athletic trainer until he realised he needs a change and need to do something more and better, and moved in to the same city as our other MCs!
So Pen here is basically pushed into an extended weekend with a list of things she wouldn't have done otherwise by her friends so as to bring her out of the shell, her comfort zone, so that she actually starts "living"! And Andy happened to be helping her do just that, though he didn't knew he was! (TheirFirstKissWasSoGoodYouHaveToReadThisBookItHappedSoSuddenlyAndTheWholeSituationAndEverythingAndAndyHeWasReallySoooooGood!)
What I really want to talk more about in this review is the author.. she is amazing, really! I mean, I would simply say, in her, I found myself a new favourite author! I loved the way she writes, the way she explains a particular situation or the timeline, it's so.. umm.. clean, and easy to understand.. like, in a particular scenario, while reading, the answers we seek are ready in the very next lines before even our thoughts complete forming the doubt, if I'm making sense?! Her dialogues - so well thought and written, and wholesome! She doesn't jump from one scene to another before doing justice to the one at hand, that's what I meant by clean, and perfect! So I loved it.. and thank you @flyingpigpr ! I wouldn't have known these amazing books exist if not for you!
What to expect?
•Nerdy FMC
•Cinnamon roll MMC
•Dual POV
•Slow-burn
•Reverse grumpy x sunshine
•Learning to love again after trauma
Andy: Andy (Brown) Becker, with him, I learnt what a cinnamon roll boyfriend means! He's a sweetheart, perfect partner you could ever ask for, very caring and gentle and respectful and supportive! He was an athletic trainer until he realised he needs a change and need to do something more and better, and moved in to the same city as our other MCs!
So Pen here is basically pushed into an extended weekend with a list of things she wouldn't have done otherwise by her friends so as to bring her out of the shell, her comfort zone, so that she actually starts "living"! And Andy happened to be helping her do just that, though he didn't knew he was! (TheirFirstKissWasSoGoodYouHaveToReadThisBookItHappedSoSuddenlyAndTheWholeSituationAndEverythingAndAndyHeWasReallySoooooGood!)
What I really want to talk more about in this review is the author.. she is amazing, really! I mean, I would simply say, in her, I found myself a new favourite author! I loved the way she writes, the way she explains a particular situation or the timeline, it's so.. umm.. clean, and easy to understand.. like, in a particular scenario, while reading, the answers we seek are ready in the very next lines before even our thoughts complete forming the doubt, if I'm making sense?! Her dialogues - so well thought and written, and wholesome! She doesn't jump from one scene to another before doing justice to the one at hand, that's what I meant by clean, and perfect! So I loved it.. and thank you @flyingpigpr ! I wouldn't have known these amazing books exist if not for you!
What to expect?
•Nerdy FMC
•Cinnamon roll MMC
•Dual POV
•Slow-burn
•Reverse grumpy x sunshine
•Learning to love again after trauma
March 21, 2023
What is a girl supposed to do when your best friends insist you’re a workaholic (why ask for help when you can do it yourself??), set in your ways (if it’s not broken, don’t fix it!!) who needs to branch out (who has the time?!)?
You follow The List. And try to stay away from the New Guy (who you can’t stop thinking about, and texting, and running into).
The List is a truly delightful, fun, impactful read that will leave you wanting more. I absolutely adored Pen and Andy, and their journey. They really ended up being one of my favorite reverse Grump/Sunshine couples. Andy is the new guy in town, looking for a change after his career has left him wandering what’s up and down. Pen is the bad ass female COO of the new Phoenix House, an organization focused on mental health. We love a queen with a cause ❤️ Pen is scared to open up, and Andy is determined to help her through it.
Andy’s way of giving Pen all the patience she needs while also knowing just when and how to push her is so great. Pen’s fight to love herself and others despite her past teaching her that love is painful is so touching. The balance of independent woman and protective boyfriend is so masterfully done here, it was such a joy to read.
The spice in this book is just *chef’s kiss*. From their first kiss to the pool to an unexpected trip-every single bit of it fit so well, was true to who the characters were and will leave you fanning yourself. 😉
This is the second book in The Catalyst Series but it very easily understood if you haven’t read the first one! It was such a fun read that I binged it in a single day, and really truly I can’t wait for the next one!!
Thank you so much to Samantha for the ARC! ❤️
You follow The List. And try to stay away from the New Guy (who you can’t stop thinking about, and texting, and running into).
The List is a truly delightful, fun, impactful read that will leave you wanting more. I absolutely adored Pen and Andy, and their journey. They really ended up being one of my favorite reverse Grump/Sunshine couples. Andy is the new guy in town, looking for a change after his career has left him wandering what’s up and down. Pen is the bad ass female COO of the new Phoenix House, an organization focused on mental health. We love a queen with a cause ❤️ Pen is scared to open up, and Andy is determined to help her through it.
Andy’s way of giving Pen all the patience she needs while also knowing just when and how to push her is so great. Pen’s fight to love herself and others despite her past teaching her that love is painful is so touching. The balance of independent woman and protective boyfriend is so masterfully done here, it was such a joy to read.
The spice in this book is just *chef’s kiss*. From their first kiss to the pool to an unexpected trip-every single bit of it fit so well, was true to who the characters were and will leave you fanning yourself. 😉
This is the second book in The Catalyst Series but it very easily understood if you haven’t read the first one! It was such a fun read that I binged it in a single day, and really truly I can’t wait for the next one!!
Thank you so much to Samantha for the ARC! ❤️
March 19, 2023
I quite enjoyed this. It was a fun, fast-paced read and even though it dealt with some heavy topics, it didn’t feel like it was too weighed down.
Initially I found Penelope mildly annoying but once you understand what she went through and what made her the way she was. It’s what made Adam so perfect for her. His happy-go-lucky, sunshine attitude really brought out the best in Pen and balanced out her more grumpy, standoffish vibes.
I liked the camaraderie between the four women and it has me excited and intrigued by the next books! Pen and Bea kind of teased what Larkin’s will be about and I cannot wait!
Initially I found Penelope mildly annoying but once you understand what she went through and what made her the way she was. It’s what made Adam so perfect for her. His happy-go-lucky, sunshine attitude really brought out the best in Pen and balanced out her more grumpy, standoffish vibes.
I liked the camaraderie between the four women and it has me excited and intrigued by the next books! Pen and Bea kind of teased what Larkin’s will be about and I cannot wait!
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March 23, 2023Pen and Andy are finally here! I'm so excited for you to finally meet these two. They both have so much heart and were so much fun to bring to life. I truly hope you enjoy them!
November 29, 2024
The list follows closed off and grumpy Penelope and fun-loving but very lost Andy. Right from the beginning, Andy's reaction to Penelope had me hooked. This woman had been through it and does not trust easily. Andy is a saint. There is no other way to explain what she puts that man through, and he is still riding or die, call me any moment, I've got you there for her. The way he teaches her to trust and love again is perfect. Samantha really does have a way of making you feel connected to these characters in a way that is so different. As always, the mental health rep in this book was on point. She portrays these fears and anxieties so well. But her characters are also able to depend and lean on their friends in a healthy way. As always, this book was amazing.
June 2, 2023
I’m so glad I was able to read this before the next book in the series came out!! I loved Pen from book one and was so excited read her book. My heart broke for her when I learned why she hides behind her defenses. But watching her take her power back? I was so here for it!! Andy is the absolute perfect book boyfriend. Self-aware, patient, attentive? *swoon* This is another story where the FMC doesn’t need the MMC to save her. Pen stood on her own two feet and Andy stood by her side, whittling away at her wall.
I adored these two and am so excited for the next story!
I adored these two and am so excited for the next story!
April 8, 2023
Easy to read
It is easy to enjoy this book. She is a domestic violence surviver, who is trying to give her a new chance to explore dating.
It is easy to enjoy this book. She is a domestic violence surviver, who is trying to give her a new chance to explore dating.
March 26, 2023
Whilst not my usual kind of read I enjoyed the List!
It was a fun, quick and smooshy read.
Pen’s friends create a “list” to help push her out of her comfort zone and finally do some things for herself! And it definitely sounded like the workaholic needed it!
Then along comes our hot MMC who wants to get to know her, oh so conveniently timed with the start of the list.
This was a super cute, feel good read with a HEA.
It was a fun, quick and smooshy read.
Pen’s friends create a “list” to help push her out of her comfort zone and finally do some things for herself! And it definitely sounded like the workaholic needed it!
Then along comes our hot MMC who wants to get to know her, oh so conveniently timed with the start of the list.
This was a super cute, feel good read with a HEA.
April 9, 2023
“As long as we do this together, I’m happy. Life isn’t going to be perfect and always fun, okay? It’s about how we adapt and figure things out together, not about the entire situation being fun.”
***
This was such a fun and interesting book! I hadn’t read the first book of this series but was super intrigued by the story, and I’m really glad I read it because I loved the story. I loved the characters in this story. I really appreciated the balance in this story between the relationship between Andy and Pen and Pen’s relationship with herself, and her independence. I felt like this book had a good mix of fun, romance and emotion. I also really liked the writing in this book, it felt very mature, which I appreciated. Definitely recommend this read!
***
This was such a fun and interesting book! I hadn’t read the first book of this series but was super intrigued by the story, and I’m really glad I read it because I loved the story. I loved the characters in this story. I really appreciated the balance in this story between the relationship between Andy and Pen and Pen’s relationship with herself, and her independence. I felt like this book had a good mix of fun, romance and emotion. I also really liked the writing in this book, it felt very mature, which I appreciated. Definitely recommend this read!
August 19, 2025
The List is such a sweet and uplifting romance about taking chances and discovering yourself along the way. I really enjoyed following Penelope’s journey she’s someone who has always played it safe, and watching her step out of her comfort zone with the list was both relatable and inspiring. Andy was the perfect balance to her; his charm, dedication, and vulnerability made their connection feel genuine.
What I liked most was how their relationship grew naturally from playful moments, like this or that, into something deeper. The story shows that love can come when you least expect it, and sometimes, the risks we take bring the biggest rewards.
It’s heartwarming, fun, and a perfect reminder that it’s never too late to live fully.
What I liked most was how their relationship grew naturally from playful moments, like this or that, into something deeper. The story shows that love can come when you least expect it, and sometimes, the risks we take bring the biggest rewards.
It’s heartwarming, fun, and a perfect reminder that it’s never too late to live fully.
February 20, 2026
swoon
Andy is everything. He is so kind and patient with Pen. He knows he wants to get to know her but knows she has some really high walls up and he just takes everything in stride. Pen has an awful past and hasn’t been living her life the past 10 years and when her friends push her and she lets go it’s so fun. I love this book so much.
Andy is everything. He is so kind and patient with Pen. He knows he wants to get to know her but knows she has some really high walls up and he just takes everything in stride. Pen has an awful past and hasn’t been living her life the past 10 years and when her friends push her and she lets go it’s so fun. I love this book so much.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews