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The Bucket List
Can a bucket list make two people realize they belong together?
Griffin has been in love with his neighbor since the day he moved in and Nolan showed up at his doorstep with baked goods. Since then, his feelings have only grown stronger, but he’s never voiced them, too afraid of losing his best friend.
While drinking the night before Valentine’s Day, the two devise a plan. Nolan writes a bucket list of things he’s always wanted to do with a partner and Griffin volunteers to make that bucket list happen. Having one day as Nolan’s fake mate is better than never experiencing it at all, right? At least that’s what Griffin tells himself.
Could this bucket list ruin their friendship? Or will it finally open their eyes to the feelings they’ve both been hiding from each other?
The Bucket List is a low angst alpha/omega story without mpreg. Inside you’ll find so much pining, a raccoon shifter, an alpha wolf, best friends to lovers, Valentine’s Day fluff, and of course a happily ever after.
Griffin has been in love with his neighbor since the day he moved in and Nolan showed up at his doorstep with baked goods. Since then, his feelings have only grown stronger, but he’s never voiced them, too afraid of losing his best friend.
While drinking the night before Valentine’s Day, the two devise a plan. Nolan writes a bucket list of things he’s always wanted to do with a partner and Griffin volunteers to make that bucket list happen. Having one day as Nolan’s fake mate is better than never experiencing it at all, right? At least that’s what Griffin tells himself.
Could this bucket list ruin their friendship? Or will it finally open their eyes to the feelings they’ve both been hiding from each other?
The Bucket List is a low angst alpha/omega story without mpreg. Inside you’ll find so much pining, a raccoon shifter, an alpha wolf, best friends to lovers, Valentine’s Day fluff, and of course a happily ever after.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2023
27 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Toby Wise
59 books194 followersToby Wise is a stay at home parent who hails from a tiny town in Wisconsin. Contrary to popular Wisconsin stereotypes, he’s not a cheese-head who enjoys beer but rather an introvert who spends all his time on the internet, drinking coffee, spending time with his kid, and cooing about his adorable cat, Pikachu.
In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.
In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 24, 2024
3,25 stars.
Sweet omegaverse novella, about Nolan (omega) and Griffin (alpha), best friends, spending one day together going through Nolan's bucket list.
Sex, kisses, nesting, knotting, no mpreg.
There were some typos and the storyline was a bit packed with activities. But most of all I didn't really feel the emotional connection between the MCs.
The fact that they had sex in their friends' hot tub and just left it afterwards was a bit icky, too (sorry can't click my brain off 😂).
Sweet omegaverse novella, about Nolan (omega) and Griffin (alpha), best friends, spending one day together going through Nolan's bucket list.
Sex, kisses, nesting, knotting, no mpreg.
There were some typos and the storyline was a bit packed with activities. But most of all I didn't really feel the emotional connection between the MCs.
The fact that they had sex in their friends' hot tub and just left it afterwards was a bit icky, too (sorry can't click my brain off 😂).
February 29, 2024
New to me author, and sadly this novella missed the mark for me:
- No world building (we know there are alphas, omegas, shifters, some magical creatures, but none of this is placed in context or meaningful to a larger world).
- MCs exist in a vacuum (they seem to have no family or friends).
- Besides a couple the MCs talk to at a restaurant, there are no secondary characters.
- The writing isn't great. I found multiple typos, and if I never see the word "giggle" again I'll be good. There was a lot of giggling here. So. Much. Giggling.
I know this was meant to be a fluffy, sexy story, and it was. But it's also poorly executed - something I might have given a pass a few years back, but not now.
The MM romance genre has evolved to include some damn good writing and sophisticated story telling. I've come to expect more.
- No world building (we know there are alphas, omegas, shifters, some magical creatures, but none of this is placed in context or meaningful to a larger world).
- MCs exist in a vacuum (they seem to have no family or friends).
- Besides a couple the MCs talk to at a restaurant, there are no secondary characters.
- The writing isn't great. I found multiple typos, and if I never see the word "giggle" again I'll be good. There was a lot of giggling here. So. Much. Giggling.
I know this was meant to be a fluffy, sexy story, and it was. But it's also poorly executed - something I might have given a pass a few years back, but not now.
The MM romance genre has evolved to include some damn good writing and sophisticated story telling. I've come to expect more.
February 23, 2024
pure cheeeeese, but won't knock your socks off
February 17, 2023
No angst adorableness. Needed that little dose of sugar.
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February 14, 2023
The Bucket List was a cute omegaverse story of neighbours and best friends who decide to take the next step in their relationship. When Nolan brings up his bucket list of things he would love to do with a lover, Griffin sees this as the opportunity to not only fulfil it but to claim his omega as his own.
Overall it was a really cute best friends to lovers story. It was lovely seeing them check each item off the list, such as going out to a fancy dinner, Skinny dipping, a picnic, a pillow fort, and car sex!
I enjoyed seeing them come to realize that they both were made for one another and became lovers! It was a quick short low angst sweet read in between dark and heavier stories.
Overall it was a really cute best friends to lovers story. It was lovely seeing them check each item off the list, such as going out to a fancy dinner, Skinny dipping, a picnic, a pillow fort, and car sex!
I enjoyed seeing them come to realize that they both were made for one another and became lovers! It was a quick short low angst sweet read in between dark and heavier stories.
December 1, 2024
Finding books with raccoon shifters was my favourite thing that happened my book world the last couple weeks! They are the freaking cutest things ever!! This one had a bit of shifter cuddles and I was totally here for it. This book takes place in one day for the most part but I found that it worked well for the story.
Poor Griffin and Nolan just needed to talk to each other but I understand being afraid! They are both head over heels for each other so this novella was believable. The concept was cute and I loved seeing how Griffin arranged all of Nolan’s bucket list items.
Overall this was a great read and if you’re looking for a short, easy, cute Valentine’s Day romance with shifters I definitely recommend!
Poor Griffin and Nolan just needed to talk to each other but I understand being afraid! They are both head over heels for each other so this novella was believable. The concept was cute and I loved seeing how Griffin arranged all of Nolan’s bucket list items.
Overall this was a great read and if you’re looking for a short, easy, cute Valentine’s Day romance with shifters I definitely recommend!
February 3, 2023
I don’t think this book could have been any cuter. Griffin and Nolan were just swoon worthy.
Toby Wise knows how to give us books to sigh over. The Bucket List was exactly that. Griffin did everything to make Nolan’s list count. I loved all of his effort and how he put Nolan first in every way. Both of these men loved each other so much. It was obvious in every interaction. They literally just made me smile throughout the whole book.
I loved everything about this. Griffin was a hot alpha and Nolan was so adorable. Griffin’s cute little nickname for Nolan was on point and when I learned the true meaning of TP I laughed out loud. Highly recommended!
Toby Wise knows how to give us books to sigh over. The Bucket List was exactly that. Griffin did everything to make Nolan’s list count. I loved all of his effort and how he put Nolan first in every way. Both of these men loved each other so much. It was obvious in every interaction. They literally just made me smile throughout the whole book.
I loved everything about this. Griffin was a hot alpha and Nolan was so adorable. Griffin’s cute little nickname for Nolan was on point and when I learned the true meaning of TP I laughed out loud. Highly recommended!
February 7, 2023
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Bucket List is a steamy, fluffy omegaverse novella by author Toby Wise. A best friends/neighbors to lovers romance on Valentine's Day.
Nolan and Griffin have been neighbors for a decade and best friends just as long. They each have been secretly in love with the other for a whole now, but neither have ever wanted to risk their friendship by admitting them. While drinking the night before Valentine's Day Nolan talks about all the things he wants to experience and ends up creating a bucket list. Griffin uses this as a chance to experience truly being Nolan's Alpha for the day. As the day progresses they both realize they can't bear to go back to friends and one of them is going to have to take the chance that they both feel the same.
"Everything is Griffin, Griffin, Griffen in my head. You're all I can think about. You're everything, alpha."
This is a super sweet friends to lovers novella between alpha and omega neighbors who should have made it official a long time ago. Griffin's an alpha wolf and Nolan is an omega raccoon, which come on is absolutely freaking adorable. Nolan's bucket list is filled with a range of firsts, from blank forts and picnics to steam between the sheets. This is high steam with morning blow jobs and knotting.
Overall, The Bucket List by Toby Wise is an enjoyable sweet and very steamy omegaverse novella . A best friends to lovers filled with kisses under the stars, skinny-dipping, scenting, low angst and a happily ever after.
The Bucket List is a steamy, fluffy omegaverse novella by author Toby Wise. A best friends/neighbors to lovers romance on Valentine's Day.
Nolan and Griffin have been neighbors for a decade and best friends just as long. They each have been secretly in love with the other for a whole now, but neither have ever wanted to risk their friendship by admitting them. While drinking the night before Valentine's Day Nolan talks about all the things he wants to experience and ends up creating a bucket list. Griffin uses this as a chance to experience truly being Nolan's Alpha for the day. As the day progresses they both realize they can't bear to go back to friends and one of them is going to have to take the chance that they both feel the same.
"Everything is Griffin, Griffin, Griffen in my head. You're all I can think about. You're everything, alpha."
This is a super sweet friends to lovers novella between alpha and omega neighbors who should have made it official a long time ago. Griffin's an alpha wolf and Nolan is an omega raccoon, which come on is absolutely freaking adorable. Nolan's bucket list is filled with a range of firsts, from blank forts and picnics to steam between the sheets. This is high steam with morning blow jobs and knotting.
Overall, The Bucket List by Toby Wise is an enjoyable sweet and very steamy omegaverse novella . A best friends to lovers filled with kisses under the stars, skinny-dipping, scenting, low angst and a happily ever after.
February 14, 2023
So much fun!!!
Completely addictive. This book kept me engaged and turning the pages. The characters were gorgeous and it was so easy want the best for them.
Light, funny, low/no angst, and a really good dose of steam.
I loved every second of this novella, and I highly recommend it!!
Completely addictive. This book kept me engaged and turning the pages. The characters were gorgeous and it was so easy want the best for them.
Light, funny, low/no angst, and a really good dose of steam.
I loved every second of this novella, and I highly recommend it!!
February 26, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Those constant "my inner wolf/my inner raccoon" mentions gave me 50 Shades of Grey flashbacks *shudders*
Those constant "my inner wolf/my inner raccoon" mentions gave me 50 Shades of Grey flashbacks *shudders*
February 5, 2023
It starts with a simple premise - the mcs get drunk and propose a bucket list of romantic (and steamy) things to do for valentines day.
What was delivered was a steamy novella packed with pure romance and sweetness.
Griffin and Nolan have feelings for each other but haven't taken the risk, until now.
Wow, when Griffin went for it, he really committed. All in, and it was swoony and so perfect.
I adored the pairing. The depth of feelings they had for each other was lovely.
This absolutely goes in my re-read pile.
The Bucket List is my new favourite read from Toby Wise
What was delivered was a steamy novella packed with pure romance and sweetness.
Griffin and Nolan have feelings for each other but haven't taken the risk, until now.
Wow, when Griffin went for it, he really committed. All in, and it was swoony and so perfect.
I adored the pairing. The depth of feelings they had for each other was lovely.
This absolutely goes in my re-read pile.
The Bucket List is my new favourite read from Toby Wise
February 15, 2023
Scorching hot, chemistry, oblivious
Contains: alpha wolf/omega raccoon, best friend to lovers, bucket list for Valentine's Day, and omfg it is so hot in there!!
After making a bucket list of things he wants to do on Valentines Day, his alpha best friend makes it all come true. The list + Secret crush = falling hard. They are scared the night will end. But how could they end things when their chemistry is that much hot. 🔥 🥵 hot hot hot. Sweet characters. Lovely story. Love it.
Contains: alpha wolf/omega raccoon, best friend to lovers, bucket list for Valentine's Day, and omfg it is so hot in there!!
After making a bucket list of things he wants to do on Valentines Day, his alpha best friend makes it all come true. The list + Secret crush = falling hard. They are scared the night will end. But how could they end things when their chemistry is that much hot. 🔥 🥵 hot hot hot. Sweet characters. Lovely story. Love it.
March 17, 2023
Cover whore in me picked this up on a whim. Not bad, might not be all that memorable but I liked it. It was sweet and hot, at times cheesy but still makes my cheeks hurt from grinning. The MCs were so sweet and adorable and the premise, though a little precarious, kinda works. And though it's past Valentines day, I could still feel the mood of that day throughout the book.
The romantic in me approves.
The romantic in me approves.
February 4, 2023
Sweet friends to lovers story❤️ omegaverse with actual shifting and the characters are verse. Easy, fun and steamy read
February 12, 2023
Okayyyyy, this was the cutest story I’ve read this year!! Nolan and Griffin are seriously couple goals, without the couple. Both are in love with each other but don’t wanna say anything for fear of the other one not feeling the same. But Griffin is working hard to make this Nolan’s best Valentines Day yet! What ensues is a love story that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!! Such a good read!!
February 25, 2024
I want him. I want Nolan so badly. I want to mark him and fuck him and make him mine. I want to knot him.
Do not read if:
- You don’t like the (neighbors to) best friends to lovers trope
- You don’t like pure fluff and cheese and rainbows
- You need some dose of angst because this has none. Zero. Nada.
- You don’t like omegaverse
- You’re a moody reader who isn’t in the mood for fluff
But if you’re a vanilla reader like me who uses a mix of angsty books and fluffy books to escape reality and cleanse your palate, then you might like this if:
- You like omegaverse romance
- You like cavity inducing fluff that will send you to the orthodontist
- You don’t mind no angst, no thoughts, just a novella of two best friends mutually pining for each other
- You wanna read about an omega raccoon shifter who makes a bucket list of things he wants to do in a relationship and his alpha wolf shifter best friend who wants to help him because he prefers having one day as a fake boyfriend/alpha to nothing
- You like possessiveness! Neediness! Clinginess! Marking!! Scenting!! IMPLIED NESTING!!! + a tiiiiny bit of primal play (the cute kind)
I’m unable to give it four stars because:
- I have no idea how old both characters are and that’s always an issue
- Sometimes the dialogue was too corny
- Sometimes they acted younger than their age and while I’m all for letting your inner child out, their constant “old age” references did not fit with their attitudes at times
I will definitely be reading more of this author soon though!
I could spill every single bean I’ve been holding back. I could tell him just how beautiful I find him, how I can’t stop thinking about him. I could tell him I’ve been head over heels in love with him since the day I moved in and met him for the first time. I could tell him how I purposely buy pineapple scented candles just so my house smells like him and how that soothes my inner wolf. I could do so much.
Do not read if:
- You don’t like the (neighbors to) best friends to lovers trope
- You don’t like pure fluff and cheese and rainbows
- You need some dose of angst because this has none. Zero. Nada.
- You don’t like omegaverse
- You’re a moody reader who isn’t in the mood for fluff
But if you’re a vanilla reader like me who uses a mix of angsty books and fluffy books to escape reality and cleanse your palate, then you might like this if:
- You like omegaverse romance
- You like cavity inducing fluff that will send you to the orthodontist
- You don’t mind no angst, no thoughts, just a novella of two best friends mutually pining for each other
- You wanna read about an omega raccoon shifter who makes a bucket list of things he wants to do in a relationship and his alpha wolf shifter best friend who wants to help him because he prefers having one day as a fake boyfriend/alpha to nothing
- You like possessiveness! Neediness! Clinginess! Marking!! Scenting!! IMPLIED NESTING!!! + a tiiiiny bit of primal play (the cute kind)
I’m unable to give it four stars because:
- I have no idea how old both characters are and that’s always an issue
- Sometimes the dialogue was too corny
- Sometimes they acted younger than their age and while I’m all for letting your inner child out, their constant “old age” references did not fit with their attitudes at times
I will definitely be reading more of this author soon though!
I could spill every single bean I’ve been holding back. I could tell him just how beautiful I find him, how I can’t stop thinking about him. I could tell him I’ve been head over heels in love with him since the day I moved in and met him for the first time. I could tell him how I purposely buy pineapple scented candles just so my house smells like him and how that soothes my inner wolf. I could do so much.
February 13, 2023
Not your typical ABO shifter romance
Low angst
Older omega/younger alpha
Best friends to lovers
Fake Boyfriend
Steamy
Dual first person POV
I love how this doesn't prescribe to the typical ABO stereotypes. Although Griffin is an alpha and a predator shifter (wolf), he is a total sweetheart and loves doing things for the omega next door. Griffin is a sweet omega raccoon shifter but he isn't weak nor in need of rescuing. The two are best friends and have a very strong foundation in place before this story begins, making their one day adventure into love pretty believable. Let's add in the age gap (unknown), the fact that they're vers, and the easy affection between the two and I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to go back to reading typical ABO after this.
But wait, there's more! Those shifter qualities I do love- the scenting, the cuddling, random feelings of possessiveness, knotting and slick, nesting- those are all here too! In less than 100 pages. (Plus my favorite trope found it's way to PNR 😍)
Now to the story...
The way these men give their all to the "fake mate" situation is awesome. Are there doubts? Of course. Do those doubts interfere with the romance or communication? Not really. Sure, there is some holding back at the beginning, but once the ball gets rolling both men commit themselves to just enjoy the day. Hello happiness!
The Bucket List items are the best by the way, and the flow from one to the other is fairly smooth and definitely allows the reader to enjoy each task before moving on to the next.
A shifter story with lots of sweetness and steam, two cinnamon rolls in love, and the best Valentine's day ever. I absolutely recommend this to anyone in need of an endearing, romantic short story.
Low angst
Older omega/younger alpha
Best friends to lovers
Fake Boyfriend
Steamy
Dual first person POV
I love how this doesn't prescribe to the typical ABO stereotypes. Although Griffin is an alpha and a predator shifter (wolf), he is a total sweetheart and loves doing things for the omega next door. Griffin is a sweet omega raccoon shifter but he isn't weak nor in need of rescuing. The two are best friends and have a very strong foundation in place before this story begins, making their one day adventure into love pretty believable. Let's add in the age gap (unknown), the fact that they're vers, and the easy affection between the two and I honestly don't know how I'm supposed to go back to reading typical ABO after this.
But wait, there's more! Those shifter qualities I do love- the scenting, the cuddling, random feelings of possessiveness, knotting and slick, nesting- those are all here too! In less than 100 pages. (Plus my favorite trope found it's way to PNR 😍)
Now to the story...
The way these men give their all to the "fake mate" situation is awesome. Are there doubts? Of course. Do those doubts interfere with the romance or communication? Not really. Sure, there is some holding back at the beginning, but once the ball gets rolling both men commit themselves to just enjoy the day. Hello happiness!
The Bucket List items are the best by the way, and the flow from one to the other is fairly smooth and definitely allows the reader to enjoy each task before moving on to the next.
A shifter story with lots of sweetness and steam, two cinnamon rolls in love, and the best Valentine's day ever. I absolutely recommend this to anyone in need of an endearing, romantic short story.
February 16, 2023
A perfect release in time for valentine's from Toby Wise as best friend's Gridding and Nolan work through Nolan's valentine's day bucket list.
It's a sweet, hot and fluffy romance with two adorable men who have been best friends and neighbours for ten years but are also completely oblivious to how the other feels about them. Their love for each other shines through in Toby's writing and makes it that much cuter for how much Griffin wants to make all the items on Nolan's list happen. One perfect description for them from another character is "idiots in love".
It's a charming read with each chapter devoted to one of Nolan's wishes. You have to wonder how the other didn't see how they feel about each other over the years but it makes it that much sweeter when the secret is finally out.
A wonderful no angst, friends to lovers, shifter romance filled with longing glances, outdoor shenanigans and all the feels.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
It's a sweet, hot and fluffy romance with two adorable men who have been best friends and neighbours for ten years but are also completely oblivious to how the other feels about them. Their love for each other shines through in Toby's writing and makes it that much cuter for how much Griffin wants to make all the items on Nolan's list happen. One perfect description for them from another character is "idiots in love".
It's a charming read with each chapter devoted to one of Nolan's wishes. You have to wonder how the other didn't see how they feel about each other over the years but it makes it that much sweeter when the secret is finally out.
A wonderful no angst, friends to lovers, shifter romance filled with longing glances, outdoor shenanigans and all the feels.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
April 30, 2023
Griffin and Nolan. This story! I adored it! It had me in my feelings from the get and I love that not all stories need something bad to happen before a happy ending can occur.
Griffin is a wolf shifter who has been in love with his neighbor Nolan ever since he brought cookies when he moved into his home. Nolan is an omega raccoon shifter and is also in love with his best friend. Neither of them was brave enough to tell the other how they felt. It takes a little liquid courage and a bucket list from Nolan to ease the way on Valentine’s Day to make them brave enough to reach for each other’s hearts.
This book was worth every minute of staying up late for a second night in a row. I think the characters were well rounded and thought out. I think the bucket list scenes were romantic especially the restaurant scene with Katherine and Darla that mirrored their own situation. I’m now super excited to read Love at Frost Bite: Benji to see more of what Toby Wise can do. 😊
Griffin is a wolf shifter who has been in love with his neighbor Nolan ever since he brought cookies when he moved into his home. Nolan is an omega raccoon shifter and is also in love with his best friend. Neither of them was brave enough to tell the other how they felt. It takes a little liquid courage and a bucket list from Nolan to ease the way on Valentine’s Day to make them brave enough to reach for each other’s hearts.
This book was worth every minute of staying up late for a second night in a row. I think the characters were well rounded and thought out. I think the bucket list scenes were romantic especially the restaurant scene with Katherine and Darla that mirrored their own situation. I’m now super excited to read Love at Frost Bite: Benji to see more of what Toby Wise can do. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
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I’m new to the fantasy, Omega/Alpha side of romance.
This is a steamy and fluffy valentine's story between BFFs Griffin and Nolan. This Wolf/Raccoon duo are friends and neighbours, and also secretly in love.
When Griffin offers to make all of Nolan’s valentines dreams come true you know this going to be an adorable adventure for them finally being able to love freely.
"Everything is Griffin, Griffin, Griffin in my head. You're all I can think about. You're everything, alpha."
Stargazing, picnics and all manner of swoon-worthy moments. These two make an adorable couple.
I’m new to the fantasy, Omega/Alpha side of romance.
This is a steamy and fluffy valentine's story between BFFs Griffin and Nolan. This Wolf/Raccoon duo are friends and neighbours, and also secretly in love.
When Griffin offers to make all of Nolan’s valentines dreams come true you know this going to be an adorable adventure for them finally being able to love freely.
"Everything is Griffin, Griffin, Griffin in my head. You're all I can think about. You're everything, alpha."
Stargazing, picnics and all manner of swoon-worthy moments. These two make an adorable couple.
February 14, 2023
Sweet, fluffy valentines read
Nolan and Griffin were the world's sweetest but clueless pair I've ever read. I loved them but sometimes found myself giggling at their cluelessness. The fact that both of them were unsure until pretty much the end of the bucket list kind of made me want to take them aside and have a talk about things haha. I had to stop reading for a second so I could stop giggling that Nolan (once the beer had a chance to evaporate lol) didn't immediately realise Griffin wanted him when he followed through on a bucket list that had them having sex an awful lot. They were super cute and I loved the effort Griffin put into making Nolan's Valentine's Day so special. Sometimes cluelessness is annoying but I honestly thought it worked well here. It was sweet and silly and so fluffy you couldn't be anything other than amused.
Nolan and Griffin were the world's sweetest but clueless pair I've ever read. I loved them but sometimes found myself giggling at their cluelessness. The fact that both of them were unsure until pretty much the end of the bucket list kind of made me want to take them aside and have a talk about things haha. I had to stop reading for a second so I could stop giggling that Nolan (once the beer had a chance to evaporate lol) didn't immediately realise Griffin wanted him when he followed through on a bucket list that had them having sex an awful lot. They were super cute and I loved the effort Griffin put into making Nolan's Valentine's Day so special. Sometimes cluelessness is annoying but I honestly thought it worked well here. It was sweet and silly and so fluffy you couldn't be anything other than amused.
February 21, 2023
Nolan and Griffin make a great read - a best friends to lovers, low angst book that is mostly just filled with sweet feelings and sexy times between the two MCs.
This is a classic best friends to lovers premise - both friends are in love with the other but don't want to risk the friendship by telling the other. Here, Griffin suggests that Nolan make a bucket list of things he wants to do that Griffin will spend Valentine's Day helping him accomplish.
Nolan is a lovely romantic soul, and he wants so badly to find love. Griffin knows this about his friend and wants him to feel special for a day. Hence the 2 set off on their Valentine's Day adventure!
The book is mostly just fun times of them checking items off the list, while wistfully wishing they could have this every day!
4/5 stars
This is a classic best friends to lovers premise - both friends are in love with the other but don't want to risk the friendship by telling the other. Here, Griffin suggests that Nolan make a bucket list of things he wants to do that Griffin will spend Valentine's Day helping him accomplish.
Nolan is a lovely romantic soul, and he wants so badly to find love. Griffin knows this about his friend and wants him to feel special for a day. Hence the 2 set off on their Valentine's Day adventure!
The book is mostly just fun times of them checking items off the list, while wistfully wishing they could have this every day!
4/5 stars
February 27, 2023
Another Great story by Toby Wise. In The Bucket List we are given Best Friends Griffin and Nolan. Alpha Griffin has had long standing feelings for Nolan but has been so afraid to act on them in fear of losing the strong relationship they already have. When Nolan laments one night about how he feels like he’s missing out on the special romantic moments between couples, Griffin jumps in to offer a helping hand (no pun intended). Nolan never expected that someone like Griffin would ever have real romantic feelings for him so as they work their way through the “One Perfect Day” they both realize that what they have together could just be just that much better if they open themselves up fully to their feelings. This was a nice short read, hit all the right spots in a really feel good story of Love.
February 28, 2023
I enjoyed this sweet fake boyfriend/best friends to lovers story, loved the paranormal slant with both the MCs being shifters, and their journey to their HEA. I was in the mood for something light and fluffy, and this hit the spot perfectly.
I thought working through a bucket list was a sweet idea to get these two together. They’re in a relationship in all but name, and only need to cross the bridge to sleeping together. I loved the ideas Griffin came up with to bring Nolan’s list to life and how they fall for each other even more through the day.
I liked how they’re as comfortable in their animal skins around each other as in human form. Of course, the wolf and raccoon are far more clued up about these two being mates. Griffin and Nolan’s HEA is sweet, and I loved the glimpse into their lives one year later.
I thought working through a bucket list was a sweet idea to get these two together. They’re in a relationship in all but name, and only need to cross the bridge to sleeping together. I loved the ideas Griffin came up with to bring Nolan’s list to life and how they fall for each other even more through the day.
I liked how they’re as comfortable in their animal skins around each other as in human form. Of course, the wolf and raccoon are far more clued up about these two being mates. Griffin and Nolan’s HEA is sweet, and I loved the glimpse into their lives one year later.
March 4, 2024
- an MM shifter romance! best friends to lovers, neighbours to lovers, wolf x raccoon, bucket list, omegaverse, primal play!
- we always love the premise of a bucket list plot!
- this is the cutest novella i have ever read
- the way they’re both madly in love with each other 🥹
- Griffin does an amazing job making sure everything is ticked off!!
- more sex scenes i thought there would be! and they’re so so good
- oh a cheeky lil bit of primal play thrown in!
- i love how they’ve both decided they’re gonna confess their love!
- look i was told there was nesting and them building a fort is not nesting but i appreciated it
- i’m so happy they confessed their love instead going back to friends, would of hated that
- the epilogue was super cute!! i just love them so much
- this is genuinely the cutest thing i have ever read!!!
- we always love the premise of a bucket list plot!
- this is the cutest novella i have ever read
- the way they’re both madly in love with each other 🥹
- Griffin does an amazing job making sure everything is ticked off!!
- more sex scenes i thought there would be! and they’re so so good
- oh a cheeky lil bit of primal play thrown in!
- i love how they’ve both decided they’re gonna confess their love!
- look i was told there was nesting and them building a fort is not nesting but i appreciated it
- i’m so happy they confessed their love instead going back to friends, would of hated that
- the epilogue was super cute!! i just love them so much
- this is genuinely the cutest thing i have ever read!!!
February 6, 2023
What a fluffy sweet read. Oh it definitely has its spice but this was such a no angst lovely read. Nolan and Griffon have been best friends and neighbors for several years…and also secretly in with each other. Neither one has the courage to say anything because they don’t want to lose the friendship. But what if? A drunken night of confessionals about dreams and bucket lists leads to a day of Griffon wooing the omega of his dreams and attempting to show him how good they could be together. Very swoon worthy moments are involved.
February 13, 2023
This is a wonderful best friends to lovers story that initially broke my heart a bit when Griffin decides to go all out to fulfill Nolan's bucket list because he figures some romantic time with Nolan is better than none and he doesn't think Nolan can ever possibly share his romantic feelings. Griffin decides he'll make Nolan happy and pretend to himself things are real and felt so sad. Fortunately, it isn't long before it's clear to both men this isn't just a "friendly" thing going on and we get a lovely and satisfying conclusion for the characters and the reader.
February 15, 2023
The Bucket List is a super cute, quick read best friends to lovers story. Neighbors Griffin, an alpha wolf shifter, and Nolan, an omega raccoon shifter, are best friends that should be more. I loved this book, what a great idea. I loved how Griffin was all in and really wanted to make the entire day special for Nolan. Nolan's list was just the push he needed. This, make you feel good book, is one I will enjoy reading again and again. Definitely recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
February 19, 2023
This was my first book by Toby and I honestly couldn’t put it down. After reading this I look forward to reading more by Toby. Griffin and Nolan are swoon worthy, both have unspoken feelings for one another. The love between them is obvious from the start. Griffin was a perfect, loving and caring alpha: I loved the items an Nolan’s bucket list and I really enjoyed watching them tick off each one. Seeing them realise they could be a couple was so cut and I felt all fuzzy inside by the time this short story ended.
I received an arc in return for my honest review
I received an arc in return for my honest review
February 28, 2023
Two oblivious best friends, one incredible bucket list.
This is an incredible experience. The bucket list is novel and so believable. This is one high after another. It just doesn't let up!. These two men have been in love with each other for years... never telling for fear of messing up their friendship. Crossing off the items on the bucket list... all in one day... is a joyous task. Ooh, and the sex is all out scorching. HEA is assured. You have got to get this book!
This is an incredible experience. The bucket list is novel and so believable. This is one high after another. It just doesn't let up!. These two men have been in love with each other for years... never telling for fear of messing up their friendship. Crossing off the items on the bucket list... all in one day... is a joyous task. Ooh, and the sex is all out scorching. HEA is assured. You have got to get this book!
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