NMmomof4's Reviews > The Birthday List

3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: I was fully going into this expecting an epic angst fest, but sadly it wasn't that for me. I didn't shed a single tear. I'm not saying I disliked it, but those darn expectations hit again! I f-loved the H! I usually like my Hs obviously alpha, but I think he was absolutely perfect for the h and the situation they were in. He made the book for me! At times I wanted to shake the h because I do think it was all about her all the time, but that very well could be just because I loved the H so much and I wanted her to deserve him a little more. I felt like the story was more about the h moving on and healing more than a romance tbh, which wasn't my favorite. I wanted more time with them connecting romantically without the list dictating what they were doing! I wouldn't say that this is one of those books where the dead spouse feels like the third in a love triangle. I think the h was understandably guilty at times, but not so much it felt OTT. The H also was completely open and understanding that the h's husband will always hold a place in her heart, but that he had a shot at helping her heal and being a part of her future. Overall, it was a sweet story about healing with little drama and a great H.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Poppy and Cole's story. Poppy's life is turned upside down when Cole informs her that her husband has been murdered. About five years later, they meet again when Poppy signed up for a karate class taught by Cole. Poppy's late husband had a "birthday list" that had things that he needed to do before certain birthdays, and she is trying to finish it in hopes of moving on. Cole doesn't hesitate to offer his help in getting the items checked off, especially if that means more time spent with Poppy. The more time they spend together, the more feelings develop and they fall in love. There is a little drama, some sexy times, and some sweet and funny moments...and they get a HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between Poppy and Cole's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.

Instalove: No. Instant attraction after reunion for sure, by I wouldn't call it instalove.

H rating: 5 stars. Cole. Wow. If any of us ever have something tragic happen to us like it did for Poppy, I can only hope that we all can have someone like Cole to put us back together! He was flipping' amazing! So patient. So sweet. So understanding. Just Perfect.

h rating: 3.5 stars. Poppy. I liked her for the most part, but I did feel like she took advantage of the H at some points (but that might be simply because I liked him so much).

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed surprisingly. I expected tears here, but the never came for me 🤷🏻‍♀️

Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[The h hold guilt for having feelings for the H, so she pushes away at times. The H is not pushy in any way, but I'd say he is the main pursuer of the relationship. (hide spoiler)]

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. It is probably what I would consider a "slow bun" as they don't kiss for the first time until around 56%.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW/OM drama: Yes (view spoiler)[ The H's ex shows up and causes some drama. The h is not fully over her husband's death and takes a while to get over the guilt of moving on. (hide spoiler)]

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly (couple days?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]

Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Loss of a spouse (on page - h), and murder (on page through H viewing surveillance videos). (hide spoiler)]

Closure: This had a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married with children (hide spoiler)]

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
(view spoiler)[
- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does have a short separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]