Bucket List Kiss: A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Healing, and Hockey You Can’t Miss!

Hey bookworms! Buckle up, because I just finished Bucket List Kiss by Brinn Gallant, and I am swooning! This debut novel ticked all my boxes—swoon-worthy romance, heartfelt self-discovery, and enough spice to keep things interesting. Ready for the scoop?

First Impressions

Confession time: I fell in love with this book before even reading the blurb! The title and that dreamy blue cover had me signing up for the ARC faster than you can say "bucket list." And once I started reading, I was hooked. Hannah’s journey of self-healing and Ian’s irresistible charm had me turning pages late into the night.

What’s the Story?

The story follows Hannah, freshly divorced and determined to rediscover herself after years of feeling like a side character in her own life. She moves to Calgary to live with her best friend’s brother, Levi, where she stumbles upon her teenage bucket list. Determined to tick off every item, she’s ready to embrace the adventure—but she needs a partner-in-crime. Enter Ian, Levi’s teammate and a self-proclaimed relationship avoider. He offers to help her tackle the list, sparking a summer filled with laughter, growth, and a connection neither of them saw coming.

What I Loved

• Hannah’s Journey: Hannah is such a relatable character. Her struggles with self-doubt and low self-esteem post-divorce hit close to home, but watching her reclaim her confidence and embrace new experiences was so empowering!

  
  

• Ian’s Transformation: Ian starts as your classic playboy hockey player, but beneath that façade is a man with a big heart and a love for cats (bonus points!). His patience and unwavering support for Hannah melted my heart. The way he helped her feel seen and cherished? Chef’s kiss.

  
  

• Chemistry for Days: The slow-burn romance between Hannah and Ian is electric. From their playful banter to the tender moments that tugged at my heartstrings, their relationship felt real and raw.

  
  

• Themes of Healing and Growth: This book isn’t just about falling in love with someone else—it’s about falling in love with yourself. Hannah’s rediscovery of her passions and Ian’s willingness to open his heart again were beautifully portrayed.

  
  

• Supporting Cast: Levi and the hockey crew added so much warmth and humor. It’s always fun when side characters feel as vibrant as the main ones!

What Could Have Been Better 🤔

While I adored the book, a little more depth to Ian’s backstory could have taken the story to the next level. I wanted to understand more about what shaped his aversion to relationships beyond the brief glimpses we got. Also, the pacing felt a bit rushed toward the end—I would’ve loved more time to savor Hannah and Ian’s happily ever after!

Final Thoughts

Bucket List Kiss is the perfect blend of heart, humor, and heat. Brinn Gallant’s writing is fresh and engaging, making this an unputdownable read. Whether you’re a sucker for slow-burn romances, a fan of hockey-player heroes, or simply in need of a feel-good story about second chances, this book is for you!

If you’re ready to laugh, cry, and cheer for Hannah and Ian, grab this book ASAP. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment in this series—fingers crossed we get Levi’s story next!

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4.5/5)

What’s on your bucket list, bookworms? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to add Bucket List Kiss to your TBR!

P.S. Huge thanks to Brinn Gallant for the ARC! All thoughts are 100% my own.