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The Bucket List
Did he plan for his best friend and his brother to fall in love?
Schoolteacher Jason has been left a bucket list of places and things that his brother, Andrew, wanted to visit or do, but never had a chance to. Attending a school reunion, going to England, and visiting London and Stonehenge, are all on the list. Jason is determined to cross everything off and, at the same time, work through his grief at his brother's death.
Closeted soap actor Mark Wesley is shocked when a blast from the past looks him up and devastated when he realizes he will never have a chance to make things right between him and an old friend. When he left town he'd never looked back, and is firmly in the closet, working on a soap opera and living a lie. Losing his friend is a shock to his system and forces him to re-evaluate where his life is going.
Together Jason and Mark agree to work on Andrew's bucket list, only Jason and Mark grow closer and passion turns to love. Was this Andrew's plan all along? That his little brother and his best friend should fall in love?
NB: Originally a short unfinished blog story, readers of RJ's blog insisted the story be expanded and finished and she listened to them. With twenty five thousand words added, expansion of the story line, and more scenes set in the UK, this story is very different to how it began.
Word Count: 42,000
Schoolteacher Jason has been left a bucket list of places and things that his brother, Andrew, wanted to visit or do, but never had a chance to. Attending a school reunion, going to England, and visiting London and Stonehenge, are all on the list. Jason is determined to cross everything off and, at the same time, work through his grief at his brother's death.
Closeted soap actor Mark Wesley is shocked when a blast from the past looks him up and devastated when he realizes he will never have a chance to make things right between him and an old friend. When he left town he'd never looked back, and is firmly in the closet, working on a soap opera and living a lie. Losing his friend is a shock to his system and forces him to re-evaluate where his life is going.
Together Jason and Mark agree to work on Andrew's bucket list, only Jason and Mark grow closer and passion turns to love. Was this Andrew's plan all along? That his little brother and his best friend should fall in love?
NB: Originally a short unfinished blog story, readers of RJ's blog insisted the story be expanded and finished and she listened to them. With twenty five thousand words added, expansion of the story line, and more scenes set in the UK, this story is very different to how it began.
Word Count: 42,000
134 pages, ebook
First published January 26, 2015
16 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Scott
317 books2,694 followersRJ Scott is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military, she believes that love is love and every man deserves their own happy ending.
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook - Also, Never miss a release
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 24, 2016
1 = did not like it
No, no digo que este libro sea malo, sólo que a mí, no me ha gustado
Tras un DNF al 55%, no sé qué siroco me dio ayer, que por la noche lo terminé, total eran ciento y poco páginas, y no tenía nada mejor que hacer... Dormir hubiera sido mucha mejor opción...
La historia que se plantea necesita más páginas, muchas más, la relación entre Jason y Mark queda forzada, absolutamente insta y con muy poco fundamento, si es que hubo una conexión kármica en el pasado que les lleva a eso y yo me lo he perdido, que me lo expliquen, que yo no he sentido NADA.
En fin, que para el poco tiempo que tengo, mejor me estoy quietecita...
No, no digo que este libro sea malo, sólo que a mí, no me ha gustado
Tras un DNF al 55%, no sé qué siroco me dio ayer, que por la noche lo terminé, total eran ciento y poco páginas, y no tenía nada mejor que hacer... Dormir hubiera sido mucha mejor opción...
La historia que se plantea necesita más páginas, muchas más, la relación entre Jason y Mark queda forzada, absolutamente insta y con muy poco fundamento, si es que hubo una conexión kármica en el pasado que les lleva a eso y yo me lo he perdido, que me lo expliquen, que yo no he sentido NADA.
En fin, que para el poco tiempo que tengo, mejor me estoy quietecita...
Read
September 16, 2022I had a really bad day yesterday, a terrible-news kind of day, and needed to lose myself in a story. How opportune this story arrived on my Kindle. :)
I loved the whole idea of The Bucket List - two men who knew each other in their youth, reunited to carry out the last wishes of their brother/best friend. It was a tender story, that shared the grief of the two men as they followed Andrew's wishes.
Mark is a closeted soapy star and the bucket list forces him to face issues that he had hidden deep inside. Jason is the man, who by following his brother's wishes, helps Mark to finally live a life where he is able to love.
The story progresses gently as the men travel to their home town and then head to London. It is through sight-seeing, and making memories that Andrew was unable to do, that their own feelings are awakened. There ware a few moments of drama related to Mark's past and his star-status but nothing over the top.
This story was another winner for me. I got lost in The Bucket List and read it cover-to-cover in one sitting and ended with a smile.
I loved the whole idea of The Bucket List - two men who knew each other in their youth, reunited to carry out the last wishes of their brother/best friend. It was a tender story, that shared the grief of the two men as they followed Andrew's wishes.
Mark is a closeted soapy star and the bucket list forces him to face issues that he had hidden deep inside. Jason is the man, who by following his brother's wishes, helps Mark to finally live a life where he is able to love.
The story progresses gently as the men travel to their home town and then head to London. It is through sight-seeing, and making memories that Andrew was unable to do, that their own feelings are awakened. There ware a few moments of drama related to Mark's past and his star-status but nothing over the top.
This story was another winner for me. I got lost in The Bucket List and read it cover-to-cover in one sitting and ended with a smile.
January 28, 2015
5 Teary-Eyed Stars For a very sad and at the same time, very romantic story which had me swooning one paragraph then crying the very next.
The romantic part of this story was lovely. I really liked how she wrote Mark & Jason together. I am still sighing over them. Their romance was slow-building and believable. They TALKED about their budding feelings many times instead of running away from them or assuming things, which is why RJ Scott is an auto-buy for me.
Now on to the sad part of this story: Andrew's death which started Jason on his quest to find Mark so they could fulfill Andrew's bucket list. Shit, I can barely type this part w/o tearing up!! I'll just say it was so HEART WRENCHING at times, I had to stop and take a breath to compose myself before picking it up to read again. I'm not an emotional person (I'm actually pretty cynical). I also would much rather laugh than cry when reading, but this story pulled the tears out of me whether I wanted to let them out or not. It was THAT moving.
Oh, and I love how Mark came out. LOVED IT! It WAS the perfect time and place for it to happen....just like he thought. A
The romantic part of this story was lovely. I really liked how she wrote Mark & Jason together. I am still sighing over them. Their romance was slow-building and believable. They TALKED about their budding feelings many times instead of running away from them or assuming things, which is why RJ Scott is an auto-buy for me.
Now on to the sad part of this story: Andrew's death which started Jason on his quest to find Mark so they could fulfill Andrew's bucket list. Shit, I can barely type this part w/o tearing up!! I'll just say it was so HEART WRENCHING at times, I had to stop and take a breath to compose myself before picking it up to read again. I'm not an emotional person (I'm actually pretty cynical). I also would much rather laugh than cry when reading, but this story pulled the tears out of me whether I wanted to let them out or not. It was THAT moving.
Oh, and I love how Mark came out. LOVED IT! It WAS the perfect time and place for it to happen....just like he thought. A
January 28, 2015
....An engaging and emotional look on getting past our demons and finding love in the most unexpected of places .... even when others could see it and they could not.
February 16, 2015
Delightfully touching little story from RJ, showcasing some of the best tourist hotspots in the UK and 2 guys, Jason and Mark, brought together by a dead man's bucket list. High 5 for the ending RJ, putting that bigoted pig firmly in his place. 4 stars from me.
February 26, 2015
Nice, light, sweet read. But a little bitter at the same time.
I have a hate love relationship with grieving stories.
It always can make me cry.
I need more information about that asshole Ted, and how it ended with him and Mark, didn't satisfied me.
April 13, 2024
Jason Craig is grieving for his brother, Andrew, when he finds his brother left him his bucket list to do for him. Jason is determined to scratch all the items off the list in memory of his brother as he works through his grief.
Mark Wesley, soap opera actor who is shocked to see Jason on his doorstep. Finding out Andrew is gone leaves Mark devastated. But as Jason and Mark team up to do the items on Andrew’s bucket list, they grow close and as sparks fly, can love be in the air between Jason and Mark? Was this Andrew’s way to bring Jason and Mark together beyond the grave?
RJ Scott pens a wonderful heartfelt story that will leave you breathless as the last page is read. THE BUCKET LIST is sweet, and you cannot help but feel for Jason and Mark as they try to work through their grief over Andrew’s passing. The story flows smoothly and the reader gets a sense of who Jason, Andrew and Mark are and as Jason and Mark deal with their grief and do Andrew’s bucket list items, the reader is rooting for these two to fall for one another and find happiness with each other. I love this author’s work and THE BUCKET LIST does not disappoint. With her trademark writing style, the author delivers a story that touches the heart and delivers a satisfying romance that will leave you clamoring for more from this author.
Meet Jason and Mark. Jason’s brother was terminally ill and made a bucket l ist for Jason to do for himself and Andrew’s son, Harry. What Jason finds is more than even he imagined as he touches base with Mark Wesley left me on the edge my seat as sparks fly fast between these two men. The author delivers a set of main characters that even as one is not physically in the story, Andrew figures prominently throughout the entire book in some shape or form. The characters are well written, and I enjoyed reading about Jason and Mark a lot.
Secrets, chemistry and more are abounded in THE BUCKET LIST and I love how the author delivers on so many things within the story. If you enjoy a heartfelt story that will steal your heart right off the bat, then you need to get this book. Be prepared to cry a few tears and smile a lot as you root for Jason and Mark to be together. I love RJ’s writing style and look forward to seeing where this author goes next.
Mark Wesley, soap opera actor who is shocked to see Jason on his doorstep. Finding out Andrew is gone leaves Mark devastated. But as Jason and Mark team up to do the items on Andrew’s bucket list, they grow close and as sparks fly, can love be in the air between Jason and Mark? Was this Andrew’s way to bring Jason and Mark together beyond the grave?
RJ Scott pens a wonderful heartfelt story that will leave you breathless as the last page is read. THE BUCKET LIST is sweet, and you cannot help but feel for Jason and Mark as they try to work through their grief over Andrew’s passing. The story flows smoothly and the reader gets a sense of who Jason, Andrew and Mark are and as Jason and Mark deal with their grief and do Andrew’s bucket list items, the reader is rooting for these two to fall for one another and find happiness with each other. I love this author’s work and THE BUCKET LIST does not disappoint. With her trademark writing style, the author delivers a story that touches the heart and delivers a satisfying romance that will leave you clamoring for more from this author.
Meet Jason and Mark. Jason’s brother was terminally ill and made a bucket l ist for Jason to do for himself and Andrew’s son, Harry. What Jason finds is more than even he imagined as he touches base with Mark Wesley left me on the edge my seat as sparks fly fast between these two men. The author delivers a set of main characters that even as one is not physically in the story, Andrew figures prominently throughout the entire book in some shape or form. The characters are well written, and I enjoyed reading about Jason and Mark a lot.
Secrets, chemistry and more are abounded in THE BUCKET LIST and I love how the author delivers on so many things within the story. If you enjoy a heartfelt story that will steal your heart right off the bat, then you need to get this book. Be prepared to cry a few tears and smile a lot as you root for Jason and Mark to be together. I love RJ’s writing style and look forward to seeing where this author goes next.
January 29, 2015
3.5 stars
A sweet, romantic story about Jason, whose brother (Andrew) just passed away, and Mark, Andrew's childhood friend who left the town when he was 15 yo. Jason went on to become a high school teacher, while Mark became a soap-opera star. Before he died, Andrew had made a bucket list, and both his brother and friend decided to cross everything in the list. In the process, they're falling for each other.
I love their background story from childhood.
A sweet, romantic story about Jason, whose brother (Andrew) just passed away, and Mark, Andrew's childhood friend who left the town when he was 15 yo. Jason went on to become a high school teacher, while Mark became a soap-opera star. Before he died, Andrew had made a bucket list, and both his brother and friend decided to cross everything in the list. In the process, they're falling for each other.
I love their background story from childhood.
February 14, 2015
This was a sweet short story about two men who met when they were kids, and then lne of them suddenly leaves town and they don't meet again for years.
Jason is now a 30 year old man, and he's recently lost his brother, Andrew, to cancer. Andrew left Jason a list of things to do, the things that Andrew himself didn't get to do. Important stuff. Dreams. Create memories. And, especially, and number 1 in the list meet an old friend - Mark.
Mark hears the news of Andrew's death from Jason. Together they make sure that they go through every single thing that Andrew wanted.
It's a sweet read, featuring an openly gay teacher (Jason), and a closeted gay actor (Mark), and someone who loved them both dearly and, (probably), planned everything in the hopes that these two could find love together.
While I really liked the story, I think I was expecting something else, I don't know what, really. It was sweet and comforting, and I enjoyed the romance... but, for me, the chemistry between the MCs felt a bit forced. Not all the time, but yeah.. :(
Also, what Mark went through as a high school kid is presented as bullying, but in my eyes was something stronger than that.
Nice, sweet short. :)
Jason is now a 30 year old man, and he's recently lost his brother, Andrew, to cancer. Andrew left Jason a list of things to do, the things that Andrew himself didn't get to do. Important stuff. Dreams. Create memories. And, especially, and number 1 in the list meet an old friend - Mark.
Mark hears the news of Andrew's death from Jason. Together they make sure that they go through every single thing that Andrew wanted.
It's a sweet read, featuring an openly gay teacher (Jason), and a closeted gay actor (Mark), and someone who loved them both dearly and, (probably), planned everything in the hopes that these two could find love together.
While I really liked the story, I think I was expecting something else, I don't know what, really. It was sweet and comforting, and I enjoyed the romance... but, for me, the chemistry between the MCs felt a bit forced. Not all the time, but yeah.. :(
Also, what Mark went through as a high school kid is presented as bullying, but in my eyes was something stronger than that.
Nice, sweet short. :)
May 15, 2015
After Jason's brother dies, he leaves him a bucket list to gulgil with his best friend Mark.
The 2 men attend the 15 year reunion at school and then embark on a vacation in England, visiting London, Salisbury and Stonehenge. There the 2 men fall in love, just like Andrew wanted.
I liked this book. It was an easy read if a little too insta love. Both men realizing a crush they had hd as teenagers.
The 2 men attend the 15 year reunion at school and then embark on a vacation in England, visiting London, Salisbury and Stonehenge. There the 2 men fall in love, just like Andrew wanted.
I liked this book. It was an easy read if a little too insta love. Both men realizing a crush they had hd as teenagers.
January 28, 2015
A heartfelt read.
June 25, 2019
This was a very sweet forced proximity romance centered around two kids who knew each other when they were young kids. When tragedy brings them together again, they join together to fulfill three separate dreams.
Jason and his brother Andrew were close. Especially as adults. When Andrew was diagnosed with cancer and given a deadline on his life, he put together a bucket list. Now it's up to Jason to fulfill his brother's requests, but he's been told they need to involve Andrew's old best friend Mark.
Mark's living in California, working as a soap opera actor. He's in the closet, the only one knowing about him other than his parents is Andrew. But when Jason finds him and tells him the news of Andrew's passing, he agrees to go on this strange quest in Andrew's name.
Both quickly realize there might be more to this bucket list than just a few places to visit on a map. Andrew may have known some deeper secrets.
As always, RJ Scott tells a brilliant story. Both men had been bullied for being gay in a small town. Mark had never fully recovered from the trauma that forced him out of town. But, together, they weave into each other's lives seamlessly and it's an amazing reading experience. I loved it.
Jason and his brother Andrew were close. Especially as adults. When Andrew was diagnosed with cancer and given a deadline on his life, he put together a bucket list. Now it's up to Jason to fulfill his brother's requests, but he's been told they need to involve Andrew's old best friend Mark.
Mark's living in California, working as a soap opera actor. He's in the closet, the only one knowing about him other than his parents is Andrew. But when Jason finds him and tells him the news of Andrew's passing, he agrees to go on this strange quest in Andrew's name.
Both quickly realize there might be more to this bucket list than just a few places to visit on a map. Andrew may have known some deeper secrets.
As always, RJ Scott tells a brilliant story. Both men had been bullied for being gay in a small town. Mark had never fully recovered from the trauma that forced him out of town. But, together, they weave into each other's lives seamlessly and it's an amazing reading experience. I loved it.
February 2, 2015
Original Blog Post: eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: The Bucket List by RJ Scott
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Jason Craig had to go to a shoot and get in touch with soap star, Mark Wesley. Not because he was secretly stalking the actor, it was because he had been asked to do so by his brother. When Mark meets Jason, it is to learn that the 'keeper of his secrets' had died and one of Andrew's last requests was that he and Jason were to live out the list of things he had wanted to do but never did or could. The Bucket List included a list of places and attending a class reunion that Mark was not willing to go to. His high school held a lot of memories. Traumatic ones.
Jason and Mark go through the list and yes, it first started out as just a duty to fulfill but soon, they realize they learned more of who Andrew Craig was and that he used the list so he could show them what he wanted them both to know. It was as if he was reaching out from the grave and Jason and Mark could not get away from him. Or from each other.
The trip through the list get the two men closer to each other, learn who each other are, and in the end, find out who they really were. The list was a tool that finally showed Mark that there was something he left behind in Cooper's Yard.
Bittersweet is one word that comes to mind, especially when dealing with the memory that was Andrew but romantic is the only thing I could think of when reading how Jason and Mark got to know each other again and finally looked and smiled.
This is definitely one of the best and fastest read written by RJ Scott and, well, it left me feeling really, really good. Definitely one to add to that list or just go for broke, sit with a cup of tea and finish in an afternoon.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Jason Craig had to go to a shoot and get in touch with soap star, Mark Wesley. Not because he was secretly stalking the actor, it was because he had been asked to do so by his brother. When Mark meets Jason, it is to learn that the 'keeper of his secrets' had died and one of Andrew's last requests was that he and Jason were to live out the list of things he had wanted to do but never did or could. The Bucket List included a list of places and attending a class reunion that Mark was not willing to go to. His high school held a lot of memories. Traumatic ones.
Jason and Mark go through the list and yes, it first started out as just a duty to fulfill but soon, they realize they learned more of who Andrew Craig was and that he used the list so he could show them what he wanted them both to know. It was as if he was reaching out from the grave and Jason and Mark could not get away from him. Or from each other.
The trip through the list get the two men closer to each other, learn who each other are, and in the end, find out who they really were. The list was a tool that finally showed Mark that there was something he left behind in Cooper's Yard.
Bittersweet is one word that comes to mind, especially when dealing with the memory that was Andrew but romantic is the only thing I could think of when reading how Jason and Mark got to know each other again and finally looked and smiled.
This is definitely one of the best and fastest read written by RJ Scott and, well, it left me feeling really, really good. Definitely one to add to that list or just go for broke, sit with a cup of tea and finish in an afternoon.
January 31, 2015
This was a slow burn romance.....a cross between second chance/friends to lovers......simple, sweet, no angst, no drama, no miscommunication......but lots of emotions.....Jason going through the bucket list on behalf of his brother, for memories for Andrew's son....made my heart ache.... I wish a loved one had the time to make something similar to not make his passing so raw, something to make me still feel close.....memories are so very precious ....
I liked the pace of the story, nothing frantic with Jason and Mark's relationship and their coming together. I loved the description of places they visited....all very familiar as I have worked and stayed in both London and Sailsbury and a fleeting weekend in Edinburgh for my sister's 40th.....but that's another story!!! It was sad to read that you can no longer walk around Stonehenge.....something I actually did in my early teens.....which is *cough* too many years ago now...
It finished with a HFN and an epilogue, which was a nice ending. Recommended.
I liked the pace of the story, nothing frantic with Jason and Mark's relationship and their coming together. I loved the description of places they visited....all very familiar as I have worked and stayed in both London and Sailsbury and a fleeting weekend in Edinburgh for my sister's 40th.....but that's another story!!! It was sad to read that you can no longer walk around Stonehenge.....something I actually did in my early teens.....which is *cough* too many years ago now...
It finished with a HFN and an epilogue, which was a nice ending. Recommended.
February 10, 2019
This book was both at times, heartbreakingly sad and incredibly romantic. While there are other books like this, it takes a great author to find a balance where neither overpower the other.
This book had the potential to be full of angst. I'll admit I was a little worried after reading the blurb. However, it wasn't. The "sad" never became overwhelming, and the "light" didn't take away from the poignancy of the whole either.
Overall it's a beautiful, romantic love story. A love story created out of missed opportunities, sad endings, yet a sneaky matchmaking from beyond death by a beloved brother and best friend. This is why R.J. Scott is one of my favourite authors!
This book had the potential to be full of angst. I'll admit I was a little worried after reading the blurb. However, it wasn't. The "sad" never became overwhelming, and the "light" didn't take away from the poignancy of the whole either.
Overall it's a beautiful, romantic love story. A love story created out of missed opportunities, sad endings, yet a sneaky matchmaking from beyond death by a beloved brother and best friend. This is why R.J. Scott is one of my favourite authors!
February 24, 2015
Sometimes other people know us better than we know ourselves. This story was sad and sweet. Jason's brother, Andrew has just died and he is fulfilling his brothers wishes. One of which is to drag an old boyhood chum along to some of the places on the bucket list he had made.
The two MC are sweet and caring. It was nice to see them talk about the lives and feelings. To really get to know each other again and bond over the loss of their brother/friend. It was fun to watch them fall in love. Was that Andrews plan all along ... Why I do believe it was. I can't wait to read more of this authors work.
The two MC are sweet and caring. It was nice to see them talk about the lives and feelings. To really get to know each other again and bond over the loss of their brother/friend. It was fun to watch them fall in love. Was that Andrews plan all along ... Why I do believe it was. I can't wait to read more of this authors work.
January 28, 2015
This started out as a blog story that I was instantly hooked on. We all waited mostly patiently,sometimes not so much, every week for a new part of it to pop up. So exciting that it was made into a book and that we finally get the ending we were all hoping for! An amazing story of loss, acceptance, a dreaded class reunion, and we all know how awful THOSE can be and a little bit of justice. In the end it is all about the love that Jason and Mark find together and the journey they take in Andrew's memory.
February 14, 2015
rated it up
I liked this story but it could have been so much more !
so that is why i come to 3.5 stars
the Chemistry is obviously there between jason and max but i felt constantly that there was something missing that it went so fast etc
I love Rj Scott her books so this one is no exception to that
Her way of writing is comfortable and easy and the story Always finds a way to get to you
but I honestly believe with this story it could have been so much more
I liked this story but it could have been so much more !
so that is why i come to 3.5 stars
the Chemistry is obviously there between jason and max but i felt constantly that there was something missing that it went so fast etc
I love Rj Scott her books so this one is no exception to that
Her way of writing is comfortable and easy and the story Always finds a way to get to you
but I honestly believe with this story it could have been so much more
September 20, 2018
I like matchmakers. Even the slightly presumptuous ones.
And while this story started in tragedy, several, to be precise, it was full of hope and love and determination. The two main characters were sweet people and seeing them reconnect, grieve and fall in love thanks to a bit of a meddling of a man trying to right past wrongs, was a real treat.
The ending was a little abrupt but I was glad that things worked out for all and people got they just deserts.
And while this story started in tragedy, several, to be precise, it was full of hope and love and determination. The two main characters were sweet people and seeing them reconnect, grieve and fall in love thanks to a bit of a meddling of a man trying to right past wrongs, was a real treat.
The ending was a little abrupt but I was glad that things worked out for all and people got they just deserts.
April 15, 2015
this is the story of a brother, who is following his dead brother's will. This is the story of a soap star who is hiding in the closet. This is the story of undying loves : love for a brother and love for a long lost friend.
If this romance doesn't break your heart, I'll be damned !
Sweet and strong and sad and lovely. This is definitely a must read, as every RJ Scott's books are
If this romance doesn't break your heart, I'll be damned !
Sweet and strong and sad and lovely. This is definitely a must read, as every RJ Scott's books are
February 4, 2015
I really liked this book! The older brother dies and asks Jason to fulfill his bucket list. Looks up Mark which is first on the list and they work to cross off things on the list. They meet when they are young and while working on the list realize they have feelings for each other. Just a little drama but a very feel good story!
January 29, 2015
3.5 Stars
January 31, 2015
A really lovely sweet romance.
February 25, 2015
3.5 stars
September 23, 2015
beautifully cheasy
February 1, 2015
3.5 stars
June 30, 2019
I would rate this 4.5 stars.
Jason contacts Mark about the death of his brother Andrew. Andrew and Mark had been best friends when they were young, but didn't keep in touch after Mark left town at 15. Now at 33, all the memories Mark buried away are back. It was Andrew's last wish that Jason complete his bucket list of things he wanted to do and Mark is made a part of it with his 15th high school reunion. Throughout this book they both face grief of a life lost, lost chances, and regret for bad decisions and might have beens. This is tapered with some of the best memories of their lives. Questions of all the missed years are painful. At first, both have things they are hiding; watching them earn those secrets is an emotional rollercoaster. The flashbacks they both have keep the emotional punches coming.
This was a bit unexpectedly triggering for me. Be advised much of this is about child abuse and bullying. The grief and shared history gives them something to bond over initially, but it is being together daily that makes it mean more, letting their relationship blossom. This book come across as very real to me with enough sweet and sexy parts to make it believable they can make it work and not just as a vacation romance. I liked the honest communication between them, both about the past and what they are feeling for each other as it happens. This is about righting old wrongs and really living because life is short, not revenge or comeuppance, although the reader gets a bit of that too.
Jason contacts Mark about the death of his brother Andrew. Andrew and Mark had been best friends when they were young, but didn't keep in touch after Mark left town at 15. Now at 33, all the memories Mark buried away are back. It was Andrew's last wish that Jason complete his bucket list of things he wanted to do and Mark is made a part of it with his 15th high school reunion. Throughout this book they both face grief of a life lost, lost chances, and regret for bad decisions and might have beens. This is tapered with some of the best memories of their lives. Questions of all the missed years are painful. At first, both have things they are hiding; watching them earn those secrets is an emotional rollercoaster. The flashbacks they both have keep the emotional punches coming.
This was a bit unexpectedly triggering for me. Be advised much of this is about child abuse and bullying. The grief and shared history gives them something to bond over initially, but it is being together daily that makes it mean more, letting their relationship blossom. This book come across as very real to me with enough sweet and sexy parts to make it believable they can make it work and not just as a vacation romance. I liked the honest communication between them, both about the past and what they are feeling for each other as it happens. This is about righting old wrongs and really living because life is short, not revenge or comeuppance, although the reader gets a bit of that too.
April 26, 2020
Rounded up to 3.5 stars. There was a lot about The Bucket List that I liked - the description of grief that underpins the whole story was very well done, especially in Jason's case, mourning a beloved older brother.
It's his brother, Andrew's bucket list that leads Jason to Mark Wesley - now a closeted soap star, but once upon a time Andrew's best friend. They lost touch years ago, and Mark doesn't know Andrew has died until Jason visits and tells him. One of the things on Andrew's bucket list was to have Mark and Jason go to the high school reunion together. Which they do. And it goes ... not particularly well.
However, Mark and Jason find that they share more than just grief - there's a growing attraction as well. The relationship part of the book is actually pretty linear - Mark and Jason talk about their feelings, and the relationship develops naturally - if a little quickly. Given how quickly, I wanted some introspection, or discussion, from both of them about why it was developing so fast. Especially since Jason is still so vulnerable after the death of his brother.
Apart from that, there's a lot to enjoy. Mark and Jason travel to England and visit some of the tourist spots Andrew had dreamed of going to. Mark tells Jason about what happened when he and his mother moved so abruptly when he was a teenager.
I almost wanted the book to be a bit longer? To unravel more of the narrative threads in regards to Mark and Andrew's backstory, and Jason's life; but overall an enjoyable read that handled the theme of grief with a great deal of sensitivity.
It's his brother, Andrew's bucket list that leads Jason to Mark Wesley - now a closeted soap star, but once upon a time Andrew's best friend. They lost touch years ago, and Mark doesn't know Andrew has died until Jason visits and tells him. One of the things on Andrew's bucket list was to have Mark and Jason go to the high school reunion together. Which they do. And it goes ... not particularly well.
However, Mark and Jason find that they share more than just grief - there's a growing attraction as well. The relationship part of the book is actually pretty linear - Mark and Jason talk about their feelings, and the relationship develops naturally - if a little quickly. Given how quickly, I wanted some introspection, or discussion, from both of them about why it was developing so fast. Especially since Jason is still so vulnerable after the death of his brother.
Apart from that, there's a lot to enjoy. Mark and Jason travel to England and visit some of the tourist spots Andrew had dreamed of going to. Mark tells Jason about what happened when he and his mother moved so abruptly when he was a teenager.
I almost wanted the book to be a bit longer? To unravel more of the narrative threads in regards to Mark and Andrew's backstory, and Jason's life; but overall an enjoyable read that handled the theme of grief with a great deal of sensitivity.
July 9, 2019
This is a heart-wrenching, romantic and interesting story. When Jason's brother Andrew dies he begins doing the things that Andrew had put on a bucket list for Jason to do for him. Beginning with seeing their childhood friend Mark, a man that disappeared on them when he and Andrew were 15, and convincing him to attend the 15 year high school reunion coming up. Mark is happy to see Jason, but devastated to learn of Andrew's death. Mark agrees to go with Jason to the reunion, but only for Andrew. He feels guilty for never having gone back to his hometown to see them and explain why he left. Mark hates that school, having been bullied and humiliated it's a place he never thought he would never step foot in again. Things don't go well, the bully is still a bully, and he won't leave Mark alone. After that disaster he agrees to still continue with the list. First stop is England. While on this trip Mark starts to develop feelings for Jason, while Jason realizes that he never got over his crush on Mark. Mark's acting career forced him to hide the fact that he is gay, but he finds it harder and harder to try to keep pretending. Their trip is intensely emotional, they cry and they laugh, and fall they in love. I cried throughout the book for all 3 of them. Add this one to your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
July 2, 2019
An angel among us
by Melanie S.
RJ Scott is well-known for sensitive, steamy and beautiful M/M love stories - deservedly so. The Bucket List is a prime example. It starts with a boy - Andrew - who is loyal to his best friend Mark, and to his younger brother, Jason the science nerd. He stands up for them when they are bullied. He keeps their confidences. He hurts when Mark moves away and doesn't stay in touch. But Andrew grows up, forgives his absent friend, champions his brother when he comes out, marries the woman he adores, and has a little son. Then Andrew dies. He leaves behind a "Bucket List" for his brother Jason - all the things he wanted to do and see, and share with his son. He wants Jason to do these things in his stead, to keep his dreams and his memories alive for his widow and little boy. First item on the list? Find Mark, and the two of them are to attend Andrew's high school reunion in his place. A grieving Jason begins, reluctantly, to fulfill his brother's last request. That list proves to be a life-altering catalyst, bringing love, hope, and justice to him, to Mark, and to others in their one-horse boyhood hometown. It's a sad-sweet story that feels solid and real, and one that deserves to be read and read again.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by Melanie S.
RJ Scott is well-known for sensitive, steamy and beautiful M/M love stories - deservedly so. The Bucket List is a prime example. It starts with a boy - Andrew - who is loyal to his best friend Mark, and to his younger brother, Jason the science nerd. He stands up for them when they are bullied. He keeps their confidences. He hurts when Mark moves away and doesn't stay in touch. But Andrew grows up, forgives his absent friend, champions his brother when he comes out, marries the woman he adores, and has a little son. Then Andrew dies. He leaves behind a "Bucket List" for his brother Jason - all the things he wanted to do and see, and share with his son. He wants Jason to do these things in his stead, to keep his dreams and his memories alive for his widow and little boy. First item on the list? Find Mark, and the two of them are to attend Andrew's high school reunion in his place. A grieving Jason begins, reluctantly, to fulfill his brother's last request. That list proves to be a life-altering catalyst, bringing love, hope, and justice to him, to Mark, and to others in their one-horse boyhood hometown. It's a sad-sweet story that feels solid and real, and one that deserves to be read and read again.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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