This romance was really sweet and well done. I don’t normally get drawn in deeply to a second-chance love story but this one had me hooked! All the characters were so three-dimensional - I loved the character development. The friends and focus on friendship was really beautiful. Perfect if you’re looking for a fairly light-hearted read with a slow burn second-chance, penguins, and the dream jobs of girls everywhere!

I didn’t know that this book was an expansion upon a previous book by this author at first, but I was happy to figure that out, because it meant I could read the first one and get to stick with these characters a little longer! This was such a cute story and I really enjoyed it!

When I first started this book it seemed to move along, it appeared to have a good plot, even the main characters seemed to be the kind of people I would picture meeting and liking. The only thing I didn’t count on was, as I read into the book it dawned on me I really didn’t like the plot that much and I didn’t like either main characters sooo…as much as it bothers me I will have to give this book a pass.
I know writing a story isn’t easy, good or bad. It takes a person with an imagination. I have neither. Every romance is basically the same story told over again but the key is to make the journey interesting. This didn’t happen. Now others may like this book so be sure to read other reviews because who knows ‘Worth Waiting For’ might be your favorite read of the year. I hope so.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

A charming, heartfelt sapphic second-chance romance with past and present POVs, AAPI rep, found family of interesting side characters, and an aquarium setting.
I'd read Kristin Keppler's One Last Summer previously, whose characters do make cameos within Worth Waiting For, but this book can easily be read as a standalone. While I enjoyed One Last Summer, Worth Waiting For is my favorite of the two novels. I loved getting to know Peyton more, as a complex and accomplished marine biologist rather than the easy-going hook-up she was introduced as in One Last Summer.
Often I'm on the fence about second chance romances, especially when miscommunication is a big plot point. While the pair's miscommunication could be frustrating, particularly regarding their past breakup, it also felt grounded in truth and the teenage experience. Much of this book is a healing journey, particularly for Peyton, and I appreciated coming along for the realistic and emotional roadblocks in their way.

The thing that I enjoyed most about this book is that there are two educated female main characters who despite not being confident with aspects of themselves, are always confident in their intelligence, which for me is always a plus. I would recommend this to people that enjoy Erica Lee books.

What the book is:
🔘 A first person narrative, single POV second chance romance story about high school girlfriends turned aquarium co-workers, Peyton and Hanna.
🔘 The first person narrative did not work for me at the beginning but after about 20% of the book it flowed much better and I was able to get into the story.
🔘 Peyton and her friends are a bit too bro-ish for me but I did like the fact the past and present versions of the main characters didn't struggle with their queer identities and everyone around them, despite not being a metropolis of "progressive" queers were accepting of them.
🔘 Second chance romances are definitely one of my favorite tropes but it's hard to make the reason for the second chance good enough that you would leave them then but also not so bad that you would take them back. I think the author did a good job with Peyton and Hanna's second chance, though I did wonder why at some points Peyton seemed more emotionally mature as an 18 year old than a 28 year old.

Peyton Reilly doesn’t want heartache or heartbreak, not since her high school relationship ended 10 years ago. And she is good with her friends and job — who needs anyone else, right? Not even the ex from high school who stomped on her heart, surely?

A reluctant second chance romance that makes you feel like a teen again, with all the emotions, awkwardness and angst. A good story and well fleshed out characters. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more Kristin Keppler books.

⭐⭐⭐
Rep: Sapphic romance, Korean-American LI

🪼Co-Workers at an aquarium
⏱️Dual time-line
❤️Sapphic second-chance romance
👁️Single POV

"To all those still waiting on their second chance"

What I Liked
1) I liked the discussions about hook-up culture and Peyton slowly realising that she was using it as a way to run from her feelings and not because it always was what she wanted. I think this is a very valuable conversation to have.

2) I loved the setting of them being co-workers at an aquarium like it was definitely the highlight of the book for me. It felt like the perfect summer vibes.

3) I liked the discussion about parent's settling and how that realisation is heart-breaking. "Realisation that my mother doesn't believe in love hits me like a punch to the gut"

4) The last few chapters actually made me believe in the romance more and bumped up my rating for this book. "My first, my last, my only".

What I Disliked
1) Being in Peyton's POV, she very much was overly sexual in her thoughts, for example, "forcing girls in tank tops to pull on sweatshirts. It's a shame, really". Personally, I hate when in romance, they make one of the MCs minds like the horniest teenager ever as it gives me such an ick. Like I don't mind it as much when it's about the love interest, but she is constantly horny in her thoughts about random things.

2) For the majority of the book, I wasn't really rooting for their romance as I just didn't feel they were meant for each other. Second-chance romance is my favourite trope but I have to feel that they are destined to be together which I just didn't feel in this book.

Overall, I think there is better second-chance sapphic romance out there but the setting in this book is really cool and if what I disliked about this book doesn't bother you personally then I'd recommend reading it.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bold Stokes Books Inc. and Kristin Keppler for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute, easy story with a small bit of drama mixed in. I think although you do jump back into the past it is just to set the narrative of then vs now and it is all from Paytons perspective but it is worth remembering we are not the same people we were in high school and all the characters are generally good people.

Something about a second chance romance will do it for me every dang time! I also really enjoyed the then and now chapters, I think it really added to the emotional depth of the story and characters relationship. I would have loved for duel pov. These characters felt very mature even tho there was a bit a miscommunication a bit throughout the book. All the side characters were great to and really added to the dynamic the main characters. This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I can’t wait to read more from their backlog!

This is a heartfelt and beautifully written second-chance romance that explores love, heartbreak, and the possibility of healing. Peyton Reilly has spent nearly a decade avoiding emotional entanglements, content with her job, her friends, and her time on the waves. But when her first love, Hanna Choi, reenters her life unexpectedly, old wounds resurface, and buried emotions refuse to stay hidden. Keppler does a fantastic job of capturing the tension between the two women, making their initial cold and awkward reunion feel both realistic and deeply emotional.

As the novel unfolds, Peyton and Hanna’s journey is filled with tender moments, unresolved pain, and the slow, cautious rediscovery of what they once had. Keppler’s storytelling shines in her ability to balance nostalgia with the challenges of moving forward, making every interaction between the two layered with meaning. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but the question of whether they can truly overcome the past keeps readers invested until the very last page.

Worth Waiting For by Kristin Kepler
Rating: 4/5

Kristin Kepler’s Worth Waiting For is a heartfelt and well-paced novel that delivers strong LGBTQIA+ representation. The story unfolds in a way that feels natural and engaging, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its authentic representation of queer relationships and identities. Kepler writes with sensitivity and depth, ensuring that the characters feel real rather than falling into clichés. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping the narrative moving while allowing space for emotional development.

ok i was not expecting a book centered around my career and my dream school but here we are. honestly really really cute i read it in one sitting and could not put it down. i hateeee the miscommunication trope and this book skirted that line amazingly. it was really healing as an ex gifted kid who has interesting relationships with her parents (truly this book was pulled from my subconscious). overall really cute, easy read.

A very sweet and emotional love story.
I liked very much how the story was formatted. You are given just little bits of an explanation of why Hanna and Peyton broke up 9 years ago.
I don't normally like flipping from present to past. But this worked very well to peek your interest.
That became the goal...why?
The romance is a very hot, slow burn. The main characters are attractive and the friends are very warm and loyal.
Overall interesting read.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I was drawn to this book by the cover, who doesn’t love water and cute sapphic babes with matching sunglasses?

It took me a little bit to get into this story. I did not read any of the other books in the series but knew this could be read as a standalone. The first thing that irked me was the backstory of why Maya dislikes Peyton. Not only was it utterly ridiculous, but I wish it weren’t in the book as, at the time that plot point was introduced, it made the story feel YA at best.

I pushed through and I’m glad I did because I did genuinely feel chemistry between Hannah and Peyton and was fully locked in by the 40% mark of the book.

The pacing for me sputtered a bit at the end, I felt that the author dangled the big “why did they break up in the first place?” question for a bit too long, that by the time the reader is clues in, I had guessed it for myself.

The other thing I took issue with was the treatment of Dana, an ancillary character- I actually felt AWFUL for Dana and demand justice for her.

In the end, this book was okay. It wasn’t a book that will stick with me forever, and that’s OK!

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

wow the course of true love never runs smoothly nor does young love

payton and hanna are together at a young age and with that comes an enormous amount of pressure, pressure that payton is unaware of so when hanna rips their world apart payton unravels and its not a pretty sight

9 years later payton spots hanna at work and paytons world tips on its axis again.... theres an awful lot of baggage to sort through thank god for friends....

an interesting read mainly done through one persons viewpoint but it was gripping in the extreme wanting to know the whys and wherefores

Worth Waiting For is a fantastic read. From the first page I was captivated by the chemistry between the two FMC’s Peyton and Hanna. It’s a touching exploration of second chance romance.

The book is the right balance of heartwarming, tense which documents an emotional journey between the two characters and contains a perfect balance of romance, suspense, and self-discovery.

The ending left me with a smile on my face, I’m a sucker for sapphic romance! My wife was my best friend for 3 years before we got together so I felt really connected to the plot and it’s what drew me towards the book.

I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of heartfelt, swoon-worthy sapphic romances.

Worth Waiting For is out now! Grab your copy! ❤️

Overall, I rate this book 5 stars!

Kristin Keppler’s Worth Waiting For is a poignant exploration of second-chance romance, skillfully weaving themes of patience, personal growth, and the enduring nature of true love. The narrative follows Peyton Reilly, who, after a decade of avoiding serious relationships following a heartbreaking split with her high school girlfriend, Hanna Choi, finds her world upended when Hanna returns to work at the same aquarium. This unexpected reunion forces both women to confront past wounds and consider the possibility of rekindling their relationship.

Keppler’s storytelling shines in her development of complex, relatable characters and the authentic depiction of their rekindled chemistry. The novel’s structure, alternating between past and present timelines, offers readers a comprehensive understanding of Peyton and Hanna’s journey, illustrating how their youthful connection evolves into a mature, enduring bond.

Readers have praised the novel for its heartfelt portrayal of second-chance love, noting the depth of emotion and the realistic progression of the characters’ relationship. The story’s emphasis on waiting for what is truly meant to be, rather than forcing outcomes, resonates as a powerful message about love and timing.

In summary, Worth Waiting For is a beautifully crafted love story that underscores the significance of patience and authenticity in relationships. Keppler’s nuanced writing and the palpable chemistry between the protagonists make this novel a compelling read for anyone who appreciates heartfelt romance and the belief that some things are indeed worth waiting for.

This was a really cute book. I liked both MC a lot and I also loved their friendship group! Half way through the book I realised I had read another book set in the same place so that was nice, but you didn’t need to have read it for the story to work.

This was a cute and fun second chance sapphic romance. My favorite character happened to be a penguin which I did not see coming.

Worth Waiting For by Kristin Keppler is a second chance romance. Peyton Reilly has been emotionally unavailable since her high school girlfriend Hanna Choi unexpectedly broke up with her. Now almost a decade later Hanna takes a job at the aquarium that Peyton works at in their home town. Now Peyton has to figure out what kind of relationship she wants and can handle with Hanna.

Kristin Keppler is a strong writer. I didn’t realize this was the second in a series when I started reading it but I felt like this easily worked as a standalone book. I really enjoyed the side characters in this book some of whom are in the other book.
I liked how it switched between now and high school. This have a lot of perspective about the characters and how they got to where they are. I actually preferred the high school chapters. Those felt very relateable in terms of the feelings.

The part of the book that I struggled with was present Peyton and Hanna. There just wasn’t enourgh time spent on them getting to know each other now. It had been almost 10 years, people change. Also, Peyton was very indecisive about what she wanted, but also wouldn’t talk about it. This book could have used more communication.

Overall, it was a cute second chance romance but needed more self reflection from the main character.

Thank you Kristin Keppler, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.