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.

This is EVERYTHING I want in a sapphic second-chance book!!

Firstly, thank you so much for the ARC, I was dying to read this and it was so worth the wait. I loved how quickly we dived into the story, and how we flashback to scenes of them meeting and falling in love during their school days as well as the present.

A perfect balance of banter, angst, feelings and chemistry. Devoured this in one day. Perfect for travel reading.

This was my first book by author Kristin Keppler and it won't be my last. She wrote a second chance romance that really resonated with me. A story of first love that overcame mistakes to be a last love ten years later. Thoroughly enjoyed!!!!

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. | BSB genre and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

Nicely done second-chance romance novel. Quick and easy read for everyone who is craving a story about first love that you never got over, story about meeting again then you least expect it. A story about forgiveness. While the plot wasn't something new, it was still very enjoyable read. Sometimes the timeline jumps pulled me out of the story, but at the same time it showed how much the characters changed since high school and how much they've grown. Also, loved the setting. I'd recommend it to any sapphic romance reader, especially second-chance trope lovers.

Very enjoyable second chance romance. Peyton Reilly is a player. Her last real relationship and love was her high school girlfriend, Hanna Choi. Peyton has a masters degree in marine biology and works in her hometown aquarium in North Carolina. She is shocked when Hanna returns to town and is a new veterinarian resident at her work place. There are glances, jealousy and longing. Interwoven into the story are flashbacks to their high school year when they were together and their eventual parting.

This is a sequel or takes place in the same world as “One Last Summer” (July 2024). Both of the MC’s in that book make appearances in this and one is Peyton’s best friend. I’ve read and enjoyed that one but this is a stand alone novel and can be read on its own. The story is told from Peyton’s POV but eventually from conversations you get Hanna’s side. This reads a little like a YA novel because part of the story is set in high school. Also intimacy is mostly off the page. But these characters are likable with neither being a villain. And the friend group is nice although one continually oversteps. The epilogue is only several months later giving a happy for now ending, which again, feels more typical for a YA romance. But I was happy with it.

I liked the story and the setting. I enjoyed learning about penguins and sea turtles as well.

Thank you Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for the free digital copy for an honest review!

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and knew this book was right up my alley. From the very start I really enjoyed Peyton as our main female character. The same was said for Hanna. I found myself really invested in these two woman, learning about what caused them to split apart and slowly find their way back to one another. The tension between the pair had my heart doing that little squeeze. It was well worth going through the ups and downs, it only made me fond of the pair.

Not only did the author make two likable main characters they also made many likable side characters. Some I hope if anything we get a story on their romance. Alice and Emerson being one. I can be hopeful, yeah?

Overall Worth Waiting For was a very enjoyable book to sit down and read. Thank you again for allowing me to read this story about Peyton and Hanna!

Worth Waiting For by Kristin Keppler is a first-love, second-chance romance between a marine biologist at a North Carolina aquarium and the resident marine vet who reconnect after a devastating breakup in their senior year of high school.
Almost a decade later, the feelings are just as strong, the pain just as real, and the two must navigate how to once again be in each other's orbit.
I didn't immediately connect with the characters but was interested in where this would go, and by a quarter to a third way in, I was invested.
Dual timelines give us flashbacks to their first experience together, and the intimate scenes were closed-door, appropriate for their age. The present timeline had spicier open-door scenes, better suited for the adults they have become.
Mental health is a huge factor in their story. I like how we process the breakup and healing journey with Hanna and Peyton. They both have a strong found family support system that is integral to their growth. They both also have strained relationships with their families.
I love the interesting careers, the location, and the sweet marine animals. Also, kudos for deaf rep.
There were some time jumps that took me by surprise and pulled me out of the story for a moment to consider. Sometimes the characters seem immature for their age.
We get a happy ever after wrapped up with an epilogue.
It was a quick read for me and overall, I enjoyed it. I am giving it a 3.5 rounded up. I would definitely read more by this author.
#firstlove #secondchance #marinebiologist #marineveterinarian #NorthCarolina #aquarium #surfer #marinelife #mentalhealthrep #PhD #deafrep #foundfamily #HEA #epilogue #dualtimeline

This poignant novel is a captivating exploration of your first love. You experience all the emotions of love, hope, pain, and longing. The characters are well developed and is well paced so you are captivated from start to finish. Kristen has crafted a wonderful novel that is sure to resonate profoundly.

2.75 stars rounded up

This is a follow up to One Last Summer with several recurring characters. I didn't know that going into this, so maybe that hurt my perception of the story a bit.

The prologue had such a strong start. Marine researcher working at an aquarium where her high school love is now on staff - amazing premise. I loved the parts that included the animals (especially Huey the penguin and Gertie the turtle). I wanted more with the animals. Keppler is a strong writer, for sure. I adored the supportive friend group. The surfing aspects were cool.

Unfortunately, this story is the epitome of everything I dislike about miscommunication done poorly. Peyton was soooo annoying. For someone who was so mad about her heart being broken, I was expecting Hanna to have done something bad, so when the revelation FINALLY happened, I was like, "That was it?" And I do understand, it was high school and high emotions and all, but for Peyton to STILL be nursing a grudge about it nine years later, and then she basically shut down every attempt Hanna made to talk about anything meaningful... It was willful miscommunication and I hated that. Even by the end, it was like they hadn't learned ANYTHING from what had happened.

If you enjoy miscommunication about a surfing marine researcher and her high school ex, you'd probably like this.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read.