What I did enjoy about the book was the portrayal of the different reactions to grief. Some people wallow in it, some try to escape, some just manage to get on with life. I also love that Ten Years shows the development of friendships/relationships in unlikely situations. You could really see the growth of the characters over the years too.

The idea of a bucket list to help your closest grieve is a great plot line but because this book is spread over ten years, there was a lot to be covered in very little pages and so we only get tiny snippets of Becca and Charlie's lives which I think affected how I found them!

I didn't find Ally, Becca and Charlie to be relatable characters. Ally did seem like a likeable character but the more I read, the more I changed my mind. Becca and Charlie seemed immature for their ages and the immaturity were the only snippets we saw of them? Their relationship also doesn't seem like a true romance to me? They were pushed together through grief and a bucket list but they don't spend THAT much time interacting and when they do, they're bickering. I'd love to have seen more of the two of them alone and together without the arguments.

An interesting premise, but a little bit rocky execution. I love a good enemies to lovers banter, but felt that it was somewhat missing in this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

If you're a lover of One Day THIS IS FOR YOU! I just loved it, it was one where once I started I didn't want it to end! Loved loved loved!

Despite not being overly keen on the cover, this book had me straight away. It reminded me of the Netflix series One Day and what I imagine the book to read like (once I get around to it!).

Opening at the funeral of Ally, readers are introduced to her best friend, Becca, and her fiancé, Charlie. It is evident from the beginning that they really do not see eye-to-eye; their deceased friend is their only connection and one that will severe their meetings forever more.

Except, a message from the grave nearly a year on causes Becca and Charlie to get back together, completing a series of Ally’s bucket list challenges that she never got to doing. When I saw this element introduced into the plot, I was a bit hesitant because I feel I have read quite a few stories that centre on this theme. However, the fact that Becca and Charlie are doing it for Ally, scattering her ashes each year, meant this story gave something completely different. I loved seeing these two characters butt heads over every little thing and despite their squabbling, you can’t help but feel they would look good together as a couple.

Yet, Ally’s ghost hangs over the pair and every year Charlie and Becca reminisce about what they have lost. This book is certainly very poignant and emotional but I loved how the writer combined it with the journeys of Charlie and Becca. Each character not only has to move on from the grief of losing someone they loved, but also try and set their life in order – both in terms of their careers and love lives. It was really interesting to see how the characters changed over the years as readers are provided with the character updates when they meet for the next bucket list challenge.

I loved this story from start to finish. I was a bit reluctant when it opened with a funeral, thinking I wasn’t quite ready for the emotional onslaught that I anticipated, but actually, Hughes writes an uplifting story about living life again and the importance of moving forwards, rather than grieving forever. I loved both Becca and Charlie’s characters, keen to see how they would transform over the story, making this enjoyable all the way throughout.

Although the chapters are really lengthy, each year sped by as I was so invested in the plot. I loved the fact that Ally was not just some distant character: you really get to know her through Charlie and Becca, making her just as important as the characters completing her bucket list. It was a great read and I hope to come across more from this author in the future.

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A bucket list forces an enemies to lovers storyline over a decade of bickering, belligerence and ashes. Loved it! The lead characters are brilliantly written and the life gaps keep the narrative (and grudges) moving forward in a realistic way.

Thank you to One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for a digital copy in return for an honest review.

This book definitely gave me 'One Day' vibes - Charlie and Becca have known each other for ages and I liked seeing how their interactions changed over time, It was a lot deeper than I was expecting, not the easy romance I thought but I did enjoy it. I would recommend it for a nice romance read with a bit more substance!

The strength of Ten Years lies in Hughes’ ability to capture the complexities of human emotion with depth and authenticity. Each character is crafted with care, their struggles and triumphs resonating with the reader on a personal level. The prose is fluid, carrying the reader effortlessly through James’ highs and lows.

However, while Ten Years is undeniably a good read, it falls short of greatness in its predictability at times. Certain plot twists and character developments feel formulaic, detracting slightly from the overall impact of the narrative. Additionally, the pacing, while generally steady, occasionally slows in parts where more dynamic storytelling could have heightened engagement.

In conclusion, Ten Years by Hughes is a commendable novel that explores universal themes of growth and resilience. While it may not reach the heights of literary greatness due to its occasional predictability and pacing issues, it remains a solid choice for readers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of life’s challenges and triumphs.

"Ten Years" by Pernille Hughes is a compelling and heartfelt read that left a lasting impression on me. The story beautifully navigates the complexities of grief, love, and friendship over a decade, following the intertwined lives of Becca and Charlie. Hughes masterfully captures their emotional journeys, making the characters feel incredibly real and relatable.

I found myself deeply moved by the authentic portrayal of how the characters cope with loss and find solace in unexpected places. The narrative's pacing is perfect, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The blend of humor and poignant moments adds depth to the story, making it a truly enriching experience.

Overall, "Ten Years" is a touching and insightful novel that explores the enduring power of relationships. Pernille Hughes has created a memorable tale that resonates with readers long after the final page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a meaningful and engaging read!

I liked the idea and when I first read the plot it reminded me to 'One Day', but the reading was actually pretty boring and slow. I don't think the characters were well built up and I didn't feel any emotion or connection between them. And a romance book without chemistry... It's hard to make it work.

A wonderful read which kept you wanting to read more. A real page turner. both heart warming and heart breaking with a touch of humour. I look forward to reading more from this author.

This was an entertaining read. I went into it expecting a love story, however, it was more of a survivor/grief story and an enemies to lovers (very slow burn) trope. When Becca and Charlie lose their friend Ally, they are tasked with completing her bucket list. TOGETHER. The problem is Becca and Charlie can’t stand each other!

I enjoyed the situations they found themselves in, as each one grappled with their grief and eventually, their feelings for each other.  Both main characters grew over the course of the novel, and I thought it was interesting how each one dealt with their grief.

Read this if you enjoy women’s fiction stories.

Loved this one! I felt so connected to the main characters and the writing was super immersive. I'm so glad I read it!

Ten Years is a slow building romance and it could only be this way to make for a reasonable transition from mourning a best friend to falling in love with her boyfriend, For a tough premise, it's well thought out, it makes sense that they come together, despite their mutual hatred for each other) through fulfilling the dead girlfriend's bucket list, and it feels more like fate this way. It was a touching story,

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC!
*Note: this is an HONEST SPOILER FREE REVIEW*

one thing about me is that i love sad books. give me something that will make me feel. i so badly wanted this book to be one of those gut wrenching stories for me. i tried hard to enjoy the story and characters, but they never fully captured my interest. maybe i'll give this book another chance in the future though.

I just couldn't get into this book! Had it not been a copy from the publisher, I would have DNF'd it.
The blurb of the book was really good, but the follow-through wasn't there. It was really slow. The book was mostly hard feelings and arguing. Very little joy in this romance!

When Ally dies of cancer, her fiancé Charlie and best friend Becca are devastated. The pair have never got on, and intend to spend as little time together as possible. But Ally had other ideas, even as she’s dying, and sets the two a series of annual challenges. Will they manage to become friends by the time they’ve completed the tasks?

Ten Years is an interesting concept, matchmaking from beyond the grave. In reality, I did find it slightly unbelievable, that two people would actually undertake to spend time together, on the whims of a dead friend, but who knows. As a story, it was good fun and enjoyable to read.

I loved the premise of this book but it just fell flat. I wanted to love it so much more but too slow going for me

I was honoured to read this as part of a blogger readalong, Ten years over ten days.

Well I was not expecting this to start with a funeral or to care about the characters so quickly.

You see you often find that people who come across as hard, bitter and angry are those that actually have the most tender and fragile of hearts. That is how I feel about Becca. My love for her was instant, she was difficult, stubborn, feisty, interesting and a chaotic mess of a woman. She was Ally’s best friend.

Charlie was Ally’s fiancé and he is also Becca’s sworn nemesis. Now Ally has gone they are tasked with completing Ally’s bucket list and spreading her ashes. Can they put aside their loathing for each other one day a year, one task at a time and come together, united in their love for Ally, to do this simple thing?

Full of escapades and snide remarks this was both funny and sad at the same time. Valerie, Ally’s mum, must of wanted to bang their heads together at each annual visit. I know I did! Every time you see a chink in Becca’s armour, Charlie does or says something that makes things ten times worse. But oh how I was rooting for them both to be happy.

This is not your typical enemies to lovers or will they won’t they romance. It is a beautifully crafted story of grief, friendship, vulnerability and the importance of being true to yourself.

My decision to read this was the best decision in the history of all decisions.

I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would.

Couldn't connect to the MCs. Both felt very much like grumpy teenagers who love to hold onto a grudge. I did not feel the chemistry between them.

Although I liked the writing style of the book, I thought it was dragging on in the middle. Not much happens other than the years dragging on. The last 20-ish % were good, though.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more!! Loved the uniqueness of the plot, and how it stands out from other books of the same genre.