The Reunion by Beth Reekles is a fun and thoroughly enjoyable read that feels like stepping back into high school after *ahem* just a few years away. With its multi-POV storytelling, this story captures the chaos, nostalgia, and drama of a ten-year reunion perfectly. The mix of old rivalries, rekindled romances, and fresh revelations keeps the story engaging and entertaining from start to finish. Each character brings something unique to the table, making it easy to find someone to root for—or roll your eyes at, just like high school all over again! Lighthearted, nostalgic, and full of heart, this book is a delightful trip down memory lane.

Beth Reekles's “The Reunion” has those all-star, multi-casted movie vibes, where everything takes place in one day. In this story, though, multiple characters are going to the same reunion, and various chapters focus on them. Readers will see how they will reconnect, but often enough, many over-embellish their accomplishments or lack thereof. Some are still holding onto the past or the memory of what used to be, struggling to move forward. There were some funny moments and some sad ones with the characters. I did like the central theme of the story, as well as some of the characters. I felt the number of characters impacted my ability to connect with them. And the ending wasn’t typically what I was expecting.

Thank you, Wattpad Books, Penguin Random House, and Beth Reekles, for the gifted Advanced Reader Copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Reunion is a cute, fun, read that you don't want to miss. It shows how people change as they grow up but their true selves is always there. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read!

3.5/5 ⭐
.5/5 🌶️

This was a fun multiple POV book. It takes place one night, around their High School class reunion.
There's 10 years of catching up that takes place for the characters. I was skeptical, at first, of starting the night with the characters and wasn't immediately drawn to any of their current lives initially. Over the story, I grew to like different pieces of their varying personalities. Now I'm a romance girlie through and through, so Ashleigh and Ryan as well as Steph and Shaun were my favorite storylines. Overall, this was a nice format and fun plot that I don't see much of with multiple POV.

Thank you #netgalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for the ARC!

Multiple POVs! Multiple tropes! So much tea!

Coming from someone who is dating their high school crush many years later… this was really cute. But me and my boyfriend are definitely skipping any future reunion’s 😅 Kind of all over the place in some parts but was a fun read.

Side note; I hated Bryony from the beginning.

Thank you NetGalley & Wattpad for the ARC!

Happy release day to The Reunion! Beth Reekles delivers a fun, nostalgic, and delightfully entertaining read that will resonate with anyone who remembers the whirlwind emotions of high school. The story centers on the class of 2014, now gathering for their ten-year reunion, a highly anticipated event filled with curiosity, drama, and reflection on how much — or how little — everyone has changed since graduation.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its multi-perspective narrative structure, offering insights from various former students, each with a distinct voice and compelling personal journey. The story explores how time has treated those who were voted “most likely to…” — a humorous and poignant nod to the labels many carried out of high school:

• Hayden, who was voted Most Likely to Succeed, grapples with whether his life truly lives up to the high expectations set for him.
• Steph and Shaun, crowned Most Likely to End Up Together, face the realities of a relationship that may not be as perfect as their classmates imagined.
• Bryony, deemed Most Likely to Become Famous, contends with the pressure and visibility of her public life.
• Ryan and Ashleigh, known as Most Likely to Kill Each Other, bring plenty of sparks and old grudges to the reunion, making for some of the most entertaining and dramatic moments.

What makes The Reunion especially enjoyable is its ability to transport readers back to their own high school days. Everyone remembers the drama, the friendships, and the people who made a lasting impression — for better or worse. This book captures that universal experience while also exploring the weight of nostalgia and the impact of past expectations on the present.

For fans of ensemble casts, engaging character arcs, and stories about second chances, The Reunion is a must-read. Beth Reekles has crafted a charming and insightful novel that perfectly captures the excitement, anxiety, and heartache of reliving high school memories as an adult. It’s a delightful reminder that some things change — but some things, like love and friendship, are timeless.

Unfortunately, this was a miss for me, and I DNF'd

I usually love a multi pov but I think because this is a singular night, it didn't work well.

The way each character had their own distinct voice was incredible, and I love the writing style! I would definitely read another Beth Reekles book, this one just wasn't my cup of tea!

Thank you to Wattpad and Beth Reekles for this ARC.

I absolutely loved The Kissing Booth series, so I was excited to read this new novel from Beth Reekles. It centers around a 10-year high school reunion, which takes place in less than 24 hours. We see how some of the graduating class is now farming as adults and how they each confront their past head-on.

🎒What did you love the most?
As someone who has actively avoided high school reunions, I found it both cringy and hilarious to live vicariously through these characters. We saw adults confront their high school personas and sometimes slip right back into the roles that were created for them. My favorite thing? How Shaun and Steph’s storyline ended. It was open-ended, but I loved the realistic direction that Reekles took.

I also thoroughly enjoyed each POV. There were six MCs, but they were so distinct from one another that it was very easy to keep track of the different storylines.

🎒Read if you like:
🥂High school drama and rivalries
🥂Childhood secrets
🥂Old insecurities

🔥Steam level: one open-door scene

🎒Do you recommend this book?
It is hard to get a lot of character development when the entire plot takes place in one night (less than 24 hours). However, I enjoyed the lighthearted plot and the undertones of falling into the traps of old insecurities. Overall, this was a cute read.

This is a fun, nostalgic romance set during a 10-year high school reunion, exploring love, growth, and second chances. Told through multiple POVs, it follows six main characters navigating secrets, regrets, and surprises in one night.
• Shaun and Steph, once dubbed “Most Likely to End Up Together,” reconnect while engaged to others, sparking doubts about their past decisions.
• Bryony, “Most Likely to Become Famous,” struggles to maintain her facade as a successful actress while hosting the reunion.
• Hayden, “Most Likely to Succeed,” faces scrutiny for choosing fatherhood over ambition and questions his life choices.
• Ashleigh and Ryan, “Most Likely to Kill Each Other,” transform their legendary rivalry into an unexpected romance.

This light, character-driven novel is perfect for fans of heartfelt, UK-set rom-coms like Sex Education. It’s an enjoyable, Netflix-worthy read about revisiting the past and reevaluating dreams.

I couldn’t even get far because it seemed so cheesy. Like YA cheesy which maybe it’s supposed to be! I just wasn’t expecting with the age group

This book was an interesting story - the various POV’s threw me for a loop but it was interesting from a reunion perspective to get everyone’s feels and thoughts as the night went on.

whatever happened to those “most likely to”? ten years after graduation, the class of 2014 returns to their high school for an evening of catching up with old friends & boasting about their success since. the story follows six graduates; the couple most likely to end up together, the pair most likely to kill each other, the girl most likely to be famous & the boy most likely to succeed - though they’re not exactly living up to their classmates’ predictions.

it’s told through all six of their perspectives, which i wasn’t sure about when i started the book, but now that i’ve read it, i can’t imagine it written any other way. it was so fun to be able to get into the minds of each of the main characters & get their unfiltered opinions of their classmates. there was so much drama, expectation & tension packed into one night that i could absolutely see this becoming the next netflix hit movie.

i loved all but two of the characters, however i genuinely think that was by design. in order for all the realizations & character transformations to happen, they had to be frustrating & unlikeable. that said, i think she did an incredible job creating characters that were at odds with the nostalgia for their past selves & who they had become. i can genuinely imagine that being the way a high school reunion could play out.

a very well written & enjoyable read.

Reekles brings charm and heart to The Reunion, a delightful story of second chances, friendships, and navigating the complexities of past and present. With relatable characters and a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, this is a perfect feel-good read for anyone who loves contemporary romance and the nostalgic pull of high school reunions.

*Title: The Reunion -a standalone

*Release date: 1/14/25 |Read 1/2/25

*Author: Beth Reekles-new to me author

*Format: E-book 355 pgs.

* Thanks to NetGalley, W by Wattpad Books, and Beth Reekles for this ARC🩷! I voluntarily give an honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

*POV: multiple

*Setting: UK

*Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult Fic

*Tropes: childhood sweethearts, female/male friendship, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, reunion, rivals

*Look out for: bullying, sexual harassment

*Synopsis: When six friends decide to plan and meet for their ten-year high school reunion-old feelings, what-ifs, and shenanigans ensue.

*Characters

* Hayden-single father of two, was a shy, tech nerd in high school
*Bryony-plans the reunion, an actress
*Shaun-high school sweetheart w/ Steph, now engaged to someone else
*Steph- high school sweetheart w* Shaun, now engaged to someone else
*Ryan-was captain of the rugby team, now in politics
*Ashleigh-straight A student, now in research development
*Curtis-Steph's fiancé
*Aisha-Shaun's fiancé
*Margot and Skye-Hayden's daughters

*Review: This was just okay because it didn't add much to the reunion trope. The rivalry between Ashleigh and Ryan was the most interesting but it was bullying at its best. I disliked Bryony and how she belittled Hayden. Steph and Shaun's love for each other was endearing, but sometimes it's best to let go. The plot reminds me of the movie 10 years with Channing Tatum.

*Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
*Spice level- 3/5 🌶️

The Most Likely is a nostalgic, drama-filled romance set during a 10-year high school reunion. The story follows six diverse characters as they reconnect, with each facing their own personal struggles and challenges. The central romance revolves around Ashleigh and Ryan, once known for their legendary rivalry, who now find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. Their story, along with the others—including a love triangle, a famous-pretender, and a stay-at-home dad—offers a mix of enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and plenty of secrets revealed.

Set in the UK, the novel explores the insecurities and expectations of reconnecting with old classmates, all within the span of one night. The book is a fast-paced, emotional rollercoaster, filled with high school drama and heartwarming moments. While some readers may struggle with the multiple character perspectives or the single-night setting, the book will resonate with fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.

"The Reunion" by Beth Reekles is a fun, quick read with a classic enemies-to-lovers trope. I enjoyed the nostalgic setting of a high school reunion, and the banter between the main characters, Liv and Noah, was definitely entertaining.

However, I found some of the plot points predictable, and the resolution felt a bit rushed. While the book is enjoyable, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.

I really wanted to like it but it was a hard read to be honest.
First, the formatting on my Kindle was awful, it made it harder to read, so I had to read it on my computer, it wasn't comfortable at all. I don't really know what happened there, but I first had to DNF it, then I forced myself to finish it.

I had a hard time connecting to any of the characters, and the multiple POV didn't really help it.
I guess it has potential but it fells flat for me.

Most likely to... be writing a book review. Okay, that wasn't in my yearbook's superlative but it's 100% accurate. Six classmates walk down memory lane when their 10-year high school reunion approaches. Readers can expect to be entertained and enticed by the character's antics and unexpected romances.

The book is told in multi-POVS and I enjoyed getting to know each character. Let me break it down. Here are the classmates:
-Bryony: Most Likely to Become Famous
-Hayden: Most Likely to Succeed
-Steph: Most Likely to End Up Together
-Shaun: Most Likely to End Up Together
-Ashleigh: Most Likely to Kill Each Other
-Ryan: Most Likely to Kill Each Other

No matter how old you are, it's still nerve-wracking to see people you went to school with/grew up with. That's because of the expectations everyone had for you and you had for yourself. And when seeing those people again brings back a lot of old memories. This is what the characters are feeling as they get ready to reunite with their classmates.

Bryony always wanted to be a famous actress and on social media she portrays herself to be famous taking pictures with other actors/celebrities. But in reality, she is a teacher at the high school she went to. She is feeling pressure because she sets the entire party up and has to make sure no one finds out her secret.

Hayden was a boy genius. Or that's what everyone thought. He was supposed to invent the latest and greatest tech, but his plans changed when he had his first daughter. He was a bit nerdy in high school but has really come into his own.

Steph is successful and happy with her fiance. But it isn't with her high school sweetheart. Everyone thought she and her ex-Shaun were meant to be.

Shaun and Steph were couple goals. They went their separate ways when they attended different colleges. He is also engaged to someone else and this reunion. They are both happy in their relationships so why do they get butterflies when they see each other again?

Ashleigh was the straight A top of her class student who always had a plan. And she had a rivalry with the rugby star, Ryan.

Ryan was the jock everyone wanted to be friends with. He was supposed to make it as a pro athlete, but injuries changed his career. But he never forgot the girl who he went toe to toe with, Ashleigh.

This reunion brought back so many memories both good and bad, but in the end it made one thing clear; you are not defined by your superlative. You can be anything you want to be and even if you don't live up to other's expectations, you can still be happy and deserve to be happy.

Although this book was set up to be told by six classmates, but I felt like it was set up in pairs. Hayden and Bryony, Shaun and Steph, and Ashleigh and Ryan. Hayden and Bryony weren't best of friends in high school but they find themselves spending a lot of time together at the reunion. After the power goes out, Byrony an Hayden take charge in fixing the problem. Bryony is a bit uptight mainly because she is trying to keep up her charade of being a famous actress and Hayden is the calm she needs in the moment. He is secure in himself, but when other keep bringing up how he didn't live up to their expectations it has him questioning if he gave up on himself. What I liked about this pair is that they balanced each other well. Sure hey called out her mean/rude behavior, but he was also there comforting her when she struggled with telling everyone the truth. I think their chats had a real impact on one another...and I think something romantic is brewing (and I am so here for it).

Shaun and Steph were interesting to me. In the beginning, I felt like they were meant to be. I was rooting for them. But as time goes on I realize how they had their time. I haven't been in their place, but I imagine that being in that serious of a relationship and having it end stays with you. Steph realized by the end, that their plans and dreams as a couple are her dreams now, and that's ok. It is ok to move on and grow.

Ashleigh and Ryan are my favorites. I loved that they were rivals and when they found themselves locked in a classroom it was time to air out everything. They bullied each other, but it was only a defense mechanism. They fit together better than they thought. I was so excited when things got hot in chem class and it wasn't because of a Bunsen burner.

The Reunion is so easy to relate to. It's about personal growth and how high school impacts us. So many times we hear the phrase "high school doesn't define you" and as an adult, I see that now and believ ite. However, high school memories impact you more than you think. One teacher or classmate saying you aren't going to succeed, makes you want to work harder to prove them wrong. Or someone telling you you are the best can add unnecessary pressure. We all have faced the hardships of expectations. We may live or not live up to them, but in the end, we should do whatever makes us happy. And by the end of this book, I think each character is one step closer to becoming happy without thinking of others expectations.

I really enjoyed this author's writing. I haven't read anything by them before, but I really got into the story and the pacing of it. The characters were well developed and lovable.

The writing style and large cast of characters just didn’t keep me engaged. The writing style seemed like stream of consciousness to me and I just couldn’t get into it.