“Find someone to complement you, not complete you.”
The Quit List was my first book by Katie Bailey. I was browsing for a closed-door romance on my Kindle when it popped up, and the synopsis instantly hooked me. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because I’ve been stuck in a bit of a reading slump, not because the book wasn’t good. I still managed to finish it, and I genuinely enjoyed the story. This definitely won’t be my last read from Katie Bailey!
He quit believing in love a long time ago. She won’t quit until she finds The One… and he’s everything she’s NOT looking for.
Holly Greene is on a mission to find her happily ever after. And her journey to love does not include a detour to Bad Boy Bartenderville, population Jax Grainger.
Jax may be witty, smart-mouthed, and handsome, but he’s the kind of guy who views love as a four-letter word… and the last thing Holly needs is to waste any more time.
She’s in her seeking Prince Charming era, not her playboy villain era.
But after he saves her from the world’s worst date, Holly sees an opportunity: Jax may not check any of the boxes on her list, but he’s the perfect person to help her find a man who does.
All she has to do is stick to the plan—and stay out of the sexy bartender’s arms.
Easy peasy lemon sque… Oops.
Review of The Quit List by Katie Bailey
I really enjoyed The Quit List, especially the hiking parts! They came after a bit of a wait, but once they did, I loved every second of it. There were a few parts that didn’t quite work for me, but overall, it was a solid read, and one I’d still recommend. So, let’s dive into my review and break down all my thoughts!
Plot Analysis of The Quit List by Katie Bailey
Thirty is looming, and Holly Greene is officially on the hunt for love, enduring one cringe-worthy date after another. Enter Jax Grainger, a ridiculously handsome bartender who thinks love is not for him. Surprisingly, this love-evader offers to coach Holly in her search for ‘The One’ – you can probably guess where this is going, but the ride is a blast! Holly is laser-focused on finding her Prince Charming, and Jax? Well, he’s the charmingly cynical bad boy she should be avoiding at all costs. But after he saves her from a truly epic dating fail, Holly has an idea: Jax, despite being the opposite of her ideal man, could be the perfect wingman. All she has to do is follow her own rules and, you know, not fall for the sexy, love-hating bartender. Famous last words…
Characters of The Quit List by Katie Bailey
Holly Greene : Holly is your classic soft and gentle FMC 💕, and honestly, I liked her character arc. She starts off not really knowing what she wants in life or love. The only thing she’s 100% sure of? She loves her job and she desperately wants to find her happily ever after.
She’s so sweet and soft that people kinda walk all over her, and I was like, “Girl… STAND. UP.” 😤 But watching her grow into this confident, self-assured woman?? UGH, so satisfying. I was literally cheering her on like, “YES QUEEN, GO!!!” Her development felt real, raw, and so well done. Loved every second of it.
Jaxon Grainger : I feel like Jax totally carried the book 😍 He’s painted as your typical playboy, flirty, charming, not into relationships, but underneath all that? He’s the sweetest, most caring MMC 💚 Honestly, he’s the greenest of green flags. Like, certified emotionally available king 👑✨
He was so understanding and patient with Holly, and I was THERE FOR IT 🙌 He supported her, encouraged her, and gently pushed her to grow into the version of herself that truly makes her happy. He’s just the perfect example of what a supportive partner should look like 🥹💕
Holly & Jax : The dynamic between Jax and Holly was chef’s kiss perfection. I loved it SO much. The banter, the tension, the slow-burn vibe, it was everything to me ✨. They just complement each other in the most perfect way. Holly’s softness meets Jax’s edge, and together they create this beautiful balance that had me kicking my feet and giggling 😭💘. It’s literally my definition of the PERFECT relationship, total relationship goals. I enjoyed every single second of their story. Ugh, I’m obsessed 😍.
Pacing & writing style
The writing in The Quit List by Katie Bailey was effortlessly good . It was funny, fresh, and so easy to follow—I genuinely loved her writing style so much 💖. If I wasn’t trying to claw my way out of a reading slump, I think I would’ve flown through this book in one sitting 😅 That’s how engaging it was! This definitely won’t be my last book by her.
My only issue with The Quit List was the pacing. Don’t get me wrong, the slow burn was chef’s kiss. The tension, the yearning… absolutely top tier 🔥. But the hiking trip? It felt a little rushed.
We spent so much of the book building up to it, talking about it, planning it, hyping it up, and while the beginning of the trip was SO good (I was fully invested 👀), suddenly we’re being told it’s their last day and I was like… EXCUSE ME?? 😭 Noooo don’t skip over the best part!!
I just wish we got to experience the whole trip instead of being fast-forwarded through it. Still loved the book, but that part definitely left me wanting more.
Tropes and Trigger warnings of The Quit List by Katie Bailey
Tropes of The Quit List by Katie Bailey
Tropes :
Friends to lovers
Opposite Attracts
Slow Burn
Dating Coach
Only One Tent
She falls first but he falls harder
Closed door romance
Trigger warnings of The Quit List by Katie Bailey
Abusive Parent
Some quotes I enjoyed
“You need to find someone to complement you, not complete you. You’re already a whole person all on your own, but to find your equal partner, you first need to pursue who you are and what you want in life. Find what brings you joy and makes you happy, and then find a person to share all that with you and even add to it.”
“Because it’s not just sexual attraction; he’s also an awesome guy. The type of person who eats Happy Meals with you in the middle of the night and laughs with you till your ribs hurt. The type who’s there to catch you when you fall… but instead of picking you up,, he teaches you how to get up yourself. Makes you braver. Stronger.”
“You want to find a man who kisses you like he’s going to move heaven and earth for you. Bring down the sun, moon and stars. You deserve to be kissed like that, and you shouldn’t settle for less.”
“How do you always know exactly what to do?” I ask thickly. His lips tip up at the corners.“I don’t. But I’ll always do everything in my power to take care of you and keep you safe.”
“You’re worthy of being loved and of loving other people. You’re enough, exactly as you are.”
“Love is something that you keep trying for. Keep working on. Keep committing to, in the good times and in the bad.”
“Love gives, not takes. Builds, not destroys. Adds, not takes aways.”
“ All this time, I was waiting for some Prince Charming coded fairytale to come along and save me. But Jax taught me how to save myself. How to stand on my own two feet and fight for what I want. Grab life and all it has to offer.”
Final Thought
The Quit List was the kind of feel-good romance that sneaks up on you, soft, funny, and full of heart. Even while I was deep in a reading slump, Katie Bailey’s charming writing and lovable characters pulled me in. Holly’s growth was so satisfying to watch; she went from unsure and overlooked to standing tall and claiming what she deserves. And Jax? Total green flag. Supportive, sweet, emotionally available, he’s exactly what a modern romance hero should be 💚.
The pacing wasn’t perfect, especially with the hiking trip that felt a little too rushed after all the build-up, but the emotional payoff and character dynamics more than made up for it. The banter, the yearning, the way Holly and Jax truly complement each other, it gave me butterflies. 🦋
Katie Bailey gave us a closed-door romance with all the emotional intimacy and slow-burn tension I crave, and I’m already eyeing her other books. If you’re looking for a romance that’s sweet, self-aware, and filled with heart, The Quit List is a cozy gem you’ll want on your shelf 💕📚.
About the author
Katie Bailey is an Amazon top 25 bestselling author of rom coms with relatable characters and tons of chemistry. Her aim with every new love story she writes is to give readers a good laugh, maybe even a bit of a cry, but definitely leave them with a new book boyfriend.
When she’s not busy writing, Katie spends her time chasing twin tornado littles, cursing the cold Canadian winters she endures each year, chugging coffee by the bucketload, and crushing on her husband, who’s the real life inspiration behind all of the fictional men she’s written.
Practical Information for Readers
The Quit List by Katie Bailey Book Formats
The Quit List is available in various formats to suit every reader’s preference:
Paperback: Ideal for readers who enjoy the tactile experience of holding a physical book.
eBook: Convenient for on-the-go reading, available on all major e-reader platforms.
Audiobook: Narrated with emotional depth, available on platforms like Audible.
PDF The Quit List by Katie Bailey: While some may search for a PDF version, it’s recommended to opt for legal eBook options to support the author.
Where to find The Quit List by Katie Bailey PDF
Amazon Kindle: Offers a user-friendly interface with customizable reading settings.
Barnes & Noble Nook: Another popular platform with a wide selection of e-books.
Apple Books: Provides seamless integration with Apple devices and a smooth reading experience.
The Quit List by Katie Bailey Age Rating
The Quit List is a closed-door romantic comedy with no explicit content. There are a few kisses, some flirty banter, mild language, and light references to drinking, but nothing graphic or inappropriate for younger teen readers. Great for anyone 14 and up who enjoys sweet, wholesome romances!
