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elizmarie's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sbowlin's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I am very torn on my feelings about this book.
The cover and the synopsis make it seem like a good portion of the book takes place in Costa Rica. But it's only the first 40 pages or so.
I absolutely did not like the theme that it is unsafe for women to travel on their own. It was mentioned multiple times how unsafe Brit was because she was in Costa Rica and Houston. Which is absolutely ridiculous and started me off on a sour note with the book to the point that I almost DNFd it. Brit was also very, very dependent for someone who wanted to be independent. Her whole focus in the book was to be independent and by then she was like "eh, maybe I'm not meant to be independent." Which I was not a fan of. I also felt Brit was very hypocritical at times and would expect Nick to make choices because "we all have the power to choose," but she constantly said she had no choice. It eventually resolved itself, but not until the very end. I have a hard time buying into romances that develop after a few days, so I was not convinced that the relationship was as strong as the book was trying to convince me it was. The decisions they made after only a few days together were waaayyy too much for my personal taste.
I did think that the author wrote tension and intimate moments very well. And I also really liked how there was direct dialogue to challenge the characters' thoughts. I found the characters' backstories very relatable and liked the character interactions when the backstory was more prevalent.
The cover and the synopsis make it seem like a good portion of the book takes place in Costa Rica. But it's only the first 40 pages or so.
I absolutely did not like the theme that it is unsafe for women to travel on their own. It was mentioned multiple times how unsafe Brit was because she was in Costa Rica and Houston. Which is absolutely ridiculous and started me off on a sour note with the book to the point that I almost DNFd it. Brit was also very, very dependent for someone who wanted to be independent. Her whole focus in the book was to be independent and by then she was like "eh, maybe I'm not meant to be independent." Which I was not a fan of. I also felt Brit was very hypocritical at times and would expect Nick to make choices because "we all have the power to choose," but she constantly said she had no choice. It eventually resolved itself, but not until the very end. I have a hard time buying into romances that develop after a few days, so I was not convinced that the relationship was as strong as the book was trying to convince me it was. The decisions they made after only a few days together were waaayyy too much for my personal taste.
I did think that the author wrote tension and intimate moments very well. And I also really liked how there was direct dialogue to challenge the characters' thoughts. I found the characters' backstories very relatable and liked the character interactions when the backstory was more prevalent.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, strangers to lovers road trip romance that sees runaway bride and social media influencer Brit stranded with a grief-stricken Nick when their cruise ship leaves port without them.
This book did a great job balancing some lighter moments with heavier topics. Brit is a fun person (often called 'too much' by both her ex and her parents) while Nick takes life too seriously after losing his brother to a tragic illness.
Tasked with a bucket list from his dead brother, Brit helps Nick learn how to smile more and enjoy life while they travel back home together experiencing lots of funny bumps along the way. Reality comes crashing in when they get home though and there doesn't seem like these opposites can find a way to make a life together.
Spicy and heartfelt, this was a fun read and great on audio too. I'm so excited for Lauren H. Mae's first traditionally published book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
TW: death of a sibling, gaslighting, alcoholic parent
This book did a great job balancing some lighter moments with heavier topics. Brit is a fun person (often called 'too much' by both her ex and her parents) while Nick takes life too seriously after losing his brother to a tragic illness.
Tasked with a bucket list from his dead brother, Brit helps Nick learn how to smile more and enjoy life while they travel back home together experiencing lots of funny bumps along the way. Reality comes crashing in when they get home though and there doesn't seem like these opposites can find a way to make a life together.
Spicy and heartfelt, this was a fun read and great on audio too. I'm so excited for Lauren H. Mae's first traditionally published book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
TW: death of a sibling, gaslighting, alcoholic parent
seasonforreading's review against another edition
4.0
Wish Lists And Road Trips was such a pleasant surprise for me! It wasn't just your typical romcom (although it was definitely very good in that regard), but it also tackled grief, loss, alcoholism, and expectations.
Brit and Nick are such a cute couple, and both helped each other through some major difficulties in their lives. Brit brings Nick out of his shell, and Nick helps to ground Brit and see her worth. The way these two balanced each other was everything I could've asked for, and more!
Their adventure together is fun and romantic, and I couldn't help but laugh at the many things that went 'wrong' that forced them together.
Opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine and only one bed are some of the tropes in this book, but there are also a few things to be considerate about (mentioned above, grief, loss, alcoholism).
I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to fans of romcoms with a little extra substance.
Brit and Nick are such a cute couple, and both helped each other through some major difficulties in their lives. Brit brings Nick out of his shell, and Nick helps to ground Brit and see her worth. The way these two balanced each other was everything I could've asked for, and more!
Their adventure together is fun and romantic, and I couldn't help but laugh at the many things that went 'wrong' that forced them together.
Opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine and only one bed are some of the tropes in this book, but there are also a few things to be considerate about (mentioned above, grief, loss, alcoholism).
I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to fans of romcoms with a little extra substance.
seasonforreading's review
4.0
Wish Lists And Road Trips was such a pleasant surprise for me! It wasn't just your typical romcom (although it was definitely very good in that regard), but it also tackled grief, loss, alcoholism, and expectations.
Brit and Nick are such a cute couple, and both helped each other through some major difficulties in their lives. Brit brings Nick out of his shell, and Nick helps to ground Brit and see her worth. The way these two balanced each other was everything I could've asked for, and more!
Their adventure together is fun and romantic, and I couldn't help but laugh at the many things that went 'wrong' that forced them together.
Opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine and only one bed are some of the tropes in this book, but there are also a few things to be considerate about (mentioned above, grief, loss, alcoholism).
I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to fans of romcoms with a little extra substance.
Brit and Nick are such a cute couple, and both helped each other through some major difficulties in their lives. Brit brings Nick out of his shell, and Nick helps to ground Brit and see her worth. The way these two balanced each other was everything I could've asked for, and more!
Their adventure together is fun and romantic, and I couldn't help but laugh at the many things that went 'wrong' that forced them together.
Opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine and only one bed are some of the tropes in this book, but there are also a few things to be considerate about (mentioned above, grief, loss, alcoholism).
I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to fans of romcoms with a little extra substance.
kirstyreviewsbooks's review
4.0
Wish Lists and Road Trips by Lauren H. Mae
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Headline Eternal and Netgalley.
Blurb
Two stranded travellers. One unexpected journey.
Makeup artist Brit Donovan wants one thing: to prove to her overbearing family that she can be independent. After breaking off her engagement to her cheating ex, she sets off on her honeymoon cruise alone to recharge before opening her own studio.
Nick Callaway isn't on a pleasure trip. Armed with his brother's ashes and a list of places, he's on a mission to fulfill a dying wish. Burdened with survivor's guilt and on a countdown to get home in time to help his family's company, the only thing he wants is to get this trip over with.
When they're both stranded in Costa Rica after missing their cruise ship, Nick and Brit team up to make their way back to the US. Complete opposites, their initial frustration - heightened by the obstacles of grounded flights and delayed trains - gives way to a searing attraction, and the feeling this may be a journey that neither will want to end.
My Opinion
I love a road trip, so the title and cover drew me in with a little help from the blurb. Nick and Brit have both managed to miss the cruise ship and so must make their own way home. Their journey together is anything but straight forward but was very enjoyable to read about.
Whilst reading this, you will feel the chemistry between Nick and Brit and can't help but root for them. This was such a sweet read with some emotional parts. For me, Lauren H. Mae was a new author and so this was a great introduction to her writing and I am sure I will be back for more.
Rating: 4/5
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Headline Eternal and Netgalley.
Blurb
Two stranded travellers. One unexpected journey.
Makeup artist Brit Donovan wants one thing: to prove to her overbearing family that she can be independent. After breaking off her engagement to her cheating ex, she sets off on her honeymoon cruise alone to recharge before opening her own studio.
Nick Callaway isn't on a pleasure trip. Armed with his brother's ashes and a list of places, he's on a mission to fulfill a dying wish. Burdened with survivor's guilt and on a countdown to get home in time to help his family's company, the only thing he wants is to get this trip over with.
When they're both stranded in Costa Rica after missing their cruise ship, Nick and Brit team up to make their way back to the US. Complete opposites, their initial frustration - heightened by the obstacles of grounded flights and delayed trains - gives way to a searing attraction, and the feeling this may be a journey that neither will want to end.
My Opinion
I love a road trip, so the title and cover drew me in with a little help from the blurb. Nick and Brit have both managed to miss the cruise ship and so must make their own way home. Their journey together is anything but straight forward but was very enjoyable to read about.
Whilst reading this, you will feel the chemistry between Nick and Brit and can't help but root for them. This was such a sweet read with some emotional parts. For me, Lauren H. Mae was a new author and so this was a great introduction to her writing and I am sure I will be back for more.
Rating: 4/5
booksmartkate's review
4.0
Brit and Nick both find themselves stranded after missing the departure time for their Costa Rican cruise ship and become unlikely travel companions as they attempt to find their way back home - her to Boston, him to Philly. Brit was alone on her honeymoon cruise after breaking off her engagement, while Nick was wracked with survivor’s guilt and on the cruise as part of his brother’s dying wish to spread his ashes.
As these opposites navigate various travel challenges, they slowly learn why they each were on the cruise. When they open up, they each help the other realize important things about their personal journeys and realize that the other sees them like no one has before. As time ticks down on their journey, they both struggle with their desire for a future together while being weighed down by the expectations waiting for them at home.
I loved a lot about this book! First, I loved that Nick’s character wasn’t there to save Brit. He was there to help her realize things about herself and gain the courage to stand up to her family - with or without him. I also really appreciated that equal time was spent on Nick’s emotional journey with his family and career. It was great that each realized what they needed to do for themselves and in order to potentially have a life together. As much as this was a fun story, I also related to the pressures, expectations, and stereotyping in families and how that shapes us as individuals.
Overall, it is a great book!
As these opposites navigate various travel challenges, they slowly learn why they each were on the cruise. When they open up, they each help the other realize important things about their personal journeys and realize that the other sees them like no one has before. As time ticks down on their journey, they both struggle with their desire for a future together while being weighed down by the expectations waiting for them at home.
I loved a lot about this book! First, I loved that Nick’s character wasn’t there to save Brit. He was there to help her realize things about herself and gain the courage to stand up to her family - with or without him. I also really appreciated that equal time was spent on Nick’s emotional journey with his family and career. It was great that each realized what they needed to do for themselves and in order to potentially have a life together. As much as this was a fun story, I also related to the pressures, expectations, and stereotyping in families and how that shapes us as individuals.
Overall, it is a great book!
hannuhreads's review
5.0
5 stars.
“Not every detour is a disaster. Sometimes they keep you from running into a tree.”
An instant new favorite. I went into this one expecting a cotton candy rom com, but this was such a wonderful romance with so much humor but also so much heart. (For the record- I loooove cotton candy rom coms also). This book deals heavily with grief, but it’s done in such a beautiful way. We have Nick and Brit- complete opposites who have everything that the other needs but doesn’t know they need. Nick and Brit go on a road trip to get home after they both happen to miss the re-dock of their cruise. Stuck in Costa Rica, they begin a trip to get home and have no clue what they are in for. They come from two completely different worlds and when they collide, it’s epic. Nick and Brit might be my new favorite book couple. Brit is so adorable and hilarious, and Nick is just full of layers! I loved their dynamic so much. This is my first book to read by Lauren H. Mae, but I’ll be devouring her backlist after this one. The writing is so good. The chemistry is top notch. The cuteness is just too much. I swooned the entire time. If you love opposites attract, forced proximity road trips, and two imperfect but real characters- check this one out. It’ll be the perfect summer read! Releases April 18.
Thank you to Lauren H. Mae, Headline Publishers, and Netgalley for providing me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Other favorite quote:
“Guys like to think women dress up for them, but it’s not always about you. It’s about self-expression, what makes us feel pretty and unique and seen. For ourselves.”
#wishlistsandroadtrips #netgalley
“Not every detour is a disaster. Sometimes they keep you from running into a tree.”
An instant new favorite. I went into this one expecting a cotton candy rom com, but this was such a wonderful romance with so much humor but also so much heart. (For the record- I loooove cotton candy rom coms also). This book deals heavily with grief, but it’s done in such a beautiful way. We have Nick and Brit- complete opposites who have everything that the other needs but doesn’t know they need. Nick and Brit go on a road trip to get home after they both happen to miss the re-dock of their cruise. Stuck in Costa Rica, they begin a trip to get home and have no clue what they are in for. They come from two completely different worlds and when they collide, it’s epic. Nick and Brit might be my new favorite book couple. Brit is so adorable and hilarious, and Nick is just full of layers! I loved their dynamic so much. This is my first book to read by Lauren H. Mae, but I’ll be devouring her backlist after this one. The writing is so good. The chemistry is top notch. The cuteness is just too much. I swooned the entire time. If you love opposites attract, forced proximity road trips, and two imperfect but real characters- check this one out. It’ll be the perfect summer read! Releases April 18.
Thank you to Lauren H. Mae, Headline Publishers, and Netgalley for providing me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Other favorite quote:
“Guys like to think women dress up for them, but it’s not always about you. It’s about self-expression, what makes us feel pretty and unique and seen. For ourselves.”
#wishlistsandroadtrips #netgalley
treberry's review
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
WLARTs was a fun voyage of a romance! It was opposite attraction from Costa Rica to the East Coast with every unimaginable road block along the way!
Brit and Nick were cute and funny from the moment they met and realized they’d missed boarding their cruise back home. I like how much of a straight shooter, organized and caring Nick was. The perfect match to Brit’s fun loving, impulsive nature.
The best part was Brit helping Nick realize the true intentions behind Alex’s list he left behind. So cute and sweet how they helped each other face their fears and truths, and deal with insecurities.
I also liked seeing them find their way, while weighing their family responsibilities against their passion.
I do feel things happened much too quickly, especially on Britt’s end, she was fresh out of a relationship and didn’t seem to have much experience standing on her own.
Fun read! After reading this one, I think I’m ready for a train ride up the Northwest Coast!! I’m glad I checked out this cutesy recommendation from my trusted booksta friend, @booksandthemes!