Reviews

Wish Lists and Road Trips by Lauren H. Mae

memull17's review against another edition

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4.25

I really enjoyed Wish Lists and Road Trips and I can’t believe I waited this long to read it. It’s the perfect lazy day, missing summer, needing a vacation read. 

For Brit and Nick, neither of their trips were going great and when they got left by the cruise ship they became unlikely travel companions who turned into just what the other needed. Brit was sunshine and the brightest light in the room and just who Nick needed in his time of grief to remind himself what’s important. Brit instantly felt protected by Nick but she also felt herself become stronger and more sure of herself through Nick’s championing support. These two are the definition of opposites attract who bring out the best in each other and who don’t shy away from the hard stuff either. 

Thank you publishers and netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback. 

wonderreads's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

adagetsliterary's review

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4.0

I found this book by chance and am so glad I did. “Wish Lists and Road Trips” tells the story of Nick and Brit, two seemingly polar opposites who meet by chance when everything starts going wrong as they try to get home from a cruise in Costa Rica - and ultimately find a home in each other.

While Nick is struggling with the death of his brother and the increasing familial pressure he is under, Brit - having left her cheating fiancé just before their wedding - is on a quest to escape from the confines of her “perfect” life where she feels less than adequate, and prove to herself (and her family) that she can stand on her own.They get stuck on a journey together, trying to make their way back home after having missed their boat (literally). Via planes, trains, and automobiles, the two start to bond despite their differences, and develop a deep and instant attraction to one another.

Nick was so real to me - he put his family first and sacrificed so much of his own happiness to see them succeed. And Brit, despite her fancy upbringing and high-society family, was relatably rife with insecurities about how she fits in her world. The two complemented each other well, and despite the short time span in which they met and started to fall, this strangers-to-lovers was authentic.

It gave me vibes of other travel/love books I’ve adored like “From the Jump” by Lacie Waldon, or “The Honeymooners” by Christina Lauren. There were also a few scenes that reminded me of “Home Alone” where the snowstorm strands the McCallisters in Michigan (my brain works in mysterious ways).

All in, would definitely recommend this lovely book by Lauren H. Mae

booksandthemes's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

itsgnat's review

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Brit is unbelievably naive and ridiculous. She's 25, from a country club family, but has barely traveled and doesn't understand traveling basics??  Very unrealistic. I kept waiting for the story to improve but at 65% I've wasted enough time. I paid for this book. 😩

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nobookmark_noproblem's review against another edition

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5.0

“Not every detour is a disaster. A detour is meant to keep you from avoiding a hole in the road, some danger.” -Lauren H. Mae, Wish Lists & Road Trips

Wish Lists & Road Trips is such a charming opposites attract romance!

When two strangers both end up stranded in Costa Rica after missing their cruise ship, Brit and Nick team up to make their way back home to the US.

Brit, a make-up artist who just called off her engagement with her cheating ex, much to the disappointment of her parents, sets off on her honeymoon alone to try to prove to herself and others that she can do things by herself and not fail.

Nick, only focused on accomplishing the dying wish of his brother, and not enjoying a vacation/cruise, just wants to complete his given tasks and get home.

Total opposites, Brit is colorful and all sunshine, while Nick is somewhat grumpy, all business, and focused on what he came to accomplish. I loved how both characters complemented one another and found strength in the characteristics of the other. Both characters were so likable and

This was such a complex story, while at the same time, a light and refreshing read. At times heartbreaking, and at other times laugh out loud funny.

I love a book with dual POV and this one certainly delivered! There was quite a bit of spice and open door scenes. I loved the chemistry between Brit and Nick and the ending was absolutely perfect!

If you love a good opposites attract and forced proximity, this one is for you! It totally reminded me of a Christina Lauren style book. Absolutely amazing and definitely needs to be added to your TBR!

Hands down, no questions ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!

Important Dates:
4.18.23 - eBook on sale everywhere & paperback available in the UK
9.12.23 - US paperback in stores

Thank you NetGalley, Headline Eternal, and Lauren H. Mae for providing me with this eARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review posted on NetGalley and Goodreads. Teaser review posted on Instagram on 2/17/23 and full review on Instagram on 4/18/23.

amyyrd's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ertisa's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

itsbrittanybooks's review

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4.0

Brit & Nick 4ver.

Brit and Nick are complete opposites and shouldn't work, but somehow they do. They literally hit the jackpot with being push together on a road trip across state lines. Probably one of my favorite grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity tropes for sure. 

I laughed, I cried, I fell in love with these characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I love Lauren's books so it was not a surprise for me. The witty banter & the way Nick and Brit brought out the best in each other was fantastic. 

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review this novel early.

milkteajeon's review

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dnf @ 37%