A review by evavstheworld
The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary

emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-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

5.0

 
[AD - gifted by publisher] 
 
If you have followed me for a while, you know I am absolutely enamoured of Beth’s ability to write stories that aren’t just about love - they touch upon important topics like family, community, abuse, mental illness - and The Road Trip was no different. In Beth’s third book, we go back to The Flatshare style romance between two lovers - Addie and Dylan - who meet during a hot summer in the south of France. There’s so much chemistry that neither of them is able to keep their hands off the other, but soon they both have to go back to their lives in England. The book switches between both MC’s POVs and explores their time in France and two years later, when they are suddenly forced to spend a LOT of time together while cramped in a small car, traveling to Scotland for a wedding. There’s a lot of friction, but will they eventually make up or break up for good..? 
 
From extremely funny and realistic characters with whom I’d love to be stuck on a road trip (maybe except Marcus…), to the perfect balance between the reality and expectations of romantic relationships, this story veers away from the sweet romance and focuses on mental health, toxic masculinity, family issues, substance and sexual abuse, among others. Beth handles all of these masterfully, but please keep an eye out for these themes in the book as they could trigger some readers. 
 
I truly believe the dual timeline of events is what made the book so much more interesting and riveting. One moment you’re reading about hot sweltering France, wishing you could jump into the pool with the main characters and their friends, and the next the reality of Addie and Dylan’s relationship makes you realise that everything is not always sunshine and rainbows. The two sides of this relationship and the depth of the characters made me appreciate this book so much more. 
 
Reading this made me want to get into my car and drive somewhere with my friends… Maybe one day when the never ending lockdown ends. Until then, I will keep fond memories of The Road Trip — it was truly an incredible book and I am a huge fan of Beth’s maturing style. Cannot wait for book 4 already! 
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