The premise of this book was so intriguing to me, but for some reason I just never connected with it. I got an advanced copy two months ago and tried to get into it multiple times and it just wasn’t happening. I thought maybe once I got further in, the story would hook me, but I found myself just wanting to skim it.

All of that is to say that this wasn’t for me. I didn’t find the way the characters spoke to feel natural. I’m so over reading about pocket sized women (especially when literally described as looking like a Victoria’s Secret model, and that only come up to the man’s chin while wearing heels), which is a personal preference.

I am really glad to see that this book is getting lovely reviews, because it’s such a fun setting. My opinions about it are purely personal and I’m glad others are loving it.

Thank you to Headline & NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book!

This a cute story with a compelling plot and relatable characters. There's escapism, romance, and lovely places.
It's a perfect holiday read or if you want to relax and enjoy a good story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

I was hooked and could not put this book down. I loved it. Really fun and engaging, I cannot wait to read more from this author.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Brit is sitting on a bench on the cruise dock in Costa Rica thinking of the significance of the 3.15 departure time when Nick arrives. He’s been off zip lining and has missed his cruise ship departure when the car had an accident. Brit has broken off an engagement to a man who didn’t love her and is figuring out her path ahead. Nick is completing the adventure list given to him by his late brother. But their journey back home brings them together.

𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I wasn’t prepared for how much this story blew me away. An epic journey of two opposite personalities. Nick is generally staid and responsible, older but also grieving for his late brother Alex. Brit seeks fun and is easygoing when plans need to change, but her ability to read emotion grounds her. Beneath the surface is where the similarities between these two lie. The story is beautiful, the writing is spot on and the emotion and possibility of Fate is woven like a golden thread throughout. I highly recommend this beauty ❤️

My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for an eARC of this title. All opinions are my own and are honestly given.

When free spirited makeup artist Brit and strait-laced contractor Nick find themselves stranded in Costa Rica, they team up to make their way back to the US. When a roadtrip fling turns into something more, they have to decide if their relationship is built to last long-term.

As a big fan of Lauren H. Mae’s indie-published series, I was so thrilled to get an ARC of her Headline debut. I love Mae’s writing and the chemistry and respect she always nails between the two lead characters. My favorite kinds of romance books are where the leads grow individually and together, and I loved the way Brit and Nick’s growth arcs were written. There was one moment that felt a little out of character, when newly independent Brit did not initially fight for her future when her plans hit a crisis point, but otherwise I think Mae did a great job of showing how Brit and Nick are forging their own futures despite family obligations or expectations. I would definitely recommend this to fans of sweet, poignant romances and will look forward to reading more of Mae’s works. 4.25 stars.

This book started out so strong for me, but once the pair was back “home” and back into the real world, it really started to lose steam. Brit’s vibrant, bright personality contrasted Nick’s so well, and I loved watching him slowly come out of his hardened shell and loosen up with her. I also loved how Nick was so positive toward Brit and her career ambitions, when seemingly everyone else in her world was the complete opposite. They brought a nice balance to each other and it was so fun when they finally started enjoying the crazy trip they were on together, especially the train ride shenanigans.
Unfortunately, once they got home, I felt like things started to fall a bit flat. The whole ultimatum/whatever you want to call it scene at the train station was so hard to read, for both of them, and things just went downhill from there. After knowing Brit was so hell-bent on striking out on her own and doing everything for herself, I thought Nick would allow her to fully do that, but his “grand gesture” completely contradicted that and forced this perfect little convenience package on everything that was a bit of a let-down. Brit’s whole story arc was supposed to be her branching out from her parents and finding some independence, but it really felt like she just jumped from her overbearing, awful father, to this new guy who just did everything for her in a less controlling way. And on the flip side, Nick was supposed to learn how to not put so much pressure on himself to fix everyone and take care of everybody, but then he just passed on person off and jumped right into taking care of Brit instead. I felt like the first half of the book really wanted to do something with these characters, but the second half just couldn’t pull it off.
I really liked both characters and thoroughly enjoyed the time they were together outside of the “real world” and their responsibilities.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read. I liked Nick's reason for being away, how it had so much meaning. It took me a while to understand Brit and his relationship though, at times it felt a bit forced? Maybe I'm a bit sceptical and don't trust people enough when I'm away ;)
Was lovely to escape to picturesque places though.

This book was SWEET. Nick and Brit were SWEET. They both had so much going on, heavy, emotionally draining stuff. But the two of them together? Perfect. They were the right person right time for each other and I loved it. They both needed all the detours and things going wrong.

I feel like in a lot of romance books the female main character is the one carrying more of the emotional journey in the story, but in this one it was the male main character and it was done so well. Don’t get me wrong Brit had so much going on too, but Nick was grieving his brother (unsuccessfully!) and trying to figure out his place in his own life. And it was so good to see him doing that. Having emotions? Realizing that he CAN’T be everything to everyone? It was just a nice change to see the male main character carry a slightly heavier emotional load than the female main character.

And BRIT. I loved her so much. She was CHAOS in the absolute best way. And the way she was able to find what she needed. She’s been under the control of his father and then her ex for her whole life. She went on her honeymoon to prove herself that she could do it alone! And of course she finds someone who is a care taker to his CORE. But Nick was an actual partner to her. He helped her, believed in her, wanted her to do things herself. She was able to find what she was looking for, and believe in herself again.

And their trip back home?? It was chaos! And exactly what they both needed. They needed the fun and the silly and the falling love with each other!

I don’t know what I thought this book was going to be but it ended up being so much better. I loved it so much!

Thank you so much to netgalley and Headline Eternal for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I read this while I was on a mini holiday with my best friend - with whom we used to go on cruise ship vacations -, and this book found me at the right time, in the best of moods. This was the perfect read for me in that point of time. Cute, funny, sunny and emotional.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for an ARC.

Road trip romance? Yes please! When strangers Nick and Brit miss their cruise ship in Costa Rica, the pair team together to make it back home to the United States. Of course, things don't go as planned! I loved the misfortunes that kept extending their trip and prolonging their forced proximity.

This romance was really sweet. It took me time to warm up to Brit and her mega-sunshine personality, but I loved the way brooding Nick encouraged her to always be herself, that she is never too much. They were opposites that truly brought out the best in each other.

There was an emotional aspect too, especially with the storyline following Nick on a bit of a scavenger hunt with his brother's ashes. Part of me wanted it to delve deeper into his grief and the relationship with his family, but overall it was balanced well within the story.

Let me start by saying I LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH!! I was lucky enough to beta read Wish Lists & Road trips, and was obsessed with it then. I am so happy that this book will be out soon, because I need everyone to read it so we can chat about it!

This book had me in it's clutches the entire time. I adored Nick, and his journey pulled at my heartstrings so many times. Brit has the most endearing personality and I was rooting for her the whole time. The characters growth was beautiful to watch, and their journey together was so much fun. I loved this opposites attract and strangers to lovers story. I really wish this one would be made into a movie, it would make for a great RomCom!

I'm no stranger to Lauren H. Mae's books, and I can't wait to see what she creates next! Thank you so much to NetGalley, Lauren H. Mae and Headline Eternal for an early copy of this book. I've already preordered the e-book and the paperback, I can't wait to add the physical copy to my favorites shelf!

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Eternal for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

my rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
spice level: 3/5
tw: death of a loss one

I truly enjoy this book, it has a heartwarming and sad backstory but also a bright future ahead of them. Wish Lists and Road Trips has a dual POV and it truly works as we know both characters better and their thoughts.

The sunshine x grumpy is just so good! They are both so different but that is what made them attracted to each other. Nick just wants to protect Brit all the time during the time they spent together and I think it's cute.

What didn't work out for me is that the plot can be a little bit drag at a time. I also dislike the misscommunication near the end when they finally reach their final destination, the reasons for their fight and separation is childish? And it could be solved by simply communicating and being patient with one another. But hey, if that happens the book could just end right there. I got confused by Brit's action throughout the book as well. She always said that she wanted to prove everyone that she is perfectly capable of doing anything on her own but she always made a questionable decisions in her life.

nevertheless, I truly enjoy reading this. It's a cute reads for the summer when you want to go on a road trips.

I loved Lauren H. Mae’s Summer Nights series, so I was champing at the bit to read this one and it did not let me down.

Brit (Bridget) and Nick get stranded in Costa Rica when they miss their cruise departure. There’s a little bit of happenstance that gets these two together, and keep them traveling together, which was a unique spin on the start of a road trip romance.

They’re almost complete opposites, but they balance each other out. Brit is bubbly and knows what she wants in life. She’s just never had people in her life that have been supportive. They all think they know what’s best for her and treat her like she’s helpless. She finally gets that with Nick. He makes her feel protected, all while giving her the freedom to be independent.

Nick’s a bit of a grump, but he has his reasons. He’s always felt responsible for his family, so he’s always working. The only reason he’s even taken time off is to cross off his brother’s bucket list and there’s a lot of guilt he has with that. Brit is a bit of a free spirit and helps him learn to live again.

This book deals with some emotional topics. They’re both dealing with guilt and loss, in different ways, and I definitely got teary eyed at one point, but it wouldn’t be a road trip romance without some fun diversions along the way. It was also very sweet, funny, and pretty steamy. Nick is definitely book boyfriend material. There’s a point they’re so smitten with each other, I swooned so hard! I didn’t want to put it down once I picked it up.

Overall, I loved it and I can’t wait to see what Lauren comes up with next. I am definitely a fan!

Thank you to Headline Eternal and NetGalley. I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

I love road trips. I'm always hoping to find some nugget of info that I could weave into a future trip. In the course of returning home, the couple stops at a state park in Louisiana where there is a haunted bridge. Really, you couldn't mention the name of the state park? (although I'm not sure it really exists).

The couple meets and due to weather conditions, end up traveling cross-country together. Further complicated by family dynamics on the home front.

A couple other things in the book bothered me; but I'll provide those comments to the author/publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren H. Mae the author, Headline Eternal the publisher for the opportunity to review the advance review copy of Wish Lists & Road Trips in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 18 April 2023.

I loved this book! It's sweet and adorable. I love how they became travel companions. I loved how they had real feeling struggles. I love watching how they influenced each other, changing each for the better. I loved their banter. Often, romcoms are not actually funny but this one made me actually laugh. I just loved it.

This just a super fun book to read!

Brit and Nick are both on vacation, individually, in Costa Rica and both miss their cruise boat home. They decide to join forces to get home, Nick was such a gentleman in helping Brit make new arrangements. They are such fun characters and whoa, is it a ride home! They didn't seem a likely couple at first, but after you read and get to know them better - I totally rooted for them in the end. It was fun to watch them learn each other and themselves as they encountered issue after issue getting back home. Both characters really grew personally and it was a really enjoyable journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review. I will be looking forward to more from this author!

I loved this story. It was so fun from start to finish and I just really enjoyed every second off it. Brit is on a cruise after breaking of her engagement and wants to just get away before she goes home and opens up her own make up studio, something her father hates.

Nick is also on this cruise fulfilling his brothers dying wish with a list of things to complete and scatter his ashes. These two meet when they both miss boarding the ship after getting off for a few hours and arriving back at port to late. They both need to make their way back to the US as they both have important things to do so they team up and travel back together. Both opposites where Brit is more free-spirited and Nick likes order. Throw in a few more obstacles which makes it harder for them to get home and keeps them together longer but is that really such a bad thing when they start talking and feelings get involved?

Brit knows what she wants. She's been held back and after breaking of her engagement she is ready to do things by herself. She doesn't do anything by herself so this is a big trip for her and meeting Nick is just the icing on the cake. She loves to annoy him but can see how much he enjoys it. They are so different from each other but that is what makes it work. They are on a long trip home with possibly stopping off in a hotel that only has one bed....

You can see how much these characters grow over the time of this book. They both come with baggage and meeting each other is something they both needed. When it comes to the end of the travelling will they be ready to let each other go?

A beautifully written story that will keep you gripped from the very beginning. A story of finding yourself and even something you didn't expect along the way. Finally standing up for yourself and doing what you want to do and not letting anyone get in your way. This book was a trip and full of some fantastic characters, amazing banter and some romance that will keep you reading until the end.

After she canceled her wedding Brit decided to go on her honeymoon trip, this is the first step to find her independence away from her family without letting anyone dictate her choices.

For Nick this cruise is not a fun vacation but a list full of tasks he must complete before he returns to his work where more lists and demands await.

Their return trip takes an unexpected turn when they both arrive late for their cruise ship in Costa Rica. They are now alone on a strange country trying to find their back home but a series of obstacles are keeping them away from their final destination.

With all this time spend traveling together it's unavoidable that they get close to each other, they form a friendship but their attraction makes it difficult to stay away.

This road trip gives them the opportunity to be truly themselves and enjoy the moments together.

I loved how they opened up and became the perfect person the other needed, just by accepting them and being supportive. They both needed someone to be on their corner no matter what especially during an emotional trip like the one they were both on.


* I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE 🌶🌶🌶

My Thoughts ~ I thought this book was really cute and humorous the storyline was good and the characters were great. I really enjoyed nick he was patient and kind and Brit was really bright and positive. We all know I love banter so the book got me there it was full of it 😅
it was a little hard for me to get into at first I'm not sure if that was because I was in a reading slump or not when I started it. I also was just kinda over the whole being cheated on routine in books so that's another thing to look out For, however once you are into the book it's just 🤌
Overall it was a good read 😊

I’m a sucker for a good road trip romance and this one delivered!!

Brit’s a peppy, pink-haired makeup artist who ran away from her cheating ex-fiancé just shy of the wedding. She’s taken their would-be honeymoon trip—a cruise around Central America—alone in order to prove to herself and to her overbearing family that she’s capable of being independent. Nick, on the flipside, is on this trip because he’s fulfilling his late brother’s wishes. He’s a stern, responsible, no-nonsense sort of guy. They’re an unlikely pair, to say the least.

But when they both miss their cruise ship, stranding them in Costa Rica together, they team up in order to make it back home. Both are racing against the clock for their own reasons, but the universe insists on working against them. During sketchy flights, snow storms, long drives, and train rides, they come to realize that despite their differences, they’re both in very transitional periods of their lives, struggling to get out from under the burden of familial expectations. And the longer they spend together, the more their attraction deepens until an on-the-road fling seems inevitable. But neither is certain they want to return to their old lives after the whirlwind couple of days they’ve spent together.

This was such a fun read with just the right dose of heavier themes to ground the romance in reality. The romance was easy to root for and the characters loveable. Nick’s story hit really close to home for me. It was easy to see why he was drawn to Brit’s bubbly personality and they balanced one another out nicely.

Read if you love:
💕 dual POV
☀️ grumpy x sunshine
🚗 forced proximity
🌪️ whirlwind romance
🌶️ moderate spice

CW: alcoholic parent, death of a sibling