I really really enjoyed this book! I don't think I've ever been disappointed by an Emma Lord book and this was no exception. New adult, living in New York for the summer after high school graduation, old friends and new, complicated family dynamics, finding yourself, best friends to lovers.

This is my least favorite of Emma Lord's books thus far possibly due to the romance denials feeling a bit repetitive.

I’ll read anything Emma Lord writes. Her books are fun and charming, full of heart with just the right balance of humor and genuine enthusiasm for the world. Anytime I pick up a new one of her books, I know it will be a fun time, and The Getaway List was no exception.

To my west coaster self, New York City is a fantasy land that only exists in Nora Ephron movies and novels by Meg Cabot and Emma Lord. To these writers, the city feels like a character itself, a setting so integral to the plot that trying to transplant the story anywhere else would make it fall flat. Emma Lord describes her most recent novel as not just a love letter to New York, “but my aggressively caps locked, mildly unhinged love scream to New York.”

One of the major conflicts of the novel is Riley’s relationship with her mother. Up until the events of The Getaway List, Riley and her mom had a close relationship, especially since her mother was a single mom. But Riley’s mom not only opposes Riley going to New York, but Riley realizes that the reason she hasn’t been able to cubist Tom for years is because her mother is trying to keep them apart. Mother/daughter relationships are a recurring theme in Emma Lord’s books and I liked how it was done here.

Another thing I greatly enjoyed in The Getaway List was the side characters. Each character added color to the story, all unique and memorable from aspiring writer Luca to coder Mariella to band member/swiftie Jesse. Despite the full cast of characters, they were introduced organically and fully fleshed out.

The only thing that kept this book at a four star instead of five, for me, was that it uses the childhood friends to lovers trope. This is entirely a personal preference, I rarely enjoy friends to lovers and almost never enjoy childhood friends to lovers. But it was well done in The Getaway List, the build up of Riley and Tom’s relationship on the page and their eventual romance was sweet.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Getaway List by Emma Lord in exchange for my honest review and feedback. I absolutely love Emma Lord and anything she writes always puts a smile on my face and believe me this book does exactly that! I can't even begin to tell you how late I stayed up as I wasn't going to bed until I finished this. This might be one of the cutest, most fun books I've read yet this year and that is really saying a lot as I read a TON of books! Thanks Emma for always making me smile!

This was such a lovely, immersive story, and I found myself empathizing strongly with Riley and her struggles. Her and Tom's relationship is incredibly sweet and I was rooting for them the entire time.

This was a super cute read. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Emma Lord, she always knows how to write these wonderful characters that just fit well together.

Riley and Tom haven’t seen each other since Tom left to New York City and have fallen out of contact when they used to be inseparable. Once graduation comes along, Riley decides to go find Tom in New York and reconnect with him, and complete The Getaway List which they started making when he left for NY.

I truly enjoyed the journey these two had, the growing feelings, the discovery of secrets they had kept from each other. The friendships they make along the way were so wholesome and I loved them so much.

Riley and Tom had a sweet slow burn that I really enjoyed.

A huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC. All thought are my own.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Getaway List

Author: Emma Lord

Book Series: Standalone

Diversity: Puerto Rican character, MLM romance between side characters, queer characters mentioned

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: young adult readers, contemporary, romance, friends to lovers, "one day in NYC" but with a spin, coming of age

Genre: YA Contemporary

Publication Date: January 23, 2024

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Pages: 314

Recommended Age: 16+ (language, romance, sex discussion, running away, borderline child neglect/abandonment/abuse, bullying, alcohol consumption)

Explanation of CWs: There is some slight cursing in the book. There is very slight romance and mentions of sex as a topic of conversation. There is a run-away scene and there is some discussion of the MCs' parents and some of the issues brought up (one mom never being there because she travels for work and another pressuring/forcing one of the MCs into many and various activities) might border on neglect/abandonment (depending on state laws) and slightly abusive. There is also some bullying mentioned and some alcohol consumption shown.

If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: Never Grow Up

Synopsis: The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List ― a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away ― will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future.
Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart.
Inescapably romantic and brimming with Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

Review: Overall, I thought it was a good book. The book centers on Riley, who's been in a little bit of trouble with her best friend before he moved away (Tom), and so for the past couple of years her mom's been pressuring her and bouncing her between multiple activities and jobs, anything to keep her busy. She tries, but she's obviously burnt out and decides, after a particularly heinous fight with her mom, to go visit Tom up in NYC. The majority of the book takes place in NYC and focuses on her and Tom completing this "getaway" list that they started writing years ago when Tom first moved away. As the duo completes each task it becomes that much harder for Riley to want to return home, but for Tom it becomes that much easier to want to move away from the city that's done nothing for him since his mom's basically dropped him off to go chase her director dreams elsewhere. I thought the book was a fun spin on the "one day in NYC" trope and I loved seeing the romance between Riley and Tom grow.

However, I felt like the pacing was very random. It bounced between fast and slow a lot and the plot felt evasive in multiple sections. The book started out so strong, but then it just lost all steam about 25% into it until about 90% in. I feel like this book could have been much shorter to keep that steam, as the pair completed the list before the end of the book, but that it had to be elongated to make it the minimum page count for a YA book. It's really frustrating to me because I like this trope of running away to NYC to discover yourself, I find it very poetic, but I didn't feel like this book really captured that magic particularly well.

Verdict: It was ok, not a reread for me but it might be a great read for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advanced e-book reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed Tweet Cute by Emma Lord, so when I came across The Getaway List, I was highly anticipating reading it. This book did not disappoint! I was particularly fond of the relationship between Riley and Tom. It reminded me of the friends in my life where, even after a long time apart, when we’re together, it feels like we’re right back home. The concept of a “getaway list” sounded incredibly exciting and served as a perfect setting for the friends-to-lovers trope. In my opinion, Emma Lord is one of my favorite authors when it comes to writing teen romances.

A cute new-adult romcom about good-girl Riley, her estranged best friend Tom, and the best summer of their lives.

With no concrete plans for college on the horizon and a lifetime of never breaking the rules under her belt, Riley decides to spend her summer after senior year in New York City visiting her childhood best friend, Tom, and fulfilling their long list of adventurous activities—The Getaway List. Of course, shenanigans ensue, feelings are revealed, parental tensions are taut, and new friendships are formed, but what more could you ask for from an Emma Lord YA?

Cute, clean, and perfect for readers grades 8-college. Fans of Jenn Bennett, Sarah Dessen, KL Walther, and Emory Lord will enjoy.

I love a coming of age book set in new york, but…this book had so much potential it just couldn’t reach. I wish the heart of the story could make up for the parts that didn’t work for me. I still liked it, but I wish I loved it.

To be honest I do not remember very much about this book at all when I read it and I totally forgot to come back to NetGalley and review it. I remember enjoying her other books better and I do not remember anything at all about this one! So sorry but love Emma Lord. Thank you for the e-ARC!

Recommend this one for all romance lovers. The characters were interesting and well written, the story was engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it.

The Getaway List by Emma Lord is a heartwarming, adventurous read that balances humor and emotion with a strong focus on self-discovery. Lord’s relatable characters and witty prose make this a delightful journey worth taking.

The Getaway List is a quick-witted swoon worthy book that romance readers will fall in love with! The characters are likable and the story is uplifting. It is a cute story that anyone will enjoy.

I am pleased to announce my selection of another young adult contemporary novel authored by Emma Lord. I believe an explanation is unnecessary regarding my decision to engage with this work. I would like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an advanced copy for review purposes.

On the day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List ― a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away ― will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future. Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart.

The dynamic and vibrant setting of New York City is among the most compelling aspects of the book. The author employs vivid and immersive descriptions that enhance the reader’s experience, particularly in the scenes set at the Brownie Bonanza. These moments are so engaging that one might wish for the establishment to exist in reality. The author’s ability to bring New York City to life through her narrative nearly allows the reader to feel a part of Riley and Tom’s journey, attending their writing class and meeting their new acquaintances. Additionally, the scenes involving the Dispatch App were equally enjoyable and effectively contributed to the overall narrative.

I found considerable merit in the book, with no particular elements standing out as unfavorable. The relationships between the protagonist, Riley, and the supporting characters, including her new acquaintances, were notably authentic. Additionally, the development of the romance between Tom and Riley was characterized by a gradual progression, as opposed to the more hurried pace often found in other literary works. I appreciated this aspect.

In conclusion, aficionados of the author will find this work fulfilling. Furthermore, I suggest this book to those readers who appreciate the friends-to-lovers narrative arc and the ambiance of summer in New York.

I love books by Emma Lord and this is no exception

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this review copy and the opportunity !

A special thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books (St. Martin's Press) for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored Tweet Cute by Emma Lord and was excited to get to The Getaway List. I enjoy Lord's writing and there's a comfort in between those words. The dialogue and banter is well done and top shelf, besides some missteps for me in the beginning of the book. All the characters are relatable, holistic, and a diverse group. I feel you can find these characters walking down the streets of NYC. Mariella is the person I wish I was, Luca is the shy, introverted crush I had, and Jesse is the best friend I wish I had growing up. Tom is a dreamboat and so swoon worthy. Initially Riley and I were not vibing. I found her in the beginning annoying and trying to hard to be cool in her interactions with the other characters. Over the course of the book, I found her endearing and a vulnerable girl on a journey to find herself and figure things out. This found family in NYC was a cleaner/pg/ya version of Friends or Sex and the City. They all are on their personal journey of figuring themselves out and what to do next in life. The friends to lovers trope (which is probably my least favorite trope ever!) was done tastefully and realistically. Is this a romance? Yes, you can argue that but I would think it's secondary to the overall goal of the story. I would highly recommend this to those that love Emma Lord's works, who enjoy romance but not as the sole point of the book, and who enjoy stories of found families.

There have certainly been enough Emma Lord books to officially call this an Emma Lord classic. The only YA writer I read on the regular, Lord's writing is always so warm and cozy and funny and sweet. I know I'm in good hands when I crack open one of her books, and THE GETAWAY LIST was no exception. This one in particular was a delight, a love letter to NYC with a delightful cast of characters. The main relationship between Riley and Tom was believable and cute, and I was rooting for these kids (god, i'm old) the whole way through. I can't wait for my daughter to be old enough to discover Lord's writing! She creates worlds I want Ellie to live in.

Riley, fresh after her high school graduation, decides she's going to leave her mother and home to give visiting her best friend in NYC a chance. The book becomes her rediscovering who she is within this big change before deciding what she's going to do at the end of summer and repairing things with the mother she left behind. She discovers new friends, reconnects with the old one and figures some things out about herself along the way. As always, Emma Lord knocked it out of the park and I can't wait to read more!

The Getaway List starts with potential but falters with predictable plot points and shallow character development. The lack of emotional connection leaves the story feeling forgettable and uninspired.