Wish You Were Here is the first contemporary novel of Renée Carlino's that I have read. I previously read her paranormal romance, Lucian Divine, which I did enjoy, but I have never read any of her strictly contemporary novels. I knew nothing about Wish You Were Here before I started reading it and I am glad I did not. Wish You Were Here was a quick, engaging, and emotional read that I enjoyed. I would recommend reading Wish You Were Here if you are interested in reading a quick New Adult contemporary novel that has the potential to make you cry.

My favorite part of Wish You Were Here was the fact that part of the story was based in San Diego, California. I fell in love with San Diego the first time I visited the city for San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 2014 and I loved being there in the story. I especially loved that the convention center, where SDCC is annually held, was briefly mentioned. I was unable to attend SDCC this year or visit San Diego, but I am glad that I was able to journey there in Wish You Were Here. I wish I was there in San Diego.

Although the ability to predict the storyline of Wish You Were Here was rather easy, I appreciated the path the story took. Wish You Were Here is essentially a book about life. While it also features love, loss, moving-on, and recovery, the true purpose is to celebrate life. Not many books I have read feature the theme of life when under these particular circumstances. 

The characters of Wish You Were Here were, by no means my favorite characters of all-time, but I fell in love with them and their story. While I do not agree with all the main character's choices and I do condemn some of them, it was interesting to follow her on this journey. Laura's Mvula's Show Me Love is a great anthem for her journey and story arc. The romance in Wish You Were Here was nice, but it was cheesy, at times.

Wish You Were Here was an enjoyable read and I am interested to read Renée Carlino's other contemporary books, I currently own Sweet Thing and After the Rain. If you have read any of her other books, please let me know what you thought and which one I should pick up next.

In the market for your average sweet romance, insta-love connection, or steamy quick read? Keep looking. Wish You Were Here is anything but your average story. Remarkable characters, a memorable and unique storyline, and an instant and unshakable love unlike any other. It should come as no surprise by now that Renee Carlino produces a distinctly epic love story, yet I'm pleasantly surprised with each and every new story produced by this author.

From the moment Adam and Charlotte meet you can just tell that something is different. Not just in the sense that this is not your run-of-the-mill heroine, but instead one that is a bit flighty and quirky and ready for something big to happen in her life, and it's not your average Joe that she meets, but instead one that is fun and artistic and mysterious. It's not just the immediate and electrifying connection. Not just the speed at which things move. But maybe Adam's erratic behavior? Maybe Charlotte's out of character decisions? It has to be Adam's mantra. Something is unquestionably unique and thrilling and mystifying, something that had my interest instantly piqued and from that point on I was completely and most definitely hooked.

If nothing else Adam is 100% admirably free spirited, unrestrained, and carefree. To be so uninhibited, so spontaneous, and so full of life is extremely enviable for those of us that may, more often than not, miss out of some pretty amazing opportunities by being overly cautious. Unfortunately, it takes a life altering event for most of us to embrace such a philosophy at which time it may just be too late. If you take just one thing from this story, I would hope it would be this outlook, this attitude, and this positivity in the face of both the good and the bad.

Talk about insta-love. After just one night together, there is a bond so extraordinary and so intense that no matter the time or distance, the mind insists on returning to that short time together. While I've never been a big fan of a profession of love after an incredibly short amount of time, I have never seen a connection such as this done so well. The characters don't claim to love one another after that first night, which was a huge relief for me, they didn't necessarily equate what they were feeling to true, all-consuming love, even in their own minds, and it was less about the word love or the label of being in love, but more about the overwhelming feelings of being incomplete without that person, of finding someone that could be your perfect match, of relating to someone as you never have before. I was not just okay with all this this time around, I enjoyed it, I was totally on board with it, and yes, even loved the romanticism of it all. Renee Carlino proves that insta-love can not only be tackled successfully, but it can also be powerful and believable and even relatable.

At one point I thought I had it all figured out and believed I knew just how this story would end. I soon came to find that, though the majority of what was expected did in fact take place, it was in a much more beautiful and breathtaking way than I ever anticipated. From the very start I never wanted there to be even an inkling of settling or leftovers and when I believed that this was indeed going to happen, I became very frustrated with what had previously been a fun, exceptional, and life affirming story. Believe me, even if you think you know, see this one out. I'm honestly not sure how I could have doubted Renee Carlino in the first place, but it was so much more complicated, compelling and poetic than ever anticipated. Each person we meet and choose to allow into our lives changes us in some way. Some more than others, and there is a reason for them all. I love that everyone in Charlotte's life had a reason and that while they may have come into Charlotte's life at inopportune times, their purpose was not lost on her and things worked out as they were meant to in the end.

A striking and important story that will remind you to appreciate what you have while you have it and to live each day to the fullest. Wish You Were Here is highly emotional, wonderfully surprising, and powerfully poignant. Your average Renee Carlino masterpiece making it anything but your average romance.

*complimentary copy provided by publisher for an honest review

Charlotte is at loose ends. She works at a restaurant where there endless bowl of soup night is the big draw. She has had a string of disastrous boyfriends. She lives with her best friend from childhood who is a lot more of a free spirit. And then one night, she meets Adam and throws all caution to the wind. He is a lawyer who quit his job to create and paint. He has painted murals around the city. They fall into each other and Charlotte thinks that she has found something special but in the morning, he seems to be distant. She doesn’t hear from him again. Oh, she looks for him, but no Adam. Then she meets Seth. Seth is what you would probably call the perfect man. She begins something with him and maybe life is looking up. And then…..she sees a mural of a story she told Adam THAT night. When she finally finds him, she finds out the secret that he was keeping from her. (A secret that I think everyone reading could figure out right away) What happens next is everything that changes all their lives.

I enjoyed this book. I really did but there was something that just didn’t sit right with me. I am the biggest romantic in the world and cry at the drop of a hat, but I didn’t feel that at all. I felt the meeting and falling in love was maybe a bit too abrupt.   I loved the ending. The letter at the end did touch my heart. I have read many reviews of people loving this so maybe it just didn’t hit the right chord for me for some reason.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.

Wish You Were Here is an absolutely stunning book. This is my first time reading Renee Carlino's work and it definitely not be the last. From its gorgeous cover to every word on the pages in between, I am in awe of this author and her ability to craft this amazing story. Its snappy dialogue will make you laugh and beautiful imagery will transport you. But mostly, this book will set up permanent residence in your heart and that will be just fine, let it happen. It is so worth it.

When we meet Charlotte, she is living a half-life and looking for the THING that shouts at her heart and shoves her forward. When it shows up, in the form of Chinese food-bearing stranger, well you do not turn it away. You suspend every bit of your disbelief and allow yourself to be pulled into his orbit, because resistance is futile. 

Charlotte is plucky, brilliant and always felt authentic. I loved this woman so much and she spoke to me on so many levels. Her journey is part inspiring and frustrating, but she faces with a humor that never fails her. 

I can say without a doubt, I was not prepared to love this book as much as I do. Wish You Were Here is a sweet, funny, emotional story that days later I am still feeling soul-deep. This is the best kind of book hangover.  Sigh. Enjoy. 

Happy Reading!!   

Laurie’s Rating: Not. Enough. Starry. Nights.

I didn't really connect with the insta-love and felt bad for Seth. I get where Renee was trying to go with this book, so for that, I give it 4 stars. Unfortunately, that disconnection meant the difference between out-of-this-world amazing book to it's a good read.

Charlotte Martin lives a messy life. Her love life needs help. She has the worst taste in men. Her job is a waste, but needs it to pay her bills. She hasn’t quite found her purpose. Or career. And her twenties are almost over. One night, her best friend Helen forces them to go out after she too had her heart broken. Again. They literally run into Adam Bramwell. Her soul catches fire at the sight of this man. He’s mysterious yet fascinating. They embark on a night together. The chemistry is crazy. Intense. Overwhelming. Magical. So when they wake up and Adam is confused and brushes Charlotte off. She is left bewildered. And even though they just met, she is shattered.

Months later she can’t shake Adam. Even after she meets someone. The way he made her heart soar with just one night. The way he made her want to live. Instead of simply existing coaxing through life. But Adam. Everything about her wants him, but the idea of Adam holds her back. This is NOT what you think. There is no love triangle. The secret literally hits you like a freight train. I sat there on the couch in tears. Shaking. From the very beginning, I felt that something was off. There are clues as the story unravels, but nothing prepares you for what comes to light. And for what comes after. 

You lit up my night...my fucking life, Charlotte."

Riveting. Poignant. Absolutely earth shattering, this is a romance I’ve never read before. The author is a master is weaving together a love story no one could ever execute. The writing electrifies you. The prose keeps you engaged from beginning to end. The characters inspire you. The author challenges you to understand love in a way that only she can present to the reader. Exhilarating. Gripping. This story consumes you. I was left absolutely breathless.

"As long as there is love in this world, we will be a part of it."

My only qualm about this book is that everything happens SO fast. Charlotte. Adam. Him. But can’t love exist without thought? It’s about emotions. FEELINGS. Why do we have to think in love? Don’t we fall in love? And that right there is why I love this author so much. Even when I have issues regarding the storyline, it happens to be something I adore in her writing. Love isn’t forced. Love is fate. Love is happenstance. Predestined. Loves goes against time and circumstance. Unique and unforgettable, once again Renee Carlino pens a compelling love story that will leave a mark on my heart now and for a long time to come.

I think I may have found a new Renee Carlino favorite!  Wish You Were Here has all of the elements of a great romance, although I would probably classify this story as a mixture of contemporary romance and women’s fiction.

Our protagonist is Charlotte Martin.  She’s drifting in a sea of limbo – jumping from career to career but never feeling satisfied by any of her choices.  Dating different men but never finding the passion to commit.  Instead, Charlotte chooses to play it safe alongside her lifelong best friend, Helen.

Charlotte and Helen are wandering home from a bar one night when they run across Adam, who is standing in the middle of the sidewalk and looking very lost.  He seems a bit confused, so Charlotte and Helen decide to help him with directions.  Adam is handsome and kind, charismatic and extremely endearing.  And because there is such an ease about him, Adam makes it easy for Charlotte to do something spontaneous.  She hangs out with Adam all night long.

What they share that night feels promising to Charlotte, but the next morning Adam is very different, and she sees that she was wrong.  During the coming months, Charlotte realizes she’s having trouble moving on from her encounter with Adam.  Even as she considers dating Seth, her feelings for Adam continue to nag at her.  Charlotte is forced to conclude that she fell in love with Adam, and she recognizes that she needs closure.

Carlino’s characters are interesting, and her protagonist in this novel, Charlotte, undergoes extensive character growth.  Wish You Were Here has clever dialogue with laugh-out-loud humor in all of the right places.  The descriptive writing is also outstanding.  For example, Carlino transformed a visual of a famous landmark into an experience of the senses.  That scene in the book truly impressed me.

Perhaps the best feature of Wish You Were Here is the focus on selfless, pure love – the kind of love that only makes your heart sing.  A novel with two love interests can be a hard sell, but please don’t let that hold you back from reading this story.  I promise that the manner in which Renee Carlino wrote this novel is pure class.  There was never a point that this story felt like a true love triangle.

Wish You Were Here triggered many of my emotions ranging from joy to tears, but after crying those tears, Carlino pieced my heart back together.  As I take a final look back at Wish You Were Here, I realize how truly special this story is.  I highly recommend reading this 6-star novel!  It’s one of my favorite this year!

5+ Everyone Needs to Read This CROWNS

This is going to be a relatively short and sweet review for two reasons. First, everyone should read this book with out any spoilers, even minor ones. Second, my words will never live up to how beautiful and poignant this journey is. 

This book moved me on a real-life level. I didn't swoon over heroes, get overheated from the steamy scenes, or sit on the edge of my seat from angst or suspense. What this story did for me as a reader was to make me look at life as valuable. I know that seems clear, but in the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to cherish the moments, truly live our lives, and love fiercely, even if it hurts us in the end. This story reminds you of all of that. 

The other aspect of this story that made my heart soar is the idea that love isn't a once in a lifetime thing. This idea of having multiple soulmates, of connecting with different people, and being able to find happiness amidst pain is uplifting and brings so much hope for days to get better. 

This story is one of that will be remembered for more than it's great romance and characters. It will be remembered for its themes and its relevance to the real world and the relationships we encounter every day, and I know, personally, it will stay with me forever.

Renee Carlino is one of those authors that I jump at the opportunity to read whenever I see that she has a new release coming. When Wish You Were Here was announced, it sounded like one of those life-altering, beautiful journeys that I just knew I would need to experience. What I never could have guessed was that it would turn out to be such an emotional ride from the very first moment we meet the characters until the very last turn of the page. Carlino presented unique aspects to tropes that exist in the literary world, putting her very own style and flair into them, which I certainly appreciated. The storyline was intriguing, resulting in a fast-paced read that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from.

“That’s the reason for all the paintings. The world came to life around me. I could see people for who they were, not what they had. And when I was with you, I felt more alive than ever before.”

That being said, I have to admit that I was a little underwhelmed with Wish You Were Here, especially in comparison to other novels I have read from this incredible writer. The emotional depth and imagery that is typical to her style was almost lacking in Charlotte’s story, which left me craving more on several occasions. I was never able to fully connect to any of the characters, but especially to the heroine of the story. Given that the book is written solely from her point of view, I felt it was critical to feel an emotional pull toward her, and yet, I did not. She came across as flighty and indecisive, without a level of maturation and growth. Furthermore, Carlino typically excels at painting a picture to draw her readers in and bring the story to life, but I never became a part of the story and felt like an outsider looking in for most of it.

“I think when you’re done searching for some of the bigger answers, you can experience this sense of awe again, like everything is different, covered in a new coat of paint.”

Despite my inability to connect with the characters in Wish You Were Here, I loved Carlino’s take on the storyline and overall message of the book. She wrote from the heart, resulting in an emotional read that is sure to tug on heartstrings and leave readers wanting more at the end. Her ability to teach others to live life to the fullest and appreciate the things we have is admirable and so pertinent given the society that we are living in and status of the world today. I may have just finished the story, but I’m already anxious to see what message of love and hope Renee Carlino will spread next.

Simply put, Wish You Were Here is the most beautifully heartwrenching and profoundly uplifting book I've read this year. It's a story that is so tragic yet so full of magic, it's hard for me to describe it as anything less than PERFECT. This is my absolute favorite book from Renee Carlino to date, a superbly written, thought provoking story of love and soul mates, fate and loss, hope, healing and acceptance. Its breathtaking and heartbreaking and I loved every single word.


This book took my breath away. Wish You Were Here had me laughing out loud, smiling from ear to ear. It brought me to tears, kicked me in the gut, filled my heart up with hope just as often as it broke it into a million pieces. I was infuriated. I was heartsick. I was in love. I completely melted with how blissfully romantic it is. I was devastated. I was overjoyed. I was intoxicated and consumed and torn up and filled up and in the end, I was blown away by how absolutely perfect it all was. And the more I reflect on it, the more perfect I find it. 


There's something remarkable about a book that can give you fresh perspective, that demands the reader see the world in a whole new way. Wish You Were Here takes the reader through such an array of emotions as you take this journey with this character. Charlotte is a mess, quite frankly, and this story of her evolution as a woman, as a daughter, as a sister, as a friend, as a partner and lover and as an individual is inspiring and humbling and challenging. It's beautiful what Renee Carlino does here within these pages, what she does with every single character in this story, and you can't help but to feel a bit changed after you finish reading. 


This book is like nothing I've ever read. It's beautiful. Everything from the complexity of the storyline, to the vivid imagery illustrated by the author's lush writing, to the relationships between every character, to the raw emotion on every pages, you the intricate development of every single personality... Everything about it is simply STUNNING. This is a book you have to read. You just have to. This is an unforgettable story that deserves a place on every bookshelf and in the heart of every reader. It's a must.

This was my first Renee Carlino book even though a dead friend of mine (whose opinion I trust implicitly) has highly recommended Swear On This Life. Now that I've read Wish You Were Here, not only am I on a mission to read Swear On This Life, I have to read all of Renee Carlino's work and probably buy hard copies of everything too (it doesn't hurt that all of her covers are stunning). The book has turned her into a must read author for me. Although my life in no way resembles Charlotte's (I became a single mother at the age of 18, married at 25, and had two more children along the way), I completely related to her feeling of aimlessness. Life has always been something that just happened to me - I have purpose but no direction. So upon meeting Charlotte, I was completely engrosses in the character and her story. And I really loved that about this book - it is very much a character driven novel and you couldn't ask for better characters to follow than Charlotte and Adam. I don't want to say too much about the book because it really is best to go in blind in order to get the fullest experience. Just be prepared with Kleenex and brace yourself for surprises. Wish You Were Here stole my heart in a very real and unexpected way. I give it 4 out of 5 wine glasses.

Swear on This Life is one of my all time favorite books, and I was very much looking forward to reading this one. I really didn't like this book, mostly because of the characters. I felt they were severely underdeveloped. Charlotte was supposed to be so insightful, yet behaved like an oblivious child most of the book. Adam reminded me of the episode of Sex and the City where Carrie discovered she was dating a man with ADD (even though I completely understand why his behavior was erratic). And Seth came across like a rapey asshole. I didn't like anyone, and I wasn't rooting for anyone to end up together. 

Carlino is capable of great stories and unforgettable characters, this book just didn't work for me.

This was my first Renee Carlino book so and I didn't read the blurb again. So, I did know what I was in for with book.

For the first half of the book I didn't really care much for Charlotte and I thought her and her best friend were kind of a hot mess and kind of selfish and shallow. But I stuck with it and about halfway through this book it took a turn and things drastically changed. Where I was struggling to keep reading in the first half, now in the second half I didn't want to put the book down.

Sometimes you just need that special someone to help make you a better person and that is exactly what Adam was for Charlotte. And despite all the circumstances with their whirlwind relationship it was just so beautiful. I cried my eyes out for the 2nd half of the book. And I will be honest, I will as worried that their wouldn't be an actual HEA, but there totally is.

So check out this book, I promise you won't be disappointed.

QueenZany 4.5 Star Review
WISH YOU WERE HERE 
RENEE CARLINO 


WISH YOU WERE HERE  is a breathtaking, heart stopping, kinda shake you to the core kinda reads!!  The one that will move you, shake you and rock your socks off! But has that added humor, dirty talking and that oh so perfect Alpha attitude!! Which seems to balance out the story! Making you fall that little more, with just the hint of snarkiness to add! 
WOWZER!!! Like for real!! I just can’t say enough  about the brilliancy of RENEE CARLINO ‘s journey she lead me on! Pure Soul entrapping marvel!!

Don’t let the flowery cover fool you into thinking this is going to simply be a sweet, feel-good summer romance. This book is jam packed with some serious feels that made it something truly special. This is the kind of story that has deep messages swirled into the narrative. The writing was rich, and the storyline unique. The characters were so real, engaging, and filled with intensity that allowed for incredible growth. Charlotte was such a strong and brave, young heroine.

This was such a refreshing read in a romance world being continuously filled with more erotic and sexy stories. I haven’t felt like this over a Carlino book since her release Before We Were Strangers. This was another book that leaves your world rocked, and you wanting more; not because the story lacked anything, but because you don’t want to say goodbye. I loved the message of learning how to live life to the fullest and not take what you have for granted. Follow where your heart leads and don’t overlook the simple, every day things. A heartbreaking, yet romantic story of second chances and love, this will be an unforgettable read.

Oh, this book. There were times I was SO frustrated with Charlotte and times she actually had me crying. I actually cried through several parts of this book. And, when I finished, I cried some more.

This was such a heart rending story. I absolutely LOVED it. I knew something was up with Adam almost right away, but my guess about his issue was totally wrong. Yay!! The characters were so real and had me totally mesmerized and engrossed in their world. 

A story about love, loss, growing up and somewhat cheesy at times that I absolutely loved and enjoyed.

Huge thanks to Atria Books and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

This story was absolute magic.  The words, the story, the characters, all came together to create one amazingly stunning piece that days later I am still thinking about.  

The emotions this book evoked left me speechless after reading.  I am still attempting to come up with any words to do this book justice.  Their is heartbreak, yet there is love and romance and complete swooniness.  There is words that will speak to you and your heart.  

This will definitely be a story that will stay with me for a long time to come.  Renee Carlino is definitely a one-click author for me.  I can't wait to see what she brings us next.

I feel like I am the only person who has read this book so far that wasn't moved to tears. Normally, I would say that it's because I am so tough when it comes to emotions while reading. I don't think that is all it is with this one.

I have been a huge fan of Carlino's since she published her very first book. She has been a go-to author when I want a romance story. Her writing is phenomenal, and she is able to tell a story with complete expertise.

In the beginning of the story, I was totally jiving with it. I was on board. Then, the book took a turn. I began to loathe Charlotte. I couldn't shake my disdain for her character. In my eyes, she was selfish. No matter what, she had a tough time redeeming herself to me.

I can see where and why people were brought to tears while reading this book. The disconnect  for me that sets me away from those readers is my inability to feel any form of empathy or sympathy for Charlotte. I felt for the characters she affected the most around her, but not her. 

By the time this book ended, I still just didn't like Charlotte, but I was happy with the final result of the story, even though I didn't feel Charlotte deserved it. 

Carlino's writing is spot-on like it always has been. After reading my thoughts above, it might not seem like it. This just wasn't a story that I totally got into.