When I found out Emily Henry was coming out with a new book, I knew I HAD to read it immediately. BEACH READ was one of my favs of 2020, so I had high high hopes for this one.

What I loved
-The mix of tropes
*she satisfied thoes who enjoy friends to lovers AND enemies to lovers IN THE SAME BOOK, WITH THE SAME COUPLE--I'm impressed
-The ending was so flippin sweet

What I would have changed
-I wish we would have gotten the story told from Alex's side a bit more
-There were parts of the story that I felt were a bit drawn out

I still recommend this one, because I mean, it's an Emily Henry book, but overall Beach Read has my heart
*and tbh, it's probably not fair to compare author's books to each other since they're completely different stories buttttt I can't help it

I love, love, loved this book. It brought up so much nostalgia for me. I too have a best friend that I travel with as much as possible, and while we never were romantically attracted to each other, we’re both irreplaceable parts of each other’s lives. We also met in college but have lived on opposite sides of the country since then. I was recently one of his groomspeople in his wedding, and we have plans for our unborn children to marry each other. That’s not weird, right?
We even have gone to many of the same places as Poppy and Alex together--Croatia, Palm Springs, New Orleans, Colorado, and Norway are the ones we have in common! I kept texting him throughout the book saying “Now they’re in New Orleans!”, etc since so many places were ones we’ve been to. I’m definitely the Alex in our friendship though, and Shane is the Poppy.

Now if only I could get paid to travel by a company like R&R…

I thought PWMOV was the perfect rom-com. As someone with many close male friends, I don’t usually find friends-to-lovers realistic, but in this case it totally worked. It’s a classic case of right place, wrong time, as fear and other romances have kept Poppy and Alex apart for years.

I loved both Poppy and Alex. Both of them were funny, goofy, and relatable, and I loved how closed-off Alex would open up around Poppy. I laughed with them and cried with them, and I was so sad when their story ended. Sequel, anyone?

This is definitely one to add to your summer TBR pile. It will be out on May 11th, just in time!

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Emily Henry does it again. People We Meet on Vacation was a lovely romance, perfect for the wanderlusts out there. I loved the friends-to-lovers trope, and the chemistry between the two main characters.

Emily Henry knows how to write an addicting story that reads like one of your favorite romantic comedies, while adding realistic and deep life twists in between.

I highly recommend this one. Definitely one of my new favorite books.

Friends to lover. You get to see Poppy and Alex as their relationship grows. I like how it was written (from years back to present time).

How do I even begin to explain how deep this story buried itself into my soul? Emily Henry is a league of her own. PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION is a friends-to-lovers/opposites attract story with a big dose of unrequited love that is full of yearning and unspoken feelings. You know when you just want to lock the characters up in a room and tell them to not come out until they resolved their issues? Yeah, that's what happens here in the best possible way.

Poppy and Alex haven't spoken in two years and the author leaves you pretty much in the dark about the reason only sprinkling vague hints here and there. You wonder all along why would a solid friendship like this break. After two years without Alex Poppy still feels the rejection of him going silent on her, replying to her texts with one-syllable answers or meaningless small talk. Feeling a little stuck where she is in life, missing her best friend, she gets over herself and reaches out to him to ask him if he wants to revive their annual tradition to take a summer trip. To her surprise Alex agrees and Poppy wants to finally find out why he cut her out of his life so efficiently.

Before Alex, my family was the only place I belonged, but even with them, I was something of a loose part, that baffling extra bolt IKEA packs with your bookcase, just to make you sweat.

The flashbacks to their previous summer trips tell the story how they became friends and how their connection grew stronger and stronger over the years. There was nothing they couldn't talk about. Except about their feelings that went beyond friendship. Boy, that pining, the slow-burn, it was INTENSE. Poppy and Alex had such strong chemistry. Where Poppy was colorful and quirky, Alex was solemn, quiet and steady. They took care of one another in the most loving and tender way. I loved every single thing about them but my favorite thing was their sense of humor, the ease with which they teased one another. It felt so natural. Alex and Poppy knew one another on every level. Even when things fell apart he made sure to let Poppy know that she'd always have him.

“My point is, no one really knew me before you, Poppy. And even if . . . things change between us, you’ll never be alone, okay? I’ll always love you.”

I felt a strong connection to both Alex and Poppy, the way they communicated, how they finally addressed their mutual feelings, it spoke to me. Each of them had issues to deal with and to solve but there was no doubt that they'd make it, ultimately.

Even if we never kissed, never said the words outright, we were keeping whole parts of our hearts for each other only.

BEACH READ was one of my favorite books last year and PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION is just as amazing. Emily Henry's writing is so full of emotions, I inhaled this book which doesn't happen very often these days. This book made me happy, there were some teary eyes and I laughed. I don't think I can do this book justice with my review but I hope I can convey how much it meant to me.

I love him so much. I love him more than I did yesterday, and I already know tomorrow I’ll love him even more, because every piece of him he gives me is another to fall in love with.

This title is a hot item on our shelves. We have a holds list started before it's even published! Absolutely loved the character development and the cover is incredibly appealing.

First of all, thank you to Berkley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Poppy and Alex were the best of friends until two years ago. They met at college when she was the wild child, he the quiet writer. Every summer they traveled together to somewhere new. But over twelve years of friendship they grew apart as she lived her luxurious dreams in New York as a travel writer, and he studying and teaching in their hometown. Until two fateful summers ago when something happened in Croatia and they haven’t spoken since.

Poppy decides to reach out and ask Alex to go on a trip, but instead they go off to Palm Springs for his brother’s wedding, where they can hopefully rekindle the friendship they have lost.

Not only did I love the premise, I loooooved the flashbacks! I’m always here for well done flashbacks, and I believe this was done wonderfully. I love seeing their friendship blossom and grow, especially into something more. It was spicy, full of sexual tension, and on top of it all, I loved all the travel.

Highly recommend! The perfect late Spring/Summer read.

I really loved Beach Read, so I was super excited to get my hands on People We Meet on Vacation! I loved both of the characters, how the timeline of the book worked, and all aspects of the romance. It’s a fluffier romance read, but one I highly recommend!

I’m trying to think of what to say but my mind keeps coming up blank. I truly do not have words for how much I loved this book. But let me try.

Emily Henry's sophomore adult novel is, in my opinion, leagues better than her adult debut. While I enjoyed Beach Read for what it was, People We Meet on Vacation is simply on another level. Well-plotted character arcs, excellent banter, realistic relationships (both the main characters with each other and the main characters with their own people), and chemistry that crackles off the page--all of these made reading the book so enjoyable.

I especially loved the way the stories were told, alternating between present-day Alex and Poppy and the Alex and Poppy in summer vacations throughout the past decade. Henry used these snapshots of summer to establish the main characters and their relationship with each other so well. With every passing summer, I got to see them fall in love and tuck that feeling away. And you can see it reflected in how much tension there is in their present-day reunion. Similarly, as the flashbacks neared that fateful trip that broke their friendship, you can also see their present relationship show cracks. This is well-done storytelling.

For fans of slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, I'm happy to report that Emily Henry served us with the most delicious story in People We Meet on Vacation. And we thank her for that.

I knew I was going to love this book if it was anything like Beach Read and it was...and it wasn't. This book was just as character driven but I loved the history the two MCs had. Poppy was flawed but her growth was great. Her and Alex had such great banter and even though you knew from the beginning where they're going the journey was fun. The duel timelines allowed you to get their history at the same time you saw them moving forward. It just work, on all fronts. The pacing was fantastic, the tension was phenomenal, and even though at times it was frustrating to see them misunderstand actions and words of the other, the payoff was amazing. I wasn't expecting to, but I shed a few tears at the end. This is another hit with all the potential to take readers on a fantastic escapism ride as Beach Read.

Longtime best friends Poppy and Alex set out for their annual summer trip, except they haven’t spoken in almost two years after what happened in Croatia. A wedding in Palm Springs might be what brings them back together once and for all.

Excuse me Emily Henry! She does it again! This was easily 5 stars for me early on in the book. I just loved it. I loved Poppy and Alex, their friendship, their banter, and the friends to lovers trope!! Emily Henry has become a new auto-buy author for me because everything she writes is perfection.

Incredibly grateful to @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

People We Meet on Vacation was a different type of book for me; I don't usually pick up friends-to-lovers books. This one was a cute rom-com that I really enjoyed! I wish the flashbacks came less often with only important details and the ending felt super rushed. The whole Croatia thing seemed like there would be more to it with how often it was brought up that it had ruined the friendship..
Overall, I felt like it was a pretty cute book for those that like a friends-to-lovers story.

I loved this book. Poppy and Alex's friendship is so relatable and the writing is witty and fun. Also, coming from a small town, I can relate to Poppy's love/hate relationship with her small, Midwest hometown.

I read this ages ago, and I didn't love it at first. I think if I'd reviewed it right away I would've given it three stars. But it's the sort of book that quietly sticks with you. Situations similar to events in Alex and Poppy's lives have happened around me in real life; plus I feel like people just keep talking about Palm Springs! It's so weird. So for its resonance, and the accuracy of some of the romantic situations, I'm bumping it up to 4 stars.

After finishing this book, the first thought that came to mind was "how is it possible that I have never read Emily Henry before?" - her fresh writing style and Nora Ephron-like story line is right up my alley. I am so glad grateful to have received an advanced reader copy of this book.

This story centers around Poppy and Alex and their twelve year friendship. As soon as Poppy describes Alex waiting in front of a car, the image of Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally vividly flash before my eyes. There are definitely a lot of parallels, but to my delight, this was a different kind of relationship, one that felt richer and deeper.

Every summer, Poppy and Alex drop whatever they are doing in their lives and meet for their annual "Summer Trip". What started as budget friendly trips when they were young, evolves into more luxurious excursions as Poppy's career as a travel writer picks up, eventually landing her a job with a prestigious travel magazine.

Complete opposites, these two go through trials and tribulations of being close friends of the opposite sex and what that can entail. After a trip to Croatia, something happens that changes the dynamic of their relationship and they go nearly two years without speaking. This also resulted in them not taking their annual trip.

When Poppy faces a turning point in her career, she questions the last time she was truly happy and realizes that is when she was taking her trips with Alex. After some coaxing, she convinces him to try to re-create the first trips they went on.

What transpires is a series of events that makes them ask the age old question of, what do we mean to each other and how do we move forward? This is one of those books where you find yourself screaming at the characters (in the best way possible). A contemporary coming of age with emotion but also humor that kept me wanting more.

I highly recommend this read, especially for the summer. Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book set to be released on May 11th, 2021.

NetGalley ARC | Beach Read was one of my favorite books last year. Although I didn't enjoy People We Meet On Vacation as much, travel writers and rom-com lovers might appreciate this one. The story is sweet and fun with some intense moments. I'd recommend this one for beachy summer reading.

My favorite parts: The AC situation in Palm Springs was hilarious, all of the vacations had me wanderlusting, Poppy's boss, and Alex's loyalty and love for Poppy.

My not-so-favorite parts: The 'big mistake' not really being that mind-blowing or earth-shattering and the count down to the final vacation. It seemed a bit tedious.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Find a full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/may-2021-book-releases/

I love the fact that the heroine is a mess in progress. I could have lived without the constant flashbacks, it made the story feel forced as we learn more about the background.

Poppy and Alex became unlikely best friends on their road trip home after their freshman year at UChicago. She's loud, flamboyant, and a wannabe globetrotter. He’s reserved, conservative, and likes to stay home. Over the next decade, Poppy and Alex take an annual weeklong summer vacation together. It’s the highlight of both their year until one vacation where everything falls apart. In those two years, they haven’t spoken, much less vacationed together. Now, Poppy, unhappy with her life, decides to rekindle the magical vacation moments with her best friend. Can you ever get back what you had without facing the unspeakable events which happened two years ago?

I love this story! A pure magical story on how true friendship can be buried so deep in your bones that you ache when things aren’t right. You simply can’t imagine life without this person. I love opposites attract, friends to lovers trope. Henry’s writing style of witty banter had me laughing out loud. Thanks to @brandy_reads for the buddy read - sliding 😂 or 🤣 or “dying” into my DMs. I believe I can speak for Brandy and say we thoroughly enjoyed Poppy and Alex’s journey. And I secretly fell in love with Alex! Will you marry me?

After Beach Read and now People We Meet On Vacation, Emily Henry is now an auto-buy author for me! I’ll read anything she writes, including grocery lists and post-it notes. Please send them over!

The release date for People We Meet On Vacation is May 11, 2021. Include this book in your beach bag this summer! You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Emily Henry has a special place in my heart because she got me into romances with her book BEACH READ.
I hate to say I didn't enjoy this title as much as the other I've read of her.
Her novels are long and have a slow burn romance, which normally I enjoy because you get invested and aggravated by the characters (in a good way.)
This story was a bit odd because you know the entire time these two are meant to be together.
Their own fears and shortsightedness have prevented them from admitting they are in love with one another for YEARS! At a certain point, I was like, let's just do this already.

The travel aspect of the book was really cool and I wish there was more time spend on that. For it being nearly a 400 page book I could done with less playful banter and more description of the cities and people in the luxurious destinations.
It is funny to me that the book is called PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION because there was really only one trip where their stranger connections were utilized. I loved the idea of meeting someone in one place, then looking them or a friend they mentioned up and finding a familiar face in an unfamiliar location. There is something magical in that human interaction and I could have read way more of that too.

Overall, this story was very cute and the characters were funny (fi a bit over the top.)
I do enjoy how Emily Henry builds angst and real problems/issues her characters deal with.
I thought the plot dragged on way too long and this book did not need to be 400 pages.
It was a unique and different set up with the alternating chapters from THIS SUMMER to summers they vacations together years ago, but sometimes it just didn't deliver for me.

We will be discussing this book on April 29th via Zoom if you would like to join!

Emily Henry can WRITE, man. I don't usually go in for friends-to-lovers but she got me good with Poppy and Alex! I loved the flashback structure of the book, filling in their last trips and showing us their years of friendship as they get back together for another vacation after a hiatus. I felt like the final conflict was a little rushed but I was very pleased with the character journeys each of them took and where things ended up.