3 stars for a beautiful backdrop and a really original story!

not sure this is my kind of book... it's a lil too steamy 😅 it's pretty much all about Lila and Eivind's mutual attraction.

I really wasn't expecting to learn so much about sailing and Aussie slang! I feel like I could navigate through the panama canal now lol

This was a very surface level book -- it was exactly what the Goodreads synopsis said it would be. It's a great read to satisfy your need for a Central American adventure, and would be a great quick read to get you out of a reading slump! All of the characters were pretty one-dimensional, but the sailing background was really well fleshed out.

Pretty good read, just not my style.

The Hitchhiker in Panama is Liz Alden's debut novel, but it feels like she's been writing for years.

It was very evident that Liz Alden knew what she was talking about in terms of knowledge about sailing and the Panama Canal. I loved that at the end she discusses her experience sailing and the characters that inspired the crew. At time the details felt too intricate, but I do appreciate that they were there and lead to the authenticity of this story.

This book made me wish that I didn't get sea sick and that it was safe to travel, because I would love to traverse the Panama Canal. I did think that the relationship between Lila and Eivind developed pretty quickly, but when you're spending all your time with someone that's bound to happen. I enjoyed watching the two of them grow and learn together.

This is the first book in the Love and Wanderlust series and I can't wait to read the rest. Especially after reading the short prequel novella, The Night in Lover's Bay. I need more Marcella!

This one wasn't what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I loved the setting and the adventure of the story. It did feel a bit slow at times, but it paid off as Lila had her adventure.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.