The Map to You is a sweet college romance, between two friends, both of whom believe their love to be unrequited. Really, it should have been perfect for me. And yet, while I liked it—and would definitely recommend it—I never really loved it.

Perhaps this was down to the two things: the tension between the two, for all the scenes where it should have been tangible, never really was, and you never got to see the development from meeting to friends to in love. Let me take the latter first.

This wouldn’t have been a problem, I don’t think, if the story hadn’t started pre-friendship. You got a prologue of them just meeting, and then suddenly chapter one opens and they’re close friends. Perhaps, in all honesty, this is something that book one resolves, and I didn’t read that. If so, this point is entirely on me. And I’m not saying there’s anything bad about “they’re already in love when the book starts”, but you never saw that development here, and I would have liked to.

The other point—that I never felt the tension between them—is probably harder to explain. It’s possible this was down to the writing which, although good and readable, didn’t really get the emotions across for me. Which, as you might expect, bled into the tension between the characters. This wasn’t helped by the fact that they got together, and thus resolved that tension, by the halfway mark. Then the second half was them confronted with Sasha’s mother’s problems, and their own insecurities. Now, none of this was bad, I will stress that. But, as I said, none of the emotions got across.

Which means I overall liked the book, but felt none of what I was supposed to be feeling. Hey, this one may easily be chalked up to me! It’s very possible I’m just not quite the right reader for this one. But if we’re looking for reasons for my rating, this would be why.

This was so cute! THE MAP TO YOU is one of those books that makes me wish there are more new adult books. It’s friends to lovers, sapphic, and has a road trip element - all of my favorite things to read! My main complaint was that I wish the characters communicated better and the conflict felt a bit forced at times. But nonetheless, this was a heartwarming queer romance that I would recommend to anyone seeking a book with college leads.

The Map to You was a very cute read. I finished it within two days and loved it. Although there were some parts that seemed to drag on.

I love the “omg they’re roommates” trope. It is one of the best. Being a college student, I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed and so is the plot. I didn’t enjoy how they wouldn’t just talk to one another. It was very frustrating at times.

This book invoked feelings, had the right amount of angst, and it was cute. Despite the lack of communication, this book is still a 4/5.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Map to You is a wonderful book that follows the two main characters, Kinsey and Sasha. Kinsey and Sasha are best friends and they both have a crush on the other, but both are convinced the other could never like them in that way. All that comes to a head when Kinsey's mom has a heart attack and Sasha offers to drive Kinsey to the hospital--600 miles away.
I especially appreciated that although both characters have their own baggage, it is never implied that falling in love magically makes those issues disappear, as is common in many pieces of media. Instead the two support each other through the tough times together.
Super cute and a wonderful story of young love and the ups and downs of families.

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀.

Not my 200th review because I don't leave reviews in sequence. But it's the 200th book I've read / listened to in 2021 and with this, I've hit my reading target for the year.

This is the second book of the Next Stop Love series but you can choose to skip the first if hetero romances aren't your thing. I mean, I didn't even realise Beatrice and Julian have a book because they are there playing a supporting role like every other side hetero couple does in lesfic books. But they seem like nice people, so the first book deserves a chance if it's something you read.

This is not the kind of New Adult novel where the characters are at the sexual exploration phase. They already know that they like women. Thank goodness, because I really hate that trope. Instead, this is about two best friends who are in love with each other but are reluctant to make their feelings known. So they flirt, and the deal is that both of them feel that they're not good enough for the other person. Kinsey thinks that Sasha deserves somebody better. And Sasha sabotages her own happiness because of her own issues and she shuts down when conversations get real.

I thought most of the book is easy to read. I enjoyed the banter between them and even the moments of awkwardness when the banter goes too far. But I had hoped to see more of the friendship between them instead of the internal conflict they have with themselves. There's some mild angst in the book because of the no-communication trope, which I know would frustrate some readers.

I’m not always the biggest fan of new adult romance, but this book really hooked me and drew me in. The story revolves around Kinsey and Sasha two seniors at NYU. Kinsey is recovering from a relationship gone wrong and Sasha has been crushing on Kinsey for the last few years but Kinsey doesn’t even know that Sasha exists. What follows is an incredibly sweet story of roomies to friends to lovers romance.

What I really loved about this book was it balanced hilarious flirty banter with some serious issues facing both the two MCs. It was in turns laugh out funny / cheesy, serious and heart meltingly sweet. I really liked how both characters were brought to life. Sasha is super easy to love and Kinsey is this “grumpasaurus” being who is actually a big softie inside. I did notice somewhere in the last third the pacing did slow down a bit, but picked up within a few pages.
Also kudos for representation, I always like to give books major brownie points for steering away from the standard MC stereotypes in f/f books. For an author who is only two books in - the writing is fantastic and I look forward to Rachel Stockbridge’s next! Quick note: The cover was pretty awesome too, which was what got me interested in the first place. I believe this is the author’s own creation - so well done Rachel!
A super fun and easy read. 4.5 stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Rachel Stockbridge for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute friends to lovers new adult queer romance but the only word I have to describe it is fine. The premise was good and I thought Kinsey and Sasha were both dealing with realistic issues but the second half in particular dragged. I'd have liked more establishing scenes of their friendship and less time spend in their heads that were (repetitively at times) swimming in self-doubts and angst.

I thought this was an adorable friends to lovers rom com! I did not read the first book in the series, but all of them are also standalone novels, so you do not need to.

I found myself relating to parts of Kinsey and parts of Sasha and I thought that they were developed well as characters in the novel. It was sometimes hard to get into the plotline of Sasha and her mom because it felt like there wasn't sufficient backstory, but I did really feel for Sasha in those interactions.

The Map to You by Rachel Stockbridge
Friends to Lovers, Secret Crushes, Taking Chances, Kindness, Opening the Heart, Lgbtq+ (flf)
This was such a cute and enjoyable friends to lovers novel about two college roommates. I read it in one day and just could feel the emotions and insecurities of the characters as I read along.
But taking that chance also means opening themselves up to heartbreak. And neither is sure they’re willing to risk losing the other forever.
This is my first novel by Rachel Stockbridge and I will now check out some of her other novels as I do not normally read very many romcom type books and really enjoyed it.
This is technically NA, but could but could be read NY a Jr high or HS student as there is no explicit content. I would rate it pg-13, but the MCs are all in college.
Also, great cover & title. I would like a hard copy if offered.
Thank you netgalley & publisher for the e arc. 4-4.5*

Best friends to lovers? Mutual pining? Road trips? Bed sharing? Yes, yes, yes!! This book is absolutely perfect without coming off as too cliche.

The Map to You is such a cute but at the same time deep and heartbreaking romance - with a gorgeous cover, I must add.

Kinsey moves dorms after a rough break-up with her first love, Evie. Her new roommate Sasha flirts with her at every chance that she gets, but that’s just a running joke. Or is it? Sasha has been crushing on Kinsey ever since she first met her, but she doesn’t think her feelings will ever be reciprocated. Over the course of the term they become fast friends, and Sasha doesn’t even think twice about offering to drive Kinsey all the way from New York to Charlotte for a family emergency. During their trip, they will have to re-evaluate not only their feelings for each other, but also their pasts.

The first half of the book moved really quickly. At first I was a bit confused by the jump in the timeline right at the beginning, but once I found out that this book is actually a sequel and looked up the plot of the first book, it all made much more sense.

I thought that Kinsey and Sasha had great chemistry and I loved seeing their friendship develop into something more. It was so relatable for both of them to struggle with their feelings and with the commitment that comes with taking a friendship to the next level. Of course, the whole situation wasn’t exactly made easier by their respective pasts.

Over the course of the book, Kinsey goes through a lot of character development and I loved that for her. Her parents are incredibly supportive and such a cute couple themselves (can we have a spin-off of how they met, please?). Kinsey eventually managed to gather the courage to bring up their fight about the ex-girlfriend and I almost cried over that whole conversation because it was just so wholesome.

I just wish that Sasha had got the same amount of development as well. It is of course a huge step for her to put herself first and cut herself off from her emotionally abusive mother, but I wish she had received more support from her family after that, and started therapy - because she clearly needs it.

Much of the book was focused around resolving these family problems and although that wasn’t what I had expected from the story, I really liked the way it was written. I do wish Sasha and Kinsey had been better at talking everything through in the first place instead of Sasha doing what she criticises her mom for, which is up and running when being asked to face her problems, but it’s all a part of the process so I understand why it happened. Kinsey needed to learn to give Sasha some space, and Sasha had to learn to open up to someone she trusts, difficult as both may be.

All in all, this was a really cute, diverse romance with a focus on mental health and I enjoyed reading it!

4/5 stars.

This wlw romance genuinely has everything. Best friends to lovers, sharing a bed, hurt/comfort. I’m absolutely in love with Kinsey and Sasha and their relationship is so cute.

Sasha’s past is really well written. I liked how the author brought up the ways that her trauma still effects her, and how difficult it was for her to open up to Kinsey after taking care of herself by herself for so long.

Kinsey is like my ideal best friend. Her attitude is just so funny and her constant grumpiness usually stems from care for the people around her. I love her relationship with her parents and her brother, their bond is what everyone wants.

Everyone should read this once it comes out, even if you don’t love romance you’ll love these girls romance.

***Netgalley sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

This book was cute. It is definitely meant for a younger audience (I'm 26). It dealt with college love. It is a book I would have adored a few years ago! If you are in college and love a good roommates love story, this book is for you!

First off thank you Netgalley and the publishers of this book for allowing me a chance to read this Arc of The Map To You.
I found myself in conflict with this book, while I really enjoyed the storyline, the same sex relationship, the struggles that both main characters had, and while the book was really well written. I just felt something was missing, and I cannot put a finger on what it is.
I read this book in a week (a quick read for me).
I would pick to read this book again, and I would recommend to family and friends.
Happy Reading!

This book was super cute. Sasha gave me Julie Etrz vibes but without the tragic backstory/crazy mom. I really enjoyed Sasha's emotional journey and change throughout the book. Kinsey had to learn to be not so self-absorbed. The banter was pretty great and I hard core related to Sasha's sarcasm.
As far as steamboats go, there were only kisses and cuddles, but they were adorable and moved the plot forward.

Kensie and Sasha began as friends and ended up on quite a rollercoaster ride. The story involves the past and present for both girls. They are in college and about to graduate when they changed their relationship. The plot involves self image and coping skills.
The story is a bit wordy but worth reading. The supporting characters are great and give a wide view of emotions. Young love is hard enough with the baggage Kinsey and Sasha bring to the table.
I recommend this book for young romance readers.
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley for an honest opinion.

Wow, this is the fastest I have ever read a book! I instantly felt invested in the budding relationship between Kinsey and Sasha. The second half of the book was less fun than the first. In terms of themes, I related to the relationships between the main characters and their families. I also enjoyed what this book had to say about what it means to be strong.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3 1/2 stars.

This book is real cute. Its not gripping but it’s an easy read with low stakes (although there’s the box standard miscommunication drama) and an obvious HEA.

Give me mutual oblivious pining and roadtrip tension. Give me the grumpy one wants the sunshine one. Give me roommates who are in love with each other but are too fucking stupid to see their arses from their elbows. I’ll eat that shit up as fast as anything.

Is this book groundbreaking? No. But WLW deserve slightly generic <I>omg they’re roommates!!</i> romcoms as well as highly plotted, intricate concepts do they not! Give me the WLW holiday novel tat, is what I’m saying. And whilst this doesn’t revolve around a seasonal holiday, it has the vibe, for sure.

That’s not to say that the characters aren’t fleshed out, because they are. They’re not bland, and the plotline isn’t bland either, just a little predictable. Which I thought was fine—sometimes you just have to take books as they are, and this book is clearly meant to be an easy romcom read, and it does that job well.

However, whilst Kinsey isn’t bland, I did find her “everyone hates me” attitude to be a little tedious/frustrating by the end.

The last half/3 quarters does drag a little as well, I think some scenes could have been shortened.

But, solid 3 1/2 stars.

And they were roommates…

The Map to You by Rachel Stockbridge is a super cute read and you can tell immediately by looking at this adorable cover art! It is a fun and easy college roommates/friends-to-lovers New Adult romance. It is the second book in the Next Stop Love series, however, I personally haven’t read the first book and can safely say that The Map to You can be read on its own.

This book follows Sasha and Kinsey who have become friends and roommates at NYU. Kinsey has gone through a recent breakup and Sasha has had a crush on Kinsey since seeing her in a shared class.

Personally, I found Kinsey extremely relatable as an artistic introvert while Sasha is a jock who uses humour to mask her feelings about both Kinsey and her troubled childhood. It had the perfect balance of angst and cute romance for me. In saying that though, I did find it somewhat frustrating that two sapphic friends who shared their space couldn’t open up to each other. I understand miscommunication tropes and I usually like them as humans are naturally always pretty bad at it. But, being a lesbian who is close to my friends, I did find the extent to which they were closed-off a little unbelievable at times as we stereotypically share our feelings quite easily.

Overall, I had a great time devouring this book. I’m always such a sucker for friends-to-lovers stories and this one was great.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Rachel Stockbridge for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

So much angst and so much personal drama in these characters. The story captivates you quickly so I read this in one go, that’s always good news.
The book is well written and the characters are developed nicely and you can see their growth throughout the book. If you love an angsty YA romance this is the book for you.