Connie Willis is hilarious. I read her book To Say Nothing of the Dog several years ago, and I always intended to look up more of her books, because that one absolutely delighted me. When I saw she had an alien comedy coming out, I requested, and received a copy of the ebook. Then Penguin Random House gave me a free audiobook as well (thank you! @prhaudio).
So I alternated between the two versions and enjoyed them both very much.
The plot is a zany, byzantine romp through the deserts of the Southwest, as Frankie, our intrepid protagonist, is abducted by an alien in her hideous maid of honor gown. The cast of characters is colorful and entertaining, and the alien is creative and clever. I loved it!

I’ve only read one book by Connie Willis before— Doomsday Book, a pretty heavy cerebral book that I really loved. So I was utterly unprepared for The Road to Roswell, which is not only a completely different type of novel, but also beyond bonkers! In Willis’ latest novel, practical Francie arrives in Roswell, New Mexico to attend her kooky best friend’s wedding. Francie is pretty skeptical of all of the UFO-chasing eccentrics in Roswell (her best friend’s fiancé included); therefore, she is pretty shocked when right before the wedding she is abducted by an alien.

I won’t go into the details for spoiler reasons and also because I’m not sure I can adequately convey how over-the-top this road-trip comedy/adventure gets! This book reads like a love letter to Westerns and alien flicks – neither of which I’m particularly familiar, so a fair amount of the cultural references went over my head. I also really struggled with some of the leaps of logic in the first third of the book; however, around the halfway mark this book accumulated a motley cast of characters, settled into an adorable road trip narrative and I finally got on board.

If you are passionate about Westerns or UFO sightings, then you are going to want to check out Willis’ wonderfully weird new novel.

Thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine and Del Rey Books for the advanced readers copy! What Connie Willis book should I read next? I definitely want to read some of her holiday short stories later this year.

hilarious and goofy, this was a great read

thank you to netgalley and to the publisher for this review copy.

This delightfully odd story follows Francie, who finds herself abducted by an alien while on her way to her best friend’s alien-themed wedding in Roswell, New Mexico. Ridiculousness ensues post-abduction, as Francie and her new tumbleweed-like alien friend pick up a unique cast of characters on their travels at the direction of said alien who they come to call ‘Indy’. It is obvious that Indy is on some sort of mission as he orders them where to drive and what to do, but communication barriers mean Francie and friends are along for the ride until they can figure out what they need to help Indy achieve and how to get everyone safely back home.

I have to be completely honest in that I’m still not quite sure what to think about this book. I was definitely entertained and enjoyed reading it in general, and I particularly loved the uniqueness of the aliens and their world. But at the same time, it felt a bit boring at times and maybe about 100 pages longer than it needed to be. So much of the plot consisted of driving around, talking about Western movies and conspiracy theories, and trying to communicate with Indy. While there were certainly times that it made me laugh, at the same time it just felt like it dragged on and on, playing on repeat, until I got maybe 75% of the way through when the plot picked up. Once the main crew of characters figured out what Indy wanted and where he wanted to go, everything moved rather quickly. Having been advertised as a rom-com, the romance subplot also seemed rather abrupt/forced and not really focused on until the end, which made it feel a little less genuine. I think I wish there was more character development throughout, but at the same time, I guess you don't necessarily pick up a rom-com about aliens because you're looking for character development 🙂. The ending also left something to be desired for me - I even thought I had an unfinished copy!

All in all, this was a fizzy, light summer read that doesn’t make you try too hard. There’s some fun moments and unique world-building, and it feels like something meant to be tossed in the beach bag to drink down as an escape, but maybe not necessarily something you’d expect to stick with you once you return to reality.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A comfy read about alien invaders and the people who believe in them. Funny, romantic, this is vintage Connie Willis. Great fun!

As an avid Connie Willis fan I was more than excited to pick up her newest release. A road trip story set in Roswell? Aliens? My X-Files loving heart was ecstatic!!! That being said, I think this will be a hit or miss for most people.

I loved the absurdity and the humor of it. It read quickly and was full of unlikely and hysterical scenarios. I laughed out loud. This book was 100% up my alley. It was a charming light hearted romp of a sci-fi novel.

There are a couple cons that I feel the need to mention. The ending was definitely too abrupt, I actually checked to see if my e-arc was missing a chapter. Also, the romance seemed completely unnecessary and somewhat forced.

Do I recommend? If a comedic road trip alien story sounds like something you would enjoy then absolutely yes!!!

A witty and fun romp with unexpected depths and in an easy to read and digest package. Par for the course with Connie Willis. Francie is not impressed with her college roommate's fiancé, nor is she excited at the prospect of the wedding being during and a part of Roswell's UFO Festival. However she still dutifully is performing maid of honor duties in the lead up to the wedding, fully believing her friend will come to her senses before they actually tie the knot. Until Francie is abducted by an alien.

This is a first contact story that makes fun of true believers while acknowledging the possibilities. I love how Willis strides the line here, with a skeptical mind and tongue in cheek dialog. As silly as the premise is, it develops into a compelling read with themes of kindness, honor, and loyalty. An uplifting read that would be the perfect antidote for a day when the world seems like a dark place.

This is more like three and a half stars- rounded to a 4.

Rom-com's can be a dime a dozen. This book summary felt fresh with the alien sci-fi component, and that intrigued me. I enjoy sci-fi, but this is grounded in Earth and would be an easy read for someone who may not want to dive into a complete sci-fi book.

Overall this was a fun read. There were a few things that were clunky. There were a couple of times the author thew in content that the characters would need in the middle of the desert to exist and it didn't feel natural. But those instances were minor.

Overall, this was light and fun and perfect for summer nighttime reading.

I absolutely loved this story about an alien abduction! Francie is in Roswell for a wedding when she’s taken hostage by a little alien. Along the journey there are others taken along for the ride as well. The first half of the book moved a little slow for me but we do get to really know the characters! I grew to really like the little alien and hope there’s a sequel . This was a book recommended by Anne Bogel and I’m so glad I was able to read it!!
Thank you netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Connie Willis’s latest is billed as “part alien-abduction adventure, part road trip saga, part romantic comedy.” I’d argue that the first two largely overshadow the romance, but, all in all, the mash-up makes for an entertaining read.

To Say Nothing of the Dog is one of my favorite books, and The Road to Roswell is a very similar story in some ways. Both novels feature strangers travelling together, an unknown destination, and a mysterious mission. Part of the fun of reading them is figuring out what’s going on along with the main character, whether that’s Ned or Francie. Because their knowledge is limited, the plots of both books include some rather aimless wandering around, and readers have to be prepared just to sit back and enjoy the characters and their journey.

So, fans of plots with a lot of action would want to give this a miss. For most of the novel, Francie and her fellow abductees simply drive from place to place as directed by the alien they call Indy. Attempting to communicate with him and learn what he wants involves much conversation, including discussions of UFOs and alien lore, as well as old Westerns.

I enjoyed it all. The side characters are wacky, and Indy is completely adorable, especially when he plays matchmaker. The story is light and often very funny, and the romance, while understated, is sweet.

That ending, though! What a tease.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for me to review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this novel. This unfortunately felt like a slog to me. There were some twists that I did not expect and I did enjoy the alien encounter at the end. The very end was quite abrupt but somewhat satisfying. Francie was fine and once Indy was able to communicate, that was nice. Overall I just wanted to get through this to see the plot without caring about the characters. 2 stars.

To be honest, I requested this on a whim. I didn't really know anything about it, other than maybe a romantic comedy set amongst UFO hunters. It sounded silly and light, and I thought I would give it a shot.

It was so worth it, y'all. This is a science fiction buddy road trip romantic comedy with a delightful, zany cast, an ACTUAL alien, and innumerable escapades with said alien. Yes, the blurb tells you Francie is going to get abducted, but they don't tell you that you'll fall in love with Francie, Indy, Wade, and the rest of the crew. You'll be rooting for them in their quest and laughing CONSTANTLY from beginning to end.

I don't want to say too much because you should discover their hijinks yourself. However, I will say that though the plot was a touch predictable, it didn't matter, because this novel is fully character-driven. Even if you DO guess the plot twists, you'll be too busy holding your breath and praying they don't get caught by the Feds, Men in Black style.

Highly recommend this delightfully silly, 100% fun read. Half a star knocked (maybe!) because the ending seemed to happen really fast and I was a little confused by it. It was still charming, but I wanted more information!!

TL;DR: An incredibly funny, charming buddy road trip with a perfect dash of romance and close encounters of every kind!

The Road to Roswell is a remarkable tale that showcases Willis' unparalleled storytelling abilities. Her unique talent lies in her ability to craft sparkling, rapid-fire dialogue, create suspenseful and intricate plots, and construct dramatic scenes that leave a lasting imprint on the reader's mind.

Willis possesses an extraordinary knack for weaving words together, captivating her audience with her vivid descriptions and engaging narrative. Her dialogue is sharp and dynamic, propelling the story forward with irresistible energy. Each conversation crackles with life, drawing readers deeper into the narrative and allowing them to truly connect with the characters.

Furthermore, Willis is a master of suspenseful plotting. She expertly constructs intricate webs of mystery and intrigue, skillfully leading readers down unexpected paths and keeping them on the edge of their seats. Her ability to build tension is unparalleled, leaving readers desperate to uncover the truth and discover the secrets hidden within the story's pages.

But it is in her creation of dramatic scenes that Willis truly shines. These moments are so intense and powerful that they sear themselves into the reader's memory, leaving an indelible mark long after the book is finished. Willis' vivid descriptions and evocative language bring these scenes to life, immersing readers in a world of raw emotion and breathtaking intensity.

The Road to Roswell is a testament to Connie Willis' exceptional storytelling prowess. With her unparalleled ability to craft sparkling dialogue, construct suspenseful plots, and create dramatic scenes that linger in the reader's mind, Willis has firmly established herself as a master of her craft. This captivating novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling and unforgettable literary experience.

I adore Connie Willis, but I also think her books should come with a label so you know which Connie Willis you are going to get. This book was written by the funny Connie Willis of *To Say Nothing of the Dog*, rather than the rip-your-heart-out-and-stomp-on-it Connie Willis of *The Doomsday Book* or, God help me, *Passage*.

Great science fiction is famous for asking the proverbial big questions. Who are we? Where are we going? What does it mean to be human? *The Road to Roswell*, on the other hand, asks the question: What if an alien abduction was, like, super embarrassing?

Francie arrives in Roswell, New Mexico, to be the maid of honor in the wedding she is determined to prevent from happening. Her friend is planning to marry a UFO nut; despite not being one herself, she has been talked into having a wedding at Roswell’s UFO museum, during Roswell’s UFO festival. So imagine Francie’s embarrassment when she finds herself abducted by an actual alien. While she’s at the cheesy UFO festival. And wearing a hideous bridesmaid dress.

And then when the next person the alien abducts happens to be a very cute guy.

So it goes, while Francie tries to A) learn to communicate with the alien (who is a ball of tentacles and looks like a tumbleweed; B) get back in time to convince her friend not to go through with the wedding; and C) cope with everything that just keeps getting more and more ridiculous.

Connie Willis has won more Hugos and Nebulas than any other living author, and deserves them. This book might be silly and fun, but it’s also a solid first-contact story that made me laugh out loud every few pages. Highly recommended.

This is a bonkers books including some major non-human companions. You might think it's a book with some cute animal sidekicks. But in the case of Road to Roswell, it's an alien that looks like a tumbleweed.

While the book definitely science fiction, it's also got a hefty helping of romance, including a Vegas marriage of convenience, some hidden identity angst, a road trip, and even an appropriately ridiculous final reveal about that MOC.

Willis often peppers her books with classic Hollywood references, and Roswell is no different. Here, the tumbleweed alien (Indy) gathers (or rather, abducts) a ragtag group of travelers while he tries to complete a quest that none of them can grasp. It's part "Arrival," part western stagecoach character study, part screwball comedy with a dash of romance, but mostly nonstop action from the moment Francie tries to help her friend get ready for her Roswell-themed wedding.

If you already like Connie Willis, you'll probably like what you find here! If you don't, we'd recommend starting with To Say Nothing of the Dog or Crosstalk for a similar SF/Romance mashup.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

The Road to Roswell
A Novel
by Connie Willis

What at delightful Sci-fi romp author Connie Willis takes us on. This is an alien invasion story with a little touch of romance that explores and explains most of the alien conspiracy theories out there.

A great book to escape into!


Thank-you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#TheRoadtoRoswell #NetGalley

Ahoy there me mateys!  I didn't read the blurb because the cover says it all.  Awesome author and aliens.  Yup.  Beam me up.  This had such a fantastic fabulous beginning.  It made me laugh.  Francie doesn't believe in aliens until getting abducted by one! Francie, the main character, was a hoot.  So was the rest of the gang that ends up involuntarily joining her.  This is a cute, fluffy feel-good story.  It is a first-contact story with a side of romance and a dash of western and sci-fi movies.  I didn't get all the references but was certainly entertained by those I did recognize.  It was a fast, if somewhat rambling, read that made me smile.  I am glad to have read it.  Arrr!

This goofy alien abduction/road trip/semi-romance novel harkens back to a cross between a 1940s romantic comedy and the Marx Brothers cabin scene from A Night at the Opera! Francie is going to Roswell with mixed feelings: is she going to be her best friend’s maid of honor, or will she stop the bride from making a terrible mistake? Roswell’s annual alien festival is in full swing when Francie goes on an errand and is abducted by a very strange alien with demands that it cannot communicate very well. What follows is a zany zigzagging trek in the New Mexican desert. The alien and Francie kidnap more passengers: a handsome, laconic stranger, a conspiracy theorist aficionado, a senior citizen gambler and a retired RV driver with a great rig. All become embroiled in trying to discover the intent of the alien and how to help/thwart him. If there is such a thing as a “beach read” alien/romance/western road trip novel this is it. Recommended for those who want humor, slyness, and a dollop of romcom with science fiction light. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.

The Road to Roswell has been difficult for me to review because while I enjoyed it when I was reading it, I had to remind myself to pick it back up. I expected to love it, and I feel like I’m being unfair to the book when I complain that I only liked it. Connie Willis’s To Say Nothing of the Dog is one of my all time favorite books, and Roswell has some similarities. In both books, people are trying to find something and they aren’t entirely sure it’s findable. Some of the characters are obstacles because they have a very specific world view. And both books have some characters who are trying to do the right thing, even if it means breaking the rules that usually govern their behavior.

Level-headed Francie and quick on his feet Wade are rational problem solvers in an extremely unusual situation. They are helped and hindered by people who see the world through their own distinctive lens. When Francie was trying to bring attention to the fact that she had been KIDNAPPED by an ALIEN, she was either dismissed as a nut, or dismissed because her experience didn’t match the true believers’ preconceptions. Francie spends a lot of the book being frustrated by people who won’t listen, or who won’t communicate honestly. Along the way, the alien they have named Indy pulls in other people (literally).

I think where The Road to Roswell got stuck in “like not love” territory is that one of the secondary characters irritated everyone, including me and the way Indy learned to speak English was more annoying than charming. The things I didn’t like are my personal issues, and not broader issues with the book.

CW: abduction, alien abduction, conspiracy theorists, running from the law, interrogation.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Random House Publishing and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

3.5 stars rounded up. A solid addition to Willis' body of work even if it doesn't live up to the expectations of it being her first novel in 7 years.

The Road to Roswell contains Connie Willis' signature charms. There were a few minor spots that took me out of the book. For example (very minor plot spoilers) when an alien from another planet cannot comprehend that people are able to put on different clothes and that is not the same as peeling our skin off. There are some ways to rationalize these instances but each time it crops up it is distracting. But when picking up a Willis I am not going into it for hard SF and adherence to a rigid system. What I expect is stories about characters who are bold in the face of trials, cutesy romance subplots, and a heartwarming ending. And comedy. You can never forget the addition of warm comedy with her. And this was ultimately a quintessential Connie Willis novel.

The specific story here is about Francie, who flies into Roswell to attend her best friend's wedding, and hopefully, break it up before it begins. Almost as soon as she arrives she is abducted by an alien that resembles a tumbleweed and forced to chauffer it around. They race all across the southwestern deserts of America looking for, well for what Francie doesn't really know. During their quest for the book's McGuffin, they pick up a band of merry misfits. This book is also saturated with Western movie lore. It's a fitting sepia-toned backdrop as they search endlessly and learn a bit more about each other, and the abducting alien itself.

Connie Willis is an author I adore. I would recommend everyone give her reading a try, though I would not say to start with this novel. Checkout Doomsday Book, or To Say Nothing of the Dog for her best work.

Note: I received an eARC of The Road to Roswell from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.