* Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Emma Lord has quickly become one of my favorite authors. When I saw this available on NetGalley I jumped on it and inhaled it in just over a day.

The Getaway List captured the difficulties of being a teen in modern times. They are over scheduled and pressured from a variety of directions. Losing your sense of self can happen easily, as the characters in this book showed. There are times when you have to step out of your comfort zone and try something completely different. I loved the relationships throughout and how each contributed to both Riley and Tom's growth. Emma Lord's books also tend to be pretty clean, which after reading a number of "spicy" titles, was a nice change of pace. While not my absolute favorite of hers, this was still a great read that I would recommend.

There is nothing Emma Lord can't write. Sweet and whimsy and just wondering, The Getaway List fits seamlessly into Lord's other bodies of work

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, and a huge part of that is the characters we get to know. Their personal journies and growth and conflicts and feelings and lives are all so well written and the way they interact with eachother is just chefs kiss. Im reading this in the car and listening to music, and as I was nearing the end of the book, Meant to Live by Switchfoot (Jon Bellion’s version) came in and I feel like it captures the vibe perfectly. This book was absent the usual frustrating tropes that usually bug the crap out of me and was just so lovely I want everyone to read it.
I also love the setting. I live a couple hours outside of NYC, kinda near where our MC lives actually, and I visited for the first time this year. I loved recognizing the same places the author wrote in, and also recognized the same feelings the MC had being there, which is maybe why I loved this book so much. I’ve loved everything Emma has written so far and I think she keeps getting better because this is her best. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

This was so cute. I always know what to expect when I read an Emma Lord book (even if I didn't love the last two) and I love that she's consistent with what she delivers. This one hit in the same way the others did - heartwarming, funny, found family, a cute romance, dealing with parental issues, self discovery, etc. I loved the best friends to lovers romance in it. Tom and Riley were probably my favorite EL couple. The most frustrating part of the book to me was Riley's mom, but even that was okay by the end.

While the story started out kind of depressing, Riley is rather lost and angry with mother, it picked up as Riley left for NYC to be with an old childhood friend. Not knowing what to do after graduation, against her mother's orders, she moves to NYC. There the fun and very strong friendship begin and Riley becomes responsible for herself and her fate. Wonderful characters and friendship. Growth of her relationship with her mom makes it more endearing.

Emma Lord is one of my auto-buy authors and this book is no exception. This book was such a love letter to Taylor Swift, New York, and fandom culture and it truly feels like it, along with all of Lord's other books were written just for me. There is so, so much packed into this plot but it never once felt bogged down or hard to follow and I enjoyed absolutely every second of it, especially the beautifully written will-they-won't-they dynamic of Riley and Tom, and really the friendship dynamics in the whole found family group. Please read this book and fall in love with Riley, Tom, Mariella, Luca, and Jesse just as much as I have.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Wednesday Books for the ARC!

Emma Lord’s books have always been a serotonin boost for me, and I bumped up this book as soon as I got an ARC. Sadly, it’s probably my least favorite of her books but it did have its own charms. The Getaway List is a story about setting out to find what you want in life instead of always doing what you’re told.

When Riley graduates high school with no college prospects and no plans for the future, she decides to take a trip to New York City for a weekend to visit her best friend Tom, whom she hasn’t seen in years. While they’re together, they try to cross out a few things on their Getaway List, which essentially is a bucket list and a memento of things they haven’t been able to do together. The weekend stretches into the whole summer, and the two of them set out to finish the list with Jesse, their mutual friend who’s just moved to the city; Mariella, Tom’s only friend in the city; and Luca, a newcomer to their group. Along the way, Riley gradually discovers that if she wants to do something in her life, she’ll have to set out herself.

This book felt like a bit of a departure from Lord’s other books, in that Riley is discovering the magic of New York City throughout the story unlike many of her other protagonists who were born and raised there. This only aids in Riley’s journey to find what she wants in life. She’s spent years living under her single mother’s watch, and now she has so much freedom and different magical places to visit.

I liked the characters, especially the side characters! If it’s one thing Emma Lord is going to do, it’s write a fun cast of characters with plenty of chaos to go around. It was fun to see how their little group formed: Riley and Tom reuniting, Mariella being excited to see that Tom isn’t the loner she thinks he is, Jesse just moving to the city as well, and Luca welcomed into the fold. There were a lot of little scenes where I found myself laughing as well.

My main issue with the book, however, is that I think the characterizations were told and not shown, and thus felt very forced, especially Riley. I get that she feels stifled with her mom after years of being forced into extracurriculars so she doesn’t get into any more trouble, but did we need to be told this so often and in so much detail? I think this, as well as the many descriptions of why Riley and Tom haven’t been able to see each other in person in years, just became so repetitive that I got more bored than anything.

This also fed into my disinterest with the romance. Tom felt like a very flat character honestly. I know there’s supposed to be a juxtaposition between how he acts with Riley and the loner persona he’s taken on after moving to New York, but again, we’re more told this than shown it.

Overall, The Getaway List was simply not for me. I liked the characters well enough but a lot of this book didn’t feel very fleshed out. If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers romances and/or Emma Lord’s other works, you’ll probably enjoy this one more than I did.

Such a cute read! I really enjoyed the characters and the story. It was so heartfelt and so cute. This was an easy read! I would recommend this book!

A sweet (ahem, lots of dessert references) YA book centered around friendships, finding yourself, and of course, young love.

📖 The Details:
The Getaway List by Emma Lord

⏱️Quick Summary:
After realizing she doesn’t have any idea what to do after high school graduation, Riley packs a bag to visit her best friend Tom in NYC to cross off items on their Getaway List - things they haven’t been able to do together since Tom moved away several years ago. They make new friends, learn about themselves and their family relationships, and figure out where they belong.

💁🏻‍♀️ My Take:
I enjoyed this - as I always do with EL books. They’re sweet and well written and so very much teenager. This one has a unique plot and lovable characters (seriously Tom gives major golden retriever vibes). The side characters are also entertaining and have their own development. This one also had a deep storyline with Riley and Tom’s relationships with their moms (maybe it’s just because I’m a mom now, but I’m never a fan of the stories that ALWAYS have the parents in the wrong and the teens knowing it all. There can be a balance.). Anyhow - this was a good book and I would definitely recommend to anyone that loves a good YA rom-com.

👍 recommend!

Riley and Tom were childhood best friends and then he moves away to Manhattan. Riley stays behind and tries to be the “good girl” for her mom, working at her coffee shop and doing extracurriculars. Her mom forbids her from going to New York, says Riley and Tom are nothing but trouble together. But Riley decides she’s going… Maybe it will be just the spark she needs to get her started writing again. When she gets there, Riley and Tom and their new friends all start having adventures… Things from Riley and Tom’s “getaway list“. Riley wasn’t sure how things would be between her and Tom after three long years, but when she arrives in Manhattan, their connection is instant and effortless… And more than she expected. She is falling for him as more than just best friends. This romantic, delightful book is heartwarming to read. It’s about friends and found family and love. I gave it four stars just because parts were a little bit slow and I felt some characters could have been developed a bit more. A fun read all around. Thank you netgalley for the advanced digital copy.

riley and tom are best friends and partners in crime since they were kids, but they lost touch after tom moved away. during her high school graduation, riley feels lost and unsure about her future - mostly, she misses the person she becomes when she’s next to tom. so, she decided to visit him so they could spend the summer together completing their long bucket list they had written throughout the years - the getaway list.

the story follows them in new york as they meet a wonderful group of friends, tackle their wildest dreams, and learn about themselves.

something about this book just tugged in my heartstrings. there’s nothing better than reading a coming out of age novel about a girl figuring out who she is. the friendships in the book are so sweet, and they gave me the vibe of what i want my teenage years to look like. they went through a lot of things, and i feel like there was a perfect balance between deep conversations and fun, silly activities. i like the smaller arcs of the people she meets in new york, the book didn’t just focus on the main character, but included stories from the rest of the cast.

riley is such a good main character! she’s extroverted, and brave (even if she doesn’t think that), and isn’t afraid of telling her friends she loves them. even during arguments, she tried to look at the point of view of others and she couldn’t stay mad at them. you couldn’t help but root for her as she takes control of her life.

i connected to riley and felt for her when she described that she wasted her high school years doing what other people wanted her to do, rather than thinking about her passions. it was wonderful to see her grow throughout the book! she took every opportunity she could to try new things and explore the hobbies she had to abandon in high school. i especially like how she didn’t give up when she failed, it just fueled her to become better.

the romance was top tier! tom liked astronomy and often went on long bubbles describing constellations. so when he went away, riley learned the names of all the stars he loved by heart. they hadn’t seen each other in years, and you could feel the amount of relief they got just from seeing each other. i felt how much they loved each other from the very first page. it’s so heartwarming to think that they have a person who understands them better than themselves and wouldn’t give up on them. i like how they pushed each other and didn’t hold each other back. the books shows the amazing feeling of being known, and that home can be a person and not just a place. they keep seeing the other in such high light, allowing the other to keep dreaming about things they thought they had to leave behind.

the book was just comforting. riley knows she doesn’t have a plan for the future, but she takes her time to explore a range of ideas and create possibilities for herself. despite not getting into college and not being able to move into the next obvious stage of life, she is still able to find a place to grow. i appreciate that the author didn’t say that high school has to be the best years of your life (ignore me projecting this entire review), and that there are still so many opportunities left for you. it wasn’t shown just with riley, but also with her friends and even her mother, who gets a chance to reflect on her teenage years. the book romanticizes the small things in life, in such a delicate way that suddenly i came to appreciate things the subway system (that i didn’t think could be romanticized). riley came to appreciate everything she went through and all the experiences that made her herself and it was great to follow her in this journey.

i really enjoyed the overarching concept of the show tom and riley liked. the stories from the tv show connected with the current plot, and i like the way the author combined these ideas.

after finishing the book, i just reread all my annotations and i wasn’t sure if i was smiling or crying. there’s just something so hopeful and full of life in this book. i smiled because the book made me feel like there’s an entire universe in front of me, and i just needed to take the first step to start my own journey. i think i just felt overwhelmed by this desire to do something after finishing the book, and knowing that i don’t live in such an exciting town made me sad. the media usually doesn’t show the difficult moments of the journey - this book showed the harsh reality that can happen when you try things, but still ends on such a positive note that you can’t help but want it for yourself too.

overall, it was the best combination of fun experiences with friends and emotional moments as you learn more about yourself. i highly recommend it to everyone who wants to feel the summer vibe even after the summer. it’s a book that made me think and feel, and i believe these are the types of books everyone should read !

(the song “there it goes” by maisie peters is the best soundtrack for this book)

I adored this: characters that breathed, dialogue that snapped and sparkled, and so much heart. The mother-daughter relationship was healing to read and the friendships and romance made my heart swell. The writing was smooth and sharp and delicious like an iced coffee. (Emma Lord would have made a much better simile. She’s one of the best YA authors writing right now. She’s just so good.) This was such a fun coming-of-age story with so many poignant moments and messages.

I’ve read over 70 books this year, mostly YA (I’m a high school librarian) and this is hands down one of the best. I’m simultaneously feeling lost for words to describe this one, but also wanting to write a novella of a review. I will be buying this for our school library and recommending it excessively.

I am a huge Emma lord fan but this one fell flat for me and I’m not entirely sure why. All I know was this felt even more YA than usual and very immature. I was bored and extremely disappointed. However, that being said because I’m such a fan, it may just have been too high of expectations

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy of Emma Lord’s new book, The Getaway List. Super cute little YA read. High school adventure and young love, set in NYC. Love a YA that is clean and appropriate for teens too. Recommend this one!

Are you ready for a heartwarming and adventurous journey through the streets of New York City? Emma Lord’s “The Getaway List” is a delightful escape into the world of self-discovery, friendship, and unexpected romance. Set against the backdrop of the bustling city that never sleeps, this book invites readers to embark on a journey of a lifetime.

The story revolves around Riley, a recent high school graduate who’s been so focused on being the perfect daughter that she’s lost touch with her true self. With a desire to rediscover herself and her passions, she decides to spend her summer in New York City with her childhood best friend, Tom. Together, they embark on a journey to check off items from “The Getaway List,” a compilation of adventures they dreamed of as kids.

What makes this book stand out is the genuine and heartwarming friendship between Riley and Tom. Their effortless reconnection, despite the years and miles apart, is beautifully portrayed. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and as they navigate the adventures of the list, you can’t help but root for their relationship.

The supporting characters in the story add depth and charm to the narrative. Riley’s newfound friends in New York bring their unique personalities to the mix, creating a delightful ensemble that enhances the overall reading experience.

Emma Lord’s signature cheer and wit shine through in “The Getaway List.” Her storytelling is engaging, and she captures the essence of New York City, making it come alive on the pages. As you read about Riley and Tom’s adventures, you’ll feel as though you’re right there with them, exploring the city’s hidden gems.

One unexpected twist adds an element of surprise to the plot, pulling Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t anticipate. This twist keeps the story intriguing and adds depth to the characters’ emotional journeys.

In the end, “The Getaway List” is a heartwarming and romantic read that will settle into your heart and stay there. It’s a tale of self-discovery, the power of friendship, and the magic of unexpected love. If you’re looking for an uplifting story set in the vibrant backdrop of New York City, this book is a must-read. Emma Lord’s storytelling prowess shines, making “The Getaway List” a delightful and memorable summer escape.

The Getaway List is a new adult novel about Riley, a girl who has been rejected by ten colleges and is trying to decide what she is going to do with her future. Against her mother's wishes she takes a bus from Virginia to New York City to visit her friend Tom for the weekend. The weekend turns into a Summer as Riley makes new friends and learns who she really is.

This book hit me in the feels and in the nostalgia. Although I am likely not the target demographic for this book, I remember the hopeful and also overwhelming feeling of the endless potential of being eighteen, finding independence, and making your own way in the world.

Positives about this book:
*I enjoyed the contrast in relationships between Riley and Tom and their mothers. I felt the depiction of the relationships were very human and also the love Riley and her mother share was very sweet.
*I loved reading about the innocent adventures Riley, Tom, and their friends get up to in the city. It felt very wholesome.

Overall I'd recommend this book to teens and new adults 15+. This is a clean, refreshing coming of age novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
This one really hit me in the nostalgia. What a cute story, friends to lovers and a bucket list of adventures to grow together.
Nothing could make me want to go back to these teens years but this came close.

I'm a picky rom-com person, but Emma Lord continuously brings tears and joy to my life when reading her books, and I love her for it.

After graduating, Riley isn't sure what to do with her life. Being rejected from ten colleges is, in a way, a relief to her, since she won't have to figure out her life immediately. On a whim, she takes a bus up to New York to visit her childhood best friend Tom, who she hasn't seen in three years. They decide there's no better way to spend their last summer of freedom than completing all the things on their bucket list. Throughout these adventures, Riley and Tom make new friends, while their own relationship becomes something more.

Emma Lord writes such realistic characters. Riley is a bit of a goofball and has no idea what she wants to do with her life. The idea of committing to something, only to realize it's not what she truly wants, terrifies her. Because her mom's plan to keep her out of trouble was to commit Riley to every club under the sun, she lost who she was in high school. I expected this theme to come off as sort of cheesy, but it was honest and real. Riley's journey of self-discovery was a rollercoaster of emotions, one I was all too happy to ride.

Riley and Tom's relationship was so sweet I almost cried. I am a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope, and it was done to perfection here. There wasn't unnecessary drama between them, just this quiet slipping into deeper feelings for each other. Both Riley and Tom do a lot of separate self-reflecting and growth, but it was lovely to see them be anchors for each other throughout the process. There are moments of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and anger, but the authenticity of their feelings and love for each other really shines through.

I just love how Emma Lord's books feel like a warm hug. She captures the essence of being a teenager: the carefree attitude, the insanity of great friends, and the growing pains that come with growing up. If you like any of her previous works, you'll adore this one.

Emma Lord, in case you see this, please write a friend group into existence for me, and stop writing about such yummy desserts. I was drooling at the brownie descriptions; it was almost a health hazard.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first novel by the author and I have to say I was not disappointed. I really loved the story and all the characters. It really made me want to go visit New York City and see all the places that they were talking about. It was a super cute story and I’m glad I got to read it. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the arc in return for an honest review.

This is the book I wish I had when I was eighteen and heading to college for the first time. Sure, our main character Riley doesn’t end up at a university after graduating high school, but that’s not the theme that matters in this book. No, that is reserved completely for the discussion of self-discovery and learning how to communicate that with your parent(s). It’s about finding your own family, learning to communicate with the people who mean the most to you, and all while set to an enchanting New York City backdrop. (Seriously, I need to book a trip to NYC!) This story catapulted itself to being one of my top ten favorite young adult novels of all time—which is no easy feat.

The novel’s strengths lie with its characters. Riley was an incredible main character with her witty commentary, chaotic energy, and the fierce way she loved her friends. I adored seeing her grow and explore across three summer months, and how she grew into her own person who was confident to go after what she wanted. But the shine of the novel isn’t beholden to just Riley—the entire cast of characters is what made this utterly delightful to read. I had a soft spot for all the side characters—Jesse, Mariella, Luca, and Tom—who each had their own mini-arcs, which guided the plot along. Not only were they individuals on the page with their own voices, but their own journeys either complimented, mirrored, or foiled Riley’s own transformation along the way. Every single character on page felt completely real, like they were someone I’d stumble across on the street, which goes to show how solidly crafted this book is.

(Sidebar: I know it’s not Emma Lord’s style to write a series within the same group of characters, but if she did that with this group of friends? I would be so down to read more about them!)

The plotting of this story was unbelievably tight and well-crafted. There was never a moment where I wanted to draw my eyes away from the page (which caused a few too many late nights reading!). Every single moment had a purpose, whether it was to teach Riley an important lesson, or to bring the cast of characters closer together. And it was unbelievably layered! There were multiple subplots* happening at one time and each of them had thorough arcs that didn’t leave a reader unsatisfied. Plus, there was the added thread of watching Riley relearn her love for creating/writing in a way that made me want to turn to my own writing. Just everything about this novel, from cover to cover, was incredibly heartfelt and inspiring to read.

With all of this praise, it goes without saying that the prose was, of course, gorgeous as well. I easily have close to one-hundred highlights, most of which were just me pointing out poignant descriptions that carried emotions on and off page. Because that’s what every reader wants, right? It’s prose that makes us feel something, that helps us disappear out of our own heads for a while. And Emma Lord’s writing did just that. It truly felt like you were in the head of an eighteen-year-old who was trying to find their way again. Even without putting a label on it, it was easy to inference that Tom had struggled with depression and Riley was helping him find his way out of it. None of that could be accomplished without the support of incredible writing, which Emma Lord absolutely delivered on.

As someone who’s never read an Emma Lord book before, I immediately turned around and added all of her books to my list. This book felt like a warm hug on a summer’s day, while also carrying messages that readers of any age can appreciate and enjoy. I cannot wait to read more of Emma Lord’s books in the future!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

*Just to name a few subplots: Riley’s self-discovery journey; Tom’s self-discovery journey; Riley and Tom’s slow-burn romance (which was utterly adorable); Luca and Mariella’s past and present crushes on each other; Jesse teaching Riley the importance of closure; the mystery of who was sending gifts through the delivery app; Riley and Tom learning how to face difficult moments in their relationships with their respective parent.