I felt so bad for Jasmine while i read this book. You know a book is written well when you genuinely feel sorry for the characters. The ending was wild. I was not expecting that at all. This was a page turner from beginning to end. first book by this author & i look forward to reading another one by her.

I ejoyed the first chapter, although it was a bit wordy. The second chapter was too boring and long winded to hold my attention, so I quit reading.

If you do not lock every single extra lock in your hotel room, reading this book will make you. I obviously do, but the entire time I had a shiver down my spine knowing that there are people out there who don’t…

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing in common, besides sitting next to each other on a flight. Stephanie is headed to California for a news reporter conference, while Jasmine is running away from an abusive relationship, ready to start a new life for herself. So when both women begin texting their friends about a man they met on their travels, it doesn’t necessarily raise any red flags.

That is, until the texts get increasingly more concerning, and their friends begin fearing for their safety. It’s time to figure out who Trent McCarthy is, and what he has done to these women.

If you like a thriller that keeps you on your toes, this is one for you. There are a ton of twists and turns, and even a few moments where I let out an audible, “Wait… what just happened!?” This is one of those stories that I just wasn’t sure how it would end.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of Freida McFadden’s writing style, you will probably enjoy this, but if you are anti-Freida, not sure I’d recommend this. The writing is a little lackluster at moments, or almost rudimentary. It’s not a work of literary genius by any means. HOWEVER, I was extremely entertained, and sometimes you just need an easy read like this! But that’s where my rating was coming from.

I cannot believe I haven’t seen this debut novel being talked about more.

The Business Trip follows two women who have nothing in common, except identical erratic texts they send to their friends about the same man before both vanishing without a trace after one chance encounter on a flight.

This is one of those books where it is better to know nothing. Go in blind and just start reading. But make sure you have a good chunk of time blocked off, because once I started The Business Trip I literally could not stop reading. Told from multiple POV, it was fast paced and everything I ever want in a novel like this.

Thank you so much St Martins Press for this eARC copy and putting this book on my radar. Jessie Garcia, you knocked it out of the park with The Business Trip. I have sense texted so many friends to add it to their list to read! The Business Trip is out now!

The Business Trip is really delightfully twisted psychological thriller drama that manages to suck you in and won't let you go till the very last dramatic blowup.

I absolutely love a book that does moving POV and timelines well, and this book rocks it. It was so much fun unravelling the mystery of the two missing/presumed dead women who only have one thing in common, which is a random man who they allegedly meet around the same time.

I truly cannot say more than that without sending it down the road of spoilers, and this one should be devoured without any hints. But it is really, really fun popcorn thriller reading that won't disappoint. I can promise you that.

Many thanks to the publisher for the copy!

I really enjoyed this book and it's uniqueness. It hooked me pretty quick and kept me hooked. My only issue was with how there seemed to be so many coincidences that made the story seem unrealistic however I'm sure stranger things have happened and it didn't keep me from loving the story!

Stephanie and Jasmine meet on an airplane. Stephanie is on her way to another business conference because she’s the only one at the station who is currently unattached and can be guilted into attending more than her fair share. Jasmine, meanwhile, is fleeing an abusive relationship. How is it that they seem to meet the same man and suggest he’s going to be the world to them? An intriguing synopsis for Jessie Garcia’s debut novel, The Business Trip.

For two-thirds of its length, The Business Trip took me on an intriguing ride and then the tone changed and it lost me. Well, it didn’t lose me in that I knew exactly where I was. It lost me because it decided to add more twists in an already twisty novel without supplying the logic or background to support them. Now, if you follow my reviews, you know that I love, love, love twists and would almost subscribe to the notion: more, more more! But The Business Trip convinced me that less is indeed more. Twists work because the framework has already been installed for them to succeed. Without the framework, you simply have a character waking up at the end of the novel and suggesting that it was all a dream (and, no, that didn’t happen). Clues have to be there. Behavioral clues particularly for a psychological thriller.

The twist at the 2/3 mark broke the novel for me because I believe that if you’re going to pursue twists in a novel to keep readers guessing, you also have to supply logic. You have to supply plausibility and character traits and depth. One incident in a character’s background does not demonstrate a penchant for violence unless smaller incidents have occurred along the way. Ah, the world of trying to offer support for an opinion without spoilers. 😏

The production of the audiobook was excellent. Indeed, I think the audiobook made me believe that the writing was better than it actually was since I also had access to the ARC and found some of the dialogue, especially near the end to be stilted without the drama of the voice actors.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.

Thanks so much St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC! This book was a fun, twisty read! Once I got into it, I could not put it down. I loved learning about the different POVs, hearing the back stories and ultimately, how it all connected at the end. I can't wait to recommend this to others!

Thank you @Stmartinspress and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a solid debut that kept me guessing! I was invested in Stephanie and Jasmine’s stories. Their lives are totally unrelated but when they end up on the same flight and text their friends about the same man something is definitely up. When both women end up missing the real question is who is this mystery man and how are they all connected? I don’t want to give too much away but this was a great mystery!
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Jasmine has spent years serving drinks and making small talk as a waitress at a local bar, but behind the easy smiles, she’s been planning her escape. At 44, she’s stuck in a suffocating relationship with Glen, a younger man who started out charming but turned possessive and controlling. Every day, she pockets a little extra cash, tucking it away like a secret lifeline. And then, finally, when the moment is right, she takes it—sneaking out in the dead of night, her heart pounding as she leaves behind the life that’s been holding her prisoner. Her destination? Denver, where she hopes for a fresh start, a new identity, and maybe even a chance to finally breathe.

Meanwhile, Stephanie is living a completely different kind of life—or so it seems. A successful news director, she’s built her career on discipline, precision, and a tireless work ethic. Divorced and with a grown son, her life is all about the newsroom, deadlines, and control. So when she heads out of town for a conference, no one thinks twice—until she starts texting her neighbor about a mysterious new man she’s met. Her messages grow more surprising: she’s skipping the conference altogether, heading to Atlanta with this guy. Her co-workers are floored when she casually announces via text that she’ll be out for the whole week. This is *not* the Stephanie they know—the woman who practically lives for her job, who would never just disappear like this. Something doesn’t add up.

Two women. Two disappearances. But are they running *to* something—or from something far more dangerous?

This was an engaging read that drew me in slowly but surely. It was thrilling and possessed what I love most about the genre - the twist I didn't see coming! As Jessie Garcia's debut novel, this was a solid four stars for me. I look forward to seeing what she writes next!

Note: this published on January 14th meaning readers can go secure their copy now!

Thank you NetGalley, Jessie Garcia, and St.Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

More Than Just a Business Trip: A Novel of Ambition and Change

Thank you NetGallary for an early review copy of The Business Trip!

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia is a refreshing take on corporate life, ambition, and personal transformation. The story follows a group of professionals on an overseas business trip that turns into an unexpected journey of self-discovery, ethical dilemmas, and corporate intrigue.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its character development. The protagonist (or key characters) evolve in a way that feels authentic, shaped by their interactions and challenges on the trip. Novel does an excellent job of balancing humor, tension, and introspection, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking.

The book also sheds light on workplace dynamics, office politics, and the blurred lines between personal and professional life. The setting of the business trip serves as a perfect backdrop for these themes, offering moments of cultural exploration and professional growth.

While the pacing is generally well-handled, there are moments where the narrative slows down, particularly in the middle. Some readers might also find certain plot points predictable, but the execution keeps the story enjoyable.

Overall, The Business Trip is a compelling read for anyone interested in corporate drama, career aspirations, and the unexpected twists that come with professional travel. It’s an entertaining and insightful novel that resonates with professionals navigating their own workplace journeys.

This book is great for readers who enjoy corporate fiction, workplace dramas, and character-driven storytelling.

Rating: ★★★★☆

The business trip by Jessie Garcia follows two strangers who meet on a plane and both their lives take a crazy, unexpected turn.
This is an interesting, very well-written, fast-paced, psychological thriller. The twists and turns were so unexpected, i really enjoyed it.
I didnt like the ending though, but still solid 4 stars, highly recommend.
​​Thanks NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this eARC!

This book was so good. When Stephanie and Jasmine meet on the plane it sets the scene for the story to unfold. As for this being a debut novel for the author, she really kept me guessing all throughout the book. The twists and turns are crazy, but the ending will leave you shocked. Great psychological thriller. I can't wait to see more from this author in the future.

This book was such a fun, addictive read! It’s the perfect mix of workplace drama, unexpected romance, and just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. The characters felt real and relatable, and the chemistry between them was so good. I loved the humor, the banter, and the way the story kept me flipping pages late into the night. If you’re looking for a smart, entertaining romance with a little spice and a lot of heart, this one is a must-read!

Absolutely mind blown!! I was shocked and surprised and one twist would happen and my jaw would drop to the floor then BAM another twist pops up!!! I was hooked immediately when Jasmine was leaving her loser boyfriend. Thrilled to see this book blowing up in my social media feeds! Jessie Garcia, I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!

Stephanie and Jasmine have seemingly nothing in common, except for them both being on a flight to Denver and both wanting to flee their lives. This was a twisty and engaging read. It’s clear early on that Jasmine has lived a hard life but despite that she is such an unlikable character. While I can relate to wanting to get away she went about fleeing her abusive boyfriend in all the wrong ways and didn’t stop at any cost. That aside I enjoyed this book.

Such a great book and was pleasantly surprised with the ending. This author has made it on my author watch list and I look forward to more of this style writing.

bookscoffeebrews Book Review: The Business Trip
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jessie Garcia @jessiegarcia_author
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press @stmartinspress
Thank you @netgalley for my ARC.

This book was thoroughly engrossing, a genuine
mystery that maintains readers' interest as the plot
progresses. The twists and turns were so captivating
that I found myself vocally reacting on multiple
occasions and, I must confess, possibly uttering a few
select words at certain characters. The narrative
revolves around two women, Jasmine and Stephanie,
who meet on a plane and subsequently disappear,
leaving behind only cryptic clues and a trail of
suspicion. Jasmine, fleeing a life of poverty and abuse,
and Stephanie, a recently divorced workaholic
estranged from her son, seem to have nothing in
common except their chance encounter on the plane.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that both
women had been in contact with a man named Trent
McCarthy, who becomes the prime suspect in their
disappearance. The story is expertly crafted, with a
building sense of tension and suspense that
culminates in a shocking climax. While the final twist
may have been slightly implausible, it was nonetheless
jaw-dropping. My only criticism lies with the final line
of dialogue, which felt somewhat incongruous.
Nonetheless, the conclusion was satisfying, and I
would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking
a thrilling page-turner that will keep them on the edge
of their seat.

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The Business Trip is an engaging read that i couldn't put down. The plot is fast-paced, making it a compelling story about ambition and loyalty. A few characters could use more depth, but overall, it’s an intriguing and enjoyable book.

Thank you to netgalley for this advanced read. I really like the way the author switched between POV's and covered events from different perspectives.