Nicholas Theodoropoulos had been my stepbrother since I was fourteen. Mom died when I was twelve, and I resented Dad remarrying so soon. Even worse, my stepbrother had grown into a gorgeous man. I hated looking at him, reminding me every day of what I could never have. No one knew I was gay and never would.
But when my best friend backed out of our road trip to California, Dad forced me to travel with my stepbrother. It was the only way if I wanted to go on this journey I’d been planning since middle school. Nothing good would come out of this.
Nick
Logan Conrad had hated me since the day Mom and I moved into his house after our parents got married. Like I cared. I had an amazing girlfriend, was the star tennis player on the varsity team, and was a recent graduate. Soon, I’d be attending Stanford with an athletic scholarship and my favorite girl by my side. Life was good. But as fate would have it, I found myself suddenly single and forced to travel across the country with the one person who hated my guts. Nothing good would come out of this.
It was 1987 as two young men and stepbrothers were forced to navigate resentments and growing feelings while on a three-week road trip from Virginia to California. Will their journey finally take them to where they belong?
An MM, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, stepbrothers, pan-awakening, road trip romance.
** I was Nick and Logan's age in 1987. **
If you want to see them married, I offer a free bonus epilogue when you sign up for my newsletter.
Courtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
This book was very good. I really enjoyed reading it and it would've been rated more if the ending wouldn't feel so abrupt. The whole story had such good pacing, it went into all the important details and yet when it was reaching its final resolve (coming out, being together) I thought it was quickly done with and I missed a big part of the story there.
Even so, this is a 4 - 4.25⭐ for me, I loved it. I'm not an 80's kid, but I appreciate the era. I love the music. The book is somewhat idealistic but then again doesn't get too romantic after all, so it's an enjoyable read.
🔵 Stepbrothers 🟢 Kind of enemies - lovers 🟣 Gay/pansexual 🟠 Both 19 -- timespan to almost 50 🟡 1980's 🟢 Road trip (descriptive) 🌶️ Good smut, first times, oral, rimming, penetrative; both vers
"“Look!” Logan said, pointing. We watched a shooting star plummet to Earth and then another and another. The sky danced and performed just for the two of us. “Make a wish,” he whispered. I wished we would never end, and it would always be like this between us. It was absolutely fucking perfect."
This book really surprised me. Nick and Logan were such amazing characters. Both stepbrothers that have known each other since they were 14, but always had a hateful relationship because of Logan - who was secretly gay and in love with Nick.
When they end up on a 3-week long road trip together is where Logan comes clean and lets it all out to Nick, who takes it pretty damn well. Actually, Nick really surprised me. He just went for it and completely fell in love with Logan. I loved Nick's possessives and willingness to love and be out with Logan.
Even as a kind of an insta-love story, it was believable. I enjoyed their road trip tremendously and their first times with each other were sweet and spicy. Their progression into a long-term relationship felt natural and the only next logical step, so as a couple, Nick and Logan definitely have my heart.
“Who do you belong to?” he asked. I chuckled, more at ease now, thanks to Nick. “You.” “That’s right. And I belong to you.”
What threw me off a little bit and killed the magic of the story, at least for me, was when they came out to the parents and then went to college, that part of the story. I didn't expect it to be great or anything, but I at least wanted more things happening than just a few mundane conversations about how the parents accepted Nick and Logan but will have to get used to it.
With them going to separate colleges and then both ending up at Logan's, I thought we'd read more about their college life together, how they navigated everything, but the story skips to graduation and then to numerous years later where they live together but meet up when Logan isn't out of the country for work.
So, a very anticlimactic ending, at least for me. I expected a bit of a grandeur finish to the story that was almost perfect to begin with.
The bonus epilogue with them getting married at almost 50 was also fantastic, but again, I'd much rather read more about their life together.
A wonderful couple, I recommend the book for sure.
- College Romance - Late 80's - Forced Proximity - Pan-Awakening - Road Trip - Stepbrothers - Practice Makes Perfect - Enemies-to-Lovers - First Times - Pining - Coming Out
I really wanted to like this one and was truly excited for it, but it just didn't hit for me. I know that may be an unpopular opinion but I prefer the author's other books, and the writing they tried to do in this one just felt off. It was almost like they were trying to be poetic but didn't quite hit the mark. They tried to make the situations all happy and easy when in reality it was really hard during that timeframe. You also don't really get the feel that they are stepbrothers in this story, except when they are around their parents. Maybe if there was a prologue or something that showed them before graduating high school, we could've gotten a better feel for their dynamic.
Overall, the concept of the story was great and I enjoyed the parts where they were actually on the road traveling and seeing the sites. The couple is great together and have stellar communication skills, once Logan tells Nick his secret. It was good to see them bond and become possessive of each other over the course of their trip. Their quiet moments were the best parts of this book. The photos that Nick would take of Logan as he started to come out of his shell was sweet. I wouldn't call this book steamy, but it was nice to see their confidence grow as they got more intimate.
The author put out teasers of Logan's journal entries before this came out and I really wanted to see them included in this book, but they weren't there which is a bummer. There's a bonus story that can be downloaded after this story to see the couple in the future when gay marriage is legalized.
Content Warnings: - Graphic sexual content between consenting adults - Mentions of homophobia - Teen in the closet due to fears - Teen drinking and smoking - Mention of AIDS pandemic and deaths - Explicit language - Mentions of parental death for MC and side character (off-page) - Mentions of fatal car accident (past, off-page) - Mentions of cancer diagnosis and death (side character)
Verse: Yes HEA: Yes POV: Dual Breakup: No Cheating: No OM/OW Drama: Nick has a girlfriend at the beginning of this story but they're not together once the road trip starts. Ages: 19 & 19
Audio: 4 stars. This was my first book I have listened to by Harley Chase, and definitely won’t be my last!
Book: 3-3.5 stars
For my first book by Courtney W Dixon, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought. It did take me a while to warm up to both characters, but once their road trip started, I became hooked. Nothing like a good stuck in a tight space and have to talk about deep things to bring people closer!
I would say that for the time period (the 80’s) that this book took place the parents were a lot more tolerant of Logan and Nicks relationship (they are stepbrothers haha)
But I will say the last 30-40% I loved! Haha it made my rating go up more. I know this won’t be my last Courtney W Dixon book, it was a great intro to what she can do!
YALL, I LOVE THIS BOOK SM! The Only Reason It’s Not A 5 Star Is Because I Didn’t Get That 5 Star Feeling But Other Than That This Was WONDERFUL!😆🫶
I Loved The Whole Story With Logan And Nick Forced To Take A Road-trip Together And From Them Hating Each Other To ABSOLUTELY Loving Each Other Was Just An Amazing Journey To See And I Absolutely Loved Logan And Nick Separately And Together So Freaking Much. And NO Third Act Break Up Which I Loved So Much. And I Loved There Parents And Sister Sm Also And Hunter, I Hope He Gets A Book In The Future I Really Do But Well See. Also Showing What Life Was Like In The 80s To The Music To Culture Was Really Inspiring To See And I Absolutely Loved It🫶
I’m Telling You Guys On August 28th, Run To Your Kindle Not Walk, RUN! And Get This Book It’s So Freaking Good If You Want An MM Summer Roadtrip Romance That Has A Lot Of Detail And Thought Written Into It “ Also Please Read The Author’s Note At The Beginning, Trust Me It Gives Insight On The Background To This Book And It Was Beautiful “
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THANK ME LATER💕💕💕💕
And To Answer Your Question, I Would ABSOLUTELY LOVE To Get A Book About Caleb In The Future Because I Feel Like His Character Should Be Explored And His Character Is Also Very Interesting And I Would Honestly Love To Learn More About Him
Also Special That’s To @bookfunnal and @courtneywdixon for getting me the arc early I really appreciate it and I love you so much and i cannot wait for finding home to come out in october and anymore future books🫶💕
Omg. I heheD so much. Their chemistry was great. Funny banter. Their awkwardness was embarrassing and made me blush... BUT it was sweet. First-timers are my favorite 🤭 I had fun on their road trip. The details of their stops made me feel like I was there. It was such a cute way for them to fall in love. The way Nick handled Logan coming out/ pining for him was amazing. He didn't get weird with him. He helped Logan and found out a lot about himself, too 🤭 love the character growth. LOVE the communication. This was really sweet.
Dual POV. Low angst. No 3rd act breakup. Virgin MC. Verse. Pining. Pan awakening. Forced proximity road trip. Stepbrothers. 4 AND 10 year epilogue. No cheating, sharing, om. Nick is dating a girl at the beginning and talks about hooking up, but they don't.
I love you. I hate you. How did I have both of those feelings for Nick at the same time?
❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Road Trip ❥ Stepbrothers ❥ Enemies to Lovers ❥ Forced Proximity ❥ 1980's ❥ Slow Burn ❥ Pining ❥ Pan-awakening ❥ In The Closet
One of the easiest 5 stars reviews I've given this year so far. This book is everything. I was hooked from start to finish, and I read it in one day.
Courtney W. Dixon is quickly becoming one of my favorite MM romance authors, and All Roads Lead to You is now my favorite by her so far.
I was born in the 80's, so a lot of things in this book gave me flashbacks to my childhood, which was pretty awesome. I was thinking how grateful I am for Spotify, thinking about having to make a mixtape back then. Being a passenger princess was hard work, being the one in charge of the map. Luckily in my childhood, we could print out the directions and I could be a personal Google Maps for my mom.
Anyways, Logan and Nick, stepbrothers who hate each other, or... Logan hates Nick, while Nick just tries to push back the best he can.
Logan had my heart at first. I felt so bad for him, having to hide a huge part of himself, wearing a mask constantly and having to withdraw himself from people so they didn't find out the truth. Good thing he had his best friend, Hunter. I loved him too ♥. Logan and Hunter had planned a road trip before college, they'd been planning and saving for years, but unfortunately, Hunter had to stay back. Logan got an ultimatum, stay home or take his stepbrother with him.
Nick totally stole my heart during their road trip. He was just.. So accepting of Logan, and his own feelings. How he made them communicate, it was amazing to read, really. There was no miscommunication, barely any angst, because of him. And his possessiveness swoons
Of course there were the sad parts of being homosexual in the 80s, having to hide their relationship in fear of losing their family, their jobs, friends etc. Not Logan and Nick specifically, but in general. Not being able to show their love in public, not being able to get married and all those things. I looked up when it became legal for same sëx marriage in Denmark, and it was in 2012, which is a long time to wait if you start dating in the 80s.
Anyhow, yea this book made me think a lot about the past, the circumstances and so many things. It also almost made me feel like I was on the road with Logan and Nick, everything was just described so well. I loved how adventurous they were, and I don't mean in bed, even though they were very adventurous in that area as well, a lot of firsts for both of them.
I feel like I could keep going just gushing about this book, so I better stop while I can. I loved this book so much, I loved Logan and Nick, their best friends, their parents, everything.
And to answer the question by the author at the end. I would love to see a book for Caleb, I felt bad for him never having been in love. I felt satisfied with Hunter and how he ended up in the extra epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Read the full review on my blog here with edits and quotes.
Reread as audiobook. Really excellent narration with all the right emotions making a really good book even better. Story - 4.5 stars. An epic 1980s road trip in all the best ways. Logan had struggled with his sexuality and his feelings towards Nick for years, which resulted in him being closed off and really unpleasant. Once he managed to start letting Nick in, they grew together beautifully, and their respective first experiences were very believable. Two enormously refreshing parts of this story - no focus on homophobia and amazing communication skills between the MCs.
You know how sometimes you finish a book and think, "Yeah, that was totally a 5 star"...Well, this book was exactly like that for me. This is one of the best books I have ever read.
Set in the 80's, the story revolves around two stepbrothers, Logan and Nick. At first, they don’t get along, mainly due to Logan’s hatred towards Nick. However, things change between them, when they are forced to go on a road trip that Logan had been planning for a while, after Logan's friend cancels at the last minute.
First off let me start this off by saying these two are probably one of the best characters I have read this year. Logan’s loneliness really hits you hard. Watching him struggle with his sexuality, while living with the very person he knows he can’t have makes you feel for him. And the more the story progresses the more you understand his hot and cold attitude towards Nick, and all his anger and animosity. He dreams of having a family and sharing his life with a man, despite knowing those things are impossible for him. But thankfully Nick, the absolute ray of sunshine, changes everything for him. And watching Logan finally open up and become the beautiful man he was always meant to be was literally the best thing ever.
Their relationship and the dynamic between them were to die for. The way their bond grows and develops during the road trip was absolutely beautiful. Not just their relationship, but their individual growth as well. The story is truly about discovering one’s truth, self-love, and self-acceptance, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Highly recommend it !!!
P.S. That scene where they were shaving each other’s beard lives rent-free in my head. It was the cutest thing ever.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion
11/16/24 - Listened to the audiobook. Loved it! Harley chase did an amazing job narrating both Logan & Nick.
I'm always apprehensive about reading books set in high school/early college settings. But this book was absolutely perfect. It was set in 1987 and the 80's vibes are so strong. It was a perfect flashback to my high school years! Courtney conveyed the sayings and nuances of the 80s amazingly. Loved Nick & Logan so much. They set off on a cross country road trip and have the time of their lives! This book is a must read!
Here's what to expect: Stepbrothers Road Trip Enemies to Lovers 1980s Pan-awakening In-the-Closet Self-Discoveries Pining College Romance Coming of Age Slow Burn Helping Stepbro Practice’ 😉
First of all, I am obsessed with the 1980s vibes and the Spotify playlist for the book! 😎🎸🎶
🌲Cross-country road trip from VA to CA ⛺️Step-Brothers 🌲Enemies to Lovers ⛺️Coming of age 🌲Pining ⛺️College Romance 🌲In-the-closet ⛺️Pan-Awakening
I absolutely loved this one! I was a kid in the 80s and this was very nostalgic for me. I loved all the references to 80s fashion, music, cassette tapes, pay phones, etc…
It’s definitely a reminder of how far we’ve come since the 80s as far as acceptance and loving who you want openly. Still a long ways to go, but it was a scary time for many in 80s.
Logan has lost his Mom and is dealing with the grief, as well as his Dad getting remarried, resulting in a new Step-Brother. He’s so angry that he wants Nick, has to live with him, but can’t have him, and has to watch him with his girlfriend instead. They’ve never gotten along in the years they’ve been Step-Brothers.
After graduation, Logan and his best friend plan to drive from VA to CA where they’re going to college. They’ve planned this road trip since middle school, saved money, and mapped out their entire trip. But when unexpected circumstances prevent his friend from going, the only option is to take Nick (newly single) with him because his Dad refuses to let him drive that far alone.
Logan and Nick set off on a 3 week road trip in his Dad’s Mustang, stopping at many places to camp and sightsee along the way. He’s scared he’ll slip up and reveal how he feels about Nick. This road trip turns out to be more than just a trip to college, but a journey towards the life and love Logan has dreamed about for years. 🤍
Just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Don’t forget to check out the Spotify playlist while you read this one! 🎶🎸
This was a blast to the past. It was written so well I felt like I was legitimately in the 80s. Nick and Logan both have special places in my heart. I felt like I was on the road trip with them. This book had me hooked! I could not put it down, and when I forced to because of boring stuff like adulting it was still constantly on my mind. It definitely tugged at my heart strings. My soul hurt for Logan for having to hide his true self for so long. Logan and Nick are stepbrothers. Nick is straight and did have a long time girlfriend and Logan is gay but has been in the closet. He hid himself from everyone except his best friend Hunter. Hunter and Nick were originally supposed to take the long road trip together but Hunter couldn’t go last minute and Logan and his girlfriend broke up so Nick and Logan ended up on this whirlwind journey together. Watching their relationship grow and change was absolutely beautiful. The way their relationship developed and deepened on the road trip was truly amazing to watch. This book is about finding yourself, coming to terms with your truths, accepting and loving yourself just as you are. Exploring and discovering your sexuality. The character development in this book was truly astonishing, it was just perfect. Absolutely beautifully written. You truly get to see the depths of what it is like having to hide a part of yourself and to live with that fear of being discovered. It deserves every one of those 5 stars and more. Words cannot even express how much I loved this book and how it touched me.
This is a stepbrothers to more romance, featuring Logan and Nick, and is a standalone book.
Stepbrothers are my kryptonite, road trips are like catnip - putting them together is a recipe for me to get lost in the story and ignore life.
Logan and Nick’s relationship going from enemies, to friends, to lovers, to forever was entertaining and oh so sweet. At the beginning, I thought this wouldn’t be too spicy but I was pleasantly surprised. But it wasn’t just the spice, it was the emotional detail in their first times, the fumbling, gentleness and dirty talk that I found simply perfect.
I also loved how this was set in the 1980s, the tape decks, pay phones, physical maps - so much nostalgia. Make sure you read the bonus scene too.
Pretty sure this one made its way to my favourites list.
Things to expect in this book are: Standalone MM romance Set in the 1980s Stepbrothers Grumpy x Sunshine Hurt / Comfort Secret crush Virgin MC Road trip across USA Forced proximity Camping Sleepy snuggles Queer awakening Exploring & first times Spicy times & dirty talk Possessive & obsessed Coming out / All in Swoony HEA
Absolutely loved Logan and Nick! After being forced on a road trip together by their parents, these stepbrothers turn from enemies to really seeing who the other is and loving every part of them.
Tropes: Stepbrothers Kissing lessons from "straight" stepbro Virgin MC Sexual awakening Enemies to lovers Forced proximity Road trip Camping Vers roles First times
Very telly the whole way through, even though it almost didn't need to be? I teared up about the grief stuff. The writing is very mid, with mixed up sayings, incomplete sentences like this was written speech, and a lot of over explanation. I appreciated the depiction of how bottling up your identity can lead to outbursts and anger. The whole story was actually extremely low drama in the end. Literally everything worked out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Logan Conrad is planning a trip across country with his best friend Hunter. Their plan is to drive to California to college and take in the sights along the way. Hunter has to unexpectedly pull out of the trip, as his mom is sick. Logan calls off the trip, but Hunter tells him to go, but Logan cannot go alone.
Nicolas Theodoropoulos is happy in his life. He has his mom, Mia, stepdad Wyatt, and baby sister Hannah. Logan is his step brother, who for some reason has animosity towards Nick, and he cannot fathom out why. Nick has a girlfriend Lauren, who he plans to go to collage with and marry and have children. At a party he overhears Lauren talking to hers friends about going to a different collage and breaking up with Nick.
With both Logan and Nick upset, Wyatt comes up with an idea, for them both to take the trip, he will even let them drive his mustang across the country. Logan has been in love with Nick for years, but hides the feelings. Logan and Nick are both grieving for different people who have left them in their lives, they find talking to each other helps, and a few days into the trip they start to get along. Logan is gay and is scared how people will react to him with it being the 80’s and gay people are not out. He is also a virgin and hopes to remedy that once he gets to college. Nick offers to be his first kiss, and being straight it will have no effect. How wrong could he be? Once Nick kisses Logan his world shifts and realigns, realising how right it felt, but being bi-sexual does not fit him, until they meet some older gay men who suggest he could be pan- sexual.
Courtney W Dixon has written a charming, heartfelt book between two enemy step brothers who turn to lovers. They fall hard and fast, but opinions in the 80’s differ from now. They both worry how others, especially their family will perceive them. I knew from the first few chapters I would love this book. My heart goes out to Logan and his best friend Hunter, especially knowing how tough it was to keep in touch without the technology we have today. I loved the writing and the whimsical reminders of an easier time, back to when I was a child. Cassette tapes rule.
I devoured this book but I also internalized it. While it was like a totally happy, practically zero angst or setbacks story of forever love and fucking ridiculously amazing communication...I did feel the pangs of living through the societal stigma of queerness. Its triggering, if you've felt it, or seen it or been touched by it in any way. It's hard to read. Where in books we can occasionally drift off into these fictional worlds where everyfuckingbody and their dads are queer, all the siblings are repping some kind of queerness, bosses are gay AF...etc, then we veer (perhaps too willingly and still unintentionally) back into the lane of reality -or back in time when it was actually much more terrifying to exist as a queer human... and it fucking hurts to read that. Everysingletime.
*Even though homophobia was largely background, as in just an understanding they lived by:::Nothing traumatic happened to the characters that was a result of them being gay:: I just feel it's important to note this is not a totally idyllic coming of age love story, this is fantastical in some ways but the undertones are heavy in keeping with the theme of the time in which it is set and knowing that still some people think this way.
The writing is beautiful and their love is so bright. I loved them both. What started as grumpy vs sunshine turned into two golden retriever personalities going at it with so many heart eyes. Super HEA, reads like a John Hughes movie, kinda insta-love but it worked for the story because I wanted it to. It's a whole vibe: Gay for you road trips and stepbrothers, hello.
I should stress that this really is the least dramatic book of sunshine. In a good way. Nick is an absolute gem. We need more Nicks to ground us broody messes out. Please and thank you. Oh! And the cover... Just yes. Absolutely yes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It was one of my most anticipated reads, so I‘m very happy that I‘m not disappointed!
The 80s vibe made everything better. Although I wasn‘t even born then, it felt really authentic. It is explained in the preface by the author and I think she did great job in helping us to grasp those times.
The book is really hopeful and bright. It may look like too accepting (is this even a thing…), but I’m glad it is this way. There are many heavy stories out there (okay, this one also has its own heavier themes), so no one is hurt by a ray of sunshine, yeah? Yeah. And also, LISTEN. It has the best trope of them all: communicating. It’s super important for both MCs and I loved loved loved how it helped them to overcome every obstacle and every concern they had. So shout out to communication and consent kings Logan and Nick!!
His face fcking lit up brighter than the sun after being hidden behind clouds for days when he finally smiled. It was such a rare sight.
Nick is a perfect match for Logan for sure. His determination to break down walls Logan had up for so long is nothing but respectable. Also, my heart ached for Logan, and for him having to hide his true self for so long. Watching him open up and grow into the man he truly is was beautiful.
All Roads Lead to You really warmed me up inside. It was such a nice journey through the scenery and through accepting themselves and each other. Thanks for opportunity to read this ARC and fall in love a bit.
I don't have enough words to describe how much I loved this book from the first to the last page. I didn't even know how much I would enjoy a retro background until this book, but that was the first reason I wanted to discover more of their story.
At first, I didn't know how their relationship would take a turn with how much Logan "hated" Nick, but the way he came out to his stepbrother shattered my heart, and I knew Nick wouldn't be indifferent to it, no matter how much Logan rejected him up to that point. There was never true hate between them, and that trip was the perfect moment for them to discover each other and make beautiful memories. The realization Logan had about them not having memories together because of how much time he spent "hating" Nick ruined me. But I loved that part with all my heart, the exploring thing, while their hearts explored each other. There were so many moments that made me wanna cry for how precious their moments were.
On another note, I expected the parents to react a bit differently, I'll admit, but I wasn't bothered by their understanding. I was surprised they figured it out before the boys confessed, though. But after so many bottled up feelings that were so hard to admit throughout the book, that simple reaction felt just right.
I have no idea why I postponed reading this for so long, but I'm happy I got the chance to enjoy it now, and I recommend it 100%! (❤️´艸`❤️)
You. Guys. This is Courtney’s best work. I’m absolutely in love with this story! Definitely my favorite piece she’s ever written. Logan and Nick really screamed 80s to me, a Mustang screams 80s and don’t even get me started on flipping pay phones!
My mind resonated so good with Logan’s story.. how he’s so closed off and so far in the closet that everything scares him and makes him rage out, most of all his profound love for his stepbrother Nick. And I can see the way Nick is not scared to tread in completely new waters, I can see him being open and accepting and really perfect for my precious little baby Logan.
Also I’m pretty jealous of that road trip, it felt like the journey of a lifetime and the way they stared to appreciate and accept each other’s presence…🫠babies🫠
I didn’t really know what to expect with a story set in a world that I haven’t had the privilege to know, but the eighties and nineties (I’m from the late nineties) are just so fascinating to me, and that’s exactly how this book felt… fascinating.
In a world where HIV was spreading like crazy and acceptance was really not in the cards, this book brings perpetual joy.
“I want no one else to have this moment with you. It belongs to you and me alone.”
.
“And all those roads will always lead back to you.”
….
This is officially my ultimate summer read. Perfection. Loved it with a passion. I was in such a wonderful headspace while reading this book. And I love that the author used a more idyllic approach.
While traveling, we get to met Logan and Nick, we discover a little about ourselves and a lot about them, see how a lot has changed since the ‘80s and how much still has to happen, learn how communication is the only key (thank you Nick, what a wonderful character - that determination to break these walls.), see Logan blossom so beautifully, fall in love alongside with tingles in our tummies while taking “Route 66 until we reach Staunton, Virginia, where we’ll take Route 81. By the time we pass Knoxville, Tennessee, we’ll connect to Route 40 until we reach Nevada. There, we will then head north to Lake Tahoe, but we’ll also take some side trips, one being the Ozarks in northern Arkansas and down to Austin, Texas.”
I will be definitely coming back to this tale, to this comfort and I hope this isn’t the end of this world, fingers crossed 🤞🏼. Thank you Courtney 🖤. for the playlist of a lifetime 📼. Has it been playing around my house lately on repeat? Oh why yes, a calm to my storm.
Pack your bags and join us in the cross country journey with a palette of all emotions (and hopefully fall in love.)
….
Depeche Mode - World In My Eyes
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The Cars - Drive
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Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’
….
“Do you know that tingly feeling you get when someone’s thinking about you or watching you, making your ears burn? That’s how I always felt when Logan was nearby.” // “Nick never backed down when I pushed.” // “But Lake Tahoe will be our last stop before heading to Stanford…” // “I was also slightly terrified that nothing would be the same after this.” // “…his hazel-green eyes lighter and vibrant with the falling sun.” // “Who knew this broody asshole was a snuggler?” // “It was like having a wish fulfilled but not knowing what to do with it.” // “You know that sensation you get when even your soul is comfortable? That was me.” // “…yet here we were, falling into each other with an odd and unexpected ease.” // “…as I played with the soft strands of hair on Logan’s neck.” // “I felt as sexy as he claimed I was.” // “I’d like to think this is only one of many trips.” // “That’s all we ask.” // “I’ll take dusty roads, graveled roads, roads filled with potholes, or congested highways as long as we take them together.” …
….
*I received an advance copy directly from the Author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
ARC Review: This is an absolute five star read. I could not put this book down and was drawn in from the very first chapter. Everything about the aesthetic worked for me! I was born in the 80s but I do remember a lot of the references throughout the book and appreciate the time period.
•Logan is uptight, broody & overall standoffish. While he’s a jock he does his best to ignore the outside world & keep to himself or his best friend, Hunter. •Nick is outgoing, charismatic & a bit of a brat. He seems to know how to push Logan’s buttons to get an argument started.
Logan & Nick are stepbrothers that have NEVER gotten along. When Logan’s epic road trip across the country nearly gets canceled his life is turned upside down. The best solution available is to take the trip with none other than Nick.
This road trip completely changes their lives. Small moments of vulnerability lead to Logan baring his soul and Nick accepting of him without a single hesitation. As Nick learns more about Logan he finds himself drawn in and things start to change.
These two are communication KINGS. I cannot say enough how refreshing it was to read a story where both MMCs are willing sharing their feelings to solve problems.
Favorite things: •spicy first times •amazing sight seeing •vulnerable moments •amazing epilogues
I really enjoyed this book! I struggled to put it down and go about my day. And I really enjoyed the overall vibe the book had. It seems like a quiet book, but the emotions these boys deal with were a lot! It was great seeing them deal with their emotions and having all the big talks.
Nick and Logan are stepbrothers who don't get along and they go on a 3 week roadtrip together. The animosity is mostly one sided(coming from Logan towards Nick), but also, Nick never backs down from Logan, so that doesn't help the situation at all. At first the animosity continues on the road, but after a couple of days and a couple of drinks Nick gets to asking some questions and Logan reveals his sexual orientation. Immediately a lot of things start making sense to Nick. Slowly, with other conversations Logan reveals that the cause of his animosity toward Nick is the fact that he has a crush on him. I really liked how Nick never backed down from any talk with anyone and got Logan to really open up and talk about everything. And Logan opened up to him so easily and beautifully! After a drunken kiss things start to really change between them. I really loved how Nick never really freaked out about anything, and he really leaned in to all of the things and emotions between them. Their connection felt so natural, it's the type of connection we would all want for ourselves. They felt safe with each and they communicated so well. It was great to see such good communication. Logan knew it would not be an easy life and didn't want to drag Nick into it, but Nick wouldn't hear otherwise and I loved how they discussed this too. The road trip was a great backdrop to them working out what this was between them. Logan knew from the start that he's all in and Nick got to that point pretty quick too.
I really enjoyed Logan and Nick as a couple, loved that they communicated, loved the give and take and how open they were. I really loved that Nick didn't let Logan get all up in his head and made him talk things out. They both had their issues that they talked through and they tried their best to assuage each others fears. There were a lot of great scenes! One of my faves is when they went to a bar in Austin and Nick asked an older queer couple all of the important questions! He had no shame with it and I love that. I loved how Nick was so okay with discovering his own sexuality.
This book being set in 1987 made them very brave to open up in front of their parents about their sexualities and their relationship. They didn't fully understand, but they were supportive. I feel like we only got glimpses and mentions of how hard it was for same sex couples in that time. It felt a bit idyllic at times, but I underatand why it was that way and I really loved the vibes of the book.
They felt so innocent and it was great to see characters being innocent and open, but also wanting to do good in the world. I would have liked to see more of their yourney after the trip, just because they were so young at the start, but it was great to read the epilogues.
I just don't understand how I love half this author's books and the other half not so much. The writing is the same, the development is similar but somehow only some hit the spot. And this one hit the spot just right as the 80's is my favourite decade and a lot that was mentioned resonated with me. And road trips are my kryptonite, as I love travelling by car myself from one place to another, so I'm so happy my high hopes for this paid out. I would have loved for the 80's atmosphere to be included even more but the music mentions were great and the characters were so good together. I also would have liked it to be a more of slow burn and a that it took a bit longer for Nick to get to where he had to be with Logan but overall I loved it, so I'm very happy.
I started this and DNFed it a few months ago because the dialogue took a little getting used to, but I was in the mood for a road trip vibe and this really hit the spot. All Roads Lead to You is pretty fast paced and low angst and just a fun vibe! I really enjoyed this and the communication between characters was very healthy and lighthearted which I appreciated (at least after they had their enemies to lovers arc). I haven’t been in a step brothers mood for a while, but this one was cute and not too over the top.
Also the author and main characters are from the same place as me which was kind of a trip lol.
Okay, so.... This was actually my first stepbrothers book. And I really freaking loved it?? 🫣
What instantly made me want to read this was knowing this is a book set in the 1980s. And, if y'all know me, I have a HUGE interest in all things 60s/70s/80s, so of course, this was required reading for me. And it introduced me to stepbrother books! Which, I had a feeling I would like, and lo behold, I absolutely adored it 😌💕💖
The 80s vibes with the car, the mixtapes, the camping and motels, was PERFECT. Another one of my favorite book tropes is road trips across the US, I dunno what it is, but I am FERAL for them. 🤌 And Logan and Nick's relationship was the DEFINITION of adorable. Sure, they started off rocky but they were so cute and simpy for each other!! They had my heart and I cannot let anything bad happen to them and must protect them at all costs, your honor. I loved this book so much!! 🥹💖💕
2⭐ “This feels…” Nick reached for my face and gently cupped my cheek. “Talk to me.” “This feels too good to be true. I’ve…” “Wanted me for a while?” I closed my eyes and nodded. “Now it’s my turn to want you.”