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It Happened One Road Trip
The first rule of road trips is Do Not Fall For Your Car Mate, even if he's the toasted marshmallow type: Crusty on the outside, gooey on the inside.
New York socialite Cleo Gilbert, the apple of her father's eye, has always done what he asked--until now. She can't marry the guy that will clinch the business deal between his family and hers, even if it will save her father financially. Bolting from her wedding, Cleo runs toward the one person she hopes can help her.
Desperate circumstances lead to a road trip south with two strangers--not her first choice, but the best she can do. One of those strangers is a handsome writer who makes her other car mate, a crazy chicken lady, a little more bearable. It doesn't take long for Cleo to discover that everyone in the car is keeping secrets, and while two of their secrets are innocent, one is not.
Can Cleo find who she's looking for before her father tracks her down? Or before she loses her heart to the one person she shouldn't give it to?
It Happened One Road Trip is a retelling of one of the greatest movies of all time, It Happened One Night. It has all the swoon and sizzle with none of the spice.
New York socialite Cleo Gilbert, the apple of her father's eye, has always done what he asked--until now. She can't marry the guy that will clinch the business deal between his family and hers, even if it will save her father financially. Bolting from her wedding, Cleo runs toward the one person she hopes can help her.
Desperate circumstances lead to a road trip south with two strangers--not her first choice, but the best she can do. One of those strangers is a handsome writer who makes her other car mate, a crazy chicken lady, a little more bearable. It doesn't take long for Cleo to discover that everyone in the car is keeping secrets, and while two of their secrets are innocent, one is not.
Can Cleo find who she's looking for before her father tracks her down? Or before she loses her heart to the one person she shouldn't give it to?
It Happened One Road Trip is a retelling of one of the greatest movies of all time, It Happened One Night. It has all the swoon and sizzle with none of the spice.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2025
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151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 3, 2025
Going on a road trip with strangers is a recipe for disaster but in this story you will find yourself endeared to these characters. I would recommend seeing the movie that is the inspiration behind the adventure. If you’re not familiar with the movie it is still swoon worthy, witty, and clean! I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 11, 2025
Cleo yawned and stretched, rolling over. “We should really fall in love sometime.” Before Cleo fully succumbed to sleep, she thought she heard Clark say, “Yeah, we should.”
* Too true, Cleo. I’m not a compass either!
* Return to Me! 😍 Best movie
* Oh man, Dottie is hilarious
* Awww, true love
* Hehehe one bed is my fave
* The Wall of Jericho 😂
* What are you up to, Clark?
* Not the fertility plant 😂
* No, Clark, nooooo
* Awww yay
This book was so cute and fun! And it makes me want to go and watch the movie “It Happened One Night”!
Cleo was a fun character. A little naive, but willing to try new things and figure out what she wanted from her life. And I loved her whole journey to find what she was searching for in Texas.
Clark was a little grumpy and a little sweet and a lot swoony after he let his walls down.
I loved the road trip setting. That was so fun! And the awkward, embarrassing, and fun moments that ensued were too good!
“That boy is crazy ‘bout ya. He looks at you like you’re a prize heifer.”
“…an angel needed help, and I was in a position to give it to her, devil that I was.”
“And yet, we often get what we don’t deserve, don’t we?”
The only cons for me:
I didn’t like how often it said Cleo, it just seemed super repetitive.
I also felt like the conflict got resolved and dropped maybe a tad too quickly.
But overall, I really enjoyed it! Such a solid debut!
Thanks to the author for the ebook. All opinions are my own.
* Too true, Cleo. I’m not a compass either!
* Return to Me! 😍 Best movie
* Oh man, Dottie is hilarious
* Awww, true love
* Hehehe one bed is my fave
* The Wall of Jericho 😂
* What are you up to, Clark?
* Not the fertility plant 😂
* No, Clark, nooooo
* Awww yay
This book was so cute and fun! And it makes me want to go and watch the movie “It Happened One Night”!
Cleo was a fun character. A little naive, but willing to try new things and figure out what she wanted from her life. And I loved her whole journey to find what she was searching for in Texas.
Clark was a little grumpy and a little sweet and a lot swoony after he let his walls down.
I loved the road trip setting. That was so fun! And the awkward, embarrassing, and fun moments that ensued were too good!
“That boy is crazy ‘bout ya. He looks at you like you’re a prize heifer.”
“…an angel needed help, and I was in a position to give it to her, devil that I was.”
“And yet, we often get what we don’t deserve, don’t we?”
The only cons for me:
I didn’t like how often it said Cleo, it just seemed super repetitive.
I also felt like the conflict got resolved and dropped maybe a tad too quickly.
But overall, I really enjoyed it! Such a solid debut!
Thanks to the author for the ebook. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2025
It Happened One Road Trip is a charming, modern homage to the film It Happened One Night, blending classic rom-com vibes with the chaos of an unexpected road trip. Becky Lamb Jensen delivers a delightful, clean romance filled with witty banter, forced proximity, and just the right amount of heart.
The story follows Cleo, a strong-willed, independent heroine who finds herself stuck on a cross-country journey with Clark, a journalist with his own motives for keeping an eye on her. From the moment they’re thrown together, their chemistry crackles with the perfect mix of irritation and attraction. Cleo’s stubbornness and Clark’s teasing confidence make for some fantastic back-and-forth, keeping the tension high and the story engaging.
One of the highlights of the book is how well it captures the spirit of classic screwball comedies—misunderstandings, quirky side characters, and plenty of moments where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. The road trip setting isn’t just a backdrop but an essential part of the story, pushing the characters to grow, confront their pasts, and, of course, fall in love.
Jensen’s writing is fun and light, but she also weaves in some thoughtful moments that give Cleo and Clark depth beyond their initial dynamic. For fans of classic rom-coms, road trip hijinks, and slow-burn romance, It Happened One Road Trip is a delightful read that will leave you grinning. Perfect for those who love a story where love takes the scenic route!
The story follows Cleo, a strong-willed, independent heroine who finds herself stuck on a cross-country journey with Clark, a journalist with his own motives for keeping an eye on her. From the moment they’re thrown together, their chemistry crackles with the perfect mix of irritation and attraction. Cleo’s stubbornness and Clark’s teasing confidence make for some fantastic back-and-forth, keeping the tension high and the story engaging.
One of the highlights of the book is how well it captures the spirit of classic screwball comedies—misunderstandings, quirky side characters, and plenty of moments where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. The road trip setting isn’t just a backdrop but an essential part of the story, pushing the characters to grow, confront their pasts, and, of course, fall in love.
Jensen’s writing is fun and light, but she also weaves in some thoughtful moments that give Cleo and Clark depth beyond their initial dynamic. For fans of classic rom-coms, road trip hijinks, and slow-burn romance, It Happened One Road Trip is a delightful read that will leave you grinning. Perfect for those who love a story where love takes the scenic route!
December 26, 2024
Thank you SO much to the author & her team for the advanced digital copy of this book! This is a modern retelling of the movie It Happened One Night, which I have never seen, but now I want to watch it! I loved the witty banter back & forth between the two main characters. It was a book I found myself wanting to come back to. Other than it taking quite a while for the main characters to finally get together (this is a sloooow burn, folks 😆), this was a super enjoyable read. Closed-door squeaky clean romance! I would definitely recommend it—publishes 1/7/25
January 10, 2025
It was such a fun and entertaining read. I literally put all my household chores on pause because I couldn’t stop reading!
January 31, 2025
Loved it! Of course, I loved the movie, It Happened One Night. So many fun Easter Eggs, especially the cabin scene and the fertility plant! I died laughing 😃
January 20, 2025
A satisfying and fun romcom. Just enough cliches for cuteness but not too many to be cheesy.
November 12, 2024
Got to read an advanced copy, yes I'm biased, but I really enjoyed it. A cute, fun read.
January 14, 2025
4⭐️ ARC Review: This is Becky's debut? Like what? I would have never guessed. It was seriously so well done and super enjoyable from start to finish. It was also my first road trip romance, and I need more!
The characters had such great banter (that includes the crazy chicken lady), the road trip aspect was so much fun and resulted in loads of funny situations, and of course, the characters themselves were cute. Cleo and Clark were super relatable and human, and I enjoyed them both. I am for sure looking forward to what Becky writes next.
*Thank you to the author, Becky Lamb Jensen, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Road trip
- It Happened One Night retelling
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy x sunshine
- One Bed
- Clean/closed-door
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
The characters had such great banter (that includes the crazy chicken lady), the road trip aspect was so much fun and resulted in loads of funny situations, and of course, the characters themselves were cute. Cleo and Clark were super relatable and human, and I enjoyed them both. I am for sure looking forward to what Becky writes next.
*Thank you to the author, Becky Lamb Jensen, for the complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read if you enjoy:
- Road trip
- It Happened One Night retelling
- Forced proximity
- Grumpy x sunshine
- One Bed
- Clean/closed-door
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
January 9, 2025
It Happened One Road Trip
by: Becky Lamb Jensen
@beckyljensenauthor
-I give this story 4.5 stars!
“Whoa there, I’ve got you.”
~Desperate circumstances lead to a road trip south with two strangers—not Cleo Gilbert’s first choice, but the best she can do. One of those strangers is a handsome writer who makes her other car mate, a crazy chicken lady, a little more bearable. It doesn’t take long for Cleo to discover that everyone in the car is keeping secrets, and while two of their secrets are innocent, one is not…
“We don t often get to choose what happens to us, but we always get to choose how we react to what happens.”
-Friends, if you have ever seen the movie, It Happened One Night, then you will love this delightful romcom that has all the swoon and sizzle with none of the spice. This roadtrip romance story not only has forced proximity, but also crazy mishap adventures, hilarious laugh out loud moments, and swoony times as well! The tension and banter in this book is spot on! I loved the deeper connections that came, the sparks of attraction, pop culture references, and a very satisfying ending! While this is a lighthearted romcom, there are layers of depth, with Cleo seeking to know answers about her family and the past. This added much more to this story and to getting to understand her character more fully, in addition to seeing growth, healing, and peace along the way! a story worth the fun read!🙌🏻📚☺️🚗
“Most of us don’t get second chances, and yours has dropped into your lap, despite your every attempt to sabotage it. I think you need to give this a chance.”
#ithappenedoneroadtrip
#beckyljensen
#debutenovelworththequickread
#allaboutthebestreads
“If I wanted a shot at happiness, I had to let go of my anger and resentment. It’s the most freeing thing I’ve ever done.”
by: Becky Lamb Jensen
@beckyljensenauthor
-I give this story 4.5 stars!
“Whoa there, I’ve got you.”
~Desperate circumstances lead to a road trip south with two strangers—not Cleo Gilbert’s first choice, but the best she can do. One of those strangers is a handsome writer who makes her other car mate, a crazy chicken lady, a little more bearable. It doesn’t take long for Cleo to discover that everyone in the car is keeping secrets, and while two of their secrets are innocent, one is not…
“We don t often get to choose what happens to us, but we always get to choose how we react to what happens.”
-Friends, if you have ever seen the movie, It Happened One Night, then you will love this delightful romcom that has all the swoon and sizzle with none of the spice. This roadtrip romance story not only has forced proximity, but also crazy mishap adventures, hilarious laugh out loud moments, and swoony times as well! The tension and banter in this book is spot on! I loved the deeper connections that came, the sparks of attraction, pop culture references, and a very satisfying ending! While this is a lighthearted romcom, there are layers of depth, with Cleo seeking to know answers about her family and the past. This added much more to this story and to getting to understand her character more fully, in addition to seeing growth, healing, and peace along the way! a story worth the fun read!🙌🏻📚☺️🚗
“Most of us don’t get second chances, and yours has dropped into your lap, despite your every attempt to sabotage it. I think you need to give this a chance.”
#ithappenedoneroadtrip
#beckyljensen
#debutenovelworththequickread
#allaboutthebestreads
“If I wanted a shot at happiness, I had to let go of my anger and resentment. It’s the most freeing thing I’ve ever done.”
December 26, 2024
Well, I’ve added one more movie to my need to watch list!
If you’ve ever seen It Happened One Night then you will love this sweet story!
I was really hoping this would be a dual POV book, and was a little disappointed that I never got to see the story from Clark’s view, but I finally understood why, at around 80%, you don’t see his side.
Clark and Cleo’s adventure is certainly likable and entertaining. I absolutely loved Dottie and her little story, and her chickens and their names cracked me up! Without giving anything away, I felt like Cleo could’ve had a little more animosity at the antagonist than she did. I would’ve loved to see him grovel a little more before she forgave him, but that’s probably just a reflection of my current mood 😏
If you’re looking for an adventure, with relatable characters and fun pop culture references, then you’ll want to pick up this story!
If you’ve ever seen It Happened One Night then you will love this sweet story!
I was really hoping this would be a dual POV book, and was a little disappointed that I never got to see the story from Clark’s view, but I finally understood why, at around 80%, you don’t see his side.
Clark and Cleo’s adventure is certainly likable and entertaining. I absolutely loved Dottie and her little story, and her chickens and their names cracked me up! Without giving anything away, I felt like Cleo could’ve had a little more animosity at the antagonist than she did. I would’ve loved to see him grovel a little more before she forgave him, but that’s probably just a reflection of my current mood 😏
If you’re looking for an adventure, with relatable characters and fun pop culture references, then you’ll want to pick up this story!
January 4, 2025
This is a fun, low-angst book based on the movie It Happened One Night that I really want to see now. Never having seen the movie, I didn't catch the Easter eggs the author threw in there, but reading the author's note at the end, I love that she named her main characters Clark and Claudette.
In case you don't know the premise, let me break it down for you. 😉
FMC leaves her wedding at the 11th hour, ends up in a taxi with a hot grumpy guy. They go to the airport, issues ensue, hot grump, FMC, and another older lady end up on a road trip. Hard telling what'll happen!
This is a fun debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
In case you don't know the premise, let me break it down for you. 😉
FMC leaves her wedding at the 11th hour, ends up in a taxi with a hot grumpy guy. They go to the airport, issues ensue, hot grump, FMC, and another older lady end up on a road trip. Hard telling what'll happen!
This is a fun debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
December 17, 2024
This was such a cute road trip romance! I personally wasn't at all familiar with the film that it was a retelling of (It Happened One Night), so I can't make any comparisons there, but the story drew me in right away. There's nothing like a runaway bride to really get the story off with a bang! Throw in a road trip with two strangers (including a crazy chicken lady) and lots of secrets being kept and I couldn't help but find myself enjoying this story right through to the end. I enjoyed the chemistry between Cleo and Clark and found myself so intrigued to see what secret he had been keeping and how they would work it all out once everything came to light! This is Becky Lamb Jensen's debut, and it certainly has me looking forward to seeing what she does next.
It Happened One Road Trip is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
It Happened One Road Trip is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
This is such a wholesome read!
I loved every part of it. Loved the cute banter between Cleo and Clark. The character development of Cleo is definitely one I enjoyed reading about.
It’s so interesting how strangers meet in the most unexpected way and found love. There just something about this story that really got me hooked right from the beginning. The bond that Cleo had with Dottie and her mother eventually was really special.
There were a few grammatical errors here and there but overall it was great and the story got conveyed.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC. I can’t wait for the rest of you to read this book!
I loved every part of it. Loved the cute banter between Cleo and Clark. The character development of Cleo is definitely one I enjoyed reading about.
It’s so interesting how strangers meet in the most unexpected way and found love. There just something about this story that really got me hooked right from the beginning. The bond that Cleo had with Dottie and her mother eventually was really special.
There were a few grammatical errors here and there but overall it was great and the story got conveyed.
Thank you so much to the author for sending me an ARC. I can’t wait for the rest of you to read this book!
January 6, 2025
This book was such a fun surprise! When I first heard of this book, I thought it was just going to be a cute romcom. While it was super cute, and very funny, it also had depth and so much heart! I absolutely loved Cleo and Clark and seeing them get to know each other. They had such great banter and chemistry. I also loved Dottie and her chickens 😂 I’ve never read a road trip romance before this one, and I thought this one was so well executed! I loved the concept! Becky’s writing was great and it kept me reading long into the night not wanting to put this down. I’m so impressed with the debut novel!
January 7, 2025
Lots of laughs! Dottie grows on you with her hilarious sayings and chickens. Chloe, im still not sure how she made it with such little money, but hey, that's a me problem. I knew something was up with Clark, but when it finally came out, I was wrong on what it was. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more from this author
January 10, 2025
I cannot believe this was a debut book! This was such a terrific love story and road trip from NYC to Texas complete with a quirky & amusing side character.
I felt so involved in this story, like I was on the road trip and seeing it play out first hand. I loved Cleo and Clark, getting to know & their personalities and see how much their relationship evolved during the story.
This is one where I was really sad to finish it! I hope you get a copy and enjoy it as much as I did!
I felt so involved in this story, like I was on the road trip and seeing it play out first hand. I loved Cleo and Clark, getting to know & their personalities and see how much their relationship evolved during the story.
This is one where I was really sad to finish it! I hope you get a copy and enjoy it as much as I did!
January 11, 2025
What's the best thing you ever did?
Decide to pick up this book and read it, of course! What a beautiful clean romance. It is my new favorite book of the year.
In this story three unsuspecting people becoming friends on an epic road trip. Now that I'm finished I want to start it over again and have my friends get a copy! Thanks Becky Lamb Jensen for the adventure.
Decide to pick up this book and read it, of course! What a beautiful clean romance. It is my new favorite book of the year.
In this story three unsuspecting people becoming friends on an epic road trip. Now that I'm finished I want to start it over again and have my friends get a copy! Thanks Becky Lamb Jensen for the adventure.
January 2, 2025
This was a fun rom com that starts with Cleo running away from her wedding and getting in a car with complete strangers. They embark on a road trip across the country. They become great friends and find love along the way. The banter is great and the friendships are so sweet.
February 6, 2025
This January release was a really cute romcom with so many great layers. The MMC clearly had a crush on the MFC but she was not available. She ran away from her wedding and straight into his cab! And then they take a road trip together with another random stranger! I love the dynamics of enemies to lovers but this also has an enemies to friends storyline too. I love that multiple people had storylines and everyone grew. The banter between everyone was also so good. It did seem a little improbable but apparently, this books is based off a classic movie that I now want to see!
February 7, 2025
Such a delight. I couldn't put it down. Loved the witty banter between the two main characters. So many re-readable scenes, but especially the one under the willow tree. Swoon. What a perfect debut novel.
February 8, 2025
Such a fun, entertaining, and witty read!
This book made me smile multiple times with its witty dialogue between the characters and the clever writing in between. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole book.
This book made me smile multiple times with its witty dialogue between the characters and the clever writing in between. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole book.
January 10, 2025
Well this was a cute story!
If y'all are looking for a super sweet romcom from a debut author, look no further friends. I'm fairly certain It Happened One Road Trip has everything you could want in a book - a determined leading lady, a mysterious, marshmallow of a hero, quirky side characters you can't help but love, other side characters you just want to kick in the shins, plot twists you didn't see coming, a road trip, a game of twenty questions, a trip to the bookstore, the sweetest romance....what is there not to love here??
If this book isn't on your TBR list, it definitely deserves a spot there! And lucky for y'all, it releases this Tuesday, so y'all don't even have to wait that long to get yourself a copy!!
Many thanks to the author for an early copy; all thoughts are my own.
If y'all are looking for a super sweet romcom from a debut author, look no further friends. I'm fairly certain It Happened One Road Trip has everything you could want in a book - a determined leading lady, a mysterious, marshmallow of a hero, quirky side characters you can't help but love, other side characters you just want to kick in the shins, plot twists you didn't see coming, a road trip, a game of twenty questions, a trip to the bookstore, the sweetest romance....what is there not to love here??
If this book isn't on your TBR list, it definitely deserves a spot there! And lucky for y'all, it releases this Tuesday, so y'all don't even have to wait that long to get yourself a copy!!
Many thanks to the author for an early copy; all thoughts are my own.
January 15, 2025
Such a cute story! If you want a clever, funny, romantic quick read- this book’s for you!
January 18, 2025
Great story. Clean. I was sucked into the story and read it in one day.
January 19, 2025
Loved it! Cute, fun, full of Easter eggs, and enamoured with all of the characters by the end! Wonderful weekend pick me up read ❤️
January 21, 2025
Fun clean read. The characters were well developed.
Enough of a compelling story to keep you wanting more.
Great job for a first time author.
Enough of a compelling story to keep you wanting more.
Great job for a first time author.
Want to read
February 3, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
February 6, 2025
Such a cute, clean rom com!! It happened one night is one of my favorite movies so I was SO excited to read this modernization. Cute characters, fun banter, great chemistry! ♥️♥️♥️
December 11, 2024
This was a well written retelling of an oldie! I enjoyed the whole story! And seeing all the characters find their happiness in different ways.
I received an advanced digital copy these are my honest thoughts on it.
I received an advanced digital copy these are my honest thoughts on it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews