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Anywhere With You
AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Tiny van. Enormous feelings.
Charley Beekman is thriving . . . if you overlook that she's financially strapped, stuck in a dull legal career, and the youngest divorcee at the Ruth's Chris Steak House. After being left by a man she was sure was too boring to ever leave, she's figured out that the key to true happiness is protecting yourself from surprises. So when her free-spirited sister announces she's eloping with an on-again, off-again childhood sweetheart, Charley knows she has to stop the wedding before her sister makes the biggest mistake of her life. Conveniently, Charley's best friend, Ethan, who's as gorgeous as he is chronically unreliable, has an extra seat in his camper van.
As Charley and Ethan embark on a wild road trip through the enchanting northern woods of Minnesota, Charley starts to feel something she's ignored for years—a spark that threatens to turn into a full-blown bonfire. But after crashing and burning at marriage despite her best-laid plans, the last thing Charley needs is a fling with a noncommittal, irresistible, nomadic musician . . . right?
Hilarious, witty, and teeming with heart, Anywhere With You is the perfect escape for anyone who believes that sometimes the best destinations are the ones you never planned.
Tiny van. Enormous feelings.
Charley Beekman is thriving . . . if you overlook that she's financially strapped, stuck in a dull legal career, and the youngest divorcee at the Ruth's Chris Steak House. After being left by a man she was sure was too boring to ever leave, she's figured out that the key to true happiness is protecting yourself from surprises. So when her free-spirited sister announces she's eloping with an on-again, off-again childhood sweetheart, Charley knows she has to stop the wedding before her sister makes the biggest mistake of her life. Conveniently, Charley's best friend, Ethan, who's as gorgeous as he is chronically unreliable, has an extra seat in his camper van.
As Charley and Ethan embark on a wild road trip through the enchanting northern woods of Minnesota, Charley starts to feel something she's ignored for years—a spark that threatens to turn into a full-blown bonfire. But after crashing and burning at marriage despite her best-laid plans, the last thing Charley needs is a fling with a noncommittal, irresistible, nomadic musician . . . right?
Hilarious, witty, and teeming with heart, Anywhere With You is the perfect escape for anyone who believes that sometimes the best destinations are the ones you never planned.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
339 people are currently reading
24933 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Palmer
2 books796 followersEllie Palmer is a lifelong lover of love stories, a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation, and a prototypical Midwesterner who routinely apologizes to inanimate objects when she bumps into them. When she’s not writing romantic comedies featuring delightfully messy characters, she’s at home in Minnesota, eating breakfast food, watching too much reality television, and triple texting her husband about their son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,183 reviews
July 31, 2025
🎀Anywhere With You written by Ellie Palmer is such a beautiful and authentic representation of girlhood and sisterhood🎀. Honestly, I didn't expect to love this book as much as I did after seeing such mixed reviews, but this novel changed my life. Ellie, thank you so much for writing such a beautiful book with deeply flawed characters that don't have their lives together yet. Anywhere With You was beautiful, authentic, personal, emotional, pure, raw, real, honest, and heart tugging. This book was personal for me for a few different reasons, as an older sister I would do literally anything to protect my little sister and I would do anything to make her happy. It was also personal because as someone who is in their early twenties, I don't have my life together yet, I don't know what I want to do career wise, I don't know what path God will lead me on. Adulting is scary to me. If you enjoy your romance novels with a heavy dose of sarcasm, love scenes worthy of making you blush, and vulnerability then you need to mark your calendars for August 5th, 2025 because you won't want to miss out on this summer road trip novel. If you love books about girlhood, sisterhood, road trips, and childhood best friends to lovers then this is the perfect book for you. I can't recommend Anywhere With You enough, it was beautiful and so nostalgic. I can't get over how cute that cover is, I won't lie the cover is what drew me in initially, but once I started reading the words behind that beautiful cover, I was instantly hooked and touched from page one all the way until the very end. It's not everyday that you will come across a book that changes your life, but Anywhere With You has changed my life perspectives. I always thought it was normal to have your life together when you are in your twenties, but after reading about these messy characters, it made me feel less alone.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"🎵💔You listened to an alarming amount of Phoebe Bridgers in 2024". Ethan says. "I was getting divorced. Can you allow me one year for my sad girl era🎵💔?" Charley says.
"❤Lost in time and space while dreaming of your face. I won't deny, I might be bracing for the one who will replace this heart of mine....❤"
"💞👯Best friends are their own kind of soul mates. They are the people with whom we share our innermost selves with💞👯".
"💗💯Best friends get it all- our best selves and our darkest versions- even when they have never asked for it💗💯".
"💓🌞Even the bad years have the occasional good days, and the bad days still have moments of sunshine💓🌞".
"Love makes fools of us all".
"💘😭It's normal to want the best for the people you love and it's even more normal for it to hurt when you watch them struggle for it💘😭".
💋🌹Laurel- "Love isn't finite. It isn't a thing you have. It's something you do. Love is a verb, babe💋🌹".
Charlotte "Charley" Beekman is twenty-eight years old, and a fourth year associate at a law firm- Anderson and Gottlieb. Charley thought it was a prank when her husband Richard Warren asked for a divorce because a fitness influencer reminded Rich there's someone out there better than Charley, their marriage was only less than a year, so you could probably be just as baffled as Charley was when Rich asked for a divorce, honestly if that was me, I would think it was a prank too. Rich and Charley weren't a passionate couple, but they were compatible and stable. Charley lost her childhood best friend, Ethan because her own husband couldn't get along with him. Even though Charley is twenty-eight years old, she is now the youngest divorcee at Ruth's Chris Steak House, but that's okay with her. Charley has been running scared for years, but rather than facing her fears, Charley has been creating space for her insecurities and caring for them like little pets. When Charley's sister, Laurel announces she wants to marry her childhood sweetheart, Charley is completely baffled and decides to take a road trip through the Northern woods of Minnesota to try and stop her sister from making this mistake. Laurel and Peter Eriksson-Thao are childhood sweethearts, but they have been in and on and off again situationship for years now until Laurel gets the idea that she wants to propose to Peter. Charley is completely baffled because she thinks Laurel didn't get the memo from the shit show of their parents marriage and now Charley's divorce.
Ethan Powell lives the best van life, he's constantly traveling because he hates being stuck in one place for too long, so he decided to pick up the van life and just live in a van. Ethan was supposed to be Charley's best man in her wedding, but he made up an excuse that he couldn't show up, but his absence at Charley's initiated a year of silence between them. Ethan gives off golden retriever energy, he's such a sweetheart. Ethan has dimples, he plays the guitar, he has a flower tattoo that climbs up his forearm which is just so hot, and he moves through the world with an easy confidence. During Charley's pre-law days in college, Ethan would mail Charley bags full of Dove chocolates with the little inspirational messages inside of the wrapper. Ethan was also in an indie rock band named Lemonface, but the band broke up after their first tour as headliners and they all went their separate ways, now Ethan renovates clunker campers and resells them to van life influencers which he has been doing for over two years now. Y'all, let me just tell you, Ethan is ruin your life attractive, he's such a gorgeous man, but he's chronically unreliable, he's super sweet and very attentive, but he's not ready to settle down with someone just yet. I honestly found Ethan to be such a relatable character, he's his own worst self criticizer. It was so hard not to root for Ethan, I know he did Charley wrong by not showing up for her wedding, but he had the most beautiful soul. If you read this book, you will actually find out why Ethan didn't show up to Charley's wedding and it honestly broke my heart.
Charley and Ethan became best friends when they were just thirteen years old when Charley's family moved to Minnesota, and now they have a beautiful fifteen year friendship. Charley and Ethan have been in contact, but they haven't seen each other until one morning when Charley has a horrible hangover and Ethan shows up at her house. Ethan's white van nearly almost ran over Charley's azalea flowers near her driveway because Charley drunk text bombed Ethan, but she doesn't remember that, Charley just thought Ethan showed up out of the blue. After Charley gets her hangover cured, she and Ethan make a wedding crashing mission to prevent Laurel from making the biggest mistake of her life. Ethan and Charley take a little road trip through the Northern woods of Minnesota to crash Laurel's proposal. Ethan and Charley were so vulnerable on their road trip, they shared their fears and their past mistakes that they wish they could change. Ethan and Charley are just two best friends locked in a van kissing after the van got stuck in mud on a bike trail. Their little banter was so adorable, they both uttered "could never be me" a million gazillion times which is just a little inside joke between the two of them. During the loveliest, hottest, and most chaotic night of their lives, a group of strangers are running naked into a forest to celebrate Laurel and Peter, but after this chaotic event, and on the last night of their trip, Ethan and Charley make love in Ethan's van to celebrate their new found love for each other. I know these characters aren't perfect by any means, but I loved them so much, they were just so cute, absolutely hilarious, and so relatable. I will root for anyone in this book a million times if I have to, I just couldn't get enough of everyone involved in this book.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"🎵💔You listened to an alarming amount of Phoebe Bridgers in 2024". Ethan says. "I was getting divorced. Can you allow me one year for my sad girl era🎵💔?" Charley says.
"❤Lost in time and space while dreaming of your face. I won't deny, I might be bracing for the one who will replace this heart of mine....❤"
"💞👯Best friends are their own kind of soul mates. They are the people with whom we share our innermost selves with💞👯".
"💗💯Best friends get it all- our best selves and our darkest versions- even when they have never asked for it💗💯".
"💓🌞Even the bad years have the occasional good days, and the bad days still have moments of sunshine💓🌞".
"Love makes fools of us all".
"💘😭It's normal to want the best for the people you love and it's even more normal for it to hurt when you watch them struggle for it💘😭".
💋🌹Laurel- "Love isn't finite. It isn't a thing you have. It's something you do. Love is a verb, babe💋🌹".
Charlotte "Charley" Beekman is twenty-eight years old, and a fourth year associate at a law firm- Anderson and Gottlieb. Charley thought it was a prank when her husband Richard Warren asked for a divorce because a fitness influencer reminded Rich there's someone out there better than Charley, their marriage was only less than a year, so you could probably be just as baffled as Charley was when Rich asked for a divorce, honestly if that was me, I would think it was a prank too. Rich and Charley weren't a passionate couple, but they were compatible and stable. Charley lost her childhood best friend, Ethan because her own husband couldn't get along with him. Even though Charley is twenty-eight years old, she is now the youngest divorcee at Ruth's Chris Steak House, but that's okay with her. Charley has been running scared for years, but rather than facing her fears, Charley has been creating space for her insecurities and caring for them like little pets. When Charley's sister, Laurel announces she wants to marry her childhood sweetheart, Charley is completely baffled and decides to take a road trip through the Northern woods of Minnesota to try and stop her sister from making this mistake. Laurel and Peter Eriksson-Thao are childhood sweethearts, but they have been in and on and off again situationship for years now until Laurel gets the idea that she wants to propose to Peter. Charley is completely baffled because she thinks Laurel didn't get the memo from the shit show of their parents marriage and now Charley's divorce.
Ethan Powell lives the best van life, he's constantly traveling because he hates being stuck in one place for too long, so he decided to pick up the van life and just live in a van. Ethan was supposed to be Charley's best man in her wedding, but he made up an excuse that he couldn't show up, but his absence at Charley's initiated a year of silence between them. Ethan gives off golden retriever energy, he's such a sweetheart. Ethan has dimples, he plays the guitar, he has a flower tattoo that climbs up his forearm which is just so hot, and he moves through the world with an easy confidence. During Charley's pre-law days in college, Ethan would mail Charley bags full of Dove chocolates with the little inspirational messages inside of the wrapper. Ethan was also in an indie rock band named Lemonface, but the band broke up after their first tour as headliners and they all went their separate ways, now Ethan renovates clunker campers and resells them to van life influencers which he has been doing for over two years now. Y'all, let me just tell you, Ethan is ruin your life attractive, he's such a gorgeous man, but he's chronically unreliable, he's super sweet and very attentive, but he's not ready to settle down with someone just yet. I honestly found Ethan to be such a relatable character, he's his own worst self criticizer. It was so hard not to root for Ethan, I know he did Charley wrong by not showing up for her wedding, but he had the most beautiful soul. If you read this book, you will actually find out why Ethan didn't show up to Charley's wedding and it honestly broke my heart.
Charley and Ethan became best friends when they were just thirteen years old when Charley's family moved to Minnesota, and now they have a beautiful fifteen year friendship. Charley and Ethan have been in contact, but they haven't seen each other until one morning when Charley has a horrible hangover and Ethan shows up at her house. Ethan's white van nearly almost ran over Charley's azalea flowers near her driveway because Charley drunk text bombed Ethan, but she doesn't remember that, Charley just thought Ethan showed up out of the blue. After Charley gets her hangover cured, she and Ethan make a wedding crashing mission to prevent Laurel from making the biggest mistake of her life. Ethan and Charley take a little road trip through the Northern woods of Minnesota to crash Laurel's proposal. Ethan and Charley were so vulnerable on their road trip, they shared their fears and their past mistakes that they wish they could change. Ethan and Charley are just two best friends locked in a van kissing after the van got stuck in mud on a bike trail. Their little banter was so adorable, they both uttered "could never be me" a million gazillion times which is just a little inside joke between the two of them. During the loveliest, hottest, and most chaotic night of their lives, a group of strangers are running naked into a forest to celebrate Laurel and Peter, but after this chaotic event, and on the last night of their trip, Ethan and Charley make love in Ethan's van to celebrate their new found love for each other. I know these characters aren't perfect by any means, but I loved them so much, they were just so cute, absolutely hilarious, and so relatable. I will root for anyone in this book a million times if I have to, I just couldn't get enough of everyone involved in this book.
August 5, 2025
Happy publication day!
3⭐
Genre ~ women's fiction
Setting ~ Minnesota
Publication date ~ August 5, 2025
Publisher ~ Penguin Group Putnam
Est Page Count ~ 288 (p+ 24 titled chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 0 minutes
Narrator ~ unknown
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ present & past timeline, childhood best friends, friends to lovers, road trip, one bed, workaholic lawyer, no steamage
Charley (28) is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. But were they really that compatible anyway? Now she’s off on a road trip with her childhood best friend, Ethan, to try to stop her sister from marrying her childhood best friend.
I really like when there's a past timeline for my childhood best friend stories because I like to know how it all began and who was pining for who, or was it both of them?
Charley, Charley, Charley, ugh. I just couldn’t get behind her ‘my way or the highway’, ‘I know best’, workaholic mentality. She’s not totally unbearable, but very unlikable, and I never warmed up to her and wanted Ethan to gun his camper van and get away from her as fast as he could. But alas, he’s a sweetheart and not how he is. The romance is light as it’s more of her figuring herself out.
Overall, I didn’t love this one like I wanted to. There were some funny bits, but it’s hard when you can’t like the main character especially when they’re the only narrator. Even a few chapters from Ethan would have been nice.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
3⭐
Genre ~ women's fiction
Setting ~ Minnesota
Publication date ~ August 5, 2025
Publisher ~ Penguin Group Putnam
Est Page Count ~ 288 (p+ 24 titled chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 0 minutes
Narrator ~ unknown
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ present & past timeline, childhood best friends, friends to lovers, road trip, one bed, workaholic lawyer, no steamage
Charley (28) is blindsided when her husband asks for a divorce. But were they really that compatible anyway? Now she’s off on a road trip with her childhood best friend, Ethan, to try to stop her sister from marrying her childhood best friend.
I really like when there's a past timeline for my childhood best friend stories because I like to know how it all began and who was pining for who, or was it both of them?
Charley, Charley, Charley, ugh. I just couldn’t get behind her ‘my way or the highway’, ‘I know best’, workaholic mentality. She’s not totally unbearable, but very unlikable, and I never warmed up to her and wanted Ethan to gun his camper van and get away from her as fast as he could. But alas, he’s a sweetheart and not how he is. The romance is light as it’s more of her figuring herself out.
Overall, I didn’t love this one like I wanted to. There were some funny bits, but it’s hard when you can’t like the main character especially when they’re the only narrator. Even a few chapters from Ethan would have been nice.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
November 20, 2025
With a title that feels like a cheeky nod to Glen Powell’s Anyone But You, Ellie Palmer’s second novel takes readers on a charmingly chaotic road trip through the Minnesotan woods. Packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and a touch of chaos, this book is a delightful exploration of second chances and self-discovery.
Meet Charley Beekman, a delightfully sharp-tongued 29-year-old who's nursing the wounds of a divorce and what she calls her "quarter-life catastrophe." Just when she thinks she's got her life back on track, her sister drops a bombshell: she's marrying her childhood sweetheart. Charley's response? A desperate mission to stop the wedding, armed with nothing but determination and an unlikely ally – Ethan, her chronically unreliable childhood best friend.
Palmer has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends. Charley's mix of wit and vulnerability makes her incredibly real, while Ethan's easy charm masks layers that keep you guessing. Their chemistry crackles through every scene, their banter ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to surprisingly tender.
The road trip itself brings plenty of mishaps and gorgeous scenery, but what really hooks you is watching these two navigate their own emotional baggage while trying to "save" someone else. Palmer tackles the very real pressure of having life "figured out" by thirty, wrapping serious themes in enough humor to keep things from getting heavy.
Sure, the story takes a little time to find its groove, and there are moments when you'll want to lock these two in a room until they actually talk to each other. But once it hits its stride, this book is impossible to put down.
Anywhere With You is the kind of story that reminds you why we love romance novels – it's messy, it's honest, and it leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling of possibility. If you're in the mood for a road trip romance with heart, humor, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting, this one's for you.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this heartfelt journey's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Meet Charley Beekman, a delightfully sharp-tongued 29-year-old who's nursing the wounds of a divorce and what she calls her "quarter-life catastrophe." Just when she thinks she's got her life back on track, her sister drops a bombshell: she's marrying her childhood sweetheart. Charley's response? A desperate mission to stop the wedding, armed with nothing but determination and an unlikely ally – Ethan, her chronically unreliable childhood best friend.
Palmer has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends. Charley's mix of wit and vulnerability makes her incredibly real, while Ethan's easy charm masks layers that keep you guessing. Their chemistry crackles through every scene, their banter ranging from laugh-out-loud funny to surprisingly tender.
The road trip itself brings plenty of mishaps and gorgeous scenery, but what really hooks you is watching these two navigate their own emotional baggage while trying to "save" someone else. Palmer tackles the very real pressure of having life "figured out" by thirty, wrapping serious themes in enough humor to keep things from getting heavy.
Sure, the story takes a little time to find its groove, and there are moments when you'll want to lock these two in a room until they actually talk to each other. But once it hits its stride, this book is impossible to put down.
Anywhere With You is the kind of story that reminds you why we love romance novels – it's messy, it's honest, and it leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling of possibility. If you're in the mood for a road trip romance with heart, humor, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting, this one's for you.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this heartfelt journey's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
medium.com
May 11, 2025
you know, this rating is on me because i’m not into the friends to lovers trope and that’s basically all this book was. so if you like (childhood) friends to lovers with a dual timeline, here you go!!
but overall this gave what i needed it to give, a cute and fun romance to heal me after b13. i do think it leaned more toward a women’s fiction vibe than pure romance but that didn’t really bother me. the relationship was cute and the story felt realistic while still being a lighthearted and easy read. would def recommend for a summer or beach read !!!
pre-read:
i need a quick and cute and mindless read after b13 so 💟🎡
thank you to penguin group putnam & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
but overall this gave what i needed it to give, a cute and fun romance to heal me after b13. i do think it leaned more toward a women’s fiction vibe than pure romance but that didn’t really bother me. the relationship was cute and the story felt realistic while still being a lighthearted and easy read. would def recommend for a summer or beach read !!!
pre-read:
i need a quick and cute and mindless read after b13 so 💟🎡
thank you to penguin group putnam & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
April 27, 2025
♥ My Overall Thoughts ♥
This book took me on a romantic adventure between two completely opposite people! I felt happiness, hopeful and lighthearted while reading this. I really enjoyed the humor throughout the book as well. While this book is fiction, it felt like I was reading a true story. The childhood friends to lovers trope in this book was well structured. I really enjoyed how the book went back in time, because it gave me insight to their friendship. I found both of the main characters incredibly interesting and entertaining. Furthermore, I found both Ethan and Charley relatable. This is a medium paced read with strong character development! An adventurous and fun ride between these two will be memorable! I found this to be a cozy and relaxing read!
♥ Book Synopsis ♥
“Anywhere With You” is about a woman named Charley, who is a divorcee and a guy named Ethan, who is a carefree musician. Set in beautiful Minnesota, these two friends go on a road trip together in a camper van. While being on this roadtrip together, sparks between them begin to happen. As the story unfolds, we learn more about their friendship they had in the past. Both of them ultimately have a decision to make, to let the friendship continue or end up happily ever after! This book comes with very minor content warnings. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
♥ Who I think would enjoy this book ♥
I think anyone that loves reading a cozy roadtrip, childhood friends to lovers romantic comedy would enjoy reading this! This book has a little bit of spice and a whole lot of sweetness!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ellie Palmer and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to all the people that read my reviews, I appreciate it!!
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on August 5, 2025!
♥ Quick Review ♥
♥️ Romance Comedy
🎀 Friends to Lovers
♥️ Adventurous
🎀 Opposites Attract
♥️ Cozy Read
🎀 Different Timelines
♥️ Minnesota Setting
🎀 One Bed
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
This book took me on a romantic adventure between two completely opposite people! I felt happiness, hopeful and lighthearted while reading this. I really enjoyed the humor throughout the book as well. While this book is fiction, it felt like I was reading a true story. The childhood friends to lovers trope in this book was well structured. I really enjoyed how the book went back in time, because it gave me insight to their friendship. I found both of the main characters incredibly interesting and entertaining. Furthermore, I found both Ethan and Charley relatable. This is a medium paced read with strong character development! An adventurous and fun ride between these two will be memorable! I found this to be a cozy and relaxing read!
♥ Book Synopsis ♥
“Anywhere With You” is about a woman named Charley, who is a divorcee and a guy named Ethan, who is a carefree musician. Set in beautiful Minnesota, these two friends go on a road trip together in a camper van. While being on this roadtrip together, sparks between them begin to happen. As the story unfolds, we learn more about their friendship they had in the past. Both of them ultimately have a decision to make, to let the friendship continue or end up happily ever after! This book comes with very minor content warnings. Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
♥ Who I think would enjoy this book ♥
I think anyone that loves reading a cozy roadtrip, childhood friends to lovers romantic comedy would enjoy reading this! This book has a little bit of spice and a whole lot of sweetness!
♥ Thank You ♥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ellie Palmer and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to all the people that read my reviews, I appreciate it!!
♥ Publication Date ♥
This book is expected to be published on August 5, 2025!
♥ Quick Review ♥
♥️ Romance Comedy
🎀 Friends to Lovers
♥️ Adventurous
🎀 Opposites Attract
♥️ Cozy Read
🎀 Different Timelines
♥️ Minnesota Setting
🎀 One Bed
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
December 25, 2025
Divorced with a struggling legal career and in debt, Charley Beekman thinks she has it all figured out— now. And she’ll stop at nothing to prevent her sister from the same fate, including a messy, tension-filled road trip with her commitment-phobic best friend, Ethan.
My first from author Ellie Palmer, I can definitely understand what all the hype is about. This book was charming, witty, and so much of what makes a romance click. The characters were engaging, and the road trip such a fun vehicle to drive the love story (pardon the puns). I am always drawn to a more mature MC, especially one who has a little life under their belt, and Charley is definitely that. Ethan’s chill persona was a great juxtaposition to Charley’s very type-A personality.
🎧 I read this one with both my eyes and ears and while the audio is solid, narrated by Karissa Vacker, I think I preferred the physical book over the audio. I had an idea of how the characters should sound and the audiobook was a bit off from that expectation.
Read if you like:
▪️friends to lovers
▪️road trip romance
▪️forced proximity
▪️divorced mc
▪️one bed
▪️Minnesota setting
Thank you Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
My first from author Ellie Palmer, I can definitely understand what all the hype is about. This book was charming, witty, and so much of what makes a romance click. The characters were engaging, and the road trip such a fun vehicle to drive the love story (pardon the puns). I am always drawn to a more mature MC, especially one who has a little life under their belt, and Charley is definitely that. Ethan’s chill persona was a great juxtaposition to Charley’s very type-A personality.
🎧 I read this one with both my eyes and ears and while the audio is solid, narrated by Karissa Vacker, I think I preferred the physical book over the audio. I had an idea of how the characters should sound and the audiobook was a bit off from that expectation.
Read if you like:
▪️friends to lovers
▪️road trip romance
▪️forced proximity
▪️divorced mc
▪️one bed
▪️Minnesota setting
Thank you Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copies.
November 23, 2025
This was such a fun romp, a little silly and disastrous at times - but a good quick read!
What’s to love…
- childhood friends to lovers
- dual timeline
- strong friendships
- wonderful sister relationship
- relatable & flawed characters
- Great tension + banter
- a second bonus romance
- road trip + van life
- heavy emphasis on nonromantic relationships and self-discovery
What I didn’t love, but you might not mind…
- This leaned a little more women’s fiction than romance for me, which I don’t usually mind but I was in the mood for high tension and banter (something Ellie Palmer’s last book absolutely delivered on) - so this didn’t quite hit as well as I’d hoped. The romance is still lovely and I think Ethan is pretty perfect but I would have loved more focus on their relationship.
- On a similar note, I usually don’t mind single POV romance but I do think this would have greatly benefited from the MMCs point of view.
- I am personally not a fan of dual timeline - it’s 100% a me problem but I usually find its harder for books with a dual timeline to keep me engaged and this was certainly the case here.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
What’s to love…
- childhood friends to lovers
- dual timeline
- strong friendships
- wonderful sister relationship
- relatable & flawed characters
- Great tension + banter
- a second bonus romance
- road trip + van life
- heavy emphasis on nonromantic relationships and self-discovery
What I didn’t love, but you might not mind…
- This leaned a little more women’s fiction than romance for me, which I don’t usually mind but I was in the mood for high tension and banter (something Ellie Palmer’s last book absolutely delivered on) - so this didn’t quite hit as well as I’d hoped. The romance is still lovely and I think Ethan is pretty perfect but I would have loved more focus on their relationship.
- On a similar note, I usually don’t mind single POV romance but I do think this would have greatly benefited from the MMCs point of view.
- I am personally not a fan of dual timeline - it’s 100% a me problem but I usually find its harder for books with a dual timeline to keep me engaged and this was certainly the case here.
Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
4.25⭐️| IG | TikTok |
October 29, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc.
i was not impressed with this author’s debut novel (although i remember i appreciated the commentary on breast cancer), and unfortunately, i am not impressed with her sophomore novel.
i guess i just can’t wrap my head around the fact that our fmc was in love with HER best man, who didn’t even show up to her wedding, and then they have sex for the first time in a camper in the woods… to each their own, i guess, but that whole scenario? just not for me
i was not impressed with this author’s debut novel (although i remember i appreciated the commentary on breast cancer), and unfortunately, i am not impressed with her sophomore novel.
i guess i just can’t wrap my head around the fact that our fmc was in love with HER best man, who didn’t even show up to her wedding, and then they have sex for the first time in a camper in the woods… to each their own, i guess, but that whole scenario? just not for me
June 9, 2025
I loved Ellie Palmer’s Four Weekends and a Funeral, so I went into Anywhere With You with high expectations. Sadly, this felt like a major step backward in terms of writing quality, character development, and overall storytelling.
Charley was a frustrating protagonist—self-absorbed, emotionally immature, and seemingly unaware of the impact her actions had on others. Her internal dialogue often dragged on, filled with neurotic fixations that never added real depth. I usually love a good friends-to-lovers arc, but this one felt unearned and forced. Ethan was the only redeeming part of the romance—and frankly, he deserved better.
The writing itself lacked the polish and heart I saw in Palmer’s debut. Dialogue often felt unnatural, the pacing was uneven, and the narrative relied far too heavily on pop culture references. It felt less like meaningful storytelling and more like a desperate attempt to sound trendy. A few clever nods can enhance a book; dozens make it feel dated before it even hits the shelves.
There were moments of charm—mostly thanks to Ethan—but overall, this fell flat. I kept waiting for emotional growth or insight from Charley, but it never really came. In the end, I wasn’t rooting for her love story—I was rooting for her to go to therapy and let Ethan live his life.
Ellie Palmer has talent, and I still look forward to her future work—but this one just didn’t deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Charley was a frustrating protagonist—self-absorbed, emotionally immature, and seemingly unaware of the impact her actions had on others. Her internal dialogue often dragged on, filled with neurotic fixations that never added real depth. I usually love a good friends-to-lovers arc, but this one felt unearned and forced. Ethan was the only redeeming part of the romance—and frankly, he deserved better.
The writing itself lacked the polish and heart I saw in Palmer’s debut. Dialogue often felt unnatural, the pacing was uneven, and the narrative relied far too heavily on pop culture references. It felt less like meaningful storytelling and more like a desperate attempt to sound trendy. A few clever nods can enhance a book; dozens make it feel dated before it even hits the shelves.
There were moments of charm—mostly thanks to Ethan—but overall, this fell flat. I kept waiting for emotional growth or insight from Charley, but it never really came. In the end, I wasn’t rooting for her love story—I was rooting for her to go to therapy and let Ethan live his life.
Ellie Palmer has talent, and I still look forward to her future work—but this one just didn’t deliver.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
2.5 ⭐
This is a total disappointment. I haven't had time to read in almost a week, and regrettably, I wasted my precious time on this. How is this written by the same author of four weekends and a funeral? I hated the pop culture so much that I didn't care to understand what was being said. The FL is so selfish and self-centered. She's been living in her head until the last three chapters. I really am dissatisfied
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I loved "Four Weekends and a Funeral" so much that once I saw this book I had to request it and Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam delivered 🤭
Find my review on Instagram
This is a total disappointment. I haven't had time to read in almost a week, and regrettably, I wasted my precious time on this. How is this written by the same author of four weekends and a funeral? I hated the pop culture so much that I didn't care to understand what was being said. The FL is so selfish and self-centered. She's been living in her head until the last three chapters. I really am dissatisfied
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
I loved "Four Weekends and a Funeral" so much that once I saw this book I had to request it and Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam delivered 🤭
Find my review on Instagram
August 26, 2025
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! I found myself laughing out loud and cringing at the situations Charley found herself in. I LOVED everything about her and Ethan. I loved the snippets we got every few chapters from the past that showed us their relationship and how it progressed. I loved their banter and how well they knew each other. I loved how obvious it was that Ethan had been in love with her for forever to everyone but Charley. I liked the complications of the relationships in this one too. They felt real. Like how scared Charley was for her sister making the wrong decision. And then when she finally realized how good she was with Pete. How chicken Charley was to FEEL in a relationship. How she wanted to protect herself because her dad had so royally screwed her over. It made me reflect as a parent at how much we REALLY AFFECT OUR CHILDREN!! Really though I loved Ethan. He gave it to Charley straight as much as he could. He loved in the way that he could without telling her that he loved her. He was so carefree and just himself. He was the complete opposite of Charley and yet something about him called to something inside of her. I loved her realization that Ethan was hot and that she might or might not want Ethan. Ultimately though I loved the patience and how connected I felt to these characters. I felt like Charley was actually on the phone with me venting when I was reading about her stuff. These two were just perfect together and when they realized that- I couldn't stop smiling.
Charley doesn't know what to do with all of this space. She inherited her house in the divorce. Yes she is divorced at such a young age. She let her best friend know he was right after it all went down. And now somehow Ethan, her best friend, is here. He is here to help her and be there for her like he always has been. He is reliableish when she needs him to be which is now. Because her sister has called to say that she has proposed to her on again off again boyfriend and they are getting married in the woods like yesterday. So of course Ethan offers to road trip them to the wedding so Charley can intervene. Charley finds herself laughing mroe than she has in a long time with Ethan. When did she stop laughing? Why is she noticing how handsome Ethan is all of a sudden? Like in a not friend handsome kind of way? Why does it now feel weird to share a bed with him? Why can't she stop thinking about kissing him? And oh yeah now they have kissed and Charley is freaking out. She can't cross this line with him. It is Ethan who she has known since forever. She can't lose him like she did a year ago. So she draws the friend line with him. But Ethan must have magical powers or a crystal ball because he tends to think not only will they kiss again, they will do more. And why you ask? Because he has wanted to do these things with her for a long time. Wait what? How is Charley supposed to process this. But then again why is she fighting this? If anyone makes her feel safe it is Ethan. Her rock. The man who has seen it all and not walked away. So she gives in. She lets herself feel. She says they can do this until the wedding with her sister. But then her thoughts creep in. Reality creeps in. And Charley finds herself asking if Ethan is worth? Are these feelings worth making a huge life change? She is thinking yes because she has never felt this big with someone.
GAH- I just LOVED this one. Legit can't recommend it enough. It's like city girl with her outdoor man and how that then unleashes her inner outdoor girl she hasn't played with in a while. I loved the side characters in this- her sister and Pete were ALMOST as much a part of this story because they all grew up together. They all met on the same day. I just really liked this storytelling and the way I felt reading it. I enjoyed the audio version as well- I tag teamed that with reading my Kindle.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Charley doesn't know what to do with all of this space. She inherited her house in the divorce. Yes she is divorced at such a young age. She let her best friend know he was right after it all went down. And now somehow Ethan, her best friend, is here. He is here to help her and be there for her like he always has been. He is reliableish when she needs him to be which is now. Because her sister has called to say that she has proposed to her on again off again boyfriend and they are getting married in the woods like yesterday. So of course Ethan offers to road trip them to the wedding so Charley can intervene. Charley finds herself laughing mroe than she has in a long time with Ethan. When did she stop laughing? Why is she noticing how handsome Ethan is all of a sudden? Like in a not friend handsome kind of way? Why does it now feel weird to share a bed with him? Why can't she stop thinking about kissing him? And oh yeah now they have kissed and Charley is freaking out. She can't cross this line with him. It is Ethan who she has known since forever. She can't lose him like she did a year ago. So she draws the friend line with him. But Ethan must have magical powers or a crystal ball because he tends to think not only will they kiss again, they will do more. And why you ask? Because he has wanted to do these things with her for a long time. Wait what? How is Charley supposed to process this. But then again why is she fighting this? If anyone makes her feel safe it is Ethan. Her rock. The man who has seen it all and not walked away. So she gives in. She lets herself feel. She says they can do this until the wedding with her sister. But then her thoughts creep in. Reality creeps in. And Charley finds herself asking if Ethan is worth? Are these feelings worth making a huge life change? She is thinking yes because she has never felt this big with someone.
GAH- I just LOVED this one. Legit can't recommend it enough. It's like city girl with her outdoor man and how that then unleashes her inner outdoor girl she hasn't played with in a while. I loved the side characters in this- her sister and Pete were ALMOST as much a part of this story because they all grew up together. They all met on the same day. I just really liked this storytelling and the way I felt reading it. I enjoyed the audio version as well- I tag teamed that with reading my Kindle.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
July 9, 2025
Really enjoyed this! Vulnerable love story that shows the reality that it’s messy and complicated but worth fighting for! Karissa Vacker on audio does a great job narrating!
April 20, 2025
Release date: August 5th
I liked the cover, and the plot sounded interesting, but it fell flat. I didn’t enjoy the writing style, and I found the female lead, Charley, to be very selfish. The only memorable part of this book was Ethan, who deserves better than Charley. I can see why her husband left her.
————————
Currently drowning in arcs, but this sounds so exciting!
I liked the cover, and the plot sounded interesting, but it fell flat. I didn’t enjoy the writing style, and I found the female lead, Charley, to be very selfish. The only memorable part of this book was Ethan, who deserves better than Charley. I can see why her husband left her.
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Currently drowning in arcs, but this sounds so exciting!
July 23, 2025
Friends to lovers is treating me so well lately! This book hooked me from the very first sentence. Seriously, what a hilarious opening. And the humour does not stop!
Charley is a 29-year-old lawyer, freshly divorced and clinging to her predictable routine—until her passionate, impulsive sister decides to elope with her messy on-again, off-again boyfriend. Cue the panic and an impromptu road trip (and canoe ride!) to Minnesota with Ethan, Charley’s wanderlust-filled childhood best friend who is incredibly charming but reliably unreliable.
The inside jokes, the shared history, the genuine comfort between Charley and Ethan—their chaotic platonic friendship was so giddy-inducing. Add in some unexpected pit stops and camper van snuggles, and this story brought so much banter, big laughs, and simmering tension!
And beyond the fun, there were also some really great moments about learning to slow down and just breathe. Letting yourself want more. Taking risks for the chance at something fulfilling. I did get a little frustrated with Charley at times, mostly with her resistance to seeing Ethan as a possibility, but even with that bump, I really enjoyed this!
(heat level: fade to black)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charley is a 29-year-old lawyer, freshly divorced and clinging to her predictable routine—until her passionate, impulsive sister decides to elope with her messy on-again, off-again boyfriend. Cue the panic and an impromptu road trip (and canoe ride!) to Minnesota with Ethan, Charley’s wanderlust-filled childhood best friend who is incredibly charming but reliably unreliable.
The inside jokes, the shared history, the genuine comfort between Charley and Ethan—their chaotic platonic friendship was so giddy-inducing. Add in some unexpected pit stops and camper van snuggles, and this story brought so much banter, big laughs, and simmering tension!
And beyond the fun, there were also some really great moments about learning to slow down and just breathe. Letting yourself want more. Taking risks for the chance at something fulfilling. I did get a little frustrated with Charley at times, mostly with her resistance to seeing Ethan as a possibility, but even with that bump, I really enjoyed this!
(heat level: fade to black)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 22, 2025
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 1/5
Thank you Putnam (@putnambooks) for the advanced copy!
Oh I loved this book so so much! I am not typically a fan of childhood friends to lovers, but I really enjoyed this romance, especially when he has been in love ALL ALONG! Swoon! 🤭 I also loved that we got a second-chance romance from two side characters too!
I loved how fun this story was, especially when straight-laced Charley sets off in a camper van with her ex-best man to stop her sister’s very last-minute wedding. The most absolutely bonkers things happened to these characters in the woods. I found myself sputter-laughing out loud on multiple occasions! SUCH a fun time!
With any story told through a dual timeline, I enjoyed seeing Charley and Ethan’s past unfurl, leading up to the moment when everything went wrong. It really tugged at my heartstrings. Not only the relationship with our MMC, but also Charley’s relationship with her sister. It added a lot of depth to this story.
This is my first book from Ellie Palmer, and I really fell in love with her witty and humorous writing style. It is truly unique. I cannot wait to go back and read her debut soon!
🌶️ 1/5
Thank you Putnam (@putnambooks) for the advanced copy!
Oh I loved this book so so much! I am not typically a fan of childhood friends to lovers, but I really enjoyed this romance, especially when he has been in love ALL ALONG! Swoon! 🤭 I also loved that we got a second-chance romance from two side characters too!
I loved how fun this story was, especially when straight-laced Charley sets off in a camper van with her ex-best man to stop her sister’s very last-minute wedding. The most absolutely bonkers things happened to these characters in the woods. I found myself sputter-laughing out loud on multiple occasions! SUCH a fun time!
With any story told through a dual timeline, I enjoyed seeing Charley and Ethan’s past unfurl, leading up to the moment when everything went wrong. It really tugged at my heartstrings. Not only the relationship with our MMC, but also Charley’s relationship with her sister. It added a lot of depth to this story.
This is my first book from Ellie Palmer, and I really fell in love with her witty and humorous writing style. It is truly unique. I cannot wait to go back and read her debut soon!
September 6, 2025
4.5 stars!!
this book was so cute & fun !!!
currently mad at myself for not writing my review sooner while this lovely book was fresh on my mind . . .
here's what i do remember loving:
- the TENSION
- the history between these two (they were best friends for a long time. they were each other's PERSON)
- the yearning
- one bed one bed one bed one bed one bed
- a cuddle moment that had me squealing !!!!!!!!!
- so many hilarious & crazy moments (truly felt like a romcom)
an so much more i'm sure! this one is full of romantic moments and i absolutely think everyone should read it.
thank you Putnam Books for the gifted finished copy! this is my honest review.
this book was so cute & fun !!!
currently mad at myself for not writing my review sooner while this lovely book was fresh on my mind . . .
here's what i do remember loving:
- the TENSION
- the history between these two (they were best friends for a long time. they were each other's PERSON)
- the yearning
- one bed one bed one bed one bed one bed
- a cuddle moment that had me squealing !!!!!!!!!
- so many hilarious & crazy moments (truly felt like a romcom)
an so much more i'm sure! this one is full of romantic moments and i absolutely think everyone should read it.
thank you Putnam Books for the gifted finished copy! this is my honest review.
December 31, 2024
I really enjoyed Ellie Palmer's first book, Four Weekends and a Funeral, and I thought it made a nice love story of a difficult situation. In her sophomore novel, Charley finds herself divorced after only 13 months. It just wasn't a great match, Rich is a boring guy who seems....fine. Charley is more embarrassed to be a divorcee at 29 than she is in grieving the loss of Rich. Truth is, they shouldn't have gotten married to begin with but it seems like they did so because it was time and that is who they were with at the tine. A talented lawyer, Charley is whip smart although insecure and easily manipulated into overworking.
Charley is close to her sister Laurel, two years older and in love with Petey. Laurel and Petey are going to get married, Petey's brother Ethan is Charley's age and was once her best friend. They drifted apart after Charley's ill begotten marriage, but he is a van influencer and has a very different wardrobe and entire life. With Laurel and Petey having a quick engagement, Ethan and Charley are thrown together again and find their easy banter picking up right where they left off.
With many chapters jumping back to high school and various points throughout their lives, the reader understands the spark that Ethan and Charley have and how they really bring out the best in each other. It is a little of opposites attract, mainly a forced proximity, friends-to-lovers type romance. No super smutty parts.
The dialogue between Ethan and Charley is really well done, I think we all would love to have someone that knows us and all of our faults and loves who we are. This isn't sparring type competitive banter, it is a true friendship, "we know each other like no one else does" type of dialogue. You know they love each other many pages before they figure it out. Ellie Palmer writes dialogue so well it is a wonder why she hasn't written several episodes of Gilmore Girls or the like.
I also really appreciated and got into the relationship between Charley and her sister Laurel. We didn't get to know Petey as well, but he loves his brother, respects him and is good in a crisis of wildlife proportions. Romcom fans will love this lighthearted journey of Ethan and Charley.
Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam Books for the ARC. Book to be published August 5, 2025
Charley is close to her sister Laurel, two years older and in love with Petey. Laurel and Petey are going to get married, Petey's brother Ethan is Charley's age and was once her best friend. They drifted apart after Charley's ill begotten marriage, but he is a van influencer and has a very different wardrobe and entire life. With Laurel and Petey having a quick engagement, Ethan and Charley are thrown together again and find their easy banter picking up right where they left off.
With many chapters jumping back to high school and various points throughout their lives, the reader understands the spark that Ethan and Charley have and how they really bring out the best in each other. It is a little of opposites attract, mainly a forced proximity, friends-to-lovers type romance. No super smutty parts.
The dialogue between Ethan and Charley is really well done, I think we all would love to have someone that knows us and all of our faults and loves who we are. This isn't sparring type competitive banter, it is a true friendship, "we know each other like no one else does" type of dialogue. You know they love each other many pages before they figure it out. Ellie Palmer writes dialogue so well it is a wonder why she hasn't written several episodes of Gilmore Girls or the like.
I also really appreciated and got into the relationship between Charley and her sister Laurel. We didn't get to know Petey as well, but he loves his brother, respects him and is good in a crisis of wildlife proportions. Romcom fans will love this lighthearted journey of Ethan and Charley.
Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam Books for the ARC. Book to be published August 5, 2025
August 12, 2025
Quick intro:
Fresh off her divorce, Charley roadtrips with her childhood best friend, Ethan, to try to stop her sister from eloping with her on-again-off-again boyfriend.
Quick thoughts:
When Ellie told me this was a friends-to-lovers road trip story way back in the day before I even knew a title I said, “SAY NO MORE!” It doesn’t get much better for me. 😍
I love the tension you get between characters who have known each other their whole lives. The familiarity, the inside jokes, the banter, the closeness, the memories. And it all works together perfectly in Anywhere With You. Just as with Four Weekends and a Funeral, Ellie handles some deeper topics as well - the long term effects of parental failure, the complexities of sibling relationships, the nature of friendships changing as you grow, and the difficulty of figuring out and settling into what it is you want out of life.
Ellie’s writing is witty, clever, and oh so full of pop culture references (I’d expect nothing less!). She will have you falling for Ethan, rooting for Charley to experience healing, all while laughing and probably tearing up along the way.
Read if you like books with flashbacks, when he has a nickname for her, fade to black romances, roadtrips, banter for days, only one camper van, and childhood friends to lovers.
Thank you so so much, Putnam and NetGalley, for an advanced copy of one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 in exchange for my honest thoughts!! I will be forever grateful.
Quick details:
🔥 Fade to black
Pub Date: August 5, 2025
Fresh off her divorce, Charley roadtrips with her childhood best friend, Ethan, to try to stop her sister from eloping with her on-again-off-again boyfriend.
Quick thoughts:
When Ellie told me this was a friends-to-lovers road trip story way back in the day before I even knew a title I said, “SAY NO MORE!” It doesn’t get much better for me. 😍
I love the tension you get between characters who have known each other their whole lives. The familiarity, the inside jokes, the banter, the closeness, the memories. And it all works together perfectly in Anywhere With You. Just as with Four Weekends and a Funeral, Ellie handles some deeper topics as well - the long term effects of parental failure, the complexities of sibling relationships, the nature of friendships changing as you grow, and the difficulty of figuring out and settling into what it is you want out of life.
Ellie’s writing is witty, clever, and oh so full of pop culture references (I’d expect nothing less!). She will have you falling for Ethan, rooting for Charley to experience healing, all while laughing and probably tearing up along the way.
Read if you like books with flashbacks, when he has a nickname for her, fade to black romances, roadtrips, banter for days, only one camper van, and childhood friends to lovers.
Thank you so so much, Putnam and NetGalley, for an advanced copy of one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 in exchange for my honest thoughts!! I will be forever grateful.
Quick details:
🔥 Fade to black
Pub Date: August 5, 2025
August 1, 2025
I was a big fan of Ellie Palmer's previous book, Four Weekends and a Funeral, and this one was just as great! Anywhere with You was a funny and sweet friends to lovers romance. Read this one if you like:
- road trips
- childhood friends to lovers
- second chance
- pining
- not so secret love songs
- pre-wedding streaking
- van life
- it's always been you
- he falls first
- the ups and downs of sisterhood
- found family
- a hilarious and sweet secondary love story
I do wish that Charley and Ethan would have communicated better and not let the elephant in the room linger for so long, but I do understand why Ethan was hesitant given Charley's history. The third act drama was frustrating, but not surprising, and it set up a very sweet grand gesture. The secondary love story of Petey and Laurel was great comic relief and this one had a colorful cast of secondary characters. I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers romances, so it was so cute how it all came full circle in the end.
Karissa Vacker continues to be a favorite narrator and her male and female voices are equally wonderful. I thought her performance as Charley was especially fantastic and she captured the vulnerability and emotion so well.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*
- road trips
- childhood friends to lovers
- second chance
- pining
- not so secret love songs
- pre-wedding streaking
- van life
- it's always been you
- he falls first
- the ups and downs of sisterhood
- found family
- a hilarious and sweet secondary love story
I do wish that Charley and Ethan would have communicated better and not let the elephant in the room linger for so long, but I do understand why Ethan was hesitant given Charley's history. The third act drama was frustrating, but not surprising, and it set up a very sweet grand gesture. The secondary love story of Petey and Laurel was great comic relief and this one had a colorful cast of secondary characters. I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers romances, so it was so cute how it all came full circle in the end.
Karissa Vacker continues to be a favorite narrator and her male and female voices are equally wonderful. I thought her performance as Charley was especially fantastic and she captured the vulnerability and emotion so well.
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book*
October 24, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author of an ARC of this book!
This book was such a nostalgic, dual timeline friends to lovers story. Charley, who is a recently divorced attorney, reconnects with her childhood best friend on the Midwest road trip of everyone's dreams. Except for maybe a type A, planner freak like Charley. Ethan, her childhood best friend, is the complete opposite of Charley and honestly, that's for the best. Ethan definitely brought out the sunshine and bright spots in this entire story.
I am a huge sucker for friends to lovers, but this one did not rope me in like usual. I felt like the sister drama was a little over the top and I did not really enjoy the humor in this book as much as others.. I would categorize this book as just "good" it wasn't anything special and didn't keep me particularly engaged. It was a nice, fun, fluffy read. 3 stars!
This book was such a nostalgic, dual timeline friends to lovers story. Charley, who is a recently divorced attorney, reconnects with her childhood best friend on the Midwest road trip of everyone's dreams. Except for maybe a type A, planner freak like Charley. Ethan, her childhood best friend, is the complete opposite of Charley and honestly, that's for the best. Ethan definitely brought out the sunshine and bright spots in this entire story.
I am a huge sucker for friends to lovers, but this one did not rope me in like usual. I felt like the sister drama was a little over the top and I did not really enjoy the humor in this book as much as others.. I would categorize this book as just "good" it wasn't anything special and didn't keep me particularly engaged. It was a nice, fun, fluffy read. 3 stars!
June 14, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read and review the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Twenty nine year old Charley has just gotten divorced after only thirteen months. She’s embarrassed but it is determined to move past it and get her life on track. Only to find out her sister is about to elope with her childhood sweetheart. That cannot happen. So Charley teams up with her childhood best friend, the very unreliable Ethan, on a road trip to stop the wedding. I loved the dual timelines, the banter, and the chemistry between these two characters. I wish we could have gotten POV between both of them though. I feel like I would have loved it even more.
Twenty nine year old Charley has just gotten divorced after only thirteen months. She’s embarrassed but it is determined to move past it and get her life on track. Only to find out her sister is about to elope with her childhood sweetheart. That cannot happen. So Charley teams up with her childhood best friend, the very unreliable Ethan, on a road trip to stop the wedding. I loved the dual timelines, the banter, and the chemistry between these two characters. I wish we could have gotten POV between both of them though. I feel like I would have loved it even more.
July 24, 2025
2.5⭐️ thanks to @prhaudio for the early listen!
ANYWHERE WITH YOU was sweet and nostalgic but perhaps because one of my favorite pastimes is to overindulge in novels of the romance variety, it was also a little forgettable.
The story follows Charley, a recently divorced, high-strung, type-A, patent attorney who reconnects with her childhood best friend for a little impromptu midwestern roadtrip. Ethan, a guitar-playing man who lives in a van (in a cool way), couldn’t be more different than Charley and thank goodness for that. I found him darling and endearing and the brightest spot in this book.
The pop culture references were a bit much and the humor didn’t do a lot for me. I swear half the reason I read romance is for the banter so when that falls flat, I’m an extremely unhappy camper.
At the end of the day, while I’ve recently discovered an obsession with estranged childhood friends who had massive but secret crushes on each other reconnecting as adults (👀FINDERS KEEPERS), I’m still not a lover of the classic friends to lovers trope.
Side bar: sometimes when I write these reviews I wonder what I actually am a lover of? Run on sentences and enemies falling head over heels for each other, I guess!
I know I didn’t really sell this (at all!) but the goodreads ratings are sky high and I think if you like friends to lovers and sweet stories about road trips this could totally be the book for you!
🎧the audio was great!
🥳PUB DAY: AUG 5! Thanks to Putnam for the early copy!
ANYWHERE WITH YOU was sweet and nostalgic but perhaps because one of my favorite pastimes is to overindulge in novels of the romance variety, it was also a little forgettable.
The story follows Charley, a recently divorced, high-strung, type-A, patent attorney who reconnects with her childhood best friend for a little impromptu midwestern roadtrip. Ethan, a guitar-playing man who lives in a van (in a cool way), couldn’t be more different than Charley and thank goodness for that. I found him darling and endearing and the brightest spot in this book.
The pop culture references were a bit much and the humor didn’t do a lot for me. I swear half the reason I read romance is for the banter so when that falls flat, I’m an extremely unhappy camper.
At the end of the day, while I’ve recently discovered an obsession with estranged childhood friends who had massive but secret crushes on each other reconnecting as adults (👀FINDERS KEEPERS), I’m still not a lover of the classic friends to lovers trope.
Side bar: sometimes when I write these reviews I wonder what I actually am a lover of? Run on sentences and enemies falling head over heels for each other, I guess!
I know I didn’t really sell this (at all!) but the goodreads ratings are sky high and I think if you like friends to lovers and sweet stories about road trips this could totally be the book for you!
🎧the audio was great!
🥳PUB DAY: AUG 5! Thanks to Putnam for the early copy!
May 28, 2025
3.5⭐ rounded up to 4 ⭐ Thank you to Peguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
- childhood friends to lovers
- secret pining
- road trip
- opposites attract
This is a cute, funny and emotionally intelligent story. Definitely for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a free spirit and struggled with whether or not that person would ever settle down, or if you'd be able to adjust your lifestyle to fit theirs. BIG TIME opposites attract, which I love. Charley is the corporate girlie, serious and type A who wants to make plans and settle down. She's finalizing her divorce and coming to terms with what her life looks like post divorce, and her childhood friend Ethan comes back into her life. He ends up driving her up to her sisters impromptu wedding that she's trying to break up.
I'm trying to figure out what exactly wasn't clicking for me, but I almost felt like they kissed too soon, and it was around the 40% mark. I think Charley's inner dialogue was lacking the PINING I needed. It was clear from Ethans actions and lingering glances that he obviously always harbored feelings towards Charley, but even when Charley was realizing she was jealous in college, I didn't really FEEL it from her. The story is told in first person, single POV, present tense and past tense. The past gives us glimpses into how Charley and Ethan met, how they stayed in touch and ended up at the same college.
Would still recommend and would read another book by this author!
- childhood friends to lovers
- secret pining
- road trip
- opposites attract
This is a cute, funny and emotionally intelligent story. Definitely for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a free spirit and struggled with whether or not that person would ever settle down, or if you'd be able to adjust your lifestyle to fit theirs. BIG TIME opposites attract, which I love. Charley is the corporate girlie, serious and type A who wants to make plans and settle down. She's finalizing her divorce and coming to terms with what her life looks like post divorce, and her childhood friend Ethan comes back into her life. He ends up driving her up to her sisters impromptu wedding that she's trying to break up.
I'm trying to figure out what exactly wasn't clicking for me, but I almost felt like they kissed too soon, and it was around the 40% mark. I think Charley's inner dialogue was lacking the PINING I needed. It was clear from Ethans actions and lingering glances that he obviously always harbored feelings towards Charley, but even when Charley was realizing she was jealous in college, I didn't really FEEL it from her. The story is told in first person, single POV, present tense and past tense. The past gives us glimpses into how Charley and Ethan met, how they stayed in touch and ended up at the same college.
Would still recommend and would read another book by this author!
August 1, 2025
I found the ending satisfying, but not worth dealing with the rest of the book. The loose ends were tied up nicely; I wasn't sure how the author was going to go about having Charley and Ethan compromising their very different lifestyles in order to be together, and I was happy to see how that panned out. However... I was struuuuuuugling to get through this book.
There were so many pop culture references. Sooooooooo many. Oh my god. Maybe there were less of them over time, or maybe I just got used to it after a while, but it was A LOT at the start. And took me a WHILE to get used to. This was such a pet peeve for me. I don't mind some pop culture references but wow, this was a whole lot.
I found Charley to be so hypocritical, so selfish, and so ridiculously unrelatable (to me. obviously she isn't unrelatable to everyone). I figured there would be some character development (and there was) but it didn't happen until the very, very end of the book, when she went on an apology tour to the people she treated badly.
I got so frustrated with her that I, in the middle of reading, pulled out a pen and started furiously annotating in the margins the things that were pissing me off about Charley. And I should preface this by saying I've never annotated a book before because it feels so wrong to me. I couldn't help myself with this book.
With the last book I read (These Summer Storms), I had a good time reading the whole book but felt underwhelmed and disappointed by the ending, but gave it 4 stars anyway because I had such a good experience with the rest of the book.
This is the opposite.
I felt like I was dragging my feet through this book and couldn't wait for it to be over. Once I started seeing Charley's hypocrisy, I couldn't stop seeing it everywhere. She is SO type A, and needs to have control over everything (and everyone) in her life. I know that her abandonment issues come from her dad coming and going as a child. I know that! I can't fault her for her abandonment issues. But she is a terrible communicator and sees herself as a mature person, when she's absolutely not. She has an argument with her sister and tells her "God, you're so desperate to leave me behind, aren't you? You can't wait to twist yourself into a pretzel so someone will keep loving you. You're no better than our parents. It's so pathetic." GIRLLLLLLL how do you not see your hypocrisy. Ethan literally asks her multiple times in the book if Rich (her ex-husband) actually knows the "real" her, or just the version she shows him. She won't admit it to him out loud, but she admits internally that he's right. Who's twisting themselves into a pretzel to make someone love them now? HUH? She says this to her sister because her sister was planning to elope. With a man she's had an on-again-off-again relationship with for like 15 years. 15 years! I'm honestly convinced she went to stop her sister from getting married because she wanted to have some control of her life (and make sure her sister wouldn't do anything she wouldn't do, even though they're very different kinds of people, and her sister is HAPPY) and because she was scared her sister would abandon her when she got married. That second part isn't even a theory, though. Charley claims to be a feminist (she states that accepting compliments has always been difficult for her, because women are conditioned not to accept praise or feel good about themselves, but she's conditioned herself to loudly and proudly accept compliments. This is good!), but not long earlier she made fun of a woman she called a Sydney Sweeney lookalike because she was speaking to Ethan. Because she's a cashier. And he was buying things. And she commented on his Talking Heads t-shirt. And Charley was mocking her, saying there's no way the Sydney Sweeney lookalike knows who the Talking Heads are. Hi Charley! Congrats on winning the Pick-Me of the Year Award! Maybe Ethan will pick you, now that you've put down another woman, simply because you thought your best friend was flirting with her. Even though you're divorced as of one day ago (this is not an exaggeration. Literally like one day).
Maybe this book frustrated me a little bit. Maybe.
There were so many pop culture references. Sooooooooo many. Oh my god. Maybe there were less of them over time, or maybe I just got used to it after a while, but it was A LOT at the start. And took me a WHILE to get used to. This was such a pet peeve for me. I don't mind some pop culture references but wow, this was a whole lot.
I found Charley to be so hypocritical, so selfish, and so ridiculously unrelatable (to me. obviously she isn't unrelatable to everyone). I figured there would be some character development (and there was) but it didn't happen until the very, very end of the book, when she went on an apology tour to the people she treated badly.
I got so frustrated with her that I, in the middle of reading, pulled out a pen and started furiously annotating in the margins the things that were pissing me off about Charley. And I should preface this by saying I've never annotated a book before because it feels so wrong to me. I couldn't help myself with this book.
With the last book I read (These Summer Storms), I had a good time reading the whole book but felt underwhelmed and disappointed by the ending, but gave it 4 stars anyway because I had such a good experience with the rest of the book.
This is the opposite.
I felt like I was dragging my feet through this book and couldn't wait for it to be over. Once I started seeing Charley's hypocrisy, I couldn't stop seeing it everywhere. She is SO type A, and needs to have control over everything (and everyone) in her life. I know that her abandonment issues come from her dad coming and going as a child. I know that! I can't fault her for her abandonment issues. But she is a terrible communicator and sees herself as a mature person, when she's absolutely not. She has an argument with her sister and tells her "God, you're so desperate to leave me behind, aren't you? You can't wait to twist yourself into a pretzel so someone will keep loving you. You're no better than our parents. It's so pathetic." GIRLLLLLLL how do you not see your hypocrisy. Ethan literally asks her multiple times in the book if Rich (her ex-husband) actually knows the "real" her, or just the version she shows him. She won't admit it to him out loud, but she admits internally that he's right. Who's twisting themselves into a pretzel to make someone love them now? HUH? She says this to her sister because her sister was planning to elope. With a man she's had an on-again-off-again relationship with for like 15 years. 15 years! I'm honestly convinced she went to stop her sister from getting married because she wanted to have some control of her life (and make sure her sister wouldn't do anything she wouldn't do, even though they're very different kinds of people, and her sister is HAPPY) and because she was scared her sister would abandon her when she got married. That second part isn't even a theory, though. Charley claims to be a feminist (she states that accepting compliments has always been difficult for her, because women are conditioned not to accept praise or feel good about themselves, but she's conditioned herself to loudly and proudly accept compliments. This is good!), but not long earlier she made fun of a woman she called a Sydney Sweeney lookalike because she was speaking to Ethan. Because she's a cashier. And he was buying things. And she commented on his Talking Heads t-shirt. And Charley was mocking her, saying there's no way the Sydney Sweeney lookalike knows who the Talking Heads are. Hi Charley! Congrats on winning the Pick-Me of the Year Award! Maybe Ethan will pick you, now that you've put down another woman, simply because you thought your best friend was flirting with her. Even though you're divorced as of one day ago (this is not an exaggeration. Literally like one day).
Maybe this book frustrated me a little bit. Maybe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
YES YES YESSSSS this is what best friends to lovers should feel like. The angst. The YEARNING. The acceptance of the inevitable and every moment that follows until they finally give in. I. Love. This. Book.
Ellie Palmer became an instant favorite after her debut novel, Four Weekends and a Funeral, completely won me over with its heartwarming combination of romcom and serious love story. Her second novel, Anywhere with You, has cemented her as one of my very favorite authors and I will be yelling about her for a long time.
Anywhere with You gives us the substance-driven romcom we expect, with the angst and yearning we expect from a friends to lovers slow(ish) burn and I completely ate it UP. The tension between Charley and Ethan is so delicious that I absolutely could not stop reading their story, waiting and waiting until the moment they finally give in. This is the friends to lovers story that convinces the naysayers that this is actually the superior trope. The stories from their younger years are woven into the current timeline perfectly, and I absolutely believed by the climax that these two were meant to be together from the get-go and I found myself absolutely giddy when they both accepted this too.
Can we also talk about how Ellie Palmer was BORN to write a perfect declaration of love/grand gesture scene? Good grief! Every romcom movie writer needs to take a page from her book because she has got this thing down, pat.
I fell just as in love with Charley and Ethan as they did with each other during their story, and I am so, so excited for the rest of the world to love them too!
Thank you so much to Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Ellie Palmer became an instant favorite after her debut novel, Four Weekends and a Funeral, completely won me over with its heartwarming combination of romcom and serious love story. Her second novel, Anywhere with You, has cemented her as one of my very favorite authors and I will be yelling about her for a long time.
Anywhere with You gives us the substance-driven romcom we expect, with the angst and yearning we expect from a friends to lovers slow(ish) burn and I completely ate it UP. The tension between Charley and Ethan is so delicious that I absolutely could not stop reading their story, waiting and waiting until the moment they finally give in. This is the friends to lovers story that convinces the naysayers that this is actually the superior trope. The stories from their younger years are woven into the current timeline perfectly, and I absolutely believed by the climax that these two were meant to be together from the get-go and I found myself absolutely giddy when they both accepted this too.
Can we also talk about how Ellie Palmer was BORN to write a perfect declaration of love/grand gesture scene? Good grief! Every romcom movie writer needs to take a page from her book because she has got this thing down, pat.
I fell just as in love with Charley and Ethan as they did with each other during their story, and I am so, so excited for the rest of the world to love them too!
Thank you so much to Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2025
Ellie Palmer’s sophomore release has proven that she deserves to be shelved directly alongside the genre’s greats.
Through Palmer’s knack for observational humor, she has given the falling-for-your-best-friend trope a unique perspective. Palmer brings sarcasm, pop culture references, intense sexual tension, and laugh out loud similes to relatable experiences that make Anywhere with You into a not-your-average romance read.
The care and depth in which she weaves character tapestries put you right into the action and have you unable to put down Charley’s plight to relearn what it means to find home and stability.
She is a master storyteller and I intend to go Anywhere with Palmer.
Through Palmer’s knack for observational humor, she has given the falling-for-your-best-friend trope a unique perspective. Palmer brings sarcasm, pop culture references, intense sexual tension, and laugh out loud similes to relatable experiences that make Anywhere with You into a not-your-average romance read.
The care and depth in which she weaves character tapestries put you right into the action and have you unable to put down Charley’s plight to relearn what it means to find home and stability.
She is a master storyteller and I intend to go Anywhere with Palmer.
July 17, 2025
This was a messy, complicated and charming romance that is perfect for a summer read. Charley & Ethan embark on a roadtrip to stop her sisters wedding so those vibes were fun. Their banter and shared history was fantastic and it’s even better when it’s read to me by Karissa Vacker.
October 10, 2025
Ellie Palmer is so smart and funny that it’s a little infuriating
July 13, 2025
4.5 - I absolutely loved this friends to lovers romance. Often this trope is riddled with internal monologue debating the pros and cons of risking confessing their love for their best friend. You won’t find much of that in this book, which felt so refreshing.
Charley is 29 and fresh out of a divorce, stuck with a big house she can’t afford, and hating her lawyer job. Her sister, Laurel, drops a bomb on her that she is planning to marry her childhood sweetheart, Petey— and Charley finds Ethan, her estranged best friend on her doorstep, where they decide to go on a road trip together for Charley to stop the wedding.
Ethan + Charley have the funniest, wittiest banter, and incredible chemistry in every scene. There is so much angst and yearning. Their dialogue is vulnerable at times, hilarious at others. We watch them both unpack their emotional baggage and what happened at Charley’s bachelorette party that caused them to stop speaking. The side characters - Laurel and Petey are fantastic, and everyone grows and changes in this book in the best way— it felt like a true ode to second chances for everyone.
Charley is 29 and fresh out of a divorce, stuck with a big house she can’t afford, and hating her lawyer job. Her sister, Laurel, drops a bomb on her that she is planning to marry her childhood sweetheart, Petey— and Charley finds Ethan, her estranged best friend on her doorstep, where they decide to go on a road trip together for Charley to stop the wedding.
Ethan + Charley have the funniest, wittiest banter, and incredible chemistry in every scene. There is so much angst and yearning. Their dialogue is vulnerable at times, hilarious at others. We watch them both unpack their emotional baggage and what happened at Charley’s bachelorette party that caused them to stop speaking. The side characters - Laurel and Petey are fantastic, and everyone grows and changes in this book in the best way— it felt like a true ode to second chances for everyone.
August 22, 2025
This book was different than I was expecting! I liked the timeline and the way the book was set up, but I felt like the end/epilogue was a little rushed. I liked the characters but honestly wasn’t sure if they had chemistry together - I think she leaned into the friends part and I wished there was a little more yearning. There was also a lot of fighting between all of the characters, which could have been cathartic but could also feel a little overwhelming. I liked a lot about it though and always love when a book is set in Minnesota/incorporates Minnesota landmarks.
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