The Wanderer: A Novel

by Nia Forrester

2nd Edition. Originally part of the 'Shorts'.What if the greatest adventure is the one you left behind?

For Blu, home has always been the next destination. But after a decade abroad, the constant wanderlust is starting to feel like loneliness. For Bryan, the settled life he once craved has become a gilded cage. A life built on "what ifs" is all he has left.

When a twist of fate reunites them, the old chemistry is undeniable. They have a chance to correct the course they set in their twenties. But can you build a future on a foundation of past dreams? Or are some roots meant to stay severed?

Genres: Contemporary

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2024

About the author

I live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.

Reviews

[Tonya Smith]

3.5 ✨Mixed feelings… no issues with writing just the flawed characters… but aren’t we all.

[Shan]

Sooo, I now understand the mixed ratings on this story. I feel like some readers rated the story on the subject matter versus the writing. The writing? Was exceptional!, The characters were relatable. My emotions were at an all time high. I literally felt EVERYthing Upset with Bryan. Upset with Blu at times. I wanted the story to end different. There are so many layers to Blu and this story. Definitely one of my favorites by Nia. I can finish a Nia Forrester novel quickly but I prefer to savor the story.

[Jacinta Howard]

Absolutely still one of my favorite Nia Forrester books- like maybe top 3. The writing in this one really is exceptional.

[Monique]

I liked it, but I didn’t like them. I don’t know. Ugh!

[reneeNaDaCherry]

This was a good story with a difficult situation for Bluebell (Blue) and Bryan. They were college friends who drifted apart to begin living their adult lives. After a chance meeting at a neighborhood coffee shop, the attraction is greater than ever. That's when the emotional conflicts start. It was not the expected conclusion I thought would end their budding relationship, but okay!


Read 2/18/2026.

[Rochelle Gillard]

The Wanderer was okay, but not quite what I expected. I found myself more disappointed in the ending and overall outcome than the journey itself. While the story had moments of interest, it seemed to lack something I can’t quite put my finger on—perhaps more depth or a stronger resolution. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that didn’t fully come together for me in the end.

[Eulene Guillory]

Wander On

Ok so listen, the way Nia Forrester had me rooting for these people.. it was amazingly put together in a way that made me question myself. However, exceptional depiction of the intricacies of finding love while married. I enjoyed this read

[Alisa]

That was so messy and complicated. I wanted to cheer for Brian and Blu but on the other hand I wanted to tell Blu not to engage. I felt for Mel and thought Brian should have manned up about his situation before Blu got involved. Of course, that would have left no drama. I was so engrossed in this messy situation and couldn't wait to see how it worked out.

[Abbey]

This was a rough one, that I kept pausing, then going back to, then gettjng upset at the characters and put it down, only to pick it back up again after reading something else.

Infidelity as a trope is sensitive theme to navigate, especially when it seems to come about from boredom and not necessarily a failure in the responsibilities and expectations of a good spouse. And Bryan was definitely all confused about his emotions regarding his perfect wife and his perfect life long before he reconnected with Bluebell, the one who got away.

The worst time to start a relationship is during grief, because grief bonds are different and have a specific purpose for whatever time it takes for you to heal. Then, once you're finally settled and no longer merely surviving, the brain starts to ask the questions that heart has been avoiding - was the love truly meant to last or only for a season? Can you really see yourself with this person every day for the rest of your life? And Bryan started realizing his genuine response to these questions at the same time Blue comes back into his life. With her eccentricities, intelligence, and all the little quirks about her that he loved from college, Bryan opened his heart to Blue without any consideration of the repercussions of this decision for everyone involved. Blue, in her own brokenness and insecurities, allows herself to get distracted in the overwhelming attraction between her and Bryan, despite knowing his marital status and having previously met his wife.

By the end of the book, I still wasn't sure how I felt about either Bryan or Blue and felt they both needed to regulate their brains and emotions through a professional before even thinking about continuing a relationship together.

So yeah, this is not the typical romance challenges for the MCs, but the experiences were very realistic as it portrayed marriage, infidelity, biracial unions and kids, racial issues altogether and definitely traditional family values and dynamics.

[Kay Scott]

Complex characters and beautiful chaos. Beautifully written but sickening personalities at times. I appreciated the honesty of the characters with their relationship status...following their pattern of behavior and decisions was infuriating and interesting at the same time. Melanie was on a losing team from the beginning. Blue was definitely a wanderer and all over the place - much like her mother. Brian just ripped the band-aid off and went after Blue. Appreciate Nia's writing...but she can make you want to choke a character!

[Lyn]

A first-time Author read for me and it was very good. I was into Blu. Now Bryan, the verdict is out on him. I wonder if there is more to their story from college to real adulthood. I would love to read more on these two. Looking forward to reading more.

[Free James]

The epitome of don't judge a book by it's cover. The cover is vivid and arresting. The book itself is not. This is an ode to sidepieces. The FMC is pretentious and lazy. The MMC is selfish and arrogant. They absolutely deserve each other. The story is a mess.

[Mrs A]

This lady does not disappoint. Not dramatic but still a page turner.

I love how much respect she plays to real world issues.

[Ariel]

If you've ever wondered what existential dread and covert narcissism would be like as a couple...

Messy, flawed characters living messy, flawed lives.

[Brenda]

2.75 stars
I couldn't really get into this novel. I didn't particularly like any of the characters 😕.

[Oceania]

Good story that because I didn’t read the summary had no clue what it was about. This had a surprising ending. This rarely happens in real life but I get it. Love never really dies, it just depends on what happened while loving that person and sometimes it's not as bad as we thought. So in this story they didn't get to love each other while young but got to chance later in life. I’ve read some of the authors other work and this wasn’t the best. Like her other books she managed to connect you to the characters and I love that.

[Readaholic Running Realtor]

WOW! Nia Forrester !
There isn’t a single book she’s written that I don’t own Kindle and Audible both. So when I saw The Wander pop up on my Audible again, I had to dive in one more time just to see if it would still piss me off like it did the first time… and baby, YES IT DID 😆.

The way Nia moves her pen is just indescribable. Her character development is chef’s kiss the growth she writes into each person makes you feel like you know them. The title? Absolutely perfect for “Bluebell”. And it’s wild how, no matter how hard we try not to become our parents, somehow we still find ourselves repeating those patterns.

As someone with lots of mixed-race friends and family, those conversations and emotions were so real and relatable. All I can say is: I hope love and kindness wins because this story took me through it.

SIDENOTE (aka “Don’t come for my stars!”):
Just a quick heads-up my ratings are based on whether I’d reread the book or add it to my personal collection, not the quality of the story itself. So here’s how I roll:

5 🤩 = I’m obsessed with everything the storyline, the author, and the narrators! I read it yearly and own ALL the copies: physical, digital, and Audible. I can basically recite this book. It lives in my private library.
4 🌟 = Loved the story, the author, and the narrator (if it’s audio). I’d happily reread it when I need a solid comfort read.
3 ✨ = Enjoyed the story, the author, and definitely the narrators. A great addition to my yearly reading challenge likely to revisit if it’s part of a series I need to refresh.

[Terra Robinson]

Intentional storytelling

This was a story revisit via audiobook. And as usual, Nia has written a story that serves more than one purpose. Sure, there may be a love story that's a part of the journey...but you can bet there will always be a message or two that's revealed along the way. This was an unconventional love story that played out very unexpectedly! But if Nia Forrester wrote it, I pretty much expect that going in! Yet another emotionally packed journey that captivated my attention from beginning to end! And now that I'm finished for the second time, I still don't know quite how I feel about it. But I never question the writing, because one thing she's guaranteed to do is make you think! Narrated by Charlie L. Wood and NTMN Kevin Howard.

[NubianJoí]

DANG⁉️ I’m conflicted by “The Wanderer (The Shorts Series) #5”….yet, there was an inherent disingenuous nature surrounding Melanie. …(💭I’m barbie for now but want to be bae…#4life🧐. Hence, heir & spare🤦🏾‍♀️) Hmmm, like an incredulous placeholder 🥴🤔⁉️Meanwhile, Author Nia Forrester’s commitment to her writing craft, relatable storylines & complex characters is/was phenomenal. However, infidelity no matter the circumstances is/was will always be unjustifiably wrong‼️Nevertheless, yes Blu & Bryan were reckless and possibly even irresponsibly disrespectful but I can’t deny they compliment each other 🤷🏾‍♀️🤔😉‼️

[Lee Holden, E.]

Great read

Great read, This was a well written book. The characters were complicated. Blu and Bryan are college friends at the crossroads in their lives. They reconnect and their attraction is instantaneous. Bryan now has a wife and son. Bryan pursues his friendship with Blu, knowing their chemistry is strong. For me this story was troubling, I personally couldn’t root for Bryan and Blu’s relationship as it was at the expense of Bryan’s wife and son. The story is being told from the adulterer’s standpoint.

[The Book Jawn]

Nia just never misses. I understand how this love story could ruffles some feathers and yes it made me think about my own past of dealing with a cheating husband; however; Nia wrote the hell out of this story and these characters. Blu was such a layered character and I would love to have more insight into her parents. I also would love more on Bryan and his needing acceptance of black women. This story was so good!

[Patricia A. Atterberry]

Very Surprising. Love the way Nia Forrester writes her books. The characters are real.

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[Wandra]

Trigger Warning …

I’m read this book in May which is Mental Health Awareness month and this book definitely needs a trigger warning section… yeah

[Mary E Lillie]

The book was riveting, there are a lot of twists and turns, it held my interest from the beginning to the end!!

[Deshia]

3.5

[BOSSYMOMMY0502]

This was a sweet book referring to real life issues. A must read and the audible is good too.