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Destination You
Fantasy becomes reality in this super steamy, age-gap, ice queen romance.
When 27-year-old free-spirit Taylor Lopez flies back to Miami to attend her high school reunion, she doesn't expect to run into Mrs. Alonso—her former history teacher—at the airport. The fact that Taylor's crush on the intense woman comes roaring back to life is not a surprise, but she wasn't expecting the attraction to go both ways.
Raquel Alonso's life is too full for romance. Back in Miami to receive an award from the students she taught a decade earlier, the 46-year-old intends on using the rare weekend away to relax. Her plan is disrupted by her undeniable and inappropriate chemistry with Taylor.
Unable to stay away from each other, Raquel and Taylor give in to lust. What will happen when it's time to say goodbye? Can Raquel keep pretending their time together is just a fling?
If you like super steamy age gaps, hot enough to melt even the coldest ice queen, you'll love this provocative romance with a ton of heart.
When 27-year-old free-spirit Taylor Lopez flies back to Miami to attend her high school reunion, she doesn't expect to run into Mrs. Alonso—her former history teacher—at the airport. The fact that Taylor's crush on the intense woman comes roaring back to life is not a surprise, but she wasn't expecting the attraction to go both ways.
Raquel Alonso's life is too full for romance. Back in Miami to receive an award from the students she taught a decade earlier, the 46-year-old intends on using the rare weekend away to relax. Her plan is disrupted by her undeniable and inappropriate chemistry with Taylor.
Unable to stay away from each other, Raquel and Taylor give in to lust. What will happen when it's time to say goodbye? Can Raquel keep pretending their time together is just a fling?
If you like super steamy age gaps, hot enough to melt even the coldest ice queen, you'll love this provocative romance with a ton of heart.
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First published November 1, 2022
434 people are currently reading
1730 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Arias
36 books1,288 followersHello! And thank you for finding me!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
I am an independent author writing about fictional lesbians of all varieties.
My writing journey began with fan faction, and as much as I LOVED being part of a community of super fans, I got tired of working with other people’s characters to tell my stories. I started asking myself: Why should we string together pieces of subtext when our community deserves well-developed main-text about LBGT people and those who love them! So, that is what I aim to deliver.
If you want to know a little more about me personally, J.J. Arias is my pen name. I do have a day job, and due to the industry I’m in, I can’t write under my given name. Although who knows, maybe one day I can write full-time and come out of the … office? I am a Scorpio woman (I know, I know, but I’m a nice one I PROMISE) happily married to a uniquely wonderful Cancer lady. Together we have several fur babies of the feline and canine varieties.
So, here I am, and I hope you enjoy my writing! I’m very open to thoughts, comments, critiques, and knock-knock jokes, so please feel free to message me with any of the above – or anything else you would like to say!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
December 1, 2022
High school fantasy.
Another fantastic read by J.J. Arias. This starts out as a wish fulfillment story where enroute to her class' 10 year reunion, Taylor bumps into her former high school teacher whom she used to fantasize about. Almost immediately, Taylor and Raquel strike up a conversation and flirt like crazy before having a fling and then go their separate ways thinking they would never meet again. But they end up keeping in contact and what they have between them grows into a relationship.
I love their outrageously hot chemistry, which was present from the time they laid eyes on each other. But more than that I'm really glad that their relationship evolved into something deeper than lust and that it was built to last. The story was well-paced and I like that they took their time to get to know each other like mature people and have good conversations before taking their next steps. At the same time, I like that they are pretty much open to the prospect of being together and are generally honest with their feelings. Even though Raquel had a bit of reservations about being in a relationship with someone as young as Taylor, it didn't drag on. Plus I like how Taylor deals with it. She's really patient and kind and completely in love.
A super enjoyable read and this is one that I would recommend to those who love a good age-gap romance.
Another fantastic read by J.J. Arias. This starts out as a wish fulfillment story where enroute to her class' 10 year reunion, Taylor bumps into her former high school teacher whom she used to fantasize about. Almost immediately, Taylor and Raquel strike up a conversation and flirt like crazy before having a fling and then go their separate ways thinking they would never meet again. But they end up keeping in contact and what they have between them grows into a relationship.
I love their outrageously hot chemistry, which was present from the time they laid eyes on each other. But more than that I'm really glad that their relationship evolved into something deeper than lust and that it was built to last. The story was well-paced and I like that they took their time to get to know each other like mature people and have good conversations before taking their next steps. At the same time, I like that they are pretty much open to the prospect of being together and are generally honest with their feelings. Even though Raquel had a bit of reservations about being in a relationship with someone as young as Taylor, it didn't drag on. Plus I like how Taylor deals with it. She's really patient and kind and completely in love.
A super enjoyable read and this is one that I would recommend to those who love a good age-gap romance.
January 13, 2023
Now and again, as a reader, I happen upon a perfect book, one in which the author promises something and then exceeds expectations. Destination You is one of them.
Taylor is heading home to Miami for her 10th High School reunion. She is waiting at the New York airport for her flight when she spots Dr Raquel Alonso, the history teacher that Taylor crushed on back in her school days. Raquel is also attending the same reunion to accept an award. First thing I loved about this book is that the characters meet right at the beginning. Their lunch together serves as a flirty but respectful reintroduction. I feel like this establishes that the characters are now both adults, single, and heading for a fun and sun weekend. No reason to hold back.
First half of the book is the power weekend of all power weekends. Of course, there are cheesy school activities with old friends but most of the time, Taylor and Raquel spend day and night in sex drenching escapades, every time a new scenario. This author is known for her heat and the scenes in Miami are scorchers. Half a book’s worth.
Second half of the book, reality sets in as Taylor goes home to NYC and Raquel to Vermont. The story then expands into a beautiful romance between the two women. They navigate the ins and outs of their long distance relationship, gradually learning to trust and to be vulnerable. To accept love and to want to stay still for one another. Of course, this is still JJ Arias so the windows are getting steamed aplenty in Vermont.
I love the light touches of the characters being Latinas. Also, the Guava Flavored Lies Easter egg made me scream. Thank you to all the GR friends who encouraged me to read asap.
Taylor is heading home to Miami for her 10th High School reunion. She is waiting at the New York airport for her flight when she spots Dr Raquel Alonso, the history teacher that Taylor crushed on back in her school days. Raquel is also attending the same reunion to accept an award. First thing I loved about this book is that the characters meet right at the beginning. Their lunch together serves as a flirty but respectful reintroduction. I feel like this establishes that the characters are now both adults, single, and heading for a fun and sun weekend. No reason to hold back.
First half of the book is the power weekend of all power weekends. Of course, there are cheesy school activities with old friends but most of the time, Taylor and Raquel spend day and night in sex drenching escapades, every time a new scenario. This author is known for her heat and the scenes in Miami are scorchers. Half a book’s worth.
Second half of the book, reality sets in as Taylor goes home to NYC and Raquel to Vermont. The story then expands into a beautiful romance between the two women. They navigate the ins and outs of their long distance relationship, gradually learning to trust and to be vulnerable. To accept love and to want to stay still for one another. Of course, this is still JJ Arias so the windows are getting steamed aplenty in Vermont.
I love the light touches of the characters being Latinas. Also, the Guava Flavored Lies Easter egg made me scream. Thank you to all the GR friends who encouraged me to read asap.
March 30, 2025
“I can’t even remember a time I didn’t love you. This feeling is so big, it’s gone back in time and colored my memories.”
I’m relatively new to J.J. Arias’ work, but after reading Destination You, I’m amazed I hadn’t discovered her books sooner.
I really enjoyed the romance between Taylor and Raquel. Age-gap relationships aren’t typically my preference, but the glowing reviews convinced me to give this one a try. Surprisingly, this book made me reconsider my reservations about the age-gap trope. Despite the nearly 20-year difference, Arias crafted their relationship with such trust and maturity that the age gap felt entirely insignificant by the end.
And I appreciated the
I’m relatively new to J.J. Arias’ work, but after reading Destination You, I’m amazed I hadn’t discovered her books sooner.
I really enjoyed the romance between Taylor and Raquel. Age-gap relationships aren’t typically my preference, but the glowing reviews convinced me to give this one a try. Surprisingly, this book made me reconsider my reservations about the age-gap trope. Despite the nearly 20-year difference, Arias crafted their relationship with such trust and maturity that the age gap felt entirely insignificant by the end.
And I appreciated the
December 26, 2025
“I’ve always had this restlessness in me.” The emotion in Taylor’s voice instantly made Raquel well up. “And I think it took me less than a day here to realize you’re the home I’ve been looking for.”
J.J Arias, I get the hype, I really do, I mean this book absolutely blew me away.
I came into this book expecting something spicy and tantalizing with some fluff and sweetness coated in between, but this absolutely gripped me in ways that took me by surprise.
Taylor and Raquel have undeniable chemistry and passion from the first few chapters, but as the story progresses, it builds a depth and complexity that allows both characters to shine as individuals and as a couple.
What I loved is how relatively realistic and natural their love story progresses, from moments of heat to moments of plain conversation, it was all so refreshing to watch two people develop their love for each other with such a good balance of communication and yearning.
Taylor Lopez. She has my heart, with her generosity, kindness, and self-assurance, which allows for so much vulnerability between her and Raquel. She doesn't just create a bridge for Raquel to have fun and excitement, but she makes a safe space for Raquel and her family with understanding and acceptance, and it's just so sweet 🥰
And Raquel, oh how I wish I could hug her. She craves stability because she is so busy holding the world on her shoulders. She is so strong yet so full of love, and when Taylor enters her life, promising to choose her through it all, the hard, the good, and everything in between, it absolutely warmed my heart.
Another aspect of this book that I really loved is how much emotional maturity the age gap is handled with. The book does not stray away from discussing all the hard feelings and emotions an age-gap relationship can bring, and it handles them with grace and great clarity. From understanding what it truly means to be at different places in life, to showing the importance of sharing your load with someone. It was all wonderfully executed.
This is such a lovely take on a more taboo romance dynamic, so much softness and tenderness mixed with a fiery spark of passion, I kinda have to give this book 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
J.J Arias, I get the hype, I really do, I mean this book absolutely blew me away.
I came into this book expecting something spicy and tantalizing with some fluff and sweetness coated in between, but this absolutely gripped me in ways that took me by surprise.
Taylor and Raquel have undeniable chemistry and passion from the first few chapters, but as the story progresses, it builds a depth and complexity that allows both characters to shine as individuals and as a couple.
What I loved is how relatively realistic and natural their love story progresses, from moments of heat to moments of plain conversation, it was all so refreshing to watch two people develop their love for each other with such a good balance of communication and yearning.
Taylor Lopez. She has my heart, with her generosity, kindness, and self-assurance, which allows for so much vulnerability between her and Raquel. She doesn't just create a bridge for Raquel to have fun and excitement, but she makes a safe space for Raquel and her family with understanding and acceptance, and it's just so sweet 🥰
And Raquel, oh how I wish I could hug her. She craves stability because she is so busy holding the world on her shoulders. She is so strong yet so full of love, and when Taylor enters her life, promising to choose her through it all, the hard, the good, and everything in between, it absolutely warmed my heart.
Another aspect of this book that I really loved is how much emotional maturity the age gap is handled with. The book does not stray away from discussing all the hard feelings and emotions an age-gap relationship can bring, and it handles them with grace and great clarity. From understanding what it truly means to be at different places in life, to showing the importance of sharing your load with someone. It was all wonderfully executed.
This is such a lovely take on a more taboo romance dynamic, so much softness and tenderness mixed with a fiery spark of passion, I kinda have to give this book 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 12, 2022
surprisingly romantic five stars ⭐️
This is the kind of romance that is right up my alley with a little bit of age gap, OK kind of large age gap, and the fun taboo adjacent storyline of one of the MC’s being a former student of the other. It took me a little bit to get into the story for some reason but once it got going, I was 100% completely hooked.
One thing that I was not expecting was how romantic the story was. The writing and word choice really elevated the MC’s feelings for each other and sold the affection and lust. Speaking of, JJ can write some super spicy scenes! Including one of the hottest phone sex scenes I’ve ever read. Sometimes I find them just a bit cringe. But this one all 🔥. Also, if you enjoy a strap scene, this story will not disappoint 😅😅😅
I was not expecting too much from this read, but was delightfully surprised and entertained. I
look forward to a future rereading.
This is the kind of romance that is right up my alley with a little bit of age gap, OK kind of large age gap, and the fun taboo adjacent storyline of one of the MC’s being a former student of the other. It took me a little bit to get into the story for some reason but once it got going, I was 100% completely hooked.
One thing that I was not expecting was how romantic the story was. The writing and word choice really elevated the MC’s feelings for each other and sold the affection and lust. Speaking of, JJ can write some super spicy scenes! Including one of the hottest phone sex scenes I’ve ever read. Sometimes I find them just a bit cringe. But this one all 🔥. Also, if you enjoy a strap scene, this story will not disappoint 😅😅😅
I was not expecting too much from this read, but was delightfully surprised and entertained. I
look forward to a future rereading.
January 15, 2023
This was a fun and steamy read. The age-gap just about got me though. It’s 19 years!
February 3, 2023
This delightful age-gap romance will stay in my mind for a while. It’s the first time I read a book by this author, not sure why as she’s an established writer in Sapphic fiction. Destination You has all the ingredients to make a very enjoyable romance: banter, sweetness, a bit of angst, and lots of heat.
The story starts in a very light and playful mood when both main characters - who were student and teacher in the past - reconnect in the context of a high school reunion after years of not seeing each other. The flirty lines that the author puts in Taylor’s mouth are as epic as impossible to resist. Raquel, the former teacher, soon catches up with the banter and it’s a pleasure to see her slowly opening herself to new possibilities.
While the first half is about how they fall in lust, the second half is about how they fall in love. Once the reunion is over and the characters go back to their respective homes and lives, the book changes the tone in which both mains have to face their real-life struggles and see if they want to give their relationship a try. The story turns a bit more angsty and serious but there’s still a lot of room for sizzling scenes.
The cast of secondary characters is absolutely fantastic, from Taylor’s hilarious friends to Raquel’s father, who struggles with dementia. They all help bring the story to life and make the main characters more real and relatable, making the story even more enjoyable.
If you like age-gap romances that are equally hot, sweet, and romantic, Destination You is definitely for you. 5 stars.
Thanks to Jules for recommending this one!
Available in Kindle Unlimited.
The story starts in a very light and playful mood when both main characters - who were student and teacher in the past - reconnect in the context of a high school reunion after years of not seeing each other. The flirty lines that the author puts in Taylor’s mouth are as epic as impossible to resist. Raquel, the former teacher, soon catches up with the banter and it’s a pleasure to see her slowly opening herself to new possibilities.
While the first half is about how they fall in lust, the second half is about how they fall in love. Once the reunion is over and the characters go back to their respective homes and lives, the book changes the tone in which both mains have to face their real-life struggles and see if they want to give their relationship a try. The story turns a bit more angsty and serious but there’s still a lot of room for sizzling scenes.
The cast of secondary characters is absolutely fantastic, from Taylor’s hilarious friends to Raquel’s father, who struggles with dementia. They all help bring the story to life and make the main characters more real and relatable, making the story even more enjoyable.
If you like age-gap romances that are equally hot, sweet, and romantic, Destination You is definitely for you. 5 stars.
Thanks to Jules for recommending this one!
Available in Kindle Unlimited.
December 28, 2022
I read it as part of a buddy read.
Entertaining age-gap romance with a little bit taboo in the former student/teacher theme.
But it’s a healthy relationship due to the fact that there’re 10 years between the love affair and the teaching and the two MCs are getting to know each other before they start a “real” relationship.
A lot of hot sex scenes 🔥 but be aware that the age-gap is huge.
Entertaining age-gap romance with a little bit taboo in the former student/teacher theme.
But it’s a healthy relationship due to the fact that there’re 10 years between the love affair and the teaching and the two MCs are getting to know each other before they start a “real” relationship.
A lot of hot sex scenes 🔥 but be aware that the age-gap is huge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
Spicy and fun age gap romance. J.J. Arias is just so good! She’s one of my go-to sapphic authors.
This follows Taylor & Raquel as they meet on to way to a high school reunion. Taylor was a former student and Raquel was a teacher. It’s a pretty big age gap, 19 years. It didn’t bother me much because the writing is just so sweet. The friend group of Taylor’s was fun, but didn’t play much of a role in the story, other than encouraging Taylor to pursue Raquel. They were fun, but not super important. Raquel didn’t have much in the way of secondary characters in her life, other than her father. The relationship that Taylor develops with Raquel’s dad is just precious and makes Taylor even more perfect for Raquel.
I will always read JJ Arias.
This follows Taylor & Raquel as they meet on to way to a high school reunion. Taylor was a former student and Raquel was a teacher. It’s a pretty big age gap, 19 years. It didn’t bother me much because the writing is just so sweet. The friend group of Taylor’s was fun, but didn’t play much of a role in the story, other than encouraging Taylor to pursue Raquel. They were fun, but not super important. Raquel didn’t have much in the way of secondary characters in her life, other than her father. The relationship that Taylor develops with Raquel’s dad is just precious and makes Taylor even more perfect for Raquel.
I will always read JJ Arias.
January 2, 2023
This was my first book by Arias and won’t be my last, this was hot and the writing style is fun and easy. I’m not a huge fan of age-gap romances and the beginning of this book made me a bit uncomfortable because they still seemed stuck in the period where they were student-teacher. It’s unwarranted though as they were not student-teacher anymore and as soon as they past that point I enjoyed the book a great deal.
January 6, 2023
Spoiler alert: you will fall in love with this story, because JJ Arias has a way with words that makes it impossible not to. An age-gap romance between Taylor Lopez and her former history teacher Raquel Alonso, the story builds, wraps itself around you, crushes you with love and leaves you breathless. Will they end up together? I was totally invested and wanted it for this fictional couple more than I have for a very long time. A steamy, dreamy romance, it's funny, sexy, and kinda perfect.
January 30, 2023
I’m not sure what else to say besides 🔥🔥🔥. I had seen reviews saying it was hot, but my goodness, I was not expecting that level and was pleasantly surprised. Loved the plot and the relationship between Taylor and Raquel and the side characters as well. If you’re in the mood for a steamy romance novel with a great storyline, pick this one up.
December 27, 2022
I read this as part of a buddy read and it was 🔥🔥🔥. It took me half way to get invested in the characters but once I did I couldn’t stop reading. This was my first Arias book and I will definitely read more in the future.
April 1, 2025
How is this my first book from JJ Arias? How did I not know about her? I'm so mad it's taken me this long! Taylor is adorable, a little too perfect, but I love her free spirit, carefree, spontaneity, and willingness to just let what happens, happen. Raquel is more controlled, responsible, and holds her emotions in, so she doesn't have to worry about being hurt. And seeing Taylor get the woman she had fantasized and crushed on for years, had me cheering for all of us that weren't quite so lucky, like me. Ha Ha. But to also see her fall in love with the woman herself and not just the idea of her was such a great addition. It's not so much "Ice Queen melting" as much as gaining trust and showing acceptance. Taylor's friend group, I LOVE. We all have at least one, if not all of those personality types, in our circle. If you don't, I highly suggest you get some. The high school reunion had me laughing out loud, and getting some strange looks at the park. The writing is amazing, immersive, and you can feel the chemistry and connections. If the characters and situations are written to a point, I feel like I'm part of it; and it's relatable, it's automatic to know you have found a gem of a writer and story.
I think what I love also, besides the "I relate", "I know someone like this", and "I want to be friends with that character" type things, is while there's the tension, uncertainty, and bits of drama, it wasn't the ridiculous over the top, melodrama and miscommunication where you throw your hands up in frustration because who the hell doesn't just ask, or talk, about certain things. I loved how they ask, say something, and communicate their fears and insecurities, but still have that "I'm nervous and will hold it in for a bit" type of real situations. And the "teasing", innuendo-filled conversations and comments, interrupted moments, glances, smirks, leading up to some of the sexiest, steamy scenes are written in a way that is still beautifully romantic. I'm hoping they get everything they want in life, even though they're fictional characters.
I think what I love also, besides the "I relate", "I know someone like this", and "I want to be friends with that character" type things, is while there's the tension, uncertainty, and bits of drama, it wasn't the ridiculous over the top, melodrama and miscommunication where you throw your hands up in frustration because who the hell doesn't just ask, or talk, about certain things. I loved how they ask, say something, and communicate their fears and insecurities, but still have that "I'm nervous and will hold it in for a bit" type of real situations. And the "teasing", innuendo-filled conversations and comments, interrupted moments, glances, smirks, leading up to some of the sexiest, steamy scenes are written in a way that is still beautifully romantic. I'm hoping they get everything they want in life, even though they're fictional characters.
March 24, 2023
This just made me love age gap stories again. I loved it so much I clapped at the end!👏🏻👏🏻 Five⭐️!!
April 30, 2023
Confession : age gap is not my go to trope. When I read age gap books, I read them for the other tropes that I will find : ice queen, enemies to lovers... So when I read the blurb of the book I wondered how Arias would keep my attention with a pure age gap trope and a previous teacher fantasy.
Not only she kept my attention, but she melted my heart.
There is two parts in the book. First is pure chemistry between the two main characters, they are diving into lust and connection during a few days. Raquel is escaping from her life for a short time and we really feel that Taylor comes like breath of oxygen for her, making her feel alive. Taylor is brightness, freedom and is taken by surprise when her high school crush reciprocates and she discovers that reality is way better than fantasy. This first part feels like we are in a bubble with Taylor and Raquel. It's spicy and exhilarating.
Second part of the book is a return to reality. We discover Raquel's daily life, conciliating her work as a college professor with taking care of her father who suffers from dementia. Very soon, Taylor and Raquel will realize that their spark was more than lust and can't walk out of each other's life. This second part is deeper, about emotions and building a true relationship. Cherry on the cake, it doesn't lack spice🔥🔥. I really liked how Arias clearly adress the difference between their lives and the age gap. How what seem to be obstacles at first slowly fade away and become insignificant next to the strenght of the love they have for each other.
Raquel and Taylor are both really likable, caring and very generous. They complete each other. I could really feel their doubts and love for each other.
With a book that brings as much spice as emotions Arias reach the target with success.
Not only she kept my attention, but she melted my heart.
There is two parts in the book. First is pure chemistry between the two main characters, they are diving into lust and connection during a few days. Raquel is escaping from her life for a short time and we really feel that Taylor comes like breath of oxygen for her, making her feel alive. Taylor is brightness, freedom and is taken by surprise when her high school crush reciprocates and she discovers that reality is way better than fantasy. This first part feels like we are in a bubble with Taylor and Raquel. It's spicy and exhilarating.
Second part of the book is a return to reality. We discover Raquel's daily life, conciliating her work as a college professor with taking care of her father who suffers from dementia. Very soon, Taylor and Raquel will realize that their spark was more than lust and can't walk out of each other's life. This second part is deeper, about emotions and building a true relationship. Cherry on the cake, it doesn't lack spice🔥🔥. I really liked how Arias clearly adress the difference between their lives and the age gap. How what seem to be obstacles at first slowly fade away and become insignificant next to the strenght of the love they have for each other.
Raquel and Taylor are both really likable, caring and very generous. They complete each other. I could really feel their doubts and love for each other.
With a book that brings as much spice as emotions Arias reach the target with success.
January 26, 2026
Pure erotic fantasy of the teacher-student, age-gap variety: Taylor lusted after her history teacher all the way through high school and now, a decade later, what do you know: They bump into each other at the airport, on the way to the reunion ... and the rest is history.
It's a sweet and mega-steamy story about an unlikely pair overcoming barriers to build a life together. Perhaps the protagonists are both too perfect. Perhaps the writing is too rough and fanfic-derivative (five quirks and a whopping 41 smirks -- possibly a record). Perhaps there is a desperate, unmet need for a copy editor (not only routine, minor-annoyance typos, but embarrassing errors - like a group of four friends walks into a room, and Arias describes it as a "trio").
It's nice to see a bit of diversity in the genre; the protagonists are Cuban Americans, and Arias tosses in a bit of Spanish language and Cuban food and culture here and there.
This one's hard to rate. I didn't actively dislike it while reading it, but I would never go back to it again and I cannot totally ignore the hackneyed and error-laden writing. So, maybe, 2.5 stars rounded up?
It's a sweet and mega-steamy story about an unlikely pair overcoming barriers to build a life together. Perhaps the protagonists are both too perfect. Perhaps the writing is too rough and fanfic-derivative (five quirks and a whopping 41 smirks -- possibly a record). Perhaps there is a desperate, unmet need for a copy editor (not only routine, minor-annoyance typos, but embarrassing errors - like a group of four friends walks into a room, and Arias describes it as a "trio").
It's nice to see a bit of diversity in the genre; the protagonists are Cuban Americans, and Arias tosses in a bit of Spanish language and Cuban food and culture here and there.
This one's hard to rate. I didn't actively dislike it while reading it, but I would never go back to it again and I cannot totally ignore the hackneyed and error-laden writing. So, maybe, 2.5 stars rounded up?
December 5, 2022
J.J. Arias always manages to deliver a steamy romance with two intriguing, strong women who have some off the charts chemistry. Destination You is no exception to this - this book was very, very hot!
Taylor and Raquel reunite 10 years after Taylor graduates high school. Raquel was a teacher at Taylor's school and was one of her school girl fantasies. What starts as a holiday fling develops into a fully fledged love story. I absolutely loved reading their connection and the development of their story. Arias has a knack of writing deliciously steamy novels but with well-rounded, loveable characters so you can't help but being completely invested in this story. Taylor and Raquel's story isn't just steamy, it's also very sweet and romantic.
I highly recommend a read if you enjoy sizzling chemistry with a heavy dose of romance - this is the book for you.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Taylor and Raquel reunite 10 years after Taylor graduates high school. Raquel was a teacher at Taylor's school and was one of her school girl fantasies. What starts as a holiday fling develops into a fully fledged love story. I absolutely loved reading their connection and the development of their story. Arias has a knack of writing deliciously steamy novels but with well-rounded, loveable characters so you can't help but being completely invested in this story. Taylor and Raquel's story isn't just steamy, it's also very sweet and romantic.
I highly recommend a read if you enjoy sizzling chemistry with a heavy dose of romance - this is the book for you.
Many thanks to J.J. Arias for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
Super sweet age gap teacher-ex student romance with lots of really well-written spice. My only real complaint was how Raquel's divorce was handled. High school sweethearts where nothing is wrong and everything is perfect but they didn't have a chance to explore themselves is where most couples take separate vacations or go to a kink club, not divorce. Happy marriages don't end in divorce. Thankfully, it's a minor point, but it just feels weird how sapphic books so often bend over backward to make sure they don't portray men negatively, even when it would make perfect sense.
January 2, 2026
RTC
i’m craving pastelitos now.
i’m craving pastelitos now.
January 14, 2023
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! Perfection! Reading about Taylor and Raquel’s story was such a beautiful way to spend my Saturday. The sweet moments were so cute and the hot scenes were super steamy. I couldn’t ask for anything else. And I just can’t stop smiling at their cuteness 🥰
“I’ve always had this restlessness in me. And I think it took me less than a day here to realize you’re the home I’ve been looking for.” - Taylor Lopez
“I’ve always had this restlessness in me. And I think it took me less than a day here to realize you’re the home I’ve been looking for.” - Taylor Lopez
February 26, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I have been Tired of reading ago gap books for a while now but this! THIS!!!!!!! Sigh
This book is soooooo Heart warming!! I didn’t except to love it as much as i did!!
I felt the chemistry between Taylor and Raquel in every line I read it made me tear up! 😭.
I honestly don’t know what to say to describe my feelings! I cried after I finished the book, and i think i need sometime to recover
And the friend group????? I needed more of moments of them, they made me laugh sooooo haaaaard 😂😂😂😂
I need a book about Alexis and Jessica immediately!!!
The best thing about this book that there’s no third act breakup! Honestly i am so DONE with those
PS: I think Taylor is the love of my life, she charmed the hell out of me 😏😏.
Update: I just read the bonus epilogue and i am crying even more! But i most DEFINITELY neeeeed a book about Alexis and Jessica
I have been Tired of reading ago gap books for a while now but this! THIS!!!!!!! Sigh
This book is soooooo Heart warming!! I didn’t except to love it as much as i did!!
I felt the chemistry between Taylor and Raquel in every line I read it made me tear up! 😭.
And I think it took me less than a day here to realize you’re the home I’ve been looking for.
I honestly don’t know what to say to describe my feelings! I cried after I finished the book, and i think i need sometime to recover
And the friend group????? I needed more of moments of them, they made me laugh sooooo haaaaard 😂😂😂😂
I need a book about Alexis and Jessica immediately!!!
The best thing about this book that there’s no third act breakup! Honestly i am so DONE with those
PS: I think Taylor is the love of my life, she charmed the hell out of me 😏😏.
Update: I just read the bonus epilogue and i am crying even more! But i most DEFINITELY neeeeed a book about Alexis and Jessica
November 26, 2024
crush on history teacher? ohhh i can relate! age-gap? check! aquarius sign making all the difference? absolutely!! - best sign ever ;)
this is a funny, spicy, and moving book. it talks about passion, desire, love, and age (which is still a taboo, ESPECIALLY when it involves women). it also touches on very interesting topics, not in great depth, such as immigration, adaptation, and family structures.
and hot damn, yes! i googled Gal Gadot and Isla Fisher. thanks for the tip, Taylor.
:)
/
[pt - brasil]
crush na professora de história? ohhh me identifico! diferença de idade? confere! signo de aquário fazendo toda a diferença? com certeza!! - melhor signo de todos ;)
este é um livro divertido, picante e comovente. fala sobre paixão, desejo, amor e idade (o que ainda é um tabu, ESPECIALMENTE quando envolve mulheres). a obra também aborda temas muito interessantes, que não se aprofunda muito, como imigração, adaptação e estruturas familiares.
e meu deus, sim! eu dei um google em Gal Gadot e Isla Fisher. obrigada pela dica, Taylor.
:)
this is a funny, spicy, and moving book. it talks about passion, desire, love, and age (which is still a taboo, ESPECIALLY when it involves women). it also touches on very interesting topics, not in great depth, such as immigration, adaptation, and family structures.
and hot damn, yes! i googled Gal Gadot and Isla Fisher. thanks for the tip, Taylor.
:)
/
[pt - brasil]
crush na professora de história? ohhh me identifico! diferença de idade? confere! signo de aquário fazendo toda a diferença? com certeza!! - melhor signo de todos ;)
este é um livro divertido, picante e comovente. fala sobre paixão, desejo, amor e idade (o que ainda é um tabu, ESPECIALMENTE quando envolve mulheres). a obra também aborda temas muito interessantes, que não se aprofunda muito, como imigração, adaptação e estruturas familiares.
e meu deus, sim! eu dei um google em Gal Gadot e Isla Fisher. obrigada pela dica, Taylor.
:)
February 15, 2023
4.75 rounded up to 5 😉. A near-perfect age-gap romance with a delicious build-up and super payoff. And how the girls progress their relationship is handled differently, which I liked.
Why "only" 4.75, then? While I loved Taylor and her joi de vie right off, and I loved seeing her through Raquel's eyes, she felt to me, sometimes, almost too perfect. No spoilers, you'll have to read to find out! But I'd recommend this to anyone that enjoys wlw romance, for my quibble is but a minor quibble only, because the writing is great and the chemistry between the girls is as good as you'll read this year, I'll bet. The intimacy is hot, hot! And the feels are plenty powerful 😀.
This is one of those must-reads to add to your TBR pile, no matter how many are already there 😉.
Why "only" 4.75, then? While I loved Taylor and her joi de vie right off, and I loved seeing her through Raquel's eyes, she felt to me, sometimes, almost too perfect. No spoilers, you'll have to read to find out! But I'd recommend this to anyone that enjoys wlw romance, for my quibble is but a minor quibble only, because the writing is great and the chemistry between the girls is as good as you'll read this year, I'll bet. The intimacy is hot, hot! And the feels are plenty powerful 😀.
This is one of those must-reads to add to your TBR pile, no matter how many are already there 😉.
November 28, 2022
I love a good age gap romance, but if you add to it a former-student /teacher trope.... You better deliver cause I live for it !! It was PERFECT. The chemistry is off the roof and the sex scenes??? That was definitly some of the best i ever read, no joke 🌶️🌶️🌶️
December 19, 2022
A new favorite from JJ Arias! This book starts as wish fulfillment when Taylor encounters the history teacher she had a crush on back in high school at her reunion, but it soon becomes a beautiful and swoon-worthy romance.
June 19, 2023
I really loved this romance. It was low angst, high heat, with two characters who had great chemistry. This was a quick but really enjoyable read.
JJ Arias has become one of my favorite romance writers and I look forward to whatever comes next.
JJ Arias has become one of my favorite romance writers and I look forward to whatever comes next.
November 8, 2024
Una mierda de inicio a fin 🤷♀️
Todo el tiempo querían coger y no se veía el supuesto amor que se tenían 🤢
Mori de Cringeeee y que corno es esa escena de sexting que horror me quise arrancar los ojos 😭
LIBRO DECEPCIONANTE ☝️
Todo el tiempo querían coger y no se veía el supuesto amor que se tenían 🤢
Mori de Cringeeee y que corno es esa escena de sexting que horror me quise arrancar los ojos 😭
LIBRO DECEPCIONANTE ☝️
December 14, 2022
Raquel held her closer, her lips hovering over hers like moths to a flame, dazzled by a beauty worth burning for.
3.5 stars. A very swoony, low-angst, age gap romance. On her way to her high school reunion, Taylor bumps into her old history teacher who she had the biggest crush on. A lot of flirtation and chemistry ensues, and it extends past the reunion. I love an age gap, especially one with a set up like this, and the vibes were overall so fun, so chill and very conducive to getting to know these characters inside out. I really liked all of the atmospheric writing about Miami and both characters' memories surrounding it. We got a little taste of what their past was like, but not so much that we got mired in their past selves. I just loved the way Taylor's attraction to Raquel was written. She was SO smitten, and with good reason. The middle part of the book was also great, because I love when long-distance stuff can make me feel so giggly.
I really could have liked this more (and I liked it a lot!!) but some things about the writing held me back. I feel like we missed too many of their first moments together. Conversations would end abruptly at the end of a chapter, and then we'd be onto a next day or a next scene. The characters would mention that they're going to eat a meal together, and then suddenly bam, the meal is over and we didn't get to see it or anything they discussed during it. That can be fine, but not at the start of a book, when we're supposed to be building the relationship and tension. I really wanted to SEE more early interaction with them on page, to SEE how Taylor's crush deepens into more. On Raquel's side, I feel like she got over Taylor being her student pretty easily? Or at least, it doesn't take much for her to take the first plunge. Idk, it didn't feel all natural. The writing also got a bit frustratingly euphemistic at times, so much as that I'd often be a little confused as to what was going on.
But it was still really sexy, had great family relationships, great friendships. I wish we saw more of Taylor's friend group; they were awesome. (The phone call for strap advice was genuinely so cute to me, haha.) It was so interesting to have a character with a job like my own, and I wish we'd actually seen a bit more of that part of Taylor's life. Most of all, I really enjoyed them as a couple. The intensity didn't quite reach its full potential, but it got close. Good read.
Content warnings:
She was a song and art and laughter and Taylor felt her in every single nerve ending, every fiber, every cell of her body.
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