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Round Trip
This is a Lesbian romantic suspense with humor and a twist of magic. Virginia, an author with abandonment issues insists nothing, not even love, can save Tori who is of unsound mind and destined to become homeless forever. What happens will surprise everyone!
Novelist Virginia Lopez bases her characters on real people who subsequently suffer the same fate as those in her manuscripts. Her bad karma has run amok and so she vows never to use someone she cares about as a protagonist again. But Tori Laurengo is forlorn at best. What harm could Virginia's words and rotten luck cause the disheveled woman who talks to herself?
Tori is homeless until a stranger offers her a place to stay at a luxurious apartment building in California. There, the socially awkward woman falls madly in love with Virginia unaware that she was chosen to be the doomed character in the author's latest novel Round Trip.
Novelist Virginia Lopez bases her characters on real people who subsequently suffer the same fate as those in her manuscripts. Her bad karma has run amok and so she vows never to use someone she cares about as a protagonist again. But Tori Laurengo is forlorn at best. What harm could Virginia's words and rotten luck cause the disheveled woman who talks to herself?
Tori is homeless until a stranger offers her a place to stay at a luxurious apartment building in California. There, the socially awkward woman falls madly in love with Virginia unaware that she was chosen to be the doomed character in the author's latest novel Round Trip.
- GenresFiction
Audible Audio
Published November 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 19, 2023
UM, What did I just read?
Kindle Unlimited.
This is one quirky, crazy, dramatic story.
It's deeply melodramatic, and only gets moreso as the story goes on. Yet I couldn't stop reading? I just wish I understood better all that happened, and each characters motivations, and that the ending was more satisfying.
I'm not really sure what else to say about it. It's not for everyone, it's confusing and confronting, but it's also incredibly unique.
Kindle Unlimited.
This is one quirky, crazy, dramatic story.
It's deeply melodramatic, and only gets moreso as the story goes on. Yet I couldn't stop reading? I just wish I understood better all that happened, and each characters motivations, and that the ending was more satisfying.
I'm not really sure what else to say about it. It's not for everyone, it's confusing and confronting, but it's also incredibly unique.
May 31, 2023
Intriguing!! I received an ARC of this book and DA Hartman was also a new author to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The book is well written and the storyline is, in my opinion, an unusual one.
Initially I struggled a little to get into the book as, for me, the storyline started very differently to my usual books and it took a couple of chapters to get into it.
That said, once I engaged with the story it reeled me in and left me feeling like I’d been on an emotional and mysterious adventure. Well worth a read.
The book is well written and the storyline is, in my opinion, an unusual one.
Initially I struggled a little to get into the book as, for me, the storyline started very differently to my usual books and it took a couple of chapters to get into it.
That said, once I engaged with the story it reeled me in and left me feeling like I’d been on an emotional and mysterious adventure. Well worth a read.
June 24, 2023
Opening chapter had me a bit at sixes and sevens with what was going on.
14% in and I have no more idea what is going on. Apart from one section where three people were talking and I had no idea who was saying what, the book is clearly written, it is just bazar. Bazar with some great lines. However some of the lines in the first sex scene pulled me out the scene.
I haven't a clue what is going on. The writer is keeping me guessing and I hope all will be clear in the end. Half way through and I wouldn't say pacing has dropped because the story is always moving but I am getting a bit fed up not knowing what is happening and not sure I fancy too much more of the same.
53% in and the whole not sure what is going on has continued, obviously this is the style of the novel, a style that is markedly different from my usual reading which is refreshing but exhausting. In fact I had to take a break for a few days and read some lighter stuff. The same way you wouldn’t expect to absorb all the paintings in a gallery in one sitting, I wouldn’t do that with this book.
Going back after a break of several books is tough. I almost want to skip to the end to find out how it will all end up. I am also tired, this is not a good book to read tired as the brain needs to be engaged.
I find I keep needing breaks as this is not a light or happy book.
There is a cast of diverse supporting characters and the writers own experience, I imagine adds to the authenticity.
Another break was needed. I find every time I pick the book up I am interested but not knowing, even at 75% what is going on is exhausting.
I didn't enjoy the other sex scene, I possibly wasn't meant to, but it's style didn't appeal.
There were many lines throughout the book I liked E.g. The scene in front of me spins like a carnival ride as I rise to flee.
Very descriptive. However, although I am glad I read the book, ( it is good to try fresh things,) I am not tempted by the sequel. My review summed up? Get the sample. If you like it, you'll love it!
For me, against books I like, this would rate lower. Others will rate it higher. Up to 3.
14% in and I have no more idea what is going on. Apart from one section where three people were talking and I had no idea who was saying what, the book is clearly written, it is just bazar. Bazar with some great lines. However some of the lines in the first sex scene pulled me out the scene.
I haven't a clue what is going on. The writer is keeping me guessing and I hope all will be clear in the end. Half way through and I wouldn't say pacing has dropped because the story is always moving but I am getting a bit fed up not knowing what is happening and not sure I fancy too much more of the same.
53% in and the whole not sure what is going on has continued, obviously this is the style of the novel, a style that is markedly different from my usual reading which is refreshing but exhausting. In fact I had to take a break for a few days and read some lighter stuff. The same way you wouldn’t expect to absorb all the paintings in a gallery in one sitting, I wouldn’t do that with this book.
Going back after a break of several books is tough. I almost want to skip to the end to find out how it will all end up. I am also tired, this is not a good book to read tired as the brain needs to be engaged.
I find I keep needing breaks as this is not a light or happy book.
There is a cast of diverse supporting characters and the writers own experience, I imagine adds to the authenticity.
Another break was needed. I find every time I pick the book up I am interested but not knowing, even at 75% what is going on is exhausting.
I didn't enjoy the other sex scene, I possibly wasn't meant to, but it's style didn't appeal.
There were many lines throughout the book I liked E.g. The scene in front of me spins like a carnival ride as I rise to flee.
Very descriptive. However, although I am glad I read the book, ( it is good to try fresh things,) I am not tempted by the sequel. My review summed up? Get the sample. If you like it, you'll love it!
For me, against books I like, this would rate lower. Others will rate it higher. Up to 3.
June 11, 2023
You Won’t See the Twist!!
D. A. Hartman’s debut novel shoots into the stratosphere. Wow, what a layered and mind-bending adventure. The most important aspect of the story is love and being your authentic self. Authenticity by definition means being vulnerable. But isn’t the risk of being real to ourselves and others worth the reward that comes with it? This story gives a first person experience of a woman who has auditory and visual hallucinations. *trigger warning - The main character has severe depression and feels suicidal. The central love story shows two wounded women that together they are greater than the sum of each.
“I may never get rid of these two pests, or stop imagining things that don’t exist. It doesn’t matter. I have people in my life who love me for exactly who I am, which makes my life an extremely charmed one.”
If you can build a life with people who love you, weirdness and all, hold on for dear life!!
D. A. Hartman’s debut novel shoots into the stratosphere. Wow, what a layered and mind-bending adventure. The most important aspect of the story is love and being your authentic self. Authenticity by definition means being vulnerable. But isn’t the risk of being real to ourselves and others worth the reward that comes with it? This story gives a first person experience of a woman who has auditory and visual hallucinations. *trigger warning - The main character has severe depression and feels suicidal. The central love story shows two wounded women that together they are greater than the sum of each.
“I may never get rid of these two pests, or stop imagining things that don’t exist. It doesn’t matter. I have people in my life who love me for exactly who I am, which makes my life an extremely charmed one.”
If you can build a life with people who love you, weirdness and all, hold on for dear life!!
June 12, 2023
Enjoyable with surprises
We start the story with Goth and what a whirlwind of a story. At first we are lead to believe she’s crazy. What a shocker that I found, she’s not. She’s actually pretty smart. As we read we meet quite a bit of characters that help the story along. This had numerous twists that I didn’t see coming. I was shocked and surprised. For a debut novel, this was an enjoyable one. Goth ended up being my favorite for numerous reasons. One being her two friends she keeps telling to go away. Want to know their names. Pick up Round Trip and enjoy reading.
We start the story with Goth and what a whirlwind of a story. At first we are lead to believe she’s crazy. What a shocker that I found, she’s not. She’s actually pretty smart. As we read we meet quite a bit of characters that help the story along. This had numerous twists that I didn’t see coming. I was shocked and surprised. For a debut novel, this was an enjoyable one. Goth ended up being my favorite for numerous reasons. One being her two friends she keeps telling to go away. Want to know their names. Pick up Round Trip and enjoy reading.
June 27, 2023
If you love twists and turns, and plots on plots, then this book is for you! You are drawn in immediately with the first few paragraphs and won't want to put it down until you've read it all. The author has certainly thrown open the debut novel doors and shown she can write a damned good tale.
March 18, 2024
I was so intrigued in this books the whole time! I could not put it down! I was a bit confused in some parts but it eventually all came together in the end! Give it a chance and just keep reading!
July 11, 2023
This is an interesting concept piece, but the execution of that concept is all over the place. The premise is that a writer, who writes novels featuring people she knows, has the power to bring about the plots of her stories into real life (typically with negative outcomes). Sounds pretty cool, right? Well, the movie Delirious does it much better and BONUS it features John Candy. I recommend skipping this book and renting/streaming that movie instead. If you insist on picking up this book though, you're in for a head scratcher. Dialogue makes no sense, the characters are flat (and speaking to each other in an oddly formal way), actions and interactions don't make sense, and it's frustrating that only towards the very end of the book does the author attempt playing with different genres but doesn't commit to it enough to really make it satisfying. I kept reading because I hoped something interesting would happen, but for me that never happened. It was a struggle to finish and when I finally got to the last page I couldn't help but wonder what the heck I just read and why.
July 6, 2023
Virginia’s writing creates a mystical tie between herself and Tori, the lonely woman whose most recent residence is a mental health facility. Unraveling that tie will uncover secrets upon secrets for both women, jeopardizing their friendships, hearts, and very lives in the process.
Round Trip is a complex yet engrossing story that pulls the reader in, first with the internal drama of Virginia’s unusual creative powers and Tori’s mental health struggles, and then with external intrigue and mystery. Compelling main characters and side characters give vibrant and heart-stirring color to this conflict, making the reader truly care about them. Each new plot twist inspires a roller coaster of emotions, making it impossible to put down the story until the final dramatic chapter.
Round Trip is a one-of-a-kind sapphic romantic suspense novel that captures the imagination and heart from start to finish.
Round Trip is a complex yet engrossing story that pulls the reader in, first with the internal drama of Virginia’s unusual creative powers and Tori’s mental health struggles, and then with external intrigue and mystery. Compelling main characters and side characters give vibrant and heart-stirring color to this conflict, making the reader truly care about them. Each new plot twist inspires a roller coaster of emotions, making it impossible to put down the story until the final dramatic chapter.
Round Trip is a one-of-a-kind sapphic romantic suspense novel that captures the imagination and heart from start to finish.
July 4, 2023
This is a story that dares to embrace mental illness in a day to day journey - the challenges, the fears, the love, the heartaches and the passion. Telling the story from their viewpoint is a fascinating way to understand how they view the world and relationships and allows you to develop a compassion for all of the unique characters. The twists were unexpected and kept the pages turning. It is so easy to shy away from people that you don't understand. D.A. Hartman has provided a beautiful insight into the minds of these challenged individuals that makes you laugh, worry, hope and rejoice.
June 6, 2023
I received an ARC of this book.
It was different from what I normally read but the blurb interested me immediately. It’s a concept that I hadn’t read before and once I got into it, there really was no putting it down!
This is a new author to me and “Round Trip” is her debut book. It may start slower than what you’re used to but stick with it … I’m sure glad I did! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
It was different from what I normally read but the blurb interested me immediately. It’s a concept that I hadn’t read before and once I got into it, there really was no putting it down!
This is a new author to me and “Round Trip” is her debut book. It may start slower than what you’re used to but stick with it … I’m sure glad I did! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
January 22, 2024
Just wow. This was a crazy, weird, beautifully comedic story and I loved every second of it!
Dealing with mental health issues is not easy and I think it was handled very well, making the reader understand how it affects the person without making it all about the bad parts.
Loved all the trans representation as well.
It reads like a psychological thriller but didn't feel like one, definitely a unique book with great writing and funny, loveable characters.
I would highly recommend for everyone
Dealing with mental health issues is not easy and I think it was handled very well, making the reader understand how it affects the person without making it all about the bad parts.
Loved all the trans representation as well.
It reads like a psychological thriller but didn't feel like one, definitely a unique book with great writing and funny, loveable characters.
I would highly recommend for everyone
June 12, 2024
Wow. What an amazing journey this author takes on to explore her characters. GOTH is amazingly developed. A character to root for. Then you have the character you don't. Twists and turns keep us hopping to the very end. This novel is not for the meek. Surprises in every corner and a look into an often-overlooked issue. I highly recommend this story to anyone willing to try something different. Do you dare?!
January 27, 2024
Not at all my cup of tea. The main character is referred to as whackadoodle by another in the book, but this pretty much describes the whole story. I kept reading, thinking it had to coalesce into something that made more sense, but no. It only got weirder. Some may call it quirky. I'll just go back to the beginning and say it wasn't my cup of tea.
July 1, 2023
This book is intriging and confusing at the same time. But if you get it, it all comes together. There's a lot going on througout the story. Love wins thats for sure.
I got an ARC for an honest review
I got an ARC for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2023
This book delivers a moving, tender tale about the power of the stories we tell ourselves, and our responsibility to own and care for those stories, including their consequences. Smart, tender, and magical.
June 6, 2023
Had me engaged cover to cover! Well written, suspensful novel. Highly recommend!
June 20, 2025
This took ages to get into. I put it down several times. The two voices were difficult to follow but then I got into the flow Glad I did finish. Funky tale
June 23, 2023
Round Trip is a work of genius!
It draws you into a world where you begin to wonder if anyone is sane as you journey through its captivating pages getting acquainted with the various colorful characters and the original intriguing storyline.
And while this story captures your interest and keeps you in its grip, it doesn't let go until you discover the identity of the real psycho, the mystery of the identicals, and the magic of love.
Still, as you head into the closing pages, you'll wonder if the ending will be a letdown or if it's possible for a HEA.
I'm thrilled that I received an ARC of Round Trip and I suggest picking up a copy; you'll be glad you did!
It draws you into a world where you begin to wonder if anyone is sane as you journey through its captivating pages getting acquainted with the various colorful characters and the original intriguing storyline.
And while this story captures your interest and keeps you in its grip, it doesn't let go until you discover the identity of the real psycho, the mystery of the identicals, and the magic of love.
Still, as you head into the closing pages, you'll wonder if the ending will be a letdown or if it's possible for a HEA.
I'm thrilled that I received an ARC of Round Trip and I suggest picking up a copy; you'll be glad you did!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews