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Open Roads, Open Hearts
HAYES
I say yes to adventure. To spontaneity. But that’s probably why all my relationships ended in heartbreak—for me. So, I swore off dating for a year. Figure out who I am and what I want.
Then my dear friend Emilee was killed in a car crash. She’d started a Bucket List, but much had been unfinished—she was only 27. So, when our group decided to tackle her bucket list, I Take a road trip with my brother.
I don’t have a brother, but Emilee did. An older, sexy as hell, very straight, international pilot brother. A road trip with him will be fun, meaningful… and platonic. A totally uncomplicated five day, no temptations trip.
Except Gabe wasn’t all that was ‘advertised,’ and every hour on the road makes staying detached harder.
If I’m not careful, I won’t just break my own rules—I’ll break my heart.
GABE
Love means loss. I’ve buried my parents, my first boyfriend, and most recently, my baby sister. That’s why I keep people at arm’s length. It’s safer that way. Especially when being openly gay in the cockpit still raises eyebrows.
So why did I say yes to a road trip with Hayes? Maybe because he reminds me of Emilee. Maybe because, for the first time in years, I don’t feel like I’m free-falling. Or maybe… I’m tired of flying solo.
Because Hayes isn’t just Emilee’s best friend. He’s funny. Obscenely positive. Loyal. Off-limits. Stupidly gorgeous. And unraveling every defense I’ve ever built.
When the trip ends, I’ll have to keep flying… or finally land where I belong. Because love might mean loss… but maybe, this time, it also means home.
Open Roads, Open Hearts is a heartfelt, steamy MM romance about love, loss, and taking the leap—because sometimes, the best destinations are the ones you never planned.
In this story, you will read death (all in the past), grieving (presently), mentions of shootings, cancer, heart conditions, homophobia, a punch (the bad guy gets punched), and steamy on-page adult situations.
Then my dear friend Emilee was killed in a car crash. She’d started a Bucket List, but much had been unfinished—she was only 27. So, when our group decided to tackle her bucket list, I Take a road trip with my brother.
I don’t have a brother, but Emilee did. An older, sexy as hell, very straight, international pilot brother. A road trip with him will be fun, meaningful… and platonic. A totally uncomplicated five day, no temptations trip.
Except Gabe wasn’t all that was ‘advertised,’ and every hour on the road makes staying detached harder.
If I’m not careful, I won’t just break my own rules—I’ll break my heart.
GABE
Love means loss. I’ve buried my parents, my first boyfriend, and most recently, my baby sister. That’s why I keep people at arm’s length. It’s safer that way. Especially when being openly gay in the cockpit still raises eyebrows.
So why did I say yes to a road trip with Hayes? Maybe because he reminds me of Emilee. Maybe because, for the first time in years, I don’t feel like I’m free-falling. Or maybe… I’m tired of flying solo.
Because Hayes isn’t just Emilee’s best friend. He’s funny. Obscenely positive. Loyal. Off-limits. Stupidly gorgeous. And unraveling every defense I’ve ever built.
When the trip ends, I’ll have to keep flying… or finally land where I belong. Because love might mean loss… but maybe, this time, it also means home.
Open Roads, Open Hearts is a heartfelt, steamy MM romance about love, loss, and taking the leap—because sometimes, the best destinations are the ones you never planned.
In this story, you will read death (all in the past), grieving (presently), mentions of shootings, cancer, heart conditions, homophobia, a punch (the bad guy gets punched), and steamy on-page adult situations.
- GenresM M Romance
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2025
5 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Peterson
18 books465 followersIsabelle Peterson is the author of Intoxicating Romances weaving her love of wine and cocktails into steamy, swoonworthy love stories. She’s a Chicago suburban girl living in coastal Connecticut with her husband of more than thirty years. When she's not writing, Isabelle can be found creating a new cocktail or enjoying a favorite one, savoring a good glass of wine, cooking or baking. In fact, if she weren't a creative writer, she'd probably be a bartender or chef somewhere.
You can find Izzy at isabellepeterson.com and all of her links at linktr.ee/izzykpeterson
You can find Izzy at isabellepeterson.com and all of her links at linktr.ee/izzykpeterson
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 20, 2025
Wonderful Story of Finding Love Amidst Grief
This is a beautiful story about two men fulfilling the bucket list of Emilee, tragically killed in a road accident. Neither had met before even though Hayes was her best friend and Gabe was her brother, a brother she loved dearly but jokingly called him a cactus because of his prickly nature.
This is a grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, road trip that will draw you in and leave you with a smile on your face, after you have experienced sadness, frustration, with Gabe and hurt with Hayes after his treatment at the hands of Gabe!
Although the premise was around loss and grief and Emilee was never far from their thoughts, there were also lighthearted humorous moments, they had fun, experienced new things and places and found a strong chemistry, which when Gabe finally came to his senses, let his walls down and let Hayes in, led to a beautiful romance and HEA.
The book opens after Emilee’s funeral with Hayes and the chosen family that Emilee had surrounded herself with looking at her journal, in particular her bucket list. They decide that to honour Emilee’s memory they would all choose one of the things on her list. As Hayes looks across to the bar and notices Emilee’s brother Gabe sitting alone he decides to take “the road trip with my brother” option and as he doesn’t have a brother, approaches Gabe to ask if he will join him. Gabe would normally turn him down flat but as this is for his sister he agrees.
Both men have more than their share of emotional baggage, they lost their parents when they were young and Gabe also lost his best friend and now his sister, but we’re as Hayes is a smiley ball of friendly sunshine, Gabe has built impenetrable walls around himself and lets nobody in. Gabe is also hiding a secret, one even his sister didn’t know. He’s gay, but so far in the closet Narnia is in the distance. He is a commercial airline pilot and the homophobia from other pilots ensures he keeps his secret.
Hayes was attracted to Gabe from the start but he is surprised when Gabe lets his walls down when they have to share a room, but they soon go back up and it is this hot and cold emotion from Gabe that really begins to hurt the lovely Hayes and encountering vile homophobic people on their travels ensures that Gabe quickly retreats. Will Hayes be able to show Gabe that he can have a life of laughter and love?
Strongly recommend this book.
This is a beautiful story about two men fulfilling the bucket list of Emilee, tragically killed in a road accident. Neither had met before even though Hayes was her best friend and Gabe was her brother, a brother she loved dearly but jokingly called him a cactus because of his prickly nature.
This is a grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, road trip that will draw you in and leave you with a smile on your face, after you have experienced sadness, frustration, with Gabe and hurt with Hayes after his treatment at the hands of Gabe!
Although the premise was around loss and grief and Emilee was never far from their thoughts, there were also lighthearted humorous moments, they had fun, experienced new things and places and found a strong chemistry, which when Gabe finally came to his senses, let his walls down and let Hayes in, led to a beautiful romance and HEA.
The book opens after Emilee’s funeral with Hayes and the chosen family that Emilee had surrounded herself with looking at her journal, in particular her bucket list. They decide that to honour Emilee’s memory they would all choose one of the things on her list. As Hayes looks across to the bar and notices Emilee’s brother Gabe sitting alone he decides to take “the road trip with my brother” option and as he doesn’t have a brother, approaches Gabe to ask if he will join him. Gabe would normally turn him down flat but as this is for his sister he agrees.
Both men have more than their share of emotional baggage, they lost their parents when they were young and Gabe also lost his best friend and now his sister, but we’re as Hayes is a smiley ball of friendly sunshine, Gabe has built impenetrable walls around himself and lets nobody in. Gabe is also hiding a secret, one even his sister didn’t know. He’s gay, but so far in the closet Narnia is in the distance. He is a commercial airline pilot and the homophobia from other pilots ensures he keeps his secret.
Hayes was attracted to Gabe from the start but he is surprised when Gabe lets his walls down when they have to share a room, but they soon go back up and it is this hot and cold emotion from Gabe that really begins to hurt the lovely Hayes and encountering vile homophobic people on their travels ensures that Gabe quickly retreats. Will Hayes be able to show Gabe that he can have a life of laughter and love?
Strongly recommend this book.
May 27, 2025
Okay, let’s talk about this emotional rollercoaster. Open Roads, Open Hearts is a road trip MM romance that's gonna make you feel all the things. It follows Gabe and Hayes, two men dealing with grief in very different ways. They go on a trip to honor Emilee (Gabe’s sister and Hayes’s best friend) by checking things off her bucket list. But what neither of them expected was to start catching serious feelings for each other along the way.
The vibes? Emotional. Sweet. Messy. Intense.
Hayes is openly gay and not afraid to go after what (or who) he wants. He’s a relationship guy, and once he realizes he wants Gabe, he’s all in. Gabe, though… oh boy. Gabe is a hot-and-cold disaster. One moment he’s kissing Hayes like he means it, the next he’s saying, “Let’s not talk about that.” Sir?? EXCUSE ME???
Look.. I get Gabe’s struggles. He’s closeted, a pilot in a very male-dominated field, and scared of what coming out might do to his career and image. But it’s not just that okay?? he’s emotionally guarded, afraid of being vulnerable, and clearly not used to giving his heart to anyone. That part felt real and painful in a good way. But also? A little frustrating. Poor Hayes is out here getting his heart bruised over and over again. 😭
Okay what I liked??
▪︎ The slow build of their relationship
▪︎ Their emotional support for each other (especially when dealing with Emilee’s loss)
▪︎ The road trip setting.. it felt like an adventure, both physically and emotionally 🖤
▪︎ Some steamy, tension - filled moments that had me smiling. (Have in mind they're verse)
What made me roll my eyes??
▪︎ Gabe’s back-and-forth because it made it hard to root for him sometimes 🥲
▪︎ THEIR COMMUNICATION WAS ROUGH. I wanted them to talk instead of just brood in silence or run away.
I mean I did enjoy this. The story had heart, and the tension between Gabe and Hayes was real. I appreciated all the emotions and yes the complicated, messy journey of figuring out who you are and who you want to love.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC! It was a 4 ☆ read for me. 🖤
The vibes? Emotional. Sweet. Messy. Intense.
Hayes is openly gay and not afraid to go after what (or who) he wants. He’s a relationship guy, and once he realizes he wants Gabe, he’s all in. Gabe, though… oh boy. Gabe is a hot-and-cold disaster. One moment he’s kissing Hayes like he means it, the next he’s saying, “Let’s not talk about that.” Sir?? EXCUSE ME???
Look.. I get Gabe’s struggles. He’s closeted, a pilot in a very male-dominated field, and scared of what coming out might do to his career and image. But it’s not just that okay?? he’s emotionally guarded, afraid of being vulnerable, and clearly not used to giving his heart to anyone. That part felt real and painful in a good way. But also? A little frustrating. Poor Hayes is out here getting his heart bruised over and over again. 😭
Okay what I liked??
▪︎ The slow build of their relationship
▪︎ Their emotional support for each other (especially when dealing with Emilee’s loss)
▪︎ The road trip setting.. it felt like an adventure, both physically and emotionally 🖤
▪︎ Some steamy, tension - filled moments that had me smiling. (Have in mind they're verse)
What made me roll my eyes??
▪︎ Gabe’s back-and-forth because it made it hard to root for him sometimes 🥲
▪︎ THEIR COMMUNICATION WAS ROUGH. I wanted them to talk instead of just brood in silence or run away.
I mean I did enjoy this. The story had heart, and the tension between Gabe and Hayes was real. I appreciated all the emotions and yes the complicated, messy journey of figuring out who you are and who you want to love.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC! It was a 4 ☆ read for me. 🖤
May 30, 2025
Hayes and Gabe . . .
Hayes Warner loves adventure, spontaneity, but lots of people don’t. Unable to keep a relationship going, he swears off dating for a year to see where life takes him. Losing his best friend Emilee Porter in a car accident, their friends group decided that each of them would take an item on Emilee’s bucket list items and complete it to honor her memory. Hayes chose: “Take a road trip with my brother.” Since he doesn’t have a brother, he asks her brother Gabe, a commercial airline pilot, if he would do this 5-day bucket item with him. Gabe has a secret Hayes isn’t aware of. But for his sister, he said yes. They try to do all the things that Emilee would have loved, like museums and such. Gabe finds that Hayes is fun to be around, has a positive outlook on life, is loyal, and is having a strong effect on Gabe. He needs Hayes’ positive outlook and he needs the relationship Hayes can offer him, but he is afraid to lose anyone else he cares about. Will the two of them find their attraction is real and something they both want? And can Hayes help Gabe to understand that love can heal him if he gives it a chance? Loss is part of everyone’s life, but the lessons learned help us deal with the feelings we encounter and makes each of us whole.
Hayes Warner loves adventure, spontaneity, but lots of people don’t. Unable to keep a relationship going, he swears off dating for a year to see where life takes him. Losing his best friend Emilee Porter in a car accident, their friends group decided that each of them would take an item on Emilee’s bucket list items and complete it to honor her memory. Hayes chose: “Take a road trip with my brother.” Since he doesn’t have a brother, he asks her brother Gabe, a commercial airline pilot, if he would do this 5-day bucket item with him. Gabe has a secret Hayes isn’t aware of. But for his sister, he said yes. They try to do all the things that Emilee would have loved, like museums and such. Gabe finds that Hayes is fun to be around, has a positive outlook on life, is loyal, and is having a strong effect on Gabe. He needs Hayes’ positive outlook and he needs the relationship Hayes can offer him, but he is afraid to lose anyone else he cares about. Will the two of them find their attraction is real and something they both want? And can Hayes help Gabe to understand that love can heal him if he gives it a chance? Loss is part of everyone’s life, but the lessons learned help us deal with the feelings we encounter and makes each of us whole.
June 19, 2025
4,5*
Both Gabe and Hayes grabbed a bit of my heart and put it through the wringer, but healed it as well. These men who had such a different take on life thus far are good for the other. On their roadtrip in honour of Hayes his sister Emilee her bucketlist, he and Gabe her best friend, develop a relationship they did not expect.
There is heartbreak, healing, love, steam, banter and found family that embraces Hayes.
Isabella Peterson is a new to me author in the MM scene. I had a look through her backlist and saw she has written a few MM books next to f/m books. The MM one's I will add which I will add to my tbr.
This is book one in the I truely engaged with the characters she created and the style she has in her writing. I am looking forward to see what comes next and will keep an eye on future releases.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Gabe and Hayes grabbed a bit of my heart and put it through the wringer, but healed it as well. These men who had such a different take on life thus far are good for the other. On their roadtrip in honour of Hayes his sister Emilee her bucketlist, he and Gabe her best friend, develop a relationship they did not expect.
There is heartbreak, healing, love, steam, banter and found family that embraces Hayes.
Isabella Peterson is a new to me author in the MM scene. I had a look through her backlist and saw she has written a few MM books next to f/m books. The MM one's I will add which I will add to my tbr.
This is book one in the I truely engaged with the characters she created and the style she has in her writing. I am looking forward to see what comes next and will keep an eye on future releases.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
Absolutely loved this read, it was a lot of fun and thoroughly enjoyable.
When Emilee passes away her friends decide to complete her bucket list, each choosing a listed activity. Hayes chooses ‘take a road trip with my brother’ and decides to for-fill it with Emile’s brother Gabe.
Gabe and Hayes are complete opposites. The prickly pear airline captain and the golden retriever. Taking the 5 day trip is a way of grieving and reflection for both of them and along the way they develop feelings for each other. Something Gabe doesn’t want to accept.
When Emilee passes away her friends decide to complete her bucket list, each choosing a listed activity. Hayes chooses ‘take a road trip with my brother’ and decides to for-fill it with Emile’s brother Gabe.
Gabe and Hayes are complete opposites. The prickly pear airline captain and the golden retriever. Taking the 5 day trip is a way of grieving and reflection for both of them and along the way they develop feelings for each other. Something Gabe doesn’t want to accept.
June 8, 2025
4.5 Stars
Gabe and Hayes bring out the best in each other, even if they are reluctant (Gabe 😄). Gabe is so closed off at the beginning, and for good reason, but he’s miserable and lonely—though he won’t admit it. Then Hayes comes in with the idea of a road trip, and between their chemistry and mutual attraction and Hayes’ optimism and persistence, Gabe can’t help but start to let Hayes in.
The first chapter of this book sucked me in immediately. I love the premise of this series, and a road trip on top of that? I was completely hooked. And then the road trip began, and I got to watch Gabe try and fail to resist Hayes—so much fun!
I love how supportive the friend group is, and how Emilee (Gabe’s sister and Hayes’ friend) is always a part of the story—she’s a real personality, not just a prop.
The conflict felt real, and the struggle to overcome some issues causing problems was given the space and time it needed to feel like it wasn’t superficial.
Overall, I really loved these two and their journey!
Gabe and Hayes bring out the best in each other, even if they are reluctant (Gabe 😄). Gabe is so closed off at the beginning, and for good reason, but he’s miserable and lonely—though he won’t admit it. Then Hayes comes in with the idea of a road trip, and between their chemistry and mutual attraction and Hayes’ optimism and persistence, Gabe can’t help but start to let Hayes in.
The first chapter of this book sucked me in immediately. I love the premise of this series, and a road trip on top of that? I was completely hooked. And then the road trip began, and I got to watch Gabe try and fail to resist Hayes—so much fun!
I love how supportive the friend group is, and how Emilee (Gabe’s sister and Hayes’ friend) is always a part of the story—she’s a real personality, not just a prop.
The conflict felt real, and the struggle to overcome some issues causing problems was given the space and time it needed to feel like it wasn’t superficial.
Overall, I really loved these two and their journey!
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May 19, 2025Maybe it's time to heal and take a chance on love again
"A hot pilot, a not-so-metaphorical bag of emotional baggage, and wide open road. This was either going to change everything - or be my biggest disaster"
I would say it turned out to be a little bit of both
"I think that's what Emilee wanted. Not just adventures but memories to wrap around yourself when the world got cold."
Hayes and his friends are mourning the loss of their bestie Emilee and have decided to fulfill her bucket list as a way to say goodbye.
Hayes chooses to complete her wish for a road trip with her brother, "The prickly pear". He can do this, it's just a few days with the sexy prickly pear
"It's okay to want something. It's okay to let yourself feel"
Gabe has suffered one loss after another and has chosen to shun emotional attachments. Relationships are just emotional baggage anyway, and as a pilot, he knows it is best to travel light
He was doing fine until he ended up in close quarters with a highly energetic, almost always annoying Hayes
"The best part wasn't a place. It was the unexpected treasures - tangible and intangible."
Emilee was right
This has a bit of everything: personal growth, humor, angst, and a little adventure all wrapped in a heart-warming romance.
There were a few scenes that felt a bit slow (me thing), and I would have enjoyed a bit more when it came to their HEA, I am greedy like that
"A hot pilot, a not-so-metaphorical bag of emotional baggage, and wide open road. This was either going to change everything - or be my biggest disaster"
I would say it turned out to be a little bit of both
"I think that's what Emilee wanted. Not just adventures but memories to wrap around yourself when the world got cold."
Hayes and his friends are mourning the loss of their bestie Emilee and have decided to fulfill her bucket list as a way to say goodbye.
Hayes chooses to complete her wish for a road trip with her brother, "The prickly pear". He can do this, it's just a few days with the sexy prickly pear
"It's okay to want something. It's okay to let yourself feel"
Gabe has suffered one loss after another and has chosen to shun emotional attachments. Relationships are just emotional baggage anyway, and as a pilot, he knows it is best to travel light
He was doing fine until he ended up in close quarters with a highly energetic, almost always annoying Hayes
"The best part wasn't a place. It was the unexpected treasures - tangible and intangible."
Emilee was right
This has a bit of everything: personal growth, humor, angst, and a little adventure all wrapped in a heart-warming romance.
There were a few scenes that felt a bit slow (me thing), and I would have enjoyed a bit more when it came to their HEA, I am greedy like that
May 27, 2025
This emotional road trip romance follows Hayes and Gabe as they hit the highway to honor a lost loved one’s bucket list. Along the way, grief turns into connection, and unexpected feelings bloom in the passenger seat. It’s heartfelt, healing, and just the right kind of slow-burn.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2025
A very enjoyable writing style, with a really worthwhile reason for a road trip. Both MCs had suffered from a lot of loss and grief over the years, although they were coping in very different ways. Hayes was a very open person in all ways despite the costs to himself, and Gabe was the complete opposite. I would have preferred Gabe's hot/cold behaviour to have lasted during a bit less of the book to leave room for a bit more positivity. Hayes, not just forgiving him, was excellent.
May 19, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 7, 2025
Hayes and Gabe just click, even though that is not what either is looking for, while they bond over unimaginable loss. Trusting themselves and each other is a process. I loved their story.
May 4, 2025
An incredible story about two guys fulfilling the bucket list of their dead friend/sister. Neither of them ever anticipated the trip of a lifetime. A trip not only about loss and lost time but about loss in general. This emotional story is fantastically written. It also covers every gay person experiences in public.
Well worth reading!
Well worth reading!
May 2, 2025
This story is about grief in so many levels. It’s beautiful and with so many emotions. Both characters have so deep feelings despite Gabe putting up walls. I also like the friendships and found family. The concept of fulfilling Emilee’s bucket list is a nice way to approach grief and creating new memories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2025
This story starts with loss and ends bursting with happiness, don't be put off by the idea that it begins with a group of friends and a brother mourning the loss of a loved one, she is the inspiration for what comes next and you won't want to miss any of it!
Emily was killed by a drunk driver. She was only 28 but she had a journal, with her Bucket List, all the things that she hoped to one day do. Her friends decide they will do them for her and so it is that Hayes, who was also her work colleague, chooses to take a road trip with her brother. Gabe is a challenge. Emily's older brother, a man she often described as being very cactus-like, prickly and tough. He is a pilot, a private man and someone who has endured so much loss that he is convinced he is better off shutting himself off from the world, denying his true self so that he never has to face any more. Then Hayes comes into his life and turns it upside down and inside out in the course of just five days.
This is an epic road trip romance. They have five days, one car but Gabe has booked them separate rooms, refusing to take any money from Hayes. For his part Hayes is relieved and frustrated. He has suffered loss, has had to deal with loneliness and above all with people, especially boyfriends, who only see him for his money. Gabe knows nothing of this, yet. What Gabe does know is that Hayes can talk, for at least 87 miles non-stop (my husband said he could sympathize)! Gabe also knows that there is something about Hayes that is drawing him in, and at the same time out of himself, Hayes can see it too and wants nothing more than to get the handsome man, brother of his late best friend, to open up to him. When Gabe finally does the results are explosive!
Five intense days are what they have but will it make or break them, as a couple and individually? Intensity experienced like this can be a lot for anyone to deal with, as we explore with them, as they gradually open themselves up to one another, we are there with them, we feel every touch, see every glance, feel the passion growing, the love developing and suffer their broken hearts as much as they do. The difference? I for one wanted to reach in and shake sense into both of them, much as Gabe's best friend Matthew tries to do and it is he who might finally be the one to break through to Gabe.
What begins as a road trip for Emily becomes so much more for Hayes and Gabe, for us as the reader too. Isabelle Peterson writes with passion, pours her heart into every line and carries us along with her, desperately waiting to see if this pair will find the happy ending we want for them.
Emily was killed by a drunk driver. She was only 28 but she had a journal, with her Bucket List, all the things that she hoped to one day do. Her friends decide they will do them for her and so it is that Hayes, who was also her work colleague, chooses to take a road trip with her brother. Gabe is a challenge. Emily's older brother, a man she often described as being very cactus-like, prickly and tough. He is a pilot, a private man and someone who has endured so much loss that he is convinced he is better off shutting himself off from the world, denying his true self so that he never has to face any more. Then Hayes comes into his life and turns it upside down and inside out in the course of just five days.
This is an epic road trip romance. They have five days, one car but Gabe has booked them separate rooms, refusing to take any money from Hayes. For his part Hayes is relieved and frustrated. He has suffered loss, has had to deal with loneliness and above all with people, especially boyfriends, who only see him for his money. Gabe knows nothing of this, yet. What Gabe does know is that Hayes can talk, for at least 87 miles non-stop (my husband said he could sympathize)! Gabe also knows that there is something about Hayes that is drawing him in, and at the same time out of himself, Hayes can see it too and wants nothing more than to get the handsome man, brother of his late best friend, to open up to him. When Gabe finally does the results are explosive!
Five intense days are what they have but will it make or break them, as a couple and individually? Intensity experienced like this can be a lot for anyone to deal with, as we explore with them, as they gradually open themselves up to one another, we are there with them, we feel every touch, see every glance, feel the passion growing, the love developing and suffer their broken hearts as much as they do. The difference? I for one wanted to reach in and shake sense into both of them, much as Gabe's best friend Matthew tries to do and it is he who might finally be the one to break through to Gabe.
What begins as a road trip for Emily becomes so much more for Hayes and Gabe, for us as the reader too. Isabelle Peterson writes with passion, pours her heart into every line and carries us along with her, desperately waiting to see if this pair will find the happy ending we want for them.
May 23, 2025
Open Roads Open Hearts is the first book of the Bucket List Romance series by Isabelle Peterson. This is a contemporary romance that is based around the memorial road trip being undertaken by the two MCs.
The story opens with a group of friends who are mourning the recent death of the woman who brought their friendship group together. It's always a tragedy when someone so young is lost, and everyone grieves differently. The friends, over a few drinks, have decided that the best way to remember their friend is to take turns ticking off items on the bucket list that Emilee never got to.
Hayes hasn't had the best luck in the relationship department, but that's not really something he can focus on when he decides to tick off the "Take a road trip with my brother" item from Emilee's bucket list. Problem is Hayes doesn't have a brother and so he impulsively decides that he will ask Emilee's brother on the road trip. Problem is, Gabe is a sexy as sin but very much straight guy. But that, and any other feelings of trepidation, does not stop the duo from doing the trip together.
Gabe has been unlucky with all the people closest to him. He has lost them all. Now with the loss of his little sister, he knows that it is better to be alone than to risk or lose someone else. He is a commercial pilot, and because of the possibility of homophobia, he also is firmly in the closet.
This is a relationship that brings together the MC's while they are forced together, in a car, for many hours, many days. Hayes and Gabe learn about each other. However, there is a lot of growth that both men need to go through after the trip is over before they can truly fit together and become something special.
This is a really heartfelt and thoughtful romance that deals with many relatable obstacles, including loss and grief and guilt.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story opens with a group of friends who are mourning the recent death of the woman who brought their friendship group together. It's always a tragedy when someone so young is lost, and everyone grieves differently. The friends, over a few drinks, have decided that the best way to remember their friend is to take turns ticking off items on the bucket list that Emilee never got to.
Hayes hasn't had the best luck in the relationship department, but that's not really something he can focus on when he decides to tick off the "Take a road trip with my brother" item from Emilee's bucket list. Problem is Hayes doesn't have a brother and so he impulsively decides that he will ask Emilee's brother on the road trip. Problem is, Gabe is a sexy as sin but very much straight guy. But that, and any other feelings of trepidation, does not stop the duo from doing the trip together.
Gabe has been unlucky with all the people closest to him. He has lost them all. Now with the loss of his little sister, he knows that it is better to be alone than to risk or lose someone else. He is a commercial pilot, and because of the possibility of homophobia, he also is firmly in the closet.
This is a relationship that brings together the MC's while they are forced together, in a car, for many hours, many days. Hayes and Gabe learn about each other. However, there is a lot of growth that both men need to go through after the trip is over before they can truly fit together and become something special.
This is a really heartfelt and thoughtful romance that deals with many relatable obstacles, including loss and grief and guilt.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Open Roads, Open Hearts is a beautiful story about grief, growth, and finding love when you least expect it.
Hayes is full of charm and optimism, but you can feel the heartbreak he carries just beneath the surface. His vow to avoid dating gets seriously tested when he ends up on a road trip with Gabe, his late best friend’s older brother, who recently died. Gabe, in turn, is guarded, grieving, and full of quiet pain. Watching them slowly lower their walls and find safety in each other is just… beautiful.
This book offers more than steamy romance. It dives deep into the inner world of both characters—the fear of loss, the burden of surviving, and the terrifying hope that love might still be worth the risk. The road trip setting was perfect too. Every stop brought them closer together, and the way they processed grief and connection felt real and earned. It’s one of those stories where you don’t just root for the characters—you feel with them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hayes is full of charm and optimism, but you can feel the heartbreak he carries just beneath the surface. His vow to avoid dating gets seriously tested when he ends up on a road trip with Gabe, his late best friend’s older brother, who recently died. Gabe, in turn, is guarded, grieving, and full of quiet pain. Watching them slowly lower their walls and find safety in each other is just… beautiful.
This book offers more than steamy romance. It dives deep into the inner world of both characters—the fear of loss, the burden of surviving, and the terrifying hope that love might still be worth the risk. The road trip setting was perfect too. Every stop brought them closer together, and the way they processed grief and connection felt real and earned. It’s one of those stories where you don’t just root for the characters—you feel with them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
This took me forever to read, which is unusual for for. It's pretty slow burn and they "break up" multiple times. Gabe has A LOT of emotional damage that causes him to destroy poor Hayes' heart. It would be 5 stars if the story flowed a little bit better. There were some part that I felt were a little too wordy. I think that was part of what caused the drag for me. It's like that friend who talks so much it's hard to concentrate on the point of the conversation. My brain was spinning and my mind wandered.
May 17, 2025
This is a sweet, grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort, road trip romance that will draw you in and leave you satisfied.
As this book opens, Hayes is attending the funeral of 27-year-old Emilee, a good friend from work, who recently died in a car accident. He’s with a group of friends – some co-workers, some not – all brought together by Emilee. At the reception afterward, the friend group decides to take Emilee’s bucket list and fulfill the different goals for her. Hayes chooses “take a road trip with my brother.” Then approaches Emilee’s brother, Gabe, sitting alone at the bar. Hayes explains what the friends are doing, and asks if they can take a road trip together.
Both Hayes and Gabe have a lot of grief baggage. Hayes lost both parents at 13, Gabe and Emilee lost their parents separately, but also at young ages. While Hayes had a supportive grandfather and a lot of therapy to help, Gabe felt he had to be strong – especially when his first boyfriend died in high school. So Hayes is more glass half full, while Gabe is closeted and maintains his distance. After all, if you don’t get too close you can’t be hurt.
Over the course of a few days, Hayes and Gabe drive from Chicago to New Orleans and back, seeking out places and experiences that they believe Emilee would love. Along the way they have amazing experiences, including an instance where they wind up in the same hotel room, and Gabe giving Hayes his first experience of driving a car. Watch, too, for the bananas…
The story doesn’t end with the road trip, though! I highly recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As this book opens, Hayes is attending the funeral of 27-year-old Emilee, a good friend from work, who recently died in a car accident. He’s with a group of friends – some co-workers, some not – all brought together by Emilee. At the reception afterward, the friend group decides to take Emilee’s bucket list and fulfill the different goals for her. Hayes chooses “take a road trip with my brother.” Then approaches Emilee’s brother, Gabe, sitting alone at the bar. Hayes explains what the friends are doing, and asks if they can take a road trip together.
Both Hayes and Gabe have a lot of grief baggage. Hayes lost both parents at 13, Gabe and Emilee lost their parents separately, but also at young ages. While Hayes had a supportive grandfather and a lot of therapy to help, Gabe felt he had to be strong – especially when his first boyfriend died in high school. So Hayes is more glass half full, while Gabe is closeted and maintains his distance. After all, if you don’t get too close you can’t be hurt.
Over the course of a few days, Hayes and Gabe drive from Chicago to New Orleans and back, seeking out places and experiences that they believe Emilee would love. Along the way they have amazing experiences, including an instance where they wind up in the same hotel room, and Gabe giving Hayes his first experience of driving a car. Watch, too, for the bananas…
The story doesn’t end with the road trip, though! I highly recommend it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2025
I actually liked this one a lot. But that's not new for me as I am a sucker for a road trip book. And this one was done quite well, even if it was in the back of a hard subject - grief.
I do wish Gabe had been a bit more open before the end but I get why he was like that and we can see his struggles throughout the whole book, so it wasn't out of character. However, I would have preferred for him to come to the conclusion that he could not be without Hayes on his own , not because of events and conversations he had with other people.
But I did like that it was Gabe that came back to Hayes and not him chasing Gabe to make him change his mind. Hayes needed to feel loved an like he mattered and this was the right way to go about it.
I do wish Gabe had been a bit more open before the end but I get why he was like that and we can see his struggles throughout the whole book, so it wasn't out of character. However, I would have preferred for him to come to the conclusion that he could not be without Hayes on his own , not because of events and conversations he had with other people.
But I did like that it was Gabe that came back to Hayes and not him chasing Gabe to make him change his mind. Hayes needed to feel loved an like he mattered and this was the right way to go about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2025
Gabe Porter is always running or flying away from everyone. When his sister passes, part of her wishes was to take a road trip with her brother. Now Gabe is on a road trip with his sisters best friend Hayes who just might be the one to make him stop running.
This book is emotional and deals with a lot of grief. Its steamy and has an HEA, but be prepared for the emotional ride!
This book is emotional and deals with a lot of grief. Its steamy and has an HEA, but be prepared for the emotional ride!
June 19, 2025
Hayes and Gabe go on a road trip because Gabe sister died and on her bucket list was going on a road trip with Gabe. They start out as strangers and end up as more. Both are afraid of love for different reasons but learn trust each. I really enjoyed this book.
July 15, 2025
Sweet, emotional, and irresistibly romantic, this heartfelt journey blends grief, growth, and unexpected love.
May 26, 2025
Interesting road trip which resulted in a mixture of feelings and emotions throughout. Definitely found myself immersed in their story as they opened up and found their way. Has emotions, secrets, chemistry, and surprises.
May 26, 2025
This was a lovely heartache type story where surrounded in grief for the same person, 2 sort of strangers find each other. There were some laughs, some lovely ‘yay’ moments for Gabe and Hayes and all through you just root for them
May 16, 2025
3.5* rounded up
I really like the idea of a group of friends fulfilling the bucket list for a friend who died tragically.
The idea of a road trip with the friend's brother who Hayes doesn't know at all starts really good as a grumpy/sunshine trope of two guys who share grief.
Slowly Gabe is warming up to me while they embark on the first part of the trip. He clearly is closed up more than any oyster and is deep in the closet.
Hayes is the ultimate sunshine.
But as the road trip continues, I started to have some issues with Gabe and also how the story moved from the two sharing grief and celebrating Emilee's life and dreams to becoming more and more about Gabe's issues and fears.
Gabe is utterly terrified letting anyone in but he really becomes hot and cold, push and pull towards Hayes. His fears and control issues start to dominate the story for a good part and it got quite long.
I would have loved to see more about these two reconcilling but the HEA felt a bit too rushed for me. I do love Hayes' way to show Gabe that he is taking a second chance.
I really like the idea of a group of friends fulfilling the bucket list for a friend who died tragically.
The idea of a road trip with the friend's brother who Hayes doesn't know at all starts really good as a grumpy/sunshine trope of two guys who share grief.
Slowly Gabe is warming up to me while they embark on the first part of the trip. He clearly is closed up more than any oyster and is deep in the closet.
Hayes is the ultimate sunshine.
But as the road trip continues, I started to have some issues with Gabe and also how the story moved from the two sharing grief and celebrating Emilee's life and dreams to becoming more and more about Gabe's issues and fears.
Gabe is utterly terrified letting anyone in but he really becomes hot and cold, push and pull towards Hayes. His fears and control issues start to dominate the story for a good part and it got quite long.
I would have loved to see more about these two reconcilling but the HEA felt a bit too rushed for me. I do love Hayes' way to show Gabe that he is taking a second chance.
May 19, 2025
Open Roads, Open Hearts is the first book in the Bucket List Romance series. This is a hurt/comfort, grumpy/sunshine about Hayes and Gabe. I really enjoyed the storyline and the wonderful characters, I love the thought of finishing off a friends bucket list when they die so young.
May 5, 2025
Hayes and Gabe have both suffered a great loss with Emily. They are definitely grieving in different ways which I thought made for the perfect storm of healing together and finding romance together too. This was definitely an emotional and sad story underneath, but it made my heart happy to see Hayes and Gabe have new experiences together to move beyond it all. Gabe has lost everyone close to him at some point and I was so relieved to see Hayes be able to break down his walls and convince him to really live and love again!
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