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Wanderlust #3
Backtrack
A percentage of the proceeds from the paperback version of this book goes to support LGBTQ+ charities.
A gay couple who secretly broke up months ago joins their closest friends on the Camino pilgrimage, pretending nothing’s changed. Second chances and new beginnings feature in this heartwarming novel about chosen family from queer indie author Kent Holland.Elliott Proctor thought he and Jamie Henry were forever—until their perfect relationship ended in awful heartbreak four months ago. Now, with a long-planned trip with their best friends looming, they decide not to tell anyone that they’ve broken up.
The plan? Hike 190 miles along the Caminho Português from Porto to Santiago, smile for group photos, and pretend to be in love. After all, there’s no need to ruin their chosen family’s trip of a lifetime, is there? But, as the days stretch on and every mile wears them down, old hurts reopen, secrets strain the surface of their connection and their friends’, and the people who know them best start to notice the cracks.
Pretending to be in love might be harder than being apart. This trip is the test. Maybe it’ll be the chance to find their way back, or maybe it’ll be the chance at an entirely new beginning.
A gay couple who secretly broke up months ago joins their closest friends on the Camino pilgrimage, pretending nothing’s changed. Second chances and new beginnings feature in this heartwarming novel about chosen family from queer indie author Kent Holland.Elliott Proctor thought he and Jamie Henry were forever—until their perfect relationship ended in awful heartbreak four months ago. Now, with a long-planned trip with their best friends looming, they decide not to tell anyone that they’ve broken up.
The plan? Hike 190 miles along the Caminho Português from Porto to Santiago, smile for group photos, and pretend to be in love. After all, there’s no need to ruin their chosen family’s trip of a lifetime, is there? But, as the days stretch on and every mile wears them down, old hurts reopen, secrets strain the surface of their connection and their friends’, and the people who know them best start to notice the cracks.
Pretending to be in love might be harder than being apart. This trip is the test. Maybe it’ll be the chance to find their way back, or maybe it’ll be the chance at an entirely new beginning.
458 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2025
About the author
Kent Holland
15 books54 followersKent Holland is an openly Queer writer of gay and queer romance novels that have a lot of heart and a healthy amount of spice. He is based in Tennessee. When he is not writing, he enjoys listening to music, running marathons, spending time with his friends, and reading books in any number of genres. A percentage of the profits of all of his book sales goes to support various LGBTQ+ charities, and you can explore various resources to support the LGBTQ+ community on his website, or through the QR code linked in each book. You can connect with him on Instagram at kenthollandwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 1, 2025
This book was such a surprise and I thoroughly enjoyed reading through and adventuring with all of these characters!! Brisk easy read with spicy bits, heartwarming bits, found family and second chances - it had it all! And without spoiling a fun spin on the romance trope!
August 9, 2025
4⭐️ 1.5🌶️
A beautiful MM romance seeping with freshness and sentimentality. 🩵
It was wonderful to jump back into the Wanderlust series with the third instalment and this book was so easy to read. Holland’s writing style is engaging and at times poetic, and I love how captivated I became to this story.
With a bundle of tropes such as second chance romance, fake fiancés, and chosen family, this book packed a lot in when a group of friends journey on the Camino Pilgrimage. The introduction to this read by Holland himself added an extra layer to this book as his own personal experiences shone beautifully throughout.
I loved the dual timelines, multiple POVs and the transcendent descriptions of the pilgrimage. The exploration of religion and its interconnectedness with homosexuality was tackled very well with the different characters too.
I liked the friendship group, but loved the dynamics between Jamie and Elliott. They were failing miserably at putting on an act and I loved the more tender and introspective moments between them. I also liked the sprinkle of spice in this read too.
I’m not going to speak about the rest of the book to avoid spoiling things, but this book panned out very unexpectedly, and in a lovely way. Holland’s latest novel had me smiling, yearning, and getting emotional at times. There were so many parts that I resonated with and loved the relatability of this read.
A huge thank you @kenthollandwrites for this ARC of Backtrack which is out now! 🩵
I look forward to continuing with this series and you should check the books out now as they can also be read standalone. ☺️
💬: “You don’t have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. You only need to decide what you need to do next.”
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
A beautiful MM romance seeping with freshness and sentimentality. 🩵
It was wonderful to jump back into the Wanderlust series with the third instalment and this book was so easy to read. Holland’s writing style is engaging and at times poetic, and I love how captivated I became to this story.
With a bundle of tropes such as second chance romance, fake fiancés, and chosen family, this book packed a lot in when a group of friends journey on the Camino Pilgrimage. The introduction to this read by Holland himself added an extra layer to this book as his own personal experiences shone beautifully throughout.
I loved the dual timelines, multiple POVs and the transcendent descriptions of the pilgrimage. The exploration of religion and its interconnectedness with homosexuality was tackled very well with the different characters too.
I liked the friendship group, but loved the dynamics between Jamie and Elliott. They were failing miserably at putting on an act and I loved the more tender and introspective moments between them. I also liked the sprinkle of spice in this read too.
I’m not going to speak about the rest of the book to avoid spoiling things, but this book panned out very unexpectedly, and in a lovely way. Holland’s latest novel had me smiling, yearning, and getting emotional at times. There were so many parts that I resonated with and loved the relatability of this read.
A huge thank you @kenthollandwrites for this ARC of Backtrack which is out now! 🩵
I look forward to continuing with this series and you should check the books out now as they can also be read standalone. ☺️
💬: “You don’t have to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. You only need to decide what you need to do next.”
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
August 16, 2025
Much like everything I’ve heard about the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage I would love to take one day btw, this story was beautiful and powerful. The characters went on such an important journey of healing and self-discovery. And the author did a fantastic job telling their stories. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Elliott navigate love, friendship, and even religion.
July 24, 2025
Today, I want to talk to you about Backtrack, the third book in the Wanderlust series by Kent Holland. Let me tell you—this one is my favorite of the three. In fact, I think it’s my favorite book by Kent overall, and I already know it’s going to be one of my top reads of the year.
You have no idea how deeply this story has impacted me. Switching between different character perspectives gives the narrative a sense of wholeness—you truly get to experience the emotional journeys of each protagonist. Every point of view is distinct and beautifully written. Kent has crafted such well-rounded, soulful characters that you can feel their essence on every page.
The story follows a group of characters walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. But this isn’t just a spiritual journey—it’s a search for love, self-discovery, reconciliation, and healing. While the pilgrimage has religious roots, this book transcends that. It’s about connection—friendship, love, forgiveness—and the many forms these can take.
Without giving too much away, there are moments set in a particular albergue that absolutely stole my heart. They filled me with peace, love, and a yearning to experience something just as meaningful in my own life.
One of the book’s central themes is how love can be both hidden and right in front of us. This story celebrates love in all its forms: between friends who become family, in romantic relationships, and in the shared journey of life itself. Life, like the Camino, is a pilgrimage—a path toward whatever it is we believe in. Whether that’s a god, the universe, or the quiet, constant force of love that lives inside us all.
Books like Backtrack remind me why art matters—why literature, music, and stories give meaning to our lives. They reflect our souls. They capture both the infinite and the fleeting moments that make us human.
“That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
— Walt Whitman
Thank you, Kent, for letting me read an early digital copy of this beautiful book. Thank you for moving my soul with your words. Backtrack is your most special work yet.
As with all of his previous works, Kent will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign, and a QR code with information can be found inside the book.
Please buy this book, available on Amazon starting August 1st! You won’t regret it!
You have no idea how deeply this story has impacted me. Switching between different character perspectives gives the narrative a sense of wholeness—you truly get to experience the emotional journeys of each protagonist. Every point of view is distinct and beautifully written. Kent has crafted such well-rounded, soulful characters that you can feel their essence on every page.
The story follows a group of characters walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. But this isn’t just a spiritual journey—it’s a search for love, self-discovery, reconciliation, and healing. While the pilgrimage has religious roots, this book transcends that. It’s about connection—friendship, love, forgiveness—and the many forms these can take.
Without giving too much away, there are moments set in a particular albergue that absolutely stole my heart. They filled me with peace, love, and a yearning to experience something just as meaningful in my own life.
One of the book’s central themes is how love can be both hidden and right in front of us. This story celebrates love in all its forms: between friends who become family, in romantic relationships, and in the shared journey of life itself. Life, like the Camino, is a pilgrimage—a path toward whatever it is we believe in. Whether that’s a god, the universe, or the quiet, constant force of love that lives inside us all.
Books like Backtrack remind me why art matters—why literature, music, and stories give meaning to our lives. They reflect our souls. They capture both the infinite and the fleeting moments that make us human.
“That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
— Walt Whitman
Thank you, Kent, for letting me read an early digital copy of this beautiful book. Thank you for moving my soul with your words. Backtrack is your most special work yet.
As with all of his previous works, Kent will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign, and a QR code with information can be found inside the book.
Please buy this book, available on Amazon starting August 1st! You won’t regret it!
August 2, 2025
*Thank you in advance to Kent for an e-ARC of Backtrack and a chance to explore his beautiful writing style!*
First and foremost, I had a WONDERFUL time reading “Backtrack,” the third book in Kent’s Wanderlust series. This was honestly my first encounter with Kent’s writing, and let me tell you, I am certainly hooked and going to be checking out the other stories he has written thus far and what he writes in the near future. He has automatically become an author and a Bookstagram friend that I will always read and check out!
I have to stress that you should absolutely read the stellar Introduction that Kent writes prior to the book’s beginning. The whole premise of walking the Camino is inspired by his personal trek on these trails in Spain, and the Introduction gave me so much insight and emotions that would personally guide me along my own “pilgrimage” in reading this story. There’s so much to say about this Introduction, and for that, PLEASE read it before you read the novel.
The story itself follows Elliot Proctor and Jamie Henry who, up until recently, were engaged to be married. Jamie breaks it off, leaving both himself and Elliot in a spiral. And to complicate matters worse, both men and their friends are about to walk the Camino, and embark on a vacation that is DEFINITELY more than what they asked for. I cannot and will not give any further details about the story because you just have to experience this all on your own.
What I really appreciated from this story was how it made me feel. Few novels evoke and extract strong emotions out of me, but this one did. I laughed, I cried, I celebrated, and I mourned the various trials and tribulations of friendships and relationships, the literal journey to self-discovery, and the management of sustained trauma. The Camino as a premise and as a setting is truthfully perfect because it is what you as the reader go through during your reading. I found myself really considering the lessons and introspection that the characters in the story pondered about themselves. I appreciated their honesty and the visceral ramifications of the “best laid plains” that totally don’t go the way you think they will, but ultimately manifest into something greater. I really needed that as a person and loved the way this was carried out in the novel.
Altogether, PLEASE read this one by Kent and check out the rest of his beautiful writing. I know I will be!
First and foremost, I had a WONDERFUL time reading “Backtrack,” the third book in Kent’s Wanderlust series. This was honestly my first encounter with Kent’s writing, and let me tell you, I am certainly hooked and going to be checking out the other stories he has written thus far and what he writes in the near future. He has automatically become an author and a Bookstagram friend that I will always read and check out!
I have to stress that you should absolutely read the stellar Introduction that Kent writes prior to the book’s beginning. The whole premise of walking the Camino is inspired by his personal trek on these trails in Spain, and the Introduction gave me so much insight and emotions that would personally guide me along my own “pilgrimage” in reading this story. There’s so much to say about this Introduction, and for that, PLEASE read it before you read the novel.
The story itself follows Elliot Proctor and Jamie Henry who, up until recently, were engaged to be married. Jamie breaks it off, leaving both himself and Elliot in a spiral. And to complicate matters worse, both men and their friends are about to walk the Camino, and embark on a vacation that is DEFINITELY more than what they asked for. I cannot and will not give any further details about the story because you just have to experience this all on your own.
What I really appreciated from this story was how it made me feel. Few novels evoke and extract strong emotions out of me, but this one did. I laughed, I cried, I celebrated, and I mourned the various trials and tribulations of friendships and relationships, the literal journey to self-discovery, and the management of sustained trauma. The Camino as a premise and as a setting is truthfully perfect because it is what you as the reader go through during your reading. I found myself really considering the lessons and introspection that the characters in the story pondered about themselves. I appreciated their honesty and the visceral ramifications of the “best laid plains” that totally don’t go the way you think they will, but ultimately manifest into something greater. I really needed that as a person and loved the way this was carried out in the novel.
Altogether, PLEASE read this one by Kent and check out the rest of his beautiful writing. I know I will be!
August 3, 2025
This is my favourite Kent Holland book so far and a wonderful conclusion to the Wanderlust series. As with the first two instalments, Holland has built a compelling narrative with well-developed side characters and a deep contemplation of the issues the characters face both in terms of their romantic lives and beyond. At the most basic level Backtrack is the story of a group of former college friends who reunite to hike a section of the Camino de Santiago. Elliot and Jamie, however, are hiding their months-old breakup from their friends and as the walk progresses, it becomes apparent that each member of their chosen family have also been concealing struggles of their own.
In many ways, this book is exactly what a reader would expect – a sweet and empowering romance about queer love, joy, and community, and found family – but what I particularly loved about it was all the ways it was also deeply unexpected. Without giving anything away, I think the author made some bold choices that perhaps not everyone will love but I adored. I think Holland brings such an authenticity and queer sensibility to his books that I really appreciate. It is clear from each of the introductions to the books in this series, this is a something the author is committed to doing through drawing on his lived experience and his desire to tell stories likes his.
The book is multiple POV and contains flashbacks which accompany the walkers’ journey. Through this structure, Holland is able to explore a multitude of big questions that will resonate with many readers, especially members of the queer community. These include meditations on sexual identity, shame, insecurity, religious trauma, the importance of community, coming out, the impacts of heteronormativity, and the underfunded education system. Like many of us, Holland’s characters struggle to find a meaningful way to survive in institutions and systems that don’t seem to be working for anyone.
This is a really special trilogy. I don’t often re-read, but I know I will with the three Wanderlust books because alongside the romance are the thought-provoking themes that mean I will discover new layers with each engagement. While I am sad to be saying goodbye to the series, I am excited to see what Holland publishes next.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
In many ways, this book is exactly what a reader would expect – a sweet and empowering romance about queer love, joy, and community, and found family – but what I particularly loved about it was all the ways it was also deeply unexpected. Without giving anything away, I think the author made some bold choices that perhaps not everyone will love but I adored. I think Holland brings such an authenticity and queer sensibility to his books that I really appreciate. It is clear from each of the introductions to the books in this series, this is a something the author is committed to doing through drawing on his lived experience and his desire to tell stories likes his.
The book is multiple POV and contains flashbacks which accompany the walkers’ journey. Through this structure, Holland is able to explore a multitude of big questions that will resonate with many readers, especially members of the queer community. These include meditations on sexual identity, shame, insecurity, religious trauma, the importance of community, coming out, the impacts of heteronormativity, and the underfunded education system. Like many of us, Holland’s characters struggle to find a meaningful way to survive in institutions and systems that don’t seem to be working for anyone.
This is a really special trilogy. I don’t often re-read, but I know I will with the three Wanderlust books because alongside the romance are the thought-provoking themes that mean I will discover new layers with each engagement. While I am sad to be saying goodbye to the series, I am excited to see what Holland publishes next.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 21, 2025
Massive thanks to author Kent Holland for sharing this ARC with me! This review reflects my honest reading experience and feelings.
Backtrack is a MM romance novel following Elliot and Jamie—who were once engaged!—and their group of friends as they embark on a backpacking pilgrimage. I teared up just reading the introduction, and I knew then that this was going to be an incredible journey.
This book filled me with so many emotions—from giggling at the banter and internal monologue to tears streaming down my face. Not being able to guess where the story was headed kept me devouring it, and I finished it in less than 48 hours.
As a heterosexual woman who enjoys reading MM romance, I try to prioritize stories by queer authors out of respect for their authentic journeys. Kent is a beautiful writer, and I resonated with this story in many ways—especially in how it navigates themes of religion and the universal longing for love. Through multiple POVs and flashbacks, each character’s development is rich and intimate, making you feel like you truly know them. I found myself deeply attached to them, which made the experience all the more emotional.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the banter and internal monologue—genuinely funny moments that had me giggling out loud, something that’s not easy to pull off in writing. Kent managed it effortlessly.
Backtrack was absolutely beautiful, and I found myself missing it the moment I finished it. I’m looking forward to reading more of Kent’s work and sincerely hope he continues this series. He truly has a gift.
Backtrack is a MM romance novel following Elliot and Jamie—who were once engaged!—and their group of friends as they embark on a backpacking pilgrimage. I teared up just reading the introduction, and I knew then that this was going to be an incredible journey.
This book filled me with so many emotions—from giggling at the banter and internal monologue to tears streaming down my face. Not being able to guess where the story was headed kept me devouring it, and I finished it in less than 48 hours.
As a heterosexual woman who enjoys reading MM romance, I try to prioritize stories by queer authors out of respect for their authentic journeys. Kent is a beautiful writer, and I resonated with this story in many ways—especially in how it navigates themes of religion and the universal longing for love. Through multiple POVs and flashbacks, each character’s development is rich and intimate, making you feel like you truly know them. I found myself deeply attached to them, which made the experience all the more emotional.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the banter and internal monologue—genuinely funny moments that had me giggling out loud, something that’s not easy to pull off in writing. Kent managed it effortlessly.
Backtrack was absolutely beautiful, and I found myself missing it the moment I finished it. I’m looking forward to reading more of Kent’s work and sincerely hope he continues this series. He truly has a gift.
August 28, 2025
This book… @kenthollandwrites gave me precisely what I didn’t think I needed. When I first heard Backtrack (Book 3 of the Wanderlust series) was going to be released, I decided to go back and read Honey, Moon (Book 1) and Up for Air (Book 2). Both books are sweet, powerful stories about a love that grows in the most unexpected places. When I began to read Backtrack, I believed I was journeying the same road of love triumphing against odds. What resulted was a tapestry of a love that grew beyond—a love that heals. Through his prose, Kent Holland reminded me that even as an adult in my 30s, I should continue to grow, evolve, and challenge my belief of what type of love I deserve—unconditional, healing, and one that doesn't keep a tally of my mistakes. I cannot wait to read the fourth and final novella in the Wanderlust series—Foreign Tongue. ☺️
August 1, 2025
A tender, multi-layered love story set against the winding path of the Caminho Portoguês. Like the trail itself, the journey in Backtrack takes unexpected turns, leading exactly where it needs to go. Holland writes with the ease and confidence of someone born to tell stories. I don’t read much romance, but I stayed up for hours, completely hooked. Now I can't wait to read everything Holland has written. Exploring themes of found family, religious trauma, and the resilience of the queer community, this book made my heart flutter just as much as it made me hard as a rock. One of my favorite reads this year.
January 22, 2026
These books are a breath of fresh air in the romance genre.
Authentic, wonderful, well-researched, heartbreaking and healing.
Authentic, wonderful, well-researched, heartbreaking and healing.
July 30, 2025
This book did NOT go the way I was expecting, but bear with me—I still ended up really liking it. First off, I actually loved the format it was written in. We get snippets from the past throughout the story, and maybe it’s just me, but I thought it was so nice seeing how both the romantic and platonic relationships developed when everyone was first getting to know each other. It played a key role in how they all interact during the present-day events. Secondly, I love a good sense of found family, and this book definitely delivers on that. I truly felt the love the characters had for one another—literally through thick and thin. And lastly, yes this was a second chance romance but I thought it was really nice how Kent focused on the growth of each individual character.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews