Adventure-loving Hannah can’t wait to train as an expedition instructor. There’s only one cloud on the horizon. One of the course leaders is the mysterious man she kissed at her friend’s wedding, and he doesn’t seem pleased to see her.
Luke’s life is in the wild but, after a rare return to civilization, memories of a beautiful stranger leave him thrown and distracted. He’s never allowed his emotions to get in the way of his work, but Hannah knows just how to get under his skin.
Facing the challenges of the wilderness, Hannah and Luke confront the parts of themselves they keep hidden, bringing them closer. But returning to the real world will put them to the test. Will their fierce independence tear them apart, or will they take a leap of faith together.
Hey! I’m Laura Elise. I’m an indie author from South East England, where I live with my husband and son in a cute little village. I was the kid in the corner with a book for a lot of my childhood. Reading has always been an obsession of mine and so has writing! I love to travel and I incorporate cities, beaches and rural landscapes into my writing. I’m also a massive history geek so watch out for various historical details in my books. I’ve got a very wild taste in music and I create a playlist for every mood and each one of my books!
If I’m not reading or writing I’ll either be on the beach, having a swim in the sea, or on my sofa, doing something creative like embroidery or jewellery making.
Laura Elise Bishop delivers a heartwarming and sweet addition to the Wilder Hearts series that highlights how easily an unexpected connection can change your entire path. It is a lovely, comforting read that relies on genuine emotional growth and a gentle, cozy atmosphere to keep you turning the pages.
the story follows Hannah, an adventure enthusiast who is thrilled to begin her training as an expedition instructor, though her excitement hits a roadblock when she discovers one of her course leaders is Luke, the enigmatic stranger she shared an unforgettable kiss with at a wedding. Luke thrives in isolation and relies on his fierce independence, but Hannah completely disrupts his focus, challanging the strict boundaries he has always maintained for his work. As the group deepens their journey into the wild, the harsh elements force Hannah and Luke to drop their guards and share their deepest vulnerabilities, leaving them to wonder if their connection can survive a return to the pressures of civilization.
What I Loved - The Comforting Atmosphere: The overall tone of the book is incredibly sweet and gentle, making it the perfect low-angst escape for a quiet afternoon. - The Central Romance: The bond between Hannah and Luke develops with a very soft, endearing dynamic that feels genuinely affectionate and sincere. - Tasteful Closed-Door Spice: The romantic tension is handled with a wonderful sense of intimacy while keeping the physical encounters strictly closed-door, which perfectly matched the cozy vibe of the narrative.
Things for Consideration - Brief Wilderness Expedition: The actual outdoor journey felt surprisingly short, and I found myself wishing the characters had spent a bit more time navigating the challenges of the wild together. - Underwelming Side Characters: While the supporting cast members are perfect friendly and kind, they do not leave a very lasting impression and could have used a bit more depth to truly stand out.
Final Verdict and Recommendations I give this book a solid 4 stars. It is a wonderful choice for contemporary romance fans who are looking for sweet, low-stakes story with a beautiful "grumpy x sunshine" dynamic and a comforting, closed-door romance.
Disclosure I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I received a review copy and these are my thoughts:
Another endearing romance by Laura-Elise! I liked how unique this story was. I’m not much of an explorer or hiker myself, but it was really interesting to read about people with so much wanderlust and also, to learn about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and what it takes to become a certified expedition leader.
The story is well paced and felt like a hike in itself: at times faster and then slower, especially when the MCs were getting “too comfy”. The last leg was just brilliant (the pace really picked up!) and got me excited for Hannah and Luke to find their HEA.
Even though this was a fade-to-black, you really felt the pull and tension between Hannah and Luke. They made a sweet couple and though they both had issues and insecurities to work through, together they were stronger. They also shared a deep connection through their shared loved of travelling and both loved their friends and families deeply.
I love the found family and the way her characters portray healthy friendships. And it’s always a pleasure to see characters from the other books make an appearance!
As always, Laura-Elise takes her readers to beautiful locations and this time, she takes us to Snowdonia (Wales), Alhambra (Spain) and to New Deli (India).
What I love most about Laura Elise Bishop’s books are the way they transport me to gorgeous locations. In her Wilder Hearts series I have been immersed in the beautiful Kent countryside, the wild coasts of Cornwall, the stunning Swiss Alps, and in this book I travelled to Snowdonia, Spain and India.
Laura has written such vivid, detailed descriptions that I felt I was walking beside Hannah and Luke on their adventures. I adored both characters; there’s so much to love about them - Hannah’s gentle, yet adventurous spirit; Luke’s single-minded determination and passion.
Both are forced to step out of their comfort zones as they explore new places and a new relationship together. Overcoming personal obstacles is also a big theme in the story and it was so heartening to see them bring out the best in each other while also challenging themselves.
A wonderful sweet romance for those who love travel diaries.
I really loved this story! Hannah and Luke were such good characters! I thought the beginning of the book had such a great start, and that’s where I really got hooked! The writing was so good! I was such a Hannah fan (she's the main female character)! I found her relatable and I loved her! Overall, this book had some of the best writing I have read in a long time!
I was a beta/arc reader and all thoughts are my own :)
What a great book. I really enjoyed the story and I've never read anything like it before. I think I actually would love to be an expedition leader! What an amazing way to see the world and help others see the world too!
Luke and Hannah are the perfect couple who work on fears and anxiety to be the best version of themselves and I love how they grow together.
I'd definitely recommend giving this a read.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Expedition to Love is a closed door, insta attraction story of two individuals burned by love. In this quick, easy read, Luke and Hannah meet, briefly, at a wedding and just can't get the other out of their minds, as they go about their lives. They meet again and the attraction hasn't dulled. What follows is a sweet story about finding your match, that person who wants to put you first, supports your interests, and encourages you to grow.