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The Rally: A Novel
A young tech entrepreneur—ousted from her start-up and reeling—escapes to Europe for a glamorous car rally, where she must contend with the excesses of the über-rich, betrayal, and love. Perfect for fans of
The Wedding People
and
The White Lotus
. Charlotte "Charlie" Walker has spent the last four years building the dating app Flutter. Despite her own lack of dating experience (!), Flutter is instantly successful. Perhaps too successful. After rejecting the romantic advances of her cofounder, Charlie finds herself unceremoniously ousted. Dispirited, she impulsively joins her BFF on the Rally—an extravagant European road trip featuring luxury cars, lavish parties, and breathtaking destinations. Although she feels out of place, Charlie embraces her new freedom, indulging in the Rally’s hedonism. But just as she begins to regain her footing, Charlie realizes she can’t outdrive her Instead she must reckon with the fallout from her ouster, her company’s buried secrets, and an unexpected attraction that complicates everything.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
The Rally by Carla Vass
Publication date 29th September 2026
Thoughts | 3.5 ⭐️
I'm conflicted on how to rate this one; when the author kindly reached out to me about this book she told me that she had read The Wedding People review and thought I might like this one; which I did but it just didn't have the same affect on me, I didn't resonate with the the characters the way I had thought I would going into this.
I enjoyed the glamorous feel this plot had to it, rich people partying booze ect kinda reminded me of The White Lotus series, having recently started it and finishing season one it was nice to be back into that atmosphere. However the part that had me invested in the most was the emails and figuring out who had sent them.
If you're ever in the mood for a read that makes you feel like your on holiday while reading then I definitely recommend this book.
I would like to read more from this author in the future.
Plot Summary
Charlie; a successful entrepreneur who is unexpectedly pushed out of the dating app she helped create. Lost and heartbroken, she travels to Europe to join her best friend on a glamorous road trip called the Rally. There, she enjoys a new sense of freedom and begins a romance with James, but another betrayal forces her to face her past. Charlie must learn to trust again and figure out what she truly wants for her future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
The Rally by Carla Vass
Publication date 29th September 2026
Thoughts | 3.5 ⭐️
I'm conflicted on how to rate this one; when the author kindly reached out to me about this book she told me that she had read The Wedding People review and thought I might like this one; which I did but it just didn't have the same affect on me, I didn't resonate with the the characters the way I had thought I would going into this.
I enjoyed the glamorous feel this plot had to it, rich people partying booze ect kinda reminded me of The White Lotus series, having recently started it and finishing season one it was nice to be back into that atmosphere. However the part that had me invested in the most was the emails and figuring out who had sent them.
If you're ever in the mood for a read that makes you feel like your on holiday while reading then I definitely recommend this book.
I would like to read more from this author in the future.
Plot Summary
Charlie; a successful entrepreneur who is unexpectedly pushed out of the dating app she helped create. Lost and heartbroken, she travels to Europe to join her best friend on a glamorous road trip called the Rally. There, she enjoys a new sense of freedom and begins a romance with James, but another betrayal forces her to face her past. Charlie must learn to trust again and figure out what she truly wants for her future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
October 6, 2026
3.25 stars ★
arc review
first off, i'd like to extend my gratitude to the author for contacting me with the opportunity to read this book early! also, huge thanks to netgalley for providing the arc. this story follows charlie as she navigates life as a female entrepreneur. after charlie's company presents her with an ultimatum, leave, or be forced to out, she joins her best friend at the rally, an exciting road trip with wealth and drama. the rally explores the challenges faced by women in society, while still being a romantic and witty read.
to start off, i'm a lover of all things car-related, so this book automatically seemed like a good fit. however, as i got deeper into the story, i found that i just didn't connect to many of the characters. the relationship that i struggled with the most was charlie and her best friend, lina. the two of them started off great, i loved them and the interaction between the two, but as the rally started, there was a shift that made me a bit uncomfortable. there was one scene in particular that stood out to me- one of the old rich men makes a crude comment and touches lina, which i think could be 'expected' from him, no matter how gross. to add onto this, the man that lina was seeing then walks into the room and adds onto the joke. then, the whole scene is kind of just dismissed, perhaps being played off as 'playful' but i was a little hung up on it. plus, i feel like in these types of environments, it's important for women to have each other's backs, and i just didn't see that even though they were best friends.
the rest of the book however, was a lot better. i loved seeing charlie's growth and how she really grew into her character as the story progressed. and of course, it didn't hurt when that one annoying character was put in their place. if you know, you know. james was also a wonderful character. although he had his flaws, i appreciated his steady presence and his overall hotness.
plus, on top of all of this, there was the drama! i haven't watched the white lotus, but the dynamic is said to be similar to that in the show. in which case, it's definitely going on my watchlist, because damn! i think my favorite part of this book was trying to figure out the dynamics between all of the characters. although they all have their own character and attitude, they all share one thing, which is wealth. and boyyy, the tension. i was just about ready to get out the popcorn.
once again, i'd like to thank the author and netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc- all thoughts are my own! <3
arc review
first off, i'd like to extend my gratitude to the author for contacting me with the opportunity to read this book early! also, huge thanks to netgalley for providing the arc. this story follows charlie as she navigates life as a female entrepreneur. after charlie's company presents her with an ultimatum, leave, or be forced to out, she joins her best friend at the rally, an exciting road trip with wealth and drama. the rally explores the challenges faced by women in society, while still being a romantic and witty read.
to start off, i'm a lover of all things car-related, so this book automatically seemed like a good fit. however, as i got deeper into the story, i found that i just didn't connect to many of the characters. the relationship that i struggled with the most was charlie and her best friend, lina. the two of them started off great, i loved them and the interaction between the two, but as the rally started, there was a shift that made me a bit uncomfortable. there was one scene in particular that stood out to me- one of the old rich men makes a crude comment and touches lina, which i think could be 'expected' from him, no matter how gross. to add onto this, the man that lina was seeing then walks into the room and adds onto the joke. then, the whole scene is kind of just dismissed, perhaps being played off as 'playful' but i was a little hung up on it. plus, i feel like in these types of environments, it's important for women to have each other's backs, and i just didn't see that even though they were best friends.
the rest of the book however, was a lot better. i loved seeing charlie's growth and how she really grew into her character as the story progressed. and of course, it didn't hurt when that one annoying character was put in their place. if you know, you know. james was also a wonderful character. although he had his flaws, i appreciated his steady presence and his overall hotness.
plus, on top of all of this, there was the drama! i haven't watched the white lotus, but the dynamic is said to be similar to that in the show. in which case, it's definitely going on my watchlist, because damn! i think my favorite part of this book was trying to figure out the dynamics between all of the characters. although they all have their own character and attitude, they all share one thing, which is wealth. and boyyy, the tension. i was just about ready to get out the popcorn.
once again, i'd like to thank the author and netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc- all thoughts are my own! <3
September 29, 2026
I enjoyed this debut novel about a young woman, Charlie, who, after being ruthlessly ousted from the successful dating app company she co-founded, goes on a trip to Europe with her best friend to escape reality. They join The Rally, a hedonistic vintage car driving tour through Europe by the very wealthy.
It was fascinating to see the entitlement and excess of the world’s wealthiest 1% and the apparent ease with which they go through life (though underneath, no-one’s happy).
As well as a literal car journey, this story is about Charlie’s self-discovery and growth. The author weaves in themes of being a woman in a man’s world, trying to make oneself smaller and staying silent to fit in, and dealing with betrayal. I enjoyed seeing Charlie grow and loved the central theme of figuring out who you are and what really matters. I was also very impressed with how realistically the author depicted Charlie’s panic attacks.
The author did a great job with the setting with the descriptions of classic cars, the European scenery, and the luxurious mansions. The writing was easy to read, the story flowed at a good pace, and there was some romance. The ending wrapped up well but perhaps a bit too neatly.
An entertaining, likable read - an escapist read with heart!
Thanks to the author for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
It was fascinating to see the entitlement and excess of the world’s wealthiest 1% and the apparent ease with which they go through life (though underneath, no-one’s happy).
As well as a literal car journey, this story is about Charlie’s self-discovery and growth. The author weaves in themes of being a woman in a man’s world, trying to make oneself smaller and staying silent to fit in, and dealing with betrayal. I enjoyed seeing Charlie grow and loved the central theme of figuring out who you are and what really matters. I was also very impressed with how realistically the author depicted Charlie’s panic attacks.
The author did a great job with the setting with the descriptions of classic cars, the European scenery, and the luxurious mansions. The writing was easy to read, the story flowed at a good pace, and there was some romance. The ending wrapped up well but perhaps a bit too neatly.
An entertaining, likable read - an escapist read with heart!
Thanks to the author for the complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
June 13, 2026DNF 45%
I’m sorry I felt like this had so much potential. and it does like don’t get me wrong but maybe I’m just not in the right frame but I think it was kind of hard for me to follow because there was so many characters introduced because it’s very much like the White Lotus. But I didn’t know at a point who is who and I think that atmospheric ideas to just weren’t working for me in terms of playing out and I was just getting a bit lost and kind of I wasn’t intrigued anymore. However, I was intrigued with the emails that she was receiving and I wanted to know then what ended up happening with her and James so I’m a bit conflicted but right now I’m just going to stop reading because it’s not helping.
I’m sorry I felt like this had so much potential. and it does like don’t get me wrong but maybe I’m just not in the right frame but I think it was kind of hard for me to follow because there was so many characters introduced because it’s very much like the White Lotus. But I didn’t know at a point who is who and I think that atmospheric ideas to just weren’t working for me in terms of playing out and I was just getting a bit lost and kind of I wasn’t intrigued anymore. However, I was intrigued with the emails that she was receiving and I wanted to know then what ended up happening with her and James so I’m a bit conflicted but right now I’m just going to stop reading because it’s not helping.
October 4, 2026
I had so much fun reading this! I definitely wouldn’t mind being obscenely wealthy for a few weeks and getting to live a life like the characters in this book did! (I could do without the copious amounts of alcohol, but sign me up for the other stuff.)
Charlotte and her best friend Shane designed a dating app while in college. This app, called Flutter, became an overnight success, and suddenly Charlotte became one of the new stars of the tech world. But when the inevitable backlash toward a successful young woman became too much, she got sacrificed.
Much to her surprise, she gets ousted from the company and is being forced into signing an NDA and a non-compete agreement. While she will make a healthy amount of money, she won’t ever be able to design anything in the tech space ever again.
Feeling sabotaged, and with nothing to fill her time, Charlotte decides to join her best friend on the Rally. It’s an annual European road trip where the participants drive fancy classic cars. There’s plenty of exclusive parties, fancy food, gorgeous accommodations, and beautiful destinations. They’ll travel from Slovenia to Italy, Monaco, and France.
Charlotte tries to lose herself in the excitement of the Rally. It’s not long before the alcohol flows abundantly and a flirtation with one of the participants ignites. But try as she might, she can’t shake her grief and anger about being pushed out of her company. She wonders whether walking away is best for her future, or if she should try and fight.
I love rich people behaving badly, but rich people driving fancy cars to storybook locations? This was a really enjoyable book but it wasn’t all fun and games. There was definitely some social commentary about the double standards that exist in the business world. Definitely a terrific debut!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
Charlotte and her best friend Shane designed a dating app while in college. This app, called Flutter, became an overnight success, and suddenly Charlotte became one of the new stars of the tech world. But when the inevitable backlash toward a successful young woman became too much, she got sacrificed.
Much to her surprise, she gets ousted from the company and is being forced into signing an NDA and a non-compete agreement. While she will make a healthy amount of money, she won’t ever be able to design anything in the tech space ever again.
Feeling sabotaged, and with nothing to fill her time, Charlotte decides to join her best friend on the Rally. It’s an annual European road trip where the participants drive fancy classic cars. There’s plenty of exclusive parties, fancy food, gorgeous accommodations, and beautiful destinations. They’ll travel from Slovenia to Italy, Monaco, and France.
Charlotte tries to lose herself in the excitement of the Rally. It’s not long before the alcohol flows abundantly and a flirtation with one of the participants ignites. But try as she might, she can’t shake her grief and anger about being pushed out of her company. She wonders whether walking away is best for her future, or if she should try and fight.
I love rich people behaving badly, but rich people driving fancy cars to storybook locations? This was a really enjoyable book but it wasn’t all fun and games. There was definitely some social commentary about the double standards that exist in the business world. Definitely a terrific debut!
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.
October 22, 2026
If you like reading about the ridiculous shenanigans of the uber rich, this book is for you. You've got a motley crew of rich folks (both generational and nouveau riche) sprinkled in with the tech world and they drive through Europe (including Croatia which is a sign that I need to go) and "rally" to party non-stop for two weeks. It was both outlandish and fun, showing the pursuit and pointlessness of being rich. I would have given it four stars but homegirl made some dumb choices that I didn't like.
September 29, 2026
The Rally was a surprise besides an extravagant European road trip romance we got something with a lot more heart and substance under all the champagne, classic cars, parties, and chaos.
Charlie is a professional overachiever who has spent the last four years pouring basically her entire existence into Flutter, the dating app she co-founded with two classmates. And it worked. Like… REALLY worked. Except Charlie's personal dating life?😂 Nonexistent.
But then she rejects the romantic advances of one of her co-founders and suddenly finds herself ousted from the company she helped build. Hmmmm. 👀 Coincidence?
Charlie is devastated, directionless, and wondering what the hell she's supposed to do with herself now that the one thing she has built her entire identity around has been ripped away. So when her best friend offers her a spot on The Rally…..an extravagant European road trip filled with vintage cars, lavish parties, beautiful locations…Charlie says YES.
Enter James.
Charming. Handsome. Wealthy. Flirty.
Basically…Charlie, babe. We know you're in trouble. 😂
THERE'S A CATCH. Just as Charlie starts thinking maybe she's finally getting her life back on track, she discovers that James was involved in the circumstances surrounding her ousting from Flutter.😬
Charlie's journey wasn’t about getting revenge or reclaiming what she lost. It was about her realizing:
Maybe the life I built isn't the life I actually want anymore.
Because sometimes losing something even something you worked incredibly hard for can force you to finally ask whether you were chasing the right thing in the first place.
Charlie is learning to trust herself. She's learning to take up space.
She's learning that she doesn't have to make herself smaller to keep other people comfortable.
And she's learning that success doesn't have to look like what she originally imagined.
Charlie is a professional overachiever who has spent the last four years pouring basically her entire existence into Flutter, the dating app she co-founded with two classmates. And it worked. Like… REALLY worked. Except Charlie's personal dating life?😂 Nonexistent.
But then she rejects the romantic advances of one of her co-founders and suddenly finds herself ousted from the company she helped build. Hmmmm. 👀 Coincidence?
Charlie is devastated, directionless, and wondering what the hell she's supposed to do with herself now that the one thing she has built her entire identity around has been ripped away. So when her best friend offers her a spot on The Rally…..an extravagant European road trip filled with vintage cars, lavish parties, beautiful locations…Charlie says YES.
Enter James.
Charming. Handsome. Wealthy. Flirty.
Basically…Charlie, babe. We know you're in trouble. 😂
THERE'S A CATCH. Just as Charlie starts thinking maybe she's finally getting her life back on track, she discovers that James was involved in the circumstances surrounding her ousting from Flutter.😬
Charlie's journey wasn’t about getting revenge or reclaiming what she lost. It was about her realizing:
Maybe the life I built isn't the life I actually want anymore.
Because sometimes losing something even something you worked incredibly hard for can force you to finally ask whether you were chasing the right thing in the first place.
Charlie is learning to trust herself. She's learning to take up space.
She's learning that she doesn't have to make herself smaller to keep other people comfortable.
And she's learning that success doesn't have to look like what she originally imagined.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Union Square & Co for the ARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
I had FUN with this one! I went in expecting a full-on romcom, and got much more than that! Pretty cars, shenanigans, amazing food, partying, looottsss of drinking (and some drug use), and really entertaining stops at each point on the Rally!
At no point was I bored. I fell in love with Charlie (Charlotte) from the start. I love a good FemTech theme and this was no exception. Experiencing her letting go gradually as the rally went on was sweet to witness. I loved that she had her best friend Lina by her side, as well as many new, but supportive, friends who were (literally) along for the ride.
Charlie and James' slow burn really burned, but in a steady and enjoyable way. I loved every second of it!
I hope you have as much fun as I did getting to know all the characters on the trip. Some of them truly are characters, pun intended. The Rally has a good amount of depth and really balances fun/reckless moments with heart.
I had FUN with this one! I went in expecting a full-on romcom, and got much more than that! Pretty cars, shenanigans, amazing food, partying, looottsss of drinking (and some drug use), and really entertaining stops at each point on the Rally!
At no point was I bored. I fell in love with Charlie (Charlotte) from the start. I love a good FemTech theme and this was no exception. Experiencing her letting go gradually as the rally went on was sweet to witness. I loved that she had her best friend Lina by her side, as well as many new, but supportive, friends who were (literally) along for the ride.
Charlie and James' slow burn really burned, but in a steady and enjoyable way. I loved every second of it!
I hope you have as much fun as I did getting to know all the characters on the trip. Some of them truly are characters, pun intended. The Rally has a good amount of depth and really balances fun/reckless moments with heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
🌟ARC Review🌟
Thanks to Netgalley, the Carla Vass, Union Square Publishing for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
🚘 Work Place Betrayal, Slow-Burn Romance, Luxury Vacation, Forced Proximity
Summary
Charlie spends four years building Flutter, a wildly successful dating app she founded in college. She is pushed out of the company she helped create.
Reeling from the loss of her startup and unsure of what comes next, Charlie heads to Europe to join her best friend on “the Rally”—a lavish road trip filled with classic cars, extravagant parties, and wealthy travelers.
Thoughts
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I mean who wouldn't want to go on an expensive crazy trip after your life gets turned upside down?
Charlie has some emotional things to deal with especially the betrayal and panic attacks. On this trip, there's beautiful people, booze, drugs, cars, and a little romance. Throughout this vacation, Charlie gets stronger and brave. She figures out what she wants to do and stands her ground. I really enjoyed this book from the beginning to end. This book is like diving into your favorite secret stash of expensive comfort treats.
🌶🌶🌶
🌟ARC Review🌟
Thanks to Netgalley, the Carla Vass, Union Square Publishing for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
🚘 Work Place Betrayal, Slow-Burn Romance, Luxury Vacation, Forced Proximity
Summary
Charlie spends four years building Flutter, a wildly successful dating app she founded in college. She is pushed out of the company she helped create.
Reeling from the loss of her startup and unsure of what comes next, Charlie heads to Europe to join her best friend on “the Rally”—a lavish road trip filled with classic cars, extravagant parties, and wealthy travelers.
Thoughts
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I mean who wouldn't want to go on an expensive crazy trip after your life gets turned upside down?
Charlie has some emotional things to deal with especially the betrayal and panic attacks. On this trip, there's beautiful people, booze, drugs, cars, and a little romance. Throughout this vacation, Charlie gets stronger and brave. She figures out what she wants to do and stands her ground. I really enjoyed this book from the beginning to end. This book is like diving into your favorite secret stash of expensive comfort treats.
October 19, 2026
This was such a fun read! It was giving Rat Race/modern Great Gatsby vibes with a heavier underlying plot that really balanced out the story for me!
Along with the frills and thrills(and drugs and alcohol😅) of The Rally, Charlie was going through a major life change being ousted from the company she created and co-founded. The amount of anxiety I felt for her while she was being forcibly removed from all her hard work was insane. So what better way to try and take your mind off of it than join a rally across Europe with your best friend!
At first, I started getting confused with all the rally participants because they were all such eccentric people! But as Charlie drove with each one and learned more about them, I think it helped her ultimately make her decision in the end!
Thank you to Union Square and Carla Vass for sending me this eARC 💕 All thoughts and opinions are my own🫶🏻
November 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this debut by Carla Vass! It was such a fun, easy read, and I found myself enjoying the story as it unfolded.
There were a few things I particularly loved, including the slow-burn romance. And when I say slow burn, I mean verrrry slow burn. The MMC, Charlie, jets off to Europe to join her best friend and the 1% on a road trip, where she begins to let go, let loose, and question everything she's done up until this point in her life.
I did find the ending a little rushed, and I would have loved a bit more time to see everything come together, but overall, it wrapped up nicely. A fun debut that I really enjoyed!
"Books were my first escape hatch, the thing that made life fell bigger and brighter when everything else went dark."
There were a few things I particularly loved, including the slow-burn romance. And when I say slow burn, I mean verrrry slow burn. The MMC, Charlie, jets off to Europe to join her best friend and the 1% on a road trip, where she begins to let go, let loose, and question everything she's done up until this point in her life.
I did find the ending a little rushed, and I would have loved a bit more time to see everything come together, but overall, it wrapped up nicely. A fun debut that I really enjoyed!
"Books were my first escape hatch, the thing that made life fell bigger and brighter when everything else went dark."
October 27, 2026
The Rally is a joyride start to finish. I didn’t want it to end! With the fever-dream luxury of White Lotus and the backroom dealing of The Social Network, this book is smart and fun and irresistibly sexy. Slipped in among the hedonism and debauchery are sharp insights into the precarious position that women find themselves in at the highest levels—whether that’s the jet-setter A-list or the dollar-signs bonanza of tech and startup culture. Carla Vass is an expert plotter; the juicy and romantic moments you’re turning the page for build subtly into a sharp reflection of the world we’re living in, and who gets to profit from it.
October 14, 2026
There was so much to love about this book - Charlie’s personal growth and recognition of her worth, the setting and food, the quirky characters AND a romance! My favorite part, as a fellow woman in tech, was seeing how she tackled misogyny head on and fought back.
This book gave me the euro summer of my dreams without having to leave my couch. And for that, my wallet is very appreciative.
This book was so fun and I’m going to predict this might be THE beach read of summer 2027!
This book gave me the euro summer of my dreams without having to leave my couch. And for that, my wallet is very appreciative.
This book was so fun and I’m going to predict this might be THE beach read of summer 2027!
October 16, 2026
"What you do isn't who you are."
🚘🏎🛣🇫🇷🇲🇨
-Libby 🎧
🚘🏎🛣🇫🇷🇲🇨
-Libby 🎧
October 4, 2026
I finished in one day which good sign
The ending felt rushed
I cant wait for GR to have .25 and .5 stars soo
3.75
The ending felt rushed
I cant wait for GR to have .25 and .5 stars soo
3.75
October 11, 2026
The book is a mess. The protagonist is supposed to be a business savvy co-founder yet spends the entire book flailing around, relying on a man, being non communicative. Author uses the same tired lines over and over. What is supposed to be a strong female friendship is nothing more than two woman who do not like each other. Entire book is main character needing a man to save her. There’s a ton of side characters of which names you can’t keep track of and they come in and out of the narrative without rhyme or reason. It falls flat from start to end. Additionally a lot of the reviews listed appear to be AI generated and pushed via the publishing house to promote the book. I’d be careful when selecting which reviews to read.
September 18, 2026
Perfect end of summer read. THANK YOU MOLLY!!!!!!! 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
August 4, 2026
I want to gather all my friends and join the Rally. Glamorous people, tons of booze, not a care in the world. Well, unless you count Charlie’s career nosedive. Honestly, I could’ve done without all the startup investment speak. And she does present a really weak woman who although started her own company, got sexually harassed out of it and seems to suffer a panic attack at every turn (unrelated to the copious amounts of alcohol and drugs imbibed on the trip). If you remove these elements, sign me up for the next Rally!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
cross-posted to my review blog
3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for giving me a free ARC of this book to read.
I tend to be particularly fond of narratives that are the complete and total opposite of my own life because they allow me to turn the escapism up to 100. That’s a major reason why I enjoyed the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in a way that I haven’t enjoyed any other movie in a long time. The other reason is, well, Benicio Del Toro.
In a related vein, The Rally by Carla Vass introduces us to a bunch of wealthy people who take a two-week road trip through Europe, drinking, fucking, and drugging their way through several countries. The absurdity of their behavior is what makes it so entertaining.
The book focuses on Charlotte, co-founder of a startup dating app who gets pushed out of her own company by the men in charge. They give her a pretty bad deal: Take the payout, sign the NDA, and never work in tech again, or walk away with nothing and risk being sued if she ever speaks out. What do you do in that situation? The answer is “something impulsive.” She joins her friend Lina on the Rally, which consists of a bunch of wildly rich business owners, models, and celebrities taking Europe by storm in their favorite classic cars—no vehicle under 40 years old permitted.
Throughout the journey, Charlotte keeps receiving cryptic emails threatening her to take the deal, preventing her from fully leaving her woes behind in the States. Alongside dealing with that, she starts cozying up to one of the Rally-goers, James, who is a workaholic like her, while navigating the ever-shifting interpersonal dynamics of the other characters.
While I appreciate the mesmerizing quality of this book that makes it feel like a never-ending vacation, including the scenery and food descriptions, there are other things that aren’t so fun.
How do I say this? Charlotte became annoying the further I got. I was about to add that she acts like she’s hardly been around a man before, but the book summary literally says she’s never had a boyfriend, so. To her credit, she does acknowledge this.
Her behavior is off-kilter. One minute she’s super confident and sunning topless on a yacht like the other women, and the next minute—depending on whichever man is present—she turns into a shy and lost wilting flower. That is her entire problem and the crux of her character arc; men completely influence her life and her choices, regardless of whether they’re doing it on purpose.
Maybe I don’t have enough grace for Charlotte. She’s adopted the “grin and bear it” act through years of workplace misogyny, and combining this with her lack of experience in dealing with men on a non-platonic level, she views men through an oddly naive lens. James steadily gets closer to her in a way that’s more than just “road-trip buddy” friendliness, but she’s constantly second-guessing things and making up he’s just being nice excuses. Later, another man pushes and injures her at a party, fracturing her ribs and all—and this isn’t the first time he’s put his hands on her—yet for a moment, she tries to brush it away as maybe I accidentally tripped and fell.
But maybe my real lack of patience is because it seems impossible for me to pick up a book with a female protagonist without being subjected to a scene of sexual violence somewhere along the way. The world may never know.
This book largely struggles from not fully developing its characters, which isn’t helped by the expansive cast. Charlotte and Lina are best friends, and we’re presented with several of their childhood anecdotes, but I never feel sold on their relationship. It doesn’t help that Lina spends most of her time with one of the Rally guys, Matt. To be as tight-knit as they supposedly are, the two women hardly interact through the first 70% of the book, and certainly not in any meaningful way.
Similarly, I’m not moved by any of the side characters or their backstories. I’m not even moved by the story of Charlotte’s parents dying. All of this information feels like it was inserted because the author knows it’s important to give the characters body, but it doesn’t land emotionally. There’s more telling vs. showing; we’re told Lina and Charlotte are childhood friends, and we’re told that Charlotte occasionally misses her dead parents, but it doesn’t get much deeper than that. The disagreement and later-occurring heartfelt talk between Lina and Charlotte flow at such a quick pace that there’s no chance to emotionally connect with either of those moments.
I also don’t love the banter between James and Charlotte. I’m not sure I enjoy the banter between a lot of romantic leads, honestly, whether it’s movies or books. It comes off as try-hard sometimes—or plain irritating. Why does there have to be a smartass quip after every other thing someone says?
Ultimately, this book’s plot is pretty straightforward and you can predict how it’ll end from a mile away, but that might be part of the appeal for people who like quick and simple reads. The parts where everyone’s perpetually drunk and partying are the most interesting to me, but since these activities are what they spend all of their time doing, things can get repetitive. And don’t expect too much in the way of character development for anyone who’s not Charlotte.
As a side note, I remain hung up on the fact that Charlotte just barely knows who Freddie Mercury is but is familiar with other pop cultural references, such as quoting from the movie The Silence of the Lambs. How does that happen? (I could also survive without the Harry Potter references, which I can’t believe authors are still doing in 2026. Why are y’all hell-bent on giving that woman added attention and money?)
Pick up this book if you like:
🚗Rich people behaving badly
🚗Vacationing/road-tripping stories
🚗Girlbosses
🚗“Reinventing myself” success stories
🚗Vacation romances
Pass it by if you don’t want to read about:
🚗Sexual harassment, physical assault
🚗Driving while intoxicated (like…A LOT)
🚗Workplace misogyny
🚗Infidelity, side-character love triangles
🚗An unexpected amount of startup/corporate jargon
3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for giving me a free ARC of this book to read.
I tend to be particularly fond of narratives that are the complete and total opposite of my own life because they allow me to turn the escapism up to 100. That’s a major reason why I enjoyed the movie Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas in a way that I haven’t enjoyed any other movie in a long time. The other reason is, well, Benicio Del Toro.
In a related vein, The Rally by Carla Vass introduces us to a bunch of wealthy people who take a two-week road trip through Europe, drinking, fucking, and drugging their way through several countries. The absurdity of their behavior is what makes it so entertaining.
The book focuses on Charlotte, co-founder of a startup dating app who gets pushed out of her own company by the men in charge. They give her a pretty bad deal: Take the payout, sign the NDA, and never work in tech again, or walk away with nothing and risk being sued if she ever speaks out. What do you do in that situation? The answer is “something impulsive.” She joins her friend Lina on the Rally, which consists of a bunch of wildly rich business owners, models, and celebrities taking Europe by storm in their favorite classic cars—no vehicle under 40 years old permitted.
Throughout the journey, Charlotte keeps receiving cryptic emails threatening her to take the deal, preventing her from fully leaving her woes behind in the States. Alongside dealing with that, she starts cozying up to one of the Rally-goers, James, who is a workaholic like her, while navigating the ever-shifting interpersonal dynamics of the other characters.
While I appreciate the mesmerizing quality of this book that makes it feel like a never-ending vacation, including the scenery and food descriptions, there are other things that aren’t so fun.
How do I say this? Charlotte became annoying the further I got. I was about to add that she acts like she’s hardly been around a man before, but the book summary literally says she’s never had a boyfriend, so. To her credit, she does acknowledge this.
Her behavior is off-kilter. One minute she’s super confident and sunning topless on a yacht like the other women, and the next minute—depending on whichever man is present—she turns into a shy and lost wilting flower. That is her entire problem and the crux of her character arc; men completely influence her life and her choices, regardless of whether they’re doing it on purpose.
Maybe I don’t have enough grace for Charlotte. She’s adopted the “grin and bear it” act through years of workplace misogyny, and combining this with her lack of experience in dealing with men on a non-platonic level, she views men through an oddly naive lens. James steadily gets closer to her in a way that’s more than just “road-trip buddy” friendliness, but she’s constantly second-guessing things and making up he’s just being nice excuses. Later, another man pushes and injures her at a party, fracturing her ribs and all—and this isn’t the first time he’s put his hands on her—yet for a moment, she tries to brush it away as maybe I accidentally tripped and fell.
But maybe my real lack of patience is because it seems impossible for me to pick up a book with a female protagonist without being subjected to a scene of sexual violence somewhere along the way. The world may never know.
This book largely struggles from not fully developing its characters, which isn’t helped by the expansive cast. Charlotte and Lina are best friends, and we’re presented with several of their childhood anecdotes, but I never feel sold on their relationship. It doesn’t help that Lina spends most of her time with one of the Rally guys, Matt. To be as tight-knit as they supposedly are, the two women hardly interact through the first 70% of the book, and certainly not in any meaningful way.
Similarly, I’m not moved by any of the side characters or their backstories. I’m not even moved by the story of Charlotte’s parents dying. All of this information feels like it was inserted because the author knows it’s important to give the characters body, but it doesn’t land emotionally. There’s more telling vs. showing; we’re told Lina and Charlotte are childhood friends, and we’re told that Charlotte occasionally misses her dead parents, but it doesn’t get much deeper than that. The disagreement and later-occurring heartfelt talk between Lina and Charlotte flow at such a quick pace that there’s no chance to emotionally connect with either of those moments.
I also don’t love the banter between James and Charlotte. I’m not sure I enjoy the banter between a lot of romantic leads, honestly, whether it’s movies or books. It comes off as try-hard sometimes—or plain irritating. Why does there have to be a smartass quip after every other thing someone says?
Ultimately, this book’s plot is pretty straightforward and you can predict how it’ll end from a mile away, but that might be part of the appeal for people who like quick and simple reads. The parts where everyone’s perpetually drunk and partying are the most interesting to me, but since these activities are what they spend all of their time doing, things can get repetitive. And don’t expect too much in the way of character development for anyone who’s not Charlotte.
As a side note, I remain hung up on the fact that Charlotte just barely knows who Freddie Mercury is but is familiar with other pop cultural references, such as quoting from the movie The Silence of the Lambs. How does that happen? (I could also survive without the Harry Potter references, which I can’t believe authors are still doing in 2026. Why are y’all hell-bent on giving that woman added attention and money?)
Pick up this book if you like:
🚗Rich people behaving badly
🚗Vacationing/road-tripping stories
🚗Girlbosses
🚗“Reinventing myself” success stories
🚗Vacation romances
Pass it by if you don’t want to read about:
🚗Sexual harassment, physical assault
🚗Driving while intoxicated (like…A LOT)
🚗Workplace misogyny
🚗Infidelity, side-character love triangles
🚗An unexpected amount of startup/corporate jargon
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read this in two sittings and honestly just wanted to stay inside this world longer.
I never heard of a classic car rally before this, but it’s super glamorous. Dramatic driving, glamorous hotels and characters.
But what I liked is that all the partying never felt empty. There’s an undercurrent of tension the whole time, like something is just slightly off beneath all the luxury.
If you’re looking for a very fun read with a bit of bite, this absolutely delivers.
I never heard of a classic car rally before this, but it’s super glamorous. Dramatic driving, glamorous hotels and characters.
But what I liked is that all the partying never felt empty. There’s an undercurrent of tension the whole time, like something is just slightly off beneath all the luxury.
If you’re looking for a very fun read with a bit of bite, this absolutely delivers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Rally has one of those premises that immediately feels glossy, cinematic, and dangerously good for anyone who has ever thought, “Maybe fleeing to Europe would fix me.”
Charlie, freshly ousted from the dating app she co-founded, joins her best friend on an extravagant classic car rally through Europe, surrounded by luxury, parties, beautiful scenery, and the kind of people who seem like they have never once had to check their bank account before ordering another drink. Honestly, as an escapist setup? Very strong. Very “pack sunglasses and unresolved trauma.”
The strongest part of this book for me was absolutely the atmosphere. Carla Vass does a great job capturing the glamor of the rally itself: the classic cars, the European locations, the wealth, the freedom, the slightly surreal feeling of being dropped into a world where everyone is beautiful, chaotic, and possibly hiding something. The setting has a polished, sunlit, champagne-slick quality that made the book easy to sink into.
I also liked the idea of Charlie’s arc. A professional overachiever who has poured her whole self into building something, only to be pushed out and left wondering who she is without it, is a compelling setup. Her lack of dating experience as the co-founder of a dating app is also a fun irony, and I was interested in seeing her confront ambition, betrayal, trust, and reinvention.
That said, while I enjoyed the world of the book, I wanted more from the characters and plot. A lot of the emotional beats felt somewhat surface level, and I kept wishing the story would dig deeper into Charlie’s interiority, her relationships, and the fallout of the betrayals she experiences. The bones of a really sharp, glamorous, emotionally messy story are here, but I wanted more complexity and development to fully invest.
Still, The Rally is stylish, atmospheric, and easy to read, especially if you enjoy luxury travel settings, classic cars, complicated rich people, and stories about women trying to rebuild their lives after professional and personal upheaval.
A solid 3-star read for me: loved the vibe, wanted a little more under the hood.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Charlie, freshly ousted from the dating app she co-founded, joins her best friend on an extravagant classic car rally through Europe, surrounded by luxury, parties, beautiful scenery, and the kind of people who seem like they have never once had to check their bank account before ordering another drink. Honestly, as an escapist setup? Very strong. Very “pack sunglasses and unresolved trauma.”
The strongest part of this book for me was absolutely the atmosphere. Carla Vass does a great job capturing the glamor of the rally itself: the classic cars, the European locations, the wealth, the freedom, the slightly surreal feeling of being dropped into a world where everyone is beautiful, chaotic, and possibly hiding something. The setting has a polished, sunlit, champagne-slick quality that made the book easy to sink into.
I also liked the idea of Charlie’s arc. A professional overachiever who has poured her whole self into building something, only to be pushed out and left wondering who she is without it, is a compelling setup. Her lack of dating experience as the co-founder of a dating app is also a fun irony, and I was interested in seeing her confront ambition, betrayal, trust, and reinvention.
That said, while I enjoyed the world of the book, I wanted more from the characters and plot. A lot of the emotional beats felt somewhat surface level, and I kept wishing the story would dig deeper into Charlie’s interiority, her relationships, and the fallout of the betrayals she experiences. The bones of a really sharp, glamorous, emotionally messy story are here, but I wanted more complexity and development to fully invest.
Still, The Rally is stylish, atmospheric, and easy to read, especially if you enjoy luxury travel settings, classic cars, complicated rich people, and stories about women trying to rebuild their lives after professional and personal upheaval.
A solid 3-star read for me: loved the vibe, wanted a little more under the hood.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book Title: The Rally
Author: Carla Vass
Publishers: Union Square & Co. + Hachette Audio
Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Dates Read: July 30, 2026 – August 29, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: First of all, I find Vass’s story to be so inspiring. Goldman Sachs to Uber to Waymo to her own startup?! Girl has game, and she brought it to writing. I was incredibly impressed with the fact that The Rally is a debut, and her writing hooked me from the first page. I was instantly mad for what Charlie was going through, and then we get taken into the world of the uber-rich, fancy cars, and looooooots of alcohol. There was nary a moment when I didn’t want to drink a glass of wine or champagne while I was reading, and it kind of made me feel like an alcoholic by proxy. 🤣 The romance piece doesn’t come until much later in the book and is quite the slow burning/unassuming kind until we get close to the end. I loved all the buildup, and I think it made it even sweeter.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, and I was thankful it was humorous while still having plenty of depth. I loved how Charlie changed and evolved as the story went on, and I was basically in full fist-pumping mode by the time we hit the end. This does have a romance, yes, but it is about so much more than that. Also? I really want to go on a car rally through Europe now…
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: N/A (but you better believe I will be listening when it comes out as a reread!)
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: N/A
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️.5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Carla Vass
Publishers: Union Square & Co. + Hachette Audio
Pub Date: September 29, 2026
Dates Read: July 30, 2026 – August 29, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: First of all, I find Vass’s story to be so inspiring. Goldman Sachs to Uber to Waymo to her own startup?! Girl has game, and she brought it to writing. I was incredibly impressed with the fact that The Rally is a debut, and her writing hooked me from the first page. I was instantly mad for what Charlie was going through, and then we get taken into the world of the uber-rich, fancy cars, and looooooots of alcohol. There was nary a moment when I didn’t want to drink a glass of wine or champagne while I was reading, and it kind of made me feel like an alcoholic by proxy. 🤣 The romance piece doesn’t come until much later in the book and is quite the slow burning/unassuming kind until we get close to the end. I loved all the buildup, and I think it made it even sweeter.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster, and I was thankful it was humorous while still having plenty of depth. I loved how Charlie changed and evolved as the story went on, and I was basically in full fist-pumping mode by the time we hit the end. This does have a romance, yes, but it is about so much more than that. Also? I really want to go on a car rally through Europe now…
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: N/A (but you better believe I will be listening when it comes out as a reread!)
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: N/A
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌶️.5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square for the advanced reader copy
Charlotte "Charlie" Walker's life is in tatters: her co-founder of Flutter, a dating app, has found a way to push her out of the company she's given her life to. Trying to hang on to the shreds of her dignity she accepts when Lina, her best friend, invites her to The Rally--an extravagant European road trip filled with expensive cars, quirky characters, and lots of booze. When Charlie gets close to James, one of the other people on the trip, she starts to envision a life beyond Flutter. But when a shocking revelation about how she was ousted from her company--and how multiple people at The Rally are involved--she has to decide who she wants to be and how she's going to live her life moving forward.
This was an excellent debut novel. There were some typical debut issues (the last part of the book felt a little too neatly wrapped up, given how much chaos the author released on the characters), but overall this was a really fun story set in a twist on the world of the 1%. Charlie was a layered and intriguing character who also acts as the eyes of the reader (her life has been adjacent to wealth but she doesn't breathe the same air they do). Trying to keep track of all the players in The Rally was hard but didn't feel necessary in order to get the gist of everything constantly being on the edge of exploding. The author also did a good job of portraying Charlie's panic attacks with a realistic but not overly schmaltzy touch. This was a fun story and I'm looking forward to seeing what Carla Vass comes up with next.
The Rally is out September 29, 2026
Charlotte "Charlie" Walker's life is in tatters: her co-founder of Flutter, a dating app, has found a way to push her out of the company she's given her life to. Trying to hang on to the shreds of her dignity she accepts when Lina, her best friend, invites her to The Rally--an extravagant European road trip filled with expensive cars, quirky characters, and lots of booze. When Charlie gets close to James, one of the other people on the trip, she starts to envision a life beyond Flutter. But when a shocking revelation about how she was ousted from her company--and how multiple people at The Rally are involved--she has to decide who she wants to be and how she's going to live her life moving forward.
This was an excellent debut novel. There were some typical debut issues (the last part of the book felt a little too neatly wrapped up, given how much chaos the author released on the characters), but overall this was a really fun story set in a twist on the world of the 1%. Charlie was a layered and intriguing character who also acts as the eyes of the reader (her life has been adjacent to wealth but she doesn't breathe the same air they do). Trying to keep track of all the players in The Rally was hard but didn't feel necessary in order to get the gist of everything constantly being on the edge of exploding. The author also did a good job of portraying Charlie's panic attacks with a realistic but not overly schmaltzy touch. This was a fun story and I'm looking forward to seeing what Carla Vass comes up with next.
The Rally is out September 29, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don’t let the title mislead you into thinking this is about a gratuitously glamorous road trip through Europe called a rally. It’s really a surprisingly relevant conversation about what it means to be a girl boss in a man’s world.
The surface plot is about a group of absurdly rich and beautiful people who gather for an annual two week car rally through Europe. They drink a preposterous amount of champagne, sleep with just about everyone, and throw in a little drug use for good measure. Their over the top behavior is absolutely entertaining.
But the subplot is where things get really interesting.
Charlie agrees to go with her friend Lina at the last minute after being forcibly ousted from her dating app startup by her cofounder. We quickly realize that Charlie is a STEM girl who may be brilliant at what she does but is a little clumsy and inexperienced when it comes to the cutthroat world of business.
As Charlie lets loose and enjoys the debauchery of the trip, she’s also wrestling with what comes next. Does she take the money she’s been offered, sign the NDA and noncompete, and walk away? Or does she stand up for herself and fight back against the patriarchy?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s glamorous and fun, but underneath all the champagne, beautiful people, and outrageous behavior, it’s also surprisingly thought provoking.
Thank you Union Square & Co for this digital ARC through NetGalley
The surface plot is about a group of absurdly rich and beautiful people who gather for an annual two week car rally through Europe. They drink a preposterous amount of champagne, sleep with just about everyone, and throw in a little drug use for good measure. Their over the top behavior is absolutely entertaining.
But the subplot is where things get really interesting.
Charlie agrees to go with her friend Lina at the last minute after being forcibly ousted from her dating app startup by her cofounder. We quickly realize that Charlie is a STEM girl who may be brilliant at what she does but is a little clumsy and inexperienced when it comes to the cutthroat world of business.
As Charlie lets loose and enjoys the debauchery of the trip, she’s also wrestling with what comes next. Does she take the money she’s been offered, sign the NDA and noncompete, and walk away? Or does she stand up for herself and fight back against the patriarchy?
I really enjoyed this book. It’s glamorous and fun, but underneath all the champagne, beautiful people, and outrageous behavior, it’s also surprisingly thought provoking.
Thank you Union Square & Co for this digital ARC through NetGalley
November 5, 2026
I couldn't get this book from any of my libraries so I decided to add it to my Kindle library, though I'm trying to only borrow books. I have too many. What grabbed me was the blurb, "Better than Belgian chocolate, French bread, and Italian wine." Well, despite what the Swiss say, Belgian chocolate really is the best. Once you've tried it, nothing else measures up. And truly I say, I don't know how the French do it, but beyond a shadow of doubt, their bread is truly made in heaven. Nothing else compares. As to Italians making the best wine, I'm not so sure about that. I've had scrumptious wine from all over the world and I have no idea which is best. I would say a better blurb for this book would be American chocolate (okayish), American bread (pure yuk!l) and grape juice. Do people really drink that much wine? Unbelievable! Well, it's romance genre for sure - long, lean, rich, gloriously handsome prince, poor pitiful pearl heroine suffering from a life-altering catastrophe. I mean, who could ask for more? And of course there's best friend, in this case hers, and not one, but two dastardly villains. Besides not knowing it's possible to drink that much day after day, but I can't figure out how our brokenhearted heroine eats enough for two and goes from gaunt to curvaceous in just a few days and in less than a week returns to gaunt. If you are in the market for light-hearted reading of the romance type, this one's okay.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When this book starts, main character Charlie has just been forced out of the dating app company she co-founded. Unsure what to do with herself since she’s thrown her whole life into work, she accepts her boarding school best friend’s invitation to accompany her on “the rally” - a group of super-wealthy people traveling around Europe for a few weeks in vintage sports cars, partying like crazy while they go. Charlie does not feel like she fits in but tries to let loose anyway, and finds herself drawn to one of the guys - but also figuring herself out along the way.
I really enjoyed this unique novel. One of my favorite things is that it is not what it initially seems. Rather than just a rich people behaving badly book, it’s deceptively deeper than that, really a story about being a female founder and sexism and learning to stand up for herself. Plus an enjoyable slow burn romance! And even the rich people behaving badly is not portrayed in the typical mean spirited satirical way, more an entertaining portrait of modern day Gatsby-esque excess. Not to mention really fun travelogue and great descriptions of scenery and food.
Thanks to Union Square Press for my e-ARC (out 9/29/26); all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this unique novel. One of my favorite things is that it is not what it initially seems. Rather than just a rich people behaving badly book, it’s deceptively deeper than that, really a story about being a female founder and sexism and learning to stand up for herself. Plus an enjoyable slow burn romance! And even the rich people behaving badly is not portrayed in the typical mean spirited satirical way, more an entertaining portrait of modern day Gatsby-esque excess. Not to mention really fun travelogue and great descriptions of scenery and food.
Thanks to Union Square Press for my e-ARC (out 9/29/26); all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Rally had such a unique premise, and I was immediately drawn in by the glamorous European setting and the promise of a high-stakes, suspenseful story. While I enjoyed the overall concept and thought the author’s writing was strong, I found myself wanting a little more depth from both the characters and the plot.
For much of the book, I struggled to fully connect with the characters, and at times their repetitive cycle of partying, drinking, and questionable decisions made it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in what happened to them.
That said, the author’s writing kept me turning the pages. Even when I wasn’t completely sold on the characters, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the setting, and the way the story was told. Once the mystery and suspense elements started to come together, I was much more engaged and appreciated how everything connected by the end.
Overall, this wasn’t a standout read for me, but it was still an enjoyable one. I liked the author’s writing style enough that I’d definitely pick up another book from them in the future.
For much of the book, I struggled to fully connect with the characters, and at times their repetitive cycle of partying, drinking, and questionable decisions made it difficult for me to become emotionally invested in what happened to them.
That said, the author’s writing kept me turning the pages. Even when I wasn’t completely sold on the characters, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the setting, and the way the story was told. Once the mystery and suspense elements started to come together, I was much more engaged and appreciated how everything connected by the end.
Overall, this wasn’t a standout read for me, but it was still an enjoyable one. I liked the author’s writing style enough that I’d definitely pick up another book from them in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC of this book.
The cover? Stunning. Absolutely spectacular!
I liked the bio (hence why I requested it)and was interested in the story. I did somewhat feel like the bio was a bit of a spoiler and told the reader a few things that could have been discovered simply through reading the story.
The mystery plot line was very interesting and kept me turning the page because I wanted to find out who was sending the emails. The story atmosphere was very much like the TV show White Lotus (which I enjoyed) so that was fun.
My only gripe would be the character development, I felt like I wasn’t able to connect/understand the characters fully and I think that is partially to do with the fact that they aren’t fully fleshed out. And neither are their relationships with each other; as is the case with her best friend who we are TOLD is her best friend but there isn’t a lot of supporting evidence.
Overall, decent book and I’d read more from the author.
3 stars
The cover? Stunning. Absolutely spectacular!
I liked the bio (hence why I requested it)and was interested in the story. I did somewhat feel like the bio was a bit of a spoiler and told the reader a few things that could have been discovered simply through reading the story.
The mystery plot line was very interesting and kept me turning the page because I wanted to find out who was sending the emails. The story atmosphere was very much like the TV show White Lotus (which I enjoyed) so that was fun.
My only gripe would be the character development, I felt like I wasn’t able to connect/understand the characters fully and I think that is partially to do with the fact that they aren’t fully fleshed out. And neither are their relationships with each other; as is the case with her best friend who we are TOLD is her best friend but there isn’t a lot of supporting evidence.
Overall, decent book and I’d read more from the author.
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the Rally by Carla Vass, Charlie builds a dating app that takes off, only to find herself pushed out of the company she gave everything to after rejecting advances from the cofounder. So when her best friend offers her a spot on a ridiculously extravagant drive through Europe, she goes. Honestly, who wouldn't? Crisis or not.
I loved seeing this world through Charlie’s eyes. She’s surrounded by people who treat luxury cars and lavish parties like an ordinary day, while she’s trying to figure out what on earth just happened to her life. There’s romance, plenty of messy behavior, and the growing sense that Charlie’s troubles followed her onto the trip. I also appreciated how her panic attacks were handled; those moments felt real.
The ending tied things up a little more neatly than I expected, but I had a lot of fun with this debut. The cover art is stunning! Kudos to the artist. I really enjoyed this novel. Thank you to Carla Vass, Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing, and NetGalley for the honor of the ARC.
I loved seeing this world through Charlie’s eyes. She’s surrounded by people who treat luxury cars and lavish parties like an ordinary day, while she’s trying to figure out what on earth just happened to her life. There’s romance, plenty of messy behavior, and the growing sense that Charlie’s troubles followed her onto the trip. I also appreciated how her panic attacks were handled; those moments felt real.
The ending tied things up a little more neatly than I expected, but I had a lot of fun with this debut. The cover art is stunning! Kudos to the artist. I really enjoyed this novel. Thank you to Carla Vass, Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing, and NetGalley for the honor of the ARC.
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