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The Rally: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Professional overachiever Charlie has spent the last four years consumed with building Flutter, the dating app she co-founded in college with two classmates. Despite Charlie's own lack of dating experience—she's never even had a boyfriend—Flutter is instantly successful. Perhaps too successful. After rejecting the romantic advances of her co-founder, Charlie finds herself unceremoniously ousted (probably just a coincidence).
Devastated and directionless, she books a last-minute flight to Europe to join her best friend on the Rally—an extravagant road trip where an eccentric cast of characters drives classic cars and parties their way through breathtaking locations. Despite feeling out of place among the glamorous guests, Charlie relishes her new freedom and indulges in the hedonism of the Rally, including a budding romance with financier James, the charming nephew of one of the organizers.
But just as Charlie begins to debug her malfunctioning life, she is forced to confront yet another betrayal. She soon realizes she can’t out-drive her past to move forward. Instead, Charlie must confront difficult questions about trust and love, and find a way to redefine her future on her terms.
Devastated and directionless, she books a last-minute flight to Europe to join her best friend on the Rally—an extravagant road trip where an eccentric cast of characters drives classic cars and parties their way through breathtaking locations. Despite feeling out of place among the glamorous guests, Charlie relishes her new freedom and indulges in the hedonism of the Rally, including a budding romance with financier James, the charming nephew of one of the organizers.
But just as Charlie begins to debug her malfunctioning life, she is forced to confront yet another betrayal. She soon realizes she can’t out-drive her past to move forward. Instead, Charlie must confront difficult questions about trust and love, and find a way to redefine her future on her terms.
- GenresRomance
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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.
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 Netgalley
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. After reading the blurb I knew it would be a wild ride of annoyingly rich and fabulous people, however it was so much more than that.
I really felt for Charlie and how her life seemingly fell apart in one Board Room, and then you learn there's more to the story and it it's so much harder.
I love all of the crazy side characters, one more than the rest and he is just perfect!
This book gave me a sense of anemoia (which is a term I had to Google because I knew a word like that existed but I wasn't sure what it was) Basically Nostalgia, even though I've never been on a classic car rally across Europe. Or started my own Tech company. But it gave me a longing for being 26 and traveling and drinking and smoking and having fun and trying to pretend all your problems don't exist for a little while.
I really loved that even though Charlie is young and seemingly lets people get away with things they shouldn't, she stands up for herself eventually. She's also really funny and loves to eat which I really appreciated haha!
You definitely will not be disappointed in this book!
I really felt for Charlie and how her life seemingly fell apart in one Board Room, and then you learn there's more to the story and it it's so much harder.
I love all of the crazy side characters, one more than the rest and he is just perfect!
This book gave me a sense of anemoia (which is a term I had to Google because I knew a word like that existed but I wasn't sure what it was) Basically Nostalgia, even though I've never been on a classic car rally across Europe. Or started my own Tech company. But it gave me a longing for being 26 and traveling and drinking and smoking and having fun and trying to pretend all your problems don't exist for a little while.
I really loved that even though Charlie is young and seemingly lets people get away with things they shouldn't, she stands up for herself eventually. She's also really funny and loves to eat which I really appreciated haha!
You definitely will not be disappointed in this book!
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
Carla VassThe Rally: A Novel
A triumphant debut by Carla Vass.
If you need a book that feels like a luxury vacation with a side serving of bile, this is it! The Rally was impossible to put away. It follows Charlie, a tech founder who trades a messy betrayal for a classic car rally across Europe with a "group of lunatics."
The sensory details are incredible—you can practically feel the Mediterranean breeze—but the story has real teeth. It dives into the awkwardness of dating when you’ve spent your life building an app for it, and the darker side of high-society glamour. Seeing Charlie navigate her social anxiety while rediscovering her power was so inspiring. That happy ending? Absolutely earned. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A triumphant debut by Carla Vass.
If you need a book that feels like a luxury vacation with a side serving of bile, this is it! The Rally was impossible to put away. It follows Charlie, a tech founder who trades a messy betrayal for a classic car rally across Europe with a "group of lunatics."
The sensory details are incredible—you can practically feel the Mediterranean breeze—but the story has real teeth. It dives into the awkwardness of dating when you’ve spent your life building an app for it, and the darker side of high-society glamour. Seeing Charlie navigate her social anxiety while rediscovering her power was so inspiring. That happy ending? Absolutely earned. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I probably could have given this a five, but I've been told I'm too generous with my stars...but suffice it to say its a book I read over two days (shoutout to summer break) because I wanted to know how it was going to end. It was like if Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow became a beach read, was a rom com and featured a wild two week vacation with strangers. I realize those things don't sound at all like they go together, but somehow I think it worked...and it made me actually want to read rather than just sit around and watch TV...so there's that...also note there was a some spice, but this was more of a slow build romance than anything.
Also thank you ALA Annual 2026 for providing me with this ARC :)
Also also, the edition of this book I have features a red cover...not whatever color is on the cover shown here.
Also thank you ALA Annual 2026 for providing me with this ARC :)
Also also, the edition of this book I have features a red cover...not whatever color is on the cover shown here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charlie is an easy protagonist to root for, she’s driven, socially awkward in ways that feel relatable, and trying to navigate a world that doesn’t always reward competence fairly. Also relatable. Watching her rebuild her confidence after being pushed out of her own company was one of my favorite parts of the book.
The European settings are tempting… I found myself looking up some of the locations while reading. Car rally’s are a real thing and seem like a really fun way to explore.
Most of all, I appreciated that the book felt easy to read but never shallow. Alongside the champagne, sports cars, and scenery, it’s asking bigger questions about trust, success, friendship, and what it means to create a future on your own terms.
The European settings are tempting… I found myself looking up some of the locations while reading. Car rally’s are a real thing and seem like a really fun way to explore.
Most of all, I appreciated that the book felt easy to read but never shallow. Alongside the champagne, sports cars, and scenery, it’s asking bigger questions about trust, success, friendship, and what it means to create a future on your own terms.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I rarely devour a book in a couple of days, but this was such a good read. The Rally makes me wanna pack my bags and call a good friend and go on a big adventure, and then start a new company. There is a relatable theme in this book about the challenges that come along with being a female leader, and there’s also primarily a theme around courage and faith in doing what’s right not what’s easy. And it’s all wrapped up in a glamorous, fun plot, tracing through small towns in Europe lots of rosé and champagne and glam. It’s a fun read if you’re on holiday I think you gotta bring this book and if you’re not on holiday, just be prepared to swipe your credit card because you’re gonna be booking a trip to Europe in no time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A really delicious and escapist read! I really did not have a clue about car rallies but I quickly became so immersed in this world that I read the book in one sitting. The author painted such a vivid and seductive picture and I really feel like I was on the adventure alongside Charlie. Also, the descriptions of all of the glamorous places Europe made me drool and now I need to look up how to get into the world of vintage car rallies, because it feels so glamorous. Traveling, luxury, rich people drama- what more could you ask for? Watch out Elin Hilderbrand, I think this author is coming for your crown and I can’t wait to read more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely devoured The Rally. It feels like pure escapism at first (I love how Charlie just YOLOs her entire time) but then it pulls you into a much more emotional story.
The main character is compelling, watching her navigate being pushed out of the company she built while trying to hold onto her sense of self felt incredibly real. The tension between the glamorous chaos of the rally and the very grounded questions of power, identity, and betrayal kept me turning pages.
And the romance!! It’s a true slow burn in the best way.
The main character is compelling, watching her navigate being pushed out of the company she built while trying to hold onto her sense of self felt incredibly real. The tension between the glamorous chaos of the rally and the very grounded questions of power, identity, and betrayal kept me turning pages.
And the romance!! It’s a true slow burn in the best way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this would be a 5 star to be honest.
Not a bad read by any means but I wanted a little more depth. The storyline was a little repetitive (drive a bit, drink a lot, be unpleasant, reference "that night" with no explanation, use corporate jargon and repeat). The amount of drink driving/driving hungover/driving after taking an outrageous amount of drugs really put me off. I'm not sure how we are meant to root for these characters when this is how they're behaving literally every day.
Stunning cover though.
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Not a bad read by any means but I wanted a little more depth. The storyline was a little repetitive (drive a bit, drink a lot, be unpleasant, reference "that night" with no explanation, use corporate jargon and repeat). The amount of drink driving/driving hungover/driving after taking an outrageous amount of drugs really put me off. I'm not sure how we are meant to root for these characters when this is how they're behaving literally every day.
Stunning cover though.
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Review of advance copy
So so SO fun!! Super super highly recommend this book. The characters are cool and interesting with witty dialogue, the romance is really well-paced, and the setting is incredibly glamorous across many gorgeous destinations. This book makes you want to immediately head to Europe and eat and drink and sip champagne at all these fabulous spots, hopefully also as part of a classic car rally and the crowd that accompanies these rallies - who knew this was a thing?! Definitely read this book and enjoy entering this world - it’s a huge treat and and an excellent story.
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
May 3, 2026I 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
This book is fab. Like, I let TV raise my child while I read through it for multiple hours at a time, good. Pure escapism at its best. If you love Crazy Rich Asians, White Lotus, Devil Wears Prada, etc etc etc, this is for you! The author really plops you down into a Slim Aarons-esque European romp. The writing is so vivid you can see and feel it. It’s chic, smart, witty, and fun. A++ world-building!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An incredibly fun book about rich people behaving badly. The book is so good. The behavior is so bad. How. Delicious. And amongst the glamour and debauchery, you still come out on the other end feeling like you learned something—that Charlie, the FMC, taught you a very important lesson on handling the tech industry like a badass.
Also, I booked a trip to Europe about halfway through. The settings are !!!!!!
The love interest is very sexy. Enjoy ;)
Also, I booked a trip to Europe about halfway through. The settings are !!!!!!
The love interest is very sexy. Enjoy ;)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A contemporary story about a young woman dealing with a loss in business who then goes on a car rally in Europe. While the characters deal with real feelings, the narrative maintains an ultimate sense of optimism. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling "light" once you read the final page.
A terrific read!
A terrific read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun and intriguing read. It's super escapist but still has some depth about starting over and figuring things out after a setback. Light, a little dramatic, and perfect for the beach or a flight.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Really enjoyed this overall, it was such a fun, immersive read.
The premise hooked me immediately (a founder being kicked out of her own company and escaping to a European rally is just a great setup), and the setting absolutely delivers.
Would definitely recommend!
The premise hooked me immediately (a founder being kicked out of her own company and escaping to a European rally is just a great setup), and the setting absolutely delivers.
Would definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Excellent. I really enjoyed the travel descriptions and how original the setting was. The romance isn't the main plotline, but it was very well done and not cringe. As a finance person, I also really appreciate how realistic the details of Charlie's corporate drama were.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A deeply satisfying journey of what it means to be a woman in tech and own what you built. The Rally is escapist and indulgent and honestly made me feel like I should go to rehab, even though I wasn't the one indulging in the expensive booze and drugs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this book! Fun group of characters and beautiful settings on the road in Europe!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amazing escape! Also the startup details felt very true.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Booklist review! A smooth but quiet read, a character study for sure, with a lot of great descriptions of the beautiful European countryside.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
not sure yet about this one. a lotta characters
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book isn't my typical read. I'm more into speculative fiction than contemporary. That being said, I deeply enjoyed this book! The narrator is funny and witty and surprisingly relatable despite being the founder of a successful tech company. Getting to see how the extra wealthy live was intriguing, and the romance was perfect. It gave me strong The Wedding People vibes. Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC copy. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Few books can hook me from the first sentence, but The Rally had this special magic from beginning to end. My favorite romances can pack a punch, and Vass doesn't hold back, diving into the misogyny rampant within tech and venture capital. She paired the darker themes with an escapist, ultra-rich road trip through Europe that added much-needed humor and levity. And our male lead! Wow, the chemistry was electric from his first appearance.
You won't want to miss this one -- especially if you enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's Not in Love//Problematic Summer Romance duology (think corporate shenanigans meets Italian holiday.)
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
You won't want to miss this one -- especially if you enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's Not in Love//Problematic Summer Romance duology (think corporate shenanigans meets Italian holiday.)
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
July 29, 2026
Reading made me feel as if I went on a mini-vacation of my own. I've never heard of anything like the Rally the characters went on before, but it would make for an interesting trip in real life too. However, the approach to Charlotte's storyline with her company was a bit shallow and needed to be expanded on more, and the other members of the rally felt one-note besides our main character.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for giving me an ARC to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for giving me an ARC to review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews