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Wish We Were Here
One car. Two strangers. Thirteen hundred miles. What could go wrong?
When Ash rolls into town with a backpack full of cash and a bullet wound, the last thing he’s looking for is a connection. All he needs is a ride south, fast.
Enter Sam, a young man struggling with his identity, freshly dumped by the girlfriend he drove up the coast to visit. He doesn’t know a thing about the gorgeous stranger begging him for a ride back to Miami, but when Ash offers to cover all expenses, it's hard to say no.
What starts as convenience turns into late-night confessions, shared hotel beds, and feelings neither of them are prepared to name. As they rack up the miles, casual recklessness turns into something intimate and real.
But Ash is lying—about who he is, what he’s done and why. And when his secrets catch up with them both, it’ll put their fragile new connection to the test.
WISH WE WERE HERE is a whirlwind strangers-to-lovers MM romance set against the grungy backdrop of the mid-90s. Featuring a bisexual awakening and a guaranteed HEA, it’s a standalone love story shaped by tender nostalgia.
When Ash rolls into town with a backpack full of cash and a bullet wound, the last thing he’s looking for is a connection. All he needs is a ride south, fast.
Enter Sam, a young man struggling with his identity, freshly dumped by the girlfriend he drove up the coast to visit. He doesn’t know a thing about the gorgeous stranger begging him for a ride back to Miami, but when Ash offers to cover all expenses, it's hard to say no.
What starts as convenience turns into late-night confessions, shared hotel beds, and feelings neither of them are prepared to name. As they rack up the miles, casual recklessness turns into something intimate and real.
But Ash is lying—about who he is, what he’s done and why. And when his secrets catch up with them both, it’ll put their fragile new connection to the test.
WISH WE WERE HERE is a whirlwind strangers-to-lovers MM romance set against the grungy backdrop of the mid-90s. Featuring a bisexual awakening and a guaranteed HEA, it’s a standalone love story shaped by tender nostalgia.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2026
77 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
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April 24, 2026
New book by the Sugar Pill duet author? YES PLEASE!!!
Review:
“You’re a bandit like me…
Eyes full of stars
Hustling for the good life
Never thought I’d meet you here.
This could be love…
We could be the way forward
And I know I’ll pay for it…”
—“Cowboy Like Me” by Taylor Swift (Evermore track 11)
In fact that entire melancholic and graceful song could be this book. Oh, my babies. These two. Soft as butter. But life can be harsh as bleach and chew you up and spit on you till your sense of worth is in the gutter with no view of the sky unless you turn your face up to the stars (yes, that’s an idea from another song, by Rush…) Unless you find someone worth making the effort for, worth taking a chance on, worth turning your face upward to see just one last time.
Sam meets Ash when Ash overhears him talking about his upcoming trip in a bar and asks to hitch a ride with him to Miami. Learning the man has seizures doesn’t really phase Sam. Finding him puking in the hotel bathroom later with blood from a gunshot wound gushing from his side takes…a little more thought.
But they set off on a road trip, one with an inauspicious beginning with the surprise appearance of Sam’s very recent ex-girlfriend, yet…in each other, Sam and Ash find…a friend. A connection unlike any either has had, that defies the odds and thinking one is straight and what the other believes he’s worthy of…which is nothing…
Sob.
Ash’s secrets are dangerous and bleak, and have trained him to think he’s worth only what someone will pay for him. (Yes, I love Moulin Rouge, that’s shades of Satine…) Sam’s bi-awakening—well, really more of a bi-admission, given his own past—and gentle trust crack Ash’s thick armor, but only so far, because Ash knows that once Sam knows the truth, and not only about Ash’s “career,” but the reason he needed a ride in the first place, Sam will be gone, and so out of reach Ash might as well be the dirt beneath his tires.
Except…well, you know. Love is bigger than all of us and doesn’t care what you’ve done and where you’ve been, only who you are and want to be now, and how you touch the one you care for. And these two deserve it so much.
Yup. In a nutshell, I became a total sap, reading this book.
Respect to the author. This is a book featuring a sex worker in which the impact of that work on the character seemed authentic and thought-through. It wasn’t some romanticized, “oh, I love sex so much that I’m into sex work and I get paid to have sex how great!” BS, but a depiction of the toll it would eventually take on someone in this particular situation’s ability to enjoy sex, to understand what loving intimacy might be, to even feel like he owned himself at all. The description of it having become rote to Ash resonated, and his learned habit of checking out during that act was so believable I teared up. Most important, instead of the sex seeming meaningless or same old, same old, when these two got together, it was different and resonated.
While of course I got squicked out by the info on the past, because Me and my “ew germs” issues, well…instead of being upset or put off, I felt like I was reading about a true and vulnerable and soul-hardening experience that needed to be worked through to believe these two would have a chance to form something real together, to accept a relationship both emotional and physical that Ash actually desired and asked for. It worked. Risa Cruise is a talent.
I also wanted to murder everyone who ever impacted Ash’s life into him having to survive that way. F them all. And cheers to his found-family who always had each other’s backs. Those phone calls, and them being there for him at the bleakest of bleak moments…sublime.
Luckily for me, Sam has the moral code of a true hero, although tarnished (I don’t forgive him for the “whore” comments…) and he finally understood the treasure that had walked up to him in a bar and asked him to take on a passenger to Miami. Sam’s care, first for a stranger, and then for the man who opened his eyes and heart to embracing his potential full self, revealed his strong moral code and added joy to an at times grim story.
There’s OP drama from these two meeting up with some of Sam’s old friends from high school, uninvited and shut down, and simple drunken blowing out of proportion things happening in a club. There’s also violent OM drama during a separation, again uninvited, and shut down, but with resulting injuries and consequences. Both scenes show Ash finding agency to make his own choices and say No.
The 90s timeframe evokes nostalgia, and melancholy in that it feels like things were turning around for the better, with acceptance and treatments and so forth. And now, the US is mired in…*waves arms around* Nazi-esque utter crap and our current “leaders” threatening LGBTQ rights to distract from other equally harmful actions that I have no doubt we’ll feel the fallout for on Earth within our lifetimes.
A few big misses:
The honesty around the presentation of Ash’s background and sex work resonated so well that his ease of acceptance of a physical relationship with Sam felt too disingenuous. This man has been touched, in his own words, by “hundreds” of men and has learned to dissociate emotionally during physical intimacy, which he has had little control or choice about. He has learned to act through it, has had so much experience that it’s dulled sex for him, even as he acts present and turned on to survive. I wish they’d had to work through that, because it didn’t feel real that, just because he woke up to wanting someone himself for the first time in years, that it all went just fine, was totally enjoyable from jump, no problems, no stumbles. It was idealized on that front, and I think that did a disservice to what the author set up and revealed.
There’s also the issue of Ash being a legit criminal. No, we don’t feel sorry for the PO💩 he stole from, but, there’s no denying he evolved from a life of hustling into an actual thief, and that was a choice he made. It isn’t really delved into, and the way its resolved was kinda bizarre and unsatisfactory because it potentially left an even worse PO💩 a lot richer with zero consequences, and that was upsetting.
Then, there’s the inconsistency of Sam having actually had a sexual relationship with a man for years and then doing the whole “I’m not gay even though I want you” BS as if he’d never touched a guy before. He legit has experience, and his reaction in one moment felt both inconsistent to what we learn and frankly, really 💩ty given none of this is new to him either. Hrmph.
But you know what, I just loved being on this road trip so much that even with these totally editable flaws, I don’t feel like taking a star off. Sue me.
Overall, this is a rewarding journey about two compatible and complementary souls who find their Person and, with some stumbles, hiccups, missteps, yet sincerity, honor what they find and choose hope and to try instead of giving up. I believed in them. It was lovely and special that they got to share some firsts together too.
Read the TWs; this book includes realistic details of friends who’ve died of AIDS, violence in sex work, and living with epilepsy, among other things.
HFN that feels like HEA. Sex worker with dangerous secrets hitchhiking MC, recently dumped and at a crossroads MC, road trip. No OM action; OM drama in the present day, but entirely uninvited and shut down. Totally safe for me, info on Ash’s past notwithstanding, and I did feel it was necessary to include details to understand him. The author did not resort to comparisons during intimacy; information was revealed in effective moments. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Review:
“You’re a bandit like me…
Eyes full of stars
Hustling for the good life
Never thought I’d meet you here.
This could be love…
We could be the way forward
And I know I’ll pay for it…”
—“Cowboy Like Me” by Taylor Swift (Evermore track 11)
In fact that entire melancholic and graceful song could be this book. Oh, my babies. These two. Soft as butter. But life can be harsh as bleach and chew you up and spit on you till your sense of worth is in the gutter with no view of the sky unless you turn your face up to the stars (yes, that’s an idea from another song, by Rush…) Unless you find someone worth making the effort for, worth taking a chance on, worth turning your face upward to see just one last time.
Sam meets Ash when Ash overhears him talking about his upcoming trip in a bar and asks to hitch a ride with him to Miami. Learning the man has seizures doesn’t really phase Sam. Finding him puking in the hotel bathroom later with blood from a gunshot wound gushing from his side takes…a little more thought.
But they set off on a road trip, one with an inauspicious beginning with the surprise appearance of Sam’s very recent ex-girlfriend, yet…in each other, Sam and Ash find…a friend. A connection unlike any either has had, that defies the odds and thinking one is straight and what the other believes he’s worthy of…which is nothing…
Sob.
Ash’s secrets are dangerous and bleak, and have trained him to think he’s worth only what someone will pay for him. (Yes, I love Moulin Rouge, that’s shades of Satine…) Sam’s bi-awakening—well, really more of a bi-admission, given his own past—and gentle trust crack Ash’s thick armor, but only so far, because Ash knows that once Sam knows the truth, and not only about Ash’s “career,” but the reason he needed a ride in the first place, Sam will be gone, and so out of reach Ash might as well be the dirt beneath his tires.
Except…well, you know. Love is bigger than all of us and doesn’t care what you’ve done and where you’ve been, only who you are and want to be now, and how you touch the one you care for. And these two deserve it so much.
Yup. In a nutshell, I became a total sap, reading this book.
Respect to the author. This is a book featuring a sex worker in which the impact of that work on the character seemed authentic and thought-through. It wasn’t some romanticized, “oh, I love sex so much that I’m into sex work and I get paid to have sex how great!” BS, but a depiction of the toll it would eventually take on someone in this particular situation’s ability to enjoy sex, to understand what loving intimacy might be, to even feel like he owned himself at all. The description of it having become rote to Ash resonated, and his learned habit of checking out during that act was so believable I teared up. Most important, instead of the sex seeming meaningless or same old, same old, when these two got together, it was different and resonated.
While of course I got squicked out by the info on the past, because Me and my “ew germs” issues, well…instead of being upset or put off, I felt like I was reading about a true and vulnerable and soul-hardening experience that needed to be worked through to believe these two would have a chance to form something real together, to accept a relationship both emotional and physical that Ash actually desired and asked for. It worked. Risa Cruise is a talent.
I also wanted to murder everyone who ever impacted Ash’s life into him having to survive that way. F them all. And cheers to his found-family who always had each other’s backs. Those phone calls, and them being there for him at the bleakest of bleak moments…sublime.
Luckily for me, Sam has the moral code of a true hero, although tarnished (I don’t forgive him for the “whore” comments…) and he finally understood the treasure that had walked up to him in a bar and asked him to take on a passenger to Miami. Sam’s care, first for a stranger, and then for the man who opened his eyes and heart to embracing his potential full self, revealed his strong moral code and added joy to an at times grim story.
There’s OP drama from these two meeting up with some of Sam’s old friends from high school, uninvited and shut down, and simple drunken blowing out of proportion things happening in a club. There’s also violent OM drama during a separation, again uninvited, and shut down, but with resulting injuries and consequences. Both scenes show Ash finding agency to make his own choices and say No.
The 90s timeframe evokes nostalgia, and melancholy in that it feels like things were turning around for the better, with acceptance and treatments and so forth. And now, the US is mired in…*waves arms around* Nazi-esque utter crap and our current “leaders” threatening LGBTQ rights to distract from other equally harmful actions that I have no doubt we’ll feel the fallout for on Earth within our lifetimes.
A few big misses:
The honesty around the presentation of Ash’s background and sex work resonated so well that his ease of acceptance of a physical relationship with Sam felt too disingenuous. This man has been touched, in his own words, by “hundreds” of men and has learned to dissociate emotionally during physical intimacy, which he has had little control or choice about. He has learned to act through it, has had so much experience that it’s dulled sex for him, even as he acts present and turned on to survive. I wish they’d had to work through that, because it didn’t feel real that, just because he woke up to wanting someone himself for the first time in years, that it all went just fine, was totally enjoyable from jump, no problems, no stumbles. It was idealized on that front, and I think that did a disservice to what the author set up and revealed.
There’s also the issue of Ash being a legit criminal. No, we don’t feel sorry for the PO💩 he stole from, but, there’s no denying he evolved from a life of hustling into an actual thief, and that was a choice he made. It isn’t really delved into, and the way its resolved was kinda bizarre and unsatisfactory because it potentially left an even worse PO💩 a lot richer with zero consequences, and that was upsetting.
Then, there’s the inconsistency of Sam having actually had a sexual relationship with a man for years and then doing the whole “I’m not gay even though I want you” BS as if he’d never touched a guy before. He legit has experience, and his reaction in one moment felt both inconsistent to what we learn and frankly, really 💩ty given none of this is new to him either. Hrmph.
But you know what, I just loved being on this road trip so much that even with these totally editable flaws, I don’t feel like taking a star off. Sue me.
Overall, this is a rewarding journey about two compatible and complementary souls who find their Person and, with some stumbles, hiccups, missteps, yet sincerity, honor what they find and choose hope and to try instead of giving up. I believed in them. It was lovely and special that they got to share some firsts together too.
Read the TWs; this book includes realistic details of friends who’ve died of AIDS, violence in sex work, and living with epilepsy, among other things.
HFN that feels like HEA. Sex worker with dangerous secrets hitchhiking MC, recently dumped and at a crossroads MC, road trip. No OM action; OM drama in the present day, but entirely uninvited and shut down. Totally safe for me, info on Ash’s past notwithstanding, and I did feel it was necessary to include details to understand him. The author did not resort to comparisons during intimacy; information was revealed in effective moments. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
April 22, 2026
6 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
i have no words. i just loved them so much and i need everyone to read this.
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
format: ebook
i have no words. i just loved them so much and i need everyone to read this.
April 23, 2026
Wow, Risa Cruise is a really good writer. I hadn’t read her before, but this ARC from Gay Romance Reviews caught my eye, and I’m so glad I took the chance. I love discovering a new author who can just write.
This is very much an MM romance—no genre confusion—but it also feels like a little more than that. As someone who is deeply (unhealthily?) obsessed with the genre, I don’t mean that as a slight to mm romance but the writing gives it a bit of a contemporary lit vibe. There’s a road buddy element layered in that gives it a different texture, and it really works.
What stood out most to me was how thoughtfully the time period was handled. This isn’t set that long ago, but the book does such a good job of showing how different things were. For example, how concepts like bisexuality still felt new or strange for a lot of people. There’s a line where Sam reflects on the idea that maybe the world is changing, “like humanity being on the cusp of something truly remarkable,” and that really landed. Because yes, in some ways that’s true… and in other ways, we’re watching the backlash play out in real time. It felt intentional, and it hit hard.
As a Gen Xer, I loved the setting. This was my era, and some of the details felt almost eerily specific. The South of the Border reference? I actually visited there around the same time with a boyfriend on the way to Myrtle beach because of all those signs along the way. Those endless signs, the buildup, the… reality of it. Exactly right. It’s such a weird little cultural artifact, and I was oddly delighted to see it captured so perfectly. And TMI alert, that boyfriend was also the only uncircumcised man I have ever been with which made me feel like this book was speaking directly to me in a way I was not expecting.
The characters were wonderful. Sam, especially, was just delightful. Easy to love, emotionally open, and grounding in a way that made the whole story work. Ash was great too, though a bit more aloof; less immediately warm, but still compelling.
Because these characters were my age in that generation, I found myself wanting more at the end. I would have loved a modern-day epilogue—did they make it? What did their lives look like decades later? And Gabe… I wonder if he made it, knowing he was on the cusp of a time when things were finally starting to improve for people living with HIV. I didn’t want to let these people go.
Quick note on the cover: I’m generally not a fan of cartoon covers, but this is how you do it. It didn’t distract from the story or feel overly goofy. (Though Ash absolutely had longer hair, I imagined him River Phoenix meets Kurt Cobain.)
All in all, this was a lovely, well-written, unexpectedly poignant read. Definitely a new author to watch for me.
This is very much an MM romance—no genre confusion—but it also feels like a little more than that. As someone who is deeply (unhealthily?) obsessed with the genre, I don’t mean that as a slight to mm romance but the writing gives it a bit of a contemporary lit vibe. There’s a road buddy element layered in that gives it a different texture, and it really works.
What stood out most to me was how thoughtfully the time period was handled. This isn’t set that long ago, but the book does such a good job of showing how different things were. For example, how concepts like bisexuality still felt new or strange for a lot of people. There’s a line where Sam reflects on the idea that maybe the world is changing, “like humanity being on the cusp of something truly remarkable,” and that really landed. Because yes, in some ways that’s true… and in other ways, we’re watching the backlash play out in real time. It felt intentional, and it hit hard.
As a Gen Xer, I loved the setting. This was my era, and some of the details felt almost eerily specific. The South of the Border reference? I actually visited there around the same time with a boyfriend on the way to Myrtle beach because of all those signs along the way. Those endless signs, the buildup, the… reality of it. Exactly right. It’s such a weird little cultural artifact, and I was oddly delighted to see it captured so perfectly. And TMI alert, that boyfriend was also the only uncircumcised man I have ever been with which made me feel like this book was speaking directly to me in a way I was not expecting.
The characters were wonderful. Sam, especially, was just delightful. Easy to love, emotionally open, and grounding in a way that made the whole story work. Ash was great too, though a bit more aloof; less immediately warm, but still compelling.
Because these characters were my age in that generation, I found myself wanting more at the end. I would have loved a modern-day epilogue—did they make it? What did their lives look like decades later? And Gabe… I wonder if he made it, knowing he was on the cusp of a time when things were finally starting to improve for people living with HIV. I didn’t want to let these people go.
Quick note on the cover: I’m generally not a fan of cartoon covers, but this is how you do it. It didn’t distract from the story or feel overly goofy. (Though Ash absolutely had longer hair, I imagined him River Phoenix meets Kurt Cobain.)
All in all, this was a lovely, well-written, unexpectedly poignant read. Definitely a new author to watch for me.
April 26, 2026
FREAKING INCREDIBLE PERFECTION ONE OF THE BEST THINGS IVE EVER READ
April 19, 2026
I’m still reeling from this one. It really got under my skin (in a good way).
I really understood the stress and weight of what Ash was carrying. I grew up discovering I was gay and coming out in the late 90s and early 2000s, and it was such an awkward time for acceptance. Because of that, I could really understand why Ash kept his guard up. I can't relate to his specific criminal background, but I completely understood his shame. He was terrified that Sam would judge him for the things he did just to survive, and he felt like a piece of trash because of it. Having to hide that part of yourself adds such a heavy layer of tension to his walls.
And then there’s Sam. He is the ultimate green flag. He’s that prince riding in on his dark horse that I think we all secretly want to be saved by. I loved his awakening and how he didn’t torment himself too much, but let’s be real, he was definitely stringing Ash along.
All in all, I love their happy ending. I will always be a sucker for a story where a main character finally decides to stop holding back and chases after true love. It made every bit of the emotional ride worth it.
I really understood the stress and weight of what Ash was carrying. I grew up discovering I was gay and coming out in the late 90s and early 2000s, and it was such an awkward time for acceptance. Because of that, I could really understand why Ash kept his guard up. I can't relate to his specific criminal background, but I completely understood his shame. He was terrified that Sam would judge him for the things he did just to survive, and he felt like a piece of trash because of it. Having to hide that part of yourself adds such a heavy layer of tension to his walls.
And then there’s Sam. He is the ultimate green flag. He’s that prince riding in on his dark horse that I think we all secretly want to be saved by. I loved his awakening and how he didn’t torment himself too much, but let’s be real, he was definitely stringing Ash along.
All in all, I love their happy ending. I will always be a sucker for a story where a main character finally decides to stop holding back and chases after true love. It made every bit of the emotional ride worth it.
April 21, 2026
4.5⭐️ I don't even know exactly why, but this got me in my feelings, the epilogue made me a bit emotional for them🥹
I really loved both of the main characters, their backgrounds and stories. Ash has a rough past and has been through a lot of hardship, which is why it’s hard for him to believe in the good things in life and in their relationship. And Sam is just so wonderfully open, easygoing, and fun -but also has depth, and perfect at showing Ash that they both deserve a happy ending.
This was full of such lovely, sweet, and steamy moments between them -but I was also stressing out at times. It was a bit like being able to tag along on their road trip as a reader and follow their adventures. Also, the spice... daamn the spice 😮💨 chemistry was so good. And all the tender moments between them 🥰
This was somehow so simple, but so good at the same time. And the '90s setting? YES, please.
I also appreciated that the characters acted their age; there was just the right amount of drama. The book has also great supporting characters, and they were well integrated into the story.
Thanks also to the author for adding the translations👏🏼
I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future—I've loved everything so far.
🦋🦋🦋🦋
“Butterfly. Can’t get rid of me that easily.”
“You don’t have nothing, Ash. You have me.”
“It’s over now. All the bad stuff. Only good days ahead, yeah?”
I really loved both of the main characters, their backgrounds and stories. Ash has a rough past and has been through a lot of hardship, which is why it’s hard for him to believe in the good things in life and in their relationship. And Sam is just so wonderfully open, easygoing, and fun -but also has depth, and perfect at showing Ash that they both deserve a happy ending.
This was full of such lovely, sweet, and steamy moments between them -but I was also stressing out at times. It was a bit like being able to tag along on their road trip as a reader and follow their adventures. Also, the spice... daamn the spice 😮💨 chemistry was so good. And all the tender moments between them 🥰
This was somehow so simple, but so good at the same time. And the '90s setting? YES, please.
I also appreciated that the characters acted their age; there was just the right amount of drama. The book has also great supporting characters, and they were well integrated into the story.
Thanks also to the author for adding the translations👏🏼
I can't wait to read more of this author's books in the future—I've loved everything so far.
🦋🦋🦋🦋
“Butterfly. Can’t get rid of me that easily.”
“You don’t have nothing, Ash. You have me.”
“It’s over now. All the bad stuff. Only good days ahead, yeah?”
April 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ FIVE MILLION STARS
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ALL THE CHILI PEPPERS
Ever since I met noel and luca from risa’s debut duet, I knew they were in a league of their own.
I could write an essay on how much I loved ‘Wish We Were Here’ and it still wouldn’t adequately describe the beauty of this book.
Risa’s writing style is so genuine and so human that you feel like these characters have been plucked from reality. Like you could easily bump into them on the street or meet them in a bar.
Sam and Ash’s story is so beautiful and as someone who fell in love with their life person in a matter of days, Risa captured that feeling perfectly.
Sam’s character specifically made me feel all the emotions because of his genuine open-hearted nature. He is someone that is wide open to love and life and it was a joy to get to know him. Like seriously - I have difficulty crying these days even if I want to (thank you SSRI’s!) but he made me cry. Nothing sad was happening, his characters sweet openness to love just GOT ME.
By the end of WWWH, you will unequivically fall in love with both of these precious souls and Risa’s gifted story telling ability. ❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ALL THE CHILI PEPPERS
Ever since I met noel and luca from risa’s debut duet, I knew they were in a league of their own.
I could write an essay on how much I loved ‘Wish We Were Here’ and it still wouldn’t adequately describe the beauty of this book.
Risa’s writing style is so genuine and so human that you feel like these characters have been plucked from reality. Like you could easily bump into them on the street or meet them in a bar.
Sam and Ash’s story is so beautiful and as someone who fell in love with their life person in a matter of days, Risa captured that feeling perfectly.
Sam’s character specifically made me feel all the emotions because of his genuine open-hearted nature. He is someone that is wide open to love and life and it was a joy to get to know him. Like seriously - I have difficulty crying these days even if I want to (thank you SSRI’s!) but he made me cry. Nothing sad was happening, his characters sweet openness to love just GOT ME.
By the end of WWWH, you will unequivically fall in love with both of these precious souls and Risa’s gifted story telling ability. ❤️
April 28, 2026
Didn’t expect to love this one so much! Amazing, definitely recommend🩷
May 3, 2026
oh my goodness i loved this so damn much. this was a really beautiful story, it had a coming of age feeling about it which is something i adore in my books. The 90s vibe was so fun to read and felt authentic — i love a different era of time, that’s initially what drew me in. anything that’s set in the 80s or 90s is gonna be my jam hence the instant need to read this story!
these two men find themselves in a very new situation, making an agreement in a bar to travel across country together, total strangers, both with their secrets but also something missing in each of their lives — little do they know, they may be getting a little more out of this journey than they originally planned.
i truly loved both of these characters, i thought Sam was an absolute heart throb. He was funny, charismatic and had such sunshine energy, i had so many moments where i was just so proud of his growth and development as character.
my poor sweet baby Ash. he has been through it gahh! He has baggage upon baggage. he trusts no one but he’s determined to get where he needs to go and to start a new life. i loved how much of a fighter he was. i really really loved Ash’s development, it felt genuine and as his trust grew in Sam, the more you got to see a comfortable and at ease version of Ash, a version of himself he long forgot.
while on the road with each other, they learn and deal with feelings and trauma from their pasts. i loved their relationship and their journey to healing. while being a fun read in parts, it also had so much emotional depth and those hurt-comfort and care taking moments we all love, the balance of it all was delivered really well.
i would love to reread this in the future — another new to me author and i look forward to reading more from their work.
tyyy for the arc <3
these two men find themselves in a very new situation, making an agreement in a bar to travel across country together, total strangers, both with their secrets but also something missing in each of their lives — little do they know, they may be getting a little more out of this journey than they originally planned.
i truly loved both of these characters, i thought Sam was an absolute heart throb. He was funny, charismatic and had such sunshine energy, i had so many moments where i was just so proud of his growth and development as character.
my poor sweet baby Ash. he has been through it gahh! He has baggage upon baggage. he trusts no one but he’s determined to get where he needs to go and to start a new life. i loved how much of a fighter he was. i really really loved Ash’s development, it felt genuine and as his trust grew in Sam, the more you got to see a comfortable and at ease version of Ash, a version of himself he long forgot.
while on the road with each other, they learn and deal with feelings and trauma from their pasts. i loved their relationship and their journey to healing. while being a fun read in parts, it also had so much emotional depth and those hurt-comfort and care taking moments we all love, the balance of it all was delivered really well.
i would love to reread this in the future — another new to me author and i look forward to reading more from their work.
tyyy for the arc <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beta Read.
Everyone is gonna love these guys so much !
LE: I genuinely can’t say how big of a Risa Cruise fan I am, so this rating probably comes as no surprise.
However, I need to do this story justice by saying I really enjoyed the unique setting, the perfect chemistry between these two, and the care with which Risa approaches two important subjects: epilepsy and the AIDS crisis in the ’90s.
That being said, I’ll let you all immerse yourselves in this story and maybe fall in love with my boy Sam - who becomes the perfect caretaker to a stranger in need.
Everyone is gonna love these guys so much !
LE: I genuinely can’t say how big of a Risa Cruise fan I am, so this rating probably comes as no surprise.
However, I need to do this story justice by saying I really enjoyed the unique setting, the perfect chemistry between these two, and the care with which Risa approaches two important subjects: epilepsy and the AIDS crisis in the ’90s.
That being said, I’ll let you all immerse yourselves in this story and maybe fall in love with my boy Sam - who becomes the perfect caretaker to a stranger in need.
May 1, 2026
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5
Wish We Were Here by Risa Cruise was a book I had been eagerly anticipating—partly because I already love this author’s writing style, and also because the story is set in the ’90s. I was a teenager during that decade, and so much of the music I still listen to comes from that era. Many of my favorite films—like Basketball Diaries, which is mentioned in the book—also came out in the ’90s. I went in expecting something rich in emotion and nostalgia, and that’s exactly what Risa Cruise delivered.
I have a soft spot for road trip stories and journeys of self-discovery, so it was such a joy to follow Sam and Ash across the United States. Watching them evolve from strangers into something deeper felt incredibly natural and organic. Sam’s bi-awakening was beautifully done—seeing him come to terms with his identity was both tender and moving. And Ash… my god, his story hit hard. His struggle with self-worth made so much sense given his past, and it was heartbreaking at times. I loved that he had Sam in his life—someone who gently helped him believe he deserved more, both from himself and from the world.
I also really appreciated how Risa Cruise handled the topic of AIDS, which was still relatively new in the ’90s and devastating so many lives. Its presence in the story felt authentic and meaningful, especially in the way it shaped the characters’ experiences and relationship with their own sexuality. It added an extra layer of realism that grounded the narrative.
The spice was incredible. Their first time together, in particular, was so sensual and emotionally charged—it’s still living in my head days after finishing the book. Every intimate scene carried real depth and feeling.
I honestly have no notes. This book was perfect for me. The characters, the setting, the pacing, and the level of spice all hit exactly right. I devoured it so quickly—I couldn’t put it down.
Wish We Were Here by Risa Cruise was a book I had been eagerly anticipating—partly because I already love this author’s writing style, and also because the story is set in the ’90s. I was a teenager during that decade, and so much of the music I still listen to comes from that era. Many of my favorite films—like Basketball Diaries, which is mentioned in the book—also came out in the ’90s. I went in expecting something rich in emotion and nostalgia, and that’s exactly what Risa Cruise delivered.
I have a soft spot for road trip stories and journeys of self-discovery, so it was such a joy to follow Sam and Ash across the United States. Watching them evolve from strangers into something deeper felt incredibly natural and organic. Sam’s bi-awakening was beautifully done—seeing him come to terms with his identity was both tender and moving. And Ash… my god, his story hit hard. His struggle with self-worth made so much sense given his past, and it was heartbreaking at times. I loved that he had Sam in his life—someone who gently helped him believe he deserved more, both from himself and from the world.
I also really appreciated how Risa Cruise handled the topic of AIDS, which was still relatively new in the ’90s and devastating so many lives. Its presence in the story felt authentic and meaningful, especially in the way it shaped the characters’ experiences and relationship with their own sexuality. It added an extra layer of realism that grounded the narrative.
The spice was incredible. Their first time together, in particular, was so sensual and emotionally charged—it’s still living in my head days after finishing the book. Every intimate scene carried real depth and feeling.
I honestly have no notes. This book was perfect for me. The characters, the setting, the pacing, and the level of spice all hit exactly right. I devoured it so quickly—I couldn’t put it down.
April 27, 2026
A journey of thousands of miles means different things to them. For one, it is a desperate escape for survival. For the other, it is a hopeful path toward self-discovery. Together, it becomes a romantic crossing of fates.
I was captivated by the suspense right from the first page. The book perfectly captures the turbulent emotions of being young. It is a mix of deep wounds and pure hearts. It moved me deeply.
The glimpses of the 90s in this book are different from my own upbringing, but they add a unique tension and charm to the narrative.
The road trip was full of soul and intensity. I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.
I was captivated by the suspense right from the first page. The book perfectly captures the turbulent emotions of being young. It is a mix of deep wounds and pure hearts. It moved me deeply.
The glimpses of the 90s in this book are different from my own upbringing, but they add a unique tension and charm to the narrative.
The road trip was full of soul and intensity. I truly enjoyed every moment of this book.
April 20, 2026
**I was gifted an ARC of this book**
I loved this book—easy five⭐️ read for me.
As soon as I saw it was set in the ’90s, I was in. The nostalgia alone pulled me in, with all the music and mentions of icons from that era, but the story itself was so unique and completely captivating.
Sam and Ash were both such compelling characters. Sam, the son of Cuban immigrants, is trying to figure out who he is while struggling with his attraction to men. He’s hesitant to embrace it and come out as bi because of the cultural norms and expectations he grew up with. Ash, on the other hand, comes from an abusive home and has turned to prostitution just to survive and is now on the run. They’re both carrying so much, and it made their journeys feel incredibly real.
I loved how their relationship developed—from strangers, to friends, to something deeper. It’s a slow, emotional burn that totally hooked me. Their connection is sweet and genuine, but it also forces each of them them to confront some hard truths about themselves and what they really want out of life—and from each other.
The road trip element added so much depth for me. It mirrored their personal growth in a way that made the story feel even more layered and meaningful. And that moment when Sam goes back for Ash? I was swooning. My heart also melted when Sam came out to his dad and reconciled with Gabriel.
I also really appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from the realities of being gay in the ’90s, especially during the AIDS crisis. It added an important layer of context and showed both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
This was such a beautiful, emotional read that I couldn’t put down. If you love layered stories with strong character development and an engaging plot, you’ll definitely want to pick this up. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved this book—easy five⭐️ read for me.
As soon as I saw it was set in the ’90s, I was in. The nostalgia alone pulled me in, with all the music and mentions of icons from that era, but the story itself was so unique and completely captivating.
Sam and Ash were both such compelling characters. Sam, the son of Cuban immigrants, is trying to figure out who he is while struggling with his attraction to men. He’s hesitant to embrace it and come out as bi because of the cultural norms and expectations he grew up with. Ash, on the other hand, comes from an abusive home and has turned to prostitution just to survive and is now on the run. They’re both carrying so much, and it made their journeys feel incredibly real.
I loved how their relationship developed—from strangers, to friends, to something deeper. It’s a slow, emotional burn that totally hooked me. Their connection is sweet and genuine, but it also forces each of them them to confront some hard truths about themselves and what they really want out of life—and from each other.
The road trip element added so much depth for me. It mirrored their personal growth in a way that made the story feel even more layered and meaningful. And that moment when Sam goes back for Ash? I was swooning. My heart also melted when Sam came out to his dad and reconciled with Gabriel.
I also really appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from the realities of being gay in the ’90s, especially during the AIDS crisis. It added an important layer of context and showed both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go.
This was such a beautiful, emotional read that I couldn’t put down. If you love layered stories with strong character development and an engaging plot, you’ll definitely want to pick this up. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2026
This was a good read. Oh how I loved the 90’s vibes and references! I enjoyed Ash and Sam’s relationship. As they traveled and began getting to know each other more it also allowed for personal growth, development, self discovery and acceptance. The transition from friends to more was a bit rocky but also sweet. It created a safe space between where they could ask questions that helped them understand more about their selves such as their sexuality and any hardships they had gone through in general. The writing was great, the representation of the 90’s was wonderful and this was overall a good read!
💛ARC REVIEW🖤
💛ARC REVIEW🖤
April 6, 2026
Okay that was fuckin cuuute. I finished it practically in one sitting. I loved the 90’s nostalgia, the road trip bliss, and The connection felt real enough between the two mc’s.
April 27, 2026
Risa does it again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 6, 2026
A little depressing and dirty. Not badly written though.
April 28, 2026
Wish We Were Here by Risa Cruise is definitely one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.
Set in the a mid-90s this road trip romance starts off pretty heavy: Ash has just been shot by a client, and Sam is coming off a breakup that happens right when he arrives to surprise his girlfriend. From there, what starts as a coincidence turns into a shared trip from Providence to Miami and then into something more personal.
Sam’s internal conflict is one of the books most compelling threads. He’s 25 and kind of stuck between what he should want - taking over his dad’s car business, settling down, being “the kind of man” his family expects - and what he’s actually feeling. Meeting Ash really starts to mess with that. The attraction is there almost immediately, but so is his resistance. He keeps shutting things down, telling himself he’s straight, while at the same time being the one who suggests turning their 2 day trip into a longer real road trip with adventures and sidequests. That push and pull felt very real, especially for the time period.
Ash, by contrast, is a character defined by guardedness and survival. Having grown up in an abusive home, he has been hustling since he was a teenager, learning early on that intimacy is transactional and trust is dangerous. He’s very selective about what he shares about himself, changes the topic a lot, and keeps things on the surface whenever he can. He also has epilepsy and is currently unmedicated because he can’t afford treatment, which adds another layer of instability to his life. But at the same time, there’s this quiet vulnerability, especially in how he starts to trust Sam, even if he’s not fully aware of it.
One thing I really liked is how differently they see intimacy. For Ash, physical touch is something transactional, something he gets paid for. So when Sam is touchy and affectionate (but also inconsistent because of his own internal conflict) it creates this tension through most of the story. Ash doesn’t really know what to do with it - and honestly Sam doesn’t either.
Their dynamic is what really carried the story for me. It’s not easy or smooth. There’s miscommunication, mixed signals, and a lot of hesitation on both sides, but that’s exactly what made it feel so real to me.
The setting also plays a big role. The homophobia - sometimes more subtle, sometimes very direct (like being attacked in a diner for just *looking* gay) is always there. It adds a lot of weight, especially when it comes to how risky it is for them to just be seen together.
There are also some strong themes around loss. Ash losing his friend Ben to AIDS (and only finding out months later) was one of those details that just stays with you. It fits into the overall feeling of uncertainty the characters are dealing with, not just in relationships, but in life in general.
What stood out the most to me is how with Sam, Ash gets to just be. Not a hustler, not someone pretending - just Ash. And you can really feel how much that means to him, even if he doesn’t fully trust it.
Overall, this is a story about identity, fear, and trying to figure things out when there’s no clear plan - both literally and emotionally. It’s messy, emotional, and not always easy, but it completely worked for me.
I also really loved where their story ends up. After everything - the confusion, the fear, all the things they don’t say for a long time - it felt very satisfying to see them get to a place that's stable with no secrets between them.
Set in the a mid-90s this road trip romance starts off pretty heavy: Ash has just been shot by a client, and Sam is coming off a breakup that happens right when he arrives to surprise his girlfriend. From there, what starts as a coincidence turns into a shared trip from Providence to Miami and then into something more personal.
Sam’s internal conflict is one of the books most compelling threads. He’s 25 and kind of stuck between what he should want - taking over his dad’s car business, settling down, being “the kind of man” his family expects - and what he’s actually feeling. Meeting Ash really starts to mess with that. The attraction is there almost immediately, but so is his resistance. He keeps shutting things down, telling himself he’s straight, while at the same time being the one who suggests turning their 2 day trip into a longer real road trip with adventures and sidequests. That push and pull felt very real, especially for the time period.
Ash, by contrast, is a character defined by guardedness and survival. Having grown up in an abusive home, he has been hustling since he was a teenager, learning early on that intimacy is transactional and trust is dangerous. He’s very selective about what he shares about himself, changes the topic a lot, and keeps things on the surface whenever he can. He also has epilepsy and is currently unmedicated because he can’t afford treatment, which adds another layer of instability to his life. But at the same time, there’s this quiet vulnerability, especially in how he starts to trust Sam, even if he’s not fully aware of it.
One thing I really liked is how differently they see intimacy. For Ash, physical touch is something transactional, something he gets paid for. So when Sam is touchy and affectionate (but also inconsistent because of his own internal conflict) it creates this tension through most of the story. Ash doesn’t really know what to do with it - and honestly Sam doesn’t either.
Their dynamic is what really carried the story for me. It’s not easy or smooth. There’s miscommunication, mixed signals, and a lot of hesitation on both sides, but that’s exactly what made it feel so real to me.
The setting also plays a big role. The homophobia - sometimes more subtle, sometimes very direct (like being attacked in a diner for just *looking* gay) is always there. It adds a lot of weight, especially when it comes to how risky it is for them to just be seen together.
There are also some strong themes around loss. Ash losing his friend Ben to AIDS (and only finding out months later) was one of those details that just stays with you. It fits into the overall feeling of uncertainty the characters are dealing with, not just in relationships, but in life in general.
What stood out the most to me is how with Sam, Ash gets to just be. Not a hustler, not someone pretending - just Ash. And you can really feel how much that means to him, even if he doesn’t fully trust it.
Overall, this is a story about identity, fear, and trying to figure things out when there’s no clear plan - both literally and emotionally. It’s messy, emotional, and not always easy, but it completely worked for me.
I also really loved where their story ends up. After everything - the confusion, the fear, all the things they don’t say for a long time - it felt very satisfying to see them get to a place that's stable with no secrets between them.
May 9, 2026
DNF 83%
Okay so, this book had a really nice premise and I actually loved Sam and Ash. Before I say what threw me off, I’ll start with what I liked.
The epilepsy coverage was especially interesting. I gained new knowledge on a condition I knew seldom about and as a result I’m more encouraged to do some research of my own. Ash was a prominent character — he’s been through so much that his story is truly heartbreaking. I teared up reading a lot of his backstory. Really liked Sam too, and his Cuban identity was quite central. A scene that stood out to me was when he’d found out about Ash’s secret. His reaction is the harrowing, raw reality of the treatment of POC in the judicial system and I’m glad that this was called out. Ignorance is never bliss. Even more so during the time this was set in.
Their relationship was beautifully constructed, and the 🌶️ was surprisingly well done. I loved that Sam didn’t use his internal struggle as a means to push Ash away, and I also liked that Ash was ready to help Sam work through it, aswell as go at a pace of which they both were comfortable. (Which was fast. Very fast).
This next point is a nuanced take and is not in any way supposed to be taken as a universal statement. Pages 383-390 (The part where I dropped) in my ebook, to me, was not needed. One of my biggest grievances is when I can tell that a situation has been solely made to cause chaos or a problem. Intentionally manufacturing mishap is a sign of bad writing in cases where the third act break up has already happened. The problem that occurred or rather was going to occur, made it even worse for me. If Ash was going to meet someone nice after the failed hitchhike, tell me, what was the point of the first occurrence??? Why couldn’t it have just lead with the nice person? A competent editor would have had that part completely cut out.
Honestly, after that part I gave up. Which I need to tell myself to do more often. But up until that point, I was having a good time reading. [•_•]
Okay so, this book had a really nice premise and I actually loved Sam and Ash. Before I say what threw me off, I’ll start with what I liked.
The epilepsy coverage was especially interesting. I gained new knowledge on a condition I knew seldom about and as a result I’m more encouraged to do some research of my own. Ash was a prominent character — he’s been through so much that his story is truly heartbreaking. I teared up reading a lot of his backstory. Really liked Sam too, and his Cuban identity was quite central. A scene that stood out to me was when he’d found out about Ash’s secret. His reaction is the harrowing, raw reality of the treatment of POC in the judicial system and I’m glad that this was called out. Ignorance is never bliss. Even more so during the time this was set in.
Their relationship was beautifully constructed, and the 🌶️ was surprisingly well done. I loved that Sam didn’t use his internal struggle as a means to push Ash away, and I also liked that Ash was ready to help Sam work through it, aswell as go at a pace of which they both were comfortable. (Which was fast. Very fast).
This next point is a nuanced take and is not in any way supposed to be taken as a universal statement. Pages 383-390 (The part where I dropped) in my ebook, to me, was not needed. One of my biggest grievances is when I can tell that a situation has been solely made to cause chaos or a problem. Intentionally manufacturing mishap is a sign of bad writing in cases where the third act break up has already happened. The problem that occurred or rather was going to occur, made it even worse for me. If Ash was going to meet someone nice after the failed hitchhike, tell me, what was the point of the first occurrence??? Why couldn’t it have just lead with the nice person? A competent editor would have had that part completely cut out.
Honestly, after that part I gave up. Which I need to tell myself to do more often. But up until that point, I was having a good time reading. [•_•]
May 3, 2026
4⭐️
Wow, this was so interesting!
The 90s vibes were vibing and I had so much fun being in a world with no cell phones? The whole atmosphere of this story really, really worked for me! And let's give this author some major kudos here, because they were willing to tackle some enormous and sensitive topics. Sex work, the AIDS crisis, homophobia, and racism - like the author did not wake up and decide to play it safe.
And while I feel wholly unqualified to really make any kind of statement on any of the above, I do feel that these were handled so well in this story, especially through this 90s lens.
And I loved Sam and Ash!! I was rooting for them and felt so good about their conclusion!
Honestly, the only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that there were a couple times where I got a little bored and really just wanted the story to move forward, but we weren't moving quickly enough *for me*. Now.. Do I acknowledge that in those pages where we got lots and lots of internal dialogue the author was attempting (and succeeding in my opinion) to guide us through some heavy topics? I mean, yea. It probably makes me the asshole that I'm even mentioning that I had moments of boredom. I'll accept that.
I'll accept it especially because I truly still think everyone should read this story. Honestly I think this would make a GREAT movie. It has all of the pieces! Highly recommend.
Wow, this was so interesting!
The 90s vibes were vibing and I had so much fun being in a world with no cell phones? The whole atmosphere of this story really, really worked for me! And let's give this author some major kudos here, because they were willing to tackle some enormous and sensitive topics. Sex work, the AIDS crisis, homophobia, and racism - like the author did not wake up and decide to play it safe.
And while I feel wholly unqualified to really make any kind of statement on any of the above, I do feel that these were handled so well in this story, especially through this 90s lens.
And I loved Sam and Ash!! I was rooting for them and felt so good about their conclusion!
Honestly, the only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that there were a couple times where I got a little bored and really just wanted the story to move forward, but we weren't moving quickly enough *for me*. Now.. Do I acknowledge that in those pages where we got lots and lots of internal dialogue the author was attempting (and succeeding in my opinion) to guide us through some heavy topics? I mean, yea. It probably makes me the asshole that I'm even mentioning that I had moments of boredom. I'll accept that.
I'll accept it especially because I truly still think everyone should read this story. Honestly I think this would make a GREAT movie. It has all of the pieces! Highly recommend.
April 23, 2026
✨️📚 Arc - Review 📚✨️
Sam & Ash
Rating: 6 ⭐️
- Hitchhiker x His Ride
- Sex Worker MC
- Strangers to Lovers
- Road Trip
- Found Family
- 90s Setting
Wasn't this pure sweetness with a side of heartbreak?
A 90s road trip without smartphones, a paper roadmap, secrets and trauma.
Both boys are just so young and so very lost, for different reasons, but it breaks your heart reading.
Both want love and, especially Ash, has no clue how to ask for it.
While Sam still struggles with his sexuality, and how his world would react to it, it's clear from the first pages that he can't let Ash go.
Even if he first can't figure out why.
The way Ash struggles to trust anyone, even himself is just downright devastating.
It should have been just a trip to Miami, instead it's the way for Ash and Sam to find their happily ever after 🩵🩵🩵
Side note: I'm really hoping this isn't the last time we see Ash's roommates... 😽
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual // First Person
Breakup: Yes
Cheat: No
Sam & Ash
Rating: 6 ⭐️
- Hitchhiker x His Ride
- Sex Worker MC
- Strangers to Lovers
- Road Trip
- Found Family
- 90s Setting
Wasn't this pure sweetness with a side of heartbreak?
A 90s road trip without smartphones, a paper roadmap, secrets and trauma.
Both boys are just so young and so very lost, for different reasons, but it breaks your heart reading.
Both want love and, especially Ash, has no clue how to ask for it.
While Sam still struggles with his sexuality, and how his world would react to it, it's clear from the first pages that he can't let Ash go.
Even if he first can't figure out why.
The way Ash struggles to trust anyone, even himself is just downright devastating.
It should have been just a trip to Miami, instead it's the way for Ash and Sam to find their happily ever after 🩵🩵🩵
Side note: I'm really hoping this isn't the last time we see Ash's roommates... 😽
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual // First Person
Breakup: Yes
Cheat: No
April 7, 2026
Cute read! 90s nostalgia for the win.
The connection and banter between Sam and Ash was chefs kiss. The little spats back and forth is definitely a true road trip, bc let’s face it if you’re not a little annoyed with the person you’re in a car with for hours. Are you really on a road trip?
I loved how Sam slowly started to accept himself and his sexuality despite the hardships and that Sam got his sunshine and learned he does deserve happiness.
Ash. My butterfly. He’s given me so much reason and purpose, made me feel like it’s okay to be who and what I am. My razón de ser, as it were. 🦋❤️
The connection and banter between Sam and Ash was chefs kiss. The little spats back and forth is definitely a true road trip, bc let’s face it if you’re not a little annoyed with the person you’re in a car with for hours. Are you really on a road trip?
I loved how Sam slowly started to accept himself and his sexuality despite the hardships and that Sam got his sunshine and learned he does deserve happiness.
Ash. My butterfly. He’s given me so much reason and purpose, made me feel like it’s okay to be who and what I am. My razón de ser, as it were. 🦋❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
4.5 stars
Happening in the 90s, the author really gets us in that nineties era. I’m usually not a fan of getting back into those times, especially with the AIDS crisis but the author made it in a way that felt authentic and deeply human.
The two main characters are not perfect, you will fall in love but also want to scream at them for the decisions they make which make them feel REAL.
A sweet romance that made me travel back in time. A novel about two men finding each other but also themselves through it all.
Happening in the 90s, the author really gets us in that nineties era. I’m usually not a fan of getting back into those times, especially with the AIDS crisis but the author made it in a way that felt authentic and deeply human.
The two main characters are not perfect, you will fall in love but also want to scream at them for the decisions they make which make them feel REAL.
A sweet romance that made me travel back in time. A novel about two men finding each other but also themselves through it all.
Read
April 4, 2026No. I'm dying to read this book because what do you mean, Ash rolled into town with a backpack full of cash and a bullet wound, needing a ride south, FAST!!!
Review of advance copy
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
How wild is it that a 1996 setting can kind of be considered "historical"? Like damn, it WAS 30 years ago now. Like what? I was barely alive at that point, only like 4 years old. And things were so different like yeah there were physical maps still and pay phones and no cellphones in the way we have them today, no texting, no relying on the internet for SO much...
Oh and also, the AIDS crisis. This is the year when things were starting to get better, but a lot who got it...it was still pretty much a death sentence, or at least still very hard to manage. That is very much present throughout this book as well.
Our main characters, Sam and Ash do not have it and never end up having it, so thankfully the author didn't put is through that and this does end on a pretty strong HFN or HEA note, however you want to look at it. But they both have friends who have it or had it and it's heartbreaking enough. That possibility hanging of their heads is still felt throughout this.
Especially as Ash had to become a sex worker to survive, and it is lucky he never did contract it. Also Sam, as we find out, .
The author explaining that this book was inspired a bit by My Own Private Idaho but with these boys getting a happy ending makes all the sense for why this is set in the 90's. Especially as we get to see at least these two get a happy ending amongst so many who sadly did not get to have that happy ending.
I just bet a story like this, especially a gay love story, would have uplifted so many queer kids back then. Especially as just 2 years after this is set, Matthew Shepard happened. Rampant homophobia is nowhere near over today, let alone 30 years ago.
It made even more sense for Sam, who had been to still be denying himself as anything but straight even now.
My only reason for .5 stars off for this is basically a slow beginning. I don't know why, but I was just not connecting to this story. These two fall hard and fast over less than a week of knowing each other, but let's just say the first day or so of them knowing each other, I wasn't feeling it as much as I was hoping. Perhaps the first 20% of this or so was just too slow, and took awhile for me to get into.
But thankfully soon enough that all changed, and I really started to feel the connection between these two. Sam was just so so wonderful to Ash, and Ash was a broken boy who had never felt love outside of his few friends. He'd definitely never felt romantic love. But he was sweet underneath his standoff-ishness. Life just made him turn to harsher realities, and doing things he didn't want to do.
What wasn't quite working for me at first really took a turn and the build up between these two was doing flawlessly once things started to pick up for me. They just both started to fall so hard and fast, but it felt so believable.
And when drama came up, it felt completely logical and their reactions made complete sense. And also it was amazing how things like if Ash had seen that I like to think Sam would have done anything he could have to have found Ash, but who knows if he would have, and especially so easily and so fast.
Ash, if he'd changed his mind, also wouldn't have been able to find Sam as Sam had never told him his address...all of that made their so it wouldn't have felt as impossible. But in the year 1996, these two got to have their happy ending because some cleaners respected their privacy and left their private property alone, and also Ash didn't notice them lying there either...
It all felt a bit...serendipitous.
It just warmed my heart, and
I also love love loved how amazing Sam's family was about him being bisexual and with Ash. Especially his Cuban father, who was even better about it than his mother, to be honest. It was a lovely, uplifting moment in this book when there is so much sadness and angst and heartbreak otherwise.
And seeing these two get their happy ending was wonderful. I almost wanted to see an epilogue with it being 30 years later, to today, and seeing these two still together in their 50's now, married since 2015, out and proud and perhaps with adopted children if they wanted...just would have perhaps made the ending feel even brighter.
BUT as it is, the epilogue was still wonderful, and their happiness was so heartwarming to see. The author did say perhaps there would be more with these two or at least more in this world taking place back in the 90's, and I wouldn't be mad at that at ALL. These two make each other so happy, so getting to see them happy some more would always be wonderful.
This isn't the author's first work, but it's still one of their first, and they're definitely new-to-me, but this went so wonderful overall that I will definitely be reading more of their work in the future.
Until then! 😘
I generously received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
How wild is it that a 1996 setting can kind of be considered "historical"? Like damn, it WAS 30 years ago now. Like what? I was barely alive at that point, only like 4 years old. And things were so different like yeah there were physical maps still and pay phones and no cellphones in the way we have them today, no texting, no relying on the internet for SO much...
Oh and also, the AIDS crisis. This is the year when things were starting to get better, but a lot who got it...it was still pretty much a death sentence, or at least still very hard to manage. That is very much present throughout this book as well.
Our main characters, Sam and Ash do not have it and never end up having it, so thankfully the author didn't put is through that and this does end on a pretty strong HFN or HEA note, however you want to look at it. But they both have friends who have it or had it and it's heartbreaking enough. That possibility hanging of their heads is still felt throughout this.
Especially as Ash had to become a sex worker to survive, and it is lucky he never did contract it. Also Sam, as we find out, .
The author explaining that this book was inspired a bit by My Own Private Idaho but with these boys getting a happy ending makes all the sense for why this is set in the 90's. Especially as we get to see at least these two get a happy ending amongst so many who sadly did not get to have that happy ending.
I just bet a story like this, especially a gay love story, would have uplifted so many queer kids back then. Especially as just 2 years after this is set, Matthew Shepard happened. Rampant homophobia is nowhere near over today, let alone 30 years ago.
It made even more sense for Sam, who had been to still be denying himself as anything but straight even now.
My only reason for .5 stars off for this is basically a slow beginning. I don't know why, but I was just not connecting to this story. These two fall hard and fast over less than a week of knowing each other, but let's just say the first day or so of them knowing each other, I wasn't feeling it as much as I was hoping. Perhaps the first 20% of this or so was just too slow, and took awhile for me to get into.
But thankfully soon enough that all changed, and I really started to feel the connection between these two. Sam was just so so wonderful to Ash, and Ash was a broken boy who had never felt love outside of his few friends. He'd definitely never felt romantic love. But he was sweet underneath his standoff-ishness. Life just made him turn to harsher realities, and doing things he didn't want to do.
What wasn't quite working for me at first really took a turn and the build up between these two was doing flawlessly once things started to pick up for me. They just both started to fall so hard and fast, but it felt so believable.
And when drama came up, it felt completely logical and their reactions made complete sense. And also it was amazing how things like if Ash had seen that I like to think Sam would have done anything he could have to have found Ash, but who knows if he would have, and especially so easily and so fast.
Ash, if he'd changed his mind, also wouldn't have been able to find Sam as Sam had never told him his address...all of that made their so it wouldn't have felt as impossible. But in the year 1996, these two got to have their happy ending because some cleaners respected their privacy and left their private property alone, and also Ash didn't notice them lying there either...
It all felt a bit...serendipitous.
It just warmed my heart, and
I also love love loved how amazing Sam's family was about him being bisexual and with Ash. Especially his Cuban father, who was even better about it than his mother, to be honest. It was a lovely, uplifting moment in this book when there is so much sadness and angst and heartbreak otherwise.
And seeing these two get their happy ending was wonderful. I almost wanted to see an epilogue with it being 30 years later, to today, and seeing these two still together in their 50's now, married since 2015, out and proud and perhaps with adopted children if they wanted...just would have perhaps made the ending feel even brighter.
BUT as it is, the epilogue was still wonderful, and their happiness was so heartwarming to see. The author did say perhaps there would be more with these two or at least more in this world taking place back in the 90's, and I wouldn't be mad at that at ALL. These two make each other so happy, so getting to see them happy some more would always be wonderful.
This isn't the author's first work, but it's still one of their first, and they're definitely new-to-me, but this went so wonderful overall that I will definitely be reading more of their work in the future.
Until then! 😘
I generously received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review: Wish We Were Here by Risa Cruise
MC: Sam (25) & Ash (22) 4.5⭐
Tropes & tags
☀️90s setting
🦋 Incredible soundtrack
☀️ Strangers-to-lovers
🦋 Bi (re)awakening
☀️ Road trip
🦋 Hitchhiker x his ride
☀️ Sex worker MC
🦋 Forced proximity / One bed
☀️ Found family
🦋 Epilepsy rep
At this point, Risa can write anything and I’ll read it, no questions.
Beautiful, even with all the heaviness here. Beautiful as this cover, as them🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹.
Reading Ash’s story hurt me. Poor baby. His life has been brutal—losing his best friend, surviving gun violence, and everything that led him to be a sex worker. And then Sam happened—his protectiveness, his care—it was so beautiful. And a special word to Sam and his care during and after Ash seizures, his concern and attention , how he does everything to make him comfortable and recover in peace. It comes from a good heart, because he did it for a stranger.
Even with a bumpy beginning, watching Ash opening about himself and also reclaim pleasure, choose it for himself, and be loved and worshiped… our little butterfly, finally safe enough to unfold. And Sam, discovering who he is and learning to allow himself desire, and worshiping Ash, that for most of the book, he doesn't know what he went through… . their connection is special because of that—they’re both winning in ways that matter. Even if they are not each other first, they are getting soooo many first times, in every way possible. And, it's very romantic and stuff, but hold your horses because these babies have moves and a dirty talk to die for 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵.
There were moments that felt a bit juvenile—the push and pull, the bratty tantrums—but they are young, right? 25 and 22. Especially Ash, who didn’t get the chance to grow up in a safe, loving way. His history is heavy, and it shapes him. I wanted a little more maturity, but also… he’s a survivor, not a polished adult, and that’s perfectly real.
I did feel the “we can’t hook up” → “we are hooking up” needed a little more space. In stories with a sex worker MC, I tend to need more non-physical intimacy first—it just makes the physical connection feel more grounded. Even with Ash choosing Sam and having agency this time, it’s a personal preference of mine. And… I hate being this person, but I wished Sam was a little more jealous of Ash's “experience”. There I said it, sue me!
Another thing I loved was the 90s settings… my years. So many memories. That era shaped who I am—the music, the ideas, my personality. Also the way people trusted each other (for better or worse). The book captures that tension perfectly—careful intimacy against a world that’s messy, unsafe, and full of stakes.
So even with some issues—because yeah, it’s a bit insta, messy at times, and maybe a little too focused on sex—I couldn’t not round it up. These babies deserve my love. I’m a softy, I know!
I received a copy of this book from Risa, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Author Content Warnings
Explicit content, MC who engages in sex work for survival (not on page), racism/racist language (not between MCs; non-explicit, challenged on page), period-typical homophobia/homophobic language (internal and external, challenged on page), sexism (challenged on page), SC experiencing gender dysphoria, sexual assault (not between MCs), recreational drug use, driving under the influence, gun violence and injury, death of a character from AIDS complications (past/mentioned), death of a character from suicide (mentioned/off page), child abuse and neglect (past/mentioned), brief MF scene (in a dream).
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
Other Person Drama: No, but there's a lot of conversations about past experiences, Sam is curious about bottoming and Ash shares his experience about everything. There’s no denying his experience, even if not completely transparent where this experience comes from for most of the book.
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Temporary
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
MC: Sam (25) & Ash (22) 4.5⭐
“God, I want him. Again. Here. Anywhere. Somehow.”
Tropes & tags
☀️90s setting
🦋 Incredible soundtrack
☀️ Strangers-to-lovers
🦋 Bi (re)awakening
☀️ Road trip
🦋 Hitchhiker x his ride
☀️ Sex worker MC
🦋 Forced proximity / One bed
☀️ Found family
🦋 Epilepsy rep
At this point, Risa can write anything and I’ll read it, no questions.
Beautiful, even with all the heaviness here. Beautiful as this cover, as them🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹.
Reading Ash’s story hurt me. Poor baby. His life has been brutal—losing his best friend, surviving gun violence, and everything that led him to be a sex worker. And then Sam happened—his protectiveness, his care—it was so beautiful. And a special word to Sam and his care during and after Ash seizures, his concern and attention , how he does everything to make him comfortable and recover in peace. It comes from a good heart, because he did it for a stranger.
Even with a bumpy beginning, watching Ash opening about himself and also reclaim pleasure, choose it for himself, and be loved and worshiped… our little butterfly, finally safe enough to unfold. And Sam, discovering who he is and learning to allow himself desire, and worshiping Ash, that for most of the book, he doesn't know what he went through… . their connection is special because of that—they’re both winning in ways that matter. Even if they are not each other first, they are getting soooo many first times, in every way possible. And, it's very romantic and stuff, but hold your horses because these babies have moves and a dirty talk to die for 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵.
There were moments that felt a bit juvenile—the push and pull, the bratty tantrums—but they are young, right? 25 and 22. Especially Ash, who didn’t get the chance to grow up in a safe, loving way. His history is heavy, and it shapes him. I wanted a little more maturity, but also… he’s a survivor, not a polished adult, and that’s perfectly real.
I did feel the “we can’t hook up” → “we are hooking up” needed a little more space. In stories with a sex worker MC, I tend to need more non-physical intimacy first—it just makes the physical connection feel more grounded. Even with Ash choosing Sam and having agency this time, it’s a personal preference of mine. And… I hate being this person, but I wished Sam was a little more jealous of Ash's “experience”. There I said it, sue me!
Another thing I loved was the 90s settings… my years. So many memories. That era shaped who I am—the music, the ideas, my personality. Also the way people trusted each other (for better or worse). The book captures that tension perfectly—careful intimacy against a world that’s messy, unsafe, and full of stakes.
So even with some issues—because yeah, it’s a bit insta, messy at times, and maybe a little too focused on sex—I couldn’t not round it up. These babies deserve my love. I’m a softy, I know!
“This is real, right? Like, I’m not dreaming.” His hands tighten on the rails. “I’m here. With you.”
“Unless we’re both having the same, wacky lucid dream.” I press against him. “It’s real, Ash. This is real.”
“And you and me…” He turns, and I sweep him into my arms. “We’re really doing this?”
“We are.” My forehead tips against his.
“It’s just…hard to believe.”
“Happy to help convince you every single day.”
I received a copy of this book from Risa, and this is my honest review.
⚠️Author Content Warnings
Explicit content, MC who engages in sex work for survival (not on page), racism/racist language (not between MCs; non-explicit, challenged on page), period-typical homophobia/homophobic language (internal and external, challenged on page), sexism (challenged on page), SC experiencing gender dysphoria, sexual assault (not between MCs), recreational drug use, driving under the influence, gun violence and injury, death of a character from AIDS complications (past/mentioned), death of a character from suicide (mentioned/off page), child abuse and neglect (past/mentioned), brief MF scene (in a dream).
❣️Book Safety & Content
Cheating: No
Other Person Drama: No, but there's a lot of conversations about past experiences, Sam is curious about bottoming and Ash shares his experience about everything. There’s no denying his experience, even if not completely transparent where this experience comes from for most of the book.
Sharing: No
Third-Act Breakup: Temporary
Role Dynamics: Versatile
POV: 1st person (dual)
Format: Standalone
Ending: HEA
Angst Level: Medium
Spice Level: Medium
Communication: Some miscommunication
Pining: Mutual
April 22, 2026
🦋💵 He's home at last. And in him, I find that too 🚘🛣
"Just let me in. Show me I've made as big of a mark on you as you have on me. Tell me this isn't nothing. You're rewriting my entire friggin' brain chemistry so how can I be nothing to you?"
"He's here. He came back for me. No one's ever done that."
"Do you think this is a gay retelling of Pretty Woman or something? I'm a w****, remember?"
"You're mine, is what you are."
"He's home at last. And in him, I find that too."
"When you say something out loud it's made real. And being real means it can be destroyed. I don't want this to be destroyed. Even though I know I can't keep it."
"I kiss him like I'm going to devour him, like I need him to breathe. I need all of him on me. I need to climb inside his skin."
"He's just so...pretty. Even all messy and disheveled, he's so f*****' pretty, like the laws of reality simply don't apply to him."
"Maybe you can fall in love with someone over the course of a week and a few thousand miles. The kind of love that sticks, even."
"Everything that's hurt him, all these jagged, broken pieces that make him up- I love them, too. He might be a little broken but he's whole in my eyes."
"I will get you there, I promise."
"Messy boy. You're awfully wet. Like a girl, almost."
"Bold thing to say when you've got my d*** in your hands. It's your fault, anyway."
"Ash. My butterfly. He's given me so much reason and purpose, made me feel like it's okay to be who and what I am. My razón de ser, as it were."
This was a phenomenal and amazing book. I read the sugar pill duet by this author and absolutely knew I had to read everything by this author. The ode to the 90s in this book broke and put my millennial heart back together 🥹🥹. The nostalgia from the mixtape alone had me in my feels. The mention of Pogs had me smiling so big 🤩. This book had some great troupes like: Strangers to Lovers, Hitchhiker and His Ride, Forced Proximity/Road Trip, Bi Awakening, Sex Worker MC, and Epilepsy Rep. This author did a flawless job handling the sensitive topics in this story. There were a lot of major real-world issues in this story and they were portrayed so realistically as well.
This story follows Ash and Sam. Sam was on a road trip to surprise his girlfriend. Instead, he ended up getting dumped. He's at a bar nursing his sorrows when Ash overhears him talking about driving back to Miami. He asks Sam if he can hitch a ride and he will pay for everything. Sam is lonely and decides he wants some adventure in his life so he agrees. They end up back at the hotel and Sam finds out Ash is on the run and has been shot (grazed). Ash is hiding many secrets and doesn't trust anyone. They start their road trip and Sam tries to get to know Ash. Ash doesn't answer much about himself. Ash is a sex worker and did what he had to to survive. He doesn't want Sam to look at him differently. These two end up extending the trip. Things get spicy and feelings get involved pretty quick. Sam is trying to figure out his sexuality while Ash is trying hard not to fall for him. What will happen when Sam finds out all the secrets Ash is hiding? Will Sam look at Ash differently? Can Ash allow himself to be happy for once? Can a week on the road for these strangers lead to love?
My heart broke for poor Ash. That boy has been through so much horrible stuff 😭. He's just trying to survive and he's tired of living the only way he knows how to. Sam is just lost in life. He doesn't know who he is or what he wants to do in life. I feel like both of these boys not only found solace in each other but are stronger together. I loved how much of a caretaker Sam was to Ash. Especially during his epileptic episodes 🥹. The chemistry and tension between these two were 🥵🥵. The spicy times were delicious 🔥🔥🔥. I love how Ash could be himself with Sam even when he tried to hide things. My heart broke for what their friends went through and are going through 😭. Seeing these characters trying to live their life in such adversity is rough. I loved how Sam accepted his sexuality and stood up for them both. The scenes where Ash went back home gave me so much anxiety. God my heart hurt for him 🖤. The best part of this story was when Sam chose Ash and welcomed him into his family. I really enjoyed this story and my feelings were all over the place in the best way. I highly recommend anything by this author. 🦋🚘🛣⛽️💵🌴🚬🎶🗺
"Just let me in. Show me I've made as big of a mark on you as you have on me. Tell me this isn't nothing. You're rewriting my entire friggin' brain chemistry so how can I be nothing to you?"
"He's here. He came back for me. No one's ever done that."
"Do you think this is a gay retelling of Pretty Woman or something? I'm a w****, remember?"
"You're mine, is what you are."
"He's home at last. And in him, I find that too."
"When you say something out loud it's made real. And being real means it can be destroyed. I don't want this to be destroyed. Even though I know I can't keep it."
"I kiss him like I'm going to devour him, like I need him to breathe. I need all of him on me. I need to climb inside his skin."
"He's just so...pretty. Even all messy and disheveled, he's so f*****' pretty, like the laws of reality simply don't apply to him."
"Maybe you can fall in love with someone over the course of a week and a few thousand miles. The kind of love that sticks, even."
"Everything that's hurt him, all these jagged, broken pieces that make him up- I love them, too. He might be a little broken but he's whole in my eyes."
"I will get you there, I promise."
"Messy boy. You're awfully wet. Like a girl, almost."
"Bold thing to say when you've got my d*** in your hands. It's your fault, anyway."
"Ash. My butterfly. He's given me so much reason and purpose, made me feel like it's okay to be who and what I am. My razón de ser, as it were."
This was a phenomenal and amazing book. I read the sugar pill duet by this author and absolutely knew I had to read everything by this author. The ode to the 90s in this book broke and put my millennial heart back together 🥹🥹. The nostalgia from the mixtape alone had me in my feels. The mention of Pogs had me smiling so big 🤩. This book had some great troupes like: Strangers to Lovers, Hitchhiker and His Ride, Forced Proximity/Road Trip, Bi Awakening, Sex Worker MC, and Epilepsy Rep. This author did a flawless job handling the sensitive topics in this story. There were a lot of major real-world issues in this story and they were portrayed so realistically as well.
This story follows Ash and Sam. Sam was on a road trip to surprise his girlfriend. Instead, he ended up getting dumped. He's at a bar nursing his sorrows when Ash overhears him talking about driving back to Miami. He asks Sam if he can hitch a ride and he will pay for everything. Sam is lonely and decides he wants some adventure in his life so he agrees. They end up back at the hotel and Sam finds out Ash is on the run and has been shot (grazed). Ash is hiding many secrets and doesn't trust anyone. They start their road trip and Sam tries to get to know Ash. Ash doesn't answer much about himself. Ash is a sex worker and did what he had to to survive. He doesn't want Sam to look at him differently. These two end up extending the trip. Things get spicy and feelings get involved pretty quick. Sam is trying to figure out his sexuality while Ash is trying hard not to fall for him. What will happen when Sam finds out all the secrets Ash is hiding? Will Sam look at Ash differently? Can Ash allow himself to be happy for once? Can a week on the road for these strangers lead to love?
My heart broke for poor Ash. That boy has been through so much horrible stuff 😭. He's just trying to survive and he's tired of living the only way he knows how to. Sam is just lost in life. He doesn't know who he is or what he wants to do in life. I feel like both of these boys not only found solace in each other but are stronger together. I loved how much of a caretaker Sam was to Ash. Especially during his epileptic episodes 🥹. The chemistry and tension between these two were 🥵🥵. The spicy times were delicious 🔥🔥🔥. I love how Ash could be himself with Sam even when he tried to hide things. My heart broke for what their friends went through and are going through 😭. Seeing these characters trying to live their life in such adversity is rough. I loved how Sam accepted his sexuality and stood up for them both. The scenes where Ash went back home gave me so much anxiety. God my heart hurt for him 🖤. The best part of this story was when Sam chose Ash and welcomed him into his family. I really enjoyed this story and my feelings were all over the place in the best way. I highly recommend anything by this author. 🦋🚘🛣⛽️💵🌴🚬🎶🗺
April 19, 2026
{wish we were here}
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________
Wish we were here by Risa Cruise is a forced proximity book set in the 1990’s following Sam and Ash strangers to each other through a road trip filled with self discovery only one bed and a healthy dose of angst.
Sam was going to surprise his long distance girlfriend at college but ended up being dumped instead he sits in a bar wallowing in what went wrong hit bartender when a stranger asked for a ride. Ash is running from his past with only the clothes on his back and a bag filled with $20,000 he hears a guy claiming he is headed towards Miami and shoots his shot asking for a ride. Let’s follow these two amazing people through a journey that none of them expected
Sam is literally sunshine in Kearny, he is just an overall positive person even if the was a bit moody the first couple of characters but he gets an out for being dumped, Sam has his own trouble living in a world where people with a different skin colour is treated as less but I love that he stans up for himself and others when he sees a wronging
Ash has been through a lot he started hooking when he was just 17 years old literally just a child my heart aches for him at the time it may have seemed like the only solution I wish it wasn’t the case cause you can really see how it effected him through out the book I am glad though that his friends took him in and gave him a safe space
Sam and Ash are so amazing with each other, they somehow just felt right together i think Sam is exactly what Ash needs someone positive who will not give up on him or leave him behind. I also see Ash being good for Sam, Challenges him to be more himself and to help him figure out life really inspiring him to follow his dreams
Ash having Epilepsy and dealing with the black outs was a great way to spread the awareness of epilepsy and have a disability rep always helps to make books more personal and to make people identify more with the character
Wish we were here surprised me and I actually ended up enjoying it more than I expected when I first applied for the arc of this book im not gonna lie I was kinda excited for the journey but I was also concerned that it would just be a lot of them just driving but atlas it was full of fun moments with excitement, tourism and so many moments of just pure and sweet pining!
This book got me thinking we see a lot of people talking about how far we’ve come since the 90’s im regards to racism and homophobia/queer-phobia but have we really I mean all the issues from them is still issues today, just because it’s more talked about today doesn’t make a less of an issue
Wish we could’ve seen Sam introducing Ash to his family,
I don’t know why but that is something I see would have given the story that extra pump at the end.
I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars and I would recommend this book to someone who is ready to go on a journey through a super steamy road trip with lots and lots of sweet moments between strangers and not to mention an amazing time through memory land with the incredible setting through the 90’s so enjoy!!!!!
but remember to form your own opinions and not just listen to me
Until next time, my loves…
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3,5/5
Angst: 3/5
Would I read again:YES!
(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)
🛞Road Trip
💵90’s setting
🛞Bi-Awakening
💵Epilepsy Rep
🛞Only One Bed
💵MM Romance
🛞Strangers To Lovers
___________•___________
Arc review by Jessie Melka
___________•___________
Wish we were here by Risa Cruise is a forced proximity book set in the 1990’s following Sam and Ash strangers to each other through a road trip filled with self discovery only one bed and a healthy dose of angst.
Sam was going to surprise his long distance girlfriend at college but ended up being dumped instead he sits in a bar wallowing in what went wrong hit bartender when a stranger asked for a ride. Ash is running from his past with only the clothes on his back and a bag filled with $20,000 he hears a guy claiming he is headed towards Miami and shoots his shot asking for a ride. Let’s follow these two amazing people through a journey that none of them expected
Sam is literally sunshine in Kearny, he is just an overall positive person even if the was a bit moody the first couple of characters but he gets an out for being dumped, Sam has his own trouble living in a world where people with a different skin colour is treated as less but I love that he stans up for himself and others when he sees a wronging
Ash has been through a lot he started hooking when he was just 17 years old literally just a child my heart aches for him at the time it may have seemed like the only solution I wish it wasn’t the case cause you can really see how it effected him through out the book I am glad though that his friends took him in and gave him a safe space
Sam and Ash are so amazing with each other, they somehow just felt right together i think Sam is exactly what Ash needs someone positive who will not give up on him or leave him behind. I also see Ash being good for Sam, Challenges him to be more himself and to help him figure out life really inspiring him to follow his dreams
Ash having Epilepsy and dealing with the black outs was a great way to spread the awareness of epilepsy and have a disability rep always helps to make books more personal and to make people identify more with the character
Wish we were here surprised me and I actually ended up enjoying it more than I expected when I first applied for the arc of this book im not gonna lie I was kinda excited for the journey but I was also concerned that it would just be a lot of them just driving but atlas it was full of fun moments with excitement, tourism and so many moments of just pure and sweet pining!
This book got me thinking we see a lot of people talking about how far we’ve come since the 90’s im regards to racism and homophobia/queer-phobia but have we really I mean all the issues from them is still issues today, just because it’s more talked about today doesn’t make a less of an issue
Wish we could’ve seen Sam introducing Ash to his family,
I don’t know why but that is something I see would have given the story that extra pump at the end.
I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars and I would recommend this book to someone who is ready to go on a journey through a super steamy road trip with lots and lots of sweet moments between strangers and not to mention an amazing time through memory land with the incredible setting through the 90’s so enjoy!!!!!
but remember to form your own opinions and not just listen to me
Until next time, my loves…
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3,5/5
Angst: 3/5
Would I read again:YES!
(I received an advance copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily)
🛞Road Trip
💵90’s setting
🛞Bi-Awakening
💵Epilepsy Rep
🛞Only One Bed
💵MM Romance
🛞Strangers To Lovers
___________•___________
Review of advance copy
⭐️ 5 stars ⭐️
An emotional road trip from Providence to Miami. And back…. And back again.
I ADORED Ash and Sam’s story.
A sweet romance interwoven with some deep themes, 90s nostalgia, and a bit of a crazy plot.
Ash’s life is a hard one to read about, you just wanna pluck him up and cuddle him close, protect him. The cover had me fooled, honestly. This was not the cheery 90s-themed romcom you’d expect. Not that I’m complaining.
Themes of poverty and sex work for survival, grief and loss, issues (more) prevalent at the time such as homophobia and the AIDS crisis.
But also your typical romance themes, like sexual identity, being in your 20s and not knowing what you want to do in your life, hurt/comfort, caretaking. A broken boy who doesn’t know how to be loved and his sunshine counterpart that didn’t think he was allowed to love a boy.
The plot wasn’t certainly a universal experience everyone can relate to, but these characters were relatable all the same.
Lately I’ve been enjoying books where it seems the main characters are the only two people in the world. In Wish We Were Here it’s just Ash and Sam, on a road trip together, first as strangers then slowly as friends, enjoying their little bubble. Until the bubble explodes and all of Ash’s baggage comes falling down, but still.
Spanish dirty talk? Sam is trying to kill me. Of course they couldn’t be just sweet boys falling in love, they had to be sexy and smutty, as well.
The ending threw me a bit, particularly how Ash’s ‘drama’ ended, but I’m letting it slide. I’m on a pretty amazing reading streak lately and I’m in an unusually good mood (those two things might or might not be related), so I won’t let a weird ending ruin it.
Because except for that bit, I loved this. The plot was a bit wild, the romance so sweet, the smut nnnghhh, the characters adorable. A heart-warming, emotional but with lots of healing, romantic love story.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Sex work (stops before MCs meet)
- Mentions of past child abuse & neglect
- Loss/grief (off page, AIDS)
- Mild violence
- Gun violence & injury (off page)
- SA (off page) & attempted SA (on page)
- Homophobia
- Racism (not MCs)
- Sexism (not MCs)
- MC w/ epilepsy
- Vers MCs
- Flip-fuck scene
- Rimming
- Frotting
- Shower sex
- Semi-public sex
- Road head
- Coming hands-free
We’re in this bubble and I like it here with him. I don’t want it to pop. I don’t want him to go away.
An emotional road trip from Providence to Miami. And back…. And back again.
I ADORED Ash and Sam’s story.
A sweet romance interwoven with some deep themes, 90s nostalgia, and a bit of a crazy plot.
Ash’s life is a hard one to read about, you just wanna pluck him up and cuddle him close, protect him. The cover had me fooled, honestly. This was not the cheery 90s-themed romcom you’d expect. Not that I’m complaining.
Themes of poverty and sex work for survival, grief and loss, issues (more) prevalent at the time such as homophobia and the AIDS crisis.
But also your typical romance themes, like sexual identity, being in your 20s and not knowing what you want to do in your life, hurt/comfort, caretaking. A broken boy who doesn’t know how to be loved and his sunshine counterpart that didn’t think he was allowed to love a boy.
The plot wasn’t certainly a universal experience everyone can relate to, but these characters were relatable all the same.
Lately I’ve been enjoying books where it seems the main characters are the only two people in the world. In Wish We Were Here it’s just Ash and Sam, on a road trip together, first as strangers then slowly as friends, enjoying their little bubble. Until the bubble explodes and all of Ash’s baggage comes falling down, but still.
“Yeah? This all for me, butterfly?” His palm skims up my body, my neck. His thumb brushes over my racing pulse. “Eres hermoso,” he murmurs. “Quiero ver como te derrites.”
“Me vuelves loco,” I rasp. “Se siente increíble.”
Spanish dirty talk? Sam is trying to kill me. Of course they couldn’t be just sweet boys falling in love, they had to be sexy and smutty, as well.
The ending threw me a bit, particularly how Ash’s ‘drama’ ended, but I’m letting it slide. I’m on a pretty amazing reading streak lately and I’m in an unusually good mood (those two things might or might not be related), so I won’t let a weird ending ruin it.
Because except for that bit, I loved this. The plot was a bit wild, the romance so sweet, the smut nnnghhh, the characters adorable. A heart-warming, emotional but with lots of healing, romantic love story.
It’s sort of crazy, actually, how fast you can start to care for someone. How quickly they can carve out a hole in your heart and really hunker down in there.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Sex work (stops before MCs meet)
- Mentions of past child abuse & neglect
- Loss/grief (off page, AIDS)
- Mild violence
- Gun violence & injury (off page)
- SA (off page) & attempted SA (on page)
- Homophobia
- Racism (not MCs)
- Sexism (not MCs)
- MC w/ epilepsy
- Vers MCs
- Flip-fuck scene
- Rimming
- Frotting
- Shower sex
- Semi-public sex
- Road head
- Coming hands-free
Review of advance copy received from Autor
I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. These are my real sentiments about the story and everything written here is respectful, without meaning to harm anyone, but to offer my opinion as constructive criticism/compliments. Thank you, Risa, for the opportunity!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥/ 5
Couple: Sam and Ash.
Structure: First person, present tense, dual POV.
This book was SO sweet! When I saw we'd be getting difficult themes such as AIDs/homophobia in the 90s, as well as the hard life of hustlers, I thought it would be a high-angst story. But in reality, it's low to medium. We do have glimpses on those things, and they are indeed sad, but the story doesn't dwell on them. They serve their purpose and move on to a more hopeful, happier place.
Here we have a fast-burn romance. It's attraction-at-first-sight, despite the fact that both characters are going through a hard time when they meet. But their chemistry is clear from the start, especially from Sam towards Ash. He's so smitten and enticed for someone who's going through a sexuality crisis, it's really endearing. And sweet baby Ash is guarded, afraid, which is completely justified by the rough life he's lived. But he can't resist Sam's care-taking nature, his pure heart and honest will to be with Ash.
I did wanna shake Sam sometimes when he was leading Ash on because of his own confusion and inner prejudice. Also when he felt entitled to get pissed off at Ash for small things. But it was also funny, because Sam acted like they were, like, married or something, when they'd only known each other for 48hrs LMFAO Sam really was genuine and even a bit naive, so it was hard to truly be mad at him. Especially when all he wanted was to get closer to Ash.
The spicy is BEAUTIFUL! They're so very hot together, both in the sex scenes and the ones that just built up the tension. Those guys wanted each other REALLY bad. And I was extremely happy everytime hey found out more about themselves together, even without the other knowing. Sam with his bisexuality acceptance, and Ash getting the power of his own pleasure and body back in his hands.
Everything in the book made sense, it was a solid plot that perfectly executed everything it set out to do. The pacing was good, the characters had their own voices and their interactions were spot-on. Also, even though I am not American, so a lot of the 90s references (when I was a kid, so I also don't remember a lot very clearly) was different from me in my country. But there were some more universal references there that made me nostalgic. Like payphones in the street, the use of maps for roadtrips, and POGS!! OMG, I lost it when the Pog collection was mentioned, because I also had one hahaha Amazing!
This was my first book by Risa, and now I deifnitely wanna tackle the her other books that have been on my TBR for a while.
I highly recommmend this story if you're looking for a sweet story with a slightly hard-earned HEA that pays off every second of loveliness and hotness hehe
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5
🔥🔥🔥/ 5
Couple: Sam and Ash.
Structure: First person, present tense, dual POV.
This book was SO sweet! When I saw we'd be getting difficult themes such as AIDs/homophobia in the 90s, as well as the hard life of hustlers, I thought it would be a high-angst story. But in reality, it's low to medium. We do have glimpses on those things, and they are indeed sad, but the story doesn't dwell on them. They serve their purpose and move on to a more hopeful, happier place.
Here we have a fast-burn romance. It's attraction-at-first-sight, despite the fact that both characters are going through a hard time when they meet. But their chemistry is clear from the start, especially from Sam towards Ash. He's so smitten and enticed for someone who's going through a sexuality crisis, it's really endearing. And sweet baby Ash is guarded, afraid, which is completely justified by the rough life he's lived. But he can't resist Sam's care-taking nature, his pure heart and honest will to be with Ash.
I did wanna shake Sam sometimes when he was leading Ash on because of his own confusion and inner prejudice. Also when he felt entitled to get pissed off at Ash for small things. But it was also funny, because Sam acted like they were, like, married or something, when they'd only known each other for 48hrs LMFAO Sam really was genuine and even a bit naive, so it was hard to truly be mad at him. Especially when all he wanted was to get closer to Ash.
The spicy is BEAUTIFUL! They're so very hot together, both in the sex scenes and the ones that just built up the tension. Those guys wanted each other REALLY bad. And I was extremely happy everytime hey found out more about themselves together, even without the other knowing. Sam with his bisexuality acceptance, and Ash getting the power of his own pleasure and body back in his hands.
Everything in the book made sense, it was a solid plot that perfectly executed everything it set out to do. The pacing was good, the characters had their own voices and their interactions were spot-on. Also, even though I am not American, so a lot of the 90s references (when I was a kid, so I also don't remember a lot very clearly) was different from me in my country. But there were some more universal references there that made me nostalgic. Like payphones in the street, the use of maps for roadtrips, and POGS!! OMG, I lost it when the Pog collection was mentioned, because I also had one hahaha Amazing!
This was my first book by Risa, and now I deifnitely wanna tackle the her other books that have been on my TBR for a while.
I highly recommmend this story if you're looking for a sweet story with a slightly hard-earned HEA that pays off every second of loveliness and hotness hehe
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