Oakwood Avenue

by Eve Blakely

Could the man she wrote off be the one person to help her rewrite her entire life?

Lyla Hart has her life carefully mapped out – until the day she calls her boss a pathetic slimeball, quits her editorial job at a major publishing house and watches the best friend she once pined for marry someone else.

Officially unemployed, emotionally unhinged and under the influence, she accidentally accepts an invitation to join the infuriatingly charming yet wildly irresponsible, Jackson Rivers on an interstate road trip.

The problem? They can’t stand each other. The only thing they have in common is their best friend, Dan.

To Lyla, Jackson is a walking red flag with a guitar. To Jackson, Lyla is an uptight control freak.

But somewhere between Queensland’s tropical beaches and the New South Wales countryside, Lyla begins to see a different side to the man she could once barely tolerate. Behind Jackson’s easy smile lies a secret – and a kindness she never expected.

And Lyla might just be about to discover that losing everything was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Paperback

First published September 8, 2026

About the author

Eve Blakely writes contemporary romance novels with an edge. She currently resides in a small town south of Sydney, Australia with her husband and two crazy kids.

She’s an avid daydreamer and a self-confessed chocoholic who ditched her city-based career to enjoy a simpler life. When she isn't writing, she's probably trying to get through her never-ending TBR pile, painting or rewatching One Tree Hill for the millionth time.

Her work includes The Cliff Haven series books, The Other Version, Versions of Us, The Version You Hide and The Darkest Version

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Website: www.eveblakely.com

Reviews

[Caitlin Nikolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyla didn't tiptoe out of her comfort zone, she was yanked out. By none other than the man she hates most - the other best friend of her best friend (whom Lyla has crushed on forever and whose wedding she has to endure while knowing she may have lost him for good.)

But Jackson? He just gets on her nerves. Yet in a moment of weakness, she agrees to join him on his road trip.

The banter is absolutely hilarious. The moments of vulnerability are beautiful. The way he starts to realize he maybe likes her for more than just a person to annoy. The way she starts to realize his life isn't as annoyingly perfect as she thought... And starts to respect him. The way the silences feel suffocating when they're not with each other...

I loved this book. Like, really loved.

It's fade-to-black, so it gets spicy without showing and definitely has language in it (including the f-bomb), so be warned.

* I had the honor to receive this book early. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own. *

[Katerina Kuhlmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

When Lyla leaves her toxic job she finds herself needing direction. While at her best friends wedding she drinks to much and her frenemy dares her to go on a roadtrip with him!

Okay first Lyla. I understand her so much. She was raised by her grandmother and she was a planner. I’m the same way. She was very easily relatable.

Jackson is a go with the flow kind of guy who likes to live in the moment. However there is Mira than meets the eye.

Lyla and Jackson complement eachother so well even if it took them almost the whole book to see it! He pushed Lyla to get out of her comfort zone and do things that scare her. She eventually pushed Jackson to be honest about things he’s hiding. Watching them annoy eachother but secretly fall for eachother made this book feel so real. There was times where I thought for sure this is where they get together but they backtrack due to whatever hang ups. The pace of them getting together felt natural. I absolutely loved their adventure across Australia!

[Rebekah Bertram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved! Such a fun, sweet Aussie road trip book! Everyone should read this!

[Elly Ando · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️

Oakwood Avenue – Eve Blakely

I absolutely loved this one. It was funny, sweet, heartfelt and such an easy five-star read.

Lyla is a STICK in the mud 😂 but honestly, I understood her. She likes control, she likes having a plan, and suddenly her entire life is nothing like she thought it would be. I really enjoyed watching her slowly loosen up, embrace the chaos and actually figure out what she wanted rather than what she thought her life was supposed to look like.

And Jackson 🥹 He has his own issues hiding underneath that easygoing, charming exterior, but he was so sweet and genuinely good. One of my favourite things about their relationship was that, for the most part, they actually communicated like real adults. There were misunderstandings and messy feelings, but nothing felt manufactured just to create drama.

The frenemies-to-lovers dynamic was SO GOOD. Their banter was hilarious, the chemistry was there without needing spice, and watching their opinions of each other gradually change felt completely natural.

As an Aussie, I especially loved the road-trip element. Actually knowing the places they were travelling through and being able to picture just how beautiful they are made the whole adventure even better. 🇦🇺

I also loved Jackson’s secret and what it added to his character. My favourite part, though, had to be the music festival and the bathtubs — ridiculously cute.

And can we talk about the one-year-later ending?! I really appreciated seeing where their life took them without automatically giving them a baby of their own. It suited their story and made the ending feel like theirs rather than ticking off the standard romance HEA boxes.

Funny banter, Australian road-trip vibes, genuine character growth, a gorgeous MMC and a romance that proves you absolutely do not need spice to create chemistry.


Tropes:
🇦🇺 Australian road trip
💚 Frenemies to lovers
🎸 Musician MMC
☀️ Grumpy-ish × sunshine-ish
🚗 Forced proximity
💬 Banter
🫶 Emotional growth
🔥 Chemistry without spice

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Eve Blakely for an arc read of Oakwood Avenue!

Summary:
Lyla’s life is falling apart. She’s just missed out on a promotion and, to make matters worse, told her boss exactly what she thought of him before quitting. Now, the best friend everyone assumed she’d marry is getting hitched to a wrench. Her one bright spot? A road trip through Australia with her best friend’s best friend, Jackson. The only problem? They can’t stand each other. But could this trip change the way they see one another?

Thoughts:
• Two people who can’t stand each other on a road trip… I could feel the tension just from the synopsis! This is such a fun opposites-attract romance!
• I love how blunt Layla is with her thoughts and actions. She knows what she wants, and she goes after it!
• I knew I was going to love Jackson. The way he speaks his mind to Layla makes for such great banter between the two! They don’t hold back, and there are some seriously entertaining moments! There are so many other wonderful things about this man too!!
• I also loved the emotional growth between Layla and Jackson. This had to be one of my favorite things about the book!
• The road trip part… so much fun! I loved that this book takes place in Australia. I’ve always wanted to visit, and now I want to even more!!

[Renee K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Wayfinder Series. I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lyla is a planner with career goals - until she is passed over for a promotion and ends up jobless. That same week, her best guy friend gets married and she gets drunk at their wedding. Enter Jackson, the third friend in the trio who is getting ready to go on a road trip and dares Lyla to come along after she tells him about her job loss/lack of direction. And so, the road trip begins. Jackson and Lyla have always had a relationship where they give each other a hard time, but there is more to their interactions that grows on this road trip. Towards the end, some decisions have to be made about their future as there are some family commitments to address for each.
What worked:
-The story was interesting, all the way through.
-Though it was quick, there was depth and a few things going on.
-Misunderstandings happened, but were cleared up pretty quickly.
-Fade to black.
What didn’t work:
I don’t really have anything here. It was an enjoyable read!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Anecdotal thoughts while reading
Another book in the Wayfinder series...I can't wait!
Oh Nan! You are a hoot!
Lyla, you're don't count your chickens before they hatch mentality might just keep you from big disappointments. It will still hurt, but 🤞 maybe not as much.
Um, excuse me Darren. I believe I misheard you.
Welp Darren, you deserved that! 😆 💣 🔥
The big day....who's big day?
👍 Jackson
What have you done dear 'ol dad?
🐕 🐕 Dare you ...
"We ride at dawn." Are we in a western on horseback?
Pink 👢 😂
Challenging someone to look internally with intention can be a good thing.
🍌 🍔
...because he has been mentally taking notes on all this for years.
Don't let Lyla see this. 🙈 Wrong assumptions will be made.
🐄!!
💥
🛶
Possible guardianship?
You could be an independent publisher in Sydney.
👂 👵

[Emmgee202 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author.

I had such a fun time reading this! It was a warm, cosy read filled with so many moments that made me laugh and swoon. I especially loved recognising and visiting many of the towns they stopped out throughout the story.

After Lyla quits her job, she joins Jackson on his road trip from Queensland to NSW south coast, stopping along the way at some beautiful coastal spots.
Lyla and Jackson have always had a love/ hate relationship, especially as they share a best friend Dan. But Jackson has a little secret…..but you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is!

A fun, heartwarming read with gorgeous coastal settings plenty of laugh and just the right amount of romance. 💕

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the person you think is completely wrong for you ends up being exactly who you need, and that’s definitely the case with Lyla and Jackson.

I really liked these two. Lyla has her entire life mapped out, so when everything starts falling apart at once, she’s definitely not handling it gracefully. And then there’s Jackson (insert heart eyes!!), who is basically everything she thinks she doesn’t want. He’s carefree, irresponsible, charming, and apparently comes with a guitar.

Putting these two together on a road trip was such a fun way to let them really get to know each other. I liked watching Lyla slowly realize that maybe Jackson wasn’t the person she had written him off to be. There was so much more underneath his easygoing personality, and getting to see that side of him made me like him even more.

I also really enjoyed Lyla’s journey. She goes into this story thinking she knows exactly what she wants her life to look like, and then suddenly she has to figure out who she is when that plan is no longer an option. I loved seeing her grow and realize that maybe losing the life she thought she wanted wasn't actually losing everything.

The road trip setting added so much to the story too. There was plenty of banter and fun along the way, but also those quieter moments where Lyla and Jackson started seeing each other in a completely different light.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable romance with opposites-attract, forced proximity, a little chaos, and a whole lot of unexpected connection. Sometimes the person you can't stand is the person who ends up seeing you the clearest.

[Rachel Foraker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakwood Avenue by Eve Blakely another from the Wayfinder series follows the story of Lyla and Jackson who grew up together and were part of a trio of friends. The two attend their friend Dan’s wedding and Lyla agrees to a roadtrip with Jackson even though they always seem to get under each other’s skin. The dynamic between the two is hysterical but they learn more about one another on their adventures and things change between the two. This was such a sweet story about friendship, how things aren’t always what they seem from the outside looking in; and sometimes doing what makes you happy does really work out in the end.

[Sally S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being part of the ARC readers for this fun road-trip romance! ❤️ Lyla and Jackson’s enemies-to-lovers chemistry, witty banter, and unexpected connection made this such an enjoyable read. A sweet story about starting over, finding yourself, and discovering love when you least expect it. 💕🚗

Here are some of quotes i loved in the book:

“ Life too short to stay stuck doing something that makes you unhappy. I say do what you want “

“ you forget I’ve known you more than half your life. Try all you like, but i can see through you.”

“Some part of me wondered what it would be to throw caution to the wind and go wherever the roads take me.”

“ it feels like walking around without a piece of my soul”.

[Sarah Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well they do say opposites attract and Jackson and Lyla are quite entertaining. It’s a great story, and the banter and the chemistry are great, highly recommend.

[Katie Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a reading slump and this book pulled me right out of it. Within the first few chapters I needed to know more and Lyla and Jackson’s story. Both characters are relatable and easy to fall in love with. This is a great book if you enjoy enemies to lovers, road trip reads, romantic comedy and stories that feel real.

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved this book as an ARC from the author

This book is simply amazing and I couldn't put it down. Read in a single day and have no regrets!

[Sarah Parker-Fullmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Eve Blakely for an arc of Oakwood Avenue and this review is my honest opinion.

Lyla Hart has her life figured out until she tells her boss exactly what she thinks and quits. Jackson Rivers is a guitar playing, charming yet irresponsible. Lyla agrees to take a road trip with Jackson but they can’t stand each other and they only have their friend Dan in common.

The road trip gives these two the opportunity to learn more about each other. The banter and chemistry between them while having an adventure on the road trip was top notch. The road trip also gives them an opportunity to figure out what truly matters.

This is a fun feel good read. If this sounds like your type of book then you need to read it now.

[brydee (beebookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

eve once again captures summery vibes in her newest book featuring an unforgettable road trip down australia’s east coast 🌊

oakwood avenue follows lyla and jackson, childhood frenemies who, on a drunken dare, embark on a road trip together 👀
i was GIGGLING over the banter between the two 🤩

i am obsessed with the only one bed trope and lets just say i was FED in this one 🙂‍↕️😆

i am absolutely craving summer and a road trip now 😆🚗

✨ tropes 💚
🚗 childhood frenemies to lovers
🍦 only one bed
🌊 golden retriever mmc

if you are after a summery romance read PICK THIS ONE UP!!! it is OUT NOWWWW 🤩🤩🤩

[yue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakwood Avenue is my sixth read in the Wayfinder Series, and it was another five-star read for me! This was also my introduction to Eve Blakely’s writing, and I can confidently say that I loved this story so much.

The five-star rating was a no-brainer for me because I fell in love with Lyla and Jackson from the very first time they appeared together. Lyla is the kind of person who thrives on schedules, plans, and having everything under control. She has a clear vision of how she wants her life to unfold, but as we all know, life doesn’t always go according to plan. Because of certain things that happen along the way, she finds herself in situations she never expected. I really enjoyed watching her navigate these changes, especially as she learned to deal with the uncertainty of not always being in control.

Jackson is another character who is impossible not to love. He was there for Lyla, even if not in the way she initially expected because afterall they were a bit like frienemies. He may have a tough, rough exterior, but underneath it all, he is easygoing, charming, sweet, and honestly, too good for his own good. I loved seeing this softer side of him, especially in the way he showed up for Lyla and supported her through everything.

What sets this book apart from other contemporary romances for me is that the characters are mature adults who actually communicate with each other. Of course, there are misunderstandings, but none of them felt forced or unnecessarily drawn out. Everything felt natural and believable, which made their relationship all the more enjoyable to read. I also appreciated how the author wasn’t afraid to let her characters be vulnerable. I loved that Jackson could openly admit when he was nervous and acknowledge when he had underestimated the magnitude of what he was about to take on, like the music festival. Those little moments made him feel even more real and made me appreciate his character even more.

I truly loved this story, and it has easily become one of my favorites in the Wayfinder Series. Lyla and Jackson’s relationship, the natural flow of their communication, and the vulnerability they showed throughout the story made this such a wonderful reading experience for me.

Many thanks to Eve Blakely and all the other amazing authors in the Wayfinder Series for giving me the opportunity to read this book. I’m so glad I picked this one up, and I can’t wait to read more from Eve!

[Tracey Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakwood Avenue was such a fun, feel-good surprise! This was an easy read with the kind of writing I’ve come to know and love from Eve Blakely, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever skip one of her books!!!!
I love a good road-trip romance, and this one delivered plenty of humour, heart, emotional growth, longing, and absolutely fantastic banter.
The story follows Lyla as her career takes an unexpected turn, leading her onto the road with childhood friend Jackson and his music tour. These two start out as frenemies, and watching them navigate their relationship, challenge each other, and slowly work out who they really are and what they truly want was so much fun.
Lyla and Jackson have that classic opposites-attract energy with a delicious hate-not-hate tension that slowly melts into something real.Their banter had me smiling, their chemistry was undeniable.
What really won my heart was the emotional depth beneath all the humour. There were some genuinely heartfelt moments woven throughout the story, giving their journey so much more meaning. The physical and emotional journeys felt authentic, and the themes of finding yourself, finding your place, and finding where you belong really resonated with me.
Add in the road-trip vibes, Sydney traffic that was absolutely nailed, and I was won over.
Jackson and Lyla are quite the entertaining pair, proving that opposites really do attract.
If you’re in the mood for a rom-com with heart, hilarious banter, growth, longing, road-trip adventures, and serious chemistry, this is definitely one to pick up.
Honestly? I think everyone could use a few weeks on the road with these two, I would for sure!!!
A sweet, funny, heartfelt romance that left me smiling and excited to continue through the rest of the Wayfinders series. Highly recommend!

[Merriann Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author.


Tropes: Roadtrip, frenemies to lovers, found family, only one bed, opposites attract

Setting: Australia

Heat Level: Fade to black (with a few f-bombs)

I had such a blast with this book! It kicks off after Lyla quits her toxic editing job and, fueled by a few too many drinks at their best friend's wedding, accepts a dare to go on an interstate road trip across Australia with Jackson. They have this classic "boys will pick on the girls they like" dynamic going on, and their banter is absolute gold from start to finish.

She was raised by her grandmother. But due to a traumatic event, she is a super structured, over-planner who meticulously schedules every single minute, day, month, and year of her life. Meanwhile, Jackson is a total go-with-the-flow, live-in-the-moment guy. Watching him push her out of her comfort zone- and her realizing there is so much more to him beneath the surface—was wonderful. I loved seeing her realize his life isn't as picture-perfect as she assumed, and the vulnerable moments they both share really ground the story. The pacing felt completely natural, the road-trip adventures across Australia were a blast, and the emotional growth hit all the right spots. A genuinely heartwarming, funny, and comforting read!

***The Highland cow scene was my favorite☺️**

Thank you Eve Blakely for providing me with an early eARC.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wayfinder Series: Jackson and Lyla

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fun frenemies-to-more road-trip romance with plenty of will they, won’t they? tension, and a little bit of emotional angst.
Lyla and Jackson are definitely not each other’s biggest fans to begin with, which makes watching their dynamic shift along the road trip all the more enjoyable. Jackson has a knack for pushing Lyla well outside her comfort zone, and I liked seeing her gradually loosen up and discover a different side of herself.
The road-trip setting worked really well, too, and the Sydney traffic was absolutely nailed. 😂 As someone familiar with it, that part felt particularly accurate!
There’s a good mix of banter, tension, friendship and emotional growth as they move from irritation toward something neither of them expected.
A light, enjoyable road-trip romance with a grumpy/control-freak heroine, a charming troublemaker hero and plenty of unresolved chemistry.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ 5⭐ BOOK REVIEW ✨
Oakwood Ave by Eve Blakely
This one delivered everything I love in a romance: classic opposites-attract energy with that delicious hate-not-hate tension that slowly melts into something real and electric.
What really stole my heart was the dynamic between Lyla and Jackson. There’s something special about the way he challenges her and the way she responds—it feels authentic and full of heart.
Add in the road-trip vibes, the banter, and Jackson with that guitar… and I’m sold. Honestly? I think everyone could use a few weeks on the road with Lyla, Jackson, and his guitar.
If you’re in the mood for a rom-com with heart, growth, and serious chemistry, this is it.
Have you read Oakwood Ave yet? 🎸🚗
#OakwoodAve #EveBlakely #BookReview #RomanceBooks #RomCom #Bookstagram #OppositesAttract

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review
Anecdotal thoughts while reading
Another book in the Wayfinder series...I can't wait!
Oh Nan! You are a hoot!
Lyla, you're don't count your chickens before they hatch mentality might just keep you from big disappointments. It will still hurt, but 🤞 maybe not as much.
Um, excuse me Darren. I believe I misheard you.
Welp Darren, you deserved that! 😆 💣 🔥
The big day....who's big day?
👍 Jackson
What have you done dear 'ol dad?
🐕 🐕 Dare you ...
"We ride at dawn." Are we in a western on horseback?
Pink 👢 😂
Challenging someone to look internally with intention can be a good thing.
🍌 🍔
...because he has been mentally taking notes on all this for years.
Don't let Lyla see this. 🙈 Wrong assumptions will be made.
🐄!!
💥
🛶
Possible guardianship?
You could be an independent publisher in Sydney.
👂 👵

[Jenny x Carolena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oakwood Avenue was such a fun surprise. This was my first book by Eve Blakely. I've really been enjoying this multi-author series, and this story fit right in. I'm always a fan of a good road trip romance, and this one had plenty of humor, heart, and those entertaining frenemy moments that kept me smiling.

I loved watching Lyla and Jackson slowly get past their first impressions of each other. Their banter made the journey fun, but there were also some genuinely heartfelt moments that gave the story more depth. Overall, this was a sweet, feel-good romance that balanced laughter with emotion, and it made me even more excited to keep reading through the rest of the Wayfinders!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sandy McArdle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Eve Blakely the author for this Advanced Copy for review.

Book 6 of the Wayfinder Series.

I really enjoyed this story! The characters lives, physical and emotional journeys, banter, and sense of longing and place were all fitting and adorable.

The story follows Lyla's upturned career into a roadtrip with childhood friend Jackson's music tour. Expect plenty of banter with these two Frenemey's, whilst they navigate who they really are and what they really want in life.

I liked the main characters and the opposites attract energy. This book is a good time with some really funny moments and lots of great banter. Most of all I loved the sense of finding and belonging.

[Alexandra Huot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and nice romance story.

Jackson has a heart of gold. He understands Lyla or at least he tries. He's so considerate and good to her. I also appreciated Lyla's character and how she opens up and learn to live for herself.

From the start I enjoyed their bickering. You could sense the chemistry and the passion behind it. I loved their dynamics, sometimes sarcastic or cocky, sometimes sensitive but the banter was real. And that little surprise towards the end just add more sweetness to this lovely book.

[Tiffany Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There’s no point denying it anymore. I’m in deep here. I have a thing for my childhood frenemy and I’m completely unsure what to do about it.”

Loved this so much! So heartwarming and fun and a quick, fast-paced read. Enemies to lovers + one bed trope = chef’s kiss! Highly recommend if you’re not into spice, but still a great read even if you like spice! Looking forward to reading more from this author.

***Thank you to the author for the free ARC in exchange for a honest review!

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when two friends who don’t even realize they liked each other for a while? Chaos happens. I’m enjoying these novels with the road trips. I love the tension between Jackson and Lyla. The banter is just too good!

[Hazel Leu · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Eve Blakely book, and definitely not my last! I enjoyed reading this one. The road trip with Lyla and Jackson in Australia was a fun one. He falls first and harder was definitely present in this story and I'm here for it.

[ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the author for the advanced e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Easy read with the writing I know and love from the author. I’ll never skip an Eve Blakely novel ever.