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Road Trip
High school counselor and heavy metal fan Abra Mora spends her summer vacation traveling in her gutsy Mustang GT to escape a dark family history of depression. Late one night while making an emergency pit-stop, she comes to the rescue of an off-duty police officer in peril and saves him from a fiery end. The straight-laced, model-handsome cop happens to be running away from some major baggage of his own. These two opposites decide to run away together, but soon realize they've embarked on more than just a fling. Can their newfound love survive once their road trip is over and their realities end up on a collision course?
Ages 18 and up due to adulting, road-side violence, lots of sexy time, and some pretty raunchy innuendo including a major concert fail.
Ages 18 and up due to adulting, road-side violence, lots of sexy time, and some pretty raunchy innuendo including a major concert fail.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2016
4 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Merrill
84 books709 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 12, 2017
I'm never surprised when I LOVE and adore an RL Merrill book. Fact is I've loved and adored all of her books and the follow up to Rock Season ( where we met AJ and Stevie) falls firmly in the same category. Abra meets Kelly in under most unusual circumstances with fate seemingly bringing them together. By nature of a good Road Trip there's a lot of action and this follows through as they get to know each other in their daily lives.
Merrills stories are always have me laughing, sighing and at times crying. Her characters multifaceted. With Abra, our heroine, well, she is personality times ten. She's confident, brazen and guarded but she has a sweet softer side that Kelly brings out in her. Kelly is gobsmacked by her almost immediately:
"Who was this woman? She was so defensive, but honest. More like no-nonsense. I admired that, but it definitely had me on edge. I couldn’t tell if I was turned on, or afraid, or a little bit of both."
Kelly, with his "clean cursing", well that left me giggling. He's is a gentle soul who, like Abra , he's kept his heart guarded. What makes him so endearing is that he is simply the rare unpretentious bad a$$. Abra forces him to come out of his shell a bit as there impromptu meeting and subsequent road trip creates a strong connection. They face some rough patches partly due to the nature of their jobs and how work bleeds over into their family lives.
Merrill characters always have depth - complicated by what life throws at them and easily likabel. You'll care what happens to them (hence the occasional tears). This, coupled with the interesting plot base and story lines make all her reads captivating and Road Trip is another strong example. I think it's the details that always suck me in and stick with me though. In Road Trip the references to Princess Bride and how she pulls in characters form her other books make this a 5 Star read and one I highly and recommendation!
Merrills stories are always have me laughing, sighing and at times crying. Her characters multifaceted. With Abra, our heroine, well, she is personality times ten. She's confident, brazen and guarded but she has a sweet softer side that Kelly brings out in her. Kelly is gobsmacked by her almost immediately:
"Who was this woman? She was so defensive, but honest. More like no-nonsense. I admired that, but it definitely had me on edge. I couldn’t tell if I was turned on, or afraid, or a little bit of both."
Kelly, with his "clean cursing", well that left me giggling. He's is a gentle soul who, like Abra , he's kept his heart guarded. What makes him so endearing is that he is simply the rare unpretentious bad a$$. Abra forces him to come out of his shell a bit as there impromptu meeting and subsequent road trip creates a strong connection. They face some rough patches partly due to the nature of their jobs and how work bleeds over into their family lives.
Merrill characters always have depth - complicated by what life throws at them and easily likabel. You'll care what happens to them (hence the occasional tears). This, coupled with the interesting plot base and story lines make all her reads captivating and Road Trip is another strong example. I think it's the details that always suck me in and stick with me though. In Road Trip the references to Princess Bride and how she pulls in characters form her other books make this a 5 Star read and one I highly and recommendation!
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October 1, 2025this was pretty good. I liked that the characters were older. not just in age but in maturity. there was angst but it was always short lived, because the characters actually talked to each other. this was not the fairy tale love story, but a real one. from the get-go the relationship was hard. but they talked and eventually made it work. I really felt like the author got it, and still managed to give us a hea.
June 18, 2017
This book starts off with a punch and keeps and keeps going throughout the book. The author has written a book with emotionally complex characters, each battling their own demons. I felt as though I were along on the road Trip with the characters, the author does a great job of setting the scene. I look forward to reading more from this author!
September 1, 2025
Rock 'n' Romance Series
Emotionally complex characters
Great scene setting
Starts out strong and doesn't let up.
Emotionally complex characters
Great scene setting
Starts out strong and doesn't let up.
June 19, 2025
Writing this review after reading all four books (so far) in this series and I have to admit that this book was my least favorite.
I just couldn't get into the characters like I did with everyone else in the other books. Abra was just a bit too abrasive for my taste and it came across like the author was trying just a bit too much to make this badass chick who didn't put up with anyone's crap. Now, let me say this: I have absolutely no issues with a woman in real life or in fiction who is abrasive. I can understand that it can be used as a defense mechanism, which might be how the author wanted Abra to come across, but it missed the mark with me and made it hard for me to really connect with her characters.
When it's hard for me to connect with characters, it also makes it easier for me to set the book down and not get anxious to pick it back up. Whereas all the others I read really quickly because I wanted to keep up with the characters and was engaged in their struggles and story.
I just couldn't get into the characters like I did with everyone else in the other books. Abra was just a bit too abrasive for my taste and it came across like the author was trying just a bit too much to make this badass chick who didn't put up with anyone's crap. Now, let me say this: I have absolutely no issues with a woman in real life or in fiction who is abrasive. I can understand that it can be used as a defense mechanism, which might be how the author wanted Abra to come across, but it missed the mark with me and made it hard for me to really connect with her characters.
When it's hard for me to connect with characters, it also makes it easier for me to set the book down and not get anxious to pick it back up. Whereas all the others I read really quickly because I wanted to keep up with the characters and was engaged in their struggles and story.
June 19, 2025
Abra Mora is a high school counselor and a major heavy metal fan, she is on her way to the first festival of the summer. When she comes upon a scene at the rest stop. She comes to the rescue of an off duty police officer being beaten and almost set on fire by two gang bangers. After saving the straight laced and is oh so handsome. Together they run away from the baggage that is haunting them They are having fun but when they come back to the real world will they be able to handle the baggage or are they in for a collision that will end it all.
Abra and Kelly the metal head and well the farm boy. Abra is 5 ft 3 and loves heavy metal music and has the style of a 50's pin up girl. She loves her job but she also hides from everyone with all that is going in her family. She loves to have fun but she is also scared that people are going to run when they get to know her and what is going on in her life. Kelly is as straight as an arrow cop who is by the book and honestly he is kind of wound tight. He is also hiding his own demons in his family. They are total opposites but somehow they really work together and are really cute as a couple. I love how Kelly calms Abra and Abra brings Kelly out of his shell . Together they are the sweetest couple . We also get to see Stevie and Aaron again through out this book and man they are really cute together also. They are all such good characters .
I read this book in an evening , you could read it as a stand alone but then you won't really know about Stevie and Aaron . I really like this series the author has them not lovey dovey all the time she actually brings in conflict that they have to work through to make it back to each other . Each character is also very complex and has a lot going on in his or hers life. If you want a good summer rock n roll check out this series .
Abra and Kelly the metal head and well the farm boy. Abra is 5 ft 3 and loves heavy metal music and has the style of a 50's pin up girl. She loves her job but she also hides from everyone with all that is going in her family. She loves to have fun but she is also scared that people are going to run when they get to know her and what is going on in her life. Kelly is as straight as an arrow cop who is by the book and honestly he is kind of wound tight. He is also hiding his own demons in his family. They are total opposites but somehow they really work together and are really cute as a couple. I love how Kelly calms Abra and Abra brings Kelly out of his shell . Together they are the sweetest couple . We also get to see Stevie and Aaron again through out this book and man they are really cute together also. They are all such good characters .
I read this book in an evening , you could read it as a stand alone but then you won't really know about Stevie and Aaron . I really like this series the author has them not lovey dovey all the time she actually brings in conflict that they have to work through to make it back to each other . Each character is also very complex and has a lot going on in his or hers life. If you want a good summer rock n roll check out this series .
July 13, 2021
"5% and I was already hooked up! That first encounter was so intense yet the beginning of an adventure nor Kelly nor Abra were ready for. The dual POV made everything quite more interesting and so funny. That moment at the hospital? Oh God, it was hilarious! The most random runaway ever but sometimes that's what you need. 'I couldn’t tell if I was turned on, or afraid, or a little bit of both'. The beginning of the adventure with the most polite man ever! Guess I never realized how sweet things can a turn-on too? He was so shy and utterly adorable. BUT... the reverse gap, NO! That was so... I don't even know how to begin to explain it. TBH, it's not that bad but personally I don’t like it but next but... I was already hooked up with their story, couldn’t stop reading. Thanks to this book I'll start considering reverse age gap. Looking forward to continuing the series."
June 26, 2025
The Road Trip was an emotional twisting story that really showed how differences can tear you apart or bring you together. The story was intensely moving and succinct. There are triggers you need to be aware of but they make the story much more realistic. This book is really about the characters for me but their relationship happened very quickly. They were so different in many ways and it added to the story and gave many layers to be dealt with. This author is good at detailing realistic problems and the fairytale beginnings. I enjoyed this one but you really need to read The Rock Season to understand some of the other characters.
July 13, 2021
Road Trip starts with a punch right from the first page and never stops. The emotions in this story are so intense and real! Abra and Kelly leave you wanting to know more about them in even the slightest of details. They make this book come alive! Taking each other to the next level in their fling that feels like so much more to me.
Reading this book was like watching my favorite movie play out. The power of love is real in this story! I didn't want it to end but, alas the story does end however, the emotions from the story live on!
Reading this book was like watching my favorite movie play out. The power of love is real in this story! I didn't want it to end but, alas the story does end however, the emotions from the story live on!
June 19, 2017
RL Merrill is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I have yet to be disappointed with the couple of books I have read( she’s new to me so I haven’t read all of her work yet) and Road Trip is no different. I was pulled in right away and couldn’t put it down until I knew everything that happened. You know you have found a great book and author when you can’t stop talking about either of them long after you’ve set the book down. Absolutely amazing read!
July 9, 2021
Before anything else I'd like to say I'd love to see more from these two characters.
I think I've read 1 or 2 other books by this author. In their books the characters are always so relatable I feel as though I am peaking into an actual person's life. The first person pov alternating between Kelly and Abra allows you to connect with them. Be prepared for a fast paced and intense connection between these two. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I think I've read 1 or 2 other books by this author. In their books the characters are always so relatable I feel as though I am peaking into an actual person's life. The first person pov alternating between Kelly and Abra allows you to connect with them. Be prepared for a fast paced and intense connection between these two. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 29, 2025
Start with a bang and end with a sigh! This book starts out strong and doesn't let up. Lots of hard topics but also lots of fun and romance and friendship. Abra and Kelly are total opposites but work good together, once they let the other in. And the author does a great job with all of this, she knows how to make things work so the reader wants to know what's going to happen and that not everyone can do. There are hiccups are to this romance but in the end well love prevails!
March 28, 2019
Road Trip
A crazy storm of jamming music and sexy romance. I enjoyed the concept it was certainly entertaining and fun to read. For some reason though I had a bit of a hard time really getting into the story and connecting with the characters. The story was fun and sexy overall though just couldn’t really get into.
A crazy storm of jamming music and sexy romance. I enjoyed the concept it was certainly entertaining and fun to read. For some reason though I had a bit of a hard time really getting into the story and connecting with the characters. The story was fun and sexy overall though just couldn’t really get into.
July 14, 2021
I went into this story not knowing what to expect and I was absolutely taken away. I really wanted to be on a road trip like this one. I love heavy metal and rock concerts, so of course I would love Abra's story. I think that this is a GREAT READ!
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this TOTALLY HONEST Review because I choose to and Loved this book!
I received an ARC from the author and I am leaving this TOTALLY HONEST Review because I choose to and Loved this book!
June 21, 2025
Such a good book with real mental health representations. Some parts are harder to read, but not in a bad way, it was real. I love the instant connection between Abra and Kelly. I love how their both battles their issues together and separately. The ending was my only issue, I felt it was abrupt without real closure.
April 1, 2019
Abra and Kelly's story starts off pretty scary. They come to each other's rescue in many ways. They grow and learn about themselves and each other through trials and tribulations. I love this book. My only issue is Abra's middle name...it should be Cadabra!
July 8, 2021
Both trying to hide/run from dark secrets/baggage they carry. When chance meeting Abra saves Kelly. The complex emotions and characters are amazing and I loved this story. Can their fling to more survive after their road trip?
July 16, 2021
Abra is taking a trip to a music festival when she stumbles upon a cop in trouble. A fiery bit of trouble. Kelly can't say how thankful he is that Abra showed when she did. Going out in a "blaze of glory" isn't how he saw his end. Can these strangers love despite their histories?
June 16, 2023
Okay I’m finally calling it and DNF at 65%. I just feel like this book is trying too hard to be alternative. Abra is not a character I’m feeling any affection for. I don’t have a problem with Insta-love but her and Kelly’s doesn’t feel real to me.
May 29, 2023
Could not get into this book. The main characters turned me off and not sure I'm a fan on this author's writing style.
June 26, 2025
I loved these two characters who fell in love while facing their demons and who where able to hold on to their love and her loving Heavy Metal was a plus. Great read
December 21, 2016
**arc received for honest review**
R.L is a fantastic author we have read a couple of her book and really liked them but this one just didn’t do it for us we did laugh as there were some funny moments but we felt it just kept going and going its value for money hands down don’t get us wrong but for us it just dragged a bit for us.
Abra is a school councilor she loves her job but she also loves her vacation time. Her time to runaway and be free for a while and runaway from her issues at home.
Little did she know when she was on her runaway trip this time that things were about to change. On her drive to her music festival Abra stopped little did she know she was about to save his life.
Kelly is a police officer running away for a few days to take a break from his issues at home little did he know he was about to walk into trouble.
When Abra found Kelly he was getting the crap beaten out of him and doused in petrol about to be set a light when she scared the men away.
There worlds just collided.
The ran away together.
Will there past catch up to them.
Will there problems at home tear them apart before they go anywhere.
We like this authors writing style we like how she can switch between the characters with there POV but yet keep moving and not go over the same section of book but RL has that ability with her writing that you enjoy getting both perspectives.
R.L is a fantastic author we have read a couple of her book and really liked them but this one just didn’t do it for us we did laugh as there were some funny moments but we felt it just kept going and going its value for money hands down don’t get us wrong but for us it just dragged a bit for us.
Abra is a school councilor she loves her job but she also loves her vacation time. Her time to runaway and be free for a while and runaway from her issues at home.
Little did she know when she was on her runaway trip this time that things were about to change. On her drive to her music festival Abra stopped little did she know she was about to save his life.
Kelly is a police officer running away for a few days to take a break from his issues at home little did he know he was about to walk into trouble.
When Abra found Kelly he was getting the crap beaten out of him and doused in petrol about to be set a light when she scared the men away.
There worlds just collided.
The ran away together.
Will there past catch up to them.
Will there problems at home tear them apart before they go anywhere.
We like this authors writing style we like how she can switch between the characters with there POV but yet keep moving and not go over the same section of book but RL has that ability with her writing that you enjoy getting both perspectives.
December 18, 2016
* I received an ebook from the author, but it in no way influenced my review or opinion. *
I have read all of author R. L. Merrill's books and she is one of those authors that I NEED to get her books as soon as they come out! With that being said, this is the "second" book in the series, but can be read as a standalone - it does mention characters from the previous book, but it does not affect the reader's ability to grab this one and start here. I love her style of writing, her characters and the love of music that pours through the pages of her books. Angry? She has a song/band lined up for that. Sad? Again, another band or song. Frustrated at the world? Yep, you guessed it, another band or song. You can't help but rock out with the bands as you read about the amazing concert experiences in the story.
The main characters in this story meet in a most usual way, and yet it seems to work for them. They are both going through some things in life...Abra is a care giver for her mom and grandmother and Kelly is a cop. Both have jaded views of the world, but together it all seems perfect. The only problem is that perfection never lasts. Can they make it through? Is the relationship strong enough? It is a book that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster that has them on the very edge of their seat trying to predict what will happen next. You also can't help but want the characters to get their Happily Ever After - because that is what they deserve!
If this is your first book by this author or your 5th you will still love her writing style and characters and want to move this one straight to the top of your TBR list! It is never a dull moment in any of her stories! I am already looking forward to the next book by this author -
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **
I have read all of author R. L. Merrill's books and she is one of those authors that I NEED to get her books as soon as they come out! With that being said, this is the "second" book in the series, but can be read as a standalone - it does mention characters from the previous book, but it does not affect the reader's ability to grab this one and start here. I love her style of writing, her characters and the love of music that pours through the pages of her books. Angry? She has a song/band lined up for that. Sad? Again, another band or song. Frustrated at the world? Yep, you guessed it, another band or song. You can't help but rock out with the bands as you read about the amazing concert experiences in the story.
The main characters in this story meet in a most usual way, and yet it seems to work for them. They are both going through some things in life...Abra is a care giver for her mom and grandmother and Kelly is a cop. Both have jaded views of the world, but together it all seems perfect. The only problem is that perfection never lasts. Can they make it through? Is the relationship strong enough? It is a book that takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster that has them on the very edge of their seat trying to predict what will happen next. You also can't help but want the characters to get their Happily Ever After - because that is what they deserve!
If this is your first book by this author or your 5th you will still love her writing style and characters and want to move this one straight to the top of your TBR list! It is never a dull moment in any of her stories! I am already looking forward to the next book by this author -
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng **
February 13, 2017
This is the second book I've read by this author. I love her work--it feels like I'm reading about REAL people and I can relate to everything they go through. This book is not action-packed but takes us through the beginning stages of a relationship and a little past the "honeymoon" period to the point where a solid commitment is made; the HEA. Very emotionally satisfying!
December 15, 2016
R.L. Merrill NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!
The story and main characters, Abra and Kelly just completely suck you in from the start! I also loved how we get to catch up with Stevie and Aaron from The Rock Season and the stories and characters intertwine but at the same time it is not necessary to have read The Rock Season in order to fall in love with Abra and Kelly and Road Trip!
Hope that makes sense! Obviously I am a reader and NOT a writer!!
Bottom Line: I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I could not stop reading but at the same time I didn't want to get to the end!
The story and main characters, Abra and Kelly just completely suck you in from the start! I also loved how we get to catch up with Stevie and Aaron from The Rock Season and the stories and characters intertwine but at the same time it is not necessary to have read The Rock Season in order to fall in love with Abra and Kelly and Road Trip!
Hope that makes sense! Obviously I am a reader and NOT a writer!!
Bottom Line: I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I could not stop reading but at the same time I didn't want to get to the end!
December 21, 2016
Ever saved a guy from dying then take him on the journey of his life to love? No? Well that's exactly what Abra did for Kelly. I'm not telling you it wasn't a rocky romance, I mean she saved the cop from being burned to death by three guys and he was a straight and narrow dude but then he met Abra. Their story has a lot of ups and downs but it's told as only RL Merrill can. Pick this up and fall in love with Abra and Kelly.
March 27, 2019
This story is a roller coaster of emotion, suspense and love.
When school counselor, Abra, heads to a music festival at spring break she doesn’t expect to save a police officer, Kelly, from being bashed and burnt when she stops to use a bathroom. For his safety they stay together until he has to go back to work, which means a week up close and personal. But when his work and hers collide can they work out it out and find each other again?
This is a very enjoyable book.
When school counselor, Abra, heads to a music festival at spring break she doesn’t expect to save a police officer, Kelly, from being bashed and burnt when she stops to use a bathroom. For his safety they stay together until he has to go back to work, which means a week up close and personal. But when his work and hers collide can they work out it out and find each other again?
This is a very enjoyable book.
January 19, 2017
Road trip down and up love highway
This book is like 2 books in one. The emotions this couple went through leaves you breathless. But when it's true love nothing keeps you down for long. I recommend this book to any one who has experienced this powerful love. And those who haven't....Take notes. Once again thank you R.L. Merrill
This book is like 2 books in one. The emotions this couple went through leaves you breathless. But when it's true love nothing keeps you down for long. I recommend this book to any one who has experienced this powerful love. And those who haven't....Take notes. Once again thank you R.L. Merrill
December 29, 2016
Tattoos and cuss words!
Love Kelly and Abra. They are so good for each other. So happy they were able to work out their differences and be together. Even though they still had a long way to go. Another fantastic one R.L! Loved it!
Love Kelly and Abra. They are so good for each other. So happy they were able to work out their differences and be together. Even though they still had a long way to go. Another fantastic one R.L! Loved it!
March 26, 2019
this was a really great book! to me it was just to long and dragged out. she helps him no night escape death. now there off on a adventure together . it started off as friends and has lead to more , but how far will this go? read to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews