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Cal Prescott is the summer Annie Baxter will never escape. The man she’s destined to remember.

Except Annie doesn’t believe in forever or kismet or soulmates. The traveling daydreamer has places to visit and photographs to take.

Her heart is made to wander.

It doesn’t matter where Annie roams...
New York to Seattle to California
…she finds herself drawn to Cal.
Inexplicably so. A magnetic attraction. Like the moon and the tide — two forces of nature decidedly connected.

Only they’d decided not to speak of their future or talk about what-ifs. It's one summer. A chance to escape. A time to forget.

But love won't wait for the perfect moment. Fate doesn’t require belief to exist. And maybe the freedom they both lust after has been right in front of them all along.

***Wanderlust is the second book in The South Beach Connection Trilogy***

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First published May 10, 2018

11 people are currently reading
35 people want to read

About the author

A.R. Hadley

15 books191 followers
A.R. Hadley writes imperfectly perfect sentences by the light of her iPhone.
She loves the ocean.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping unsweet tea near a beautiful garden as she weaves fictional tales of love and connection amid reality.

VISIT A.R. HADLEY'S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Carlene.
1,027 reviews277 followers
April 30, 2018
Read this and other reviews at Carlene Inspired.
4.5 Stars

Cal and Annie share a connection, one that will stay with them a lifetime despite its expectation to only last the summer. They're each running from something and fall into one another first as a recognition of the lust they share and secondly for the perfect escape they can give to each other. The only problem? The feelings that spark between them are growing larger than the summer and their friends can't seem to get past the age difference...and neither can Cal.

"She smelled like home. Fields of citrus, seasons, a reason."

I really enjoyed Landslide, the first novel in The South Beach Connection Trilogy, but I liked Wanderlust even more. A.R. Hadley explores grief, lust, love, sadness, and trust with such depth and really makes you feel the emotions alongside the characters. I initially had reservations about Cal, but he grew on me with all that is revealed in this novel. We get a bit more of a glimpse into his past and the family, and many partners, that turned him into a man seeking only short term companionship. Annie, of course, is still reeling from the loss of her brother and trying to find her way in a world where the only thing that keeps her looking forward is art. The two have many discussions regarding the future, particularly around the twenty years between them and the large influence their family matters, though yet revealed, play in their lives. With both characters we are still left with many questions, but we do finally have answers regarding their relationship and the direction it will take. I can't tell you that, you'll have to read it, but know it makes for an incredible contemporary romance storyline. We also finally get the secondary character's perspectives on the whole affair and see the lives both Cal and Annie lead when not in South Beach escaping it all.

"I float on love we refute."

I have to say I love how lyrically A.R. Hadley writes, it really is beautiful, but it might be just a bit too much for a contemporary romance title. I felt like some of the description, though very detailed, gave the chapters length that took me away from the overall story. It does successfully add more weight to the story though and it is a beautiful example of how skilly A.R. Hadley is at telling a gripping, emotional story. I guess what I mean to say is, I think a more mature reader (and not in age) will get out of this novel the story A.R. Hadley is trying to tell. It isn't easy-going contemporary, but I prefer my novels to tear my heart out a bit rather than be as sweet as candy.

"She risked. He devoured.
She needed him. He needed her.
Time was precious. Time was now."


Wanderlust is the perfect middle novel, in my opinion, and I am beyond excited for the third novel in The South Beach Connection Trilogy. I love a novel with depth and a storyline that is realistic, classically contemporary, and still full of just the right amount of surprises and risks to keep me engaged. It's not the sort of romance you can predict, which means you'll be hanging on to every word just like I am.

ARC provided.
Profile Image for Ann Marie.
213 reviews14 followers
May 18, 2018
The South Beach Trilogy book two Wanderlust. I give this read 5 stars!

In book two Annie is still struggling with the death of her brother. There a moments in our life that impact us so deeply that everything around that time and after are all connected to that moment. That moment when we lose a loved, someone so close to you. The person whom you grew up with, the one who had your back and you had his. I get this, more than you know. I have lost a brother, just typing that sentence took my breath away and it’s been seven years. Death is not just losing the person who dies, it's losing a piece of you.

Annie and Cal continue seeing each other, Annie’s feelings for Cal have only grown and Cal is doing his best to keep his feelings in check. As the summer is coming to an end Annie is forced to face the fact that Cal is leaving and so is she. Should she tell him how she really feels? Afraid of all the “what ifs” I really felt sad for her as she tries to force herself to let go of Cal.

Cal is having a hard time admitting his feelings to himself let alone Annie. My read on Cal, he is hurt. He is overthinking a lot of things especially his relationship with Annie. He is just assuming too much. Love is love, there is no age limit when two adults find love with each other.

Will Annie and Cal make it, will they finally admit their true feelings to each other? What will happen when that day comes?

Loved loved loved!!!
Profile Image for Indie Wish List.
250 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2018
The poetry! I said it before, and I will say it again: The elegance in the writing has me spellbound. This is how a book should be written! So much can be said without dialogue, and this book proves that. This story is told through looks and gestures, through the thoughts each character has yet doesn’t share with each other. Not with words. Instead, a million words are spoken through the eyes, through a grip of hands, a touch.

Cal felt more involved in this book. He was finally coming out of his cold shell and showing a real person lived inside him. Meanwhile, Annie seemed to turn cold in this book. That is especially shown when her mother is introduced. That woman drove me nuts!

The storyline is one that has been told before. However, the flow, the beauty of the words … I can’t say enough about this writing style. Simply beautiful. I can’t wait to see more from this author. And I really can’t wait to read the conclusion. Cal is an interesting character. I want to see how he evolves.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,340 reviews13 followers
May 9, 2018
Rating: 4.5*

When book one finished I was very disappointed as I wanted more from Annie and Cal and I wanted their HEA. I was so happy to jump back into their story to see how it further unfolds. Patience has been a virtue and A.R. Hadley did not disappoint.

Book one left with things uncertain between them as Annie is insistent on travelling to open up opportunities to display her work. They are both still insistent that it is a summer fling but they struggle being apart from each other and feelings are obviously developing and growing between them.

These two characters were interesting with their flaws and vulnerabilities. Both holding back from fully committing despite it being obvious that their hearts had already decided for them. Yes they frustrated me but their complexities hooked me and drew me into their story. I wanted this book to never end but I will try to wait patiently for the next installment.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for The Literary Vixen.
611 reviews21 followers
August 6, 2018
Annie and Cal are back. In this book, we find out more about Annie and Cal. You can feel the heat and attraction between them as you’re reading. Their relationship is a slow burn. They have a connection. Both of them are still struggling with their own demons. Annie has some more growing up to do but she knows what she wants, Cal. Cal himself has to accept his true feelings for Annie. Can their love weather the storm that’s about to come their way? I give this 4 stars! I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
551 reviews
May 10, 2018
From the beginning Cal and Annie's " summer fling" has been on a time clock. But can you out run what is destined to be. If this person completes you and bring you peace can you really walk away. If this person heals you do you really want to walk away. That's what Cal and Annie have to deal with. Even though the 20yr age difference Annie knows who she wants she's trying to convince Cal to not push her away. But can he really leave her alone. I can't wait to see what the ending will be.
486 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2018
Wanderlust, book two in this trilogy, starts back up from where Landslide stopped. This book brings us more information about Annie and Cal's backgrounds, bringing to light what makes them act/believe the way they do and why. You will really start to see the transformation in them and realize what they truly mean to each other. They still have their doubts and fears, shadows from their pasts, but you'll see more clearly why they think this way. This story was very well written and has a great flow that has you on the edge of your seat and wanting to keep reading until the very end. Great secondary characters too. Can't wait to see what happens in the final book!
704 reviews3 followers
May 10, 2018
Cal and Annie’s story continues in Wanderlust. What a journey of change and trust these two are going through. And they are off the charts hot together. Annie has anxiety and depression from her brother’s death. But it is wonderful to see her fight her demons and come out stronger. I really like how this story is progressing.
Profile Image for Joleen Grace.
873 reviews
June 28, 2018
I read this book in two sittings! I was so invested to see what happened next. I like the way their relationship developed more over the course of the book and Cal opened up. The ending got to me! Can’t wait to read the end of the trilogy and see how their story ends!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,392 reviews119 followers
May 11, 2018
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This book was a great way to start the upcoming beach season. I’m curious about the rest of the trilogy.
Profile Image for Liz [reads books].
1,314 reviews63 followers
September 2, 2018
Wow, Annie and Cal are two complicated people trying to have an uncomplicated relationship with one another. Fail.
The angst is high. 4 stars
Profile Image for Lori Caprio Tate.
498 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2018
The second book in this trilogy was beautifully written. Almost poetic. The descriptions in this book had me feeling as if I was there and exexperiencing Annie and Cals struggles as if they were my own. I enjoyed the first book in the series but I loved this book. The feels were real and I can not wait to read the next book and see how it all comes together.
Profile Image for TDCbookreviews.
705 reviews68 followers
March 21, 2018
Annie and Cal are in the midst of their lust affair, though are feelings getting in the way? Annie can't hold her emotions in check as well as Cal can, but they both have trouble expressing their feelings vocally. Instead they share their feelings through touches, kisses and more. As the summer ends they both realize it's time to finally talk about their future. Annie is ready to be with Cal, but Cal has his own past and isn't sure he's ready to burden Annie with it all. Will their love conquer their fears or is a twenty year age difference too much to bear?

The second book of A.R. Hadley's South Beach Connection continues soon after the first left off. More poems were involved, which I still feel take me out of the book. Maybe if they were song lyrics or Annie talked of writing poems they would flow better in the book. The only other real issue I had with this book is the pacing, the middle just dragged for me as they continued having the same unspoken conversation! I highly enjoyed Rosa's character and would love to read more of her. Maggie and John, pretty prominent characters in the first book, were mainly left by the wayside in this book and could have probably stayed out of it completely without changing much. The "twist" was expected, but I am curious to see what happens next. Rated 3 out of 5 stars.
Profile Image for Silvia.
1,217 reviews
November 4, 2023
Unique

Wanderlust is book 2 of the South Beach Connection Trilogy and it picks up with Cal and Annie’s relationship still in limbo. I didn’t get a feeling they were a good fit for each other in Landslide, book 1, and after reading this second book, my opinion hasn’t changed in fact I have more doubts. Annie is so immature I don’t see how Cal can stand her. I know she’s been through tragedy but she uses it as an excuse for her erratic behavior towards him. I’m not sure given her youthfulness and inexperience that they can make this relationship work. In this book Cal has something going on in his life that places Annie on the back burner. After finding out why, it doesn’t make sense to me why he feels he must do this. In my opinion, he would only act this way because he doesn’t trust her. In fact a lot of their actions towards each other just don’t make any sense. It seems like whatever is going on between them is just a big game that they can’t seem to stop playing. Physically the heat between them is off the charts but their emotional and intellectual interactions are mercurial. To top everything off, at the end of the book a monkey wrench is thrown in that frankly I saw coming from a mile away but it still had me cringing so of course I’ll have to read the next book.

On a positive note, I absolutely loved the writing style. It has a dream like quality to it. Disjointed but fascinating, sucking me in. Poetry and prose, past and present, woven together. I got lost in it, floating through the pages. The first book was like that too so I enjoyed getting used to this writing style again.

So with all the game playing and with all the doubts I have about Cal and Annie succeeding in love....why in the heck am I rating this frustrating book 5 stars? Because I really loved, LOVED, the unique writing style and I really really want to know what becomes of Cal and Annie. I also want to find out who is Cal. He’s a complete mystery to me. And what about Maggie and John? There’s more to them then meets the eye. So many feels, so many questions. I gotta know. I gotta find out what’s next. I gotta give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for A.R. Hadley.
Author 15 books191 followers
August 14, 2018
Wanderlust is the middle of Cal and Annie's journey! More revelations! More feels!

The trilogy is now complete! All three books are live and free in KU. And Cal has his own book coming too!

The South Beach Connection Trilogy:

BOOK 1 ✫★LANDSLIDE ➜ myBook.to/Landslide
BOOK 2 ✫★WANDERLUST ➜ getbook.at/SBCwanderlust
BOOK 3 ✫★CONTINUUM ➜ mybook.to/SBCcontinuum
BOOK 0.5 THE OCEAN IN HIS VEINS ➜ https://bit.ly/2rB0CA8
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,150 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2018
This is book two in the series and they need to be read in order.

Annie Baxter is struggling with what to do in her "relationship" with Calvin Prescott. Those around her want her to remember her own goals and not get swept away by a man who is not known to commit.

Calvin Prescott knows he is has different goals than what Annie has and doesn't want to let her go but also doesn't want her to to stay with him and give up her young life for him.

Will Annie and Calvin be able to sort out how they feel about each other before it's time to say goodbye?

So I struggled a little with this book as I really do not like Cal and it definitely impacted how I feel about the book and the decisions that were made.

I liked Annie and I was happy when she began living life for herself a little but she is still trying to cope with the loss of her brother and part of me thinks that's why she is so attached to Cal. I hated how Annie confessed how she felt and then Cal got distant with her.

Cal was not a character I liked and I was so mad that he would tell Annie one thing and then his actions would convey a totally different message. I understand where he is concerned about their age difference but he should never have gotten involved with Annie, even just for a summer, if he had these concerns.

I was kind of mad when Cal found out Annie's secret at the end but I guess we will see where the next one leads.
Profile Image for Mary Fazzi.
1,254 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2018
Annie is still trying to keep in her mind that it’s just a fling. It’s her summer. There is no love for Cal, but reality is setting in and it is love. She loves Cal, but where their future holds is unsure. Annie is going to California to get her photographs in an exhibit and to see what the world is like. Cal is denying his feelings but he does see that it’s more than just fooling around. He ask Annie for time but yet he keeps texting and sending songs that Annie shuts down her phone and gives what he wanted time. Time to figure things out. When she gets back to Miami she hasn’t contacted Cal because her mind is all over the place. Does he love her? Does he want want her in his life? A must read to find out.
Profile Image for Nickie Sale.
891 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2018
I'm still struggling with the pace in this series, which still feels slow. None the less, some questions are being answered. The relationship between Cal and Annie feels more like a game, there is an undeniable physical attraction between them, but this is still just a summer fling for them, or at least that's what they are each trying to convince themselves. As Annie's and Cal's backgrounds become clearer you start to understand more of why Cal is holding back, however Annie seems to become more invested on what their future together might hold than Cal, whilst Cal seems to blow hot and cold. The real question is can Annie convince Cal they do have a future?
Profile Image for Samantha Waldow.
501 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2018
Wanderlust is book 2 in the South Beach Trilogy. Annie is still having a hard time with her brothers death. Annie is still seeing Cal. She knows at the end of the summer, her and Cal with be go their separate ways. Can Annie let him go without telling Cal how she really feels. Cal is struggling with his own feelings. With the age difference he isnt really sure. Can he let her go. I really enjoyed this book. It was slow in spots. And there were times i wanted to yell at them to grow up. I can't wait to read book 3.
Profile Image for Ashley.
182 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2018
Yet again A.R. Hadley has blown me away with her masterful, poetic writing and completely wrapped me up in the tense give and take between Cal and Annie. Wanderlust is a continuation of the series and their sexy summer, and while some questions from the first book are answered there are even more emotions delved into that leave things up in the air still. I cannot wait for the next (and last) installment in The South Beach Connection Trilogy to see how this age gap romance plays out, or if the summer is really all they'll have.
Profile Image for LidiasChoice De Jager.
208 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2018
This was a very emotional read for me. Death is so final and devastating. Everyone going through something like this have their own way of grieving. I must admit that some of the scenes and descriptions were very heavy and difficult to get through. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Tammy Deighan.
141 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2018
This is a carry on from Landslide and its great. Trying to make it through the summer and trying to figure out what's next and trying to keep to the no strings attached would be hard for anyone but they are both very head strong and he's 20 years older so he thinks he knows better. The back and forth is great and the twist is something either one saw coming. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Shiney.
278 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2018
The summer is coming to an end for this passionate couple. Moving away, work, wanderlust... will it end here or is there a chance they'll be able to make it work... a connection that can't be broken??
I definitely recommend and love this story! I have never highlighted a book so much. The poetry, the love, it makes my heart happy. Looking forward to starting Continuum.
1,497 reviews15 followers
October 15, 2018
This series has been a hard read for me (although I'm not sure why) but I'm invested in seeing how everything is going to turn out for Annie and Cal. There are so many secrets, pain, betrayal: baggage from their lives. It's only a summer fling...or is it? I just want to know more...and want to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Jennifer Richey.
1,992 reviews
July 6, 2018
This is book 2 and cal and Annie’s story continues and omg! Wow is my emotions all over the case what they go through! Their relationship has progress since book 1. Can’t wait to read what happens next.
Profile Image for LS Kralicek.
1,155 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2018
Epic love

A.R. Hadley's Wonderlust is amazing. Annie and Cal's story continues with twists and turns. Their love is so powerful and he chemistry that draws them together. Can't wait to see how the story ends in the next book.
Profile Image for Angela.
358 reviews
July 26, 2018
INTENSE!!! This book is extremely intense and the author is insanely descriptive. Cal and Annie have a very crazy relationship and keeps it going when you think one of them might explode!!! Annie can't seem to move on and gain the confidence she needs!!!
Emotional rollercoaster!!!
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,070 reviews51 followers
August 16, 2018
After the ending of Landslide, I wanted to see where Annie and Cal are. There really isn’t any progress. They just didn’t seem to click and it just made it drawn out. It just seemed like an endless cycle.
Profile Image for Deirdre Stokes.
184 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2018
I thought the first book was interesting with Annie and Cal but this second book was just as good. It was a page-turner and I just needed to know what was going to happen between them. It was good and well written book can't wait to read the third book of this series.
Profile Image for Kathi.
242 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2018
The second part of the story was good, Still no closer to the closure I was was wanting. So I will wait “patiently” for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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