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Around the World #1
The Road Ahead
With two days to go until Christmas, and all planes from Portugal grounded, it’s a race against time to get home to England.
Rebecca Edwards can’t afford to hire a car for the marathon journey home. Arabella Henley can, but with a broken leg, she’s unable to. A tentative agreement is struck in order to get home before the festive deadline.
Will they make it, or will they kill each other before they even get to Spain?
Rebecca Edwards can’t afford to hire a car for the marathon journey home. Arabella Henley can, but with a broken leg, she’s unable to. A tentative agreement is struck in order to get home before the festive deadline.
Will they make it, or will they kill each other before they even get to Spain?
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 31, 2018
239 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Radley
30 books467 followers***While I have a profile here on Goodreads, it is only to administer my books when necessary (add them, change covers etc).
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
October 6, 2018
3.75 Stars. I enjoyed this read. It was cute and very readable. This was a bit of an ice-queen versus a romantic character type of romance. I always like a bit of an ice-queen character. However, I must admit I might not have liked this as much if I didn’t realize a book 2 was releasing in a few days. This is a very slow-burn romance. In fact the pair doesn’t get too much out of the friend zone period. If this book was the end of the story I might have been disappointed. Instead I’m excited for book 2 and I hope Radley brings on the romance. The characters are built, the storyline is rolling, we just now need the romance. If you are a fan of Radley or looking for a sweet series, this book might be for you.
June 7, 2018
Urgent: Sequel needed!!! The story ended way too soon!!!
A.E. Radley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I just love her books. And in this story we find two really wonderful characters, Rebecca and Arabella. Don't miss it!
A.E. Radley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I just love her books. And in this story we find two really wonderful characters, Rebecca and Arabella. Don't miss it!
June 14, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by ‘The Road Ahead.’ I’ve had ok experiences with this author’s books in the past, but really didn’t have expectations, per se, because I don’t really remember either of them all that well.
As already noted by many others, this isn’t really a romance as much as it is a set-up for the sequel, which better be a romance or I’m gonna…nothing. I’m gonna do absolutely nothing, honestly…be disappointed and shut up about it, perhaps? All bark, no bite; I just hope that it is and I'm pretty sure that it will be. I like both main characters, Arabella and Rebecca, together and separately. I’m not going to say that I feel any chemistry from them yet, but there is a flicker of possibility that hangs in the air…one that I’m looking forward to the author exploring in book 2.
My only complaint is thus: When I had just started this (maybe around chapter 2 or 3), I jokingly wrote on Alexis’ review that I was looking forward to Arabella’s personality transplant. Well, she got one…and it happened fast; like she seriously went in for outpatient-personality-transplant-surgery fast. She went from a snotty, stuck-up, judgmental bitch with a bad attitude to generous, caring, and sympathetic in the blink of an eye. We were given the story to transition her personality from one to the other, but I don’t think people grow and evolve that quickly (24 hours) in real life no matter what major revelations they have.
Still, I liked post-transplant Arabella much more than the original, so I don’t want to blather on about it too terribly much.
‘The Road Ahead’ has humor and it has tragedy and it has simple, but very good, writing. 3.5* because it's not quite up there with some of my 4* (really good), but it's better than my 3* (just ok), too. Recommend to anyone looking for an easy, feel good read who doesn’t mind an abrupt ending. If you do, perhaps wait for book two to come out before starting this one.
As already noted by many others, this isn’t really a romance as much as it is a set-up for the sequel, which better be a romance or I’m gonna…nothing. I’m gonna do absolutely nothing, honestly…be disappointed and shut up about it, perhaps? All bark, no bite; I just hope that it is and I'm pretty sure that it will be. I like both main characters, Arabella and Rebecca, together and separately. I’m not going to say that I feel any chemistry from them yet, but there is a flicker of possibility that hangs in the air…one that I’m looking forward to the author exploring in book 2.
My only complaint is thus: When I had just started this (maybe around chapter 2 or 3), I jokingly wrote on Alexis’ review that I was looking forward to Arabella’s personality transplant. Well, she got one…and it happened fast; like she seriously went in for outpatient-personality-transplant-surgery fast. She went from a snotty, stuck-up, judgmental bitch with a bad attitude to generous, caring, and sympathetic in the blink of an eye. We were given the story to transition her personality from one to the other, but I don’t think people grow and evolve that quickly (24 hours) in real life no matter what major revelations they have.
Still, I liked post-transplant Arabella much more than the original, so I don’t want to blather on about it too terribly much.
‘The Road Ahead’ has humor and it has tragedy and it has simple, but very good, writing. 3.5* because it's not quite up there with some of my 4* (really good), but it's better than my 3* (just ok), too. Recommend to anyone looking for an easy, feel good read who doesn’t mind an abrupt ending. If you do, perhaps wait for book two to come out before starting this one.
June 7, 2018
4.3 stars. An unexpectedly good read. After overcoming buyers remorse I had for purchasing her previous book Bring Holly Home, Radley has redeemed herself as an author in my eyes. I forgive you for selling me a fanfic at a premium price for a movie I've never seen.
Not sure if this also is a converted fanfic of some movie or TV show but it definitely works without any prerequisite TV watching. I liked the characters and the opposites attract chemistry they have going on. Some of my favorite themes can be seen in this book - age gap, rich girl poor girl and a toaster oven was also spotted. Not much to complain about in this novel, maybe Arabella switched too much of her character from a snobby, neurotic ice queen to a neurotic but friendly and warm personality. That's a pretty big jump right there in a span of a day or two.
Otherwise a solid read. Not much of romance is in this book though. It's more about finding yourself and overcoming life's tragedies with the support of your friends. Great dialogue too. I hope the next Radley book will be just as good.
Not sure if this also is a converted fanfic of some movie or TV show but it definitely works without any prerequisite TV watching. I liked the characters and the opposites attract chemistry they have going on. Some of my favorite themes can be seen in this book - age gap, rich girl poor girl and a toaster oven was also spotted. Not much to complain about in this novel, maybe Arabella switched too much of her character from a snobby, neurotic ice queen to a neurotic but friendly and warm personality. That's a pretty big jump right there in a span of a day or two.
Otherwise a solid read. Not much of romance is in this book though. It's more about finding yourself and overcoming life's tragedies with the support of your friends. Great dialogue too. I hope the next Radley book will be just as good.
June 9, 2018
It’s December 23rd and Rebecca and Arabella are stranded at an airport in Portugal.. Both desperately want to be back in England for Christmas Eve. Rebecca has no money and Arabella has a broken leg but lots of cash. A car share through Spain and France might get them home by the 24th if they can move past their differences and grab one of the last cars available from the rental agency.
I loved the older, colder Arabella who is all business and concern that her controlling fiancé Alastair will give her grief upon her return. She’s also worried she might be driving with a serial killer. Her broken leg hasn't given her many options. Rebecca is low on cash but desperate enough to get home for Christmas that she is willing to put up with the stuffy, pretentious Arabella.
I really enjoyed this age-gap, opposites attract road trip romance. The long stretches of barren nowhere in Spain bring out the strengths and fears in our two road warriors. I laughed as Arabella and Rebecca took their life in their hands at gas stations and the most unusual B&B. I cried when life got too real later on in the novel.
This is an age gap romance where the characters actually acknowledge their differences and joy of joy, listen to each other. I love it when a book makes me feel all the feels and root for both women to find their HEA.
Hilarious one minute, heart-tugging the next. A pleasure to read.
ARC received from author with thanks for an honest review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpre...
I loved the older, colder Arabella who is all business and concern that her controlling fiancé Alastair will give her grief upon her return. She’s also worried she might be driving with a serial killer. Her broken leg hasn't given her many options. Rebecca is low on cash but desperate enough to get home for Christmas that she is willing to put up with the stuffy, pretentious Arabella.
I really enjoyed this age-gap, opposites attract road trip romance. The long stretches of barren nowhere in Spain bring out the strengths and fears in our two road warriors. I laughed as Arabella and Rebecca took their life in their hands at gas stations and the most unusual B&B. I cried when life got too real later on in the novel.
This is an age gap romance where the characters actually acknowledge their differences and joy of joy, listen to each other. I love it when a book makes me feel all the feels and root for both women to find their HEA.
Hilarious one minute, heart-tugging the next. A pleasure to read.
ARC received from author with thanks for an honest review.
https://latenightlesbianreads.wordpre...
October 23, 2018
More Arabella and Rebecca in Book Two.
What I am sure of
A.E. Radley has become one of my favorite Lesfic author. Her stories are pretty lay back, when you're done with them you'll not suffer from book hangover, just a nice buzz.
I love this book, Rebecca and Arabella are as different as the sky and ocean and Ms.Radley does not rush in the romance aspect. The book ends with Arabella[straight as a stick, never have feelings for women] confessing to Rebecca that she likes her. When Rebecca asks her if she's gay now, this is Arabella's reply.
" I don't think so."
"I have feelings for you, I haven't thrown myself at any other women and I don't have an urge to. "
"All of this is extremely new, not to mention scary to me."
Yes! Yes! Yes! Perfect answer, Arabella.
Different from the usual "Yes" I came across in several books.
I teared up a bit when
I do recommend this book, Rebecca and Arabella start off as strangers-travel partners with benefits -friends-confidantes-a special place on each others hearts. There are no sex scenes in this book, not even romance, just promising attractions.
It does not end in a cliffhanger, they acknowledge+confess their attractions towards each other, no ILYs declaration, they share a kiss and the book ends with Rebecca and Arabella at the airport, traveling to Scotland.
Great read, worth rereads.
This book is available on KU/Unavailable on Scribd.
What I am sure of
A.E. Radley has become one of my favorite Lesfic author. Her stories are pretty lay back, when you're done with them you'll not suffer from book hangover, just a nice buzz.
I love this book, Rebecca and Arabella are as different as the sky and ocean and Ms.Radley does not rush in the romance aspect. The book ends with Arabella[straight as a stick, never have feelings for women] confessing to Rebecca that she likes her. When Rebecca asks her if she's gay now, this is Arabella's reply.
" I don't think so."
"I have feelings for you, I haven't thrown myself at any other women and I don't have an urge to. "
"All of this is extremely new, not to mention scary to me."
Yes! Yes! Yes! Perfect answer, Arabella.
Different from the usual "Yes" I came across in several books.
I teared up a bit when
I do recommend this book, Rebecca and Arabella start off as strangers-travel partners with benefits -friends-confidantes-a special place on each others hearts. There are no sex scenes in this book, not even romance, just promising attractions.
It does not end in a cliffhanger, they acknowledge+confess their attractions towards each other, no ILYs declaration, they share a kiss and the book ends with Rebecca and Arabella at the airport, traveling to Scotland.
Great read, worth rereads.
This book is available on KU/Unavailable on Scribd.
June 11, 2018
“What?!” *Shocked, mouth opened*
Seriously, that was my reaction when i turned to the next page at 90% mark (page 238 of 260) on my kindle app and saw this:
“I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading The Road Ahead.
If you did, I would greatly appreciate a short review...”
I was soooo hoping to enjoy abit more of their relationship when they admitted feeling for each other with the remain 10% left! That was so shocking sad to me that the book ended at that point. 😔 i felt like i kind of over reacting here but who care? 🙄
I actually really like this book. Like really really like it from the very beginning until the end. I really like both main characters. I would say this book fall into a rich-girl-poor-girl category. Rebecca is a down-to-earth kind of person and funny. Since she doesnt have much money so she understand more about common people? It sounds so wrong to say it that way. I mean, she knows more about how real relationship should be like, how family should celebrate together or something that. Arabella, on the other hand, like typical rich people did, she has her set of path that her family and other rich people expected her to goes. And she kind of went that way without thinking much. Because she thought that what she suppose to do without thinking about her own feeling. Until she met Rebecca and everything changed as they travel together. I really enjoyed the dialogues. I didnt expect there was going to have some emotional moments as well. Well, it was emotional and heartwarming to me. The book isnt really focus on romance by the way. But i still like this book and enjoyed it a lot.
Seriously, that was my reaction when i turned to the next page at 90% mark (page 238 of 260) on my kindle app and saw this:
“I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading The Road Ahead.
If you did, I would greatly appreciate a short review...”
I was soooo hoping to enjoy abit more of their relationship when they admitted feeling for each other with the remain 10% left! That was so shocking sad to me that the book ended at that point. 😔 i felt like i kind of over reacting here but who care? 🙄
I actually really like this book. Like really really like it from the very beginning until the end. I really like both main characters. I would say this book fall into a rich-girl-poor-girl category. Rebecca is a down-to-earth kind of person and funny. Since she doesnt have much money so she understand more about common people? It sounds so wrong to say it that way. I mean, she knows more about how real relationship should be like, how family should celebrate together or something that. Arabella, on the other hand, like typical rich people did, she has her set of path that her family and other rich people expected her to goes. And she kind of went that way without thinking much. Because she thought that what she suppose to do without thinking about her own feeling. Until she met Rebecca and everything changed as they travel together. I really enjoyed the dialogues. I didnt expect there was going to have some emotional moments as well. Well, it was emotional and heartwarming to me. The book isnt really focus on romance by the way. But i still like this book and enjoyed it a lot.
June 13, 2018
I finished reading this book and at the end was left wondering how the devil it had ended so quickly. This was superbly written and I actually fell asleep while reading it because I literally couldn't put it down.
I'm going to keep this review short because there's not much to say other than I really liked the relationship between Rebecca and Arabella. Admittedly there were one or two moments when I wanted Rebecca to stuff Arabella in the trunk because of her snobby behavior but I ended up really liking her in the end. As Arn mentioned in their review there isn't really any romance in this book but it does a great job setting up the sequel in which i'm sure we'll see just how exactly these two very different women end up falling for each other. Hopefully we won't have to wait to long for "The Big Uneasy" to be published.
A.E. Radley has been keeping busy it seems. Source: A E Radley's instagram
I'm going to keep this review short because there's not much to say other than I really liked the relationship between Rebecca and Arabella. Admittedly there were one or two moments when I wanted Rebecca to stuff Arabella in the trunk because of her snobby behavior but I ended up really liking her in the end. As Arn mentioned in their review there isn't really any romance in this book but it does a great job setting up the sequel in which i'm sure we'll see just how exactly these two very different women end up falling for each other. Hopefully we won't have to wait to long for "The Big Uneasy" to be published.
A.E. Radley has been keeping busy it seems. Source: A E Radley's instagram
June 6, 2018
It’s Christmas in June!
Nice, easy, well written, lovely read with a few laughs and a few tears. It’s 2 days before Christmas and all planes are grounded in Portugal. Two strangers come to an agreement to rent a car and drive to London to get home by Christmas Eve. Arabella Henley, a wealthy, beautiful, caustic 40 something woman can afford to hire a car but is unable to drive due to a broken leg and there is 27 year old, Rebecca Edwards, who is desperate to get home but cannot afford to hire a car but is more than willing to drive the 24 hours trip. I’d love to say more about this book, but it is best to ride along with these two ladies from different worlds as they banter, argue, and get to know each other.
Hmmm... with the right narrator, this would make an enjoyable audiobook.
Nice, easy, well written, lovely read with a few laughs and a few tears. It’s 2 days before Christmas and all planes are grounded in Portugal. Two strangers come to an agreement to rent a car and drive to London to get home by Christmas Eve. Arabella Henley, a wealthy, beautiful, caustic 40 something woman can afford to hire a car but is unable to drive due to a broken leg and there is 27 year old, Rebecca Edwards, who is desperate to get home but cannot afford to hire a car but is more than willing to drive the 24 hours trip. I’d love to say more about this book, but it is best to ride along with these two ladies from different worlds as they banter, argue, and get to know each other.
Hmmm... with the right narrator, this would make an enjoyable audiobook.
November 20, 2019
[Edit November 20th: I love how narration can elevate (I’m not sure it’s the right word…) a book. I really liked The Road Ahead when I read it, but listening to it was even better. There’s nothing obviously extraordinary about [author:Ella Lynch|18208197]’s narration, it’s simply perfect for the story. The things that had mildly bothered me in book form didn’t matter in audio, they completely worked when told with the right tone.]
At first, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book. The ice queen character seemed exaggerated, for one. Yet as I went on, I found myself really having fun. The characters became more subtle, the way one feels when meeting people and getting to know them. I'm now looking forward to reading The Big Uneasy.
At first, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this book. The ice queen character seemed exaggerated, for one. Yet as I went on, I found myself really having fun. The characters became more subtle, the way one feels when meeting people and getting to know them. I'm now looking forward to reading The Big Uneasy.
December 25, 2018
The Story had potential but I didn't like the main characters. No real chemistry, superficial and one-sided. Sometimes I have no clue why people write 5 star reviews for a book like that. I need sparks and characters that are a little deeper
December 20, 2018
A.E Radley is very fast becoming my go to author for an easy enjoyable read with an interesting story that leaves you laughing, giggling, and a smile on your face.
I hope book 2 comes out sooner than later
The audiobook is just as good as reading it.
I hope book 2 comes out sooner than later
The audiobook is just as good as reading it.
June 16, 2018
AE Radley doesn’t seem to be able to write a book I don’t completely enjoy, and I think it’s because the main trope she uses is older rich accomplished (yet standoffish) woman falls for younger less accomplished, less better off woman with a big open heart. I love it and the storylines are foolproof because they are so well executed with beautiful plots of love conquering all.
This book begins with Rebecca stuck in Faro airport in Portugal due to all flights to London being grounded. She can’t afford any other means to get home and is feeling a little lost, that is until she meets Arabella. Arabella is also stranded and desperate to get home for Christmas, but the hire car company is telling her she can’t rent a car and drive it with her current broken leg. So together with Rebecca driving and Arabella paying, they head of on the journey that will change their lives… Hopefully these polar opposite women won’t kill each other before they get back to London…
This storyline is a case of opposites attract because at the beginning of this book I couldn’t see how they could fit together but as is AE Radley’s genius, as the emotional walls came down I began to understand how perfect they were for each other. And when that realisation happens for the protagonists, it becomes such a heart warming story of love conquering all.
I must admit I sat on my review for this book a little longer than normal because after it ended I was left feeling as if it was not enough which in turned left me unsettled. I knew I needed more but my impression was it was a stand-alone book so the ending completely changed the whole feel of the novel for me. As luck would have it, AE Radley announced that there WAS to be a sequel and that changed EVERYTHING. I reread the book with the knowledge there was a sequel to come and when reading the ending again, it left numerous possibilities for what could be and I am now left feeling excited about what might be next for these protagonists.
The dialogue in the book had me laughing and swooning at different moments but the highlight was this quote:
“If you can’t decompress and sort your life in Scotland, then there’s no hope for you”
I can’t wait to read the sequel, The Big Easy in October to read more from these wonderful characters.
5 Stars
This book begins with Rebecca stuck in Faro airport in Portugal due to all flights to London being grounded. She can’t afford any other means to get home and is feeling a little lost, that is until she meets Arabella. Arabella is also stranded and desperate to get home for Christmas, but the hire car company is telling her she can’t rent a car and drive it with her current broken leg. So together with Rebecca driving and Arabella paying, they head of on the journey that will change their lives… Hopefully these polar opposite women won’t kill each other before they get back to London…
This storyline is a case of opposites attract because at the beginning of this book I couldn’t see how they could fit together but as is AE Radley’s genius, as the emotional walls came down I began to understand how perfect they were for each other. And when that realisation happens for the protagonists, it becomes such a heart warming story of love conquering all.
I must admit I sat on my review for this book a little longer than normal because after it ended I was left feeling as if it was not enough which in turned left me unsettled. I knew I needed more but my impression was it was a stand-alone book so the ending completely changed the whole feel of the novel for me. As luck would have it, AE Radley announced that there WAS to be a sequel and that changed EVERYTHING. I reread the book with the knowledge there was a sequel to come and when reading the ending again, it left numerous possibilities for what could be and I am now left feeling excited about what might be next for these protagonists.
The dialogue in the book had me laughing and swooning at different moments but the highlight was this quote:
“If you can’t decompress and sort your life in Scotland, then there’s no hope for you”
I can’t wait to read the sequel, The Big Easy in October to read more from these wonderful characters.
5 Stars
August 8, 2018
4.5.
Well... massive wtf at the ending. A.E Radley, please write a sequel!
This story actually surprised me. I loved the story line, the banter and you've got the chemisty between them.
Not a fan of demonic porcelain dolls tho...
😉
Well... massive wtf at the ending. A.E Radley, please write a sequel!
This story actually surprised me. I loved the story line, the banter and you've got the chemisty between them.
Not a fan of demonic porcelain dolls tho...
😉
October 27, 2018
What a pleasant read :) loved everything about it starting from the characters, to the plot, to the humor!
July 4, 2018
This was a quick easy read, though it falls inside my ‘novel’ length shelf … by two pages (works of 260 to 519 pages).
There are several things happening in this book – the first half is a road trip, the second half is something of a . . . recovery from that road trip.
The book opens with twenty-something Rebecca Edwards arriving, late, at an airport in Portugal. It’s the day before the day before Christmas. Or Christmas Eve Eve – the eve of Christmas Eve. It’s the 23rd of December. Rebecca is rushing to get back to her mum, but finds the airport packed with wandering confused humans. Luckily they are not muttering things about ‘brains’ and attempting to bite people, no that isn’t this type of book. No, see, ‘there’s something wrong with the computers’ and no flight can land or leave Portugal or Spain. It’s been that way for about 2 hours now.
One thing leads to another, and Rebecca arrives at a car rental desk. But they want a fortune to rent her a car. A fortune she doesn’t have. It’s the last car they have, she’s put down a 100 pounds to hold it to see if she could get money from others.
While frantically sending text messages to her poor financially impoverished friends, another woman appears and demands a car. She’s dressed like the kind of woman who has money. Loads of it. As opposed to Rebecca who looks like she . . . well, the 100 pounds appearing surprised me considering how she is described. She looks dirty and dirt poor.
That other woman, Arabella Henley has a few ice queen like traits. Don’t be fooled, she’s more of a selfish bitch (and yes, there is a difference). Arabella is moments away from handing over her credit card and getting the keys to the ‘one remaining car’ when Rebecca puts a stop to it. She mentions several things – the part where she points out that Arabella is stumbling around on a crutch and has a foot in a cast finally works. So now neither of them have the car. Rebecca doesn’t have the money, while Arabella’s injury has insurance coverage issues that keep her from the car.
Naturally . . . well, it takes a while, mostly the arrival of more desperate looking people, but they agree to drive together. From Portugal to London (well, near London, Putney and Croydon, wherever the heck that is; I know Croydon has been ‘absorbed’ into London suburbs, while Putney is an hour away from Croydon).
Its 22 hours and 46 minutes driving between Faro Airport (the airport I think they are at in Portugal) and Croydon UK (1,478 miles). 23 hours and 23 minutes between Faro Airport and Putney UK. 1,491 miles. A roadtrip that includes the countries: Portugal, Spain, France, and England.
I fluctuated in how much I liked or not liked the main characters, but in the end I tended to like them well enough. There was a good mix of humor to help matters along. I suppose if I was to point to one thing I disliked, I’d point to how often Arabella referred to Rebecca as ‘the girl’.
For those who care about such things: there was no graphic depictions of a sexual nature in this work.
Enjoyable book.
Rating: 4.88
July 4 2018
There are several things happening in this book – the first half is a road trip, the second half is something of a . . . recovery from that road trip.
The book opens with twenty-something Rebecca Edwards arriving, late, at an airport in Portugal. It’s the day before the day before Christmas. Or Christmas Eve Eve – the eve of Christmas Eve. It’s the 23rd of December. Rebecca is rushing to get back to her mum, but finds the airport packed with wandering confused humans. Luckily they are not muttering things about ‘brains’ and attempting to bite people, no that isn’t this type of book. No, see, ‘there’s something wrong with the computers’ and no flight can land or leave Portugal or Spain. It’s been that way for about 2 hours now.
One thing leads to another, and Rebecca arrives at a car rental desk. But they want a fortune to rent her a car. A fortune she doesn’t have. It’s the last car they have, she’s put down a 100 pounds to hold it to see if she could get money from others.
While frantically sending text messages to her poor financially impoverished friends, another woman appears and demands a car. She’s dressed like the kind of woman who has money. Loads of it. As opposed to Rebecca who looks like she . . . well, the 100 pounds appearing surprised me considering how she is described. She looks dirty and dirt poor.
That other woman, Arabella Henley has a few ice queen like traits. Don’t be fooled, she’s more of a selfish bitch (and yes, there is a difference). Arabella is moments away from handing over her credit card and getting the keys to the ‘one remaining car’ when Rebecca puts a stop to it. She mentions several things – the part where she points out that Arabella is stumbling around on a crutch and has a foot in a cast finally works. So now neither of them have the car. Rebecca doesn’t have the money, while Arabella’s injury has insurance coverage issues that keep her from the car.
Naturally . . . well, it takes a while, mostly the arrival of more desperate looking people, but they agree to drive together. From Portugal to London (well, near London, Putney and Croydon, wherever the heck that is; I know Croydon has been ‘absorbed’ into London suburbs, while Putney is an hour away from Croydon).
Its 22 hours and 46 minutes driving between Faro Airport (the airport I think they are at in Portugal) and Croydon UK (1,478 miles). 23 hours and 23 minutes between Faro Airport and Putney UK. 1,491 miles. A roadtrip that includes the countries: Portugal, Spain, France, and England.
I fluctuated in how much I liked or not liked the main characters, but in the end I tended to like them well enough. There was a good mix of humor to help matters along. I suppose if I was to point to one thing I disliked, I’d point to how often Arabella referred to Rebecca as ‘the girl’.
For those who care about such things: there was no graphic depictions of a sexual nature in this work.
Enjoyable book.
Rating: 4.88
July 4 2018
January 12, 2019
Two days before Christmas, all flights from the south of Portugal are grounded due to technical problems. Among the passengers stranded are Rebecca Edwards and Arabella Henley, two strangers that decide to share the last rental car and drive the 1,500 miles back to London. The women can't be any different and even incompatible but they'll soon discover that the journey is also of self discovery and mutual understanding.
This is book one of the 'Around the World' series by this author which is followed by 'The Big Uneasy'. Much of this book is spent in the building up of the mains' friendship so, I suggest that in order to appreciate this story fully, you commit to read both books in chronological order.
'The road ahead' follows the 'opposites attract' formula and indeed, these women couldn't be any different. Rebecca is in her late twenties, middle class and a lesbian while Arabella is in her early forties, upper class and - allegedly - straight. They are profoundly different but the author excels in transforming their relationship from the awkwardness of two strangers sharing a small space to find a common ground and to establish a budding friendship. This is where the book earned my 4 stars.
Unfortunately I couldn't feel their romantic chemistry as much as their friendship bond. Maybe because the author doesn't get the reader enough into Arabella's headspace to see her musings about her life's choices and sexuality, her romantic decisions come through as a bit forced and rushed. It doesn't help either that the book finishes before their romance develops fully. So I think that this book is better appreciated as a whole with the sequel or else as a friendship story. Either way, it's entertaining, sometimes funny, others sad, sometimes road-trip, others an inner journey.
Overall, an entertaining age-gap, opposites attract romance better enjoyed with its sequel. 4 stars.
ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is book one of the 'Around the World' series by this author which is followed by 'The Big Uneasy'. Much of this book is spent in the building up of the mains' friendship so, I suggest that in order to appreciate this story fully, you commit to read both books in chronological order.
'The road ahead' follows the 'opposites attract' formula and indeed, these women couldn't be any different. Rebecca is in her late twenties, middle class and a lesbian while Arabella is in her early forties, upper class and - allegedly - straight. They are profoundly different but the author excels in transforming their relationship from the awkwardness of two strangers sharing a small space to find a common ground and to establish a budding friendship. This is where the book earned my 4 stars.
Unfortunately I couldn't feel their romantic chemistry as much as their friendship bond. Maybe because the author doesn't get the reader enough into Arabella's headspace to see her musings about her life's choices and sexuality, her romantic decisions come through as a bit forced and rushed. It doesn't help either that the book finishes before their romance develops fully. So I think that this book is better appreciated as a whole with the sequel or else as a friendship story. Either way, it's entertaining, sometimes funny, others sad, sometimes road-trip, others an inner journey.
Overall, an entertaining age-gap, opposites attract romance better enjoyed with its sequel. 4 stars.
ARC provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
June 30, 2022
I enjoy Ms Radley's books and when I saw this one onsale and hadn't yet read it, I snapped it up. How had I missed this?
I believe it's still on sale at Amazon and I would recommend it, but know it's a part 1 - however it's a full story in its own right.
I enjoyed this opposites attract, age gap. Two British ladies from wildly varying backgrounds and status, having to pile in together to get back home to London for Christmas! It's a road trip spectacular which is also another fun trope.
Our MC Arabella isn't that likeable, at first. A judgemental workaholic ice queen who is clearly unhappy with her otherwise privileged life.
Rebecca seems more free spirited, and much more down to earth, but very opinionated and dreamy. But there's so much more beneath the surface for both characters, and to their story together; as we get to spend time with them, driving across Europe to get home in time for Christmas.
I really enjoyed getting to know them both and their insecurities, plus their feelings about expectations and reality.
Could these two very different women make it work? And influence each other for the better?
I believe it's still on sale at Amazon and I would recommend it, but know it's a part 1 - however it's a full story in its own right.
I enjoyed this opposites attract, age gap. Two British ladies from wildly varying backgrounds and status, having to pile in together to get back home to London for Christmas! It's a road trip spectacular which is also another fun trope.
Our MC Arabella isn't that likeable, at first. A judgemental workaholic ice queen who is clearly unhappy with her otherwise privileged life.
Rebecca seems more free spirited, and much more down to earth, but very opinionated and dreamy. But there's so much more beneath the surface for both characters, and to their story together; as we get to spend time with them, driving across Europe to get home in time for Christmas.
I really enjoyed getting to know them both and their insecurities, plus their feelings about expectations and reality.
Could these two very different women make it work? And influence each other for the better?
October 27, 2018
A terrific and enjoyable read! 2 ladies, as opposites as you can get, got stranded in Portugal on eve of X’mas eve and decided to travel together on a road trip back to England. Both were desperate to be back in England before X’mas. They bantered a lot while on the road. Some laugh out loud moments and you can’t help but have that grin plastered on your face at times. Teary moments as well so some tissues will be handy.
Looking forward to book 2 and see where Rebecca and Arabella story takes us next.
Looking forward to book 2 and see where Rebecca and Arabella story takes us next.
June 11, 2018
Very nice book. Loved it. Nice characters, funny dialogues and situations. Very well written. There’s just one thing I liked less and that’s the ending. The book isn’t finished. Like other reviewers already said: there should be a sequel. I can’t wait to read what happens next to Arabella and Rebecca.
June 26, 2018
This was so engaging it sped past faster than I expected, and before I knew it I was at the end. It was particularly surprising because my Kindle progress bar showed 90% due to a substantial preview of The Huntress tacked on to the end. (The Huntress is wonderful, run get it if you haven't read it.) Nevertheless, I found the characters charming and the enemy-to-friends believable and entertaining. Kudos to A. E. Radley for showing me Arabella's character flaws without making me hate her. Radley is definitely a favorite author.
January 3, 2020
“The Road Ahead (Around the World #1)” had lots of Radley’s humor, and I enjoyed Ella Lynch’s narration very much. But….
27yo MC Rebecca is lesbian, has a thing for older women, and is a speak-your-mind romantic at heart. Late 40ish Arabella has had her life planned out for her, and isn’t really looking forward to marrying her fiance Alistair.
Due to a major air traffic SNAFU, the only way for the women to get from Portugal home to England by Christmas Eve is to share a rental car. There’s only one left, Rebecca can’t afford it, and they won’t rent to Arabella to drive, as she has a broken leg.
I was hoping for an opposites-attract road trip comedy. They are certainly opposites, and at the VERY end of the book they acknowledge some attraction….leaving that for the sequel. Meanwhile, while there are a few funny moments during the road trip, there’s also lots of miscommunication, non-communication and hours and hours of outright silence in the car. The road trip just wasn’t much fun, despite the B&B with the hundreds of porcelain dolls and the alleged husband. “Was she cleaning a meat cleaver with a bloody rag when she opened the door?” was one of the more amusing lines during the book…I thought. Looking back, I think I was looking too hard. “Just Jorie” this book is not.
Late into the book, Arabella finally becomes a sympathetic character, but for most of the book she’s arrogant, judgmental, and simply unlikable. Rebecca is more likable, but I think she wins partly out of the comparison between them. She’s portrayed as a bit of a Mary Sue, yet seems to have no friends (that’s explained….a bit….later, but based on the explanation these aren’t really good friends), and she seems on the edge of being financially successful with her photography career. Here’s a tip for Rebecca: if you’re going to chimp when using your professional camera, the first setting to improve the image is very rarely ISO.
For much of the book I was thinking 2.75*, and was very much looking forward to it being over. For the last hour, though, the relationship between the MCs was handled better, so I’ll rate it 3.25*. Still, either way this is a 3* book for me.
27yo MC Rebecca is lesbian, has a thing for older women, and is a speak-your-mind romantic at heart. Late 40ish Arabella has had her life planned out for her, and isn’t really looking forward to marrying her fiance Alistair.
Due to a major air traffic SNAFU, the only way for the women to get from Portugal home to England by Christmas Eve is to share a rental car. There’s only one left, Rebecca can’t afford it, and they won’t rent to Arabella to drive, as she has a broken leg.
I was hoping for an opposites-attract road trip comedy. They are certainly opposites, and at the VERY end of the book they acknowledge some attraction….leaving that for the sequel. Meanwhile, while there are a few funny moments during the road trip, there’s also lots of miscommunication, non-communication and hours and hours of outright silence in the car. The road trip just wasn’t much fun, despite the B&B with the hundreds of porcelain dolls and the alleged husband. “Was she cleaning a meat cleaver with a bloody rag when she opened the door?” was one of the more amusing lines during the book…I thought. Looking back, I think I was looking too hard. “Just Jorie” this book is not.
Late into the book, Arabella finally becomes a sympathetic character, but for most of the book she’s arrogant, judgmental, and simply unlikable. Rebecca is more likable, but I think she wins partly out of the comparison between them. She’s portrayed as a bit of a Mary Sue, yet seems to have no friends (that’s explained….a bit….later, but based on the explanation these aren’t really good friends), and she seems on the edge of being financially successful with her photography career. Here’s a tip for Rebecca: if you’re going to chimp when using your professional camera, the first setting to improve the image is very rarely ISO.
For much of the book I was thinking 2.75*, and was very much looking forward to it being over. For the last hour, though, the relationship between the MCs was handled better, so I’ll rate it 3.25*. Still, either way this is a 3* book for me.
June 1, 2018
There is much to enjoy about this read. Opposites attract, age difference, socio-economic difference, Christmas theme, sexuality, and friendship. Arabelle Henley, with the uptight take care of business personality. Rebecca Edwards, with the joyful disposition ready to take on the world. What I appreciated most was the realistic being there for another person and the verbal banter. The storyline was humorous, romantic, and heartbreaking in a subtle way.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2019
Prior to this, my recent audiobook listens had been quite dark, so when I heard a sweet English voice begin the story, it took me a minute to adjust. But once I did, I rather enjoyed it! This is a polar-opposite-strangers meet-and-are-reluctantly-thrown-together story. They barely tolerate one another until they realize there's more to both of them than meets the eye. For me, this was the equivalent of a Hallmark movie lesbian style - and I mean that in the best way possible. It is sweet, makes you chuckle at times, has some tug-at-the heart moments and is one you can safely listen to while your kids are playing in the room. And why not? There's plenty of room for that in the lesfic mix. At times while listening, I thought I might actually enjoy reading the words so will likely try AE Radley in book form next time around. And her wife Emma Sterner-Radley is an author too and I'd like to read one of hers as well!
May 29, 2018
I loved this book. Very well-written and characters were great. There were definitely laughs and a few tears. It was a quick read that I didn't want to end. I want more :)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2022
I don’t know why it took me this long to read my first A.E. Radley book, but here I am!
This is a lovely enemies-to-lovers, opposite attraction, and age-gap romance. It’s a slow burn but the pacing is so good. I love A.E.'s written style, and I don’t know why but I find tenderness in her word; some of the dialogue made me feel so related, and some of the banter just made me laugh. It made my heart warm.
I can’t wait to read book 2 of this series, and I want to explore more of A.E. Radley's books!
This is a lovely enemies-to-lovers, opposite attraction, and age-gap romance. It’s a slow burn but the pacing is so good. I love A.E.'s written style, and I don’t know why but I find tenderness in her word; some of the dialogue made me feel so related, and some of the banter just made me laugh. It made my heart warm.
I can’t wait to read book 2 of this series, and I want to explore more of A.E. Radley's books!
February 18, 2019
This is a highly-rated book but I had a really hard time with it and I took a day or so to ruminate about why. I wasn’t aware this was originally a SwanQueen fanfic. I think I would have liked the original better.
Warning, for spoilerish ranting below!
Rebecca is a down-on-her-luck photographer and Arabella is a well-off businesswoman. Fate throws them together on a cross-country road trip that is guaranteed to be filled with personality clashes, snarky sass and lightning fast banter as they both grow and learn from each other, plus tons of sizzling sexual tension.
Except that it isn’t. The road trip is only one third of the book and I felt the locations and events were thrown in without really any purpose. I wanted to see each stop on the way teach our MCs something, particularly Arabella, whose journey it actually is as she wakes up to her own inner dreams and gets the strength and self-awareness to live for herself and not just follow the path set out for her.
As for the characters, Arabella is spot-on, Radley really captures her snarky ice-queen personality along with her inner compassion that she tries so hard to hide. However, Rebecca doesn’t really have a personality, well she does, but it changes to fit the needs of the plot. And this is the main reason for my lack of satisfaction with this book. I felt the plot was forced on the characters. In fact, both characters say multiple times “I don’t know why I’m doing this”.
This is a slow-burn romance, which I usually love, but this was too slow and bloodless. I didn’t feel a lot of interest or chemistry between the characters, they just happened to be in close proximity for a while and the plot demanded they get together, which I assume will be fleshed out in the next book.
Overall, this was a well-written novel and I adore the cover, but it just didn’t work for me. The pace was very slow and I found the ending sudden and hollow. The sequel appears to add another couple to the mix, but I don’t think I’ll be picking it up.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Warning, for spoilerish ranting below!
Rebecca is a down-on-her-luck photographer and Arabella is a well-off businesswoman. Fate throws them together on a cross-country road trip that is guaranteed to be filled with personality clashes, snarky sass and lightning fast banter as they both grow and learn from each other, plus tons of sizzling sexual tension.
Except that it isn’t. The road trip is only one third of the book and I felt the locations and events were thrown in without really any purpose. I wanted to see each stop on the way teach our MCs something, particularly Arabella, whose journey it actually is as she wakes up to her own inner dreams and gets the strength and self-awareness to live for herself and not just follow the path set out for her.
As for the characters, Arabella is spot-on, Radley really captures her snarky ice-queen personality along with her inner compassion that she tries so hard to hide. However, Rebecca doesn’t really have a personality, well she does, but it changes to fit the needs of the plot. And this is the main reason for my lack of satisfaction with this book. I felt the plot was forced on the characters. In fact, both characters say multiple times “I don’t know why I’m doing this”.
This is a slow-burn romance, which I usually love, but this was too slow and bloodless. I didn’t feel a lot of interest or chemistry between the characters, they just happened to be in close proximity for a while and the plot demanded they get together, which I assume will be fleshed out in the next book.
Overall, this was a well-written novel and I adore the cover, but it just didn’t work for me. The pace was very slow and I found the ending sudden and hollow. The sequel appears to add another couple to the mix, but I don’t think I’ll be picking it up.
Rating: 2.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Once again I am blown away with how much I love A. E. Radley’s stories and fall in love with her brilliant characters.
I loved the idea of two strangers travelling across Europe from Portugal to London, and was pleasantly surprised by the remainder of the story that followed, and the relationship continuing to grow between them even after their trip.
Radley has a knack for writing the slightly older women characters and Arabella was no exception. She was reserved and perfectly sceptical of life, whilst wary but wanting to find some freedom from an engagement to man she knew she didn’t love. Teamed with a younger woman, Rebecca, the dynamic between the two was perfect! Rebecca’s optimism even given her circumstance is uplifting.
I adored The Road Ahead and hope for more from these amazing characters, and would recommend this book to anyone seeking a light-hearted romance that is simple and classic, a heart-warming tale not to be missed out on!
Once again I am blown away with how much I love A. E. Radley’s stories and fall in love with her brilliant characters.
I loved the idea of two strangers travelling across Europe from Portugal to London, and was pleasantly surprised by the remainder of the story that followed, and the relationship continuing to grow between them even after their trip.
Radley has a knack for writing the slightly older women characters and Arabella was no exception. She was reserved and perfectly sceptical of life, whilst wary but wanting to find some freedom from an engagement to man she knew she didn’t love. Teamed with a younger woman, Rebecca, the dynamic between the two was perfect! Rebecca’s optimism even given her circumstance is uplifting.
I adored The Road Ahead and hope for more from these amazing characters, and would recommend this book to anyone seeking a light-hearted romance that is simple and classic, a heart-warming tale not to be missed out on!
June 9, 2018
Love it! As another reviewer said, a sequel is urgently needed.
Rebecca Edwards and Arabella Henley are stranded in Portugal, after their flight and all flights in and out of the country have been cancelled .... it is the day before Christmas Eve. Both women desperately need to return England in time for Christmas. One solution is to hire a car to drive the long journey home. Rebecca is low on cash but Arabella can pay but isn’t allowed to drive because of her broken leg.... Both women have made assumptions about the other, whether right or wrong. After debating whether they car-share or not, they reluctantly agree. So, the long car journey home through Portugal, Spain, France and across the Channel begins.... Can these two strong willed women overcome some of their differences during the road trip home?
I enjoyed this well written story, filled with humorous moments. The friendship developing between Rebecca and Arabella is sweet. I do hope their story continues ....
Rebecca Edwards and Arabella Henley are stranded in Portugal, after their flight and all flights in and out of the country have been cancelled .... it is the day before Christmas Eve. Both women desperately need to return England in time for Christmas. One solution is to hire a car to drive the long journey home. Rebecca is low on cash but Arabella can pay but isn’t allowed to drive because of her broken leg.... Both women have made assumptions about the other, whether right or wrong. After debating whether they car-share or not, they reluctantly agree. So, the long car journey home through Portugal, Spain, France and across the Channel begins.... Can these two strong willed women overcome some of their differences during the road trip home?
I enjoyed this well written story, filled with humorous moments. The friendship developing between Rebecca and Arabella is sweet. I do hope their story continues ....
May 31, 2018
This is a delightful age gap, thawing the ice queen, slow burn romance. The characters are well developed and enjoyable. I especially liked their verbal sparring; Rebecca is quite funny and Arabella can certainly hold her own. The storyline is both interesting and humorous. There is enough action to make the book interesting, but not so much as to detract from the characters. Overall an excellent read.
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