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Vanlife
ASIN B075G3Y8BN moved to the most recent edition here
Originally published as Love & Wanderlust
Julia Marks isn't one to stick around very long. She's blissfully living the vanlife, crossing the country as she pleases, working odd jobs to fund her lifestyle, treading lightly, and leaving no trace behind her. But despite the immense freedom she has as a traveling nomad, she can't help but feel that something's missing… perhaps someone.
A quick trip through Madison turns far more interesting for Julia when she meets Robin Hyland. Robin is searching for answers, and a chance encounter between the two women opens up a brand new adventure that neither expected. While Julia didn't anticipate having a passenger in her van, it's hard to say no to a pretty redhead who's looking to find herself.
Will Julia and Robin be able to navigate the potentially treacherous road ahead of them and come out unscathed? Can love win out over the demons that both women must face? Life on the road has its challenges, especially when you're living the bohemian life in your van. Facing those obstacles with a partner, however, might reveal a route never before considered.
Originally published as Love & Wanderlust
Julia Marks isn't one to stick around very long. She's blissfully living the vanlife, crossing the country as she pleases, working odd jobs to fund her lifestyle, treading lightly, and leaving no trace behind her. But despite the immense freedom she has as a traveling nomad, she can't help but feel that something's missing… perhaps someone.
A quick trip through Madison turns far more interesting for Julia when she meets Robin Hyland. Robin is searching for answers, and a chance encounter between the two women opens up a brand new adventure that neither expected. While Julia didn't anticipate having a passenger in her van, it's hard to say no to a pretty redhead who's looking to find herself.
Will Julia and Robin be able to navigate the potentially treacherous road ahead of them and come out unscathed? Can love win out over the demons that both women must face? Life on the road has its challenges, especially when you're living the bohemian life in your van. Facing those obstacles with a partner, however, might reveal a route never before considered.
246 pages, ebook
Published September 6, 2017
193 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 10, 2017
Nico has been on a minimalist gig lately. This one has Robin and Julia perpetually road tripping in a van :) Premise is cute and the couple supply a fair amount of good feels. Liked it.
August 24, 2019
After a couple of emotionally intense books, I needed something light and easy. This book was free on Amazon (thank you Nicolette Dane) and the reviews led me to believe it would do the job. And it did in a way, though it’s not as light as I thought it would be.
Julia has left what others might see as a successful life to live in a van. The excesses of her previous life got to be too much for her and she’s enjoying getting by with the bare necessities, house sitting from time to time and doing odd jobs. One evening when she’s bartending in Madison, she meets Robin. Robin has just lost her job, and after her one-night-stand with Julia, she knows she can’t pretend to be straight anymore. So when Julia agrees to take her along and drive her to North Carolina to come out to her parents, Robin is elated to try vanlife.
Maybe it’s because I have read a few very well-written books in a row but the writing here didn’t do it for me. It’s okay, but not exciting. The story is deeper than it might seem at first glance and there is real character growth. The whole gun episode left me with an uneasy feeling yet it was probably necessary for the story to move on.
All in all, an okay read.
Julia has left what others might see as a successful life to live in a van. The excesses of her previous life got to be too much for her and she’s enjoying getting by with the bare necessities, house sitting from time to time and doing odd jobs. One evening when she’s bartending in Madison, she meets Robin. Robin has just lost her job, and after her one-night-stand with Julia, she knows she can’t pretend to be straight anymore. So when Julia agrees to take her along and drive her to North Carolina to come out to her parents, Robin is elated to try vanlife.
Maybe it’s because I have read a few very well-written books in a row but the writing here didn’t do it for me. It’s okay, but not exciting. The story is deeper than it might seem at first glance and there is real character growth. The whole gun episode left me with an uneasy feeling yet it was probably necessary for the story to move on.
All in all, an okay read.
June 4, 2019
What a different read because as the story unfolds, the characters' self-talk and comments to each provides rationale for why they are doing what they are doing. Each perspective is valid and challenges the reader to think about their life and how they are living it and why they are living it the way they are living it. When a read makes you think, in my opinion, that is a good thing.
May 12, 2019
This book took longer to finish than it should have. I really liked it and I loved the MCs Julia and Robin. Most of my dragginess was I didn’t want the inevitable bad drama to
happen to them and....spoiler!!! It didn’t. This is a seemingly simple read but it’s actually deep and meaningful.
Everything will be okay.
This book really helped me with that. With all the negativity in the world today, sometimes we need to take a step back and just enjoy the simple things that give us joy and completion. It’s not a hot, erotic read, it’s not full of angst and action, but it is honest and real.
Highly recommend with the caveat it will make you want to downsize your entire life and go live in a van or rustic
cottage in the woods.
happen to them and....spoiler!!! It didn’t. This is a seemingly simple read but it’s actually deep and meaningful.
Everything will be okay.
This book really helped me with that. With all the negativity in the world today, sometimes we need to take a step back and just enjoy the simple things that give us joy and completion. It’s not a hot, erotic read, it’s not full of angst and action, but it is honest and real.
Highly recommend with the caveat it will make you want to downsize your entire life and go live in a van or rustic
cottage in the woods.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
A good easy read that still touched on some intense topics, but without angst. Just personal growth between the two MC's.
Almost reminiscent of Thelma and Louise, but with a HEA.
I guess it helped that I'm very interested in that minimalist almost hippie-esque life and the idea of living a vanlife appeals, so the plotline did.
I found myself agreeing with a lot of the things the characters discussed about modern life, career, money and what constitutes success and happiness, and how that is very different for each individual.
I enjoyed the message overall that it's brave to at least try new things to find your happiness especially when society tells you their specific way is the goal,and you feel smothered by those expectations.
I guess this one just hit a note with me.
Almost reminiscent of Thelma and Louise, but with a HEA.
I guess it helped that I'm very interested in that minimalist almost hippie-esque life and the idea of living a vanlife appeals, so the plotline did.
I found myself agreeing with a lot of the things the characters discussed about modern life, career, money and what constitutes success and happiness, and how that is very different for each individual.
I enjoyed the message overall that it's brave to at least try new things to find your happiness especially when society tells you their specific way is the goal,and you feel smothered by those expectations.
I guess this one just hit a note with me.
August 24, 2019
Very short, insubstantial tale that promised so much more. There is a novel in there struggling to get out with back stories all over the place that are cut off after the tease.
September 12, 2017
AS ALWAYS, NICOLETTE GIVES US her BEST!
A story about two women getting together for a trip on the road but this author makes it spicy enough to make you feel like all the world is SEXY!
You'll want to get this one! ENJOY!
A story about two women getting together for a trip on the road but this author makes it spicy enough to make you feel like all the world is SEXY!
You'll want to get this one! ENJOY!
September 22, 2017
It's all about chemistry
Few authors can write stories about people who just seem to click with each other better than Nicolette Dane. Once again, the chemistry between the leading ladies is the star of the story in this tale of two people who are on the road, ultimately, toward each other.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
Few authors can write stories about people who just seem to click with each other better than Nicolette Dane. Once again, the chemistry between the leading ladies is the star of the story in this tale of two people who are on the road, ultimately, toward each other.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
June 30, 2025
It was cute, but the writing style is not for me. Third-person and the way it was narrated annoyed me more than it probably should. I don’t need a “it was clear Julia liked it too, by the way she was smiling.” 😬
We always appreciate self aware people who work on themselves. Open communication and no angsty vibes made me work through the writing.
We always appreciate self aware people who work on themselves. Open communication and no angsty vibes made me work through the writing.
September 21, 2017
Great little read
A very cute, light read! Fun and sexy story. And travel! Yay! Sweet story that can be read in about a day.
A very cute, light read! Fun and sexy story. And travel! Yay! Sweet story that can be read in about a day.
August 22, 2020
This was a very cute, very short read. I really enjoyed it, but found myself wishing it had been longer, with more character development.
September 10, 2017
Like all the books I have read from Nicolette I love the message that the book gives. This book shows you that you don’t always have to follow the script laid out for you. Living in a van can make you live so much more of life.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.
July 3, 2019
The writing style was so odd and jilted that I couldn't get very far at all before having to throw in the towel. Dnf
August 3, 2019
Alrighty I'll start with the disclaimer: I got this for free during a Zon promotion via Bookbub, so now you know. I picked it up based on the blurb, the cute carefree cover, and skimming a few paragraphs. I had never heard of the author, nor looked up the author's profile until I got 10% into the book, so yeah, it was a total plunge into the unknown. The new title in the copy I have is "Vanlife: a Lesbian Romance Novel".
The writing seemed to improve after the first scenes, which was a nice bonus. But once in a while I would still start itching to take out my red pen just because I'm snooty about certain kinds of flow, such as use of name versus pronoun.
Overall, however, it was a fairly charming book with likeable characters that kept me interested and amused, though a few parts of it felt rushed. (One non-spoily example: early in the book there is a break-up scene, which may be the easiest/shortest break-up in history. We should all be so lucky. LOL.) The whole book probably could have been spun out into something half again as long, and been meatier in parts.
The most mysterious and odd aspect of the reading experience came after I was done. I didn't post a review of this book at first, in part because, while I liked it alright, I wasn't tripping over myself to love it to bits. I wanted to be thoughtful and conservative if I posted anything review-like. So I was still mulling it over... And yet a few random strangers almost immediately posted "drive-by likes" on the non-review. That's the kind of weird occurrence that keeps me paranoid. While reading this, I just made progress updates which, honestly, I didn't realize other people could see accompanying the "review" when I finished; but I guess, duh, I'm dense and should have known. I presumed that the "likes" were because people saw one such off-the-cuff update I posted about 16% into the book: "So far the writing is reasonable, and I haven't seen any typos..."
By the end of the book, the writing was still reasonable and the editing was generally good; but I did find three actual typos. (No big deal, especially in an indie publication like this where the author probably doesn't have an army of copy-editors. So, yeah, it's still OK.) Also, after the first chapter or so all of the "smart quotes" entirely disappeared from the rest of the book. I guess they pulled up stakes and took a ride elsewhere.
The writing seemed to improve after the first scenes, which was a nice bonus. But once in a while I would still start itching to take out my red pen just because I'm snooty about certain kinds of flow, such as use of name versus pronoun.
Overall, however, it was a fairly charming book with likeable characters that kept me interested and amused, though a few parts of it felt rushed. (One non-spoily example: early in the book there is a break-up scene, which may be the easiest/shortest break-up in history. We should all be so lucky. LOL.) The whole book probably could have been spun out into something half again as long, and been meatier in parts.
The most mysterious and odd aspect of the reading experience came after I was done. I didn't post a review of this book at first, in part because, while I liked it alright, I wasn't tripping over myself to love it to bits. I wanted to be thoughtful and conservative if I posted anything review-like. So I was still mulling it over... And yet a few random strangers almost immediately posted "drive-by likes" on the non-review. That's the kind of weird occurrence that keeps me paranoid. While reading this, I just made progress updates which, honestly, I didn't realize other people could see accompanying the "review" when I finished; but I guess, duh, I'm dense and should have known. I presumed that the "likes" were because people saw one such off-the-cuff update I posted about 16% into the book: "So far the writing is reasonable, and I haven't seen any typos..."
By the end of the book, the writing was still reasonable and the editing was generally good; but I did find three actual typos. (No big deal, especially in an indie publication like this where the author probably doesn't have an army of copy-editors. So, yeah, it's still OK.) Also, after the first chapter or so all of the "smart quotes" entirely disappeared from the rest of the book. I guess they pulled up stakes and took a ride elsewhere.
June 16, 2019
This book was different from the ones I read and it's because of Julia, she's sooo different as a person and as a character, but I loved her story and her character development, the way she was before the book and who she ended up being at the end was inspiring and so real and true.
Robin was her voice of reason, her rock on those moments when Julia needed it someone to be like "hey, just wait" and I loved that about it. They learned together and become stronger as individuals and as a couple.
I'm starting to like those midwestern stories, I kinda related more because I know the places they are and stuff like that.
Robin was her voice of reason, her rock on those moments when Julia needed it someone to be like "hey, just wait" and I loved that about it. They learned together and become stronger as individuals and as a couple.
I'm starting to like those midwestern stories, I kinda related more because I know the places they are and stuff like that.
June 13, 2021
Even though it's called van life, the happy ending has the two move into a rented apartment, which leaves a bitter taste in my mouth about the message and premise of the book, as well as it failing to cater towards its intended audience.
Besides, there were some very toxic behaviors displayed (Julia telling Robin to "just forgive me" if she ever did something bad), and the two have entirely different worldviews and needs, so they're definitely not made for each other as stated at the end of the book.
Also could've used an editor.
Besides, there were some very toxic behaviors displayed (Julia telling Robin to "just forgive me" if she ever did something bad), and the two have entirely different worldviews and needs, so they're definitely not made for each other as stated at the end of the book.
Also could've used an editor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2019
I enjoyed the read. The story setting is very original: a van. For me I thinks it’s some sort off coming of age story, only then for people in their twenties.
There were some issues to deal with for both mc’s.
Although I did like the read, for me it lacked true emotional buildup. There was enough happening in past and present tense to work on the emotional side of the story.
There were some issues to deal with for both mc’s.
Although I did like the read, for me it lacked true emotional buildup. There was enough happening in past and present tense to work on the emotional side of the story.
August 2, 2022
A decent love story, but it does drag out in places. In all fairness I I DNF, but it’s not the writing, the lifestyle in this book just doesn’t grab me. This is the second book by the author that I’ve read so I kind see where she was going. It is very worth the read with a couple of surprises in, just got a little repetitive and drawn out towards the end. Highly recommended
March 4, 2025
on the Road
Wow, what a beautiful story.
I really love the idea of travelling around, meeting new people and camping in all the off track sites.
I loved the story of two people finding themselves.
If you love travelling, camping off grid and throw in a romance this is the story for you.
Oh to be young and free.
Enjoy the story
Wow, what a beautiful story.
I really love the idea of travelling around, meeting new people and camping in all the off track sites.
I loved the story of two people finding themselves.
If you love travelling, camping off grid and throw in a romance this is the story for you.
Oh to be young and free.
Enjoy the story
October 9, 2017
Good book
This was a good book, although the therapist (minor character) was a bit more self-righteous and pushy than seems right. And the ending is fine, but her idea that it was "the one right way" instead of just another way was disconcerting.
This was a good book, although the therapist (minor character) was a bit more self-righteous and pushy than seems right. And the ending is fine, but her idea that it was "the one right way" instead of just another way was disconcerting.
May 14, 2019
A wonderful comming to terms erratic love story.
Likable chacters that will keep you involved until the end.page Turner to see if they finally get their happily ever after...great realism on love scenes.
Likable chacters that will keep you involved until the end.page Turner to see if they finally get their happily ever after...great realism on love scenes.
May 31, 2019
Fabulous book
I loved this book. How they first met and how Robin found her true self.
I loved how they took off together and they finally found what they were looking for in each other.
I loved this book. How they first met and how Robin found her true self.
I loved how they took off together and they finally found what they were looking for in each other.
January 21, 2024
Nice story
I was intrigued by the characters and the story. I found the premise very interesting, living in a van. I wish there was more to the story. I would love to know how the relationship survived living in the apartment.
I was intrigued by the characters and the story. I found the premise very interesting, living in a van. I wish there was more to the story. I would love to know how the relationship survived living in the apartment.
June 21, 2024
My first Nicolette Dane book, I liked this but I think I came to it after reading something a little more narrative and intense and found this a little more hollow. It’s easy going but not her best book. But still worth a read.
October 2, 2017
:)
I enjoyed this book, it was a little faced paced for me but I did finish it and like it.
I enjoyed this book, it was a little faced paced for me but I did finish it and like it.
July 26, 2019
Light Quick Read
First book I read my this author, won’t be my last. Good development of main characters. Fun plot! It romances the van life but gives you the hard truths about the life too.
First book I read my this author, won’t be my last. Good development of main characters. Fun plot! It romances the van life but gives you the hard truths about the life too.
October 13, 2019
What an amazing author Nico is I just fell head over heels in love with the characters in her stories now onto the next 1. I cant wait to get started but what 1 to read?
February 15, 2020
Easy read
I read this in one sitting. It was an easy read about two people finding themselves while living the van lifestyle.
I read this in one sitting. It was an easy read about two people finding themselves while living the van lifestyle.
April 15, 2020
Truly enjoyable
This read was light and left me feeling free. I loved the underlying message of this book, and would certainly recommend it
This read was light and left me feeling free. I loved the underlying message of this book, and would certainly recommend it
November 19, 2020
This is a lovely story and one I've dreamt about since! I would love to go travelling in a van, although I don't think I could hack it! Its such a feel good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews