What do you think?
Rate this book
Wanderlove
*All-NEW Standalone Angsty Romance* Sick of living under her dad’s rules, Emerson Bender bolts when she’s eighteen. On her own for the first time, she heads to the only place her mom ever lived—New York City—desperate to find the woman who dropped her off on her dad’s doorstep. Content to spend the rest of his life in Small Town, Pennsylvania, Price Barnes is plucked out of his idyllic life by his estranged father. Missing his mom and stepfather, he’s dropped in New York City to attend college and live an all-expenses paid lifestyle. Cushy, right? But not the life he wanted. She’s looking to fill a hole in her heart, and he’s looking to forget the man who disrupted his life. Together, they’re both wandering, looking for acceptance and hoping to forget the rejection.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2019
47 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Blaufeld
27 books940 followersA recent poll of her readers described Rachel Blaufeld as insightful, generous, articulate, and spunky. Originally a clinical social worker, Rachel creates broken yet redeeming characters. She’s been known to turn up the angst like cranking up the heat in the dead of winter. A devout coffee drinker and doughnut eater, Rachel spends way too many hours in local coffee shops, downing the aforementioned goodies while she plots her ideas.
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
As a side note, Blaufeld, also a long-time blogger and an advocate of woman-run anything, is fearless about sharing her opinion. She captured the ears of stay-at-home and working moms on her blog, BacknGrooveMom, chronicling her adventures in parenting tweens and running a business, often at the same time. To her, work/life/family balance is an urban legend, but she does her best. Rachel has also blogged for The Huffington Post and Modern Mom. Most recently, her insights can be found in USA TODAY Happy Ever After Blog, where she shares conversations at “In Bed with a Romance Author.”
Rachel lives around the corner from her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her family and two beagles. When she isn’t writing, she can be found courtside, tweeting about hoops as her son plays, or walking around the house wearing earplugs while her other son, the drummer, bangs away.
Connect here 👇🏻
Website: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com
Newsletter: https://www.rachelblaufeld.com/signup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelblaufe...
Facebook Private Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Tunne...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelblaufeld
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rache...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelblauf...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Blaufeld...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 12, 2019
4 stars
Wanderlove is the eighth book I’ve read of Rachel Blaufeld’s (you could say I’m a fan ;) and it’s one of my favorites she’s written. I loved Emerson and Price’s story!
Emerson Bender is eighteen and in NYC alone. She’s there for one thing and one thing only, to find her mom. Being raised by a single dad wasn’t bad, her dad is amazing, but she needs the closure that only finding her birth mother will bring her. New York City is a big place, and she’s not sure where to start, but luck would have her finding some leads.
Price Barnes is a country boy who was uprooted by his estranged father to the city for college. It’s not where he wants to be, but it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. When he meets Emerson, it’s kismet. There really is no such thing as coincidences and these two meet and quickly start to fall for one another.
This was a bit of insta-love, but I didn’t even care. The romance between Emerson and Price was fast, but it was believable. I loved watching them fall in love, the growth they both had through the story, and the connection they shared. I felt like they had more in common then they even knew and it progressed their relationship that much faster.
Wanderlove was really sweet, but it also had it’s fair share of stressful and angsty moments. There were a few twists and turns I caught on to, and some that kept me guessing. This story focuses a lot on family. What makes a family, what’s important in love and life, and sometimes, you only need to find yourself to be complete.
Emerson is a character that had some growing up to do, and through the book, she did just that. I appreciated watching her change and grow as the story continued. Price was fantastic. My favorite character of the book (Emerson’s dad was a close second). I truly did love them together and the ending of this one was so perfect!
I enjoyed reading this one lots. The cover is absolutely stunning, the writing is great, and the story is sweet, angsty, and full of emotion. I recommend this for anyone looking for a good coming of age story/new adult read!!
Wanderlove is the eighth book I’ve read of Rachel Blaufeld’s (you could say I’m a fan ;) and it’s one of my favorites she’s written. I loved Emerson and Price’s story!
Emerson Bender is eighteen and in NYC alone. She’s there for one thing and one thing only, to find her mom. Being raised by a single dad wasn’t bad, her dad is amazing, but she needs the closure that only finding her birth mother will bring her. New York City is a big place, and she’s not sure where to start, but luck would have her finding some leads.
Price Barnes is a country boy who was uprooted by his estranged father to the city for college. It’s not where he wants to be, but it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. When he meets Emerson, it’s kismet. There really is no such thing as coincidences and these two meet and quickly start to fall for one another.
This was a bit of insta-love, but I didn’t even care. The romance between Emerson and Price was fast, but it was believable. I loved watching them fall in love, the growth they both had through the story, and the connection they shared. I felt like they had more in common then they even knew and it progressed their relationship that much faster.
Wanderlove was really sweet, but it also had it’s fair share of stressful and angsty moments. There were a few twists and turns I caught on to, and some that kept me guessing. This story focuses a lot on family. What makes a family, what’s important in love and life, and sometimes, you only need to find yourself to be complete.
Emerson is a character that had some growing up to do, and through the book, she did just that. I appreciated watching her change and grow as the story continued. Price was fantastic. My favorite character of the book (Emerson’s dad was a close second). I truly did love them together and the ending of this one was so perfect!
I enjoyed reading this one lots. The cover is absolutely stunning, the writing is great, and the story is sweet, angsty, and full of emotion. I recommend this for anyone looking for a good coming of age story/new adult read!!
October 18, 2019
Emerson Bender never met her mother, who abandoned her on her father's doorstep when she was just a baby. Now, at 18, she feels it's time for a closure, so she leaves and move to New York all alone, to look for her mother. There, while searching, she meets Price. 😍❤
Price Barnes planned to spend his entire life in his family farm in Pennsylvania, but his life takes a surprising turn when his biological father who he never met before, comes with an offer that is hard to refuse - funding his education at a prestigious New York college. So he leaves his life for the big city, to give himself a chance for a better life - even if it's not the life he wanted... 💥😬
📚 "𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗺, 𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗱, 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲." 📚
Emerson and Price both were rejected by the people who was supposed to love them unconditionally and grew up with only one parent... But the difference is that while Emerson was looking for the mother who abandoned her, Price is not interested in anything to do with his father. 💔
Their relationship developed quickly, which I didn't really liked, because their first encounters went from friendly to hostile, hot to cold - and then suddenly BOOM - it becomes romantic. 😬
Plus, I had a hard time connecting with Emerson in the beginning. I didn't understand her harsh attitude toward her protective father and her behavior toward Price. Like me, he thought she was full of contrasts, only compared to me, he liked it... 🤔
📚 "𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼; 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗜’𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗼. 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲—𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀." 📚
Even so, Emerson certainly went through a process during the plot. She grew, evolved, changed and opened up - and it was wonderfully written. On the other hand, Price captured my heart (almost) from the start. He was witty and cynical - and I especially liked the conversations he had with himself. 😂
Together, they embark on a quest for answers and self-discovery. ❤ There was an interesting twist in the story that I totally did not expect, which affected the plot for the better and for the worse - but was definitely necessary to give closure for both of them. 💟
📚 "𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿, 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱." 📚
From the moment I saw the book cover, I knew I had to read it!!! 😍
Despite some things that I didn't like, I really enjoyed this book!
It was a light new adult read, sweet and emotional story about love, forgiveness and self-discovery. Wonderfully written and full of emoton, about two lost characters looking for direction - and finding each other in the process... Excellent work Rachel! 💟👏
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
Follow me on Instagram: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
September 22, 2019
When Emerson Bender and Price Barnes meet on a collision course in New York City, they never expected meeting one another would change their lives. Emerson is running straight towards her past and family roots and Price is doing anything he can to avoid his. But somehow they meet in the middle in the city that never sleeps and nothing is ever the same.
Gah!! I have been a fan of Rachel Blaufeld since Verity. I love how her writing gives me all the feels along with the delicious angst that keeps me on my toes. I also loved how this story brought us back to her NA writing. There is something extra special about it for me! Without giving away any spoilers, I loved Price and Emerson so much! They were both honest and in your face and what you saw was what you got. I loved how they were both on respective life journeys that were taking them out of their comfort zones but finding one another gave them both that safe haven they needed. It gave me all the swoons!
Overall, I loved this story so so much and honestly hung on every word. I seriously hope this author continues writing NA as I am clearly obsessed! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Gah!! I have been a fan of Rachel Blaufeld since Verity. I love how her writing gives me all the feels along with the delicious angst that keeps me on my toes. I also loved how this story brought us back to her NA writing. There is something extra special about it for me! Without giving away any spoilers, I loved Price and Emerson so much! They were both honest and in your face and what you saw was what you got. I loved how they were both on respective life journeys that were taking them out of their comfort zones but finding one another gave them both that safe haven they needed. It gave me all the swoons!
Overall, I loved this story so so much and honestly hung on every word. I seriously hope this author continues writing NA as I am clearly obsessed! 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 24, 2019
This is my first read by this author, even though I heard and have other books by her...will read more..
I liked the writing very much...
I really disliked 18 yo heroine...but I loved the rest and understand why she was the way she was...ugh
3,5 stars
I liked the writing very much...
I really disliked 18 yo heroine...but I loved the rest and understand why she was the way she was...ugh
3,5 stars
September 17, 2021
An Apple BooksNew Adult Pick!
Standalone, Angsty, 'All the Feels', Brand New “New Adult” from me...
Unedited SNEAK PEEK:
Only listless for a second, she piped back up, “Are you a grad student?”
“Ha,” I barked. “What? I look too old to play the part of undergrad?”
I was on the bench seat of my table, my feet kicked out in front of me; she sat opposite me, on the chair side of her table. I wondered if her feet even touched the ground. Compared to my six-feet-two frame, she barely hit my chest when we collided.
“Ummm,” she muttered, pink rising in her cheeks.
Leaning forward, I ran my palm over my leftover scruff, trying to remember when I last shaved. “Returning adult student is what I think they call it. School wasn’t really in my cards, now it is. Here I am.”
Sitting quietly, she didn’t respond, waiting for more of an explanation.
I didn’t give her anything more. It wasn’t all that interesting anyway—
“Sorry…God, that’s all I seem to say to you…I moonlight as a bartender. People just usually seem to want to tell me their troubles. I thought you might.”
“Nope, not this person. I don’t.”
“It’s just, you look a little older than the average undergrad. That’s all,” she kept pecking.
“Anyone ever tell mention you look a little younger than the average bartender?”
©RACHEL BLAUFELD, 2019, UNEDITED TEASER
Standalone, Angsty, 'All the Feels', Brand New “New Adult” from me...
Unedited SNEAK PEEK:
Only listless for a second, she piped back up, “Are you a grad student?”
“Ha,” I barked. “What? I look too old to play the part of undergrad?”
I was on the bench seat of my table, my feet kicked out in front of me; she sat opposite me, on the chair side of her table. I wondered if her feet even touched the ground. Compared to my six-feet-two frame, she barely hit my chest when we collided.
“Ummm,” she muttered, pink rising in her cheeks.
Leaning forward, I ran my palm over my leftover scruff, trying to remember when I last shaved. “Returning adult student is what I think they call it. School wasn’t really in my cards, now it is. Here I am.”
Sitting quietly, she didn’t respond, waiting for more of an explanation.
I didn’t give her anything more. It wasn’t all that interesting anyway—
“Sorry…God, that’s all I seem to say to you…I moonlight as a bartender. People just usually seem to want to tell me their troubles. I thought you might.”
“Nope, not this person. I don’t.”
“It’s just, you look a little older than the average undergrad. That’s all,” she kept pecking.
“Anyone ever tell mention you look a little younger than the average bartender?”
©RACHEL BLAUFELD, 2019, UNEDITED TEASER
October 17, 2019
This is a story about two complete strangers, searching for a new direction in life and brought together by fate. They end up meeting by chance or was it destiny?
Emerson has always had that sense of abandonment throughout her life after growing up without her mother. She loves her father but now that she is 18 years old she needs to spread her wings. She also wants to try and track down the woman who gave birth to her, only to leave her and never return. She is now living in Queens, in an apartment the size of a shoe box and financially struggling with two jobs. She hopes to one day enrol in college but now her focus is on finding her mother.
Price grew up on a farm and has only ever known the rural lifestyle he loves. His estranged wealthy father offers him the chance to go to University and live in NY city, all completely paid for. He now finds himself living in a plush apartment and has a bottomless credit card for any expenses. He didn’t grow up this way so it’s all new to him and it’s taking some getting used to.
Emerson and Price first cross paths at the college she was visiting hoping to find information about her mother. The second time they meet at a cafe Price feels an unexplainable draw to her, he wants to get to know her more, however they part as strangers again. The next time they see each other he knows he will leave with at least her phone number, it’s seems like too much of a coincidence, the Universe is pushing them together.
After getting to know each other they discover they have a few things in common with the main one being that both of them have grown up with estranged parents. As these two begin to spend more time together and quickly fall deeper into a relationship. Neither of them realise that their paths not only cross but almost run in parallel. When Emerson makes the connection it completely blind sides both her and Price.
I guess you could say this was a ‘coming of age’ story. They find what they had been looking for in each other and that uncertainty they both carried around with them is now gone. I really enjoyed this story.
‘I felt myself sink a little deeper into the sand, like my feelings sank a little deeper for Price. He was like quicksand, though. I was sinking deeper and deeper, falling for him hard.’
Emerson has always had that sense of abandonment throughout her life after growing up without her mother. She loves her father but now that she is 18 years old she needs to spread her wings. She also wants to try and track down the woman who gave birth to her, only to leave her and never return. She is now living in Queens, in an apartment the size of a shoe box and financially struggling with two jobs. She hopes to one day enrol in college but now her focus is on finding her mother.
Price grew up on a farm and has only ever known the rural lifestyle he loves. His estranged wealthy father offers him the chance to go to University and live in NY city, all completely paid for. He now finds himself living in a plush apartment and has a bottomless credit card for any expenses. He didn’t grow up this way so it’s all new to him and it’s taking some getting used to.
Emerson and Price first cross paths at the college she was visiting hoping to find information about her mother. The second time they meet at a cafe Price feels an unexplainable draw to her, he wants to get to know her more, however they part as strangers again. The next time they see each other he knows he will leave with at least her phone number, it’s seems like too much of a coincidence, the Universe is pushing them together.
After getting to know each other they discover they have a few things in common with the main one being that both of them have grown up with estranged parents. As these two begin to spend more time together and quickly fall deeper into a relationship. Neither of them realise that their paths not only cross but almost run in parallel. When Emerson makes the connection it completely blind sides both her and Price.
I guess you could say this was a ‘coming of age’ story. They find what they had been looking for in each other and that uncertainty they both carried around with them is now gone. I really enjoyed this story.
‘I felt myself sink a little deeper into the sand, like my feelings sank a little deeper for Price. He was like quicksand, though. I was sinking deeper and deeper, falling for him hard.’
October 9, 2019
5 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
This is such a special book and I was drawn in for each and every moment. Emerson is an Oceanside New Jersey girl that has grown up not knowing what happened with her mom or why she was left her on the steps with her father. The first chance she gets Emerson travels the short trip to New York City to find her mother or at least search for some answers. While she is there she meets Price who is also an implant to New York City from farm country Pennsylvania complements of his father. Both Emerson and Price are searching for things, as they get closer they find they are more connected than they thought. I really enjoyed this story of love, forgiveness, letting go, and self-discovery.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
This is such a special book and I was drawn in for each and every moment. Emerson is an Oceanside New Jersey girl that has grown up not knowing what happened with her mom or why she was left her on the steps with her father. The first chance she gets Emerson travels the short trip to New York City to find her mother or at least search for some answers. While she is there she meets Price who is also an implant to New York City from farm country Pennsylvania complements of his father. Both Emerson and Price are searching for things, as they get closer they find they are more connected than they thought. I really enjoyed this story of love, forgiveness, letting go, and self-discovery.
This specific video review will be included in the October 2019 wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
November 23, 2019
I didn’t expect this story to get as emotional as it did, but there were a few pages that were hard to read through...teary eyes and all.
Emerson and Price’s story was a beautifully sweet coming-of-age romance. Both characters out looking to find their place in life. Emerson off in search of the mother she never and trying to get out from under her father’s over protective watch. Price’s life has also recently changed and in a big way. Now he’s openly rebelling against expectations of a father he just met.
Together they help fill their missing puzzle pieces that the other so craftedly fit into. They become their own support system and find a love truer than they could have dreamed of.
Emerson and Price’s story was a beautifully sweet coming-of-age romance. Both characters out looking to find their place in life. Emerson off in search of the mother she never and trying to get out from under her father’s over protective watch. Price’s life has also recently changed and in a big way. Now he’s openly rebelling against expectations of a father he just met.
Together they help fill their missing puzzle pieces that the other so craftedly fit into. They become their own support system and find a love truer than they could have dreamed of.
October 31, 2019
This is my first book from this author and I have to say I really enjoyed it and will definitely be reading more of her backlist. This was a really cute story and really caught me in the feels on many occasions. I absolutely adored Price and was championing these two along from the beginning. A great read.
October 21, 2019
4 1/2 "Fated" Stars!
I'm sitting here scratching my head and trying to figure out why I haven't read a Rachel Blaufeld book before now. I will most certainly be remedying that as soon as I have a chance. I really enjoyed her writing style and her backlog of books looks great. I'm excited to have a new author to follow.
I was initially drawn to Wanderlove because of the stunning cover. Fortunately, the story contained inside was every bit as beautiful. I felt like it was a story of love that was meant to be. Emerson and Price both grew up without one of their parents. Emerson never knew her mother. After she graduates from high school, she leaves for New York City to see if she can find her. Price didn't know his father until recently when he showed up and wanted to fund his college education. They are both recently transplanted to NYC for different, yet somewhat similar reasons. Even though their specific stories are not the same, they both have a similar feeling of being abandoned. Likewise, when they meet, it doesn't take long before they know that the attraction they both feel is not only real, but it's something special.
Emerson and Price's journey to their HEA may have been a little bumpy, but it was one that definitely melted my heart. I also really loved the friendship between Emerson and Bev. They both truly needed one another.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ms. Blaufeld for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sitting here scratching my head and trying to figure out why I haven't read a Rachel Blaufeld book before now. I will most certainly be remedying that as soon as I have a chance. I really enjoyed her writing style and her backlog of books looks great. I'm excited to have a new author to follow.
I was initially drawn to Wanderlove because of the stunning cover. Fortunately, the story contained inside was every bit as beautiful. I felt like it was a story of love that was meant to be. Emerson and Price both grew up without one of their parents. Emerson never knew her mother. After she graduates from high school, she leaves for New York City to see if she can find her. Price didn't know his father until recently when he showed up and wanted to fund his college education. They are both recently transplanted to NYC for different, yet somewhat similar reasons. Even though their specific stories are not the same, they both have a similar feeling of being abandoned. Likewise, when they meet, it doesn't take long before they know that the attraction they both feel is not only real, but it's something special.
Emerson and Price's journey to their HEA may have been a little bumpy, but it was one that definitely melted my heart. I also really loved the friendship between Emerson and Bev. They both truly needed one another.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ms. Blaufeld for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2019
Wanderlove is a sweet, young love romance story.
Emerson takes off for New York to find her birth mother. It's not that her life with her dad was bad, she just has this drive to find her birth mother. It is with a bit of luck that Emerson stumbles upon clues to where here mom could be in the big city.
Price is used to the small-town he's been raised in, but when an opportunity to go to the city for college comes up, it's impossible to ass up. It is when Emerson is tryin to find her mother that these two meet and it's practically happenstance.
As most of you know by now, insta-love stories are really hard sell for me. I really need to be connected to the characters and their situations to truly "see past" the insta-love and sadly for this one, that was not the case. While I have no huge issue with Emerson or Price, I just never felt any connection to them or their stories. There is some angst and drama, but not enough to really give me the depth I wanted. It's a good read just not a great one, for me.
The story line is sweet and the characters are enjoyable so many will love this story. However, for me, it was just right down the middle enjoyable. The writing, as always, was impeccable. And I know, if the writing was great, why didn't I love it? An author can have the best writing style, but fail to deliver characters that everyone will connect with. And that's the case with this book.
Emerson takes off for New York to find her birth mother. It's not that her life with her dad was bad, she just has this drive to find her birth mother. It is with a bit of luck that Emerson stumbles upon clues to where here mom could be in the big city.
Price is used to the small-town he's been raised in, but when an opportunity to go to the city for college comes up, it's impossible to ass up. It is when Emerson is tryin to find her mother that these two meet and it's practically happenstance.
As most of you know by now, insta-love stories are really hard sell for me. I really need to be connected to the characters and their situations to truly "see past" the insta-love and sadly for this one, that was not the case. While I have no huge issue with Emerson or Price, I just never felt any connection to them or their stories. There is some angst and drama, but not enough to really give me the depth I wanted. It's a good read just not a great one, for me.
The story line is sweet and the characters are enjoyable so many will love this story. However, for me, it was just right down the middle enjoyable. The writing, as always, was impeccable. And I know, if the writing was great, why didn't I love it? An author can have the best writing style, but fail to deliver characters that everyone will connect with. And that's the case with this book.
October 13, 2019
3.75 Stars
This is a story of two souls who are looking for answers, looking for direction, and finding love along the way.
Emerson Bender spent her life raised by her father, having not met her mother once. Finally, eighteen, she feels it is time to find the woman whose name she can't seem to let go of, Paula. Without much of a plan in place, she leaves the coastal town of Sea Isle City, NJ for the Big Apple, the place her mother came from.
This story essentially begins where Emerson's search has come to a standstill. She's drained her finances, and barely making ends meet. And she has no leads. That is until she randomly enters a bakery and believe she's uncovered a major clue about her elusive mother. It is with that clue that she meets Price Barnes, a student.
Price's background has some similarities to Emerson's. Like Emerson, he was raised by a single parent, never knowing much about his father, until he randomly appears one day with money and promises. It is with that money that Price reluctantly leaves his family farm to obtain an education in NYC.
The initial interactions between Emerson and Price were a bit odd for me. Their brief conversations go from friendly to hostile for no reason, especially in regard to Emerson. She's very guarded and standoffish, which doesn't seem to suit her cause in getting answers about her mom. You'd think she'd want all the help she could get in the big, and sometimes lonely city. However, she's lucky Price is a persistent one. For reasons unknown, to even him, he is drawn to Emerson and finds ways to be in her space.
I struggled to connect to Emerson for a good part of this book. From how she treats her dad, along with her early encounters with Price, she just wasn't a character I cared about. On the flip side, I did like Price and had more hope for him, even though he struggled to adjust to his new financial situation.
With time, Emerson finally opens up to Price and I liked her more as she let her guard down. And as a result, the two find their common pasts, and attraction to each other, lead them down a path to something neither expected.
There was an interesting twist in the story that I didn't see coming. It has both good and bad outcomes, but ultimately gives the characters the closure they desperately needed.
Overall, this was a sweet and emotional story at times, about two characters finding their direction in life with one another.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
This is a story of two souls who are looking for answers, looking for direction, and finding love along the way.
Emerson Bender spent her life raised by her father, having not met her mother once. Finally, eighteen, she feels it is time to find the woman whose name she can't seem to let go of, Paula. Without much of a plan in place, she leaves the coastal town of Sea Isle City, NJ for the Big Apple, the place her mother came from.
This story essentially begins where Emerson's search has come to a standstill. She's drained her finances, and barely making ends meet. And she has no leads. That is until she randomly enters a bakery and believe she's uncovered a major clue about her elusive mother. It is with that clue that she meets Price Barnes, a student.
Price's background has some similarities to Emerson's. Like Emerson, he was raised by a single parent, never knowing much about his father, until he randomly appears one day with money and promises. It is with that money that Price reluctantly leaves his family farm to obtain an education in NYC.
The initial interactions between Emerson and Price were a bit odd for me. Their brief conversations go from friendly to hostile for no reason, especially in regard to Emerson. She's very guarded and standoffish, which doesn't seem to suit her cause in getting answers about her mom. You'd think she'd want all the help she could get in the big, and sometimes lonely city. However, she's lucky Price is a persistent one. For reasons unknown, to even him, he is drawn to Emerson and finds ways to be in her space.
I struggled to connect to Emerson for a good part of this book. From how she treats her dad, along with her early encounters with Price, she just wasn't a character I cared about. On the flip side, I did like Price and had more hope for him, even though he struggled to adjust to his new financial situation.
With time, Emerson finally opens up to Price and I liked her more as she let her guard down. And as a result, the two find their common pasts, and attraction to each other, lead them down a path to something neither expected.
There was an interesting twist in the story that I didn't see coming. It has both good and bad outcomes, but ultimately gives the characters the closure they desperately needed.
Overall, this was a sweet and emotional story at times, about two characters finding their direction in life with one another.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
October 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. I started it in the late afternoon and finished it in a couple of hours. The story really moved so it was nice to read it all at once. My favorite character was Price, he’s such a sweetheart and he was amazing with Emerson. We stan a supportive and loving man.
October 23, 2019
This was a beautiful, angsty read! I always love finding new authors to read!
October 19, 2019
“When your heart is wandering and looking for love and you find it, you grab it and hold on to it.
2.5 stars
A dramatic and slightly angsty new adult/coming of age story as two strangers on very different paths unexpectedly meet in the big city. I admit, it was the cover of this book that drew me in - look at it, it’s stunning! But sadly, I just couldn’t get into this one.
Sick of the rules and boundaries imposed upon her by her father, 18 year old Emerson packs up and moves to New York City, desperate to track down her mother who gave her up when she was only a few days old. She doesn’t have much to go on, but she is determined to find what she believes is a missing piece of herself.
Also displaced from all that he knows, Price is a 23 year old farm boy who has been plucked from his perfectly happy life by a father he never knew and brought to New York to live in luxury while attending college in order to make the most of his life. It’s a life he doesn’t like or want, and he’s counting the days until he can return home.
Two people all alone in the big city are brought together by coincidence, or maybe fate? There’s a spark that, though initially unwelcome, very quickly becomes irresistible as they start to fall for each other. They become a touchstone for each other, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.
But both of them are still searching for something, trying to figure out their lives and where they belong, and they have a journey of ups and downs ahead of them.
There were parts of this book that I liked – the themes of friendship and family are strong, and the twist in the story added a nice touch (it was hinted at enough that it wasn’t a surprise, but I liked the complexity that it added). But for the most part this story felt a bit disjointed for me. There were key scenes that seemed to be missing, and instead are just mentioned in passing, and as much as I enjoyed seeing Emerson and Price together, I didn’t really feel their connection.
Price is a great hero – fun, witty, caring, realistic, and such a sweetheart. I think my biggest issue was with Emerson, who I just didn’t like as a heroine. She seemed so spoiled and whiney. I know she’s young, and that certainly can explain some of her behaviour, but from the first few pages where she packed up and left her loving, caring, perfectly reasonable and fabulous father just because he wouldn’t allow her to sleep at her douchbag boyfriend’s house, I thought she was a brat. And with the continued whining and the way she handled certain situations, I just never warmed to her.
This is my first read by this author, and I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn’t get invested in it.
It was ok – 2.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
A dramatic and slightly angsty new adult/coming of age story as two strangers on very different paths unexpectedly meet in the big city. I admit, it was the cover of this book that drew me in - look at it, it’s stunning! But sadly, I just couldn’t get into this one.
Sick of the rules and boundaries imposed upon her by her father, 18 year old Emerson packs up and moves to New York City, desperate to track down her mother who gave her up when she was only a few days old. She doesn’t have much to go on, but she is determined to find what she believes is a missing piece of herself.
Also displaced from all that he knows, Price is a 23 year old farm boy who has been plucked from his perfectly happy life by a father he never knew and brought to New York to live in luxury while attending college in order to make the most of his life. It’s a life he doesn’t like or want, and he’s counting the days until he can return home.
Two people all alone in the big city are brought together by coincidence, or maybe fate? There’s a spark that, though initially unwelcome, very quickly becomes irresistible as they start to fall for each other. They become a touchstone for each other, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.
But both of them are still searching for something, trying to figure out their lives and where they belong, and they have a journey of ups and downs ahead of them.
My personal life was like a storybook run through the paper shredder. All of my early chapters blown to bits, with nothing to show for where I’d been and what I’d done.
With empty pages behind me, it was time for me to write my own future.
There were parts of this book that I liked – the themes of friendship and family are strong, and the twist in the story added a nice touch (it was hinted at enough that it wasn’t a surprise, but I liked the complexity that it added). But for the most part this story felt a bit disjointed for me. There were key scenes that seemed to be missing, and instead are just mentioned in passing, and as much as I enjoyed seeing Emerson and Price together, I didn’t really feel their connection.
“You’re it for me,” I told her. “Enough for me. For always.”
Price is a great hero – fun, witty, caring, realistic, and such a sweetheart. I think my biggest issue was with Emerson, who I just didn’t like as a heroine. She seemed so spoiled and whiney. I know she’s young, and that certainly can explain some of her behaviour, but from the first few pages where she packed up and left her loving, caring, perfectly reasonable and fabulous father just because he wouldn’t allow her to sleep at her douchbag boyfriend’s house, I thought she was a brat. And with the continued whining and the way she handled certain situations, I just never warmed to her.
This is my first read by this author, and I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn’t get invested in it.
It was ok – 2.5 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
September 27, 2019💝
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
💝
October 24, 2019
Emerson (Emmy) is sick of living under her dad's rules, so she bolts to New York. She plans to find her estranged mother, and perhaps find herself along the way.
Price finds himself in New York after his estranged father transplants him there to live in the lap of luxury while attending school. When he meets Emmy it's like his soul has found its other half. Can two people, one searching for someone, the other trying to act as if one doesn't exist, really be soul mates?
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed in Wanderlove. It fell a bit flat for me and for the life of me, I couldn't see the connection between Price and Emerson. I'm not sure if that's because Emerson herself was a character I couldn't connect with, or simply because there was a lack of depth to the relationship. Either way, I didn't believe in them as a strong couple because their chemistry and connection just wasn't there for me. I loved Price, though, he was the one thing I did like about this story. Everything else didn't work for me, from the bratty, immature Emerson, to their disparate maturity levels, and of course, the lack of a strong connection. It just missed the mark for me, but I could see flashes of something in it that lead me to think I could see myself reading a future story by this author.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog Tour: Live Through Books Blog.
Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
January 13, 2020
I don’t usually read young adult romance because I have a hard time identifying with the characters–I’m much too older at this point. But I can totally identify with people from the countryside trying to adapt to life in a big city, and that was a big part of this book’s plot. It was quite interesting to see them changing their life, bit by bit or as a one time thing, the longer they stay in New York.
The characters spend the whole book trying to find their place in the world. In the city, in their family, in each other’s life. It’s only amazing that they find it by the end of the story–I’m still struggling to find mine. I think it resonates with most of us, if not all.
As for the plot itself, I admit that I was a bit confused with Emerson’s actions. The writer insists that she is quite young and so can make a mountain out of a molehill, and yet, I never thought that under-communication at this level was possible. She keeps everything secret, even the most unsignificant things, until–of course–they’re discovered in the worst possible way, creating conflicts when there should have been none. It was my major problem with this book.
The writing is quite good, and I really enjoyed the characters. Maybe a bit unrealistic–way too many coincidences–but suspension of disbelief exists for that reason. A sweet and funny story, with a dribble of angst.
Quickie
Series: standalone
Hashtags: #young adult #virginity #instalove
Triggers: mention of drug abuse
Main couple: Emerson Bender & Price Barnes
Hotness: 2/5
Romance: 4/5
+ feisty heroine + calm and wise hero = nice dynamics
- lots of overreactions imho
The characters spend the whole book trying to find their place in the world. In the city, in their family, in each other’s life. It’s only amazing that they find it by the end of the story–I’m still struggling to find mine. I think it resonates with most of us, if not all.
As for the plot itself, I admit that I was a bit confused with Emerson’s actions. The writer insists that she is quite young and so can make a mountain out of a molehill, and yet, I never thought that under-communication at this level was possible. She keeps everything secret, even the most unsignificant things, until–of course–they’re discovered in the worst possible way, creating conflicts when there should have been none. It was my major problem with this book.
The writing is quite good, and I really enjoyed the characters. Maybe a bit unrealistic–way too many coincidences–but suspension of disbelief exists for that reason. A sweet and funny story, with a dribble of angst.
Quickie
Series: standalone
Hashtags: #young adult #virginity #instalove
Triggers: mention of drug abuse
Main couple: Emerson Bender & Price Barnes
Hotness: 2/5
Romance: 4/5
+ feisty heroine + calm and wise hero = nice dynamics
- lots of overreactions imho
October 22, 2019
Rachel Blaufeld takes two lost souls and joins them for completion in Wanderlove.
This author brings genuine and likeable characters to the pages of her work Wonderlove. Both her hero and heroine were thoughtful and reader approachable with an equal measure of strengths to balance out their flaws. Introducing Emerson and Price at crossroads in their lives Ms. Blaufeld showed them dealing with pasts that had strong holds on them, clouding their futures. Their fated meeting was a catalyst for these characters to really start examining their lives and gave them each what they needed to move forward. This couple's connection was an interesting mix of friendship and romance and for this pair those aspects took a comparable hold in the author's development of their relationship. The interactions between Emerson and Price were meaningful and created a believable bond between them. Ms. Blaufeld did a good job of bridging the age gap between her portrayals without compromising the significance of it.
At times the abundance of coincidences in this book pulled the story off track verging on overwhelming the plot, yet this author was always able to bring her work back around with her interesting and well devised portrayals of Emerson and Price. Ms. Blaufled excels in expressing the depth of her characters emotions. This author's writing shows strong insight into her characters. A story filled with secrets, denial and soul searching Wanderlove was an emotional read with lots of meaningful moments.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
This author brings genuine and likeable characters to the pages of her work Wonderlove. Both her hero and heroine were thoughtful and reader approachable with an equal measure of strengths to balance out their flaws. Introducing Emerson and Price at crossroads in their lives Ms. Blaufeld showed them dealing with pasts that had strong holds on them, clouding their futures. Their fated meeting was a catalyst for these characters to really start examining their lives and gave them each what they needed to move forward. This couple's connection was an interesting mix of friendship and romance and for this pair those aspects took a comparable hold in the author's development of their relationship. The interactions between Emerson and Price were meaningful and created a believable bond between them. Ms. Blaufeld did a good job of bridging the age gap between her portrayals without compromising the significance of it.
At times the abundance of coincidences in this book pulled the story off track verging on overwhelming the plot, yet this author was always able to bring her work back around with her interesting and well devised portrayals of Emerson and Price. Ms. Blaufled excels in expressing the depth of her characters emotions. This author's writing shows strong insight into her characters. A story filled with secrets, denial and soul searching Wanderlove was an emotional read with lots of meaningful moments.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
November 1, 2019
Wonderful!
This young adult romance is unlike any I have read before. Smart, clever, brimming with passion and humor.
Emerson and Price find themselves in NYC for different reasons and meet unexpectedly. Is it a coincidence or fate?
Theirs is a gut wrenching coming of age story, that turns into something far deeper. It wasn’t just about their insta attraction and undeniable chemistry. It was about a deeply moving friendship and connection that helped both of them individually finding answers.
What they discover was jaw dropping!
A certain twist in the story gave their story additional edge which gave their story more depth.
As their story unfolded I enjoyed their vulnerability and how realistic they were portrayed.
It’s a story of love, friendship and family.
Of acceptance and forgiveness!
4.5 stars!
This young adult romance is unlike any I have read before. Smart, clever, brimming with passion and humor.
Emerson and Price find themselves in NYC for different reasons and meet unexpectedly. Is it a coincidence or fate?
Theirs is a gut wrenching coming of age story, that turns into something far deeper. It wasn’t just about their insta attraction and undeniable chemistry. It was about a deeply moving friendship and connection that helped both of them individually finding answers.
What they discover was jaw dropping!
A certain twist in the story gave their story additional edge which gave their story more depth.
As their story unfolded I enjoyed their vulnerability and how realistic they were portrayed.
It’s a story of love, friendship and family.
Of acceptance and forgiveness!
4.5 stars!
November 11, 2019
It took me a while to get into these characters but when I did, I did. As I'm reading it was a 3-3.25 star read for me. But as I got more into it, it changed to 4 stars, and I could say I definitely loved it. This will be a reread for me. And that cover is gorgeous. Definitely buying the physical copy.
October 15, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Emerson and Price are two broken souls looking to fill the gaps in their lives, thrown together and picking up each other's pieces. Emerson is looking for the love of a mother that gave her up at birth. Price's absentee father throws money at him and the promise of an education but never connecting with him. When a simple interaction throws these two together the reader is taken on an emotional roller coaster with so many twists and turns they cannot put the book down. Be prepared for a storyline filled with angst, hatred, lies and deceptions while at the same time characters that you cannot help but fall in love with. A must read!!
October 17, 2019
Emerson Bender wants answers from the mother who dropped her off as a baby on her father’s doorstep. Price Barnes is being coerced to live a life he wasn’t planning for. Once these two lost souls run into each other, answers are found along with sparks flying.
Emerson and Price’s story was achingly special; I laughed and there were some tears shed. I always love Rachel’s way of taking a storyline, weaving her special blend into it, and making you hate having to put the book down.
You’re going to love WanderLove.
Emerson and Price’s story was achingly special; I laughed and there were some tears shed. I always love Rachel’s way of taking a storyline, weaving her special blend into it, and making you hate having to put the book down.
You’re going to love WanderLove.
October 23, 2019
Prepare yourself for a whole bunch of feels. We go thru a couple of emotions with this book. We have Emerson who runs away and is trying to find the mother that gave her away. She is determined to find her and she ends up meeting this country boy who is also trying to find a difference in what he knows. It was like fate brought these two wounded souls together..And just when they needed it.. Enjoy!
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
October 21, 2019
Boy I wasn't expecting that twist towards the end of the book! this book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! wow just wow!
Want to read
October 20, 2019
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
November 3, 2019
Beautiful
A girl looking for her mother, a boy reconnected with his father.
Somehow their paths cross, and cross again, leading them into a beautiful love story.
Price is all if the things. He’s caring, and compassionate, and loving. He’s open to the things in his life, including Emerson.
Em is determined and hardworking, but she’s also got a little bit of a chip on her shoulder.
Somehow, they complement each other seamlessly.
I liked that the angst wasn’t in their love story, but in their own situations that they were working on.
Definitely recommend this read.
A girl looking for her mother, a boy reconnected with his father.
Somehow their paths cross, and cross again, leading them into a beautiful love story.
Price is all if the things. He’s caring, and compassionate, and loving. He’s open to the things in his life, including Emerson.
Em is determined and hardworking, but she’s also got a little bit of a chip on her shoulder.
Somehow, they complement each other seamlessly.
I liked that the angst wasn’t in their love story, but in their own situations that they were working on.
Definitely recommend this read.
November 14, 2019
I had heard good things about this book and couldn't wait any longer to dive in. All the high praise for this book were spot on. Wanderlove is my first book by author Rachel Blaufeld. The characters are well developed and easy to connect with (regardless of the age gap between myself and them.) The story development was well thoughout. I really enjoyed the story and couldn't wait to finish it. The relationship between Emerson and Price is strong and just adorable. I found that as I was reading, I was holding a breathe that I didn't know I was.
October 27, 2019
Wanderlove, wonderful
There is always something special about Rachel's books. She gets people, and her ability to convey those insights into her characters make each book memorable. Wanderlove is no exception. This has some crazy plot twists but then so does life!
There is always something special about Rachel's books. She gets people, and her ability to convey those insights into her characters make each book memorable. Wanderlove is no exception. This has some crazy plot twists but then so does life!
December 30, 2021
Ever wonder about a missing piece of you? Emerson searches for her missing piece and finds something(one..s) worth more.
I had higher hopes for the storyline but it was a cute read nonetheless.
I had higher hopes for the storyline but it was a cute read nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews