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Wish Lists & Road Trips
Two stranded strangers agree to travel together in order to return home, but when a slew of misadventures derail their plans, it might mean a chance to fall in love . . .
A steamy, opposites attract romance, ideal for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O'Leary and Christina Lauren.
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Two stranded travellers. One unexpected journey.
Makeup artist Brit Donovan wants one thing: to prove to her overbearing family that she can be independent. After breaking off her engagement to her cheating ex, she sets off on her honeymoon cruise alone to recharge before opening her own studio.
Nick Callaway isn't on a pleasure trip. Armed with his brother's ashes and a list of places, he's on a mission to fulfill a dying wish. Burdened with survivor's guilt and on a countdown to get home in time to help his family's company, the only thing he wants is to get this trip over with.
When they're both stranded in Costa Rica after missing their cruise ship, Nick and Brit team up to make their way back to the US. Complete opposites, their initial frustration - heightened by the obstacles of grounded flights and delayed trains - gives way to a searing attraction, and the feeling this may be a journey that neither will want to end.
A steamy, opposites attract romance, ideal for fans of Emily Henry, Beth O'Leary and Christina Lauren.
.........................................
Two stranded travellers. One unexpected journey.
Makeup artist Brit Donovan wants one thing: to prove to her overbearing family that she can be independent. After breaking off her engagement to her cheating ex, she sets off on her honeymoon cruise alone to recharge before opening her own studio.
Nick Callaway isn't on a pleasure trip. Armed with his brother's ashes and a list of places, he's on a mission to fulfill a dying wish. Burdened with survivor's guilt and on a countdown to get home in time to help his family's company, the only thing he wants is to get this trip over with.
When they're both stranded in Costa Rica after missing their cruise ship, Nick and Brit team up to make their way back to the US. Complete opposites, their initial frustration - heightened by the obstacles of grounded flights and delayed trains - gives way to a searing attraction, and the feeling this may be a journey that neither will want to end.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2023
46 people are currently reading
2019 people want to read
About the author
Lauren H. Mae
6 books289 followersLauren H. Mae is a romance author who loves a hard-earned happy-ever-after. She lives with her husband and two sons in beautiful Portland, Maine. When she's not writing, you can find her obsessing over fictional couples and letting the Red Sox break her heart.
Look for more here -
IG: @laurenhmaeauthor
FB: www.facebook.com/laurenhmaeauthor
Web: www.laurenhmae.com
Look for more here -
IG: @laurenhmaeauthor
FB: www.facebook.com/laurenhmaeauthor
Web: www.laurenhmae.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 17, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Headline Books.
Wish Lists and Road Trips is one of the most sweet, adorable and funny reads I've read in a long time. We follow Brit and Nick who are strangers and both end up stranded in Costa Rika after missing their Cruise. The pair embark on an adventure of mishaps and bad luck together and become closer and closer. I loved both of these characters and was routing for them after the first few chapters. Brit is a rich girl who's walked out on her wedding and wanting to set up her own business and break free of the constraints and disappointment of her parents. She is against the clock to get hime and snap up her dream investment. Nick is there on a promise to his dead brother and feels guilt at any kind of fun or enjoyment and desperately needs to get back home for his family and family business, which depends on him. I loved how fate seemed to steer these two together with lots of humps in the road along the way. My heart was so warmed and charmed by this pair of misfits and loved their journey from start to finish.
Wish Lists and Road Trips is one of the most sweet, adorable and funny reads I've read in a long time. We follow Brit and Nick who are strangers and both end up stranded in Costa Rika after missing their Cruise. The pair embark on an adventure of mishaps and bad luck together and become closer and closer. I loved both of these characters and was routing for them after the first few chapters. Brit is a rich girl who's walked out on her wedding and wanting to set up her own business and break free of the constraints and disappointment of her parents. She is against the clock to get hime and snap up her dream investment. Nick is there on a promise to his dead brother and feels guilt at any kind of fun or enjoyment and desperately needs to get back home for his family and family business, which depends on him. I loved how fate seemed to steer these two together with lots of humps in the road along the way. My heart was so warmed and charmed by this pair of misfits and loved their journey from start to finish.
March 2, 2023
I LOVED this book! It was absolutely adorable and unique.
Nick is off on an adventure, begrudgingly, and Brit is off to take a break from life after calling off her wedding.. The two meet after missing their cruise ship and getting stranded in Costa Rica. They become unlikely travel companions as they navigate their way home and we get the pleasure of watching it happen.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves unlikely love and strangers to lovers. I don’t know about you, but I am sick of second chances and want to read about new beginnings. This brings that on a silver platter with sprinkles!
Nick is off on an adventure, begrudgingly, and Brit is off to take a break from life after calling off her wedding.. The two meet after missing their cruise ship and getting stranded in Costa Rica. They become unlikely travel companions as they navigate their way home and we get the pleasure of watching it happen.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves unlikely love and strangers to lovers. I don’t know about you, but I am sick of second chances and want to read about new beginnings. This brings that on a silver platter with sprinkles!
August 30, 2022
I had the honor of being Lauren’s critique partner as she wrote this gorgeous book. With the release date a few months away, I don’t want to post any spoilers, but for those of you who also fell in love with Lauren’s Summer Nights series, you are going to be obsesssssed with Nick and Brit.
Nick is the super hot grump, that’s actually a big ole love bug once you get past his surliness, and Brit is the sunshiniest sunshine that ever dared to sunshine. If the heart eye emoji was a person, it would be Brit.
Their chemistry jumps off the pages and hits you right in the chest. It’s so intense you can FEEL it. You’ll be rooting for them every step of the way.
Nick is the super hot grump, that’s actually a big ole love bug once you get past his surliness, and Brit is the sunshiniest sunshine that ever dared to sunshine. If the heart eye emoji was a person, it would be Brit.
Their chemistry jumps off the pages and hits you right in the chest. It’s so intense you can FEEL it. You’ll be rooting for them every step of the way.
March 24, 2023
Road trip romance? Yes please! When strangers Nick and Brit miss their cruise ship in Costa Rica, the pair team together to make it back home to the United States. Of course, things don't go as planned! I loved the misfortunes that kept extending their trip and prolonging their forced proximity.
This romance was really sweet. It took me time to warm up to Brit and her mega-sunshine personality, but I loved the way brooding Nick encouraged her to always be herself, that she is never too much. They were opposites that truly brought out the best in each other.
There was an emotional aspect too, especially with the storyline following Nick on a bit of a scavenger hunt with his brother's ashes. Part of me wanted it to delve deeper into his grief and the relationship with his family, but overall it was balanced well within the story.
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This romance was really sweet. It took me time to warm up to Brit and her mega-sunshine personality, but I loved the way brooding Nick encouraged her to always be herself, that she is never too much. They were opposites that truly brought out the best in each other.
There was an emotional aspect too, especially with the storyline following Nick on a bit of a scavenger hunt with his brother's ashes. Part of me wanted it to delve deeper into his grief and the relationship with his family, but overall it was balanced well within the story.
(heat level: a few open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2023
This was a typical boy meets girl book. An easy read and I enjoyed this one. The relationship between the two main characters was funny and interesting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2023
5 stars.
“Not every detour is a disaster. Sometimes they keep you from running into a tree.”
An instant new favorite. I went into this one expecting a cotton candy rom com, but this was such a wonderful romance with so much humor but also so much heart. (For the record- I loooove cotton candy rom coms also). This book deals heavily with grief, but it’s done in such a beautiful way. We have Nick and Brit- complete opposites who have everything that the other needs but doesn’t know they need. Nick and Brit go on a road trip to get home after they both happen to miss the re-dock of their cruise. Stuck in Costa Rica, they begin a trip to get home and have no clue what they are in for. They come from two completely different worlds and when they collide, it’s epic. Nick and Brit might be my new favorite book couple. Brit is so adorable and hilarious, and Nick is just full of layers! I loved their dynamic so much. This is my first book to read by Lauren H. Mae, but I’ll be devouring her backlist after this one. The writing is so good. The chemistry is top notch. The cuteness is just too much. I swooned the entire time. If you love opposites attract, forced proximity road trips, and two imperfect but real characters- check this one out. It’ll be the perfect summer read! Releases April 18.
Thank you to Lauren H. Mae, Headline Publishers, and Netgalley for providing me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Other favorite quote:
“Guys like to think women dress up for them, but it’s not always about you. It’s about self-expression, what makes us feel pretty and unique and seen. For ourselves.”
#wishlistsandroadtrips #netgalley
“Not every detour is a disaster. Sometimes they keep you from running into a tree.”
An instant new favorite. I went into this one expecting a cotton candy rom com, but this was such a wonderful romance with so much humor but also so much heart. (For the record- I loooove cotton candy rom coms also). This book deals heavily with grief, but it’s done in such a beautiful way. We have Nick and Brit- complete opposites who have everything that the other needs but doesn’t know they need. Nick and Brit go on a road trip to get home after they both happen to miss the re-dock of their cruise. Stuck in Costa Rica, they begin a trip to get home and have no clue what they are in for. They come from two completely different worlds and when they collide, it’s epic. Nick and Brit might be my new favorite book couple. Brit is so adorable and hilarious, and Nick is just full of layers! I loved their dynamic so much. This is my first book to read by Lauren H. Mae, but I’ll be devouring her backlist after this one. The writing is so good. The chemistry is top notch. The cuteness is just too much. I swooned the entire time. If you love opposites attract, forced proximity road trips, and two imperfect but real characters- check this one out. It’ll be the perfect summer read! Releases April 18.
Thank you to Lauren H. Mae, Headline Publishers, and Netgalley for providing me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Other favorite quote:
“Guys like to think women dress up for them, but it’s not always about you. It’s about self-expression, what makes us feel pretty and unique and seen. For ourselves.”
#wishlistsandroadtrips #netgalley
April 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this grumpy/sunshine, dual POV, strangers to lovers road trip romance that sees runaway bride and social media influencer Brit stranded with a grief-stricken Nick when their cruise ship leaves port without them.
This book did a great job balancing some lighter moments with heavier topics. Brit is a fun person (often called 'too much' by both her ex and her parents) while Nick takes life too seriously after losing his brother to a tragic illness.
Tasked with a bucket list from his dead brother, Brit helps Nick learn how to smile more and enjoy life while they travel back home together experiencing lots of funny bumps along the way. Reality comes crashing in when they get home though and there doesn't seem like these opposites can find a way to make a life together.
Spicy and heartfelt, this was a fun read and great on audio too. I'm so excited for Lauren H. Mae's first traditionally published book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
TW: death of a sibling, gaslighting, alcoholic parent
This book did a great job balancing some lighter moments with heavier topics. Brit is a fun person (often called 'too much' by both her ex and her parents) while Nick takes life too seriously after losing his brother to a tragic illness.
Tasked with a bucket list from his dead brother, Brit helps Nick learn how to smile more and enjoy life while they travel back home together experiencing lots of funny bumps along the way. Reality comes crashing in when they get home though and there doesn't seem like these opposites can find a way to make a life together.
Spicy and heartfelt, this was a fun read and great on audio too. I'm so excited for Lauren H. Mae's first traditionally published book! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
TW: death of a sibling, gaslighting, alcoholic parent
April 14, 2023
A story about grief and self discovery! I feel like Nick and Brit were destined to meet at the exact moment they did. Both of them were going through their own kind of grief, Nick after his brother’s death and Brit after her failed wedding (and pushy father).
Stranded in Costa Rica, they both need to get to the States again and decide to team up. I love road trips romances! You’re always secured good forced proximity, possibly only one bed, and surely the best tension. If the characters are strangers it’s even better because they are basically forced to get to know each other. Nick and Brit were total opposites but as I said, I feel like they needed each other. Brit helped Nick to realize that he wasn’t happy, not even before his brother’s passing, and Nick helped Brit realize that she doesn’t have to change herself for people to like her. They were each other’s missing puzzle piece!
I’ve read and loved Lauren’s indie pub books, and this was great as well. I do feel like we got a lot of traveling scenes, and I kind of missed a few moments of them simply telling each other about their lives before they met or more about Nick’s relationship with his late brother and the ashes.
TW: Death of a loved one
ARC provided by Headline and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
Stranded in Costa Rica, they both need to get to the States again and decide to team up. I love road trips romances! You’re always secured good forced proximity, possibly only one bed, and surely the best tension. If the characters are strangers it’s even better because they are basically forced to get to know each other. Nick and Brit were total opposites but as I said, I feel like they needed each other. Brit helped Nick to realize that he wasn’t happy, not even before his brother’s passing, and Nick helped Brit realize that she doesn’t have to change herself for people to like her. They were each other’s missing puzzle piece!
I’ve read and loved Lauren’s indie pub books, and this was great as well. I do feel like we got a lot of traveling scenes, and I kind of missed a few moments of them simply telling each other about their lives before they met or more about Nick’s relationship with his late brother and the ashes.
TW: Death of a loved one
ARC provided by Headline and NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
November 13, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Strangers placed together by fate and forced to bond. Nick is dealing with the death of his brother and fulfilling his brother’s wish list. Brit is dealing with walking away from her wedding that didn’t happen because she’s over her cheating fiancé! Both get stranded on their trip in Costa Rica and have to find their own way back home. They decide to make the journey home together. He’s over protective and she’s what he needs to loosen up a bit.
Was it fate that they get stranded to bring them together when they both needed each other in their lives?
I always enjoy a romance book that has more than just romance. Stories within the story and this one had just that! Not only is there romance, I found myself laughing out loud as the two have to learn to compromise on their trek back.
If you love the romance tropes:
🍂Forced Proximity
🍂Grumpy sunshine
🍂One bed
You’ll love this strangers fall, cute and fun romance read!
Strangers placed together by fate and forced to bond. Nick is dealing with the death of his brother and fulfilling his brother’s wish list. Brit is dealing with walking away from her wedding that didn’t happen because she’s over her cheating fiancé! Both get stranded on their trip in Costa Rica and have to find their own way back home. They decide to make the journey home together. He’s over protective and she’s what he needs to loosen up a bit.
Was it fate that they get stranded to bring them together when they both needed each other in their lives?
I always enjoy a romance book that has more than just romance. Stories within the story and this one had just that! Not only is there romance, I found myself laughing out loud as the two have to learn to compromise on their trek back.
If you love the romance tropes:
🍂Forced Proximity
🍂Grumpy sunshine
🍂One bed
You’ll love this strangers fall, cute and fun romance read!
May 1, 2023
This was a cute romance with a lot of mishaps that prolonged their trip home and let their romance flourish. I found the story sweet but somewhat predictable. I found Brit’s naivete to be a bit unbelievable and her quick jump into another relationship after just ending an engagement seemed to be a stretch. She also comes off as a spoiled, rich girl who has trouble standing on her own two feet (granted, her dad was super controlling). I liked Nick but wasn’t a fan of the portrayal of Brit.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 15, 2024
The story is cute, its romantic , nick is hot and a very good dirty talker. its cliché all along
I expected something completly different from the title more adventure, more scenic drives, more roadtrip travel crazy adventure vibes over a longer time. but they literally just missed a boat and took a 6 day detour by car/train back to boston. tbh brit goes off to be independent/stand on her own feet/find herself…six days later👀
I expected the stories follow brit/nick on their solo adventures before they meet each other
I expected something completly different from the title more adventure, more scenic drives, more roadtrip travel crazy adventure vibes over a longer time. but they literally just missed a boat and took a 6 day detour by car/train back to boston. tbh brit goes off to be independent/stand on her own feet/find herself…six days later👀
I expected the stories follow brit/nick on their solo adventures before they meet each other
September 24, 2023
DNF. I’ve never read a book with a female main character who was so completely incompetent and dependent on others. How did this woman make it to adulthood? I couldn’t stand her for more than about four chapters. Ugh.
April 20, 2023
Have you ever just read one of those books that hits you right in the blood pumping machine and kind of shocks you out of the doldrums of a genre?
Well, Wish Lists & Road Trips was one of those books for me. Frankly I’m unwell but it’s the type of unwell you are after over indulging in something delicious… you just know you’re gonna do it again with a big ol’ smile on your face! And I plan on taking this journey again when I have the paperback in my hands!
Brit & Nick start off at the wrong time, on the wrong foot, on the wrong dock, because really they should be on a deck on a cruise ship that has left port! It’s just a series of bad luck and misfortune from there on out. Or is it? Honestly traveling with someone who is your polar opposite is one of the greatest joys, even if you are unaware of it at the time.
These characters are on different and yet somehow similar paths. Desperate for a change or to get back to reality only to learn from one another that maybe they’re going about it all wrong! They also both get much needed shoves from those who love them most, and those scenes were some of my favourites!
I laughed, cried, fanned my face because whoa steamy steamy steam, cried some more and awed and sighed a whole helluva lot! This book felt so much bigger than a rom com. It has depth and heart and challenges the reader’s own perception of grief and personal growth. I loved it!
Trigger Warnings
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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- intense grief, loss of a sibling, spreading ashes, heart failure, infidelity, brief sexual harassment
Well, Wish Lists & Road Trips was one of those books for me. Frankly I’m unwell but it’s the type of unwell you are after over indulging in something delicious… you just know you’re gonna do it again with a big ol’ smile on your face! And I plan on taking this journey again when I have the paperback in my hands!
Brit & Nick start off at the wrong time, on the wrong foot, on the wrong dock, because really they should be on a deck on a cruise ship that has left port! It’s just a series of bad luck and misfortune from there on out. Or is it? Honestly traveling with someone who is your polar opposite is one of the greatest joys, even if you are unaware of it at the time.
These characters are on different and yet somehow similar paths. Desperate for a change or to get back to reality only to learn from one another that maybe they’re going about it all wrong! They also both get much needed shoves from those who love them most, and those scenes were some of my favourites!
I laughed, cried, fanned my face because whoa steamy steamy steam, cried some more and awed and sighed a whole helluva lot! This book felt so much bigger than a rom com. It has depth and heart and challenges the reader’s own perception of grief and personal growth. I loved it!
Trigger Warnings
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- intense grief, loss of a sibling, spreading ashes, heart failure, infidelity, brief sexual harassment
February 14, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this ebook.
I am not sure what is happening but this is the third ARC I’ve received in 2 months involving a cheating fiancé and the woman taking their honeymoon alone despite the wedding being called off. This book was so full of cliches it was actually annoying to read. One of my biggest complaints with this book was Britt taking her honeymoon alone to prove she could ‘stand on her own two feet’…it’s hard not to do that when you are on a cruise where you will be fed and have housekeeping. She wants to be this strong independent woman yet STILL gets caught up in romance and jumps in with another guy after JUST ending an engagement. Her actions just make no sense to me.
I think typical romance lovers will love this book but it was a miss for me. There’s nothing I dislike more in a romance than a woman who wants to find herself and prove she’s independent then just ending up with another man after 5 minutes of ‘finding herself’
I am not sure what is happening but this is the third ARC I’ve received in 2 months involving a cheating fiancé and the woman taking their honeymoon alone despite the wedding being called off. This book was so full of cliches it was actually annoying to read. One of my biggest complaints with this book was Britt taking her honeymoon alone to prove she could ‘stand on her own two feet’…it’s hard not to do that when you are on a cruise where you will be fed and have housekeeping. She wants to be this strong independent woman yet STILL gets caught up in romance and jumps in with another guy after JUST ending an engagement. Her actions just make no sense to me.
I think typical romance lovers will love this book but it was a miss for me. There’s nothing I dislike more in a romance than a woman who wants to find herself and prove she’s independent then just ending up with another man after 5 minutes of ‘finding herself’
November 16, 2023
4 stars!
"Wish Lists and Road Trips" by Lauren H. Mae is a delightfully cute book about finding your true self, making peace with the past, forging new paths, and taking self-care seriously. The main characters, Brit and Nick, are very well-rounded and interesting. They both see terrific growth over the course of the story, learning from their mistakes and changing themselves for the better along their ill-fated trip back from Costa Rica, where everything seems to keep going wrong. The book also tackles some hefty subjects, including grief, loss, death, horrible parents, trauma, infidelity, and substance abuse. I think Lauren H. Mae handles these issues with profound grace and compassion. She works them into her story by effortlessly splicing them with moments of levity, banter, and travel chaos shenanigans. I love an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity story, and this is one of the better ones I have read in a while. I will say that I think the book overstays its welcome just a little bit. I feel like it could have wrapped up sooner than it did. All that being said, this is a great little novel and I am happy I got the chance to read it. Definitely check this book out if you're able!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren H. Mae, and Headline Eternal for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Wish Lists and Road Trips" by Lauren H. Mae is a delightfully cute book about finding your true self, making peace with the past, forging new paths, and taking self-care seriously. The main characters, Brit and Nick, are very well-rounded and interesting. They both see terrific growth over the course of the story, learning from their mistakes and changing themselves for the better along their ill-fated trip back from Costa Rica, where everything seems to keep going wrong. The book also tackles some hefty subjects, including grief, loss, death, horrible parents, trauma, infidelity, and substance abuse. I think Lauren H. Mae handles these issues with profound grace and compassion. She works them into her story by effortlessly splicing them with moments of levity, banter, and travel chaos shenanigans. I love an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity story, and this is one of the better ones I have read in a while. I will say that I think the book overstays its welcome just a little bit. I feel like it could have wrapped up sooner than it did. All that being said, this is a great little novel and I am happy I got the chance to read it. Definitely check this book out if you're able!
Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren H. Mae, and Headline Eternal for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
January 28, 2024
There are several things I liked about this book. The road trip and locations were fun and the banter was cute, but I really didn't like the heroine of the book and that affected my enjoyment of the book significantly.
When both Brit and Nick are stranded after missing their cruise ship, they have to team up to get back home. Hijinks ensue and they quickly find themselves drawn to each other. Brit is trying to gain her independence after a disastrous engagement. Nick is grieving from the death of his brother. Amidst all of the chaos, can they find a love that will last and bring out the best in each other?
First, this premise was great. There's nothing better than a road trip romance and this one had planes, trains, cars, and ships. There were lots of great, different locations for our characters to get to know each other. I really enjoyed Nick and his journey as well. He had a lot on his plate and really needed Brit to bring out his fun side. Brit was not as enjoyable. She was immature and entitled. I couldn't get on board with the trust fund story line. It felt very poor little rich girl to me. I'm not condoning how her parents and ex treated her, but I would have rather seen a clean break where she makes her own way. Not relying on daddy's money to achieve her dream. I also felt like she was unrealistic in her expectations of Nick. He had a lot of real issues, and she tended to brush those off as him not being "fun". I can imagine life being tough for her.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I did enjoy Nick and the setting. I'd give this author another shot but I can't do another character like Brit.
When both Brit and Nick are stranded after missing their cruise ship, they have to team up to get back home. Hijinks ensue and they quickly find themselves drawn to each other. Brit is trying to gain her independence after a disastrous engagement. Nick is grieving from the death of his brother. Amidst all of the chaos, can they find a love that will last and bring out the best in each other?
First, this premise was great. There's nothing better than a road trip romance and this one had planes, trains, cars, and ships. There were lots of great, different locations for our characters to get to know each other. I really enjoyed Nick and his journey as well. He had a lot on his plate and really needed Brit to bring out his fun side. Brit was not as enjoyable. She was immature and entitled. I couldn't get on board with the trust fund story line. It felt very poor little rich girl to me. I'm not condoning how her parents and ex treated her, but I would have rather seen a clean break where she makes her own way. Not relying on daddy's money to achieve her dream. I also felt like she was unrealistic in her expectations of Nick. He had a lot of real issues, and she tended to brush those off as him not being "fun". I can imagine life being tough for her.
2.5 stars, rounded up because I did enjoy Nick and the setting. I'd give this author another shot but I can't do another character like Brit.
January 10, 2023
It's every traveler's worst nightmare: stranded at a port by your cruise ship.
But what if it turned out to be a dream come true?
This is the central question Lauren Mae examines in Wish Lists and Road Trips, a romance that's equal parts sweet and spicy. Nick and Brit are both "on vacation" for different reasons: he's on a mission and she's running from her past. When they discover they've been left in the rainforest of Costa Rica in the exact spot where their cruise ship dropped them off just hours earlier, the two make zero sense as travel companions. But seeing as how they both need to find a way back to their respective homes in the Northeast US, Brit and Nick have no choice but to team up and make the best of it. Brit is a ray of sunshine who chips away at Nick's brooding storm cloud persona as they use every mode of transportation imaginable to try and make it home. In doing so, they each discover that "home" can be found in a tiny Amtrak roomette or in a seedy motel or in the front seat of a rental car: it all depends on who you're with.
Wish Lists and Road Trips combines adventure, romance, a sprinkle of nostalgia and a pinch of pink hair dye to deliver a pitch-perfect story. I couldn't put it down!
But what if it turned out to be a dream come true?
This is the central question Lauren Mae examines in Wish Lists and Road Trips, a romance that's equal parts sweet and spicy. Nick and Brit are both "on vacation" for different reasons: he's on a mission and she's running from her past. When they discover they've been left in the rainforest of Costa Rica in the exact spot where their cruise ship dropped them off just hours earlier, the two make zero sense as travel companions. But seeing as how they both need to find a way back to their respective homes in the Northeast US, Brit and Nick have no choice but to team up and make the best of it. Brit is a ray of sunshine who chips away at Nick's brooding storm cloud persona as they use every mode of transportation imaginable to try and make it home. In doing so, they each discover that "home" can be found in a tiny Amtrak roomette or in a seedy motel or in the front seat of a rental car: it all depends on who you're with.
Wish Lists and Road Trips combines adventure, romance, a sprinkle of nostalgia and a pinch of pink hair dye to deliver a pitch-perfect story. I couldn't put it down!
June 18, 2023
4.5 - kept me engaged the whole time.
July 31, 2023
If I could give this book 0 stars I would.
Absolute nonsense and almost offensively misogynistic.
Please do yourself a favour and read literally anything else.
Absolute nonsense and almost offensively misogynistic.
Please do yourself a favour and read literally anything else.
March 30, 2023
This book started out so strong for me, but once the pair was back “home” and back into the real world, it really started to lose steam. Brit’s vibrant, bright personality contrasted Nick’s so well, and I loved watching him slowly come out of his hardened shell and loosen up with her. I also loved how Nick was so positive toward Brit and her career ambitions, when seemingly everyone else in her world was the complete opposite. They brought a nice balance to each other and it was so fun when they finally started enjoying the crazy trip they were on together, especially the train ride shenanigans.
Unfortunately, once they got home, I felt like things started to fall a bit flat. The whole ultimatum/whatever you want to call it scene at the train station was so hard to read, for both of them, and things just went downhill from there.
After knowing Brit was so hell-bent on striking out on her own and doing everything for herself, I thought Nick would allow her to fully do that, but his “grand gesture” completely contradicted that and forced this perfect little convenience package on everything that was a bit of a let-down. Brit’s whole story arc was supposed to be her branching out from her parents and finding some independence, but it really felt like she just jumped from her overbearing, awful father, to this new guy who just did everything for her in a less controlling way. And on the flip side, Nick was supposed to learn how to not put so much pressure on himself to fix everyone and take care of everybody, but then he just passed on person off and jumped right into taking care of Brit instead. I felt like the first half of the book really wanted to do something with these characters, but the second half just couldn’t pull it off.
I really liked both characters and thoroughly enjoyed the time they were together outside of the “real world” and their responsibilities.
Unfortunately, once they got home, I felt like things started to fall a bit flat. The whole ultimatum/whatever you want to call it scene at the train station was so hard to read, for both of them, and things just went downhill from there.
After knowing Brit was so hell-bent on striking out on her own and doing everything for herself, I thought Nick would allow her to fully do that, but his “grand gesture” completely contradicted that and forced this perfect little convenience package on everything that was a bit of a let-down. Brit’s whole story arc was supposed to be her branching out from her parents and finding some independence, but it really felt like she just jumped from her overbearing, awful father, to this new guy who just did everything for her in a less controlling way. And on the flip side, Nick was supposed to learn how to not put so much pressure on himself to fix everyone and take care of everybody, but then he just passed on person off and jumped right into taking care of Brit instead. I felt like the first half of the book really wanted to do something with these characters, but the second half just couldn’t pull it off.
I really liked both characters and thoroughly enjoyed the time they were together outside of the “real world” and their responsibilities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
Brit Donovan and Nick Callaway miss boarding their cruise ship in Costa Rica. The cruise company arranges a flight to the USA sending them to Dallas. She is trying to get Boston and he to Pittsburgh but with a major storm it isn’t going to be easy. Brit went on the cruise after calling off her wedding to the person her parents adore, who is cheating on her. She has a plan to move forward in her life but must get home to bid on her future building for her future home and business. Brit seems flighty and impulsive but of course is caring and kind.
Nick is the ultimate teddy bear, carrying the family business and burdens on his shoulders. He’s been overlooked and hurt by his family who always favored his older brother Alex, who had a life long heart condition. He was on the cruise to fulfill a wish list for Alex who died only two months earlier.
Nick can’t help but be dazzled by Brit’s colorful hair and personality. And Brit desperately wants to stand on her own but loves that Nick is always there for her. This adventure takes place over a few day on ship, plane, car, train and bus. And of course they’re bound to get snowed in somewhere where there is only one room left with one bed.
Fate keeps these two together allowing them time to share hopes and dreams. There are obstacles but you can’t help but root for their HEA. Thank you to Headline, Headline Eternal and NetGalley for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
Nick is the ultimate teddy bear, carrying the family business and burdens on his shoulders. He’s been overlooked and hurt by his family who always favored his older brother Alex, who had a life long heart condition. He was on the cruise to fulfill a wish list for Alex who died only two months earlier.
Nick can’t help but be dazzled by Brit’s colorful hair and personality. And Brit desperately wants to stand on her own but loves that Nick is always there for her. This adventure takes place over a few day on ship, plane, car, train and bus. And of course they’re bound to get snowed in somewhere where there is only one room left with one bed.
Fate keeps these two together allowing them time to share hopes and dreams. There are obstacles but you can’t help but root for their HEA. Thank you to Headline, Headline Eternal and NetGalley for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
August 16, 2025
This book is so sweet & heartwarming!
I absolutely adore a road trip adventure, and this book about two strangers who miss their cruise ship and are forced to travel cross-country together to get home couldn’t be cuter!
Nick and Brit meet on the dock where they have both missed their cruise ship and are forced (more or less) to try to figure out how to get home to Boston (her) and Philly (him). What ensues is a road trip full of fun and - of course - romance.
This was a little more than a light & fluffy rom-com, though, as both Nick and Brit are dealing with some challenging times. Nick’s brother has recently died and he’s spreading his ashes on this trip to honor Alex’s wishes. Brit is reeling from a failed engagement and overbearing, uncaring parents and is trying to branch out on her own in business.
This was sweet and a little steamy and also uplifting. I enjoyed every page and I’ll be looking for more books by Lauren Mae now! A great summer read! And right now it’s also on Kindle Unlimited, so it’s a great one to pick up if you have a Kindle and love sweet romances.
I absolutely adore a road trip adventure, and this book about two strangers who miss their cruise ship and are forced to travel cross-country together to get home couldn’t be cuter!
Nick and Brit meet on the dock where they have both missed their cruise ship and are forced (more or less) to try to figure out how to get home to Boston (her) and Philly (him). What ensues is a road trip full of fun and - of course - romance.
This was a little more than a light & fluffy rom-com, though, as both Nick and Brit are dealing with some challenging times. Nick’s brother has recently died and he’s spreading his ashes on this trip to honor Alex’s wishes. Brit is reeling from a failed engagement and overbearing, uncaring parents and is trying to branch out on her own in business.
This was sweet and a little steamy and also uplifting. I enjoyed every page and I’ll be looking for more books by Lauren Mae now! A great summer read! And right now it’s also on Kindle Unlimited, so it’s a great one to pick up if you have a Kindle and love sweet romances.
April 10, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Brit is lost. After ditching her cheating fiancé, she sets off on a cruise to find herself. Nick is lost. After loosing his older brother, he sets off on a journey to complete a list of challenges his brother left for him. When they meet, it seems like fate. Especially since they both missed the boat and have to find their way back to the states together.
There wasn’t much about this book to dislike for me. I liked the opposites of Brit and Nick. They played so well off each other and I wanted them to get together so bad. Their journey is hilarious and I honestly didn’t want it to end. This was a romcom that has a whole lot of heart and some good spice as well!! Great for fans of Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez!
Brit is lost. After ditching her cheating fiancé, she sets off on a cruise to find herself. Nick is lost. After loosing his older brother, he sets off on a journey to complete a list of challenges his brother left for him. When they meet, it seems like fate. Especially since they both missed the boat and have to find their way back to the states together.
There wasn’t much about this book to dislike for me. I liked the opposites of Brit and Nick. They played so well off each other and I wanted them to get together so bad. Their journey is hilarious and I honestly didn’t want it to end. This was a romcom that has a whole lot of heart and some good spice as well!! Great for fans of Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez!
November 19, 2023
A true 5 star romance read. I loved the main characters both so much. I’m not much a sunshine & grump trope gal but Lauren H Mae did it sooo well! I think it’s because Nick’s “grump” was so justified. Brit has the same energy as Jessica Day from New Girl. Adorable, but fully capable!! A sunshine who is just as great on her own. I loved the storyline. I would not be mad about a second book!!! If you’ve read this, talk to me about it because it’s my favorite romance of the year!! SO MANY EXCLAMATIONS. I’ve never written a review directly after finishing a book but I need to talk to someone about it🤭
January 3, 2024
I liked the unusual premise of this book, two people who couldn’t be more different are stranded in Costa Rica after their cruise ship leaves without them.
Brit is a makeup artist who broke off her engagement and decided to go on her paid for honeymoon cruise alone. Nick has recently lost his brother, and is carrying his ashes around while trying to fulfill his dying wishes.
They have to depend on each other to get home, and find out they have more in common than they first thought. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
Brit is a makeup artist who broke off her engagement and decided to go on her paid for honeymoon cruise alone. Nick has recently lost his brother, and is carrying his ashes around while trying to fulfill his dying wishes.
They have to depend on each other to get home, and find out they have more in common than they first thought. 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
April 30, 2023
In Wish Lists & Road Trips, Brit and Nick are facing a comedy of errors trying to get home from their ruined cruise. Brit is escaping her failed run down the aisle, while Nick is trying to live out his brother's last dying wish. When the pair meet under the most unfortunate of circumstances in Costa Rica, they're thrust together as travel partners, but when sparks start flying, they might become much more.
This forced proximity road trip romance packs in great one lines mixed with fantastic sexual tension. With quick, short chapters, I flew through this one, despite it being a slower start for me. Once you get to the 50% mark, I was invested in Nick and Brit's journey and wanted to know what would happen next.
In a true case of opposites attract, Brit and Nick could not be more different. Brit's carefree and fun, living life to the fullest. Nick is noble, yet uptight and guarded. In this open door romance, the steamy scenes are well done with consent and care. I loved how Brit pushes Nick to face his grief, even when he doesn't want to. There are heavy tones of grief throughout, which I thought were handled well. Trigger warnings include death of a sibling and toxic family relationships.
Wish Lists & Road Trips is out now!
This forced proximity road trip romance packs in great one lines mixed with fantastic sexual tension. With quick, short chapters, I flew through this one, despite it being a slower start for me. Once you get to the 50% mark, I was invested in Nick and Brit's journey and wanted to know what would happen next.
In a true case of opposites attract, Brit and Nick could not be more different. Brit's carefree and fun, living life to the fullest. Nick is noble, yet uptight and guarded. In this open door romance, the steamy scenes are well done with consent and care. I loved how Brit pushes Nick to face his grief, even when he doesn't want to. There are heavy tones of grief throughout, which I thought were handled well. Trigger warnings include death of a sibling and toxic family relationships.
Wish Lists & Road Trips is out now!
November 30, 2023
Such a perfect, easy rom-com read after finishing a long, heavy book. Loved this and will definitely check out more from this author.
books-i-dnf-d
July 10, 2025DNF’d after chapter 1. I just don’t care, and lost interest because I’ve owned this book for several years.
April 24, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Despite both Brit and Nick finding themselves in a difficult situation while battling personal turmoil, their journey is that of grief and healing but also tender moments that led to beautiful chemistry
What you can expect:
• forced proximity
• opposites attract
• dual pov
• grumpy x sunshine
• sad boy vs. wild girl
• road trips with misfortune
Even though Brit was quite oblivious to certain situations, I immediately took a liking towards her when she showed her sassy personality. I also thought it was quite funny and sweet how Nick, seemingly, didn't have time for Brit but also felt incredibly protective over her and wanted to guide her
But the story does follow a very emotional quest, which is the whole reason for Nick's trip. I could truly feel his pain, and it made me incredibly sad to see him in anguish. He was pretty perfect and an absolute saint. Which is where Brit came in as this complete wild card. These two opposites made the perfect pair, and they both needed each other to heal back into a better version of themselves
If you love a good, emotional but fun road tripping story with very loveable characters, I'd definitely recommend putting this one on your tbr :)
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘌𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
Despite both Brit and Nick finding themselves in a difficult situation while battling personal turmoil, their journey is that of grief and healing but also tender moments that led to beautiful chemistry
What you can expect:
• forced proximity
• opposites attract
• dual pov
• grumpy x sunshine
• sad boy vs. wild girl
• road trips with misfortune
Even though Brit was quite oblivious to certain situations, I immediately took a liking towards her when she showed her sassy personality. I also thought it was quite funny and sweet how Nick, seemingly, didn't have time for Brit but also felt incredibly protective over her and wanted to guide her
But the story does follow a very emotional quest, which is the whole reason for Nick's trip. I could truly feel his pain, and it made me incredibly sad to see him in anguish. He was pretty perfect and an absolute saint. Which is where Brit came in as this complete wild card. These two opposites made the perfect pair, and they both needed each other to heal back into a better version of themselves
If you love a good, emotional but fun road tripping story with very loveable characters, I'd definitely recommend putting this one on your tbr :)
*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘌𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯-𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸*
March 26, 2024
Cute easy read
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