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Wanderlust
People We Meet on Vacation meets The Unhoneymooners in this sparkling debut romantic comedy about two near strangers—and complete opposites—who win a radio contest for a trip around the world.
Love's about to take flight .
Feeling stuck at work and tired of London’s dreary weather, magazine writer Dylan Coughlan impulsively rings a radio station one day only to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world. The catch? Her travel partner must be a contact randomly selected on her phone. And of course this stressful game of contact roulette lands on a number listed only as Jack the Posho , an uptight, unbearably posh guy she met on a night out and accidentally ghosted.
The two couldn’t be more different, and as the trip kicks off, Jack seems like he’d sooner fling himself into the sun than have a conversation with Dylan. But more is hinging on this trip than the chance to see the world. For the past two years, Dylan’s been relegated to writing quizzes (and only quizzes) at her lifestyle magazine after an article about her past abortion went viral—and not in the good way. If she’s able to make a series about their trip successful, her overbearing boss will give her a chance at a permanent column. Dylan’s willing to do anything to make the series a hit, even if it means embellishing her and Jack’s relationship to satisfy readers. But as the column’s popularity grows, so does the bond between Dylan and Jack, and Dylan is forced to consider if the one thing she thought she always wanted is worth the price she'll have to pay to get there.
Love's about to take flight .
Feeling stuck at work and tired of London’s dreary weather, magazine writer Dylan Coughlan impulsively rings a radio station one day only to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world. The catch? Her travel partner must be a contact randomly selected on her phone. And of course this stressful game of contact roulette lands on a number listed only as Jack the Posho , an uptight, unbearably posh guy she met on a night out and accidentally ghosted.
The two couldn’t be more different, and as the trip kicks off, Jack seems like he’d sooner fling himself into the sun than have a conversation with Dylan. But more is hinging on this trip than the chance to see the world. For the past two years, Dylan’s been relegated to writing quizzes (and only quizzes) at her lifestyle magazine after an article about her past abortion went viral—and not in the good way. If she’s able to make a series about their trip successful, her overbearing boss will give her a chance at a permanent column. Dylan’s willing to do anything to make the series a hit, even if it means embellishing her and Jack’s relationship to satisfy readers. But as the column’s popularity grows, so does the bond between Dylan and Jack, and Dylan is forced to consider if the one thing she thought she always wanted is worth the price she'll have to pay to get there.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2023
173 people are currently reading
11564 people want to read
About the author
Elle Everhart
4 books178 followersElle Everhart (she/her) writes romantic comedies featuring the internet, sarcasm, and lots of queer characters (especially bisexual characters because she, too, cuffs her jeans and can’t properly sit in chairs).
She lives in east London, UK where she works as a secondary English teacher. When she's not writing, you’ll find her watching a whole lot of YouTube, obsessing over the worst shows Netflix has to offer, and hanging around with her son.
She lives in east London, UK where she works as a secondary English teacher. When she's not writing, you’ll find her watching a whole lot of YouTube, obsessing over the worst shows Netflix has to offer, and hanging around with her son.
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July 15, 2023This was a really cute travel read that was perfect for summer! The premise was unique and made for the setup of lots of tension in this slow burn. I loved watching the two characters dance around their feelings for each other as they developed and eventually came to the forefront. It could be frustrating watching the lack of communication between the two characters so that was kind of annoying since the MC kept making dumb choices that she knew were wrong, but that was a minor issue. I also wish that you had gotten to see more descriptions of the places they visited on their trip, but I understand that it would’ve been much longer if that were the case, so I get why the exposition was left out. Still, some places were just mentioned and that was kind of disappointing. Overall a solid, fun rom com!
October 11, 2022
I wrote it, but I think it's pretty great.
August 28, 2023
This book is an alluring combination of "The Unhoneymooners" and "People We Met on Vacation and "Layover"," with hints of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes.
Dylan Coughlan is the luckiest person who wins a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world by calling a radio station, but her reward comes with a catch: she must take this trip with a person randomly selected from her phone contacts. That person turns out to be the man she met in a bar and ghosted her afterward, whom she calls "Jack the Posho."
There are many things I enjoyed about this premise, starting with the characters' witty banter, palpable chemistry, and the descriptions of the places they visit. However, I was a little disappointed that even though the book is advertised as focusing on the main character's ghosting incident, there wasn't much discussion or explanation about why Jack did it. Dylan keeps calling him "posh," but there are not many clues about his manners or appearance to support her point.
The other thing that bothered me was Dylan's cruelty in wanting to avenge Jack for not contacting her. It took me a while to connect with her character because her meanness tone seemed exaggerated. It felt like a one-sided enemies-to-lovers trope, where the only one attacking the other was the heroine, as Jack was clearly reluctant to go on this vacation from the beginning.
Overall, the positive aspects of the book outweighed my criticisms, and I decided to round up my rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. It's an entertaining, feel-good, self-growth novel, and a great choice for a beach read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM / G. P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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Dylan Coughlan is the luckiest person who wins a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world by calling a radio station, but her reward comes with a catch: she must take this trip with a person randomly selected from her phone contacts. That person turns out to be the man she met in a bar and ghosted her afterward, whom she calls "Jack the Posho."
There are many things I enjoyed about this premise, starting with the characters' witty banter, palpable chemistry, and the descriptions of the places they visit. However, I was a little disappointed that even though the book is advertised as focusing on the main character's ghosting incident, there wasn't much discussion or explanation about why Jack did it. Dylan keeps calling him "posh," but there are not many clues about his manners or appearance to support her point.
The other thing that bothered me was Dylan's cruelty in wanting to avenge Jack for not contacting her. It took me a while to connect with her character because her meanness tone seemed exaggerated. It felt like a one-sided enemies-to-lovers trope, where the only one attacking the other was the heroine, as Jack was clearly reluctant to go on this vacation from the beginning.
Overall, the positive aspects of the book outweighed my criticisms, and I decided to round up my rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. It's an entertaining, feel-good, self-growth novel, and a great choice for a beach read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM / G. P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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April 28, 2023
This book was not for me. First let me say that the cover is misleading in that you think you are picking up a breezy, fun romance, but instead I found large parts of the subject matter to be heavy and dark. In keeping with current trends, this book ticks every Woke checkbox (abortion, LGBT main character, etc). Additionally, I found the main character to be very hateful and unforgiving toward her family for having beliefs different than hers, even though they made efforts through the story to hear her side.
I love to read romances for the heartwarming stories. Here, rather than reading a fun story, I felt like an agenda took center stage and was being shoved down my throat the entire time. If you are anywhere other than far left politically, I would steer clear.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam for my ARC.
I love to read romances for the heartwarming stories. Here, rather than reading a fun story, I felt like an agenda took center stage and was being shoved down my throat the entire time. If you are anywhere other than far left politically, I would steer clear.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam for my ARC.
July 7, 2023
Not my favorite romance unfortunately. I was in the story in the beginning but as it went along, I started to like it less and less. I wanted more descriptions. This book takes place during a two month worldwide vacation, but I felt like it could've stayed in London and not much would've changed. I also didn't feel that there was any chemistry between the two main characters. I don't understand why they couldn't communicate. The miscommunication was just glossed over and then I was supposed to believe they were in love? It just didn't work well for me.
July 31, 2023
This story was cute, but the pacing is 100% off. It starts slow and ends quickly with this weird perfect period in the middle.
Dylan and Jack are adorable together. The perfect quirky/sunshine and quiet/private mix. The characters are spot in and I love the journey they take both literally and metaphorically.
But be warned, the pacing threw it off enough to take away from the story for me. This is why I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars.
Dylan and Jack are adorable together. The perfect quirky/sunshine and quiet/private mix. The characters are spot in and I love the journey they take both literally and metaphorically.
But be warned, the pacing threw it off enough to take away from the story for me. This is why I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars.
June 25, 2023
3.5⭐️. RTC.
September 7, 2023
I got 91% in and just couldn’t take it anymore. The MC is preachy and unlikable. The love interest was bland. The only redeeming part of the book were the travel destinations.
July 14, 2023
I loved the premise of a book with self-discovery and travel, but I didn’t expect the heavy hitting topics. While I appreciate them, I think I craved more of the travel and adventure story that the cover and synopsis promised.
I listened to the audio and loved the narration.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copy.
I listened to the audio and loved the narration.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Putnam and PRH Audio for the gifted copy.
August 24, 2024
I didn’t find an issue with it being too political like loads of people were saying. However, I did find the stereotypes problematic. For example when she said things like “she knew she was a complete disappointment to the queer community because she didn’t know the first thing about astrology”. Plus the MMC be boring as a salad no dressing and the FMC be annoying as a tv no remote.
May 29, 2023
Wanderlust is the debut romance novel be Elle Everhart. This book follows Dylan, a magazine writer who wins an all expense paid, mulitcity trip from a radio station! The only catch is that her travel companion will be chosen from her phone contacts randomly. As Dylan is someone who never deletes contacts, this could be anyone from her best friend to someone she doesn’t even know. It ends up landing on Jack, a man described as “posh” in her phone who she actually ghosted a few months before. Can they make things work on their trip of a lifetime?
I had high hopes for this one. The premise sounded just off the wall enough to be a fun summer read and I always love books that have a lot of travel in them for the summer. This book is written in third person and from Dylan’s perspective so it feels very one sided. Jack felt very basic and overly mean for no real reason. They also went to so many cities, I felt like I was getting whiplash. I wish it would have focused on just one city instead and the focus was on them really exploring the city.
These is a lot of focus on instagram and online presence to the point where I don’t think someone who isn’t online a lot will be able to connect with those parts. While there were some interesting conversations about internet safety and etiquette, a lot of it came off instructional instead of flowing well with the story.
I never felt any chemistry between Dylan and Jack because Jack seemed so cold through the entire book. I was waiting for his walls to come down and even when they did, it didn’t feel like there was a reason other than to push the romance forward. Also a lot of Jack’s views about the trip just gave me an ick that I can’t really go into without spoiling it.
I just didn’t really enjoy this one much at all. There were also some heavy topics in this book that need content warnings before going in. If you are at all sensitive to the topic of abortion or doxxing, you may not want to pick this one up. These are conversations surrounding these topics that can be very nuanced and well done but the way they were in this book felt like they were in the book just to have them. I just feel like having this conversations in books and it being literally an exact copy and paste of stereotypical situations doesn’t really add to anything.
I hate that I didn’t enjoy this because I really love to promote new authors when I can but this just wasn’t a book for me. It seems like a lot of other early reviews are positive which makes me happy for those readers. It just wasn’t a book for me.
Huge thank you to the marketing team for sending me an early copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I had high hopes for this one. The premise sounded just off the wall enough to be a fun summer read and I always love books that have a lot of travel in them for the summer. This book is written in third person and from Dylan’s perspective so it feels very one sided. Jack felt very basic and overly mean for no real reason. They also went to so many cities, I felt like I was getting whiplash. I wish it would have focused on just one city instead and the focus was on them really exploring the city.
These is a lot of focus on instagram and online presence to the point where I don’t think someone who isn’t online a lot will be able to connect with those parts. While there were some interesting conversations about internet safety and etiquette, a lot of it came off instructional instead of flowing well with the story.
I never felt any chemistry between Dylan and Jack because Jack seemed so cold through the entire book. I was waiting for his walls to come down and even when they did, it didn’t feel like there was a reason other than to push the romance forward. Also a lot of Jack’s views about the trip just gave me an ick that I can’t really go into without spoiling it.
I just didn’t really enjoy this one much at all. There were also some heavy topics in this book that need content warnings before going in. If you are at all sensitive to the topic of abortion or doxxing, you may not want to pick this one up. These are conversations surrounding these topics that can be very nuanced and well done but the way they were in this book felt like they were in the book just to have them. I just feel like having this conversations in books and it being literally an exact copy and paste of stereotypical situations doesn’t really add to anything.
I hate that I didn’t enjoy this because I really love to promote new authors when I can but this just wasn’t a book for me. It seems like a lot of other early reviews are positive which makes me happy for those readers. It just wasn’t a book for me.
Huge thank you to the marketing team for sending me an early copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2023
I accepted the publishers widget because this book was comped to Sophie Cousens, an author I love, whose books are full of warmth, humor and heart.
This was nothing like one of those. Everyone’s just angry. Sorry, but I stopped at the part where Dylan is yelling at Jack for being one of those white guys who “weaponize kindness.” I read romcoms to escape, not to get something that sounds like a lecture from a perpetually offended 20-something year old Twitter user.
This was nothing like one of those. Everyone’s just angry. Sorry, but I stopped at the part where Dylan is yelling at Jack for being one of those white guys who “weaponize kindness.” I read romcoms to escape, not to get something that sounds like a lecture from a perpetually offended 20-something year old Twitter user.
April 26, 2024
i loved this so freaking much oh my god???
January 30, 2023
Wanderlust is a story that takes Dylan, a writer, on a trip around the world, accompanied by someone randomly chosen from the contacts in her phone. The lucky winner ends up being Jack, a man she had only spent a few hours with previously. What's the worst that could happen, right?
After navigating the initial awkwardness that comes from spending an extended amount of time with a virtual stranger, there was a real tenderness about Dylan and Jack's dynamic that developed. I appreciated how they championed each other's growth as both experienced major upheavals to their careers. A lot of the natural chemistry I would imagine they felt the first night they met came rushing back as their similarities and shared pain came to light. I had a fun time jetting around the world with them and enjoyed the representation as well (bi character, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.)
I did think there was a bit of a missed opportunity when it came to the actual descriptions of the locations Dylan and Jack travelled to. Based on the synopsis, I think I assumed that the imagery for places like Sydney and Marrakech would feel more vivid and lush. Instead, they only spent a chapter or two in some cities before they were already jumping on another flight.
In truth, I did nearly give Wanderlust 4 stars - but because I had hoped for more of a concrete conclusion and a some other elements, I landed on 3.5 stars instead.
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P Putnam's Sons and Elle Everhart for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
After navigating the initial awkwardness that comes from spending an extended amount of time with a virtual stranger, there was a real tenderness about Dylan and Jack's dynamic that developed. I appreciated how they championed each other's growth as both experienced major upheavals to their careers. A lot of the natural chemistry I would imagine they felt the first night they met came rushing back as their similarities and shared pain came to light. I had a fun time jetting around the world with them and enjoyed the representation as well (bi character, anxiety, panic attacks, etc.)
I did think there was a bit of a missed opportunity when it came to the actual descriptions of the locations Dylan and Jack travelled to. Based on the synopsis, I think I assumed that the imagery for places like Sydney and Marrakech would feel more vivid and lush. Instead, they only spent a chapter or two in some cities before they were already jumping on another flight.
In truth, I did nearly give Wanderlust 4 stars - but because I had hoped for more of a concrete conclusion and a some other elements, I landed on 3.5 stars instead.
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P Putnam's Sons and Elle Everhart for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2023
Dylan and Jack are so adorable! Jack is an irresistible cinnamon roll love interest and Dylan is a fiercely feminist badass. This was such a sweet and romantic slow-burn romance set all across the world. I really enjoyed watching both characters fall in love while also figuring out what they wanted to do with their lives and coming into their own with respect to their parental issues. There is no third act breakup either, for those who don't like them.
Content warnings: emotional abandonment by parents, cyberbullying
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings: emotional abandonment by parents, cyberbullying
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2023
I enjoyed this second chance travel romance between a bisexual journalist and her one night stand but it was definitely heavier than I was expecting. The book tackles social media doxing and abortion shaming and sees two British former flames finding themselves forced together when one wins a free world travel vacation and needs the other to go along, providing the perfect opportunity for another chance at love. Good on audio and recommended for fans of Mhairi McFarlane or Beth O'Leary. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
June 26, 2023
This was so fun!!! I can't believe it's a debut novel. I initially requested this on Netgalley because the synopsis was so interesting and sounded like it would be a fun ride. And the book definitely delivered! I loved traveling to all the countries with the main characters Dylan and Jack, and I have definitely noted down all the amazing spots/ activities they did in the various cities so that I can add them to my travel bucket list!
I loved the bi rep in this book, as well as the other topics and discussions that were talked about throughout the book, including abortion and internet hate, etc. I also really enjoyed reading about the two characters and their lives, as well as the fantastic witty banter they had between them (and also Dylan and Gwen's banter too!!!) I loved Dylan and Gwen's friendship SO MUCH! Eagerly waiting for news about a sequel with Gwen as the main character please and thank you :) Their friendship was just so good and like I can't stop thinking about the line "...but it was Gwen, and Gwen was the exception to every rule Dylan had ever made." PEOPLE DIED. The fact that this was about a friendship and not a relationship had me so in my feels and at the same time made me want to combust. Where do I sign up to get a friendship like what they have? That one line has just put me in a brain rot.
Anyway, I also loved Dylan and Jack together and loved their character growth together and how mature and adult they were about each situation like the fight but also how they got together and stuff (side-eyeing some other adult romances I've read). I also loved that there was no unnecessary third act breakup.
I finished this in two sittings and honestly had such a fun time traveling with these two that I would highly recommend checking it out if you're itching to travel but are unable to, or if you're traveling and need a summer read!
read if you liked the unhoneymooners by christina lauren, just my type by falon ballard, and/ or people we meet on vacation by emily henry!
I loved the bi rep in this book, as well as the other topics and discussions that were talked about throughout the book, including abortion and internet hate, etc. I also really enjoyed reading about the two characters and their lives, as well as the fantastic witty banter they had between them (and also Dylan and Gwen's banter too!!!) I loved Dylan and Gwen's friendship SO MUCH! Eagerly waiting for news about a sequel with Gwen as the main character please and thank you :) Their friendship was just so good and like I can't stop thinking about the line "...but it was Gwen, and Gwen was the exception to every rule Dylan had ever made." PEOPLE DIED. The fact that this was about a friendship and not a relationship had me so in my feels and at the same time made me want to combust. Where do I sign up to get a friendship like what they have? That one line has just put me in a brain rot.
Anyway, I also loved Dylan and Jack together and loved their character growth together and how mature and adult they were about each situation like the fight but also how they got together and stuff (side-eyeing some other adult romances I've read). I also loved that there was no unnecessary third act breakup.
I finished this in two sittings and honestly had such a fun time traveling with these two that I would highly recommend checking it out if you're itching to travel but are unable to, or if you're traveling and need a summer read!
read if you liked the unhoneymooners by christina lauren, just my type by falon ballard, and/ or people we meet on vacation by emily henry!
July 19, 2023
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the concept of this book was really cool! It’s a cleaver take on a second chance romance when the main character wins a radio contest for a trip of a lifetime traveling around the world. The only catch, the radio host gets to pick at random, the person that will be accompanying her for the trip from her phone contacts. It’s a really cute set up, but the plot felt like it had lots of holes. Overall I found the story cute and predictable, an easy vacation read for sure!
I thought the concept of this book was really cool! It’s a cleaver take on a second chance romance when the main character wins a radio contest for a trip of a lifetime traveling around the world. The only catch, the radio host gets to pick at random, the person that will be accompanying her for the trip from her phone contacts. It’s a really cute set up, but the plot felt like it had lots of holes. Overall I found the story cute and predictable, an easy vacation read for sure!
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August 22, 2023I truly wanted to love this book, but the ending completely fizzled out for me. The premise is so fun: the main character, Dylan, gets a trip around the world with one main catch: the radio station giving the trip away gets to choose her travel companion from any contact in her phone.
They pick a random guy stored in her phone from a night out at a bar, and the story begins. There is chemistry in the beginning between the two of them and a “will they, won’t they” vibe begins to develop. However, as times goes on, their communication (especially given the nature of their trip and pure physical proximity), just breaks down and fizzles. Dylan is too stubborn to even try with Jack at times, and Jack is completely closed off. Where this may have been the goal to build tension, it reads as cold and disconnected. Dylan also is incredibly immature. There are times where honesty is paramount and she always puts her own feelings, desires, and dreams ahead of anyone else. For example, she chooses to post on social media and is trying to become an influencer but definitely wants none of the backlash for her controversial posts and opinions. She wants her cake and wants to eat it too: a well paying job with no boss who has demanding deadlines, opinions, or an HR department, friends and family who support every decision she makes (even if it goes against their own personal beliefs or religion), a partner who will always be there for her when she brings her chaotic energy into any given situation, and a trip around the world, too. She is a walking contradiction as well. In one sentence, she’s moving her and her flat mate to a different location and going into hiding because of internet stalking and living this public persona, agonizing over what this has done to her life. In the next? She’s convinced Jack he is a photographer (with no training or even a legit camera btw), to start his own Instagram and serve himself up to the vultures of the internet. If she cared about him, why wouldn’t she share his trepidation in putting himself out in such a public way?
Because Dylan is selfish and values the internets likes and comments more than authenticity, that’s why.
If the “quit your job, travel the world, and do whatever makes you happy without any real world consequence” narrative is your vibe, this might be a really great beach read for you.
They pick a random guy stored in her phone from a night out at a bar, and the story begins. There is chemistry in the beginning between the two of them and a “will they, won’t they” vibe begins to develop. However, as times goes on, their communication (especially given the nature of their trip and pure physical proximity), just breaks down and fizzles. Dylan is too stubborn to even try with Jack at times, and Jack is completely closed off. Where this may have been the goal to build tension, it reads as cold and disconnected. Dylan also is incredibly immature. There are times where honesty is paramount and she always puts her own feelings, desires, and dreams ahead of anyone else. For example, she chooses to post on social media and is trying to become an influencer but definitely wants none of the backlash for her controversial posts and opinions. She wants her cake and wants to eat it too: a well paying job with no boss who has demanding deadlines, opinions, or an HR department, friends and family who support every decision she makes (even if it goes against their own personal beliefs or religion), a partner who will always be there for her when she brings her chaotic energy into any given situation, and a trip around the world, too. She is a walking contradiction as well. In one sentence, she’s moving her and her flat mate to a different location and going into hiding because of internet stalking and living this public persona, agonizing over what this has done to her life. In the next? She’s convinced Jack he is a photographer (with no training or even a legit camera btw), to start his own Instagram and serve himself up to the vultures of the internet. If she cared about him, why wouldn’t she share his trepidation in putting himself out in such a public way?
Because Dylan is selfish and values the internets likes and comments more than authenticity, that’s why.
If the “quit your job, travel the world, and do whatever makes you happy without any real world consequence” narrative is your vibe, this might be a really great beach read for you.
July 4, 2023
4.5*
Releasing on July 4, 2023
I love reading.
I love traveling.
Wanderlust combined my two loves and became one of my favorite reads of 2023!
Strong-willed, contrary, spontaneous Dylan wins a radio contest for an all-expenses-paid trip around the world for two months. The caveat? The station gets to choose someone at random from her contacts list to go with her. When grumpy, uptight, planner Jack is chosen, Dylan barely remembers the “posho” she met while out one night that she never ended up calling. It is an absolute JOY watching Dylan and Jack navigate sharing a hotel room, exploring the world, and finding out more about themselves/each other and their places in the world.
This book really hits home how life-changing travel can be. One of my favorite quotes that I feel in the depths of my very soul is: “It felt silly, but she could feel the ways this had changed her. How it had opened her heart and her mind so that when she looked at the world, she was looking at everything with a completely new set of eyes.”
This book had the slowest of burns, but W O W, was it worth the wait when the slow burn burst into an inferno. 🔥
There are some tough subjects (abortion, cyber bullying, estranged relationships), but the author is real and writes about it so well.
P.S. Everyone needs a best friend like Gwen.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Elle Everhart for providing an ARC of this amazing book in return for my honest review.
Releasing on July 4, 2023
I love reading.
I love traveling.
Wanderlust combined my two loves and became one of my favorite reads of 2023!
Strong-willed, contrary, spontaneous Dylan wins a radio contest for an all-expenses-paid trip around the world for two months. The caveat? The station gets to choose someone at random from her contacts list to go with her. When grumpy, uptight, planner Jack is chosen, Dylan barely remembers the “posho” she met while out one night that she never ended up calling. It is an absolute JOY watching Dylan and Jack navigate sharing a hotel room, exploring the world, and finding out more about themselves/each other and their places in the world.
This book really hits home how life-changing travel can be. One of my favorite quotes that I feel in the depths of my very soul is: “It felt silly, but she could feel the ways this had changed her. How it had opened her heart and her mind so that when she looked at the world, she was looking at everything with a completely new set of eyes.”
This book had the slowest of burns, but W O W, was it worth the wait when the slow burn burst into an inferno. 🔥
There are some tough subjects (abortion, cyber bullying, estranged relationships), but the author is real and writes about it so well.
P.S. Everyone needs a best friend like Gwen.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Elle Everhart for providing an ARC of this amazing book in return for my honest review.
March 12, 2023
On a whim, magazine writer Dylan enters a BBC radio contest and wins a trip around the world for two, all expenses paid.
But there’s one huge catch- her travel companion will be chosen at random from her phone contacts. Just her luck, it’s Jack- the guy she made out with at a club weeks ago and then promptly ghosted.
Starting off awkwardly, they slowly reignite their chemistry from their first meeting. But just as they start bonding, Dylan, hoping to advance her journalist career, jeopardizes it all by going against Jack’s wishes -posting an article with personal details about him.
Now Dylan must find a way to gain back Jack’s trust, and try to salvage their budding relationship.
Debut writer Everhart has written complex characters with well developed backgrounds and plenty of entertaining banter.
Set against the backdrop of gorgeous international locales, this slow-burn romcom will appeal to fans of travel and social media storylines as well as the forced proximity trope.
Readalike Love and Other Flight Delays By Denise Williams
Full disclosure, I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
But there’s one huge catch- her travel companion will be chosen at random from her phone contacts. Just her luck, it’s Jack- the guy she made out with at a club weeks ago and then promptly ghosted.
Starting off awkwardly, they slowly reignite their chemistry from their first meeting. But just as they start bonding, Dylan, hoping to advance her journalist career, jeopardizes it all by going against Jack’s wishes -posting an article with personal details about him.
Now Dylan must find a way to gain back Jack’s trust, and try to salvage their budding relationship.
Debut writer Everhart has written complex characters with well developed backgrounds and plenty of entertaining banter.
Set against the backdrop of gorgeous international locales, this slow-burn romcom will appeal to fans of travel and social media storylines as well as the forced proximity trope.
Readalike Love and Other Flight Delays By Denise Williams
Full disclosure, I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2023
For real, though. My DNF has been on a hair trigger lately. But... buuuuut... I got to almost halfway through WANDERLUST and there's no chemistry, no explanation on how this improbable contest set-up is even happening (how is this dude just taking off work?), and these characters are kind of blah for me.
I'm just not feeling it.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: DNF at 46%
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
I'm just not feeling it.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: DNF at 46%
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
July 17, 2023
Love a travel romance, and this was so much fun! The tension was great, and the stakes were perfect :)
July 4, 2023
Happy pub day to Wanderlust! This is the PERFECT jetsetting romcom for summer.
Did anyone else spend a ridiculous amount of their youth frantically calling their favorite radio station, hoping to be lucky caller number x and winning tickets to a sold-out concert or whatever mediocre promo prize the DJ was gifting? Pretty sure I wore out the “redial” button on my phone back in the day.
Well, Dylan actually ends up being the lucky caller, and the prize is unreal: An 8-week-long getaway for two, hitting some incredible destinations across the globe. Oh, but there’s one thing. Dylan’s travel companion is randomly selected from the contact list in her phone, and it turns out to be Jack, some guy she met at a bar a while back and completely forgot to call. In fact, she completely forgot about him in general. But he remembers Dylan. AWKWARD. 😬 Jack’s surprisingly on board with the impromptu vacay, but he’s grumpy about it. Also hot. But very grumpy. Maybe Dylan can have enough fun for them both?
Wanderlust is a whirlwind of globetrotting, icebreaking, exploring, wanting, learning, laughing, and bravely choosing to be true to oneself. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Lindsey Kelk, and Mhairi McFarlane.
Many thanks to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the complimentary advance copy of this work! My opinions are my own.
Did anyone else spend a ridiculous amount of their youth frantically calling their favorite radio station, hoping to be lucky caller number x and winning tickets to a sold-out concert or whatever mediocre promo prize the DJ was gifting? Pretty sure I wore out the “redial” button on my phone back in the day.
Well, Dylan actually ends up being the lucky caller, and the prize is unreal: An 8-week-long getaway for two, hitting some incredible destinations across the globe. Oh, but there’s one thing. Dylan’s travel companion is randomly selected from the contact list in her phone, and it turns out to be Jack, some guy she met at a bar a while back and completely forgot to call. In fact, she completely forgot about him in general. But he remembers Dylan. AWKWARD. 😬 Jack’s surprisingly on board with the impromptu vacay, but he’s grumpy about it. Also hot. But very grumpy. Maybe Dylan can have enough fun for them both?
Wanderlust is a whirlwind of globetrotting, icebreaking, exploring, wanting, learning, laughing, and bravely choosing to be true to oneself. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Lindsey Kelk, and Mhairi McFarlane.
Many thanks to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the complimentary advance copy of this work! My opinions are my own.
July 4, 2023
4.5⭐️
I binged almost this entire book in one day! A seriously awesome debut from Elle Everhart! The title is very true to the book - it will give you all the wanderlust!! It’s a classic British romance with great women’s fiction mixed in with very sweet, slow burn, opposites attract, romance. Definitely recommend this one for fans of British romance and adventurous travel!
I binged almost this entire book in one day! A seriously awesome debut from Elle Everhart! The title is very true to the book - it will give you all the wanderlust!! It’s a classic British romance with great women’s fiction mixed in with very sweet, slow burn, opposites attract, romance. Definitely recommend this one for fans of British romance and adventurous travel!
May 5, 2023
This was a was pretty decent in the moment, but I think was not memorable down the road. Overall I just wasn't super impressed with from the jump. It was objectively fine, but that's about it.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2023
book review | Wanderlust by Elle Everharr
spoiler free!
⭐️: 3.75
🌶️: 2.25
🏃🏼♀️: medium pace
📖: paperback (gifted)
tropes/themes:
- dislike to lovers
- slow burn
- travel romance
- grumpy x sunshine
- travel blogger
- forced proximity
journalist Dylan wins a radio contest to vacation around the world… the catch? her travel partner was randomly selected in her phone contacts - Jack, the random guy she kissed on the night out. 🫣
thank you to @tandemcollectiveuk for allowing me to participate in the romance read-along!
✈️ writing:
i found the style very blunt and humorous, and easy to read.
🗺️ plot:
the plot was heavily focused on blogging and travelling writing, which I found interesting as i’m literally a ✨ blogger!✨ some scenes were especially powerful, when Dylan was discussing the dangers of social media and how brutal internet trolls can be. it was also very touching to read how she received so many comments violating her own bodily autonomy, which i’m sure a lot of women can relate to online and in reality. :(
i did find the book to not be very consistent with the pacing. i was really intrigued from the start, but midway began to slow. nonetheless, i still found this book enjoyable!
🌁 characters:
the relationship began very cold, with lots of blunt humour. i loved how naturally the characters progressed and i found their relationship so healing!!! both characters learned to do what makes them truly happy and set their boundaries with toxic family and work. they were both so supportive, and it was an incredible message that i needed to hear.
i’d also like to note that i LOVED how Jack broke gender norms - he doesn’t act like a stereotypical ‘tough guy.’ of course i still love my toxic and rough fictional men, but it was refreshing to see Jack being a HUMAN, with fears, worries and emotions. i loveeeed how Dylan took the lead in some intimate scenes like it’s so amazing to see !!
overall: this is a sweet, slow burn romance with some fun world travelling, alongside social media/journalist drama. 🌞👒
AD/PR - please note this review is my 100% honest thoughts <3
spoiler free!
⭐️: 3.75
🌶️: 2.25
🏃🏼♀️: medium pace
📖: paperback (gifted)
tropes/themes:
- dislike to lovers
- slow burn
- travel romance
- grumpy x sunshine
- travel blogger
- forced proximity
journalist Dylan wins a radio contest to vacation around the world… the catch? her travel partner was randomly selected in her phone contacts - Jack, the random guy she kissed on the night out. 🫣
thank you to @tandemcollectiveuk for allowing me to participate in the romance read-along!
✈️ writing:
i found the style very blunt and humorous, and easy to read.
🗺️ plot:
the plot was heavily focused on blogging and travelling writing, which I found interesting as i’m literally a ✨ blogger!✨ some scenes were especially powerful, when Dylan was discussing the dangers of social media and how brutal internet trolls can be. it was also very touching to read how she received so many comments violating her own bodily autonomy, which i’m sure a lot of women can relate to online and in reality. :(
i did find the book to not be very consistent with the pacing. i was really intrigued from the start, but midway began to slow. nonetheless, i still found this book enjoyable!
🌁 characters:
the relationship began very cold, with lots of blunt humour. i loved how naturally the characters progressed and i found their relationship so healing!!! both characters learned to do what makes them truly happy and set their boundaries with toxic family and work. they were both so supportive, and it was an incredible message that i needed to hear.
i’d also like to note that i LOVED how Jack broke gender norms - he doesn’t act like a stereotypical ‘tough guy.’ of course i still love my toxic and rough fictional men, but it was refreshing to see Jack being a HUMAN, with fears, worries and emotions. i loveeeed how Dylan took the lead in some intimate scenes like it’s so amazing to see !!
overall: this is a sweet, slow burn romance with some fun world travelling, alongside social media/journalist drama. 🌞👒
AD/PR - please note this review is my 100% honest thoughts <3
November 13, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC! I'm sorry it took me so long to write it -- anxiety and depression are SO fun!
Dylan Coughlan is sick of London's dreary weather and her boss's drearier attitude when she decides to impulsively enter a radio contest for a two-month trip around the world. The best part? She wins! The worst part? She has to take "Jack the Posho," a random contact in her phone selected by the radio announcer, and while things were hot and heavy between them the night they met, things in Dylan's personal life derailed them getting to know each other more.
Now they have a whirlwind adventure to get things right.
While I was initially over the moon about the premise, the pacing felt a little scattered with a slow start and a quick end. It seemed as though a lot of romance tropes were danced around but the author never completely gave the characters over to them -- yes, there's forced proximity but I think there might have been a missed opportunity for only one bed, and it seemed to set up an enemies-to-lovers situation but never fully leapt into that either.
I did appreciate the inclusion of a bi main character, as well as a character who chose to have an abortion. However, I felt there should have been some sort of warning that the storyline was coming as it ended up being a huge part of Dylan's journey and was a relatively heavy piece of subject matter.
Dylan Coughlan is sick of London's dreary weather and her boss's drearier attitude when she decides to impulsively enter a radio contest for a two-month trip around the world. The best part? She wins! The worst part? She has to take "Jack the Posho," a random contact in her phone selected by the radio announcer, and while things were hot and heavy between them the night they met, things in Dylan's personal life derailed them getting to know each other more.
Now they have a whirlwind adventure to get things right.
While I was initially over the moon about the premise, the pacing felt a little scattered with a slow start and a quick end. It seemed as though a lot of romance tropes were danced around but the author never completely gave the characters over to them -- yes, there's forced proximity but I think there might have been a missed opportunity for only one bed, and it seemed to set up an enemies-to-lovers situation but never fully leapt into that either.
I did appreciate the inclusion of a bi main character, as well as a character who chose to have an abortion. However, I felt there should have been some sort of warning that the storyline was coming as it ended up being a huge part of Dylan's journey and was a relatively heavy piece of subject matter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
Book Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winning an all expense paid trip around the globe sounds like an ideal holiday. But when Dylan learns her traveling buddy is none other than Jack, the man she ghosted after one night, she fears her trip of a lifetime might be more of a trip from hell. Will the two be able to endure several weeks of close proximity?? Or will they forgo their prize in an effort to stay sane.
The concept of two people getting to know each other while traveling the world was super fun. Especially since Dylan and Jack started off on the wrong foot. The close proximity they were forced to endure while traveling created great tension and aided in the will they, won’t they tug of war.
Despite being a romance, this book wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult subject matter. Everhart effortlessly wove in both the positive and negative effects surrounding social media. I loved seeing both sides of it represented.
Overall, this was a stellar debut by Elle Everhart!!! Her vocation as a secondary English teacher shines through. With an established voice on her first book, I expect great things from her in the future.
Special thanks to Netgalley, GP Putnam’s Sons, and Elle Everhart for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review.
*Reader’s should be advised that this book does mention abortion, online harassment, and death threats.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winning an all expense paid trip around the globe sounds like an ideal holiday. But when Dylan learns her traveling buddy is none other than Jack, the man she ghosted after one night, she fears her trip of a lifetime might be more of a trip from hell. Will the two be able to endure several weeks of close proximity?? Or will they forgo their prize in an effort to stay sane.
The concept of two people getting to know each other while traveling the world was super fun. Especially since Dylan and Jack started off on the wrong foot. The close proximity they were forced to endure while traveling created great tension and aided in the will they, won’t they tug of war.
Despite being a romance, this book wasn’t afraid to tackle difficult subject matter. Everhart effortlessly wove in both the positive and negative effects surrounding social media. I loved seeing both sides of it represented.
Overall, this was a stellar debut by Elle Everhart!!! Her vocation as a secondary English teacher shines through. With an established voice on her first book, I expect great things from her in the future.
Special thanks to Netgalley, GP Putnam’s Sons, and Elle Everhart for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review.
*Reader’s should be advised that this book does mention abortion, online harassment, and death threats.
June 28, 2023
Summer vacation plans? Open your bag, lovingly place Wanderlust inside (we cannot have this beautiful cover get besmirched by any delicious yet messy snacks), arrive at your destination and READ THIS BOOK!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. Wanderlust is fantastic and aptly described as People We Meet on Vacation meets The Unhoneymooners. Our heroine Dylan is a magazine writer struggling to get her own column when she randomly calls the radio station and discovers she has won a six-week trip around the world. The only catch? The radio station gets to randomly choose her travel partner from the contacts in her phone. When they land on Jack the Posho, Dylan vaguely remembers someone she met in a bar on one of the worst nights in her life. While Dylan is excited about the random opportunity that has presented itself, Jack seems less than impressed with his new travel companion, yet can you really avoid bonding with someone when you are sharing a hotel room?...
The chemistry between Dylan and Jack was pure perfection and reading this, I actually saw them fall in love and not just be told they did. Dylan was a fantastic heroine who was unashamed to be herself and also built other people up while knowing her own boundaries. While this book features an amazing trip and exotic locations, it is also realistic and everything is not always kittens and unicorns. Elle Everhart tackles the topics of cyberbullying, emotional abandonment, and abortion with a deft hand and I will gladly read anything she writes in the future…right after I purchase a physical copy of Wanderlust, out July 4.
Thank you to Netgally and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot believe this is a debut novel. Wanderlust is fantastic and aptly described as People We Meet on Vacation meets The Unhoneymooners. Our heroine Dylan is a magazine writer struggling to get her own column when she randomly calls the radio station and discovers she has won a six-week trip around the world. The only catch? The radio station gets to randomly choose her travel partner from the contacts in her phone. When they land on Jack the Posho, Dylan vaguely remembers someone she met in a bar on one of the worst nights in her life. While Dylan is excited about the random opportunity that has presented itself, Jack seems less than impressed with his new travel companion, yet can you really avoid bonding with someone when you are sharing a hotel room?...
The chemistry between Dylan and Jack was pure perfection and reading this, I actually saw them fall in love and not just be told they did. Dylan was a fantastic heroine who was unashamed to be herself and also built other people up while knowing her own boundaries. While this book features an amazing trip and exotic locations, it is also realistic and everything is not always kittens and unicorns. Elle Everhart tackles the topics of cyberbullying, emotional abandonment, and abortion with a deft hand and I will gladly read anything she writes in the future…right after I purchase a physical copy of Wanderlust, out July 4.
Thank you to Netgally and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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