REVIEW: Wish Lists Road Trips by Lauren H. Mae

Wish Lists & Road Trips by Lauren H. Mae: After his brother passed away, workaholic Nick Callaway discovered Alex had made a list of ten places he wanted Nick to visit and spread his ashes. Nick reluctantly took two weeks off from the family real estate developing business to go on a cruise to complete Alex’s last wishes. After missing the boat in Costa Rica, the only thing Nick wanted to do was get back to New York. He had a big project he was working on at work and he was worried about his mother.

“Not every detour is a disaster. A detour is meant to keep you from avoiding a hole in the road…”

Makeup artist Brit Donovan felt like she was always making a mess of things and disappointing her parents, even her career choice was a disappointment to them. When she discovers her fiancé cheating days before the wedding, she cancels it to her parents’ disappointment. Deciding she needs to prove to herself and her family she can be independent, she goes on her honeymoon cruise alone. Missing the cruise ship and all the other delays getting back to Boston jeopardized her dream of purchasing the perfect property for her studio/apartment.

Nick’s grief was weighing him down and he was so mad at Alex for giving him the mission of his last wishes. Meeting Brit and traveling together helped him finally come to understand Alex was simply trying to get him to enjoy life. Her bright personality brought light to his darkest days and helped him find himself. Brit had always felt like a failure because she never fit into the boxes others tried to fit her into. But Nick believed in her and helped her believe in herself. They both had baggage that was heartbreaking but together they were able to overcome it and find their happy ever after. This was such a wonderful book, and I was hooked from the beginning by the cuteness factor and all the humor. It is the perfect book for the summer and a road trip.

Book Info:

Publication: April 18, 2023 | Headline Eternal |

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.