If you read this book, hold your breath - you are in for an incredible joy ride!! This story is full of mesmerizing heart wrenching emotions,....joy, sorrow, secrets, and guilty pleasures leaving your heart pounding. Joy Evers is on her way to meet her fiance Mark but a chance encounter at a diner with rock star Dylan Westfield, changes her plans. They agree to share the ride together, across country in her new convertible. There are rules - what happens on route 66, stays on route 66. There are many - "What if's" that keeps the suspense increasing. I can't say enough about how many of my own memories filled my senses reading this book. I felt like I was feeling the sun and breeze on my shoulders singing along...as if I were riding along with them! Kerry Lonsdale is an amazing author !! This book has filled my heart - I wish I could give it more than 5 stars....I think it is her best one yet. I absolutely loved this story!

Their lives have intersected and nothing will be the same .
Joy decides to road trip to New York while fulfilling her deceased sisters bucket list.
Dylan is on some sort of agenda he has to fulfill for his father.
These two meet at a diner and decide to road trip together , Joy and Dylan need to discover how to be themselves and not the version everyone wants them to be, however after nine days they will go their separate ways! Each to live their best life, separately This book is told before they part and after they part.
This book was written with the authors whole soul. She poured everything into these pages
This book will resonate with me for a long time. I absolutely loved it !

A special thank you to Kerry Lonsdale for including me in her Side Trip Team and providing me with a copy of this fantastic book!

I fell in love with Joy and Dylan instantly. I could picture the whole trip with Joy ticking off her deceased sister's bucket list items, while traveling to New York to be with her fiance. Joy meeting Dylan along the way and their side trip agreements spiced up the story. I looked forward to each of their adventures! This is really a story that makes you think about the choices we make in life and how they affect us. I enjoyed their journey and learning more about the reasons they were each on this route 66 trip. Without giving away the story I will say this is about family, heart break, loss, friendship, love, and adventure with a couple twists along the way. Pick up a copy, you won't be disappointed! I enjoyed every word of this fabulous story.

Thank you Kerry Lonsdale!

When Kerry Lonsdale started writing, I was there to pick up her first book when it first came out. Since then, she’s an author I follow and read immediately. I know she has skills developing strong characters and excellent plot lines but the consistency of her writing as she branches into different types of stories is another reason I prioritize her books in my stack. SIDE TRIP has taken over first place in my books of hers that I love (though all should still read ALL THE BREAKING WAVES and LAST SUMMER). The story is told from two characters perspectives, Joy & Dylan, as they travel across the country fulfilling dreams that may not be their own. The writing makes you emotionally invested but it’s the story that grabs you and just flows. Now I’m a sucker for any novel centered around music and there is a lot of music and adventures in this book that I adored. The sexual tension between the characters is great and the sensitivity of both characters is appealing. The book has a perfect ending. It’s a story of family and choices and how we can choose what we want and our pasts only define us if we let them. You should make a choice to pick up this story when it comes out. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Kerry Lonsdale is one of my favourite authors! I love, love, love her writing, her choice of words, the depth of her novels...I could pick a paragraph that she has written even if I didn't know if it was written by her... It was pure joy to read Side Trip, I adored the characters and the love story. The surprise ending made the book even better!

When Joy decided to complete her late sister’s bucket list, she got so much more than she bargained for!
Joy has felt guilty about her sister Judy’s death for nearly a decade. It’s this guilt causing Joy to almost live in Judy’s shadow-dress like her, listen to the music she enjoyed, make a trip across Rt 66, and eventually marry and do the work Judy dreamed off. Joy has it all planned out-but she didn’t plan for Dylan...
Dylan has been living in a shadow too-his father’s. The difference is that Dylan is happy there. Despite having “the look”, the talent & voice of a rocker, Dylan also has terrible stage fright. He is much happier as a songwriter and producer. His late father has other plans for Dylan, though...
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. Chapters jump back and forth to during the road trip and up to 10 years after it’s completed, but it all fits together seamlessly. Reading about Joy & Dylan’s time together made me want to get lost on a road trip with my guy! I can see myself re-reading this when I need a little side trip of my own
* Thanks to the publisher/author for granting my request for an ARC, all opinions are my own*

A classic story of opposites attract. I have read many other books by Kerry Lonsdale and have loved all of them! This one did not disappoint either. A story that is so relatable that forces you to ask the question of "what if?"

When the main character's sister dies, she sets out on the road trip that she was never able to take. Along the way, of course, is where she meets her love interest. They have the deal that they won't reveal their last names, keeping their true identity a secret. The two are on the journey together and along the way, they just might find love.

An easy read that made you want to root for the characters to be together!

Wow! What an amazing book! I am a huge Kerry Lonsdale fan and I think this is one of her best books. Joy goes on a road trip in memory of her sister who was killed. Early in the trip she picks up a stranger and this changes her whole trip and her life. I loved everything about this book from the characters to the setting. The book alternates between the road trip and the future. The ending is not something I saw coming but I loved it. It was the perfect ending to the perfect book!

This was such a great romance! This was the first book by Kerry Lonsdale that I have read but it will certainly not be the last. The writing is so good, it had depth, fantastic characters and humor! It's one of the best romance novels I read in a while! And the surprise ending... I did not see it coming! I can't recommend this book enough if you love a good romance!

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I don't think I have ever read a book quite like this. Side Trip is an engrossing, interesting, and at times, heartbreaking novel about the impact of guilt. Joy's sister dies when she is young, so Joy recreates a trip that her sister planned along Route 66. Along the way, she meets Dylan, a musician who is on his own journey along Route 66. Together, they explore love, adventure, heartbreak, and the meaning of forgiveness.

As someone who tends to hold onto guilt and overthink things, I was incredibly touched by the novel and Joy's struggles. I quickly went from smiling to crying and back to smiling again. It's a great and unique read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own!

I was pleased to be chosen as an advanced reader for this newest Kerry Lonsdale book. I started reading the story as soon as I downloaded it from NetGalley. I was very willing to take a 'side trip' for a few days.
I travelled along with the main characters Joy and Dylan as they tackled those relatable issues that created unhappiness in their life. Unfortunately, I never developed a like for the main character Joy, which is why I only gave 4 stars. I really need to be drawn to all the characters in some way to give 5. I was able to still be interested in reading because I really liked Dylan and the road trip across the country.
Kerry's writing about the side trips that the pair took drew me in. I laughed at times, I was mad and shaking my head other times, I had real tears at other times. I even found myself envious of the road trip. I love road trips!
As I was nearing the end of the book, I thought that I had it all figured out but the story started to change. I don't think I have ever read a book that had this kind of plot twist! It had me saying 'wow' out loud quite a few times! I was so sorry to see it end!

I am already looking forward to reading what Kerry has in store for us next!

Bestselling author, Kerry Lonsdale, delivers another top chart, stand alone novel.

Side Trip will take you on an emotionally charged road trip along Historic Route 66.

Fulfilling a promise and suppressing her own guilt, Joy Evers leaves California to start a new life in New Your with her fiancé Mark. The drive is meant to fulfill her deceased sister Judy’s bucket list. Along the way, Joy meets Dylan. The son of a famous musician. Dylan has his own list to complete and doesn’t seem happy about it.

This story is about a promise made. Fulfilling an obligation and figuring out what it all means on a side trip.

I couldn’t put it down yet wanted to savor every page! It steadily wove it’s way into my heart. I LOVED the characters and visual tapestry.

I found this book extremely satisfying and think it’s the perfect summer read.

Side Trip will be available July 2020

This is a trip of "What if's, Why Nots, and What happens on the road, stays on the road".
It has love, heartbreak, grief, fear, friendship, guilt, romance and sorrow.
I was on this journey, sitting in the back seat of the car and all the while praying for Dylan and Joy to find happiness, release their guilt and lose their fears as they traveled on Route 66 on an expedition that changed them both forever.
What begins as strangers, grows into so much more. Will it be enough?
Beautifully written!
Head on out to Route 66 with Joy and Dylan. You won't want to miss out on this!

Side Trip is a "must read" adventure to take! Being an avid reader, I thought I could predict where this story was going, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Kerry Lonsdale's creativity in this romance has surpassed my greatest expectations. The style that Side Trip is written in keeps the reader hooked with the back and forth character building. Taking this Side Trip with Joy and Dylan was worth every mile taken. Pack your bags, your in for the ride of your life!

“Side Trip” by Kerry Hall Lonsdale

What a phenomenal read. From the beginning the reader gets hooked by the interchangeable storylines as told by the two main characters: Joy and Dylan. The two meet up by chance at a diner. She is stopping for a break on her journey east on Route 66 and his car dies and begs...and gets a ride from her.

They each have a story to tell in a before (the car trip ended) and after (the car trip ended) pattern. Interwoven in these narratives are pieces of their background that either the reader is clued into or the characters share — most of which are deep secrets and other personal/emotional baggage they are carrying with them.

As they continue on the trip, it becomes clear that Joy is doing it as a means of completing her sisters bucket list in her memory and due to feelings of guilt. We learn that Dylan has been sent to do random gigs as directed by his father, but no one is sure why.

As they travel on, they both realize they connect on many levels quite quickly. They have an innate ability to “see” what the other needs, that they are happier together than apart, have very similar interests and develop a sense of trust quite quickly.

While on the journey, there are often side trips that Joy had already planned and a few Dylan wants to add. After one or two not so fun side trips they decide they both have to be in agreement before they take one. Slowly the side trips get better and better.

The author has a way of bringing her characters to life like few writers can. She reaches down and really grabs the emotions they are feeling and develops their personality so they are extremely relatable. The reader gets lost in the characters feelings and stories as they do in the overall storyline and read.

This is a novel I read straight through and wouldn’t hesitate to turn around and read it again. Come and take a “side trip” with Joy and Dylan. You won’t want to miss their journey.

Rating: 4.9
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts, opinions and every aspect of this review are mine.

What If.... what if that side trip was the road you should have taken. Maybe the road less traveled or the road that brought you everything you could ever dream. Do you take that one or stay on the path that is the safe path. The one to right wrongs, heal guilt, pay the price and your dues. What if.... every road was so easily marked for us to choose. This book will certainly make you stop and think about your What ifs and maybe make some side trips.
Thanks to the author and Publisher for the ARC. all comments and thoughts are my own.

Kerry Lonsdale never fails to disappoint! I have enjoyed everything she’s written, and this is certainly no exception. Joy is living a life full of regrets. Nothing seems to fit until a chance meeting with Dylan. Filled with just the right balance of heat and emotion, Side Trip should be on everyone’s should be on everyone’s reading list this summer. And i did not see that ending coming!!

What if? What if you never read this book, and then you will miss this incredible journey, a road trip like no other? From the moment Joy sat in that diner watching Dylan try to fix his car; through their 10-day road trip filled with passion and adventure; following the trajectory of their lives over a ten-year span filled with what-ifs, living with the choices they’ve made—I was riveted. The characters and their stories were so captivating, that I never wanted this trip to end! By the time I finished, I was an emotional wreck, completely enraptured by Joy and Dylan and all of the feelings they brought out in each other, and in me.

Side Trip
4 + I am very stingy with stars and give very few 5 star reviews.

My favorite genre is psychological thrillers but there are times that I am in the mood for a nice romance.

Story is told before and after a 10 day road trip across country. Joy is traveling to New York from California to be with her fiancé, Mark and also to carry out her dead sister Judy’s “Route 66 ~ Bucket list"
which includes:
• Drive across the country in a convertible
• Do something I always wanted to do
• Do something spontaneous.
• Do something daring
• Do something dangerous
• Sleep under the stars
• Fall in love.

Joy and Dylan meet in a diner. When Dylan’s car breaks down and since they are heading in the same direction, Joy gives Dylan a ride.
They agree that Joy will drive and Dylan will pay for gas ~ additional 3 rules:
1. No last names.
2. Whatever happens on the road ~ stays on the road.
3. If one wants to take a side trip ~ both need to agree.

Early in the novel I was fearful that Dylan’s nasty language was going to be a challenge for my low tolerance. Have to admit Dylan’s nasty language was in character!
I was also fearful that Joy and Dylan’s relationship was going to be sort of a Stockholm or Helsinki Syndrome”. Although not a bond between captive and captor but two people with no previous connection are together for 10 days sharing secrets. It seemed to me that a very personal relationship was going to happen.

There were times I wanted to shake Joy. Her relationship with fiancé Mark was never going to make it as long as Joy kept secrets from him and continued to lead the life of her sister.

The story certainly kept me curious as to what Joy was going to do and you, too will be thinking “What if”?
I look forward to author, Kerry Lansdale’s next novel “ No More Words” the first in a new series available summer 2021.

Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this early release granted in exchange for an honest review.

Break out ALL THE STARS...author Kerry Lonsdale has outdone herself again! 

Side Trip is everything (and more) that I have come to love from a book by Kerry. From strong characters to unique settings to an unable-to-put-down (even though I would be exhausted the next day) plotline, I was hooked from the first paragraph. 

While I eagerly flipped through each page dying to know what would happen next, I did truly appreciate the journey that the main characters, Joy and Dylan, embarked upon. The connection between them was so magnetic that you could feel the electricity through the pages from their first encounter. Joy and Dylan made this story buzz with excitement and anticipation from the moment they connected and put the car in drive.

Kerry has mastered writing the alternating timeline where it is so seamless that you are just as invested in what has happened in the past as you are in the current day story. 

Side Trip has it all - romance, suspense, joy, disappointment, dreams and a string of hope that ties it all together. 
And can I just talk about the ending?? OK, I won't because it's one you have to honestly read for yourself to even believe it. This is the type of book you immediately flock to find someone to talk about it with and would make for perfect book club discussion!

Thank you, NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Kerry for an e-ARC of this 5 star read! All thoughts and opinions are my own.