This is a really delightful read with humour and compassion intermingled and I was very happy to hitch a ride with our mismatched carful of characters wending their way up to Scotland. The mishaps they encounter along the way are very funny and the backstop of the characters is told with great sensitivity, I was willing them on all the way, both in getting to their destination and in resolving their relationships.

I loved this road trip and all the characters squashed into the less than reliable car on route to a wedding.
From the very beginning Addie was a very likeable character, alongside her very supportive sister and the slightly creepy and a bit strange random guy they are giving a lift to.
The many tense moments between the characters add to the humour and keep the reader captivated and the truth is more gritty than you would imagine for a novel of this genre.
A great read

Another winner from Beth O'Leary! At first I was a little confused with the swift changeabout of character POV but got into the swing of it. A really enjoyable read that was engaging from early on until the end, with several properly strong, clever and fun female protagonists - you love it see it!

The Road Trip is basically pure chaos in book form. You realise this from about the first chapter when you work out just who is on the eponymous road trip and from then on, the present day story is a complete ride. There is, of course, also heavier parts to the story. But for all that it does get heavy at times, there’s always a good balance between when it gets serious and when it’s humorous. And the parts which are more serious aren’t brushed aside (although I would say that forgiveness maybe felt a little easy? Two years on and all, but still).

The novel follows Addie and Dylan, exes who end up in the same car — cramped in there along with Addie’s sister, Dylan’s best(?) mate, and a random other guest — on the way to their mutual friend’s wedding. The road trip comes two years after Addie and Dylan’s breakup and is the first time they’ve seen each other since. The book alternates between the present day road trip and the course of their relationship in the past.

What I loved most about this book — besides its chaotic nature — was that it’s a book about second chances, but also about where you draw the line at giving them. It was about Addie giving Dylan a second chance, Dylan giving Marcus one, but also Dylan deciding to stop giving further chances to his father. And I loved the fact that people did the work for those second chances, they weren’t just handed out. They put the work in — apart from one another — and the road trip was a big, albeit coincidental, chance for another go.

I think this book also very successfully wove together the past relationship between Addie and Dylan with the present. The way they clicked from the start was obvious on page, but you could also see that maybe the relationship as it was, in their early 20s, wouldn’t work out, regardless of how the end actually came about. And you see how they had changed in the present narrative. It also did quite well at navigating the thorny issue of can Addie forgive Dylan for their breakup (in my mind, that was probably only solved by the fact that Addie hadn’t told Dylan what happened, not until they met again). I think that tied back into the fact that maybe it was, at that point, a case of right people, wrong time, so I think it was making you still root for them in the present was done very well. (If that makes any sense, since grammar is lost on me right now.)

On the whole, then, I’d say this is a book I enjoyed immensely, probably even more so than The Flat Share (the only other Beth O’Leary book I’ve read so far). It’s definitely a book that makes me want to go back and catch up on her other releases.

On first glance, this book sounds like the perfect book to snuggle down with in bed. When I started reading this book, I was ready for the swoony, angsty feelings I am used to when reading romance fiction, especially ones that explore break ups and second chance loves. While the concept of two exes forced to share a car on the way to a wedding was promising and while the opening chapters of the story, introducing the main characters in THEN and NOW interwoven segments, were enjoyable, there is unfortunately not much else positive I can say about this book. I forced myself to keep reading in the hopes that something about the book might intrigue my interests once again, but I got as far as over the half-way point when I decided I could no longer give this book a chance.

The plot and the main characters had so much potential. I enjoyed reading the chapters that focused on how Addie and Dylan's romance first developed during a steamy summer in France and I enjoyed the early, awkward interactions between them and Addie's sister as they were forced to car share for a long trip up to Scotland. But, alas, that is where my enjoyment ended.

The problem for me with this book is that it just didn't feel like it was going anywhere. There wasn't enough drama or intrigue in the romance for me and the plot just felt exceedingly slow. Even by the half-way point, I felt like I didn't really know Dylan and Addie, neither as their own people or together as a couple. This meant that I simply just didn't care about them and what happened to them as a couple.

If that was my biggest problem with the book, I probably would have given it more of a chance to the end so I could reach that inevitable happy ending. But it wasn't. My biggest problem with this book was Dylan's best friend, Marcus. Sure, he is meant to be a problematic character, perhaps one that the reader was supposed to feel sorry for or come to like, but I just could not stand him. I disliked him as a character and I disliked his role in the plot. I could say so much more about him, but in keeping this review spoiler free, all I can say is that he is the main reason I could not keep reading this book and why I would not recommend this book if you are looking for a delicious romance to enjoy in bed with a cup of tea.

TW: sexual assault, attempted rape, alcohol misuse/drug misuse - suggested addiction, stalking, cheating, infidelity, homophobia from a parent, neglectful and toxic parenting, depression
Rep: LQBTQ+ side characters - m/m relationship

My review may contain some vague spoilers so just be aware!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for granting me an eARC for this book (and also to the lovely Jess for sending me her physical ARC!)

Ah this is a difficult review to write because I love Beth O'Leary and I loved her first two books but this one just didn't quite hit the right note for me; I did have high expectations going in so it is partly on me that i'm disappointed with this one but it just didn't have the same tone as The Flat Share and The Switch and it seemed to be missing the same heart of the story.

I honestly didn't find any of the characters that likeable and it was difficult for me to really get invested in the love story of Dylan and Addie because we start post-break up and then dive backwards to the start of their relationship which really seemed to be insta-love. We don't really learn that much about them as a couple aside from the fact that they have sex a lot and argue about Marcus... I honestly couldn't really tell you anything about them as individuals or them as a couple. This is what O'Leary has done so well in her other books; build up each individual character so it feels like they're a well known friend but I just didn't feel it in this book. There was just a charm about them missing for me. The wider characters didn't do much for me either; Marcus was a pretty awful person and whilst I get that he went to therapy and all, that doesn't change the terrible person that he was to Addie - and to Dylan - and to all other women. Deb was great but she was limited and given that Rodney turned out to be a stalker it was hard to like him.

The whole side plot with Rodney the stalker and them attending the wedding just really threw the whole book off for me and really just pulled focus from our main characters. It just felt very random to be thrown in at the last minute.

This honestly just didn't quite do it for me and i'm really sad about this!

Beth O’Leary really impressed me with her first two books The Switch and Flatshare. I didn’t feel this quite lived up to the previous novels, but was still enjoyable. The novel centres around a group of 4 young people, former friends and lovers (plus a random Rodney) who end up forced to share a mini driving to Scotland for a wedding. The novel flits between past, when the group first met in the idyllic French countryside and Addie and Dylan first became lovers, and present events on the road trip. The story is also told alternately by Addie and Dylan which can be confusing as 4 different viewpoints on the story. The initial idyllic romance of Then has ended badly but in the Now it is clear that Dylan Has matured, as has his best friend Marcus who was instrumental in leading to the breakdown of the relationship. In the course of the road trip misunderstandings were overcome.
To be honest, I found myself feeling my age (35!) reading about youthful romances, excesses and foolish mistakes which I hadn’t felt when reading O’Leary’s previous novels. I felt cynical about the ending too! Maybe 10years ago I’d have given this 5stars, when I still dreamed of handsome English graduates writing me poetry and quoting Spenser like Dylan!
Well written and humourous, but aimed at a younger audience.

Love Beth O’Leary, loved this book! Whilst I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as The Flat Share, it had a great plot and fantastic characters, and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s the perfect book to pick up for a trip or beach holiday (situation pending, of course!!), it’s the perfect escapist fiction!

Addie and her sister are about to embark on an epic road trip to a friend's wedding in rural Scotland. The playlist is all planned and the snacks are packed. But, not long after setting off, a car slams into the back of theirs. The driver is none other than Addie's ex, Dylan, who she's avoided since their traumatic break-up two years earlier. Dylan and his best mate are heading to the wedding too, and they've totalled their car, so Addie has no choice but to offer them a ride. The car is soon jam-packed full of luggage and secrets, and with four-hundred miles ahead of them, Dylan and Addie can't avoid confronting the very messy history of their relationship. Will they make it to the wedding on time? And, more importantly, is this really the end of the road for Addie and Dylan?

I fell head over heels for this book and am bereft it has finished. I honestly cannot remember the last time I felt so connected to a read. Starting with the premise, O'Leary is already on to a win as it is just so great and yet so simple - throw exes into a mini, add in their nearest and dearest and you are in for one hell of a ride. This proved to be a highly entertaining, heart-warming read and I adored every page.

O'Leary writes this between the present and the past. Initially, I preferred the present day chapters but the past soon proves to be vital and I was hooked, wanting to get to the next reveal of secrets and learn everything I could about Addie and Dylan. This just has everything you could want in it; love, heartbreak, happiness, pain and laughter. This was a pure joy to read, albeit emotional as well!

O'Leary's characters are spectacular as well. I loved Addie and Dylan, more importantly though, I cared about them and their story. It was great getting to know them, learning about their relationship, seeing where it went wrong and discovering if they might be able to find their way back to one another. The other characters are great as well, all of them are just so realistic and likeable which helps massively. I have to shout out Rodney as well, you will see what a mean when you read this, but what a character.

'The Road Trip' is one of those books that you read, fall in love with and just know you will not be forgetting it. This was a sensational read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for an advance copy.

I loved the Flatshare and enjoyed the switch, but this just wasn’t for me. It felt different in tone and style and I struggled to care about the characters.

Another brilliant book by Beth O'Leary. This is her second book I have read. Stuck in a car giving your ex and his obnoxious friend, your sister and an extra wedding guest a lift from the South to Scotland. Does not sound like a fun trip. Delving back in the relationship history of all the intertwined parties is illuminating and funny. You see how the characters develop and grow as they age from late teens to late twenties. There are a few surprises along the way, just like real life throws in to the path when you least expect it. Enjoy, I did.

This was an enjoyable story. It is a second chance story not only about 2 lovers but also second chance friendships. Whilst there is comedic moments, the underlying story is raw in emotions. At times it felt very intimate as we learn the love story of Dylan and Addie through present moments and flashbacks. It is told via dual points of Dylan and Addie and you can really get lost in their story. The comedy that is provided through Deb, Kevin and Rodney is a needed breather between the love story. This is the first time I have read a book by this Author, but look forward to reading more in the future.

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary eARC and providing my unbiased opinion of the story.

Oh I loved this book.
As a follow up to The Flat Share, this exceeds expectations.. Addie and Debs are travelling to Scotland for a wedding. In the car is Rodney, no-one quite knows who he is, but he's begged a lift. Before they've gone far, an accident occurs when Adde's ex, her great love, drives in to the back of her. Add another two passengers to the car and you have a road trip.
I loved the unfolding story of the love affair, the old and the new. And I was really rooting for Dylan and Addie.
Joyful

Not my usual type of read but overall it was a well written, funny book with good characters and I can recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Addie and her sister Deb set out of their first road trip since deb gave birth for their friends wedding, they’ve planned every snack, song and stop. Not long into their drive a driver slams into the back of Deb’s mini and the driver Dylan, Addie’s ex boyfriend who she’d not seen since their heartbreaking demise two years prior.

Addie still had hours mentally to prepare to see Dylan but the universe had other plans. Dylan’s car is done for and he and his toxic best friend Marcus squeeze into Deb’s mini for an 8 hour drive. The car is jam packed of people it’s bursting with tension, feelings and secrets. Slowly each one of them looses patience and the gloves come off.

They can avoid their messy past any longer. Someone in the car deserve forgiveness while others deserve to be exiled. After another bump in the road the party question whether they will make it to the wedding. A story of love, friendship, heartbreak and forgiveness.

I loved this book, so vastly different to the Flatshare and The Switch and perfect in its own way. I loved the formatting and past and present POV for Addie and Dylan. Very honoured to have been able to read this one in advance.

Having read and enjoyed The Flat Share by the same author, I was worried that I may not have enjoyed this book as much, but I was wrong. I found this one to be just as enjoyable if not better!
Told in parts of then and now by two of the main characters, we slowly learn what happened in their relationship for it to break down the way it did and will they be able to put things behind them after two years and move on?
The story is easy to follow, the characters are great- I loved them all! I loved the storyline, I had many laugh out moments whilst reading too. I can’t wait for more by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An enjoyable read about friendships, road trips and second chances. Told in dual timelines - then and now- this is an easy read that will while a few hours away in front of a cosy fire or on the beach.

While I warmed to some of the characters, particularly Deb, it was difficult to be as invested in the story of Addie/Dylan and the Dylan/Marcus friendship.

With both The FlatShare and The Switch, there were characters who had interesting stories and a totally unexpected dynamic. While the Road Trip has its twists and turns (including dodgy characters who you wouldn’t want to be in the same room with, never mind a mini) it’s just not got the same tug on the heartstrings.

So all in all, a good read but not quite up there with the author’s two previous books. I look forward to her next book

This is the 3rd book by the author, I have loved the first 2 however I was disappointed as I did not enjoy this completely. There were parts I enjoyed but overall not so much. There were times I felt the characters related to the lead couple were far more fun and interesting.

This was my first book by this author. It was an enjoyable read. The string of bad luck and hilarious situations that the five of them have on the way to wedding, was at times very laugh out loud. The back and forth to the past and then the present, especially for the first half of the book, I thought was a little confusing for me, I was just getting into the present road trip story and then it would switch back. However the back story and character development was very important to the present day situation.
The bond between Marcus and Dylan was interesting and there were times I wondered if Marcus had feelings for Dylan or not. I could see Dylan’s dilemma of wanting to help his friend who is spiralling out of control or ignoring him. When the full story came out I couldn’t help but like Marcus a bit more. His fun ‘changed’ personality on the road trip was very entertaining through out and I loved his off the cuff unfiltered remarks. I have to say Rodney was also a funny interesting read, and I could never have thought he was the twist that he was, on some levels you just can’t help but feel sorry for him.
Dylan and Addie were an interesting couple, their love was there from the start, and it took bring apart to show them how much they meant to each other, but until Marcus changed they really were always doomed as a couple.

Five disparate people (including two ex-lovers) squashed in a MiniCooper travelling from Brighton to Scotland - what could possibly go wrong? The answer is - just about everything, as you would expect, given the character dynamics. The ‘will they, won’t they’ get together again’ romantic scenario is played nicely with flashbacks to their previous relationship, and there’s much extra intrigue on the side to keep the interest flowing to the end.