<i>4.5 stars</i>

Once upon a time, my queen, Taylor Swift, said that unrequited love is just as crushing as it is thrilling.

And when that unrequited love is for a friend?

It's about a million times worse.

Because all those small-nice-sweet things they do for you "as a friend" makes you fall in love with them just a little bit harder. You can't stop your heart from falling, even as your mind reminds you that if you ever make a move on them and it doesn't work out, your friendship is done for <i>good</i>.

Unrequited love sucks in general, but it's all that more crushing but thrilling when it's a friend.

Emily Henry somehow managed to capture all of those <b>*fEeLiNgS*</b> in this book in a way that it made my heart ache constantly. Because I've been there and felt that way, and for me, it felt like Henry was mapping the emotional history of my heart through Poppy and Alex's own tale of love.

I'm a sucker for the friends-to-lovers trope a little more than I am for the enemies-to-lovers trope, because in the former, there's an organic build up of attraction over time; an actual romance you can root for. Somehow the pining is 1000x stronger when the two parties involved are friends who are in love with each other, but don't know that the other is. As a reader, this is the type of angst I live for.

Henry takes this idea of a trope and remoulds it into something I've never seen before -- two friends falling in love with each other over about a decade of summer vacations. We're very different people when we're vacationing -- we're a lot more relaxed, a lot more adventurous, and generally a lot more happier too.

<b><i>“Like a good book or an incredible outfit, being on vacation transports you into another version of yourself.”</i></b>

For me, this book transported me to a world I've forgotten about in this year of being stuck at home -- the world of travel, exploring new places, meeting new people, and getting to find a place where you might fit. For me, that place was the Maldives and this book reminded me of the days I spent lazing in the sun like a crocodile while looking at the turquoise waters. This book enriched my soul just the way that vacation six years back did.

Needless to say, I'm now a fan of Emily Henry's novels. This is only my second book of hers, and while I enjoyed (and cried) when I read Beach Read, this book sung to my soul. There's something about her writing -- full of whimsy and insightful observations, punctuated with tension and wit -- that captivated me and had me glued to my Kindle screen.

I used a sick-day just to read this book, and that's a decision I do not regret. The story alternates between the past and the present, and each chapter reveals something more about Alex and Poppy that only convinces you that they're perfect for each other, but also fools, because it's so obvious that they love each other. Getting to know these two is worth the paid-leave I get at work.

Some of the events that occurred in the book reminded me of things I've personally experienced, and gave me blasts of nostalgia. And though I was physically curled up in my bed with my Kindle, I was living and reliving memories through Alex and Poppy. It was easy to be with them as they vacationed and met up every summer, and feel the heartache as life took them on different paths during the other eleven months of the year.

<b><i>"You can love someone and still know the future you'd have with them wouldn't work for you, or for them, or maybe even for both of you.”</i></b>

Henry's writing (both in Beach Read and in this book) contains a certain realism to it, like these aren't fictional characters but real people living these stories somewhere, like she's lived these lives and experienced these incidents herself. For me, that's the mark of a great author.

She also knows how to build up a story, first letting it simmer, then turning it on high so that everything hits you, making you feel as much as a character in the book as you are a reader. This book was perfection, and is honestly the best remedy for escaping the cabin-fever that's set in because of the pandemic. In many ways, the escapism I experienced reminded me of TS's <i>folklore</i> album.

From here on out, I'll always be in a rush to read Henry's new releases; I already know I'm going to like what she writes next.

I'm here for all the <b>*fEeLiNgS*</b>.

Thanks to Penguin General UK for providing me with an ARC of this lovely novel in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book and enjoyed meeting all the different characters
with thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book in exchange for this honest review

It almost pains me a little to type this, but “People We Meet on Vacation“ wasn’t really for me.

I understand why so many people adore this book. I really do. And that’s why I’m even more disappointed that I didn’t end up loving it myself.

The story was fun. The characters were likeable. It was cute.

But.

First of all I wasn’t a big fan of the constant present - past shifts. That’s on me since it makes sense to tell the story this way. Nevertheless, I could’ve done with slightly less time shifts.

Next, the characters. I already mentioned liking them, but I really wondered how old they were supposed to be - maybe I missed that being mentioned at some point. They came off as too juvenile, even in the “present“ chapters of the book. There also didn’t seem to be any character development, they didn’t mature over the years.

Another thing that bothered me was that the story really started to drag at some point and I grew slightly bored with it, even though it’s a relatively short book.

And last but not least, my main issue. The exes. So mich talk about the exes. So many scenes with the exes. I hated it.
And yes, I get that it’s only realistic for adults to have had multiple relationships. I do. But this is a romance novel and I want to root for the main couple and not read about them being - more or less happily - in love with their previous partners. That’s just not my cup of tea.

So overall this was a solid read, and people who aren’t bothered by *the exes* will probably really enjoy this book. I however just couldn’t get over that aspect.

<i>“You asked me who I was, and—it was like the answer came out of nowhere. Sometimes it feels like I didn’t even exist before that. Like you invented me.”</i>

People We Meet On Vacation was as wholesome as I expected it to be. when i read Beach Read-also by Emily Henry- it took me completely by surprise because of the darker themes it dealt with. but this one was the perfect summer read; a cute, holiday themed, funny love story that finally got me out of a slump. being about finding home in another person, i’d definitely recommend this if you’re looking for something similar to Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren or even Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

Thank you so much PRH for sending me an ARC, I loved reading this book!! Emily Henry keeps getting better with each book. First let's talk about Poppy and Alex's friendship (keeping aside their romance); their banter and being so real with each other was the most fun to read! I was laughing out loud at their conversations. I loved Poppy's character and her humor ( a mix of sarcasm and lameness) was TOO good!

I like a book where the author has focused on the characteristics of the protagonists and shows us all the aspects of their life and how it affects them. Poppy and Alex's story is one where they both evolve with time, learn to be comfortable with the idea of being happy and realizing WHAT makes them happy. I loved that the book wasn't just about a happy ending, it was about the inner struggle of being in a love that scares them but also knowing what they want as individuals.

One could say it was also about missed chances or time wasted because they didn't realize it sooner but from my point of view I think the timeline was perfect for them, because they found each other when they were sure about the kind of life they wanted instead of making each other miserable.

Thank you Emily for writing this book; I was up till 5 am finishing it and don't regret it at all. After a long time a book kept me awake. It was difficult to let Alex and Poppy go because I wanted to keep on reading.

This is a romance about Alex and Poppy, two BFF’s who meet at college, but don’t really like each other. They then are forced to share a car trip home together and this leads to a life long connection.. The book is based in the current time and goes between previous vacations together and the one they’re on in the present time in Palm Springs. Poppy is a travel writer and invites Alex with her on her assignments. They travel to some fantastic places together but after a disastrous vacation together in Croatia they don’t speak for 2 years. Poppy is distraught at the thought of never speaking to Alex again and hatches a plan to get him to go to Palm Springs with her. After a bit of a stilted start they virtually end up back where they were. The vacation is a disaster though, the weather is baking, the hotel is disgusting but they get through it and end up stronger than ever. They end up being more than friends but an event pulls them apart yet again. Ultimately this is a lovely story about love and friendships and the tests they go through and also I loved the travel aspect. I really like Poppy and would love her as a friend, especially if I got to go to the places she travels to with her lol ! I liked the structure of the book flipping between past and present. I would recommend reading this on holiday by a pool or on the beach.

2.5 stars
Unfortunately, this book was disappointing.

I found the characters so difficult to relate to and couldn't build a connection with them.

Poppy - She was a very flat character. Her internal dialogue was depressing and repetitive. She was very self-centered and really annoyed me.
Alex - I didn't understand his personality at all. It seemed to be in conflict with his actions.

I understand that the theme is opposites attract but honestly for most of the story Poppy didn't even show much attraction to Alex.

I didn't enjoy the flashbacks, I found them to be excessive and boring.

I absolutely adored this romance, which captured all the joy of friendship combined with crazy weekends away which I am so craving during this time of Covid19 fun.

Following the story of best friends Poppy and Alex, who since college have had the tradition of going on a summer trip together, we learn about their history of 10 years of friendship somehow interrupted 2 years ago during an incident on their last vacation together. Picking up in the present day, Poppy invites Alex on one final trip to try and reconnect. Can they find their way back to each other as best friends, or perhaps something more?

This romance was super cute and fun, with believable characters. Whilst it keeps a number of the romance tropes you might expect - friends to lovers, big city vs small town life, so called 'millennial malaise' (knowingly but sympathetically discussed by the author), there is much that keeps this fresh, fun and enjoyable for all. As someone craving travel during these times, this was especially refreshing, as it really brought home how you can have a wonderful time away without travelling a thousand miles.

Highly recommended, perfect summer reading.

Very slow burner, but keep with it because this book is so good! Brilliant romance with the perfect amount of humor! Would of 100% been a 5 star if it wasnt for the beginning that took a while to kick in!

after enjoying beach read i was interested to see what else emily henry had to offer

this is a fun read about two friends who have gone on vacation every year until one year something happens and they haven't spoken since.

i love books based around travel and i loved reading all the descriptions of the places they go and the people they meet

a fun summer read

I loved Beach Read so obviously, I was excited about Emily Henry’s newest novel. And I was not disappointed! You and Me on Vacation is the equivalent of strawberry lemonade on a hot summer day: sweet, refreshing and I would like more of it, please.

You and Me on Vacation felt like a breath of fresh air in my pandemic-induced monotone life. I may be confined to my four walls for the most part and there is no summer vacation in sight, but I can live vicariously through Poppy and Alex on their vacations. It’s escapism at its finest.

I thoroughly enjoyed the structure of the book, jumping between different vacations, sometimes revisiting moments later on with more context. It kept the pacing quick and simultaneously allowed for me to really get to know Alex and Poppy and how their relationship developed over time. The best way I know how to describe how this structure felt is this: it feels like a friend recounting stories. I felt so close to Poppy and her narration and really rooted for her and Alex!

Speaking of our main duo: Alex and Poppy are adorable. They’re so different and definitely shouldn’t work, but somehow they do and it’s glorious. They truly make each other better, bringing out the best parts of their personalities. Alex is quiet and structured, he balances Poppy’s quirkiness and steadies the whirlwind of chaos. On the other hand, Poppy’s unabashed authenticity allows Alex to be himself, too. I loved their dynamic immediately.

I didn’t expect to particularly relate to the characters, after all, my life is very different from both of them. I’m not a travel blogger or a teacher and I sit somewhere in the middle of Alex and Poppy, personality-wise. But there was a moment where Poppy recounts feeling lonely and disconnected as a child because she can never fully know anyone or be known by anyone. And that part almost made me cry because it’s exactly how I feel and had never read about it in a book! Needless to say, Poppy owns my entire heart now.

I think there’s something about books that feature cats with weird names that just always work for me. In this case, the cat belongs to Alex and is called Flannery O´Connor. If you too happen to enjoy books that feature this very specific element…well, You and Me on Vacation fits the bill. Even though the cat isn’t plot-relevant, I love it.

Overall, You and Me on Vacation was the boost of soft and warm summer vibes and serotonin I needed.

I am afraid I found this novel to be a bit hit and miss I’m afraid. Certain parts had me really gripped and then I found myself skipping whole pages of text as it was just too meandering. On the whole I think it is probably me as a reader who does not appreciate this author’s writing style as many reviewers are raving about this book and her previous novel Beach Read, but I’m afraid overall I just found the two women in both novels too unlikeable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read a preview copy of this book.

I loved this story about two best friends who are total opposites.  I really enjoyed getting to know Poppy & Alex in the flashbacks to their past vacations, all building to that last one that broke everything.  The chemistry & the banter that these two have was fantastic!

Don’t hate me guys but I didn’t love this book like everyone else did.

This book has been so hyped I abandoned my reading list and read this so I didn’t miss out!

Don’t get me wrong, I love reading about all the different holidays they went all but I just couldn’t bond with Poppy and Alex and found them a bit annoying😂

I notice a few other people on instagram have said they didn’t really like it so I’m glad I’m not alone!

I loved Alex and Poppy’s story.Set in past summer’s and present which enabled the reader to understand their characters and produce a well rounded story. It was a modern day love story, funny, emotional and thought provoking. The book was extremely well written and I would recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Books and Emily Henry for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

I've had this arc waiting on my TBR shelf for months, and my goodness am I glad I've gotten around to it finally. This was the perfect book to read during a summer heat wave. Emily Henry's talent for dialogue is once again on full display here, as it was in Beach Read. Honestly, this was just a brilliant summer read, that I'd recommend to anyone who wants to sit and read on a beach, or sit and read at home whilst thinking of a beach.

A perfect beach read, this focuses on two friends who take an annual vacation together. Ideal for fans of One Day

Pure escapism. I really enjoyed this book. A lovely romantic read that I did not want to put down. I really enjoyed Poppy and Alex's story. Definitely can't wait to read Emily Henry's next book.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review – as always, thanks so much to Netgalley for sending this to me!

People We Meet on Vacation is a sweet, summery friends to lovers romance that follows Poppy and Alex, two polar opposites who have been best friends since college. On paper, they should never work – Poppy is impulsive, preppy, and can’t sit still; Alex is straight-laced and uptight – but they’ve had this enduring friendship and come back together every year for their annual summer vacation. Until, one fateful summer, everything falls apart, culminating in two long years of awkward silence. This book begins when Poppy reaches out to Alex for the first time since their last disastrous trip, and the consequences that follow as the two of them try to mend their friendship, fighting the romantic feelings that caused them to fall apart in the first place.

This book is sweet, summery, and generally full of feel-good vibes. Poppy and Alex are likeable and there are lots of funny, heart-warming moments. There are a variety of interesting settings and side characters, and I appreciated all the little moments of insight into their friendship that we got to see in the flashback sections of the narrative.

Unfortunately, friends to lovers has always been a hard sell for me (I know, what kind of romance reader am I?) and this book was no exception. I found it hard to get invested in the conflict, and while other readers have talked about how angsty this was, I found that it dragged on for two long. I didn’t enjoy the pining, I just kind of wanted them to get on with it so that the book could be over. I liked them as a couple, but generally I found them unremarkable and honestly a little boring. Their HEA was convincing and felt well-earned, but I doubt I’ll spend much time daydreaming about their vanilla, missionary-with-the-lights-off sex now that I’ve closed the book.

All of this sounds harsh – I didn’t dislike the book, but I didn’t love it either, and ultimately I don’t think it’s going to stick with me.

This is my second read by Emily Henry, I enjoyed both books of hers. This book took me on a mini-vacation. The book is about friendship, love, relationships, life and connections. This is from friends to lovers tale of Alex and Poppy, who are best friends, who always takes annual summer vacations together. Two years back on the last vacation they took together something had happened which changed their relationship. After two years to save the friendship poppy has decided to plan an annual summer vacation again. Yes, it is about a second chance in friendship and love. This one was perfect for me as I am craving a vacation and can't go for one because of the restrictions.