I usually really enjoy Beth O'Leary, however this one didn't resonate for me. I'm not thrilled with flashbacks in my stories your mileage may vary. (Did you see what I did there? The book is called The Road Trip) :)

I really enjoyed the chemistry and connection between Dylan and Addie. This book has some wonderful themes of redemption and forgiveness, with some funny hijinks sprinkled throughout and a lovable cast of characters. I STRONGLY disliked Marcus so much that it made it hard to enjoy the book but the ending redeemed him for me a bit.

3.5 stars.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for a complementary copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.

❎ Another reviewer said that the writing felt more sophisticated than her two previous works and I agree with that. It's definitely a different vibe than The Flatshare or The Switch, but it still has the same warm heart that keeps me rereading her books.
❎ No one seems to handle sensitive topics like Beth O'Leary. She did it perfectly in The Flatshare and once again here in The Road Trip.
❎ The characters felt authentic and you really got that claustrophobic feeling of being in a tiny car with people you aren't entirely comfortable with.

❌ Posh people are pretty boring
❌ The characters weren't really _that_ interesting? I hated how Addie was constantly being described as small. Dylan was ok, but the ~damaged rich boy trying to find his way in life is ehh.
❌ Not enough steam tbh.

I liked this book and sped through it in a day and a half. I would definitely recommend it to patrons interested in contemporary romance or just a good read in general.

When Addie set out on a road trip with her sister to a friend's wedding, she never dreamed that she would end up in an epic journey that included her ex, his best friend, and a strange friend of the bride. However, that is exactly what happens when Addie and her ex, Dylan, get into a fender bender at the start of the journey. They are soon hopelessly delayed by car trouble, traffic, pee breaks, food breaks, and more outlandish circumstances. Trapped in a car with each other for so long brings up the shared memory of their past.

I wanted to love this book but it is honestly filled with toxic people who were in toxic relationships with each other...it was really hard to like or sympathize with anyone in the book and says something (not good) that perhaps Rodney was my favorite character. The flashbacks did nothing to show me why I should want Addie and Dylan to be together. And the nickname Dyl...I just can't with that.