Wow!!! Never have I ever been so on the edge of my seat while reading a romance novel. Christina Lauren really show their dynamic writing abilities in this book as they venture into “adventure romance.” I was laughing at one-liners, aww-ing at the second chance love story (and Walter), gasping as the treasure hunt took twists and turns, and completely unable to put this book down. And we have a new trope: only one sleeping bag. While the adventure storyline was really the shining star here, Leo and Lily were great main characters and their rekindled romance was so sweet and honest. This was such a fun and wild ride going on a treasure hunt through the Wild West, solving puzzles and cracking codes, and watching two characters recreate their bond through it all.

Thank you to Gallery Books for the ARC!

I love Christina Lauren books, but they all don't hit me the same way. This one had some of the gut punch emotional bits I've been missing since Love and Other Words, but with more moments of levity. There's a lot of action, but a lot of trademark banter, and of course, deliciously tender scenes between the two love interests. It's a ride from start to finish, and you won't want to put it down. There's honestly so much I could say about this book, so many quotes I'd love to share, but you're going to have to experience the whole thing for yourself.

A really cool thing about reading romance is how fast reader cycle through what they're looking for in their books. Authors need to keep up with demand, which means it's often really easy to see how they've grown and improved during their careers. If you look at, like, the longue durée of Christina Lauren, this book is absolutely evidence of how authors can really stretch themselves. They've been traditionally published for less than ten years, and in that time they've gone from writing some really almost impenetrable heroes to Leo, a man who is so, so willing to put himself out there and confess his love from almost the jump. He doesn't want to play games -- he wants Lily, and he's going to make himself vulnerable to prove that. I truly cannot overstate how much I admire this kind of hero and this kind of growth. This is the kind of book that makes me proud of the work romance can do in a relatively short period of time.

They've cautioned that it's tonally a bit darker than their other works, and I'd say yes but not like remarkably so (although you should absolutely check content warnings). If you're looking for a little grit, some really strong women, and a true sweet potato of a side character (walt ily), you're going to want to pick this one up.

Christina Lauren is one of my favorites! While treasure hunting isn't typically my thing - romance on the trails and young love rekindled. kept me hooked. Great read!