it's been quite a while since i've read a kasie west work, so evidently i was intrigued to see how her new one would go and if things had changed from her stories my younger self consumed. flew through this story within give or take two hours and i can say i was left wishing there was more written to the simons and hutton families' story. norah and skyler were the perfect set up to the childhood friends to lovers along with the plus of their families being close with their mother being best friends since college yet didn't get to live up to their potential. it's definitely a personal preference but i would have preferred things to be more drawn out between those two estranged best friends with a bit more angst, but how things were resolved between them made sense on skyler's side. i do wish the characters weren't so two-dimensional, skyler was the only one not really lacking for me and even so, we didn't really get more information on how he worked past his issues on his dad. the side plot of norah being nosy into what the moms were hiding i feel like was just there to add some intrigue, and again even when that was revealed not more of the story came together with it.

that being said i was honestly let down by the ending, just felt not just abrupt but lacking on that depth was needed with the bonds between the families and seeing how norah and skyler worked through things after that last chapter. like west tried tying it all together too fast for my liking. apart from all this, some aspects i did enjoy was seeing both kids of the families bond, norah and skyler's love for art, and particularly a trope between two side characters that i suspected in the beginning and was pleased to see that my suspicions were correct. so sadly this was not my favorite kasie west, disappointing since i remember enjoying some of her other works just a few years back.

Kasie West never fails to disappoint!

Ah, I am so thankful that I got an ARC from Netgalley via TBR and Beyond Tours for this novel, because I am pretty sure I'd have put off reading this, claiming I had other books to read!

The story starts off by Norah getting ready to leave for an RV trip, and the entire book we see Skyler and Norah 'navigating' through their friendship (Get it? Cause like on the road trip they'd have to navigate too? No? *Mumbles* okay)

Moving on, let's get into a deep dive of the book!

Plot:
I honestly do not know why I have not read more road trip books. I enjoy them, but somehow I simply don't actively pick them up!
Similarly, this book set on a road trip is awesome too! I feel like it definitely did have more depth than normal Kasie West novels, and I loved that about it.

Characters:
Kasie West's writing and her characters are the best thing in most of her books! And I loved the characters in this one, especially Willow! I loved the entire family dynamics as well! But honestly speaking- I saw zero sparks between Norah and Skyler. Maybe it's just me, but I dunno

Writing Style:
This seemed just a little mellowed out too, but was fun to read all the same!

Recommend it 100% for all lovers of YA and road trips!

Rating-.⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kasie West never fails to deliver. I sit on the edge of my seat waiting every time for the next book to come out. And what a blessing to received an ARC for this one! Love Kasie West and love her story-telling abilities. Always I can expect a humorous, clean and sweet YA story that will bring a smile to my face. And then I get to share them with my teen daughters. What? You don't read all the good YA before your kids? But truly, always a pleasure to sit down with one of these reads.

This one revolves around a RV road trip. Norah has been looking forward to seeing her childhood best friend for this trip. But when Skyler arrives and gives her the cold shoulder, her summer road trip dreams are crushed. When she overhears some troubling news, she is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Again, a classic Kasie West story. Surprised to see some alcohol in this one (first that I can recall, and it's for my own recollection in the future when discussing with kids), but it wasn't anything overt so it was okay.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's/ Delacorte Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book completely and utterly blew me away!

Thank you, NetGalley and Kasie West for the opportunity to read an advanced readers' copy of Places We've Never Been.

I could not put this book down. I dreaded having to go to work and leave this book for a few hours. If I could have sat in one spot and only read this book, I would have. I wouldn't even get up for snacks, its that fantastic.

West continues to amaze me with her writing. I always become so captured by the words. West's writing allows me to forget that I'm reading. To be completely sucked into the story. This particular story was amazing. A summer road trip, friends to enemies to lovers, family dynamics, best friends, and so much more make for the perfect book.

The way everything was written flowed very well. I was never left wanting more or hating the choices the characters made. That's a big deal for me.

The story follows Norah, as she embarks on a summer road trip. Complete with her mom, brother, and of course her best friends from a few years ago and his family. Skyler, the best friend, moved away a few years ago, but it’s going to be great to spend the summer together. Pick up where they left off. Or so Norah thought. From the moment Skyler shows up, he acts differently. Nothing goes how it should.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Finding out that she will be going on a road trip for the summer with her mam, brother, and former best friend, Skyler, and his family, Norah can't wait to reconnect. But as soon as Skyler arrives, it's clear he doesn't feel the same way. Now forced to be in close proximity for weeks, sharing two RV's between the families, Norah needs to find out just what's wrong, and why they are so far apart when so close physically. As the miles roll by, and it's clear that Norah's strong feelings towards Skyler aren't quiet those of hatred, but one's of love, it's a struggle for her to reconcile with keeping secrets, and becoming closer than ever before.

When I learnt that Kasie had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance of reviewing it for the blog tour. I've always adored her books, and from the synopsis of Places We've Never Been, I knew this was one for me. Norah's character was one who was open to anything, and wore her heart on her sleeve, so learning that her former best friend, Skyler, who she's missed since he moved away years ago, would be back for the summer, she was overjoyed. However, he doesn't welcome the trip - or time with her - with open arms, and is rather standoffish, which wasn't what she expected at all. She's also got her upcoming interview at college to prepare for, and she can't get into the wrong head space for that - not when she knows that being a woman in a male oriented industry is already a difficult thing. I really liked seeing them reconnect, and be with each other now as teenagers, rather than preteens. They both held things back from each other, and there was a little plot line I wasn't too keen on, but I understood why it had to be included. Kasie has really hit it out the park with this one, and, once again, I'll be waiting for her next!

3.5 stars.
Thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours, Netgalley and Katie West for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review...

I'll start off with the characters, I loved them all, each of them were unique and memorable in their own way.
I found Norah to be quite relatable, her weird silly sense of humor is exactly like mine, her self doubt, overanalyzing nature with her constantly filtering herself and never showing her true self to people strongly resonated with me. I loved Skyler and how mature he was, initially he did act like a doofus but that was rather funny and made for hilarious banter.

I loved loved loved Ezra and his bond with Norah, his laid back attitude was ny favourite thing about him.
Paisley was a bit annoying but ofcourse what else can you expect from a 14 year old teenager lol
Austin didn't have much character development but his friendship with Ezra was fun.

The plot was a breezy one perfect for a summer read. Initially I couldnt help but laugh at Norah and Skyler's jabs at each other. But after I'd read 60% of the book, the plot just seemed to drag. And although I was curious to see how it ended I did find myself getting a bit bored.
The romance was cute and the transition from friends to enemies to lovers warmed my heart.
I usually dont like books that have travelling involved but this one was done so beautifully that I felt like I was actually travelling and seeing everything the characters' were seeing.

This book was relaxing to tell you the truth and I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a fun summer read.

Road trips are for having adventures, so when 17 year old Norah Simons and her family plan to take one with her childhood best friend Skyler and his family, she’s beyond excited. Until that is, they see each other for the first time in over 3 years and he acts completely cold towards her. Determined to have a good time she puts her feelings aside and embarks on an adventure full of trials and tribulations as well as unintentional personal growth. Suddenly struck by several curveballs, Norah becomes overwhelmed to say the least. Can she wade through these murky waters and manage to come out on top?
Thank you Netgalley, Kasie West and Random House Children’s for the opportunity to read and review this lovely heart warming book. I absolutely loved it! I devoured this book in one day (complete with interruptions and all). I didn’t want to put it down! I really needed a nice feel good book and boy did Kasie West deliver! I almost felt like I was on the trip with the two families. The characters were very personable and I enjoyed watching them as well as their relationships blossom. The book was funny, cute, and chock-full of wonderful inspirational quotes. This was my first time reading a book by Kasie West and it most definitely won’t be my last! Absolutely a must read if you enjoy a good fun, ooey gooey, feel good book! I’m rating this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Huge thanks to PRH International, and Kasie West for my ARC in exchange for the honest review.

Places We've Never Been is a delightful and engaging story about puppy love, friendships, and family. It has all of the charming and swoon-worthy moments that I've grown to love and appreciate from this author. I liked these characters, and it was a light and simple read overall. The book didn't give any attention to a modest, more emotional subplot until the finish. The author portrays the family dynamics so well; with two families mixing for a multi-week journey, it was simple to get into a rhythm with the teasing and bonding that made me feel like I was on the trip with them.

I'm a fan of the "childhood buddies to strangers to lovers" concept, and this book excelled at it! Norah and Skyler were so adorable that I couldn't stop smiling at every interaction they had, and they're a fantastic pair. I particularly enjoyed seeing the families connect, especially Norah and Paisley. Norah treated her like a friend, not an obnoxious little sister, which made me glad. It was an easy read, lovely and delicate. A handful of dramatic situations felt too handled, and the finale came too soon for me. I wish it had ended differently, but I still loved it as much as the author's previous novels. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 3.5/5 stars.

I’ve never read a Kasie West book (which is surprising) but I requested this to be a perfect ARC to start my summer off with between friends to rivals to friends to lovers, crushes, and a summer road trip.

Norah is quirky. Honestly, probably neurodivergent if I’m being honest. Skyler is her best friend but they haven’t talked in years. They’re both hiding the fact that they’re in love with one another. The way that Skyler tries to ignore and hurt Norah just to avoid his feelings is very typically YA guy, and I enjoyed it until there were some moments where I was like oh my god…they’re both so stupid.

The road trip and focus on finding themselves and nature and the dynamics make this an enjoyable read, but the conclusion…especially after the *romance* part comes to fruition feels rushed. The secret with the parents just gets tossed out there and nothing comes from it, even though it’s a major plot point.

Also, I just wanted more of Norah and Skyler by the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's for the e-galley!

Phew. I had the WORST month with reading in that I barely finished all my arcs and review obligations on time. I am sooo glad I saved the best for last. After a tumulous May, Kasei West saves the day.

I didn't mean for that to rhyme, but here we are!

Kasie West delivers one other best romances to date. After being separated for years, friends Norah and Skylar reconnect on a road trip across the country all while battling miscommunication and secrets from their moms and siblings. Romance blooms, as one expects in such close quarters :D

Norah is a superb character if only for the fact that she's a gamer who wants to enter the video game world. As a gamer myself, I appreciate this a lot. Shes' an extremely likable character. The enemies to lovers trope are one of my favs. Skylar starts off standoffish and kinda mean to Norah, which confuses her even more. She wanted to reconnect but all she gets is a broody boy. As they travel, she realizes how much she truly missed having Skylar around and vice versa. It was so cut to see their history together and made me wish I had a friend like that when I was growing up.

Kissing aside, this book is about family and cherishing every moment together. The dynamic between the two families was heartwarming and sad at times.

This is one of those perfect road trip romances that you need in your life. Road trips books make me feel like I'm there on the road with them. My husband and I traveled the country back when we were childless and it was the most freeing thing I've ever felt in my life. I hope to get back to it one day and I hope my son appreciates the feeling as much as we did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am a big fan of Kasie West's books. So going into this one, I knew it was going to be good! Norah and Skyler used to be best friends, but Skyler and his family moved away, and their communication all but stopped. But a joint family road trip will bring them back together once again.

This is a great best friends-to enemies-to lovers type book. I really like Norah and a lot of moments were relatable. The sibling relationships were spot on. I enjoyed this book a lot. It is the perfect summer read, or "I wish it was summer and need an escape through a book" read. It will be one that I recommend.

This is such a cute romance novel! It is clean and has only some mild suggestive language, so it is not only a great book for teenagers, but it is safe for middle schoolers, also. Kasie West is spot on in bringing these characters to life, and the friendship that develops into something more is done in a very believable and sweet way. The themes in this book are ones that teenagers will definitely be able to relate to, such as changing friendships and trying to get along with parents. The stress and pressure that many teens feel to perform is also addressed in this book. I found the dialogue delightful, and I enjoyed all of the plot twists. By the end of the book you’re cheering for everyone, and I think that’s exactly what a good romcom should do. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for providing this egalley to read and review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review an early copy of Kasie West’s new novel, out next week.

“You are like sunshine Norah.”

I was approved for her new release last year (Sunkissed) and absolutely adored it. So when I saw she had a new book coming, I knew I needed to have it and requested it immediately! I was so excited to be approved, and this one did not disappoint. Needless to say, I am for sure a Kasie West fan.

“It’s not some fleeting, new thing. It’s something real, something that doesn’t come along very often…”

I really enjoyed this story, and the short chapters! This is definitely a good summer read as it takes place on a road trip during the summer before Norah starts her senior year of Highschool. Norah is very excited to hear that this trip is shared with her moms best friend, and her old best friend, Skyler, before he moved four years ago. She is disappointed when Skyler isn’t as excited to see her as she thought.

“Sometimes you just have to let things happen how they’re supposed to happen.”

This is a second-chance romance and my God, it is adorable. I was rooting for these two the second the book started because their chemistry was off the charts. I loved hearing about their past and how those feelings they had for one another when they were younger were still there, even if they needed to be found hidden under the crap of the last four years. I also really enjoyed this cast of characters from the main players to our side ones. I even liked Ty (poor guy had no shot but tried anyways). It was also not only a romance, but also a book about self-discovery and appreciating your true, authentic self; even if no one else does. Norah was a little too Type A for me at the beginning, but she definitely had a lot of growth and I was so here for it!

“….that sometimes, no matter how well we planned or how hard we worked or our very best intentions, life wasn’t up to us.”

“Love is a pretty powerful thing. It doesn’t take away all of life’s disappointments, but it can provide a nice place to fall.”

The story does deal with some other themes outside of the cutesy romance, including mental health and discovering who you are.

“But failure in life is inevitable. It’s only a problem if we let it keep us from progressing.”

Moral of the story: Everyone needs their own Human Friendship Bracelet! I know I am very thankful for mine!

I can’t wait to see what West puts out next! Sign me up for it!

TW: anxiety, illness

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

It's been a while since I last read a Kasie West book, and several have come out since then. I'm so glad I was able to get this book through NetGalley because it reminded me how much I enjoy her books. They're fun, happy (at least by the end), quick, and clean. She isn't afraid of tough subjects, but she makes them very . . . approachable.

I've rounded this book up to 4 stars, but I'd give it 3.5-4 if I could. I enjoyed it, but it isn't my favorite of her books. I spent a lot of it frustrated and annoyed with Skyler (17) and Norah (17) because of the way they treated each other instead of actually talking. But I suppose it's really not surprising for teenagers. Or people in general, actually. It still bugged me, though, because they didn't just ignore each other--they made snide remarks at or about each other for no real reason. Each of them assumed something, and you know what assuming does. And yes, as with every Kasie West book I've read, it all gets worked out in the end (I'm not spoiling anything), but that ending still felt rather abrupt after everything else.

Norah and Skyler became more likable after a certain point of the book, but I struggled with it before then. Part of the reason was the way they treated each other (actually, that was the whole reason for Skyler since I couldn't see into his head). But Norah was so extremely Girl Power at times that it just irritated me. For example, her brother was being nice when they went tubing and picked up tubes for her and their mom. Instead of saying "thank you," she was offended and had to assert their ability to get and carry their own tubes. Similarly, when a guy she met commented that he didn't know a lot of female gamers (not in a mean way--he was just making an observation, and it seemed like he thought she was cool), she was again offended and basically lectured him. I'm all about strong women, but I do not like it when everything becomes a power play and a demonstration of "I don't need your help."

But I did enjoy this book, and I'm glad I read it.

Note: Can't think of anything bad.

I enjoyed this book it was a interesting story that kept you wanting to turn the page a best friend turned love interest and a family secret. College choices and a family trip all come together for a wonderful story that will leave you happy you picked up the book. I will be adding this to my classroom .library.

I absolutely loved this book! I was already a Kasie West fan, but ugh this book was so good. The way its written was so raw and relatable and I cried multiple times with Norah. Such a great book!

🐏 Book Review 🐑

#placesweveneverbeen
#kasiewest
#arcreview
#NetGalley publishing date 5/31/2022
#randomhousechildrens
#delacortepress

🐏🐏🐏🐏/5

Norah and Skylar used to be best friends before Skylar moved away 4 yrs ago. Their moms are best friends and they have decided to take the kids without the dads on a 3 week long summer RV vacation around some of the national parks. Skylar doesn't appear to be on speaking terms with Norah. It takes her most of the trip including an incident with a long horned sheep to find out why. Thus why I'm counting in sheep. 😁

Fun, easy reading #YAromance. Interesting perspective of long distance relationships. Whether just a friendship or romantic. As well as an interesting take on social media too. Things are never what they appear to be on social media.

The reason for the loss of a point is bc I got lost several times during conversations. Both verbal and texting conversations were just as confusing. I kept having to back track to see who was saying which line. I think the author needs to put a few more words to define which line was whose.

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #booknerdbookreviews #booknerds #bookworm #booklover #bookdragon #readalot #ilovereading #inkdrinker #librarymouse #bookaddict #bookaholic

Thank you to #NetGalley, Kasie West, and the publisher for the eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Norah hasn't seen her childhood best friend Skyler in years due to him moving. So when the chance comes up for her family and his family to take a road trip together, Norah is so excited! Excited that is until Skyler comes and seems like he'd rather be anywhere else in the world than on this trip. As the trip begins though, moods start to turn positive and feels start to change as well. Can their rivalry at the beginning of the story turn into something more?

This was another home run YA for Kasie West! I loved the book and will definitely recommend it to my other YA loving friends. I loved both Norah, Skyler, and their siblings. I also loved that the moms in the book were college best friends that still hung out. I hope I will be that way in 20 plus years with my friends from college and their families.

This was a sweet contemporary young adult story following Norah and Skyler, two childhood best friends as they reunite after four years apart for a cross-country family road trip. While Norah is thrilled to reconnect, she gets an icy reception from Skyler, giving us a bit of a friendship to enemies to lovers story.

I love YA books since we get to see teens navigate finding themselves and juggle relationships around them. This story gives us fun family dynamics, charming friendships, and a sweet romance. I loved the RV element that adds some forced proximity which helped move the story along as emotions bubbled over.

I wish we got a bit more from the ending, but overall it's a cute and quick summer read.

Skyler moved away four years ago and Norah misses her childhood best friend. When he first left, they talked all the time, but it eventually evolved into liking each other’s posts on social media. The moms (who are best friends) decide to plan an RV road trip for both families. Norah can’t wait! When Skyler arrives, though, he acts as if he would rather be anywhere else. Why is Skyler so distant? What will Norah discover about their families and herself as they drive up the west coast?

Places We’ve Never Been is a stand-alone romance that was quick to read and quick to forget. I enjoyed the fact that this book could be quickly devoured in a weekend, especially since it is almost summer, but I also wanted to know more about these characters and what they were feeling and thinking. This romance is “clean” and can be enjoyed by even the youngest teen and I will easily recommend it to all my library visitors.