If there was one book that summarizes the mood for 2022, it’s this one. When Louisa Malone realizes that all she has sacrificed: the long hours, time away from family, and loss of self-identity - is still not enough to secure the coveted partner spot at her law firm, she decides to throw it out with the wash water- literally!

Living off-grid and traveling with a Renaissance Faire band isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Living in a tiny camper and helping out vendors is tiring work, but as soon as Louisa leans into the new lifestyle, she discovers what she had been missing: inner peace, self-worth, and, most importantly, love.

The love story is soft but, at the same time, has a heart-twisting ticking clock. The use of a single POV lends well to the little misunderstandings between a no-nonsense woman and a younger modern man who believes he needs to play a particular role in society.

If you dreamt of getting away and leaving your fates up to the cards- pick up this book. DeLuca’s vibrant cast of characters will have you longing for your own adventure filled with long skirts, turkey legs, and a kilt-wearing, guitar-playing “Ren Faire Lothario”.

Another WELL done book by Jen DeLuca. Fans of the series will be thrilled. Highly recommended to music lovers, renfaire goers and romance readers. Highly recommended and will be getting a copy for the library.

3.75, rounded up because hell yes I'd like to run away from my life; I'll happily read that fantasy.

Issues:
- Lacking the core characters from Willow Creek that made love this series in the first place.
- Dex's evolution from casual lover of groupies to devoted boyfriend seemed abrupt.
- Lulu and Dex's relationship worked well, and I think they were excellent foils to each other, the progression of their relationship, especially in the beginning, felt stilted.

Things I love:
- A 40-something woman realizing her life is not what she wants and hopping off that train.
- Older woman/younger man (not by much, but still, refreshing)
- Woman holding each other up rather than tearing them down
- RenFair/theatre people/performers

Not my favorite of the three, and I kind of struggled to hit my reading stride through the first half, but definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of the series.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

To say I devoured this book is a gross understatement. I love Jen Deluca’s Ren-Faire rom-coms & was so excited to see the upcoming “Well Traveled” was already on #NetGalley. Huge thanks to @NetGalley and Berkley Romance for the chance to read this advanced e-galley copy. All opinions are my own.

I grew up going to the big Renaissance Faire in Southern California each year for several years & it was always such a highlight for me so Jen Deluca’s Well Met series is right up my alley. Her authentic details from her own experience makes these books so immersive & it feels like diving into a fantasy world just like the characters do. Lulu and Dex’s story is yet another great installment within the Ren-Faire community. Lulu needs a life reset & familiar characters from previous books just happen to be in the right place to intervene and help her get off-grid. She ends up living the Faire life for the summer with the Stacey & Daniel and the Dueling Kilts, including here-for-the-hookups-Dex. I loved the evolution of the relationship between Lulu and Dex - their chemistry is really fun. I also loved Lulu’s character journey as she found her way through the digital detox and forging her new path, or more accurately, getting herself back on the path she had once set out to take. I also enjoyed how Dex evolved as well - Deluca always captures how meeting the right person can wake someone up to new possibilities and feelings.

As always, I’m left happy but also wanting more! I don’t know if she has plans for more stories within the greater Willow Creek world, but I really enjoy the ongoing storylines for Stacey, Daniel, April, Mitch, Simon, Emily, & Caitlin. I hope there will be more of everyone - including Lulu & Dex.

I confess: I've loved every minute of Jen DeLuca's Ren Faire romances, starting with WELL MET, and this book stands up well to those other top-notch stories, though it can stand equally well on its own. Overworked Lulu runs away to join the Ren Faire and finds herself in close quarters with Dex, bad boy guitarist with a sweetheart at every travel stop. Sensible Lulu is getting her life together and doesn't plan to waste any of it pining for a guy no one can pin down. But what if there's something going on beneath that messy man bun that is as, if not more attractive, than those legs in a kilt?

We've seen Dex work his woo in earlier books, so I admit I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to buy that he suddenly turns into relationship material. But look, the reformed rake trope works for Regencies, and it works here too. What makes it work is that the first half of the story--maybe most of the story--is about Lulu's quest to find herself, and once she has herself somewhat sorted, then it makes sense that she could fall for the guy that Dex turns out to be. (We've been underestimating him all along. Who knew?)

After she realizes the law firm that has overworked her and stolen her soul is never, ever going to make her partner, Louisa quits, throws her phone in the tub at the laundry wench show (trust me, the scene is hilarious), and agrees to travel with her friend Stacey and the Dueling Kilts until she can take refuge with cousin Mitch (another guy with the build for a kilt). Living in a camper, eating in the open air, and cuddling with Benedict the tuxedo cat is the therapy Louisa needs to find her better self--Lulu.

At first, Dex is just around. Flirtatious. Friendly. Doing his (eye roll) Dex thing. But when the musical chairs of their sleeping arrangements makes Dex her camper roomie at one faire, Lulu finds herself unexpectedly enjoying his company. He's a talented and dedicated musician. He's hugely loyal to his family. His relaxed attitude to things is a bonus, given that she's high strung. And when she sees Dex take the part of his brother Todd, who's in love, even if it means Todd might break up the band, Lulu starts to admit that he's an attractive guy. Or maybe that's when I started to admit that he's an attractive guy.

And once the attraction is mutual, the romance gets going full steam, and I do mean steam. It's all great fun, with DeLuca's dry humor along with real heart for her characters and her ability to pull off even the absurdest situations. Lulu is pressed to rethink quite a few of her values--including her take on tarot cards, after she falls in with the fortune telling contingent of the faire circuit--and that personal evolution makes the romance all the more charming. Plus, along the journey to Willow Creek, we get to enjoy the other couples we've fallen in love with--Stacey and Daniel, Mitch and April, Simon and Emily--and even get to see how Caitlin is growing up.

In short, this book delivers everything I want in my rom coms: characters I love who reveal unexpected depths, a journey of personal growth as well as sizzling courtship, fun, humor, the occasional poignant (but never too heavy) moment, and an adorable pet. And a resolution that lets the characters have their career goals and realize their dreams *and* get to eat the relationship cake, too. In short, this was a winner for me all around, and I'm crossing my fingers that DeLuca isn't done with the Ren Faire bit just yet.

**Review will be shared on my site/socials December 1st, 2022**

ADORED.

Good heavens, I LOVE THIS SERIES. I flipped out when my ARC approval came in and it did NOT disappoint.

I looooooved Dex. He was a rake with a soft side. There were perfectly well written moments of the way he looks at Lulu. The many times he leaned in to give her little forehead/hair kisses. How he pulled her into him anytime Lulu was near just to have her close. I CAN’T HANDLE THESE SITUATIONS. I am a puddle. It was the SWEETEST. What really makes a romance for me are all of those subtle moments. The moments where a character is saying you’re mine, I’m yours in that tender, loving way that encompasses all they’re feeling.

My tiny tidbit would be that there wasn’t very much romantic development until the halfway point. I would have even been cool with some good flirting and banter. But I gotta give it up to that second half. It really sealed the deal on this relationship.

I also really liked the journey that Louisa went on. From a mental breakdown at a Ren Faire, to finding a balance between work she was actually happy about doing and life around her, it was everything I love in a female main character. Going off the grid was a fun concept and I love how she just went for it. Lulu was all in for her summer fling and everything it came with.

I’m realizing I could just keep going with everything I loved, so I’ll say it again now, READ THIS SERIES [note*: not necessary to read the others, but it does help you get good background because all previous couples make an appearance here!!]. This book had it all and gave me the best feelings.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 1-2 open door; low explicit, light innuendo
- Trigger/Content Warnings: anxiety depiction

Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars - I continue to be conflicted on how to rate these books because, apart from the first one, I don't feel like the romances themselves are wholly satisfying. However, I love the characters, atmosphere, and themes... so I do still enjoy these as I guess a "women's fiction" type of story with a strong romantic element
I loved that this started with the big city workaholic giving up on that lifestyle; that's often the point the book builds to, so I felt like this was a fresh take on that trope to have that be the starting point of the story. I really enjoyed seeing Lulu's development and "finding herself;" that said, I just don't know that I totally bought her & Dex coming together
Anyways, rambling here- bottom line is very well written & executed as a book overall, but I continue to be left a little cold by the romance itself

This series is so cute! Maybe getting a tiny bit repetitive, but I also kinda want to go to a ren faire haha.

Ren fair play boy, Dex, becomes friends with Lulu- lawyer trying to escape her life for a bit. He's not used to being taken seriously, she isn't used to not working. They develop a really sweet friendship that moves into more.

Get me to a Ren Fair stat! No one has made a stronger PSA for the sexiness of renaissance faires and their patrons than Jen DeLuca. I have loved every book in this series, but I think We’ll Traveled is my favorite. Lulu and Dex are so great together; they’re both confident, have realistic expectations and most importantly, respect each other. They’re also just a while hell of a lot of fun to read. I’d love to see these books become a tv series or movies… Hallmark? Netflix? Are you listening?! I recommend this series as some of the most entertaining rom com I’ve ever read!

Do I now have a favorite in this series? Hell yes, I do!

I know I was excited for another Ren Faire romance, but I did not expect it to become my favorite in the series.

Well Traveled follows Lulu, the hard-working cousin to Mitch. While at a Ren Faire taking a break from work she snaps and quits her job and throws her phone in a "lake". She then joins the Dueling Kilts as they travel, which leads to a great discovery of the true characterization of Dex, the lead in the Band.

I will be honest, there isn't much tension or drama in this book. Instead, it was more about self-discovery and growth. Lulu stepping away from the corporate rat wheel to take a break and also find herself again was something I think most people can relate to. God knows I wish I could do the same. Not only do we see her grow but we also see the true sides of Dex. From a simple, flat, plot device Dex becomes a fully fleshed-out character without invalidating his previous role. Before I started reading I wasn't happy to hear that Dex was the main character, but I was quickly proven wrong. Dex and Lulu completed each other and respected each other in a way I really appreciated. I couldn't put it down I was invested in these two characters too much.

Overall, I 100 percent suggest this book!

Have you ever dreamed of running away from your dead-end job and joining a renaissance fair travelling with a family of musicians who wear kilts? No? You will once you read Well Traveled. Following Lousia (Lulu) as she experiences a life-altering panic attack leading to her quitting her job and leaning on her cousins friends and her family of traditional folk musicians as they go from renaissance fair to renaissance fair. Well Traveled raising brilliant point regarding work/life balance and compromising for the life you want to live. It was an honest delight to read and a perfect addition to the series.

This series is fun, but it's been a bit uneven. The confines of these rennaisance faires has made it difficult to create plots that are believable. And DeLuca has also struggled to create believable chemistry in several, including this one. I never figured out why Dex wanted LuLu other than some indefinable attraction, which is not enough to chuck your life for. It was a miss. But if you love the rennaissance faire background it might be enjoyable. The relationship LuLu built with the Tarot card readers was the best part.

Louisa "Lulu" Malone comes from a success-driven family and has dedicated years of her life to a job that will never appreciate her. When Lulu finally comes to this realization, she decides that she's had enough. Knowing that she needs a break from life, Lulu's cousin, Mitch, convinces her to escape with his friends to the Renaissance Faire. Lulu reluctantly agrees and soon finds herself hawking turkey legs and sleeping in a cramped motorhome with the Renn Faire Lothario himself, Dex MacLean.

Dex MacLean is well-known on the Renn Faire circuit, not only for his family band, the Dueling Kilts but for having a girl at every stop. He's got that carefree, playboy persona down to a T, but the one person he isn't fooling is Lulu. For the first time in his life, a woman is immune to his charms, and Dex can't help but be intrigued. It doesn't take long for the pair to start opening up while stuck in such tight quarters, and soon Lulu is seeing another side to Dex that no one else has seen before. He's not just a pretty face like everyone says; he's driven and has plans for the future. Lulu knows her time on the road is dwindling, and her real life is catching up to her, but she can't help hoping those plans will include her.

I really enjoy this series. I find the Renn Faire setting so whimsical and charming, and it feels like getting a peek into a wacky summer camp. While I liked this latest installment, it wasn't my favorite. I thought it felt similar to the last book, especially with how Dex is perceived. He and Mitch both had that feeling of being portrayed as pretty faces with nothing of substance underneath, but then realizing they have so much more to give once you get to know them. Dex is also repeatedly referred to as this big playboy, but other than some flirting, he never really lived up to the rep. I did like him and Lulu and thought they worked well together. They both come from different worlds, so it was interesting seeing how they would find a balance. Though, I did think the ending resolution was a bit too convenient. Other than that, I thought this was fun but not the most memorable in the series.

Jen DeLuca's Renaissance Faire books are the perfect summer read (although this one is coming out in winter, and that's good too!), giving the vacation vibes you need if you're stuck at home. This one comes up right on the edge of the line between romance and women's/general fiction for me (not a problem of the book, just a question of how it's marketed), since the romance plot doesn't really kick in until about halfway through--the hero is there, but the first half is more about Lulu's development on her own, rather than how the main couple affects each other. That said, this is definitely fun, and the throwback to the characters you've seen before will satisfy return readers of the series.

I was thrilled to be back at the Faire! It was a treat to get to know Lulu and Dex better and to watch them grow to trust each other and themselves.

I felt this one started a little slower than the others. There were a few times in the middle where I lost interest a bit. Jen knows what she is doing though, and brought me back around. By the end, I couldn't get enough and wished I could read more about Lulu and Dex (and Simon/Emily, Mitch/April, Stacey/Daniel) and the entire Faire family.

Dex's growth made my heart smile and the man bun/kilt didn't hurt! Tough guys finding their feelings gets me every time. Lulu's journey from stressed out workaholic to grounded and self trusting was a joy to be a part of. These two left me with a goofy grin on my face.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the series. It made me laugh and cry, and just had me feeling all the feelings. Now I think I'll go back and re-read Well Met, Well Played, and Well Matched!

AMAZING! I'm so sad because this is the natural end of the series, but Deluca can easily transport you to the magic of the Renaissance fair no matter what time of year you pick up this series. I love the family that she created and would definitely love it if she wrote a quick flash-forward novella in the future to visit everyone (or a flash-forward so we can watch a certain young woman meet her someone in these magical woods)!

Yet another fun romp in the festival world. While the series can get a bit formulaic, it was nice to see the traveling side of the festival lifestyle again.

I will never not love coming back to Willow Creek, and We’ll Traveled was no exception. With each story, Jen not only introduces new characters I love, she dives into the depths of characters I already love and makes me love them more… I loved spending so much time with Stacey (and Benedick!). I loved the cameos from Mitch and April and Emily and Simon. I even loved the surprise depth of Caitlin! Watching her grow up from the kid she was in Well Met to the young woman she is in this book has been so much fun. (And I’m still hoping Jen will time jump a few years from 18 to mid twenties Caitlin for her love story for book 5, lol) But Dex and Lulu!! There was SO MUCH character growth in this story for both of them. I loved watching them grow into better versions of themselves, and that they didn’t change for each other. They changed for themselves and it just clicked with each other. They met in the middle for a life that’s not wholly conventional, but that *is* wholly them.

Forever a fan of Jen DeLuca. Anytime I can go back to Faire life, I will do it at the drop of a hat. This book follows Lulu and Dex's storyline. I was wondering if we'd ever get a Dex story, and I am SO glad we did! I loved following these two, and loved Lulu. She was a great addition to this already beloved series. 10/10

As a fan of this series I enjoyed Well Traveled.

Louisa, Mitch’s supportive cousin from Well Matched, realizes she is never going to make partner at her law firm and chucks her bothersome phone and all its cumbersome ties into a vat of water. Then she decides to escape the fallout by running away with the Renaissance Faire.

She immediately catches the eye of Dex MacLean, the bad boy guitarist for The Dueling Kilts. This is their story of how she learns life balance and he learns he’s more than what’s under his kilt.

In my opinion I think this book would have benefited from a dual POV. I really wanted Dex’s thought process of how and why he wants more from life and from Lulu.

All and all, another good addition to Jen DeLuca’s imaginative and clever series.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.