Riley and Tom have been friends since childhood. When Tom moved several years ago, they began to drift and Riley isn't quite sure how to fix it.

After graduation, Riley takes off for New York to visit Tom and put their relationship back together. Along the way, more friendships are made and strengthened. It's a great story of "found family."

Riley and Tom are both struggling with issues tied to their mothers. Even though they present in different ways, it's impacting them both negatively. Until they deal with that, it will be hard for either of them to properly move forward.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The narration was done well. The voices fit the characters and kept the listener engrossed in the book.

This was a refreshing and warm read. Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook.

The Getaway List was a fun YA adventure from Emma Lord. Riley tries to figure out her plan instead of doing what her mother believes is best. After her high school graduation, Riley goes to New York City to visit her best friend, Tom. Riley and Tom decide to resurrect the "getaway list" they created when they were younger and work through the tasks. This is more of a self-grown book with a dash of friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, and clean YA romance.

I enjoyed the audiobook narration of this book. I would recommend it. Thank you, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for my gifted copies.

I feel like Emma Lord is enough of a YA name to warrant a read when new titles come out, but have never been particularly blown away by her. This is another sweet contemporary romance that feature a friends to more trope. Pros: two teen characters who are a little less sure than most about what they want to do post high school, normalizing the idea of a gap year, complex parental relationships (BOTH have single mothers for different reasons), and the importance of found family, NYC story. Cons: Reads like most of Emma Lord's books, a cool summer of exploring NYC but an immense amount of privilege and copout answers for survival.

The Getaway List is Emma Lord’s fifth YA book—I’ve read all five, and I love every single one. Lord has a knack for creating characters who are flawed and real, dealing with difficult transitions in incredibly imperfect—but understandable—ways, and those qualities are all present in this newest novel.

It focuses on an often difficult stage: the time right after graduation, when everything is in transition. On page one, Riley Larson is in the midst of the graduation ceremony, in a unique position: she’s the only person in her high school to have been rejected by all ten colleges to which she applied. And now? She’s not really sure what she’s going to do.

Riley’s single mom has the plan that she always has for Riley. She’s going to keep her busy, keep her focused, keep her from wandering. So, Riley should get a job and take community college classes until she has a different, mom-approved plan. But Riley isn’t so sure that’s what she wants.

After some mild trouble a few years back, Riley’s mother signed her up for a varied and never-ending array of extracurricular activities, leaving her no time just to be . . . or to be with her best friend, Tom.

Tom has been Riley’s best friend since they were kids, when their mothers met at an event for single moms and sort of forced the issue of their friendship. But then, that friendship became deep and sincere, a core relationship for each of them, even after Tom and his mother moved to New York City and that friendship was maintained through phone calls and facetime and texting.

Since the move, Riley has not been able to see Tom in person, and now seems like the perfect chance for Riley to go to New York (something she’s always wanted to do) and see her best friend. Her mom is REALLY opposed, but Riley is 18, and she makes the choice—unusual for her—to defy her mother and go anyway.

That’s the moment this book really begins.

Riley reunites with Tom, who is the same guy she’s always known. Sort of. He’s taller and even more handsome. More important, she realizes, he’s become shy and a bit solitary. Back home, Tom had always been the extroverted, friendly glue that held together a bevy of friend groups, but in New York, he’s a loner.

So, Riley extends her quick, weekend trip to a longer stay, determined to set up a web of friendships that will buoy Tom even when she returns home. That decision—the decision to stay—sets up a conflict with Riley’s mom and endless possibilities.

Oh, friends, I loved this book so much. I teach seniors, so I see how the pressure to do all the things, all the time, can take its toll on students, who are supposed to know exactly who they want to be and exactly what they’re doing for the rest of their adult lives. It’s a lot. Lord deals with that stress so beautifully with Riley, who has been resentful since her mom’s mission began but now finally has the time to stop and really consider what it has meant for her.

Riley loves writing, loves creating, loves being around people and building deep friendships and putting together adventures big and small, but she hasn’t had the time to do any of those things because she’s been so busy doing . . . busy things. Now, she has the strong support of Tom again and the leisure time to realize just how much she missed having leisure time.

Of course, there are multiple threads that keep this book moving, including the getaway list of the title, which is the list of adventures that Riley and Tom vowed to take the next time they saw each other. There’s also a fantasy book series that they both love, new friends in New York and old friends who move there, too, and an absolutely lovely friends-to-lovers romance that captured my heart.

It’s the self-discovery, though, that resonated most for me, that made me cheer for Riley (and for Tom, and for their other friends who are in the same stage of life). It’s the way her relationship with her mother isn’t dismissed but is instead reshaped and reconsidered now that Riley’s out of school (wow, that story hit hard, since I have a high-school junior at home!). It’s the beautiful portrait of beautiful, flawed people who are just beginning their lives and who are making the inevitable, necessary mistakes that it takes to figure out who they are.

I can’t recommend The Getaway List enough.

I have yet to ever be disappointed by an Emma Lord book, and The Getaway List more than continues that trend. It's fun and escapist and sweet, but also nails that difficult period where you're done with high school and don't know what's next. The Getaway List tackles friendship, families, jobs, moving, big cities, and falling in love, and does it in a way that feels both real and hopeful. I wish I had had these friends at this age, and desperately hope my stepdaughter has friends like these as she goes through this era (and yes: I chose "era" specifically for the Taylor Swift nods in the book).

Tom and Riley are supremely likeable, and I was rooting for them the whole way to the very satisfying end. I bet you will, too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and the author for the chance to read and review!

If you love NYC, I’d definitely give it a read, as it was like a love letter to the city. I’m not a Swifty, never watched Gilmore Girls, and am not from NY so I feel like I couldn’t quite connect to the story due to all the references. It was a cute story, though. Definitely just a “I’m the problem, it’s me” thing.

Thank you for the ARC of The Getaway List.
I liked it. I am a SUCKER for a good coming of age story. No matter how old I get or what I am doing in life, I can always find something that resonates with me in a well written book. This is the first book I’ve read by Emma Lord. I really like her natural flow of dialog and hilarious writing. There were so many parts I actually had to laugh out loud and out down the book. LOTS of quotable lines and reflections on life.
I loved Riley and Tom! Cute, friends to lovers, YA book. For me, it felt a little too YA, I think there was only 1 part where they kissed and it was brushed over so easily? The lack of intimacy/chemistry written about the characters for a romance, made me feel like it was “middle grade,” rather than YA. A bit too much filler throughout the novel and did not always move the storyline forward.
Didn’t really love it for these reasons, but I would pick up another by this author because I really enjoyed her writing.

I've really enjoyed this author's other novels (begin again is easily my favorite but loved when you get the chance just as much! Honorable mention for tweet cute because it was soo good too!) And I couldn't wait to dive into this one.

It had so many things I love - a light hearted YA with a great found family, estranged friends to lovers, and a style of writing where you feel like you are fully there/immersed in the story. The story, however, fell very flat for me unfortunately 😩. The depth to Riley and Tom's friendship was rooted prior to the story but yet the present day timeline didn't really show that depth at all. Found family is probably one of my favorite tropes, and this had such great potential with the different friend groups coming together, but instead it felt clunky and lacked the cohesion you'd normally expect to see. We could have done with more background to the story, and more flashbacks. Whether we're talking about the list, the fmc and mmc's relationships with their moms, the daily shenanigans their friend group is getting up to and just Tom and Riley in general, it felt overall like there was something missing. I can't quite pinpoint it but the story felt incomplete.

Even though I hate the rating I'm giving this one, it just wasn't for me. That being said, I cannot wait for this author's next book and it's already pretty high on my TBR!


Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I love the connection between Riley and Tom. Despite of their distance and the many changes that time has brought, their bond remains unbreakable. As they navigate the vibrant streets of New York and check off items on their bucket list, Riley finds herself caught off guard by unexpected emotions. The story has a diverse and intriguing characters who become integral to Riley's journey. It is charming, captivating and definitely relatable. A must read.

I really love Emma Lord.

Her books are so effusive and original. THE GETAWAY LIST is an enjoyable ode to New York City, growing up, and finding yourself. When Riley graduates from high school, she thought she'd have a plan, but she has none. Her mom expects her to stay home over the summer, work at her coffee shop, and go to community college, but when Riley has the chance to visit New York City for the weekend, her visit suddenly turns into... staying. New York City feels like home, like herself, like Riley can finally breathe again. Lord makes us feel like a part of NYC with Riley, bringing the city to life as Riley slowly discovers pieces of herself that she lost while molding herself into the version of Riley that pleased her overbearing mom.

New York also has Tom, Riley's childhood best friend, who moved to the city four years ago. The two expected to see each other often, but when that didn't happen, they developed "The Getaway List," a bucket list of sorts, filled with ideas to keep them connected. Once together, they start knocking items off the list--take a class together, do a run together for the delivery service where Tom works, etc. Riley loves everything about New York, including the fun new group of friends she meets, but she is a bit confused by the new feelings she has for Tom. Falling in love with NYC is one thing; falling in love with Tom is certainly another.

While this is certainly a YA book filled with teen angst and drama, Riley and Tom are mature, and this is such an effervescent and intriguing story. Riley and Tom bonded as children over a time traveling book series, which is woven throughout the book; it's so nerdy and cute, just like them. Like many of Lord's books, this is a romantic story, but also a tale of friendship at its core. She writes about friendship so beautifully, and it's wonderful reading about Riley and Tom's journey.

THE GETAWAY LIST has a bouncy set of ancillary characters who boost the story, from Tom and Riley's other childhood friend, Jesse, who is trying to make it with his band; to Mariella, Tom's cheerful, brilliant tech genius /artistic friend; and Luca, whom Tom and Riley meet at a writing class. This group's new friendship is sweet and touching too. As for Tom and Riley, they do not have overwhelming chemistry, but a deep, calm relationship. Their friendship is the basis for anything more and watching them grow is special in its own way. They are also funny, nerdy, and growing up.

As with any book by Lord, this story is unique, humorous, and entertaining. LIST delves into mother/child relationships, friendships, coming-of-age, and romance with its own special insight.

I've been reading Emma Lord for years now, and I love seeing how her writing has matured. Tweet Cute was sweet, dessert filled, mud slinging YA, but The Getaway List is a solid coming of age book about self-discovery (but with the same New York backdrop and witty banter). I liked being taken along on the magical ride that Riley and Tom took through New York trying to complete their Getaway List. It was escapist in a way - a reminder of what it was like to be young and free with all the possibilities ahead of you (aka before bills & mortgages and un-fun adult stuff).

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
❣️ Childhood friends to more
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Loveable side characters
🤍 Found family
🏙 New York
🎼 Lots of Swiftie moments

Overall, this book was such a lovely boost of serotonin and made me reminiscent of my post-high school summer. A quick, sweet read for YA readers and adults alike.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Emma Lord and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Riley is a recent high school grad who was denied from every college. She's also tired of being the good girl her mom wants her to be. With all of this, Riley packs her bags and heads to NYC to be with her childhood BFF Tom. Back together, they both hope to complete the Getaway List they created after Tom moved away. Once in NYC and with Tom, things don't take off as easily as they did when they were children. Something else that is different is Riley's feelings for Tom. Will Riley be able to profess her feelings for Tom? Will they be able to finish their Getaway List?

Emma Lord is the queen of cute and fun YA novels. A book about friendship, adventure, finding yourself, and doing what's in your heart. The characters in this book felt very genuine and were loveable!

Thank you to @netgalley and @Stmartinspress for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @macmillian.audio for a free download of the audiobook.

I just absolutely love anything @dilemmalord writes. The Getaway List is possibly my favorite. Nothing says coming of age, like leaving home at 18 right after graduation and moving to NYC. This story covers first loves, changing of parent/child relationships, found family, and new beginnings. The side characters are also top notch! But most of all, I love the friendship and support between Riley and Tom as they find their ways into adulthood.

5 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #stmartinspress #macmillianaudio

Typically, Lord's books absolutely blow me away. I would even consider labeling her my favorite YA author. So far, I haven't had a single one let me down... until now.

The Getaway List held a lot of promise for me since friends-to-lovers is my absolute favorite trope. However, it just felt like one incredibly drawn-out miscommunication--or really, refusal to communicate. This was both a strong part of the romance as well as the relationship between Riley and her mom. If any character in the story had chosen to actually talk about what they were feeling or thinking, without being defensive or stubborn, the book would've been 20 pages long.

It completely broke my heart that I didn't enjoy this one. There were some cute moments between Riley and Tom, but not enough for me to say that I actually loved (or really even liked) the story. It was okay, but it wasn't something I would pick up again (or even purchase for myself).

3.75 stars rounded up!

Okay, cuteness! Set in NYC, The Getaway List is an adorable YA romance/coming-of-age story filled with sweet moments, funny dialogue, and a cast of characters you won’t be able to help but adore 🥹

I haven’t had the best luck with YA books, but I have to say that this one was a surprise— The dialogue was well-written and believable, and even with their funny quirks, each character in Riley & Tom’s friend group had depth, displaying feelings and dreams that my teen self would’ve related to.

Overall, I think this book was absolutely adorable & I’m looking forward to reading Emma Lord’s other books!

Thank you to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and St. Martin’s Press for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Even though I am probably not the demographic for this book, I couldn't stop listening/reading it! I loved the idea of the getaway list, and the conflict between Riley and her mom was heartbreaking and very real.





I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Maybe this book was totally unrealistic, but it was totally cute. A coming-of-age story full of personal realizations, family drama, friendships new and old, budding romance, and New York City. I think everyone dreams of having a group of friends like the characters in this story, who support you no matter what when no one else does, with whom it is ok to make mistakes, who will forgive when an apology is made. I loved every single one of them!

The Getaway List is the sweetest book I've read in a long time! I'm OBSESSED with Tom. He made me so emotional in all of the things he did. The whole plot was just so heartwarming and this book has the best friend group probably ever. I love them all so much! I don't know Emma Lord but the way she's written this book and specifically the character of Riley feels like she's put a part of her into it and I love that!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank You Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is classified as YA, but the romance and slow burn is exactly on brand for an adult book without all the smut. At the end of the story I felt like this book was made for cinema. One of those classic movies where the love story is written in the stars.

The found family portion is enjoyable with a bunch of misfits eighteen-year-olds. They demonstrate a lot of maturity in many areas. First moving and exploring New York City and emotionally supporting each other’s dreams and goals.

The “will they/won’t they” portion of the story is what drew this reader in. At certain points it felt like Riley and Tom are better off as friends. But the author throws little nuggets of romance in there that captures the reader’s interest.

Most of the story revolves around the miscommunication trope. All the characters are withholding parts of themselves that cause problems for the other characters.

Kudos to the author for writing a cute romance perfect for YA and adults alike!

This fell short for me, which made me sad. I love Emma Lord and still have immense respect for her fun sense of humor and love for all things NYC, but this was just meh. The plot was simultaneously too long, but also felt rushed? The characters were likeable but felt one dimensional. Lots of potential, but struggled with the execution.