4.5/5 - The Getaway List is a coming-of-age book with a rom-com. Riley graduates from high school with no plans and no direction. She finds herself in New York, on her best friend Tom's doorstep. They reconnect, after years apart, working through the Getaway List, a list they created of things they wanted to share when they were separated in freshman year.

Tom and Riley learned a lot about themselves and each other as they worked through the Getaway List. I liked the exploration of relationships throughout this, and especially liked Riley's changing relationship with her mom.

Riley and Tom have a lot of chemistry, and you can tell they care for each other a great deal. You see them figuring out their feelings for each other, but also wanting what's best for the other. It felt real in the teen, entering adulthood way.

I loved the secondary characters in this book too. I felt like I knew Mariella, Luca and Jesse just as well as the main characters and they added to the story. The setting of New York was perfect and the author transported me there. I felt like I was in New York with the whole gang and even was one of them.

This is such a great book about growing up and finding yourself and your passion. Emma Lord adds so much love and care to her stories. Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

3 stars.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for an ARC of The Getaway List. I've been a follower of Emma Lord since Tweet Cute (have read every single one of her books!) and was so excited to get a chance to read this one ahead of its publication.

The Getaway List is a sweet coming-of-age meets rom-com kind of book. There are lots of really cute and fun moments in the book and I think the secondary characters (Jesse, Luca, and Mariella in particular) really help make the story shine. I also think Emma Lord really, really nails the 80% to 90% section of the book (aka the talk with her mom). Riley's "growing up" really tugs on the heartstrings in that moment.

And while I enjoyed the book, I could help but feel like this book is very close to being some sort of autobiography for Emma Lord. I follow her on IG and it just felt very "her life" which kind of took me out of the book a lot. Now, I'm not saying that the book is actually autobiographical... I'm only saying that is just how I felt while reading it. (shrugs). I also would have liked to see character development happen consistently throughout the novel. Instead we get a lot of "action" in the middle and then at the end... bam it's a lot of character development/resolution. I wanted to see Riley's growth progress slowly throughout and not rushed at the end. Lastly, I felt like this novel could have benefited from what Morgan Matson did with The Unexpected Everything aka having sections of the fictional book placed in between chapters of "real" novel. For all of the talk of Tides of Time, there definitely should have been some chapters of it in The Getaway List.

All in all, I thought The Getaway List was a really fun, quick read. It definitely isn't as good as previous Emma Lord books (in particular my favorite, Tweet Cute), but it is a solid addition and will surely entertain her fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Emma Lord is the queen of contemporary YA fiction. Her books are always such a good mix of romance/coming of age/ and comedy and the “Getaway List” was no different. I really loved how much this book focused on Riley’s growth as a character and less on her relationship with Tom. For me it was a very “girl power” storyline which I think is awesome.

My only real negative is that the book reads a little long. There were a couple chapters that I felt could have been edited more or cut altogether because they didn’t add anything to the story for me but still another great book.

What a great growing up story! Teen readers and those of us still young at heart will enjoy the story of Riley, who just graduated high school and uses her new found freedom to take a trip to New York City to visit her childhood best friend, Tom, whom she hasn’t seen in years. They have an unfinished bucket list of adventures still to complete, called the “Getaway List,” from when Tom had moved away three years ago.

Riley and Tom learn about themselves, their friends, and their relationships as they adventure their way through their Getaway List. I particularly liked the relationship between Riley and her mom. They generally have a solid relationship, but it becomes strained when Riley chooses to move to New York City for the summer instead of coming back home to her mom. I appreciated how the novel approached their relationship and contrasted it against Tom’s difficult relationship with his mom.

Easter Eggs: Readers of Emma Lord’s previous novels will enjoy spotting specific references of places and foods from “Tweet Cute” and “When You Get The Chance.”

Quote: “…I’ve been waiting so long for a chance like this to be right smack-dab in the center of my own life instead of waiting on the sidelines.”

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

When I was in my early 20's I moved to NYC to attend grad school and I only knew one other person in the city. Reading this book brought back all my fondest memories of that time in my life and filled me with nostalgia. This was such a fun, joyful, adventurous story that included romance, but was more a story of friendship and family. Emma Lord captured that cusp of adulthood excitement and confusion so well and it was easy to put myself back in that era from my own timeline.
In addition to being a love letter to friendship, this was a love letter to NYC. All the adventures and unique nooks and crannies they visit and the energy of the city --- almost made me feel like I was there. The deep bonds and affection between Tom and Riley were beautiful to read and it was a joy to have a front row seat as they reunited and figured out who and what they wanted to be from there. Jesse (and his band), Luca, and Mariella were the perfect personalities to round out the epic group of friends that Tom and Riley build. With all our MC's being in the in-between of high school and college, their families are a part of the story as well. Each of them is dealing with their relationship to their parents as they feel the pull to go off into the world and become their full self. Tom and Riley, especially, have to traverse some complicated parental dynamics, but it's a good reminder that communication is key and having a solid home base makes it so much easier to go off and explore the world.
While this is a YA book and the MC's are in their late teens, it's a book that I think will speak to other age groups as well. I am grateful for the review copy I received and all opinions are my own.

Note: If partial stars were possible on review sites, this would be a 3.25

Emma Lord does it again with a delightful, heartwarming coming-of-age YA that I couldn’t put down. Her quirky, endearing, and believable characters are easy to root for and has me invested in their world. While parts of the plot were a bit predictable, there were enough charm and surprises to keep me flipping. I’ll continue to read anything that Lord writes!

The Getaway List was a refreshing and fun read! Riley is graduating from high school - once chapter closing and she decides enough is enough. Her best friend, Tom, moved away several years ago and it’s been since then that they saw each other. She spontaneously decides to go to NYC to reconnect but also to work through their “getaway list” they created long ago. Little does Riley know that she will also find herself and set herself on a new course along the way.

Riley and Tom both grow and develop individually and together throughout the book and it was a delight to read!

I’m so glad I finally got to read one of Emma Lords books! It was so good!! The characters were so well written, I loved seeing them grow and work through their problems throughout the book! The plot was incredible and I loved the concept of the GetawayList and Dear Love Dispatch! I’m so glad Riley and Tom worked things out with their Moms! The ending of the story was a 10/10

This is a super cute novel! I loved the whole premise of the app that was created to give others gifts anonymously in order to build them up and make them feel good about themselves. Also, when someone in their friend group tried to put themselves down, someone else was always there to tell them the truth. How great to have teenage friends like this! It was so uplifting and I was here for All. Of. It! I can read books like this any day. I loved the way she handled the relationship between teenager and mother. She kept it real but shows how it is constantly a work in progress.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.6 rounded up to 5/5.

Before getting into my review, let me start out by saying this: Emma Lord is quickly becoming an author who will be receiving all of my money as long as she keeps writing books!

Emma Lord's "The Getaway List" takes readers on a delightful journey of self-discovery, friendship, and unexpected romance. Riley faces the familiar dilemma of trying to conform to others' expectations, leaving her uncertain about her own desires and identity. The story unfolds on the day of her high school graduation, as she decides to break free from the mold she created to please her mother.

The central plot revolves around Riley's decision to spend the summer in New York with her childhood best friend, Tom, who co-created The Getaway List—a compilation of adventures they dreamt of sharing. As they embark on this nostalgic journey, the narrative beautifully captures the essence of a coming-of-age story, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and pursuing one's dreams.

The chemistry between Riley and Tom is palpable, and their reconnection is portrayed with an effortless charm that resonates with readers. However, the story introduces an unexpected complication that adds an intriguing layer to their relationship, pulling Riley's emotions in directions she hadn't anticipated.

One of the highlights of the novel is Lord's ability to craft well-rounded characters. Riley and Tom shine as the main protagonists, but the supporting characters have the capacity to steal the scene. The exploration of friendship and the sense of camaraderie among the group adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a romance between the lead characters.

The concept of The Getaway List itself is a brilliant device that propels the plot forward, providing a framework for a series of adventures and allowing readers to witness the characters' growth and transformation. The incorporation of this list ensures that the novel is not solely focused on the romantic journey but also celebrates the importance of friendships and personal milestones.

While the story is undeniably charming and heartwarming, one drawback lies in the resolution of conflicts. Some issues could have been easily resolved with open communication, and the lack thereof might frustrate readers seeking more nuanced resolutions.

In conclusion, "The Getaway List" is an inescapably romantic and uplifting read that will settle into the hearts of readers and linger. Emma Lord's signature cheer permeates the narrative, creating a charming and sweet experience. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, self-discovery, and friends-to-lovers journeys, this novel is a delightful addition to your reading list.

At this point, I know that anything Emma Lord puts out into the world, I will read. Her books are what I wish I had when I was a teen. Honest, endearing and supportive characters just trying to figure out life. Loved it and absolutely would recommend!

I loved my first read of Emma's, Tweet Cute, so much and was excited to get an ARC for this one, but the pacing didn't really work out for me and the romance didn't quite click as much as I wanted it to.

I did like the self-discovery journey and the vulnerabilities that we see in both Tom and Riley, and the friend group was nice. I just think there were kind of too many threads to follow that when all put together, it got a bit distracting. There is definitely a charm to it all of course in that at least the group is pretty fun, but it also felt like Tom and Riley rarely got the chance to kind of reunite properly because of it, which hurt the narrative in my opinion.

I definitely like the themes that were explored here and feel the love for New York City, but things kind of hopped around a bit too much for my taste. Definitely will read Emma's other books though. 😊

4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because I just love Emma Lord's books and writing (and ABBA references).

This is yet another one of Emma Lord's love letter to New York City, the newness of adulthood, finding yourself as a late teen, and the beauty of friendship.

Tom and Riley, Riley and Tom have been best friends for forever. Until a move 4 years ago separated them--and now it's more than physical distance keeping them apart, but Riley isn't really sure what's up. Now they've both graduated from high school and Riley decides on a whim to take the bus from Virginia to Tom in New York City. It's time for them to work on their Getaway List they've created over the past few years.

This book was delightful. I love it in books when the main characters have full vibrant friendships (or get there throughout the book) and this book had that in spades. Jesse, Luca, and Mariella were fantastic characters in their own right, not just as compliments to the main characters and plot. They did things off-page and showed up in fun ways (the only weird thing to me was how Jesse was always hanging out with the group, but none of his bandmates ever came along. I know why from a story perspective [you can just only have so many characters in a scene] but it felt weird from a plausibility standpoint).

The reason it's 4.5 rounded up and not straight up 5 is there are just some things that wrapped up a little too neatly, easily, and maybe with a little more maturity/experience/insight than a lot of 18 year olds have. BUT YA can be tricky--is it supposed to reflect the world or is it supposed to help those who are of those ages going through similar situations see other (maybe more mature) ways of navigating it?

All in all, so glad I read it and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary YA. And I am SO looking forward to Emma Lord's adult fiction novel coming out this summer! Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday books (I got both the NetGalley ebook and won the Goodreads giveaway) for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This one is out Jan 23, 2024 so make sure to pre-order or grab a copy then.
Friends to lovers trope.
This was super cute and just what I needed to start the year off right.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.


<b>Synopsis</b>
The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List ― a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away ― will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future.

Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart.

*will post on @youhavetoreadthisnow before pub date*

THE GETAWAY LIST ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was such a fun, different YA Romance. I loved that there was an entire group of characters we got to know well, instead of just the two main love interests. The entire cast of characters was so fun and made the book adventurous and heartwarming. Riley and Tom were perfect to me. I’m a sucker for friends to lovers trope, and this nailed it! This book is fully a Krispy Kreme read, enjoyable and goes down easy.

On the day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes after her Mom making all of her decisions, she has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She ends up packing her bags that day and moves to NYC for the summer. Here she finds a close knit group of friends that are able to grow and navigate next steps together.

Perfect if you like:
•Best friends to lovers.
•Bucket list adventures.
•Slow burn.

Pub. date: January 23, 2024

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ (just kisses)
Mood: 🍩

⚠️: explicit language.

I really enjoyed this! I knew I would because I loved Tweet Cute, one of Lord's other books, but it's always nice to have your expectations both met and surpassed. Because this one was adorable! I love the friendships Lord always focuses on, especially because they provide such a dynamic and rowdy cast of characters. Luca was my personal favorite, but I loved every side character we were introduced to. I also loved the setting. You can tell that Lord is truly passionate about New York, her excitement for it radiated from the pages. Exploring the city with our characters was so fun. My one qualm with The Getaway List would be how long it took Riley and Tom to admit their feelings. Their love for each other was obvious from the first page, so I got a bit tired of their will-they-won't-they dynamic. Despite that, I really enjoyed this!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Getaway list is a book about growing-up. Tom and Riley are best friends but separated for years as he moved to NYC. After three years apart, they come together for a fun summer in NY surrounded by a fun cast of characters.

Riley needs a break from her complicated relationship with her mother, and Tom longs for his mother to come home as she is movie executive. Left to explore the city, they begin to see the world through a new lenses including their friendship.

A heartfelt getaway with a dash of romance. I enjoyed its setting as this ragtag group made their fun throughout the city.

Thank you Wednesday Books for the complimentary copy.

This one might be my fave from Emma Lord!

It's light on the romance with a good amount of found family and New York City magic! It's so cute, but definitely skews young on the young adult scale (even though all the characters are 18). I just love the NYC Emma writes -- it's a magical world!

Seeking to reconnect with her best friend and escape her oppressive mom after Graduation, instead o making college plans Riley ups and leaves to travel to New York, where she forms a solid friend group of old and new friends, while trying to find her place in the world.

The author's love of New York really shines here, the Dear Love dispatch gig taking Riley and Tom all over the city on their deliveries. From Central Park to the tops of the buildings, there feels like there's a little bit of magic about the place with the way the author talks about it.

Having a main character that is not focused on college plans is a really new thing in YA, but much more realistic to today's world, and Riley finding her place with the help of friends, and taking on basic jobs to work her way up felt authentic. This story did feel slow in places, but as always with Emma's books, I left with a smile on my face.

The Getaway List is a classic Emma Lord read.

Rylee has been friends with Tom for a long time- him now in NYC and her a train ride away. On a random whim, Riley decides to go to NYC after graduating high school to visit him and cross off items on their Getaway List. One experience turns into a whole summer of fun, new friends and new experiences. But will Tom and Riley's "friendship" survive it all?

The Getaway List was a fun, medium paced read to binge in a few sittings. I loved the Taylor Swift references (1989 karaoke YES PLEASE) and the app experience with both Riley and Tom receiving fun gifts without knowledge of who was actually sending them. The love of a book series (Tides of Time) was relatable and I could easily tell (without his POV) that Tom had held feelings for Riley for a bit. The Getaway List has a fun ending that ties everything together and sealed it as another favorite of mine from bubbly Emma Lord.