The content warnings were enough that I didn't want to continue, it's very centered around depression/mental health.

This book has left me speechless because how insanely good the writing and the angst is! Each It's beautifully written each sentences it. Both the characters are so complex (in a good way), reading their own POVs is like reading through their diary, revealing their thoughts, dreams, desire, and how a relationship/person could had a strong effect on you--it feels like their lives revolved round each other. I don't know how it is possible to depicting so many emotions caused by a heartbreak of separation. I love each time they're together from their not-so-meet-cute to every trips together, showing how wild, young, reckless, and carefree people can be. And yet their separation and how it affected them, how they tried to overcome their sorrows, longing, and even hope--it's so beautiful and painful to read at the same time. I love how they both tried to be the best to each other, even though they're technically not together, it shows how strong their connection and feelings to each other. And how they both finally matured and able to overcome their issues. I love the random facts about their destinations too, it made me feels like I was on that trip and witnessing one of the greatest love story happened in front of me.

Overall, this book is a story of chasing your dreams, finding who you really are, and love with an unbreakable bond is exists. Mind you, I literally cried on the 5th last chapters. This book conveyed rich emotions and messages. I want to appreciate Laikyn Meng for evoking such feelings on me.

This book was pretty good. I do not normally read this genre but it was decently entertaining! Phoebe and Enzo have a crazy complicated, but realistic relationship for two damaged people. Everything that could go wrong between them, went wrong. I will say that I was surprised by some of the actions and choices the main characters made.
This book’s trigger warnings need to be taken seriously because this book approaches lots of difficult topics like domestic violence, suicide, murder, addiction, etc. I personally do not have any triggers so I was not affected but some readers definitely will be.

This dual pov follows Phoebe and Enzo, two young adults dealing with their own personal and family struggles. I liked the idea of the book, but I think that some of the dialogue/the writing wasn't very smooth. I felt like I had to jump from their inside their heads to what was actually happening (and maybe that was intentional!)
There were lots of heartfelt moments, I think what the two main characters had was very intense. It was interesting to see their relationship progress as well as the changes in their characters. I will warn that if you dislike the miscommunication/lack of communication trope this story will bother you. Please also read trigger warnings before going into this there are some topics that may be sensitive for some readers.

National Parks is a romance novel that spans a decade and countless beautiful settings our protagonists visit throughout. It's at times light and cheerful, but it boldly tackles rough topics such as multiculturality, family dynamics, traumatic events and mental health challenges (warning - this gets really dark).

I particularly enjoyed the almost-poetry used whenever a character had a moment of introspection, that expressed the depths of human emotions in a very raw way. There's also lots of spice, which I normally don't mind, but in this instance it felt jarring compared to the rest of the writing.

Overall, National Parks entranced me with the will-they-won't-they dynamic, imperfect protagonists, and a rollercoaster of a story. Unfortunately it fell a bit short with the somewhat vulgar language, but a solid read nonetheless.

||✨Disclaimer✨||
I've received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wow, this would NOT have been a book I’d have chosen had I known all the feelings I would experience while reading it. Phoebe & Kenzo go through so much together and separately, and while there’s an HEA*, it’s not for ages. Quite literally. These two beautiful biracial people fit in everywhere and nowhere as they struggle with identity, meeting as 19 and 20 year olds, and the torment - self-inflicted and otherwise - they experience lasts for a decade while they mature (?) in the ways which will allow them to try to be together after so much grief and heartache. Phoebe in particular has a devastating journey of vivid bleakness and depression contrasted with the breathtaking vistas she’s memorializing on digital canvases. Kenzo meanwhile is plagued by patriarchal expectations, but finds himself unmoored without Phoebe’s presence and fearlessness, coupled with her deep optimism and self-possession which he destroys with his absence, then with his carelessness as he makes poor attempts over the years to reconnect with his soul’s other half.
An absolute tragedy is barely averted before he finally becomes the partner Phoebe needs.
This was beautifully, poetically written, but vulgar where needs must as the pair were growing into their respective adulthoods. Ms Meng has a wonderful gift for prose and imagery. I’m so glad I read this book. and I know it will stay with me for a long time to come.
*spoiler alert
I received a free advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First things first, absolutely love the cover!

Second thing, the sweetness on the cover is sublime in the book! It's not your all cute , rainbow-glitter, fluffy romance and trust me when I say the angst is evident from the vey first page and though Phoebe and Enzo have such a deep, twisted connection- time spent away from each other, by choice- made me feel their pain. Made me feel Phoebe's pain and fears, and see the little girl she was looking for a sense of permanence.

I do however wonder what it'd be like without the many sex scenes and sex talk...I wonder, and still appreciate the overall story in the book.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC.

This book was so emotionally moving. Phoebe and Enzo's relationship is so powerful and throughout the entire book it leaves you rooting for them to feel worthy of each other's love. Through this book Laikyn Meng was able to address very important mental health topics in such a tasteful way. You truly feel the emotions the characters are going through in the story through her writing. On the surface, this looks like a story about two peoples travels, but in reality it is so much deeper and really draws you in.

"They say when you are uncomfortable, that is when you make the most difference", is a true testament to Phoebe's desire to tell a story through her travels. She has an eye for what others are not able to see and is constantly trying to push her comfort zone. The cultural representation and Phoebe's ability to adapt to any culture she travels to is admirable. "Fear is limiting, hasn't gotten me anywhere being scared of the unknown".

Kenzo also completely describes their love story within the book when he says "being in love with the right person changes you." Love is such a complex concept and their story is definitely representative of that. There are so many ups and downs throughout their story that keeps you on the edge of your seat to see what is going to happen between them.

"Always remember the good echos. You can get through anything" -never forget that friends!

☆I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review☆

National Parks is a contemporary novel that narrates the love story between Enzo and Phoebe, along with their personal story and struggles, their unique personalities, and their dreams.

This book emphasises how our own traumas, our fears and insecurities, and our own family circle can have a major influence in the way we see ourselves, the world, and how we love and allow someone else to love us back.
Ultimately, this book talks about second chances, that sometimes time is all we need in order to deeply understand ourselves, to make peace with our story and our pasts, and finally be in a safe place to love again.

This book caught my attention because of its beautiful cover and story overview.
I am a photographer myself, highly interested in travelling photography, in seeing and feeling the world. This was a very pleasant book, and at times, I really felt Phoebe's feelings and emotions as my own.
I found each chapter incredibly poetic, and I really appreciated the sense of humour and the way the author created the interactions between both characters.
This novel has space for deep thoughts, soul thinking, drama, loss, and trauma. There are also deep feelings like love, passion, and a strong dose of multiculturalism much appreciated.

Thank you, NetGalley and Laikyn Meng
for this story!

Thank you to the author and publisher for this book in advance in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book and extremely excited - but I was let down. The travel romance seemed really cool and I was excited to see a relationship all over the world.

Instead, we get weird vignettes of conversations about sex and sex that just happened to be in different locations around the world. It took a while for there to be a plot, and very rarely was there any setting, beyond just telling us "hey we're in Nepal!" It seemed like most of the story could've taken place in their normal bedroom.

Unfortunately this just didn't work for me!

I'm 100% for supporting Indie Asian-American authors as an Asian girl myself.

I'll admit that I picked up this book because of the pretty art and the title (I'm a nature lover). And it DID NOT disappoint. There are passages full of beautiful scenery that make you feel like you're nestled in America's wonderful parks.

Plus, the characters are amazing as well! Phoebe and Enzo are adorable and their chemistry is OFF-THE-CHARTS!

Finally, this book also handles some heavier topics quite well.

So... 4.5/5 for National Parks

National Parks is a second chance romance between Phoebe and Kenzo which takes place over the span of a decade. This book also acts as a character study on both protagonists and explores their trauma and their different cultures.

The descriptions of nature and landscapes throughout this book were absolutely stunning and I thoroughly enjoyed the travel elements of the story. I thought some of the side characters were interesting and I loved the family dynamics and friendships explored throughout the story.

However I really disliked the romance and felt absolutely no connection between the two main characters. The protagonists thoughts are extremely repetitive and quite tedious to read at points. Whilst I enjoyed some of the metaphors and poetry used, the majority of the time I felt it interrupted the plot and made the story feel very disjointed. My main complaint is that I hated Kenzo as a character and felt that Phoebe was better off without him. I found him to be very immature, an awful communicator and at times quite manipulative.

Overall I didn’t enjoy this book as I didn’t believe in the romance and couldn’t root for the main characters.

"National Parks" is an emotionally evocative and beautifully written contemporary love story that spans a decade of adventure, self-discovery, and enduring affection. With its compelling characters, vivid landscapes, and a narrative that explores the complexities of love and forgiveness, this book offers a poignant and heartfelt exploration of the enduring power of true love.

The story revolves around Phoebe and Kenzo (Enzo), two characters whose initial connection is marked by an undeniable chemistry and passion. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn, leading to heartbreak and separation. As they embark on individual journeys across different landscapes, the author skillfully weaves together their shared memories and the impact of their connection on their respective lives.

Phoebe and Kenzo's characters are beautifully drawn, each carrying their own scars and vulnerabilities. Their multicultural backgrounds add depth and authenticity to their experiences, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in contemporary romance literature.

The book's exploration of love as a force that transcends time and distance is both moving and thought-provoking. Phoebe and Kenzo's enduring affection for each other, even amidst heartache and separation, serves as a testament to the idea that true love can withstand the test of time.

The author's descriptive prose shines, allowing readers to vividly experience the various landscapes and settings the characters encounter throughout their journeys. From the sea in Cyprus to outdoor showers in Vietnam, the book transports readers to these places, creating a sensory-rich reading experience.

"National Parks" delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love to heal and unite. It explores the notion that love is worth fighting for, even if it means confronting one's own inner demons and insecurities.

The pacing of the plot is well-balanced, with a narrative structure that alternates between past and present, creating a sense of anticipation and emotional resonance. The story is filled with heartache, longing, and moments of closure that tug at the reader's heartstrings.

Overall, "National Parks" is a touching and beautifully crafted love story that will resonate with fans of contemporary romance. With its compelling characters, lush descriptions, and a narrative that captures the essence of love's enduring nature, this book offers a heartfelt exploration of the emotional journey that comes with finding, losing, and ultimately cherishing true love. It's a story that reminds us that love, no matter how complicated or challenging, is always worth the journey.

4✨ Review

Have you ever loved somebody so much that it doesn't just change you, it imprints on every fibre of your being, every molecule, every atom is rewritten in their image?
Then one day they just get up and walk away. And you let them because you love them but every day they walk further and further taking all of you with them.
And every time they come back they chip away the parts that you still have with you until it hurts too much to exist. Their presence hurts as much as their absence. They are the drug and the antidote. The beginning and the end. The salvation and your reason for needing it

I think that kind of love would be epic if it didn't kill you.
This story is so beautiful and good and nothing like I was expecting at all. The writing was beautiful and the story was full of angst.
National Parks follows Phoebe and Enzo in this beautiful love story. Phoebe is a photographer and Enzo is trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life. They travel the world falling in love over different landscapes.
The genuine ache I experienced when they walked separate ways was just so sad =(
Phoebe and Enzo have one of the cutest relationships I’ve read on paper. Seeing them go on adventures together while Phoebe captures beautiful photos was great! She’s already a bit jaded by life and Enzo is the man with the golden retriever energy in the best way.
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was fun to read. Loved the characters too. Enjoyed till the end. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a free e-book.