This was such a fun cute coming of age story. Emma Lord always brings such fun and loveable characters to her stories and it was no different with the Getaway List. I loved the friendships but I also loved how we saw the ups and downs with her Mom.

I had the audiobook for this arc and the narrators keep me engaged in the story. I highly recommend the audiobook.

This is the fourth book I have read by Emma Lord and it was just as good as her others! I love all of her books, she always has the most endearing and realistic characters and her books are so sweet without being cheesy or over the top.

Riley has just graduated from high school and is deeply missing her best friend Tom, who moved to New York City several years ago. On a spur of the moment decision, Riley decides to visit Tom for the weekend, and the two embark on a mission to do as many things as they can on their "Getaway List" -- a list they wrote when they were younger of all the activities they had hoped to do together.

As they are working their way through the list, they make new friends and rekindle old friendships, and end up with the sweetest group of friends. I loved each of the characters, and loved how unique they all were - they all contributed something different to the friend group dynamic as well as the book. Luca was probably my favorite of the supporting characters - I loved his earnestness and creativity.

I am a sucker for any books that are set in New York, and especially ones about friends having adventures around the city - and this did not disappoint. All the New York details were so fun and made it so easy to picture all of them.

This book also touches on some tricky dynamics with family relationships - specifically mothers - as well as women deciding to be single mothers by choice. Both of these topics were handled in a lovely way which isn't always easy.

As in Emma Lord's other book, there is a lot of good food talk in this one -- which I always appreciate in a book.

I listened to this one and really enjoyed the narrator as well.

I am eager to read her next one!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!

Riley's childhood partner-in-crime Tom moved away due to his mother's job in the entertainment industry, so they created The Getaway List (a sort of teenage bucket list for when they are reunited) and the last few years they have seen little of one another, with Riley's mom seeming to be actively keeping Riley from Tom due to their mischievous misadventures. Usually harmless and sometimes even beneficial, their shenanigans included random acts of kindness, like when they paired up to anonymously leave thoughtful little gifts in the lockers of friends who seem down. Now based in New York, Tom works for an the Dear, Love Dispatch app that pairs anonymous gifters with consenting recipients (and one thing on the list is for Riley to make a delivery for the app). Riley doesn't want to spend her summer post-graduation working in her single mom's coffee shop, and maybe wants to write, so she rather spontaneously decides to go visit Tom in New York. Mom vehemently disagrees... but Riley is eighteen and off she goes. The weekend turns into the summer, and Riley intends to stay and make a go of a life in New York.

The writing is strong--NYC details are vivid, the emotions shimmer off the page, and Lord's "chaos beans" are fully fleshed out characters, as are authentic supporting characters across a range of ethnicities and sexualities that becomes a quick clique: Tom's quirky best New York friend Marissa; Luka, a new buddy met in a writing class who might have a crush on Riley; Jesse, Riley's old boyfriend; Di, who might have a crush on Jesse. The subplot of who likes who and the subsequent angsting adds drama, as does the conflict resolution between Riley and her single mom, and Tom's estrangement from his own career focused mother.

In spite of the time and distance, Riley and Tom pick up their friendship warmly... but the temperature increases when she realizes he movie-star handsome friend has gotten tall, muscled, and well, even hotter. Neither seems to want to make any romantic leap that could jeopardize their friendship, but the chemistry and FEELINGS are there and this slow burn has many romantic moments, even before they declare themselves (there is some passionate kissing, but any further details are left behind closed doors). Their initial meet cute was over a fantasy fandom, and part of their getaway list is based on locations, fanfic, and events central to the invented Tides of Time franchise. Pop culture mentions may eventually date the story, but Taylor Swift and McFlurries are perennial.

Norma Butikofer's spectacular narration gives Riley a unique voice. Her native New Yorkers have the perfect twang, Tom's tone is deeper, and Marisol's clipped, faster paced Latina accent adds spice.

I received a free advance readers copy (and listener's audio edition!) of #TheGetawayList from #NetGalley; this will post to The Hip Librarians Book Blog on January 23, 2024.

This was a lovely young/new adult romance. I listened to the audiobook which was well-performed and had me engaged the entire book.

Riley just graduated high school exhausted from the multitude of activities she was encouraged to do any time she wasn’t working for her mom at the cafe. She finds herself mourning her best friend, Tom, and looking at The Getaway List, a bucket list they had created but never been able to do. In inspiration she finds herself traveling to New York City to be with Tom, to leave her home and to hopefully find herself in the process.

While there was definitely romance in this book-it really wasn’t the focus of the book. Riley and Tom (and their friends) just living in the moment, enjoying life and figuring out what their future might look like was the book. It was charming and innocent and just a feel good story.

The Getaway List
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Super cute feel good story. She writes with humor & like your talking to your Best Friend. You will want to cheer on the characters & rally behind them.

3.75★ - rounded up because it was a sweet coming of age story.

This book was such a heartwarming read and gave all of the summertime feels, perfect for the cold winter that I’m currently in! This was full of adventure, friends, and a touch of romance. A group of young adults are trying to figure out what to do next during the summer after high school graduation, all while trying to make it in New York City. I appreciated the BIPOC and lgbtq+ representation. I love that so many authors are including a more inclusive space for readers, including Emma Lord.

Tropes: coming of age, found family, big city dreams

Spice: None.

I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Emma Lord delivers again with fun characters that one can imagine as friends. Riley's decision to visit her friend Tom and tackle the remainder of the Getaway List they made before he moved made for an interesting adventure. I love the focus on the friendship between Riley and Tom. While it is obvious they have feelings for each other, they took a backseat to the support they needed to give each other over their relationships with their moms. I really enjoyed the narration and found myself not wanting to turn it off.

This book was a really cute coming of age story. Tom & Riley were so easy to fall in love with along and easy to root for. I felt like I maybe would’ve enjoyed this more if I was a little bit younger and possibly going through a lot of what the characters went through (18, graduating, moving to a new city, starting fresh, etc.). Although still loveable, after awhile the characters felt really needy / complained a lot which is not what I cared to read about. It was cute, just a slight miss for me personally!

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press & Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this book / audiobook!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance e-copy of The Getaway List by Emma Lord in exchange of an honest review.

The Getaway List is a delightful YA romance that immerses readers in a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and unexpected love. The story follows Riley as she embarks on a summer adventure in New York, ticking off items from her 'Getaway List' alongside her best friend Tom. Emma Lord weaves a captivating tale filled with swoon-worthy moments, endearing character development, and a sense of wonder that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The friendship-turned-romance between Riley and Tom is beautifully portrayed, evoking genuine emotions and making the reader root for their relationship to blossom. I highly recommend The Getaway List as a must-read for fans of charming and heartfelt young adult fiction."

A super cute coming of age story. I really liked that the main characters finally got their second chance and realized their feelings for each other. I also appreciate that she was willing to let him go to make sure he was doing what was best for him and not for her. The relationship with the mom felt a little too rocky for me but I guess I see how it fits.

🌀Synopsis
Riley is graduating high school and feels completely lost. She suddenly realizes she doesn’t really have a future. When the opportunity to go see her old best friend, Tom, in New York comes up - she takes it.
Against her mother’s wishes, she goes to the city. Her and Tom pick up right where they left off- working on what they called the Getaway List. They complete several tasks and get to know more about the “new” versions of each other.
Riley makes friends in the city and finds that she loves it. She’s even able to tell Tom how she really feels about him too and they have mutual feelings that grow. Until Tom tells her he’s leaving the city right when Riley is telling him that she’s going to stay. Now they have to let each other go, again.

Part coming-of-age story, part friends-to-lovers tale, part found family adventure—this one is another YA hit for Emma Lord. Right after high school graduation, Riley heads to New York to visit her longtime best friend, Tom. He’s been living there for a few years and things just haven’t been the same for either of them since he moved. What begins as a visit turns into finding home, purpose, and love for the recent grads.

Riley is full of life. Tom is the sweetheart who takes care of everyone else. Together, along with friends new and old, they work their way through The Getaway List that they started when Tom moved away. From recreating missed birthdays to touring the spots from their favorite book and TV show, the friend group grows closer together with each adventure. Along the way, Riley of RileyandTom/TomandRiley begins to realize that she feels more than friendship for her best friend.

Many parts of this book are just plain fun, and I mean that in the best way. This is a young group full of energy in New York City, where there is always something to do. In some ways, the book is a love letter to New York, and fans of Emma Lord will appreciate her nods to previous books set in the city. We get banter and exuberance, but we also get character growth and depth, too.

Norma Butikofer's narration captures the youthfulness and energy of the characters. I was easily able to keep track of which friend was speaking based on Butikofer's vocal choices for each character. Mariella's voice was my favorite.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma Lord's "Getaway List" takes readers on an enchanting escapade filled with heart, humor, and a delightful dose of adventure. This novel is a treasure trove for anyone seeking a delightful read that combines the warmth of a cozy romance with the thrill of a bucket-list adventure.

Lord's storytelling prowess shines brightly through her well-crafted characters, each uniquely flawed yet immensely relatable. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery while ticking off items from a quirky bucket list is both endearing and inspiring. The witty banter and genuine emotional depth between the characters make them feel like old friends, drawing readers deeper into their world.

What truly sets "Getaway List" apart is its immersive setting. Lord skillfully paints vivid landscapes and charming locales that make you feel like you're right there alongside the characters. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, every destination on the list comes alive with vivid descriptions that awaken a sense of wanderlust in the reader.

The pacing of the plot keeps you engaged from start to finish, balancing heartfelt moments with lighthearted humor and just the right touch of romance. Lord weaves in important themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, making this book not just entertaining but also thought-provoking.

While the story is immensely enjoyable, there are a few moments where the pacing felt slightly rushed, leaving me yearning for a bit more depth in certain character arcs. Nonetheless, this didn’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, "Getaway List" is a delightful and engaging read that captures the essence of adventure and self-discovery. Emma Lord's storytelling prowess and vivid imagery create a captivating experience that will leave readers longing for their own daring escapades. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming journey filled with laughter, love, and the beauty of exploring the unknown.

Thank you Net Galley and Emma Lord for a copy of this ARC :)

I think I have come to the conclusion that Tweet Cute was an outlier because this will be the third Emma Lord book that fell flat for me. It is well-written and the premise sounded interesting to me but I never felt connected to the characters the way that I did with Tweet Cute. I love that her books stay solidly YA as to romantic content but I wouldn’t recommend this to a teen because there was just so much foul language and frankly, disrespect for parents. I keep finding that language seems to be a thing in YA books perhaps to show immaturity but all teenagers don’t speak this way.

I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Content Notes: Absent parent, kisses, lots of foul language

Thank you for this book and exchange for my honest review. I will give you what I think. Exactly.
I don’t know why I keep taking out books by this author, because I never enjoy her books. She just isn’t the author for me.

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

The female narrator did a wonderful job with this story! She seamlessly transitions between both male and female characters without skipping a beat! The story itself was very sweet for a young adult audience. I have an almost 17 year old daughter who I will definitely be gifting this when it comes out because her dream is to go to college in New York. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes sweet, young adult romantic comedies that have very little spice!

Tweet Cute remains one of my favorite reads of 2020, so I was ecstatic to get an ARC of The Getaway List.

Tom and Riley have been best friends since they were little. However, after four years of living miles away from Tom, Riley worries their friendship is falling apart. Further, having just graduted and unsure of what path she wants to take, she feels stuck. On a whim and faced with her mother's irritation, she takes a train to N.Y. and lands on Tom's doorstep. Riley finds that after three years apart, a lot has changed, including a newly found attraction to Tom.

Emma Lord's signature charm and sweetness shine through in this coming-of-age, young-adult romance wrapped in a love letter to New York.

I adored the romance - Tom and Riley are so cute, navigating their changing lives and feelings while spending their days exploring N.Y. However, the romance was just the cherry on top. I love how Lord navigates Riley's relationship with her mother and Riley's need to please her and be a good kid, all while trying to find her place in the world. However, I think what I loved most was the found family. This was one of the most supportive and loving found families I have read in a YA book in a long time. The female relationships were everything.

I think fans of Tweet Cute will love this!

Perfect for fans of:

Friends to Lovers
Coming of Age
New York
Female Friendships
Found Families
Bucket Lists
Heavy Dialogue

I listened to this via audio and thought the narrator did a great job. I would listen to anything that Norma Butikofer narrates. She captured Riley's thoughts and feelings perfectly.

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

Queen Emma can do no wrong. There’s not a single book of hers that hasn’t immediately sucked me in and didn’t let me go, and this was no different. I ADORE Riley and Tom, and the theme of checking things off a list. This coming-of-age set against the backdrop of New York and navigating the minefield that is moving from friends to lovers, I highly recommend this to all YA romance readers.

A cute coming of age story and finding yourself in the big apple!

Riley graduates from high school and realizes her mom has dictated her whole life to keep her from her best friend so she takes off to NY to find her best friend and make some memories.

If you need a book with many a mommy issue this one is your pick lol. The angsty relationship with the mom is definitely relatable but was a little annoying. What I loved most was Tom, the best friend and love interest. He was darling and had a great personality

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. Enjoyable YA book about finding your way at 18 when your choices seem so life changing but finally yours to make. The narrator had a very pleasing voice and the story was entertaining, fun and sweet. 3 1/2 stars rounded up!

This is a very cute YA/NA romcom with a likeable cast of characters. I enjoyed seeing the friends as they completed tasks on the getaway list.

I really enjoyed the narrator for this one as well.

This book very much gave me the vibes of Lorelei and Rory's relationship on Gilmore Girls circa season 6 (which isn't a bad thing, just saying)

I would likely recommend this book to fans of YA and this authors previous works. However, this has been my least favorite so far.