This was a decent second chance/ survivor-esque romance. I did think the plot added a very unique spin on a basic second chance romance by literally leaving the characters stranded on an island after a plane crash, and the romance was okay. My only drawbacks were the pacing and the miscommunication. The pacing of the story felt a bit off throughout and I thought it could’ve been a little more fluid. The miscommunication, while I understand is sometimes needed plot wise, is one that I personally loathe. I get a bit of miscommunication at the beginning and it looks like the characters are going to squash it, but then more miscommunication continues to pop up in the middle and even towards the end. I just wanted to put them in a room together and force them to honestly open up and communicate to move past it.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Crash Landing is a wonderfully written second chance, forced proximity romance read with a significant survival adventure that brings together two high school sweethearts who separated many years ago.

Med student Piper Adams, the FMC, feels stuck in life. She’s pursuing a career she doesn’t like and is in a loveless relationship. Amidst all that, she is still thinking about Wyatt—the boy who broke her heart back in high school. Now, Piper is focused on heading to the Bahamas for her best friend, Allie’s, wedding. Unexpectedly, all flights are canceled and Allie’s cousin, Wyatt, the one who broke her heart many years ago, is also at the airport. Wyatt tells her that he’ll fly her to the wedding in a small plane. Piper reluctantly agrees to go with Wyatt because she really wants to be at her best friend’s wedding.

Unfortunately, an unexpected storm causes their plane to crash on a remote island. Piper quickly discovers that in order to survive, she must learn to work with the man she’s spent years loathing. The more time that Piper and Wyatt spend together on the island though, the more they both realize that the chemistry between them is undeniable. Also, lots of buried feelings begin to resurface as they make sense of who they were and who they want to be.

Crash Landing has two timelines, the past and the present. The author excellently navigated that and the story has great pacing. Piper and Wyatt have such a sweet and heartwarming relationship. Every single moment between them, both in the past and in the present, was full of emotion and so special. All of the angst, heartbreak, and struggles were navigated very well throughout. Their romance, along with the happy ending, was so great!

Overall, Crash Landing is an amazing debut novel! A novel full of heart, humor, romance, and emotional depth.

I love the premise of the exes in a plane crash, (survival romances are a fav niche topic of mine), but it was definitely very low stakes. you never felt worried or anxious on if they would ever be rescued, which to some degree, it is a romance book so you assume happily ever after, but i like to be on the edge a little bit more than this was giving.

i was also speeding through the ending because i really wasn't super invested in these characters enough to see their story have a happy ending. i thought wyatt was shit at making up excuses and piper should have stood up to her mom more than she did. girlypop is in her late 20s at least and still listening to mommy esp when it comes to relationships?? idk that was crazy to me. overall, i did like the plane crash plot line and the dual timeline between current and when their relationship first started (the initial breakup was stupid too but at least they had the excuse of being teenagers), but the relationship itself was a bit lackluster.

Picture the TV show Lost and the plot of a classic rom com - that was this book. Piper and Wyatt get stranded on an island on their way to a friend's wedding and have to stick together to survive in hopes of being rescued. I loved the dual timeline and thought it was easy to follow between present day and their young love. Seeing them rediscover who they are as adults and realizing their feelings for one another was not something that time erased. There are laugh out loud moments and swoon worthy moments. While a bit cheesy, I enjoyed the premise of this book and the circumstances the couple finds themselves in is unique. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.

instagram post will be live 28Mar25.

3.5🌟 I had a good time reading this. What a great debut novel!

It is a little difficult to review without spoiling, so I will just say that Crash Landing is like a Mashup of the movies Sweet Home Alabama and Six Days, Seven Nights.

It does switch back and forth between past and present. I feel that it was necessary to the plot and added to the emotional impact.

I can't wait to read more future works by Annie McQuaid!

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions in this honest review are my own.

“Crash Landing” is a debut novel featuring a second-chance romance between two high school sweethearts-now-enemies.

After an unfortunate turn of events, Piper and Wyatt end up piloting their own plane to the Bahamas for their friend’s wedding, only to crash land on an uninhabited island in the Caribbean. While they wait for rescue, they are forced to confront their past, and their lingering feelings towards one another, all while trying to use their wits to survive.

This was a fun and fast-packed rom-com that had this great adventure feel to it. I liked that the characters were forced to grow emotionally, but there was a heavy miscommunication and some of their growth, both within and with others, seemed very surface level to or resolved very easily.

This book alternated between the present day survival scenes and flashback of Piper and Wyatt and their evolution as a couple from friends to more, and the back-and-forth was very well done. Both timelines were interesting and easy to follow.

I can’t wait to see more from Annie McQuaid!

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

3 Stars. This book was not meant for me.

The book felt very juvenile. In the beginning I thought that they'd been together as adults and had lived and experienced life together. But it turns out they were best friends but only dated for a short summer? I just didn't get the emotional depth. I wish we hadn't found out about Wyatt until they'd met again at the airport. Would have made it more believable for me. Adding to the juvenile feel were all the flashbacks to *only* their teenage years. I don't mind flashbacks, it's how we get a good second chance romance, but they were basically kids.

Secondly, absolutely nothing was realistic about Wyatt's military experience. Except for basic training at Fort Benning. As a former army employee at a basic training unit and being a military spouse to a combat veteran, it was not real. Enlisted Soldiers don't fly planes. Basic training is basic training, not survivalist school. You know what's also in basic training? Radio communications. The whole plot line of his military experience pulled me out of the book entirely.

The book was written well, just not a believable plot line.

I was really excited about this debut novel. The cover drew me to request it and I was so hopeful...but it just didn't work for me. I don't mind reading a premise that is somewhat unbelievable, but this went too far.

I think the author did a good job of helping the reader relate to what it would be like to be stranded on a remote island with limited supplies and limited survival skills. The pacing was quick, which was a positive, too.

The writing lacked any sort of punch and relied mostly on tell instead of show. It felt stiff and without finesse. The use of similies was wildly overdone and drew me out of the narrative. Two people stranded on an island is quite an opportunity for imagery and lush descriptions of their surroundings but this was sorely lacking. Unfortunately the dialog between the characters also lacked any spark and I had trouble believing in their connection. I didn't fall in love with them or care if they got together. Another thing that I found lacking was any sort of foundation from their prior relationship. I so wanted to be invested in one or both of them, or in their relationship, but I wasn't. It was a second chance romance in which I wasn't actually rooting for them.

I think if it had been written in first person, I might have connected more with the characters. I was left wondering what Wyatt was feeling and thinking.

This will work for some readers, I am sure; it just wasn't for me. I would give the author another shot.

First off, I read the majority of this book on an international flight, which...I do not recommend. HA.

I was really excited to read this debut from Annie McQuaid, and while I thought it was OKAY, I sadly didn't love it. The two big issues I had with this book were the tell-not-show writing, and the lack of relationship building in the parallel timing.

The writing felt really rote, like it was just telling us, not showing us through well-formed imagery and believable dialogue. It was dry and not very engaging. I want to feel more immersed in the story, but the stiff writing pulled me out often.

It was also hard for me to invest in the relationship between Piper and Wyatt because there wasn't enough foundation building in their connection in the chapters from their past. I didn't feel like I knew the characters alone or together, so they needed more development both as characters and as a couple. I wasn't DYING for them to finally get back together. It felt like a watered-down second chance romance between flat characters. Which was a big bummer.

And I mean, this book was incredibly unbelievable, and I had to suspend my belief for the majority of it. But, lots of books are like that, and it's not a huge deterrent in most cases. But this unfortunately wasn't a favorite for me. But I really love Annie and I will try out what she puts out next!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. CRASHING LANDING is out April 1, 2025.

"If it takes a plane crash to see you, I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

This was such a cute, atmospheric romance! I loved the premise of this book, and I think McQuaid really nailed the aspect of being stranded on an island, using your limited survival skills and making the best out of a terrifying situation. She managed to make Piper and Wayatt's predicament both terrifying and romantic at points, with the island turning into a little romantic getaway, while also being a place of complete isolation with limited resources for survival.

I didn't feel the chemistry between the two as much as I'd hoped, even despite the flashbacks. I think their relationship was sweet, but I didn't feel that tug of connection. The pacing was quick, which was great,and I was invested in the story the whole time. I will say, there is an overuse of similes that I agitated me at times, because they felt very... forced? For example, "When his grey eyes locked onto hers, they were as frigid and empty as a parking lot on Christmas day"; or " ...one magical summer of falling in love blew away like a wisp of smoke in a hurricane" (???); and "The words dove off her tongue like Olympians into water, performing a routine they'd perfect endlessly". I found these comparisons quite forced and a little odd, so much so that it was distracting at times. But that could be the English teacher in me!

Overall, a very sweet and exciting read, and I'll definitely be checking out more from McQuaid!

Endless thank you to Atria Books and HarperCollins for the advanced e copy!

This book was everything I expected it to be and that is a very good thing. I had high hopes but it’s safe to say that it superseded those expectations immensely. The characters in this story were well written and had lots of personality to them but the best part was it mainly focused on the two main characters and their connection instead of adding lots of support characters. When our main character Piper gets invited to her friend’s destination wedding she is so excited, however a plain crash unexpected leaves her stranded on an island with none other than her high school sweetheart Wyatt, who also happens to be the man who broke her heart. The two must set aside their differences and make amends if they have any chance of getting off the island alive. However, with just the two of them getting to know each other again the sparks start to fly but is it really what’s for the best? This was a simple read, yet it was very well written. The characters were very easy to relate to and the connection between the two was undeniable even from the beginning. I loved reading about Piper and Wyatt’s relationship and seeing how it blossomed in high school. It also let the reader get how much passion and tension there was, so it was easy to understand the confusing feelings as they are stuck with each other on the island. This was a nice easy read but one that will definitely leave an impression. I’ve always loved a book where the main characters get stranded but add that to the tension between our characters and the banters that they have, and this was a book that I couldn’t put down. The dual timelines really made this whole book for me, and while I normally don’t like them, they were written seamlessly and there were no interruptions to the flow of the story. It was the perfect complement to this novel, and I can’t imagine it being written any other way. I loved the backstory and seeing how everything came to be. I couldn’t get enough of the characters, and I can’t wait for everyone else to get the chance to read this book and love it as much as I did. This is a book that will have you for going all other priorities in your life as it will be impossible to put down once you start. I can’t wait to read more by this author and considering this was her very first book I know that everything she writes will be gold. Great job.

“I’m so damn grateful we made it off that island but it will all be for nothing if I don’t ask you for a second chance. For real this time.”

This was such a cute, fun, heartwarming read. I see second chance romance, I will read the second chance romance. I adored Wyatt and Piper’s story,now and then. The dual timeline kept me invested in the story from their friendship to relationship and to what would be their breakup for a long time.

I struggled with the third person POV in this book and how it primarily focused on Piper. I would have loved more scenes looking at Wyatt’s POV if the book was first person with dual POV. However this is a preference I have with most romance books and did not anticipate this format in the book.

The setting on the island was a lot more intense than I anticipated and stakes felt pretty high. I felt the first half of their time stranded was not when I connected with the characters most but towards the second half where emotions ran high and sexual tension built.

I would have loved more development into their lives not together, especially Wyatt’s past that we got emotional snippets. Learning about their complicated journeys as adults was great and I would have loved more of that to build upon their relationship.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not pass up another book by this author!

Tropes:
- second chance romance
- third person POV
- dual timeline
- reference of military deployment and PTSD
- “It’s always been you”
- close friendships
- complicated parent relationships
- deserted island/ tropical vibes

Thank you to NetGally, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Annie McQuaid for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it

What a cute second-chance romance. I loved the then/now chapters as it gave us background into their friendship and their relationship as it developed to be able to fully appreciate why it hurt Piper so much. At first I was like, "it was your first love and a long time ago. Yes, it sucks, but jeeze get over it already." But then after seeing some more of the then chapters, I realized that Wyatt really was an idiot for hurting her like that haha

However, there's a lot more to the story that slowly starts to unfold and my heart just kinda hurt for Wyatt. He may be an idiot, but there was a reason behind it and not only did it hurt him more, but he's been punishing himself ever since.

Piper's mom is THE WORST. She gives her mom so much grace and I'm not sure I could do it. So, Piper is very much a better person than I am. I'm glad she finally stood up for herself and went after what she wanted to be happy instead of chasing everyone else's dreams and making them happy.

The crash landing on a deserted island with your first love/high school ex part of the story was actually a lot of fun. It forced them to be vulnerable with each other and work things out because they had to trust and rely on each other.

I believe this is a debut novel and if it truly is, I can't wait to see what Annie comes up with in the future as this was a lot of fun to read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Annie McQuaid for the ARC.

This was a lovely book! I enjoyed the second chance tension mixed with being struck on a deserted island. I typically don’t like books with a lot of flashbacks but I was able to stick with this one. I loved being able to see Piper and Wyatt’s growth and their journey together. I was definitely rooting for them at the end. Overall a great debut novel and I’m looking forward to what Annie McQuaid writes next.

Thank you to Annie McQuaid, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for this arc!

Piper was excited for her best friend's destination wedding, but a flight cancelation left her without a lot of options. That was until her Ex, Wyatt, appeared and offered her a spot on a private plane. What could go wrong? Well, you know, an unexpected storm could cause the plane to crash and leave you stranded on a deserted island with your first love....

I LOVED this! My adoration of second chance romances runs deep, so it didn't take much to get me on board, but the shared history, how Piper and Wyatt evolved and grew, and their unfinished business had me even more invested in seeing their relationship resurrected. Piper and Wyatt grew up spending summers together. They shared a love of fantasy books and milkshakes, and slowly, fell in love as teens. But Wyatt abruptly ended their relationship, and it had been eight years since they had spoken.

Through flashbacks, I had the pleasure of seeing these two fall in love, and those glimpses into their past made me yearn for their reunion. I was all about "Wiper"! And the universe obviously agreed with me since it trapped them on an island where they had to rely on each other for survival. But, as expected, that isolation gave them the time and space to get to know the grown up versions of each other while confronting and dealing with their past. It was all wonderfully done with the survival aspect cranking my emotions up a notch.

Yes, their time on the island was something they both needed and gave them an opportunity to salvage their friendship, but it also gave them time to reflect on other aspects of their lives. Piper was not living her dream, and that became abundantly clear after she nearly died. I was especially pleased with the life decisions Piper made following the crash. These were HUGE and pointed her towards a future that both Piper and I were excited about.

Overall, this book was as stupendous blend of romance and adventure which had my heart pumping for all different reasons, but mostly for this couple's future together. Fun and feel-good, I am so glad I got to see Piper and Wyatt find their way back to each other.

This book was somewhere between “Survivor” and “The Notebook” and I very much enjoyed the crossover vibes.

I was instantly intrigued by the premise because I love survival stories, and “Crash Landing” was both poignant and interesting, with a dash of fun. It did not disappoint. The setting felt equal parts perilous and romantic, haha.

I’m usually wary of second chance/dual timeline books because I hate watching a couple careen toward heartbreak, but seeing Wyatt and Piper’s origin story was actually so special and added depth to a story that might feel like instalove (again) otherwise.

*Spoilerish* - I wish the last act had played out a little differently and Piper stood up to her mother immediately (those scenarios always frustrate me), but I also understand why it happened the way it did.

Thank you to HarperCollins for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

I want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. If you're in the mood for a classic rom-com, honestly I don't think you can go wrong with this one. This has all the hallmarks of a classic early 2000s rom-com. It's got second chance romance, a plane crash, friends to lovers, people getting in their own way when it comes to their and the other person's happiness. I do wish we had some moments from the main male character's POV because there were times where I felt I would've liked to know what he was thinking.

CW/TW: Plane crash, references to PTSD

Thank-you to Annie McQuaid, Avon and Harper Voyager & NetGalley for this eARC copy of Crash Landing.

A small dash of The Notebook, and large helping of Six Days & Seven Nights, I ate this up.
The comedic and serious moments were balanced well, the relationships development was paced perfectly and I loved that there was enough to make me unsure about what was coming next.

The dual timelines explain the past as you go, and Annie’s telling of a first heartbreak was chefs kiss 😣 I really felt for Piper. The family issues and Wyatt’s past troubles added to the story well. A good little adventure with second chance romance.

I’ll be adding this debut author to my watch list and following her on insta, and that means business 🫡
I thank you! 🙏🏼 pls write more.

This second chance romance was very sweet. Despite the initial intense plane crash scene, the angst was low throughout. I didn’t feel that tension I was hoping to feel from Piper and Wyatt, if anything, I was more drawn to their “then” storyline. Unfortunately, this book ended up having the microtrope I find most frustrating; I pushed you away because I felt like it was best for you but didn’t talk to you about it at all, oof. I think because the characters spent almost the entire book deserted on the island, I don’t feel like I got to know them in their world. It made it hard for me to connect to them. I do think there is an audience for this book, if you like second chance, low angst, low spice, dual timeline, light reads then I think you should try it.

I usually love books with this theme so I knew I’d enjoy this one and it didn’t disappoint. Piper and Wyatt are high school sweethearts who had a bad breakup and never had closure. They reunite years later for their friend’s wedding, but their plane crashes on a desert island on the way there, where they’re forced to survive and actually talk to each other.

This book is told in two alternating parts, the “then” and the “now”, which I really liked, I think the then story gave really good context and insight to the parallel story happening in the now.

A great debut by Annie McQuaid, will definitely be reading her other books in the future!