Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Road Trip

Beth O'Leary has delivered a dual timeline second chance roadtrip romance that doesn't shy away from complex, difficult and at times unlikeable characters. While I was invested in Addie and Dylan, their relationship was just so stifled by Marcus' presence, almost from the beginning. I think we needed some real halcyon days completely apart from his friends. Though part of their arc together is recognising that their friendship is was toxic, the Dylan/Marcus plot could have benefitted from a little more evidence Marcus being, like, worth the trouble?

I would recommend Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren or Happy Place by Emily Henry over this for anyone looking for a second chance dual timeline, but I didn't have a bad time reading it so I wouldn't not recommend it. I will definitely be seeking out Beth O'Leary's other work.

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brandie_abbie19's review against another edition

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funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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andrgall's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sexual assault <\spoiler>

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bookishjae's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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readingwithlibby_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ughhh what an amazing, heartwarming, beautiful and wonderful story. Addie was such a lovable and fun character. I loved that we saw both Addie and Dylan’s perspective from both past and present. It too a little while to warm up to Dylan but he captured my heart by the end of the book. Marcus is such a complex character. I wasn’t a fan of the reasoning behind his behaviour, but I really loved and appreciated the raw and truth to his journey through addiction and the shame felt once out of that dark place. I actually felt his character was really important in viewing how you can forgive, but not forget. Deb was such a powerful supporting character for Addie, and I loved the small roles Cherry and Grace played. Rodney was a brilliant addition for an added comedic effect to a book that is actually quite heavy. Whilst it is somewhat a romantic comedy, it delves much deeper into the complexities of rich family dynamics, party lifestyles, sexual assault and it’s aftermath and the heartbreak of losing the love of your life. I really loved every part of this book.. and the last line of the book filled my heart with so much joy. I think it was the perfect ending.

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kiwialexa's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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