Sam Cooper is the definition of an introvert: shy, bookish, and the sort to think a wild Friday night involves ordering takeout. He enjoys his quiet life, but after a bad breakup, he’s been yearning for a change of scenery. Luckily, his best friend and former college roommate has the solution. Wesley Reed—a jokester and expert Sam-handler—proposes an epic road trip to a wedding across the country. They’re both between jobs and boyfriends. Why not hit the open road and make some memories? Stuck in close quarters for the first time since their dorm days, they’re both surprised at the heat that springs up between them ... Chemistry this smoldering is hard to ignore, but there are road blocks to their romance. Wesley’s keeping a secret, and Sam can’t rely on Wesley to drag him out of his comfort zone forever. If they’re not careful, their relationship may take the ultimate wrong turn ... While I enjoyed the characters, the plot seemed rambling at times making the book difficult to read for any length of time. However, I do appreciate the relationship aspect of this book and the fact that they were both willing to put in the work to make it happen.
For a sweet friends-to-lovers road trip romance, don't miss The Long Way Around by Quinn Anderson. Sam Cooper and Wesley Reed met as roommates freshman year of college and their ongoing friendship has been a testament that two gay men can be just friends ... Until Sam has to return home to Montana for his sister's wedding — and face his parents after calling off his own wedding at the last minute. Of course his bestie, Wes, will be by his side, vintage car and all, for the great American road trip. It's not a question of if but when these guys will get together.
We start off with our MC’s, Sam and Wesley, both stuck in a bit of a rut with college finished but no jobs as yet obtained. Wesley convinces Sam to drive across the country to reach his sister’s wedding but via cities that they want to visit. It’s a good premise for a story ... Having been best friends for years, they know quite a lot about each other but as this story slowly reveals, not everything is as it seems with one of them and being in such close quarters whilst driving cross-country, emotion and tension run high ... It’s very well written and I was completely drawn into the drama between the two men. It was so easy to start reading and just keep going, wanting to know what happens next? Do they talk? Kiss? ignore it all? The cities that are visited are made to sound beautiful and appealing, places that I now want to visit. I cannot recommend this book enough. A great friends to lovers romance. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
