Wanderlust by Elle Everhart @ElleEverhart #Wanderlust #booktwt #bookreview @penguinrandom

 

Wanderlust by Elle Everhart

Published by Penguin RandomHouse

Publication Date: 6th July 2023

Book Description:

Two rivals. Seven countries. Could this be their chance to fall in love?

Dylan Coughlan has just won a trip around the world. The catch? Her travel partner is a random contact from her phone.

And it's Jack 'the Posho', the man she accidentally ghosted. The two couldn't be more different, and as the trip kicks off, Jack seems like he'd sooner fling himself into the sun than have a conversation with Dylan which does not bode well for her travel blog. She has to create a hit column documenting her travels...and her love life.

Dylan's willing to do anything, even if it means embellishing her budding relationship. But as the column's popularity grows, so does the bond between Dylan and Jack. There's no denying the fire burning between them.

Will Dylan finally let her heart take flight or will she and Jack come down to Earth with a bump?

My Thoughts:

My need for a lighter read hit strongly this month and having spotted a review by @JoannaLouisePar of @Jojosovertherainbowblog, this debut novel by Elle Everhart looked a promising choice. The concept of someone randomly winning a radio contest for a luxury round the world trip, but with the caveat that they would have to be accompanied by a random contact listed in their mobile phone, piqued my interest. Especially when the chosen contact turned out to be the guy she ghosted - Jack the Posho. 

I suppose the storyline is a little predictable: the whole enemies to lovers trope appears to be doing the rounds once again this summer. But for me, it's not the trope, it's how well it's written, and this is one book I did enjoy. Not only does Dylan have the whole awkward scenario of spending so much time with Jack, but her boss wants her to write a magazine series detailing their blossoming romance. But...there isn't one and Dylan's not quite sure how she's going to handle that part of the situation - I mean, she hasn't even mentioned it to Jack yet, let alone asked his permission to bring his name into things. I mean, what could possibly go wrong?!

I loved the character development as the story went along - and the descriptions of their destinations and experiences in the various locations was fun (if only we could have had Jack's photos in the book, that would have made this book perfect!). Even if the whole "will they/won't they" story has been done so many times before, I was totally involved in their personal journey as well as their travel diaries. There are two young adults here, trying to work out what they want from life as individuals even before you bring emotions into the equation. As the story evolved, I found myself cheerleading them on a personal level even more than for them as a potential couple.

To say much more than this will give too much away - but if you want a nice easy read with the opportunity to imagine yourself in some beautiful locations around the globe without the jetlag, this is one to escape into. A very strong and enjoyable debut novel - keep Elle's name on your radar, I'm sure we will be seeing a lot more from her soon.  

About the Author:

Elle Everhart writes romantic comedies featuring the internet, sarcasm, and lots of queer characters. She is a secondary English teacher in East London and, when she’s not writing or teaching, she’s hanging out with her son and obsessing over the worst shows on television. Wanderlust is her debut novel.