The Getaway List by Emma Lord Book Review

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The publisher kindly provided me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes two things: One, that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mom that she has no idea who she really is anymore, and two, she has no idea what she wants because of it. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer, where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List ― a list of all the adventures they’ve wanted to do together since he moved away ― will hopefully help her get in touch with her old adventurous self, and pave the road to a new future.

Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since his famous mom’s scriptwriting career pulled him away. But when Riley arrives in the city, their reconnection is as effortless as it was when they were young―except with one, unexpected complication that will pull Riley’s feelings in a direction she didn’t know they could take. As she, Tom, and their newfound friends work their way through the delightfully chaotic items on The Getaway List, Riley learns that sometimes the biggest adventure is not one you take, but one you feel in your heart.

Inescapably romantic and brimming with Emma Lord’s signature cheer, The Getaway List is an uplifting and romantic read that will settle into your heart and never leave.

The Getaway List Book Review

Since Emma Lord’s first young adult release, I’ve always made her book the first book I read for the year. It’s become a little tradition of mine. The Getaway List is an adorable new release and I really enjoyed it!

The Getaway List follows Riley, who realizes at her high school graduation that she’s not sure what she wants for her future. What she does know is she misses her childhood best friend Tom, who moved away. So, she decides to pack her bags and move to New York City to spend the summer with Tom and cross off all the items on their Getaway List.

Riley is such a fun main character. I think a lot of readers will relate to her uncertainty for the future as well as her desire to have new experiences in life. It’s incredibly clear that Tom plays an important role in her life, even though he moved away. Despite the gap in their friendship, I loved seeing them reunite.

Tom is also a wonderful character. He’s sweet, kind and gentle — but he’s also guarded. I think the reunion between Tom and Riley makes them both uncertain. But, as they spend more time together, the connection is clear.

The romance is light and fluffy — and Emma Lord does such a great job at that. I think it was really sweet to see how they built upon their friendship while navigating their feelings for each other.

I loved the side characters and the adventures they all went on to cross off items on the Getaway list. The story is just full of witty banter, friendship and adventure, which is a perfect combination.

Overall, The Getaway List is fun and entertaining, from start to finish. It’s another great book from Emma Lord, with her signature humour and dialogue. I can’t wait to see what she releases next!

Rating: ★★★★☆

About the Author

Emma Lord is a digital media editor and writer living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, grilled cheese, and a whole lot of love. Her sun sign is Hufflepuff, but she is a Gryffindor rising.

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