Thank you very much to the publishers and Netgalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The day of her high school graduation, Riley realizes that she has spent the last four years trying so hard to be a Good Kid for her mum that she has no idea who she really is anymore. The solution? Pack her bags and move to New York for the summer to stay with her best friend Tom and do everything on The Getaway List.
Riley isn’t sure what to expect from Tom, who has been distant since he moved away. But when she arrives in the city, their reconnection is effortless. 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.
The Getaway List is a novel all about growing up, finding yourself and exploring a brand new city and I loved it. Emma Lord has yet again written another adorable YA romance that has my heart.
When Riley graduates from high school she thought she’d have a plan, turns out she has no. So, she packs her bags and moves to New York for the summer where her childhood best friend Tom and co-creator of The Getaway List is. Riley is hoping with Tom’s help she will get in touch with her old adventurous self and pave the road to her new future.
Riley is an excellent main character who is full of chaotic energy and a deep love for all of her friends. It was a joy to watch her grow throughout the book especially seeing her have the confidence to go after what she wants. Tom is adorable! He cares so deeply for Riley and the rest of his friends which is clear to see right away. I enjoyed that we also got to see Tom grow and find a future that makes him happy.
The cast of side characters in this book is exceptional and I certainly had a soft spot for all of them. Jesse, Mariella and Luca all have their own little story arcs which I loved. Each of the side characters have their own unique voices and their individual journeys compliment Riley’s journey throughout the book.
The romance throughout this book is extremely wholesome. Watching Riley and Tom develop feelings for one another and go from being childhood best friends to being together was adorable. Although romance plays a big part in this story, I think friendship is the main beating heart of this story and I love that and wish more YA books focussed on friendship.
Emma Lord is a YA author I’ve come to love over the years and an author I’m sure I’ll be reading more books by in the future. Her stories are always unique, funny and full of joy.
Overall, The Getaway List is a wonderful coming of age YA novel. It will make you want to go on an adventure with your friends! I would highly recommend it.
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