Release: July 16th 2019
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Self-published
Back of the Book: Former hot mess Jolene Baxter is committed to doing better. It’s why she offered to help her sister and brother-in-law move across the country. However, her goodwill is tested when last minute changes—mainly her father ditching her for an all-expenses paid vacation—forces her to make the journey with a man who is the human version of a pebble in her shoe.
Jason Akana operates on lists and bitter coffee, but none of those things will help him on a sixteen-hour trip with the most infuriating woman. Maybe they can get along and forget their heated confrontation five years ago at his best friend’s wedding…when pigs fly.
But the addition of vehicle problems, an unplanned pit stop in a small town, and chemistry that inconveniently tags along, shifts their perspectives. And once the dust settles after their trip, a tentative friendship emerges.
Will these two stubborn people successfully navigate the unexpected feelings that follow close behind? Or will they hit a roadblock before reaching happily ever after?
By Alex B.
Enemies-to-lovers on a cross country road trip? Sign me up RIGHT AWAY!
I read Along for The Ride by Mimi Grace in two days. It would’ve been one, but the melatonin was starting to kick in. This review is also my official campaign kick-off for a sequel. You hear that, Mimi? The world needs more Jolene and Jason.
I really loved this book. Yes, it was predictable in some parts, but honestly, I didn’t care. I ate the predictability right up! The relationship between Jolene and Jason was fun to follow. Their banter was great and the passion was chefs kiss Jolene managed to get Jason to come out of his shell more and he encouraged her to go after her dreams.
“And once the chorus hit and the tempo picked up, a switch flipped and Jolene started to really dance. She twirled across the stage. She shimmied her hips while pointing to individuals in the audience…”
This is one of the few books where I loved both main characters equally. Jolene was fun and outgoing but was vulnerable enough to want everything good and nice to happen to her.
It’s the same with Jason. Sometimes enemies-to-lovers can get a little toxic with the male character being a little too mean. However, that wasn’t the case with Jason. I found his character to be very soft. And if I’m being honest, he had every right to not care for Jolene the first time they met. She was a hot drunken mess. Both characters overcame so much and grew as individuals.
“Look at us, Jolene. We’re dancing and laughing in my living room. I don’t do this.”
Overall, I absolutely adored Along for The Ride. A very easy read deserving of every single star. The characters were great, and the spicy scenes were SPICY. I was a little disappointed Jolene and Jason’s road-trip didn’t last longer in the book. It felt a little rushed. However, I did enjoy following their everyday lives.
READ FOR YOURSELF
