Thank you SO MUCH to Forever and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this book!! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

Anita Kelly is quickly becoming an all time favorite author that I will trust with anything. I talk a lot about how neither the outdoors nor travel stories are for me. But wow was I proven wrong by this one. I loved every single second of this adorable romance.

This follows our 2 heroes who meet while hiking the PCT. They're both out there for fresh starts after some pretty difficult situations that they're struggling to cope with. But despite knowing they need the time alone, they quickly bond, travel together, and form the most beautiful relationship.

First of all - the writing in here is stunning. This entire book felt like a love letter to the PNW and the descriptions immediately transported me. The pacing was perfect. We never spent too long in one place or focused on one thing. And despite the fact that these characters were walking for the majority of the book, this never once felt repetitive.

But the real highlight of this book is the characters. Holy hell did I fall in love with these characters. These characters felt so real in their emotions and experiences. They were raw and complex. Soft at times and frustrating at others. Ben loved so damn hard and Alexei was so resilient. I can't even put into words how much I connected with these characters.

This book has amazing discussions about homophobia, family, love, mental health, therapy, and finding your place in the world. Anita Kelly is a gem to the romance community with their diverse romances and poignant themes. I cannot wait for more from them ❤️