Description
For fans of THE PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION by Emily Henry, THE LAYOVER by Lacie Waldon, and THE UNHONEYMOONERS by Christina Lauren – read this slow burn travel romance today!
Question: What do a reclusive author and an outgoing real estate agent have in common?
Answer: Nothing.
But fate brought them together on a vacation five years ago, and as Logan and Sloane prepare for their annual get-together, there are sparks flying between them.
Sloane:
When Logan Murphy, my accidental best friend, calls to say our annual mid-winter trip has to be “redone,” he’s already got the solution.
Belize. An adults-only resort, and we leave in two days.
I’m giddy with excitement, because I need this trip more than I can express. When I see Murph standing in the airport, my heart twitches to a beat it hasn’t since my fiancé left me to tell our friends and family that he couldn’t make it to the wedding.
So it’s a short-lived twitch, because I’m never going to get into the dating boxing ring again—and least of all with my best friend.
Logan:
I’ve never told Sloane what I do for a living, and she doesn’t know how I feel about her either. But I want her to know all of my secrets.
I want my best friend in my life more than once a year, and I’ve already started penning a happily-ever-after for the two of us.
This year, I tell myself, as my crush on the vibrant woman is at least two years old now.
If only I knew how to tell her…
This is a standalone, slow-burn travel romance that will make you smile, gasp, and cheer for Logan and Sloane as they figure out who they are…and who they want—at home or on vacation.
Tala Gilbert –
This was the first book I’ve read by Elana Johnson and I’m hooked! This is the sweetest romance, starting slow as best of friends and leading up to more as the story progressed. I love the way she told the story through the eyes of the two main characters, Sloane and Logan. In some ways I could actually sympathize with Sloane because I’ve been in her position before. This story came together in such a wonderful way with the ending that truly satisfied. Looking forward to reading many more of Ms. Johnson’s books.
Homeschool Mama –
The Relationtrip is your next sweet weekend read – or if you’re like me – it’ll be your next overnight read. I literally stayed up all night reading this book. Needless to say, I loved it. I typically don’t like friends to more, but I am making an exception for Logan and Sloane! I loved how they became friends and the fact that they took trips together over the years. The chemistry between them was great and I loved his atypical job! This book was fun and an absolute page-turner. Consider yourself warned – don’t start this one late at night when you have to work the next day!
Lyn –
Such a lovely story to get lost in for a few hours.An unbreakable friendship borne from a tragic event in Sloane’s life sees Logan and herself holidaying together every year and becoming the best of friends.A story of two people realising that there could be more if only one of them has the courage to discuss it.Great characters and loved the banter between them.A sweet read that I’d definitely recommend.
Dawn W –
Unique beach read with almost every page I turned. The friend’s actually strangers is a wonderful way to go. If I was ditched at the alter I don’t know exactly how I would handle it! But Sloane rocks on like a trooper and takes it up a level when she invites a practical stranger to join her on her not so honeymoon, honeymoon trip! And that’s only the beginning pages excellent writing and not your average love story.
Pinklady –
I loved the characters they were so real, they had problems and baggage but they kept going the best they knew how. The couple was good for each other and the romance was slow and relatable. The ending was lovely.
Marilyn –
Sloane is a real estate agent in Pittsburg, PA. Logan is a “secret” romance novel writer in Superior, Wisconsin. They met on her “unhoneymoon” when her ex did not show up for the wedding and she took the trip anyway. They have been best of friends for 5 years and go on a trip together each year. Logan has been in love with Sloane for 2 years and decides to spill the beans on this trip. She is happy to find out the news, somewhat. She has some irrational thoughts. But it isn’t until he is about to tell her his true occupation that she answers his phone and finds out the truth. She becomes very upset that he lied to her about what he does for a living, as she just read one of his books on the trip. The relationship becomes rocky. What will happen when they return to the states? I received a copy of the book and am giving an honest review.
J Archibald –
A lot can happen in a few days, although the story encompasses more than that. I loved the non-honeymoon. I loved the best friends. I loved the nicknames. I loved L. M. Ryan. And I loved how the story moved along with plenty of twists, turns, dead ends, turnabouts, and a happy ending. I recommend the relationship to all lovers of clean romance.
Malinda Wilson –
The relationship is such a great story. I absolutely love that the author writes in a way that your can clearly see the characters and feel what they are feeling. A chance meeting at the worst of times turns into an amazing love story. Not without its bumps along the way however. After a bit of things going in the wrong direction and us as a reader hoping it turns around. Our broken leading lady finally finally gets her happily ever after with her best friend. Goes to show that the right person comes into your life when they are supposed to. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a sweet romance story. Especially to those of us waiting for our right person to come into our lives after we have been broken. Don’t give someone more time than they deserve after they walked away.
Moose girl –
It took me a little while to get into this (probably due to my mood), but once I did I couldn’t put it down. This is a great friends to more slow-burn romance. I hope Ms. Johnson writes more of these enjoyable standalone books. It was a fun, entertaining, and romantic read. 4.5 stars
clean.reads.corner –
“Everything about him makes me light up…I take another calm moment to drink him in. Mm, yeah, he’s good for a thirsty soul. Surprised at my non-best friend thoughts, I give myself a little shake. “You’re not getting into the ring with Murph,” I mutter. The very idea almost has me giggling. He’s never indicated in the slightest that he’s interested in me.””I feel like Sloane is the one thing missing in my life, and I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and tell myself, You will tell her this year. You will tell her how you really feel about her.”Read if you like: * Best Friends to More * Adorable Meet-Cute * Slow Burn Romance * Dual POV * He Falls First * Stand Alone BookSloane Sanders hasn’t been on a date in years, not since her fiance left her at the alter. Between the trauma of that day and the shock of her parents marriage falling apart, Sloane is terrified to love again.Logan Murphy met Sloane at the ticketing gate when she was going on her non-honeymoon alone. She wanted to give the extra ticket to someone and (after checking many references to be safe) she offered the ticket to him. That one trip cemented a friendship that led to the two of them meeting up once a year to take a mid winter trip to a tropical destination.Two years ago Logan realized that he had fallen in love with his best friend. However, knowing that she hadn’t yet recovered from her heartbreak, he has kept those feelings to himself. Until now. This trip he will tell her how he feels…Favorites: * The Non-Honeymoon * Nicknames * Logan’s Secret * The Couple’s Massage * The First Kiss * The fact that they worked and fought for this relationship. * The Grand Gesture!!!This is the first book that I have read by Elana Johnson and it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed her writing style. She is a deft hand at witty banter, which is my favorite.*I was gifted an ARC of this book, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I enjoyed this book so much that I actually purchased a copy when they became available.
Wren Woodland –
They see each other yearly for a 10 day vacation on warm beaches. It started as a fluke when she determined to take her non-honeymoon after the groom bailed at their wedding. For the last 5 years they have met up for a platonic get together and become best friends texting and calling. She’s sworn off anything more and he’s been in love with her for two of those years. There’s a lot of back and forth in this very slow burn relationship and it takes several days after he admitted his feelings that there’s even a kiss. As they navigate the changes, there’s one more big secret that has to come out -what Logan does for a living. On Sloane’s part, not only is there the fiancé debacle, but her dad has split after 33 years of marriage leaving her reeling. Logan is amazing and goes above and beyond, Sloane is being held captive by her past and is more needy than she wants to admit.I received this as an ARC, I admit at times wondering if this was going to be able to remain in the clean category and while adult topics were discussed (cleanly), it is still clean. Yes real vs vacation reality was discussed, real feelings and issues were out there and you were cheering when Sloane finally figured things out.
Jeanette Cepietz –
I enjoyed this story very much! It was a true friends to lovers tale that the relationship was long distance for many years and further feelings developed in that time. It was enjoyable to read how it developed and how these two kept in touch after such a bizarre meeting. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy friends to lover romance.
ElliB –
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The storyline is truly unique. A “must read” Absolutely love this book!
Juliana Ignácio –
Sloane and Logan met five years ago when she was left at the altar and decided to enjoy her honeymoon alone. So over the years, they always travel together for their annual mid-winter trip.But this year things change a bit, as Sloane’s first reaction when she sees Logan at the airport isn’t just friendly. And Logan is working up the courage to finally declare his feelings for her, as for the past two years he hasn’t just felt friendship for her.They need to find a way to balance their real lives with life during their trips and decide if they really want to risk a relationship instead of just continuing as friends.I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
Jennifer –
This book is a sweet secret friends crush, slow burn travel romance. Great characters that you fall in love with. I really liked how the author built up the relationship between the two main characters. I was rooting for their happy ending through the whole book. Detailed and well plotted storyline that keeps your attention throughout the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Tammie CauseyTammie Causey –
It’s been a while since I picked up a book and literally couldn’t put it down until 4am. Even then, I put it down just because I had to get some sleep. I finished the last few chapters the next day. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be my last! I like her writing style. It was so compelling, and I enjoyed the slight twist on the vacation love story. Instead of being about how Sloane was jilted at the alter and met Logan on the way to spend her honeymoon alone—which I’m pretty sure is the plot to a Hallmark movie I’ve seen—this story is set 5 years later after they’ve met and become best friends.I usually enjoy clean romances, but this one had me wanting a little bit more to happen! The heat from their attraction had me fanning myself. Once the book got to the point of feelings being confessed, it switched gears and became about a lot more than attraction though, and I loved that about the story. I will say that Sloane drove me crazy at times, but I still liked her. I love a good friends to lovers story, and I definitely recommend this one! It’s a perfect summer beach read.
di115 –
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun clean read. I loved the way Sloan and Logan met and how they go on a vacation together each year. How do you tell a friend that you are in love with them? That is the dilemma and it was fun to see how it would be solved. I would recommend this book. I received a free copy and the views and opinions are my own.
Tawni S. –
This was a great clean read about two imperfect people finding a home in each other. It took me a few chapters to like the FMC, Sloane, but once I learned more of her backstory I came to understand her better. Logan, aka “Murph”, was lovable from the get go. Their story had ups and downs and sometimes was a bit frustrating, but again, when I put it all in light of their pasts, it makes sense.Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found myself thinking about the characters even after I set the book down—which wasn’t easy to do.
Patty –
Such a real life story with real relationship doubts and feelings; well written, read this book in one day! Highly recommend.
A Mom –
Usually I am used to reading the series Elana Johnson writes but this stand alone book was awesome. I love the chemistry Sloane and Logan have and I loved hearing about their island adventure!
Mary –
I love all of Elana’s books! This one was special because it was a stand alone book. I would love more! Logan and Sloane have been friends for awhile. Since Sloane went on her honeymoon alone and asked a stranger to go with her. Will they become more than just vacation buddies? I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vickie Berryhill –
I loved this story!! Murph was such a patient friend! I love how they went from best friends to lovers.
Jenny –
This is a fun idea for a romance story and I really enjoyed it. There are many ups and downs as these best friends/travel buddies try to navigate the possibility of a deeper relationship. Some angst had to be overcome on the path to HEA. The backstory to their relationship is straight out of a Hallmark movie, but then it progresses from there. I found the characters engaging, and the setting sounds pretty great. There was some bed sharing but no sex. This was a good read for romance lovers.
kjhardisty –
This is the first book I have read by Elana Johnson. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did, I enjoyed the book. I thought the story of how Sloane and Logan fell in love was sweet and unique! I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Topmom52 –
This is a great read. Sloane and Logan met five years ago on her non-honeymoon and have taken a midwinter trip to a warm place each year. I love how they progress from friends to more in a very realistic manner. Doubts, distance, and new discoveries about each other give this romance a very realistic feel. I really enjoyed reading this story.I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
Jennifer –
The Relationtrip is a clean, closed-door beach read that will make you crave chips and guacamole, fruity drinks, and swoony kisses!Best friends Sloane and Logan have been taking a mid-winter beach vacation once a year for the last five years. But this time it seems like they have more than friendship on their minds- and he’s got more than one secret to share. Will he work up the courage to finally tell her his biggest secrets? Can she get past the hurt of her past relationship to see the man standing right in front of her?Elana Johnson books never disappoint, and her first stand alone feel-good romance hit it out of the park! The Relationtrip is filled with fun flirting, super steamy kisses (it is closed door), and all the makings of a happily ever after.
DGL –
Johnson delivers again with a story of strangers, who progress to vacation partners, to their HEA. This books delivers in characters, plot, and setting. It is not Christian fiction (look Liz Isaacson up for that), and there are some steamy kissing scenes and bed cuddles/sleeping; no language. I’d rate it PG, but also give it 5 stars and recommend it!
Toni L –
I’m ready to book a beach vacation after getting absorbed in this story! I loved getting attached to the characters and watching them learn how to work through their insecurities to build a great relationship. I appreciate a clean love story!
Beckyrae99 (Becky Wise) –
The Relationtrip is a fabulous slow burn romance. I really enjoyed this one. Sloane and Logan have this fantastic friendship. I love their bond and how they reconnect every year. Logan may be hiding a few things from Sloane but you get why as you get to know both of them. Sloane is still not over her almost wedding but you see all the walls start to slide as she grows closer to Logan over their trip. There are a few awkward moments to go along with the sweet ones. I love Logan and Sloane together so much. I love how they fight for their relationship. Things may be a slow burn between them but it is so worth it. Meet Sloane and Logan today.
Karen L –
4.5***** stars. Sloane is stood up at the altar 20 minutes before the wedding ceremony. She decides to go on a honeymoon for one since she saved up and paid for it. At the airport, she offers the second ticket up for grabs. Well, Logan takes advantage of the ticket. They become friends and plan a fabulous, platonic vacation for the two of them for the next five years. That is, this last one doesn’t feel all that platonic and now comes the awkward part. They both have feelings for each other but do they share or risk their best friend relationship. Now you have to read it! This has a different premise that most of her books that are western genre. As always, an enjoyable and entertaining read.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
jackiejane –
I really enjoyed this book & found it a little different from her usual stories. Just a fun & easy read!
Marie –
I was lucky to get an ARC copy of The Relationship so this is my own opinion and is totally honest. The story is about Sloane whose supposed to get married but is left at the alter but still decides to take her honeymoon and share it with a stranger she meets at the airport. Jump ahead five years Sloane and Logan still take a yearly holiday together only Logan knows has feelings for Sloane. The story is about how Sloane has to manage her relationship issues about being not good enough. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to anyone especially if you love a HEA
Kristen Berry –
Thoroughly enjoyed Elana Johnson’s new sweet romance. A bit different from her other books, Elana writes this text in first person which allows the reader a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of her characters as they work through the joys and struggles in their relationship.
[email protected] –
Sloane Sanders was left at the altar, but went on her non-honeymoon alone. At the airport she ended up giving the second ticket to a fellow traveler, romance author Logan Murphy. They became best friends and every year go on a winter holiday together. When he develops feelings for her, he tries to find a way to tell her, and it scares her because men, including her father have all left, and if he does too, she loses her best friend. A touching story of love, trust and communication.
PAULA BOND –
Love, Love, Love this one! Elana Johnson has a knack for creating characters with such depth of feeling, witty banter and all the things we love in a good romantic story. Sparks fly between these best friends on their annual get-together leading them through a series of situations right to the required happily-ever-after. Get this book…you won’t be sorry!