Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard follows Bria an eighteen year old artist who flies to Central America after a messy breakup. She is not happy when she finds out her tour is not filled with young people like the brochure promised but older tourists and an over protective tour guide. While at a street market Bria meets Rowan who invites her to dinner at his hostel. She then ditches her tour group to travel with Rowan and his sister and the experience changes her life.
I'll admit that I have a real fascination with backpackers and have followed many backpackers through their blog (although would never do it myself because I'm too fond of clean sheets). This book really captured the spirit of backpacking and traveling and made me feel like I was along for the ride. Bria's transformation from a wounded girl to a confident traveler who embraces her art and is ready to start her life. Rowan is flawed but ultra hunky and the two work well together. Although the book starts out slowly
Appropriateness: There's quite a bit of adult content in this novel. Bria is a new high school graduate and acts her age. Bria ditches her travel group and goes off with a complete stranger, she drinks and is around others that are doing drugs (but does not herself) and there is talk of drug smuggling. There are some very heavy make out scenes but no sex. The ultimate message of the book is one of transformation. I would recommend this book to teens (and the adult crossover audience) 14+
Review copy provided by Netgalley
