Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

If you're looking for a good summer read, this is it. There's traveling, romance, and at least in Bria's eyes, unexpected adventure. I mean, it made me want to try backpacking--although I'm definitely more a hotel girl than a hostel one (and traveling that lightly would freak me out). Okay, okay, I prefer suitcases, hotels, and a bug-free environment--but a girl can dream! I love how wonderful each of the towns sounded and in particular, the lake. Seriously, Wanderlove made me want to travel to Guatemala and Belize--and I'm not exactly known for my adventurous nature.

After a rough break-up with her now ex-boyfriend, Bria Sandoval wants to travel but her two best friends decide that it's probably not a good idea. And that's how she ends up sporting goods store and how the pamphlet for Global Vagabonds ends up in her possession--which leads to her deciding that Guatemala sounds like a great adventure. Only, Global Vagabonds isn't what she thought it'd be. The people she's traveling with are older than her, they only go to the major tourist spots (and cling together), and they seem to avoid experiencing things (like street food) like the plague. Luckily she meets Starling and Rowan who invite her to go backpacking with her and that, is how the real fun begins.

Confession time: I had no idea what spangles were until I read Wanderlove. I'm dead serious; I mean, I'd seen them before, but I'd never had a word to associate with them... until now. But moving on! I love how Bria developed as a character and how the plot kept progressing, even towards the end of the book (I hate it when things come to a halt). I absolutely loved Starling and well, I obviously loved Rowan too. Rowan is a boy with a past but the important part was this: he's trying to change. Bria meets a slew of characters during her journey and they're all very unique--as well as interesting. And the places that she journeys to? They sound stunning!

Overall, this is a book that I'd recommend to you if you enjoy stories that involve travel with a healthy side of romance. To be honest, I'd probably recommend it to you even if you don't--because yes, that's how much I enjoyed it!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, a part of Random House.

Release Date: March 13, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.