Nothing like a good book to start reading over vacation, or anytime for that matter. This was my first book by Emily Henry that I read and I loved the lighthearted and funny vibe that I got from Poppy and Alex. I had always heard about this book and author from people on Booktok and online. After much time, I decided to take the plunge, and bought this book to see if it would live up to the hype. 

First of, as I read this book, I had just started my spring break, so it seemed fitting to me to read a book that just so happened to revolve around many vacations. While I didn’t travel anywhere physically, mentally it felt like I was being transported to different areas from the Vancouver island that Poppy and Alex visited to Palm Springs for Alex’s brother’s wedding. One of my favorite parts about readings has always been the idea that words can have the power to transmit us to other worlds entirely, but the unique idea with Poppy and Alex was even the most ordinary places hold so much wonder. 

Poppy and Alex’s dynamic was sweet, funny, wholesome, and meaningful. When reading how Poppy and Alex met, you would think, “these two people couldn’t be any more different,” but despite their differences, both have them shared a strong friendship and had their fair share of inside jokes that were adorable. Poppy was the epitome of wanderlust, always dreaming and traveling to different places to write about for her blog and for her job as a journalist for a magazine company. I enjoyed Poppy and her spontaneous energy was infectious, making me want to be like that as well. While Poppy was more the outgoing type, sweet Alex was more quiet and reserved, but I definitely loved him as well! If there’s one thing I learned (among other things) is that I truly do love a well mannered, strong, quiet man who loves to read a lot, and does the cutest adorable Puppy dog sad face… oh wait and his name happens to be ALEX NILSEN! (Sigh) yup I was definitely swooning and crushing hard for that man *insert love heart eyes* 

Throughout the story, I was intrigued with the way the story went back and forth from the present and past of Poppy and Alex’s previous trips/ present trip. A lot had happened over the years, which further highlighted Poppy and Alex’s relationship to one another. Plus I ccould just FEEL THE CHEMISTRY WHILE READING between those two. For all the years that Poppy and Alex were friends, I was always left wondering, “What happened on the trip to Croatia?!” It wasn’t until very later on in the story that I found out what happened, and it all kind of clicked. It wasn’t a big revelation, but it did give more insight into the big question as to why Poppy and Alex didn’t speak for two years. 

I loved Poppy and Alex, but I was so happy when they finally gave in and opened up about their feelings. In true romantic passionate fashion, nothing says, “I love you”, like ripping each other’s clothes off, and just being in the moment of passion under the rain on a balcony. Yeah Poppy and Alex definitely had their fair share of some steamy moments. Even with the added element of Poppy and Alex finally admitting their feelings, they were able to maintain their easygoing, friendship that carried onto their romantic relationship which I absolutely loved. While reading, the tension was always present between Poppy and Alex, that in a way, it could be classified as somewhat of a “slow burn” since it wasn’t until the end when they finally kissed one another, etc. 

Overall, for this being my first book by Emily Henry that I read, I absolutely loved everything about it. I loved the writing style, the story being from Poppy’s point of view, the endearing love Alex had for Poppy, and not to mention the things Alex did for Poppy! (Sigh) Alex had me legitimately swooning and I just wanted him all to myself (sorry Poppy). This was such a sweet, funny, romantic, and depth story that I will be reading again in the near future. This book also gave me a sense of comfort that I will gladly dive back into just so I can revisit Poppy and Alex. If you haven’t read this book, I recommend it whether it’s over summer vacation or any season, this book will transport you to different locations and have you falling in love with Poppy and Alex.