Fun at parties A novel

Harrow (One-on-One) gracefully avoids the sophomore slump with this fun road-trip romance. Celebrity online spin instructor Quinn Ray keeps things sunny on camera, but she's frustrated by her toxic work environment. After a video of her breakup goes viral, her supervisor suggests she take a few weeks off, giving her the perfect opportunity to drive from L.A. to the Jersey Shore to visit her best friend. When her estranged former friend Nate, a swim instructor, asks to tag along, Quinn finds it too difficult to say no despite major awkwardness and unresolved feelings between them. Nate has his own agenda for the trip: he's hoping to track down their wayward mutual friend Logan, now a reality TV star, to have a serious conversation that Logan's been putting off. Though Quinn planned for a peaceful drive stopping at some national parks, the hunt for Logan leads to frequent detours, taking her and Nate to Las Vegas parties, strangers' baby showers, and country music festivals. Along the way, Quinn builds in plenty of time for Nate and Quinn to believably talk through their differences and finally act on their attraction. The result is a freewheeling romp that will please friends-to-lovers fans and armchair travelers alike. (Sept.)