This has been on my TBR for months and I'm so glad I finally got around to reading it. I've been really into these soul-searching, more emotional type of reads lately and this was perfect. 

Ben and Alexei are both taking on the Pacific Crest Trail, like 2500 miles of hiking. They both have different reasons for wanting to do this trail. Alexei just came out to his parents and it didn't go well, so he's trying to cope with the loss of them in his life as well as find who he truly is behind everything he's hidden for years. Ben is about to start his career after messing around for most of his 20s, and wants to do the trail as one last big adventure. Alexei was really going through it and had a lot to sort out, so Ben was more cautious with him at the beginning. I loved seeing Alexei become strong and stand up for himself, even with Ben, setting boundaries and saying what he wanted. 

I love when the couples meet and you know instantly they have this great connection. It's not even them just being physically attracted to each other, but they just sense a goodness in the other person that they want to be apart of. This was how their relationship was. It was a slow burn, but they genuinely were interested in the other person and their life, and they truly cared. 

Of course nothing is perfect and their relationship had some struggles. What I appreciated, even though I did cry a few times, was Alexei and Ben working on themselves and trying to accomplish the personal goals they set when they started the trail. Alexei goes through a really intense emotional journey, and I'm so proud of him! Ben put in his work too, of course, and it really showed with how they handled their relationship at the end of the trail. They are a couple who were always meant to be, and I loved their HEA. 

First time reading this author, I liked the style and the characters, and I'm curious about more of her works!

Read if you like: 
• friends to lovers 
• opposites attract 
• outdoors/hiking