#RomBkLove 2021 Day 19: Traveling Together
Yes, I do realize that “traveling together” is a plot device that’s used often enough in books and movies and series, possibly to the point that some people are tired of it, but I do love it.
By “traveling together” I mean when the couple meet on a trip, or take a side trip in the middle of the book. I love how the trip’s unique challenges and unfamiliarity reveal things about the characters. Sometimes the trip is an escape from the present conflict, and others it’s to confront something head on. I enjoy both versions really. Apart from the stressful and/or fun boost to their story, I do think these moments tell us a lot about their upcoming HEA, how they’ll function as a team. (And sometimes there’s only one bed!)
The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan
In this Courtney Milan historical, the trip is about what people are willing to do for each other. Chloe wants to help make her father’s sauce a success, and Jeremy is willing to take her to London by horse and by train. But they’d have to be together, and there will be nights at an inn. If this sounds like a lot is left in his power, Chloe actually does decide what happens at the inn. CW: references to racism
PhD student Lamisi meets hiplife star Bizzy while mountain climbing in Ghana–of course right when she’s not exactly in the mood for a meet-cute with one of her favorite musicians (even if he’s helpful during a mishap). Was also fascinated by the main characters being multilingual and how it matters in their work and life. Lamisi’s dissertation is about the use of mixed languages in music and was inspired by his songs! CW: blackmail, “evil” romantic rival subplot
You Out of Nowhere by Jay E. Tria
Kris and Ringo first meet in a stalled MRT car in Metro Manila, then again when they realize they’ve been set up on a blind date, but the romance really gets going when they find themselves on the same trip to Seoul. Kris is just a little bit older than Ringo and the overseas trip throws together someone so earnest (him) and someone so jaded (her). CW: alcohol/hangover bad behavior (in backstory)
Zachary is a pop star who has a sexy encounter with Gabe in the first class section during a flight. They try to reconnect while in London, but have to be discreet about it, because the industry Zach works in has made it difficult for him to just date. A take on the celebrity trope, told entirely in the POV of trans main character Zach. CW: references to trans antagonism, queer antagonism, and racism
YA about two young adults who happen to be using the same kind of journal, meeting on a flight to Doha. But wait there’s more to it than that, because the reason why Zayneb is on that flight is she was suspended from school for standing up to her teacher, and Adam is heading back to Doha because he has decided to quit school after being diagnosed with MS, which his mom had. The trip in this one gives them a chance to be themselves, give a chance for romance to blossom, with less baggage. CW: Islamophobia, illness, death of parent
White Whiskey Bargain by Jodie Slaughter
This is an arranged marriage between two rival families in the business of making moonshine, so Hannah and Javier are already kind-of together–but then they take a trip to Nashville, and a mistake at the hotel means one queen bed instead of two doubles. This one has a lot more danger than my other recs but the traveling definitely does bring them together emotionally, especially when they’re plotting against another rival moonshine family. CW: gun violence, kidnapping, death of parent
This week in #RomBkLove!
