Brief

Just as a single mother has given up on men for good, the perfect one comes along to sweep her off her feet with a free trip to five international destinations. She fights her instant attraction to him, as she has her own career and daughters to think of. They only grow closer as they see more of the world together, and she realizes she has to take risks to truly start living again.

What We Liked

The premise in this book is fun and unique, plus it’s based on a true story which is even more of a hook. Allie’s journey from jilted lover to someone ready and willing to let her heart open up again is powerful, and it’s relatable to anyone out there that’s ever been hurt. This is a story of growth and rebirth, centered around a relationship that blossoms in some of the world’s most romantic cities. The exotic locales and Allie’s journey fit hand-in-hand, and it’s great wish fulfillment for any audience.

Film: A movie adaptation is very flexible, because it will work just as well as a holiday movie as it will a fun summer fling. The events of the story occur over (and right after) Christmastime, so it’s a natural fit for a holiday release. However, it’s also so light-hearted and fun that it’s the perfect winter getaway on a hot summer day. This is also the rare film that will work just as well theatrically as it will on the small screen. It’s a perfect Hallmark or Netflix holiday movie, too, and audiences would love to revisit Allie’s journey year after year.

TV: This could work so well adapted as a limited series, with an episode or two spent in each city. From New York to Bangkok, so much of the world is sampled here. Really letting Allie and Pete delve into the cultures in all these cities would only build up what’s already on the page. A show would give them — and the audience — time to explore these places, and to see their romance deepen with each stop. Episodes would also allow the subplots with Pete’s legal issues, Trix’s health concerns, and Allie’s daughters to develop further.

Key points: Great locations; Audience wish fulfillment; Unique premise; Allie and Pete’s romance; Inspired by true story

Synopsis

A year after catching her husband DAN cheating with their marriage therapist LORI, ALLIE has sworn off men for good. Instead she spends her time focusing on making partner at her New York City law firm — a goal which seems farther and farther out of her reach as she does all the grunt work — and raising her teenage DAUGHTERS. Her best friend TRIX has other ideas, though. When an Irish dreamboat NBC news anchor puts out a call that he needs a traveling companion, Trix encourages Allie to go for it. He and his girlfriend ALLISON JAMES recently split, and he already has tickets for an around the world trip in five exotic cities. He just needs someone with a name to match the ticket, and Allie’s full name does. As soon as they meet, they have an instant connection. Allie’s daughters are spending time with Dan and Lori after Christmas, the same time period as the trip. Allie blows up at work, frustrated with never being given any respect, and the partners put her on a forced vacation. She is never impulsive, but she leaps in feet first this time to travel with Pete. Thanks to Pete’s former friend and producer GARRETT, who wants to capitalize on Pete’s whirlwind world trip romance, the paparazzi are on their tail from their first meeting. When Pete realizes Garrett is to blame, the two fight and Pete shoves him. Because his heat is out and he’d been staying with Garrett over Christmas, Pete and his cat are left homeless for the holiday. A chance run-in with Allie leads her to bringing home the strays for her own family and friends Christmas dinner. Everyone loves Pete, and they leave for the trip soon after.

Allie and Pete have crazy chemistry, but they agree to travel as mere friends. That goes out the window during their first stop in London, when the paparazzi corner them at the airport and Pete’s old friends have to rescue them. SANDY and NADIA live off the grid out of town, and it’s the perfect respite tor Allie and Pete. Though they still manage to get into the city and see some sites, it’s not everything Allie hoped for. Their relationship only blossoms, and they kiss while at Sandy and Nadia’s place. Back in the States, Garrett brings a lawsuit against Pete, claiming he was physically assaulted and has whiplash. Allie believes Pete that there’s no way his actions could have caused that. She gets her firm on the case, helping with the research despite their trip. Their next stop is Prague, where they can no longer deny their chemistry. They make love in their hotel room in between enjoying the historic city. They both know their feelings are intensifying, but try to hide it from one another. Allie receives a call from her daughters and learns they cut their own trip with their dad early as he spent most of the time being handsy with Lori. They’re staying with Allie’s parents now instead, and Allie feels like she should go home straight away since the girls are upset. They tell her to stay, and Pete cheers her up by starting a travel game. They agree to do whatever is suggested by the CONCIERGE, which ends up being parachuting out of the plane. The thrilling activity only brings them closer, and Allie is glad she stayed.

In Rome, they have impulsive, nearly-public sex while on an armory tour. On New Year’s Eve, Allie’s firm uncovers that Garett lied about his neck injury. This should clear Pete of any wrongdoing, and they’re buoyed by the news. Allie and Pete are enjoying a New Year’s in, staying up until the ball drops in New York to hear from Allie’s daughters. When the girls call, they’re in tears. They’ve just found out that Dan and Lori are expecting and newly engaged. Allie is concerned, but the girls again push her to keep traveling. The girls are safe with their grandparents, and Dan hasn’t done anything wrong they’re just in shock. The next city is Bangkok, and Allie’s daughters make her promise to at least go for a few days. Jet lagged and unable to check into their hotel yet, Allie and Pete wind up in an argument in a busy Thai market. Allie tests the waters concerning something more serious with Pete, and Pete has a knee-jerk reaction wherein he accidentally implies he wants to see other people. Hurt and angry, Allie runs from him. He’s chasing after her when the world turns upside down. A nearby factory collapses, leveling part of the block they’re on. He manages to find her, and they spend the day helping other survivors. They’re so relieved to be safe and alive with one another that they almost confess their mutual love, but in a moment of indecision Allie calls Trix to talk things out with her bestie. Instead, she learns from Trix’s husband that Trix has breast cancer and is about to go in for surgery. She’s been hiding it from Allie so as not to ruin her trip.

Allie immediately flies home to New York, but there’s only one seat available. Pete stays in Thailand to help cover the horrific collapse and expose the danger of sweatshops in the country. After Trix makes it through her surgery just fine, Allie runs into Pete on the streets of New York again. He came home to be with her, as he can cover the story from abroad. They admit they’re in love and they want to make it work. A year later they’ve bought a house outside of the city and combined their lives. Pete is reporting for his own site, and Allie is helping underprivileged women with legal issues. Most importantly, they’re engaged.

About The Author

Heather Grace Stewart is a bestselling Canadian poet and journalist who decided to try writing novels at 41 and hasn't looked back because she's having too much fun. Her books were traditionally published until 2016, when she decided to retain all rights and self-publish. She's now had over 100,000 copies downloaded by readers around the world. All of her novels have been published by Tantor or Dreamscape Media as audiobooks.