Review: "Road Trip" by A.F. Henley
Note: This ARC was provided by Less Than Three Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Boyd Matthis has always dreamed of going on a road trip, visiting the very cities and towns he's been marking on a map of the United States, behind the wheel of a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. Now thirty-five, Boyd finally has the opportunity to do just that when the car of his dreams is available to him at a price he can actually afford. He takes time off work and heads off to start his road trip in his newly acquired and surprisingly cheaper than expected classic car.
After a couple of days checking out a few places in California, Boyd makes his way to Nevada and visits Las Vegas. While there, a young man grabs his attention, not just because he happens to be good looking but also because he seems to look lost and hopeless. After watching the guy lose what appears to be his last dollar bill in a slot machine, Boyd takes pity on him and offers to buy him a cup of coffee. He ends up extending an invitation to join him on the road trip.
Oliver Martin is down on his luck but a chance encounter with a man in a casino gives him the opportunity to get as far away from Vegas as he can. Oliver isn't exactly sure what Boyd's motivations are but as the days pass, he sees the kindness and generosity that this former stranger has extended him. He tries to express his gratitude in rather unexpected and creative ways, much to Boyd's surprise. However, Boyd doesn't want Oliver feeling as if he has to perform certain favors just to repay him.
As the days pass and the more places they end up at, Boyd and Oliver get to know each other better and begin to build a friendship based on mutual trust and respect. Oliver encourages Boyd to not merely drive by a location or to stop for a few minutes but to truly experience something. The road trip begins to become more meaningful, not just for Boyd but for Oliver as well. But when whatever Oliver is running from catches up with him, what he and Boyd have together is tested.
Road Trip is the second novella by author A.F. Henley that I've read and it's par for the course so far. ^.^ I enjoyed this tale of two seemingly different men whose lives change in ways they never imagined when they first agreed to be on a road trip together. I liked that it didn't rely on the usual insta-love formula that can often be found in novellas and short stories. And yes, indeed, there is a story here, one that progresses rather nicely, never feeling rushed or lacking.
Just like with the author's previous release, The Chase and the Catch, one of my favorites for 2014, this novella is never boring and draws you in from the very beginning and latches on 'til you're done. Boyd and Oliver were a unique but entertaining pair, both not necessarily looking for companionship but finding that and more during a memorable journey spent together. If you're looking for a quick but well-written read, look no further than Road Trip. I'm giving it five stars. ♥
Release Date: 11 February 2015
Date read: 10 February 2015
Learn more about author A.F. Henley here.
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