About The Book

From USA TODAY bestseller Kayla Olson, a new rom-com about a high-maintenance woman who embarks on a wilderness trek to prove to her ex how low-maintenance she can be—only to find herself with no makeup and an extremely attractive trek leader.

Those who say “be prepared” never met Sadie Whitlock.

Sadie has always been praised for being the most prepared person in the room, the one who’s thought of everything—and every backup plan—for any given situation. She knows exactly what she wants, exactly what she loves, and goes to great lengths to make sure her life runs perfectly as planned.

So, when her laidback boyfriend breaks up with her for being “too high-maintenance,” Sadie is eager to prove him wrong, and signs herself up for a weeks-long guided wilderness adventure in the High Sierras of California: camping, hiking, rappelling, and kayaking. It’s the most miserable, uncomfortable situation she can think of.

Sadie’s a five-star resort girl at heart, but she has a compelling—and suspiciously attractive—tour guide: August Thorn. Thorn lives for adventure and always keeps a professional distance from the trekkers under his care…but there’s just something about Sadie, and for the first time, he finds himself wanting to get closer. As they explore the wilderness together, Sadie realizes the great outdoors might truly be great with the right person.

Appearances

JUL 9
6:00PM
In Person

Moderating for Lana Ferguson

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Barnes & Noble Stonebriar Mall
2601 Preston Rd.
Unit 1204
Frisco, TX 75034
JUL 17
7:00PM
In Person

In conversation with Ila Sikorski

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The New Romantics
3018 Corrine Dr.
Orlando, FL 32803
SEP 19
6:00PM
In Person

Kayla Olson & Ellen O'Clover in conversation

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Books Are Awesome at PACE Center
20000 Pikes Peak Ave.
Parker, CO 80138

About The Author

Photograph by Kayla Olson

Kayla Olson is the author of The Reunion and The Lodge in addition to two books for young adults (The Sandcastle Empire and This Splintered Silence). Whether writing at her desk or curled up with a good book, she can most often be found with a fresh cup of coffee and at least one cat. Visit her at KaylaOlson.com or at @AuthorKaylaOlson on Instagram/TikTok.

About The Readers

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio (June 16, 2026)
  • Runtime: 11 hours and 58 minutes
  • ISBN13: 9781668163870

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Raves and Reviews

Both narrators’ nuanced storytelling and distinct character voices create a memorable and immersive listening experience.

– —Kirkus

"In a dual narration, Rebekkah Ross and André Santana bring this heartfelt and hilarious contemporary romance to life. After Sadie Whitlock’s boyfriend plans a backpacking trip without her, doesn’t invite her, and then breaks up with her, claiming that they’re too different and she’s too high-maintenance, she sets out to prove him wrong. She signs up for her own wilderness adventure in the High Sierras. Her guide, the strikingly handsome August Thorn, thinks she has a lot to learn—but that they could learn together. Ross’ soft, upbeat voice embodies all of Sadie’s sass and strength as she discovers her true potential, while Santana’s warm, inviting tone exudes Thorn’s confidence and reassurance."

– —Kirkus

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