The perfect summer romance read
Release date: June 16, 2026
Publisher: Atria
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
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.
Sadie Whitlock 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 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.
Review:
Kayla Olson’s The Great Outdoors is a charming and entertaining rom com that combines adventure, self discovery, and romance against the stunning backdrop of California’s High Sierras. What begins as a humorous attempt by Sadie Whitlock to prove she’s not “high maintenance” quickly evolves into a story about embracing uncertainty, challenging your own perceptions, and discovering that growth often happens far outside your comfort zone. The wilderness trek provides a unique setting that feels fresh and immersive, adding both excitement and genuine stakes to the story.
Sadie is an easy protagonist to root for. Her meticulous planning and preference for luxury make her a fish out of water in the rugged outdoors, but watching her adapt and push herself beyond her limits is incredibly satisfying. Her dynamic with trek leader August Thorn is equally compelling. Their differences create plenty of humor and tension, while their growing connection develops naturally throughout the journey. Olson balances swoony romance with personal growth, allowing both characters to evolve in meaningful ways.
With beautiful scenery, engaging characters, and a romance that unfolds amid unexpected challenges, The Great Outdoors is the perfect summer read. Equal parts heartfelt, funny, and adventurous, it’s a story about taking risks, embracing change, and discovering that sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never planned to take.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 