This is a peek inside the minds of two people, connected only by the person they lost, as they try to find a way to a new normal. I’m glad we got to see both POVs - Geri and Dez. Dorbian did a great job of bringing them to life, and really embodying them during their chapters. There’s a big attitude and tone change between their chapters, and it was interesting to see how they view each other, and their lives. Dez isn’t my favorite character ever, but it’s because he’s so well-written. He’s hurting, and has a lot of trauma, and that comes out in his character, but I hate the way he treats Geri. (I know some of it comes from a place of ignorance). Geri is about what you’d expect from a neurodivergent teen who has lost the only family that they’ve had since they were young. My heart absolutely broke for her, but when her rebellious spirit emerged, I was rooting for her. If you enjoy character-driven fiction you’re going to enjoy this! ( )

So compelling, I couldn’t put this book down!

Next Stop, Boston by Iris Dorbian is the compelling story of sixteen-year-old Geri Randall, whose older sister and guardian, supermodel Michelle, is killed in a car accident while on a photoshoot in Italy. In her will, Michelle leaves her assets and the guardianship of her sister to her fiancé, the fading rock star Dez Deacon, a man completely unprepared and unsuitable for the role. The story of Geri’s and Dez’s tumultuous relationship over the ensuing months was unputdownable!

The main character, Geri, is good-hearted, naïve, and innocent, having been sheltered all her life in special schools to support her dyslexia. The story of her being hauled out of school and dragged along on Dez’s concert tour was interesting on its own; she’s a fish out of water, making the best of a horribly confusing situation. But the volatile, hot mess that is Dez Deacon made it traumatic and emotional. While both are grieving Michelle’s death, their relationship is adversarial rather than mutually comforting. This situation is on Dez as he’s unable or unwilling to pull himself together and be the man he needs to be. It was heartbreaking watching his mercurial shifts in temperament and verbal abuse and Geri’s life always walking on eggshells around him. Told from multiple points of view, the added perspectives make this story even more robust. The situation continued to deteriorate with surprising twists in the plot that made it impossible for me to put the book down.

I recommend NEXT STOP, BOSTON to readers of contemporary fiction who like unique plot twists and stories related to rock music concert tours.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours. ( )