Debut Author, Mimi Grace is stopping by Smexy today with her list of road trip essentials. Mimi’s book, Along for the Ride is out on July 16.

When Jolene Baxter offered to help her sister and brother-in-law move halfway across the country, she didn’t foresee the last minute changes that would leave her making the journey with the one person she can’t stand, Jason Akana.

Their interactions are strained from a heated confrontation five years prior, but adding car problems, a pit stop, and sizzling chemistry, leaves them rethinking things.

Content Warnings: Deceased parent (dies long before start of the book) | Verbally pushy person interested in the heroine (NOT the hero) 

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Having experienced my fair share of road trips, I’ve come to appreciate that enjoying them takes a bit of work and a few essential items. 

1. Podcasts:

Because I’m likely driving with someone else, I prefer podcasts to audiobooks on road trips. Tying to agree on an audiobook to invest several hours in seems like a tiresome way to begin a trip. Depending on the podcast, the running time for an episode can range from several minutes to a couple of hours. Additionally, the different podcast genres available ensure there is something for everybody.

My favorites:

• I could listen to the hosts of Thirst Aid Kit, Bim and Nichole, thirst over hot men all day. This funny, self-aware show was unfortunately cancelled last year, but there’s a possibility it could return in the future. If you haven’t given this podcast a listen, a good place to start is their fantastic episode on the Internet’s fave, Keanu Reeves.
• The relatively short episodes of Criminal are perfect for those who religiously watch the ID channel but want more unique stories that aren’t always gruesome. The episodes that got me hooked are “The Portrait” and “Money Tree.”
• Stuff You Missed in History Class offers the obscure facts and history I crave. I recommend the episode “A Brief History of Vodka.”

2. Eye mask:

In order for me to feel comfortable driving long trips, I take naps whenever I feel tired. However, nothing wrecks a solid nap session like a full moon or the sun. That’s why an eye mask (and headphones) are always with me when I road trip.

3. Kindle:

My Kindle has made travelling with several books and reading in the dark possible (twelve-year-old Mimi is jealous), and I’m more likely to read on vacation if I have a variety of books to choose from based on my mood. The following is a non-exhaustive list of books I’m excited to read this summer:

• The Chai Factor by Farah Heron
• Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
• Ice Cream Lover by Jackie Lau
• Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean (pub 7/30)
• The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waithe

4. Snacks:

It’s no coincidence the heroine in my book, Along for the Ride, loves potato chips. I’m not really picky on the brand, but I do have favorite flavors (salt & vinegar and anything jalapeño). However, regardless of what snack I end up choosing, baby wipes and a plastic bag to throw trash in are key.  

5. Music:

Music quite literally sets the mood and can keep the energy up when restlessness starts to set in during a journey. A good road trip playlist, in my humble opinion, has a mix of current songs and throwback tunes. The following songs are ones I’d definitely place on a summer 2019 road trip playlist:

• “Post That” and “Roll Call” by Leikeli47
• “Boys” and “Juice” by Lizzo
• “You Make Loving Fun” by Fleetwood Mac
• “High Horse” by Kacey Musgraves
• “All I Do” by Stevie Wonder

Mimi Grace credits romance novels for turning her into a bookworm at twelve years old. It didn’t matter if those stories included carriages or cowboys, she could be found past her bedtime getting lost in a couple’s journey to happily-ever-after.

If you don’t include mint chocolate chip ice cream and long-running reality TV shows, romance novels are where Mimi finds the most joy.  

She wants to evoke that same feeling in others with diverse books that are sexy, fun, and delightful.