Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid
I went into Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid really excited. The premise was fresh and fun—two exes stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash? Sign me up! The cover is gorgeous, and I was totally sold on the survival/second chance/forced proximity vibes. I was hoping for a swoony, emotional, adventure-packed romance with deeper character growth. Unfortunately, while it delivered on the concept, it just didn’t live up to its potential.
The story follows Piper and Wyatt, former high school sweethearts who haven’t seen each other since their painful breakup years ago. Piper has played it safe ever since, building a life with as little risk as possible. Wyatt is still the adventurous, free-spirited guy she remembers—only older, hotter, and possibly wiser. When they’re stranded together on a deserted island on their way to a mutual friend’s wedding, they’re forced to confront their past and figure out if there’s still something between them.
On paper, it sounds like the perfect second chance romance. In reality, the emotional depth just wasn’t there for me. Piper and Wyatt’s issues felt more like leftover high school drama than the kind of complicated, nuanced baggage you expect from adults. I wanted to see more growth from both of them—more meaningful conversations, more vulnerability—but everything stayed very surface-level. It made it hard to really invest in their relationship or root for them as a couple.
The pacing also dragged in places. Despite the life-or-death circumstances, there wasn’t much urgency or tension. It was less “OMG will they survive?!” and more “Okay… now they’re building another shelter.” The survival aspects were lightly touched on, but never felt high-stakes. I think I wanted either more adventure or more emotional payoff, and I didn’t really get enough of either.
Piper, as a heroine, was also tough for me to connect with. Her decision to completely switch careers at the end felt abrupt and underdeveloped—like it was supposed to show personal growth, but instead came off as a quick fix that wasn’t fully earned. Wyatt was likable enough, but I needed more from him emotionally, too.
That said, there were bright spots. McQuaid’s writing is easy to read, and there were a few heartfelt moments that gave me glimpses of what the story could have been with a bit more depth and development. If you’re looking for a light, easy second chance romance with a tropical survival twist, this might be the read for you. But if you’re hoping for something that packs an emotional punch, you may end up feeling like I did—wanting more.
