If summer reading wishes could manifest into reality, they’d likely take the form of Annie McQuaid’s debut novel Crash Landing. This contemporary romance delivers the perfect blend of forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers, and second-chance romance tropes packaged in a sun-soaked island adventure. The novel follows Piper Adams and Wyatt Brooks, high school sweethearts turned bitter exes, who find themselves stranded on a deserted island after their small plane crashes en route to their best friend’s wedding. While the premise isn’t entirely novel, McQuaid infuses enough heart, humor, and genuine emotional depth to elevate this romance above similar offerings.
Stranded Hearts and Second Chances: The Plot
At its core, Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid explores what happens when two people who once loved each other deeply are forced to confront their unresolved feelings while simultaneously fighting for survival. Piper Adams has crafted a safe, predictable life as a medical student, following her parents’ expectations to the letter, when she unexpectedly encounters her ex-boyfriend Wyatt at the airport. Desperate to make it to her best friend Allie’s destination wedding, she reluctantly accepts Wyatt’s offer to fly her there in a borrowed plane.
When disaster strikes and they crash on a deserted island, the story shifts into a delicate balance of survival adventure and emotional excavation. McQuaid skillfully alternates between present-day chapters chronicling their island challenges and flashbacks revealing the history of their relationship. This structure creates an addictive reading experience, as we gradually piece together why these two people who clearly care for each other ended up apart.
The narrative builds satisfying tension both in their fight for survival and in their slow-burning reconciliation. By the time they’re rescued, both characters have evolved considerably, setting up a compelling final act where they must decide if their reconnection can survive in the real world.
Character Analysis: More Than Just Castaways
McQuaid’s greatest strength lies in her character development. Piper begins the novel as a people-pleaser who has sacrificed her own happiness to fulfill others’ expectations. Her journey toward self-determination feels authentic and earned, particularly when she finally confronts her controlling mother:
“I think you’re threatened that Wyatt’s given me the strength to believe in myself. To follow my own path instead of yours.”
Wyatt’s character could have easily fallen into the stereotypical “brooding ex” category, but instead, he emerges as a complex man haunted by insecurities stemming from his difficult childhood. His military background and PTSD are handled with sensitivity, adding dimension to his character beyond the typical romance hero.
The supporting cast feels equally well-realized, particularly:
- Allie: Piper’s vivacious best friend whose wedding provides the initial plot catalyst
- Ethan: The third member of their childhood friend group, whose easygoing nature masks genuine emotional intelligence
- Barbara Adams: Piper’s controlling mother, who embodies parental expectations without becoming a one-dimensional villain
Island Vibes and Emotional Tides: Setting and Themes
The island setting functions as both a practical plot device and an effective metaphor. Physically cut off from outside influences, Piper and Wyatt are forced to rely on each other and confront their past without distractions. McQuaid creates a vivid tropical atmosphere without overwhelming readers with excessive description:
“The fragrance of salt mixed with something acrid tinged the damp air. From under the tiny hamlet of palm trees where she sat, the rolling ocean stretched on forever. The turquoise water sparkled crystal clear, beautiful in an unnatural, too-bright way, like a real-life Instagram filter.”
Thematically, the novel explores several interconnected ideas:
- Self-determination vs. parental expectations: Piper’s journey involves recognizing that her life choices should reflect her own desires rather than her parents’ plans.
- Trust and forgiveness: Both protagonists must learn to trust again after heartbreak.
- Finding courage: The physical courage required for survival parallels the emotional courage needed to be vulnerable in love.
- Communication: Many of the novel’s conflicts stem from miscommunication or assumptions, highlighting how important honest dialogue is in relationships.
Prose and Pacing: A Smooth Flight with Minor Turbulence
For a debut novelist, McQuaid demonstrates impressive control over her prose in Crash Landing. Her writing is accessible and engaging, with enough sensory detail to ground readers in each scene without bogging down the narrative. Dialogue flows naturally, capturing each character’s distinct voice. Especially effective are the emotional scenes between Piper and Wyatt, which avoid melodrama while still conveying genuine feeling.
The novel’s pacing, however, sometimes falters. The first third moves briskly, establishing the characters and their situation with efficiency. The middle section on the island maintains momentum through survival challenges and emotional revelations. But the final third, after the rescue, occasionally drags, particularly during Piper’s confrontations with her parents and the miscommunication that temporarily separates the protagonists again.
Romance Analysis: Chemistry That Sizzles Despite the Setting
The romance between Piper and Wyatt represents the novel’s heart. Their chemistry feels natural and earned, building from antagonism to grudging respect to rekindled attraction. McQuaid deftly balances their physical attraction with their emotional connection, showing how their shared history provides a foundation for their renewed relationship.
The intimate scenes strike an effective balance—sensual enough to convey genuine passion without graphic detail that might alienate readers seeking a more moderate heat level. Most importantly, these scenes advance character development rather than existing solely for titillation.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Assessment
What Works
- Compelling characterization: Both leads undergo meaningful character arcs
- Effective use of dual timeline: Flashbacks enhance rather than interrupt the narrative
- Authentic emotional beats: The romance feels grounded in genuine connection
- Satisfying character growth: Particularly Piper’s journey toward self-determination
- Strong dialogue: Characters have distinct voices that reveal their personalities
What Could Be Stronger
- Pacing issues in final act: Some scenes after the rescue feel drawn out
- Convenient plot resolutions: Certain obstacles are overcome too easily
- Predictable elements: Few surprises in the overall narrative structure
- Limited exploration of Wyatt’s career: His tech startup could be more developed
- Somewhat idealized ending: Everything wraps up a bit too neatly
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut
Despite minor issues, Crash Landing delivers an engaging, emotionally satisfying romance that marks Annie McQuaid as an author to watch. This novel will particularly appeal to fans of Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, and Tessa Bailey—authors who balance humor, heart, and heat in contemporary settings.
The novel is a decent read for its winning combination of:
- Well-developed characters with genuine chemistry
- An engaging premise executed with emotional intelligence
- Smooth, accessible prose that keeps pages turning
- A satisfying balance of romcom lightness and emotional depth
For Fans Of…
Readers who enjoyed Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid might also appreciate:
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (forced proximity romance)
- Beach Read by Emily Henry (emotional depth with banter)
- The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez (compelling characters with emotional baggage)
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (friends-to-lovers with dual timeline)
Annie McQuaid has crafted a debut that skillfully blends familiar romance tropes with genuine emotional depth. Like her protagonists who find unexpected treasures during their island ordeal, readers will discover in Crash Landing a romance that offers both escapist enjoyment and authentic heart. McQuaid has certainly earned her place on the contemporary romance bookshelf, and I’m eagerly awaiting her next novel.
If you’re looking for your next beach read or simply a romance that will transport you to a sun-drenched island while exploring the complexities of second chances, Crash Landing is well worth the trip. Just be prepared—unlike Piper and Wyatt, you might not want to be rescued from this particular island adventure.
