When Wilderness Heals: A Review of The Great Outdoors.

The Great Outdoors ended up being one of those quietly satisfying reads that sneaks up on you. I went in expecting a light, outdoorsy rom-com, something cute, easy, and forgettable. Instead I found a story that leaned much harder into personal growth and self-acceptance than I anticipated. It was also a welcome palate cleanser: a low-spice, sweet romance that felt like a deep breath after working my way through a stretch of much spicier reads.

Sadie is freshly dumped for being “too much,” a phrase that carries far more weight than the person saying it ever intends. She’s organized, particular, comfort-loving, and unapologetically herself traits that her ex frames as flaws. In response (and perhaps a bit out of spite), Sadie signs up for a two-week wilderness hiking trip despite having zero experience and an over-packed bag that becomes a running joke. What follows is a mix of humor, discomfort, and genuine self-reflection as Sadie navigates blisters, exhaustion, bugs, and her own internalized doubts.

What I loved most about this book is that Sadie’s journey never becomes about changing who she is. She’s not trying to “fix” herself or become more low-maintenance to please others. Instead, she’s learning how capable she already is, even when she’s scared, uncomfortable, or wildly out of her element. Her growth feels incremental and earned, made up of small moments rather than sweeping transformations. Watching her trust herself more with each step was easily the most compelling part of the story, and it’s where Olson’s writing really shines.

The romance comes in through Thorn, the group’s quiet, steady hiking guide who seems to have everything under control at all times. He’s kind, competent, and grounded, basically the human embodiment of calm. While I didn’t dislike Thorn, I did find that he took away from the story at times. The romance is a slow burn, built on subtle moments and gentle banter, but I often found myself more invested in Sadie’s internal journey than in their relationship.

Part of that is because Thorn becomes a source of reassurance fairly early on. His presence softens Sadie’s struggles, and while that works romantically, it slightly dulls the impact of her independence. The moments where Sadie pushes through discomfort on her own, when she proves something to herself without outside validation are the strongest in the book. I couldn’t help but feel that her self-discovery might have landed even harder if the romance had taken a bit more of a backseat.

That said, the romance stays sweet and firmly low-spice, which I genuinely appreciated. There’s no rush to heat things up, no over-the-top drama, and no scenes that feel like they exist just to check a box. Instead, the focus stays on emotional connection and mutual respect. For readers who prefer closed-door or low-spice romances or anyone looking for a break from heavier, steamier reads, this book is an easy recommendation.

The outdoor setting is another strong point. Set in Northern California, the wilderness backdrop feels expansive and grounding, adding to the sense of isolation and self-reflection that defines Sadie’s journey. Olson’s descriptions are vivid enough to make you feel immersed in the mountains and trails without becoming overwhelming or technical. You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy this story; the setting enhances the emotional arc rather than overshadowing it. The “no fraternizing with the guide” rule adds some light tension, but overall the plot does lean into familiar rom-com beats. They’re enjoyable and comforting, just not particularly surprising, which ultimately kept this from being a five-star read for me.

Overall, The Great Outdoors is charming, comforting, and quietly empowering. While the romance adds warmth, the heart of this story is Sadie learning that she was never the problem. She just needed the space to see herself clearly. It’s a feel-good, low-spice read that prioritizes self-worth over spectacle, and sometimes that’s exactly the kind of story you need.

xx, Crystal

The Great Outdoors releases June 16, 2026

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC inexhange for an honest review.