I loved this book. I read it before I met my fiancee, and I totally related to this character. I liked what she wanted in a future husband, and thankfully, I found a man with those traits. ( )

“Wanna get away?” That’s what comes to mind after reading Passport Diaries by writer and movie producer, Tamara T. Gregory. This debut is truly a literary vacation— a quick getaway nestled between 256 pages. So get your passport ready and join Kia Carson as she travels internationally and takes bold steps toward self-discovery. She’s destined to find herself and much more.

Kia is an excellent prosecuting attorney who works for the DA’s office. She’s turning thirty-five in just a few short days and her love life is nothing more than a sex-only relationship with a photographer named Flash. After refusing to go for the jugular in court, her boss promptly suspends her. Needless to say, she’s in desperate need of a vacation.

Lucky for her, she and her sister will soon be on their way to Europe. That is, until her sister calls with the bad news that she can’t go. Against Kia’s better judgment and with the coaxing of her friend and coworker, Drew, she decides to go through with her vacation plans and take the trip solo. Drew’s travel agent arranges a great package with three exciting destinations— Paris, London and Greece.

Her trip starts off with a few bumps because she almost misses her plane and once she finally boards, she’s an emotional train wreck when she realizes her seat is the one next to a mother with a crying baby and an extremely overweight man. A flight attendant takes pity on her and locates a much more comfortable seat and this begins an undoubtedly, unforgettable trip.

With certain fears and trepidation left behind in Los Angeles, Kia embarks on experiences she normally would not consider. Without giving too much away, let’s just say there’s a kiss but not with a man, there’s a topless beach and as they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Oh, and Kia’s not the only one with a passport, so she’s in for a birthday surprise.

Passport Diaries is a one-of-a-kind read. The witty humor and the first-person conversational style are definite crowd pleasers. The descriptions throughout are so vivid that you feel like you’re not just reading about Kia and her adventures but you’re right alongside her, visiting amazing museums, shopping at exquisite boutiques and eating veal and truffles. In addition, the author tosses in historical facts without over burdening the story and touches on various race relations issues and stereotypes; again, done in such away that it enhanced the storyline without hitting readers over the head. Lastly, this reviewer is not big on romances, but the romance element in the story was done very well. It was sensual without being sappy.

Passport Diaries is everything you want a getaway to be. It’s fun, relaxing, exciting and memorable. So what are you waiting for? Don’t you wanna get away? ( )