The Travel Auction By Mark Green

It should have been their trip of a lifetime. But with just days to go, Jonathan Cork finds himself dumped by his girlfriend, Kate Thornly. Even worse, a life-threatening allergy means he can’t travel alone. Unable to change the name on the spare ticket and fast running out of time, Jonathan resorts to desperate measures. He advertises on eBay for a travel companion with the same name as his ex. The problem is, it’s a complete lottery who he’ll end up with.

Kate Thornly (the second) is aware of the unusual eBay auction, but she can’t be persuaded to bid. Enter Maria, her best friend, who secretly applies on her behalf! With her nursing credentials and erotic photo, Kate seems the perfect travel companion. But there’s just one small detail Maria’s conveniently left off Kate’s bid…

What follows is a funny, page-turning, roller-coaster ride around South America.

I absolutely loved this book. It is so lighthearted and humorous,  the story is so crazy, that in this day and age it is entirely believable.

This book reminds me of the works of Sophie Kinsella: the story holds a universal appeal. There is something in the story to draw every reader in.

The travel element is executed wonderfully. As a reader, the pages transport you to the most remote, and exotic places in the world. The descriptions are so vivid and real, that just like KT2 (Kate Thornly the second) the reader sees the setting simply through description.

The story also inspires readers to live their life, no matter their circumstances. As KT2 completes one of the most grueling treks in the world, the reader can’t help but root for this fictional character, and recalculate their own life.

Inspiring. Funny. Believable. Adventurous.Original.

Great, great read. I can see this story being turned into a movie.