Lost in Tokyo

by Jenny Lynne

This book is out of print in all formats.

*Don’t miss Jenny Lynne’s newest book, What He Didn’t Tell Me!*

To view more books by this author, search: J.W. Lynne

Popular titles by J.W. Lynne include:
Above the Sky
The Unknown
If I Tell

Genres: Japan, Romance, Fiction, Young Adult, Travel, Asia

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2014

About the author

Jenny Lynne (AKA: J.W. Lynne) writes suspenseful page-turners with twists, turns, and surprises. Her works include ...

THE UNKNOWN: Eight kidnapped kids wake up trapped in a mysterious prison.

ABOVE THE SKY: Teens are sent off to war knowing they will never return.

THE DARKNESS OUTSIDE: A teen’s simulated trip to the moon takes a shocking turn.

IF I TELL: A teen wonders if her father is a serial killer.

WHAT HE DIDN'T TELL ME: A broken girl meets a mysterious boy with a secret.

KID DOCS: An experimental program teaches kids to be doctors.

WILD ANIMAL SCHOOL: A girl falls in love at an exotic animal ranch.

LOST IN TOKYO: A girl travels to Japan to follow her missing mother’s bucket list.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!! I thought author Jenny Lynne blew my mind with Lost in Los Angeles but LOST IN TOKYO was even better. Erin captured my heart in the first book but in this one she won me over from the very first pages. She goes to Tokyo with her bud Adam to live out her mother's bucket list. As she follows the list she feels closer than ever to her mom who left her when she was a small child. Adam is such an awesome friend to Erin and I couldn't love him more!!



My heart was beating like crazy reading LOST IN TOKYO. I was swooning like mad for Adam, I was happy and giggling with Erin. Jenny Lynne had me right in Tokyo with the two of them. I will tell you that the ending is without a doubt perfect. What an awesome discover Erin makes! Well done Jenny Lynne. I can not wait to read more by this awesome and heart tugging author.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nineteen-year-old Erin leaves the cocoon of her world in order to follow a forgotten bucket list her long lost mother had created, was it to bring closure or to feel a connection to the mother she barely remembers? Whatever it was that Erin sought, what she took home with her was more priceless than gold.
Erin and her best friend, the always “up for anything” Adam travel halfway around the world to re-trace her mother’s bucket list by visiting all of the sights she had catalogued to see in Japan. What she finds is a connection to her mother that felt real, as if she were seeing things through her mother’s eyes. When her relationship with Adam changes, it brings more conflict while also giving her a feeling of peace, but the greatest gift of all came by accident, or was it fate that brought her to the end of her journey and the end of the mystery that her mother left behind?

Lost in Tokyo by Jenny Lynn is a dark and almost mystical journey of a young adult in need of answers, a place to feel she belonged in, a the need to touch what had meant something to the mother who walked out on her fifteen years before. Rather somber, driven by the thoughts, actions and reactions of two people isolated by language and the customs of an ancient and foreign country. Highly emotionally charged, riddled with the pain of feeling abandoned. Do not expect a joyous ride of discovery, expect a tumultuous mental journey to cleanse one’s soul.

I received this copy from Jenny Lynne in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: April 6, 2014
Publisher: Jenny Lynne
Genre: NA/YA Family Issues
Print Length: 207 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Amélie Boucher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Oh God, where you I start? First off, let me tell you that I was sort of excited when I was asked to read this book for free. The premise seemed promising, and I liked the fact that the setting was in Japan, a place that we not that many books are set in.

But it ended up not delivering. From the first lines, I already disliked the book. And while the writing was perfectly fine, it's the characters and the story line that made me not enjoy it.

I felt like I was reading a draft of what could have been a good story. As I just mentioned, the writing was okay, but for some reasons, it got on my nerves. Maybe it's because it was told from Erin's point of view, but I just didn't enjoy reading it. I can't quite put my finger on what was bothering me...

Now, let's talk about Erin. I never disliked a narrator as much as I disliked Erin. I hated reaading from her point of view. She is simply annoying. She keeps whining, is completely delusional and just is indecisive. She can't make up her mind about anything! One minute she wants to be with Adam, the next she just doesn't want to let anyone come near her... and that goes on and on for over 200 pages! And what was with this "I can feel my mother and experience her memories" thing? That made no sense at all! I just felt like slapping Erin across the face and yell "WAKE UP!" at her.

The author just tried to hard to make Erin's back story sad. Her mother left her when she was a child, her not present father commited suicide last year, she was raped by her childhood's friend... and the list goes on! This was way too overdramatic for my own taste.

The actual story in Japan wasn't so bad, but I felt like it had no purpose. We didn't even know what was on Beatrice's buckt list, so it just felt like they were aimlessly wandering 99% of the time. And what about the supposed "plot twists"? It felt too obvious. Of course, the one man who gave her a drawing knew his mother and had put her in it. Of course, the one time a month her biological father (because it turns out her father was not her real one!) goes to the tourist center is the time Erin goes there to look for her mom and meets him. Everything was pushed too far, like it was forced down my throat.

However, I did like the character development. If there is one thing this book did well was make Erin grow. This trip definitely changed her, and I think the author handled her evolution pretty well.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I was after a book set in Japan for one of the Popsugar challenge prompts and found Lost in Tokyo by Jenny Lynne, before starting the book I read a review and the only one I happened to read mentioned the book Lost in Los Angeles and after doing a quick Google search found that Lost in Tokyo is the sequel to Lost in Los Angeles so of course, I read that one first. I have a thing about reading in published order especially if it’s a series or a follow-up.

I loved this book for the vivid descriptions of Japan, most places Erin and Adam explored were on our Japan tour itinerary, very sad our trip was cancelled due to Covid 19.

I adore these travelogue style novels. Always fun discovering new places.

POPSUGAR Reading Challenge 2020: #49 - A book set in Japan, host of the 2020 Olympics

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

'Lost in Tokyo' is an great continuation of Erin's story from 'Lost in Los Angeles'. The storyline was such an emotional adventure that was also beautifully written. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I was drawn into Erin's journey as she sought out her mother. But what she left with was so much more. Quite a few scenes brought out the goosebumps. Adam was a great friend whom also had quite an emotional time. This book, for me, was so much more than just a story. It was full of pain, happiness, anger, love, hope and friendship. From Erin- 'When I came to Japan, I was lost. I'm not lost anymore.'
A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down. The relationship between Erin and Adam was amazingly sensual and slow building. It kept the pages turning like crazy. And the way the plot kept unfolding, I never knew what was going to happen next. Japan as a backdrop was such a unique story setting. It was both peaceful and exciting at the same time. Jenny Lynne's use of imagery was fantastic, the characters were always the main focus, you felt like you were right there with them. I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

[Sara Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read by Jenny! I was completely enthralled with the vivid descriptions in of Japan in this story. I loved the interaction between Erin and Adam and how their relationship progresses. With everything that Erin has gone through in her life, she deserves her moment in the sun, and her time in Japan is just that. After reading this book, I would love to plan a visit!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an experience

The writing is absolutely beautiful! It makes the entire story come to life! You feel like you are right there with them exploring Japan! I love the rich culture and how they took the time to learn some of the customs and phrases before their trip. Erin and Adam's story was so pure and heartwarming. I'm so glad that I picked up this book!

[Lynn Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very tender love story and a great story about one setting out to find herself through her moms wishes and finds oh so much more. I loved this story!!!

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

[Janet Wertman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love. The writing was clear, the narrative was compelling, the descriptions were vivid. I did one of those "start from the beginning" when I finished it - I wasn't ready to leave the world that Lynne had created!

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

that's 2.5 stars actually. Being generous cause all the travel parts were really relatable for me

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I loved it as much as the first. There were so many surprises I was on the edge of my seat. I love this author.

[Michelle Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Her books always have surprise endings. She’s such a creative “think out of box” author. Looking forward to what she writes next.

[Debbie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given in exchange for an honest review.


This is a story of a young woman who is trying to figure out who she is and put herself back together. This is the 2nd book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone.


I love Erin, I love everything about her. Her passion to follow her heart and figure things out is amazing. Even when things are dark she pushes through and things seem to all come together. I love how she heals herself and finds what she needs to keep going. As in life, it’s just great when you figure out that your best friend is also your soul mate. Love the detail of Japan, found myself googling places so that it would be more real to me.


Very enjoyable read. My emotions stayed on “high alert” waiting to see what would happen next.

[Bookshelf Productions · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible visual journey.

This book was absolutely breathtaking. It was so vivid I could completely visualize every scene like I was right there with Adam and Erin on their journey. It was full of heartbreak, loss and finding yourself while falling in love with your best friend. I would absolutely recommend this book and I have to several people already. This is a 1-click author for me and I bet she will be for you too.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Far too many coincidences make this travelogue style novel unbelievable. The main characters explore Japan as their personal relationship develops. The travel details overwhelm the story and my interest began to fade mid-novel. The ending is too neat and so unlikely that I mentally snorted.

[Suzanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Leah (lay-ah) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this one more star than the first in the series, only because it’s set in Japan. Some of the scenery description made me feel somewhat 懐かしい, but it’s pretty obvious the author has had limited to no real contact with the *people* of Japan - the culture was painfully misrepresented and the dialogues were unrealistic. The main characters and storyline were still shallow, undeveloped and unbelievable.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is probably closer to a 3 star book, but I just returned from my first trip to Tokyo so I really enjoyed it. As Erin travels through Japan completing her mother's itinerary, I was able to relive my trip! The story was just interesting enough to keep me reading.

[Nicole Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story. Fairly superstitious. It also felt very choppy. There wasn’t a lot of emotion involved. I think it could have definitely had more detail. I wasn’t as captivated by the moment as I would have liked to have been.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. There were some twists that I wasn't expecting. But at times I thought the pace was slow.

[Corinne Morier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I downloaded the free Kindle sample and was not very impressed by it.

Erin, the protagonist, is really annoying, especially with how literally everything she sees reminds her of an event in the past. And I mean literally everything. Going through customs and her middle name is her mother's first name... she reminisces for something like three pages about her mother. On the train and she sees the hoodie Adam is wearing... she has an entire flashback to college orientation, whereas I still don't know really who she is in the present-day! Meet a Japanese guy on the street and ask him for directions? Perfect opportunity to reminisce about your mother for a page and a half! Being raped by your childhood best friend? Awesome opportunity to info-dump all over us the barebones facts about your relationship and how you came to be in this situation. Dissociating is one thing, but she's not even like "Barry was so nice. I've known him since we were kids. He'd never do something like this to me!" It's more like "Barry and I knew each other in elementary school. We went to middle school together, too. Then we went to high school together. We went to college together, and that was the first time I realized he wanted me as more than a friend."

Yawn. Where's the tension, the emotion, the disbelief that she's being raped by someone she considered to be a friend? I don't need to know the entire timeline of her and Barry's relationship. I want to see her traumatized by the rape, shocked, bewildered.

The sample picks up a bit after that, but it wasn't enough to make me want to go buy the full book. So I'm labeling this one a DNF. Interesting premise, and even more so because it's set in Japan, but Erin is just too annoying for me. She's like Bella Swan almost. I won't discourage other people from reading this book, but I personally will not be finishing it.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Lost in Tokyo by Jenny Lynne

Here is a blurb of what the book is about. Sometimes you have to abandon your comfort zone to find the place where you belong.

Nineteen -year - old Erin is hoping that her visit to Japan with her best friend, Adam, will be life- changing. Fifteen years ago, Erin's mother mysteriously vanished. The only clue she left behind is a handwritten itinerary for a dream trip to Japan, a trip that Erin doesn't know if her mother ever had the chance to take. Erin has decided to carry out this itinerary, believing that it might help her find her mother.

But her trip won't be going according to plan.

Just hours after Erin and Adam arrive in Tokyo, in a jet- lagged fog, they end up in bed together. While struggling with the tension that now dominates their once innocent friendship, Erin and Adam visit the places on her mother's list. As they explore the wonders of Japan, Erin finds herself haunted by strange "memories" that seem to belong to her mother. Could these memories be real? If so, perhaps her mother can be found.

Lost in Tokyo is a young adult/ new adult contemporary romance novel that will appeal to readers. The book gives us a travel guide of wonderful things to see and do while on vacation in Japan ( featuring attractions in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Nikko, and Kamakura) wrapped in a story of healing and hope, with an unexpected, but satisfying, ending.

I thought this was a really great book. It is full of twists and turns and surprises. I also found the story to be a bit complicated at times. Did Erin get her miracle... to find out the answer you have to pick up this book and read it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves contemporary romance and young adult/ new adult books

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

That moment when you finish a book you thought was a stand-alone and find out it was actually a sequel all along...

Traveling throughout Japan is a dream of mine and this book created a sense of familiarity with places I've only witnessed through (manymanymany) videos. However, I found the ending to be a bit too unlikely/unbelievable/tidy, even for a book about fate.

I'm unsure as to whether I'll pick up the prequel. I kind of want to remember the characters how I experienced them through this book. But, since this was such a short read and I'm curious as to how Erin developed up to this point, I remain undecided for now.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sad to say that I didn't love this book like I loved Lost in Los Angeles. I'm not 100% sure what it was. Maybe it was my own expectations after how much I LOVED Lost in Los Angeles or maybe the personalities of the characters in this one. I can't put my finger on it. It was a good book, but I definitely didn't love it like I wanted to.

I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty trite/silly/contrived. Kind of nice as a travelogue.

[Alayna · Rating 1 out of 5]

quite possibly the dumbest book I have ever read