Off the Map

Off the Map is a swoon-y, adventurous romp through the Irish countryside with unforgettable characters and just the right amount of seriousness. This is my third book by Trish Doller—I’ve also read the previous two books in this series, Float Plan and The Suite Spot. Each one can be read as a standalone, although, I would recommend all three; Doller is especially good at delivering romantic adventures. With each one of her books, I’ve wanted to visit the locations she’s set her stories around, and that is always a sign of a good book!

In Off the Map we meet world traveler, Carla. She’s arrived in Ireland to attend the wedding of her best friend Anna, who appeared in the first book in the series, Float Plan. She lands in Dublin and will be hitching a ride with the groom’s brother, Eamon. Sparks fly from the start!

I’ve seen other readers say they don’t care for the insta-love/lust between Carla and Eamon, but for me it was consistent with Carla’s character. She’s adventurous, refuses to be tied down, she lives moment to moment, and follows her instincts. I appreciated that Carla is comfortable with her sexuality. We tend to not think twice about men hooking up with someone moments after meeting, but put different expectations on women, which is unfair. However, it is fair to note that while the previous two books in the series were open door romances, this one falls a little closer to explicit sex on the page, which might surprise some readers.

But, I felt the connection between Carla and Eamon right off, so their attraction felt natural to me. I appreciated Carla’s brashness, her ability to speak her mind, but also her ability to realize when she’s gone too far.

Their journey to the wedding, taking side trips along the way, demonstrate their character—Carla’s desire to live in the moment (while avoiding more serious decisions) and Eamon’s yearning to make a change. I loved their adventures, and the hilarious mishaps they found themselves in along the way.

Doller always does a wonderful job of giving her characters meaningful backstories and issues they’re trying to work through—or avoid, in Carla’s case. Carla’s father is ill and she hasn’t seen him in six years, at his request. I did find it hard to connect with Carla’s decision to stay away from her father, but just because it wasn’t something I think I would choose to do, doesn’t mean it’s not a valid response. And while the story does take a more serious turn when Carla has to face her choices, Doller still manages to keep the story positive and on the lighter side.

Eamon has his own issues he is working through, as well, so it was nice to see them working through them somewhat together.

I adored both of these characters, and if you’re a fan of the series, it was fun to revisit the other characters from the other books, having them all together in one place.

I would love to see more books in this series, there are plenty of side characters to choose from, but I would enjoy anything from Doller, especially if there’s adventures involved!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.

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I was very excited to read Off the Map after reading other titles in the Beck Sisters series. Was this my favorite from the series, no, but would I read it again... probably. It was enjoyable, lots of spice (which was different from the other titles in the series but I didn't mind), felt a bit disorganized at times (but that kinda felt in tune with what the book was about). The heart of it for me wasn't the love story between Carla and Eamon, which was quite enjoyable even though insta love isn't really for me, it was the love between Carla and her father Biggie who is suffering from dementia. I felt like the first 2/3 of the book was enjoyable enough, but the last 1/3 was a punch in the gut and reminder that grief happens, life happens, it's how to handle that grief that will make or break you sometimes. As a person who has had family members who had dementia, but wasn't living near them when they were going through that period of their life, it really hit me hard with how my own family had to handle it and broke my heart all over again.

Thank you NetGalley and the Author for providing this ARC for review.

Cute romantic comedy