Title: Off the Map (Beck Sisters, #3)
Author: Trish Doller
Genre: Romance
Published On: March 7, 2023
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Source: digital (Netgalley)
Pages: 272
Synopsis:
On the road to love, you don’t need a GPS…
Carla Black’s life motto is “here for a good time, not for a long time.” She’s been travelling the world on her own in her vintage Jeep Wrangler for nearly a decade, stopping only long enough to replenish her adventure fund. She doesn’t do love and she doesn’t ever go home.
Eamon Sullivan is a modern-day cartographer who creates digital maps. His work helps people find their way, but he’s the one who’s lost his sense of direction. He’s unhappy at work, recently dumped, and his one big dream is stalled out—literally.
Fate throws them together when Carla arrives in Dublin for her best friend’s wedding and Eamon is tasked with picking her up from the airport. But what should be a simple drive across Ireland quickly becomes complicated with chemistry-filled detours, unexpected feelings, and a chance at love – if only they choose it.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
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. (Link to my reviews.) 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!
“Feel all the feelings, Carla. Let them hurt, then let them heal.”
Trish Doller, Off the Map
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.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
Rating:
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Levels inspired by The Well-Read Librarian from Sourcebooks
About the Author
Trish Doller
TRISH DOLLER is the author of novels for teens and adults about love, life, and finding your place in the world. A former journalist and radio personality, Trish has written several YA novels, including the critically acclaimed Something Like Normal, as well as Float Plan, her adult women’s fiction debut. When she’s not writing, Trish loves sailing, traveling, and avoiding housework. She lives in southwest Florida with an opinionated herding dog and an ex-pirate.
A Song For A Book
I love that Trish Doller creates a playlist for all her books, which she shares on her website. She also mentions songs and artists throughout her books, so finding a song to highlight for Carla and Eamon was super easy. I’ve chosen to highlight Lord Huron’s cover of “Harvest Moon”, which Doller mentions by name in Off the Map.
…When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart
But now it’s getting late
And the moon is climbing high
I wanna celebrate
See it shining in your eyes
Because I’m still in love with you
I wanna see you dance again
Because I’m still in love with you
On this harvest moon
Have you read Off the Map? Will you be adding it to your TBR? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
Great review! I need to check out this series. Sam was talking about it earlier.
Exactly! The speed with which Eamon and Carla’s relationship took off was inline with her history and personality. Seems legit to me. Carla and her dad gutted me. I might be crying now. Also, I agree with you about each book being a romantic adventure. That’s the truth and most definitely a standout element of this series.
I just started this book and so far, I’m enjoying it very much. And now I want to get back to it soon
Glad you enjoyed this one! I loved Book 1, and plan to read the other ones too 🙂
Good point—insta-love works better for some characters than others. Thanks for the review! This sounds really cute.
Excellent review, Dedra. I loved the first two books in the series and can’t wait to read this one. I am nothing like this Carla, but the name is the same. The fact that it takes place in Ireland is also fun.