Off the Map by Trish Doller

Beck Sisters #3

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 1/28/23 - 1/30/23

    Carla Black lives by the motto "here for a good time, not for a long time," traveling the world solo in her vintage Jeep Wrangler for nearly a decade. Love and settling down aren't on her agenda. Eamon Sullivan is a modern-day cartographer, skilled at creating digital maps but feeling lost in his own life. He's unhappy at work, recently heartbroken, and his dreams seem stalled.

    Their paths collide when Carla arrives in Dublin for her best friend's wedding, and Eamon is assigned to pick her up from the airport. What should have been a straightforward drive across Ireland turns into a journey filled with chemistry, unexpected emotions, and the possibility of love—if they're willing to seize it.

    At first, I wasn't sure about this book, but it surprised me in the best way possible. While the fast-paced nature of the story almost made me lose interest, I'm so glad I stuck with it because I couldn't put it down. The characters quickly grew on me, and despite the insta-love aspect, I found myself rooting for them wholeheartedly. I might have wished for a longer book to explore their romance further, but the chemistry and saucy love scenes were expertly written.

    Eamon is the dreamy book boyfriend we all wish for—sweet, patient, selfless, and caring. Carla and Eamon's banter and chemistry made the read enjoyable, and as their backstories unfolded, I understood their serious and complicated sides. The way the topic of Alzheimer's was handled with sensitivity struck a chord with me, as it reminded me of my own experiences with a loved one battling the disease.

    Trish Doller's writing style and character development were impressive, and I can't wait to read more from this author. While I'm not usually a fan of insta-love stories, this one had substance and depth that made it stand out. Overall, a quick and enjoyable read that left a lasting impression. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC!