Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 10/28/23 - 10/30/23

    Presley Ayers, a woman who's more comfortable in heels than hiking boots, gets dumped by her boyfriend just before their camping trip to the Get Lost Lodge near Lake Michigan. Undeterred, she decides to go on the trip solo. At the lodge, she meets Beckett Keller, a rugged outdoorsman dealing with lodge troubles of his own. Despite their mismatched interests, they can't deny the chemistry between them. Sparks fly as they navigate their differences, making them question if opposites really do attract.

    I liked the idea behind the story, but I’m just not a fan of love-at-first-sight scenarios. I really wanted to enjoy it, but it felt too clichéd, like it had all the typical elements you find in these kinds of stories. Also, there were parts where the plot seemed to drag, and some bits felt like they were repeating.

    I liked the characters, especially Presley and Beckett, and the whole found family vibe was a high point for me. I did appreciate Presley's independence when she dumped her boyfriend and went on the trip alone, even if she seemed a bit codependent sometimes later in the story. The lodge idea and the side characters were interesting, especially Ollie, but I wished they had more spotlight to make the story feel more authentic. However, Sophie Sullivan's writing paints such a vivid picture that I felt like I was right there in Smile and Get Lost, soaking in the town and the lodge's atmosphere.

    The insta-love trope in this story made it seem a bit like fanfiction. Personally, I find instant love romances can be hit or miss, and this one definitely missed the mark for me. I still remain open to Sullivan's future works, and I would love to read more of a slow burn from her!

    "Love, Naturally" is set to publish January 16, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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