ARC Review: Off The Map — let's get lit

I’m squeaking in just under the early review deadline for Trish Doller’s next romance (featuring another dreamy Sullivan brother). Off the Map is coming our way March 7th and it’s another great romance underpinned with significant grief. Something about these books really touch the softest parts of me. And This one, did that (and more).

I’d like to thank MacMillan and NetGalley for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own, enjoy.

Fans of Float Plan I think will probably be the most delighted by this whirlwind romance between Keane’s brother Eamon (aka Father Francis) and Anna’s BFF Carla. The connection and ease in which their chemistry is apparent (for me) jumped right off the page. From the meet cute in the pub to the adventure these two ‘binary stars’ have, it was really clear that they were it for each other.

For folks that are caretakers of chronically ill, ailing or dying parents, please read with care. Carla’s father (Biggie) is dying of early onset Dementia and this features heavily throughout the book (including on page death). Be kind to yourselves friends.

Like Float Plan, Off the Map is a look at how grief and joy, sadness and optimism can seemingly co-exist. Even when we may feel we shouldn’t get to. Carla is such a wandering spirit and pushes Eamon, with the “subtleness of a machete” to go after his own happiness. And Eamon is the steady rock in which Carlas tumultuous seas sometimes swirl against.

I kinda loved that this was a gender swapped Float Plan in a sense. Where Carla is extremely competent and Eamon is kinda along for the trip, soaking up all her experience and sage advice (including car maintenance tips). There’s sweet moments, excellent cameo’s, laugh out loud banter, and features some of probably the most sexually explicit scenes of any of the books in this series, so yay for horny sad people!

There’s also a lot of heaviness. Carla’s father is dying and some days can’t remember her. If you’ve loved anyone with this disease (hi, its me) have your tissues handy. Like the grief themes in Float Plan, they do (I think) enhance the overall romance plot and make the happily ever after for Carla and Eamon even more emotional.

Off the Map is a great romance that hits all the notes I was looking for, and gave me all (literally) all the feels. Grab it when it hits retailers, March 7th 2023. And while you’re waiting pick up Float Plan and The Suite Spot too.

xo Kels