I generally do not give a review if I plan to give a negative review. I am making an exception here because I believe this book will appeal to many readers and I understand the appeal. It is just not for me. The cliches that dot each and every page are tiresome. So this book is a DNF at the 27% mark. That being said, the cover is cute, the premise is cute, the setting is cute. For folks who enjoy light romance with deep angst on an Irish island, this book is for you.

At the start of this novel, Cleo, who writes a dating column for a women’s online magazine, is sent by her editor to spend the month around her 30th birthday on an extremely remote Irish island to celebrate being single and write about it. But when she arrives, she finds out the cabin she has booked has another guest - Mack, an American man who was told by his cousin that he could go stay there while trying to deal with his separation from his wife. Oh, and there is literally nowhere else to stay on the island, and the next boat won’t come for a week - not to mention they are both too stubborn to cede to the other person! The book then unfolds from there from both of their perspectives.

Despite the fact that as you can tell from that synopsis, this book hits many a romance novel trope, the interesting thing is I’d say this book is arguably not primarily a romance. I mean of course if you’ve ever read a book in your life you know these two are going to hook up at some point, but I’d say the book is also just as much about their journeys of self-discovery, plus quirky small town life on the island. So not 100% what I expected going in, but I really enjoyed it.

I'm sure this book was well liked by many, but unfortunately I am not among that crowd. I didn't see the point in this story. The idea behind the trip was very weird to me. The title is also misleading on several fronts. Cleo is on the island for over a month, a month if you just think about the original plan. Her affair with Mack is many more nights than just one, and their relationship grew over lots of nights, again, not just one.

I don't think that there was chemistry between any of the characters. I found myself skimming quite a bit through all the internal monologue to get to the moving bits.

I also don't understand the ex-wife's deal; Mack bent over backwards for her despite what she did and then he was still the bad guy? This is poor writing.

I didn't like One Day in December, didn't even finish it. I loved Lydia Bird, but One Night on the Island fell short for me following Lydia.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This romance was so enjoyable to read, and pieces of it felt like it had the feel of a Hallmark movie which I really loved.

When two very different individuals seeking solitude find themselves at the same remote Irish one bedroom cabin getaway due to a booking issue they are in for far more than they were expecting.

At first they are instantly at odds and getting on each others nerves. Which leaves them both dreading the wait that they will have to stick out for the next weekly ferry. But as days go by the tension between them eases, and they find themselves enjoying each others company.

This story showcases and explores the meaning of home, the joys of escape, and how the things we think we want are never the things we really need. It was wonderfully written and heartwarming. Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book.

One Night On the Island is about a 29 year-old writer named Cleo who is sent on a romantic getaway with herself, so she can marry herself on her thirtieth birthday. She is sent to an island off Ireland, that has a ferry that barely exists, to write a column about the night of her birthday (wedding). Mack Sullivan is a thirty
-five year old American who is taking time away from his "ex-wife" trouble to a family house he's always set his heart on visiting. Coincidentally this house is on same island that Cleo is going to. It so happens that the house is also the same one that Cleo's boss booked for her to spend her solo trip on. This concept is very nicely set up because that barely existent ferry drops Cleo and Mack off at their destination and leaves them behind on an island with no other hotels of inns. Once they realize they're both in the house to stay, they begin to set up some ground rules to make stay work.

This book was a well written story about a woman who discovers more about her self, and a man who finds answers that he desperately needs in his mid-life crisis. The pacing of the story could have been a lot better because the beginning of this book was SO GOOD, and then the story declined halfway through. I would not call this a romance. It is more of a fiction with sprinkles of romance here and there. I would have loved to see more of a slow burn, but again this is not a romance book.

If you're in the mood for a story about a woman who is on a journey to find herself and some family drama, this is a good book to read. Go into reading it thinking it about this, and you will probably enjoy it more. If you are going into reading this for a straight up romance, you might be disappointed like me.

Thank you netgalley for the chance to read a book from the awesome Josie Silver

One Night on the Island is a heart-warming romantic story of Cleo Wilder (dating columnist for a women's online magazine in England) and Mac Sullivan (American photographer, dad, and husband) who both travel to the remote Salvation Island off the coast of Ireland. A mix-up occurs at the cottage where they both thought they were staying and from there each of them is on a journey about who they are, where they belong and what they want to do next. It's a lovely heartwarming story with great description of the setting. I truly feel like I know Salvation Island and the people there. The romance was closed-door and nice, but not an earth-shattering love story. But that's ok. This is the kind of book you could share with your book club or your mom and not worry about anyone's sensibilities when it comes to a love story/romance. Plus the book is an excellent getaway or vacation read.

Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the electronic advanced copy.

Cleo is sent to Salvation Island to self couple. She is a romance columnist searching for love in all the wrong places. She has not found her Flamingo. In an attempt to ring in her 30's and focus on self love her boss convince her to spend time at the island. When she arrives a little mixup occurs with her lodging reservation and she finds herself sharing a room with Mack. Mack is a photographer going through many hard things at home and escaped to the island for clarity and healing. To say both Cleo and Mac are very frustrated with the predicament they find themselves in. The forced proximity is very rocky at first with both of them being stubborn about leaving and being stuck together. As time goes by they learn to get along and find that they enjoy each others company. What they didn't expect is for their worlds to collided with all the baggage following suit.


Overall I enjoyed the book. It a journey of self discovery and healing. The romantic bond that grows between Mach and Cleo is lovely. I am sort of bothered by the ending. It was not really what I was expecting. Overall its a book but I would classify as a journey to self discovery versus a romance. I think the ending was sort of a let down for me. I would recommend though as a nice read.


Thank you to Netgalley for extended an ARC for an honest review.

Cleo Wilder has spent her life searching for her other half. In fact, she literally works as a writer for a women’s magazine chronicling her experience in finding “her flamingo”. In advance of her 30th birthday, her boss provides her with a less than appealing assignment: head to the remote Irish island of Salvation to celebrate marrying herself and provide the magazine with her story on self-coupling.

Mack Sullivan is having a hard time dealing with his separation and figuring out how best to be a dad without being a husband. He heads to Salvation in search of his family roots and using the solitude the island promises to clear his head. Of course, a booking mix-up means they have both booked the same secluded cabin for their stays and there are no other options available for lodging until the next boat comes.

Although initially frosty towards each other, Cleo and Mack begin to warm up to one another as they embrace the people of Salvation and work towards their individual goals. While I liked both Cleo and Mack as individuals, it was the town locals who really stole the show as my favorites. I appreciated that these characters were flawed and that this was more than just your standard “romance”, with emphasis placed on their development as individuals. This was easy to read and you will absolutely feel transported to Salvation, but I found the ending to be a little predictable and also maybe slightly rushed. Those who like Josie Silver’s storytelling will definitely enjoy One Night on the Island! Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.

“𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚖 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎.”

This was an emotional love story of self-discovery about Cleo and Mack who land themselves booked in the same lodge. When forced to cohabitate, an unlikely friendship begins.

This was a beautiful, heart-wrenching journey of self reflection for two characters that leads to love. 💕

Check this out if you enjoy:
• Enemies to lovers
• Forced proximity
• Emotional romance

Perfect for the month of February! 💘

Josie Silver has such a way with words, I felt the lyrical prose down to my core. This was my first book by her and I'm already a massive fan. I will be sure to read all her other books!

One Night on the Island is about two people who visit a remote Irish island and end up having to share a cabin, which happens to be the only accommodation available. Both Cleo and Mack are at a crossroads, trying to figure out how to move forward in their lives.

This book reads like a millennial's escapism fantasy. Getting away from the hubbub of work and the hamster wheel life, to a remote and peaceful location with lovely people, and a love that won't smother you or try to change you. If someone asked me to change places with Cleo tomorrow, I'd say yes.

I loved the focus on self love. It was definitely more prominent than the romantic love. That both of our main characters put their own needs above the romantic interest was empowering, So much so that I would have loved this book regardless of how the romance was resolved, because their individual stories were so strong.

That's not to say the romance wasn't amazing. Everything from their first kiss, where it seemed like I felt the emotions together with them, to how they were there for each other, but still gave the space to the other to do their own thing, was amazing. It felt like a fundamentally good, real, adult relationship.

But what makes the book so great is that it's not about just Cleo and Mack, it's also about the island, and the people on the island. The island felt like another character in the book after all. And all of them, including the island, are such welcoming and warm characters, even though on the outside they're inhospitable, they become true friends to Cleo and Mac, and as you're reading, it feels like they're your friends too. I loved them so much, I can't even name a favorite, they're all unique and amazing people.

I know Josie Silver doesn't usually do sequels, but I'm really hoping for one about a relationship between two islanders that seemed to be alluded to at the end of the book.

Is the book perfect? Possibly not, at the beginning I had some trouble buying into the premise of marrying yourself or that these two characters really had no other option but to stay together, but once I got over that, I loved this so much.

This book took me on a journey to Salvation Island, gave me a hug, told me I'd be okay, and gave me an adorable romance to read along the way. HIGHLY recommended.

3.5/5 Stars
2/5 Steam
Tropes/Tags: slow burn, forced proximity, angst

This romance is definitely a bit more on the women’s fiction side and is a book I would recommend to my friends that read more of what I call “sad girl lit fic”. There are a lot of messy emotions happening. The writing and setting are gorgeous but the romance didn’t totally work for me. But I would like to visit Salvation Island please!!

I loved seeing Cleo grow into loving herself. I initially rolled my eyes at the self-coupling/30s stress (as someone who recently turned 30 it was a bit much) but by the time the book ended I understood both of these characters so much better.

I did struggle with Mack’s separation. I love a good marriage in trouble book and it did seem that for a lot of this book Mack was still in love with his wife and wanting to work on their family. I wish there was more time between the separation and our couple meeting or that the hero was actually divorced.

I wanted a little bit more from the end (it felt a bit rushed) but if you are looking for an angsty romance with a big emphasis on self-reflection and growth, this is for you.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"One Night on the Island" by Josie Silver

✈️ to: a remote Irish Island, Boston (briefly)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

This book didn't grab my attention right away. Maybe it was the whole marry yourself Emma Watson plot that started the book, but for whatever reason I struggled to get into "One Night on the Island." Being a big Josie Silver fan, this was a bit surprising! That being said, I was in a reading slump and the thought of starting and not finishing yet another book was a bit too much for me... so I kept going!

And thank the lord, bc it was so good! I was utterly charmed by the little Irish island community and its kooky caste of lovable characters (I mean the oldest resident writes erotic thrillers, come on!). And let's talk about character growth, because I reaaaaally disliked the female mc initially, but by the end of the book I adored her? Mind you I did love the male mc from page one: softhearted boy dad from Boston that looks like Han Solo? There was never a question.

If you're looking for a rom-com that goes a little deeper and makes you want to quit your job and join an Irish ladies knitting circle, this is the one!

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝? 𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐨, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? I like the fish and chips in Howth!

#Bookstagram #IGReads #BookReview #BookBlogger #Bookstagrammer #FebruaryBooks #2022Reads #RomCom #RomComBooks #ChickLit #RomanceBooks #BookNerd #Fiction #OneNightOnTheIsland #JosieSilver #NetGalley #ARC #Ireland #PubDay #PublicationDay

The worst part about getting a Josie Silver advanced copy? You have to wait even longer for JS’s next book to come out. Rock meet hard place.

It’s set on an idyllic cozy Irish island. The cast of characters are so charming. It’s a forced proximity trope but it’s so much more. This was not stereotypical at all and so so special. Still thinking about this weeks later. It has a sliver of my heart forever.

If you need me, I’ll be flipping through photos of Ireland landscapes, drinking Guinness, and finding cozy sweaters for when I finally make it to Ireland. (And crossing my fingers and toes for a sequel)

This book has a lot of elements I would typically enjoy in a romance novel, plus I've loved Josie Silver's other books. The problem with this one initially was pacing. There wasn't a lot of plot progress early on, just ongoing bickering between Cleo and Mack after they're forced to stay in a cabin they both rented out. Cleo came off as whiny, Mack came off as brooding, and there was zero chemistry between them. I didn't quite understand how a romance between them was supposed to happen, it just does. The fact that Mack was recently separated from his wife because she told him she needs space put Mack and Cleo's "thing" solidly into the category of affair which is a big no for me.

I am completely in love with this book. It is beyond delightful and yet had me crying big, fat tears more than once. And not because it is saddled with sadness. On the contrary. What Josie Silver has created with her latest gem is an extraordinary story of finding one's self while finally figuring out when to let go, when to hold on and when to appreciate all that you have been given. The power of the subtle changes in both Cleo Wilder and Mack Sullivan as they take an unlikely journey both together and apart was at times more than my heart could handle. But in the meantime, it filled my soul with a joy that was full of surprise and magic that weeks on a cold and windy island remarkably provided.

The very aptly-named island of Salvation and its eclectic group of residents proves to be the push that both Cleo and Mack needed to shed their indecisions about their current lives. The fact the seemingly simple mix-up with respect to accommodations forces them to share the cozy yet small Otter Lodge is all they will need to realize that fate and a bit of faith led them to find one another. I knew that despite the early-on misery that they endured as they had no choice but to live in close quarters, underneath it all would be something special neither could deny.

Silver's prose is easy-going and I was able to immerse myself in all things Salvation almost immediately. There are great moments of silly joy that are paired beautifully with those of sadness and frustration. Wailing Hill served Cleo well in allowing her to yell out all of her cares and woes, always feeling better afterward. Her friendships with her new knitting circle provide a ton of laughs as well as a shoulder to cry on when needed.

Mack is a man torn, desperate to make sure his two boys know they are cared for by their father while he stumbles with his soon-to-be ex-wife's need for more and his own shock at falling for Cleo so easily. I really liked him and the way he encourages Cleo to be who she is destined to be while opening up his own bruised heart in the darkness of the cottage. He is such a good man and I just simply wanted him happy. He deserved as much.

The use of Mack's photos is a wonderful way to tell Salvation's story both in the past and present and to shine a light on what he felt and continues to feel for Cleo. Although they will inevitably be thousands of miles apart when their micro-love story comes to its eventual end, I knew deep down Silver would use her brilliant storytelling to figure out how to make sure that wasn't going to be forever.

When looking for that feel-good kind of book that you can't get enough of, grab One Night on the Island. It's a story that is filled with wonderful characters and the unexpected kind of love that leaves our couple with a whole new course to follow. I loved every single word and I highly recommend you give it a go.

5 ++ huge stars!

This reads like a women’s fiction novel but ebbs and flows with romance like the tide. A surprisingly tender and heartfelt novel about a woman’s journey to Salvation Island to marry herself and discover her identity. Silver’s words are full of life, with vivid descriptions and robust characters. A transportive novel that truly captures small town life, community, and the beauty of the destination.

Cleo Wilder sets out on a solitary journey for her thirtieth birthday to a remote island in Ireland to marry herself at her bosses’ insistence. On her first night, Cleo finds that she won’t be alone. Photographer Mack Wilder has come to the island for some soul-searching and also booked a room at the one lodge on Salvation Island, the same lodge Cleo must occupy. The two must learn to navigate their time together and in the process grieve what they have left behind.

Charming, cozy, and warmly poetic, this book is a breathe of fresh air. It’s equal parts romance and fictional self-help with a little bit of adventure thrown in. The setting feels like a main character. A thought-provoking and beautifully written novel about becoming comfortable with ourselves and holding onto the ones that we love.

This was a quick read and I mildly enjoyed it, but I have to admit that I wasn't blown away. The pacing was good, the setting was great, the side characters were interesting and pretty well fleshed out. I found the 3 facts game very cute, but otherwise I didn't feel an overwhelming love connection between the MCs. And for good reason, honestly. Mack was still legally married, still in love with his wife, focused on his kids (rightly,) and not in a place to start something up with anyone. I wish the story had been that Cleo & Mack had developed a friendship during the initial trip, Cleo decided to stay, she established her life there, and then they had eventually re-connected on the island after more time had passed. It was just a little too sudden and lukewarm using this timeline. I personally would not want to be the second-choice girl he *settled* for.. I'm surprised Cleo was up for that. From everything she said and displayed about her dating experience though, it was pretty clear that she wasn't particularly choosy. I guess that's what you get when you set an arbitrary timeline for yourself for finding love.


Thank you to Ballantine and Penguin Randomhouse for the complimentary ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5/5) rounding up to 4/5

This enemies to lovers romance is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Beth O’Leary.

Cleo Wilder, an *almost* 30 year-old dating columnist from London, is going on a “self-coupling” journey to Salvation Island. As the baby of the family, she cannot wait to get away from her family and the hustle of the city to find herself in the beauty of Ireland and recharge in picturesque Otter Lodge.

Mack Sullivan, photographer and Boston native, is taking time away from his crumbling marriage to visit the cottage that’s been in the family for generations.

They both had hoped for a solitary getaway to a luxurious “all-in-one-room type of place” but found so much more instead…

Pros:
Dual POV
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Witty banter

Josie Silver is such a charming author. I loved ONE DAY IN DECEMBER and the way she describes the scenery and emotions in this book is beautiful. She swept me off my feet and left me feeling warm & cozy inside. However, initially the self-coupling concept and the fact that Mack is still married was strange to me. Because of that, I probably would've put the book down had it not been gifted to me, but am so glad I pushed through to the second half! If you’re deciding between reading the book or listening to the audiobook, I think audiobook would be the way to go!

and now I’m ready for a trip to Ireland!

Thank you NetGalley & Random House for this eARC in exchange for my honest review! To find this review and more like it, follow me on Instagram @niksbookpicks www.instagram.com/niksbookpicks

To say I loved this book would be a huge understatement! This book was the best combination of cozy, romantic, and hopeful.

I loved Josie Silver’s other books and had a hunch this one would be great but I was not expecting to be completely swept away to Salvation Island and immersed within this tight knit community.

I love how Cleo and Mack started off as annoyed with each other strangers, to civil roommates, to friends on holiday, to… more. The evolution of their relationship was set at the perfect pace, like watching the sun slowly dip under the horizon waiting for the stars to come out and when stars are out in full display, it’s a magical experience.

What made this story for me was Cleo’s growth throughout the novel. I love witnessing her trepidation early on and seeing how she made the most of a challenging situation. Cleo made friends in an unlikely place, found a holiday “snow globe” romance when she least expected it, all while reinventing herself to the woman she always inspired to be.

Mac and Cleo go to Salvation, a small island in Ireland for different reasons. Cleo is going on assignment to write about finding and learning about herself before her 30th birthday. Mac is also there for work, as a photographer, but also as an escape from his crumbling marriage. Unbeknownst to them, they are booked at the same house and have to share their intended isolation with each other. They are immediately at odds, but they both end up with a much more meaningful trip than they could have imagined.


I kept thinking the idea of what Cleo is doing is nice, but I would never do something like this or even want to, but as the story goes on the fondness for the island and the characters grew. I ended up thinking I need to pack my bags. There is such a sense of community among the people on the island, and you would think that would make them very standoffish. However most of them were so inclusive and open.

On the surface, this is an enemies to lovers/forced proximity romance, but it ended having a lot more serious undertones about learning to love yourself, moving on, and letting go. Overall I thought it was funny and heartwarming, and fans of Josie Silver will enjoy. Be prepared to get deep in your feels!