I’m so happy to be finished with this book! I disliked this enough that I’ll likely never read anything else by the author. <i>One Night on the Island</i> is the dragged out story of a woman who goes to a desolate island to marry herself (eye roll) and has to share quarters with a man who’s separated but still married and in love with his wife. There’s also a ton of side storylines with other people on the island.

I couldn’t get into any of this - I didn’t like our main female lead and thought the whole premise of joining with oneself ridiculously, I thought the male lead’s pining for his wife was an extreme turn off, and nobody else’s story on the island was interesting. This is also soooooo long and drawn out with a ton of cringeworthy angst, and yet the characters moved so quickly from hating each other to being in each others’ pants. It made no sense, and I felt nothing for them.

I voluntarily obtained a digital version of this book free from Netgalley and Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.

Cleo is an almost 30 year old dating blogger who is going to spend her birthday on a remote island in Ireland, per recommendation of her boss. Cleo is tired of heartbreak and the dating life so she is planning on doing some self-help to figure out what she really wants out of life. Once Cleo gets to cabin she finds out it is double booked.
Mac is going to visit the island from Boston to take his mind off of his dissolving marriage. Cleo and Mac end up sharing the one bedroom cabin until the weekly ferry arrives to take one of them
back home. Bad weather delays the arrival of the ferry. Cleo and Mac do not get along at first but once they start opening up to each other they realize they don’t really despise each other that much. I thought this was a quick and fun read but it was also very predictable. Boy meets girl, both have issues, will they find true love, etc. The self coupling of Cleo was strange to me as well. But if you take out the iffy parts, overall it was an entertaining and quick read. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I give this one 3.5 stars

I’m ready to go off to an Irish island and create things now. What an emotional adventure meeting this cast and crew. Josie Silver’s writing style never disappoints. You get the love stories, but in such an intense literary way. Not your average romance novelist! And not your average book.

I hope we get a follow up to this story! I already miss the characters.

Gosh what a beautiful love story. While I enjoyed it, I was slow to start because I assumed it would be another classic enemies-to-lovers story. But I was wrong. This is a love story, but it’s first and foremost a story about loving and accepting yourself. Cleo is headed to Salvation Island to self-couple on her 30th birthday. She’s burnt out and tired of London and ready to try something new. Mack is also headed to Salvation Island, home of his ancestors, to take pictures and avoid coming to terms with his separation from his wife. In a classic twist, they end up having to stay in the same place, a list of rules and some chalk lines the only things allowing both of them to maintain their sanity.

Slowly, the island works its magic and they find themselves crossing the line from enemies to friends and then to something more - a micro-love affair that affects them both in a major way. I think what I loved most about this though was the ending - neither of them were asked or expected to give up everything to be with the other. They found a way to love that worked for them and their circumstances. There’s no one right way to love someone or be with someone.

In "One Night on the Island" by Josie Silver, journalist Cleo and businessman Mack find themselves both booked at the same AirBnB. Because of an impending storm, there are no other places for them to stay, so they reluctantly agree to share the cottage until another option can be found. What begins as a strong hatred for each other soon turns into an attraction with sparks flying.

While I've enjoyed Silver's previous books, this one was difficult to enjoy. I didn't like the fact that Mack was still married (albeit he and his wife were working through some issues) when he and Cleo were sexually involved. I also feel that the relationship they supposedly formed within just a few days was rather unrealistic. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 stars!

I would like to first thank Netgally for giving me an opportunity to read ONE NIGHT ON THE ISLAND before it came out.
This is actually my third Josie Silver's book, and when I received a notification that I had early access for the novel; I was super excited.
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Out of all the three novels I read from her work, ONE NIGHT ON THE ISLAND, has to be my favorite. It was super cute, and such a fun read. We following the two main characters: Cleo, going to the island to marry herself and try to find ways to lover herself, and Mack, healing from a broken marriage and heard stories about the Salvation Island. Within moments of the two main characters, I was already to feel the chemistry between the two, and how their relationship grew with each other. Not only were there romance, I absolutely adored how Cleo was able to grow and learn to love herself. It was such an important message.
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The side characters were just as great as well. It was such a fun read, however the ending felt a bit rushed. Really wanted to read more about how their future will be!

5 ⭐️ // After reading One Day in December and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird, I knew I would always read any book Josie Silver wrote. She is an author based in the United Kingdom, and she never fails to take me to the places described in her stories. One Day on the Island is no different.

Cleo, a London romance columnist and writer, takes a trip to a small, Irish island to “self couple” or “marry oneself.” It was partially her idea as she is turning the big 3-0 and partially her boss’ idea. However, there was a mix-up with the reservations, and the cabin was double booked. The other visitor is Mack, whose distant relative offered him the cabin for a long stay. He decided to take this trip to escape reality from Boston to find clarity and to visit the island he’s heard so much about from his family.

If you’re a fan of “one bed” … *cough* … “one room cabin” tropes and grump vs sunshine characters, then you’ll enjoy this story, but just be ready to cry your eyes out. Also, if you enjoyed Beach Read and Unhoneymooners, you’ll probably love this story as well!

To say I loved this book feels like an understatement. It’s one of my most memorable books of the year, and I won’t stop recommending it.

Format: ebook 📱
Trigger Warnings: divorce, infidelity, deceased parent

Thank you again, NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Ballantine Books. As requested, full review will be publicly posted near publication date. I cannot wait to share! The review will be posted on my Goodreads page (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/39047855-halle-mcclain) and on my bookstagram (https://www.instagram.com/bookish.life.of.hal.mcclain/).

"Thank you to Penguin General UK, Josie Silver, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review."

Where has Josie Silver been all of my life? This was the most beautifully written, heart wrenching, atmospheric and gorgeous love story I have read in a long time. Cleo has been writing a column for the last few years about finding her flamingo for Women's Daily magazine. A Flamingo being her soulmate. Her Editor comes up with the idea that for Cleo's thirtieth birthday, she should visit a small Irish island and essentially marry herself and they will do a feature on it in the magazine. Mack is visiting Salvation Island to learn about his family history there and do a photographic exhibit, while navigating an unexpected separation from his wife.

"One Night on the Island" is about two flawed people trying to navigate their life in the middle of their individual crisises. The writing is almost musical in the way Silver writes this story. There were so many things about the book, such as the three things in the dark conversations nightly and the female friendships on the island that drew me in. This is as much a book about sisterhood as it is about romance and regrets. I enjoyed reading about Mack's journey back to Boston and how they didn't give up. When Cleo sits on the boulder and looks down at the water, you always know something is going to happen. There is heartbreak, romance, regrets and finally love all packed into this novel.

I knew nothing about Josie Silver when I was sent this book by the Publisher. I am putting down everything else and reading "One Day in December." The struggles that each of them faced were both relatable and genuine.

This was such a cute, fun read. A welcome departure from the traditional chick lit romance, Cleo's journey of self-discovery and acceptance was an engaging ride.

You know the feeling when you finish an amazing book? Like you are not ready to start another one? I am in that fog right now. Wow, One Night on the Island was just the escape I needed! The story is more than just a relationship love story. It is complex and thoughtful bringing in love for one's self, community and family (however broken some may be.) Salvation is a magical place that had me cuddling up to my own fire with coffee (whiskey optional) to dive in. This is my favorite book by Josie Silver to date! I would love to see these characters again! Thank you for the advance read. I feel incredibly lucky!

I loved this book, I thought the chemistry between Cleo and Mack was amazing. I also loved Cleo's journey of self discovery on the island of Salvation. I need a sequel about Delta and Barney though.

I loved everything about this book! I loved Cleo and Mack and every other person they encounter on this island. I love the story. I love how the book is written. The title of each chapter is a quote that comes up in that chapter. It is so well done. Josie Silver hit another one out of the park with this book. I have read, and loved, all of her books.
When Cleo, a dating columnist, is sent to a remote island to marry herself, she never imagines what this assignment will mean to the rest of her life. After a rough boat ride, all Cleo wants is to be alone in Otter Lodge. When she arrives, she learns that not only is she not alone, she is sharing the cottage with a grumpy American MAN, Mack. Not at all in her plan for this time on the island. Mack and Cleo are stuck figuring out who will stay and how they will make this work until one of them leaves, After lists of rules and chalk lines, can these two endure the time together?
This book takes you on such an emotional ride. Every single character is likeable and will worm their way into your heart where they will take up residence. Josie Silver has a way of making her characters real and raw; of showing their flaws and making them relatable. Her writing brings you to the island and you won't want to leave. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Publishing and Josie Silver for the advanced copy of this book. I wish I could forget it all so I could read it and experience it all again for the first time.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

2.5 stars. I was so excited for this book, because I looooved The Two Lives of Lydia Byrd. But I was just not into this one. I think a portion of that could be because I cannot do any type of cheating. Yes, Mack and his wife had been separated for a year.. but they were still married. So any romantic interaction between Mack and Cleo just did not sit right with me. Even if their chemistry was off the charts.

I did however, love the supporting characters. Especially the knitting circle! They made me want to go to an island just like Salvation and just do what Cleo did. Set up shop and never leave. The supporting characters were what made me keep reading. They were the true stars.

I love Josie Silver and really enjoyed her new book, One Night on the Island, due out in February, 2022. Tackling the age-old question of "what exactly is true love, anyway" Silver takes her reader on a funny, messy, and entertaining journey to find possible answers. Love is not always at first sight, nor is it always neat and tidy, as Ms. Silver's characters find out. What they do find, however, is the importance of making the best of sticky situations, patience is most often the greatest virtue, and that many roads can lead to discovering parts of yourself and others that you may not have already known. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this timeless and enjoyable book.

✨ One Night on the Island ✨
by Josie Silver

Pub Date: February 15, 2022

I LOVED Lydia Bird so I was really excited to read this one! It didn’t disappoint! This book gives you dilemma, self acceptance, acceptance of loss, grief, and family.

Synopsis: When Cleo’s editor requests that she marry herself on a remote island for her dating column, she envisions skinny-dipping in crystalline waters and reveling in the blissful quiet. But when she arrives at Otter Lodge, Mack, a grumpy, yet undeniably handsome American, insists that her cosy cottage is actually his. Might this one night on the island change their lives forever. An uplifting and immensely moving love story for fans of The Holiday, The Flastshare, and Nicholas Sparks.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was an endearing story of love lost and love found. For self. For marriage. For understanding.

I've never wanted to visit a place as much as I want to visit the main setting in this book!!!! It captured me from the very first pages, and I was engrossed in the story line of each of the characters. They were so complex yet so relatable, each having their own personal struggles. While this story is a romance, it's also a journey to find one's self - which is what sets it apart from other romance novels. I loved getting each character's viewpoint instead of just one person. I was left desperately wanting more from these characters, the island, and the people of the island - yet the story felt so complete! It's beautifully and descriptively written, and I found myself getting lost in the story and magic of the island. By far one of the best books I've ever read - I wish I could wipe it from my memory and read it again for the first time! It was actual PERFECTION in so many ways, and it will stay with me forever! WELL DONE, Josie Silvers! But really, can I go to Salvation Island? This book deserves all the praise!

I enjoyed this book so much! It was an incredibly thoughtful and interesting premise while having all the hallmarks of a good romantic comedy.

This books tells the story of Mac and Cleo, two strangers that come to a remote Irish island with their own individual baggage. Hilarity ensues when they mistakenly get booked into the same Air BNB with no other options available and no immediate way off the island. The two are forced to share the space and, in the process, find out a lot about each other and themselves.

The island is populated with a lot of really warm and colorful characters, and, at times, you feel as though Salvation Island is a character itself. I won't spoil it, but I loved how the ending didn't tie itself up into a neat little bow. I can't recommend this one highly enough!

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I would definitely be recommending this book to readers on my Instagram bookstagram account.

I loved this book!!! Josie Silver is amazing and never disappoints me. This was such a raw and emotional love story that felt so real! I will definitely be buying a physical copy of this book!

One Night on the Island is by far Josie Silver's best work yet. From the beginning I found myself drawn to Cleo because I could see myself within her character - nearing thirty, stuck in a stagnate career, the lost youngest sibling, unable to guide herself to what is next within her ordinary life. However, as she discovers herself, it opened my mind up to changes I could make in my own life and a greater understanding of myself.

This book is the perfect self-love journey with a side of romance and just what I needed at this time in my life. I can tell this will be a go to re-read when I feel lost and a go to gift for my friends on our 30th birthdays this next year.