Member Reviews
I really enjoyed this book. Carla lives life like there’s no tomorrow! When she meets Eamon on the way to her best friend's wedding sparks fly and the two set off on an adventure that pulls at the heartstrings and gets steamy fast! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the egalley in exchange for my honest review.
I devoured this audiobook in a day and loved every minute!
This is a wonderful series for people with a travel bug and Off The Map did not disappoint. The Suite Spot missed the mark a bit for me, but Off The Map brought me right back to loving this series and ready for another.
One thing I love so much about this series is that every book can be read totally on their own. We heard a lot from Anna and Keane - as our protagonist was the MOH in their wedding - but you really didn't need to be familiar with Float Plan to fall in love.
Carla and Eamon have an easy relationship and I loved that they went off the beaten path in Ireland to explore. I could've used for more imagery and details about the countryside but Doller did a great job in the very limited space she used to paint a beautiful picture. There were humorous parts (the bull!) and in typical Beck Sisters fashion, there were serious parts touching on real issues and emotions.
Admittedly, I had a hard time connecting to Carla and being on board with her and Eamon's selfishness putting their own plans ahead of Anna and Keane's wedding. Carla just may have been one of the worst MOH ever!!! But Anna didn't mind, so I guess all is well!
Overall, this was an awesome read, the audio was stellar (loved the narrator!), and if you're looking for a quick romance with some substance, you've come to the right place.
Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
I didn’t realize that this was part of a series, and you definitely don’t need to read the first two to enjoy this…as I didn’t. I definitely want to go back and read the first two now! This goes a little deeper than your typical romcom, as Carla’s dad is suffering from dementia. I feel like the romance portion was a little fast on the attraction with Carla and Eamon, and so therefore their relationship doesn’t have quite as much depth as I would have liked. But their adventures were fun, and I found myself smiling often. I definitely understand Carla’s hesitation for a relationship. I really loved her friendship with Anna, and Stella, her stepmom. Overall, it was a great read.
Bottom Line: Read it.
**I received a copy of Off the Map from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are of my own.**
Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin, the author, and NetGalley for the free gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED the start of this book. I love when romance books just dive right in and we don’t have a super slow build up. However, when it starts that hot it sometimes falls short as the book goes on. I loved the characters and the story but something just had me a little bored by the end.
A cute insta love story with some funny plot lines. This was a super short book so it was an easy read, if you loved Doller’s first two books then you will definitely enjoy this one as well and the characters definitely mix together.
Instalove is not my favorite trope but, much like Keane in Float Plan, Eamon is so perfect that I kinda empathize with Carla for immediately falling for him. This story is fun but, essentially, plotless. I keep comparing it to Float Plan which had such an adventurous vibe. This was basically the same plot but scaled way, way back. They go on a short road trip through Ireland together instead of an epic sailing expedition through the Caribbean. It just felt something to be desired. The “difficulty” in their relationship was very minor and easily fixed. The secondary plot of Carla and her dad with dementia felt like it stole the show.
I have a hard time connecting with character like Carla who fly by the seat of their pants and live completely in the moment. I’m not criticizing that type of person but just stating that I am basically the exact opposite so can’t really relate to that mentality.
I still enjoyed reading this book. The subplot of Carla and her father who had dementia was compelling.
I didn't realize until I finished that this waa part of a series (must not have read the other reviews too closely!). With that being said, its a great stand alone book and easy to.follow. the mains characters sense of impulsive travel gave me wanderlust. Beautiful pictures painted of Ireland, but also friendship, relationship, and family. Read this is one sitting and would recommend.
Off the Map by Trish Doller is Book #3 in the "Beck Sisters" Contemporary Romance Series!
Carla Black travels the world in her Jeep, avoids serious relationships, and never returns home - all out of choice.
Eamon Sullivan is a digital cartographer who seems to have lost his way after getting dumped - not out of choice.
When these two strangers meet up in Dublin for a wedding, sparks fly, and their chemistry is 'off-the-map'...
Off the Map has the 'Insta-Bed-Buddies' trope which isn't my view of romance, resulting in a tough start. The door is wide open here, folks, and remains that way for the entire book. This isn't how the first two books were written, so yeah, I'm surprised.
The characters of Carla and Eamon did grow on me though. I enjoyed listening to their playful banter, and I understood their serious, complicated sides once their backstories were explained. Their individual family dynamics give noticeable texture to the story and reveal the uniqueness and differences between the Black and Sullivan family structures.
The topic of Alzheimer's is handled realistically and with sensitivity in this story. It brought back memories of my mother's long battle with this dreadful, debilitating decease and how heavily it impacts the family and main caregivers. I cried a bucket of tears at the end.
I was fortunate to be gifted a DRC and an ALC of this book allowing me the pleasure of reading while listening. The audiobook was narrated by Sarah Naughton whose voicing range is enjoyable and her Irish accent is quite authentic. She narrates all three books in this series.
Although Off the Map isn't my favorite of this series, I did enjoy pieces, and parts, the connection between Carla and Eamon, and I do recommend it to all who love Rom-Com's with the door wide open. Although each book is a standalone story, I recommend reading this series in order for the best experience.
3.5 stars!
Here are links to my reviews of the first two books in this series:
The Float Plan
The Suite Spot
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin for the DRC, McMillan Audio for the ALC, and author, Trish Doller. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review. Due to publish: 3/7/23
How have I not had Trish Doller on my radar before this? I read Off the Map in one sitting. The prose was great, the Irish setting was wonderful, and characters were captivating. After starting this book, I realized this was a series, so I got the first two immediately and can't wait to read them.
Off the Map is a swoon-y, adventurous romp through the Irish countryside with unforgettable characters and just the right amount of seriousness. This is my third book by Trish Doller—I’ve also read the previous two books in this series, Float Plan and The Suite Spot. Each one can be read as a standalone, although, I would recommend all three; Doller is especially good at delivering romantic adventures. With each one of her books, I’ve wanted to visit the locations she’s set her stories around, and that is always a sign of a good book!
In Off the Map we meet world traveler, Carla. She’s arrived in Ireland to attend the wedding of her best friend Anna, who appeared in the first book in the series, Float Plan. She lands in Dublin and will be hitching a ride with the groom’s brother, Eamon. Sparks fly from the start!
I’ve seen other readers say they don’t care for the insta-love/lust between Carla and Eamon, but for me it was consistent with Carla’s character. She’s adventurous, refuses to be tied down, she lives moment to moment, and follows her instincts. I appreciated that Carla is comfortable with her sexuality. We tend to not think twice about men hooking up with someone moments after meeting, but put different expectations on women, which is unfair. However, it is fair to note that while the previous two books in the series were open door romances, this one falls a little closer to explicit sex on the page, which might surprise some readers.
But, I felt the connection between Carla and Eamon right off, so their attraction felt natural to me. I appreciated Carla’s brashness, her ability to speak her mind, but also her ability to realize when she’s gone too far.
Their journey to the wedding, taking side trips along the way, demonstrate their character—Carla’s desire to live in the moment (while avoiding more serious decisions) and Eamon’s yearning to make a change. I loved their adventures, and the hilarious mishaps they found themselves in along the way.
Doller always does a wonderful job of giving her characters meaningful backstories and issues they’re trying to work through—or avoid, in Carla’s case. Carla’s father is ill and she hasn’t seen him in six years, at his request. I did find it hard to connect with Carla’s decision to stay away from her father, but just because it wasn’t something I think I would choose to do, doesn’t mean it’s not a valid response. And while the story does take a more serious turn when Carla has to face her choices, Doller still manages to keep the story positive and on the lighter side.
Eamon has his own issues he is working through, as well, so it was nice to see them working through them somewhat together.
I adored both of these characters, and if you’re a fan of the series, it was fun to revisit the other characters from the other books, having them all together in one place.
I would love to see more books in this series, there are plenty of side characters to choose from, but I would enjoy anything from Doller, especially if there’s adventures involved!
Carla Black is headed to her best friend's wedding in Ireland and the hunky Irish best man is picking her up from the airport. Well, actually he's picking her up at a bar. As soon as Eamon Sullivan walks in the door, Carla knows she's going to be hooked. He's even more hunky than her friend described and her first instinct is to kiss him; albeit to get away from another man who is hitting on her. From here ensues a whirlwind of a love story. Eamon has always been interested in traveling, camping and off-roading. Turns out that these are things that Carla has grown up doing and is a professional at. She helps him out of his comfort zone and teaches him to give in a little to his wild side. Meanwhile, Eamon is teaching Carla not to run away from her emotions when things start to get serious. Together they seem like the perfect couple, but with Carla's Dad's health failing and Eamon's need for wanderlust, starting a relationship seems like the last thing in the cards for them. Can the stars align for another happy ending?
I enjoyed this book! I fell for Eamon as soon as he walked in the door as well (swoon!). Although the intimacy right out the gate was a little fast paced for me. I guess I'm more of a slow burn girl, but boy were the scenes spicy! I liked that there was backstory mixed in with the romance too for both characters. Carla's relationship with her Dad and his failing health with Dementia was heartbreaking but there was also a lot of humor and positive stories woven in. I am not very outdoorsy person, but I do love to travel so it was great to hear all of the things that Carla did growing up as well as all of the places she visited. Even as I enjoyed this one, I liked The Suite Spot better. I also still need to go back and read Float Plan (face-palm). I can't believe I haven't gotten to that one yet. Overall, I am a fan of Trish Doller's books and can't wait for her next installment. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
In a follow-up to FLOAT PLAN, Carla Black is traveling to Ireland for the wedding of her best friend, Anna, and her fiance, Keane. Keane's brother, Eamon, is supposed to drive Carla from Dublin to the village where the wedding will be held. Carla and Eamon instantly click and take a few detours on the way to the wedding. Carla doesn't do love and is scared by her burgeoning feelings for Eamon. More than that, she begins to reexamine her promise to her father, Biggie. Biggie, diagnosed with dementia, made Carla promise to travel for him. But she returns to Florida to spend time with Biggie and provide respite for his girlfriend.
This is a beautiful romance, but the subplot involving Carla and her father elevates the story beyond any typical romance. Carla and Eamon are such wonderful characters, I want to be them. #OfftheMap #NetGalley
I loved this book so much! I actually read it in a day, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve read all three in this series, and I liked them all, but this is by far my favorite. :-) It takes place in Ireland, and I’m the characters are the brother and best friend of the leads in Float Plan. There is a fun tie-in, but this is also excellent as a stand-alone read. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and light rom-com.
A road trip in Ireland? Yes, please! I think Off the Map might be my favourite in this series. It’s been so long since I’ve read a road trip book and I loved this one! Carla and Eamon were fun to read about and I like how she opened Eamon’s eyes to how he could be living with her case free, adventurous spirit. I loved how it didn’t follow the typical story line most romance novels seem to have these days. I love the way Trish Doller writes her characters. I wish this book had been a little longer as some parts felt a little rushed, in particular, Carla going home to see her dad, the wedding.
“Off the Map” by Trish Doller
Travel for Love, Lost, Found
It is a good story.. I really enjoyed it. And, I just cannot seem to articulate the why, how, of that enjoyment. The last few chapters had me in a Niagara Falls of tears and I was smiling at the same time. Go figure. Maybe it will prove to be just me and combination of my age and life experiences. This is a stand-a-lone read but it reads a wee bit like a land version of Carla Black’s friend Anna’s ‘Float Plan’ travels. Yes, a bit a like but oh, so, different!! Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.
This book is just what I needed. Such a wonderful, adventure filled story! I felt like I was right there, traveling alongside Carla and Biggie. And then felt like I was there with Carla and Eamon as they went on their “detours”. This book was the perfect amount of heartfelt and romance. I teared up many times, but especially when Biggie passed. My father is my best friend and reading about the love Carla and her dad had for each other makes me want to go and wrap mine up in a tight hug. Thank you for this beautiful book! And thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for allowing me to read and review this!
Off the Map is the third book in the Beck Sisters series, but they can be read as standalones as well. This was a super quick read!
Carla Black’s mom left when she was young. Her dad, Biggie, didn’t know what to do other than fill her life with travel and adventure to distract from what she was missing. Now, Biggie has dementia and Carla is a bit unmoored. She’s been running from commitment/connection her entire life.
I read Float Plan last year and enjoyed it so I was happy to see another book in the series focusing on Anna’s bestie! This was a one day read for me, a sweet story of love and loss alike! I think that if you enjoyed Float Plan, you will enjoy Off the Map as well.
*I was provided with a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review - thanks to @stmartinspress and @netgalley
I absolutely love Trish Dollar, and could not wait to get me hands on an early copy of Off the Map! Carla and Eamon's story is everything! It's hilarious, swoony, but also heart wrenching. I loved every minute of it!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Trish Doller for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is book 3 in the Beck sisters series, and I loved this one as much as the other two! Give me a book with a setting in Ireland, and I will read it in a heartbeat. I really liked Carla. She had a lot on her plate but was able to get out and live her life. There are a lot of happy, funny moments, but also moments where you may tear up. This is definitely worth the read,
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Carla is a wanderlust, 33 year old who gallavants across the US (and at times the world) in her dad's hand-me-down, chili pepper red Jeep, named Valentina, after his favorite hot sauce. The book starts off with her traveling to Ireland for her best friend's wedding (If you read Float Plan, Anna is the best friend). She is the maid of honor, and she's getting picked up by Eamon, the best man and groom's brother. Eamon and Carla meet at a bar near the airport instead of being picked up at the airport, and the sparks fly immediately. Insta Lust 101 here. Eamon has a respectable, full time, what seems to be a lucrative job, in the Tech industry, but has always wanted to have an overland lifestyle. He and Carla kiss, do more than kiss, and decide to take a few detours on their way to the wedding. Personally if I were the bride and my maid of honor and the groom took 3 days on "unplanned excursions" I'd be a bit miffed, but no one seems upset except Eamon's mom. Shrug.
The depth that comes into play is when Carla realizes her dad has sheltered her from feeling hard emotions (grief, loss, anger, sadness) but distracting her with travel and adventures. Her father also is in mid stages of dementia, and she realizes that she should probably stop traveling and go be with him. It's not as deep and self-actualizing as Anna's story in Float Plan, but it does provide some depth for this otherwise very fluffy, insta lust, perfect/fated star crossed lovers story.
Eamon is a cinnamon roll and a half who has his own realization that he's always taken the brunt for his younger brother Keane. He also realizes he's been living his life according to everyone else's rules instead of living for himself. And has a couple of quick conversations to patch it all up.
As someone who's own father died of dementia, I don't think it was very realistically portrayed. Though I think everyone's experience with it is unique. He seemed a bit too lucid for what I would have expected for how long he had been dealing with dementia.
However I liked this book, it was a nice escape, and the writing style made it read super fast for the length. I recommend reading this if you want to read about beautiful places in Ireland, some fun fast steam, with a touch of real topics too.
Honestly going into this one I wasn’t sure what I would feel, always comparing to my love of Float Plan. But I loved Eamon when we met him briefly in Float Plan, and the little bit we knew of Carla, I liked her as well.
This one started off the bat with all the chemistry and steam these two had immediately. I loved their travel detours, the descriptions of Ireland (a place I hope to visit at some point), and seeing more of the Sullivan Family.
Carla and Eamon are both running from life but in very different ways. It isn’t until they realize it in one another, that they each realize all they have been loosing along the way. The last third of the book has my heart. I loved it the most. Carla facing the hard things, feeling all the pain and hurt but also choosing to stay. I didn’t want it the story to end, I could have continued to read.
Ohh Trish Doller I hope this isn’t the last of this crew. I have no idea what is to come but I want to continue to hear about all their adventures. I mean there are more Sullivan children and other life events we need to see. I hope this isn’t the last of them.