Member Reviews
Sophie Sullivan has historically been a hit or miss for me, so drum roll, but LOVE, NATURALLY was a hit! I'm not sure if it's because I'm a sucker for an outdoorsy guy, and an opposites attract story, but this was IT for me! I reallyy enjoyed this book. It was so cute. I really liked the characters.
I don't normally like insta-love, so I was actually surprised at how much I did like this! Overall, it was an entertaining read!
Closed-door romance.
Opposites attract.
Happens over the course of ten days if I remember correctly.
Overall,I enjoyed Love, Naturally! This is the first title I've read by Sophie Sullivan, and it won't be my last. I'm a big fan of cozy, small town settings with eclectic side characters and townspeople. While this is a romance our main character, Presley, had strong relationships with Beckett's family members (sister, niece, brother,) and the other vacationers staying at the Get Lost resort. I'm not the biggest fan of instant love on a short timeline, but Presley and Beckett had a relationship that was deeper than surface level. They had a strong physical attraction and still had important conversations about family, life, and their careers. My overall rating for this book would be 3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing for giving me an ARC of Love, Naturally!
The Get Lost Fishing Lodge is the last place city girl Presley expects to find herself. Yet, after a plane flight, a bus trip and a seasick inducing boat ride that’s exactly where she is.
It takes only a day or two for the lodge to work its magic on Presley. As she is drawn into the circle of family, friends and regular guests of the lodge, Presley’s view on what’s important in her life begin to change. Her trip to Get Lost may just be the best thing she’s ever done.
It was the setting of this novel that first drew me to this story. I loved the idea of the lodge, but it was the characters and their bonds that really drew me in. The warmth and love shared by the Grayson, Beckett and Jill, the brothers and sister who own the lodge, flows from the page. And Ollie, Jill’s young daughter, is full of an exuberance for life that that’s infectious.
Beckett and Presley make a great couple. They can't see it, but they are both looking for the same thing. They need each other to point out that what they are looking for is right in front of them. And to figure out what they need is right in front of them.
This is a real feel good story that left me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling inside.
This was such a cute read! Presley and Beckett were so cute together, they had great chemistry and their connection had me hooked! Instalove vibes which i was all for and honestly i thought it was done really well! I loved this small town and all the characters in this story!
I loved that this book was dual POV, im so glad that we got both MC's thoughts so that we could see what both Presely and Beckett were thinking and feeling throughout the story. I thought that the writing was easy to read and that this story had a great pace, definitely recommend this one and I cant wait for more!
This was a very sweet closed door romance. I really enjoyed the found family aspect, but along with the insta love it made the pacing feel off.
📚ARC Review📚
3.5 rounded to 4 ⭐️
This was my first Sophie Sullivan book and I enjoyed it! Love, Naturally is an opposites attract, found family romance. It leans into the insta-love angle because it spans a 10 day vacation and the romance is closed door. Those things don’t really bother me, and I liked Beckett and Presley a lot overall. If you need a quick cute romance book as a palate cleanser, this book definitely fits the bill!
Thank you to NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
This one is so cute - we love a sweet romance and this one has all the things! I love how Beckett and Presley are drawn together while they are both out of their comfort zone!
This story is told in third person and follows Presley and Beckett. This is my fourth book by this author and probably my second favorite. Ten Rules for Faking It just edges it out for my top spot. I really enjoyed Presley’s character. She really needed a vacation. So what if she’s going on her now ex-boyfriend’s dream vacation by herself. I loved her go with it attitude, and when she ended up in a place that clearly needed her and on top of that appreciated her efforts, what a blessing!
Beckett’s family was awesome. I feel like Presley found exactly the perfect family for her to fall in love with. I understood Beckett’s issues with putting his family first over his priorities for his own life and how Presley encouraged him to pursue his personal goals. Overall, I just thought it was a lovely story and it took place in a setting that I thoroughly enjoyed. Good story, great characters and to top it off adorable supporting characters and family.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy provided for an honest review.
First off, thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read Love, Naturally in exchange for an Honest review!
Love, Naturally is a cute love story if you’re into an opposites attract in a lovely small town kind of trope. I know a lot of people are going to love this one, Beckett is a cutie who will do anything for those he loves and the insta love between Beckett and Presley feels safe and cozy. Very minimal drama, which I think explains why it didn’t do it for me 🤣 I like a little spice, a little substance, and this was just too safe. Instant love tropes are hit or miss, and it didn’t do it for me. Although it wasn’t a book for me, I think romance fans will enjoy this one! 2.5⭐️ rounded up to 3⭐️!
What a beautiful plot and incredible characters. Couldn't put it down once I started reading! I will definitely be recommending this to everyone!
Run, don't walk, to buy this book! I love Sophie Sullivan! And I want a hot mountain man just like Beckett. And his family, oh my gosh, they're all so lovely, even the other guests. Ollie was adorable. Presley was wonderful and you can't help but root for them through the whole book. I want to live in Smile, Michigan (at least in the summer.)
I'm hoping this is a series, so we get to revisit everyone again. Sophie - keep pouring your heart and soul into your books because they are lovely and wonderful.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
3.5 ⭐️
My rating is heavily determined based on my reading preferences. I have never been a fan of 3rd person. I had a hard time figuring out who was talking in the beginning of the book, it took me a little while to get into it. But it got better later in the book. I also am not a fan of insta-love. I will say I understand the reason for this book and the plot and it was done well.
I did love the story line and the characters relationships. And I’m so glad the main characters got their happy ending!
I also wish we got more of an epilogue or that it was further in the future but either way I am still happy they got their happy ending.
I love a good, light rom-com and Love, Naturally felt like a Hallmark movie to a T! While I adored the premise of an unappreciated concierge ending up at a rundown lodge and falling in love, it fell a little flat for me. This mostly had to do with the pacing. Presley was all over the place, first heart-broken over her breakup and the literal next day in insta-love with a man she had just met who apparently had also instantly fallen in love with her as well. Plus, he’s thoughtful and great with kids and handy, too!
I also found the circumstances of their forced proximity in the beginning to be strange. What woman in her right mind would willingly spend the night in a stranger’s cabin after finding the room she booked totally uninhabitable? Sketchy. I just couldn’t get past how quickly it all happened after supposedly being devastated over her ex as well. The homey and beautiful setting of the novel is definitely the best part. Many will love Ainsley and Beckett’s love story, but for me it was a 2.5-star read.
BOOK REVIEW: Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan
2024 Publication Date: January 16
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
Best Opposites Attract Romance Books
T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Books
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2024
CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Making plans is always a good thing... Making room in your plans for the unexpected is even better...
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
A Charming Opposites Attract Romance Book...
In a world where love is often portrayed as a fairytale romance between two perfect people, Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is a refreshing change. This novel is not "just another game" when it comes to romance... But all about taking chances, stepping outside our comfort zone, and finding love in the most unexpected places... And at the most unexpected time and circumstances.
The charming opposites attract romance between Presley Ayers and Beckett Keller will leave you swooning and wanting more.
Here is my T.I.M.E. Best Book Review of Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan... Grab some popcorn and prepare to lose yourself in the world of romance...
Plot Points
Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is a heartwarming tale of Presley Ayers, an accomplished "city girl" concierge at an exclusive hotel, who surprises her boyfriend of eight months with his dream rugged vacation to the Get Lost Lodge, only to be dumped as they are about to leave. In an attempt to move on and step out of her comfort zone, she decides to go ahead with taking the vacation she planned alone.
When she arrives, it becomes clear (with every earned blister!) that she is not the kind of person who would enjoy a rugged vacation... And meets Beckett Keller, a lodge employee who seems to embody everything she's not... Including being the personification of a rugged vacation in the flesh!
City girl plus rugged mountain man? You can probably tell where this might be going. But I did not mind that one bit... I was so charmed by the two main characters plus Beckett's other family members who run the Get Lost Lodge that I was thrilled to be on a romance va-cay!
Standout Features of Love, Naturally
• Finding Love In Unexpected Ways
When it comes to romance novels, there's nothing quite like a love story about two people from different worlds finding true love in unexpected ways. That's what makes Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan such a delightful read.
This charming opposites attract romance is for anyone who has ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.
• Relatable Characters
The first thing that makes Love, Naturally such a great read is its relatability. Presley is a strong, successful woman who thinks she has it all figured out, only to find out that life has other plans.
Beckett, on the other hand, is trying to keep his family's legacy alive, but he's struggling to make ends meet. This makes it easy for readers to connect with both of them on a personal level and root for their happy ending.
• Witty Dialogue
Another reason why Love, Naturally stands out from other romance novels is its humor. Sophie Sullivan has a knack for writing witty dialogues that are both funny and endearing.
The characters' banter is entertaining to read and adds a lightness to the story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Prepare yourself to meet a true firecracker of a "young girl on the rise" in Beckett's young niece, Ollie. .. And I must say that Ollie's witty dialogue truly steals one scene after the next!
• Charming Rustic Setting
One of the most appealing aspects of Love, Naturally is the setting. The Get Lost Lodge is a rustic, outdoorsy retreat that allows readers to escape to a place where they can disconnect and find solace in nature. It's the perfect backdrop for a story about two people who couldn't be more different.
And the lush descriptions of the scenery and the charming adjacent village help transport readers to the heart of the story and allow them to experience the journey alongside the characters.
• Undeniable Chemistry with Slow Burn Appeal
The chemistry between Presley and Beckett is undeniable. Their attraction is both intense and a slow burn... Or at least as slow burn as a holiday romance can be! Readers will definitely feel the sparks flying off the page... However, the closed door romance element keeps the graphic scenes off the page and completely left to your imagination.
As they navigate their differences, their relationship is both heartwarming and fraught with slow burn sexual tension, making it impossible to put the book down.
EPILOGUE
Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is a must-read for anyone who loves a good contemporary romance novel... With relatable characters, witty humor, a stunning setting, and undeniable chemistry, this is the perfect book to get lost in.
This charming opposites attract romance is a testament to the fact that sometimes the best things can happen when you step outside your comfort zone and take a chance. So go ahead and lose yourself in the beautiful story of Presley and Beckett.
And if you find yourself longing to book your own rugged vacation, make sure you pack Love, Naturally to read as you sit under the stars!... ✨😎✨
♡ T.I.M.E. TIP: Currently, Love Naturally is being released as a standalone book. But the author has hinted that both Jilly's & Grayson's stories (Beckett's sister & brother) are being planned for two additional books coming soon... So, I am tagging this an interconnected romance series... What does this mean for you as a reader?... You can read this book series as standalone books since they are interconnected romance books… Meaning each book focuses on a different couple from the same "world" of the Keller family... But interconnected romance is still a cumulative series... As for me, I started with Book 1 and am always glad to get in on the ground floor of world-building to fully embrace the interconnected romance bonus element... ✨😎✨
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sub-Genres: Opposites Attract Romance | Holiday Romance | Interconnected Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ Closed Door Romance
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Northern Michigan (US)
Publisher: St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin
IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Only You ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Get ready for a charming opposites-attract romance in Sophie Sullivan's Love, Naturally... Step outside your comfort zone and embark on a journey where the best things happen when you take a chance...
Meet Presley Ayers, an accomplished concierge at a fancy hotel in Great Falls, MI. She knows all about champagne, caviar, and the luxurious life, but hiking boots and adventuring? Not her thing.
When her boyfriend dumps her instead of appreciating the surprise vacation she planned for them, Presley decides to go on the trip solo and embrace the rough wilderness all by herself.
Enter Beckett Keller, the guy who helps Presley off the old boat and onto the Lodge grounds. He can immediately tell that she's out of her element. Hiking, fishing, and nature? Clearly not her forte.
But Beckett has his own worries... Like helping his family restore the dilapidated lodge and what to do with his deferred dreams. He simply doesn't have time for a fish-out-of-water like Presley.
However, destiny has other plans, as they both feel an inexplicable attraction towards each other. He's all rugged with stubble and plaid shirts, while she's the epitome of style and athleisure.
Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of surprises and chemistry, because you know what they say about opposites... The lines blur as they definitely attract!
Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is a charming opposites-attract romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. Presley and Beckett’s unlikely and unique love story is a perfect example of how stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to unexpected and beautiful things.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• Stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected and beautiful things... In Love, Naturally, Presley decides to take a solo trip into the wild, something that is completely out of her comfort zone. And through this experience, she finds love and discovers more about herself. Reminding us that sometimes we need to push ourselves past our limits to truly grow and experience new opportunities.
• Attraction can come in many forms, even between two seemingly opposite individuals... Presley and Beckett couldn't be more different on the surface, but their undeniable chemistry proves that opposites can attract. Encouraging us that we shouldn't judge someone based on appearances or assumptions, as there could be a deep connection waiting to be discovered.
• Slow burn romance can be just as fulfilling and exciting as a fast-paced one... In Love, Naturally, the relationship between Presley and Beckett is a slow burn. They both have their own struggles and insecurities to work through before they can fully commit to each other. And as readers, we get to experience their journey of growth and self-discovery alongside them, making their happily ever after even more rewarding. Reminding us that a love built on patience and understanding can be just as (or even more) fulfilling and exciting as a whirlwind romance.
BOOK QUOTE:
"No matter how much you plan, things happen. You roll with it, you adjust, and sometimes the thing that knocked you down is the thing that wakes you up... What you think might be the worst moment in your life can show you exactly what you were missing... " — Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan
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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read
♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
2.75⭐️
Love, Naturally was a cute read! A clean romance with some found family mixed in:)
This book took me a little while to get through, and I do have mixed thoughts. I think the pacing of the book (the entire novel spans about 2 weeks) was weird, considering as things dragged on a bit while there were also constant reminders that this was only for "a few days". It was also very insta-love, and while others might have enjoyed it, it didn't fully hit the spot for me.
I did love all the side characters and the found family aspect of it, and the setting was really great and made me wish I was in summer right now! While the dialogue was a bit lengthy too, I do think there were some good messages to be found in this book, especially when it comes to doing things out of your comfort zone, and taking chances on the things or people you love.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
A cute, hallmark-esque story. Very predictable, a bit slow, but incredibly enjoyable. The characters were likeable, believable, and fun. The romance and language stayed relatively clean, which is soooo appreciated! I felt like the middle of the book dragged on too much and was unnecessary, but I did enjoy and kept reading. There was a bit too much prose and description, but overall a very solid and clean rom com that I'd recommend to friends.
The insta-love trope is not my cup of tea, but I’ve enjoyed many of Sophie’s previous books that I was able to look past it. Just be warned, they do fall in love FAST. This may not be realistic especially after a breakup, but it’s fiction. In fiction books it tends to happen faster because an author doesn’t need to write 1000 pages before us readers can say “okay that was a good amount of time to fall in love”. But readers are told it’s only taken them 10 days to fall in love so take that as you will. Other than that, I thought this was a cute story. I always love the fish out of water/opposites attract trope and these two made it work perfectly. I smiled a lot while reading and found the story to be charming and sweet!
This book was a great read, and I loved it! The story was beautiful told and had me hooked from the first chapter. Sophie Sullivan is a new to me author and I will definitely be picking up her books moving forward. I was initially drawn to this book by the cover and love that the inside was just as enthralling and beautiful.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute quick read. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie where the big city girl goes to a small town and falls in love. It seemed like Presley conforms to her boyfriends. First she was with the big city guy and living up the influencer/hotel manager life, then she starts being a nature girl and tells Beckett that her dream vacation is small towns. Overall too much Instagram mentioned and seemed stretched out.
This is a fun opposites attract, small town romance read. Presley bought a week away on an island for she and her boyfriend to fish and hike, but he doesn’t want to go with her. Presley goes alone even though she’s not into nature. When she arrives, a room issue has her sharing with Beckett, a handsome guy whose family runs the lodge.
Their chemistry brings them together, and Presley is a hotel concierge with great ideas to help the lodge succeed. Beckett is truly smitten, but how can they be together when she lives in the city?
I enjoyed this entertaining book, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.