Off the Map by Trish Doller

B+
Off the Map
by Trish Doller
March 7, 2023 · St. Martin's Griffin Contemporary Romance















CW/TW
CW: Death

This book messed me up. Yes, I read it while I was going through a rough time, but the point stands: this is an emotionally intense book. The problem is that it is so well-written that it’s also un-put-downable so the emotional intensity is unrelenting.
Carla is filled with wanderlust. She works in a bar to save up money and then travels the world in the Jeep her father gave her when he was diagnosed with dementia. Carla has your classic case of ‘running from issues,’ specifically, running from the reality that she is losing her dad.
Carla flies to Dublin for her best friend’s wedding. (The best friend was the star of book 1 in this series – another emotionally intense story). There, she meets the groom’s brother, Eamon. Eamon is Responsible, with the capital R. He works as a cartographer, but has never actually done any traveling himself. He’s been so busy trying to do what his family expects and tick the right boxes that he’s never actually taken the leap to do what he wants.
Carla and Eamon embark on a spicy affair as they turn a 4 hour trip to the wedding venue into a week-long road trip. (Side note: It’s briefly discussed how this is a dick move on their part. They’re the maid of honour and the best man and they decide to have a sexy road trip rather than be there to support the bride and groom.)
Along the way they fall in love, but they have to get out of their own way, face their issues and make some tough decisions. This is where the book really excels. These are complex characters dealing with difficult circumstances. There are tough conversations with parents, boundaries set with siblings, a devastating loss and an absolute ton of emotional growth for both parties.
I sobbed reading this book. Absolutely sobbed. Which makes it tough for me to be objective when rating it. I felt a bit bamboozled by the blurb and cover. Both say ‘adventure romance’ (which is accurate) BUT it leaves out that this book will devastate you emotionally. Overall, it’s really well written and I’m glad I read it, but I will approach this author’s books with caution in future. I’m not a fan of being put through the emotional wringer, especially when I’m not expecting it.