Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan: Review

By AMidlifeWifeBook Reviews
cover of Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan

It’s fun to read stories where the author has the same location and secondary characters. But then each subsequent book in the series features a different main character from the original group.

This upcoming release is a part of a series, and the good thing is it is a standalone read. I was able to read one of the other books prior, and I enjoyed the characters and story a lot.

This new book brings us a little further along in the growth of the series and the development of the characters, featuring the owner of the lodge. Check out my thoughts and review of the next book in the Rock Bottom Love series below.

Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan
Series: Rock Bottom Love, 3
Publisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication date: ‎ February 10, 2026
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250875877

OVERVIEW:
Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, Charlotte Ashford gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is thriving. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, whom he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson have nothing in common, but they can’t fight their attraction to each other. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan Review

If you are into opposites attract and low angst stories, this is a good choice. The setting is great, and the characters are wholesome and fun.

Finding a love interest when you are hiding from the world can certainly take your mind off your troubles. This story brings so much to the table with a sweet romance that is unexpected for the characters.

I love this male lead in this book. He is sweet and caring, plus he deserves someone who is his equal. He seems to have found that in Charlie. But he knows she is hiding something and is not on the level with him. Understanding that this is supposed to be fun for the summer and nothing serious, he let it go.

But drama is a part of Charlie’s life, and hiding that from Grayson is not really working well. Between the non-dates and time spent together, feelings are growing, and time is running out.

I had some big feelings about her family drama and her mother’s actions. Her step-sisters and mother were horrible and I hated that she let Momma back in so easily. I felt the secrets were compounded by not sharing them with Grayson, especially as they grew closer. Hiding things and choices are hurtful in the long run, and that was unnecessary for the plot.

The lovely part of this story is that it leans in on found family quite a bit, and the supportive secondary characters made a big impact. They make up some of the other books in the series.

Maybe This Once is quite touchy-feelie in places, but it does offer a closed-door romance. It is a sweet, cozy romance that builds slowly. The opposites attract, and a dual POV storyline is an added plus.

Sullivan is a go-to when it comes to small-town, low angst romance stories. She always delivers enjoyable romance stories.

3.5 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.