Maybe This Once Review

 Author: Sophie Sullivan

Series: Rock Bottom Love #3

Publisher: St. Martins Griffin

Release Date: Feb. 10, 2026

Many thanks to the publisher for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own.

Two people end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling, in this small-town, opposites-attract romance from Sophie Sullivan.

Review:

Author Sophie Sullivan takes readers back to the remote Get Lost Lodge for book 3 of the Rock Bottom Love series with Maybe This Once. No worries if you haven't read the two previous books as everything you need to know to enjoy this one is woven within the story of this small-town, opposites attract romance. Sullivan excels at low angst, happy ever after romance, and this one lives up to the hype. Settle in for an evening of romance with a high cute factor and a side of humor.

Charlie runs from her life in California to spend a summer with her great uncle at Get Lost Lodge after a heartbreaking betrayal and a video gone viral. She needs time to lick her wounds, revamp, and decide how to move forward with her life. She didn't plan on meeting a hunk like Grayson, the owner of the lodge, and a man with baggage of his own. Grayson is still recovering from his ex-wife's betrayal when Charlie arrives and blows him out of the water. He has no interest in anything long term since his divorce and vows never to trust another woman with his heart. However, there's nothing wrong with a short-term friendship with benefits, right? A summer fling? Both Charlie and Grayson find out just how hard it is to keep real feelings and emotions out of the equation when one acts on attraction. Will either of them be able to keep their heart intact when it's over?

Author Sophie Sullivan has rendered another sweet, heart touching romance in Maybe This Once with lovable, intelligent characters leading productive lives while dealing with issues not of their own making. Trust is a big issue for both characters, and it was nice to see how they worked through that roadblock without a lot of extra drama thrown in for effect.  Dual points of view allow readers inside both characters' heads as the story unfolds. Found and extended family continue to be themes the author explores as well as the dynamics surrounding quirky characters often found in small towns. Maybe This Once is small-town romance at its best. Highly recommended to fans of opposites attract romance stories with low angst.

Synopsis:

Charlotte “Charlie” Ashford has worked hard to become her own person. Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, she 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 found his footing. He’s settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is showing a steady profit and seeing its fair share of repeat visitors. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, who he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson seem to have nothing in common more than a growing attraction that neither of them can fight. Trusting each other isn’t easy. 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.