This was a beautifully done opposites-attract romance, I really enjoyed how the romance was set-up and how it was executed. I was invested in what was happening and how well the characters were so well written. Sophie Sullivan has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this and get to know the characters.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Maybe This Once is a cozy, feel-good summer romance that delivers comfort, charm, and a breath of fresh lake air. If you’re looking for a story that’s like sinking into a hammock on a sunny afternoon, this one’s for you. Sophie Sullivan brings together two people at emotional crossroads—both a little bruised, both wary of love—and lets them slowly, gently, figure out what it means to start over.

Charlotte Ashford is a therapist whose once-perfect life in Malibu goes up in flames after a public scandal—one she didn’t deserve. With nowhere else to go and no one to answer to, she heads to a small Michigan town hoping to rebuild, regroup, and regain a little anonymity. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Grayson Keller, a gruff yet kind-hearted inn owner who’s more comfortable keeping people at arm’s length than letting anyone in.

Their chemistry is immediate, but the story takes its time—more slow bloom than slow burn. The connection between them grows not just through attraction, but through kindness, trust, and the shared experience of starting over. The side characters add warmth and charm to the narrative: locals with hearts of gold, a welcoming lodge staff, and a town that feels like its own character.

The romance isn’t high-drama—it’s emotionally sincere, low on spice, and focused more on the quiet moments that build a relationship. Charlotte’s personal journey, in particular, is one of the highlights: watching her reclaim her strength and her voice felt just as satisfying as the romance itself.

For readers who like:
-Second chances, both in life and love
-A little lakeside escapism
-Small-town vibes

Final Verdict
Maybe This Once is the kind of story that doesn’t shout—it hums quietly and wraps you up in its tenderness. A warm, hopeful tale about rebuilding, soft love, and the courage it takes to begin again. A perfect read for fans of sweet summer romance with heart.

Grateful to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sophie Sullivan for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

Grayson is happy with the lodge that his family owns... He is disrupted by Charlie- who wants to explore her family's past.

Love the small town vibes and it was nice to see so many characters from earlier books. Really enjoy the sweet romance.,

Thanks to the publisher for the arc

This was my first Sophie Sullivan book and I was not disappointed. Her writing style draws you in and has a perfect balance of witty and heartfelt and heat.

An enchanting and unexpectedly engaging book about family, friends,and a surprise future in northern Michigan. The story revolves around three siblings and a family run lodge on a private island that seems like paradise. A visitor with secrets comes to meet a great uncle she never knew, and finds peace and more.
I found it difficult to put down, and was sad when I finished. A heartwarming story that was filled with moments of joy, uncertainty, longing, and acceptance.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

From the very first page I was hooked. This story had me never wanting it to end and wanting more! I’ll definitely be reading this one again because if I could give this one more then five stars I would! Sophie Sullivan always seems to knock it right out of the park!!

This was an incredibly sweet, meet-cute romance! The author's writing grabbed a hold of attention early and never let go, I ended up binging this book in one reading sprint.

If I could sum up my reading experience in one phrase it would be that this book made my heart happy. I really loved the main characters, both Charlie and Greyson had their share of personal issues to overcome but the character growth and development throughout this story was fantastic!

I think this would be a great fit for anyone who loves swoon-worthy romances, strong family (& found family) bonds and characters that are really down to earth and relatable.

Will definitely be recommending this one and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

💕Meet Cute | Sweet Romance
🌇 Small Town
💞 Opposites Attract
🫂Found Family Vibe
4.5✨ (Rounded Up to 5)

Thank you Sophie Sullivan, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Sophie Sullivan has a way of writing romances that feel like curling up in a favorite blanket, comforting, sweet, and impossible to put down. Maybe This Once delivers all of that with an extra layer of heart.

Charlie was such a relatable heroine for me. She’s messy in the best way, still trying to figure out who she really is outside of her famous family, stumbling through the pressure of a viral moment, and bravely choosing to follow her passion as a counselor. I loved watching her grow into her own, even when it wasn’t easy. Grayson, on the other hand, is the perfect balance to her energy. Steady, grounded, and rooted in the quiet beauty of small town life, he’s the kind of hero that sneaks up on you and wins you over with his patience and sincerity.

Their chemistry sparkled from the start, but what really hooked me was how vulnerable they both had to be. This wasn’t just about attraction, it was about trust, healing, and the hope that maybe love doesn’t have to break you apart to build you back up. The Get Lost Lodge setting added so much charm too, I wanted to pack a bag and check in for the summer.

If you love small town romance, opposites attract tension, and a story that mixes sweetness with real emotional depth, this one is for you. Sophie Sullivan proves once again why she’s a go-to for feel-good love stories.

Maybe This Once had me hooked from page one. Small-town charm, witty banter, and a romance you can actually root for—what more do you need? I flew through it and closed the book with a big smile on my face. Highly recommend if you love your rom-coms with heart and heat.

This is a very heartfelt and sweet romance that will capture your heart and leave you swooning! I loved everything about this book!

This book had me crying and it healed parts of me that I didnt know were still broken.

Its such a sweet and heartfelt romance, I highly recommend

omgsh Sophie did it AGAIN! This book is an absolute delight from start to finish. It’s a masterclass in cozy, heartwarming romance that will have you smiling, swooning, and completely captivated.

Sullivan has a special talent for crafting characters who feel real and relatable, and the two leads here are no exception. Their chemistry is electric, built on a foundation of witty banter and genuine emotional connection that makes every page a joy to read.

The story unfolds with a charming, easygoing pace, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world Sullivan has created. Without giving anything away, the journey these characters take is both sweet and compelling, filled with moments that will make your heart ache in the best possible way. It's a perfect blend of humor and depth, with a supporting cast that is just as lovable and memorable as the main couple.

For anyone looking for a feel-good romance that feels like a warm hug, Maybe This Once is an unmissable read. It's a story that proves the best love stories are often the ones you never see coming. I can't recommend it enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for a temporary e-ARC!

This is a solid 5 ⭐️! It’s a book that grabs you from the first chapter and holds you to the end. Sophie Sullivan weaved a great love story together with Charlie and Grayson, while also showing the depth of their family dynamics. This was so well done and I’ am a huge fan!