Quick Synopsis

A charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally by Sophie Sullivan is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.

Publisher’s Synopsis

Presley Ayers is not the woman you bring on a camping trip. An accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, MI, she knows more about the top ten places for champagne and caviar than she does about the best hiking boots to go stomping around near Lake Michigan. But when she surprises her boyfriend of eight months with a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to rough it solo and take the trip herself.

When Beckett Keller helps the gorgeous woman off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it’s clear to him she’s made a mistake. She doesn’t like hiking, fishing, or nature in general, so why did she go on this trip? He’s got other things on his mind though―a crumbling lodge, and his own plans and dreams that are forever deferred―so he doesn’t have time for Ms. Fish-Out-of-Water. Even so, neither Beckett nor Presley can help that inexplicable draw they feel towards each other. He’s all rough stubble and plaid shirts, while she’s all high heels and brand-name athleisurewear.

But you know what they say about opposites.

Book Review

Let me start by saying that the official synopsis for Love, Naturally does not do the book justice. In fact, I would not even call the main characters opposites. The fact that the synopsis emphasizes character traits and story elements that are not big plot points is strange. It overlooks all the wonderful things this book has to offer.

Love, Naturally is a charming romance novel about a woman who finally takes a chance on herself. After she surprises her boyfriend of 8 months with a vacation for two, Presley Ayers finds herself dumping him and taking his ideal trip alone. She does not know the first thing about fishing, hiking, or the outdoors, but she is determined to have a good time. Presley finds that and a whole lot more at the Get Lost Lodge.

Love, Naturally is told in dual points of view from both the female and male main characters. Sophie Sullivan really employs this narrative structure well. She uses it to develop her main characters as well as allow readers to know their inner thoughts.

This story takes place over a 10 day vacation; yet, it did not feel like instalove. Sure, the protagonists initially find each other attractive, but they get to know one another before the romance blooms. When you consider how much time they are spending together, this feels like a plausible, organic love story. I also found the plot refreshingly free of melodrama and miscommunication. I am tempted to go into detail about the resolution, but I will not for fear of spoilers. I will just note that the ending is perfection, and I dare you not to swoon over Beckett.

Another part of Love, Naturally that really worked for me was Presley. I thought she was very relatable as a woman who is serious about her career and its growth. In addition, Presley undergoes a lot of personal growth over the course of the book. Regardless, she did not compromise for a man, whether that be her crappy ex-boyfriend or Beckett. Therefore, I found her to be a fresh, unconventional female main character (for a romance novel).

The other aspect of Love, Naturally I would be remiss if I failed to mention is the secondary characters! Beckett’s siblings and niece play prominent roles in the story, as does his hometown of Smile. There are also a few fellow vacationers who become a sort of found family. Together with the plot, these characters helped the novel feel like a big, warm hug. I am really hoping that Sullivan will bring back the secondary characters of Love, Naturally in additional books. I would be very disappointed if she does not since they (along with the town of Smile) carved out a special place in my heart.

As a native Midwesterner, there were a few details that I found inauthentic or knew would never happen. Other than those and a little unnecessary objectification, I did not have any large issues with the book.

Overall, Love, Naturally is an endearing romance novel with a relatable protagonist and great characters. It warmed my soul and even made me tear up a little. I highly recommend this novel and hope the character will appear in future books.

Rating

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Writing

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Character Development