Title: Meet Me in Paradise
Author: Libby Hubscher
Genre: Adult Contemporary / Romance
Publication Date: March 23rd, 2021
Publisher: Berkley Books
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an earc to read in exchange for a review!
“Marin Cole has never:
Seen the ocean
Climbed a mountain
Taken a risk on love
….But if her sister’s plan works, she just might do all three.
Ever since her journalist mother died on assignment, Marin has played it safe, refusing to set foot outside the state of Tennessee. Her wild-child younger sister, Sadie, has trotted the globe as a photographer, living off of art and adrenaline.
When Sadie returns from a tough assignment abroad and looks a little worse for wear, Marin reluctantly agrees to a sisters’ spa weekend on the tropical island of Saba. But her lifelong fear of travel is affirmed when Sadie misses the flight, Marin’s luggage gets mixed up with another passenger’s, and an episode of turbulence sends her hurtling into the lap of Lucas Tsai, the handsome stranger who stole her sister’s seat.
For the first time in a long time, Marin has to step outside of her comfort zone as she explores the island with Lucas and learns what she’s been missing out on. With each breathtaking new experience, Marin gets closer to her real self, the man she’s falling for, and the heart-wrenching truth about why she’s there in the first place.” (Goodreads)
From the cover and even from most of the blurb, I figured this would be a nice rom-com but there was so much more packed into this beautiful book. I didn’t know how emotional it would make me but there were plenty of tears shed and they were all worth it!
The book is split into two point-of-views: Marin and Sadie. Both sisters are completely different in looks and even their personalities. Marin would rather stay in and never leave Tennessee and worries about her sister more often than not. Sadie travels the world in search of great photos for her job. I honestly enjoyed reading about both, especially the antics of Sadie. She is a wild one!
From the beginning of the trip of a lifetime, which was supposed to be with her sister, Marin is pushed into new experiences from the get-go. There are so many hilarious moments because of it and the plane ride had me dying. And of course, there is the introduction of Lucas. The hot guy who stole her sister’s seat.
When it came to the plot, I was hooked. There are magical moments on this island and Marin is finally learning what it means to be her true self. One without worry and one that takes risk. It’s amazing how our siblings know exactly what we need even when we don’t. The island is also filled with a great cast of minor characters that help Marin in whatever way they can and become friends along the way.
Even though this book is about finding oneself, there is also heartache found throughout the plot as well. As the book gets going, I had a thought in the back of my mind on how it would go and even though I had prepared myself, it still wasn’t enough. So many tears! And even though I was an emotional mess, I loved it all because there was still hope and a bright future ahead.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It’s not often I find a book that makes me emotional but I like it because it makes the book that much more special to me. The romance was sweet and had me smiling. I know I didn’t take about it but it’s fun to be surprised when you read it! I’d highly recommend adding this one to your tbr.
TheGeekishBrunette 