One Night on the Island by Josie Silver, is a story about love and finding your way in life. It’s about taking time to define what matters. Unfortunately, it’s not as enjoyable as I’d hoped. In fact, it left me as confused as the main characters, Cleo and Mac.
My Overview
Dating columnist Cleo is sent to Salvation Island in Ireland, on a self-coupling assignment. The purpose of the trip is for her to embrace her state of being single and bring a new perspective to her column. While Cleo isn’t immediately a fan of the self-coupling idea, she accepts the assignment anyway. When she arrives at the cabin, she realizes it’s not the luxurious accommodation she’d expected. When a man, Mac, suddenly lets himself into the cabin with his own key, they realize the cabin’s been double booked. Unable to get the booking problem resolved, they both end up staying at the cabin for several weeks.
This story had a lot of what I enjoy in romance novels:
- Dual POVs
- Beautiful setting in Ireland
- Enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes
- Small town with supportive characters
Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me:
- I didn’t understand Cleo and Mac’s motives or decisions
- The self-coupling aspect became a crutch rather than a way to propel the story
- The flow of the storyline was as disjointed as the conversations between Cleo and Mac
As much as I’ve enjoyed the author’s previous books, I expected to like this one too. Instead, I was left as confused as Cleo and Mac were throughout the story. I didn’t even understand the title. Why One Night on the Island, if Cleo and Mac spent several together? I didn’t see one specific night as a main turning point for either them.
My Recommendation
Overall, this wasn’t the enjoyable and introspective romance story I’d expected. It’s my third book by this author, so I thought I knew what to expect. Clearly, that wasn’t the case. While I recommend Silver’s other books, I can’t recommend this one. If you’d like to give this book a try, I recommend the audiobook. I thought it was well done, with dual narrators.
The books I’ve enjoyed by this author:
Have you read this book? What are your thoughts?
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Sorry to hear this one didn’t work for you. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Silver so far but I definitely see where you’re coming from on what didn’t work for you with this one.
Lucy
Glad you’re a fan of Siver’s books too! This last one didn’t work for me, but I’m glad the previous two did. Looking forward to more from her.
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy this one. I haven’t read any Josie Silver yet, but she has been on my radar so maybe I’d better start with one of her other books.
Lucy
Thanks. Definitely give one of her other books a try. I enjoyed the writing and storyline in those.
Dedra @ A Book Wanderer
Aww, I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one! It was actually one of my favorite books of the year. 😃 It’s definitely one of those polarizing books. I hope you enjoy your next one more!
Lucy
Glad you enjoyed this story! I’d expected to love it too, so I was surprised and disappointed.
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse
I was surprised to see you didn’t love this one as much as some of the other reviews I’ve read for it. I’ve contemplated off and on reading it, but think I’ll skip now that I’ve read your review. I don’t know if it would be my thing. Great review!
Lucy
Thank you! Hopefully you’ll try her other books. I did enjoy those, and will still try future book releases by this author.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
Sorry you found this one wasn’t for you, Lucy. I read this one a year or so ago and enjoyed it. It wasn’t my favorite by Silver, but I still enjoyed Cleo and Mac’s story. On to something better (I hope!).
Lucy
Glad you enjoyed this one! Try Silver’s two other books. I enjoyed those and think you will too 😊.
Nas
It sort of is irritating if a story doesn’t meet the expectation.
Lucy
Yes. I was so disappointed because I really expected to love it 😒.
Cindy Davis
Sorry this one was a dud! It’s hard when you’ve enjoyed previous works by an author, it makes it even more disappointing.
Lucy
I agree. I’d been looking forward to this book and expected to love it. I’ll still give future book releases by this author a try.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
Oh, bummer! I did enjoy this one, but not every book is for everyone. I’ve only listened to this one by Silver but I’d like to try her again sometime. Hope your next read is wonderful, Lucy!
Lucy
Thanks! Glad this one worked for you. I think you’ll enjoy Silver’s two other books 🙂.
Lark
I didn’t love this one either. The whole situation with Cleo and Mac felt forced to me and I just didn’t connect with them.
Lucy
Yes, it did seem forced. Too bad this story didn’t work for you either 😏.