Meet Me in Paradise ARC Review

Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher

Genre: Women’s Fiction/Romance

Heat Level: Closed door

Release Date: March 23, 2021

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

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SYNOPSIS

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.

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Review

CW: Death of a loved one (on and off the page), Cancer

Marin Cole has always been the caretaker. After her mother passed away when she was younger, Marin had no choice but to be the strong one for her younger sister. Her dreams and ambitions got put on hold while she literally had to become the adult/responsible one. Marin loves her sister, Sadie something fierce though. When Sadie wants some sister bonding time and books them a trip to the tropical island of Saba, Marin is so excited! What a great time they’ll have. Except…Sadie misses the plane and Marin boards it all by herself. She’s anxious and nervous and hates flying as it is. Her charming (know it all?) seat mate just happens to be handsome hotelier Lucas Tsai and from that tumultuous plane ride they form a rocky friendship.

I really loved all of the relationships in Meet Me in Paradise. Sadie and Marin had a very complex relationship, but I liked that the chapters were told from both of their point of views. I will admit that it took me a while to really get into the book, but as the story progressed I became more invested in all of the characters. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Marin and Lucas. Although they were both a bit closed off and standoffish, they were both grieving a huge loss in their lives. I enjoyed the way they came together and how those shared feelings solidified their relationship.

Be forewarned that Meet Me in Paradise is not as light as the cover may have you believe. This is a very heavy story. There were a lot of parts that had tears streaming down my face. Libby Hubscher is a very talented writer. I have so many passages highlighted that were written so beautifully. Although Meet Me in Paradise has some romantic elements to it – I would categorize it more as Women’s Fiction. I do feel like the ending wrapped up maybe a bit too quickly, but I still enjoyed Meet Me in Paradise.

If you’re looking for a book that delves into the bonds of sisterhood, family and community with a side of sweet romance definitely grab Meet Me in Paradise!