Maybe This Once (Rock Bottom Love 3) by Sophie Sullivan -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 10, 2026

Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, Charlotte Ashford gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is thriving. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, whom he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson have nothing in common, but they can’t fight their attraction to each other. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

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REVIEW:MAYBE THIS ONCE is the third (and final) instalment in Sophie Sullivan’s contemporary, adult ROCK BOTTOM LOVE sweet romance series focusing on the Keller siblings. This is lodge owner Grayson Keller, and psychologist Charlotte ‘ Charlie’ Ashford’s story line. MAYBE THIS ONCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives MAYBE THIS ONCE follows Charlotte Ashford as she embarks on a new career away from the glitz of Hollywood royalty. Charlie is the daughter of the late musician Bryce Colter and actress Vivi Ashford Colter, and as such became the target of tabloid fodder but when she was betrayed by people she knew, Charlie headed cross country, in the hopes of taking some time with the great uncle she never knew. Grayson Keller never expected to fall in love just weeks before his brother’s wedding but something about Charlie drew Grayson like a moth to a flame, but a moth that would be burned by secrets and perceived lies. Charlie is in hiding, and when the truth is revealed, Grayson feels betrayed pushing Charlie out of his life.

The world building focuses on the preparations for Beckett Keller’s wedding to Presley Ayers (Love Naturally 1), at the family owned lodge in Smile, Michigan but the arrival of Charlie Ashford begins to melt the ice around our hero’s heart, a heart destroyed by a woman who promised forever.

The relationship between Charlie and Grayson is one of immediate attraction but Charlie has a secret, and is hoping no one recognizes her from the sins of the past. Charlie was betrayed for all of the world to see, and in this, Charlie struggles to reveal the pain of what happened and why. Grayson suspects there is more to Charlie than she has already revealed but Grayson never expected his heart to be broken by the woman with whom he was falling in love.There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Beckett and Presley, Jillian and Levi, as well as Charlie’s uncle Bernie, her mother Vivi Ashford Colter, and her ex Isaiah.

MAYBE THIS ONCE is a story of betrayal, secrets and lies, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is sweet and subtle ; the characters are animated.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy