Review of Over the Moon (Rosewood River, #3) by Laura Pavlov
From the moment I heard about Over the Moon, I was instantly intrigued. Laura Pavlov has a knack for weaving together heartwarming romance and relatable characters, and this latest installment in the Rosewood River series promised just that. With a Stanley Cup-winning hockey star and an ambitious physical therapist thrown together in a small town, how could I resist picking this one up?
The story centers around Clark, the NHL Phenom from the San Francisco Lions, who returns to his hometown to recover from an MCL injury. Enter Eloise, a newly minted physical therapist who must begrudgingly oversee his rehabilitation. Their first encounters are filled with tension and mutual annoyance, which quickly morphs into a camaraderie that blossoms into something much deeper. What I so appreciated about the development of their relationship was the tangible passion they shared for their respective careers. They didn’t just fall for each other amid breathless encounters; we actually get to see them work together, sweat and all. Pavlov does a fantastic job showcasing the dynamics of a “forbidden workplace romance,” which is often merely glossed over in other stories.
The pacing felt just right, maintaining a balance between the simmering chemistry, engaging side plots with Clark’s family, and Eloise’s journey of self-assertion amidst the male-dominated sports world. I loved how Clark’s family embraced Eloise right from the start; it added a lovely layer of community and support to the story. Plus, revisiting beloved characters from past novels made this journey feel like a warm homecoming. The family group chats, which I found a bit overdone in previous books, felt refreshingly spot-on this time. There were moments I truly laughed out loud, especially during some comical exchanges—a highlight being “Rafe’s New Toilet.”
As the story progressed, the stakes rose. I appreciated that there wasn’t a third-act breakup, a trope that can sometimes feel overused. Instead, Clark and Eloise face external challenges together, illustrating their strength as a couple. The inevitable conflict at work provided a realistic look at how sports organizations might handle workplace romances, though I sensed it might not entirely align with the legalities of professional settings.
Now, while I wholeheartedly enjoyed Over the Moon, I did find some dialogue—specifically the “pep talks”—a bit repetitive. They occasionally felt like self-congratulations rather than organic conversations. However, this minor quibble didn’t overshadow my overall enjoyment of the story.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Over the Moon to anyone who loves sports romances, workplace dynamics, and stories infused with found-family themes. This delightfully light yet engaging read captivated me from start to finish and has solidified its place among my top Laura Pavlov favorites. If you’re looking for a book that’s both swoon-worthy and heartfelt, then grab a copy of this lovely novel—you won’t regret it!
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