Starboard

Voyagers #2

by Ava Olsen

Dylan : I’ve lived my adult life under the Hollywood spotlight, but no one really sees who I am. I’ve gone down the dark path of drinking my anxiety away, along with my career, but now I’m searching for the light again. My struggle to stay sober has me releasing long held secrets. A contract to publish my autobiography means laying everything in the open. When I meet Max, my ghostwriter, I’m not sure how our collaboration is going to work. He’s a university professor from New York with more degrees than I can count and I’m a guy from West Texas that barely finished college. And he may be my ghostwriter, but Max is anything but invisible. Intimate confessions lead to heightened emotions and an unexpected love that fills up all my empty places. I don’t know what the future holds, but I want Max to be a part of it. I’m done hiding in plain sight. It’s time for this star to finally shine.

Max : I’m an established university professor and a celebrity ghostwriter. Why ghostwriting? Because it pays. And I need the money. My ex-husband likes to threaten me with legal battles over custody of our daughter and while he has family reserves, I don’t. So I take a summer ghostwriting contract, a celebrity tell-all. I expect to meet another self-absorbed actor, but Dylan Aylmer doesn’t fit any pre-conceived mold. His eyes are so haunted that I can’t look away and now I’m curious to unlock all his secrets. What I find is not only a man trying to mend his broken soul but a beautiful person that is so much more than outward appearances. I swore I’d never be vulnerable to heartache again, but Dylan has me breaking all my steadfast rules. Am I chasing a shooting star, soon to be gone, or is our love the kind that shines forever?

Starboard is an opposites attract, collaborators to lovers, MM romance filled with heartfelt confessions, outdoor shower shenanigans and plenty of swoon. This is Book Two of the Voyagers’ series: one superyacht, four love stories that span the globe.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Contemporary, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance, Celebrity

262 pages, ebook

First published March 21, 2023

About the author

Ava Olsen writes steamy & dreamy contemporary romance.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am certainly in the minority on this one! It felt very much like a carbon copy of the first book, just a few different issues for the characters. Their relationship was believable, but the overall connection between them felt off.

Famous actor/recovering alcoholic
Divorced single dad and ghost writer
Tender and sweet gay love story
A little overly fluffy

When he touched his lips to mine, softly, reverently, I swear our souls breathed into one another, until I didn’t know where mine ended and his began.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Dylan Aylmer is a Hollywood actor who struggles hard to keep his head above the surface.
He’s a recovering alcoholic, he wants to reveal his story in an autobiography.

Maxwell Lowell, is an educated English professor, Ph.D, a fiction author, and a ghostwriter. First of all, he is a dad to a thirteen-year-old daughter. He’ll write Dylan’s autobiography. He needs the money to hold his ex-husband at bay, who constantly threatens to take their daughter and full custody.

There’s a deadline in sight so there’s time pressure. Max and Dylan will seclude themselves on board Rowan’s yacht (read Rowan’s fabulous story Oh, Buoy) so they can focus on Dylan’s book.

On board, away from prying eyes and paparazzi, Dylan finally relaxed.
Dylan has secrets, one of them is he’s bi, and nobody knows, he wants to reveal this in his book.
Dylan is nervous, he has to face the music, open up and tell.

Max isn’t the stiff professor Dylan thought he was, and Dylan isn’t the self-absorbed, superficial actor Max expected he was. Very carefully they began to talk. There’s a pool of hurt and all palpable.

The way both men opened up to each other was so precious, it did funny things to my heart.
They made themselves vulnerable and spook honestly about their feelings.

The attraction is undeniable, a sweet romance is blooming.

Besides the seriousness, there’s also fun, Rowan and Andrew, are also staying on board. More secondary characters from the first book are present in this story.
The author did a great job with Dylan’s addiction, it got the right attention and was well-developed.
The romance was sweet, sexy, and honest. The family moments were wonderful.
Overall a solidly written, warm, low angst, satisfying story, I enjoyed very much.

One last thing, I’m sooo looking forward to Rafe’s story.

Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You and I are inevitable"

Star Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POV: Dual, First Person
HEA: Yes
Spice Rating: 3/5 🔥🔥🔥

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

Overall Opinion
Ava Olsen's books have been sitting on my kindle for a while now and when this book came up I knew it was a perfect excuse to dive in, and all I can say is WOW! This author has such a beautiful way with words, I felt like I had been possessed while reading, I couldn't put it down for one second and cannot stop thinking about it! Dylan and Max were so lovable, and their characters were DEEP, vulnerable and full of emotions. Max is a ghostwriter and father to Blake, who is his whole world, and Dylan is a recovering alcoholic actor who wants the world to know his real story. The attraction is almost instant but they don't give in straight away, which I LOVED, it help build the tension between these two *winky face*. There was great side characters as well, banter and humour throughout and it was so visually written I swear I could picture the entire book in my head. These two were so good together, they helped balance the hurt comfort from both sides perfectly and seeing them with their struggles felt so real and emotional. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to dive into the authors backlist for more!

Read if you like:
❣️ MM Romance
❣️ Actor/Ghostwriter
❣️ Opposite's Attract
❣️ Jealous MC
❣️ Single Dad
❣️ HEA

Trigger and Content Warnings: Alcohol addiction, anxiety disorder, childhood abuse

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I’ve just discovered this author and I’m really enjoying their writing and story telling! This is the second book in the series and yes it could be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading book 1 as it was amazing and because we see those characters a lot in this book.

Dylan and Max were great characters. I loved that even though it started slow and they both tried not to get involved, when they finally did they were all in! This story had a really neat concept for us to learn about the struggles Dylan had since Max is the ghostwriter for his autobiography.

I really liked how Dylan’s coming out went as well as all the reactions from friends and family. He needed that support after a not great past! I loved seeing Max open up and see what love truly is and getting a wonderful HEA!

I really look forward to reading the next book in the series and cannot wait for book 4. Meeting the other two characters in this book that make up the MMM was great. I highly recommend this series and author!

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There was more to Dylan Aylmer than a model pretty face and a salacious past."

And what a fun read this was finding out what makes Dylan tick!

Starboard: Voyagers Book Two by Ava Olsen is the second book in the linked standalone Voyagers series. This is Max and Dylan's story.

We first met Dylan in Oh Buoy, the jaded movie star who has fallen from grace, and this is basically his story of redemption and finally finding love where he least expected it.

It's an easy read; low angst, steamy, a little bit hurt/comfort and with a HEA.

4 stars

[E.L. Ough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story, I didn’t read the 1st book but I’m going to go back and read it! I’m looking forward to the 3rd one.

We meet Hollywood actor Dylan who is now a recovering alcoholic, trying to get his life back on track after a few bad years and not very good press. He’s doing a book of his life and he has a ghost writer called Max, they board a luxury yacht for a few months so they can get the book written up and not attract any negative attention from the press. Dylan is getting back on track and filming on set for a new film. Dylan’s Not to happy about sharing his life story’s with a stranger but he knows he must do it to get the book written. Max has left behind his daughter and a failed marriage to board a yacht in the French Riviera, to help get a Hollywood hot shot his second chance at fame, he didn’t expect to be leaving in love.

Great story, quick read, low angst, full of emotions, a super smart teen, a hot cowboy! What more could you want!!

Read trigger warning if your sensitive to them.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Book content-
🔸Bisexual
🔸Hurt/Comfort
🔸Ghost writer
🔸Opposites attract
🔸Close proximity

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

It’s easy to fall in love with someone like Dylan. He’s handsome, effortlessly charming with a self-deprecating humor, a generous heart, and a way of shrugging off past unhapinesses. He also stares at Max like a starving man eyes a steak, and Max can’t help but respond to the attention. Long hours spent listening to Dylan have given Max an insight into Dylan’s character, but he’s been sharing almost as much of himself in order to make the other man more comfortable, and it’s just so easy to move from co-workers to friends to something else … but Max has a daughter to consider, an ex who won’t leave him alone, and the knowledge that this is all just temporary.

The chemistry in this book is stronger than in Oh Buoy, the first book in the Voyagers series. Maybe it’s because so much time is spent spinning out Dylan’s life story and I was able to get to know him better as a character.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Starboard, I loved both Dylan and Max who had more in common than they initially thought when going into their arrangement for Max to ghostwrite Dylan's life story.

This had plenty to keep my interest, my emotions took a few hits when Dylan was telling some of his story to Max. I liked that Dylan was finally finding people in his life who he could trust and had his back, as a recovering alcoholic this would be so important in his journey.

Max was great in the way he dealt with his daughter and I liked that he put her first. His ex was a jackass who only thought of himself, Max was definitely better off without him, but it was a shame he used the daughter as a chess piece. I thought the way things worked out, in the end, was good for them all.

Dylan and Max had great chemistry and I liked how their relationship progressed as they worked and spent time together on board the yacht and while spending time on land.

I liked meeting Andrew and Rowan and I'm going to rectify the fact I haven't read their story in Oh Buoy yet.

I'll definitely be reading more books by Ava Olsen.

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re not just a pretty face, Doc.”
“Doc?”
“You got a Ph.D., right?” I quipped.
“A doctor of philosophy, not medicine.”
“I think Doc suits you.” — Dylan and Max

Warnings: In Ava's words "Mentions of alcohol addiction, anxiety disorder, childhood abuse." I will add there are references to the casting couch (in this case sexual harassment)

Starboard is just a gorgeous story of healing and not necessarily bi-awakening but something close to that. It shows the first real time Dylan has given into his urge to be with men. He's known he was bi from the time he was in college if not earlier, but now at 38 he wants, needs to live his truth. What could have easily been a Summer fling or less becomes so much more... It is souls bared, total trust stars-aligned love. It is sweet and low angst. It is immensely easy to sink into and pleasing to read, just two men learning each other and themselves on a yacht, the Now, Voyager. The angst that does exist comes from without not within. Max never makes light of Dylan's issues and takes his lead on them, honestly, it is a way realistic writing. Ana Olson makes some interesting creative choices, at least for me. Some choices that were just a little different from what would be normal for the genre.

I really recommend this if the blurb appeals and the potential issues aren't offputting for you. There are definitely some topics that may be problematic for some readers; Ava Olson warns of mentions of alcohol addiction, anxiety disorder and childhood abuse. Addiction and anxiety disorder are frequent and highly influential on the plot. I would encourage readers sensitive to those topics to read multiple reviews before making a choice. We are in the mind of Dylan an actor struggling with alcohol addiction, he is just over two years sober. His anxiety is among other things social and fear of flying. The childhood abuse is discussed in only a few places but was pivotal in making Dylan who he is and informs some of his life choices.

Max Lowell is working as a ghostwriter for Dylan on his autobiography. He's a divorced father of one with a (loaded) selfish ex, Dante, who pushes for full custody every few months. Their daughter is 13-year-old Blake. One of Dante's complaints about Max was always that he was unfeeling and somewhat distant, Max is astounded when he meets Dylan and all his protective and comforting instincts start to fire. Max was born and raised in New York. Nothing matters to him more than Blake, that is a fairly common thread. But there is more to him than just being a dedicated dad, that was an important balance to strike for Olson. I appreciated the design of his character, the sharing of stories to create common links, the instant regret when asking a question about sexuality and the knowing when to leave and when to push. He was a good match for Dylan. Dylan Aylmer is an actor, in the vein of action and superhero films. He's an introvert with a Texan drawl and charisma to spare, it's an odd mix. He is twice divorced, distant from his family, a survivor of child abuse and a recovering alcohol addict. We do find out the whys for his divorces and get an understanding of most of his actions. I relate to Dylan in a way. The anxiety in crowds and the alcoholic father. The ba**ard never hit me once I could fight back but he did hit my brother. Psychologically abused all three of us inc my mother. It's something you have to experience to understand. The anxiety is an extension of my introverted personality.

Some quotes and comments
• I love the title. There are multiple meanings to it for me. The starboard side of the deck is Dylan's favourite place to go when he is anxious or stressed. For those who don't know the starboard side is the right side of the deck looking towards the front of the boat. “Because you and I, you and I are…” I paused. “I’m better with words on paper, but you and I are inevitable. We’ll figure it out, baby. I promise.” (Max) I couldn't help but see the connection between starboard, right and this quote. Is it a stretch? Probably but I saw it.
• Max is introduced to the reader as "Max aka Maxwell Lowell, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., English professor, fiction author, and ghostwriter." I found it kind of amusing to have a character who is an author. Especially, an author Writing mm romance/mystery to indulge his wants and as a break from reality. It isn't necessarily an uncommon path I've read more than one book written under a pseudonym for an academic.
• The tabloids had feasted on my broken soul, and I was left a shattered carcass in the desert.
But I crawled back to life on my hands and knees— inch by inch, hour by hour, day by day. — There is such visceral beauty to this. You can feel his pain. (Dylan)
• I guess most won't need the reminder but... a baby will never fix a marriage it often makes it worse and screws up the child.
• When I read about his divorces I had a couple of thoughts. 1. Erin was an idiot, she deserved that divorce. 2. I had the "good for her" reaction to Bianca. She deserved better than an addicted husband while she was going sober. 3. I started seeing mirrors to reality. When it comes to his marriages Dylan reminds me a bit of Kimi Räikkönen. When it comes to his first wife Jenni, he was still a wild child so was she. When he was ready for change, she wasn't (rumours, rumours). Hence their divorce and his extremely successful marriage to Minttu. They are more mature. (The book by Kari Hotakainen is worth reading btw)
• I like the jumps in time. One or two weeks at a time just to keep the story moving forward.
• “While all this has been highly entertaining, Aiden, I’m done being your verbal piñata for the evening,” — Sarcasm is a hard game to pull off in fiction. But with Aiden, you can tell the difference between the affectionate and the malicious. Well done Ava Olsen. (Aiden)
• His breath hitched and I knew he wasn’t only talking about me. Dylan had pushed aside his innermost desires for so long, building up a wall of denial. Now that wall was crumbling down around him, his true self could emerge. The fact that I might play a small part in his renaissance had goosebumps erupting all over my body. — I am so very glad that this was acknowledged in the text. And it is such a beautiful way. (Max)
• Then those beautifully verdant eyes popped open, and I was transfixed.
But I was mistaken.
Dylan wasn’t a star. He was a witch, a warlock, and I was completely under his spell. Why else would I be behaving in a manner so unlike me? — I really like the visual and the sensation this evokes. The voice used for Max suits his author self. He creates visuals for the reader more than Dylan. (Max)
• I remembered that some stars collided and merged as one, united forever after. Others ricocheted upon impact and headed into different directions, never to meet again. — This is just wonderful. I couldn't ignore it. (Max)
• I love Blake's room. It is so pretty, so her, so different to the rest of the near sterile house
• “By the way, thank you for forwarding a copy of the press release so I was aware of what was happening. It’s a big day for you, and I wanted to say that I admire your coming out. It’s encouraging.”
“Thanks, George. I don’t expect things to change in Hollywood overnight, but I’m not going to hide anymore.”
George nodded. “It’s the same in the military and in the yachting world, I’m afraid. But as you said, slowly but surely the tide is changing. It’s given me hope.” — It was easily guessable before this that George is gay/bi but I appreciate this moment of confirmation and support. (Dylan and George)
• I needed to include the recipe for Cowboy Caviar as much for me as anyone else. I really want to try it and I'm always looking for unusual recipes to take to family functions.

I found all the characters to be great in their own ways. I note some of the stand-outs. Blake is a brilliant choice for a child whip-smart and perspective or maybe manipulative, she'd make a challenge for any parent (was she based on anyone?). Quinn is Dylan's sponsor, I was just pleased to see a sponsor included I like the temperament he has. Essentially sponsors are key to the AA system. Jared... 😍 I adore Jared. He is all quirk, long hair, no shoes and attitude. Perceptive too. He's currently living in a castle Jared is the director of Field of Blood the film Dylan is in France to film. I adore Aiden too. Aiden is a British lawyer running in the same circles as Dylan and Jared. He is all attitude, sarcasm specifically. I can't even with him. Lastly are the protagonists of Oh, Buoy, Rowan Carter and Andrew Slater, their cameo is most welcome. I like their personalities they counter Dylan and Max so well.

Ava announces at the end of the book that the next story, The Cockpit features Rafe Carter and George Bernard. This is absolutely no surprise to those who read the end of this paying even passing attention, Rafe is Rowan's model come photographer brother, and George is the Captain of the Now, Voyager. They have this whole enemies-to-lovers thing going on. In the epilogue, we get an exchange between Reed Larkin and Tate Aduma, Dylan's co-stars. Tate scoffed. “We don’t need to hear about your meet-cute, Reed.”
“Like you’d know anything about dating, Tater. You just bang and run,” Reed replied.. These two have total best-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers energy going on. I would guess they slept with each other and someone had regrets, now regretting that reaction. The last one is a dream poly set-up. The snarky Aiden, the quirky Jared and Jared's hardass security manager Alex. There is something going on there already but I'm not certain what, there was something going on in the shadows at the pre-filming party. The only question is how these last two couples end up on the Now, Voyager, particularly Jared he has more than enough money.

“I’m starting to believe that a merman put a love spell on Now, Voyager and now all who board are susceptible to its power,” — Andrew

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

A representative gif:

My justification of this gif is a quote... "Suddenly, he looked up and stunning pale-green eyes met mine. The man before me looked like a younger, healthier version of the photos I’d seen online. But photos had nothing on the real thing. With sharp cheekbones and a seductive pout, it was no wonder he’d been popular. The media dubbed Dylan ‘the modern-day James Dean,’ and now I understood why." Max the first time he meets Dylan (also omg James Dean)

[Carra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a good bisexual awakening story, and Starboard is a great example of this trope done well. There is a great cast of characters, and the two main characters of Dylan and Max are well-rounded and easy to like. Dylan is an alcoholic, two years sober after a couple of prior relapses. As a well-known actor who has been in the closet for his entire career, it’s easy to see how stressful things are for him.

The beauty of the premise of this story—Dylan having Max as his ghostwriter for his autobiography—is that there is a built-in mechanism for the two of them to learn about each other where the reader can get a lot of information on their backgrounds without it feeling like an information dump. And yes, even though the book is about Dylan, Max volunteers information about his own life to help put Dylan more at ease for the whole process.

There is also some natural drama in Max’s life due to his ex and their ongoing arguing over the custody of their young teen daughter. But even with each of their issues, the more they get to know each other, the more entwined with each other they become. There’s an emotional connection for sure, and their physical chemistry is extremely evident.

There is the anticipated angst when, even with their best attempts at hiding from the paparazzi, they’re spotted and outed. I’ve come to expect this to happen with these types of “famous person in the closet” stories, but it was handled well. I did feel that by the end Dylan and Max were a bit much with the lovey-dovey towards each other compared to their usual personalities.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and while this is the second book in the series it can absolutely be read as a standalone. It has a strong supporting cast of characters, with plenty of obvious opportunities for more stories. My only nit-picky thing would be the overuse of the word murmur; that’s a whole heck of a lot of people talking super-softly, often when that is not really what they are doing.

My overall rating is somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars, so we’ll call this one 3.75. And this story is definitely for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the second in the Voyagers series, it features a different couple than the first book so can be read as a standalone. I read the first in preparation for this and was happy to see we were going to be getting Dylan's story, as I really liked him in the first book. He's battling all kinds of demons, and it's good to see him coming to the end of that journey and out the other side, getting his life together. I really liked Max too, I loved his relationship with his daughter and how he put her first before anything else.

This is such a sweet story, it's low angst and yes, quick to get to the love but it never felt rushed. These two were in such close proximity and working together so closely, it felt like a real natural progression for them. These two just work so well together as a couple, I loved the communication and how much in tune with each other they were. Lots of heat (and I don't just mean the french sunshine 😉) and that's a winning recipe for a sweet, hot, low angst read that'd be perfect for summer reading.

There are so many great side characters too, and I want all their stories. I'm so looking forward to Rafe next though, that one's going to be great. Sign me up!

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

I absolutely loved this book. I loved both Dylan and Max and I adored listening to their conversations and seeing them get to know one another. And watching them fall in love with one another was absolutely an amazing sight to behold.

They had great chemistry and an amazing connection and once they acted on their feelings they were sweet, passionate, and smoking hot together.

I really loved Dylan’s friends and family and I adored Max’s daughter, Blake. They were all such a great support system for both men.

This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. The story is well-written and paced nicely. I loved that even after two years of sobriety, Dylan still struggled at times. It made him seem much more realistic. This was an enjoyable book, that I’d definitely recommend!!

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars for a great second book in this series.

I started this one while nursing a book-hangover from a great UF Book (Liar City), so the book had a difficult start.
But it was perfect.

This concentrates on the story, the characters and the relationship development of Dylan and Max. It is well done and incredible sweet.
I loved how the author avoided certain troupes and really concentrated on the story.

We also meet Ro and Andrew, which was sweet ... and some other characters, who hopefully will get their own book.
Rate is great and I am really looking forward to his book ...
But I have high hopes for Aidan (maybe with Jared and Alex? ... that sounds explosive 😁) ... and maybe Reed and Tate

So, all in all, a great romance which is perfect for bringing you out of a funk and sends a big smile on your face

Thanks again yo GRR for the ARC. I was happy to get an early chance to continue this series

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/1/2023)! 🎁

[Larry H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I’m now two books into this series (it’s called Voyagers) and I’m loving it. I don’t normally read an entire series super fast, but these books are a great balance of romance, super-spicy steam, and emotional depth. (Each book has recurring characters, but they can be read as a standalone.)

Dylan is a handsome actor whose public struggles with alcohol have damaged his career. He’s been divorced twice, and while his first stint in rehab didn’t quite take, he’s now been sober for two years and has spent most of that time out of the public eye.

He’s reluctantly agreed to work with a ghostwriter on his memoir, and at the same time he’s been offered a new film role. His close friends and his AA sponsor are worried that opening up about his life and addiction may damage his sobriety.

Max has made a living as a ghostwriter and professor, and writes his own novels in his spare time. When he and Dylan meet for the first time, there’s an immediate connection, and it’s not long before Dylan is opening up about many long-held secrets, including a major bombshell: he’s bisexual.

The more time they spend together, the stronger their attraction to one another grows. As much as they try to keep things professional, they know it’s just a matter of time before their lust overwhelms them. But what will a relationship with Max do to Dylan’s sobriety? Will a relationship sure to go public affect the tenuous custody arrangement Max and his ex-husband have for their teenage daughter?

"I remembered that some stars collided and merged as one, united forever after. Others ricocheted upon impact and headed into different directions, never to meet again."

While there is very little question about how this book will end, it still was a really enjoyable read. Dylan’s struggles with sobriety and his vulnerability about sharing his secrets added some real emotion to the story. I’m ready to get onboard for the third book!

See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.

Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/getbookedwithlarry/.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy and sensitive and so good

I loved Oh Buoy and wasn't sure Ava would be able to follow it up successfully as it was just that good. Guess what? She did.
Dylan was a lovely mystery waiting to be solved in his best friend Rowan's book, Oh Buoy, and Max was the perfect man to do that. While Dylan told his ghostwriter his life story in all its glory and misery, Max realised that the the beautiful man in front of him was not what he expected of a Hollywood star, even one in recovery and hiding secrets that gnawed away at him.
Dylan was such a sympathetic character, a genuinely nice person who fell from grace publicly, now doing his best to get himself and his life back on track. Opening himself up to anyone was hard but Dylan found Max to be easy to talk to, no judgment, just gentle encouragement from the man he nicknamed 'Doc'. As a reader, it was absolutely impossible not to be drawn in by him.
Max was an interesting character too, with an obstreperous ex-husband, a wise beyond her years daughter, and no inclination to look for another relationship. His life was upended by the way Dylan crept under his skin and took over all his thoughts and his senses, and I loved watching him realise that it was too late to avoid falling in love because that boat had long since sailed!
As they worked on Dylan's life story, the spark that both felt on meeting grew organically and at a realistic pace. Both were grownups, acted their age, talked honestly about what was happening between them, and acknowledged the problems their potential relationship would face. It makes a change to have no silly falling out or miscommunication that happens far too often in far too many books.
I loved everything about their story, and I can't wait to see them again in the rest of the series, along with Rowan and Andrew. I loved Dylan's family too.
The next book is going to be explosive, with Rowan's brother, Rafe, butting heads again with the captain of Now, Voyager (Rowan's magnificent yacht). I'm also looking forward to Jared and Alex, and Tate and Reed, and Aiden needs a story too.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

STARBOARD is the second book in the Voyagers series and it is Dylan's turn. He is Rowan and Drew's best friend and has been to hell and back. He has been offered a book deal; to write his biography with the help of a ghostwriter. Max is divorced but still has communication with his ex due to their child, Blake. She is a brilliant character with a wise head on her shoulders for a thirteen-year-old. To keep the press away from them, they go on Rowan's boat in French waters. Romance strikes again.

Drew makes a joke in this that a spell has been put on the boat. When he said that, all I could remember was the cheesy TV series, The Love Boat 🤣. Surrounded by all that luxury, romance isn't hard but when real life intrudes, I loved the way Max and Dylan worked together.

I loved Drew and Rowan's book but this one... Oh, man; I loved it! The stories of Dylan's past he shared were done in such a sensitive manner. It was both heartbreaking and emotional to read. Max was the perfect person to tell it to, with his reactions being non-judgemental.

I also loved how both of them had had complaints about being too distant, too cold, and yet, with each other, the softness came out. Their endearments - and subsequent grumbles - were wonderful.

Not only did we get Drew and Rowan showing up, but we also have Rafe (who's next up) plus two other "couples" (and I use that term loosely right now) that I need to know more about. There is Jared and Alex, plus Reed and Tate. I don't know if they are in any other of Ava Olsen's books, but I will be searching through the backlist to see. I really want to read their stories as the sparks were just flying.

Tender, emotional, heartbreaking, and funny; this book is guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies. HIGHLY recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 12, 2023

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Voyagers series continues here with the story of Dylan and Max. We met Dylan in book 1, Oh Buoy. He’s the actor friend of Rowan from book 1 and has been a recovering alcoholic after a public fall from grace 2 years ago.

Dylan is funny and laid back, as we learned about him in book 1. He’s friendly and introverted – kind of the opposite of how you’d picture a Hollywood actor being. This book is the story of his return and reclaiming of his life and story. He has a role in the works that is beginning to film soon and before that starts, he has decided to write a book with his story with the help of a ghostwriter.

Max is a divorced English professor from New York, and also the father of a 13 y.o. daughter, Blake. He has a contentious relationship with his ex-husband, Dante, and just wants to keep his life steady for his daughter’s sake, whom he loves more than anything. He has agreed to take on the ghost writing assignment for a tell-all book for a Hollywood celebrity because he could use the money.

Dylan and Max agree to work together in person to flesh out the book, and will do so aboard the New, Voyager, Rowan’s yacht. The two are immediately attracted to one another and over the course of Dylan’s sharing his personal stories with Max for the book, Max opens up and shares his own vulnerabilities with Dylan. They don’t last long before they give in to their attraction to one another!

When Dylan and Max collide, they pretty much combust they are so intense. It’s a feeling neither has had before and luckily for us, they realize it and admit it to one another without too much fighting it. What refreshing adult behavior! There are challenges ahead they must face in order to be together, but it’s so lovely to see them fight for that future together.

A good addition to the series – you’ll enjoy it if you enjoyed book 1 with Andrew and Rowan! 3.5/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan, a movie star who has been out of the limelight after two years sober from rehab, is set to write his autobiography with a ghost writer and start a new film in France. Max is the ghostwriter, a professor and author of mysteries under a pen name, and scheduled to spend the summer with Dylan gathering information and writing the first draft. The two will be living on a yacht in the Mediterranean owned by Dylan’s billionaire friend Rowan and his husband Andrew, and Dylan is set to out himself in his book as being bisexual.
Both men have had bad relationships and are wary of the possibility of a new one, but the physical attraction and constant proximity on the yacht seems to have other ideas. The more they delve into Dylan’s life, and the more Max learns about this fascinating man, the closer they become. Life on the yacht, though, is like living in a private bubble, and outside forces such as the arrival of Max’s daughter and the fear of being recognized by paparazzi create complications which threaten the growing bond between them. Only time will tell if the relationship can survive time and distance once Dylan’s reveal is made public.
Both characters are strong men fighting events in their pasts, not looking for love or a relationship, but not immune to the strong attraction and physical pull between them. The situation seems realistic, a combination of proximity, genuine liking, a growing appreciation for and understanding of each other, and the strong pull of finding their apparent other half, leading Dylan and Max to a love they hope will be able to last. Supporting characters enhance the story and add some extra tension at times, plot is well developed and moves along smoothly, and ending is a satisfactory one. An easy read for an afternoon or evening, keeping the reader’s interest and pulling them along the journey of Dylan and Max. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for me.

[Jenn ReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan has been through so much. His career is on its last legs, this book deal to have a ghostwriter pen his life story while he films his comeback role a final chance to show that he's capable of being a star once again. Dylan is sober and wants to tell the world about his true self. Dylan is bisexual, had an abusive and alcoholic father and simply tired of his secrets pushing him into the darkness.

Max is a recently divorced single father of a teenage daughter, a professor and a ghostwriter. Is he enthused about writing about yet another spoiled celebrity with a "woe is me" tale to tell? No. Does he need to suck it up and do his job to help pad his "custody battle" fund? Yes. So when Max lays his eyes on Dylan, he isn't expecting the surge of lust he feels looking at the gorgeous, "fallen" celebrity.

Max and Dylan give remaining professional the old college try, but the super-yacht they're on has a history of bringing couples love when they're least expecting it. Max and Dylan are no exception, falling quickly and headlong into lust, love and shark-infested tabloid waters.

When the real world impedes on their super yacht love bubble, can Dylan's fragile new sobriety and Max's desire to have love and keep joint custody of his daughter withstand the strain? When Dylan's sexuality is blasted all over the internet, his family just learning about it, will they be accepting or will their reaction be final word in the love affair between the writer and the actor?

I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is honest and unpaid.
Starboard
Ava Olsen

[Canadian Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚. 𝙃𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧, 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚–𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙.

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃 is the second book in the Voyagers series by Ava Olsen which is Dylan and Max's story.

Dylan is trying to restart his career and part of that is to write a book about his life so he hires Max, a ghostwriter, and they set off to France where they will be secluded on a yacht while writing Dylan's book. The seclusion of the yacht and revealed secrets bring Dylan and Max closer but Dylan's real life comes knocking on the door and has the potential to cause choppy waters.

Dylan and Max have great banter and tension that builds quickly and snaps to where they become magnets to each other. I love how they were both able to help each other move forward from their respective shadows and into the light together. It was great to get an update on Rowan and Andrew and I can not wait for Rafe and the Captain.

Get ready for... mm, bisexual, celebrity, teacher, opposites attract, collaborators to lovers, hurt/comfort, single dad, first times, slow burn, close proximity, and dual first-person point of view.

Content... anxiety (mc), alcohol (mc, addiction, past), cheating (sc), assault on a minor (mc, past), sexual harassment (mc, past).

4 Maple Leafs | 3 Flames

*A copy was kindly provided to Canadian Girl Book Blog*



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[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

More glamorous destinations, more banter and laughs, a bit of angst and you find yourself a perfect book to take you away!
This is a great continuation of Ava’s Voyagers series that has her characters traveling on a beautiful luxury yacht. It doesn’t get more elite than a movie star character … although Dylan is far from being on top of his career. Sober for two years, he is working on putting his life together while writing his memoirs with the help of Max. The actor has no choice but to revisit and be completely open about his painful past for the first time. Max cannot help but feel protective of the broken man, something he never does with anyone other than his teen daughter. Keeping her signature witty banters and great one-liners, Ava put plenty of laughs into this book as well. However, it has several serious moments involving discussion about alcoholism, thoughts of relapse, and past parental abuse. Dylan was such a great character, his inner turmoil over his troubled past, letting someone new in, and forming an attachment were clearly described. Max is plainly someone who dedicates his life to his daughter, and to see him open up and allow himself to love was a joy to watch. I also appreciated that there was a debate about how their relationship might affect Max’s child, it made their connection that much more real. Loved all the cameos and cannot wait to see the verbal sparring between Rafe and the captain in the next book!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan and Max ❤️
4.5 Stars ⭐️

I always jump at the chance to read anything by Ava Olsen, it's an instant guarantee that the story will be insanely sexy with heartfelt substance....This story....OMG!!!

First of all , I am loving this series and it's cast of characters so knowing this was Dylan's story was something that I was so looking forward to. Now, where to begin: Dylan, my heart broke for him and learning his backstory as to why he fell into addiction was heartbreaking. At one point in his storytelling I had tears in my eyes, he truly was a beautiful, honest and brave character who'd faced so much adversity, it was so great to see him take a leap of faith with Max, someone who accepted him for him, scars and all to find true love ❤️ Max: I adored his character as well and couldn't have picked a better partner for Dylan, he was kind, he was fun, he was patient and he was a protector not to mention on hell of a dad to a smart and sassy teen that I adored as well. I loved how Max experienced new feelings of affection toward a partner as his iciness thawed with his love for Dylan. The relationship build was perfection between these two, the bedroom scenes...straight fire 🔥🔥🔥 the HEA, simply swoon worthy!!! I highly recommend this book, It's so worth the read!!! Next up, Rafe and The captain.....I can't freaking wait!!!

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

An actor trying to tell his story on his way back after addiction stalls his career. A professor and a writer who needs not only the creative outlet of being an author but opportunities to save up to deal with a difficult ex with deeper pockets who is petulant and controlling and likes to threaten custody battles to get his way. Dylan and Max each have their reasons for entering into a ghost writing arrangement where Dylan can use an autobiography to 'come clean' so he can move forward. Neither thinks he is looking for love but spending time with one another not only allows them to see that they work well together, they see each other's vulnerabilities. They see each other in ways that others have not and they can't help falling in love. It helps that Dylan's friend offers them lodging on his yacht in France and they get to live in a bubble for a while and really focus on one another primarily for a good portion of the project. That bubble allows them to be real about not only what they want, but the challenges being together in the real world will bring. But the foundation they create in the bubble allows them to move back into the world confident that they can make them work. And their supporters, Dylan's friends, his director on his comeback movie project, Max's teenage daughter Blake, and Dylan's family in Texas, help them stay the course together.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️5 stars A gorgeous book.
A good start to the book as Im reading this as a standalone story in the series.
Both characters have a very good reason to keep a low profile away from the media.
Dylan’s 35 yrs life had had its up and downs, right now it was going up towards a movie and a book deal.
Once a famous actor going awl with drunken alcohol displays he was bouncing onwards to France. But mixing 2 months on a yacht for writing with Max they’d had a deadline to meet.

Max was a english professor who was Dylan’s ghost writer. Max was going through a messy threats of custody with his ex husband of their 13 daughter.

Bisexual, alcoholism recovery, boss and employee, forbidden, closeted Bi, media circus, HEA.

This is a heart wrenching story for Dylans younger days with his drunk and abusive father. Also telling Max’s story with his ex, Dante and their attempt to save their marriage.

Dylan and Max are hot together in this romance, there time grows near to an end knowing the reality of life begins again. Feelings complicate with them going back to their separate lives, maybe. Max has his daughter and Dylan navigates the release of his tell all book.
A gorgeous book for these guys, yeah I really need to read the first book in the series. I suspect the boat could well be a love boat.
I loved the ending of this for an HEA.

[Dear Reader 0801 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this new series from Ava Olsen and this second book was a great read. We first meet Dylan in Book 1 during Rowan and Andrew’s story. He’s a very good friend of Rowan’s who is managing his sobriety while entertaining returning to his career as an actor and releasing a biography. In this book, he is traveling to Rowan’s yacht to have a place to stay during filming and coordinate with his ghostwriter, Max.

Max is a single dad who juggles ghostwriting, teaching and working on his own writing while dealing with his ex-husband and his constant pressures to try and gain custody of their teenage daughter. He’s not looking for anything more from this experience other than funds to have on hand in case his ex starts more trouble for him but he gets more than he bargained for when he meets Dylan.

I always enjoy Ava Olsen’s writing and how she crafts her characters. I think the author handled Dylan’s struggles with alcoholism in a very careful and sensitive way. Even though he’s been sober for over two years, it still is something he deals with every day and I thought the author handled it very well.

Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. The tension between Rafe and the captain of Now, Voyager has been brewing since book 1 and the teasers in this book drove me nuts. I’m sure it will be fantastic and can’t wait to read it!

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Dylan in book 1 and was so glad to see him get his HEA here in book 2. I appreciated the portrayal of his real struggles with alcohol and anxiety threaded in with the humour and romance throughout the book; the presence of therapists, sponsors, and AA were a great reminder that people can struggle but still flourish especially if they have the right support. Max wasn’t an obvious first choice for a romantic partner for him, but I thoroughly enjoyed how they interacted with one another and quickly discovered the importance of looking below the surface/past first impressions. Once they met in person, it was so clear that they had a connection and that they cared about one another.

I was glad to see Rowan, Andrew, and Rafe again. I liked how Dylan had more people in his corner than he realised, and I was glad that the process of telling his story to Max was ultimately good for him. Blake was an awesome thirteen year old going on 30 (lol), and I appreciated how everything resolved with her home life. It was wonderful being along for Dylan’s journey to be able to be true to himself in public—and to see how deeply that came to involve Max, who seemed to be discovering plenty about what he needed and wanted out of life too. It was so satisfying seeming them get their HEA.

Can’t wait to see what happens with Rafe and George!

[Heather Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Ava welcomes us back to the Now, Voyageur, and I could be more pleased.

Dylan, our sweet introverted Hollywood heartthrob is clawing his way back into his career after finally getting sober. Step 1 is releasing his memoir. For that, he needs Max, his ghostwriter.

A highly educated university professor whose life consists of three things. Being a dad, writing, and teaching.

Dylan has some truths he wants to reveal, so he and Max will be staying on the yacht. Secluded from the prying eyes of paparazzi.

What they don’t expect is to find that their assumptions and expectations of the other are shattered. Dylan is not a vapid star, and Max is not a stuffy professor.

I love how touching their story is, while also giving us the heat we expect from a sunny floating hotel! The bond these two create is something special.

There’s something about this yacht that has its guests finding love, so I can’t tell you how excited I am for Rafe to becoming aboard next!

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by Dylan when we appeared in the first book and really looked forward to his story.

Dylan struggles with not only his Hollywood life but also with his private demons, laying all bare while working with Max, his ghostwriter, on his autobiography while also trying to re-establish himself as an actor.

Max, often told he is unfeeling and in constant battle with his ex about their teen daughter, starts to see the real Dylan, the one with a past he is trying to heal from.

I like the way both are portraited. Dylan comes over a lot more vunerable and his secrets are deep. Max is learning that love is possible. I would have wished a bit more details of Max's private life outside his daughter, there was bits about it but he could have been explored more.
I love the way Dylan is shown that his past has no effect on the love his family has for him.

There are again great secondary characters and while some are already introduced I do hope we also see Dylan's director again. The ending was a bit abrupt, I think the time between the end and the epilogue could have been explored.

It's definitely worth reading the first book before this one, you gain a deeper understanding and Rowan and Andrew's story is just as good.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Starboard, book #2 in the Voyagers series. Dylan, who was introduced in book one was an actor who hadn't worked for a period of time due to his alcoholism. As a recovering addict, Dylan was given another chance to act and was encouraged to write his autobiography using a ghost writer.

Max, a university professor and father to a 13 year old daughter who ghost-writes for additional money during his school breaks was assigned to tell Dylan's story. Max and Dylan spend the summer on Andrew and Rowan's yacht so they are out of the spotlight and can focus on work and eventually each other.

Dylan finally has the courage to come out as bi and plans on doing this via his book release. Max was the perfect person to tell his story to and I loved how the men both opened up to each other about their lives and their past.

Max's ex-husband was truly awful, but I appreciated how they ended up working together thanks to their daughter Blake's insistence. Blake was a delightful character and showed wisdom beyond her years.

This book was sweet and low angst, but had a great plot that kept my attention. I was excited to see Andrew and Rawan again and am looking forward to Rafe's book.