Secrets Aboard!

by Brina Brady

Luka trades the short-term approval of his lover by helping with a home robbery for the gilded cage of Captain Clarke’s cruise ship.

A year of servitude, a court-mandated reprieve from prison, all thanks to his influential father’s deal. Sadly, Luka’s immediate future includes scrubbing the decks and hauling suitcases, a stark contrast to the prison sentence he could have faced alongside his lover, Maleko. Haunted by the ghost of his lover’s absence and his own guilt, Luka grapples with newfound tenderness coming from the least expected person.

Captain Westly John Clarke, an experienced maritime hardliner, enforces the court’s contract with grim adherence. Beneath the surface, something shifts. Luka’s boyish charm chips away at the older man’s icy exterior. Still, he keeps Luka at arm’s length, unable to forget the bitter memories of the young man’s past. As the Captain battles his own awakening heart and hidden secrets, his compass spins out of control, adding to the chaos.

As the love story etches in the shadow of a criminal past and the unforgiving grip of duty leaves them both adrift in uncharted waters. Only time and the churning sea will tell if they admit what’s in their hearts.

Pride Cruise 2024!
Where the water is crisp, the men are HOT, and the party has started! Each book is a standalone but feel free and dive in and binge them all. You won't want to miss a second of their naughty antics. If you think they're silly when the sun is up, just wait until it goes down.

Genres: M M Romance

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

I read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.

I am a retired high school teacher with a Master's Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.

I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let's not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.

During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.

Reviews

[Fay MMBookworm]

Mixed thoughts.
A great start as Luka begins his sentence on the ship. He's heartbroken and also annoyed by himself for trusting someone he shouldn't have.

Luka, 21 years, was embarking on a cruise ship but it was to work his debt to society for his crime for a year.
Captain Westly was at the helm of the ship but also in charge of Luka to follow strict orders.
The captain was sturn about his rules but there were ways he'd go around them to help Luka adjust to being on the ship, at first.
Unfortunately Luka doesn't learn his lesson and gets himself in trouble with his captain.
The author's works are never straightforward as there’s always trouble for one of the characters. Strict rules are included but they're always broken.

I've so many mixed feelings when I was reading this.
This is an ultra fast insta-connection in an opposites attract romance.


ARC, Booksprout, Age Gap Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity, opposites attract, workplace romance. Silver fox, ex-marine, Domination.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

SECRETS DO COME OUT!💕

I love cruise ship romances and Brina Brady’s contribution to the Pride Cruise 2024 gave an engaging read that kept me hooked till the end!

I found Luka a bit spoilt and naive where older men are concerned but that can only be contributed to his upbringing without a father figure and a working surgeon for a mother who is always away in Nigeria…

Captain Westly Clark was a bit too controlling by the way he kept secrets from Luka while they were getting closer but secrets do come out eventually and Luka hates being lied to …. but hopefully the Captain can redeem himself… again…

A dangerous ex of Luka will add more angst to the plot with a beautiful rounded ending!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[christy - pr0bablyreadingsmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

a cute m/m romance. i kinda hated the love interest (captain clarke) but it was still an enjoyable read. he seemed more immature than luka despite being two decades older. i loved the setting on the ship! makes me want summer.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea and the start were very good, Luka was a very believable young and misled character and his situation was interesting. However I struggled with the captain - he felt to me as having almost as many red flags as Luka's manipulative ex. Luka was very afraid of the power situation, and Westly knew that, but didn't act on this as well as he could have.

[Jamie Lee Zonneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Aboard by Brina Brady is part of the Pride Cruise 2024 series by multiple authors. This is the story of Luka and Captain Westly Clarke. I liked their story. It was cute and fun story.

[Carin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the MM romance genre! I love insta love, forced proximity, age gap, grumpy sunshine and all the tropes. That said this book is all over the place we get a dash all the above but not enough for me to pick what the trope here is. The characters are good but lack enough development for them to get great. There is to much manipulation through dishonesty for my comfort. I wanted to love it however it's a like at best.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came up reading romance novels with the older main character, a man of mystery and secrets who had never felt real love before and had to be taught how to be a partner by the younger woman who came into his life as secretary, governess, etc. I love those types of characters. Brina Brady has given me that type of older character in Captain Westly Clarke in this book. He's taken on the job of supervising a young man, Luka Batista, on his cruise ship for a year so Luka can avoid going to prison for a crime he had a part in. Westly is a former Marine who's content with his life and never seems to have considered the idea he might fall in love. Luka, the free-spirited California surfer comes into his life like a whirlwind of sunshine and Westly falls hard and fast. Unfortunately, he's used to giving orders and being in charge and has absolutely no clue how to build an equal, loving relationship built on trust and full disclosure. Luka craves structure, openness and honesty and while he feels the attraction for Westly, it isn't clear Westly can change enough to give him that, much as they both want it. These two have to work hard to build their relationship, there's lots of difficulty learning to give and take and stop hiding things. Luka's dangerous ex lurking around doesn't help either. I really adored this book with its two flawed characters who know exactly what they want but don't quite know how to get it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Luka is sent to work on a cruise ship, basically under “house arrest” when not fulfilling his crew duties as payment for his crime instead of jail, he really resents the Captain for the control he has over all aspects of his life on board. As he settles into a routine, he still finds ways to push boundaries and break rules, earning well deserved, but unappreciated consequence. The more he gets to know Westly, the Captain, the more he is attracted to him. But, there are secrets being withheld that threaten the infant relationship, and honesty and truthfulness are at stake if anything lasting is possible.

The characters are complex, but I did get really frustrated with Luka with his immaturity and his knee-jerk reactions to events as they occurred. His lack of parenting in his childhood was a contributing factor, but he had a lot of growing up to do, and Westley could be that stabilizing influence.

The setting of a Pride Cruise was interesting, but since this focused mostly on crew interactions, the celebrating, interactions and connections was more background noise than the focus of the action.

An interesting situation putting Luka on the ship, and some interesting side connections come into play, as well as Luka’s dangerous ex, all come together for an engaging plot line. Not a long read, good for a lazy afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets Aboard is a standalone contemporary MM romance by Brina Brady, and is the first book in the Pride 2024 series.

The setting is interesting. As a punishment (and all allowed through the courts), Luka is serving a sort of community service on board a ship with Captain Westley Clarke. Luka has a pretty shady father, and a boyfriend who manipulated him. Luka is still coming out of the shadow of that relationship while in a legal minefield. However, being twenty one he is a touch immature about his first love and exactly what is happening, with both his ex and his father.

Cruise boat captain, Westley Clarke is ex-Navy and now captains pleasure cruises. Currently he and his crew are running a gay cruise around Florida. He is the person that Luka has to answer to, and is control of Luka's incarceration/service on the ship. While Luka and young and immature, Westley is older (about early 40s) and wiser (or at least with a much more disciplined routine and expectations).

The chemistry between them is clear. There is only one that prevented me from rating this book higher and that is that Westley has a number of red flags and left me with rather mixed feelings about him as a character, especially after Luka just got out of another manipulative relationship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruising consequences! Luka, commits a crime, gets caught, prosecuted, sentenced and a relativly cushy deal. He spends a year on the Cruise ship, working as crew. Capt Westley oversees the order of the court and keeps a close eye on Luka. He has complete control of Luka's movements, for a year. A complication is that Westley and Luka are attracted to each other and push boundaries of the relationship. Interesting story, lots of secrets and miscommunications add to the fun. Luka is a bit immature adn Westley is a bit tightly wound. Their interactions are fun to watch as they keep you on your toes. Hot cover art! Nicely done. Good start to the Pride Cruise Series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice and quick read, perfect for days lounging under an umbrella (on a cruise of course).

I would have preferred the romance be a bit more developed before things got physical but that’s just my personal preference.

Luka is spoiled and immature and is reckless, but what can you expect with two parents who can’t be bothered to actually parent him. I felt bad for him and he really needed a partner who could help give him boundaries and expectations so he could become the person he was always meant to be.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one of a multi author series of standalone stories based around a pride cruise, Luka got into trouble and his influential father got him a deal a years service on a cruise ship under the control of Captain Clarke instead of jail time but sparks fly when they meet in this age gap, instalove, forced proximity story with a very stern ex military silver fox who’s very dominant and a carefree Twenty-one year old who’s just came out of a very manipulative relationship which was the cause of him getting into trouble in the first place. Both characters have history and after a bumpy road they finally get their relationship to a place where they’re both happy. Good read.

[Kurtis Mcdowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author presents a novel approach to Luka and Captain Clarke on a cruise ship, but the plot is shallow and lacks heart. Luka despises the situation he ended up in and the Captain for controlling his life. Per the judges orders Luka is placed under house arrest to serve out his sentance. He is drawn to Westly, the Captain, but honesty and truthfulness are at risk. Luka's immaturity and snap decisions make him irritable. The action mainly revolves around crew relationships, making the pride cruise celebrations and conversations more background noise than the main attraction. Good happily ever after story.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a good storyline and I really liked Luka even though he was a little spoiled but he was trying to do better after he realized he was being manipulated by his boyfriend. He also had other issues that he was dealing with. Westly was so-so for me with everything he did and didn’t do. I did like the fact that he was learning to be an actual partner with Luka and thought that was sweet. His reaction to the zip lining was heartwarming! This was a pretty good read all in all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this one. It seemed really rushed to me, as well as the relationship. Luka's mood changed so often I wondered if he was bipolar. He'd be resistant one minute and accepting the next. Luka also seemed to be so easily manipulated, that I wondered if he wasn't on the spectrum. The Captain of the ship Westly also seemed incapable of a relationship, either through inexperience or the inability to let go of his regiment and fears. I did appreciate the times they went off ship, and the party for the pride parade. Just wasn't my favorite.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written MM age gap romance with strong characters in Luka and Westley. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes. She takes you into their lives with attraction and an insta love. They have their ups and downs as they build their relationship. The story moves fluidly and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[kjh123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out promising. Luka trying to start a new life in a cruise ship under Captain Clark’s watch. It seemed simple enough Luka would be working in the ship but the relationship became more complicated for many reasons. These reasons complicated the book (unnecessarily IMO) and then rushed the ending.

I enjoyed the base of the story and the early part of the book however would still recommend it for a casual read.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read many insta-love stories without there being a fated mate involved, so this threw me at the start, however it was not long before I got into this story.
I did like Luka straightaway and I could understand the reasons why he had got into this situation. He was carefree and at times didn't understand consequences. I am still unsure about the Captain, throughout the story there were still a few things that got my back up with him.
This was a quick read with a few surprises. I would be interested to know what happened to them

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets Aboard is the first book in the Pride 2024 multi-author series. It’s a May/December romance between a stern silver fox and a troublesome employee. Stuck on a cruise ship, the silver fox captain struggles to keep the young man in line while still trying to help him. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM - Cruise Age gap

Where do I start? A young, naïve Luka ends up escaping a prison sentence but instead a year of servitude upon a cruise boat. However, not all is as it seems.

Captain Westly, a figure of authority, holds a secret that he can't reveal to the young Luka, even as their relationship takes unexpected turns. This mystery adds a layer of intrigue to their story.

I did get angry toward both characters at different points, but that means I was invested in the book.

An age gap, an insta-love story set aboard a cruise liner during Pride Month—what's not to love?

Secrets Aboard! Kindle Edition
by
Brina Brady

❤❤❤❤ Story

[stardragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luca is in trouble with the law. After his devious boyfriend talks him into a home invasion/arson they are caught. Luca’s father makes a deal so Luca serves his sentence on a cruise ship under Captain Westly Clark a former Marine. This is a fun Pride book full of mistrust, secrets and simmering emotions. It is colorful with a happily ever after ending.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like the character development of Westly and Luka. Both have character flaws but as they get together, they form a balanced loving relationship.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was a cute story. The characters were very well written and the story was really interesting. These two had a lot to work through and I enjoyed how neither of them were perfect.

[Karen Millett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The tension at times between the two MCs with the secrets between them makes for attention getting. The plot with Maleko keeps you turning the pages. Would definitely recommend to friends.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great start to this series! This is a fun new read for me. I really enjoyed reading about these two together!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yvonne M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I love Brian’s writing and this book is another great one to add to her list. I definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves mm romance stories and a warm trip with some wonderful men.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am usually one who loves Insta love stories, but this one was even too quick for me. It was a cute and quick read.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF was super hard to read and finish. Which is disappointing as I was excited to read this book. Hopefully the others in the series are better

[Jill Boresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read from Briana Brady. A cute story of a young man looking for belonging. Something he missed with the relationship of his mafia father.Sent to live with his mother to the USA. A exceptional surgeon. Helping children. Financial he was set. While looking for Love in the wrong places. He gets into trouble with the law. And has to serve his punishment aboard a cruise ship. Not happy with the situation he rebels, and soon learns there will be consequences for his actions with the stern. Hard core captain.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I enjoyed my time with it. It was an easy, relatively fast read. Hope you enjoy it.