What do you think?
Rate this book
Oxbridge #2
You Float My Boat
All Charlie Masterson wants is to graduate Oxford. With a first, obviously. But then his life gets turned upside down when Evie Waters waltzes into his philosophy class. Evie Waters, the one-time, very careless owner of his heart. A heart he has no intention of giving away ever again, therefore he needs to come up with a plan to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Violet Brooks has her life together, mostly. She’s a term into reading English at Oxford, and she’s hoping for the lead in the University’s summer production of Twelfth Night. There’s just one tiny snag. Her brother’s best friend just asked her to be his fake girlfriend. Her brother’s best friend who she’s been in love with since the first time she saw him.
Evie’s reappearance makes it hard for Charlie to focus on anything but repelling her advances. While Violet is now immersed in the role of a lifetime.
As Charlie and Violet spend more time together, it soon becomes hard to tell where the acting ends and real life begins, especially when Charlie starts looking at Violet the way she’s always looked at him.
Because all’s fair in love and war, right?
Violet Brooks has her life together, mostly. She’s a term into reading English at Oxford, and she’s hoping for the lead in the University’s summer production of Twelfth Night. There’s just one tiny snag. Her brother’s best friend just asked her to be his fake girlfriend. Her brother’s best friend who she’s been in love with since the first time she saw him.
Evie’s reappearance makes it hard for Charlie to focus on anything but repelling her advances. While Violet is now immersed in the role of a lifetime.
As Charlie and Violet spend more time together, it soon becomes hard to tell where the acting ends and real life begins, especially when Charlie starts looking at Violet the way she’s always looked at him.
Because all’s fair in love and war, right?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2025
43 people are currently reading
1166 people want to read
About the author
Lulu Moore
22 books1,411 followersLulu started writing by accident, and somehow found herself stuck in a fictional world of ice hockey, baseball and billionaires. A world she has no plans to leave. She's the creator of The New York Players Series, The Tuesday Club Series, and The New York Lions - the worst team in the M.L.B.
More recently she's ventured across the Atlantic to where her latest novel is set - the beautiful cities of Oxford and Cambridge, and the annual rowing showdown on the River Thames.
She's a big fan of strong heroines, because those fierce alphas need someone to keep them in check. You'll find her navigating her way through Romance Land one HEA at a time, and trying to figure out the latest social media platform she needs to post to.
More recently she's ventured across the Atlantic to where her latest novel is set - the beautiful cities of Oxford and Cambridge, and the annual rowing showdown on the River Thames.
She's a big fan of strong heroines, because those fierce alphas need someone to keep them in check. You'll find her navigating her way through Romance Land one HEA at a time, and trying to figure out the latest social media platform she needs to post to.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 14, 2024
⭐️ 4
no spoiler
so i’m actually shock because this book was really good, it was such a cute and cozy read !! (if you need some love read this book)
The characters were all fun except one of course 🙄
but most of them were really enjoyable and i didn’t thought i would like them that much especially charlie who got my whole heart.
but then the 3rd act breakup hit again and it actually annoyed me so much because the argument could have been avoided really easily maybe i’m insensitive i don’t know? but i felt like it was there only to be there.
Like i totally understand the way violet was feeling about it but it literally got taken out of context and violet was so dramatic for nothing. ( but charlie handled it really stupidly)
But anyway i still enjoy it so much and i totally recommend it !!
thanks to netgalley && peguin random house for the arc !!
𝑗̲𝑢̲𝑠̲𝑡̲ 𝑠̲𝑜̲𝑚̲𝑒̲ 𝑞̲𝑢̲𝑜̲𝑡̲𝑒̲𝑠̲ 𝑡̲ℎ̲𝑎̲𝑡̲ 𝑖̲ 𝑙̲𝑖̲𝑘̲𝑒̲𝑑̲:̲
- “i warned you that my sister was a drama queen”
- “anyway. You and Violet can be drama queens together.”
- “Even the smile curving my mouth was visible. The happiness was there for all to see. It looked real. Too real.—I didn't need to worry about fooling everyone else, when I could almost fool myself.”
- “And the only reason I'd added no kissing in the first place was because it was the only rule I needed to have. It was the only one I wanted to break.”
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 🫂:
just got the arc i can’t believe it !!!! so excited to read it
especially since it’s a fake dating trope
no spoiler
so i’m actually shock because this book was really good, it was such a cute and cozy read !! (if you need some love read this book)
The characters were all fun except one of course 🙄
but most of them were really enjoyable and i didn’t thought i would like them that much especially charlie who got my whole heart.
but then the 3rd act breakup hit again and it actually annoyed me so much because the argument could have been avoided really easily maybe i’m insensitive i don’t know? but i felt like it was there only to be there.
Like i totally understand the way violet was feeling about it but it literally got taken out of context and violet was so dramatic for nothing. ( but charlie handled it really stupidly)
But anyway i still enjoy it so much and i totally recommend it !!
thanks to netgalley && peguin random house for the arc !!
𝑗̲𝑢̲𝑠̲𝑡̲ 𝑠̲𝑜̲𝑚̲𝑒̲ 𝑞̲𝑢̲𝑜̲𝑡̲𝑒̲𝑠̲ 𝑡̲ℎ̲𝑎̲𝑡̲ 𝑖̲ 𝑙̲𝑖̲𝑘̲𝑒̲𝑑̲:̲
- “i warned you that my sister was a drama queen”
- “anyway. You and Violet can be drama queens together.”
- “Even the smile curving my mouth was visible. The happiness was there for all to see. It looked real. Too real.—I didn't need to worry about fooling everyone else, when I could almost fool myself.”
- “And the only reason I'd added no kissing in the first place was because it was the only rule I needed to have. It was the only one I wanted to break.”
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 🫂:
just got the arc i can’t believe it !!!! so excited to read it
especially since it’s a fake dating trope
February 22, 2025
Wow what a great book but i never thought anything else as every time I pick up a Lulu Moore’s books I’m hooked as you may guess I’m a huge fan of Lulu books.
Charlie and Violet characters I loved along with the tropes brothers best friend and fake relationship this book was so easy to read and fall in love with.
The chemistry Charlie and Violet had was stronger than I could have imagined even though there have known each for years and Violets secret crush.
The friendship between Charlie, Oz and Brooks developed even more from OTF loved seeing more of Oz and Brooks and the rest of Blue boat team.
Violet friendship with Stella that had me LOL as the banter between these two was just perfect.
This is definitely a book to read and if I was in my twenties I would love for Charlie to float my boat 😂
5 huge stars
Thank you Net galley and penguin Michael Joseph for the the ARC
Charlie and Violet characters I loved along with the tropes brothers best friend and fake relationship this book was so easy to read and fall in love with.
The chemistry Charlie and Violet had was stronger than I could have imagined even though there have known each for years and Violets secret crush.
The friendship between Charlie, Oz and Brooks developed even more from OTF loved seeing more of Oz and Brooks and the rest of Blue boat team.
Violet friendship with Stella that had me LOL as the banter between these two was just perfect.
This is definitely a book to read and if I was in my twenties I would love for Charlie to float my boat 😂
5 huge stars
Thank you Net galley and penguin Michael Joseph for the the ARC
February 21, 2025
My obsession with @lulumoorebooks is no secret, so when I saw I was approved for this ARC I full on squealed! 🤭
Oar Than Friends is one of my top reads of 2024 (I’ve already read it 4 times) and each time I’ve fallen more in love with Charlie! I’ve been so excited for his book, and let me tell you it hits just as hard as OTF! 😍
This book has some of my all time favourite tropes; fake dating & brother’s best friend, and of course my favourite moment of “it doesn’t feel fake anymore” 🫠 Charlie was such a sweetheart and he fell hard and fast for Violet. I loved how there wasn’t any messing around, right from that first kiss, Charlie was gone for her. Also, baker Charlie might just be my favourite Charlie! 😍
I knew I was going to love Charlie, but I didn’t expect to love Violet as much as I did! She was the perfect level of sassy to match Charlie’s cheekiness! I loved her friendship with Stella and her relationship with her brother.
Charlie and Violet’s relationship progressed pretty quickly from brother’s best friend to fake dating to secretly dating, but you could still feel the pining and anticipation because of how long Violet had a crush on him. They were adorably nervous around each other and it developed into such a tender relationship 🥹
Also, I LOVED the extra Oz content we got!! 😍 Seeing Oz behind the scenes of OTF and seeing him and Charlie bond over their mutual heartbreak, I was a swooning mess 🫠
OTF was my first Lulu book and it has started an obsession which shows no signs of ending! I’m so excited for more of the Oxbridge boys (hopefully Brooks and Olly will get their own books!) 😍
Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read Charlie and Violet’s book early!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance (Rowing)
- Fake Dating
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Secret Relationship
- It Was Always You
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Oar Than Friends is one of my top reads of 2024 (I’ve already read it 4 times) and each time I’ve fallen more in love with Charlie! I’ve been so excited for his book, and let me tell you it hits just as hard as OTF! 😍
This book has some of my all time favourite tropes; fake dating & brother’s best friend, and of course my favourite moment of “it doesn’t feel fake anymore” 🫠 Charlie was such a sweetheart and he fell hard and fast for Violet. I loved how there wasn’t any messing around, right from that first kiss, Charlie was gone for her. Also, baker Charlie might just be my favourite Charlie! 😍
I knew I was going to love Charlie, but I didn’t expect to love Violet as much as I did! She was the perfect level of sassy to match Charlie’s cheekiness! I loved her friendship with Stella and her relationship with her brother.
Charlie and Violet’s relationship progressed pretty quickly from brother’s best friend to fake dating to secretly dating, but you could still feel the pining and anticipation because of how long Violet had a crush on him. They were adorably nervous around each other and it developed into such a tender relationship 🥹
Also, I LOVED the extra Oz content we got!! 😍 Seeing Oz behind the scenes of OTF and seeing him and Charlie bond over their mutual heartbreak, I was a swooning mess 🫠
OTF was my first Lulu book and it has started an obsession which shows no signs of ending! I’m so excited for more of the Oxbridge boys (hopefully Brooks and Olly will get their own books!) 😍
Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read Charlie and Violet’s book early!
Tropes:
- Sports Romance (Rowing)
- Fake Dating
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Secret Relationship
- It Was Always You
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
February 16, 2025
📌 I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Sin duda Lulu Moore no tiene un libro malo para mi, la historia de Charlie y Violet es de esas que te gustan desde el principio y a mi no solo me gusto, si no que me encanto.
A ver, que estos empezaron a salir para desviar la atención de la ex de Charlie y que lo dejara en paz, pero como bien sabemos, los sentimientos crecen y aquí es todo bonito, no ponen un gran problema a eso y simplemente dejan que crezca.
Hay un drama con la ex como bien dije arriba que hizo que no pudiera darle una calificación completa (pero va completamente en mi y mi cosa de no gustarme esos dramas). Sin duda dejando eso de lado, es una historia que se lee rápido, es acogedora, es romántica y sobre todo te llena de suspiros.
---
Lulu Moore hasn't written a bad book for me, the story of Charlie and Violet is one of those that you like from the beginning and I didn't just like it, I loved it.
Let's see, they started dating to divert the attention of Charlie's ex and leave him alone, but as we all know, feelings grow and here it's all nice, they don't make a big problem of it and just let it grow.
There is some drama with the ex, as I said above, that made me not be able to give it a full rating (but that's completely on me and my thing of not liking those dramas). No doubt, apart from that it's a story that reads fast, it's cozy, it's romantic and most of all it fills you with sighs.
Sin duda Lulu Moore no tiene un libro malo para mi, la historia de Charlie y Violet es de esas que te gustan desde el principio y a mi no solo me gusto, si no que me encanto.
A ver, que estos empezaron a salir para desviar la atención de la ex de Charlie y que lo dejara en paz, pero como bien sabemos, los sentimientos crecen y aquí es todo bonito, no ponen un gran problema a eso y simplemente dejan que crezca.
Hay un drama con la ex como bien dije arriba que hizo que no pudiera darle una calificación completa (pero va completamente en mi y mi cosa de no gustarme esos dramas). Sin duda dejando eso de lado, es una historia que se lee rápido, es acogedora, es romántica y sobre todo te llena de suspiros.
---
Lulu Moore hasn't written a bad book for me, the story of Charlie and Violet is one of those that you like from the beginning and I didn't just like it, I loved it.
Let's see, they started dating to divert the attention of Charlie's ex and leave him alone, but as we all know, feelings grow and here it's all nice, they don't make a big problem of it and just let it grow.
There is some drama with the ex, as I said above, that made me not be able to give it a full rating (but that's completely on me and my thing of not liking those dramas). No doubt, apart from that it's a story that reads fast, it's cozy, it's romantic and most of all it fills you with sighs.
January 24, 2025
Brother’s Best Friend + Fake Dating + Lulu Moore = My Happy Place
Lulu writes the swooniest MMCs, and Charlie Masterson is no exception! From baking cupcakes and rehearsing Shakespeare to writing sonnets, Charlie’s gestures are top-tier book boyfriend material. Watching him realize his feelings for Violet are far from fake is so satisfying. She falls first, but wow, does he fall harder!
Violet Brooks is equally compelling. Her ambition, charm, and vulnerability as she navigates her secret feelings for Charlie make her so relatable. And let’s be real, the fake dating trope? Chef’s kiss. The slow-burn moments and blurred lines between acting and reality are everything I could hope for.
The reason behind their arrangement—Charlie’s ex-girlfriend, Evie, refusing to leave him alone—adds an extra layer of tension. Charlie makes a bonehead move, but everything works out in the end.
This story has it all: well-rounded characters, swoony romance, and just enough tension to keep things interesting. I adore the banter between Charlie, Oz, and Brooks, as well as the close-knit friendship between Violet and Stella. You Float My Boat ties in seamlessly with the events of Oar Than Friends, offering a fresh and heartfelt perspective on Kate and Oz's story. This is another wonderful addition to the Oxbridge Series, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the characters. Brooks, I’m looking at you!
Thank you so much to Lulu, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Release Date: Feb 6, 2025
Lulu writes the swooniest MMCs, and Charlie Masterson is no exception! From baking cupcakes and rehearsing Shakespeare to writing sonnets, Charlie’s gestures are top-tier book boyfriend material. Watching him realize his feelings for Violet are far from fake is so satisfying. She falls first, but wow, does he fall harder!
Violet Brooks is equally compelling. Her ambition, charm, and vulnerability as she navigates her secret feelings for Charlie make her so relatable. And let’s be real, the fake dating trope? Chef’s kiss. The slow-burn moments and blurred lines between acting and reality are everything I could hope for.
The reason behind their arrangement—Charlie’s ex-girlfriend, Evie, refusing to leave him alone—adds an extra layer of tension. Charlie makes a bonehead move, but everything works out in the end.
This story has it all: well-rounded characters, swoony romance, and just enough tension to keep things interesting. I adore the banter between Charlie, Oz, and Brooks, as well as the close-knit friendship between Violet and Stella. You Float My Boat ties in seamlessly with the events of Oar Than Friends, offering a fresh and heartfelt perspective on Kate and Oz's story. This is another wonderful addition to the Oxbridge Series, and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the characters. Brooks, I’m looking at you!
Thank you so much to Lulu, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Release Date: Feb 6, 2025
February 3, 2025
#Review: *You float my boat* - Lulu Moore - ARC [16+]
5/5✨
2.5/5✨
I adoooreed the 1st part of this series, 'Oar than friends', and I just couldn't wait to read this 2nd part! Thank youu so, so much Lulu for accepting me for this early copy!
Because Charlie's last girlfriend kept on trying to get back together with him, even after multiple breakups because she cheated on him, Charlie was now keen on staying away from love and any other new relationship. But his ex girlfriend wouldn't want to give up, fact that made him come up with a fake relationship. Here was where Violet came into the scene. She was the little sister of Charlie's best friend and one member of his rowing team, Brooks (or Hugo).
Violet was the perfect choice for Charlie, because she was passionate about acting, so this was the perfect way to put her skills into action. But in this case was there that much acting? Why? Because Violet had in fact been acting for a couple of years, trying to seem uninterested about Charlie. Even her bigger brother didn't have any suspicions about her little crush and allowed this plan, but with the condition to remain fake and forbidden Charlie and all his teammates to date his little sister for real.
I really, really had such a great time reading this book! Of course that I was captivated by their fake relationship and the way they interacted with each other. Charlie didn't even know what he hit him, but he definitely fell harder🤭. Violet was such a vibrant person and it was impossible not to like her! Their cute relationship was such a delight to follow. The other members of the rowing team were so goofy and fun that made me laugh so many times! I loved them too and this story wouldn't have been so amazing without them. Oz made his appearance too (the main character from the 1st book) and we had the chance to see another part of his story.
OMG! This book was everything!! I wasn't sure if it could top the 1st book but it definitely did! I love them both so much, each having their own particularly regarding the storyline, one having a enemies to lovers trope and the other fake dating. I recommend this one if you wanna feel good and laugh a bit. It's amazing!!
✨Tropes
#FakeDating
#BestFriendsLittleSister
#CloseProximity
#SheFallsFirst
#HeFallsHarder
#ForbiddenCollegeRomance
#ChildhoodCrush
#SportsRomance
#Rowing
5/5✨
2.5/5✨
I adoooreed the 1st part of this series, 'Oar than friends', and I just couldn't wait to read this 2nd part! Thank youu so, so much Lulu for accepting me for this early copy!
Because Charlie's last girlfriend kept on trying to get back together with him, even after multiple breakups because she cheated on him, Charlie was now keen on staying away from love and any other new relationship. But his ex girlfriend wouldn't want to give up, fact that made him come up with a fake relationship. Here was where Violet came into the scene. She was the little sister of Charlie's best friend and one member of his rowing team, Brooks (or Hugo).
Violet was the perfect choice for Charlie, because she was passionate about acting, so this was the perfect way to put her skills into action. But in this case was there that much acting? Why? Because Violet had in fact been acting for a couple of years, trying to seem uninterested about Charlie. Even her bigger brother didn't have any suspicions about her little crush and allowed this plan, but with the condition to remain fake and forbidden Charlie and all his teammates to date his little sister for real.
I really, really had such a great time reading this book! Of course that I was captivated by their fake relationship and the way they interacted with each other. Charlie didn't even know what he hit him, but he definitely fell harder🤭. Violet was such a vibrant person and it was impossible not to like her! Their cute relationship was such a delight to follow. The other members of the rowing team were so goofy and fun that made me laugh so many times! I loved them too and this story wouldn't have been so amazing without them. Oz made his appearance too (the main character from the 1st book) and we had the chance to see another part of his story.
OMG! This book was everything!! I wasn't sure if it could top the 1st book but it definitely did! I love them both so much, each having their own particularly regarding the storyline, one having a enemies to lovers trope and the other fake dating. I recommend this one if you wanna feel good and laugh a bit. It's amazing!!
✨Tropes
#FakeDating
#BestFriendsLittleSister
#CloseProximity
#SheFallsFirst
#HeFallsHarder
#ForbiddenCollegeRomance
#ChildhoodCrush
#SportsRomance
#Rowing
March 4, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Lulu never fails me.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and reading about Charlie and Violet just made me kick my feet and swoon while I remember every little thing I love about it!
✨Rowing romance
✨ She falls first / he falls harder
✨ Fake dating
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
Violet has always has a thing for her brothers best friend Charlie, so when he asks her to fake date him to avoid his toxic ex, she can’t help but say yes. But Chalrie soon wants to be more than just fake.
I listened to this one and the narrators made this story absolutely come to life. It was already good but they made it even better. I love Charlie and Violet is a literal ray of sunshine!
I loved watching them fall for each other and squealed
When it was finally real!
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Lulu never fails me.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and reading about Charlie and Violet just made me kick my feet and swoon while I remember every little thing I love about it!
✨Rowing romance
✨ She falls first / he falls harder
✨ Fake dating
✨ Brother’s Best Friend
Violet has always has a thing for her brothers best friend Charlie, so when he asks her to fake date him to avoid his toxic ex, she can’t help but say yes. But Chalrie soon wants to be more than just fake.
I listened to this one and the narrators made this story absolutely come to life. It was already good but they made it even better. I love Charlie and Violet is a literal ray of sunshine!
I loved watching them fall for each other and squealed
When it was finally real!
December 16, 2024
Charlie needs a (fake) girlfriend to keep his ex girlfriend away from him, so he enlists his best friends little sister to help him. Violet has had a crush on Charlie since she was 14, but she’s worked so hard to forget about him, but when she agrees to this farce, she has to remind herself “this isn’t real”.
“But before my heart had time to beat again, my face was held between his huge hands, and my lips had been surrounded. This was the first kiss I’d dreamed about as a teenager. Strong and forceful, yet so gentle and delicate it was causing my eyes to water. Insistent, needy almost.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I adore this series! I was pleasantly surprised at how swooney Charlie was, baking cupcakes, practicing lines, writing a freaking sonnet for Violet (I still don’t even know what a sonnet is!). I devoured this book in one day, it’s that deliciously gooey romance that I love so much. Charlie realizing he *like* likes Violet and the fuck it moment of no longer wanting to fake anything is always a favorite.
Obviously I despised our villain Evie and our third act break. While there was still rowing in this book, it wasn’t as present like it was in Oar Than Friends which makes sense since both Oz and Kate were rowers in that book, but Violet is an English Major and the theater was more heavily focused than the rowing.
“He rolled his hips slowly against mine, too slowly almost. Frustratingly slowly, barely ghosting over the spot where I really needed the pressure, ‘the thing about rowers . . .’ one more roll, ‘they have stamina . . .’ roll, ‘they have endurance . . .’”
“But before my heart had time to beat again, my face was held between his huge hands, and my lips had been surrounded. This was the first kiss I’d dreamed about as a teenager. Strong and forceful, yet so gentle and delicate it was causing my eyes to water. Insistent, needy almost.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I adore this series! I was pleasantly surprised at how swooney Charlie was, baking cupcakes, practicing lines, writing a freaking sonnet for Violet (I still don’t even know what a sonnet is!). I devoured this book in one day, it’s that deliciously gooey romance that I love so much. Charlie realizing he *like* likes Violet and the fuck it moment of no longer wanting to fake anything is always a favorite.
Obviously I despised our villain Evie and our third act break. While there was still rowing in this book, it wasn’t as present like it was in Oar Than Friends which makes sense since both Oz and Kate were rowers in that book, but Violet is an English Major and the theater was more heavily focused than the rowing.
“He rolled his hips slowly against mine, too slowly almost. Frustratingly slowly, barely ghosting over the spot where I really needed the pressure, ‘the thing about rowers . . .’ one more roll, ‘they have stamina . . .’ roll, ‘they have endurance . . .’”
May 2, 2025
In Oxford’s halls, where Charlie seeks his way,
A scholar’s dream, with rowing in his heart.
Yet love’s tempestuous winds begin to sway,
When Violet’s charm ignites a fiery start.
Their worlds collide on Thames’ flowing stream,
As rivals first, then partners in the race.
Through trials and schemes, they chase a shared dream,
In love’s embrace, they find their destined place.
With Evie’s shadow casting doubts and fears,
Their bond grows strong, a beacon in the night.
Through laughter, tears, and whispered, tender cheers,
They navigate to love’s enduring light.
In “You Float My Boat,” hearts sail and soar,
A tale of love that leaves us wanting more.
A scholar’s dream, with rowing in his heart.
Yet love’s tempestuous winds begin to sway,
When Violet’s charm ignites a fiery start.
Their worlds collide on Thames’ flowing stream,
As rivals first, then partners in the race.
Through trials and schemes, they chase a shared dream,
In love’s embrace, they find their destined place.
With Evie’s shadow casting doubts and fears,
Their bond grows strong, a beacon in the night.
Through laughter, tears, and whispered, tender cheers,
They navigate to love’s enduring light.
In “You Float My Boat,” hearts sail and soar,
A tale of love that leaves us wanting more.
February 7, 2025
This was cute, funny and very easy to read.
Loved the characters, the general plot and how straight to the point it was from the very beginning.
Some things that I do want to point out though:
The pacing was a bit weird for about the first half of the book, so the transition from fake-daring to real-dating wasn't as smooth as it probably could have been. For it to be more believable, at least for me, there were just a couple more one-on-one scenes missing between Violet and Charlie.
I couldn't really stand Brooks, Violet’s brother & one of Charlie’s best friends. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I am not sure how his character was introduced, but in this one, he's more often than not put in the role not being the brightest star in the sky. Plus, whatever he was on about, it wasn't very brotherly towards Violet?! I didn’t have it in me to even attempt to think his remarks were funny or that he was in any way charming.
Some storylines were left in the open and I don’t understand why? Example: Kate & Oz. I assumed their story was done in book one, but apparently it’s being dragged out onto book three, for reasons I am not entirely sure.
Though I really came to like Oz!
As much as I am not a fan of the break-up, I can look past it. What I can’t look past is the reason because was that. Charlie’s alleged 150 IQ was absolutely nowhere to be found…
Given that Edie was the sole reason to fake-date in the first place, there could have been done more with her character. More scenes with all three of them. More scenes with Charlie, her and the study group. The potential was there.
Anyway, “You Float My Boat” is a cute and fun book and I will be looking forward to book three and attempt to read book one until then.
Thank you to Penguin for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Loved the characters, the general plot and how straight to the point it was from the very beginning.
Some things that I do want to point out though:
The pacing was a bit weird for about the first half of the book, so the transition from fake-daring to real-dating wasn't as smooth as it probably could have been. For it to be more believable, at least for me, there were just a couple more one-on-one scenes missing between Violet and Charlie.
I couldn't really stand Brooks, Violet’s brother & one of Charlie’s best friends. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I am not sure how his character was introduced, but in this one, he's more often than not put in the role not being the brightest star in the sky. Plus, whatever he was on about, it wasn't very brotherly towards Violet?! I didn’t have it in me to even attempt to think his remarks were funny or that he was in any way charming.
Some storylines were left in the open and I don’t understand why? Example: Kate & Oz. I assumed their story was done in book one, but apparently it’s being dragged out onto book three, for reasons I am not entirely sure.
Though I really came to like Oz!
As much as I am not a fan of the break-up, I can look past it. What I can’t look past is the reason because was that. Charlie’s alleged 150 IQ was absolutely nowhere to be found…
Given that Edie was the sole reason to fake-date in the first place, there could have been done more with her character. More scenes with all three of them. More scenes with Charlie, her and the study group. The potential was there.
Anyway, “You Float My Boat” is a cute and fun book and I will be looking forward to book three and attempt to read book one until then.
Thank you to Penguin for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
February 6, 2025
this book had me feeling as smitten as Violet & Charlie the whole time 🥰
📖 You Float My Boat by Lulu Moore
📚 book 2 • Oxbridge series
⭐️: 4.5/5
🌶️: open door, slow burn
💭 overall thoughts:
Violet + Charlie are absolutely adorable!
Charlie enlists the help of Violet (his best friend’s little sister) to be his fake girlfriend, to keep his ex girlfriend from trying yet again, to win him back.
Violet has had a crush on Charlie since her brother brought him home when she was 14 - she tries to remind herself it’s “not real,” but the lines quickly become very, very blurry.
I loved that we got the MCs together right away in chapter 1 - the premise was set up immediately, and I started falling for Violet & Charlie in the first few pages 🥹
I appreciated that college characters were acting their age for once (not that 19 year olds can’t be mature, but this just felt more realistic). I didn’t always love how Charlie handled his ex Evie, but it seemed like how a 21 year old would behave so it made sense!
I can't quite pinpoint what has me dropping a half star, but something about this one didn't grab me as much as the first. I'm still loving this little world, and can't wait to continue the series 😍
read if you love:
💙 brother’s best friend
🥸 fake dating
🏫 college romance
🚣🏻 mmc on the rowing team
🚫 forbidden
🥹 she falls first, he falls harder
🐢 slow burn
💞 dual 1st person pov
Thank you to Michael Joseph (Penguin Random House) & NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
📖 You Float My Boat by Lulu Moore
📚 book 2 • Oxbridge series
⭐️: 4.5/5
🌶️: open door, slow burn
💭 overall thoughts:
Violet + Charlie are absolutely adorable!
Charlie enlists the help of Violet (his best friend’s little sister) to be his fake girlfriend, to keep his ex girlfriend from trying yet again, to win him back.
Violet has had a crush on Charlie since her brother brought him home when she was 14 - she tries to remind herself it’s “not real,” but the lines quickly become very, very blurry.
I loved that we got the MCs together right away in chapter 1 - the premise was set up immediately, and I started falling for Violet & Charlie in the first few pages 🥹
I appreciated that college characters were acting their age for once (not that 19 year olds can’t be mature, but this just felt more realistic). I didn’t always love how Charlie handled his ex Evie, but it seemed like how a 21 year old would behave so it made sense!
I can't quite pinpoint what has me dropping a half star, but something about this one didn't grab me as much as the first. I'm still loving this little world, and can't wait to continue the series 😍
read if you love:
💙 brother’s best friend
🥸 fake dating
🏫 college romance
🚣🏻 mmc on the rowing team
🚫 forbidden
🥹 she falls first, he falls harder
🐢 slow burn
💞 dual 1st person pov
Thank you to Michael Joseph (Penguin Random House) & NetGalley for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
January 25, 2025
Firstly, thank you for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy, I very much appreciate it.
Secondly, What. A. Book! I absolutely loved this. I was very intrigued in the side storyline between Charlie and Violet introduced in the first book, so when I picked this up, I was already itching to know more! (Fully recommend reading the first book first to enhance your love of these characters!)
Charlie and Violet were perfect. Their dynamic was so well balanced between mutual benefit and attraction. I absolutely loved how confident they were with each other, but privately were a bit of a nervous mess. It was endearing and made me swoon even harder for Charlie.
The writing was so good. Lulu creates such a natural dialogue in the character, she gives them a back-story, depth and makes them feel relatable. I want to be friends with these people, and I want Charlie all to myself. The shared timeline between these two books is also handled so well, you get a different perspective on events from the first book, which if anything, just made me love Oz even more too!
I can’t wait to tell everyone I know to read this!
Secondly, What. A. Book! I absolutely loved this. I was very intrigued in the side storyline between Charlie and Violet introduced in the first book, so when I picked this up, I was already itching to know more! (Fully recommend reading the first book first to enhance your love of these characters!)
Charlie and Violet were perfect. Their dynamic was so well balanced between mutual benefit and attraction. I absolutely loved how confident they were with each other, but privately were a bit of a nervous mess. It was endearing and made me swoon even harder for Charlie.
The writing was so good. Lulu creates such a natural dialogue in the character, she gives them a back-story, depth and makes them feel relatable. I want to be friends with these people, and I want Charlie all to myself. The shared timeline between these two books is also handled so well, you get a different perspective on events from the first book, which if anything, just made me love Oz even more too!
I can’t wait to tell everyone I know to read this!
April 14, 2025
Dit was gewoon echt leuk!! Een fake relationship met één van de beste vrienden van haar broer, crazy plot. De drama die erin zat vond ik heerlijk en het las makkelijk weg, maar ik miste hier en daar wel diepgang. De appgesprekken die erin zaten vond ik geweldig en Charlie is te cute🤭
July 5, 2025
Very stupid but fun. Also very British
April 3, 2025
So Cute!
December 10, 2024
I adored Oar Than Friends so I was very excited to read this book. I was so happy when this ARC got approved so thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for this!!!
I was 70% through this book and the only reason I put it down was it was 2am and I had to be up early the next day.
I absolutely adored this book!
Charlie is absolutely was absolutely swoonworthy—nothing short of a genius, and excellent cook AND baker? I need him biblically. And Violet was so sweet—chatty, easygoing. I wanted to be her friend. The two of them together were so adorable, I loved their connection and the progression of their friendship.
I loved being back with the boys friendship group, as well as meeting all the new characters.
Lulu Moore makes it very easy to be a fan of hers!!
I was 70% through this book and the only reason I put it down was it was 2am and I had to be up early the next day.
I absolutely adored this book!
Charlie is absolutely was absolutely swoonworthy—nothing short of a genius, and excellent cook AND baker? I need him biblically. And Violet was so sweet—chatty, easygoing. I wanted to be her friend. The two of them together were so adorable, I loved their connection and the progression of their friendship.
I loved being back with the boys friendship group, as well as meeting all the new characters.
Lulu Moore makes it very easy to be a fan of hers!!
December 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the advanced reader copy!
{{Disclaimer: Lulu, if you're seeing this, please don't read any further. I adored the first in the series, but I'm so sorry to say this isn't going to be a great review, and I don't want any hurt author feelings here!}}
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘢𝘵 is the second installment in the Oxbridge series, following rower Charlie Masterson as he navigates his clingy ex-girlfriend, Evie, enrolling in his philosophy class. His solution? Fake date his teammate and best friend's sister, Violet Brooks, to halt Evie's unwanted advancements. The problem? He's developing real feelings for Violet, who's been crushing on him for years.
Unfortunately, this book was missing the magic I adored in the first - mainly, rowing! As a former collegiate coxswain, I got so excited when I discovered this series because I don't often stumble upon the sport in fiction. While it returns for another appearance, there's less of a focus on the boat race because Violet isn't an athlete. It's an understandable decision for the author to make, but I was personally a bit let down from the start solely because of this.
I also had my qualms about Violet and Charlie's relationship, in which we are told moreso than shown how (especially) Charlie's feelings develop. The entire thing feels immature and full of insta-love/lust. There's a fair amount of useless dialogue that doesn't advance the plot and left me skimming by the end. I can't forget about the stupid third act breakup, which was thrown in just for the sake of having one.
And honestly, what the heck was going on with Oz and Kate during this book? We got a glimpse into trouble on the horizon, but it was handled like unresolved breadcrumbs that felt completely unnecessary.
Similarly, side characters (Leo) and plots (theatre) felt mentioned, yet severely underdeveloped, resulting in missed potential. There was entirely too much going on (while at the same time nothing at all). And, Charlie... bro... have you never heard of a restraining order? That might help solve an issue with a crazy ex-girlfriend...
If you like a lot of childish drama in the relationship, and you don't mind subpar writing, you might enjoy this one, but it wasn't for me. I'm so disappointed this was a huge miss! Crossing my fingers for another book to redeem the series for me!
{{Disclaimer: Lulu, if you're seeing this, please don't read any further. I adored the first in the series, but I'm so sorry to say this isn't going to be a great review, and I don't want any hurt author feelings here!}}
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘢𝘵 is the second installment in the Oxbridge series, following rower Charlie Masterson as he navigates his clingy ex-girlfriend, Evie, enrolling in his philosophy class. His solution? Fake date his teammate and best friend's sister, Violet Brooks, to halt Evie's unwanted advancements. The problem? He's developing real feelings for Violet, who's been crushing on him for years.
Unfortunately, this book was missing the magic I adored in the first - mainly, rowing! As a former collegiate coxswain, I got so excited when I discovered this series because I don't often stumble upon the sport in fiction. While it returns for another appearance, there's less of a focus on the boat race because Violet isn't an athlete. It's an understandable decision for the author to make, but I was personally a bit let down from the start solely because of this.
I also had my qualms about Violet and Charlie's relationship, in which we are told moreso than shown how (especially) Charlie's feelings develop. The entire thing feels immature and full of insta-love/lust. There's a fair amount of useless dialogue that doesn't advance the plot and left me skimming by the end. I can't forget about the stupid third act breakup, which was thrown in just for the sake of having one.
And honestly, what the heck was going on with Oz and Kate during this book? We got a glimpse into trouble on the horizon, but it was handled like unresolved breadcrumbs that felt completely unnecessary.
Similarly, side characters (Leo) and plots (theatre) felt mentioned, yet severely underdeveloped, resulting in missed potential. There was entirely too much going on (while at the same time nothing at all). And, Charlie... bro... have you never heard of a restraining order? That might help solve an issue with a crazy ex-girlfriend...
If you like a lot of childish drama in the relationship, and you don't mind subpar writing, you might enjoy this one, but it wasn't for me. I'm so disappointed this was a huge miss! Crossing my fingers for another book to redeem the series for me!
January 25, 2025
This book was so sweet and romantic— and I adored it. If you’ve ever watched a rom com and felt the flutter in your heart at the end, that’s this book personified.
Charlie’s got an ex whose nonstop existence in his life is causing anxiety he can’t afford with rowing season fast approaching. His roommate and best friend suggests his little sister use her acting skills to be his fake boyfriend. But what happens when the very first meet up to talk logistics has him realizing he never really saw Violet before— and now he can’t stop.
The progression of their relationship was so beautifully love song coded. They were awkward, they were funny, they were yearning for more, they were both scared of it feeling too real.
This book was everything.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie’s got an ex whose nonstop existence in his life is causing anxiety he can’t afford with rowing season fast approaching. His roommate and best friend suggests his little sister use her acting skills to be his fake boyfriend. But what happens when the very first meet up to talk logistics has him realizing he never really saw Violet before— and now he can’t stop.
The progression of their relationship was so beautifully love song coded. They were awkward, they were funny, they were yearning for more, they were both scared of it feeling too real.
This book was everything.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2025
Charlie and Violet date to avoid his ex. Fake between them turns to so much more. I mean how could it not, Charlie is.....swoon. Top Tier.. is there nothing this man can't do.
Watching these two together was perfect! Charlie falling for Violet was everything. However, I love how she feel first!!! Their chemistry builds and when it hits! IT HITS.
I just love Lulu's characters and the world's she creates with them.
If you like:
Brothers Best Friend
Fake Dating
Sports Romance ( Rowing )
Watching these two together was perfect! Charlie falling for Violet was everything. However, I love how she feel first!!! Their chemistry builds and when it hits! IT HITS.
I just love Lulu's characters and the world's she creates with them.
If you like:
Brothers Best Friend
Fake Dating
Sports Romance ( Rowing )
February 8, 2025
Would I recommend it? Probably yes.
Basic info:
- Contemporary sports romance
- Double POV, 1st person, single timeline
- Part of a series of standalone books
Tropes & Hooks:
- Set at Oxford University
- Rower MMC/drama club participant FMC
- MMC cooks and bakes.
- Brother's best friend/Childhood crush
- Fake dating
- Secret relationship
- It has always been you
- Crazy (MMC's) ex.
My thoughts:
- Violet and Charlie decide to fake date to help him get rid of his crazy ex and Violet's brother is actually aware of it, so the overall dynamic and premise are interesting.
- Violet and Charlie are pretty much into each other from the very beginning they just are very hush-hush about their feelings. And because they think the other one is not really interested they don't act on their feelings. This dynamic can appeal to some, and not so much to others.
- Charlie definitely gets the book boyfriend badge. Every little and not-so-little thing he has done for Violets had me swooning. I could have done without the stupid thing he did in the end, you'll be able to spot what I'm talking about if (or when) you read the book. I don't think even his age is an excuse enough. Whenever Violet enters the room, Charlie's attention is exclusively on her. He becomes such a blubbery mess when she is near and I love it.
- This will probably go unnoticed by many of the readers, but not by my software engineer ass. I understand that Charlie is clever and everything, but it's not just that easy to go and break into your school's servers.
- Violet choosing her classes based on them being mostly after 10 a.m. didn't sit well with me, but it's a minor detail only mentioned once.
- There was an energy-related physics joke, that Violet supposedly didn't understand. I'm sorry but I don't think you need a physics degree to understand it.
- I couldn't say much happened plot-wise in this book. It was mostly based on the interactions between Charlie and Violet.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks to everyone involved in ARC's distribution.
Basic info:
- Contemporary sports romance
- Double POV, 1st person, single timeline
- Part of a series of standalone books
Tropes & Hooks:
- Set at Oxford University
- Rower MMC/drama club participant FMC
- MMC cooks and bakes.
- Brother's best friend/Childhood crush
- Fake dating
- Secret relationship
- It has always been you
- Crazy (MMC's) ex.
My thoughts:
- Violet and Charlie decide to fake date to help him get rid of his crazy ex and Violet's brother is actually aware of it, so the overall dynamic and premise are interesting.
- Violet and Charlie are pretty much into each other from the very beginning they just are very hush-hush about their feelings. And because they think the other one is not really interested they don't act on their feelings. This dynamic can appeal to some, and not so much to others.
- Charlie definitely gets the book boyfriend badge. Every little and not-so-little thing he has done for Violets had me swooning. I could have done without the stupid thing he did in the end, you'll be able to spot what I'm talking about if (or when) you read the book. I don't think even his age is an excuse enough. Whenever Violet enters the room, Charlie's attention is exclusively on her. He becomes such a blubbery mess when she is near and I love it.
- This will probably go unnoticed by many of the readers, but not by my software engineer ass. I understand that Charlie is clever and everything, but it's not just that easy to go and break into your school's servers.
- Violet choosing her classes based on them being mostly after 10 a.m. didn't sit well with me, but it's a minor detail only mentioned once.
- There was an energy-related physics joke, that Violet supposedly didn't understand. I'm sorry but I don't think you need a physics degree to understand it.
- I couldn't say much happened plot-wise in this book. It was mostly based on the interactions between Charlie and Violet.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks to everyone involved in ARC's distribution.
February 4, 2025
Thank you Lulu Moore, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House, NetGalley, Valentine PR for my copy of You Float My Boat. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
Oar Than Friends is book 1 of Lulu’s Oxbridge series which I adored. When I saw You Float My Boat I literally squealed and have been so looking forward to reading it! It did not disappoint in any capacity. I absolutely love Lulu’s writing. I’m such a big fan of all of her books to be honest. I wholeheartedly recommend! I am praying she continues this series because I need to know what happens w all of these characters moving forward, I’m not ready to let them go just yet!
You Float My Boat is about Charlie and Violet. What starts out as an agreement for fake dating quickly progresses into not so much fake… I’m telling you fake dating is quickly becoming my bread and butter trope. I would eat it up all three square meals if I could at this point. Not only fake dating trope but Lulu also spoils us w brothers best friend, a little forbidden thrown in and unrequited love. I liked both Charlie and Violets characters. I really enjoyed watching their fake relationship turn very real especially since Violet had such a strong unrequited love for Charlie for years. I loved seeing the side characters and their relationships continue, especially Oz from OTF. But the little twist of Oz and Kate in this book has me on pins and needles, like I need more information on their situation asap. I’d love to see a book for each of the side characters. I will literally read anything Lulu presents to us. She’s absolutely an auto buy author for me.
You Float My Boat releases February 6! 🎉
Oar Than Friends is book 1 of Lulu’s Oxbridge series which I adored. When I saw You Float My Boat I literally squealed and have been so looking forward to reading it! It did not disappoint in any capacity. I absolutely love Lulu’s writing. I’m such a big fan of all of her books to be honest. I wholeheartedly recommend! I am praying she continues this series because I need to know what happens w all of these characters moving forward, I’m not ready to let them go just yet!
You Float My Boat is about Charlie and Violet. What starts out as an agreement for fake dating quickly progresses into not so much fake… I’m telling you fake dating is quickly becoming my bread and butter trope. I would eat it up all three square meals if I could at this point. Not only fake dating trope but Lulu also spoils us w brothers best friend, a little forbidden thrown in and unrequited love. I liked both Charlie and Violets characters. I really enjoyed watching their fake relationship turn very real especially since Violet had such a strong unrequited love for Charlie for years. I loved seeing the side characters and their relationships continue, especially Oz from OTF. But the little twist of Oz and Kate in this book has me on pins and needles, like I need more information on their situation asap. I’d love to see a book for each of the side characters. I will literally read anything Lulu presents to us. She’s absolutely an auto buy author for me.
You Float My Boat releases February 6! 🎉
February 5, 2025
4.75/5 stars
While this book can be read as a standalone, this is book 2 of the Oxbridge series
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Lulu's books remind me of a comforting hug or the fuzziest of blankets in the winter. Going into this book, I knew I was absolutely going to love it. I didn't think my heart could see enough to read with all the heart emojis in its eyes!😍
Charlie knows he's in a load of trouble after finding out that he's going to be in the same class as his ex. To ensure that he doesn't get ensnared in her web again, Charlie asks his best friend's little sister, Violet, to act as his fake girlfriend. After being in love with Charlie for years, Violet is hesitant to fake the one the thing she truly wishes to be. Plans are quickly solidified after Charlie's ex waltzes in trying to rekindle things.
These two were literally the cutest! The little things they did for each other were swoony and promising. Even with the attraction these two had for each other, I loved how their friendship remained! IMO, that's one of the best parts about romance.
Are y'all ready for some random thoughts now?
I REALLY REALLY wanted to try that freaking sandwich! Honestly, all the things Charlie made, I would probably be like Brooks!🤣
Another one... Ok, but why did Gordon remind me of a mixture of Five from the Umbrella Academy and Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory?!?!? I LOVED his character and giggled every time he was brought up or appeared!🤣
Thank you to NG and Lulu for the ARC! It was a true pleasure to read yet another wonder book with the same things I always look forward to reading that you write!❤️
While this book can be read as a standalone, this is book 2 of the Oxbridge series
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Lulu's books remind me of a comforting hug or the fuzziest of blankets in the winter. Going into this book, I knew I was absolutely going to love it. I didn't think my heart could see enough to read with all the heart emojis in its eyes!😍
Charlie knows he's in a load of trouble after finding out that he's going to be in the same class as his ex. To ensure that he doesn't get ensnared in her web again, Charlie asks his best friend's little sister, Violet, to act as his fake girlfriend. After being in love with Charlie for years, Violet is hesitant to fake the one the thing she truly wishes to be. Plans are quickly solidified after Charlie's ex waltzes in trying to rekindle things.
These two were literally the cutest! The little things they did for each other were swoony and promising. Even with the attraction these two had for each other, I loved how their friendship remained! IMO, that's one of the best parts about romance.
Are y'all ready for some random thoughts now?
I REALLY REALLY wanted to try that freaking sandwich! Honestly, all the things Charlie made, I would probably be like Brooks!🤣
Another one... Ok, but why did Gordon remind me of a mixture of Five from the Umbrella Academy and Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory?!?!? I LOVED his character and giggled every time he was brought up or appeared!🤣
Thank you to NG and Lulu for the ARC! It was a true pleasure to read yet another wonder book with the same things I always look forward to reading that you write!❤️
February 19, 2025
This was a fun and quick read but I have some thoughts!
I enjoyed the first book (mostly because of the rowing aspect), even if it wasn’t my favourite, and I was hoping to dive back into the rowing-world with this one… however, there’s not much rowing and the book takes place at the same time as Oar than Friends (book 1), so there are no stakes regarding the races! We know who will win.
It was interesting to see more of Oz and his feelings during his breakup with Kate tho.
Now the romance… I love the fake dating trope, I love the Brother’s Best Friend trope, but this just fell flat for me. They both fell in love sooooo quickly, and made the relationship real after literally 150 pages. I wanted them to think the other might not reciprocate the feelings, I wanted the yearning!!
The third act breakup/conflict was ridiculous. I understand it sounded bad when Evie told Violet, and that Charlie handled it the wrong way, but it literally made zero sense. Yeah they might argue about it but a whole breakup??? No contact??
I’m kinda interested to see how the series might continue, I think the author is teasing a book for Brooks (you know, with all the texting and not saying who he’s talking to)! I will def read the next volumes, I just hope they’re not as insta-lovey or that they don’t take place during the same period lol.
I enjoyed the first book (mostly because of the rowing aspect), even if it wasn’t my favourite, and I was hoping to dive back into the rowing-world with this one… however, there’s not much rowing and the book takes place at the same time as Oar than Friends (book 1), so there are no stakes regarding the races! We know who will win.
It was interesting to see more of Oz and his feelings during his breakup with Kate tho.
Now the romance… I love the fake dating trope, I love the Brother’s Best Friend trope, but this just fell flat for me. They both fell in love sooooo quickly, and made the relationship real after literally 150 pages. I wanted them to think the other might not reciprocate the feelings, I wanted the yearning!!
The third act breakup/conflict was ridiculous. I understand it sounded bad when Evie told Violet, and that Charlie handled it the wrong way, but it literally made zero sense. Yeah they might argue about it but a whole breakup??? No contact??
I’m kinda interested to see how the series might continue, I think the author is teasing a book for Brooks (you know, with all the texting and not saying who he’s talking to)! I will def read the next volumes, I just hope they’re not as insta-lovey or that they don’t take place during the same period lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2025
This book is just SO SO CUTE!!! Where do I start? I don’t know! I didn’t just love it because the cover is my fav colour 💜 or that part of the plot revolves around one of my fav Shakespearean plays (Twelfth Night - not my absolute fav, but it’s up there!).
📖 So, where should I start? Violet is just such a fun sassy FMC, such a scene stealer, and Charlie had absolutely no chance in this fake dating brother’s BFF / BFF’s sister story. I read and enjoyed Book 1 (Oar Than Friends), but dare I say that You Float My Boat is now my fav book in this series? 😆 It has everything I loved about Book 1: loveable characters, fun texts and banter, plenty of shenanigans, an evil villain / nemesis, and ending with the Boat Race of course. In Book 2, we also get plenty of baked goods, physics and literary jokes, and an overprotective (but also endearingly clueless) big bro 😂
📖 So, where should I start? Violet is just such a fun sassy FMC, such a scene stealer, and Charlie had absolutely no chance in this fake dating brother’s BFF / BFF’s sister story. I read and enjoyed Book 1 (Oar Than Friends), but dare I say that You Float My Boat is now my fav book in this series? 😆 It has everything I loved about Book 1: loveable characters, fun texts and banter, plenty of shenanigans, an evil villain / nemesis, and ending with the Boat Race of course. In Book 2, we also get plenty of baked goods, physics and literary jokes, and an overprotective (but also endearingly clueless) big bro 😂
December 9, 2024
Not sure what to rate this (maybe 3.5?) but the romance between Charlie and Violet was very sweet. I was hesitant to read this with how Charlie and his ex were portrayed in Oar Than Friends that Violet would seem like a second choice, but she didn’t. You could tell Charlie had moved on and once they kiss, he’s all in with Violet. There is a 3rd act breakup because he’s somewhat of an idiot and there are maybe a little too many comparisons (all positive) he makes between Violet and his ex, but still a cute and quick read. Bonus that Violet was not inexperienced or waiting around for him and Charlie was not a manwhore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2025
Violet has been crushing on her brother's best friend, Charlie, for years. So when he asks her to be his fake girlfriend, she obviously says yes. Charlie quickly realizes how amazing Violet is, and the fake dating isn’t very fake anymore.
Charlie was so sweet and thoughtful. He baked her cupcakes 😍 and learnt all those lines so he could help her practice for a play she was acting in.
This one did have a lot less rowing in it than book one, but I still enjoyed the bits it did have.
The book takes place in a college in England, so I really enjoyed the accents of the narrators. There were a couple of times I noticed lines repeating that should have been edited out. Other than that, the narrators were great and I really enjoyed the dual audio.
🎧Dual audio
🎙️Narrators Sam Stafford and Rebecca Lee
🚣Brothers best friend
🧁Fake dating
🚣Athlete MMC (rowing)
🧁College
🚣Oxford, England setting
🧁He bakes for her
🚣She falls first, he falls harder
🧁Low spice
Charlie was so sweet and thoughtful. He baked her cupcakes 😍 and learnt all those lines so he could help her practice for a play she was acting in.
This one did have a lot less rowing in it than book one, but I still enjoyed the bits it did have.
The book takes place in a college in England, so I really enjoyed the accents of the narrators. There were a couple of times I noticed lines repeating that should have been edited out. Other than that, the narrators were great and I really enjoyed the dual audio.
🎧Dual audio
🎙️Narrators Sam Stafford and Rebecca Lee
🚣Brothers best friend
🧁Fake dating
🚣Athlete MMC (rowing)
🧁College
🚣Oxford, England setting
🧁He bakes for her
🚣She falls first, he falls harder
🧁Low spice
December 14, 2024
‘It was the type of thing Taylor would write a song about.’
Yep, it absolutely was 💜
I’ve been desperate for this book ever since we got a little sneak at the first chapter at the end of Oar than Friends. I knew I was going to adore Violet, but didn’t realise Charlie would end up being so swoony!
Fake dating is not one of my favourite tropes usually, but I absolutely loved how Charlie and Violet’s relationship began and then became real. She’s always had a crush on her older brother’s friend, but he was in a toxic relationship with his ex and never saw her as more than his friend’s little sister. Until now.
It didn’t take Charlie long to fall, and once he did he was all in.
Yet another huge 5 star read from Lulu Moore. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through (well, other than a couple of times when she who shall not be named was on the page!)
Huge thanks to Lulu, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC, it was magnificent.
Yep, it absolutely was 💜
I’ve been desperate for this book ever since we got a little sneak at the first chapter at the end of Oar than Friends. I knew I was going to adore Violet, but didn’t realise Charlie would end up being so swoony!
Fake dating is not one of my favourite tropes usually, but I absolutely loved how Charlie and Violet’s relationship began and then became real. She’s always had a crush on her older brother’s friend, but he was in a toxic relationship with his ex and never saw her as more than his friend’s little sister. Until now.
It didn’t take Charlie long to fall, and once he did he was all in.
Yet another huge 5 star read from Lulu Moore. I couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through (well, other than a couple of times when she who shall not be named was on the page!)
Huge thanks to Lulu, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC, it was magnificent.
December 24, 2024
Lulu Moore has such a fantastic way of writing that makes her books so easy to read as you just feel like you’re becoming one of the characters.
Seth in the same world has ‘Oar than Friends’, ‘You Float my Boat’ follows Violet and Charlie in a fake-dating, best friends sister novel.
Both these characters were a joy to read, and the cast of side characters were perfect. I loved the relationship between Charlie and Violet but also Violets relationship with her best friend Stella and Charlie’s friendships too.
Set in Oxford and focused around the famous Boat Race, there’s lots of great world building that makes you feel like you’re there too.
I love all Lulu Moore’s books and this one was no exception. Highly recommend picking up do a fab summer read.
Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the ARC.
Seth in the same world has ‘Oar than Friends’, ‘You Float my Boat’ follows Violet and Charlie in a fake-dating, best friends sister novel.
Both these characters were a joy to read, and the cast of side characters were perfect. I loved the relationship between Charlie and Violet but also Violets relationship with her best friend Stella and Charlie’s friendships too.
Set in Oxford and focused around the famous Boat Race, there’s lots of great world building that makes you feel like you’re there too.
I love all Lulu Moore’s books and this one was no exception. Highly recommend picking up do a fab summer read.
Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the ARC.
January 11, 2025
This book was an absolute delight! I have come to the realisation that Lulu truly can do no wrong because I never love a MMC more than when they are written by her!
It is official that Charlie now completely owns my heart, I am a sucker for the boys that become absolutely obsessed with the girl almost immediately and to see Charlie become this obsessed with Violet after only one kiss and turn completely lovesick was so much fun to read!
We all know that side characters can make a book so much better and one thing I always love in Lulu’s books is the other characters that surround the main couple! In this particular book Gordon was my favourite side character and I’m really hoping we will see him again in a future book!
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early!
It is official that Charlie now completely owns my heart, I am a sucker for the boys that become absolutely obsessed with the girl almost immediately and to see Charlie become this obsessed with Violet after only one kiss and turn completely lovesick was so much fun to read!
We all know that side characters can make a book so much better and one thing I always love in Lulu’s books is the other characters that surround the main couple! In this particular book Gordon was my favourite side character and I’m really hoping we will see him again in a future book!
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early!
February 6, 2025
‘So you want me to be your bodyguard,’ Violet began, a smirk cresting the corner of her plump lips, ‘I’m Kevin Costner and you’re my Whitney Houston?’
Gawd I love Violet!! I knew I was going to love Charlie but I wasn’t expecting to love Violet as much. I guess it’s the Violet effect. 💜I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever and I am happy to report it was worth the wait.
This book was the perfect blend of brother’s best friend, fake dating, sassy banter, rising tension, complete with a great friends group. I love that it shares a timeline with Oar than friends. Really makes me wonder whom we will get next. I don’t care will be here for it either ways.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Lulu Moore for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.
Gawd I love Violet!! I knew I was going to love Charlie but I wasn’t expecting to love Violet as much. I guess it’s the Violet effect. 💜I feel like I have been waiting for this book forever and I am happy to report it was worth the wait.
This book was the perfect blend of brother’s best friend, fake dating, sassy banter, rising tension, complete with a great friends group. I love that it shares a timeline with Oar than friends. Really makes me wonder whom we will get next. I don’t care will be here for it either ways.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Lulu Moore for the advanced reading copy, all my opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews