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Below Deck

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Welcome to 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.

Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

7 people are currently reading
28 people want to read

About the author

B.L. Maxwell

88 books387 followers

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5 stars
29 (36%)
4 stars
35 (43%)
3 stars
12 (15%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
875 reviews97 followers
dnf
June 25, 2024
This is already a short book, why would I want one of the MCs descriptively in a threesome right before he’s about to meet the other MC?
No thanks
DNF @ 15%


*big sigh*
Profile Image for Beagle Lover (Avid Reader).
620 reviews53 followers
March 31, 2025
4 seaboard stars!

This was an extremely enjoyable read with just the correct amount of humor and spice.

After sneaking on board the NautiCaribbean Pride Cruise ship in a drunken state, JJ Carrington (Jackson) is caught by security and forced to remain on board until the next port of call. Once there he will be kicked off the ship to fend for himself.

Cory Wynn has been working on a cruise ship for roughly a year. On this particular cruise, the Pride Cruise, he lucks out an gets his own cabin. He just wants to see the world and hopefully find "the one," but work consumes all of his time.

After being brought before the head of security and the ship's Captain, Jackson is told he can either stay in the brig or share a cabin with a worker. Hungover and out of resources, not to mention self-respect, he chooses the cabin. But his choice is dependent upon that worker agreeing to let him share the cabin.

Cory is summoned to the Captain's office and given an explanation of Jackson's situation. Having already "run into" the handsome stowaway and instantly disliking him, seeing him as a privileged and spoiled brat, Cory's first instinct is to let Jackson spend the remainder of his trip in the brig. But the he decides to let the man share his cabin so he can get some revenge on Jackson.

After Cory lays down his rules to Jackson to stay in his cabin, he returns to work. Jackson is totally humiliated and humbled, and takes to his bunk to sleep off the remainder of his hangover.

What follows is a unexpected twist for Jackson and Cory. After years of partying and traveling, Jackson decides it's time for a change. And his plan shocks everyone, particularly Cory.

So come aboard the NautiCaribbean Pride Cruise and meet a most interesting cast of characters, situations and themed parties. As most of the story takes place on the ship, the world building is limited but sufficient. The dialogue is snarky, humorous and ultimately caring. I honestly hope the author writes a sequel to this book, focusing on some of the secondary characters like Johnny and a few of the kitchen staff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,918 reviews15 followers
June 26, 2024
3.5 stars. A nice uncomplicated story which was easy and quick to read. The instant turnaround in Jackson's behaviour was rather abrupt and I would have felt better if the relationship between the MCs hadn't been so very fast. The end of the book was very satisfying.
Profile Image for Heather MMRomanceReviewed.
1,732 reviews86 followers
Read
June 22, 2024
Below Deck is an fairly low angst, opposites attract, forced proximity story set in the multi-authored Pride Cruise 2024 series.

When the only bed available for stowaway JJ Carrington is in the staff quarters with a man who not only caught his eye, but had a front row seat to the shenanigans that got him there... Sparks fly in so many directions and it's fun to watch Cory come out of his shell and JJ find a piece of himself as he tries to make restitution to the cruise ship for his less than stellar behaviour.

This was a fun take on the Pride Cruise theme and had some true highlights, including JJ's defense of Cory and some of their initial encounters when sharing a cabin. If you're looking for a different approach to the Pride Cruise theme with a bit of naughty and nice thrown in, you'll want to add Below Deck to your TBR.

Profile Image for Molly.
128 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2024
This book was one I did not want to put down! Once I started this story, I had to continue reading it. Jackson is an almost 30 party-boy, and the son of a wealthy hotel owner. Cory is a fun, and hardworking busser for NautiCarribean. When the two of them meet it is dislike at first sight for Cory. Jackson is a drunk party-boy that is promiscuous, and that’s what he sees. When Jackson gets in trouble for stowing away on the NautiCarribean, he tries his best to make up for his mistakes and to turn his life around. Him getting roomed with Cory was a total coincidence but it was like fate intervening in their lives. You will really enjoy this book if you love enemies-to-lovers and redemption stories. This was an amazing romance and I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
June 25, 2024
Finding a New Direction . . .

This is a journey that spoiled drunken stowaway Jackson Carrington (“JJ”) finds himself in when he parties too hard and wakes up on a cruise where he was definitely not one of the paying guests! With the ship fully booked and no extra accommodations to provide for Jackson, other than the brig, crew member Cory Wynn ultimately ends up offering to share his own quarters with the spoiled rich stowaway. This situation will have quite an impact on both of them. Will it be the beginning of something special? Can it lead to positive changes in their lives? Or is it simply an embarrassing moment they will experience then soon forget? Growing up can often have its painful moments; but having the courage to accept an opportunity that allows Jackson to change his ways can make all the difference in his future. Will he make the better choice this time?
1,228 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2024
Below Deck Is a part of the multi-author series, Pride Cruise 2024. This is a cute romance between a spoiled playboy and a cruise ship employee. This is an enemy to lovers' romance with all the good feels. If the other books are like this one, I can't wait to read the rest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brei-ayn.
599 reviews6 followers
June 30, 2024
I loved Below Deck and struggled to put it down. The story is amazing and I enjoyed reading Cory and JJ's story.
Profile Image for Marion.
1,802 reviews
June 29, 2024
This book Is a part of the multi-author series Pride Cruise 2024 and each book can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is the story of JJ Carrington and Cory Wynn. JJ is a spoiled playboy who drinks way too much. He joins up with some cruise passengers and parties way too hard. He sneaks on board with the guests and is found to be a stowaway. Thanks to familial connections, he is not arrested but stays on board in the crew quarters as there are no available rooms onboard. Cory is a nice young man who enjoys his job as a server onboard the ship. He already saw JJ acting in fine form during the day. He is not happy to learn that JJ will be staying with him until the next port. JJ is not allowed to go anywhere without Cory so they will have forced proximity. Neither is really happy about the situation but they will try to make the best of it. This is their story. I know the book is short but I found it really hard to accept the drastic attitude and aptitude changes that we see in the book. I have read many books by this author and this book is not among my favourites. It is no reflection on how the book is written. It is easy to read. It is simply a matter of my personal preference. If you are looking for a low angst, opposites attract, forced proximity story set in the multi-authored Pride Cruise 2024 series; you will enjoy this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Babara-Anne.
1,730 reviews17 followers
June 24, 2024
ENEMIES CLOSE PROXIMITY CABIN LOVERS!💕

AHOY! 🛟 All hands on deck for the Pride Cruise 2024🛳️with the delightful penmanship of BL Maxwell!

I absolutely loved the premise of this book with wonderful main characters and side characters!

In this case we go below deck when a stowaway from a binge drinking party JJ Carrington has to share a cabin with one of the busboys Cory Wynn while under house arrest which leads to an adventure both will never forget!

I enjoyed seeing how Jackson aka JJ to his party friends and hookups shows tremendous character growth in his attempt to better himself in the ships crew’s eyes by being a responsible adult in his journey to redemption and love!

Cory was a sweet, shy, lovable character who didn’t let people walk over him no matter which class they belonged to…

I loved all the theme filled activities and costumes throughout the entire cruise and how fun and exciting the author made them!

A sweet epilogue follows a year later to showcase where both Jackson and Cory are on their journey to a new beginning…

A sweet low angst love story about being true to yourself and finding acceptance with a sense of finally belonging!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,022 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2024
JJ Carrington is a rich playboy, drunken more often than not. A bit of a manho, he lives a shiftless, no consequences life. Until he makes the mistake of stowing away on a cruise ship. His father's friendship with the captain keeps him out of the brig and he ends up in a bunk with a crewmember.
Cory Wynn loves his life as a cruise ship waiter/busser. It's hard work, but has it's perks, 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off. And men in speedos. Or less, as this is a Pride cruise. He's not so happy to be rooming with the gorgeous but obnoxious drunk.
This is a tale of redemption and finding where you belong. Jackson gets a redo on life, dropping his partying nickname. He finds a home with the close knit crew. And finds love with sweet, sunshiny Cory.
Lots of steam, but also sweet moments, like dancing under a moonlit sky and stargazing. A great storyline. Strong secondary characters. Descriptive worldbuilding. A fun peek into the life of ship crew members.
An enjoyable, quick read. But what else would you expect, it's BL Maxwell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,885 reviews18 followers
July 1, 2024
Humiliation can motivate life altering change. JJ is a son of privilege, used to getting his way in spite of any rules. He is slowly growing tired of the rut he's fallen into and opening his mind to outside himself. After partying one night, he follows his fellow partygoers onto the ship, basically becoming a stowaway. He is discovered not being a legitmate passenger and detained, his privilege gives him 'options'. Cory, has been working on the ship for the past year. He was hoping to meet and fall in love with his forever man. JJ and Corey are forced to share a cabin until JJ is dropped off. There is instant dislike but once they start getting to know each other, they learn first impressions, can be misleading and the other person may not be so obnoxious. Growth, acceptance, openness to change and continuous improvement a willingness and a bit of snark, make this a fun story. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bright Love.
32 reviews
July 10, 2024
The most important thing to know about the story is the storyline.

Cory for years works on a cruiseship. This time he works on a cruiseship what has a gay tour.
Cory hates rude guests. As you can understand poor Cory has to deal with many rude guests.
Cory would say Jackson belongs in the list of rude guests. Cory didn't like JAckson from the beginning.
Cory thinks Jackson is rude and arrogant, because of the way Jackson treat Cory in the beginning.
What Cory doesn't know is that Jackson is a whole another person when he is sober. What if hate and disgust change Cory view about Jackson?

Jackson or as his friends call him, JJ. Jackson is the son of a rich businessman. He likes to party and drink till he gets sick. Jackson likes to hookup with many guys.
He is a spoiled man and gets many times in trouble but his daddy always saves him.
When JAckson and his friend Bobby goes to a club they meet other guys and follow them for the evening. What they don't know is that the guys sleep on a cruiseship.
Jackson and Bobby stay in a hotel. Bobby goes back to the hotel and JAckson stays on the cruiseship to hookup with two guys. JAckson got caught by the cruise crew and needs to pay for staying on the cruiseship. JAckson doesn't have his money and his dad don't want to bail him out. his dad says Jackson needs to figure it out himself. JAckson finds out he has to share his room with Cory. Cory isn't happy with it.

In the end JAckson shows he is different then Cory thinks about him. Jackson cares for him, don't mind to work for his cost. JAckson and Cory are the perfect match.


1,667 reviews11 followers
June 27, 2024
This is a cute story in the Pride Cruise series, and the blurb describes it very well. When Jackson is caught as a stowaway and will be sharing Corey’s cabin until he is put off the ship at the next port, what begins as an uncomfortable situation soon becomes more one of respect and mutual attraction as Jackson makes some realizations about himself and some decisions to affect his future. Interesting characters, an unexpected situation, lots of long hours and hard work, and the chance for a HEA for these two men. Entertaining and engaging, in what I could see as a realistic situation based on cruises I have taken. A fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,295 reviews51 followers
November 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I was quick to get hooked to the storyline. I really liked both Cory and JJ, though they were kind of opposites. JJ was a bit of a mess and finally gets into trouble that he can't wiggle out of; Cory's working hard and not happy having to take responsibility for JJ who's snuck onto the cruise ship before getting caught and now sharing his cabin. JJ has a good heart though and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship would develop.

I listened to this audiobook narrated by Daniel Downs. I've never heard him before, but I liked his tone of voice. I had no trouble distinguishing between the characters. I hope to listen to him again.

Overall: 4 stars
Performance: 4 stars
Story: 4 stars
Profile Image for Gavin Stephenson-Jackman.
1,674 reviews
June 24, 2024
JJ (Jackson) Carrington is the ultimate gay party boy. His life consists of partying, drinking, and sex until he finds his way onto a cruise ship as a stowaway. Corey is one of the crew on board and noticed Jackson while working a shore party. He'd not been impressed with Jackson's behavior and obvious intoxication. When Jackson is found aboard ship Corey has the only room with an available bed. Forced together they discover more about each other than either expected. Could Jackson actually be a responsible adult, someone worth taking a risk for? Could Corey be the man Jackson had been looking for to change his life? A great enemies to lovers forced proximity romance.
308 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2024
J J Carrington has lived hedonistic for far too long. This time he's gone too far. After a day spent playing with a married couple, he finds himself following them on their cruise liner. After they set sail, he is found passed out drunk in the lounge. Poor Cory Wynn is tasked with babysitting him until they reach the next port.
After sobering up, J J has to take a hard look at himself and compare himself to hard working normal people. He doesn't like what he sees. Volunteering to work in the kitchens he finds a new purpose in life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,709 reviews8 followers
June 30, 2024
Opposites attract, forced proximity

Jackson lives a vagabond life, going with the wind and chasing the next party.
He's partying with some people, follows them aboard their cruise, and ends up a stowaway.
His familial connections keep him from trouble.
Cory is a crew member, and he's definitely not impressed with Jackson's stellar behavior.
They're forced to bunk together, and initially, there's just animosity between them.
Slowly, they get to know one another, and Jackson actually begins to change and realizes that he wants more with Cory while Cory also feels the same way.
1,014 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2024
Drinking and hooking up is all that Jackson does. When his most recent binge has him as a stowaway on a cruise ship, he wakes up to find himself in a strange bed sharing a room with a cutie he vaguely remembers. The last thing Cory wanted was to be saddled with an entitled rich guy rooming with him until he can be taken to the next port.

But soon Jackson realizes how nice Cory is and he wants to be a better man. Paying his way and giving back is what he wants to do but a position working on the ship washing dishes falls into his lap!

This sweet and sexy story is a great beachside read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for _booklover_mamas_tomgirl_.
200 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2025
I found Below Deck to be both charming and suspenseful—it was definitely a page-turner. The setting added a unique and intriguing backdrop, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters were romantic, complex, and felt very real, with just the right amount of vulnerability and strength. There were moments of heroism that made me root for them even more. I’d recommend this book to someone looking for a sweet, heartfelt romance with a dash of mystery and suspense. It's perfect for readers who enjoy emotional depth and a compelling plot that keeps you invested until the last page.
1,904 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2024
This was a fun and enjoyable read! Cory seemed like a sweetheart from the beginning and stayed true to himself throughout the whole story. Jackson was a fun loving guy that seemed a little spoiled at the beginning but showed he just needed the chance to become his true self. I loved seeing the change come over him when he found something and someone to make him truly happy! These two were a very cute couple in this somewhat fast paced romance! Very enjoyable and entertaining read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina Horton.
336 reviews4 followers
June 22, 2024
This was a very adorable story but with some added heat.

Rich boy JJ Carrington goes on a binge and ends up stowing away on a cruise ship where he placed into Cory Wynn’s cabin.

This is a mild enemy to lovers paired but low angst with some really steamy nights.

The MCs were loveable. I love the back-and-forth between viewpoints because you learn a lot more about a moment.

I would love more stories between Cory and JJ.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for stardragon.
1,298 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2024
Jackson “JJ” Carrington is on vacation with friends, they have been drinking the past few days. Jackson leads a privileged lifestyle but soon that will change. Cory Wynn works for NautiCruise, and likes his job. Yes there are obnoxious guests but overall he enjoys his work. When Jackson is caught as a stowaway on the ship Cory has the only available cabin with an extra bunk or Jackson stays in the brig. This book is about resetting your life and finding love. It’s cute, funny and great characters.
2,702 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2024
Cory worked on a gay cruise ship and loved it he worked in the different restaurants, working at an island restaurant saw JJ getting drunk with his friends. Got back to the ship and JJ showed up with a couple on the ship, had lost his phone and wallet somewhere on the island. Cory had to play babysitter to him and roommate because his father wouldn’t bail him out so JJ got a job in the kitchen as dishwasher and wanted to be called Jackson. They fell in love and Jackson signed up again. Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
171 reviews
June 19, 2024
What a great group of people. Working with such a crew must be awesome.

Our hero, Cory, think so and he loves his job on a cruiser. On Pride Cruise he meets JJ, a drunken playboy who gets snuck onto the cruiser. Luckily for them Cory has a spare bed and JJ is put into his custody. They soon realise they do not dislike each other, JJ gets his act together and a nice lovestory develops.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,314 reviews16 followers
June 30, 2024
This is another good addition to the multi author pride cruise series, JJ a party boy who drinks to much ends up on board and in trouble, he’s forced to share a room with Cory a staff member and when he starts to sober up he realises just how off the rails his life has become and he wants to turn it around because he feels there’s something special about Cory and wants a chance with him. Good read.
Profile Image for Terra Oenning.
3,543 reviews
July 3, 2024
Wowsa this book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end. It's a fast read and insta love story with M/m love story. Cory works on a cruise ship and when he sees JJ he can't look away but when jj is caught veins a stowaway can they keep from crossing lines? Loves it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mandy Tunstill.
518 reviews11 followers
July 14, 2024
WOW.... Below Deck by BL Maxwell is another amazing edition to the pride cruise 2024 and I was hooked from the start love ....... Jackson and Cory they are so cute and adorable together Jackson spoiled playboy to stowaway on a cruise ship forced to share quarters with Cory a crew member from enemies to lovers to a chance at redemption with the help of someone truly special brilliant recommend this series.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,074 reviews39 followers
April 8, 2025
This was a relatively cool concept with a pride cruise, but I found myself rolling my eyes a bit and hitting the "I believe" button to get through this. It generally takes place over 3 or 4 days, and the guys miraculously fall madly in love in that time. Everything happened way too perfectly, but that is sometimes the beauty of reading the romance novels - to escape reality and have some feel good happiness. It wasn't my favorite, but it was a decent story.
810 reviews7 followers
June 22, 2024
Foam machine, the silence roared, JJ ->-> Jackson, Port Charlotte Amalie, loincloth

This is a fluffy addition to the Pride Cruise 2024 collection penned by various authors. It's a simple storyline with almost no angst, with a cute couple, many characters, and with many sex scenes without heat. This isn't my cup of tea.
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