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Falling Overboard
Forbidden love on the sun-kissed Mediterranean. Regardless of the risks, it’s easy to get swept away in a breathtaking romance by Sariah Wilson, the USA Today bestselling author of Hypnotized by Love.
Lucky Salerno’s dream is to own a bakery. To earn enough money to achieve it, she has secured a lucrative job as chief stewardess on a superyacht cruising the Mediterranean. Aboard the ship, there’s one unbreakable no hookups among the crew. No problem. The last thing Lucky has time for is a man. Then she meets Hunter Smith, the gorgeous new deckhand sharing her cabin. Is the universe trying to test her willpower?
Who needs the drama that comes with a relationship? Not Hunter. Who can ignore a witty, beautiful bunkmate like Lucky? Also not Hunter. There’s something just as enticing for a tantalizing mystery behind Hunter’s piercing blue eyes she can’t wait to solve. But at what risk?
As they get to know each other, a secret romance buds at sea, and Lucky has to choose. Abide by the rules to make her career dreams come true, or pursue her love for Hunter—another dream that’s just as near to her heart.
Lucky Salerno’s dream is to own a bakery. To earn enough money to achieve it, she has secured a lucrative job as chief stewardess on a superyacht cruising the Mediterranean. Aboard the ship, there’s one unbreakable no hookups among the crew. No problem. The last thing Lucky has time for is a man. Then she meets Hunter Smith, the gorgeous new deckhand sharing her cabin. Is the universe trying to test her willpower?
Who needs the drama that comes with a relationship? Not Hunter. Who can ignore a witty, beautiful bunkmate like Lucky? Also not Hunter. There’s something just as enticing for a tantalizing mystery behind Hunter’s piercing blue eyes she can’t wait to solve. But at what risk?
As they get to know each other, a secret romance buds at sea, and Lucky has to choose. Abide by the rules to make her career dreams come true, or pursue her love for Hunter—another dream that’s just as near to her heart.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2025
882 people are currently reading
10767 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
March 19, 2025
Falling Overboard by Sariah Wilson
Promoted to Chief steward on the private yacht is more than Lucky Salerno expected after only being aboard the ship for a few months. But the job is hers and she is now responsible for all the staff and the work they do. She needs to make sure everything is perfect for the guests that come aboard each week. The only change with new owners is that there be no hookups among the crew. Lucky is fine with that. She has a three year plan to make enough money to open a bakery and she’s not going to let anyone get in the way of that goal. But she has to help her sisters too when they call.
Hunter Smith is a new deckhand and Lucky’s new roommate. Lucky and Hunter are fine being platonic friends and end up watching Broadway musical movies in their downtime and growing closer. They know the rules but they are getting harder to follow as affection grows into romance.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The narration is performed by Eric London and Summer Morton. Both did a wonderful job with their POV and multiple voices. I listened at a speed above 1.5 to more closely match my reading and local conversation. I enjoyed the audiobook in particular for the sarcasm and secondary characters that were unique.
I’ve never spent a summer on a yacht, nor can I imagine the amount of physical labor or customer service required for such a job but it was fun to live vicariously through the story of such a summer.
Flirty and romantic.
I was gifted a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased both an ebook and an audiobook copy.
Promoted to Chief steward on the private yacht is more than Lucky Salerno expected after only being aboard the ship for a few months. But the job is hers and she is now responsible for all the staff and the work they do. She needs to make sure everything is perfect for the guests that come aboard each week. The only change with new owners is that there be no hookups among the crew. Lucky is fine with that. She has a three year plan to make enough money to open a bakery and she’s not going to let anyone get in the way of that goal. But she has to help her sisters too when they call.
Hunter Smith is a new deckhand and Lucky’s new roommate. Lucky and Hunter are fine being platonic friends and end up watching Broadway musical movies in their downtime and growing closer. They know the rules but they are getting harder to follow as affection grows into romance.
🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook. The narration is performed by Eric London and Summer Morton. Both did a wonderful job with their POV and multiple voices. I listened at a speed above 1.5 to more closely match my reading and local conversation. I enjoyed the audiobook in particular for the sarcasm and secondary characters that were unique.
I’ve never spent a summer on a yacht, nor can I imagine the amount of physical labor or customer service required for such a job but it was fun to live vicariously through the story of such a summer.
Flirty and romantic.
I was gifted a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased both an ebook and an audiobook copy.
November 30, 2024
This was a fun read! I love that Ms. Wilson gives her characters unique occupations. The setting was fun on this one, a super yacht! Lots of forced proximity and chemistry between our characters. I thought it was a fun, entertaining read. I enjoyed it!
Content Rated PG13
Romance: Kissing/making out, more innuendo & being physically attracted to each other
Language: None
Violence: None
Content Rated PG13
Romance: Kissing/making out, more innuendo & being physically attracted to each other
Language: None
Violence: None
March 31, 2025
Falling Overboard—PG/PG13
Violence: no
Language: no
Sex: descriptive kissing
Haha, even if it’s just a dream, it flips the book to a different rating. There’s a lot of double entendre. There’s also a lot of in bed time, where absolutely nothing happens ;-) This is a lot sexier (but still extremely mild) than I remember any SW book being.
Violence: no
Language: no
Sex: descriptive kissing
Haha, even if it’s just a dream, it flips the book to a different rating. There’s a lot of double entendre. There’s also a lot of in bed time, where absolutely nothing happens ;-) This is a lot sexier (but still extremely mild) than I remember any SW book being.
March 18, 2025
Review ↝ I really enjoyed this one. In a world saturated with hate let’s just say Lucky and Hunter’s love story scored one for the good guys! It was wholesome and I needed a lighter read after some personal issues. So I absolutely welcomed this super sweet book and looked forward to the HEA.
It had some of my favorite tropes like pining so much pining lol so of course the slow burn was there because our MCS were abiding by the no fraternization rule which forbade any above or below deck romance. Which also proved difficult because of forced proximity— they end up bunk mates as they work on a super yacht and I. ATE. IT. UP!
In one hand we have Lucky, chief stew & baker who is also a kind, people pleasing over thinker that second guesses herself constantly due to past traumas and in the other we have Hunter new deckhand who is the most compassionate and kind man ever, who swoops in to save the day because he has also experienced loss. With their backstories, Sariah highlighted the struggles regarding mental health (anxiety, ADHD) and I loved that Lucky and Hunter grew to be the best versions of themselves as they got to know each other.
Although it felt as it was beyond reality at times, it was refreshing to read about two imperfect people, that when all the stars align their love can be made into something beautiful and real.
🛳️⚓️
Thank you @sariahwilsonauthor I’m glad I was one of the lucky ones to receive this ARC!
It had some of my favorite tropes like pining so much pining lol so of course the slow burn was there because our MCS were abiding by the no fraternization rule which forbade any above or below deck romance. Which also proved difficult because of forced proximity— they end up bunk mates as they work on a super yacht and I. ATE. IT. UP!
In one hand we have Lucky, chief stew & baker who is also a kind, people pleasing over thinker that second guesses herself constantly due to past traumas and in the other we have Hunter new deckhand who is the most compassionate and kind man ever, who swoops in to save the day because he has also experienced loss. With their backstories, Sariah highlighted the struggles regarding mental health (anxiety, ADHD) and I loved that Lucky and Hunter grew to be the best versions of themselves as they got to know each other.
Although it felt as it was beyond reality at times, it was refreshing to read about two imperfect people, that when all the stars align their love can be made into something beautiful and real.
🛳️⚓️
Thank you @sariahwilsonauthor I’m glad I was one of the lucky ones to receive this ARC!
March 4, 2025
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
This was a slow burn, forced proximity (can't get much closer than a cabin on a yacht!) romance. I liked most of it, I think Lucky and Hunter had great chemistry and I really liked how they tried respecting rules of their employment as best they could. I enjoyed reading a romcom with a yacht setting (new for me!) and learning about all the things the employees do, as well as how terrible some of the guests on the boat were. My only real complaint is not knowing what Emily's fate was. I sincerely hope she meets karma in the worst way possible.
Narrators were both excellent, and I would definitely recommend this audio book!
This was a slow burn, forced proximity (can't get much closer than a cabin on a yacht!) romance. I liked most of it, I think Lucky and Hunter had great chemistry and I really liked how they tried respecting rules of their employment as best they could. I enjoyed reading a romcom with a yacht setting (new for me!) and learning about all the things the employees do, as well as how terrible some of the guests on the boat were. My only real complaint is not knowing what Emily's fate was. I sincerely hope she meets karma in the worst way possible.
Narrators were both excellent, and I would definitely recommend this audio book!
April 30, 2025
DNF - oh my god we get it, he’s hot. Can a woman be able to think literally anything else? Writing was so obnoxious, i couldn’t do it anymore. Made it only about 30% through and that was generous.
July 13, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Falling Overboard
Author: Sariah Wilson
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for my audiobook copy! I absolutely loved this one. New favorite romance author unlocked. The cruise ship setting was so fun and immersive, and I enjoyed getting a peek at what it might feel like to work on one. The situation our main characters are thrown into is unmatched. They are stuck sharing a cabin, and the biggest rule on the ship is no hookups. Lucky is determined to stay focused on her job and save up for her dream of opening a bakery. She refuses to let her handsome, pun-loving new roommate derail her plans. But Hunter is all in on winning her over, and honestly, he is everything you could want in a main character. This book made me feel like I was on vacation. I loved the forbidden romance, the slow-burn tension, and the humor. The narration was fantastic and had me laughing out loud while also feeling so many emotions. I really enjoyed every minute of it.
Falling Overboard
Author: Sariah Wilson
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for my audiobook copy! I absolutely loved this one. New favorite romance author unlocked. The cruise ship setting was so fun and immersive, and I enjoyed getting a peek at what it might feel like to work on one. The situation our main characters are thrown into is unmatched. They are stuck sharing a cabin, and the biggest rule on the ship is no hookups. Lucky is determined to stay focused on her job and save up for her dream of opening a bakery. She refuses to let her handsome, pun-loving new roommate derail her plans. But Hunter is all in on winning her over, and honestly, he is everything you could want in a main character. This book made me feel like I was on vacation. I loved the forbidden romance, the slow-burn tension, and the humor. The narration was fantastic and had me laughing out loud while also feeling so many emotions. I really enjoyed every minute of it.
March 24, 2025
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC if this new book by Sariah Wilson.
This book captivated me from the beginning. I loved every interaction between Lucky and Hunter. It's a romance set in the Mediterranean, where our protagonist (Lucky) has just been promoted to first stewardess of the yacht Il Mio Tesoro. The captain tells her that a new employee (Hunter) will be arriving, and that she must give him a tour of the yacht and explain how everything works. He also informs her that the new employee will have to sleep in her cabin because there are no other available. A final directive is that the new owners have implemented a no-dating rule among the yacht's employees.
It's a light, funny read, full of nautical puns that will make this story a refreshing adventure. The book is told from two points of view and deals with themes such as loss of loved ones, anxiety attacks, and ADHD.
This book captivated me from the beginning. I loved every interaction between Lucky and Hunter. It's a romance set in the Mediterranean, where our protagonist (Lucky) has just been promoted to first stewardess of the yacht Il Mio Tesoro. The captain tells her that a new employee (Hunter) will be arriving, and that she must give him a tour of the yacht and explain how everything works. He also informs her that the new employee will have to sleep in her cabin because there are no other available. A final directive is that the new owners have implemented a no-dating rule among the yacht's employees.
It's a light, funny read, full of nautical puns that will make this story a refreshing adventure. The book is told from two points of view and deals with themes such as loss of loved ones, anxiety attacks, and ADHD.
March 1, 2025
This was a fun, sweet, forbidden forced proximity, coworker romance set aboard a super yacht that had great mental health rep (the MMC has ADHD and lost a sister and the FMC has anxiety and panic attacks and has also lost a lot of close loved ones). Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like Love, lists and fancy ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz or More than shipmates by Philippa Young. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Steam level: kissing only/fade to black
Steam level: kissing only/fade to black
March 18, 2025
This charming and entertaining read was the perfect escape! As a big fan of the show Below Deck, I loved how this story brought that world to life. With a wild crew and outrageous passengers, the antics in this story make for an endlessly amusing ride!
And the nautical puns? An added delight!
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖…
🛏️Forced Proximity
⚓️Workplace Romance
🙅🏻♀️Forbidden Romance
💞Insta Love
🛥️Below Deck
🧠Mental Heath Rep
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads
And the nautical puns? An added delight!
ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖…
🛏️Forced Proximity
⚓️Workplace Romance
🙅🏻♀️Forbidden Romance
💞Insta Love
🛥️Below Deck
🧠Mental Heath Rep
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads
May 15, 2025
This book was the definition of a wholesome, slow burn romance between two co workers, Lucky and Hunter, working on a yacht. I enjoyed reading how their relationship blossomed throughout the entirety of the book, capturing two people with their individual struggles just trying to navigate their jobs, life, but mainly their irresistible feelings for each other. It did get very cheesy in parts, especially with endless puns, but nonetheless was an easy read and a happy little love story!
July 10, 2025
“Movie and popcorn?”
This book was such a fun read! Set on a yacht, it’s centered around the crew that works on it. Lucky, our FMC, is anxious, hardworking, and big-hearted (Even though her heart is a bit battered). With ambitious goals and a tight timeline to meet them, doing her job well is essential. Then new hire Hunter climbs aboard, and the instant attraction leaves her feeling frazzled.
Hunter’s body is perfect, but his past isn’t. He’s working hard to prove to himself. On a journey of self-improvement, he’s determined to reach his own goals and build a future that reflects the man he’s trying to become.
There’s instant attraction, insta-lust, and an immediate “can we take this to the nearest room?” connection, which isn’t usually my thing, but it’s balanced with a forbidden romance, forced proximity, and a battle of wits, hearts, and, well, other things.
What starts as surface-level attraction slowly deepens through plenty of banter, mistakes, nautical puns, and a genuine interest in truly understanding each other. But where does it end? Who knows, because did I mention it’s not all smooth sailing?
Spoiler:
-
-
-
Don’t keep going I warned you
-
-
-
I totally forgot how to spell her name but can we get a bonus chapter on Emilie getting some kind of karma because with a build up like that I feel like we needed more!
This book was such a fun read! Set on a yacht, it’s centered around the crew that works on it. Lucky, our FMC, is anxious, hardworking, and big-hearted (Even though her heart is a bit battered). With ambitious goals and a tight timeline to meet them, doing her job well is essential. Then new hire Hunter climbs aboard, and the instant attraction leaves her feeling frazzled.
Hunter’s body is perfect, but his past isn’t. He’s working hard to prove to himself. On a journey of self-improvement, he’s determined to reach his own goals and build a future that reflects the man he’s trying to become.
There’s instant attraction, insta-lust, and an immediate “can we take this to the nearest room?” connection, which isn’t usually my thing, but it’s balanced with a forbidden romance, forced proximity, and a battle of wits, hearts, and, well, other things.
What starts as surface-level attraction slowly deepens through plenty of banter, mistakes, nautical puns, and a genuine interest in truly understanding each other. But where does it end? Who knows, because did I mention it’s not all smooth sailing?
Spoiler:
-
-
-
Don’t keep going I warned you
-
-
-
I totally forgot how to spell her name but can we get a bonus chapter on Emilie getting some kind of karma because with a build up like that I feel like we needed more!
March 28, 2025
!BRAVO FANS! This is a below deck series! Cute and fun, good read.
March 14, 2025
This is probably closer to a 4.5 star rating for me :)
How stinkin cute! I read this in one day 😄
My only real issue with it was the beginning - it kind of threw the main characters at each other and revealed this automatic chemistry that didn’t feel “earned” to me. And then there was a heavy focus on the staff avoiding hooking up (or avoiding getting caught) which made me worry this was going to be 500 pages of hookup drama…
But that didn’t end up being the case! I loved how their relationship developed. The forced proximity and secrecy was fun and added to the depth of their chemistry - which I do believe was well earned in the end.
Puns GALORE! Nautical, pasta, equine, nothing was off limits. I was laughing out loud.
Overall a great balance of romance, comedy, and drama.
Kissing only - no on-page spice of any characters, but it was insinuated/discussed.
How stinkin cute! I read this in one day 😄
My only real issue with it was the beginning - it kind of threw the main characters at each other and revealed this automatic chemistry that didn’t feel “earned” to me. And then there was a heavy focus on the staff avoiding hooking up (or avoiding getting caught) which made me worry this was going to be 500 pages of hookup drama…
But that didn’t end up being the case! I loved how their relationship developed. The forced proximity and secrecy was fun and added to the depth of their chemistry - which I do believe was well earned in the end.
Puns GALORE! Nautical, pasta, equine, nothing was off limits. I was laughing out loud.
Overall a great balance of romance, comedy, and drama.
Kissing only - no on-page spice of any characters, but it was insinuated/discussed.
July 16, 2025
Rom com meets below deck - easy read and really enjoyed
May 24, 2025
Wilson won’t win a Pulitzer for this, but as a piece of beach-read-fluff, it scores high in every category. Well structured, no over-written soft porn, and solid characters. I would have liked to see more done with the brilliant settings for each “stop” on their journey(s), but even with the minimalistic approach, it was a cute read that made me all fuzzy.
April 29, 2025
This story is very readable, and cute. It’s a closed door romance but it is very much focused on physical attraction. I have loved her other books, but the focus on the physical rivaling the plot took this one down a notch for me.
March 12, 2025
This novel was an absolute delight, sweeping me away into a beautifully described European setting filled with charm and passion. The Italian references added such a rich and authentic atmosphere, making me feel like I was strolling through cobblestone streets, savoring the scent of fresh espresso and citrus blossoms.
The romance itself was pure magic! The forced proximity kept the tension deliciously high, with every glance and unspoken word charged with emotion. And the forbidden love element? Utterly captivating! The stakes were real, making every stolen moment feel even more precious.
What made this story shine was how well the author balanced sweetness with depth. The chemistry between the characters felt so natural, and their emotional journey was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching in the best way. If you love clean romances with swoon-worthy tension, a stunning European backdrop, and a love that feels truly meant to be, this is the perfect book for you!
The romance itself was pure magic! The forced proximity kept the tension deliciously high, with every glance and unspoken word charged with emotion. And the forbidden love element? Utterly captivating! The stakes were real, making every stolen moment feel even more precious.
What made this story shine was how well the author balanced sweetness with depth. The chemistry between the characters felt so natural, and their emotional journey was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching in the best way. If you love clean romances with swoon-worthy tension, a stunning European backdrop, and a love that feels truly meant to be, this is the perfect book for you!
March 18, 2025
Falling Overboard is a dual POV contemporary romance about Lucky and Hunter that takes place on a super yacht (think Below Deck). Lucky is an unexpected chief stew who struggles with standing up for herself. Hunter is a new deckhand with a secret who is searching for some redemption. These two end up being bunkmates (hello, forced proximity). What happens when the new boat owners institute a "don't screw the crew" rule?
Falling Overboard would be an easy read for fans of Below Deck, who understand how yachts are run. Many of the situations will feel very familiar. The conflict was not surprising, and I guessed it rather early on, but I don't think it was meant to be that shocking. I would have liked to see more from the other crew members, especially since one in particular ends up being so involved in the conflict. Do keep in mind that this book is fairly low spice. If this matters to you, you might want to look elsewhere.
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review!
Falling Overboard would be an easy read for fans of Below Deck, who understand how yachts are run. Many of the situations will feel very familiar. The conflict was not surprising, and I guessed it rather early on, but I don't think it was meant to be that shocking. I would have liked to see more from the other crew members, especially since one in particular ends up being so involved in the conflict. Do keep in mind that this book is fairly low spice. If this matters to you, you might want to look elsewhere.
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review!
March 21, 2025
This is a contemporary romance set on a charter yacht.
This is a dual POV romance set on a yacht in the Mediterranean. The two main characters are on the crew.
This was such a cute read! This was such a cute read! I love books set on yachts. And the setting was glorious. I really loved the nautical puns and the baking. And I just adored Lucky and Hunter! I also thought that the anxiety rep was well done. Overall this was such a feel good book.
Thanks to netgalley and Montlake Romance for allowing me to read this book.
This is a dual POV romance set on a yacht in the Mediterranean. The two main characters are on the crew.
This was such a cute read! This was such a cute read! I love books set on yachts. And the setting was glorious. I really loved the nautical puns and the baking. And I just adored Lucky and Hunter! I also thought that the anxiety rep was well done. Overall this was such a feel good book.
Thanks to netgalley and Montlake Romance for allowing me to read this book.
April 7, 2025
3.5⭐️ Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I enjoyed the forced proximity trope. Those can be fun and the writing for this was done quite well.
I enjoyed the banter, nautical puns and conversations with the FMC & MMC. I wish there was a bit more from the crew, but it was still interesting regardless. The character developments and chemistry were easy to follow.
Decent story overall!
I enjoyed the forced proximity trope. Those can be fun and the writing for this was done quite well.
I enjoyed the banter, nautical puns and conversations with the FMC & MMC. I wish there was a bit more from the crew, but it was still interesting regardless. The character developments and chemistry were easy to follow.
Decent story overall!
March 12, 2025
This book was adorable!
I absolutely love Sariah Wilson’s writing always. These two characters, Lucky & Hunter, are so easy to love and swoon over. I absolutely loved the yacht scene because I just spent 2 weeks on a yacht in Italy in June and it was so fun to tie the two together.
I highly recommend this book if you like a lighthearted, adorable easy and quick bingable romance read!
I absolutely love Sariah Wilson’s writing always. These two characters, Lucky & Hunter, are so easy to love and swoon over. I absolutely loved the yacht scene because I just spent 2 weeks on a yacht in Italy in June and it was so fun to tie the two together.
I highly recommend this book if you like a lighthearted, adorable easy and quick bingable romance read!
March 19, 2025
Lucky and Hunter’s story was a fun read.
It’s a great slow burn/forced proximity read with plenty of humour and wit. I enjoyed the fact the story was set on a super yacht and the two leads were forbidden to be together and had to fight their chemistry.
There’s also a well handled mental health rep and I love seeing that in romance.
I received an arc of this book
It’s a great slow burn/forced proximity read with plenty of humour and wit. I enjoyed the fact the story was set on a super yacht and the two leads were forbidden to be together and had to fight their chemistry.
There’s also a well handled mental health rep and I love seeing that in romance.
I received an arc of this book
March 26, 2025
This was a nice, clean little romance. I enjoyed the characters and the chemistry was good. The setting being on a cruise ship was different. I especially loved all of the nautical puns.
April 22, 2025
this was a quick adorable romcom. loved hunter and lucky! hunter and all his puns. I laughed so many times.
October 15, 2025
Lived my below deck dreams through this book
October 26, 2025
I wanna work on a yacht
January 30, 2026
WOW
Love lucky and the love hunter has for her so cute very good read I will be reading more from this author...
Love lucky and the love hunter has for her so cute very good read I will be reading more from this author...
June 28, 2025
If you’re into Bravo’s Below Deck the this is the romance for you!
August 18, 2025
Who knew you could fit so many nautical themed puns into one book 😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews