Cruising for Christmas

by K.M. Ryan

When Norah’s holiday plans fall through, she joins her best friend’s family on a cruise. It isn’t until she boards the ship that she discovers she isn’t rooming with her best friend, but with her friend’s older brother, Ian.

The problem? There’s only one bed, and Norah overhears Ian talking about how unattractive she is. But with nowhere to go, Norah tries to make the best of the situation.

Through clothing mishaps, awkwardness, pranks, and a sexy Santa dancing contest, Norah and Ian realize that perhaps rooming with each other wasn’t a mistake after all.

But was the cruise long enough to create a bond, or will they go their separate ways?

112 pages, Paperback

Published December 13, 2023

About the author

K. M. Ryan was born in Spokane, Washington. She enjoys writing steamy, contemporary romance novels, but she enjoys reading them even more!

She knew she wanted to publish a novel at the age of fourteen. Several (unpublished) books later, she finally decided to self-publish at the encouragement of her family and friends. She resides in Nine Mile Falls, Washington with her husband, two children, and one cat.

Reviews

[Sarah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing indie author bingo and this author was one I needed to read. Pleasantly surprised. I love cruising so it was right up my alley. Forced proximity and one bed done right. Glad I found this book!

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Norah decides last minute to join her best friend in a Christmas cruise with her family...only to be roommates with Shay's older brother, Ian. Norah overhears a comment Ian makes and tries to avoid him for the remainder of the cruise, much to Ian's dismay. Lots of laughs, pranks and sweet moments.

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

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5

Norah doesn’t want to spend Christmas with her family due to a recent break up and her family tends to be hard on her of course in a loving way, but she just doesn’t want to deal with it. But of course she is going to show up regardless until she finds out they have different plans for Christmas. Which means she can now attend the cruise with her best friend Shay and her family.

Little does Norah know that she’ll be rooming with Ian which is Shay’s brother. This might be okay but to make it even more awkward even though Shay and Norah are best friends Ian has never met Norah due to moving away young. Stuck in a room with your best friend’s brother and stranger with ONE BED. Yes, one bed makes for an interesting cruise bond to have some awkward laughable moments. Ian is going through a break up hisself and was just dumped.

But did Shay set up purposely this way? Does she secretly want her best friend and brother together? I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t say more.

If you’re looking for a holiday read that is binge able, with plot, dash of spice, age gap, forced proximity, one bed, best friends brother, humor and characters you will enjoy with a happily ever after? Then you need to pick Cruising for Christmas!

[Philippa Lythall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I’m not disappointed. I loved reading Norah and Ian’s story, this is a forced proximity romance with a HEA.

Norah is a confident curvy girl, her best friend invites her on a Christmas cruise. When she gets on the ship, she is shocked to find out she has to share a room with her best friend’s brother. We find out if sparks fly or it’s an uncomfortable week.

I loved the characters and the storyline . I will definitely recommend this if you want a sweet, funny Christmas romance with a little bit of heat. I can’t wait to read more!.

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

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Safety and Spoilers

Safe. No ow/om drama. H’s ex does show up at the end wanting him back but he sends her away. H couldn’t remember the last time he and his ex were together and nothing really mentioned the ex that h broke up with before book started. It was weird that h was surprised H just got out of a relationship and was afraid she was the rebound but never brought up the fact that she also just got out of a relationship. Nothing is really mentioned about their pasts. H was a stripper for a short time in college.
No abuse or cheating. Nice epilogue.

[cat franie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this book. It had just the right amount of spice in it. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good holiday book to read.

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

[Havok · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book literally had me giggling, squealing, and blushing the whole book! Such a cute Christmas read! The FMC is so relatable and now I wanna cruise for Christmas! K. M. Ryan has such a talent for creating a captivating story with relatable characters!

[Jess Spain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I laughed so much reading this it was so much fun and the chemistry between the two MCs was perfect. Ian is 🔥🔥🔥 and Norah was so relatable. Can't wait to read more books from K.M. Ryan. Thank you.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎅 SPOILERS 🎅
_________________________________
"This would be the longest cruise of his life… and he knew it still wouldn’t be long enough."
_________________________________

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion. This book was written in 3rd person, which typically isn't my favorite but I didn't mind it here. The FMC is plus size, the MMC is her best friends brother and there's a small age gap (7 yrs.) Plus, it takes place over Christmas, what's not to love?? I thought it was super cute, it's short and sweet and there's a guaranteed HEA which is a must for any Holiday read.

✔️ Plus Size
✔️ Best Friends Brother
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Christmas 🎄
_________________________________
"Norah did something to him. She was like a magnet, pulling him in, and he was helpless to stop it. And he couldn’t figure out why."
_________________________________
Nora's 23 years old, and planning to spend Christmas with her parents and siblings. Her best friend, Shay, has been trying to convince her to come on a cruise with her and her family, it's their tradition. However, since she has plans she tells her she can't go. But then her parents call her to cancel Christmas because they are going to Bali and her siblings will be with their in-laws. Since she's available now she decides to go on the cruise with Shay. And once she's on board she finds out that she'll be rooming with Shay's older brother, Ian and they will have to share a bed. Things start out awkward but they start to get close being as they are the only single ones in the group, and Ian makes sure that Nora always has a partner when needed. Everything happens quickly within a week they've fallen for one another, but Ian isn't the settling down type, he likes to travel. Nora doesn't think it's going to work out but once Ian gets home to New York, he realizes that she's the perfect person for him.
_________________________________
"Christmas since meeting her had been better than the one before, and he was excited to see what this Christmas would bring."
_________________________________

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎅 SPOILERS 🎅
_________________________________
"This would be the longest cruise of his life… and he knew it still wouldn’t be long enough."
_________________________________

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion. This book was written in 3rd person, which typically isn't my favorite but I didn't mind it here. The FMC is plus size, the MMC is her best friends brother and there's a small age gap (7 yrs.) Plus, it takes place over Christmas, what's not to love?? I thought it was super cute, it's short and sweet and there's a guaranteed HEA which is a must for any Holiday read.

✔️ Plus Size
✔️ Best Friends Brother
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Christmas 🎄
_________________________________
"Norah did something to him. She was like a magnet, pulling him in, and he was helpless to stop it. And he couldn’t figure out why."
_________________________________
Nora's 23 years old, and planning to spend Christmas with her parents and siblings. Her best friend, Shay, has been trying to convince her to come on a cruise with her and her family, it's their tradition. However, since she has plans she tells her she can't go. But then her parents call her to cancel Christmas because they are going to Bali and her siblings will be with their in-laws. Since she's available now she decides to go on the cruise with Shay. And once she's on board she finds out that she'll be rooming with Shay's older brother, Ian and they will have to share a bed. Things start out awkward but they start to get close being as they are the only single ones in the group, and Ian makes sure that Nora always has a partner when needed. Everything happens quickly within a week they've fallen for one another, but Ian isn't the settling down type, he likes to travel. Nora doesn't think it's going to work out but once Ian gets home to New York, he realizes that she's the perfect person for him.
_________________________________
"Christmas since meeting her had been better than the one before, and he was excited to see what this Christmas would bring."
_________________________________

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Norah’s holiday plans fall through, she joins her best friend’s family on a cruise. It isn’t until she boards the ship that she discovers she isn’t rooming with her best friend but with her friend’s older brother, Ian. The problem? There’s only one bed, and Norah overhears Ian talking about how unattractive she is. But with nowhere to go, Norah tries to make the best of the situation. Through clothing mishaps, awkwardness, pranks, and a sexy Santa dancing contest, Norah and Ian realize that perhaps rooming with each other wasn’t a mistake.
I loved Norah and Ian. With the help of a meddling best friend/sister, these two were set up. I laughed so much at several incidents in this book. It was a fun read but it is also hot! You will not regret buying this book. It was also great to get an epilogue. I love to know a little about the future of the couple after being so engrossed in their story. Great book!

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Norah’s Surprise Roommate . . .

This story line was so much fun! Norah gets invited by her best friend Shay to join their family on a cruise! With her own family scattering to follow their individual Christmas plans this year, she decides to accept Shay's offer. But her bestie had her assigned to share her brother Ian’s cabin (without telling him, of course). With one bed to share, things were a bit awkward. Even more so when it came to sharing the bathroom. Both of them had a good attitude about this, however, and made the best of the situation, actually enjoying themselves and their time together. Could this possibly lead to interest in a relationship? Or would they just continue their separate lives once they disembarked?

There is much more in this story, but rather than leave hints, I think you will appreciate actually reading the book. I’m hooked, for sure. The characters are likable and their attitudes made it easy to cheer for them to find happiness. Grab your copy and enjoy the cruise!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cruising for Christmas is a short and steamy, OTT, forced-proximity, slight age-gap, curvy girl gets her best friend's brother romance. Norah is a 23 year old curvy girl from Washington. Ian is the hunky, 30 year old brother of her best friend, Shay, and lives in New York. When Norah's parents win a trip to Bali for the holidays, she decides to join Shay's family for their annual Christmas cruise. When she arrives, she finds out she'll be sharing a room with Ian, and there is only one bed. The two are instantly attracted to one another, although Norah thinks he isn't. Both have just gone through breakups. They end up striking a friendship, and as they spend time together, they realize they may want more. What happens when the trip is over? I thought this couple was so cute together, and there were definitely a lot of funny moments. They had great chemistry, and after some mild angst, we get a great HEA. This was my first book by this author but not the last. I really enjoyed it.

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

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cruise has always been one of the things on my bucket list, so I loved the setting of this Christmas romance. When Norah arrived on board to find she was sharing a cabin with her BFF’s brother, she felt more than awkward, especially when Norah discovered he had no idea and there was only one bed. But Ian and Norah make the best of the situation and work out a schedule to avoid getting in each other’s way. However, the tiny bathroom proved to be a challenge for Norah and I laughed out loud at the unexpected result. Ian was genuinely likeable, a laid-back guy, who seemed to take everything in his stride. His idea for revenge against his sister for maneuvering them into their situation was a hoot. This was a refreshing, lighthearted romance with no major drama, some funny moments and characters you could relate to. So, sit back and enjoy this little bit of Caribbean sunshine.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is sweet forced proximity romance with a touch of spice and lots of funny moments. Norah and Ian make a great couple just as his sister, who also happens to be her friend, had hoped when she booked them into the same cabin for the cruise. Norah and Ian make the best of the situation, respect each other’s privacy and can even laugh about the situation as they get to know each other better. Their mutual attraction leads to some very intimate moments in their one bed cabin. Both feel the connection, but is it real or only a vacation fling? With them living thousands of miles and hours apart, is a relationship after the cruise ends even plausible? If they follow their hearts, anything is possible.

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

[Danielle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all her plans for Christmas cancelled Norah agrees to go on a cruise with her best friend Shay and her family, only she wasn't quite prepared for her friend to try play match maker and set her up with her brother Ian. Forced to share a cabin with him for a week the close confinement has sparks flying but a misunderstanding of something she heard has Norah fighting any attraction because she feels hurt by Ian's words. Only for it to turn out to be completely the opposite of what Ian actually feels, and he's just as attracted to her as she is him. They soon realise they've wasted time and give in to temptation falling fast and hard.

It was a quick read, and the characters were great, I loved how awkward Norah was, it just made her really likeable.

[casvec]

Norah's holiday plans took an unexpected turn when her mother told her that they were not going get together this year. Instead, Norah called her friend who invited her to go with her family on a cruise, but it was not until she got on the boat that she realized she was sharing a room with Ian, her friend's brother.

Ian had originally invited his girlfriend on the trip, not really wanting her there it was not a hardship when they broke up, but the last thing he though was he would have to share with his sister's friend.

This was a fun fast read as Norah and Ian connection grew over the time of the cruise as they had fun and got to know each other.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A last minute change of Christmas plans Norah (h23) sends Norah on a Caribbean cruise as part of her best friend’s family, a best friend who neglects to tell Norah that she’ll be rooming with Ian (H30), her friend’s older brother, in a single bed cabin. Circumstances lead Norah to believe Ian is averse to curvy girls, even as she struggles with her attraction to him, unaware he is actually drawn to her to. Lots of sweet and funny roommate moments, activities where they get to know one another, and a close proximity draw them togther. Sweet Christmastime romantic quickie with a side of heat and lots of smiles.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, fun Christmas read.

Norah’s Christmas plans are changed at the last minute, and she is forced to share a room with her best friend’s older brother on a weeklong cruise. This story is a slow burn that takes you through a week with this funny family and Norah and Ian really getting to know one another. Very entertaining story with plenty of heart and funny moments throughout. The epilogue was adorable.
This book is one of an eleven book series: Curvy Christmas Series. I’ll definitely be checking out others if there are more like this story.

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

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best friend’s older brother with forced proximity, sounds good right? Norah’s holiday plans fall through and she tags along on her best friend’s family cruise. Norah let her bestie make the arrangements and assumed she’d be rooming with her but instead she booked her with her older brother Ian. Things got interesting from the moment she found out who she was rooming with. I have to say I was so rooting for this couple to figure it out! This was a fun read that had me laughing out loud!

[ljamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norah decides to join her friend Shay and her family for their Christmas cruise. Only to her surprise she finds out she’s sharing a room with Shay’s brother Ian and the room they are sharing only has one bed. Now since both of them are getting over a breakup they decide to become friends. As their friendship develops and grows they realize their feelings may be deeper than they thought. Can a friendship turn into a great loving relationship?

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that i have read from this author but if definitely won’t be my last, i absolutely loved it and i am so glad that I decided to read it.

Norah goes on a last minute Christmas cruise with her best friend and her family. Once there she is mortified to find out that she has to share a room with her best friend’s older brother, who she has never met, and now the real fun begins!!

This book was a wonderful, sweet, romantic, spicy and oh so hilarious Christmas novella and i really really enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved this book, it was so funny in many places and it had me snorting with laughter and it definitely left me with a big smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart…….

[Jenn Theis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the storyline. It came together really well, flowing from one thing to another at a great pace. I really want to go on a cruise for Christmas now.

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

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun holiday read of a surprise roommate on a Christmas family cruise. Enjoyed the characters and their ability to make most of the situation and let themselves relax, open up and have a good time. Liked the family dynamic along with the ease setting of a family vacation.

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

[Kayla Pocernich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. I was hooked from the very first page . This was a sweet, holiday romance story with a side of spice and some heat. Add this book to your TBR and won't be disappointed.

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

[Princesita De cristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading Christmas novellas this year and i love them! And this one is no different. The setting is in a cruise. BFF brother. She sets them up and it goes from there.

Really cute story with fun moments! aaaand we have a dog, gotta love a dog.

I really liked it

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thrown together in the same room on a cruise, Norah and Ian fall for each other. I liked the prank they played. I especially liked how Ian doesn't let Norah get away after the cruise.

[Marquis Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a titillating read!

I absolutely enjoyed this read! It was perfect to get me out of my reading slump and Ian and Norah was such a joy to get to know! Next one needs to be longer!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how a sneaky friend can bring your perfect person to you and not even know they're doing it. Awesome book!.

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

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

If y'all want a good spicy Christmas read then you need to go for this one absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to get this physical copy I have to say it's one of my favorite Christmas reads and I don't have a lot of those so I highly recommend if you are 18 and older go run and get this book