Definitely NOT Cruising for Love

by D.M. Tregaskis

What’s worse? Going on a first date with your family tagging along or having no filter?

What if life dishes you a slice of both?

Indie Clizby’s speech disorder controls her mouth around attractive men. She can’t help but mention a man’s hotness levels, her family drama, and how long it’s been since she was last kissed. She avoids the opposite sex by researching day and night, wanting nothing more than to discover a cure for cancer—she made a promise long ago that she would.

With piles of scholarly journals in her bag, Indie’s family drags her onto a cruise ship where she’s surrounded by men who surprisingly don’t run from her rebel mouth. Indie has zero time to entertain romance with a work deadline looming,…but if she did fall in love, maybe her family would stop obsessing over her single status.

For all the wrong reasons, Indie jumps into the deep end of dating, unintentionally falling overboard for one of the men who might not even like pie! Will she maintain course with her uncompromising crusade to find a cure? Or can she shift—possibly breaking her promise—and voyage through a sea of romance where the necessary cure requires opening her heart?

Genres: Romance

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2025

Reviews

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to read! This book checks all the boxes for me.
✅ Great writing
✅ Cute
✅ A protagonist that you absolutely root for
✅ Laugh out loud funny
✅ Emotional depth
I highly recommend it!

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely NOT Cruising For Love is a fun romcom starring Indie, her family, and a handful of men vying for her attention all while on a family cruise!

Indie hasn’t had the best of luck with men, as her logorrhea causes her to blurt out whatever comes to her mind and is an even bigger problem around attractive men. So, when she comes in contact with multiple men vying for her attention she can’t help what she says. Juggling two good looking guys, while kinds, sorts falling for an another one who doesn’t believe in love makes for quite the adventurous cruise!!

Indie made me laugh out loud several times when her thoughts and mouth got away from her. She had the best heart and just wanted to make sure everyone was okay. Ansel was cute, but a little self centered. Elijah was also cite, but not sure of what he wanted. Decoy was so sweet and kind and I loved how thoughtful he was. Indie sure has her hands full and some hard decisions to make, but everything turned out happily ever after—my favorite kind of ending!!

Such a fun book! Add it to your TBR!!

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I read this book! Indie is a woman who has no filter for her words and that can put her in some precarious situations! But that's not the only part of her, she's a person who cares deeply for others and works hard at her job!

There were lots of fellas to choose from--Decoy, Ansel and Elijah! Each of these guys had their own issues that they were working through but I think the right guy came out in the end.

This was a quick and fun read. I loved the introspection of the characters and the banter throughout!

Thanks to the author for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an adorable story! Definitely NOT Cruising for Love had the quirkiness, humor, and swoony moments that I always enjoy.

The cruise setting added to the fun and made me want to grab my passport and pack my bags.

Indie’s unfiltered comments kept me laughing, and her vulnerability was so endearing. She’s a workaholic and definitely needed a vacation, but the reason she works so hard pulled at my heart.

She has some unexpected romantic moments on the cruise, and I loved how the guy she picks in the end loved and appreciated her just as she was.

This is a lovely read for anyone who enjoys a fun, heartfelt, quirky, kisses only romantic comedy.

I received a complementary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Cadence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely NOT Cruising For Love is a romantic comedy that follows Indie, a woman with a speech disorder where she can't help but say what's on her mind. You can probably imagine how difficult that could make social situations. Indie and her family embark on a cruise where she finds herself surrounded by men who all want to get to know her. With an important work deadline looming, she struggles to balance fun, family, dates, and work, while also wishing she could keep every thought from spewing out.

It's sweet, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hilarious all wrapped up into one package. I love when an author can successfully bring out serious topics but still throw in humor in just the right way.

The characters are fun and real, Decoy is my new favorite book man, he's perfect. Indie's family, however, are far from perfect, but they have so much love for each other, even when furious about something. The book has such an important message about love not being purely romance and passion, and also how we should be careful not to judge people before we truly get to know them.

This story was fun and beautifully written. I devoured it so quickly and laughed so hard that my family gave me some strange looks. I share all my favorite books with my mom and can't wait for Definitely NOT Cruising For Love to be released so I can buy it for her to read

It comes out on March 14th, which is so fitting once you get to know Indie's character. I definitely recommend checking this one out!

I received an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Mindy LeMieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m excited for people to read this novel (which I highly recommend you do).

I love the authenticity of Indie Clizby and the growth she receives throughout the story.

I loved the focus on what’s important and what’s not.

I love the romantic journey Indie has as she navigates her vacation and figures out her life.

The things that come out of her mouth had me laughing :)

And the kissing scenes were toe-wiggling wonderful.

Seriously, go read this book!

[Candace Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review and here it is: I ADORED THIS BOOK!

This amazing clean RomCom had me laughing, crying, smiling! It gave all the feels!

Indie is young woman with zero filter who’s going on a cruise with her family when men start wanting her attention. Ansel is a little self focused and Elijah seems to be perfect. Then she gets to meet her awesome table mates. Georgia and her son Decoy whom Indie called “beard man” 😂

While navigating work, dating, family time, and enjoying life she makes a best friend through Decoy, but he’s sworn off love.

Through treasure hunts, comedy shows, and pure connection the best man wins wearing a Chewbacca mask 😂

I throughly enjoyed this wonderful story!!!!!!!

[Sanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie Clizby has a speech disorder that makes her blurt out awkward truths around attractive men, so she focuses on her passion for cancer research instead of dating. Forced onto a cruise by her family, she finds herself surrounded by men who surprisingly don’t mind her unfiltered words.
With a work deadline approaching, romance is the last thing on her mind, but she wonders if falling in love might ease her family’s obsession with her single status. In an unexpected turn, she dives into dating and starts falling for someone...

I loved Definitely NOT Cruising for Love right from the start! This book had me giggling more than once with its humor, yet it also carried deeper, more emotional moments that added the perfect balance. The story is both funny and heartfelt, making it an enjoyable and engaging read from beginning to end.
I appreciated how it stayed sweet and clean while still delivering a charming romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves lighthearted, clean romcoms with a touch of depth!

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion about this book.

[Cindy y · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book. It is a rom-com, but it is so much more than that. Indie feels so much pressure from her family to get married and start a family, but she is stuck in the past and with her promise to her late brother. So she is always working, researching trying to help find a cure for cancer. While on a family cruise it seems men come out of the woodwork to gain her attention, but that causes more stress to her because she doesn’t want to let anyone down. The only person who seems to care about Indie is a guy who, along with his mom, are randomly sat at their table at dinner.
So the games begin as Indie is constantly pulled in so many different directions. But through it all she shows kindness, character and integrity.
This book has laugh out loud moments, grab-your-tissue moments, frustrating times involving her family and cheering for the right guy to “get the girl”.
I cannot recommend this book enough.
This is a brand new author for me and I received a copy of the book. My review is voluntary and my own.

[Mia's Sweetest Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars.

It really took me a while to get into this book but when I did I was really invested into what happens with Indie's journey and found myself rooting for her and one particular someone.

I'm not really a fan of multiple love interests throughout the book so that took me a bit me by surprise but by the end of the book it all made sense and the ending was worth the bumps Indie had to go through.

The book had some heavy topics discussed but it was really nice to watch Indie grow through the book and finally realizing what's important and what she really wants.

The ending was just perfect and probably all we've been waiting for the whole book. ♥

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Fantastic book - I literally could NOT put it down! I stayed up late finishing it in one day! I did receive an eARC of your book and am voluntarily leaving a review!.

First I had no idea there was a speech disorder called loghorrea! So I learned something new reading this book. I laughed out loud and cried and felt for Indie throughout the whole story. The multiple guys vying for Indie had me cheering for my favorite one throughout the book. I love how relatable the characters were! This story keeps you engaged the entire time from the first sentences to the end! There were twists and turns I didn't see coming and absolutely loved this book!

[Elesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

hilarious, heartfelt, and filled with the kind of chaos that makes you want to hug the book when you’re done. Indie Clizby is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—brilliant, awkward, and completely incapable of keeping her thoughts to herself.. Her struggle to balance her all-consuming mission to cure cancer with her family’s relentless matchmaking and a surprise sea of romantic possibilities makes for a refreshingly unique rom-com. The cruise setting adds the perfect touch of forced proximity, shenanigans, and swoon-worthy moments. I especially loved that one moment that I can't tell you about because it would spoil everything! It was so good! I squealed like crazy!!!

[Emari Gerberding · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Such a fun and entertaining read by @authordmtregaskis out Fri, March 14!

Indie, the main character, has logorrhea—meaning she has zero filter, especially around attractive men. While on a cruise, she finds herself in hilarious and unexpected encounters with several of them. I loved how she bonded with the family at her dinner table and teamed up with them for the treasure hunt. Plus, balancing work while navigating romance made her journey even more fun to read.

The comedy club scene, where three men competed for a date with Indie, was an interesting addition to the story.

Thanks to the author for the advanced copy. No review was required

[Sigy George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Definitely NOT Cruising for Love! Indie’s unfiltered honesty had me laughing out loud, and her struggle between career ambition and unexpected romance felt so real. The cruise setting added the perfect backdrop for chaos, humor, and swoon-worthy moments. Her family’s meddling was both frustrating and endearing, making the story even more entertaining. If you love quirky heroines, witty banter, and a romance that tugs at your heart, this book is a must-read. I was rooting for Indie the whole way—who knew falling overboard could be this fun?I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG

I couldn´t believe Indie, there seems to be a direct connection between her thoughts and her mouth without a filter, for the reader this creates lots of laugh out loud moments but I can imagine her embarrassement… On the other hand, a man who is willing and able to deal with such character traits is a true gem and a keeper, so the mission of finding Mr. Right with the unwanted help of interfering family is on. This book kept me reading from page one for wanting to find out who could be Indie´s perfect match.

[Brooke Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely NOT Cruising for Love
Release date: 3/14/25 (pi day!)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Indie is a 20 something researcher whose lif goal is to help find a cure for cancer. Sure, her job keeps her busy, but she also has logorrhea that only shows up around guys she is attracted to. Unfortunately, guys don't find unfiltered commentary attractive.
Imagine her suprise when she goes on a cruise with her family and suddenly multiple men are vying for her affection.
Love wasn't in her life plan, but how can she resist dipping her toe in the pool of love? Will she choose love or is she better off single?

I laughed so much in this book. I cried a few times. I rooted for both Indie and one guy (no spoilers) and was happy to see a slow burn romance with a few kisses thrown in.

A good summer (or any time) read with a few heavy subjects spotlighted and handled beautifully.

I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily

[Daniel Thurston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was definitely right up my alley! Tregaskis conveys a realistic portrayal of being the only single adult in a family (which I am unfortunately all too familiar with) while on a cruise vacation (which I am fortunately also familiar with). I found in Indie a relatable and lovable protagonist with true-to-life emotions and reactions. It's a fun cute little read that keeps things light and humorous, yet with a surprising emotional depth that helped me realize traits and habits in myself. A delightful gentle read.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightfully fun romance read! Indie is our female lead, and I absolutely loved the scenarios and situations she finds herself in throughout. This book is full of laughs as we watch her fumble her way around a family cruise with a number of guys all scrambling for her attention as she attempts to balance it all. I just loved her and this book! Heartwarming and heartbreaking at times but all together well written and captivating. I loved it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna Gentile Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much I want to say, but don't want to give anything away. Love the chapters titles! Amazing characters. Indie is so lovable and relatable with true to life emotions. Her family seems to have so much fun. Love the adventure part of it. And it being set on a cruise makes me want to take another cruise. I laughed, I cried, and secretly I was rooting for the underdog. Nice clean romance. Did not want to put the book down! This is my first D.M. Tregaskis read. Can't wait to read another.

[Annlynn Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH! This book was AMAZING!!!! I picked it up last night expecting to read just a few chapter but I couldn’t put it down and stayed up all night to read it (like I HAD to finish it)!!!

The characters were amazing and I LOVED the adventure aspect! I was rooting for the MMC from the start and loved him so much! I ending had me in TEARS (they were happy ones)

I think this is my favorite book of this year so far and I will DEFINITELY be reading more from her!!!!

[Larissa O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely Not Cruising for Love is a romantic comedy. Indie is dealing with a speech disorder, she says exactly what she's thinking when she's around attractive men, leading to some funny interactions. She's also trying to balance work with family time and unexpected dates.

Trigger warning for grief, loss and cancer.

Very low on the spice, kissing only and no profanity.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I’m someone who has a hard time getting thoughts out into words, so to read about Indie whose thoughts spill out unfiltered was fantastic. I can only imagine the trouble I would be in. The story was fairly predictable for me, but it still kept me intrigued, wanting to find out what would happen next. I laughed a lot, and I even cried a bit as some of it hit close to home. I’m glad I bought it and will definitely read it again sometime.

[Tamera Westhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

I wasn’t sure I liked that many love interests, so I appreciated the whittle down. Then the super cringe entertainment scene, yikes! Decoy was the best friend ever and I love his mom! Alice grew on me after a while. But, the cancer news broke me, since I lost my Dad almost ten years ago (he had ALS). Then Decoy’s guilt about what happened to his Dad! I loved the end!

[Melissa Burk · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any of you single ladies out there that are constantly being hounded by your mom or siblings about when you are going to settle down, this book is for you. Indie is a lovable character that spits out whatever comes into her brain. This brings some awkward and very memorable moments. It was a very fun read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cruise ship setting, a treasure hunt, several handsome young men, a meddling albeit well meaning family and a workaholic FMC with a speech "problem" makes for a very fun time at sea. This cruise is a family trip and one that Indie, the FMC, is not looking forward to going on. Meeting someone, let alone 3 someones, on the trip is not in the cards for Indie as she doesn't have time for relationships due to her work and a promise.
The way D.M. describes the different decks, the activities, the foods and the people on board is perfect. This book had me laughing, crying and at times even embarrassed. I love that D.M. writes "clean" romance. I don't have any problems with leaving my Kindle open when the grandkids are here when I read D.M. books. Thank you lady for bringing us tales with substance.

[Lindsay Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

This book is unique and well written! I usually don’t care for love triangles, but this one worked. There’s also more angst than I usually prefer as well because Indie kept going back and forth between options, but this book focuses also on family relationships and character growth, so it all worked for me. I enjoyed reading it!

TW: talk of cancer and loss

[Marissa | storiesinthemeadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content to be aware of: no language, only kissing (descriptive), loss of parent (past), cancer (past and current)

Genre and Tropes: Sweet Contemporary Romantic Comedy, Workaholic, Love Triangle?

Synopsis: Indie is taking a cruise with her family, but is stressed over it taking time from her work. The solution? A bag full of research to sift through anytime she isn’t doing the family things. When an unforeseen deadline comes, she decides to work even longer hours. In the midst of it all, she suddenly has handsome men approaching her and wanting to spend time with her. Indie’s logorrhea (basically having zero filter) is under control…except around attractive men, which leads to embarrassing moments and scenes as Indie tries to have it all: work, family, and a romantic relationship.

This book releases on 3.14 (pi day for any who aren’t zoned into that) and there are pie references galore. 🥧 A great dessert to pair with it as you read! 🤗

My thoughts/review:
It took me some time to get into this one. It’s told from Indie’s POV, and it took me getting to know her better to fully immerse into this story (which, for me was probably half way through). From the beginning though there are hilarious moments (some embarrassingly so 😅😳🫣) and there’s great flirting and some swoony kisses. So while even from the start for me it was easy to read just “one” more chapter, once I put it down I didn’t find myself constantly thinking about it or looking for a chance to pick it up in the middle of everything. By the last 20% or so that had definitely changed and I even snuck away at the end of the day to my bedroom to finish reading the last bit before putting the kids to bed 😂

A lot of emphasis is put on Indie’s relationship with her family, as well as to her work doing cancer research. In some ways, it feels like a coming of age story as Indie comes to terms with who she is, and decides on who she wants to be.

There’s multiple love interests, so I won’t spoil for you who comes out on top. 😉 I will say this though, the date at the end of the book that we get a little piece of is so perfect and thoughtful 🥰

[Teira · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cruise, multiple love interests, an interfering family, and a heroine who blurts out the most outlandish things makes for a wonderful, laugh out loud story. With the heart-wrenching moments you’ve come to expect from D.M. Tregaskis, this book will not disappoint.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and have read another book by D.M. Tregaskis and really enjoyed it. This is a cute rom-com that takes place on a cruise ship…what could be more fun?
Pick this up as a summer read you will enjoy it!

[Scott Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this fun Rom com!!! It was fun getting to know the characters and how they moved through the story!! Didn't want to put it down!! Highly recommend!