Cabin Crew

by Julie Hoag

“I totally forgot my phone back at the cabin and now we're stuck.

...But could this be the best mistake I've ever made?"

With a polar vortex storm freezing the whole state, me and my two besties get to be alone in the family cabin. It’s an unbelievable gift to be overnight without parents, even though we’re eighteen.

When the mega-hot athletic star, Kian, and his bad boy bestie randomly show up next door, it’s my dream come true. We’ve been crushing on these guys for months.

Well, maybe years.

But I can’t possibly go talk to him. I’m nobody.

Everyone at school loves him.

Unfortunately, the guys aren’t alone. The School Witch and her jerk boyfriend climb out of the car, too.

Our wallflower lurking doesn’t last though. Fate has other plans. With no heat in the cabin, we’ll freeze overnight if we stay. We literally have no choice. We must ask the neighbors for help.

How Kian treats me is a shock. I didn’t think he even knew who I was. When we almost kiss, I can’t help but hope.

Me and Kian? It’s impossible.

Seriously, it’s too good to be true. Dark secrets fly and new and old alliances forge, risking all the ground we’ve just gained. Making it back home unscathed might be harder than we thought.

Tropes: YA Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, LGTBQ+ character, Drama, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Friends.
Triggers: Past recalling of attempted sexual assault and physical abuse.
The Breakfast Club retelling.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Julie Hoag is a YA author, podcaster at Vegetarians and Meat-lovers: Split Table Recipes podcast, narrator, and a blogger.

Reviews

[Ana]

DNF @ 8%

I wasn't a fan of the writing style, and the characters felt a bit childish to me. I do realize that it is a YA romance, but the way they acted was really immature in my opinion. Also, it seemed like the only personality these girls had was lusting over some hot guys. I feel like this book really leaned into some harmful rhetoric about women, which I didn't like. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this story and could not finish. Perhaps, I'm not the appropriate audience for this book.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute YA book. It focuses on the relationships of multiple characters, specifically Ashley and Kian. The book does focus on some tough topics, that sadly some people have gone through in real life. The way Kian is so gentle and sweet to Ashley, making sure she is okay after what she went through was so heart warming.

The author did a good job adding in some comedy to break up the tough topics. Kian and Mandy had me laughing at a few different moments.

It would be nice to see what happens once they leave the cabin and head back to school and their everyday lives.

[Lexi · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it wasn't the end of the year and I have a reading goal to reach, I would have DNF'd this hard. These are the most shallow, boring teenagers ever, and the serious topics introduced are treated with such indelicacy. The phrase "sl@ve driver" should literally never be used in a humorous (or attempted) way everrrr and yet it's in this book several times. And don't get me started on the weird biphobia (just cause you include a bi character doesn't mean it's positive representation). I could go on.
0.25⭐️

[Scotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is super cute high school, I assume seniors from their "18 / almost 18" age. I like that it did have some depth to it with Ashley's story, but I really would like to see where it goes outside of the cabin.

I would give it maybe 2 🌶. The only passion is kissing, but the description is 🔥. It shows they want more, but with the history, it shows good on Kian hes taking it slow.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes more cutesy romance books. I did really like the story.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cabin Crew is incredible! I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t stop reading. The plot is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing and on edge the entire time.

What stood out the most was how honestly it portrays the challenges teens face—navigating friendships, trauma, drinking, family pressure, and the constant push for perfection. It felt raw, real, and deeply emotional.

[Tonya Scherrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book.

[Emma H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cabin Crew by Julie Hoang is amazing! I was sucked into the story immediately and had such a hard time putting the book down. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more and not knowing what would happen next. I found myself jumping a few lines to see what would happen next then going back and making sure I got all the details. I have always loved a good romance and this one hit the spot, there were multiple love stories and romances happening all at once and it made me so happy. I made such a deep connection with all of the characters and felt their emotions alongside them. I connected with Ashley so much and I felt her doubt and I feel what she feels in her life.

This book captures the realness of the life of teenagers, making friends, recover from rape, alcohol, parents, and perfectionism.