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Iceberg
A recent widow, Lady Arabella Grey hires the young and unconventional Zandra Lancaster as governess to her children. Despite Zandra’s impressive recommendations, Arabella is skeptical and unimpressed by Zandra’s youth and artistic nature. But Zandra is brilliant with her daughters, and Arabella’s inexplicably drawn to her.
Zandra harbors secret reasons for needing this position, and when she reciprocates their attraction, her feelings escalate. Impropriety abounds as she craves Arabella’s company and increasingly intimate touch.
An extended trip to Manhattan with Arabella and the children changes everything. As they embark on the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage, their love is undeniable, but so is their course toward unforeseen danger, risking not only love but their very lives.
Zandra harbors secret reasons for needing this position, and when she reciprocates their attraction, her feelings escalate. Impropriety abounds as she craves Arabella’s company and increasingly intimate touch.
An extended trip to Manhattan with Arabella and the children changes everything. As they embark on the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage, their love is undeniable, but so is their course toward unforeseen danger, risking not only love but their very lives.
312 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2025
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Gun Brooke
44 books225 followersGun Brooke resides in the countryside in Sweden with her very patient family. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, she now writes full time, only rarely taking a break to create web sites for herself or others and to do computer graphics. Gun writes both romances and sci-fi. She is the recipient of the 2009 Alice B. Medal for "body of work."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 5, 2025
4 stars. More like a 3.75 but this damn site STILL doesn’t allow half stars but whatever. The beginning is really slow but it does pick up around 20% and I ended up really liking this, minus the epilogue. I’m always fascinated with romances that are set on the Titanic and once Arabella, Zandra, and the kids get aboard the ship is where this story really gets good. I liked Arabella and Zandra just fine, they’re not the most interesting leads but they had really good chemistry. Arabella hires Zandra as the governess to her twin daughters. Arabella starts off as a bit of an Ice Queen which was fun because I liked the banter and dynamics between her and Zandra.
The entire time on the Titanic was tense because you know what’s going to happen next and then when the ship hits the iceberg things got really stressful and I think Brooke handled everything really well. That entire section was impactful and you could really feel the characters fears and uncertainty. I liked the ending and I think it should’ve ended at the last chapter. The epilogue annoyed me, it takes place in 2006 and it just added nothing to the book. It follows one of Arabella’s daughter’s grand daughter and it felt tacked on. Other than that, this was good. Not a favorite of mine from Brooke but I would still recommend it. It’s well written, immersive, romantic and has some great spice to it.
The entire time on the Titanic was tense because you know what’s going to happen next and then when the ship hits the iceberg things got really stressful and I think Brooke handled everything really well. That entire section was impactful and you could really feel the characters fears and uncertainty. I liked the ending and I think it should’ve ended at the last chapter. The epilogue annoyed me, it takes place in 2006 and it just added nothing to the book. It follows one of Arabella’s daughter’s grand daughter and it felt tacked on. Other than that, this was good. Not a favorite of mine from Brooke but I would still recommend it. It’s well written, immersive, romantic and has some great spice to it.
October 11, 2025
3.5⭐️ This was an enjoyable historical fiction book. I liked the early parts in London best when the mc's first meet. Lady Arabella Grey is an aristocrat who's recently become a widow. She has twin daughters, Mauve and Rosalind who are 11 years old. Zandra Lancaster is the new governess from Edinburgh who has travelled to London. She was previously working for another family there and after an altercation (with the husband) she is asked to leave by the wife. This woman is friends with Lady Grey and recommends her.
There were several funny parts in the beginning of the book, and some of them were predictable, but well written. Zandra is very unconventional and at 25 she's considered a spinster. Here parents died when she was young and she's been raised by a very mean and spiteful grandmother.
Zandra has a university education and is an excellent artist. Soon the kids begin to adore her and develop a great relationship.
Lady Grey and Zandra have an instant attraction despite the 10 years difference in their ages and workplace situation. Lady Arabella is an author of children's books writing under a pseudonym. They are very successful and have added to her inherited wealth. I liked their interactions and deep affection for each other. Once the relationship got going behind closed doors it got supper steamy.
I felt that their relationship and PDA's would not have been tolerated in 1912 and the author could have made more of the non acceptance this would have generated. I was expecting more to come about regarding Zandrs's family history, but after a brief explanation that storyline was dropped. I would have liked more about Arabella's novels and perhaps Zandra as an illustrator for them.
Once we got to the Titanic the book lost some of its appeal for me, it was too predictable. There could have been a lot more angst. And the Epilog ending was very anticlimactic.
I think this had fantastic potential, but Gun Brooke tried to cram to much into one book. It could easily have been a longer book or written as a series. Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
There were several funny parts in the beginning of the book, and some of them were predictable, but well written. Zandra is very unconventional and at 25 she's considered a spinster. Here parents died when she was young and she's been raised by a very mean and spiteful grandmother.
Zandra has a university education and is an excellent artist. Soon the kids begin to adore her and develop a great relationship.
Lady Grey and Zandra have an instant attraction despite the 10 years difference in their ages and workplace situation. Lady Arabella is an author of children's books writing under a pseudonym. They are very successful and have added to her inherited wealth. I liked their interactions and deep affection for each other. Once the relationship got going behind closed doors it got supper steamy.
I felt that their relationship and PDA's would not have been tolerated in 1912 and the author could have made more of the non acceptance this would have generated. I was expecting more to come about regarding Zandrs's family history, but after a brief explanation that storyline was dropped. I would have liked more about Arabella's novels and perhaps Zandra as an illustrator for them.
Once we got to the Titanic the book lost some of its appeal for me, it was too predictable. There could have been a lot more angst. And the Epilog ending was very anticlimactic.
I think this had fantastic potential, but Gun Brooke tried to cram to much into one book. It could easily have been a longer book or written as a series. Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
December 17, 2025
3.5 Stars
It was a mild read considering it had the Titanic tragedy in the background. It seemed the main focus was the budding romance between the main characters which I understands is the author’s prerogative. However, having a historical tragedy in your back pocket and not milking it was a lost opportunity in my opinion. However, it was still an enjoyable read.
It was a mild read considering it had the Titanic tragedy in the background. It seemed the main focus was the budding romance between the main characters which I understands is the author’s prerogative. However, having a historical tragedy in your back pocket and not milking it was a lost opportunity in my opinion. However, it was still an enjoyable read.
September 29, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I was so excited for this book, because imagine falling in love with another woman in the early 1900s and then getting on the Titanic?? Like what? Iceberg did not disappoint in the historical romance department. It was so interesting to me to see how Arabella interacted with her servants and help, along with the general culture of the early 1900s. While unrealistic, it was heart warming to see so many people accept Arabella and Zandra. The found family in this is unrivaled. Truly a beautiful found family.
I did find myself a little put off by how naive Zandra came off in the beginning when it came to sex. She was clueless to basic aspects and that along with the big age gap (48 &26) made the power dynamics feel a little icky at first. But that went away after experience was gained and Zandra took more control over her sexuality. Also idk if it’s just a me thing, but I figured due to the time period, women would have had kids earlier. Arabella was 48, making her 37 when she had the twins, which I feel would be considered old, especially in that time period.. but like I said, maybe that’s just a me thing.
I liked how the epilogue was different and tied up loose ends in a unique way. With how it ended, it leads me to believe there might be another novel in the universe?
I was so excited for this book, because imagine falling in love with another woman in the early 1900s and then getting on the Titanic?? Like what? Iceberg did not disappoint in the historical romance department. It was so interesting to me to see how Arabella interacted with her servants and help, along with the general culture of the early 1900s. While unrealistic, it was heart warming to see so many people accept Arabella and Zandra. The found family in this is unrivaled. Truly a beautiful found family.
I did find myself a little put off by how naive Zandra came off in the beginning when it came to sex. She was clueless to basic aspects and that along with the big age gap (48 &26) made the power dynamics feel a little icky at first. But that went away after experience was gained and Zandra took more control over her sexuality. Also idk if it’s just a me thing, but I figured due to the time period, women would have had kids earlier. Arabella was 48, making her 37 when she had the twins, which I feel would be considered old, especially in that time period.. but like I said, maybe that’s just a me thing.
I liked how the epilogue was different and tied up loose ends in a unique way. With how it ended, it leads me to believe there might be another novel in the universe?
October 14, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Lady Arabella is a widow with twins daughters Maeve and Rosalind she is an author of children books under a pseudonym which is doing well. She wants to hire a new governess for her daughters she gets recommend from a friend to hire Zandra who has to leave her previously employer because of altercation with the husband. Arabella and Zandra have an attraction to each other as they navigate this Arabella is planning to take her children and her staff and Zandra on the maiden voyage of the Titanic and plans to relocate to New York as tragic strikes will this found family survive. I like that Zandra has all this knowledge but is clueless with what goes on in the bedroom I like that Arabella and Zandra talk before getting intimate to make sure both are comfortable I enjoy all the characters and I like that some could tell about the relationship but didn’t care.
Lady Arabella is a widow with twins daughters Maeve and Rosalind she is an author of children books under a pseudonym which is doing well. She wants to hire a new governess for her daughters she gets recommend from a friend to hire Zandra who has to leave her previously employer because of altercation with the husband. Arabella and Zandra have an attraction to each other as they navigate this Arabella is planning to take her children and her staff and Zandra on the maiden voyage of the Titanic and plans to relocate to New York as tragic strikes will this found family survive. I like that Zandra has all this knowledge but is clueless with what goes on in the bedroom I like that Arabella and Zandra talk before getting intimate to make sure both are comfortable I enjoy all the characters and I like that some could tell about the relationship but didn’t care.
October 17, 2025
A special thank you to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and Gun Brook for this ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
From the title to the cover to blurb, I was drawn to this book like a moth to a flame. I have always been fascinated by the Titanic and have never read a sapphic romance that took place on the ill fated ocean liner. The cover art was captivating and left no questions in my mind that I was going to get a story I wouldn’t soon forget. I am a lover of sapphic historical fiction and was thrilled to have a story set in this time period and against the tortured story of the Titanic. Iceberg is a wonderfully unique and fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lady Arabella is a recent widow and she hires the lovely and unconventional Zandra Lancaster to be the nanny for her twin daughters. Arabella has reservations about Zandra but is inexplicably intrigued by her. Zandra has been through a great deal by the ripe old age of 25 and is happy to be given the opportunity to start anew. Despite initial skepticism, Arabella finds herself quite charmed by Zandra and her excellent care of her young daughters. I found myself hanging on every word as this author did an excellent job of keeping me entertained.
I went into this worried that this might be some sort of rip off of the blockbuster movie, Titanic, because I haven’t had the opportunity to read a sapphic historical fiction which involves the Titanic. I was absolutely wrong and this book has a completely different story that was beautifully written and rich with detail. The dynamic between Zandra and Lady Arabella is a joy to read. They find common ground with one another where none should exist between two women of such varying class designation and age. Nevertheless, Zandra builds a close and comfortable relationship with the girls and seems to fit seamlessly into their family. Of course, it’s the chemistry and connection between Arabella and Zandra that had me reading late into the night…on a work night no less! The relationship does build gradually but the attraction and sexual tension is palpable. I couldn't wait for them to just go for it. Arabella is older, in her 40s and is a woman of status and class while Zandra is in her 20s and is a member of a distinctly lower social standing. It shouldn't work between them but it very much does. Zandra adds levity, joy and warmth to Arabella's life. Arabella brings safety, stability and family along with beauty and kindness. They find love and family in each other's arms. Their love was really moving and I was enamored by both of them.
Brooke does a wonderful job of laying the foundation long before we board the Titanic and I am grateful for it. I was so anxious to reach the part of the story where the family boards the Titanic because I wasn't sure who would make it out alive. The tragedy of the Titanic is well established and so I was a bit worried. I prefer my endings to be happy and that wasn't a given in this book. Luckily, our leading ladies build a foundation and their love is clearly defined long before boarding the Titanic. Nevertheless, once aboard the ship, we are treated to an expected increase in danger and increasingly high stakes. I found the entire time aboard the Titanic to be appropriately nail biting and exciting. I was actively engaged and thoroughly satisfied by it all.
The writing is clear and character centered which I greatly appreciated. Brooke's style is elegant, mature, fluid and really aids in the historical time of the story. I was never overwhelmed by the time period specifics but rather immersed in them. The taboo of the love affair given the time period wasn’t ignored but I believe was treated with much more acceptance by secondary characters and others is general than would have been realistic. However, I don’t find atha to be off putting at all. I have no misconceptions about the attitudes towards queer people in times past and appreciated being able to enjoy the love story that I came here to read without a ton of hate or vitriol. The love story shines in this book and that is what I’d hoped for.
This was a really special book and I really enjoyed it. I very much recommend this book to all lovers of sapphic historical fiction. It is beautifully written, has a well developed and believable love story with just the right amount of heat and intimacy to truly convince me that our ladies fell madly in love. I would encourage you to pick this up if you are looking for a sweet, opposites attract, age gap, taboo (because of the time period) sapphic romance. It’s a lovely read that I will revisit.
From the title to the cover to blurb, I was drawn to this book like a moth to a flame. I have always been fascinated by the Titanic and have never read a sapphic romance that took place on the ill fated ocean liner. The cover art was captivating and left no questions in my mind that I was going to get a story I wouldn’t soon forget. I am a lover of sapphic historical fiction and was thrilled to have a story set in this time period and against the tortured story of the Titanic. Iceberg is a wonderfully unique and fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Lady Arabella is a recent widow and she hires the lovely and unconventional Zandra Lancaster to be the nanny for her twin daughters. Arabella has reservations about Zandra but is inexplicably intrigued by her. Zandra has been through a great deal by the ripe old age of 25 and is happy to be given the opportunity to start anew. Despite initial skepticism, Arabella finds herself quite charmed by Zandra and her excellent care of her young daughters. I found myself hanging on every word as this author did an excellent job of keeping me entertained.
I went into this worried that this might be some sort of rip off of the blockbuster movie, Titanic, because I haven’t had the opportunity to read a sapphic historical fiction which involves the Titanic. I was absolutely wrong and this book has a completely different story that was beautifully written and rich with detail. The dynamic between Zandra and Lady Arabella is a joy to read. They find common ground with one another where none should exist between two women of such varying class designation and age. Nevertheless, Zandra builds a close and comfortable relationship with the girls and seems to fit seamlessly into their family. Of course, it’s the chemistry and connection between Arabella and Zandra that had me reading late into the night…on a work night no less! The relationship does build gradually but the attraction and sexual tension is palpable. I couldn't wait for them to just go for it. Arabella is older, in her 40s and is a woman of status and class while Zandra is in her 20s and is a member of a distinctly lower social standing. It shouldn't work between them but it very much does. Zandra adds levity, joy and warmth to Arabella's life. Arabella brings safety, stability and family along with beauty and kindness. They find love and family in each other's arms. Their love was really moving and I was enamored by both of them.
Brooke does a wonderful job of laying the foundation long before we board the Titanic and I am grateful for it. I was so anxious to reach the part of the story where the family boards the Titanic because I wasn't sure who would make it out alive. The tragedy of the Titanic is well established and so I was a bit worried. I prefer my endings to be happy and that wasn't a given in this book. Luckily, our leading ladies build a foundation and their love is clearly defined long before boarding the Titanic. Nevertheless, once aboard the ship, we are treated to an expected increase in danger and increasingly high stakes. I found the entire time aboard the Titanic to be appropriately nail biting and exciting. I was actively engaged and thoroughly satisfied by it all.
The writing is clear and character centered which I greatly appreciated. Brooke's style is elegant, mature, fluid and really aids in the historical time of the story. I was never overwhelmed by the time period specifics but rather immersed in them. The taboo of the love affair given the time period wasn’t ignored but I believe was treated with much more acceptance by secondary characters and others is general than would have been realistic. However, I don’t find atha to be off putting at all. I have no misconceptions about the attitudes towards queer people in times past and appreciated being able to enjoy the love story that I came here to read without a ton of hate or vitriol. The love story shines in this book and that is what I’d hoped for.
This was a really special book and I really enjoyed it. I very much recommend this book to all lovers of sapphic historical fiction. It is beautifully written, has a well developed and believable love story with just the right amount of heat and intimacy to truly convince me that our ladies fell madly in love. I would encourage you to pick this up if you are looking for a sweet, opposites attract, age gap, taboo (because of the time period) sapphic romance. It’s a lovely read that I will revisit.
November 20, 2025
Amazing!
Lady Arabella Grey, her children, newly hired governess Zandra, and close staff board the Titanic for a new life in America. Since hiring Zandra, Lady Arabella has grown close to her, quite taking with her unconventional ways and the way her children adore her. Their travels put all their lives at risk, but it brings them closer together than any of them could have imagined.
This was such a perfect story! I love all things Titanic, which is what initially drew me to this story, but Lady Arabella and Zandra’s relationship is also my favourite genres of age-gap and ice queen. Lady Arabella isn’t your typical ice queen, but she holds the authority of one and keeps her distance for fear of how she’d be perceived by Zandra. As soon as it was clear Zandra reciprocated feelings, they wasted no time in growing closer, but given the era they still had to be very careful. Lady Arabella was unconventional herself, having her staff travel in first class with her on the ship, and treating them as friends rather than employees. I admired her greatly and hoped tragedy wouldn’t befall her family as they travelled to a new life.
There was so much drama when they had boarded the Titanic, as to be expected, but the way Gun only made this a part of the story and not the whole story was brilliant. It features but does not dominate or take away from this amazing relationship blossoming between Zandra and Arabella. All the characters play a big part in the story and have moments to show how Arabella was so forward thinking for the times. The way Arabella and Zandra explored their feelings meant they really got to know each other well, and we even got a glimpse into the intimacy they shared through subtle touches, gestures, and deep conversations.
I adored them together and their whole story had me swept up in it. I really couldn’t put this down and cannot recommend it enough. I can’t wait to read this again one day.
Lady Arabella Grey, her children, newly hired governess Zandra, and close staff board the Titanic for a new life in America. Since hiring Zandra, Lady Arabella has grown close to her, quite taking with her unconventional ways and the way her children adore her. Their travels put all their lives at risk, but it brings them closer together than any of them could have imagined.
This was such a perfect story! I love all things Titanic, which is what initially drew me to this story, but Lady Arabella and Zandra’s relationship is also my favourite genres of age-gap and ice queen. Lady Arabella isn’t your typical ice queen, but she holds the authority of one and keeps her distance for fear of how she’d be perceived by Zandra. As soon as it was clear Zandra reciprocated feelings, they wasted no time in growing closer, but given the era they still had to be very careful. Lady Arabella was unconventional herself, having her staff travel in first class with her on the ship, and treating them as friends rather than employees. I admired her greatly and hoped tragedy wouldn’t befall her family as they travelled to a new life.
There was so much drama when they had boarded the Titanic, as to be expected, but the way Gun only made this a part of the story and not the whole story was brilliant. It features but does not dominate or take away from this amazing relationship blossoming between Zandra and Arabella. All the characters play a big part in the story and have moments to show how Arabella was so forward thinking for the times. The way Arabella and Zandra explored their feelings meant they really got to know each other well, and we even got a glimpse into the intimacy they shared through subtle touches, gestures, and deep conversations.
I adored them together and their whole story had me swept up in it. I really couldn’t put this down and cannot recommend it enough. I can’t wait to read this again one day.
October 23, 2025
Zandra Lancaster is hired on to be the governess to 11 year old twin girls. Their mother, Lady Arabella Grey, is a widow and secretly is a successful author of an ongoing fantasy series. Arabella is not impressed with the new governess after being late to start her job. That quickly changes as she sees her work with her girls. She also appreciates Zandra’s artistic abilities.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book as barriers of class and station are overcome between the two women. There is a very large age gap of 22 years, with Arabella 48 and Zandra 26. Because Zandra was also naive some of the scenes bordered on an icky zone for me. But consent was always important. I would have expected Arabella to be ten years younger and not have had twins in her late thirties. Arabella never uses her station as a factor in the story but it is a big unequal balance of power. The second half of the book has family and some servants boarding the Titanic to come for an extended stay at their NYC house. I was glad the author spends just the right amount of time on the Titanic and its sinking. I thought that part was exciting.
My interest waned in the last third. How easily they become an open family felt unrealistic and some of the dialogue didn’t fit the time period. But I’d like to live in a world where it could happen. I do like historical fiction romances and this worked for me even though I had some quibbles here and there. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book as barriers of class and station are overcome between the two women. There is a very large age gap of 22 years, with Arabella 48 and Zandra 26. Because Zandra was also naive some of the scenes bordered on an icky zone for me. But consent was always important. I would have expected Arabella to be ten years younger and not have had twins in her late thirties. Arabella never uses her station as a factor in the story but it is a big unequal balance of power. The second half of the book has family and some servants boarding the Titanic to come for an extended stay at their NYC house. I was glad the author spends just the right amount of time on the Titanic and its sinking. I thought that part was exciting.
My interest waned in the last third. How easily they become an open family felt unrealistic and some of the dialogue didn’t fit the time period. But I’d like to live in a world where it could happen. I do like historical fiction romances and this worked for me even though I had some quibbles here and there. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
October 20, 2025
I have really enjoyed Gun Brooke’s books in the past and was very excited to dive in to her newest offering. Arabella Grey is a recently widowed woman of society who is also a children’s author writing under a pseudonym. She has twin eleven year old girls and she hires Zandra as their new governess. While the beginning plot was a little slow, the attraction and closeness between the two main characters emerges early on. Arabella starts off as an ice queen but quickly warms to Zandra who holds her own in their established household.
The family embark on the maiden voyage of the Titanic which adds an extra layer of tension to the story as readers know the fate of the doomed ship but not of our characters. The feelings and fears of the characters were captured well which is pivotal to enveloping readers alongside the characters as they experience this life changing event.
Arabella and Zandra have an age gap and work station but the attraction blows straight through those barriers. I did feel as though the affections and relationship wouldn’t have gone over so well during that time but their story shines through as all love stories should regardless of time or acceptance.
Overall I really enjoyed the book aside from the epilogue because it felt like an after thought. An enjoyable period love story with romance and spice.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The family embark on the maiden voyage of the Titanic which adds an extra layer of tension to the story as readers know the fate of the doomed ship but not of our characters. The feelings and fears of the characters were captured well which is pivotal to enveloping readers alongside the characters as they experience this life changing event.
Arabella and Zandra have an age gap and work station but the attraction blows straight through those barriers. I did feel as though the affections and relationship wouldn’t have gone over so well during that time but their story shines through as all love stories should regardless of time or acceptance.
Overall I really enjoyed the book aside from the epilogue because it felt like an after thought. An enjoyable period love story with romance and spice.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2025
This story has several interesting aspects. It's set in the early 1900s, and the protagonist is an aristocratic writer, Lady Arabella Grey, who, in turn, hires a young woman named Zandra Lancaster as a governess for her two children. Zandra arrives after an uncomfortable incident at her previous employer's house, in addition to having other secrets in her past that frighten her.
An instant bond forms between the two women—one that Arabella understands perfectly but that confuses Zandra. And it slowly, naturally develops into a romantic relationship, encompassing everyone else in the house: Arabella's children and the service staff, all of whom are influenced by Zandra's positive personality. And so, the entire family and staff move to New York from England, and of course they're going to travel on the Titanic. Which also collides with an iceberg this time.
Following the first part of the story, which was more romantic and sentimental, the narrative shifts to the anguish of the accident and subsequent events, with tense and distressing situations.
So it's kind of an adventure, predictable because of the historical event it addresses, but no less interesting, and enjoyable overall.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
An instant bond forms between the two women—one that Arabella understands perfectly but that confuses Zandra. And it slowly, naturally develops into a romantic relationship, encompassing everyone else in the house: Arabella's children and the service staff, all of whom are influenced by Zandra's positive personality. And so, the entire family and staff move to New York from England, and of course they're going to travel on the Titanic. Which also collides with an iceberg this time.
Following the first part of the story, which was more romantic and sentimental, the narrative shifts to the anguish of the accident and subsequent events, with tense and distressing situations.
So it's kind of an adventure, predictable because of the historical event it addresses, but no less interesting, and enjoyable overall.
Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to send me a copy via Netgalley for an honest review
October 10, 2025
Zandra arrives at her new assignment as a governess after a horrendous train accident leaves her injured. She's working for Lady Arabella, teaching her twin 11 year old daughters. As she begins working, she learns that Arabella has booked the family and their staff, including Zandra, on the maiden voyage of the Titanic and plans to relocate to New York. Even before they embark on the ship, Zandra and Arabella grow closer and begin to acknowledge their mutual attraction. Then, once they are lovers, they experience the tragedy of the ship.
I like this author's romances as well as other Titanic retellings with sapphic characters. The strength of this book is its riveting account of the sinking of the Titanic and the fate of the book's main and secondary characters. It was also interesting to learn more about the aftermath of the ship's survivors in New York. Even The Unsinkable Molly Brown, a real person, makes an appearance.
This is one of those books, unfortunately, that is longer than it needs to be and makes it difficult to stay engaged all the way through. The earlier chapters, especially in Southhampton, could have been shorter as well as some of the later chapters in New York, including a strange epilogue that catapults us into 2006.
I was provided an ARC by the publishers via NetGalley.
I like this author's romances as well as other Titanic retellings with sapphic characters. The strength of this book is its riveting account of the sinking of the Titanic and the fate of the book's main and secondary characters. It was also interesting to learn more about the aftermath of the ship's survivors in New York. Even The Unsinkable Molly Brown, a real person, makes an appearance.
This is one of those books, unfortunately, that is longer than it needs to be and makes it difficult to stay engaged all the way through. The earlier chapters, especially in Southhampton, could have been shorter as well as some of the later chapters in New York, including a strange epilogue that catapults us into 2006.
I was provided an ARC by the publishers via NetGalley.
October 3, 2025
(I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review)
I loved all the books by Gun Brooke I’ve read in the past (except I don’t read the fantasy ones) so I was so excited to read a book centered around the Titanic disaster. Maybe my expectations were too high so the disappointment I feel is partly my own fault.
It took me longer than usual to get through this book because I started, stopped, and re-started the book 3 times before I was finally was able to get through it. The first part of the book prior to them starting their journey towards Titanic was dull. The characters dialogue was so flat and stilted. I know during that time period people did speak differently but this was robotic. Then their expressions/mannerism were over the top and exaggerated as if the author was trying to make up for their emotionless dialogue. In the end the characters just came off as silly caricatures of that era (at least in the first part of the book).
Once they began their journey towards Titanic the book did get better but still was not as good as the author’s previous work. I expected/hoped that the majority of the book would be their journey on Titanic & how they survived but it was just a small part of the book.
I loved all the books by Gun Brooke I’ve read in the past (except I don’t read the fantasy ones) so I was so excited to read a book centered around the Titanic disaster. Maybe my expectations were too high so the disappointment I feel is partly my own fault.
It took me longer than usual to get through this book because I started, stopped, and re-started the book 3 times before I was finally was able to get through it. The first part of the book prior to them starting their journey towards Titanic was dull. The characters dialogue was so flat and stilted. I know during that time period people did speak differently but this was robotic. Then their expressions/mannerism were over the top and exaggerated as if the author was trying to make up for their emotionless dialogue. In the end the characters just came off as silly caricatures of that era (at least in the first part of the book).
Once they began their journey towards Titanic the book did get better but still was not as good as the author’s previous work. I expected/hoped that the majority of the book would be their journey on Titanic & how they survived but it was just a small part of the book.
October 5, 2025
I’ve read several books by this author, and this was definitely one of my favorites. The title and the connection to the Titanic might not immediately promise surprises, but the story is written with such emotion that I could truly feel the love radiating from the pages. Not only between the main characters, but also among the supporting characters and in the relationships with the children. The final chapter was unexpected and left me eager to read more.
From the very beginning, Arabella exudes strength and a longing for freedom. She values the people around her — and herself — seeing what’s best for her circle and following her heart, regardless of what the world might think. It’s not always easy, but her determination makes her shine. Zandra is a breath of fresh air who helps Arabella blossom even more. It’s a delightful read that I flew through from start to finish.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book. I’m voluntarily leaving this honest review.
From the very beginning, Arabella exudes strength and a longing for freedom. She values the people around her — and herself — seeing what’s best for her circle and following her heart, regardless of what the world might think. It’s not always easy, but her determination makes her shine. Zandra is a breath of fresh air who helps Arabella blossom even more. It’s a delightful read that I flew through from start to finish.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book. I’m voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 30, 2025
This was an exciting, historical, age gap read. Lady Arabella Grey her children Rosalind and Maeve make for an entertaining and loving family. Milady was in need of a governess and let the adventure begin. Miss Zandra Lancaster is in need of a position and this house appears to meet her needs. When Arabella and Zandra meet, it is difficult to determine if they will warm to each other. When Zandra meets the children, Arabella sees that she will work wonderfully. As times goes on, not only is there care and concern between Zandra and the children but curiosity and feelings between Arabella and Zandra.
Knowing that a voyage on the Titanic is part of the story, I was waiting with every page turn how the family, Zandra and house staff would fair. What an emotional rollorcoaster of emotions as I appreciated all of the characters and wondered which ones will be with us at the end of the story. I must say, the ending, tag on was an interesting, a-ha, hummm moment.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Knowing that a voyage on the Titanic is part of the story, I was waiting with every page turn how the family, Zandra and house staff would fair. What an emotional rollorcoaster of emotions as I appreciated all of the characters and wondered which ones will be with us at the end of the story. I must say, the ending, tag on was an interesting, a-ha, hummm moment.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
November 21, 2025
Despite the iceberg on the cover and the Titanic being name-dropped on the synopsis, they were only on the boat for around fourty pages. I 'd thought that the majority of the book would take place on the Titanic, so I was pretty disappointed. I also expected a desperate, Jack-and-Rose–style fight for survival, but
I didn't feel a connection between Arabella and Zandra. The side characters were alright, but I didn't feel particularly attached to them.
I didn't feel a connection between Arabella and Zandra. The side characters were alright, but I didn't feel particularly attached to them.
October 18, 2025
A great book as usual with Gun Brooke. The cover is not very attractive.
December 20, 2025
A beautiful romance, engaging characters, and a happy ever after… with lots of action in between. It’s Gun Brooke
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