Long Time No Sea

by Portia MacIntosh

Pre-order the brand new novel from Portia MacIntosh! Moving home in her 30s was not the life plan Jas had in mind. So when her best friend gets in touch to say she's arranging a long overdue reunion with their high school friends, Jas is very much up for the escape. Oh, and it's all expenses paid to Italy - so that's a bonus! But while being whisked away to the beautiful Italian coast may seem idyllic, Jas has to come face to face with not only her ex-boyfriend, but the one that got away too! It's a week of sun, sea and unravelling secrets, and as the love triangle from the past starts to develop once again, this trip is not panning out exactly as Jas imagines... Should the past be left where it is, or could there be a second chance at love on the horizon..? Join top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh for a sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud love triangle romantic comedy!

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Adult

274 pages, ebook

First published July 6, 2023

About the author

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 30 romantic comedy novels.

From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com

Reviews

[Katie Beasley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a struggle to get through. I had a hard time connecting to the characters. The plot seemed a little all over the place. It seemed like there was some potential, but there needs to be a more cohesiveness.

Jas has just been fired and is moving back home with her parents until she can figure out what is next. Out of the blue, she gets a call from her old BF Maxi. Maxi is now married to a billionaire and seems to just be living her best life. She has made a video for the old high school crew to see if they all want to holiday in Italy together. They were a crew of 6 back in the day and lost touch after an accident happened that changed the trajectory of the future for most of them.

Jas decides to go. We learn that she was in a love triangle of sorts with two of the boys, Mike and Cam who happened to be best friends. Mike liked her, but she liked Cam. The whole gang meets at the private jet to fly to the villa they will be staying at, and Jas doesn't see Cam. BUT he then shows up at the villa and Jas finds herself questioning if they could pick up where they left off.

This plot line seemed fine to me until one of the friend (Clarky) who I found very annoying decides to book them a trip for the day. He tells his friends it is a day boat cruise to a deserted island but later reveals it is actually a survivor situation where they are left on the island for several days and have to fend for themselves. First plot fail. Then a day or two goes by and then end up finding this hotel that turns into a sex resort of sorts where they end up staying until the boat comes. The author lost me here. The reconnecting relationships seemed to happen a little too fast for me. There really wasn't a lot of character growth from when they were younger, and then all of these revelations happened at the end that just left me feeling empty.

I am sorry to say this was a hard read to get through for me, but I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Javier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a fun and refreshing read during these scorching summer days? Look no further! Long Time No Sea is your book! As usual with Portia’s books it is the perfect mix of romance and comedy, making it a light and uplifting read. She’s definitely one of my MUST READ authors when I’m in need of some laughs.

How does an all expenses paid trip to the Italian coast sound? Bloody awesome, if you ask me! That’s what Jas thinks when her best friend from high school arranges a reunion of their old group of friends. But she’ll have to share her holiday with her ex boyfriend and the one that got away, reigniting an old love triangle that will get even more complicated when a day trip turns out unexpectedly.

The story is told in dual timelines, and it was a fantastic way to add some depth to the characters. In the past we get to witness how their friendships grew when they were teens, allowing the reader to better understand them in the present and where they were coming from during their reunion in Italy. A big event when they were kids made them lose touch, keeping secrets from each other for a long time. This whole thing added a nice touch of suspense to the story, making you guess what could have happened to break their friendship.

All the characters felt pretty real, even though some of them were a bit hard to relate to. Clarky was such an annoying guy. I admit it was fun to read about him, but dealing with him in real life would be a huge NO! All of them had their strengths and their flaws. Even though on the outside they seemed to be living their best life, they were all struggling some battles, and secrets and silence weren’t letting them move forward.

I think the whole premise was quite relatable. That bittersweet moment when, after many years, you meet old friends, realizing that maybe now you don’t have so much in common as you did, and that the things that tied you together back then may be the ones keeping you apart now, basically because you’re not anymore the same people you were then. Accepting that, and not trying to force old patterns, is the only way to let a new friendship develop.

What promised to be a relaxing vacation soon turns into a series of hilarious situations that made me laugh out loud several times. That resort was quite something! But the story also has some emotional moments and the author did such a good job balancing both, inserting a joke or making a witty remark to lighten the heaviest moments.

Long Time No Sea (great title, btw), will bring you back to your teens with that sense of nostalgia of when you were a kid ready to eat the world, only to end up being eaten by it. Romance, laughs and old friendships make of this the perfect summer read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

High school friends reunite for what's supposed to be a fun-filled vacation at an Italian resort only to find themselves trapped in some strange survival game scenario. Told with flashbacks from their last summer together and full of drama, love triangles and lots of long-held secrets.

This was a laugh out loud, sometimes over the top British romcom perfect for anyone with an Emily Henry 'Happy Places' book hangover. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Belén Muñoz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hay muchísimo relleno y la trama principal está fatal desarrollada. Los personajes tampoco me han terminado de gustar ni he conectado con ninguno en especial (pese a haberlo intentado con Cam😭). Las mismas expresiones repetidas mil veces.

Si no le doy la puntuación más baja es porque me apetecía leer un libro veraniego y, al menos eso, lo cumple.

[Aerryn Gorrebeeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I smiled throughout this book, very wholesome and super cute. I gave it 3 stars because the beginning was sloooowww but by 60% I couldn’t put it down.

[Tessa_with_the_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. Portia MacIntosh has become one of my must read authors. There is always so much heart in her story telling. This book alternates two different time lines, which can be risky if it’s not done well. It was absolutely smashed out of the park. She kept the suspense/mystery going while slowly unwinding the web of truths. I was so frustrated with Clark at first, but man did he bring some good antics and laughs. This group of friends brought the drama, that’s for sure! There were so many laugh out loud moments. And the HUGE bombshell twist had my jaw on the floor. Such a huge secret to have for FIFTEEN years. By the end of the book, I felt like I was one of the group. To be honest, if this book does not get a book two, I will be absolutely gutted. I need to know what happens to *my friends* when the holiday ends!! Please, publishing gods, make this happen!

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Portia MacIntosh for the eARC.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when Jasmine's life is falling apart, her best friend Maxi invites her on an all expenses paid vacation to Italy with all their childhood school friends. They fell apart one fateful night fifteen years ago and most of them haven't spoken since. But this is far from the relaxing vacation Jasmine expected when secrets start to come out. Jasmine is also caught between her ex-boyfriend and the one that got away, her crush that she might now have a chance with.
I like that the story was told in dual timelines between their friendship growing up and the night they fell apart, and the present in Italy. There were many secrets revealed, some expected some not, that made the story more interesting. I did find it hard to connect with the characters at first but it got easier as the story went on.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this might just be one of the best mind numb ROM coms I've read in a very long time.

Idk how my girl did it but the combo of all the different character, and the SETTING! You bet I was whooping and cackling the whole way. And don't get me started on Clarkey - that guy absolutely sucked at first but DAMN I was crying laughing at this dude by the end. I love to watch a brainless main on the loose.

100% would reread.

[Lety Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 solid read. Quick lovely read

[Katarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listend to this as an audiobook on Spotify - very cute and easy

[Cherise Adamsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Val · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf.

[Calista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild and filled with adventure, Long Time No Sea by Portia MacIntosh follows six old friends as they reunite 15 years later during a holiday hosted by one of them.

Summary: Jasmine “Jas” Bartlett loses her job (not her fault) but soon discovers she is invited to a holiday getaway in Italy by one of her old friends. She reunites with her five close friends from sixth form, one of them being her ex-boyfriend and the other being her almost-boyfriend.

Tropes/Genres:
• 6 best friends
• filled with crackhead energy
• general fiction
• second-chance romance
• travelling
• parallel storylines

Review: This book was wild. I spent the book trying to figure out which characters I liked and didn’t like, but I ended up liking them all in their own way, even those I thought I wouldn’t like. I guess it’s because they felt so real. The author did a great job writing such realistic and three-dimensional characters.

There are two parallel storylines: One is the main timeline, where readers follow Jas as she interacts with her old friends, and the other is set in the past, where we slowly learn about what their friendship was like in the past and try to figure out what happened in 2008 that caused them to lose contact with each other for so long.

I think it’s very interesting how the author weaves everything together. That plot twist! Those plot twists! I didn’t see anything coming. But the story still wraps everything up so neatly. Each character had their own personality, and they stuck to it. They made sense in their own way, and I could understand their rationale.

The writing was engaging, and I actually finished this book within 8 hours of starting it. I just didn’t want to put it down because I wanted to know more. Why are they like this? What exactly happened 15 years ago? It’s not so much of a mystery to solve but rather a story of the past that I just wanted to know about.

I recommend this book to those who want to read a story about old friends who meet again. In a way, it can be nostalgic, as many people can relate to this – wanting to go back to the past and relive those fun and carefree days again.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the book.

[Gabbi Levy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long Time No Sea is about a group of friends who haven’t seen one another in 15 years, since going off to uni, who get together for an island getaway. Jas has just been fired as an au pair and is moving home to her parents and has always had a crush on Cam. But her ex, Mikey will be there too… meanwhile, Maxi seems happily married to her billionaire husband, but are her feelings for her high school sweetheart DJ actually in the past? And Clarky, always a bit of a try-hard, has brought along a plus one more than a decade their junior. While at first, they’re having a relaxing and luxurious time, soon, hijinks ensue.

While the friends give Clarky a hard time for being stuck in his adolescence, the trip knocks them all back into childish behaviors. The story is a bit chaotic. When things go sideways, and they really, really do, I find myself wondering why they don’t all find the next boat (and plane) home. I was tempted to bail midway through the trip too.

Long Time No Sea by Portia MacIntosh
⭐️ ⭐️ 💫 2.5 stars rounded up
🌶️ Poolside games were more graphic than the actual sex
⛳️ Never gonna think of Minigolf the same way again
🏝️When going on a trip to an uninhabited island, bring more snacks than you think you need
🛀 It’s a shame Jas never got to use that amazing tub

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, what can I say about new Portia McIntosh's book? The same as always, actually. It was a nice, relaxing read that had its moments, but this story left me thoughtless. I'm not sure what I think about it - do I think anything at all about it? Because it felt like a copy of all Portia's books, there was nothing new, she's following the same pattern in her books and you simply want to say, same old, same old. What irritates me slightly in her books is the fact that the main heroines are always the ultimate queen bees, everybody fights for their attention, they are always sooo attractive and all old flames want to be with them again. Not differently with Jasmine and believe me, there was nothing so special in her.

There is some humour in the story, but sometimes it fells to forced. The attempt of adding a bit of mystery to the story, mentioning "this evening" every few pages, well, not so completely successful. Nevertheless, the writing style is this what kept me going, because Portia McIntosh has a lighness to her writing and I enjoy it whole - heartedly.

Altogether, it was light and easy, but I am probably getting too old for Portia's books - I have a feeling her characters don't grow up. Too over - dramatic and with some issues within it that didn't sit with me, but if you're looking for a relaxing summery read with some moments in it, try this one. It is not that I didn't enjoy it, I just missed some depth and something new.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited about the premise of this book, but the characters and their "friendship" made the overall story fall flat for me. I wish it would have held onto the vibe that their holiday opened on, but maybe that is just the 30+ year old in me.

While their were enjoyable moments - ones that had me laughing of smiling, I found all of the characters (except for Cam) to be unlikable and overall immature for the ages that they were. By the time thing start coming to a head, it truly put a damper on this group of individuals I thought had this heartwarming friendship that the would rekindle and it just turned out to be toxic.

Overall, not a terrible book, just issues within it that did not make it enjoyable for me. If you enjoy some drama in your reads, I think. you would enjoy this more than me.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick and enjoyable read, blending elements of romance, comedy, and nostalgia seamlessly. The story revolves around a group of friends who, due to life's circumstances, had lost touch with each other. However, fate brings them back together for a trip to Italy, igniting a whirlwind of adventures that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

What captivated me the most about this book was the clever interweaving of present-day escapades with flashbacks to events that occurred fifteen years ago. Learning about their shared past added depth to the characters' relationships and motivations, making the story feel richer and more engaging.

While I didn't personally connect strongly with the characters, I found myself drawn to each of them with all their strengths and flaws. The author skillfully portrayed their complexities, making them feel like genuine individuals struggling with their own inner battles and dreams. I couldn't help but root for every one of them to find redemption and happiness.

One aspect that stood out was the author's exceptional talent for injecting humor into the narrative. Even during the most intense or emotional moments, a well-timed joke or witty remark never failed to lighten the mood and bring a smile to my face. This masterful balance between laughter and heartfelt moments enhanced my reading experience and made it thoroughly enjoyable.

While the rom-com theme is evident, the book also carries a nostalgic charm that tugs at the heartstrings. It captures the essence of friendship and the bittersweet nostalgia of rekindling old connections, making it a perfect read for anyone who cherishes reminiscing about the past and cherishing present moments with loved ones.

In conclusion, although I didn't forge a deep emotional connection with the story, the well-crafted characters, humorous moments, and the touch of nostalgia made this book a delightful and worthwhile read. I commend the author for crafting a tale that strikes a balance between laughter, adventure, and heartfelt reflections, leaving readers yearning for their own chance to revisit the past and embark on new life adventures.

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Jas gets fired and is forced to move back home with her parents while she’s in her 30s, she knows she’s trust hit rock bottom. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do next until one of her best mates from school days sends her an invitation to an all expenses paid vacation to a private island in Italy. With no job holding her back, she decides she may as well go for it even though she hasn’t seen her friends in a long time, despite them all pledging to stay in touch after school. Of course, this also means that her ex boyfriend will also be joining them as well as Cam, the one that she crushed on the whole time. When the band gets reunited as adults, secrets get revealed, lies get uncovered and the story of their lives back then proves to not be what everyone thought it was. And it also turns into a nit so relaxing vacation when Clarky takes them on a “Shipwreck” excursion because he thinks he’d be so great at shows like Naked & Afraid. Ugh. All Jas wanted was a free break from life before she had to face the reality of her situation and instead she is forced to face her feelings all over again, in the S & M room even lol and they all just needed to grow up and tell the truth.
This was ok but not my favorite by this author. The characters were kinda flat and not super likeable. That being said, it was a quick read and it is always a pleasure to read about scenes in Italy.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's trouble in paradise... "Long Time No Sea" takes readers on a sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud journey filled with love, friendship, and the unraveling of secrets. In this delightful romantic comedy, author Portia MacIntosh seamlessly intertwines two time periods, allowing us to witness the reunion of high school friends in Italy, while also exploring their last year of school in 2008.
Jas, our relatable protagonist, finds herself swept away to the stunning Italian coast for a long-overdue reunion. However, paradise quickly becomes complicated when her ex-boyfriend and the one that got away resurface, reigniting a love triangle from the past. As the story unfolds, we are captivated by the chemistry, tension, and second chances that emerge.
While the book starts off at a leisurely pace, it soon becomes addictive, making it difficult to put down. My only wish is that the ending provided more closure, perhaps an epilogue to tie up loose ends. Nonetheless, "Long Time No Sea" is a perfect beach read, offering a delightful escape with its humor and intriguing plot.
3.5 stars
NetGalley arc

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

I went on a PM binge a few months back—always a ridiculous good time! I took a break because the last one I read had too many familiar bits to the other books and not in a good way.

Initially I really liked how this book was starting but was then disappointed when it turned into another friends on holiday on an Italian island story… I almost gave up not wanting to read the same story again, but something happened at 40% that hooked me in. Unfortunately this storyline ended and we were back to what felt like a twin to so many other PM books. Yet I didn’t give up because I liked the characters and it was brain popcorn. I’m glad I stuck it out because the hook really redeemed itself with a reveal at 89% or so.

By the end I was satisfied I got what I was looking for—an easy read with a good British narrator and ridiculous rom/com moments without graphic sex scenes.

[jmoura01 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long Time No Sea by Portia MacIntosh follows five friends alternating from current times to flashbacks of their younger years. Currently in their 30s the friends are invited to vacation together on the Italian coast, all expenses paid. They hadn’t all been together since one fateful night before they headed to university and their adult lives.

MacIntosh’s eccentric sense of humor drives this sweetly funny story as we watch the friends reconnect. They endure at least one trial and finally decide to go with the flow and have fun. Mysteries are solved as they come clean to each other about the past. Not a romance but a charming ensemble story. 3.5/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the eARC!

After losing her job due to her creepy boss, Jas has the opportunity to go on a free vacation to Italy with her high school friends (who she hasn’t seen in 15 years).

The story is told through two time periods - the first set in present day where we follow Jas and her friends reconnecting throughout this trip in Italy, and the second set back in 2008, where we follow the group throughout their last year of school and figure out what caused them to fall apart.

The book starts off a bit slow, but once I got into it, I couldn’t put it down. My only wish is that we got a bit more to the ending/an epilogue of sorts! Overall, I really enjoyed reading it and highly recommend it for anyone looking for their next, easy beach read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

how no one strangled clarky to death is beyond me. i would’ve pounced on him immediately after he said that we are casually stranded.

as every portia macintosh book goes, blonde british fmc gets up to hijinks for the first 40% of the book and then a plot kinda starts. i knew where this was going the whole time, except for like the random bits of details (daughters, “illnesses”, etc.) like no duh jas was gonna end up with him! but maybe i’ve read too many rom coms this year, specifically ones by portia macintosh.

but i always have a great time. i love karen cass’s narration style. and much like a raccoon, you can’t keep me away from this garbage <3

[Elizabeth Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow, but once I was about 30% in, I couldn’t put it down. I was laughing out loud multiple times (the sex swing 🤣🤣). I really enjoyed the story. The characters and their antics were great. The relationships between them were relatable. A good reminder that you don’t always know everything going on in people’s lives, even the people we think we know the best.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Portia Macintosh and I thought it was brilliant.
The book didn’t go in the direction I expected and had a few twists thrown in along the way which only increased the humour.
I loved the characters and really felt like I was part of the friendship group.
What a brilliant feel good book I would definitely recommend buying for a fantastic summer read and hopefully there will be a sequel to see where everyone is in a few years time.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Portia Macintosh for an early copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Liana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Portia Macintosh has written multiple entertaining rom-coms: Honeymoon For One, the Plus-One Pact, the Time of Our Lives, and My Great Ex-Scape to name a few.  This book was full of lying, monstrously hypocritical, immature, and unredeemable characters who inspired zero sympathy or empathy.  It also contained situations that read like contrived very bad reality TV.  All novels are contrived by definition, but they should at least have some feeling of realness.  I finished this book only because I paid for it. 

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was on a roll with this author. Liked the first two but this one didn’t do it for me. I do like her easy breezy writing style, her characters are amusing and the plots are fun. Wish you weren’t here and the suite life were nice palate cleansers between my psychological thrillers so I’ll go back to her again, but unfortunately, this one was a dud.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

High school friends reunite and ruin their own Italian vacation to relive the same high school drama from 15 years ago. I did care for this, how to you make getting “stranded” on a beach vacation boring? And the back and forth with Cam was irritating, be together or move on!

[Janet Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ 🎧 audiobook

[Anna McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really struggled to connect with the characters and the plot was a bit chaotic but a wholesome easy read