Andrew: I’ve traveled the world as a yacht steward for the past year, trying to outrun a broken heart and a mountain of debt. Then a gig as a chief stew on board a yacht in the Caribbean comes my way. The timing is right, the weather is perfect, and the pay is desperately needed. There’s just one problem…
My billionaire boss, Rowan Carter, is way too distracting. With his charming British accent and sarcastic quips, Rowan commands all my attention and none of it is focused on work. I prepare to meet another entitled jerk when I step on board his ship, but it turns out that Rowan is the exception to the billionaire rule. And I get a first-hand glimpse of the kindhearted man behind the money.
The professional line between us melts away but I’ve been badly burned by a workplace relationship gone wrong. And Rowan and I live in two very different worlds. I can’t – shouldn’t - fall for Rowan Carter.
Oh boy. Too late.
Rowan: I run a real estate empire but being in the top one percent isn’t all fun and caviar. The family business has struggled these past two years and now the one place that was my refuge may be taken away from me. Add to that, I’m a target for the paparazzi because of a former relationship. I’ve never felt so alone. Lonely. Unmoored…
Until a dreamy American named Andrew Slater walks aboard my ship and into my life. Andrew takes delight in answering my snark with sarcastic retorts and his wit is matched by quiet acts of kindness.
Falling in love is an unexpected voyage for both of us. Unless the press gets wind of our relationship, and then all bets are off.
But I fight to win, because Andrew is the most important deal of my life.
Oh Buoy is a boss-employee, friends to lovers, MM romance filled with tropical locations, spicy banter and swoony moments.
I wasn’t one for romanticizing sexual chemistry, but I’d never felt so aware of any man in my entire life.
Sweet, spicy, tender, and genuine.
Rowan (38) yacht owner and multi millionaire. Andrew (30) new chief stewart on the 200 foot yacht, owned by Rowan.
“You fucked my brains out last night and with it my ability to read, write, and make normal conversation. I can only grunt, pound my chest, and pull you back to my cave at this point.”
I loved it. So, it's nothing special and I can't quite put my finger on what's so great about this book. It's overall a fluffy thing with very spicy sex scenes, if you can make it that far in the book. I think it has a few long bits and may drag on a bit for some. But for me, strangely enough, not at all. I was so much in the flow with this book. Maybe the writing style, which I can't confirm as it was my first book by Ava Olsen. Or I just had the perfect mood for this story, which isn't really original in itself. But it worked. The characters weren't really that outstanding either, hmm I'm starting to doubt my rating. Anyway, I had my heart racing almost the whole time and was really into it. 🤷🏼♀️
Raw, powerful, pushing and pulling, we’d been desperate to absorb one another, totally unaware of anything else except our need to get as close as possible. Our bodies’ joining was more than physical. Being in Andrew’s arms was like coming home. And as I hit my climax, the overwhelming sense of absolute freedom and safety led to a rush of tears I couldn’t control. He wrecked my body and ruined my heart, and it was the most beautiful feeling imaginable. 💞😳💞
We got here two men who unexpectedly fall in love. The time and circumstances weren’t right but everything else was.
Andrew’s new job as a yacht chief steward started a bit extraordinary, his first step on board started with arguing. Oops, it was his billionaire boss. Rowan was delighted by this new steward, the man is snarky and fun. Not afraid to open his mouth to a billionaire.
They have a long way to go before there’s a happy end. There’s an instant attraction but no way Andrew would start something with his boss. After a bad breakup where Andrew was left broke, he’ll think twice before starting something.
Rowan is prey for the tabloids, after a breakup with a famous tv celebrity Rowan got all the shit over him, even if it was he who was left behind. He’ll think twice before starting any kind of relationship.
Only, the attraction is too strong, the feelings too real and honest. Both men tentatively discover the true person behind protective walls. Andrew is a hardworking, fun warm-hearted man, Rowan is just as warm, with intense feelings, and in such a difficult position. The paparazzi are a constant threat, it’s almost impossible to get close to Andrew without getting caught. A weekend together, away from people, brings them as close as humans can get. The feelings are mutual, but it’s unrealistic to think they can act on them.
As I said they have a long way to go. It was everything, absolutely mesmerizing to watch them, it was more than just their relationship or the circumstances. There are lawyers, friends, family, exes, co-workers, trips, too much to mention all. Read it yourself, I was swept off my feet by this story. The scenery was beautiful, the writing stunning, the banter fun, the sexiness delicious, the emotions real and honest, the characters amazing and well-developed. The whole story together? ALL the stars. Can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!
This is the first book I have read by this author but will 100% not be my last. I loved everything about this book. It was the perfect story for the mood I was in. Forbidden, boss/employee, low-angst but not too easy, they still had to work for it, great sexual chemistry but didn’t take focus from the story, amazing banter between the MCs and so much more. I really couldn’t have asked for a better story.
I’m not usually a fan of the billionaire trope but I really loved it in this one. Rowan was super down-to-earth in almost all aspects and I loved the almost immediate connection he had with Andrew. The way Andrew handled himself and some of the scumbags in Rowan’s world was fantastic. I loved seeing him take care of himself!
Both Rowan and Andrew have had issues with past relationships and swore they wouldn’t make the same mistake again. Of course they do but this mistake turns into their HEA! It turns out so well for them and I couldn’t have been happier with their ending!
If you love the reality show Below Deck this is a must-read! It was so cool to read a story about a crew member on a yacht and be able to picture all the scenes and different areas on the yacht! We also meet a lot of the characters for books 2, 3 and 4 in this book and it’s made me incredibly excited to continue with this series! I absolutely recommend this book!
Przeciętnie przyzwoita i przyjemna historia. Szukałam czegoś lekkiego i łatwego po Two Tribes Fearne Hill i dokładnie to właśnie dostałam, zatem czepiać się nie będę (choć mogłabym 😜).
•Boss/employee relationship •Hurt/Comfort •New beginnings •A little banter •Chemistry
Oh Buoy by Ava Olsen was a sweet, easy read. Mayhap, a little too sugary sweet on the romance? There was something about the romance that felt a little OTT, but it's overall a good read.
New to me author that caught my interest; I will continue with book 2 of the series when it releases.
This was an enjoyable story. It was my first book by Ava Olsen and I plan to read Dylan’s story in the next book. Hopefully there will be a third book for Rafe and Charlie.
Something about the tone or the writing style just didn’t connect with me. There’s a fine line between sexy and cheesy and this book goes too far into cheesy territory for me. I skimmed the last few chapters.
I loved both Rowan and Andrew. Despite their differences and past hurts, they are both down to earth and are unapologetically themselves. And this employee/boss duo had such an epic meet-cute!
I can’t imagine having my life in the limelight the way Rowan does, having my heartbreak bandied about in the tabloids. Yet he’s still a lovely guy and unbelievably trusting given his pas experience. And geez, poor Andrew, he was done dirty by his ex.
These guys had such a great connection, and I love how they worked together and treated each other as equals despite one being a billionaire. Like most secret relationships, especially one that has the risk of the limelight, it’s not a straight line to a happy ending, but it’s still low-angst, and these guys aren’t going to give up what they have together.
There’s also a host of great side characters that were introduced, and are just screaming to find their forever guy! I’m not sure who I’m more excited for.
So here’s to this series setting sail toward love!
I loved reading this story and am really happy with how it worked out. Especially the dynamic in the end was refreshing. Rowan was a great guy with high pressure and Drew was really nice and perfect for him I loved that he trusted Rowan although Ro was all over the place with his heart and head. For me it was a bit too much rollercoaster on Rowans side.
Nevertheless I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next 3 books. It will be interesting which couple we will see first and if we get a glimpse of the potential partner of our stern lawyer 😅
I have to say: every time I have the opportunity to read an Ava Olsen book, I jump on it...this author writes one hell of a story and this one is no exception.
From the moment Andrew and Rowan meet it's instant fireworks, they share an insane magnetic chemistry that neither can deny and their coupling was inevitable. Unfortunately Ro is Drew's billionaire boss and Drew is a down on his luck regular ole country boy looking to rebuild his life after a very bad break up with major financial repercussions. As these two get to know each other they share more in common than just burning sexual chemistry...which omg, it's hotter that hell 🔥🔥🔥, they share a connection as if they have been waiting their whole lives for that one person who makes them whole, who is their love, who is their rock, who is their home. Both men have been feeling adrift and finally they feel free and a sense of contentment neither has ever felt before. This story was perfect, the relationship development was on point, the drama was low even though there was plenty of potential for it, the author chose not to go there which I appreciated. These guys weathered the storm together, which was a testament to their love and connection ❤️ The epilogue... I melted! The side characters in this book were the best, I cannot wait to see what's next in this series, imo it's a must read! I 100% recommend.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
[dnf @ 62%] i really wanna finish it to be honest, but i really can't... it started out okay actually, however as i read on, i totally can't differentiate one hero from another hero. i try my best to take note of whose pov when i started reading their individual pov, but halfway through i will get lost and went "who is this??"
unfortunately, for m/m romance, if i can't differentiate the characters, it's honestly hard to read.
I really enjoyed this first read ever by Ava Olsen. I really loved the location(s) and all the detail. I loved the escape to the beach feel while I read, and the characters and story line were great. I loved the age gap and character differences in Rowan and Andrew. I loved the boss employee with the secret not so secret attraction trope. And loved the Billionaire hero aspect! I felt like I was floating along with the crew on Now, Voyager and I am so so amped for the next book in the series as all the supporting characters and easter egg drops where fantastic.
This was a slower burn, but it did not drag. I adored Rowan and his kind, giving soul who happens to be a billionaire and knows how to live the life. I appreciated that he had a value for friends and family and not once took for granted the type of life he was privy to or his employees. I just wanted him to find someone who would love him; take him for his character and not his wealth. I felt his need to find his true partner and his new Chief Stuard of Now, Voyager is just the man for him, but completely off limits (what a predicament). I loved Andrew and how sweet and flirty he was, how he not once saw dollar signs over character when it came to Rowan. I appreciated his work ethic and his drive to experience the type of life not everyone lives. He may have been mending his shattered life and broken heart, but he not once let that dull his shine. I loved the misunderstanding in the beginning where it showed not only Andrews fisty side but Rowans playfulness. It was easy to imagine and crave these men together from the beginning with the way Ava brought their story and chemistry to life. They were hot and I loved both the fast and hard as well as the slow and soft intimacy between them. Loved the marking and mild possessiveness Rowan had over Andrew. Loved the pet names love and sweetheart and how it was a small but significant way of showing each other their hearts. I would say my one negative was the declarations of love got a little cheesy and were sometimes long-drawn-out speech's that weren't all that necessary. And even though it was the right call, when Ro and Drew had that small time apart back on the yacht, the in-between where they were hands off, I wanted them to be HANDS ON. I wanted more sneaking around under the crew's noses. but that's just me!
I really am so happy I picked this one up, found a new author, and am so so excited to see Rowan's good friend and supporting character, Dylan, and his ghost writer's love story unfold. And then more! We got some great easter egg drops for the potential third book and I know that one is going to hit all my loves!
Solid 4 stars to a new author and new series that I will 100% continue to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
What do you get when you combine a billionaire and a down-on-his-luck travel steward? That's right. You get a sweet and sugary romance that blossoms from mistaken identity and a water hose. Rowan and Andrew are just too cute for words. They have this chemistry that far exceeded my expectations when going into this book. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect being that this was my first book by Ava Olsen. What an incredible way to start my reading journey with her.
Oh Buoy by Ava Olsen is the first book in the Voyagers series. She brought reality to a set of characters that deserve to have the love of a lifetime. The writing was very detailed and again very realistic. Every family has their problems and Rowan's family is no different. Yet even with some dysfunctional parts, they are supportive and love Rowan a great deal. Andrew is one of those characters you have to feel bad for because of what he's been through, but the one thing I liked about him was that he pushed through and is trying everything he can to do better for himself.
When they meet, it's in an unconventional way. Andrew mistakes Rowan for one of the crew on the yacht he will be working on as a travel steward. Andrew doesn't realize until after Rowan squirts him with a hose that he indeed is the owner of the yacht and that his life is about to change. The chemistry between them is instantaneous, but Andrew has made a promise to himself he would not get involved with his boss ever again. Well you know what they say about best-laid plans, they tend to crumble the longer you spend with someone. The longer they're around each other the more they realize they can't stay away from each other. They feel a strong pull to each other and as time goes on and they become intimate, the more time they want to spend together. The problem is keeping it quiet and not getting caught by the rest of the staff. When one of the staff does indeed catch them, what will she do and how will Andrew and Rowan handle the backlash? Will they profess their love for each other and will Andrew stay on the yacht?
This is one of those books I would highly recommend. Is it sugary sweet in the romance? Yes. Are the characters relatable? Yes and no. Not only will you love Andrew and Rowan, but you will also grow to love the families as well. There's some chemistry between Rowan's brother and the captain as well, but that's for another book. Read this book. You will not be sorry.
I received this book for my honest review from GRR.
Andrew Slater needs this job as chief stew on a yacht in the Caribbean. Might as well start showing Mr. Carter that he means business right off the bat – starting with guy hosing down the deck not in a uniform, distracted enough to soak him with freezing cold water. He gives the unprofessional employee the what for and he’s confident he’s made a good first impression until the Captain tells him who he’s currently reaming out…
Rowan Carter is captivated by this American who’s come aboard and started shouting orders at him, all because he’s shirtless and may have been distracted by his attractiveness and accidentally hosed him down with freezing cold water. It’s his fault, really, for being so good looking. Since he’s on such a tangent, I’ll let him keep going, until my cover is blown by the Captain and I find that I’d rather be blown by my new chief stew…
As long as neither of them catch feelings, they can be boss & employee as well as friends and they can absolutely ignore the blazing hot chemistry that crackles between them at every opportunity. When that doesn’t work, they spend some steamy time together – in the sauna. It’s hot in more ways than one and Andrew thinks this is the start of something they’ll keep secret until his contract is finished. Rowan is set straight and he cuts Andrew off, insisting that they go back to strictly boss & employee. Infuriated, Andrew agrees and it’s everything Rowan can do to keep his eyes & hands off of Andrew.
What happens when they agree to 3 days of “getting one another out of their systems” before heading back to the yacht and remaining strictly friends? Can each man keep his end of the deal? What happens when their privacy is sold to the media and their relationship is now out in the open? Can 3 days, undeniable chemistry and love be enough to weather the rough seas heading their way? Oh Buoy.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest. Oh Buoy Ava Olsen
There is just something about a forbidden, workplace relationship that I love so when I saw Oh Buoy, I figured I would give it a try. I was not disappointed. This was a sweet and steamy MM romance between a billionaire and his chief steward on his yacht. While it wasn’t forbidden by any particular rule, it was an issue because it would and did cause a media scandal. While they tried to avoid their mutual chemistry, of course they eventually gave into temptation. Andrew and Rowan as characters are adorably snarky and the tension between them was yummy.
Andrew fled his home city after a terrible breakup looking for a fresh start. Taking a chief steward gig on a billionaire’s yacht seemed like the perfect way to dig himself out of some debt and get a fresh start on his own charter business. However, his billionaire boss Rowan is just the distraction he doesn’t need. He fled one workplace romance that blew up in his face. The last thing he needs is another. Rowan is on the verge of closing a very important deal for his family’s company and securing his place as CEO and the remainder of his family’s shares. On the tail end of a messy and very public breakup himself, he can not afford any more publicity and falling for one of his employees is the last thing he should be thinking about. However, as the two get to know each other more, staying away becomes harder and harder.
This was a cute story about falling in love and honestly, I wish it had been just a touch longer. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Ro and Drew, but the story felt a bit rushed from the time they got together to the conflict and ending resolution. The speed of everything left me a little unsatisfied. I wanted them to have to work a bit more for it I guess. Overall, this was a sweet story that I would have enjoyed reading just a little longer. Ava introduced a few additional characters whose stories should follow and I’m looking forward to reading.
I watch very little television, but I will admit to occasionally binge-watching Below Deck. I don’t know why, but the whole chartered yacht vibe, rich people behaving badly, and drama between employees fascinates me. (Plus the crew is usually quite attractive.)
This book is the first in a 5-book series called Voyagers, and it definitely gave me Below Deck vibes. It’s romantic, super steamy, emotional, and there are lots of vivid descriptions of beautiful places, delicious food, and sexy people.
Andrew is about to start working as chief steward on the superyacht Now, Voyager. The last thing he’s expecting is how unbelievably handsome Rowan, the yacht’s owner, is. And while there’s definitely chemistry between them, Andrew has just been rebuilding his life after a workplace romance fell apart, so he needs to keep business and pleasure separate.
Rowan has been struggling, both professionally and personally. Ever since his relationship with a celebrity ended, he’s been the subject of paparazzi and gossip, which hasn’t been good for the family business. He cannot get Andrew out of his mind, but the last thing he needs is a scandal involving an inappropriate relationship with an employee.
The more they try to fight it, the more intense their feelings grow for each other. Can they wait until the charter season is done and then Andrew will no longer be an employee? Or is a chance at forever worth the risks?
“He wrecked my body and ruined my heart, and it was the most beautiful feeling imaginable.”
💥 Boss/employee 💥 Tons of OM drama 💥 Insta lust/love 💥 None of their friends wanted them together.
I was less than impressed. Ro and Andrew have a cute meet with a water hose, snarky attitude, and mistaken identity. Andrew is an employee of Rowan. There was cute banter between MCs but it was spaced out throughout the story.
From there the story tanks....Ro has some creepy businessman, Owen, onboard the yacht. He kept hitting on Andrew causing Ro to get jealous. Ro decides it is a great idea to go out on the island and bring another guy back to "get over" his attraction to Andrew. He doesn't end up banging the guy (just a BJ) but he does have Andrew escort him off the ship @ 1am. The MCs have a moment as the guy boats away. (nothing says I want you like trying to bang someone else haha.)
Both MCs have several thoughts about finding hookups. Andrew spends a lot of time ignoring Rowan yet talking with his brother Rafe and his best friend Dylan. This causes jealousy with Rowan.
The MCs and Rowan's best friend, Dylan, take a day trip to some islands where they run into Rowan's fuck buddy, Leo. Leo propositions Rowan in front of Andrew reminding him of their fun threesomes. Rowan turns him down but explains to Andrew that they were just fuck buddies. Dylan does a good job of keeping space between the two. After Dylan leaves the yacht they have a harder time staying apart. They spend three days banging it out in a friend's villa. The friends spend that time reminding Rowan he can't be with Andrew. They spend the next month being professional. Leo and 2 of his fuck buddies show back up to the yacht to proposition Rowan but he repeatedly turns him down. He finally leaves. More twists and turns and Andrew runs away when their relationship comes out. It only takes a couple of days to come back. The end
This was my first Ava Olsen book, and I enjoyed it. The boss/employee dynamic between Rowan and Andrew was well done, emphasizing their connection more than their power dynamic while still paying close attention to the pitfalls of such a dynamic.
Andrew and Rowan were both great characters, and Ava filled the story with some amazing side characters as well. I absolutely fell in love with Rowan's best friend while he was on page, and cannot wait to read Dylan's story. (I can't wait for Rafe's either, but Dylan's entire thing intrigued me more... I have thoughts about his love interest and hope I'm right.)
What I liked most about Andrew and Rowan's story - more than just the side characters - was the way they played off of one another. They had an immediate connection that was palpable on page. I loved the fact that they treated one another like just normal people and bonded as friends before things turned romantic - even if they did have the immense physical attraction underlying the friendship.
I did have a few things I didn't love about this book. It felt repetitive at several points and there were more than one time when Andrew and Rowan would have the exact same conversation. Which, realistic, but also it got a bit tiresome. I also wasn't a big fan of some of the time jumps where we didn't get much of what happened over the month that passed, but I understood the need in terms of story progression. That's more of a personal niggle and not something that affected the story in any capacity.
All in all, Oh Buoy was a great start of series and has me looking forward to the next Voyagers book. (Also, the spice scenes were INCREDIBLE.)
** DISCLAIMER: I recieved an ARC of this book from GRR and this is my fair and honest review. **
I liked Andrew and Rowan from the moment of their meet-ugly onward. Even though Rowan is the billionaire and Andrew’s boss, I rarely felt a power differential between them; Andrew was sassy enough and Rowan down-to-earth enough that I could usually just take them as two people in a not-ideal situation for their growing feelings.
They made me laugh with how long they tried to convince themselves they felt nothing but attraction to one another. I enjoyed all the time they spent getting to know one another and not just jumping straight into bed.
I really enjoyed meeting Rowan’s friends and family and how they interacted with Andrew (even at the point that he was “just” an employee). Andrew could so clearly hold his own even when he sometimes worried about his place that it always felt like a meeting of equals.
Silly pet peeve: there are so few female characters and then one of them causes major issues. Of course not all women are good, but when they’re outnumbered so much by the men in the story who get so much more screen time, I get annoyed when one or more of them is then a villain. (I do get why the proportion often happens in MM books, especially if it has series potential, as we want more close men who can spin-off—and I’m looking forward to so many hints of HEAs to come for fun characters!)
I was at turns annoyed and reluctantly impressed that media and gossip were having such an impact on Rowan and Andrew’s relationship. It did make it seem more “real”, I was just annoyed it was hurting them, lol. They seemed so much happier together than apart, and I was really rooting for their HEA. (I also spent way too long giggling about the punny title, lol.)
Now I’m happily off to read the next book and see what happens with Dylan!
This book will make you want to pack your bathing suit and fly away to a tropical location. If only we could all hang out on a beautiful superyacht! You’ll surely enjoy the fun and sweet romance between the lonely British billionaire and the magnetic American who works for him. Charming Andrew Slater accepts a job for four months as a steward onboard Rowan Carter’s two-hundred-foot yacht. It’s a perfect opportunity to save money for his future concierge business and heal his broken heart while enjoying the Caribbean sunshine. He expects to find a spoiled, rich guy as his employer … but instead he forms a friendship with the kindhearted Ro. While there is a mutual instant attraction, neither man acts on it, trying to keep the distance. As the days go on, the pull becomes too much … chemistry is undeniable for a reason … except their affair comes with numerous complications that can be plastered across the globe if anything goes wrong. I adored both the main characters and their friends and family. It was a delight to follow their journey, both geographically and emotionally, and I enjoyed the tension that came from trying to keep their relationship professional. Ro’s brother and friend were funny, and their group texts are amusing. The steam was definitely heating up the Caribbean nights, whether on board or on a tropical island. This story would be the perfect beach read or cozy entertainment during a cold winter night. Cannot wait to see what happens with Ro’s brother and his friend in their upcoming books!
Oh Buoy is the first book of the Now, Voyager series. It tells a story of a billionaire who owns a luxurious yacht and a steward who comes to work for him. Rowan is a typical rich guy who works too much and has no time for a proper relationship. His last love affair didn’t end well. And to make matters worse he was in a public eye because his lover was a celebrity. So being on board of his yacht was his way of escaping the camera clicks and gossip.
Andrew was not so lucky with boyfriends either. His last one royally screwed him over and now he’s stuck with a huge debt. That’s why this gig on a luxurious yacht is his way out of this predicament. Both Rowan and Andrew feel attraction to each other, but for obvious reasons can’t succumb to it. The sexual tension is electric between them. And one day they break…
I used to work on private airplanes as a flight attendant. I have an idea what it’s like to be around a wealthy person. That’s why I found Andrew’s behaviour far too inappropriate. He acted too familiar both with Rowan and with his guests. No way would I have treated the boss’s guests like he did. A lot of things felt wrong and out there, but nevertheless I somehow enjoyed this story. I let go of the idea that everything should be realistic and just enjoyed the fact that two men chose to overcome their differences and fight for the feelings that found roots in their hearts.
‘I’d never known that one glance could make me want with such hungry force. In my experience, sex was fun, pleasurable, playful. This was anything but. I wanted to ravage his body in every possible way. And I wanted him to do the same to me, to burn out this reckless desire that had grabbed hold of me. My entire body began to tremble as realization hit full force. This, whatever was going on between Rowan and I, was downright incendiary. We were shooting stars on a collision course, burning hotter the closer we came together. And God help us when we finally converged. I didn’t know if I would burn brighter or be completely destroyed…‘
Ava Olsen begins her Voyages series with the delightfully romantic MM billionaire story, Oh Buoy.
We meet Rowan and Andrew, each coming from a horrendous breakup. Each leading lives so different from the other. Each not knowing if they will ever truly love again. Each surprisingly captivated when their eyes meet. So captivated that it appears they will have no choice but to lean into their feelings and choose, what could be, the biggest mistake that either could make…to fall in love.
Snuggle in for the perfect quiet time read, and enjoy not only Ro and Drew’s growing relationship, but several side characters, who we will see in future books!
Billionaires and yachties! It’s like Notting Hill meets Below Deck and I am absolutely here for it! Another fun and witty read by an author who I truly enjoy reading and a start to what seems like a fun series.
I enjoy how the author crafts characters that are both strong willed and determined. It sets up for fun back and forth banter and this is definitely a great pair of MCs. Andrew is looking to start his new job as chief stew for a charming billionaire, Rowan Carter. From their first encounter, their chemistry is off the charts. Both characters have bad relationships in their past that jades their outlook. The added element of Rowan’s notoriety in the public eye creates another layer to this already complicated boss/employee relationship. Usually workplace romances with a boss/employee setup aren’t a trope I read but this author makes it work. It was angsty and steamy with a sweet HEA.
I love the other characters in the story and can’t wait to read their stories. The set up for Rafe and the captain sounds amazing and Dylan seems like such a down to earth character with a troubled past that I can’t wait to see his HEA in the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
Oh Buoy was a lighthearted, easy-to-read romance with surprisingly deep emotions in the end. I really enjoyed the storyline and characters, and the happy ending gave me all the warm squishy feelings I love so much. Andrew and Rowan got off to a bumpy start, but their initial griping barely did anything to cover up the attraction simmering between them. I have to give them credit--Ro and Drew really tried to ignore their chemistry, but it was inevitable that they fall into bed at some point during their time on the yacht. In between the steamy sexual tension, I had fun watching Drew win over all of Ro's friends and deftly navigate the eccentricities of his clients. Ro had a lot of weight on his shoulders, and knowing that Drew was easing some of that burden made me smile. Their three-day vacation getaway was what transformed their relationship from hookup to love, and that was when I fully fell head over heels for the two of them. Ro and Drew weren't prepared to deal with a co-worker betrayal and media spotlight, but even at the most tense moments of the story, I knew they'd find their way back to each other.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Oh Buoy is the first book in the Voyagers series, and while there is a Christmas dinner on board the boat, I wouldn’t call this a holiday romance, since Christmas lasts barely a chapter. The book is nicely balanced between a business plot, as Rowan is trying to keep his position of CEO of his family’s company; a workplace romance, as Rowan and Andrew make eyes at one another; and a set up for future books, with Rowan’s best friend and little brother both making appearances.
I like seeing a balanced relationship where both parties are on equal footing — personality wise, if not penny wise. However, when it came to the romance, I just didn’t feel the connection. That’s not to say it wasn’t there; the author wrote the flirting skillfully; side characters were noticing left, right, and center how Rowan and Andrew were constantly staring at one another. However, for me, there was zero chemistry and no tension.
Rowan and Andrew are far from a perfect match - a billionaire and a man carrying debt, a yacht owner and his employee - in fact they are a better match because of their differences, or maybe despite them. Either way, it just works.
The two fight their attraction as long as they can, but they are like magnets when together, strongly feeling the pull towards the other. And when they come together, it is definitely with impact! Rowan and Andrew are a physical and emotional match, it was satisfying to see them come together.
What I especially loved about this story was the way Rowan and Andrew didn’t hide their emotional connection. I found it refreshing to find them on the same page about what they had found in one another and the vulnerability they shared. They may have been fighting their attraction, but they did not hide from the fact that they were falling for each other. I loved it. The balcony scene was the perfect balance of physical and emotional intimacy - it was my favorite scene of the book. Such amazing chemistry, but even more so the love that was growing between them.