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Going Overboard
A BRAND NEW gorgeous summer romance from MILLION COPY BESTSELLER Portia MacIntosh!
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Alex Aster and B.K. Borison!
Fake dating
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Revenge pact
Opposites attract
Enemies to lovers
That ship has sailed… right?
Jessa is happily cruising through life - until her boyfriend Todd dumps her, out of the blue, at a wedding, during the first dance. She doesn’t know it but just across the room, cricket superstar Brody is also being blindsided by his girlfriend, Nikki. It suddenly makes sense in the days that follow - Todd and Nikki are now together.
Jessa wants to crawl under a rock, but with her best friend’s destination wedding on a cruise to Sicily - and her ex and his new girlfriend onboard - there’s no escape. She’s hoping the ship is big enough to avoid them but, unlucky for her, a booking mix-up means she’s sharing a two-bed suite with Todd, Nikki, and the handsome but infuriating Brody too.
With no choice but to ride out the awkwardness, Jessa and Brody hatch a plan. If they can’t win their exes back, they’ll get them back - revenge - by faking a red-hot romance of their own. That’ll show them. But the better they get at faking it - and the more undeniable their chemistry - the blurrier the line becomes. Either way, there’s going to be trouble at sea because true love is never plain sailing!
Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Alex Aster and B.K. Borison!
Fake dating
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Revenge pact
Opposites attract
Enemies to lovers
That ship has sailed… right?
Jessa is happily cruising through life - until her boyfriend Todd dumps her, out of the blue, at a wedding, during the first dance. She doesn’t know it but just across the room, cricket superstar Brody is also being blindsided by his girlfriend, Nikki. It suddenly makes sense in the days that follow - Todd and Nikki are now together.
Jessa wants to crawl under a rock, but with her best friend’s destination wedding on a cruise to Sicily - and her ex and his new girlfriend onboard - there’s no escape. She’s hoping the ship is big enough to avoid them but, unlucky for her, a booking mix-up means she’s sharing a two-bed suite with Todd, Nikki, and the handsome but infuriating Brody too.
With no choice but to ride out the awkwardness, Jessa and Brody hatch a plan. If they can’t win their exes back, they’ll get them back - revenge - by faking a red-hot romance of their own. That’ll show them. But the better they get at faking it - and the more undeniable their chemistry - the blurrier the line becomes. Either way, there’s going to be trouble at sea because true love is never plain sailing!
272 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2025
1320 people are currently reading
741 people want to read
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
47 books2,041 followersPortia 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
July 18, 2025
This was a cute and lighthearted summer romance. It was entertaining and chaotic, even if it didn't fully deliver.
Jessa gets dumped unexpectedly by her boyfriend Todd, during a wedding. Two weeks later, he shows up with a new girlfriend, Nikki. She also broke up with her boyfriend Brody at the same wedding. Suspicious, right?
After all four of them get stuck sharing a room on a cruise ship en route to her best friends wedding, one where Brody is the best man, Jessa and Brody decide to fake being in a relationship as a part of a revenge plot against their exes. But the more they fake it, the blurrier the line gets. The more time they spend together, the harder it gets to ignore their chemistry.
I really loved the setting and the writing. Being on a cruise ship sounds so fun, I loved all the activities they did.
The messy situations they found themselves in were so funny. Fake dating and the one bed trope, what more could you ask for.
I loved their friend group, excluding Nikki and Todd of course. Those two were the worst, especially Nikki.
The book really had some sweet and fun moments and the banter was great, but the romance between Jessa and Brody was honestly underwhelming. I didn't feel the connection between them at all. It felt forced and rushed. I really wish their story had more depth and emotion, I was left wanting more. Jessa and her inner monologue about Brody at the beginning was a little off-putting, at least for me it was. He deserved better. And I really wish we got some insight into him, we didn't get a chance to really get to know him.
I really wanted to like this, it sounded so promising, but truthfully it needed so much more.
I would still recommend it if you're looking for something quick and fun though.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
Jessa gets dumped unexpectedly by her boyfriend Todd, during a wedding. Two weeks later, he shows up with a new girlfriend, Nikki. She also broke up with her boyfriend Brody at the same wedding. Suspicious, right?
After all four of them get stuck sharing a room on a cruise ship en route to her best friends wedding, one where Brody is the best man, Jessa and Brody decide to fake being in a relationship as a part of a revenge plot against their exes. But the more they fake it, the blurrier the line gets. The more time they spend together, the harder it gets to ignore their chemistry.
I really loved the setting and the writing. Being on a cruise ship sounds so fun, I loved all the activities they did.
The messy situations they found themselves in were so funny. Fake dating and the one bed trope, what more could you ask for.
I loved their friend group, excluding Nikki and Todd of course. Those two were the worst, especially Nikki.
The book really had some sweet and fun moments and the banter was great, but the romance between Jessa and Brody was honestly underwhelming. I didn't feel the connection between them at all. It felt forced and rushed. I really wish their story had more depth and emotion, I was left wanting more. Jessa and her inner monologue about Brody at the beginning was a little off-putting, at least for me it was. He deserved better. And I really wish we got some insight into him, we didn't get a chance to really get to know him.
I really wanted to like this, it sounded so promising, but truthfully it needed so much more.
I would still recommend it if you're looking for something quick and fun though.
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC.*
June 27, 2025
This was a cute and lighthearted romance novel! It is perfect for summertime! I really enjoyed that it came with a lot of laughs as well. This is my first book that I have read by this author and I will be continuing to read her books! I have heard great things about this author, so I had to read this one by her. This book comes with a beautiful cover and a cruise ship setting! It starts off entertaining, it captured my attention right away and throughout the entire book.
It is charming, quirky, cozy and romantic! Although I did enjoy the book, I felt like it could have been longer. I really wanted more character development from the main characters as well. However, I love the tropes that this book comes with, especially the enemies to lovers trope! This is the perfect beachside or poolside read! Overall, I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating! I think fans of Emily Henry and Alex Aster would absolutely enjoy reading this!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Portia MacIntosh and Boldwood Books for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on July 26, 2025!
It is charming, quirky, cozy and romantic! Although I did enjoy the book, I felt like it could have been longer. I really wanted more character development from the main characters as well. However, I love the tropes that this book comes with, especially the enemies to lovers trope! This is the perfect beachside or poolside read! Overall, I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating! I think fans of Emily Henry and Alex Aster would absolutely enjoy reading this!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Portia MacIntosh and Boldwood Books for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on July 26, 2025!
July 26, 2025
Portia MacIntosh always delivers when it comes to fun, charming romance books. This is the fifth book that I have read by Portia MacIntosh, and I have enjoyed them all. This book makes for great summer reading! Her characters are likeable, quirky, and get into some interesting situations.
Jenna gets dumped by her boyfriend, Todd during the first dance at a wedding! The nerve! At the same time, Brody is being dumped by his girlfriend, Nikki! Can you even imagine! Love is in the air at weddings but not for Jenna and Brody. Making matters worse, soon Todd and Nikki are a hot item. But wait, that is not all, there is another wedding coming up - a destination wedding! Guess who will be there?????? You guessed it! But wait, there is more - there is a HUGE booking problem on the cruise ship to Sicily and the four of them will be sharing a two-bedroom suite! Talk about uncomfortable!
As I mentioned, Portia MacIntosh likes to put her characters in interesting situations! You may say she likes to go overboard with it! If you like fake dating, forced proximity romance books, Going Overboard will be right up your alley!
Charming, light and breezy as a warm summer day! This was a short, fast, enjoyable book!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Jenna gets dumped by her boyfriend, Todd during the first dance at a wedding! The nerve! At the same time, Brody is being dumped by his girlfriend, Nikki! Can you even imagine! Love is in the air at weddings but not for Jenna and Brody. Making matters worse, soon Todd and Nikki are a hot item. But wait, that is not all, there is another wedding coming up - a destination wedding! Guess who will be there?????? You guessed it! But wait, there is more - there is a HUGE booking problem on the cruise ship to Sicily and the four of them will be sharing a two-bedroom suite! Talk about uncomfortable!
As I mentioned, Portia MacIntosh likes to put her characters in interesting situations! You may say she likes to go overboard with it! If you like fake dating, forced proximity romance books, Going Overboard will be right up your alley!
Charming, light and breezy as a warm summer day! This was a short, fast, enjoyable book!
3.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 7, 2025
.ೃ࿐ Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwoods Books for the opportunity to read and review the ARC before release!
.ೃ࿐ rating
3✨
.ೃ࿐ my thoughts
A quick read, but overall an annoying FMC.
I really enjoyed Brody’s character. I thought he was a very realistic character but sadly the story didn’t show much of him. I also liked the fact that this story was only told through 1 POV, I think that prevented the ensign from being too obvious through both POVs.
I found Jessa’s internal monologue to be quite annoying and a little childish. I think for a 30-something year-old woman, she acted a bit too childish. This kind of put me off her character. I also would have liked to see more emotional development between Jessa and Brody so we could see why they fell for one another.
Overall, this book delivered a fun, quick read but it lacked emotional depth.
ೃ࿐ pre-read
Going to London for the weekend and picking up this arc for the trip!
Hopefully it will be the nice, easy read I’m looking for 💕
ೃ࿐ tropes
🛥 Fake dating
🛥 Forced proximity
🛥 Only one bed
🛥 Revenge pact
🛥 Opposites attract
🛥 Enemies to lovers
.ೃ࿐ rating
3✨
.ೃ࿐ my thoughts
A quick read, but overall an annoying FMC.
I really enjoyed Brody’s character. I thought he was a very realistic character but sadly the story didn’t show much of him. I also liked the fact that this story was only told through 1 POV, I think that prevented the ensign from being too obvious through both POVs.
I found Jessa’s internal monologue to be quite annoying and a little childish. I think for a 30-something year-old woman, she acted a bit too childish. This kind of put me off her character. I also would have liked to see more emotional development between Jessa and Brody so we could see why they fell for one another.
Overall, this book delivered a fun, quick read but it lacked emotional depth.
ೃ࿐ pre-read
Going to London for the weekend and picking up this arc for the trip!
Hopefully it will be the nice, easy read I’m looking for 💕
ೃ࿐ tropes
🛥 Fake dating
🛥 Forced proximity
🛥 Only one bed
🛥 Revenge pact
🛥 Opposites attract
🛥 Enemies to lovers
July 8, 2025
3.4 ˖⁺‧✮
this is such a cute romance book for a vacation! if you plan on going to the beach or just reading a summer romance, let this one book be it!!
i’m not going to go over the plot since you can read the synopsis 👀 but i’ll just mention some moments that may caught you eye. basically the main characters are stuck with their exes, so they decide to play a couple to make a revenge. basically fake dating, stuck in the same room, having to be affectionate and sweet to each other slow burn. perfect mix for a romance😭
while the book itself was fun and easy, i was struggling a little bit with finishing the book. some characters just didn’t make sense to me, especially those exes and their behavior. i understand the premise of jealousy but they were both portrayed pretty childish. in opposite way, i liked main characters as separate people. they were similar in a lot of ways but also were not cringy or had that “main characters” behavior. as a couple? idk, they didn’t have as much chemistry until the last 5 chapters and it was very light. they seemed more like best friends rather then a couple.
have to mention that this book had no poor dialogues and everyone (expect those 2 weird exes) were acting like adults. what a rare thing. everyone stood their ground and were communicative about conflicts and relationships.
overall, this book has some flaws but if you want something fun and lightheaded for a vacation, this is a perfect option💛
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
this is such a cute romance book for a vacation! if you plan on going to the beach or just reading a summer romance, let this one book be it!!
i’m not going to go over the plot since you can read the synopsis 👀 but i’ll just mention some moments that may caught you eye. basically the main characters are stuck with their exes, so they decide to play a couple to make a revenge. basically fake dating, stuck in the same room, having to be affectionate and sweet to each other slow burn. perfect mix for a romance😭
while the book itself was fun and easy, i was struggling a little bit with finishing the book. some characters just didn’t make sense to me, especially those exes and their behavior. i understand the premise of jealousy but they were both portrayed pretty childish. in opposite way, i liked main characters as separate people. they were similar in a lot of ways but also were not cringy or had that “main characters” behavior. as a couple? idk, they didn’t have as much chemistry until the last 5 chapters and it was very light. they seemed more like best friends rather then a couple.
have to mention that this book had no poor dialogues and everyone (expect those 2 weird exes) were acting like adults. what a rare thing. everyone stood their ground and were communicative about conflicts and relationships.
overall, this book has some flaws but if you want something fun and lightheaded for a vacation, this is a perfect option💛
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
dnf
October 3, 2025GODDAMIT with these British authors and their five chapters of chick lit to one of romance. I’m DNF’ing this at 25 percent.
Let me summarize the plot up till then, in case this is still on your WTR Shelf. In Chapter 1, we meet the MMC (for five paragraphs!), and we don’t even know that he’s the MMC. Was he the main male character? Because after seven chapters the reader still hasn’t officially been introduced to ::Checks book description:: Brody, so I don’t know for sure he’s the bloke in Chapter 1.
It gets worse. The FMC, Jessa, is dumped at the end of Chapter 3, then the author spends FOUR (or more?) chapters making her leading lady seem as pathetic as possible. In summary… When I quit, the FMC is a doormat and the reader still hasn’t met her love interest.
Hey, British Publishers, stop lying to us and take the word “Romance” off the cover.
UPDATE: I’m going to reread My Year of Saying No, because that is a delightful ROMANTIC romcom by British Author Maxine Morrey.
Let me summarize the plot up till then, in case this is still on your WTR Shelf. In Chapter 1, we meet the MMC (for five paragraphs!), and we don’t even know that he’s the MMC. Was he the main male character? Because after seven chapters the reader still hasn’t officially been introduced to ::Checks book description:: Brody, so I don’t know for sure he’s the bloke in Chapter 1.
It gets worse. The FMC, Jessa, is dumped at the end of Chapter 3, then the author spends FOUR (or more?) chapters making her leading lady seem as pathetic as possible. In summary… When I quit, the FMC is a doormat and the reader still hasn’t met her love interest.
Hey, British Publishers, stop lying to us and take the word “Romance” off the cover.
UPDATE: I’m going to reread My Year of Saying No, because that is a delightful ROMANTIC romcom by British Author Maxine Morrey.
October 19, 2025
Лучше бы этот круизный лайнер утонул вместе с ними.
September 21, 2025
That was utterly DELIGHTFUL!!! Deliciously romantic😍 with a big helping of revenge 😈, all covered in humorous, witty writing.
I am on cloud nine! Yay!
Sometimes my ratings start to creep up bc I start to settle… I start to think that’s as good as it gets. It’s so hard to find a book that just nails it, you know? But this one did! This one truly deserves 5 stars!
*I wish I could find more romances featuring revenge plotlines! This was so fun!
Plot- Loved the revenge-on-the-cheating-ex, fake-dating plot. It was fabulously entertaining! I’m hard to please when it comes to fake dating (much of the time it makes no realistic sense) but this was SO BELIEVABLE! I love that I was 100% sold!
Characters- I loved the MC and her best friend, and her love interest. They were all so likable and relatable! I loved that it was written in single POV of the FMC. That’s my fave.
The FMC was so cool! I loved that she didn’t try to cover up her smiles. She was charmed by Brody and let him know it by laughing and teasing him. She didn’t hold back like so many other book characters. I loved how transparent and fun she was, how she was willing to be happy and enjoy Brody.
I also liked how mature they were. By the end, they just pitied their exes and didn’t really care about continuing to get revenge.
Romance- Good chemistry. They were so cute together! I was completely convinced that they made each other blissfully happy. (The chemistry/sexual tension between them could have been higher, but I still loved it.)
Writing - Exceptional writing! I loved the dry humor of the FMC. She was funny and witty. The writing was so engaging!
Content-
Language- some f-words. Some use of “bloody.” Some other swears.
Spice- premarital sex was highly normalized. Some humorous conversations about sleeping together. But this book was closed door! I was thrilled that there wasn’t an explicit scene on page.
Violence- none
Substance abuse- there is one cringy drunk scene at the beginning. Lots of social drinking throughout.
Cover- cute
POV- single POV, first person
Cliffhanger- no.
Format- audiobook via Hoopla
Narration- LOVED IT! The British accent of the performer was immersive, and the witty writing was PERFECTLY executed! Highly recommend the audio version.
I am on cloud nine! Yay!
Sometimes my ratings start to creep up bc I start to settle… I start to think that’s as good as it gets. It’s so hard to find a book that just nails it, you know? But this one did! This one truly deserves 5 stars!
*I wish I could find more romances featuring revenge plotlines! This was so fun!
Plot- Loved the revenge-on-the-cheating-ex, fake-dating plot. It was fabulously entertaining! I’m hard to please when it comes to fake dating (much of the time it makes no realistic sense) but this was SO BELIEVABLE! I love that I was 100% sold!
Characters- I loved the MC and her best friend, and her love interest. They were all so likable and relatable! I loved that it was written in single POV of the FMC. That’s my fave.
The FMC was so cool! I loved that she didn’t try to cover up her smiles. She was charmed by Brody and let him know it by laughing and teasing him. She didn’t hold back like so many other book characters. I loved how transparent and fun she was, how she was willing to be happy and enjoy Brody.
I also liked how mature they were. By the end, they just pitied their exes and didn’t really care about continuing to get revenge.
Romance- Good chemistry. They were so cute together! I was completely convinced that they made each other blissfully happy. (The chemistry/sexual tension between them could have been higher, but I still loved it.)
Writing - Exceptional writing! I loved the dry humor of the FMC. She was funny and witty. The writing was so engaging!
Content-
Language- some f-words. Some use of “bloody.” Some other swears.
Spice- premarital sex was highly normalized. Some humorous conversations about sleeping together. But this book was closed door! I was thrilled that there wasn’t an explicit scene on page.
Violence- none
Substance abuse- there is one cringy drunk scene at the beginning. Lots of social drinking throughout.
Cover- cute
POV- single POV, first person
Cliffhanger- no.
Format- audiobook via Hoopla
Narration- LOVED IT! The British accent of the performer was immersive, and the witty writing was PERFECTLY executed! Highly recommend the audio version.
June 18, 2025
Huge thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Portia Maclntosh for providing me with the eARC of “Going Overboard”, in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: July 26th, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a cute little summer romance. It was quite a fast-faced and simple read, and I enjoyed it.
Here we meet Jessa- an interior designer who stages homes to sell, and Brody- a professional cricket player.
Jessa and Brody meet each other after both having recently experienced a breakup. Shortly after, they attend a cruise travelling to a wedding in Sicily and are forced to be close to their exes throughout the entire trip.
Awkward encounters lead to a fake-dating scenario, and intense rivalry with their former partners.
I liked Jessa and Brody together! Although I do wish that the buildup to their relationship was a bit more defined. It felt like they went from not liking each other to really liking each other very quickly, without that much tension or near-romantic encounters.
However, the book is on the shorter side, so I think it was sufficient to make their love story happen a bit faster.
Things I think readers may enjoy:
- Fake dating
- Couples’ rivalry
- Only one bed scenario
- Summery
Overall, I liked the story! It was not something unlike anything I have ever read before, but I think it would certainly be enjoyable for the casual romance reader!
Publication date: July 26th, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a cute little summer romance. It was quite a fast-faced and simple read, and I enjoyed it.
Here we meet Jessa- an interior designer who stages homes to sell, and Brody- a professional cricket player.
Jessa and Brody meet each other after both having recently experienced a breakup. Shortly after, they attend a cruise travelling to a wedding in Sicily and are forced to be close to their exes throughout the entire trip.
Awkward encounters lead to a fake-dating scenario, and intense rivalry with their former partners.
I liked Jessa and Brody together! Although I do wish that the buildup to their relationship was a bit more defined. It felt like they went from not liking each other to really liking each other very quickly, without that much tension or near-romantic encounters.
However, the book is on the shorter side, so I think it was sufficient to make their love story happen a bit faster.
Things I think readers may enjoy:
- Fake dating
- Couples’ rivalry
- Only one bed scenario
- Summery
Overall, I liked the story! It was not something unlike anything I have ever read before, but I think it would certainly be enjoyable for the casual romance reader!
July 22, 2025
Going overboard by Portia McIntosh Is such a funny story. Jessa gets dumped while dancing at her friends wedding and unbeknownst to her a girl named Nikki is breaking up with her boyfriend Brody on the same dance floor at the same time. Needless to say Jessa is devastated she really saw herself with Todd But when she shows up for another friends wedding two weeks later she is shocked to see Todd is there with the date who turns out to be Nikki. In an even funnier meet cute Brody becomes Jessa’s guardian annoying Angel especially when she gets drunk falls in the fountain And has to leave the wedding only to return wearing the grooms dress shirt. Trust me it really is funny and it only gets funnier. Next up is her BFFs wedding where she is a bridesmaid and Brody is going to be the best man the only problem is it’s on a cruise ship and Jessa and Todd supposed to share a room so when they try to move things around she winds up sharing a room with Brody and Todd and Nikki share a room the only issue is it’s in the same suite. Brody and Jessa have already decided to play as if they’re dating and not only dating but truly falling for each other and soon pretend becomes reality but with a whole bunch of lol moments. When he tried to move the bed I didn’t think anything of it but the next day at breakfast when they discussed that I couldn’t stop laughing Sometimes Porsche McIntosh really delivers and that is why whenever I see her book I requested because even if it isn’t the best it’s still going to be better than most and this one was the absolute greatest I really really loved this book. When it first started I thought OMG this has been done And hold the phone didn’t miss McIntosh do it herself with these tropes and themes but trust me when I say she’s never done it like this. This was truly a funny book that made me laugh out loud so many times and I definitely want to recommend it. Brody is my absolute book boyfriend And can definitely see why Jessa fell for him but don’t understand why Nikki left him either way a great book and one I highly recommend. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks,#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #PorscheMcIntosh, #GoingOverboard,
October 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Even though I had trouble getting through the first few pages of the book to the point I was considering dnf-ing, I’m glad I actually continued because it turned out to be pretty good and I actually enjoyed reading this book. I like how believable the fake-dating came about. Usually, books force that trope upon the characters, but this one came out naturally. Normally, I don’t like when a love story occurs in like a week or so of knowing each other, but the pacing of this book is pretty great that it makes you forget all about that, so I’m not that bothered by it.
Even though I had trouble getting through the first few pages of the book to the point I was considering dnf-ing, I’m glad I actually continued because it turned out to be pretty good and I actually enjoyed reading this book. I like how believable the fake-dating came about. Usually, books force that trope upon the characters, but this one came out naturally. Normally, I don’t like when a love story occurs in like a week or so of knowing each other, but the pacing of this book is pretty great that it makes you forget all about that, so I’m not that bothered by it.
July 7, 2025
GOING OVERBOARD by Portia Macintosh
3.5/5 Stars
Huge thanks thanks to Boldeoodbooks and @netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book, evident by the spend I read it. Told from Jessa’s point of view, we meet her at a bar getting accosted by a drunk young lad and a guy saves her, then leaves without much of a comment.
Flash forward a few years and Jessa is in love at a wedding with Todd when it all goes belly up for her as she is dumped on the dance floor and then to top it off a few weeks later at another wedding things get worse as her ex shows up with someone new, Nikki, who also broke up with Brody at the same wedding!
But by chance she meets Brody, turns out he’s her best friends fiancés best man so they team up at the their wedding to keep everyone happy and of course to one up their ex’s. With lots of banter, sharing a room with the ex’s and other antics in between it’s all you can imagine from a fake relationship.
I must say, I liked that it took place on a cruise and gave them lots to do and kept it interesting!
Cards on the table there was predictable elements in the story and I personally found some of the repetition frustrating, but thinking about it I justify a lot inside my own head so maybe it shouldn’t frustrate me 😂 BUT honestly I loved it. It was such a nice, easy read and I was invested in Jessa and Brody.
So, I’m guess I’m saying yes it’s predictable in ways but in a good way, you can see things happening but you also enjoy being taken along for the ride. If anything, I wanted more. I always find with books I want more of an after. I’m hooked on the couple I want their life! Especially if you’re clumsy like Jessa!
So yeah 3.5 stars from me ❤️
Bring on another great read from Portia!
Oh and this is my July bookshelfraiders pick, a book set in / featuring a different country.
3.5/5 Stars
Huge thanks thanks to Boldeoodbooks and @netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book, evident by the spend I read it. Told from Jessa’s point of view, we meet her at a bar getting accosted by a drunk young lad and a guy saves her, then leaves without much of a comment.
Flash forward a few years and Jessa is in love at a wedding with Todd when it all goes belly up for her as she is dumped on the dance floor and then to top it off a few weeks later at another wedding things get worse as her ex shows up with someone new, Nikki, who also broke up with Brody at the same wedding!
But by chance she meets Brody, turns out he’s her best friends fiancés best man so they team up at the their wedding to keep everyone happy and of course to one up their ex’s. With lots of banter, sharing a room with the ex’s and other antics in between it’s all you can imagine from a fake relationship.
I must say, I liked that it took place on a cruise and gave them lots to do and kept it interesting!
Cards on the table there was predictable elements in the story and I personally found some of the repetition frustrating, but thinking about it I justify a lot inside my own head so maybe it shouldn’t frustrate me 😂 BUT honestly I loved it. It was such a nice, easy read and I was invested in Jessa and Brody.
So, I’m guess I’m saying yes it’s predictable in ways but in a good way, you can see things happening but you also enjoy being taken along for the ride. If anything, I wanted more. I always find with books I want more of an after. I’m hooked on the couple I want their life! Especially if you’re clumsy like Jessa!
So yeah 3.5 stars from me ❤️
Bring on another great read from Portia!
Oh and this is my July bookshelfraiders pick, a book set in / featuring a different country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
Omg I think I'm just in love with Portia Macintosh!! Her books are so good!!
This couple is sooo cute I loved them a lot!
Going Overboard is a fun summer romance. Jessa gets broken up with at a wedding during the first dance, whilst this is happening, Brody is being dumped by his girlfriend Nikki. A couple weeks later, the ex's show up at a wedding together, kinda sus!! 🤨 Jessa & Brody hatch a plan to fake date and fake fall in love to make them jealous, which works until they realise it might not be fake at all! 🥰
We have fake dating, forced proximity, only one bed 😉, revenge pact 🔥
Jessa was a funny, impulsive and amazing character she had a lot of mishaps at the beginning but after Brody it seems that she got back on track and dealt with things the way she needed. Brody is a lovable, funny and reserved MMC. he is in the spotlight a lot (he's a famous cricket player) but I love how he's so down to earth and tries not to let a lot of things bother him!
I really loved the relationship between Jessa & Brody! They were so cute and the way they met made me laugh so much!! They had chemistry kinda instantly and I love their banter as well!
The only this is that I would want it longer, with more depth to the couple but it's meant to be a short quick read so I get it!
I was so not expecting to be approved for the arc of this book!! Thank you to Portia Macintosh & Boldwood Books! 💗
This couple is sooo cute I loved them a lot!
Going Overboard is a fun summer romance. Jessa gets broken up with at a wedding during the first dance, whilst this is happening, Brody is being dumped by his girlfriend Nikki. A couple weeks later, the ex's show up at a wedding together, kinda sus!! 🤨 Jessa & Brody hatch a plan to fake date and fake fall in love to make them jealous, which works until they realise it might not be fake at all! 🥰
We have fake dating, forced proximity, only one bed 😉, revenge pact 🔥
Jessa was a funny, impulsive and amazing character she had a lot of mishaps at the beginning but after Brody it seems that she got back on track and dealt with things the way she needed. Brody is a lovable, funny and reserved MMC. he is in the spotlight a lot (he's a famous cricket player) but I love how he's so down to earth and tries not to let a lot of things bother him!
I really loved the relationship between Jessa & Brody! They were so cute and the way they met made me laugh so much!! They had chemistry kinda instantly and I love their banter as well!
The only this is that I would want it longer, with more depth to the couple but it's meant to be a short quick read so I get it!
I was so not expecting to be approved for the arc of this book!! Thank you to Portia Macintosh & Boldwood Books! 💗
September 13, 2025
I am a big fan of this author, I have enjoyed everything I have read from her and her books have never let me down. And this one was no different!
First off I am a fan of the fake dating trope, in fact it is probably my favourite trope to read in romance books. So this got off to a great start for me.
The writing, as usual, felt so effortless it made the whole plot flow well.
I was invested in the story straight away mainly because of the characters. I really liked our FMC Jessa. I found her to be a likeable main character and I really enjoyed the banter between her and Brody throughout the whole book. All of the characters felt very real to me which I don't always find, so I really liked that.
The only slight thing I didn't quite get was the romance that happened between Jessa & Brody. I just never felt the romantic connection between them. They definitely just gave off friendship vibes to me so that was slightly disappointing.
Overall I found this to be a quick, light hearted, enjoyable read and I highly recommend reading any of this authors books.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
First off I am a fan of the fake dating trope, in fact it is probably my favourite trope to read in romance books. So this got off to a great start for me.
The writing, as usual, felt so effortless it made the whole plot flow well.
I was invested in the story straight away mainly because of the characters. I really liked our FMC Jessa. I found her to be a likeable main character and I really enjoyed the banter between her and Brody throughout the whole book. All of the characters felt very real to me which I don't always find, so I really liked that.
The only slight thing I didn't quite get was the romance that happened between Jessa & Brody. I just never felt the romantic connection between them. They definitely just gave off friendship vibes to me so that was slightly disappointing.
Overall I found this to be a quick, light hearted, enjoyable read and I highly recommend reading any of this authors books.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
July 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this book wow pls
Blurb
Tropes: 🤫 Fake dating 🛥 Forced proximity 🛌 Only one bed 💞 Revenge pact 🤭 Opposites attract 💖 Enemies to lovers
That ship has sailed… right?
Jessa is happily cruising through life - until her boyfriend Todd dumps her, out of the blue, at a wedding, during the first dance. She doesn’t know it but just across the room, cricket superstar Brody is also being blindsided by his girlfriend, Nikki. It suddenly makes sense in the days that follow - Todd and Nikki are now together.
Jessa wants to crawl under a rock, but with her best friend’s destination wedding on a cruise to Sicily - and her ex and his new girlfriend onboard - there’s no escape. She’s hoping the ship is big enough to avoid them but, unlucky for her, a booking mix-up means she’s sharing a two-bed suite with Todd, Nikki, and the handsome but infuriating Brody too.
With no choice but to ride out the awkwardness, Jessa and Brody hatch a plan. If they can’t win their exes back, they’ll get them back - revenge - by faking a red-hot romance of their own. That’ll show them. But the better they get at faking it - and the more undeniable their chemistry - the blurrier the line becomes. Either way, there’s going to be trouble at sea because true love is never plain sailing!
Blurb
Tropes: 🤫 Fake dating 🛥 Forced proximity 🛌 Only one bed 💞 Revenge pact 🤭 Opposites attract 💖 Enemies to lovers
That ship has sailed… right?
Jessa is happily cruising through life - until her boyfriend Todd dumps her, out of the blue, at a wedding, during the first dance. She doesn’t know it but just across the room, cricket superstar Brody is also being blindsided by his girlfriend, Nikki. It suddenly makes sense in the days that follow - Todd and Nikki are now together.
Jessa wants to crawl under a rock, but with her best friend’s destination wedding on a cruise to Sicily - and her ex and his new girlfriend onboard - there’s no escape. She’s hoping the ship is big enough to avoid them but, unlucky for her, a booking mix-up means she’s sharing a two-bed suite with Todd, Nikki, and the handsome but infuriating Brody too.
With no choice but to ride out the awkwardness, Jessa and Brody hatch a plan. If they can’t win their exes back, they’ll get them back - revenge - by faking a red-hot romance of their own. That’ll show them. But the better they get at faking it - and the more undeniable their chemistry - the blurrier the line becomes. Either way, there’s going to be trouble at sea because true love is never plain sailing!
July 12, 2025
A cute, flirty summer read which makes you feel like you're on holiday with them too! I really enjoyed this read, especially as the main characters were slightly petty with their revenge which made it all the more amusing. Ideal for lovers of the fake to real romance trope!
September 1, 2025
Going Overboard by Portia MacIntosh is a sparkling, laugh-out-loud rom-com that blends forced proximity, fake dating, and enemies-to-lovers tropes with a witty, modern voice. From the moment Jessa is dumped by her boyfriend Todd on the dance floor at a wedding, the story sets off with charm, humor, and delightful chaos. Two weeks later, she discovers that Todd and her rival Nikki are attending another wedding—on a cruise to Sicily—and that Nikki’s ex, cricket star Brody, is also onboard. When all four end up sharing a cramped two-bed suite, Jessa and Brody hatch a hilarious revenge plot that quickly evolves into unexpected romance.
MacIntosh excels at creating engaging, emotionally relatable characters. Jessa is funny, endearing, and delightfully human in her heartbreak, while Brody is charming, down-to-earth, and teasing in all the right ways. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter had me laughing throughout. The cruise setting is perfectly utilized, with mishaps, close quarters, and holiday vibes adding to both tension and comedy. The friendships and group dynamics are heartwarming, offering a wonderful mix of camaraderie, loyalty, and support.
Beyond the humor, the novel explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and learning to trust again. While the romantic arc develops naturally, the lighthearted, feel-good tone keeps the narrative breezy and fun, making it a perfect summer or beach read. Fans of contemporary rom-coms, holiday romances, and witty banter will find themselves fully entertained from start to finish.
Overall, Going Overboard is an irresistibly funny, charming, and heartwarming romance that combines clever plotting, a gorgeous setting, and unforgettable characters. Portia MacIntosh has delivered another hit for readers craving laughs, swoons, and a sunny escape.
MacIntosh excels at creating engaging, emotionally relatable characters. Jessa is funny, endearing, and delightfully human in her heartbreak, while Brody is charming, down-to-earth, and teasing in all the right ways. Their chemistry is electric, and their banter had me laughing throughout. The cruise setting is perfectly utilized, with mishaps, close quarters, and holiday vibes adding to both tension and comedy. The friendships and group dynamics are heartwarming, offering a wonderful mix of camaraderie, loyalty, and support.
Beyond the humor, the novel explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and learning to trust again. While the romantic arc develops naturally, the lighthearted, feel-good tone keeps the narrative breezy and fun, making it a perfect summer or beach read. Fans of contemporary rom-coms, holiday romances, and witty banter will find themselves fully entertained from start to finish.
Overall, Going Overboard is an irresistibly funny, charming, and heartwarming romance that combines clever plotting, a gorgeous setting, and unforgettable characters. Portia MacIntosh has delivered another hit for readers craving laughs, swoons, and a sunny escape.
July 26, 2025
What a fun read! This book is perfect for a relaxing summer day by the beach. I thoroughly enjoyed both Jessa and Brody. They're very likeable both individually and obviously together. Their relationship is so natural, even though it started unnaturally by fake dating but nonetheless, they're great! 😂😂
If you're looking for a cute, fun, summer read. I'd give this one a try!
Going Overboard: ★★★☆☆ (3)
Pub date: out now!!
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- destination wedding
- fake dating
Thank you Boldwood Book & netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
If you're looking for a cute, fun, summer read. I'd give this one a try!
Going Overboard: ★★★☆☆ (3)
Pub date: out now!!
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- destination wedding
- fake dating
Thank you Boldwood Book & netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
November 5, 2025
It was as any other MacIntosh book. Predictable but light and fun.
December 25, 2025
Going Overboard by Portia MacIntosh is a bubbly, feel‑good summer romance about Jessa, who gets dumped by her boyfriend during the first dance at a wedding only to discover that her ex and his new girlfriend will be on a cruise to Sicily for her best friend’s destination wedding, where a hilarious mix‑up forces her to share a cabin with them and cricket star Brody, who was also recently dumped by his own girlfriend, leading to a fake‑dating revenge pact that creaks into something genuinely sweet as the salty sea breeze blows around them.
The first thing that struck me was how vividly the cruise setting came alive, enough to make me long for warm decks and late night laughs under stars. Jessa’s emotional rollercoaster, the humiliation of her breakup, the anxious awkwardness of being stuck near her ex, and the spark of something unplanned with Brody felt warmly human and often genuinely funny. The way her and Brody’s faux romance gradually slipped into honest connection made me smile, especially as their witty banter and clumsy close encounters unfolded in that tight suite with everyone watching their every move. I adored how Jessa’s resilience and humour carried the story, and Brody’s grounded charm balanced her flustered moments beautifully, even if at times I wanted a bit more depth in their emotional bond.
Rating: 3 out of 5. I’m giving Going Overboard this score because it swept me up in its fun, chaotic energy and reminded me how lovely an escapist, warm‑hearted romance can feel, even if it stops just shy of being deeply memorable. If you want a breezy fake‑dating story with sharp banter, awkward family‑style moments, and that irresistible holiday vibe, this is a delightful choice.
The first thing that struck me was how vividly the cruise setting came alive, enough to make me long for warm decks and late night laughs under stars. Jessa’s emotional rollercoaster, the humiliation of her breakup, the anxious awkwardness of being stuck near her ex, and the spark of something unplanned with Brody felt warmly human and often genuinely funny. The way her and Brody’s faux romance gradually slipped into honest connection made me smile, especially as their witty banter and clumsy close encounters unfolded in that tight suite with everyone watching their every move. I adored how Jessa’s resilience and humour carried the story, and Brody’s grounded charm balanced her flustered moments beautifully, even if at times I wanted a bit more depth in their emotional bond.
Rating: 3 out of 5. I’m giving Going Overboard this score because it swept me up in its fun, chaotic energy and reminded me how lovely an escapist, warm‑hearted romance can feel, even if it stops just shy of being deeply memorable. If you want a breezy fake‑dating story with sharp banter, awkward family‑style moments, and that irresistible holiday vibe, this is a delightful choice.
August 26, 2025
Read it in 2hrs from 4am this morning, so must have been good to not send me back to sleep!
July 6, 2025
4.25 stars! Big thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC!
I really enjoyed this one — it felt like a warm, hilarious throwback to a ’90s romcom, in the best way. The banter between the leads was top-tier: sharp, funny, and filled with chemistry. The situation they found themselves in was a little messy (as expected in a good romcom!), but I had such a fun time watching it all unfold. Both main characters were super likable and well-written, making it so easy to root for them. A delightful, feel-good read!
I really enjoyed this one — it felt like a warm, hilarious throwback to a ’90s romcom, in the best way. The banter between the leads was top-tier: sharp, funny, and filled with chemistry. The situation they found themselves in was a little messy (as expected in a good romcom!), but I had such a fun time watching it all unfold. Both main characters were super likable and well-written, making it so easy to root for them. A delightful, feel-good read!
June 29, 2025
I have no idea how I haven’t found rom com author, Portia MacIntosh, until now! She’s been writing for a little over 10 years. MacIntosh’s writing style is witty and effortlessly engaging. The narrative closely mirrors Emily Henry novels. She writes as though you were having a heart to heart with her. I devoured this one up in a day and I’m eager to read more of her rom com books.
Going Overboard was a smart, funny, warm-hearted summer romance with a sprinkle of sports celeb flair. It centered around Jessa who was dumped by her boyfriend, Todd, during the first dance at a wedding they were attending. Unbeknownst to her, Brody, cricket celebrity, was experiencing the same heartbreak at the same moment. His girlfriend Nikki had just left him too. Fast forward a year later and they reunite on a wedding cruise and form an alliance-if they couldn’t win back their exes then they’d get revenge by pretending to be a hot new couple. Collectively this was an emotionally satisfying enemies-to-friends-to-lovers narrative with a perfect blend of humor and romance.
I absolutely loved following Jessa and Brody as they navigated love and revenge. Their relationship evolved from friends to something meaningful—and he was as transformed by it as she was.
I utterly adored Jessa! She was an upbeat protagonist with a quick wit and down-to-earth personality that made her so relatable and hard not to love. Opposite of Jessa, Todd, her ex, was self-centered, immature, unreliable and emotionally disengaged; and unlike Todd, Brody was a charming, charismatic and humorous man. Each of the characters were sharply drawn and colorful which brought added depth to this already layered tale.
All in all, I didn’t want this story to end. MacIntosh delivered a witty, engaging narrative with the most authentic characters. This tale was a charming feel good romance and I am so grateful to have received an advanced copy of Going Overboard, otherwise I wouldn’t have come across this ‘new to me’ author. In fact, I’ve added Portia MacIntosh to my ‘go to author’ list!
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Going Overboard was a smart, funny, warm-hearted summer romance with a sprinkle of sports celeb flair. It centered around Jessa who was dumped by her boyfriend, Todd, during the first dance at a wedding they were attending. Unbeknownst to her, Brody, cricket celebrity, was experiencing the same heartbreak at the same moment. His girlfriend Nikki had just left him too. Fast forward a year later and they reunite on a wedding cruise and form an alliance-if they couldn’t win back their exes then they’d get revenge by pretending to be a hot new couple. Collectively this was an emotionally satisfying enemies-to-friends-to-lovers narrative with a perfect blend of humor and romance.
I absolutely loved following Jessa and Brody as they navigated love and revenge. Their relationship evolved from friends to something meaningful—and he was as transformed by it as she was.
I utterly adored Jessa! She was an upbeat protagonist with a quick wit and down-to-earth personality that made her so relatable and hard not to love. Opposite of Jessa, Todd, her ex, was self-centered, immature, unreliable and emotionally disengaged; and unlike Todd, Brody was a charming, charismatic and humorous man. Each of the characters were sharply drawn and colorful which brought added depth to this already layered tale.
All in all, I didn’t want this story to end. MacIntosh delivered a witty, engaging narrative with the most authentic characters. This tale was a charming feel good romance and I am so grateful to have received an advanced copy of Going Overboard, otherwise I wouldn’t have come across this ‘new to me’ author. In fact, I’ve added Portia MacIntosh to my ‘go to author’ list!
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 26, 2025
When your boyfriend dumps you right before a group cruise/destination wedding and then shows up with a new girlfriend… what’s a girl to do? Drink too much and let everyone assume you’re over him and under her ex of course! Thankfully he’s a wind-up merchant and more than happy to play along -who knew faking it could be so fun?
Love a good location as much as I do? You’ve got Yorkshire wedding venues, a resort style cruise, and the island of Sicily to explore between the covers.
It took me a moment to get into this, it’s very voicey and a bit frazzled English woman BUT after a few pages I found myself really enjoying the conversational tone. That combined with the short chapters makes it a nice snappy read.
The best part about this book? It’s properly FUNNY in a way that a lot of rom-coms lately just aren’t managing. The dialogue is realistic and all the characters have genuine banter. It’s just a lot of fun and I kept finding myself smiling -I laughed out loud at the bed moving scene!
One teeny tiny thing I hated just a smidge… “said” goes unnoticed in a way that “clapped back” does not. I didn’t need to read that multiple times. The writing is generally good otherwise and it’s an easy/fast read (NB good writing makes for easy reading). Tropes wise, I’m not huge on fake dating -it usually feels childish to me- but I was onboard here.
I think the short chapters, humour, and summer vibes make this a great book to pack for your summer holidays!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Love a good location as much as I do? You’ve got Yorkshire wedding venues, a resort style cruise, and the island of Sicily to explore between the covers.
It took me a moment to get into this, it’s very voicey and a bit frazzled English woman BUT after a few pages I found myself really enjoying the conversational tone. That combined with the short chapters makes it a nice snappy read.
The best part about this book? It’s properly FUNNY in a way that a lot of rom-coms lately just aren’t managing. The dialogue is realistic and all the characters have genuine banter. It’s just a lot of fun and I kept finding myself smiling -I laughed out loud at the bed moving scene!
One teeny tiny thing I hated just a smidge… “said” goes unnoticed in a way that “clapped back” does not. I didn’t need to read that multiple times. The writing is generally good otherwise and it’s an easy/fast read (NB good writing makes for easy reading). Tropes wise, I’m not huge on fake dating -it usually feels childish to me- but I was onboard here.
I think the short chapters, humour, and summer vibes make this a great book to pack for your summer holidays!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Weddings always come with some form of drama. However, nothing could have prepared Jessa for her long-term relationship (with Todd) to end right before her best friend’s nuptials. Learning that her ex has rebounded with the ex (Nikki) of the groom’s best man (Brody), spells disaster for Jessa, the entire wedding party, and the destination accommodations. Unwilling to let her ex have the upper hand, Jessa teams up with Brody to fake a relationship of their own. Will the time spent together end in a budding romance between the two dumpees, or will they ultimately look like a fool in front of their dumpers?
Fans of Portia MacIntosh know they can always count on her to deliver the perfect beach read! Her recent release, Going Overboard, is drama pact, fast-paced, and guaranteed to keep you entertained. Not only does it have all the elements necessary for an ideal holiday in the sun, this romcom will remind you how important female friendships truly are!
Be sure to read this book for:
-Enemies-to-Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Revenge Pact
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Only One Bed
-Witty Banter
-Closed Door
Special thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Portia MacIntosh for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Weddings always come with some form of drama. However, nothing could have prepared Jessa for her long-term relationship (with Todd) to end right before her best friend’s nuptials. Learning that her ex has rebounded with the ex (Nikki) of the groom’s best man (Brody), spells disaster for Jessa, the entire wedding party, and the destination accommodations. Unwilling to let her ex have the upper hand, Jessa teams up with Brody to fake a relationship of their own. Will the time spent together end in a budding romance between the two dumpees, or will they ultimately look like a fool in front of their dumpers?
Fans of Portia MacIntosh know they can always count on her to deliver the perfect beach read! Her recent release, Going Overboard, is drama pact, fast-paced, and guaranteed to keep you entertained. Not only does it have all the elements necessary for an ideal holiday in the sun, this romcom will remind you how important female friendships truly are!
Be sure to read this book for:
-Enemies-to-Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Revenge Pact
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Only One Bed
-Witty Banter
-Closed Door
Special thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Portia MacIntosh for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 30, 2025
In a twist of fate (or the twisted revenge of a frustrated wedding planner), Jessa is booked into the same two-room suite as her ex Todd and his new girlfriend Nikki on the destination cruise wedding of her best friend. As if that's not awkward enough, Nikki's ex Brody will be sharing a room with her... and she may have hinted to all of her friends that they slept together. The only way out of the situation is to keep on fake dating each other as revenge on both their exes.
I loved seeing their personalities come out the more time they spent together. The media saw Brody as a playboy, but he ends up being such a sweetheart. Their sarcastic banter was perfect to set up a real relationship one they finally realized it 😆. This was the perfect getaway book to end the summer season.
I received a complimentary arc of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I loved seeing their personalities come out the more time they spent together. The media saw Brody as a playboy, but he ends up being such a sweetheart. Their sarcastic banter was perfect to set up a real relationship one they finally realized it 😆. This was the perfect getaway book to end the summer season.
I received a complimentary arc of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 27, 2025
*ARC Review*
Going Overboard by Portia MacIntosh is a fast-paced romance book, filled with humor, fake-dating and chaotic energy. Jessa gets unexpectedly dumped by her boyfriend Todd, just weeks before her best friend’s wedding. Two weeks later, Todd rocks up with a new girlfriend, Nikki, who had also just dumped her boyfriend. The four of them end up being stuck together in a room on a cruise ship, on the way to Jessa’s best friend’s wedding. As a result, Jessa and Todd hatch a plan to fake date in retaliation, to get their exes back.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Jessa and Todd. I loved the playful banter that they had and I also really just loved Todd as a character. I found myself laughing out loud from what both of the characters were saying in other characters in the book. I absolutely loved Jessa’s friendship with Kelsey and loved their little moments throughout the book.
It was a charming, quick, quirky romance that I read within two days. The book got my attention straightaway as I was very entertained from the start, and continued to be hooked for the rest of the book. I absolutely loved the troops that were in the book and it was the perfect summer read. I did however, wish it was a little bit longer as I would’ve loved to have read more about the characters.
If you love a fun, witty, romance book, I would definitely recommend picking this up!
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Tropes:
Fake dating, forced proximity, one bed, revenge pact, opposites attract
Thank you @netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Going Overboard by Portia MacIntosh is a fast-paced romance book, filled with humor, fake-dating and chaotic energy. Jessa gets unexpectedly dumped by her boyfriend Todd, just weeks before her best friend’s wedding. Two weeks later, Todd rocks up with a new girlfriend, Nikki, who had also just dumped her boyfriend. The four of them end up being stuck together in a room on a cruise ship, on the way to Jessa’s best friend’s wedding. As a result, Jessa and Todd hatch a plan to fake date in retaliation, to get their exes back.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Jessa and Todd. I loved the playful banter that they had and I also really just loved Todd as a character. I found myself laughing out loud from what both of the characters were saying in other characters in the book. I absolutely loved Jessa’s friendship with Kelsey and loved their little moments throughout the book.
It was a charming, quick, quirky romance that I read within two days. The book got my attention straightaway as I was very entertained from the start, and continued to be hooked for the rest of the book. I absolutely loved the troops that were in the book and it was the perfect summer read. I did however, wish it was a little bit longer as I would’ve loved to have read more about the characters.
If you love a fun, witty, romance book, I would definitely recommend picking this up!
Rating: 3.75/5 Stars
Tropes:
Fake dating, forced proximity, one bed, revenge pact, opposites attract
Thank you @netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 20, 2025
I love the whole "Our-partners-left-us-so-we'll-pretend-to-date-to-get-back-at-them (but are we really pretending?)" plot. And having that while on a cruise to Italy? Absolutely devoured it. I loved Brody so so much. How laidback, funny and caring he is. I also liked Jessa, but felt like she was a bit too focused on making her ex pay? I felt like this has taken a bit too much space, and while I really enjoyed it at the beginning, I wanted more genuine, we're-not-pretending anymore moments between Jessa and Brody. We had a lot of friendly, bantering moments, but I wanted a bit more steamy, lovy moments.
It was cute, lighthearted, chaotic, messy, and funny. I loved the writing and overall had a fun time!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
It was cute, lighthearted, chaotic, messy, and funny. I loved the writing and overall had a fun time!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
August 10, 2025
Fantastic story, loved it. Loved all the characters within this story.
When Jessa gets dumped by her boyfriend Todd at a friend’s wedding, she has no idea how it will change things.
When it’s a friend’s trip before the wedding and Jessa’s ex Todd is there with his new girlfriend Nikki and the new girlfriend’s ex Brody.
The four of them end up having a suite together so Jessa and Brody make the best of the situation and pretend that they are a couple.
As Jessa and Brody get closer to each other, will
finding out that Jessa had a small part in his breakup with his ex change things or will they continue to have blossoming relationship ?
Received from Netgally and publisher Boldwood Books as ebook. I think I’ve found another auto buy author
When Jessa gets dumped by her boyfriend Todd at a friend’s wedding, she has no idea how it will change things.
When it’s a friend’s trip before the wedding and Jessa’s ex Todd is there with his new girlfriend Nikki and the new girlfriend’s ex Brody.
The four of them end up having a suite together so Jessa and Brody make the best of the situation and pretend that they are a couple.
As Jessa and Brody get closer to each other, will
finding out that Jessa had a small part in his breakup with his ex change things or will they continue to have blossoming relationship ?
Received from Netgally and publisher Boldwood Books as ebook. I think I’ve found another auto buy author
August 20, 2025
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books for the gifted ARC of this charming romance!
Going Overboard was lighthearted, fun and exactly the kind of book you can breeze through on a beach day or a cozy summer evening. It had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and I loved stepping into the world of Jessa and Brody. This is my third Portia MacIntosh book and at this point she’s become a go-to author whenever I need a feel-good romantic escape.
Tropes? This one has them all: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, only one bed, revenge pact—you name it. And of course, the happily ever after tied it all together in the sweetest way. If you’re in the mood for an easy, romantic and funny read, this is one to add to your list!
Going Overboard was lighthearted, fun and exactly the kind of book you can breeze through on a beach day or a cozy summer evening. It had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and I loved stepping into the world of Jessa and Brody. This is my third Portia MacIntosh book and at this point she’s become a go-to author whenever I need a feel-good romantic escape.
Tropes? This one has them all: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, only one bed, revenge pact—you name it. And of course, the happily ever after tied it all together in the sweetest way. If you’re in the mood for an easy, romantic and funny read, this is one to add to your list!
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