Only One Island

by R. Cayden

Castaway with his boss’s son.



Hank



I’ve attended some dreadful company parties, but getting lost at sea marks a new low for a work event.

My only companion on this life raft is Elliot. He’s ten years younger than me, wildly chaotic, and mostly responsible for getting us in this mess.

The fact that he’s also my new boss’s son is just a cherry on top of this terrifying, near-death sundae.



We crash on a small island, stranded somewhere off the coast of Seattle.

Elliot and I are exhausted, battered, and hungry. We lost half our clothes in the desperate swim to shore, and there are more storms on the horizon.

But we made it, and surely, we’ll be rescued soon.



If only we can agree on a survival strategy.

I’m an amateur naturalist and detail-oriented person, while Elliot is… creative.



Maybe it’s a survival instinct, but as the nights pass, Elliot and I find comfort in each other’s arms.

He becomes everything to me, my other half.



Until we get rescued, that is, and the real world comes to pull us apart.



Only One Island is a 70K M/M romance, loaded with heat and geeky fun. Our opposites-attract heroes danger-bang their way to survival and a well-earned HEA, with plentiful nature facts and constant disasters along the way. Enjoy!

Genres: M M Romance, Forced Proximity

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2025

About the author

R. Cayden writes steamy M/M romance and sweet, easy reads.

If you want to be notified of new releases, sign up for the newsletter!

You can also send along an email. I love hearing from readers, and knowing what you think of the stories!

rcayden.books[at]gmail.com

Thanks for reading!

Reviews

[NitaBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Castaway ✅
Bosses son ✅

Hank is on his accounting firm’s annual casino boat. He has been newly promoted to Finance Director of Audits.

Elliot, Hanks bosses son, is in a lifeboat beside the boat and calls for help. Hank tries to help but now they are both in the life raft … and in the ocean 🤦🏻‍♀️

They are terrified and stranded in the ocean at night .

They survive a storm and reach land.

They do survival stuff. They make a fire and are confident they will be rescued.

‘Oh, no. Hell. I want to kiss Elliot. “If we’re about to be rescued,” he says, a glint in his eyes and pure suggestion in his voice, “maybe we should make full use of the island first.”

Then rain puts the fire out.

Some deep conversations. Island survival stuff.

‘I pull Elliot to me, lost in the delirious moment. His mouth crashes against mine, and his hard body is like a shock of pleasure. We grope, hands on each other’s sides, as we kiss desperately beside the ocean.’

Hank is the voice of reason - boring - and gets them back on track to survival and rescue.

Rain again. Orcas. Whales. Sexy times happen again.

Isn’t all this rain going to make them sick ?

Amidst all the horny sex, they are getting to know each other too.

Weeks pass.

‘I must be the wilderness man now. It is the only way to survive and to keep castaway Elliot safe, too. He is everything to me here. Companion. Partner. Lover. He is life.’

Apparently penis island belongs to an old man - they are rescued! He’s a grumpy old British baronet.

I swallow. “I’m going to miss you, Hank.”
He takes the side of my face, holds my gaze. “I’m going to miss you, too, Elliot. We’ll be in touch soon, okay?”

Elliot’s dad makes them do a press conference with approved answers.

Hank and Elliot decide to try a discrete secret relationship.

Elliot’s dad finds out but it works out.

“I love you.” I pull him into the kiss. It’s the first time the words have crossed my lips, and they come in a whisper, my voice caught with emotion. “I love you, too, Elliot.”

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars a great close proximity stranded on an island with an gap romance. A great start to the book and then it turned into a slow story with them being forced to endure nature at its best and worse. I would have liked some scenes cut short and others expanded for them to click with me. I didnt like Elliott’s parents in this at all.

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. I enjoyed this for exactly what it is. It’s cute, almost mindless fluff that gives a break from reality and a strong HEA. The couple was perfect for each other and I liked seeing them progress together. You do have to do A LOT of suspending, but like I said, I was content with that. I needed a good fluff break after sobbing through two books. Sometimes you just need all happy vibes, ya know? Plus, the title was the right amount of playful.




(—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and (unwanted) opinions are my own.—)

[Jenny (Nyxie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was torn on how to rate this but ended up landing at a 3.5, so 4 * rounded it is.

Note - review has some spoilers!

Stuff I liked:
- Pairing of stiff grumpier older guy with free spirited younger guy
- Desert island survival scene, which was especially fun since it wasn't the bog standard tropical island eating bananas
- Interesting flora and fauna. Eating edible plants was a nice touch.
- The closure and interesting plot continued after they got off the island
- Very readable, nice flow

Stuff I didn't like:
- the plot twist about the island they were on. Honestly it just felt ... cheap. They could have been saved that whole time? Absolutely not. I felt too much secondhand embarrassment. This alone knocked it down a star for me
- the weird drama with the CEO dad and something about oil companies? It never felt like it came to full closure.
- About 20% too long

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. Better than I imagined it could be. The realistic way that everything happened is what made it so good. You could see this happen. Their time on the island was done perfectly. You could see the events would happen if it actually happened. I loved what Angie called Hank when she first saw him afterwards. Also, the way the author showed how they both changed after their ordeal was expertly done. A truly well thought out and written read. I was given an arc from GRR to read and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hank and Elliot ❤️

It's been a while since I've read an R Cayden book and I was excited to grab this one. These characters were great, island lovin sexy and the HEA sweet as hell. Can't wait for what's next from this author.

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[T Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting idea for sure. Some peril can really bring two people close and we see a connection as our heroes face the unknown together. There’s drama as well as the romance so there doesn’t seem like dull moments ever fill the pages. The m/c’s are quite engaging, coming from different places in life, and their ability to balance one another was encouraging. Push back from others can strengthen or destroy and watching the strength that came, both in their personal and professional situations, was encouraging, too. Overall the story was sweet, a little exciting and fun. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Trip · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nature likes it when things our different."

I adored this book so much! It captured a lot of favourite themes for me, I'm weak for stranded on island and survival situations. This story captured all the feels in the forced Proximity, tension, quickly building connection and us against the world that develops.

The introductions to Hank and Elliott were wonderful, their initial meeting and the opposites attract vibes throughout was so fun. I enjoyed how it didn't make them fall into each others interests, they're able to find enjoyment and appreciate one another for their differences.

Their relationship developing was done beautifully and while there was potential for angst, it was kept light and handled well. I adored how they bounce of one another on the island, keep each other going in their own ways and just so charming.

All of the little details on the island of their exploration, finding shelter and creating shoes from plants. Hanks wilderness knowledge helping, with their finding food - plants and berries. Then eventually among the beach with the seaweed and clams. Oh and the fire signals, the crosses on the beach and the weather struggles.

I adore how the story captured the survival aspect, the conflict and worry along with how it settles in. The routine they end up in, the dehydration, lack of food and continuously being worn down - missing the rescue chances and the weather stopping their progress.

Along with the other animals around and on the island, I loved Elliots embracing the castaway vibes and his raft, stone phone. Oh and the way they tried to find some normality with their date night and finding comfort in one another.

Honestly this book just had great vibes for me and I was hooked, even once they leave the island and the realisations. I simply loved Elliott & Hank, their romance held my heart and it was great to see them both move forward.

There is plenty of spicy moments too, with the heat and passion as they fall in love. Little moments of affection were sweet too in the hurt/comfort feels. Cuddling and leaning upon one another to get themselves through.

So many aspects to enjoy in this tale and while majority is focused upon Elliot & Hank, there are some amazing side case in Elliott's friendships group and Hanks family.

Overall I was enchanted and these two get their happy ending. Finally forging new paths and finding what they want to do, supporting each other and the ending was perfectly fitting! So sweet 🌅


Forced Proximity
Survival
Drugs [brief use of weed]
Injuries
Social media

Artist/Accountant
Age gap
Older bottom/Younger top
Rimming



*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review*

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man hated by his parents for being feminine, gay and an artist gets stranded on an island with his father's employee

Hank is the up-and-coming executive at a huge accounting firm. It is tradition for employees and their guests to be invited to a casino night on a small cruise ship once a year. But this year, the wayward son of the firm's owner gets tangled up in some rigging, and Hank tries to rescue Elliott. Alas, they fall into the ocean without anyone noticing their in a life raft. They end up on an island off the coast of Seattle, with few clothes left and no food.

But Hank is at home in nature, knowing which plants can be eaten, and how to take care of each other. Elliott is 10 years his junior, and the boss' son, and this makes things even more difficult. They struggle to survive on the island, and they develop feelings for each other.

R. Cayden does an excellent job of giving us wonderful prose about their struggles, and very descriptive segments on how they are getting along. Days pass with no rescue, and the fatigued couple sees their deaths. Cayden provides wonderful descriptions of their plight, and their fondness for each other, including their nights with each other cuddling for warmth and companionship.

Many days later they are rescued and returned to Seattle, Elliot is not met by his parents while Hank's family gets him to a hospital for treatment and observation. Elliot's parents are battling theories about how the two men got off the boat, and the boat's operators are apparently involved in the smear campaign. Elliott's father assumes the two men are together, and forbids Hank from associating with his son since Hank has been given a major role at the firm.

The two do not stay away from each other because they are so bonded. Elliot's parents are ashamed of him, especially when he has to ask for their financial help. Even other siblings are uncomfortable around him. But Elliot stands up to his parents, especially when other things add to the public mystery of the couple falling from the ship, the stories about the operators of the ship and about the erotic artwork Elliot does for a living.

The book is wonderfully paced, and tropes don't populate the story to add pages. It's a page turner to learn what happens next, and after the book is concluded, I certainly hope there is some sequel to the next chapter in their lives.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through a series of unfortunate incidents, Elliot and Hank become are adrift at sea on a life raft watching their work casino cruise float away. Well Hank’s work for which Elliot’s dad is the CEO. Theresa first half of the story is Hank and Elliot - virtual strangers - finding their way to a deserted Island - somewhere in the San Juan Islands near Seattle. Super high marks for the level of detail involved in their experience both being lost at sea and then trapped on an island trying to survive and wait for rescue. Fortuitously, Hank is a bit of a naturalist and teaches Elliot survival skills. Honestly the whole first half detailing their experiences at sea and on the island were an emotional ride and incredibly detailed - so well written. Acknowledging that these two are very different people who go through an emotional experience and really trauma bond, I’m rooting for them anyway. They really do bring out the best in one another despite their apparent difference in age and interests. The second half of the book is how their relationship progresses once they’re back in Seattle (is it a spoiler alert to assume they get rescued and do get their HEA?). There are some complications when they return, namely the relationship between Elliot and his dad and then his dad’s relationship with Hank. I would think it would be so weird and traumatizing to be with each other and only each other for weeks and then not see one another on societal re-entry. All that to say, their eventual HEA was slower to evolve than anticipated. It actually didn’t exactly play out the way I’d anticipated near the end and had some (not unpleasant) turns to get the characters where they needed to get in the end. I really enjoyed both characters quite a bit. All in all 6/5 for the first half - so well done - 4/5 for the drama of their reentry and eventual HEA. Overall five stars as it was an “I couldn’t put it down and had to read in the middle of the night and before work” type of book.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

drop anchors, penis island, early blue violets, baronet, dirty dish sponge, Feywild, gay cannibals, Frida Dolphins, Trekkie

With the MCs stranded on a deserted island for half the book, there are only a few side characters. The most prominent one is Elliot's father, and Hank's boss, Mr Darryl Peterson. There's a lot of angst associated with him for both MCs. You've got to know they are rescued, but it's interesting how it happens.

Hank Hansley has just been promoted to Finance Director of Audits at Mr Peterson's accounting firm. He doesn't get to that position before he becomes a castaway. He goes overboard with Elliot while trying to get him back on deck from a life raft. Half the book has them working together to survive on the deserted island. The other half is their life post-rescue in Seattle.

Elliot is an artist/illustrator of kinky fantasy characters sex scenes. He works on commissions for his clients, but is only scraping by financially. Though he grew up privileged, his family barely tolerates him for his life choices.

I was kept wondering when and how they were going to be rescued. Although there's a 10-year age difference, it's sweet how they get to know one another, and grow close enough to start having feelings for each other. While it's fascinating seeing their lives on the island, it's equally interesting how their lives are post-rescue in Seattle. The amount of research author R. Cayden must have done is staggering.

I enjoyed myself immensely all through the book. Everything is satisfying about it as I was rooting for them. I recommend this.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, yet serious book at the same time, especially in the first half. Finding yourself on a deserted island makes for some gut-wrenching and angsty times, but there were humorous times as well. Luckily for Elliot, Hank was an experienced outdoorsman, knowing what to look for for food from the land, the best way to try to attract attention for rescue, hints about wildlife, and in one instance, definitely what to do when a tree falls near you. That was a surprise to me, and hopefully I’ll remember if I’m ever in that situation. Due to Hank’s knowledge, they didn’t starve to death, Elliot learned some life-saving skills (and even took initiative, which paid off in the long run), and I think I might even survive in that situation — maybe a day or two, if I could remember what Hank shared with Elliot. How they were rescued wasn’t at all what I expected, but it was kind of poetic in a way. I was pleased that, despite the age difference, the employee/son thing, and the differences in personality, the two made a strong connection on a physical and emotional level, and they didn’t let it go once back in civilization, despite the problems they encountered. The second half didn’t hold my interest quite as much, but I was glad the two held steadfast to get their HEA, both remained true to themselves, and I did really like the epilogue, choked me up a bit.
This was a new author to me, but I will watch for more books in the future. I received an advance copy and this is my voluntary review.

[Tara Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY OPINION: This was an easy read, a love story. Covering what happens when you fall overboard with your boss’s son, then end up stranded on an island for three weeks.

It’s an unfortunate situation that they find themselves in, having to figure out how to survive and hopefully get rescued. Two very different men are learning to work together. Most of the things you would expect in a story of being stranded on an island are there. Finding food, injury, missed rescues, and making a raft. They figure out how to survive.

What makes this story different is the way the characters hook up to get through the long days and cold nights. They find peace in each other’s arms. It’s a cute book where these guys bond. Is it just trauma bonding? Once they are rescued and back in ‘civilization,’ they realize it was more than the trauma that brought them together.

Needless to say, dating the boss's son, who is younger than you and already has problems with his father, could complicate things, but to Hank, it’s totally worth it. Elliott and Hank discover that, as opposites, they complement each other exceptionally well. There are a lot of little bits like what’s going on at Hank's office, and the secrets Elliott keeps from his family that need to get worked out, but they fight their way to a happily ever after.

A lovely story about two men doing their very best. I enjoyed the book and am glad I had the opportunity to read it.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the blurb and the very beginning of the book I was expecting a lighthearted read, full of fun mishaps and just plain fun to read so even after it started getting serious, I kept waiting but, unfortunately, it never panned out.

I felt so bad for Hank and Elliot—first falling off a cruise ship and then being marooned together on an island in the ocean—every setback they experienced had MY gut sinking! I wanted to cry for ‘em ‘cause they were trying so hard but they kept getting knocked down and it was getting harder and harder to get back up. For myself, I thought it was kinda depressing but at the same time I kept reading, thinking: they’re fixing to get rescued…any minute now…no, NOW… Readers who prefer more realism, no miracle cures, this will definitely appeal to you but it was a bit TOO realistic for me. I loved however, the way the two refused to compromise with the way they felt about each other and more importantly, to allow their circumstances to come between them.

I have to say, this isn’t one of my favorites by this author but it was still a good solid read and ended with a completely satisfactory HEA. If you like dramatic and realistic reads, this might’ve been written for you. For me though 4 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley | adhdandread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only One Island by R. Cayden
Source: Gay Romance Reviews eARC
Publication Date: July 17, 2025

3 ⭐
3 🌶️

The book started out strong for me! The time on the island was fantastic; there was some humor, some sexy times, some relationship development. I was engaged. When they finally returned to Seattle, I was still along for the ride. Seeing them adjust was interesting while also still trying to figure out their relationship. But then the last probably 20% or so ... erm. The story lost my interest, and the writing felt like it was flying by, just ticking off plot-device boxes. It's like there were kernels of goods ideas, but many of them fizzled out.

I understand that there was an age gap between the two MCs, but Hank continually acted like it was an entire lifetime, and it wasn't. He often tried to shove Elliot into the "fun young guy" box a lot and didn't seem to pick up on how Elliot was trying to get away from that stereotype. Overall, they did seem to balance each other well, if only Hank's overthinking would get out of the way. Also, Elliot's family is awful. Also also, why did Hank refer to Elliot's dad/his boss by first and last name literally every. single. time. he mentioned the man? EVERY. TIME!

Bottom line: Do I regret reading? Nope. Like I said, the first 80% of the book had my attention. I probably won't re-read it a year from now, though.
–A

[Romantic Reads and Such]

There’s not a lot of drama here, outside of how horrible Elliot’s family treat him and how & when they will get off the island. While enjoy feels like the wrong word I liked the first half of the book for their struggle to survive, trying to find food & shelter & rescue, and as it turns into a case of if it can go wrong it will go wrong. Unfortunately it doesn’t get that much easier for them once they do get saved.

But they’ve developed a connection and it’s one strong enough to get them through whatever life throws at them. I like that they recognize that things they’ve been thru could create a trauma bond but after time recognize that they have real feelings and work well together. They are opposites and Elliot brings lightness & fun to Hank who does a good job of providing the support & confidence that he needs.

I’m not sure if I’m disappointed or delighted by how things turn out, most especially with the issues at Hank’s office. I can definitely say I thought it was going to go in a different direction. But I do like where everyone ends up so I consider it a win. And the epilogue is just the sweetest.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet and mildly angsty book with tropes of age gap, forced proximity, and opposites attracting. Hank has recently been promoted at the accounting firm he works at and is attending the annual poker night cruise which he hates and has been tasked by his boss to find the bosses son, Elliot. Hank finds Elliot stranded in a life raft on the side of the boat and ends up stuck in the boat with him with the boat becoming unmoored and they end up adrift. After a stormy night they find themselves on a small uninhabited island and the two men have to find a way to work together for survival. I really liked how Hank showed his knowledge of what plants were edible and how patient he was with Elliot. The dire circumstances with the need to join forces helped to bring the two closer over the weeks that they were stranded before being rescued. The two began a physical relationship the two MC's soon became emotionally invested as well. I liked how the author progressed the story after they were rescued and how each man re-evaluated their life and decided to make changes for the better.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute (mis)adventure romance!

Hank and Elliot are complete strangers to each other--until a mishap on a casino cruise around Seattle ends with them stranded together on a deserted island. Opposites in basically every way, will they completely fall apart--or come together?

This was an overall cute romance. Hank and Elliot were classic opposites attract, with Hank being a more straitlaced outdoorsy type while Elliot is chaotic sunshine. However, once they start to work together to try and get rescued (with some fairly funny near misses and mishaps), the chemistry is definitely there.

Once back in civilization, there are a few obstacles to them continuing to explore their connection--mainly, Elliot's dad, who happens to be Hank's boss. There's also the fact that the entire world has been obsessed with their disappearance.

The romance part of this book is very cute. I liked Hank and Elliot, and they were good together. I also liked Hank's twin sister and Elliot's equally chaotic friends. I think the main drawback for this book was that there was kind of a lot going on outside of the romance that didn't all seem necessary as side plots. I would have preferred more time with Hank and Elliot and less time on the other stuff.

However, if you're looking for a light and unique read, this is the one for you!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I rated this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded it to 4 stars. I’m very new to R Cayden’s work. I enjoyed this book. The chemistry between Hank and Elliot was completely off the charts. I loved seeing them work together to survive on the island until they’re rescued. I was so proud of how far Elliot came while being on the island, I never would’ve guessed Elliot from day one would eventually have the patience and knowledge to make a sturdy enough raft that could be used to sail close to the shore nearing the end of their time on the island.

I really don’t like how Elliot’s family treats him, all because he’s different than them. This was really highlighted by the warm reaction that Hank got from his own family after being stranded for three weeks, whereas Elliot got a lacklustre reception from his own parents and that his actions have caused even more issues for the company. What the hell? their son has been missing for 3 weeks and that’s all they really care about. They cut Elliot off after he quit college and hate that he comes back when he needs some money.

The last time Elliot approached his father for money was because he had an emergency medical bill he’s struggling with was the night of the Casino Boat Cruise that him and Elliot ended up stranded. I as they have the means, but cut him off financially with ever really liked the secondary characters of Hank’s twin sister Angie and Elliot’s chosen family Marko & Taylor. I’m looking forward to reading more books from R Cayden in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.

******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Kendra T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank and Elliott got stranded on an island for a couple of weeks. During that time, Hank is a strong survivor type and helps the two of them navigate the situation. Elliott has no clue what he is doing, but Hank's education and support helps Elliott trust in his own skills before long. I liked the two of them together and thought they really complemented each other well. I loved seeing how their time together was able to solidify into something stronger after getting rescued. I do admit, however, that it took a little bit for me to get into this story and the characters. I didn't really feel like I had a good understanding of them and their personalities until about half way through. This was maybe slightly higher than 3 star book, but I don't know if I loved it enough to jump it to a 4 star. That said, I did love the two of them together by the end of the book. I was rooting for them.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading R. Cayden, and I really enjoyed it. Hank and Elliot’s connection was powerful and developed beautifully as they worked together to survive. Their time on the island felt authentic, with emotional and physical challenges that helped them grow—especially Elliot, who truly came into his own both during and after their ordeal.

The bond they built felt real and lasting, carrying through even once they were back home. While Elliot’s family was disappointing, the warmth from Hank’s parents and sister Angie and Elliot’s friends, Marko and Taylor, added heart to the story.

The survival element was well done, and the emotional aftermath was just as compelling. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a heartfelt MM romance with a touch of adventure.

[Jude · Rating 3 out of 5]

🏝️ REVIEW 🏝️

🌸 Survival situation.
🌸 Forced proximity.
🌸 Boss's son.
🌸 Age gap.
🌸 Artist x accountant.
🌸 Opposites attract.

I was pulled in by the ridiculous premise, and it wasn't as silly as i was hoping for, but i still had fun with it and really liked the relationship between the two main characters. I thought Hank and Elliot had great chemistry and their relationship was very sweet.

The side characters were great, I loved Elliots found family and Hanks twin sister so much.

The book tackled some pretty serious subjects like; Surviving while stranded on an island, injury, dealing with the trauma of their experiences, strained relationships with bad parents, and even being at the centre of a scandal that had become the main focus of the media/internet.
Even still the book managed to feel light and fluffy, and there was a lot of humour.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

One One Island got my attention as soon as a saw “shipwrecked on a deserted island,” with the bonus of age gap and boss’ son. I am happy to say that I really loved this one and was completely caught up in the story. The book sets up with introduction to Hank and Elliot, making clear that Hank is a structured, orderly guy who typically follows the rules, while Elliot is more of a free spirit, with a jerk of a father who treats him horribly.

I really enjoyed this one a lot and found the story super engaging and the characters well developed. Fans of forced proximity should particularly like this one, but I think it will be a hit with a lot of readers.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[CatOnABlueBackground · Rating 3 out of 5]

The romance is 4 stars. The characters were sweet, the romance seemed effortless. The book was an easy read with the expected HEA at the end.

The 'nature info' on the other hand, was 2 stars. Unfortunately for me (& the author) I happen to live in the area where this takes place, and I was constantly being distracted by the inaccuracies. I know I'm supposed to overlook these things because it's just a romance, but when the author makes a point of lecturing me about the area, then I'm past the point of being able to overlook stuff that is wrong. Especially when the inaccuracies are what drives the plot. This would be a 4 star book for anyone who doesn't live in the Seattle/San Juan Islands area.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover alone made me want to read this book and then I read it and the plot warmed my heart.
The idea of two men being stranded on island was intriguing and captivating. Seems Hank and Elliott are on casino cruise (Hank for work), and get lost at sea on a raft ending up on an island. The two men could not be more different. Elliot is younger, creative and optimistic, whereas Hank is older and practical. It will take both of their skills to survive on this island. Suddenly working together they find personal comfort in one another to be able to survive under such dire circumstance. And oh yes complicating things is Elliott is the son of Hank's boss so you have that twist. A great read that left a big smile on my face. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I can’t decide if I feel like we’re the luckiest people in the world,” he says, “or the unluckiest.”

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I love survival romance stories. I found this one exciting and suspenseful. I loved both Hank and Elliot. The two of them needing each other to survive long enough to be rescued (thank you Hank!) really brought them together and created such a strong bond between them. I liked the way their relationship developed and their chemistry sizzled. The story was also emotional with their predicament, vulnerability, and the suspense of waiting to hopefully be rescued.

This was a fun romance and I was completely hooked. I even tried to take notes on different survival strategies. Might save my life one day! 5 stars

[Lisa Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

It took me a bit to decide how to rate this book. I absolutely loved the beginning and couldn't put it down. Seeing how the relationship developed while trying to survive was great.

They were rescued much earlier than I expected, though, and that's when it changed for me. I felt a disconnect and felt the story was more focused on what was going on around them than on Hank and Elliot. I have so many questions about the incidents that occurred, and it felt more like a second story. I did enjoy it, and I thought the epilogue was great.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually really good! I felt so bad for Elliot, who feels like he's constantly screwing up. And...he kind of is a little bit, but he's also in his early 20's! We were all dumbasses in our early 20s! And he wasn't an asshole; he was just not as conscientious as he could have been. It was so nice to see Hank build Elliot up as they banded together to survive on their island. I will say that I 100% expected Elliot's dad to frame Hank at the end, so I was a bit surprised that didn't transpire, but I guess it's good that Elliot didn't have a literal criminal for a father...just a shitty father.

***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super entertaining story. The trope of father's best friend and its ilk is a favorite and this son of my new boss variation was great. I loved the fact that these two end up out in the wild stranded on an island and that Hank is an amateur naturalist so we get plenty of descriptions and details. As for the story, Hank's expertise would be great if Elliot was the kind to follow instructions. Hah! He's quite the chaos agent which makes for some great initial friction between these two that in that magical romance way turns into real heat and genuine feelings that must be dealt with when they return to the real world. I loved the way the author handled all of it.

[Julia Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lighthearted and fun. When they got stranded it was just one thing goung awry after another, a comedy of errors almost. But them being stranded kind of stripped them down, and they could see each other for the people they really are without any fanfare or smoke screens. I enjoyed seeing them work together to survive and also get to know each other.
It was also interesting to see them navigate their relationship after being rescued. I especially loved Elliot standing up to his family and then Hank also standing up for Elliot when his dad talked dismissively about him.
The epilogue was a really great way to end Hank and Elliot's story, a full circle moment.