A Shore Thing

by Portia MacIntosh

The BRAND NEW gorgeously funny romantic comedy from MULTI-MILLION COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Love Island, Christina Lauren and Tessa Bailey! 🏝️🌞💖 🏝️ Workplace romance 🏝️ Enemies to lovers 🏝️ Fake dating 🏝️ Forced proximity 🏝️ Reality TV show 🏝️ Caribbean island setting

Lights. Camera...Showmance!

From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.

Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.

Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.

But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet?

Escape to paradise with a laugh-out-loud, gorgeous forced proximity with your rival romance from MILLION-COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh

💖 Praise for Portia 💖

'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low

'I laughed, I cried - I loved it.’ Holly Martin

'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin

‘This is one of the easiest 5 stars I have given’ Reader Review

‘Portia Macintosh knows how to add the perfect amount of humor, current pop culture reference, and setting to make every rom-com an absolute joy to read!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘If you're looking for a feel-good read that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a tear, "Wish You Weren't Here" is a must-read. Highly recommend!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 26, 2026

About the author

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

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

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

Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com

Reviews

[Andrea Griggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. I want to thank Portia MacIntosh and Boldwood Books for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!

Cleo & Lockie’s love story is so unconventional but I love it! Talk about Survivor meets Love Island at its wildest. While the book didn’t pick up until the show started, once it did…it was hard not to be hooked. The found family dynamic that was created on the island became a huge draw to continue reading. Without their Island Daddy, they would not have made it! He was instrumental on ensuring they enacted the life skills he taught them as well as just did for them.

This was a sweet slow burn romance that has one of my favorite tropes, forced proximity. Nothing is more forced than going into work being told your job duties are now completely different and you’ll be stranded on an island.

This book reminded me that not everyone is who they display to the world. We all have hidden depth to us no matter how shallow or self-centered we act. This is a very sweet romance with some pretty funny moments especially on the island!

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia is an auto buy author for me so when I saw this on NetGalley I couldn’t not read it. As usual I loved this one. I devoured it and when I wasn’t reading it I was wanting to pick it up and thinking of it.

The joy of the book was Portias humour shining through. I loved both MCs and how real the behind the scenes of the tv industry was written. All the characters added to the story with all their quirks. Cleo and Lockies chemistry was sizzling and jumping off the pages.

Portias writing is always such an easy, enjoyable read. Even though you know what will happen it doesn’t detract from a clean romance written superbly. Another top write from this author and worth investing in.

Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange of my honest opinion.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genius.

Ive loved this story so so much. I loved the characters and i just didn't want it to end. As with all of Portia's books, she made me feel like i was there on the island with them.

The ending was brilliant and the twist was very cleverly done.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bevany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book. a clean romance set in a world of reality TV. The mcs were great as well as the supporting characters. I love this author and this book didn't disappoint.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review: Portia MacIntosh’s A Shore Thing.
Boldwood Books, thank you so much along with NetGalley for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There’s something deeply comforting about opening a Portia MacIntosh novel. You know you’re going to laugh, you know there will be chaos, and you know you’ll be rooting for people who swear they absolutely do not want to fall in love. A Shore Thing delivers all of that with a sunburned grin and a knowing wink, dropping the reader straight into the glossy, overproduced world of reality dating TV and then gleefully pulling the curtain back.

Cleo is firmly a behind the scenes woman. She’s a fixer, a planner, and someone who prefers control to spontaneity, which makes her pairing with Lockie, a charming, maddening co casting producer, feel like fate having a laugh. Their dynamic starts off prickly and competitive, the kind where every interaction feels like a sparring match neither wants to lose. When a tropical storm delays half the cast of their dating show and they’re forced to step in as contestants themselves, the story leans fully into forced proximity and fake dating in the most delicious way.

What I really enjoyed here was how self aware the book is. It understands reality TV logic perfectly and plays with it rather than pretending it’s something it’s not. The island setting is escapist without being over described, and the showmance setup gives plenty of room for awkward moments, accidental intimacy, and the slow realization that maybe the person you argue with the most is also the one who sees you most clearly.

The humor is classic Portia MacIntosh. It’s conversational, observational, and often sneaks up on you in throwaway lines that land harder than expected. One quote that perfectly captures the tone is, “It turns out pretending to be in love is dangerously easy when you’re already halfway there.” That blend of wit and warmth is exactly why her books are such reliable comfort reads.

Cleo is a strong, capable heroine who feels human rather than polished. She second guesses herself, gets annoyed, and occasionally makes choices driven by emotion instead of logic. Lockie, while flawed, fits the rom com mold of a man who has a lot to learn and isn’t always great at communicating. Their relationship development feels earned through proximity and shared experience rather than grand gestures, which made the romance more satisfying for me.

This isn’t a high drama, twist heavy story, and it doesn’t need to be. The joy here comes from the banter, the setting, and the familiar yet cozy beats of a rom com done well. It’s the kind of book you read quickly, smile through, and then recommend when someone asks for something fun and escapist.

If you love fake dating, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, and reality TV inspired chaos wrapped in a warm, funny package, this book review confidently recommends A Shore Thing. It’s breezy, charming, and exactly the kind of story you want when you need a mental vacation.

Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

#AShoreThing #PortiaMacIntosh #BookReview #RomanticComedy #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks #FakeDatingRomance #EnemiesToLovers #RealityTVRomance #RomComReads #2026Books

[Reda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Shore Thing was my first book to read from this author, although I'd heard good things about her from fellow readers. I will say, I'm really torn about my review of this book. I generally really enjoy the workplace rivals-to-lovers kind of trope, and the premise of a reality show gone wrong was really interesting. And it's not every day that you get a triple-twist! Although I think that initially the prose was a little heavy with how very in-the-FMC's-head we were, I enjoyed the first 90% of this book. Then, in my view, the wheels fell off.

Because around the 90% mark is when the key conflict happens, but then it resolves itself in a mere handful of pages, and it's a race to the HEA. The race to the end means that the whole situation felt very superficial. That would be problem enough, but it was also wildly infuriating. Because you see, we spent quite a bit of the book very in-the-mind of the FMC, so we're very clear on how little she trusts, and precisely how she *should* handle lies, betrayal, and manipulation of herself and everyone else involved based on what we know about her character. But how she *should* show up in this situation--a strong, sure-of-herself woman who demands accountability for the lies, betrayal and manipulation against herself and all the others--is precisely the opposite of what happens: instaforgiveness. That would be bad enough, but then she goes on to say she should have been more trusting of the person who lied, betrayed, and manipulated her (I was wrong about this small thing, therefore I forgive you for this huge thing??). And to make matters worse, we actually know so little about the MMC (apart from a rather terse suggestion that he's been too married to his work) that I really have no basis to think he deserves either the understanding or the forgiveness, insta- or otherwise. Did he actually learn anything? Is he really sorry? Or just sorry he got caught?

If the story hadn't tripped on the resolution, I would be giving this book 5 stars. And I will definitely be giving this author another try for the sake of the 90% of this one I enjoyed. In my view, A Shore Thing was a good story that just didn't stick the landing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest assessment of this work.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5, maybe. As general fiction/comedy it’s fun, but as a romance, it’s a no from me.

Don't get me wrong, it was a nice read, I didn't actively dislike going back to it every time I had to take a break - it was quite entertaining. I really liked the premise, and the main character (outside of her taste in men and lack of a spine) was cool. The writing was good, and the plot twists, too.

So, what was wrong?

Well, in order for something to work as a romance, you need to convince me that I want the main couple to be together and that there is enough chemistry between them that they would and should end up together long-term.

I did not want them to be together or believe they would make it.

I didn't like the MMC, hadn't from almost the very start and my feelings - unfortunately - only solidified. His actions weren't redeemable and he was no better than the FMC's ex (actually actively worse because he screwed her over on more accounts than the one time at the beginning when they were still in the office portion of the story). The explanations provided from him were so flimsy and not enough that my brain didn't even compute them. I'm still mad he did everything he did.

Besides that, I don't think there was really anything between them outside of maybe some physical chemistry. There's no reason why a woman like Cleo would like him, especially not enough for them to be an actual, for-life couple. It reads like a fling, a few-months-long relationship before you realize the person you're with doesn't match you, has different values and outlook on life, and you're not compatible enough for forever, even if some parts feel good.

At one point, I really wanted there to be a plot-twist, so she'd end up with the other contestant, or - at the finish line - to stay alone. Unfortunately - and I guess that's a spoiler, sorry - she doesn't. There is a 'happy' ending there.

So yeah, I pretty much enjoyed most of it, but I cannot give it more than 3,5 stars, because it is supposed to be a romance, and I did not like that part.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for letting me read the ARC!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shore Thing is a fabulous, funny romantic comedy set on a sun‑soaked Caribbean island. I absolutely loved it. The story was full of sunshine, fun, warmth and charm with great characters. Such a brilliant read with such a clever plot.

The main characters are Cleo, a casting producer and her co‑casting producer, Lockie. Together they produce the reality TV dating show, Welcome to Singledom! Two characters, each with their own strengths, but in their professional life were known to clash more often than not and there always seemed to be an underlying friction.

Unexpected weather shakes things up entirely and sends the whole show off course. But the show has to go on, which meant two contestants were suddenly needed to be found and step in to save the show. The show where couples find love needed a new couple ...

Thank goodness for that unexpected twist as without it, things might never have happened the way they did and I am so glad they did!

Cleo had been carrying so many worries for so long, far more than she ever needed to. Being on the island finally gave her the confidence and the space to let go of some of the weight she was carrying and to open her heart again. Her connection with Lockie reminded her of what is worth letting go, and what is worth fighting for. I loved the gentle, gradual way things unfolded between them.

Amongst the story there was an important message. When life feels heavy, hold on and focus on the good moments because they are the lights that will help you and guide you through the dark.

I am a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers tropes and this was so well written and delivered in every way. I did not want it to end. I raise a coconut to this fantastic 5 star read!

Thank you very much to Boldwood Books, for my advanced copy. This review is based on a NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Portia MacIntosh is one of those authors I automatically reach for, and A Shore Thing was exactly the kind of fun, feel-good read I was hoping for. I absolutely devoured it—when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about when I could pick it back up again.

One of the biggest joys of this book is Portia’s humor. It’s light, observant, and woven so naturally into the story that it often sneaks up on you. The behind-the-scenes look at the reality TV world felt surprisingly authentic and added an extra layer of enjoyment. It’s glossy and chaotic on the surface, but the book does a great job of pulling back the curtain and having fun with the absurdity of it all.

Cleo and Lockie were fantastic main characters. Their chemistry crackles from the start, full of banter, tension, and that delicious sense of two people who protest far too much. I loved how their relationship developed through forced proximity and shared experiences rather than big dramatic gestures. The supporting cast was equally entertaining, each character bringing their own quirks and energy to the story.

This is a clean romance, but it never feels bland or boring. Even when you can guess where things are headed, the journey is so enjoyable that it doesn’t matter. Portia’s writing is easy, engaging, and comforting—exactly the kind of book you breeze through with a smile on your face.

Overall, this was such a fun, escapist read. Breezy, charming, and packed with humor, A Shore Thing is another solid win from an author I truly love. Highly recommended if you’re in the mood for a light rom-com with fake dating, workplace tension, and reality TV chaos.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb-
From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.
Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.
Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.
But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet?
💜 Review -
This was such a Fun and easy to follow read. I have enjoyed other books by the author and A Shore Thing certainly didn't disappoint. I loved that it was a clean romance novel as I think spicy scenes aren't always needed. I loved the author's writing style and I found myself laughing at times. Plus there was a great cast of characters. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, the author, Portia Macintosh and the publisher, Boldwood Books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC!

I am backlogged with my ARCs to review and they usually end up not being advanced anymore, but I had just completed a few supernatural reads, a few non-fiction and I needed something light and funny, and Portia MacIntosh's new book was just staring at me in the kindle even though I was saving it for when I felt more relaxed to read. So I decided to just open it, and bam! I'm stuck.

This is actually not a very new plotline, reality tv dating / survival on an island, but the quite similar book I read was a murder mystery thriller, which I did not see this going the same way - a big storm, the crew disappeared, everyone was trying to survive without food/drink and had to work together. Luckily, no one died, (which happened in the other book) and somehow, this island probably was less sinister and everyone managed to stay civil and happy somewhat.

Despite the similarities, I am glad this book ended great (sucker for happy endings) and as usual, the insecurities brought out in the protagonists were very relatable. Right at the start of the book, when Cleo got annoyed at everything, I feel the same! Maybe it's hormones, but I think it's just reaching an age where you just honestly couldn't care to see the good in everything anymore.

But it was a funny/entertaining read, especially imagining the warm island life in the middle of a cold winter. Do pick up this book for a read!

[Raelene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a bit conflicted about my feelings with this book. I love Portia MacIntosh’s writing, I’ve read a couple dozen of her books, and like to go into them pretty blind.

This book starts so focused on making a show with influences and fake storylines immediately turned me off from the story. I don’t watch reality tv, mostly because it seems so fake to me. So I appreciate Cleo wanting to cast ‘real’ people, and took an immediate dislike to Lockie for wanting the opposite.

Thankfully, for my sake, when the second half of the book became more about the survival aspect of the show on the island, that worked for me. I find survival novels interesting, so I liked seeing how that was handled both in a realistic but still fun way.

So while I am glad the story improved for my taste, the romance… didn’t. Cleo lusting after Lockie physically & him saying the right things at the right time did not make him redeemable to me, for everything he did behind her back when he knew that there were ways for them to talk alone.

I know that I’m one of the few people who doesn’t watch shows like Love Island, so I absolutely think this will have its audience. Unfortunately this was just a middle of the road read for me.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I needed to start my new year off, a delightful romance story with likeable characters and a nice warm setting.
Cleo works as a casting director for Welcome to Singledom, a reality dating show. Viewership has been declining and so Lockie is hired to bring new perspective as to what type of people should be cast for their newest season.
As expected these characters clash on how they think the new season should be cast which also influences their love/hate relationship.
With a whole new cast of characters, everything is in place for the new season when am impending storm causes some of the contestants to cancel. Cleo and Lockie are convinced to step in as contestants since the show must go on and they become part of the castaways on the deserted island. All starts well until the storm hits and they are cutoff from the show and are all on their own to survive.
The other contestants who are on the show with them provide everlasting friendships and I ended up liking all of these characters.
I have read other books by Portia MacIntosh and I find this one to be be just a delightful and fulfilling romance novel with likeable characters and a great setting. I love the short chapters and how easy it is to binge through this novel.
Even if you don't watch reality romance shows on tv you will find this an enjoyable read!

Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of having a reality show being the main driver felt unique and different. I am aware that a lot of it is scripted and not actually *real* and what is done in the background to make it entertaining was a nice side quest for me.

We meet Lockie (for whatever reason his name felt weird to me throughout the book) and Cloe on a scouting event for potential candidates on the show (with only one of them knowing that they work for the same company). There is some chemistry there, but not a lot (at least to me). When they run into each other at work the next day it is a bit awkward. The reality show is not doing well with ratings, and both have very different ideas about the candidates suited and what will increase ratings.

When a storm provides all contestants to arrive on time on the island, but filming needs to start, both get asked to participate as contestants. This leads to them spending more time with each other than expected and to a lot of challenging situations.

I enjoyed this one and there were moments in the book I found funny. Overall, I wasn't fully on board with the chemistry between the two of them and falling for each other. I like them as a couple but did not love them. It was a quick read and if you are looking for a book that is more of a short entertainment and is not relying on the physical aspect, this one will be for you.

I received an advance review copy for free , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“A Shore Thing” is a rom-com by Portia Macintosh. I’ve read a number of Ms. Macintosh’s books before, but I have to admit that this one was not my favorite. I liked how it started, with the MFC, Cleo, at a speed dating event and meeting the MMC, Lockie. I even understood the immediate chemistry between them (well, not really, but it’s a rom-com, I get it), but the whole “how did you not know” part I found a bit odd (like how did she not know who he was?). As the book progressed, I felt myself becoming “meh” with the romance and the MMC - he seemed “on the surface” to be okay, but then he’d do things behind the FMC’s back and it just felt … weird. I like a couple I can cheer on - and I didn’t feel it between these two (I could see them having a six month fling, but not a longer relationship, contrary to what the book proposes). Although this is a rom-com and parts are predictable (which is why rom-coms are enjoyable), I kinda hoped that some of the tropes I saw coming wouldn’t come … but they did (though I did keep hoping for a plot twist that didn’t come — a person can wish). While the premise of this book caught my attention and it started off really strong, it just didn’t work for me, though I wish it had.

[jade’s reading journey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise at every turn, keeping me on edge with its unexpected developments.

The story follows Cleo, a casting producer for the reality show Welcome to Singledom, which is quickly losing popularity. To revive it, she decides to cast more "real" people until Lockie arrives. As a newcomer with opposite ideas from her, he believes that manufactured drama and fakeness are exactly what the show needs. Their professional rivalry is immediate and charged with undeniable attraction.

Once filming begins, unexpected events force Cleo and Lockie to temporarily participate as contestants of the show. From that point on, the reality-show aspect is fast-paced and very engaging. I especially enjoyed the challenges and conversations. Another shocking twist occurs, making it feel as though the cameras have stopped rolling and the contestants are truly alone on the island.

Cleo and Lockie's banter was the highlight of the book. Like Cleo, I struggled to understand Lockie's intentions, but they are a very good couple.

The final plot twist was genuinely shocking. I felt completely blindsided alongside Cleo.

tropes:
- reality TV show
- forced proximity
- workplace romance
- closed-door romance

Thank you NetGalley and Portia MacIntosh for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books have always been my safe place, and romance is the genre I return to time and time again. One author I have really come to enjoy is Portia MacIntosh. I have already read “Going Overboard” and “A Lot to Unpack,” and even though her books do not rely heavily on spice, I always find myself drawn in by the way she tells a story. Her writing has a charm that keeps me turning pages.

Just like with her other books, this story grabbed my attention right from the start. I am familiar with the behind-the-scenes world of reality TV thanks to shows like “UnReal,” so I was especially intrigued by the “scripted” side of unscripted television explored here. I thought I had a pretty good idea of where the story was headed based on the description, but I could not have been more wrong. The twists and turns kept me on my toes, and I loved being surprised along the way.

All in all, this was such an enjoyable read. I had a hard time putting it down once I got started, and it kept me entertained from beginning to end. Portia MacIntosh has once again delivered a fun, engaging story, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

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

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being granted early access to books that I want to binge through. And I finished this in a matter of hours! This is such a fun story, an enemies to lovers if you want to trope it. Cleo is a reality tv-show participant finder (a job that sounds like amazing chaos) but the show she’s been working on has gotten stale, so a new person, Lockie, has been hired to spice up the pool and the story. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they both end up on the show, which is taking place on an island in the middle of nowhere… think survivor meets naked and afraid but with minimal clothes. There are 6 participants and cameras everywhere. But in the tropics, storms hit hard and their tv show becomes a case of survival. Cleo, Lockie, and the others must now figure out how to survive, not only the elements, but each other.
I genuinely enjoyed this book. The banter was solid and the characters are all lovable in their own ways. That is probably what I enjoyed the most from the story, is the bonds that were created between all the contestants and the friendships formed.
Overall this was a really fun, lighthearted read and as someone who has never read this author before, I’ll most definitely be on the lookout for any other novels!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Shore Thing was such a fun surprise—I ended up liking this book way more than I expected to. It made me laugh, caused a lot of reader noises, and was just genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.

Cleo and Lockie are very much opposites attract, and watching them clash while being stuck together on a Caribbean island was a blast. The forced proximity and fake dating setup works especially well in the workplace romance / enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and I really liked getting to know both of them as the story unfolded. Even when I saw a few things coming (and yes, they did happen), it didn’t take away from the fun at all.

There was one character I wasn’t a huge fan of, but honestly, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. The reality-TV-show setting adds a playful layer to everything, and the island backdrop makes the whole book feel like a sunny, escapist rom-com.

For readers who like to know ahead of time: there’s no on-page spice, but it is implied in chapter 30.

Overall, A Shore Thing is light, funny, and easy to fly through—a perfect pick if you’re in the mood for a breezy romance with banter, tension, and tropical chaos. I’d happily pick up another Portia MacIntosh book after this one.

[Natalie Intihar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something about the reality tv fan meets romance reader that just hits right. A Shore Thing combined two of my favorite hobbies into one! Reading Cleo and Lockie’s adventure-turned-love story was a total blast. If this had been a reality tv show in real life, I would have been tuned in each and every week!

I loved the entire cast of characters in this story. There is so much personality in each and every character, and the relationships that develop between Cleo, Lockie, and their cast were so touching. And this story was forced proximity at the very finest. Getting stuck on an island together is a whole other level of forced proximity romance, and I was HERE for it.

Cleo and Lockie’s dynamic is so funny to see, and I really enjoyed watching them come together. A Shore Thing was peak holiday romance, and even though I read it in the winter, it had me feeling ready for all things summer love!

Thank you to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free advance copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mallory King-Childs · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, when I was given this ARC to read and review, I was so excited because I have recently become a Portia MacIntosh fan and am obsessed with Love Island. In saying that, I honestly am not overjoyed with this book.

It honestly did not feel like Portia's writing to me. The style was very different in this book compared to the last one I read. It also only had a bit of the Love Island aspect to it, which I was expecting the whole book to be like it. I was able to predict how the book was going to play out. The ended was very abrupt. I feel like not much excitement happened in the book, I was reading and couldn't believe that I was already halfway through and not much had happened.

I would give this book a 3.5, rounded up to 4. Maybe I just hyped myself up too much and gave it higher expectations than I should have based on its description. I mean I finished it and fairly quickly, but I wouldn't go raving about it.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Danita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the free review copy of A Shore Thing! All opinions are completely my own.

A Shore Thing is a romance story that takes on a Reality TV/Survivor theme. As a Survivor fan, I really enjoyed this aspect of it, even though it was pretty different from the show. I found the author's writing to be very readable and inviting. Even though the book was shorter than most books I read, it still felt complete. I wasn't all that surprised about some of the things that happened, and I thought the end conflict was resolved easier than expected, but those things didn't really take away from my enjoyment of the story. While I didn't always love how the MMC acted, I felt like his character improved, and I was glad to see an explanation about some of his more questionable actions. I was impressed with the character development of the other show contestants in the book, and grew to like them even though I didn't think I would at first. Overall this was a fun escape, especially during the cold winter!

[Clairiefaerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I will read anything that Portia MacIntosh writes, I often find contemporary romance hot or miss but she is an author that I have loved every book I’ve read of theirs so far and always grab anything new as soon as I see it because I know it’ll be funny, have likeable characters and a plot that will keep me interested.

The setting was the real highlight of A shore thing for me, I really liked the playful take on reality TV and the cross between love Island and survivor. I particularly liked that the story poked gentle fun at the people who go on these shows without turning any of the girls into mean girls . The friendship between Cleo and Honey was one of the highlights for me. I also really liked Ozzy and felt a bit bad for him to be honest.

Overall, this was funny, a bit sweet and full of heartwarming friendships.

Thank you to Boldwood books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always funny when authors invent real TV programs and how they turn out.

In this gloomy weather (it's December), I really appreciate a good summer read, set on a deserted island.

I'm having trouble figuring out exactly what the audience saw since the cameras were presumably no longer mobile. And what Lockie knew precisely, to what extent he manipulated the plot on the island after the storm. It's a shame we only got one point of view (but perhaps we would have lost some of the romance, making this novel something else entirely).

The secondary characters were really fun. They make you think about real reality TV contestants and how much they play a role to be selected and liked by the public.

Cleo and Lockie are cuties and I really like their story, very unusual and funny !

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehhhh this one wasn’t for me.

I’m a huge fan of reality tv shows, but not particularly Love Island. I thought this sounded like that blended with Survivor and would be fun, but I pretty much hated every character.

Lockie is a terrible MMC. Honestly. I was hoping this would be one of those books where the FMC Cleo decides she is too good for him and forges her own path. Nope. He literally makes the worst decisions and betrays Cleo more times than I can count. The man gives me the ick.

Cleo needed to grow a back bone. Girl, your boss can’t force you to put on a skimpy bikini and try to survive on a deserted island. You could have said no. She’s a pushover and not someone I wanted to cheer for.

If you like Love Island and some simple characters with stupid men, you may like this one. I just couldn’t make it work and click on my head.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a perfect break from reality wrapped in a five-star read. This was just the perfect story at the perfect time, I knew I was going to get a good story, as I haven’t read a story by this author that I haven’t enjoyed, so when I knew I had several hard hours to sit and wait and not chew my nails or get myself into trouble pacing to much, I knew this would be a perfect distraction and it has sunshine and subterfuge wrapped into it, and that just made it the perfect distraction and a story that put a smile on my face even in the darkest of moments. Lockie made me smile from his first moment at the speed dating event, there was just something main character worthy of him, and even at his darkest moments, you could tell he has real heart to him or does he. This is perfect for reality TV fans, and even if you’re like me and don’t like it, the story is sublime and will make you love it, survivor style.

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Rom-Com Fiction (Adult)

A Shore Thing totally surprised me in the best way. This was my first Portia MacIntosh book and surely not my last.

Lockie and Cleo’s enemies-to-lovers relationship was EVERYTHING. The banter, the tension, the slow shift from frustration to feelings—it all felt so natural. I also really loved the character development of the other contestants.

And that plot twist?? That was the moment this book jumped from a 4⭐️ to a 5⭐️ for me. It caught me off guard and completely changed how I looked at the story in the best way.

There were a couple of slower moments for me, but honestly, they didn’t take away from how much I loved this book overall.

If you’re into rom-coms with enemies-to-lovers vibes, great character growth, and a surprise twist, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to this ARC!

[amaareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms. Portia really DID nail the reality TV logic here. The premise of Cleo (control freak, behind-the-scenes fixer) and Lockie (our charming chaos agent, casting producer) getting stuck on an island as replacement contestants is PEAK forced proximity. The banter in the beginning feels sharp and sparky the kind where you're like "oh they're definitely gonna fall in love because they can't stop arguing." The found family dynamic that builds on the island is genuinely sweet.

But HERE'S the thing...Lockie (MMC) is actively WORSE than her ex, and that's a MASSIVE problem for a romance. Like, i can't just be expected to root for a couple when one half of the couple has repeatedly betrayed and screwed over the other half. The "explanations" for why he did what he did apparently don't hold up, which means i'm supposed to just... get over it? Forgive it because he's charming and they have physical chemistry?

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't one of my favorites by this author.

I expected this to be a cute, fun book, based on the description, shades of Love Island and behind the scenes clues about that show. What it turned out to be (for me, at least) was a forced proximity, forced chemistry book and that just didn't do it for me. I'm sure there are others for whom this book will be excellent, but not me.

Cleo seemed job-needy, and Lockie was just obnoxious. He lied to Cleo from the beginning and was determined to do things his way, changing everything Cleo wanted to do to make the show better. When they both got pushed into being "characters" instead of show runners, things tried to change for them, but to me, never hit the mark. This won't dissuade me from reading future books by this author, though.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Mary Gosse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The storyline was fresh and unique, the dialogue was smooth, and the plot was very entertaining! This was a closed-door romance, but still had some great swoony and heart-fluttering moments between the characters. I loved how Cleo was confident in her job and work related issues, but not as confident in how other people perceived her and how desirable she was (which is not surprising, given she worked in the reality tv business). Lockie was a nice contrast to her, being confident and optimistic in all things. I also enjoyed the mix of the reality tv costars, and how the characters grew and learned things about themselves throughout the story.

All around, this was a great book and I’d highly recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.