What happens on the ship, stays on the ship... until it doesn’t!
One cruise. One weekend. One date.
Endless possibilities.
Boarding the boat for a bachelorette weekend, Marissa planned to celebrate her friend’s last days of being a single. All her focus was on the bride-to-be. Until they played roulette with the sexy ginger.
Unexpectedly cruising alone, Beau anticipated spending several days blackout drunk mourning the loss of his engagement. A vivacious bridal party had other plans. Captivated by Marissa, he forgot to be sad and had a wild weekend of love, lust, and liberation!
Their electric connection sparks a desire neither were prepared for, but their whirlwind romance is supposed to end when they reach the shore. Vacation flings can’t last forever.
Victoria Jayne is the epitome of a Jersey Girl. She doesn’t [know how to] pump her own gas, enjoys pork roll, and grew up on the Jersey Shore.
She’s lived throughout the state of New Jersey and remains there with her sports journalist husband and two darling daughters.
When not writing, Victoria enjoys baking with her daughters, rooting for the New Jersey Devils, thinking of home improvement projects, and staying up far too late chatting on Discord.
This cruise ship romance comedy novel was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed the vivid imagery, the beautiful and atmospheric location and the characters! This is a no strings attached romance, that includes a cinnamon roll male main character and a plus sized female main character! I really loved that this book came with a plus size female representation! This was a book that you can take your time reading. It was a cozy vacation mixed in with a lot of spice! Don’t let this pretty cover fool you, this book is filled with steam! I would say that this is a three out of five spice level. Both of the main characters were likable, believable and memorable. This book was beautifully written, funny, descriptive and witty!
“Not That Sea-rious” is a rom com that takes place on a cruise ship. As Marissa boards the boat for a Bachelorette weekend, she celebrates her friend’s last days of being a single lady. Then we have the male main character, Beau. Due to the loss of his engagement, he just wants to drink and have fun on the boat. They end up meeting and chemistry between them starts to happen! I rate this book a high 4 out of 5 stars! It was absolutely brilliant!
I think fans of feel good romantic comedies, with an uplifting cruise ship setting, would absolutely enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include explicit sexual content and emotional grief.
Thank you to the sweet author Victoria Jayne for the digital 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 August 19, 2025!
Not That Sea‑rious by Victoria Jayne is a lighthearted, feel‑good contemporary romance about Marissa, a vibrant and confident woman who boards a four‑day cruise with her best friends for a bachelorette weekend only to meet Beau, a recently heartbroken guest who was supposed to be celebrating his own engagement before discovering his fiancée with his best friend, and who intends to spend the trip drinking his sorrows away. What starts as a spontaneous, no‑strings‑attached connection amid sun‑soaked decks, laughter, casino nights, and bridal party revelry quickly turns into something deeper as both Marissa and Beau find themselves opening up in ways they never expected aboard the ship.
From the very beginning, the novel made me feel like I was right there with them on that cruise, the salty breeze and festive atmosphere wrapping around every conversation and laugh. Marissa’s confidence and her rich friendships grounded her character in warmth and authenticity, and I genuinely cheered for how she encouraged Beau to see himself and life again after heartbreak. Beau is such a tender, golden‑hearted presence that watching his transformation from despondent ex‑fiancé to someone capable of hope made my chest flutter in the most satisfying way. The dynamic between the bridal crew and Beau felt full of lively energy and unexpected belonging, giving the story both heartfelt moments and plenty of comic relief. The romance blossoms in a way that feels both spontaneous and earnestly sweet, and the tension between the ephemeral nature of a vacation fling and the possibility of something lasting made me pause and feel invested in every choice they faced.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving Not That Sea‑rious this score because it left me with an uplifting sense of warmth and escapism, like a sun‑dappled memory of laughter and first kisses under starlit skies, even if some familiar rom‑com beats kept it comfortably cozy rather than deeply profound. If you love breezy, bright romances that feel like the best kind of holiday fling with real heart, this book feels like the perfect getaway between pages.
“If you don’t get out of your head, you’ll miss out on the good stuff right in front of you.”
From fling to forever, this cruise ship romance was adorable!!
I loved that the cruise ship having an end date really allowed Beau and Marissa to be their total and complete selves. With the idea that they would never see each other again, they were able to connect on a deep level right away because they knew it wouldn’t matter what the other person thought in a week’s time when the cruise was over.
Furthermore, I loved how Marissa’s wild and hilarious friend group immediately included Beau in all of their festivities and he truly became one of them for the duration of the cruise. He really had such great chemistry not just with Marissa, but with her whole group of friends and I loved it!
Oh boy, did Beau go through it!! I loved watching his transition from depressed and wanting to drink his feelings away to so happily in love that he had to remind himself not to come on too strong. I thought Beau was incredibly adorable and loved that he was totally comfortable in his manhood even though he did not enjoy a lot of the things stereotypical men do (i.e. beer, sports, one-night stands, etc.). I also loved that he was a little, redhead gentleman especially in the bedroom.
Speaking of which, I loved the way Beau worshipped Marissa and her entire body, especially with Marissa being a plus-size goddess!! Not once did he think her to be anything other than perfect and he was constantly showing that in little ways as well as outright telling her how gorgeous she was. I loved how he got her to be more confident with her body, which in turn opened up some new sexual experiences for her. GET IT GIRL!!
Lastly, I loved how realistic about life Marissa was. She definitely let herself and her guard down during vacation because that’s just what you do. But as soon as her and Beau becoming something on dry land became a real possibility, she found her heart and her head were battling her because of some of the realities of Beau’s life. The romantic in me wanted to strangle her at times for not wanting to have anything carry on with Beau because he didn’t have a home, a job, or his life really together after everything that had happened to him, but then the boss babe in my head said, “No girl, you’re totally right! That’s not realistic. You’re not a sugar mama, how’s that going to work??” I loved that everything worked out for Beau and thus them, especially since Beau’s life crumbling literally was not his fault!
Thank you to Victoria Jayne for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
This was a cute rom-com with some high heat on the high seas. While the majority of the book takes place over a weekend long cruise and there are definitely instalusty/attraction vibes, to me it still didn’t feel overly rushed which I was happy with. Overall I thought it was a good read.
The setting of this book was wonderfully lush and atmospheric. The majority of it was set on a cruise ship, and the author did a great job of bringing it to life. It was the perfect backdrop for a bachelorette getaway, full of fun in the sun and drinks in the dark. But it was also the perfect backdrop to nurse a bruised ego, if not a broken heart. It also makes for an interesting dynamic between Marissa and Beau, with its built-in end date for a vacay fling, as their relationship develops. It gave them the opportunity to let it all hang out, with the fair assumption that they’d never see each other again.
I adored the characterizations in this story. Marissa and her friends were such an eclectic group of women who loved and supported each other through everything. That was beautiful. Their dynamic was fun to read, a great mix of depth and humor. There was a kindness to that dynamic that was inspiring, seen especially in the way they immediately brought Beau into their fold, right from the very beginning. And Beau himself was a wonderful character, a cinnamon roll that somehow avoiding being too sweet. He started the cruise with one goal… to drink his despair away. But Marissa and her friends wouldn’t allow that to happen, and as the sadness melted away, his kindness, support, and sweet nature emerged. But I hate a character that is all sweet, all the time. I loved that Beau, while a clear cinnamon roll, also had an edge. I also loved that he was full in touch with his masculinity, with none of the dreaded toxicity.
And the plus-size representation was on point. I love the way Marissa fully embraced her body, showing a goddess-level of self-confidence. That was wholly inspiring in a world that is often less accepting. Sometimes, when an FMC is plus size, there is so much focus on it that it starts to feel like the body size is the majority of her personality/identity. But Jayne doesn’t do that. She lets Marissa be what she is without making it all that she is. I love that so much. I also loved the way Beau felt about her body, just loving it for what it was, finding it perfect and beautiful.
Finally, I loved the balance between romance and real life. Sometimes book characters can be a little too romance-forward, making choices without any pragmaticism. That can be fun, if not terribly realistic. But I love even more a character that feels real. That was Marissa. She let her guard down during vacation, leading her to the fling with Beau. But when things began to have back-to-real-life possibilities, her head and heart were at odds with one another. I enjoyed that her character didn’t act in a romance-forward way but in a realistic way. She saw Beau’s situation as potentially problematic. She had the wisdom to be realistic. I enjoyed seeing that side of a FMC.
All in all, a fun read with an engaging cast of characters!
In "Not that Sea-Rious," Victoria Jayne offers us a delightful escape into a whirlwind romance aboard a cruise ship.
The story revolves around Marissa, a devoted friend who embarks on a cruise to celebrate her friend’s bachelorette weekend. Her mission is clear…. enjoy the festivities and help the bride-to-be embrace her last moments of singlehood. But everything shifts when she meets Beau, a heartbroken man who, plans to spend his days mourning the end of his engagement. 😔
The author does a fantastic job of setting up the characters’ initial encounters. The chemistry between Marissa and Beau is electric right from the start. Their flirtation is playful and full of banter that made me chuckle.
As the story progresses, we see Beau's sadness dissipate in Marissa's vibrant presence, I must admit I just loved how Marissa
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this book is the cruise setting. I’ve done a few cruises myself, never seen anything like I’ve read in here, but I love the vibe, and the author has captured the cruise life perfectly. The endless fun, stunning views, and a sense of adventure that is in every page. The backdrop allows for various scenarios to develop, from humorous party scenes to quiet, intimate moments shared between Marissa and Beau.
The supporting characters, especially the lively bridal party, add depth and humor to the story. They serve as both a catalyst for the romance and a reminder of Marissa’s primary focus—her friend’s wedding. The group dynamics are relatable and entertaining, making the reader feel as if they are part of the festivities.
Both Marissa and Beau learn more about themselves throughout their brief escapade. Marissa discovers a sense of spontaneity, while Beau begins to embrace the beauty of moving forward after heartbreak.
Overall, Victoria Jayne delivers an engaging, upbeat romance that shows the thrill of a cruise adventure and the unexpected turns of love. "Not that Sea-Rious" is a perfect read for those looking to dive into a tale that’s light-hearted, romantic, and full of laughter. Whether you're lounging by the pool or dreaming of your next getaway, this book is sure to entertain and inspire wanderlust!
For anyone fond of romantic comedies or charming vacation stories, this one should definitely be on your reading list!
A feel-good romance with an unapologetic plus size fmc, a cinnamon roll/golden retriever mmc and a crew of besties that will forever lead you into hilarity!
Marissa just wants to kick back with her friends and wish sayonara to her besties singlehood. Now as the lone single woman standing, she gets some pitying looks from outsiders but she is actually quite happy being single. Sure she'd love someone to come home to - but she wants a man, she doesn't need one thank you very much! Beau is stuck on what was supposed to be a celebration cruise for his engagement. But catching his fiancée being shtupped by his so-called best friend put paid to that. But when he gets caught up in a bachelorette party in the casino he goes with the flow and his inner gentleman won't allow him to leave these friendly but very drunk women to their own devices. And a certain sober bridesmaid catches his attention.
I would love to have a group of besties like Marissa's. They're all diverse, independent and loving women but they'll happily call you on your own bs. They really enjoy their time on board and are soon on #TeamBeau, they encourage Marissa to let down her guard and just seize the day. Poor Beau really is not having the best luck but Marissa can see that he's a good guy, even is common sense would tell her to let him get on an even keel before deciding to get in a relationship with him.
Beau is a walking green flag of a human being, would do anything for those he loves (or even just likes) and encourages Marissa to be her authentic self and never wants her to doubt herself or him.
Not that Sea-rious by Victoria Jayne is a romance about cruise ship boat with our FMC named Marissa. Marissa is trying to spend time with her friend on the boat before she is married soon. But then Marissa meets Beau who is a red haired man on the cruise who steals her attention and maybe her heart;) In this book you will find Marissa who is a plus sized woman and also Beau who is a cinnamon roll type of man. There is a tremendous amount of spice in this one folks so be warned if you are looking for something cleaner. Beau is relatable as he has recently had his heart broken by his fiancee who was cheating on him with his best friend. And Marissa is a happy and confident plus sized woman that you can not help but enjoy the character if you are a bigger sized lady! I also loved the friend group that Marissa has they keep the story light and funny at times with their including Beau in all the activities on the cruise since they all feel bad for what happened to him. I didn't like the part personally where Marissa is thinking about giving up on Beau because he doesn't have anything in his life together, that is not what love is. If you love someone truly, it doesn't matter what the other person has or doesn't have. You make it work. Overall it is a good rom-com and I would suggest this one to fans of plus sized women and men who are heartbroken and not looking for love at the moment but finding it anyway.
If you're looking for a rom-com that doesn't take itself too seriously, throws two lovable characters onto a cruise ship, and mixes cozy vacation vibes with plenty of spice, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
At the heart of the story is a no-strings-attached romance between Marissa and Beau... except feelings have a funny way of ignoring the rules.
Beau was hands down one of my favorite parts of the book. He's the definition of a cinnamon roll—sweet, caring, and completely comfortable in who he is. There's something so refreshing about an MMC who's confident in his masculinity without feeling the need to prove anything.
I also loved seeing a plus-sized FMC get a fun, flirty romance where her body wasn't the entire focus of the story. Marissa was easy to root for, and I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Beau unfold.
And can we talk about Marissa's friend group? 😂 They immediately adopted Beau into their vacation chaos, and I was here for every second of it. Their antics brought so much humor to the story and made the whole cruise feel like one big getaway with friends.
Overall, this was a light, entertaining read with great chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and enough spice to keep things interesting. If you're in the mood for a feel-good vacation romance with a lovable cinnamon roll hero, this one is definitely worth picking up. 🚢💕
This isn’t my genre, but I still found it enjoyable. I’m not the biggest contemporary romance fan, enjoying more dark romance or fantasy romance. Even still, I thought this book was cute.
It’s a cute, rom-com cruise relationship that’s no strings attached, with a soft couple who don’t expect to find love in the unexpected places.
I didn’t necessarily love either of our main characters, but I thought that they complimented each other in a very realistic and believable way. They felt like a real couple, which definitely added something to this book that made it more memorable.
I didn’t think there was anything particularly remarkable about this book. I don’t regret reading it, but it just didn’t leave any real mark on me. I think this was partially due to the fact that this isn’t one of my genres, but also because I found it hard to connect with the characters and setting.
Overall, I’d recommend this book to the big contemporary romance fans. If you really love your contemporary romance, this book will absolutely resonate with you. It has a little something for everyone, but those who love a side of cheese with their romance will have the best time engaging with this one.
Thank you to Victoria Jayne for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was definitely just a good cozy read! It was a great time on the ship and I am in love with Marissa’s friends! They were so much fun! I love how they supported her and how they made Beau feel better and included him in their shenanigans!
I will that Marissa really needs to get out of her head…..like girl, why not believe that this teddy bear of a man could like you. Maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic lol. But I’m so glad she was able to let loose with her friends and had a whole lotta fun with Beau 😉! Speaking of Beau, my poor poor boy….he’s just not allowed to have anything nice. I mean it works out for the best but ya gotta feel for him. But to me this all says that maybe somethings that seem bad may actually be blessings in disguise.
If you’re looking for a fun, cute, vacation inspired read with a whole lot of shenaniganery, this is the book for you!
A vacation cruise that was a wild ride. Let’s just say a LOT of alcohol was involved :D . The build up of the relationship between the FMC, Marissa and MMC, Beau was intense chemistry, insta lust and just a good time. Marissa's on the cruise with her friends, including the "bride to be" as a bachelorette party of sorts. Beau's alone on the cruise because he was betrayed by his almost vacation companion in the worst way. Throughout the story, you felt the connection between Marissa and Beau. Their inner monologues and how their minds processed situations was done very convincingly by the author. I enjoyed the dynamic among the friends as well, it was all so relatable. This book was a raunchy good time as well as a sweet, self discovery romance with good banter. A very enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author and this is a voluntary review.
It’s my first time reading this author and this book was a great introduction. Here we have Marissa who is onboard a cruise for a bachelorette party, with her trio of friends. She bumps into Beau who is on holiday alone, thanks to his ex-fiancée whom he just broke up with.
Despite his gloomy outlook, Beau can’t help but feel happy in Marissa’s presence. I loved how they bantered with each other throughout their vacation.
Another plus point in Beau’s favor was how honest he was with Marissa. I do not like the miscommunication trope much so I am glad for his honesty. He definitely won Marissa (and me) over with his actions and persistence.
I really enjoyed this story, it was a cute vacation romance. Marissa is on a cruise for her friend's bachelorette party, looking to just let loose before the big day. Beau is recently single and didn’t want to waste the money he spent on the cruise. His plan is to drink enough to forget, until Marissa and the bridal party sit down at the same table in the casino. I love the chemistry and banter between the pair and how both of them open their eyes to the prospect that they deserve more in life. I felt for Beau for what he was going through, he was such a golden retriever.
This story has laughs, secrets, and a surprise fling.
This is Marissa and Beau’s story. He just wants to drink away his troubles. She is on the cruise with her friends. They meet and there is an instant connection. He was depressed but she is helping him come out of that. It is supposed to be a fun time on the cruise just a fling. But they both fall hard and fast. What is going to happen when they get off the boat? Lots of laughs. With a plus size woman and a gentleman this book pulls you in and keeps you turning the pages.
“Not That Sea-Rious is exactly the kind of romance that keeps readers up all night, witty, flirty, and full of heart. Marissa and Beau’s chemistry leaps off the page, making this more than just a cruise fling; it feels like the start of something that readers will crave more of. The setup is fun, the emotions are real, and the pacing is perfect for binge-reading in a single sitting. Honestly, this book deserves way more buzz than it currently has. it has all the ingredients of a rom-com bestseller waiting to sail further.”
This book was a really good vacation romance with lots of fun and humor. It shows that you do not have to be some twenty-one year old to let loose and have fun. Also, like Vegas, what happens on the ship might not always stay on the ship. In this romantic cruise ship romcom romance love and hearts might get tested but both come out strong. Side note: while reading, keep an eye out for that hot but hilarious pool scene that you DO NOT want to miss.
🛳 Cruise Ship Romance 🛳 Plus-size FMC 🛳 Golden Retriever MMC 🛳 One Night Stand to Lovers 🛳 Forced Proximity 🛳 He Falls First 🛳 Body Positivity
I am typically more sweet than spicy when it comes to romance, but this book was a really great mix of both. Set on a cruise ship 4 friends set sail for a bachelorette vacation, who knew the only single girl on the trip would end up meeting a single guy? Newly single, but that's a whole crazy story that you will have to check out for yourself ;) It was so easy to get sucked into this one (no pun intended ) I felt like I was right there on the ship and I was having the time of my life!
I highly recommend you grab a cocktail, a quiet place, and this book and have yourself a mini vacation!
Not That Sea-Rious is such a fun, heartwarming read. Victoria Jayne blends humor, banter, and just the right amount of depth to create a romance that feels fresh but comforting at the same time. The seaside setting makes everything feel vivid—you can practically smell the salt air—and it adds a lovely backdrop to the characters’ journey. I really enjoyed how natural the chemistry felt; the relationship grew through little moments and conversations that made me smile. Lighthearted but still meaningful, this book is like a perfect beach day: relaxing, warm, and a little hard to let go of.
This book was absolutely hilarious and sweet and spicy and all around so well balanced between plot and character development and spice. It was perfection. I hate Megan and Jordan IYKYK and I love all the other characters. I didn’t want this book to end. I need more of everyone’s stories, especially together. My heart is just so happy. It was a great feel good rom com. I can see this being made into a movie just saying
Marissa and Beau had that kind of chemistry that kept me flipping pages and her friend group? So supportive true ride or dies I loved them! That ending though definitely makes me want more of all of them!
Not that sea-rious is a Super fun and swoony read perfect for summer.
Spice: 4.5 This was so good! But, I got a bone to pick with Marissa! She is in her head too much, she should just go with the flow lol. Honestly though, I loved this book. The story line was really good. This was a cute story! It gave me some tears, but also had me laughing and had me hooked.. It had me kicking my feet too 😂 Beau is so sweet!!!!!
I swear Victoria only writes masterpieces! I loved the vibes of this book and thought it was perfect for summer! The characters, the story, all perfect!
Overall, I'd definitely read this book again, and I would recommend this book for fans of other romance books.I have received this ARC for an honest review; all thoughts/ opinions above are my own.
This was a cute, funny, easy to jump into vacation read! I love stories that are told over the course of one adventure that changes the main chatacter's life and this delivered that. It was super steamy and witty. Not all the tropes were my go-to faves but they were so well written that it hooked me in anyway! Loved this story! 4.75 stars and 4 🌶
What a lovely cruise ship romance. Fling to forever. Marissa and Beau didn’t knew that their life change on the cruise ship. I’ve just loved their story. The way their relationship grew stronger and stronger day by day. They both were made for each other. Enjoyed myself while reading this one.
What a great story! They each had a bit of low esteem about themselves and found each other by chance. It was a whirlwind ship romance, but could it survive on land. You have to read this fantastic story!!!
This book was really good, I finished a few days ago, and it was better than i thought it would be, having read a few of Ms. Jayne's books, i expected spice, got plenty of that, but it was also a really good book, and it has a much deserved happily ever after, and all the main characters have news by the end of the book, it really is a must read.
I am MAD at myself for not reading this sooner! This book was fun and sweet and searious (seaaaa what I did there?) I read it all in one day! the smut was well written. The characters were lovable. Read this book NOW!