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Maiden Voyage #2
Stormy Waters
Welcome aboard the Maiden Voyage, where the all-female crew navigates more than just turbulent waters. This series of novellas follows the romantic adventures of these queer women, where every charter brings new possibilities.
First mate Zoe Freeman has her sights set on one earning her captain's license aboard the luxury yacht Maiden Voyage. The last thing she needs is drama from entitled charter guests—especially when one of those guests is Stormy Clarke, the woman who made her high school years a nightmare.
Stormy is reluctantly aboard her sister's bachelorette charter, watching Vanessa's wedding plans spiral while nursing her own regrets. She never imagined she'd face the girl she once tormented, now a confident woman commanding respect on the open seas.
As the Caribbean charter turns turbulent, old wounds surface alongside long-forgotten feelings and Zoe's professional boundaries blur when Stormy's genuine remorse awakens emotions she thought she’d buried.
Between a bridezilla's catastrophic meltdowns and unpredictable weather, Zoe and Stormy must navigate the treacherous waters between their painful past and an uncertain future.
Some storms are worth weathering—if you're brave enough to let love chart the course.
Stormy Waters is an enemies-to-lovers romance about forgiveness, second chances, and finding your true north.
First mate Zoe Freeman has her sights set on one earning her captain's license aboard the luxury yacht Maiden Voyage. The last thing she needs is drama from entitled charter guests—especially when one of those guests is Stormy Clarke, the woman who made her high school years a nightmare.
Stormy is reluctantly aboard her sister's bachelorette charter, watching Vanessa's wedding plans spiral while nursing her own regrets. She never imagined she'd face the girl she once tormented, now a confident woman commanding respect on the open seas.
As the Caribbean charter turns turbulent, old wounds surface alongside long-forgotten feelings and Zoe's professional boundaries blur when Stormy's genuine remorse awakens emotions she thought she’d buried.
Between a bridezilla's catastrophic meltdowns and unpredictable weather, Zoe and Stormy must navigate the treacherous waters between their painful past and an uncertain future.
Some storms are worth weathering—if you're brave enough to let love chart the course.
Stormy Waters is an enemies-to-lovers romance about forgiveness, second chances, and finding your true north.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2025
About the author
Lise Gold
53 books761 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Another fun short read
Another fun short read
April 23, 2026
Zoe is first mate on a large charter yacht with a very close all female crew. She is aiming to get her captain qualifications soon, to command her own ship. Fifteen years before, at high school, she was forced out by someone she trusted who betrayed her, and then who proceeded to make her life miserable for the next two years.
Stormy was an entitled girl in high school, from one of the richest families. Her friendship with Zoe soured totally when Zoe came out to her and she reacted badly, then outing her to the whole school.
Now, Stormy is the calm and sensible one in a bachelorette cruise where Zoe’s sister Vanessa is the ultra entitled bride-to-be, with her gaggle of bridesmaids, getting drunk and behaving excessively badly towards the crew.
This is a medium length novella, wonderfully written with a lot of detail behind the scenes in a charter yacht, and so much lovely description of the Caribbean. Of the few Lise Gold books I have read, this is the best, and I will be trying to read more. It’s a lovely, sexy romance, with most of the story based aboard the yacht where the tension between them slowly grows.
Stormy was an entitled girl in high school, from one of the richest families. Her friendship with Zoe soured totally when Zoe came out to her and she reacted badly, then outing her to the whole school.
Now, Stormy is the calm and sensible one in a bachelorette cruise where Zoe’s sister Vanessa is the ultra entitled bride-to-be, with her gaggle of bridesmaids, getting drunk and behaving excessively badly towards the crew.
This is a medium length novella, wonderfully written with a lot of detail behind the scenes in a charter yacht, and so much lovely description of the Caribbean. Of the few Lise Gold books I have read, this is the best, and I will be trying to read more. It’s a lovely, sexy romance, with most of the story based aboard the yacht where the tension between them slowly grows.
August 30, 2025
I'm loving this yacht series!
These two novellas are fun! I'm loving the yacht setting, tropical descriptions... it's like I'm right there witnessing it all. I particularly liked the swimming pigs lol Read everything Lise Gold...you won't be disappointed!
These two novellas are fun! I'm loving the yacht setting, tropical descriptions... it's like I'm right there witnessing it all. I particularly liked the swimming pigs lol Read everything Lise Gold...you won't be disappointed!
October 20, 2025
Don't be misled by the title, because Stormy is simply the name of one of the main characters in this book. Stormy is a guest on the luxury yacht The Maiden Voyage, where Zoe, the other main character, works as a first mate. The story is told from Zoe's POV.
I often find books under 200 pages disappointing because they're too short to truly delve into the characters. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case with the first book in this series. Unfortunately, this book was a bit different. It certainly wasn't bad, but I just didn't quite connect with it.
Like book 1, the story takes place on The Maiden Voyage, but it's otherwise a standalone. Lindsay from book 1 is on board as a chef again, but barely plays a role.
Stormy is on board with her sister Vanessa and her friends. Vanessa is a very annoying character. A real entitled bitch, and she gets way too much attention. Vanessa's friends aren't nice either. I felt like we didn't see much of Stormy. In the first 40% of the book, there's barely any interaction between Stormy and Zoe.
Somehow, I also didn't really believe much in the love between Zoe and Stormy. I just didn't feel it.
I often find books under 200 pages disappointing because they're too short to truly delve into the characters. Surprisingly, that wasn't the case with the first book in this series. Unfortunately, this book was a bit different. It certainly wasn't bad, but I just didn't quite connect with it.
Like book 1, the story takes place on The Maiden Voyage, but it's otherwise a standalone. Lindsay from book 1 is on board as a chef again, but barely plays a role.
Stormy is on board with her sister Vanessa and her friends. Vanessa is a very annoying character. A real entitled bitch, and she gets way too much attention. Vanessa's friends aren't nice either. I felt like we didn't see much of Stormy. In the first 40% of the book, there's barely any interaction between Stormy and Zoe.
Somehow, I also didn't really believe much in the love between Zoe and Stormy. I just didn't feel it.
May 27, 2026
The Maiden Voyage series are a set of Sapphic novellas set against the common backdrop of the crew of the charter yacht The Maiden Voyage and their charter guests.
This second book in the series has first mate Zoe Freeman recognizing Stormy Clarke, the maid if honor in her sister’s bachelorette party week. Stormy was the entitled rich girl who had made the last two years of high school a living hell for Zoe after outing Zoe. For a brief period, Zoe and Stormy had grown close, the Zoe had confessed that she liked girls to Stormy, Stormy had outed her to their classmates, and the friendship had ended. Worse, while never admitted to anyone, Zoe had had this intense crush on Stormy.
And now, here, 15 years later, Stormy Clarke was aboard The Maiden Voyage as a guest and Zoe would have to tolerate her for a week, along with her super entitled spoiled brat sister, Vanessa.
I suggest reading the story to see how it unfolds but it’s cute second chance Sapphic romance that I found particularly delightful given some of the poorly written books I’ve encountered in recent months. Lise Gokd is always excellent. I recommend this book!
This second book in the series has first mate Zoe Freeman recognizing Stormy Clarke, the maid if honor in her sister’s bachelorette party week. Stormy was the entitled rich girl who had made the last two years of high school a living hell for Zoe after outing Zoe. For a brief period, Zoe and Stormy had grown close, the Zoe had confessed that she liked girls to Stormy, Stormy had outed her to their classmates, and the friendship had ended. Worse, while never admitted to anyone, Zoe had had this intense crush on Stormy.
And now, here, 15 years later, Stormy Clarke was aboard The Maiden Voyage as a guest and Zoe would have to tolerate her for a week, along with her super entitled spoiled brat sister, Vanessa.
I suggest reading the story to see how it unfolds but it’s cute second chance Sapphic romance that I found particularly delightful given some of the poorly written books I’ve encountered in recent months. Lise Gokd is always excellent. I recommend this book!
June 24, 2026
My main gripe is that I couldn't get into the MCs' relationship.
"As if fifteen years of separation had been erased in an instant, leaving only the echo of what might have been if two scared teenagers had been braver, if the world had been kinder, if fear hadn't poisoned something that could have been beautiful." isn't what happened. Zoe was brave. Stormy could have just ghosted her, but she went out of her way to make Zoe suffer by trapping her and outing her. What she did wasn't just a mistake, it's a character trait; will she turn against Zoe again if things get difficult?
Why did Stormy never look for Zoe to apologize? They live on the same island.
It could have worked if the story had put way more effort into proving that Stormy had changed. But it can't be done in the span of a 5 days cruise.
The relationship is unbalanced now: does Stormy love Zoe because she feels guilty, or is it genuine love? Zoe can't know.
"As if fifteen years of separation had been erased in an instant, leaving only the echo of what might have been if two scared teenagers had been braver, if the world had been kinder, if fear hadn't poisoned something that could have been beautiful." isn't what happened. Zoe was brave. Stormy could have just ghosted her, but she went out of her way to make Zoe suffer by trapping her and outing her. What she did wasn't just a mistake, it's a character trait; will she turn against Zoe again if things get difficult?
Why did Stormy never look for Zoe to apologize? They live on the same island.
It could have worked if the story had put way more effort into proving that Stormy had changed. But it can't be done in the span of a 5 days cruise.
The relationship is unbalanced now: does Stormy love Zoe because she feels guilty, or is it genuine love? Zoe can't know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
Zoe is not looking forward to the Bachelorette party they're hosting, especially as the bride is arrogant and entitled. Then she's shocked to recognize the Maid of Honor, who'd bullied her in high school, Stormy.
The partying Bridesmaids are as bad as expected, but Zoe is surprised when Stormy tries to apologize. She brushes her off, but she persists.
(Flashback to school: they did a assignment together, became friends, Zoe told her about herself, then Stormy outted her to the whole school.)
Stormy finally gets Zoe alone and reveals she's had feelings for Zoe back then, but couldn't deal with it. So she lashed out, pretending to be straight.
And as the voyage goes on, the bride is unraveling in a worrying way.
3.5 stars. I kinda of feel these installments are just too short to really grab me.
The partying Bridesmaids are as bad as expected, but Zoe is surprised when Stormy tries to apologize. She brushes her off, but she persists.
(Flashback to school: they did a assignment together, became friends, Zoe told her about herself, then Stormy outted her to the whole school.)
Stormy finally gets Zoe alone and reveals she's had feelings for Zoe back then, but couldn't deal with it. So she lashed out, pretending to be straight.
And as the voyage goes on, the bride is unraveling in a worrying way.
3.5 stars. I kinda of feel these installments are just too short to really grab me.
January 7, 2026
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2026 🌈✨: Main Board - Takes Place on a Boat or Ship
4 stars. I didn’t love this one as much as book one as I felt the chemistry between Zoe and Stormy was a little bit weak but the overall book was still really good. I love a second chance and I thought that was done well here especially given how Stormy really ruined Zoe’s life back in high school. She did come across as genuinely remorseful. The setting of the ship and the Caribbean was lovely and Zoe and Stormy are both really likable leads. This was a sweet little read.
And though she’s a spoiled idiot Stormy’s sister was the highlight for me. LOL. I’m sorry she was a disaster but she brought the drama that this book needed.
Spice:❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
4 stars. I didn’t love this one as much as book one as I felt the chemistry between Zoe and Stormy was a little bit weak but the overall book was still really good. I love a second chance and I thought that was done well here especially given how Stormy really ruined Zoe’s life back in high school. She did come across as genuinely remorseful. The setting of the ship and the Caribbean was lovely and Zoe and Stormy are both really likable leads. This was a sweet little read.
And though she’s a spoiled idiot Stormy’s sister was the highlight for me. LOL. I’m sorry she was a disaster but she brought the drama that this book needed.
Spice:❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
July 30, 2026
Stormy waters, indeed
I really liked this book. It's short but had enough content to make it interesting. I'm glad of Stormy's response to her meeting Zoe again. She not only apologized but also explained. I'm not sure the apology would have been enough. And I think this relationship only worked because significant time had lapsed, although it would have been nicer for Zoe if their reconnection had happened years earlier. Teenagers can be so awful to each other. As a separate subject, I liked how the captain mentors Zoe. We got to know the captain a BIT better. Vanessa was a nightmare, but I liked the way what happened was handled. I just wish I knew what the consequences ultimately were. The writing is good, and amazingly I only caught 4 minor errors, compared with 22 in the first book.
I really liked this book. It's short but had enough content to make it interesting. I'm glad of Stormy's response to her meeting Zoe again. She not only apologized but also explained. I'm not sure the apology would have been enough. And I think this relationship only worked because significant time had lapsed, although it would have been nicer for Zoe if their reconnection had happened years earlier. Teenagers can be so awful to each other. As a separate subject, I liked how the captain mentors Zoe. We got to know the captain a BIT better. Vanessa was a nightmare, but I liked the way what happened was handled. I just wish I knew what the consequences ultimately were. The writing is good, and amazingly I only caught 4 minor errors, compared with 22 in the first book.
September 21, 2025
speechless
Ok, before I get into the story…HOW CAN ANYONE BE SO ENTITLED! Absolutely speechless…
As for the couple this story revolves around, ex school “friends” who haven’t spoken for 15 years after a rather questionable decision by one of them. Could you forgive and forget? I’m not so sure, but then again, they had chemistry at the time but didn’t understand it. After apologies are handed out they soon realise that the chemistry is still there.
Love the locations this series is taking us to. I’ve read about a few before and would love to visit them in person.
Ok, before I get into the story…HOW CAN ANYONE BE SO ENTITLED! Absolutely speechless…
As for the couple this story revolves around, ex school “friends” who haven’t spoken for 15 years after a rather questionable decision by one of them. Could you forgive and forget? I’m not so sure, but then again, they had chemistry at the time but didn’t understand it. After apologies are handed out they soon realise that the chemistry is still there.
Love the locations this series is taking us to. I’ve read about a few before and would love to visit them in person.
September 24, 2025
Good book
Zoe is doing her training to maybe be a Captain one day. During this tour a wedding party with eight women that expected everything right now and don't want to follow the rules. Stormy is surprised by seeing Zoe they went to school together and Stormy was not a nice person to Zoe. Zoe is trying to just get pass that Stormy is on the yacht and tells she has forgiven her just to move on, but when you've had a crush for 15 years its hard. Go alone the cruise to see how the wedding party is being demanding and how the crew try to survive.
Zoe is doing her training to maybe be a Captain one day. During this tour a wedding party with eight women that expected everything right now and don't want to follow the rules. Stormy is surprised by seeing Zoe they went to school together and Stormy was not a nice person to Zoe. Zoe is trying to just get pass that Stormy is on the yacht and tells she has forgiven her just to move on, but when you've had a crush for 15 years its hard. Go alone the cruise to see how the wedding party is being demanding and how the crew try to survive.
March 17, 2026
The second novella in the Yacht Series was enjoyable. The characters that were introduced to us in the first book are back and this time the excursion is with an unruly bridal party.
I often find that it is difficult to provide background for characters in a short story, but Lise Gold's characters ere richly developed. I like how she has created a family atmosphere amongst the crew where they all watch out for one another and support each other.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series - and would really like one to be about the Captain because they seem interesting to me!
I often find that it is difficult to provide background for characters in a short story, but Lise Gold's characters ere richly developed. I like how she has created a family atmosphere amongst the crew where they all watch out for one another and support each other.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series - and would really like one to be about the Captain because they seem interesting to me!
May 1, 2026
Bridezilla and sister make life interesting on a yachting charter.
Lise Gold has kept her record for amusing improbable connections leading to love! These characters are fun to read about, I’m quite sure I would have not reacted as well as the story evolved! Setting is beautiful, I remember being on my cousins yacht in the Bahamas and it is stunning. The storyline is believable. It was a fun read for sure.
Lise Gold has kept her record for amusing improbable connections leading to love! These characters are fun to read about, I’m quite sure I would have not reacted as well as the story evolved! Setting is beautiful, I remember being on my cousins yacht in the Bahamas and it is stunning. The storyline is believable. It was a fun read for sure.
June 19, 2026
Remorseful school bully!
What a cruise this was with an entitled bridezilla! The poor crew!!! Stormy, the bride's sister, is the school bully who made First Mate Zoe's high school years a living hell. Nice to see she was remorseful fifteen years later, but should Zoe take a chance on her? Well-written and enjoyable for an afternoon of reading, but too short for true character growth and development!
What a cruise this was with an entitled bridezilla! The poor crew!!! Stormy, the bride's sister, is the school bully who made First Mate Zoe's high school years a living hell. Nice to see she was remorseful fifteen years later, but should Zoe take a chance on her? Well-written and enjoyable for an afternoon of reading, but too short for true character growth and development!
February 7, 2026
Another three and a half stars for the second book in the series about an all female luxury yacht crew. It is the kind of sweet book that one can enjoy without stress or anxiety. This iteration is a bridal party from hell on board and the relationship that develops between the maid of honor and one of the crew members. I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 23, 2026
Love This Series
I am so addicted to The Maiden Voyage Series. The writing is polished, the characters well drawn and the romances totally believable. And I love the intertwining stories. Please, Lisa, keep them coming (the stories, as well as the main characters). I want to see all of the happily-ever-afters once this really fine series winds up!
I am so addicted to The Maiden Voyage Series. The writing is polished, the characters well drawn and the romances totally believable. And I love the intertwining stories. Please, Lisa, keep them coming (the stories, as well as the main characters). I want to see all of the happily-ever-afters once this really fine series winds up!
August 14, 2026
Another great, quick and easy read from Lise Gold! I loved watching Zoe and her former first love and ex-best friend, Stormy, go from making me want to hate Stormy to genuinely rooting for her by the end. While this one skipped the rule-breaking smut and focused more on the feel-good vibes, it made up for it with healthy, adult communication—which I absolutely eat up. Looking forward to the final book in the series!
September 29, 2025
Love the stories of the Maiden Voyage. This second one is great, wiht an obnoxious bride to be with all her drama and beautiful surroundings discribtion of the wild life and the translucant sea and views.
January 25, 2026
stormy waters
The school bully who shamed her turns up in her boat some 15 years later instant recognition they talked and found the attraction had been mutual and was still very much alive, they build together for a hopefully happy future 🌈🌹
The school bully who shamed her turns up in her boat some 15 years later instant recognition they talked and found the attraction had been mutual and was still very much alive, they build together for a hopefully happy future 🌈🌹
March 1, 2026
Mini-vacation
A charming little island excursion through the Exumas. A great way to get away from it all for a few hours. The story is well-written and picturesque, with just the right amount of romantic tension.
A charming little island excursion through the Exumas. A great way to get away from it all for a few hours. The story is well-written and picturesque, with just the right amount of romantic tension.
May 5, 2026
This is a great series. I'm not too keen on the high school version of Stormy and the way she made Zoe's life a living hell, but teenagers do weird things when they have a crush on someone and especially someone of the same sex. I can't wait for May 24th to read the next book in the series.
August 3, 2026
Really enjoying this novella series that hits a good level of emotion and also keeps moving. Added bonus in this was more information on the Bahamas (I had to google the swimming pigs!) and what goes into being the captain of a yacht. I love being exposed to new things while also reading to relax.
August 28, 2025
Cute novella. An enjoyable, easy read.
Zoe was very quick to forgive - I'm not sure Stormy had to grovel enough! but it works nicely for the short story.
Zoe was very quick to forgive - I'm not sure Stormy had to grovel enough! but it works nicely for the short story.
September 13, 2025
Both novellas read and finished in two days. I’m really enjoying this series and I hope Lise Gold writes more about the crew of the Maiden Voyage.
September 20, 2025
stormy
Fun adventures! Following the crew as they reach their destinations. Exciting late night exploits! Phew. Give us more! Love stories awakening!
Fun adventures! Following the crew as they reach their destinations. Exciting late night exploits! Phew. Give us more! Love stories awakening!
January 22, 2026
Soooooo cute
I loved this story as much as the first one. Its a quick read, took MS about 3.5 hours. Its such a cute enemy to lovers story, I couldn't put it down.
I loved this story as much as the first one. Its a quick read, took MS about 3.5 hours. Its such a cute enemy to lovers story, I couldn't put it down.
May 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
June 19, 2026
Book 2 hasn't let me down.
I don't quite know how a continued story on one boat can conjure up so much. Lisa you are a marvel with great stories, keep writing them.
I don't quite know how a continued story on one boat can conjure up so much. Lisa you are a marvel with great stories, keep writing them.
June 23, 2026
This is so good. Again, very short, but the bachelorette party is soooo easy to hate. I could easily see the baseline plot being enough for a bigger book, but it fits the short-lived cruise-theme.
August 15, 2026
sweet and sexy, love it
Another out of the park one for Lise. I love the differences and how each story carries so well into the previous. I can’t wait for 3.
Another out of the park one for Lise. I love the differences and how each story carries so well into the previous. I can’t wait for 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews