Love Ahoy!

by Jo Lyons

The BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, feel-good romantic comedy from Jo Lyons ❤️ Set sail for the summer of a lifetime… ⛵☀️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '90s humour meets Below Deck in this hilarious romantic comedy.' Laura Carter

Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea - literally?

But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.

Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?

This funny, hot, spicy rom-com is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Portia MacIntosh and Abby Jimenez.

Praise for Jo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book is a riot! Funny, sexy and sweet.' Christy McKellen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'AMAZING!!! Highly recommend this book to everybody. Laugh out loud funny.' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Practically reading through the night laughing' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you want to belly laugh your way through a book then this is the one for you! Full of sunshine, hilarious mishaps, love, heart warming friendships and a good bit of raunchiness' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I read a lot of romcoms, but few have made me laugh as much as this one did.' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Jo's knack of creating believable characters and a great plot line, mingled with romance, reality and hilarity is inspired.' Reader review

Genres: Romance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2026

About the author

Jo Lyons is author of several must-have, hilariously funny, unputdownable, five-star, award-winning, best debut novel series of all time, romantic comedies (Goodreads’ words not hers *cheeky wink). She is published by Boldwood Books.

Reviews

[Cozy Puppy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the audiobook of Love Ahoy! by Jo Lyons, and it was an absolute riot! 😂 I was laughing out loud, constantly cracking up. This holiday whodunnit is fun, unhinged, and completely hilarious—I'm giving it five stars for the laughs alone. While this type of random humor might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I thought her wild imagination was absolutely hilarious.

Sometimes, I just want to read something that's not too serious or outright depressing. I loved the “Girls” series by Jo Lyons because of how wildly funny and irreverent it was, and this standalone book has that same laugh-inducing vibe. It's easy to follow, and listening to this story definitely brightened my week.

Honestly, I'm a bit burnt out of specific romance tropes lately. From an exorbitant amount of single dads, to angsty emotional romances involving hockey and ice skating, I really needed a change of pace. This is a perfect palette cleanser!

If you are a fan of that nostalgic 2000s rom-com vibe, Jo Lyons is a must-read. Her female main characters are so funny—they are a bit of a mess, working hard, and doing their best to get by, which makes them so relatable and endearing. The humor is truly top-tier. Some of the scenes are so chaotic they reminded me of authors like Sophie Kinsella and Meghan Quinn, mixed with the energy of Bridget Jones’s Diary, Mr. Bean, and the over-the-top fun of Austin Powers movies.

This book totally made me wish I could travel to Turkey! From the snorkeling to the beautiful beach scenes, the setting is incredibly immersive and made me wish I could take a vacation. Sometimes you just need a book that isn't too heavy with world-building, politics, or tough topics. This was simply a funny, feel-good romantic comedy.

I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Karen Cass. The only thing that could have made it even better would be dual or duet-style narration to capture all that chaotic energy! I loved her series about Connie and the Girls, and this was another fun Jo Lyons adventure.

Perfect if you love:
😂 Fast-paced, unhinged humor
✨️ Sophie Kinsella (especially the Shopaholic series!)
❤️ Bridget Jones’s Diary
✨️ Meghan Quinn
🥰 2000s-style Rom Coms
❤️ Chaotic FMCs
🤣 Laugh-out-loud comedy (a female version of Mr. Bean and Austin Powers)

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC copy — even if my review is a little late!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was genuinely laugh-out-loud hilarious at times, with moments that were so ridiculous you couldn’t help but giggle along.

Our main character, Maddie, is one of those people who tries her absolute best to stay out of trouble… yet trouble somehow keeps finding her anyway, which led to so many entertaining and chaotic situations.

The writing was easy to read and follow, making it such a feel-good story overall. There was a really nice balance between plot and romance, and while I’d call it a bit of a slow burn, the chaotic rom-com energy kept things fun the whole way through. It honestly feels like the perfect vacation read.

I also loved that the story was set in the 90s — it added a slightly different and nostalgic touch that made it stand out.

I’m giving this one a strong ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! Set in the 90s, most of it rang true, except for the terrible work ethic of the employees; I was that age in the 90s and we weren’t like that at all, but it could be different in other areas. That is the reason I almost put this down and walked away, but the writing kept me invested in the story, and I laughed my way through this one. I was pleasantly surprised by the mystery that was introduced in the second half, and it added a little heft to the story. Overall, it was an enjoyable story. I will look for more books by this author.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good I enjoyed it and this book is perfect for those that like Sophie Kinsella and Abby Jimenez, Portia Macintosh. It’s a rom-com romance set sail

Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚Love Ahoy!
✍🏻Jo Lyons
Blurb:
The BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, feel-good romantic comedy from Jo Lyons ❤️ Set sail for the summer of a lifetime… ⛵☀️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ '90s humour meets Below Deck in this hilarious romantic comedy.' Laura Carter

Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea - literally?

But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.

Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?

This funny, hot, spicy rom-com is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Portia MacIntosh and Abby Jimenez.

Praise for Jo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book is a riot! Funny, sexy and sweet.' Christy McKellen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'AMAZING!!! Highly recommend this book to everybody. Laugh out loud funny.' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Practically reading through the night laughing' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you want to belly laugh your way through a book then this is the one for you! Full of sunshine, hilarious mishaps, love, heart warming friendships and a good bit of raunchiness' Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I read a lot of romcoms, but few have made me laugh as much as this one did.' Reader review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Jo's knack of creating believable characters and a great plot line, mingled with romance, reality and hilarity is inspired.' Reader review
My Thoughts:
Jo Lyons is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, especially after reading Love Ahoy! which was totally and utterly entertaining. After a painful breakup, Maddie steps far outside her comfort zone, leaving behind her ex, her family, and her old job for what she believes will be a fresh start as an accountant at the head office of LoveIt Holidays. Instead, she finds herself assigned to work on a cruise ship alongside a lively, slightly overwhelming crew and a busy restaurant-owning family celebrating a wedding anniversary. What follows is a charming mix of romance, adventure, and a touch of mystery—often delightfully chaotic in the best way..This was a cute, fun read that kept me entertained throughout. Maddie's first encounter with the LoveIt Holidays reps is in the coach park of the airport, when she implies she can do their job better than they can, and it leads to a nightmare of a situation. Having had to deal with airport transfers myself in Mallorca, I could picture everything so so clearly
Thanks NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Author Jo Lyons for the complimentary copy of "Love Ahoy!" I truly enjoyed this story, found myself staying up late to see what happebds Next. I recommend this book to those who enjoy..Loved every single word of this. Bring on the next book from this author!
Thanks NetGalley,Boldwood Books and Aurhor Jo Lyons for the complimentary copy of "Love Ahoy!'
#NetGalley
#BoldwoodBooks
#JoLyons
#LoveAhoy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo Lyons is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, especially after reading Love Ahoy! which was totally and utterly entertaining.

Set in the mid 90's so before the internet was widely available, let alone smart tech etc.. but as package holidays were going from strength to strength, this was a wonderfully nostalgic book for me.

Not just for the 90s, but also because I spent a few seasons as a children's rep for TUI and thus could relate to Maddie a lot, especially in not overly feeling like she belongs. Although in my case it's because I'm not a huge drinker and was generally a bit older than the rest of the reps. Whereas Maddie believes she has been hired to work in accounts at head office in Bodrum, but in fact is made to be a rep with the not overly professional Bodrum South team, and to spend a week on a Gulet, hosting a rather rich and powerful family.

Maddie has never flown before, and so her opening chapters, leaving for the airport, her mother's worry, and then the reminder that back in the 90s you could smoke on planes and that airport security wasn't like it is now. I even enjoyed that she was flying on a Thomson plane (who would of course years later in real life become TUI).

Maddie's first encounter with the LoveIt Holidays reps is in the coach park of the airport, when she implies she can do their job better than they can, and it leads to a nightmare of a situation. Having had to deal with airport transfers myself in Mallorca, I could picture everything so so clearly

Her encounters with Jackson and her first night in resort, were surreal, and totally in line with the sorts of antics you would potentially expect.

And the boat trip itself, well the rest of the team are iffy, some more so than others, and add in a kleptomaniac 5 year old boy who is utterly adorable and incredibly smart and observant, and the lot of horny young people, getting up to stuff in any semi private space possible and you have the ingredients for a hilarious book

This whole story just felt so familiar to me (Ok maybe not one of the latter storylines, I definitely didn't experience the bits I can't spoil for anyone), and I devoured it over the course of an afternoon (when I possibly should have been working, but didn't want to leave the book).

Loved every single word of this. Bring on the next book from this author!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Gabriela · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be 'wacky.'

At the start, I was really fighting the urge to DNF this one. I found the main character, Maddie, very annoying. Not a cute and quirky kind of annoying, but an 'Omg what on Earth are you doing!?!?!?' kind of annoying. Seriously, the first few chapters were a mess. It was second hand embarrassment after second hand embarrassment with the plane and the BUS (I'm still cringing at that) and the club outfit. I honestly don't understand how her and Jackson got together after that other than alcoholic lust.

Their relationship overall just didn't make sense to me.

Maddie only saw Jackson for his looks. I don't know any of his interests or personal details about his family life or life in general. HOWEVER, I know exactly how his ass looks like, and his fucking jaw line and muscles. Every time Jackson was in a scene (which wasn't a lot considering this is a romance book), Maddie would spend an entire paragraph on how good he looks.

Towards the middle, when Maddie was on the boat, this book got better (slightly). The entire crew was unbearable, which I know was the point, but come on!!!! Give them at least SOME redeeming qualities because all of her co-workers were just idiotic children who are either fucking or being assholes to Maddie. There was no depth to any of the characters. They were all just two dimensional stereotypes.

Emir was my favorite part of this book. He made Maddie an easier character to read, plus he was such an icon. I have no notes on that boy. He was great. I LOVED how he kept trying to make the investigation a Scooby-Doo adventure, and he was great with the clap backs.

Speaking of the investigation, where the fuck did that come from?!?!?! We are 70% done with this book, and now it's a mystery?!?!? I enjoyed it, yes. I think it made the book 100x more tolerable, but I was also extremely confused. And should I have felt bad for Maddie being blamed for everything? I didn't. Her ego with that ALMOST First was pissing me off. Babe, I got a REAL First at university for Hons Developmental Psychology, and I think this is my first time 'bragging' about it since graduation. I completely understand her coworkers for hating her on that end.

Overall, I really don't know where I stand with this book. I was absolutely miserable at the beginning. As someone who hates second-hand embarrassment, I was sick to my stomach. However, I did end up enjoying this read towards the middle (slightly), although the ending of Maddie getting offered a position in Australia as Jackson's partner made no sense whatsoever. I probably will not be recommending this book in the near future.

[Lesesucht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddie is leaving the UK after finishing her math study and discovering that her boyfriend cheated on her. For her it was a good idea to take a job at a holiday company in Turkey. What is awaiting her, she could never have guessed.
It already starts on the plain where she meets this hunky guy but leaves a bad impression. Who would have thought that she is meeting him again, has a fun evening and the next morning finds out that he is her new boss?
As if this would not be bad enough she shall go with a group of co workers who are not really friendly towards her on a boat trip with very demanding passengers. So now Maddie must face jealous colleagues, looking out for a kid who likes to steal from his family and when one person gets missing all her wits are needed to handle all.


2,5 stars which I round up to 3.
The idea is funny, it has really nice aspects, is easy to read but sometimes it was a bit too ridiculous. Also to strange sex relationship between the work colleagues and where they have it on the boat as well as Jackson and Maddie felt a bit off for me.
The pace of the story is changing quite a bit for me. We have an evening which is quite chaotic and is not what I thought about Maddie, then we are on the boat with the strange colleagues and then we get a mystery aspect in.

Younger readers might be surprised to be in a world without smart phones and paying by card and might not know what a walkman, fax and the noise internet made back then is. The story is set in 1994.

I had some issues with the characters. Only on the boat I started liking Maddie and how she reacted.
Jackson sounds fine but as he was missing most of the time the romance aspect here felt a bit forced to me.
Her colleagues were a strange bunch for me and I didn´t like them, they were not funny for me.
The characters I liked most where the family renting the boat and most of all Emir the kid which I think was funny. I really liked the story about him.

I was hoping for a funny summer romance but unfortunately this didn´t work for me as it is not my kind of humour.

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wanted a rom-com that feels like Below Deck met a ‘90s sitcom with a spicy twist, Love Ahoy absolutely delivers.

Maddie Summers is not a risk-taker. She’s the planner. The rule-follower. The woman who triple-checks itineraries and packs backup chargers. So when she impulsively accepts a job as a holiday rep in Turkey, it’s less “Eat, Pray, Love” and more “panic, sweat, survive.”

And survive she must—because the luxury boat she’s assigned to is filled with demanding guests, chaotic children, missing jewellery, jealous coworkers, and one extremely attractive Australian rep who makes her heart (and her common sense) malfunction.

Maddie is gloriously messy in the most relatable way. Her “gift for chaos” isn’t incompetence—it’s overthinking colliding with real life in the worst possible moments. Watching her try to maintain professionalism while sparks fly with Jackson is equal parts cringe, charming, and spicy. Jackson brings that confident, steady, sun-warmed energy that perfectly balances Maddie’s anxious spirals. Their chemistry builds through banter, glances, and forced proximity on deck under Mediterranean skies. 🌊

The setting is a character all its own—sun-drenched boat decks, turquoise waters, late-night crew tension, and just enough mystery (hello missing jewellery and suspicious supervisor) to keep things moving beyond the romance. The chaos feels real but never heavy, which keeps the tone light, breezy, and bingeable.

What I loved most was Maddie’s arc. Beneath the comedy and spice, this is a story about taking up space, trusting yourself, and realizing you don’t have to be perfect to deserve adventure—or love. Sometimes you just have to throw logic overboard and jump.

This is a sparkling, escapist, laugh-out-loud summer romance with heat, heart, and just enough drama to keep the waves interesting.

I had the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication, and these are my honest thoughts.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie Summers has a math degree. After being dumped by her boyfriend, Dillon, and making a fool of herself at a pub, she has decided to accept a job as account manager at LoveIt Holidays for a 7-month contract in Turkey’s Head Office.

After a miserable flight jostled between two heavy drinking women and one squalling baby, she is shocked at how hot it is in Turkey. Trying to be helpful on the long drive for customers to their various hotels, she arrives at hers only to be told she must show up at a welcome party at a nightclub. The man she encountered on her flight and not in a good way is also there and off to the club. She catches up with him as they head out. After a night of too much alcohol and other shenanigans, Maddie arrives back at her hotel only to find she has to quickly change to meet with her group and her boss who turns out to be none other than Jackson himself. There she finds the reps will be divided into two groups and one of them will accompany a yacht full of wealthy Turkish people on a tour and each of the reps will juggle all kinds of jobs from serving food to cleaning rooms and mopping floors. What did she get herself into?

The other people that Maddie has to work with are all looking for ways to get out of doing too much while having trysts in closets every chance they get. The young 5-year-old Turkish boy, Emir, takes a liking to Maddie and she is tasked with caring for him which she enjoys. He’s is such a cute little character. I wasn’t sure if Maddie and Jackson would be parted so that made for some angst in the story. But even with the bit of goofiness and silliness here and there, I really enjoyed the book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected at all… and I think I mean that in the best way.

Going in, I anticipated a more romance-forward rom-com, but what I got was a plot-driven, slightly chaotic boat-trip adventure packed with secrets, mystery, and just enough romance to keep things interesting. And honestly? The intrigue completely hooked me. Even though there wasn’t as much swoony content as I originally thought there would be (though there definitely is some), the story itself was compelling enough that I didn’t mind one bit.

Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked holiday rep gig in Turkey, this has strong 90’s humor energy—witty, a little outrageous, and very self-aware. The boat trip setting added a contained tension that worked so well with the secrets, jealous crewmates, and underlying mystery. There were a few twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, and some moments had me on the edge of my seat. I laughed out loud a couple of times and definitely made a few reader noises along the way.

Not every character won me over at first—there were several I didn’t particularly like—but a few became easier to tolerate as the story went on. The romance itself had a touch of angst and some fun tension, sprinkled throughout rather than dominating the narrative.

If I had to pick the standout element, it would absolutely be the plot. The mystery and unfolding drama were the driving force here, with the romantic elements adding warmth and spark without overshadowing the bigger story.

Spice note for readers: it’s present and not fade-to-black, but it’s not overly explicit or super descriptive either.

Thank you so much to Jo Lyons for the ARC—I had a really fun time being swept along for this unpredictable, high-seas adventure. ⛵✨

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Ahoy! by Jo Lyons is a quirky, fast paced read that blends romance, travel chaos, and an unexpected mystery, all wrapped in a nostalgic mid 90s setting.

The throwback atmosphere really adds to the charm. With no smartphones or constant connectivity, the story leans into misunderstandings, missed moments, and old school holiday drama in a way that feels fun and very of its time. Once the action moves onto the cruise ship, the book truly finds its rhythm, and the enclosed setting gives the plot more focus and momentum.

The romance is driven more by instant attraction than slow burn emotional development, which didn’t fully work for me, but Maddie’s personal growth over the course of the story was genuinely enjoyable to watch. Her increasing confidence and willingness to step outside her comfort zone added depth to her character. One of the strongest elements of the book is Maddie’s relationship with Emir, which brings real warmth and heart to the story and helps ground some of the more chaotic moments.

Tonally, the book shifts between rom com energy and mystery, and while those transitions can feel a little abrupt at times, they also make the story feel unconventional and unpredictable. The pacing and humor are a bit uneven early on, but once everything comes together, it becomes a much smoother and more engaging read.

Overall, Love Ahoy! is an entertaining and offbeat escape. It won’t be for everyone, but readers who enjoy nostalgic settings, travel mishaps, and genre blending stories with a bit of heart will likely find this a fun and memorable ride.

[Em Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by its lovely bright cover & general premise of a Summer Holiday story as I wanted somewhere to escape to in this miserable January! Although it was a quirky & fun Summer read I would say it wasn’t really a romance. It is definitely more of a mystery with its own chaotic charm.

I’m conflicted about the main character Maddie, I wanted to like her & did for the majority of the book but in places I felt annoyed by her. Jackson on the other hand was very likeable & the usual dream guy you’d want to read about in a romance, we just didn’t get much of him unfortunately. The rest of the characters were rather irritating with literally no likeable qualities which I did struggle with. The star of the show was young Emir, I did enjoy Emir & Maddies relationship. It was the best part of the book for sure. He is hilarious!

I enjoyed the start of the book the most where Maddie & Jackson were on their ‘night out’. It was super fun & I really wish we got more of this throughout the book. Their chemistry was great & I really wanted more of their developing relationship. The instalove aspect didn’t work for me, it wasn’t built on anything.

All this being said I loved the descriptions of the locations they visited, I felt like I was on the boat with them. I also liked the overall premise of the story being based on a yacht. It’s made me add ‘stay on a luxury yacht’ to my bucket list so the book completely won in that way!

*Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for this eArc.

[Linda Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maddie Summers is a no nonsense recent mathematical graduate dealing with a bad breakup where she humiliated herself and is now banned from the local pub. What's a girl to do? Get a new job working at the head office of LoveIt Holidays in exotic Turkey much to her mother's chagrin.
Maddie leaves on her adventure and everything goes wrong from the plane trip to her immediately making enemies of the company's holiday reps earning her the most complaints in the company's history.
She meets Jackson on her way to the company's welcoming party and her life becomes even more chaotic than it was already. After an event filled night, instead of her head office job she is placed on a cruise ship with the company's misfits and a rich, entitled family.
I probably would have rated the book one star higher but I just couldn't connect with the characters. They all just seemed over the top to me and were quite annoying. I am sure that was Jo Lyon's intention but it just distracted from the story. The most endearing part of the story was the connection between Maddie and the 5 year old son of the family who was usually ignored but developed a great friendship with Maddie.
All in all this was a quick read. It was not as comedic as I was expecting and had more of a mystery involved that I enjoyed. Mostly made me wishing I was cruising the Aegean Sea on a holiday myself.

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

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 rounded to 5 stars for me.

Maddie Summers taking job in Turkey it's so not her.She's the serious and very quiet type,but that's all will change when she's in for one disaster after another.There is a helpful man she meet on the plane, Jackson,but after few misunderstandings,he cannot run fast enough from her.Faced with lazy coworkers,shady dealings and falling for a man who's not what he seems it's only a beginning.

Will Maddie survive work at Love Ahoy?

WOW,I really need a laugh and this book deliver that and more.I can't think of more bad luck Maddie faced,one problem after another,and I just could not stop laughing.She was so likable,out of her comfort zone but still nice to everyone even those that don't deserve it.Maddie inner thoughts were fun to know,especially in Jackson's company she didn't pull out the punches.Jackson,ah Jackson, handsome,a gentelman and totally smitten with Maddie even when he gets the burn of her mishaps,I could not but root for them.There's few heated moments between them that also satisfy my need for tension and chemistry.Great romantic comedy,and this author becoming my read to. My second five star book of this year,and I'm not very generous with those,but this book tick all boxes for me.

If you looking for funny book,with romance and great chemistry between characters I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you netgalley and Boldwood book publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following a break-up, Maddie decides to go outside her comfort zone and take a job as a holiday rep for a travel company in Turkey. Maddie avoids risks and being impulsive. She’s all about logic, having studied maths at uni.

Upon her arrival, she meets Jackson, a rep for the same travel company from Australia. They have an instant connection. I thought Jackson and Maddie had fun banter. Despite their feelings, Jackson and Maddie agree that since they are working on the same boat (Love Ahoy!), that they can’t be together.

When the boat departs with new guests, there are some chaotic moments, and Maddie learns to adapt to life at sea, including new colleagues, guests on the ship, and the unpredictability that can arise on holiday travel. It’s a fun romcom with mystery!

There were lots of fun and humorous moments, and I enjoyed reading Maddie’s journey in having adventure, learning to embrace the unexpected, and trying new experiences.

Maddie’s life in the UK and being a student of maths represents structure, logic, and control. Being at sea (both on the boat as well as the sea itself) represents uncertainty and the unexpected. As Maddie grows over the course of the story, she sees the opportunities and adventure ahead of her, charting her own course in life.

Thank you to Jo Lyons and Love Books Tours for the gifted copy and opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.

[Zara Dal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a joy to read. An absolute sunshine-filled, laugh-out-loud rom-com that delivered everything I wanted and more.

Maddie is a fantastic FMC. She gave me younger-Bridget-Jones energy — smart, slightly chaotic, self-aware, full of sass, and instantly lovable. Watching her navigate the aftermath of her disastrous breakup with Dillon while figuring out life post-uni was both relatable and empowering. She’s flawed in the best way — real, funny, and easy to root for from page one.

And then there’s Jackson…
The banter between Maddie and Jackson is chef’s kiss. Sharp, playful, and full of that delicious will-they-won’t-they tension that keeps you grinning as you read. He is officially my new book boyfriend — charming, layered, and completely swoon-worthy.

Little Emir absolutely stole scenes with his warmth and humour. He adds such heart to the story and balances the romance with genuine tenderness and laugh-out-loud moments.

The 90s setting brought such a nostalgic glow to the whole book — sunshine vibes, holiday chaos, and that escapist energy that makes you want to book a flight immediately. I also loved knowing the author is a fellow Northern lass — there’s something about that voice and humour that just hits.

Overall, this is a fantastic rom-com that genuinely made me laugh out loud while still delivering heart, growth, and swoon. Pure feel-good escapism done right.

[Kailyn Bettle · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a very humiliating breakup, Maddie swears off relationships and decides to take a job in Turkey working for a travel company. While she was hired to work in their main office as an accountant, through a series of misfortunes, she ends up working on the boat the Love Ahoy serving a wealthy family on their vacation. The misfortunes only continue once aboard, and Maddie has to try to hold it together, all while trying not to fall for her boss.

I am really enjoying the trend of vacation romance books, and this one definitely stands apart with it being set in the 90s. While I liked the setting, I did struggle with the pacing and likability of the characters at the start of the book. Maddie makes mistake after mistake at the beginning of the book, and as the story continues, never really learns from them. As for the pacing, the mystery element was an interesting plot line in the story, but it felt like one of about six different plots. It also didn't help the pacing/believability that the love interest was not on the boat for a majority of the story.

Despite the pacing and characters issues, there were moments where this book was quite funny, especially any scene involving the young character Emir. Woven into the humor, Lyons also does a good job of adding subtle societal commentary on things like sexism and classism.

*Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, feel-good rom-com that completely swept me away!
Maddie is instantly relatable—she’s cautious, a little awkward, and definitely not the kind of person you’d expect to take a spontaneous job abroad. Watching her get thrown into the chaos of being a holiday rep on a boat full of demanding (and very entertaining) guests was both hilarious and endearing. Her “gift for chaos” leads to so many laugh-out-loud moments, but it also makes her feel very real.
The setting really adds to the charm. Sunshine, sea, and a cast of over-the-top passengers give the story that perfect escapist vibe. There’s always something going on—whether it’s missing jewelry, dramatic guests, or unexpected trouble—which keeps the pace lively and fun.
And then there’s Jackson… charming, confident, and just the right amount of swoon-worthy. Their romance builds nicely amidst all the chaos, and I loved how it didn’t feel too easy or predictable. There’s chemistry, but also complications that keep things interesting.
What I enjoyed most was the balance—this book is genuinely funny, but it also has heart. Maddie’s journey of stepping outside her comfort zone and learning to take risks adds a really nice emotional layer.
Overall, this is a light, funny, and slightly spicy story that’s perfect if you’re looking for something uplifting and entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb-
The BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud, feel-good romantic comedy from Jo Lyons ❤️ Set sail for the summer of a lifetime… ⛵☀️ Maddie Summers has never been the impulsive type. So taking a new job as a holiday rep in Turkey is way out of her comfort zone. Will embarking on a boat trip with a host of demanding passengers see her all at sea - literally?
But then there’s Jackson, the sexy Australian rep who she’s falling for, hook, line and sinker. Though any chance of romance is complicated by Maddie’s gift for chaos, the powerful family onboard ship (including their light-fingered five-year-old), and a supervisor with secrets he’ll do anything to keep hidden.
Amid the rough waves of jealous crewmates, missing jewellery and even a potential man overboard, Maddie must be brave and throw logic to the wind. Can she take a risk and set a course for love?
💓 Review -
This was such a cute and fun read. It's the perfect book to read for when you want something fun and fluffy in-between all the heavier fantasy books. The story was fun and easy to follow and had a great cast of characters. I loved Maddie's character and following her journey through the book. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💛 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Jo Lyons and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Ahoy by Jo Lyon, when I finish the book I didn’t know if I loved it hated it hope it became a series or never wanted to hear about it again. There were some things I really loved about the book I found Maddie really frustrating but sometimes I really liked her I did think her mind for sticking to the status quo a noble fee but how quickly she let that go by the wayside when itn’t benefited her in Jackson. I also thought all the jewelry she kept in her suitcase and not put in the captains safe I get why it was written that way but thought most intelligent people would’ve done it the other way. there was a lot of sex in the book that I found quite unnecessary but the mystery was good I couldn’t stand Gary on her behalf and as much as I said I didn’t like most of the book I probably would read a second one if this becomes a series it hinted to in the end. There’s something fun about cartoonish characters in adult situations I also want to say I really loved Amere OMG I would’ve loved to have been his babysitter. It’s a tad bit unrealistic but at the same time very enjoyable and a fun way to spend the afternoon. so yes I would definitely recommend it as it has more lol moments not to mention the heartwarming moments and the unneeded sex time moments but all made for one entertaining read and one I definitely recommend as I said. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

It sucks to be the person with the bad review, but the arc was given in an exchange of an honest opinion. So let 's go.

I didn’t like this book at all. Honestly, I’m just surprised that I managed to even finish it, because I caught myself, from time to time during this reading, questioning if I should just abandon it. But I stuck till the end and, as a result, most of the time I fell asleep after reading a few pages.

I didn’t like any of the characters. Maybe the 5 year old kid, but just him. Of all of the other characters, I couldn’t feel empathy for any of them, especially the main ones.

Also, I don’t get what this book is about. Like, as a romance, it doesn't make sense at all, because Jackson barely appears. Him and Maddie had like, a few hours together, then they are separated because of work; after that, they meet another 4 times. So, as a romance book, it doesn’t have a lot of. After 50% or 60% of the book, suddenly, the story twists and now the main focus is an investigation - that is very confusing and the solution it’s just… disappointing.
But, anyway, that’s just my opinion.

One again, thanks NetGalley and the publish for the ARC!

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

“Love Ahoy” is by Jo Lyons. This book is difficult for me to review because, in all honesty, it seemed like a mash-up of different genres all in one book. There’s the flashback to the 1990s (Rachel haircut, some terminology, no cell phones) which was retro, but there was romance, travel humor, over the top craziness in said travel and mystery. At times one topic shone over the others (such as the mystery taking up a good quarter or so of the book) putting what I thought was the point of the book (a rom-com) in the shadows. I know other reviewers have commented that this book feels like “Below Deck,” which I have never heard of let alone seen. I nearly DNF this book, especially at the beginning when names and situations were being thrown about, and at times felt rather lost. Once everyone was on the boat, things got better, but at times this seemed more like a crazy yacht trip where randomness was thrown together. This book didn’t work for me, but I seem to be a rather tough critic of this book, so read other reviews and decide for yourself if it’s your type of book. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

[Tanisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge romance reader, and I especially love books that make me laugh along the way. Any time a romance promises humor, I am immediately interested, so I was pretty excited to pick this one up. I went in expecting something light, fun, and easy to get swept up in.

While there were a few elements I enjoyed, this book ultimately was not quite what I expected. The story felt a little scattered to me, and I had a hard time fully settling into it. I did appreciate that it is told in first person, which is always a format I enjoy, and the 90s setting was an interesting choice that added a bit of nostalgia. Unfortunately, those positives were not quite enough to fully pull everything together for me.

I really wanted to love this book more than I did, but in the end it just was not my cup of tea. That said, I can still see how it might work better for other readers, especially those who enjoy unconventional storytelling or nostalgic settings. While this one landed at about three stars for me, I am still glad I gave it a chance.

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

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into Love Ahoy! I was expecting a light, funny rom-com, but the beginning caught me off guard. It was more extreme and open-door than I’m used to, and the first part of the story felt a bit all over the place. It took me some time to really get into it.

Once it settled, though, I enjoyed it much more. I liked the first-person narration, the mid-90s setting, and the cruise-ship atmosphere. Maddie grew on me as the story went on, and her friendship with the neglected little boy was easily the most touching part of the book. Emir was also a highlight.

This felt less like a true rom-com and more like a mystery with romantic elements, almost like reading a Below Deck episode. The romance itself didn’t fully click for me, and I wished for more depth in both the relationship and the side characters. The humor and pacing were a little uneven too.

Overall, Love Ahoy! was a quick, easy, and unconventional read. It wasn’t quite the rom-com I had hoped for, but it was still enjoyable in its own way, and I’d recommend it to readers who like nostalgic settings and something a little different.

Thank you NetGallet for the eARC.

[Colin Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After splitting with her boyfriend Maddie also has to find a new job and impulsively takes an admin job for a holiday company, looking after the accounts in their office in Turkey. However things don't go to plan and instead of running the accounts she ends up as a holiday rep on a boat with some high powered guests. Also there is a complication in that Jackson, with whom she had a steamy encounter upon arrival, is actually her new boss.
For those of a certain generation like myself this is a steamy version of a Whitehall Farce, with many funny moments which border on being cringeworthy. I initially struggled getting into the book, but gradually grew to enjoy it, which is why I always try to persevere with a book if I don't enjoy it to start with. There is a broad range of characters, from randy reps through entitled customers and a kleptomaniac child. I wouldn't mind cruising on that boat, although strictly as a guest rather than staff. Read it and enjoy.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 that I’m rounding up to a 3

Maddie wants a change after breaking up with her terrible boyfriend, and upends her entire life to take a job in Turkey. It’s pretty much a disaster right from the start to even get to Turkey in the first place, and her experience just gets more and more unhinged from there.

This book was an experience. It gets real weird and absolutely ridiculous- sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. It does feel at times like it’s trying so hard to be funny that it veers too much in the wrong direction. The entire duration of Maddie and Jackon’s first day together feels like that- it was such a weird fever dream I wasn’t entirely sure what I was reading which I think might have been slightly intentional due to their mental state at the time but whatever vibe it was going for, I wasn’t really into it.

Once we get to the boat trip portion of the story, the plot basically changes from romance to mystery and it felt like Jackson was really just there as a supporting character, which is never what you want in a romance. He’s barely even there for the whole second half of the book.

Overall, this was fine but forgettable.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie has taken a job in Turkey as a holiday rep working in their head office finance department, against her mother's wishes.Maddie is ready to set the world aflame and is confident that she is going to excel at her new job. But when Maddie gets to Turkey, her over-confidence leads to a comedy of errors and complaints. Maddie ends up having a drunken night with a man she met on the plane, Jackson. When Maddie gets to her orientation she discovers Jackson there is the boss. She is quickly sent to be a part of the staff on the luxury cruise ship as opposed to the head office with a crew that she keeps butting heads with. Will Maddie be able to prove her worth on the ship and with Jackson or was her mother right and she should have stayed at home.

Another fun read by this author, her books are always breath of fresh air, enjoyable stories with cute characters. Therwe were lots of lausghs and romance as well. I look forward to more.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house Boldwood Books and the author Jo Lyons for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

[Jennifer Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ Emir is the star of this book. He is adorably precocious, and I really wanted him to be the one responsible for Maddie’s HEA. Such a missed opportunity in my opinion.

As for Jackson, he was a lot less adorable. First, he exhibits textbook sexual harassment when he punishes Maddie for their one night stand, sending her off to sea with a bunch of questionable characters. He leaves her in danger even after she tells him about suspicious activity, and then, after leading her to believe he would be staying in Turkey for work, acts surprised when she is hurt by the truth. Yes, they end up together, but not through ANY actions of his!

I really wish they had made Maddie an actual math genius. They kept harping on the “almost first” but then had her act like a math savant by putting everything in math terms. It would have made more sense if she were top of her class. On the same line - having her be an accountant makes little sense since that is typically a business degree rather than math.

Overall, it was cute and funny, but I felt like there were many missed chances to make this book spectacular, not least of which was a better male lead.

[akaaii_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows Maddie, who signs up to be a holiday rep in Turkey and immediately gets dumped onto a boat with:
╰┈➤a nightmare rich family,
╰┈➤their tiny kleptomaniac child who keeps pocketing jewellery,
╰┈➤a shady supervisor,
╰┈➤and Jackson, the stupidly attractive Aussie rep with “I surf and have feelings” energy.

Love those scenes where Maddie trying to keep the peace while the 5 yo is out here committing petty theft like it’s a sport, Maddie internally screaming as the powerful family starts suspecting staff of stealing their stuff, and any moment where the boat schedule goes to hell and she’s just panic‑rep-ing her way through it. The “we’re stuck on this boat together so now we have to talk about our feelings” energy with Jackson was cute in a low‑stakes, holiday‑fling‑that-might-not-survive-customs way.

Overall, it was fun, easy, sun‑lounger energy. I laughed, I rolled my eyes, I did not hate my time but I also won’t be writing “Maddie + Jackson 4ever” on any metaphorical cabin walls.