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Ship Happens
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26From bestselling and award-winning author Mason Deaver comes a delightful second-chance romance with trans representation! Trapped on a cruise together, exes Owen and Jacob are forced to confront why their relationship went off course…but in such close quarters, maybe they’ll finally be able to right the ship.
A year ago, Owen Henson had a close-knit group of friends who felt like family and a boyfriend who made his heart race just by walking into the room. But now? Everything’s unraveling. His friends seem to be moving forward without him, and his happily-ever-after shattered when his boyfriend Jacob packed up and left for North Carolina to join a research team.
The last thing Owen needs is for Jacob to waltz back into the city like nothing happened, showing up at their friends’ annual Christmas party looking just as annoyingly handsome as the day he left. Or for their friends to spring a surprise six-day, seven-night cruise up the West Coast to Alaska as a bonding trip for the group. How is Owen supposed to keep it together around the man who broke his heart, all while pretending he’s fine? Totally fine. But then Jacob tells Owen that he’d like to be something even more complicated than exes. He wants to be friends. Skeptical, Owen agrees to the plan but as they spend time together among the gorgeous Alaskan backdrop and cruise-mandated activities, Owen feels his walls coming down and he might just discover that he can’t help but fall in love again.
An emotional second-chance romance set on a breathtaking cruise, where two former flames must decide whether to let go or risk it all for a love that refuses to sink.
Tropes
Forced proximity
Exes
Second chance
Cruises
Dating in secret
Meddling friends
A year ago, Owen Henson had a close-knit group of friends who felt like family and a boyfriend who made his heart race just by walking into the room. But now? Everything’s unraveling. His friends seem to be moving forward without him, and his happily-ever-after shattered when his boyfriend Jacob packed up and left for North Carolina to join a research team.
The last thing Owen needs is for Jacob to waltz back into the city like nothing happened, showing up at their friends’ annual Christmas party looking just as annoyingly handsome as the day he left. Or for their friends to spring a surprise six-day, seven-night cruise up the West Coast to Alaska as a bonding trip for the group. How is Owen supposed to keep it together around the man who broke his heart, all while pretending he’s fine? Totally fine. But then Jacob tells Owen that he’d like to be something even more complicated than exes. He wants to be friends. Skeptical, Owen agrees to the plan but as they spend time together among the gorgeous Alaskan backdrop and cruise-mandated activities, Owen feels his walls coming down and he might just discover that he can’t help but fall in love again.
An emotional second-chance romance set on a breathtaking cruise, where two former flames must decide whether to let go or risk it all for a love that refuses to sink.
Tropes
Forced proximity
Exes
Second chance
Cruises
Dating in secret
Meddling friends
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
34 people are currently reading
4825 people want to read
About the author
Mason Deaver
13 books3,459 followersMason Deaver is a bestselling and award-winning author of young adult and adult romance novels. Their books have been awarded stars from Bookpage and Booklist, nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards, and won the Pink News Best Young Adult Book Award.
Their first novel, I Wish You All the Best, named one of Cosmopolitan's 100 Best YA Books was made into a film directed by Tommy Dorfman. It premiered at the SXSW film festival in 2024 to rave reviews.
They currently live in San Francisco.
Their first novel, I Wish You All the Best, named one of Cosmopolitan's 100 Best YA Books was made into a film directed by Tommy Dorfman. It premiered at the SXSW film festival in 2024 to rave reviews.
They currently live in San Francisco.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 15, 2026
I read most of Ship Happens on a plane ride, and it’s the perfect book for that. Bingable, charming, and I smiled so many times while reading. I loved the T4T rep, the arthritis rep, the bigger love interest, and there’s no third-act break-up! Above all, I loved that the romance doesn’t follow the usual route, even though I know not every romance reader will agree with me.
And that epilogue… the icing on the cake.
The only thing that kept pulling me out of the story was the cruise itself. They sail from San Francisco to Alaska in a single week at Christmas, and I was constantly confused about the weather, the daylight, and how the characters dealt with either. San Francisco isn’t that cold in winter, sure, but Alaska is freezing and dark, with only a few hours of daylight. There’s hardly any mention of it. Some details are simply off, like characters leaving the ship without coats, or Owen pulling a strand of grass from a park lawn in Juneau, Alaska, in the middle of winter. I even googled it and found out those cruises don’t run in winter at all. So take the cruise logistics with a grain of salt.
Anyway, I adored this story despite that critical note. If you don’t mind the setting being inaccurate, this is a wonderful read.
Thank you, Avon and NetGalley, for this lovely ARC!
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And that epilogue… the icing on the cake.
The only thing that kept pulling me out of the story was the cruise itself. They sail from San Francisco to Alaska in a single week at Christmas, and I was constantly confused about the weather, the daylight, and how the characters dealt with either. San Francisco isn’t that cold in winter, sure, but Alaska is freezing and dark, with only a few hours of daylight. There’s hardly any mention of it. Some details are simply off, like characters leaving the ship without coats, or Owen pulling a strand of grass from a park lawn in Juneau, Alaska, in the middle of winter. I even googled it and found out those cruises don’t run in winter at all. So take the cruise logistics with a grain of salt.
Anyway, I adored this story despite that critical note. If you don’t mind the setting being inaccurate, this is a wonderful read.
Thank you, Avon and NetGalley, for this lovely ARC!
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E-ARC generously provided by Avon Books through Netgalley. Thank you so much!
4 stars. Swoony, set on an Alaskan cruise, and containing a found family of supporting characters that were just as compelling as the main couple, Ship Happens is yet another winner of a romance from Mason Deaver.
4 stars. Swoony, set on an Alaskan cruise, and containing a found family of supporting characters that were just as compelling as the main couple, Ship Happens is yet another winner of a romance from Mason Deaver.
March 13, 2026
*4.5 rounded up
Just know “Like a Fisting Tattoo?” and “A Loving and Healthy Relationship Between a Man and His Pastry” are tied for my favorite chapter title.
This book was so fun! I am a lover of second chance romances so the moment I saw the description of this book I just knew I needed it. I really liked the approach that Mason Deaver had to this trope in tackling the “getting back together” aspect, it just felt so real and right for the characters.
The tension in this was so gooooood. You could really feel it between Owen and Jacob as they deep down still desperately wanted to be with each other despite everything. This is one of the main reasons I love second chance romances because there is just that extra layer of want.
The friend group was so bubbly and I really enjoyed all their banter and dynamic. They were flawed at times but that is what made them interesting
The cruise setting of this was a fun choice especially when it came to the forced proximity of it all. Getting to read about Owen and Jacob doing all these extravagant cruise activities made me quite jealous. I loved the development as they started to give into their lasting feelings for each other.
Overall, I love love loved this book and all the representation in it.
(Mason Deaver please plan to write more adult romance books)
Thank you so much to Avon and HarperCollins for providing me with this eARC.
Just know “Like a Fisting Tattoo?” and “A Loving and Healthy Relationship Between a Man and His Pastry” are tied for my favorite chapter title.
This book was so fun! I am a lover of second chance romances so the moment I saw the description of this book I just knew I needed it. I really liked the approach that Mason Deaver had to this trope in tackling the “getting back together” aspect, it just felt so real and right for the characters.
The tension in this was so gooooood. You could really feel it between Owen and Jacob as they deep down still desperately wanted to be with each other despite everything. This is one of the main reasons I love second chance romances because there is just that extra layer of want.
The friend group was so bubbly and I really enjoyed all their banter and dynamic. They were flawed at times but that is what made them interesting
The cruise setting of this was a fun choice especially when it came to the forced proximity of it all. Getting to read about Owen and Jacob doing all these extravagant cruise activities made me quite jealous. I loved the development as they started to give into their lasting feelings for each other.
Overall, I love love loved this book and all the representation in it.
(Mason Deaver please plan to write more adult romance books)
Thank you so much to Avon and HarperCollins for providing me with this eARC.
March 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC of Ship Happens. I was so so excited for this one, I love me a good second chance romance and a t4t one?! Sign me up.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to my expectations, and maybe my expectations were too high. Let’s talk about what worked for me:
1. I liked Jacob.. I thought he was super sweet.
2. The headers of the titles were funny.
3. I liked the different representation in the book like Owen and Jacob both being trans and Owen having a disability.
What didn’t work for me:
1. The way these two couldn’t for the life of me have an actual conversation AND that’s mainly Owen’s fault WHICH LEADS ME TO MY 2nd thing..
2. Owen.. he was so unlikable it hurt.
3. The constant mention of Jacob’s weight??? Like why was that a thing???
4. THEY STILL DONT WORK THINGS OUT SPOILER OOPS.
5. Me just being picky but these two fly with just scanned passports/ids but ya girl couldn’t fly without her physical covid card once… so. maybe I’m just bitter.
Anyways, I don’t know how I feel about this one tbh. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t live up to my expectations, and maybe my expectations were too high. Let’s talk about what worked for me:
1. I liked Jacob.. I thought he was super sweet.
2. The headers of the titles were funny.
3. I liked the different representation in the book like Owen and Jacob both being trans and Owen having a disability.
What didn’t work for me:
1. The way these two couldn’t for the life of me have an actual conversation AND that’s mainly Owen’s fault WHICH LEADS ME TO MY 2nd thing..
2. Owen.. he was so unlikable it hurt.
3. The constant mention of Jacob’s weight??? Like why was that a thing???
4. THEY STILL DONT WORK THINGS OUT SPOILER OOPS.
5. Me just being picky but these two fly with just scanned passports/ids but ya girl couldn’t fly without her physical covid card once… so. maybe I’m just bitter.
Anyways, I don’t know how I feel about this one tbh. I didn’t love it but I didn’t hate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
March 17, 2026DNFd @ 28%. I couldn't stand Owen, and I was hoping he would grow on me some more as I continued, but that didn't happen, and I would rather stop reading before I potentially ended up hating it.
March 25, 2026
I'm still learning to write a decent review, so bare with me. First, huge thanks to NetGalley and everyone involved in getting me access to an ARC of this book.
Okay, I wanna start the actual review by begging Mason Deaver to write more adult fiction. I always adore his work, but this book now sits as my favorite of his books. I adore our main characters, Jacob and Owen are both beautifully flawed and realistic characters. They don't even feel like characters, they feel like real people. Their chemistry bleeds off the page (screen?), and the will they won't they element is just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I also really love the friend group here, I love there being so many queer characters and it again feels like a real friend group. I'll admit that at moments I felt like maybe they'd be better off without each other, but they won me over in the end. I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.
Okay, I wanna start the actual review by begging Mason Deaver to write more adult fiction. I always adore his work, but this book now sits as my favorite of his books. I adore our main characters, Jacob and Owen are both beautifully flawed and realistic characters. They don't even feel like characters, they feel like real people. Their chemistry bleeds off the page (screen?), and the will they won't they element is just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I also really love the friend group here, I love there being so many queer characters and it again feels like a real friend group. I'll admit that at moments I felt like maybe they'd be better off without each other, but they won me over in the end. I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.
March 18, 2026
I loved every second of this! I think second chance romance might be becoming a favorite trope of mine? I loved both main characters, their messy friend group, the chapter titles, and I *love* when a romance novel doesn’t follow a typical formula. I also loved the disability rep! 10/10
November 24, 2025
Thank you thank you thank you to my friend @mason_deaver for letting me take a SNEAKY PEAKY at their finished upcoming romance Ship Happens. Y’all, I was SO UNWELL READING THIS!!!!!!! I LOVE THEM SM!!! It’s a T4T, disability (done SO WELL and respectfully), second chance romance of my dreams.
One of my absolute favorite things Mason does in their books is giving me the *best* found family. My favorite thing in queer books for sure, but Mason did such an epic job in this one. These characters felt like a jumbled up family with problems and love and teasing and meddling and it was *perfect!*
Second - this second chance romance was absolutely wonderful. I was immediately bought into this dynamic and it is a *slow burn* with a great payoff. I even messaged Mason to say they were DIABOLICAL at one point cause I had to set down my kindle and shake my fist at the sky. But it’s worth it cause these two are 🥹😮💨🥵😏.
Owen and Jacob are not perfect. They are flawed people who try their best and their love for each other shines through everything. They have a lot of very mature discussions throughout the book and we love communication!!!! I also loved how the forced proximity really worked on these two (the massage day had me squealing) and I was positively giddy with delight every time they were thrown together.
The ending and epilogue made me cry. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I can absolutely say without a doubt - Mason has done it again. They are amazing. 🥹🥹😭😭
Thank you @mason_deaver for letting me freak out about your boys. My idiots to lovers. My sweet sweet angel babies. Truly obsessed.
Preorder this one folks!!!!
One of my absolute favorite things Mason does in their books is giving me the *best* found family. My favorite thing in queer books for sure, but Mason did such an epic job in this one. These characters felt like a jumbled up family with problems and love and teasing and meddling and it was *perfect!*
Second - this second chance romance was absolutely wonderful. I was immediately bought into this dynamic and it is a *slow burn* with a great payoff. I even messaged Mason to say they were DIABOLICAL at one point cause I had to set down my kindle and shake my fist at the sky. But it’s worth it cause these two are 🥹😮💨🥵😏.
Owen and Jacob are not perfect. They are flawed people who try their best and their love for each other shines through everything. They have a lot of very mature discussions throughout the book and we love communication!!!! I also loved how the forced proximity really worked on these two (the massage day had me squealing) and I was positively giddy with delight every time they were thrown together.
The ending and epilogue made me cry. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I can absolutely say without a doubt - Mason has done it again. They are amazing. 🥹🥹😭😭
Thank you @mason_deaver for letting me freak out about your boys. My idiots to lovers. My sweet sweet angel babies. Truly obsessed.
Preorder this one folks!!!!
March 12, 2026
I absolutely loved this romance and I’m honestly obsessed. This was my first book by Mason Deaver and now I already know I’m going to have to read everything else they’ve written.This story follows Owen and Jacob, two exes who are suddenly thrown back into each other’s orbit after a messy breakup. A year ago Owen had everything an amazing group of friends that felt like family and a boyfriend he was completely in love with. But when Jacob suddenly left for North Carolina to join a research team, Owen’s world basically fell apart.Fast forward to the present when Jacob unexpectedly shows back up and their friend group surprises them with a week long cruise to Alaska. Now Owen is stuck on a ship with the guy who broke his heart, surrounded by their mutual friends and forced to deal with all the unresolved feelings between them. Jacob wants them to be friends but the more time they spend together exploring the Alaskan scenery and doing cruise activities the harder it becomes for Owen to pretend he’s over him.This book completely pulled me in. The emotional depth, the forced proximity, and the second romance (am I fam of this trope now lol maybe) made it impossible to stop reading. I loved watching Owen slowly lower his walls and seeing the complicated feelings between him and Jacob unfold. The friend group and meddling moments added so much humor to the story too. I genuinely could not put this book down I stayed up until 3 AM finishing it because I had to know how everything turned out. If you love emotional second chance romances, forced proximity, and stories about finding your way back to someone you never really stopped loving, I highly recommend this one.
Such a great read and I’m officially obsessed. Now I want to go on an Alaskan cruise even more lol.
Such a great read and I’m officially obsessed. Now I want to go on an Alaskan cruise even more lol.
March 20, 2026
DID MASON WEAVER JUST TURN ME INTO A SECOND CHANCE STAN?
okay i am obsessed with this book. It was the perfect balance of realistic, unhinged, hilarious, with all your fav tropes!
This book follows Owen and Jacob. Jacob is Owen’s best friend’s brother and also his ex boyfriend. Owen is a tattoo artist and always feels like he’s failing at life. When his best friend announces Jacob is back, she’s pregnant, and they are all going on a cruise together, Owen has no choice but to go. Because Jacob and Owen want to both follow their dreams in very different locations in the world, they don’t know how to even be friends let alone rehash the differences that broke them up. But SHIP HAPPENS and maybe the cruise is the chance to figure it out?
This book has
Trans rep
M/M romance
Only one bed
Already in love/never stopped being in love
Second chance
Disability rep
There’s just so much I love about this book, but I really loved Owen. I loved that no character was perfect and that there was so much room to grow. I loved that both Jacob and Owen had different experiences with being trans but because it was a second chance they already knew they both loved each other fully and were more focused on overcoming being apart. I loved the end of this book and how nothing felt forced or sacrificial for love. I loved how funny so many of the moments on the cruise were. Honestly nothing not to love. Mason Weaver painted a magnificent picture and I loved seeing it unfold. This is going to be the PERFECT summer vacation romance mark my words.
okay i am obsessed with this book. It was the perfect balance of realistic, unhinged, hilarious, with all your fav tropes!
This book follows Owen and Jacob. Jacob is Owen’s best friend’s brother and also his ex boyfriend. Owen is a tattoo artist and always feels like he’s failing at life. When his best friend announces Jacob is back, she’s pregnant, and they are all going on a cruise together, Owen has no choice but to go. Because Jacob and Owen want to both follow their dreams in very different locations in the world, they don’t know how to even be friends let alone rehash the differences that broke them up. But SHIP HAPPENS and maybe the cruise is the chance to figure it out?
This book has
Trans rep
M/M romance
Only one bed
Already in love/never stopped being in love
Second chance
Disability rep
There’s just so much I love about this book, but I really loved Owen. I loved that no character was perfect and that there was so much room to grow. I loved that both Jacob and Owen had different experiences with being trans but because it was a second chance they already knew they both loved each other fully and were more focused on overcoming being apart. I loved the end of this book and how nothing felt forced or sacrificial for love. I loved how funny so many of the moments on the cruise were. Honestly nothing not to love. Mason Weaver painted a magnificent picture and I loved seeing it unfold. This is going to be the PERFECT summer vacation romance mark my words.
March 23, 2026
Mason Deaver knocks it out of the park with their second entry into the adult romance space.
I've seen the memes all over their social about people who claim to hate second chance romance but loved Ship Happens and...yeah, count me in, folks.
Owen and Jacob went through a painful breakup, and now not only is Jacob back in San Francisco for Christmas, but they're going to be stuck together for a week. On a cruise. To Alaska.
A recipe for disaster, surely (and we know Owen loves his recipes, our baking king. A ba-king, if you will).
Except, it doesn't entirely go how they thought it would.
Ship Happens is a hilarious and heartwarming T4T romance with beautiful elements of found family, disability representation, and learning how to love and be loved in ways that are deep and meaningful, even if it's not easy. I absolutely devoured this book in a single day and have not been able to stop thinking about it. There's something infectious about a Mason Deaver book, it just worms its way into your brain and says "hello, I live here now."
Definitely a book I will be recommending to my friends and impatiently waiting until August 18 to get a final copy. Deaver has solidified themselves into a must-read author for me.
Thank you so very much to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for a free and honest review. Side note: as someone who has taken a cruise to Alaska I was especially giddy to receive this particular book from an author I love. :)
I've seen the memes all over their social about people who claim to hate second chance romance but loved Ship Happens and...yeah, count me in, folks.
Owen and Jacob went through a painful breakup, and now not only is Jacob back in San Francisco for Christmas, but they're going to be stuck together for a week. On a cruise. To Alaska.
A recipe for disaster, surely (and we know Owen loves his recipes, our baking king. A ba-king, if you will).
Except, it doesn't entirely go how they thought it would.
Ship Happens is a hilarious and heartwarming T4T romance with beautiful elements of found family, disability representation, and learning how to love and be loved in ways that are deep and meaningful, even if it's not easy. I absolutely devoured this book in a single day and have not been able to stop thinking about it. There's something infectious about a Mason Deaver book, it just worms its way into your brain and says "hello, I live here now."
Definitely a book I will be recommending to my friends and impatiently waiting until August 18 to get a final copy. Deaver has solidified themselves into a must-read author for me.
Thank you so very much to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for a free and honest review. Side note: as someone who has taken a cruise to Alaska I was especially giddy to receive this particular book from an author I love. :)
March 10, 2026
AHHHH! Another hit by Mason Deaver! Honestly don’t think i’ve read a single bad book by them and I will continue buying every single one!
This is the first adult novel by Deaver and it didn’t disappoint! I really enjoyed the tension between Owen and Jacob, more so from Owen, at the beginning and clearly seeing that they definitely still had a thing they were both trying to work through. I love the trauma and guilt they were both going through. The mental health, disability and trans rep is also very well executed.
I think the setting being on a cruise was a nice touch and Owen trying to steer clear of Jacob the whole time but them ALWAYS ending up together is kinda funny. I was also not expecting them to get stranded.
I also really like how they don’t technically “get back together” at the end since not all relationships can just magically get repaired but they talked things through and were able to keep in touch and come back together in the end.
Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first adult novel by Deaver and it didn’t disappoint! I really enjoyed the tension between Owen and Jacob, more so from Owen, at the beginning and clearly seeing that they definitely still had a thing they were both trying to work through. I love the trauma and guilt they were both going through. The mental health, disability and trans rep is also very well executed.
I think the setting being on a cruise was a nice touch and Owen trying to steer clear of Jacob the whole time but them ALWAYS ending up together is kinda funny. I was also not expecting them to get stranded.
I also really like how they don’t technically “get back together” at the end since not all relationships can just magically get repaired but they talked things through and were able to keep in touch and come back together in the end.
Thank you Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2026
So grateful to have gotten an ARC through NetGallery for this book. I have always been a huge fan of Mason Deaver and this book has only heightened my love for their books.
What I really appreciate about this book is the representation that it has. This is a story about queer people that focuses on happiness, and what that means for them.
As someone who has just begun transitioning this book felt like a warm hug. It felt like a look into the future of what my life could look like.
The dynamics between these characters is outstanding and incredibly human. The friendship between Owen and Kaitlyn is something truly unique and relatable to so many people. And the complexities between Jacob and Owen are so amazing to see and they really helped make this romance feel more like a true human story that has its ups and downs.
Overall, I loved this book and I’m so excited for the world to be able to read it. Thank you Mason Deaver for this amazing story.
What I really appreciate about this book is the representation that it has. This is a story about queer people that focuses on happiness, and what that means for them.
As someone who has just begun transitioning this book felt like a warm hug. It felt like a look into the future of what my life could look like.
The dynamics between these characters is outstanding and incredibly human. The friendship between Owen and Kaitlyn is something truly unique and relatable to so many people. And the complexities between Jacob and Owen are so amazing to see and they really helped make this romance feel more like a true human story that has its ups and downs.
Overall, I loved this book and I’m so excited for the world to be able to read it. Thank you Mason Deaver for this amazing story.
March 22, 2026
Thank you Avon for the advanced copy via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
This was a good read!! I enjoyed this one. I thought the tension between Owen and Jacob was very well done. This is a great second chance romance! I also loved the found family dynamics of the story. I thought the friend group worked really well and had a lot of fun banter. Overall, this was a fun read and I would recommend it to fans of second chance romance!
This was a good read!! I enjoyed this one. I thought the tension between Owen and Jacob was very well done. This is a great second chance romance! I also loved the found family dynamics of the story. I thought the friend group worked really well and had a lot of fun banter. Overall, this was a fun read and I would recommend it to fans of second chance romance!
March 25, 2026
I didn’t know I liked second chance romance until I read this. This book was just perfect.
I was originally drawn in with the T4T and the Jayvik vibes but, my, did the plot reel me in. I absolutely adored the characters in this book and I just love the way Mason Deaver writes and describes everything.
This book was everything I needed right now!
Thank you Netgalley for providing the ARC of this book and the publisher for making it a read now!
I was originally drawn in with the T4T and the Jayvik vibes but, my, did the plot reel me in. I absolutely adored the characters in this book and I just love the way Mason Deaver writes and describes everything.
This book was everything I needed right now!
Thank you Netgalley for providing the ARC of this book and the publisher for making it a read now!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(Specifically I think my rating is around a 4.5 but I’m rounding up!)
As a longtime fan of Mason Deaver’s work, I can definitely attest that the switch to adult novels has been an amazing choice! Both this book and “The Build-a-Boyfriend Project” flow very nicely and I can tell it’s a more comfortable place for them to write in.
For the setting and overall storytelling, I’m a huge fan of Mason’s ability to set stories in the real world with tasteful, realistic details about pop culture, jokes, and technology use, while also keeping the world feel far enough away that the story is still fun and stays relevant! Owen is an understandable and relatable character. His personality, humor, and transness are very real, like they came straight from myself or someone in my actual life. And I admit I was really touched at the inclusion of his arthritis and mobility aid usage. I’m a cane user with chronic pain and it made me realize how much I needed to have casual representation like this. Truly I think my favorite, or one of my favorite, details in the whole book. (Maybe also the SJ Sharks mention… The future is teal!)
The only thing I found missing in regards to Owen was a little deeper of a dig into his mind. He has a *lot* of self doubt/insecurity and anxiety, and that stays pretty consistent throughout. Realistic for the shorter timeframe of this story, but I also was hoping for a moment or scene(s) that push him a little harder. Especially from Jacob. We see how Jacob is put to the test, and he really seems to grow, but Owen’s growth feels more off-page and slid under the rug. Owen has a habit of wanting to run from things, and I wish just once someone really snapped or pushed him a little further so he can grow out of it. I think his growth is there, for sure, I see it, and we’re told it, but I wish I saw more of it directly. More of his internal dialogue changing and working things out in “real time.” There were a few times where I felt this distance from him really did a big disservice in providing satisfying transitions in his feelings.
However, that being said, I really enjoyed reading this story overall. I literally read it in like one session, all day, because I couldn’t put it down. (And that’s after a streak of struggling to leisure read — very grateful for this to spark that again!!) There were so many delicious cliche-esc scenes that I absolutely ate up. Owen and Jacob’s chemistry is wonderful, so realistic, and just overall sweet. I’m very satisfied in their dynamic at the end; I think it’s wonderful to see something like that in a romance book — it was the best ending Mason could’ve written for them, I think. The supporting cast are strong too, and it was always enjoyable to read the friendship dynamics between everyone.
I had fun!! Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book early!
As a longtime fan of Mason Deaver’s work, I can definitely attest that the switch to adult novels has been an amazing choice! Both this book and “The Build-a-Boyfriend Project” flow very nicely and I can tell it’s a more comfortable place for them to write in.
For the setting and overall storytelling, I’m a huge fan of Mason’s ability to set stories in the real world with tasteful, realistic details about pop culture, jokes, and technology use, while also keeping the world feel far enough away that the story is still fun and stays relevant! Owen is an understandable and relatable character. His personality, humor, and transness are very real, like they came straight from myself or someone in my actual life. And I admit I was really touched at the inclusion of his arthritis and mobility aid usage. I’m a cane user with chronic pain and it made me realize how much I needed to have casual representation like this. Truly I think my favorite, or one of my favorite, details in the whole book. (Maybe also the SJ Sharks mention… The future is teal!)
The only thing I found missing in regards to Owen was a little deeper of a dig into his mind. He has a *lot* of self doubt/insecurity and anxiety, and that stays pretty consistent throughout. Realistic for the shorter timeframe of this story, but I also was hoping for a moment or scene(s) that push him a little harder. Especially from Jacob. We see how Jacob is put to the test, and he really seems to grow, but Owen’s growth feels more off-page and slid under the rug. Owen has a habit of wanting to run from things, and I wish just once someone really snapped or pushed him a little further so he can grow out of it. I think his growth is there, for sure, I see it, and we’re told it, but I wish I saw more of it directly. More of his internal dialogue changing and working things out in “real time.” There were a few times where I felt this distance from him really did a big disservice in providing satisfying transitions in his feelings.
However, that being said, I really enjoyed reading this story overall. I literally read it in like one session, all day, because I couldn’t put it down. (And that’s after a streak of struggling to leisure read — very grateful for this to spark that again!!) There were so many delicious cliche-esc scenes that I absolutely ate up. Owen and Jacob’s chemistry is wonderful, so realistic, and just overall sweet. I’m very satisfied in their dynamic at the end; I think it’s wonderful to see something like that in a romance book — it was the best ending Mason could’ve written for them, I think. The supporting cast are strong too, and it was always enjoyable to read the friendship dynamics between everyone.
I had fun!! Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book early!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✎✧˚ Thank you to the author, Mason Deaver, and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ship Happens by Mason Deaver is a swoony, emotionally layered second-chance romance that perfectly balances angst, humor, and heartfelt character growth. Set against the dreamy backdrop of an Alaskan cruise, the novel uses its forced proximity premise to full advantage, trapping exes Owen and Jacob in close quarters where unresolved feelings inevitably resurface.
What truly drives the novel is its emotional tension. Deaver handles this "getting back together" story with care, allowing both characters the space to grow rather than rushing toward reconciliation. The way we get to witness them finding a middle ground in their relationship, giving themselves time rather than abandoning their mutual feelings for good, feels refreshing in a way we don’t see enough of in adult romance fiction.
The supporting cast is equally captivating. The friend group brings a vibrant found family dynamic, full of humor, meddling, and genuine love. Their banter adds lightheartedness while also grounding the story in a sense of community that feels real and lived-in.
More importantly, the representation shines, as queer and trans identities are woven naturally into the narrative, enriching the characters without defining them. Owen’s disability is also handled with the utmost respect, as he’s never made to feel inadequate or a burden – in fact, his health issues are explained in detail and every character is compassionate and kind towards his condition.
The cruise setting enhances both the romance and the escapism, offering scenic descriptions and fun, intimate moments that push the characters closer together. Yet, the emotional stakes remain at the center of the narrative. Owen’s gradual vulnerability and Jacob’s attempts to rebuild trust create a believable, satisfying story that never feels forced.
Ship Happens is a heartfelt and engaging romance about love that lingers despite distance and pain. It’s tender, funny, and full of yearning – and even though there are a few moments that might make you gently suggest everyone drink a glass of water, it’s a swoon-worthy ride that might just leave you craving your own Alaskan cruise… preferably with a little less chaos at the end of it.
"Not everyone knows what they’re doing. And that’s okay. There’s no time limit; there’s no finish line you’re supposed to reach." The words are soft, and yet they feel like they carry the weight of the world. "What matters is that you’re happy."
Ship Happens by Mason Deaver is a swoony, emotionally layered second-chance romance that perfectly balances angst, humor, and heartfelt character growth. Set against the dreamy backdrop of an Alaskan cruise, the novel uses its forced proximity premise to full advantage, trapping exes Owen and Jacob in close quarters where unresolved feelings inevitably resurface.
What truly drives the novel is its emotional tension. Deaver handles this "getting back together" story with care, allowing both characters the space to grow rather than rushing toward reconciliation. The way we get to witness them finding a middle ground in their relationship, giving themselves time rather than abandoning their mutual feelings for good, feels refreshing in a way we don’t see enough of in adult romance fiction.
The supporting cast is equally captivating. The friend group brings a vibrant found family dynamic, full of humor, meddling, and genuine love. Their banter adds lightheartedness while also grounding the story in a sense of community that feels real and lived-in.
More importantly, the representation shines, as queer and trans identities are woven naturally into the narrative, enriching the characters without defining them. Owen’s disability is also handled with the utmost respect, as he’s never made to feel inadequate or a burden – in fact, his health issues are explained in detail and every character is compassionate and kind towards his condition.
The cruise setting enhances both the romance and the escapism, offering scenic descriptions and fun, intimate moments that push the characters closer together. Yet, the emotional stakes remain at the center of the narrative. Owen’s gradual vulnerability and Jacob’s attempts to rebuild trust create a believable, satisfying story that never feels forced.
Ship Happens is a heartfelt and engaging romance about love that lingers despite distance and pain. It’s tender, funny, and full of yearning – and even though there are a few moments that might make you gently suggest everyone drink a glass of water, it’s a swoon-worthy ride that might just leave you craving your own Alaskan cruise… preferably with a little less chaos at the end of it.
"Not everyone knows what they’re doing. And that’s okay. There’s no time limit; there’s no finish line you’re supposed to reach." The words are soft, and yet they feel like they carry the weight of the world. "What matters is that you’re happy."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Avon for the ARC!
Second chance romance + forced proximity is my kryptonite so I knew I just had to read this one!! There was a lot that I liked about this and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Right off the bat, I loved the diverse cast of characters and the different types of representation that we got in this book. Firstly, with our main couple, Owen and Jacob, both being trans men, but also through Owen's disability. There's nothing I appreciate more than reading outside of my own experience, especially when it's handled with such care like in this book. Also, the side characters definitely added to that as well!
I also loved the whole premise. Stuck on a cruise ship with your ex and your nosy, meddling friend group?? Sold. I liked all the rom com-esque antics that they got into and how it allowed Jacob and Owen to slowly find their way back to each other. This was definitely a slowww burn and there was only one spicy scene but my god it was so hot!! Well worth the wait lol.
While I did like a lot of this, I wouldn't be writing an honest review unless I mentioned how much of this fell flat for me. I think the potential was there for a lot and it just missed the mark. The forced proximity element could have been explored better. I feel like there wasn't enough tension considering their close quarters, often time the energy between them didn't feel charged like I'd hoped and just awkward more than anything.
I wanted to love Owen so bad, but he just was not my cup of tea. I think I'm too sensitive for his snark and general lack of warmth. I'm glad Jacob loved how sarcastic, dry, and sorta mean he could be, but it just wasn't for me. I did very much relate to him when it came to his feelings towards large crowds and how introverted he was though - maybe he was too much of a mirror for me lol. Jacob was so sweet and I loved how passionate he was about marine biology. His profession in general really intrigued me and it was so fun to read about.
The ending was also kind of unsatisfying. It felt like we were building up to so much more and then we get to the epilogue, and it still felt like only the start of something. Like, I can obviously make my own assumptions on what their life would look like after that, but I really needed a true epilogue, a glimpse into their future where they're finally actually together.
All that being said, I still enjoyed a lot and would absolutely check out more from this author!
Second chance romance + forced proximity is my kryptonite so I knew I just had to read this one!! There was a lot that I liked about this and I can't wait to read more from this author.
Right off the bat, I loved the diverse cast of characters and the different types of representation that we got in this book. Firstly, with our main couple, Owen and Jacob, both being trans men, but also through Owen's disability. There's nothing I appreciate more than reading outside of my own experience, especially when it's handled with such care like in this book. Also, the side characters definitely added to that as well!
I also loved the whole premise. Stuck on a cruise ship with your ex and your nosy, meddling friend group?? Sold. I liked all the rom com-esque antics that they got into and how it allowed Jacob and Owen to slowly find their way back to each other. This was definitely a slowww burn and there was only one spicy scene but my god it was so hot!! Well worth the wait lol.
While I did like a lot of this, I wouldn't be writing an honest review unless I mentioned how much of this fell flat for me. I think the potential was there for a lot and it just missed the mark. The forced proximity element could have been explored better. I feel like there wasn't enough tension considering their close quarters, often time the energy between them didn't feel charged like I'd hoped and just awkward more than anything.
I wanted to love Owen so bad, but he just was not my cup of tea. I think I'm too sensitive for his snark and general lack of warmth. I'm glad Jacob loved how sarcastic, dry, and sorta mean he could be, but it just wasn't for me. I did very much relate to him when it came to his feelings towards large crowds and how introverted he was though - maybe he was too much of a mirror for me lol. Jacob was so sweet and I loved how passionate he was about marine biology. His profession in general really intrigued me and it was so fun to read about.
The ending was also kind of unsatisfying. It felt like we were building up to so much more and then we get to the epilogue, and it still felt like only the start of something. Like, I can obviously make my own assumptions on what their life would look like after that, but I really needed a true epilogue, a glimpse into their future where they're finally actually together.
All that being said, I still enjoyed a lot and would absolutely check out more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved this book—so much so that I flew through it in no time because I just couldn’t put it down.
It’s a second-chance romance featuring trans rep, a main character living with arthritis, and a forced proximity setup in a travel setting—basically a combination that completely worked for me. There’s also that perfect blend of found family and blood family who care so much they can’t help but meddle. Kaitlyn especially stood out—she just wanted her brother and best friend to find their way back to each other.
The chapter titles were such a highlight—fun, clever, and a great touch of levity that balanced out the heavier moments. I loved getting the context behind each one as the story unfolded.
Emotionally, this book hit the perfect sweet spot of angst with a satisfying, hard-earned happy ending. One thing I especially appreciated (and honestly is a must have in a second-chance romance) is that neither of them was “the bad guy” in the breakup. I love that both of them have their flaws because it speaks truthfully to the human experience. Owen, in particular, tends to lash out when he’s hurting—but ultimately, it was their circumstances that pulled them apart.
They never stopped loving each other, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time, hoping they could make it work. This book shows demonstrates that saying “right person, wrong time” and shows us when it’s the right time, it can work. Owen is deeply tied to his home—through his job, medical needs, and a real discomfort with change—while Jacob had to leave for a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity on the other side of the world, with an uncertain, constantly shifting future.
The pining? Absolutely devastating in the best way. They both know exactly why things didn’t work before, and that those same obstacles still exist—but the love is still undeniably there.
Watching their journey unfold was incredibly satisfying, and the ending felt genuinely earned. It gave me a realistic happily-ever-after rather than something overly convenient or magical. That said, I wouldn’t have complained about a couple more chapters after the epilogue—my heart wasn’t quite ready to let them go.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for my ARC copy. Receiving an ARC copy did not impact my opinion of this book.
It’s a second-chance romance featuring trans rep, a main character living with arthritis, and a forced proximity setup in a travel setting—basically a combination that completely worked for me. There’s also that perfect blend of found family and blood family who care so much they can’t help but meddle. Kaitlyn especially stood out—she just wanted her brother and best friend to find their way back to each other.
The chapter titles were such a highlight—fun, clever, and a great touch of levity that balanced out the heavier moments. I loved getting the context behind each one as the story unfolded.
Emotionally, this book hit the perfect sweet spot of angst with a satisfying, hard-earned happy ending. One thing I especially appreciated (and honestly is a must have in a second-chance romance) is that neither of them was “the bad guy” in the breakup. I love that both of them have their flaws because it speaks truthfully to the human experience. Owen, in particular, tends to lash out when he’s hurting—but ultimately, it was their circumstances that pulled them apart.
They never stopped loving each other, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time, hoping they could make it work. This book shows demonstrates that saying “right person, wrong time” and shows us when it’s the right time, it can work. Owen is deeply tied to his home—through his job, medical needs, and a real discomfort with change—while Jacob had to leave for a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity on the other side of the world, with an uncertain, constantly shifting future.
The pining? Absolutely devastating in the best way. They both know exactly why things didn’t work before, and that those same obstacles still exist—but the love is still undeniably there.
Watching their journey unfold was incredibly satisfying, and the ending felt genuinely earned. It gave me a realistic happily-ever-after rather than something overly convenient or magical. That said, I wouldn’t have complained about a couple more chapters after the epilogue—my heart wasn’t quite ready to let them go.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for my ARC copy. Receiving an ARC copy did not impact my opinion of this book.
April 6, 2026
4.5 stars! Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for this advanced copy! You can pick up Ship Happens on August 18, 2026.
A good second-chance romance makes you root for the protagonists to get together. A great second-chance romance sucker punches you in the gut with yearning before healing you with emotional love confessions and forbidden "we really shouldn't" make-up sex. Mason Deaver delivers a great second-chance romance with Ship Happens, which follows a San Franciscan tattoo artist named Owen who's stuck on a cruise ship with the (ex) love of his life for a week.
Owen and Jacob suffered through a horrible break-up a year ago, but as part of the same friend group/family, they get roped into going on a big family cruise up to Alaska. Owen harbors a lot of hurt for the way he and Jacob left things, and especially because he knows little can change for their future. Jacob has the job of his dreams, requiring him to travel for work, while Owen has a steady support system/idea for his future in San Francisco.
What I really appreciated about this book is how, in such a short time, we get truly emotional conversations and moments between Owen and Jacob. In such a confined space, there are only so many places where you can run away from your feelings, and eventually, the duo realizes they can try to heal together and work their way towards being friends again. But neither has truly let the other go emotionally, leading to some truly fantastic tension and yearning from both parties.
While some of the actions from the characters can feel frustrating, they're also totally understandable and relatable given the situation Owen and Jacob are in. Their circumstances haven't changed in the last year, but each has individually grown so much as a person that they're willing to explore this new dynamic and make it work for them. I just love this new approach to a happy ending, and how realistically it portrays the way life isn't always set in stone.
Aside from the depth of the relationship and character growth, this book also had fantastic queer representation, with both protagonists being trans. The way Mason wove in mentions of top scars and medicine/shots was seamless, and a wonderful testament to the rise in LGBTQIA+ stories we're seeing across the romance genre (I need 14 million more of them asap).
All in all, if you want a second-chance romance between a T4T couple with massive amounts of yearning and emotional angst, this is the book for you!
A good second-chance romance makes you root for the protagonists to get together. A great second-chance romance sucker punches you in the gut with yearning before healing you with emotional love confessions and forbidden "we really shouldn't" make-up sex. Mason Deaver delivers a great second-chance romance with Ship Happens, which follows a San Franciscan tattoo artist named Owen who's stuck on a cruise ship with the (ex) love of his life for a week.
Owen and Jacob suffered through a horrible break-up a year ago, but as part of the same friend group/family, they get roped into going on a big family cruise up to Alaska. Owen harbors a lot of hurt for the way he and Jacob left things, and especially because he knows little can change for their future. Jacob has the job of his dreams, requiring him to travel for work, while Owen has a steady support system/idea for his future in San Francisco.
What I really appreciated about this book is how, in such a short time, we get truly emotional conversations and moments between Owen and Jacob. In such a confined space, there are only so many places where you can run away from your feelings, and eventually, the duo realizes they can try to heal together and work their way towards being friends again. But neither has truly let the other go emotionally, leading to some truly fantastic tension and yearning from both parties.
While some of the actions from the characters can feel frustrating, they're also totally understandable and relatable given the situation Owen and Jacob are in. Their circumstances haven't changed in the last year, but each has individually grown so much as a person that they're willing to explore this new dynamic and make it work for them. I just love this new approach to a happy ending, and how realistically it portrays the way life isn't always set in stone.
Aside from the depth of the relationship and character growth, this book also had fantastic queer representation, with both protagonists being trans. The way Mason wove in mentions of top scars and medicine/shots was seamless, and a wonderful testament to the rise in LGBTQIA+ stories we're seeing across the romance genre (I need 14 million more of them asap).
All in all, if you want a second-chance romance between a T4T couple with massive amounts of yearning and emotional angst, this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc!
Ship Happens by Mason Deaver was exactly what I needed for a ten hour plane journey. The edge-of-your-seat romance, devastatingly relatable main characters, incredible queer and disabled representation, all while on an Alaskan cruise, made me go through an entire personal character arc while 35,000 feet above the ocean.
This second-chance romance follows the story of two ex-boyfriends who are trapped on a cruise ship together for an entire week. They may have agreed to be amicable with one another, but they soon begin to question if they may want to be more. What if, not only are you still in love with your ex after a full year of separation, but you do not want to stop loving your ex?
Deaver has once again created characters who are so deeply relatable, I feel as if they’ve become a part of my soul. Owen’s mental journey throughout the novel is a constant state of chaos. He has goals, but he is unsure if they are truly what he wants, and he doesn’t know how to figure that out. Meanwhile, our love interest Jacob is balancing making life-changing decisions regarding his career and love-life while just trying to enjoy a rare vacation with his closest family and friends.
The representation in this story makes my heart so happy. Not only is there lots of LGBTQ+ representation between our two trans main characters, along with their assortment of friends (including incredible sapphic representation), but the disability representation in this story is so well done! As someone who is disabled myself, Owen’s feelings towards his illness hit deep. I’ve also never read a book where the main character’s mobility aid usage reflected my own so closely. It was so wonderful for this to be a part of the book, but also not the whole point of the story.
Overall, Deaver’s writing style has stunned me once again. I found myself absolutely flying through this book, and terribly sad that it was over so soon. Ship Happens balances being an adorable romance with an incredible depth that only left me craving more!
December 8, 2025
Thank you endlessly to Mason Deaver for letting me read Ship Happens early!!!
First, I need to talk about that stunning cover for a second! The title in the clouds?? Their PINKIES!! And the colors?? So gorgeous!
Y'all are not going to want to miss this one! It's so good!!
💜T4T!!!!!
🩵SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
🩷FOUND FAMILY
💜DISABILITY REP
🩵TATTOO ARTIST
🩷MARINE BIOLOGIST
💜FORCED PROXIMITY
🩵MEDDLING FRIENDS
🩷IDIOTS TO LOVERS
✨️Owen and Jacob ... oh my goodness. I just loved them both so much. Both so different, but so lovable and relatable. They are complete opposites, yet still make sense together somehow. So many times I wanted to just hug poor Owen, the guy was just going the fuck through it lol.
They truly are no good at being exes, there's way too much love still there! Even when they were trying to be civil (but were NOT back together 🙄) on the trip, they were always taking care of each other and those were some of my favorite moments. So precious! Of course I also wanted to bonk them on their heads and yell at them to just talk to each other (Owen!!). Idiots to lovers truly lol.
The friend group is just the best!!! They are a big part of this story and even though they all seem to be moving on and doing their own things they are always there for each other. And *some* of them meddle where they shouldn't be! I loved how the beginning and end of the book had the friend group all together. The best found family.
This one is a sloooow burn but absolutely worth it in the end. Lots of silly moments and lots of sweetness with these two. And I think I sobbed through the last, like, 4 chapters and the epilogue, lol. So Fair warning!
I can't wait for everyone to read this when it's out in August! You can expect for me to be yelling about this book until then!! 💜🩵🩷
While you're waiting for this one, I recommend checking out Mason's debut adult romance, The Build-A-Boyfriend Project, it's delightful! ✨️
First, I need to talk about that stunning cover for a second! The title in the clouds?? Their PINKIES!! And the colors?? So gorgeous!
Y'all are not going to want to miss this one! It's so good!!
💜T4T!!!!!
🩵SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
🩷FOUND FAMILY
💜DISABILITY REP
🩵TATTOO ARTIST
🩷MARINE BIOLOGIST
💜FORCED PROXIMITY
🩵MEDDLING FRIENDS
🩷IDIOTS TO LOVERS
✨️Owen and Jacob ... oh my goodness. I just loved them both so much. Both so different, but so lovable and relatable. They are complete opposites, yet still make sense together somehow. So many times I wanted to just hug poor Owen, the guy was just going the fuck through it lol.
They truly are no good at being exes, there's way too much love still there! Even when they were trying to be civil (but were NOT back together 🙄) on the trip, they were always taking care of each other and those were some of my favorite moments. So precious! Of course I also wanted to bonk them on their heads and yell at them to just talk to each other (Owen!!). Idiots to lovers truly lol.
The friend group is just the best!!! They are a big part of this story and even though they all seem to be moving on and doing their own things they are always there for each other. And *some* of them meddle where they shouldn't be! I loved how the beginning and end of the book had the friend group all together. The best found family.
This one is a sloooow burn but absolutely worth it in the end. Lots of silly moments and lots of sweetness with these two. And I think I sobbed through the last, like, 4 chapters and the epilogue, lol. So Fair warning!
I can't wait for everyone to read this when it's out in August! You can expect for me to be yelling about this book until then!! 💜🩵🩷
While you're waiting for this one, I recommend checking out Mason's debut adult romance, The Build-A-Boyfriend Project, it's delightful! ✨️
December 8, 2025
Thank you endlessly to Mason Deaver for letting me read Ship Happens early!!!
First, I need to talk about that stunning cover for a second! The title in the clouds?? Their PINKIES!! And the colors?? So gorgeous!
Y'all are not going to want to miss this one! It's so good!!
💜T4T!!!!!
🩵SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
🩷FOUND FAMILY
💜DISABILITY REP
🩵TATTOO ARTIST
🩷MARINE BIOLOGIST
💜FORCED PROXIMITY
🩵MEDDLING FRIENDS
🩷IDIOTS TO LOVERS
✨️Owen and Jacob ... oh my goodness. I just loved them both so much. Both so different, but so lovable and relatable. They are complete opposites, yet still make sense together somehow. So many times I wanted to just hug poor Owen, the guy was just going the fuck through it lol.
They truly are no good at being exes, there's way too much love still there! Even when they were trying to be civil (but were NOT back together 🙄) on the trip, they were always taking care of each other and those were some of my favorite moments. So precious! Of course I also wanted to bonk them on their heads and yell at them to just talk to each other (Owen!!). Idiots to lovers truly lol.
The friend group is just the best!!! They are a big part of this story and even though they all seem to be moving on and doing their own things they are always there for each other. And *some* of them meddle where they shouldn't be! I loved how the beginning and end of the book had the friend group all together. The best found family.
This one is a sloooow burn but absolutely worth it in the end. Lots of silly moments and lots of sweetness with these two. And I think I sobbed through the last, like, 4 chapters and the epilogue, lol. So Fair warning!
I can't wait for everyone to read this when it's out in August! You can expect for me to be yelling about this book until then!! 💜🩵🩷
While you're waiting for this one, I recommend checking out Mason's debut adult romance, The Build-A-Boyfriend Project, it's delightful! ✨️
First, I need to talk about that stunning cover for a second! The title in the clouds?? Their PINKIES!! And the colors?? So gorgeous!
Y'all are not going to want to miss this one! It's so good!!
💜T4T!!!!!
🩵SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
🩷FOUND FAMILY
💜DISABILITY REP
🩵TATTOO ARTIST
🩷MARINE BIOLOGIST
💜FORCED PROXIMITY
🩵MEDDLING FRIENDS
🩷IDIOTS TO LOVERS
✨️Owen and Jacob ... oh my goodness. I just loved them both so much. Both so different, but so lovable and relatable. They are complete opposites, yet still make sense together somehow. So many times I wanted to just hug poor Owen, the guy was just going the fuck through it lol.
They truly are no good at being exes, there's way too much love still there! Even when they were trying to be civil (but were NOT back together 🙄) on the trip, they were always taking care of each other and those were some of my favorite moments. So precious! Of course I also wanted to bonk them on their heads and yell at them to just talk to each other (Owen!!). Idiots to lovers truly lol.
The friend group is just the best!!! They are a big part of this story and even though they all seem to be moving on and doing their own things they are always there for each other. And *some* of them meddle where they shouldn't be! I loved how the beginning and end of the book had the friend group all together. The best found family.
This one is a sloooow burn but absolutely worth it in the end. Lots of silly moments and lots of sweetness with these two. And I think I sobbed through the last, like, 4 chapters and the epilogue, lol. So Fair warning!
I can't wait for everyone to read this when it's out in August! You can expect for me to be yelling about this book until then!! 💜🩵🩷
While you're waiting for this one, I recommend checking out Mason's debut adult romance, The Build-A-Boyfriend Project, it's delightful! ✨️
March 22, 2026
Wow! My first book by this author & definitely not my last. Finished this in one sitting!!! I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually read a book with Trans characters where they’re intimate. I’ve mainly read YA, so I was hesitant as I did not know how I would respond being as I know so little about sex with a Trans person, let alone two, there’s many ways to be Trans so I was unsure what the dynamics would be. I’m here to say it didn’t change or affect the story negatively at all for me. I felt the same butterflies, the same attraction, the same yearning & anticipation as I would have with any other 5 star romance book. I loved Owen & Jacob so much & I could see them & every scene so clearly in my eye without it being overly descriptive. I am a weirdo & do wish I had some more description of their face structure & outfit style just to really complete the picture because I’m one of those people that see what I read as a movie. That being said my favorite scene of the book, & something I really wanna draw, is the scene on the deck where they’re holding hands under the northern lights. So beautiful!!!! I’m normally not a fan of second chance but I loved that they both just wanted the other to be happy, their mistake was thinking each others presence weren’t required for that happiness. Finally, I love love loved the found family aspect & the humor throughout. I was cackling my dude!! I looked forward to the chapter titles & the accompanying jokes, every one was so good. 5 star book, I think my only small complaint, & this is a personal thing, is I do wish it weren’t third person. It loses its intimacy in this style & I think the emotions & depth could’ve been relayed a lot deeper in first person narrative. Especially based on the plot which is essentially parent trapping them together & seeing how their feelings eventually come to the surface. Personal preferences aside, it was an amazing book & I can’t wait for people to read this one!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am shocked and frankly disappointed at the quality of writing in this book. This is my first Mason Deaver book, but I’ve heard of I Wish You All The Best and The Build-a-Boyfriend Project which I’ve been curious off but haven’t gotten around to.
I do love transmasc representation, always, and this book is t4t which we need more of. I’m also appreciative of the disability representation in this book. Unfortunately, this is where my praise begins and ends.
For starters, the characters aren’t very interesting and most of them are flat out unlikable. Owen is an annoying protagonist, the side characters aren’t that likable either. Jacob is fairly inoffensive, but has no chemistry with Owen and most of the book is them arguing around in circles. Which brings me to my next two issues: dialogue, and pacing.
The dialogue is weird. A lot of the conversations don’t make any sense or are otherwise inhuman and unrealistic. A lot of the pacing issues are perpetuated by the dialogue, but the pacing is fast in all the wrong places and slow during the scenes that don’t really matter. Again, this book primarily is the main couple arguing over the same things multiple times then doing some activity that forces them together then arguing again.
Finally, the book’s conclusion. It’s unsatisfying and I didn’t feel rewarded when the final page was turned. At its best, Ship Happens is fine. Not good, not bad, just fine. It’s safe and a bit boring but I read the entire thing in a couple days and wouldn’t say I hated my time with it. I do think it is written with the same attentiveness as a middle schooler writing their first fanfiction, but I do believe this story is hindered by the novel format and would have really benefitted from being a shorter story, but I wouldn’t tell anyone not to give it a try for themselves. It wasn’t for me, but I think if you’re interested in it, go for it!
I was provided an e-ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ship Happens by Mason Deaver ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
🛳️ Tropes 🛳️
- second-chance
- best friends brother
- forced proximity
I think we could have gotten so much more from this book if it were written from multiple POVs in first person instead of in third person. This was my first Mason Deaver book, so it could just be how the author writes! I just feel like having both Owen and Jacob’s POV would have added so much to the story, and shown us so much more about their characters!
Throughout SHIP HAPPENS, Jacob gets teased a lot because of his research and love for aquatic life, but I actually wish we got more of his story in that regard. He left a multiple-year-long relationship behind for his studies and it’d be nice to read more about how he spent his time there - more than just it passing in conversation briefly.
Owen honestly was not my fav main character that I’ve ever read. It often felt like Kaitlyn was babysitting him and that the side characters were just talking him through the same decisions over and over again. It was said multiple times how he was an adult, but his character acted more like a teenager most of the time.
I really enjoyed the flashback scenes in SHIP HAPPENS. They were a window into what Owen and Jacob’s relationship looked like before the breakup. It was interesting to see how that compared to the new relationship they started!
I would honestly have liked more about Owen’s parents. From what we were told of him, they did not seem supportive at all. How did they react when he came out to them? I don’t know what I would’ve liked specifically, just something *more* in that aspect.
Overall, this was a cute second-chance romance! I’m glad Owen and Jacob were able to work things out and eventually got their HEA 🥹 the epilogue tied it all together so nicely!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
🛳️ Tropes 🛳️
- second-chance
- best friends brother
- forced proximity
I think we could have gotten so much more from this book if it were written from multiple POVs in first person instead of in third person. This was my first Mason Deaver book, so it could just be how the author writes! I just feel like having both Owen and Jacob’s POV would have added so much to the story, and shown us so much more about their characters!
Throughout SHIP HAPPENS, Jacob gets teased a lot because of his research and love for aquatic life, but I actually wish we got more of his story in that regard. He left a multiple-year-long relationship behind for his studies and it’d be nice to read more about how he spent his time there - more than just it passing in conversation briefly.
Owen honestly was not my fav main character that I’ve ever read. It often felt like Kaitlyn was babysitting him and that the side characters were just talking him through the same decisions over and over again. It was said multiple times how he was an adult, but his character acted more like a teenager most of the time.
I really enjoyed the flashback scenes in SHIP HAPPENS. They were a window into what Owen and Jacob’s relationship looked like before the breakup. It was interesting to see how that compared to the new relationship they started!
I would honestly have liked more about Owen’s parents. From what we were told of him, they did not seem supportive at all. How did they react when he came out to them? I don’t know what I would’ve liked specifically, just something *more* in that aspect.
Overall, this was a cute second-chance romance! I’m glad Owen and Jacob were able to work things out and eventually got their HEA 🥹 the epilogue tied it all together so nicely!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is absolutely not the 2nd chance romance I expected and I'm here for it. The character growth, the maturity, the SUPPORT (between the MMCs and from their found family), all make this such a refreshing read. Plus the fact that their friend group basically has a token straight person instead of a token queer.
Owen and Jacob were together for years, fully in love, when Jacob got the job opportunity of a lifetime that had him moving across the continent and then the ocean. Owen is very much a black cat, who likes his routines and his home with his friends, so Jacob went alone. Their relationship fell apart, and they haven't spoken in a year when Jacob comes home for Christmas, only to find that Jacob's sister/Owen's best friend has booked them all on a cruise for the holiday. Now they're stuck on a boat, in the same suite, with slightly meddlesome friends, and they're gonna have to talk about it eventually.
I love how flawed but still lovable Owen is. I feel like he nailed the balance of sometimes being overcome by emotions and acting irrationally, but also recognizing his own shortcomings in a very mature way. The love between Owen and Jacob just feels so pure, and the way they want to be together but also want the other to live their best life is heartbreaking. It's refreshing to read a trans love story where the struggles of the MMCs have almost nothing to do with their transness, and the disability rep with Owen's arthritis is so well done. I'm so impressed with how this book managed to depict one of the most realistic romance stories I've read, where everything is not perfectly sunshine and rainbows once you find your person, while still giving the emotional comfort I'm looking for in a romance novel.
I received this an an eARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Owen and Jacob were together for years, fully in love, when Jacob got the job opportunity of a lifetime that had him moving across the continent and then the ocean. Owen is very much a black cat, who likes his routines and his home with his friends, so Jacob went alone. Their relationship fell apart, and they haven't spoken in a year when Jacob comes home for Christmas, only to find that Jacob's sister/Owen's best friend has booked them all on a cruise for the holiday. Now they're stuck on a boat, in the same suite, with slightly meddlesome friends, and they're gonna have to talk about it eventually.
I love how flawed but still lovable Owen is. I feel like he nailed the balance of sometimes being overcome by emotions and acting irrationally, but also recognizing his own shortcomings in a very mature way. The love between Owen and Jacob just feels so pure, and the way they want to be together but also want the other to live their best life is heartbreaking. It's refreshing to read a trans love story where the struggles of the MMCs have almost nothing to do with their transness, and the disability rep with Owen's arthritis is so well done. I'm so impressed with how this book managed to depict one of the most realistic romance stories I've read, where everything is not perfectly sunshine and rainbows once you find your person, while still giving the emotional comfort I'm looking for in a romance novel.
I received this an an eARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Avon for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was really excited to read this one: second chance romance? forced proximity? trans representation? Alaskan cruise? love interest obsessed with researching squid? OMG sign me up!!
First, what I loved about it: this is an adorable friend group with wonderful trans as well as LGBTQ+ representation, no ‘bad’ characters but just good people trying to navigate life and make the best choices. It was just the right number of side characters to add fun but not so many I got overwhelmed. I cared about them just as much as the main characters.
A few things that weren’t for me: this is just my personal opinion, but at the beginning I found Owen to be a really unlikable main character and narrator. His inner critic was intense and seemed to be the main plot initially. (In good news, though, I was SO happy to see Owen have awesome character development quite early on as Jacob arrives on the scene). It was also a very slow burn and skim on the spicy parts. Since they were exes I was thinking it would be a bit more intense and explosive, but those looking for more depth in the emotional connection and the little things that add up, this is for you! Still very enjoyable, just a heads up for those looking for a lot of spice immediately and often.
Overall, I really liked this book and the characters. Jacob, the main love interest, was one of my favorite main characters I’ve read in a while. (Admittedly I also love the squid research background!)
Lastly, if nothing else, you have to read this book for the absolutely hilarious title chapters and amusing banter among the friend group. My favorite chapter title: “TSA, The Organization That Famously Loves Trans People” Touche, Mason Deaver!
I was really excited to read this one: second chance romance? forced proximity? trans representation? Alaskan cruise? love interest obsessed with researching squid? OMG sign me up!!
First, what I loved about it: this is an adorable friend group with wonderful trans as well as LGBTQ+ representation, no ‘bad’ characters but just good people trying to navigate life and make the best choices. It was just the right number of side characters to add fun but not so many I got overwhelmed. I cared about them just as much as the main characters.
A few things that weren’t for me: this is just my personal opinion, but at the beginning I found Owen to be a really unlikable main character and narrator. His inner critic was intense and seemed to be the main plot initially. (In good news, though, I was SO happy to see Owen have awesome character development quite early on as Jacob arrives on the scene). It was also a very slow burn and skim on the spicy parts. Since they were exes I was thinking it would be a bit more intense and explosive, but those looking for more depth in the emotional connection and the little things that add up, this is for you! Still very enjoyable, just a heads up for those looking for a lot of spice immediately and often.
Overall, I really liked this book and the characters. Jacob, the main love interest, was one of my favorite main characters I’ve read in a while. (Admittedly I also love the squid research background!)
Lastly, if nothing else, you have to read this book for the absolutely hilarious title chapters and amusing banter among the friend group. My favorite chapter title: “TSA, The Organization That Famously Loves Trans People” Touche, Mason Deaver!
April 22, 2026
Absolutely loved the concept of this one! It wasn’t a full 5 stars for me, but I had a genuinely great time reading it and can confidently give it a solid review.
Mason really excels at writing flawed characters, which I need in my books because real people are messy. Not everyone wants cookie-cutter perfection, and this delivered on that front. That said… the conflict? Yeah, I’m blaming 90% of it on absolute garbage communication. Was fear and anxiety part of it? Sure. But I’m still side-eyeing the communication skills real hard.
Owen is a tattoo artist currently crashing in his best friend’s spare bedroom after a breakup he very much has not recovered from. And when I say not recovered, I mean it’s been a year and we are still deep in the trenches. To make things messier (because of course), his best friend is also his ex’s sister. The drama? Built in.
Enter Jacob, said ex and marine biologist, who left for a dream field research opportunity. Honestly, I can’t even be mad at him for taking it, but the way everything went down definitely left some emotional wreckage behind.
Fast forward to the present: the friend group’s annual Christmas tradition turns into a west coast-to-Alaska cruise before a couple of them start their mom era. First of all, obsessed with a cold-weather cruise moment. Give me glaciers over beaches any day.
Of course, Owen and Jacob are thrown back into each other’s orbit, and it becomes painfully obvious they’re not actually over each other. The problem? Their lives are still pulling them in completely different directions. So now we’re stuck in that delicious, frustrating “are they going to figure it out or not” limbo.
The friend group was adorable and chaotic in the best way. Owen and Jacob’s careers? Hot. The fact that they’re both trans and completely freaking adorable together? Say less.
This is a slow-burn, second-chance romance about two people who clearly burn brighter together, they just have to actually communicate enough to make it work.
Mason really excels at writing flawed characters, which I need in my books because real people are messy. Not everyone wants cookie-cutter perfection, and this delivered on that front. That said… the conflict? Yeah, I’m blaming 90% of it on absolute garbage communication. Was fear and anxiety part of it? Sure. But I’m still side-eyeing the communication skills real hard.
Owen is a tattoo artist currently crashing in his best friend’s spare bedroom after a breakup he very much has not recovered from. And when I say not recovered, I mean it’s been a year and we are still deep in the trenches. To make things messier (because of course), his best friend is also his ex’s sister. The drama? Built in.
Enter Jacob, said ex and marine biologist, who left for a dream field research opportunity. Honestly, I can’t even be mad at him for taking it, but the way everything went down definitely left some emotional wreckage behind.
Fast forward to the present: the friend group’s annual Christmas tradition turns into a west coast-to-Alaska cruise before a couple of them start their mom era. First of all, obsessed with a cold-weather cruise moment. Give me glaciers over beaches any day.
Of course, Owen and Jacob are thrown back into each other’s orbit, and it becomes painfully obvious they’re not actually over each other. The problem? Their lives are still pulling them in completely different directions. So now we’re stuck in that delicious, frustrating “are they going to figure it out or not” limbo.
The friend group was adorable and chaotic in the best way. Owen and Jacob’s careers? Hot. The fact that they’re both trans and completely freaking adorable together? Say less.
This is a slow-burn, second-chance romance about two people who clearly burn brighter together, they just have to actually communicate enough to make it work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, thank you so much Mason Deaver as well as Avon or Harper Voyager for allowing me to read this Arc copy of the book. I am so grateful and honored.
Second, I want to say while this isn't my first Mason Deaver book, I believe this might be my favorite. I enjoyed the story and the characters so much. I like the overall in depth of learning something new as well as various aspects of relationships.
For Owen and Jacob, they are similar but so different. I like the fact that we see them learn to communicate better and grow even within the small-time frame. I was so scared that they were going to give up their hopes and dreams for others like so many people do in the romance genre, but I love that this one went a different way. A more complicated but overall true to the characters and their needs. It shows that you can be in love with someone and that sometimes, timing needs to work for each other and its okay each want your own needs and wants to be met before you are ready to be in a relationship that is ultimately, what is meant to be in whatever capacity that is meant for you both.
I wasn't expecting the overall drama with the best friends, but I do love that they were called out.
I would like to add I love how drawn out the wait for the physical aspects of the relationship were. I love each friend sharing their thoughts but not overly, trying to push their own prerogative on it.
I love the ending of the book. It was such a fantastic way to wrap it up and show that no matter how long, what it is meant to be for each character and the main couple.
Thank you again so much!
Second, I want to say while this isn't my first Mason Deaver book, I believe this might be my favorite. I enjoyed the story and the characters so much. I like the overall in depth of learning something new as well as various aspects of relationships.
For Owen and Jacob, they are similar but so different. I like the fact that we see them learn to communicate better and grow even within the small-time frame. I was so scared that they were going to give up their hopes and dreams for others like so many people do in the romance genre, but I love that this one went a different way. A more complicated but overall true to the characters and their needs. It shows that you can be in love with someone and that sometimes, timing needs to work for each other and its okay each want your own needs and wants to be met before you are ready to be in a relationship that is ultimately, what is meant to be in whatever capacity that is meant for you both.
I wasn't expecting the overall drama with the best friends, but I do love that they were called out.
I would like to add I love how drawn out the wait for the physical aspects of the relationship were. I love each friend sharing their thoughts but not overly, trying to push their own prerogative on it.
I love the ending of the book. It was such a fantastic way to wrap it up and show that no matter how long, what it is meant to be for each character and the main couple.
Thank you again so much!
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