In the Same Boat

by Portia MacIntosh

A BRAND NEW fake dating romantic comedy from MULTI-MILLION-COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh!🌞💖Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren! 🩵Sometimes the only way forward is to rock the boat…

Sammie’s life is all about work, routine and stability. She needs to get back out there and start having fun, but then her mum turns up needing somewhere to live, and it’s seriously harming Sammie’s dating game. So, in a moment of desperation, Sammie takes her to an over-fifties singles night, hoping a little romance might encourage her to move out and move on.

There, Chrissy meets Hank. Unfortunately, he also comes with his sarcastic, frustratingly attractive son, who Sammie clashes with instantly.

Sammie assumes she’ll never see either man again. Until her mum surprises her with a luxury holiday to Monaco… aboard Hank’s yacht, with him and Nico. Trapped at sea with two loved-up parents and a man who gets under her skin, Sammie agrees to a ridiculous she and Nico will pretend to be a couple so their over-the-top affectionate parents will back off.

But somewhere between fake flirting, forced proximity, and sun-soaked days at sea, pretending starts to feel dangerously real. And when the truth finally comes out, Sammie has to decide whether she’s ready to stop steering away from the things she really wants.

💖 Praise for Portia 💖

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

'A joyful blend of wit, warmth, and swoon-worthy tension. Portia MacIntosh is a must-read voice in contemporary romantic comedy who kept me reading past my bedtime.' Camilla Isley

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

'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin

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

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

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

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Rom Com, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary Romance

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 12, 2026

About the author

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

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

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

Find out more at www.portiamacintosh.com

Reviews

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎉Happy Publication Day!🎉


I have to read more from this author. I forgot how much fun her books are.

I loved the writing style and the humor. This book made me laugh a lot, and this is what the com in rom-com is all about, so I’d recommend it for that reason alone.

Sammie and Nico first met at a singles event for people in their fifties, which they tricked their parents into attending. What followed was a series of that-would-never-happen events, including all four of them ending up on a fancy yacht. As two couples. Sort of.

Fake dating is a great trope. Combined with forced proximity and only one bed, it is even better. I didn’t love that Nico and Sammie were rude to each other at the beginning, but they grew on me eventually. Also, Sammie’s inner monologue was so entertaining that I was easily distracted from the fake conflict.

The parents were fun too (dad jokes notwithstanding), and the whole setup was very light and rom-com-y.

Overall, a solid four stars, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.

Expected 12 Aug 26

[Kate McMurry · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

Dual POV, British, fake-dating romcom

Sammie is a 32-year-old civil engineer who suffers from an anxiety disorder that makes her judgmental and frequently rude. Nico is a 34-year-old IT professional specializing in video game design who is mellow and unfailingly polite. Sammie's 50-something mother Chrissy is temporarily living with her, and Nico's 50-something father Hank is temporarily living with him. Both Sammie and Nico are embarrassed about living with their parents at their age, even though the person who is struggling is not them but their parents.

Their first meet occurs when Sammie is her mother's wingman at a bar offering a singles night for people over 50, and Nico and his father arrive at the same event with Nico serving as wingman for his dad. Chrissy immediately hits it off with Hank, because they are both attractive and equally gregarious. Unfortunately, things are a bust between Sammie and Nico, and it is entirely Sammie's fault.

Nico is handsome and congenial, but with virtually no evidence to support her assumption, other than he's not an uptight martinet like herself, Sammie assumes he is a "failure to launch" flake supported by his father (a misperception that she maintains until the last few pages of the novel) and looks down her nose at him.

It's not easy to successfully pull off the "enemies to lovers" (ETL) trope, and one of the most obnoxious ways to fail at it is that the so-called enmity is caused by the FMC or the MMC, or both, acting like a jerk. In this case, it is Sammie who is a complete troll to Nico throughout most of the book. I simply can't understand why any man would be attracted to a woman who treats him with the amount of patronizing disrespect that Sammie dumps on Nico.

The main tropes that appear in this story besides ETL include:

*Matchmaking parents
*Fake dating
*Wealthy MMC hiding his wealth so he can be potentially loved for himself alone
*STEM MCs
*Reverse grumpy/sunshine (FMC is the grump)

I obtained free access to this book through Amazon Prime library.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love the books I read by Portia MacIntosh, and she has quickly become one of my favorites for quirky characters, funny banter, and a cute love story. This had everything that I love but I wasn’t a fan of Sammie. She never became likeable and ruined the book for me. Otherwise, the other characters were fun and enjoyable. This wasn’t my favorite, but I enjoyed the banter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, or Christina Lauren, this is definitely one to add to your TBR! 🩵

Sammie has built her life around work, routine, and stability. Romance isn’t exactly at the top of her list—especially when her mum unexpectedly moves in and becomes an unintentional obstacle to her dating life.

Determined to get her mum back out into the dating world, Sammie takes her to an over-fifties singles night. And, of course, that’s where things get complicated.

Her mum meets Hank, and Sammie meets Nico—Hank’s sarcastic, ridiculously attractive son. Their first meeting is anything but smooth, and the two clash immediately. Sammie figures that’s the end of it.

Until her mum surprises her with a luxury holiday in Monaco… on Hank’s yacht. 😳

Now Sammie is stuck at sea with her loved-up mum and Hank, plus the infuriating man she can’t seem to get along with. To escape their parents’ matchmaking and excessive affection, Sammie and Nico come up with a plan: pretend to be a couple.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well… absolutely everything when the fake flirting starts feeling a little too real. 😉

I loved the forced proximity + fake dating combination, and putting these two together on a luxury yacht made the whole setup even more fun. Sammie and Nico have that perfect “I can’t stand you… so why can’t I stop thinking about you?” energy, and watching their relationship evolve from irritation to attraction was such a highlight.

Sammie is relatable, especially in the way she tries to keep everything in her life controlled and predictable. Nico challenges that, forcing her to confront what she actually wants instead of simply choosing what feels safe.

This was a fun, flirty, feel-good romance with plenty of banter, family chaos, sunshine, and chemistry. The Monaco/yacht setting was the perfect backdrop for a story about stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a chance on something—or someone—you never expected.

🩵 Fake dating
🛥️ Luxury yacht romance
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers vibes
☀️ Forced proximity
😂 Sarcasm & banter
💘 Unexpected chemistry
👩‍❤️‍👨 Family matchmaking
✨ A heroine learning to let go of control

If you love fun contemporary rom-coms with witty banter, ridiculous situations, swoony moments, and a couple who absolutely refuse to admit they’re falling for each other, this one is worth picking up!

[Louise Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Usually, I find Portia’s books quite predictable, but in the best, most comforting way. However, I did not predict where this one was going, which made it even more fun to read! As always, Portia’s writing had me smiling and giggling throughout.

Another fun, quick and easy read from Portia, and I’ll happily read anything she writes!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough beach read about two couples. One of the couples is the parents of the other couple. The older couple tries everything, including a trip to France to get their kids to become a couple. Their tricks all backfire.

[Cindy P Huntington · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

This one had me literally laughing out loud at the halfway mark. Slightly different take on a rom com book and enjoyed it. Definitely add it to your new books to read. Especially if you are a mom and daughter both single and fairly close. Let the laughs begin!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

*In the Same Boat* by Portia MacIntosh is such a fun, lighthearted rom-com and exactly the kind of book I love for a summer escape.

Sammie and Nico are thrown together when their single parents unexpectedly hit it off, and things get even more complicated when everyone ends up on a luxury yacht in Monaco. Add in forced proximity, fake dating, plenty of banter, and a gorgeous destination, and you have a recipe for a very entertaining read.

I really enjoyed the chemistry and constant back-and-forth between Sammie and Nico. Their relationship starts off with plenty of frustration and misunderstandings, but watching those walls slowly come down was one of my favorite parts. The fake-dating trope worked especially well here and led to some genuinely funny situations.

The Monaco and yacht setting was another highlight. It gave the story such a fun, escapist feel, and I could easily picture myself curled up somewhere sunny reading this one on vacation.

I also really enjoyed the parents, Chrissy and Hank. Their romance added another layer to the story and provided plenty of funny and sweet moments. The family dynamics made the book feel more than just a typical rom-com.

There were a few moments where I found myself wishing the characters would simply communicate instead of making assumptions, and some of the plot felt predictable. Still, the humor, banter, and overall charm kept me entertained.

Overall, *In the Same Boat* is a breezy, feel-good romance filled with fake dating, forced proximity, sunshine, and plenty of laughs. A perfect choice when you're looking for something fun, easy, and escapist!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating? Forced proximity? A sarcastic, annoyingly handsome man? A luxury yacht in Monaco? Obviously, I was in.

Sammie loves her mum, Chrissy, but living together is doing absolutely nothing for Sammie’s love life. In what initially seems like a brilliant solution, Sammie takes her mum to an over-50s night at their local club. Enter Hank—and, unfortunately for Sammie, his son Nico. Before long, Chrissy surprises Sammie with a trip to Monaco aboard Hank’s yacht, where Sammie is forced to spend far more time with Nico than she ever wanted. When their parents’ new romance starts placing pressure on everyone, Sammie and Nico decide that pretending to date might make their lives easier. Because fake dating while trapped together in Monaco always remains completely uncomplicated, right?

I flew through this book in less than a day. It was sweet, funny, romantic, and incredibly easy to get lost in. The yacht, the food, the scenery, and the overall Monaco atmosphere were described so vividly that I could practically feel the sunshine—and was also deeply offended that no one had invited me along.

The romance between Sammie and Nico was adorable, but I also loved that the story gave us two relationships to root for. The mother-daughter and father-son dynamics added much more depth than I expected. They were loving and insightful, but also realistically frustrating. The parents knew versions of their children that no one else did, which created some genuinely meaningful moments alongside all the romantic chaos.

There were also several developments that genuinely surprised me. I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading, but it managed to catch me off guard more than once. The brief reflections on grief and losing a parent also hit me much harder than I anticipated. They never made the book feel overly heavy, but they gave the story an emotional layer that really resonated with me.

Overall, this was such a fun and heartfelt summer romance. It had fake dating, forced proximity, family dynamics, luxurious vacation vibes, deliciously described food, and two possible love stories unfolding in one ridiculously gorgeous setting. What more could I ask for?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In the Same Boat," by Portia MacIntosh, is a cute, fun little piece of fluff, like a cream filled cupcake served in a Hallmark movie. Sometimes, that is enough, and serves as a brain break between heavier works of writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this little indulgence. If you are looking for something light to read on a beach, in a hammock, at a ski lodge, or anywhere else, including in your own home, or while multitasking (if listening to the audiobook, as I did) then this is the answer to that quest. Do not expect great literature, or anything too profound, but you will laugh and be entertained.
Thirty two year old Sammie needs to get her mother out of her house so she, Sammie, can find some kind of social life for herself. She has been working way too hard, needs a vacation (easier said than done) and some romance. She decides to take her mother to a singles event for people over 50, hoping that her mother will meet a nice man, and start a new life, thereby leaving Sammie's home and allowing her the privacy she craves.
At the event. Sammie's mother, Chrissie, meets Hank, a normal, down to earth guy, and they hit it off. Interestingly, he too is there with his child, 34 year old, very single, Nico. Unlike Hank and Chrissie, Nico and Sammie do not hit it off. She finds him obnoxious and sarcastic and wants nothing to do with him.
When Sammie's mother invites her to a getaway, Sammie assumes it will be for the two of them, only, but she soon learns this trip is to be a foursome. Sammie is less than thrilled when Hank and Niko appear and the 4 set off on a yacht, for Monaco. The younger couple want out of this, and want to discourage their parents. How better to do so than to make their parents feel uncomfortable with the two of them suddenly seeming to be in love and overly affectionate? The only problem is, when roll playing, Sammie and Nico begin to feel sparks. Now what? There is a really good twist near the end that I never suspected, but you will have to read it to find out what that might be.
This was a 3.5 star novel, for me, but I rounded up to 4 for Goodreads' purposes as it was a fun one.

[Dennis Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Goodreads Review: *In the Same Boat* by Portia MacIntosh**

*In the Same Boat* promises a delightful mix of fake dating, family complications, sun-soaked escapism, and the kind of romantic tension that develops when two people who can't stand each other are forced to spend time together.

Sammie is someone who values work, routine, and stability, but her carefully managed life becomes complicated when her mother moves in and disrupts her dating prospects. Her desperate attempt to encourage her mum to find romance leads to an over-fifties singles night, where her mum meets Hank—and Sammie encounters Hank's frustratingly attractive son, Nico. Their immediate clash sets up an entertaining dynamic that becomes even more complicated when a luxury holiday in Monaco places them aboard Hank's yacht together.

The fake-dating arrangement is an especially appealing part of the premise. Sammie and Nico pretend to be a couple to keep their overly affectionate parents at bay, but forced proximity and pretend flirting have a habit of making feelings difficult to ignore. The yacht setting adds a glamorous, escapist backdrop, while the family dynamics create plenty of opportunities for awkward moments, sharp banter, and unexpected tenderness.

What gives the story its emotional heart is Sammie's need to reconsider the routines and defenses that have kept her life predictable. Her journey toward recognizing what she genuinely wants offers more than romantic comedy antics; it creates space for personal growth and the courage to embrace uncertainty.

For readers who enjoy contemporary rom-coms featuring fake relationships, enemies-to-lovers tension, family meddling, and holiday settings, *In the Same Boat* looks like an inviting feel-good read. Its central appeal lies in watching two people who agree to pretend to be in love discover that their feelings may be becoming very real.

A promising choice for anyone looking for a humorous, romantic escape filled with chemistry, family chaos, and the possibility of an unexpected happily-ever-after.

[Liz Sturg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC book from NetGalley. I love Portia and this book didn't disappoint! Two kids trying to get their parents to put themselves out there and meet people or go on dates. The parents for them live at home with them and well they really can't date or have people over or else they will get interrupted. They get this idea to take their parents to an over 50s speed date round sort of event. Being they are the only young ones in the event, they gravitate towards each other and talk about their parents. The FMC sees her mom hits off with the MMCs dad and she wants to leave the event and not really deal with the MMC anymore. She finds him annoying and not taking their parents talking to each other seriously. She then finds the MMC is over at her home and his dad is upstairs with her mom and the MMC tells her, they have been up there alone for over 20 mins. The FMC was already having a crazy day at work to come home to the MMC who has made himself at home in her living room. The FMCs mom decides to surprise the FMC on a holiday only to find out that they are vacationing with the MMC and his dad. Then the FMC and MMC start thinking of ways to make their parents uncomfortable so they get to leave the holiday early. They pretend to hit it off and far from putting their parents off on it their parents are delighted. One morning the MMCs dad talks to the FMC letting her know the MMC doesn't really settle down and he needs a strong hand to get him to mature which puts off the FMC. They all get into a disagreement and the FMC and her mom leave the holiday early heartbroken and upset. Her mom fesses up that they wanted her and the MMC to hit it off. That the MMC is the owner of the yacht they were in and that he is a successful business owner. To which the FMC is embarrassed thinking that he was just a spoiled entitled 30yr old. Their parents conspire to reunite them again and they talk it out and end up together. I loved this book!

[Stephanie Coniff · Rating 4 out of 5]

🛥💕 In the Same Boat by Portia MacIntosh
Genre: Rom Com
Length: 272 pages
Spice: 🫑
Pub Date: Aug. 12, 2026
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tropes:
🔸️enemies-to-lovers
🔸️destination setting
🔸️forced proximity
🔸️fake dating
🔸️one bed
🔸️opposites attract

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Summary:
Meet Sammie- single, early 30s, clean water engineer, Type-A to the max, and lives with her mom, Chrissy, who is twice widowed.

Meet Nico- single, video game developer, also early 30s, loves the spontaneity of life, lives with his widower dad, Hank.

When Nico and Sammie each decide to take their single parents to an over-50s singles gathering, they notice that Chrissy and Hank have instant chemistry. But Nico and Sammie have anything but- complete opposites, they both can't stand each other.

So when Hank invites Chrissy on his luxurious yacht for a holiday in Monte Carlo, it seems like a perfect romantic getaway to spark their new relationship... except Nico and Sammie end up on the yacht, too after being tricked by their parents. Will there be love in the air, or will one of them be tossed overboard?

Review:
This was such a unique and fun rom com! It had all of my favorite Portia MacIntosh vibes, with its gorgeous destination setting, witty banter, and forced proximity/one bed tropes (which I love!). But one thing that really made this fun was the added love story of the parents, Hank and Chrissy. It was really funny how Nico and Sammie, even in their 'dislike' of each other, teamed up to try to get off the yacht. And to add a bit of good substance to the comedic parts, the author did formulate the love story around the age-old phrase of not judging a book by its cover when it comes to first impressions. This was a fun one for sure!

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb-
Sammie’s life is all about work, routine and stability. She needs to get back out there and start having fun, but then her mum turns up needing somewhere to live, and it’s seriously harming Sammie’s dating game. So, in a moment of desperation, Sammie takes her to an over-fifties singles night, hoping a little romance might encourage her to move out and move on.
There, Chrissy meets Hank. Unfortunately, he also comes with Nico: his sarcastic, frustratingly attractive son, who Sammie clashes with instantly.
Sammie assumes she’ll never see either man again. Until her mum surprises her with a luxury holiday to Monaco… aboard Hank’s yacht, with him and Nico. Trapped at sea with two loved-up parents and a man who gets under her skin, Sammie agrees to a ridiculous plan: she and Nico will pretend to be a couple so their over-the-top affectionate parents will back off.
But somewhere between fake flirting, forced proximity, and sun-soaked days at sea, pretending starts to feel dangerously real. And when the truth finally comes out, Sammie has to decide whether she’s ready to stop steering away from the things she really wants.
🩵 Review -
I have loved other books that I have read by the author and In The Same Boat certainly didn't disappoint. It makes the most perfect summer time read. From the start I was hooked and drawn into the story. Which I found fun and easy to follow. I loved the place settings in the story and there was a great cast of characters. I also loved the author's writing style and I will definitely be reading more by them. I highly recommend it.
💚 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Portia Macintosh and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia MacIntosh has quickly become one of those authors whose new releases I look forward to every year. Even though her books are not heavy on spice, they always manage to pull me in with their humor, charming characters, and entertaining storylines. As soon as I read the description of this one, I knew it would be another fun read, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

I loved both Sammie and Nico from the very beginning. Their personalities balanced each other so well, and I really appreciated that the story was told from both of their perspectives. Having both points of view made it easier to understand what each of them was thinking, but it never took away from some of the bigger surprises along the way. In fact, there were a couple of twists that genuinely caught me off guard, which made the story even more enjoyable.

I also have to give a special mention to the supporting characters. I did not expect to enjoy Chrissy and Hank nearly as much as I did, but they ended up being some of my favorite parts of the book. Hank, in particular, had me laughing more than once with his impulsive personality. Their storyline added an extra layer of fun while also giving Sammie and Nico plenty of opportunities to spend time together. The fake relationship, forced proximity, and gorgeous Monaco setting made for a combination that was hard not to love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had the humor, heart, and romance that I have come to expect from Portia MacIntosh, along with characters that were easy to root for. I finished it with a smile on my face, and I already cannot wait to see what she writes next.

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

[Jerri Bosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right up my street and exactly what I needed when I was reading it!

Sammie is fed up of having her Mum living with her, so tricks her in to attending an over 50s mingles night. Nico tricks his Dad into attending the same night. Whilst their parents hit it off, Nico and Sammie cannot stand each other. With the promise of a girls holiday, Sammie travels to Monaco to board a beautiful yacht - but who is on board, Nico. Who has also been tricked by his Dad? Nico. Together they must come up with a plan to get themselves off the boat and back home so they can escape this nightmare holiday.

This was such an easy read, I think I devoured it in just over 2 hours according to my Bookmory. I just didn't want it to end! It's probably the first book I've ever read which has made me laugh out loud.
The setting of the story is divine, beautiful Monaco - just exuding elegance jumps right off the pages. It feels like you too are also on the deck, cocktail in hand.

I was not keen on either of the main characters. Sammie especially. Nico was lovely at the way he was able to talk to women in the first few chapters, but then when he met Sammie he switched and turned quite awful? I did not understand as to why he was shown as being two different people in a short space of time, and it did confuse me.

I also wish the holiday part of the holiday would have lasted longer. The whole "plan" did not last very long. It felt like they tried for 48 hours then gave up? In which case, it was a very rushed romance. I needed more suspense.

4.5 stars because of how much I enjoyed the story, I just wish it had been longer. We need a story of what happened in the Bahamas/Barbados!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this story.

[fia 🐈‍⬛🕯️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, boldwood books and portia macintosh for an early copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

I feel like I wanna state first just how thankful I am for the opportunity to read this book early, and to remind everyone that not every book is always suited for every person! Sometimes we don’t love a book, yet that doesn’t make it a bad book, does it? I actually don’t love leaving detailed reviews of books I really didn’t like, however, I will always be honest abt the books I read.

That said, I sadly did not love this. But that doesn’t mean this book was bad in any way at all! I really liked the witty, hilarious and easy to read writing and loved how the book started! I liked the setting of Monte Carlo and how summery it felt! It kinda felt like a fruity little drink while tanning in the sun on the beach, so that was great!

What really took away a lot of enjoyment for me were sadly the main characters. Sammie did nothing but complain, which just really irked me. But what kind of made me feel actual dislike was how Sammie and Nico just wouldn’t let their parents be happy. I know they didn’t mean harm, but to me love means sacrifice. So even if they didn’t particularly like each other at first, if they loved their parents and really wanted what’s best for them, they honestly just could’ve sucked it up :(

Again, I was not trying to be mean or downtalk the book or author. This was merely my opinion and I wish the author the absolute best of luck with the upcoming release!

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

'It's a good job they didn't give us speed dating forms, so that we could leave notes on each other. You seem like the kind of girl who would write an essay...'

'You seem like the kind of guy I could write an essay about,' I reply.

The setting was perfect summer escapism vibes, and the humour was great -- I cackled at the bit where Sammie describes her mum's habit of talking about people she doesn't know ('You know Paula? Paula Clarke. Paula Paula. Mick's wife. Mick from the butchers. He has a son to another woman and her other son went to school with you...') only to end the tale with 'anyway, she died.' This is SO TRUE to life, oh my god.

But both of the MCs gave me the ick? Firstly because Nico acted like a douche for no reason -- I guess the author was aiming for antagonistic-to-lovers but there didn't feel like a solid reason behind the animosity, he was just rude.

And then because the MCs hatch a plan to behave like little shits so that their parents will send them home, and it wasn't cute or funny -- I just wanted them to grow the fuck up and let their parents have a bit of happiness. You are on a fucking yacht in Monaco, why are you complaining??? (Especially because this is a FREE HOLIDAY for Sammie!) You don't have to sit there and watch your parents SMILING at each other (heaven forbid!). Go on a day trip, put in your earbuds and listen to music/a podcast/an audiobook -- hell, you could even jump overboard and go swimming because you are on a fucking yacht in Monaco.

I just couldn't enjoy the stupid hijinks because of the sheer ingratitude, sorry. And their plan to take their parents out and get them drunk on shots so that "they embarrass themselves [and] regret everything tomorrow" crossed a line and was just so disgusting I can't even.

P.S. It's certainly a bold choice to make your heroine a water engineer in 2026...

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I consider Portia Macintosh to be one of my favourite romance authors. Her books are always an easy read, charming, funny, and light hearted. Although they may not be anything special her writing and storytelling style just clicks with me and I usually really enjoy reading her books and always look forward to her new releases.
I really liked how in this book our protagonists were in their 30's. Usually in these kinds of books they are in their early twenties (not my demographic) so that was a big plus for me. And I did like them. I thought the banter between Sammie and Nico was good and at times humorous. Unfortunately though, I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between them. At all. They came across as more like brother and sister to me, something I don't want in a romance book.
I also felt like the story lacked any spark and it all just felt a little flat.
It was obvious right from the start what was going on, so there was nothing interesting in the plot for me.
And the ending really gave me the ick. I don't want to say what is was because it's a bit of a spoiler, but it really left a sour taste in my mouth.
So, this wasn't my favourite by this author, I just didn't find it as enjoyable, entertaining or as funny as some of her other books.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review

[Hilal Tunçkol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must be feeling generous giving this five stars, but I genuinely had fun listening to this. Loved the dual POV, and the characters were really fun.

Sammie is worried about her mother; ever since she lost her second husband, it is as if she also lost her joy. Sammie comes up with a plan and she takes her mother to a 50+ mixer so that she can meet someone new. There, her mother does meet a man, Hank, but Sammie also meets someone. Hank's son, Nico.

Hank and Chrissy take a trip with a yatch, and they both take their kids with them. They are having the time of their lives, while Nico and Sammy are very uncomfortable, and miserable. but they get a bright idea; that they should sabotage their parents holiday. That way they would send them away to have a better time together. However, for some reason, the things they do don't work on their parents, and in the meantime, Sammy and Nico fall for each other for real.

SPOILERS??

Because as it turns out, Chrissy and Hank had their own agenda. They weren't really a couple, but they were both worried about their children because they were both working a lot and didn't have a special someone in their lives. So, they decided to bring Nico and Sammy together, and it worked, but they also fell in love in the process.

I am telling you; both couples even get engaged on the same day. It is a bit cringey, but also oddly sweet? I don't know, I cannot explain, but both the fun and the romance satisfied me this time, especially after some other romance books that I recently read and didn't find neither as funny nor as romantic.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia MacIntosh has done it again! In the Same Boat is everything I look for in a feel-good rom-com—funny, charming, romantic, and the perfect escape.

The premise immediately hooked me. Sammie and Nico reluctantly find themselves spending time together after their parents start dating, and what follows is a hilarious mix of forced proximity, fake dating, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Their banter was so much fun, and I loved watching their relationship slowly evolve.

The setting was another standout. Between the luxury yacht, Monaco, and all the sunshine-filled vacation vibes, this felt like the ultimate summer read. I could practically picture myself on deck with the characters, soaking up the scenery.

What I love most about Portia MacIntosh's books is that they always leave me smiling, and this one was no exception. The romance was sweet, the characters were lovable, and there was just the right balance of humor and heart throughout. I even found myself completely invested in the parents' romance alongside Sammie and Nico's story.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romance to throw in your beach bag this summer, I highly recommend In the Same Boat. It's a delightful escape from beginning to end.

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

[Sophie Wisedale · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something wonderful about picking up a rom-com and being transported somewhere glamorous. ‘In the Same Boat’ does exactly that, set aboard a yacht in Monaco, the story has a wonderfully glamorous and escapist feel that makes it perfect for a summer holiday read.

The romance is filled with great tropes that I love to see in a rom-com: fake dating, forced proximity and one bed. I really enjoyed the family dynamics throughout the book - mother and daughter, father and son - it added another layer to the story which definitely meant that I was smiling to myself.

There’s something wonderfully escapist about reading a story set in Monaco, particularly when so much of it takes place on a yacht. It gave the book a fun, luxurious atmosphere and made it incredibly easy to get lost in the story.

While I had fun reading this, I found myself wanting a bit more emotional depth and I felt that the ending was a little rushed. Personally, I wouldn’t have put the mother & father together but that’s definitely my preference.

‘In the Same Boat’ is a light, playful and escapist romance that you can pick up when you’re looking for something easy to read. It would be the perfect book to take on holiday and read by the pool.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher (Boldwood Books) for the ARC.

[Steph Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 ⭐

If you are looking for a breezy, laugh-out-loud rom-com to devour in one sitting, In the Same Boat delivers maximum sunshine and charm. It is light, quick, and absolute perfection for lounging by the pool—or, naturally, reading on the deck of a boat.

What makes this story shine is its dual-relationship dynamic. We follow Sammie and Nico alongside Chrissy and Hank, and Portia MacIntosh navigates the parent-child overlap (mother/daughter and father/son) with complete finesse. It never feels awkward or creepy—just warm, funny, and surprisingly sweet. In fact, Chrissy and Hank were such a highlight that I would happily read an entire spin-off book strictly from their perspectives!

The tropes are in full force and executed so well:

💏 Fake Dating: Delivered with top-tier banter and plenty of tension.
🔁 Forced Proximity: Works seamlessly with the setting to keep the characters colliding in the best ways.
🛥️ Destination Romance: Vivid, immersive, and total escapism.

Beyond the lighthearted romance, the plot packs in a few genuine surprises that keep the pages turning, leading to a neatly tied-up ending that leaves you with a smile. It is packed with authentic laugh-out-loud moments and makes for a delightfully fun, feel-good escape.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

[Lemonworld · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Same Boat starts as the better version of itself. The mother-daughter bickering lands, Sammie's interiority does real work, and her voice runs on a lovely tic: state a thing, then undercut it downward in the same breath. The comedy is specific and true to life — the ciabatta she wants to smack her mother with, the cereal her mum eyes like a pavement sandwich.

Then the plot arrives and eats it. Two smart people — two degrees, apparently — construct a fake-dating scheme so their loved-up parents will "back off," which makes no psychological sense and duly backfires. So they build a second plan. Then a third. Each is an elaborate contraption where one honest sentence would end it. That's the Idiot Ball, passed hand to hand, and it's the engine of the entire second half — closed out, of course, by the mandatory third-act misunderstanding.

The frustrating part: the character logic that might have made this story exceptional is genuinely there. It just arrives as backstory, explained late rather than lived on the page — tell-after-show at novel scale.

Both couples kiss. Everyone's happy. Competent prose, defective statics.

[aribooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ㅤꨄ︎ fake dating
ㅤꨄ︎ rom com
ㅤꨄ︎ summer vibes

I really wanted to read this book because the summary was promising and oh…my..god…I laughed so much during this book….i didn’t expect this to be so funny, even for a short novel but this was peak !!
There was family comedy, summer vibes, a holiday on a boat, fake dating, sweet romance…the perfect book for the summer guys!!!

This is the story of Sammie and Nico, who have both of their parents living with them, and both decided to take them to a over fifties single night. Which will lead them in spending a holiday together, on a boat in Monaco.

I smiled during the whole book, and I loved how it didn’t have any angst (very very very minimal and I don’t even count it as angst honeslty), and god this was so entertaining.
I loved how Sammie and Nico, went from king of not liking each other, to fake date to being in love…and omg their banter and flirting was so funny…I couldn’t stop smiling….

This was my first book from the author but I’ll definitely read more !!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

[Raelene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really was such a fun, fast read. This isn’t a 5 star for me because the conflict just seemed kind of… not actually there. Like, I feel like the reader was being told that Sammie and Nico didn’t like each other, but I felt such chemistry between them and loved their interactions right from the start!

Sammie and Nico really were great main characters, and it really was great to get both of their POVs! I feel like that really added so much to the story. Chrissy and Hank were well developed side characters as well. Since this story focuses basically just on those 4, there was a lot of time to develop them all and it was well done.

I didn’t love the complication towards the end, I get that there’s basically always a ‘third act breakup’ in romance novels and it did fit the story, so I do appreciate that. But I really do love the way things all came together in the end.

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

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'll admit, I wasn't sure about it at first. Chrissy and Hank meet at an over-50s mixer, fall in love, and then decide to set up their adult children. Honestly, the premise sounded a little icky to me. But when Sammie and Nico reacted with the exact same horror I was feeling, I was immediately hooked.

I loved the scheming from both sides as they each tried to sabotage the setup, and I found myself laughing throughout the book. Watching Sammie and Nico slowly go from reluctant participants to genuinely enjoying each other's company was so much fun. There was also a twist toward the end that completely caught me by surprise. And, for once, the inevitable third-act breakup didn't even bother me—it fit the story and was handled well.

This was such a fun, feel-good read and the perfect book to toss in your beach bag or take to the pool. I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a light, entertaining summer romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me an advanced copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Glorymar Rosario-Vicente · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Same Boat by Portia MacIntosh

This is my second book by Portia MacIntosh, so I was very happy to receive an ARC from this author. In the Same Boat is a very light and enjoyable read. It was easy to get into, flowed nicely, and had plenty of funny scenes that were absolutely hilarious when I pictured them in my head.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Nico and Sammie develop. There were definitely moments when I thought, “Are you serious right now? How did you come up with all these assumptions and conclusions about each other? Just communicate!” But I liked the way Portia handled the aftermath once they finally talked. She presented it in an entertaining way.

Let me tell you, I absolutely loved Hank and Chrissy. They added another layer of humor that I really enjoyed. And can we talk about the parallel process running throughout the whole story? It was so funny to watch the similarities unfold as everything came together.

Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

[Abookaday · Rating 4 out of 5]

She did it again! I’ve read almost all of Portia’s books, and they never disappoint. They’re always packed with clever plots, hilarious situations, great one-liners, and a fun cast of characters—and this one was no exception!

Nico and Sammy are both in their 30s and ready for their parents to move out and get a life of their own. When Nico’s dad, Hank, and Sammy’s mom, Chris, meet at a singles mixer for the over-50 crowd, the sparks fly immediately. Meanwhile, Nico and Sammy can barely stand each other after getting off on the wrong foot.

When Hank and Chris’s relationship starts moving way too fast, Nico and Sammy decide the only solution is to pretend to date and try to slow them down. Of course, none of their plans work quite the way they expect, and along the way, they start getting a little closer themselves.

A quick, funny, feel-good read with plenty of laughs and great chemistry. Another winner from Portia!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the free advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura-Elise Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun summer read

This is a really unique premise for a rom com, one I've not read before. Sammie is a smart, risk averse engineer who is trying to find Mr Right but her mum -who lives with her- is cramping her style. She decides to take her mum to an over 50s date night to set her up with a man but it works a little too well. Nico and his dad live together but Nico wants his dad to find love. He connects with Chrissie, Sammie's mum at the date night and they begin a whirlwind romance, but Sammie takes an immediate dislike to Nico. Their snarky banter is hilarious! Chrissie offers to take Sammie on holiday but when she finds herself stuck with Nico and his dad she and Nico come up with a plan to escape. I loved the sunny setting and the will they won't they between Sammie and Nico who obviously liked each other but wouldn't admit it. There were so many plot twists in this book that kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next. And the ending was perfect! A brilliant summer read