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Why Not?

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Southern raised with a passion for mystery novels and stray animals, Ellie Moore is reeling. Her ex-husband remarried a woman who's everything she isn't - elegant and sophisticated - and the man she thought was "the one"? A scammer. When she wins a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise Line, she immediately packs her bags, ready for a change.

Having been nudged toward his golden years by forced retirement, introverted history teacher Mark Moore is given the worst gift a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise Line. Booked by the nieces he raised as his own, Mark has no interest in going on the trip - but even less in hurting the girls’ feelings. He downloads dozens of books to his phone and plans to spend the cruise avoiding as many people as possible.

Sparks fly when the cruise line accidentally pairs Ellie in the same stateroom as Mark. He hates that she’s messy and loud, and she thinks he’s just like all other men – untrustworthy to his core. But when Mark reconnects with Gavin, a former student in trouble with the law, Ellie jumps at the chance to help with what feels like a real-life mystery novel.

While joining forces to help Gavin, Mark and Ellie’s feelings for one another move from enemies to friends to possibly more. Mark is having more fun in his seventies than he ever did in his younger years. And Ellie’s certain that she might have finally found a man she can trust. But just when it seems like love is on the horizon, Ellie uncovers concerning information about Mark. He’s not who seems. Did Ellie fall in love with the wrong man again? Or is there more to the story?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

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About the author

Leanne Treese

9 books92 followers
Leanne lives in New Jersey with her husband of twenty-five years and their three wonderful children. When Leanne is not cheering her children on in their activities, she can be found running, watching Philadelphia 76ers basketball, and spoiling her two beloved dogs. Favorite locations include the Jersey shore, Martha's Vineyard, and any place that sells books or coffee, preferably both! A passionate student, Leanne's dream life would include going back to college and majoring in everything.

Leanne is a graduate of Lafayette College and The Dickinson School of Law. A former attorney, Leanne is now lucky enough to write full-time!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee.
1,243 reviews283 followers
March 29, 2026
I am so happy to have found this author. I totally enjoyed this book so much! I am such a fan of reading about older main characters. This is a rom-com, and the two main characters, Ellie and Mark , meet while on a senior savers cruise. Ellie was looking forward to it, but Mark, who's an introvert, was given the trip as a gift from his nieces, and isn't as enthused about it. Him and Ellie are accidentally paired to stay in the same room. At first, things aren't exactly perfect, but when they both join forces to help a former student of Marks, who's in some trouble, sparks begin to fly. But then Ellie learns some information about Mark that concerns her. But maybe it's not as it appears! This book is funny, light-hearted, and heart-warming. I loved the whole second chance trope and loved the characters so much! Romance readers will love this book. I definitely want to check out more books by this author. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tammy.
896 reviews19 followers
January 20, 2026
📚Why Not?
✍🏻Leanne Treese
Blurb"
Southern raised with a passion for mystery novels and stray animals, Ellie Moore is reeling. Her ex-husband remarried a woman who's everything she isn't - elegant and sophisticated - and the man she thought was "the one"? A scammer. When she wins a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise Line, she immediately packs her bags, ready for a change.

Having been nudged toward his golden years by forced retirement, introverted history teacher Mark Moore is given the worst gift a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise Line. Booked by the nieces he raised as his own, Mark has no interest in going on the trip - but even less in hurting the girls’ feelings. He downloads dozens of books to his phone and plans to spend the cruise avoiding as many people as possible.

Sparks fly when the cruise line accidentally pairs Ellie in the same stateroom as Mark. He hates that she’s messy and loud, and she thinks he’s just like all other men – untrustworthy to his core. But when Mark reconnects with Gavin, a former student in trouble with the law, Ellie jumps at the chance to help with what feels like a real-life mystery novel.

While joining forces to help Gavin, Mark and Ellie’s feelings for one another move from enemies to friends to possibly more. Mark is having more fun in his seventies than he ever did in his younger years. And Ellie’s certain that she might have finally found a man she can trust. But just when it seems like love is on the horizon, Ellie uncovers concerning information about Mark. He’s not who seems. Did Ellie fall in love with the wrong man again? Or is there more to the story?
My Thoughts"
Romance readers from their thirties to their eighties will love Why Not?, Leanne Treese's newest romcom proving later-in-life romance can be twice as surprising and passionate as young love ever was. What starts as an elderly cruise mishap quickly becomes a heartfelt, funny, and genuinely charming journey about second chances, and unexpected connections. Mark Moore is given the worst gift ever, a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise. Mark was not interested in in the trip but didn't want to hurt his nieces. Sparks fly when the cruise line accidentally pairs Ellie in the same room. Mark hates it Ellie is loud and messy . While joining forces to help Gavin, Mark and Ellie's feelings for one another move from enemies to friends and possibly more.
Thanks NetGalley, Moxie Publishing, LLC and Author Leanne Treese for the complimentary copy of "Why Not?' I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#LeanneTreese
#MoxiePublishingLLC
#WhyNot?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm).
1,231 reviews97 followers
March 28, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🔍 enjoy fun mysteries
🚢 have ever gone on a cruise
💕 believe you can find love at any age
🐶 are a huge animal lover

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Southern raised with a passion for mystery novels and stray animals, Ellie Moore is reeling. Her ex-husband remarried a woman the opposite of her in every way - elegant and sophisticated -  and the man she was certain was the one? A scammer. When she wins a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise Line, she immediately packs her bags, ready for a change. 

Having been nudged toward his golden years by forced retirement, introverted history teacher Mark Moore is given the worst gift ever: a trip on the Senior Savers Cruise Line. Booked by the nieces he raised as his own, Mark has no interest in going on the trip, but even less in hurting the girls' feelings. He downloads dozens of books to his phone and plans to spend the cruise avoiding as many people as possible.  

Sparks fly when the cruise line accidentally pairs Ellie in the same stateroom as Mark. He hates that she's messy and loud, and she thinks he's just like all other men - untrustworthy to his core. But when Mark reconnects with Gavin, a former student in trouble with the law, Ellie jumps at the chance to help with what feels like a real-life mystery novel. 

While joining forces to help Gavin, Mark and Ellie's feelings for one another move from enemies to friends to possibly more. Mark is having more fun in his seventies than he ever did in his younger years. And Ellie's certain that she might have finally found a man she can trust.  But just when it seems like love is on the horizon, Ellie uncovers concerning information about Mark. He's not who seems. Did Ellie fall in love with the wrong man again? Or is there more to the story?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

How cute was this mystery?! I am in my thirties, but I love when books have characters of all ages for all age groups! I think I might pass this one on to my grandma as she might find it relatable and enjoyable. I found both characters absolutely hilarious in their own ways, and even found myself relating to them in different ways as well. I am a huge animal lover but I also love my quiet time with my books. The story moves at a nice pace, and we see the mystery unfold nice and steady while also watching their relationship blossom. I highly recommend this if you love mysteries with a side of romance!
Profile Image for Linda Zagon.
1,780 reviews229 followers
January 25, 2026
Leanne Treese, the Author for “Why Not” has written a delightful, whimsical, heartfelt and entertaining novel. In this well-written novel, the author asks can people who are “seasoned citizens” in their seventies, find love? The author has vividly described the scenery, the plot, and the colorful and dramatic cast of characters. I appreciate that there is an animal lover, and quite a few different animals have their say in this story. The female protagonist Ellie Moore, is an outgoing Southern Woman with a love for animals. In her seventies, she is divorced and her ex-husband has gotten remarried. She helps her son in his veterinary practice. Some of her romantic endeavors have not been successful, and her son worries that Ellie will be scammed. After winning a senior cruise, Ellie is hoping to have a good time.

Mark Moore (no relation) is sent on the same cruise by the nieces he raised. Mark is a retired History teacher, and somewhat introverted. By some coincidence, perhaps the last names, both Ellie and Mark find themselves in the same cabin. Mark has some secrets from his past There are games and activities, and Mark discovers that Gavin, a past student is part of the recreation team. It seems that Gavin has some secrets and gets Mark and Ellie involved in his unorthodox activities.

What happens when you put two people that are opposite, several adventures and trouble together. Is it possible that they can fall in love? Why not? I loved this memorable, enjoyable and thought-provoking story and highly recommend it.
537 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2026
Why Not? is a refreshing and uplifting romance that beautifully captures the excitement, uncertainty, and joy of finding love later in life. Leanne Treese has created a story filled with humor, heart, and memorable characters that readers will immediately connect with.

Ellie and Mark are wonderfully developed protagonists whose past disappointments shape their outlook on life and relationships. Their unexpected stateroom mix-up creates an entertaining enemies to friends dynamic that gradually evolves into something deeper and more meaningful. Watching them challenge each other's assumptions and slowly lower their defenses is both heartwarming and satisfying.

What makes this novel particularly enjoyable is its blend of romance and mystery. The storyline involving Gavin adds intrigue and purpose to the plot, giving Ellie and Mark an opportunity to work together while building trust and connection. This element keeps the story engaging while complementing the emotional development of the romance.

The novel also delivers a powerful message about second chances, resilience, and embracing new opportunities regardless of age. The mature protagonists bring a refreshing perspective that is often underrepresented in romance, making the story feel authentic and relatable.

Filled with warmth, humor, emotional depth, and hope, Why Not? is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys character driven romance with a touch of mystery. A charming reminder that life's greatest adventures can begin when you least expect them.
Profile Image for Carol.
731 reviews26 followers
February 24, 2026
WHY NOT? It is a hilarious and heartwarming story of two people in their seventies who prove there is no age limit to finding love. Thank you @leannetreese and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the #gifted book.

Ellie is an animal lover who is fun, loud, and extroverted. Mark is a retired teacher who is grumpy, introverted, and perfectly happy reading his book on plagues. The two unlikely pair get mistakenly booked in the same room on a Senior Cruise.

Ellie is trying to move past from being scammed and Mark has his own secrets. When Mark meets Gavin, a former student, they get involved in a crime caper that leaves them in a luxury hotel for a week in the Bahamas. Their attraction grows as they have adventures and they both deal with their past. How can you not fall in love on a beautiful island?

I love that the characters are older and being in my 60's I found them relatable. They both had meddling children and the secondary characters were fun. I found myself laughing out loud and was cheering for Ellie and Mark to find the happiness and love they deserved.
Profile Image for The Lit .
358 reviews32 followers
February 5, 2026
I’m giving this a 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! Leanne Treese has crafted something truly special here—a delightful, whimsical, and deeply heartfelt story that answers the question: Can you find "the one" in your seventies? Spoiler alert: Absolutely.
​I fell in love with Ellie Moore, a vibrant Southern woman with a massive heart for animals (we love a girl who helps out at her son's vet clinic!). Watching her navigate the high seas alongside the introverted retired history teacher, Mark Moore, was such a joy. The scenery is vivid, the plot is engaging, and the cast of characters—including a few vocal animals—makes the whole journey feel so alive. It’s a beautifully written reminder that love doesn't have an expiration date.
​Want more "Seasoned Romance" recs that will melt your heart? Sail over to my profile @TheLitWhisperer!
Profile Image for Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff).
2,841 reviews104 followers
February 14, 2026
This book was the perfect mix of levity, mishaps, and later-in-life romance. It was just what I needed!

A booking mistake on a Senior Savers Cruise pairs animal-loving, messy, ball of sunshine Ellie Moore with introverted, grumpy, reading-about-plagues Mark Moore. Maybe not quite one bed, but they are stuck in one stateroom.

I loved these characters, both in their seventies and both big-hearted. They had years of experiences, both good and bad, that shaped them, plus each had adult children who were meddling too. The entire cast was lively, and the setting truly felt like a journey.

In this funny, warm, and charming story about second chances, Leanne Treese proves that romance and love knows no age limit.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @leannetreese for this gifted book.




Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,895 reviews158 followers
February 1, 2026
Why Not? by Leanne Treese is a fantastic romance that I absolutely loved.

I really enjoy that seasoned citizens (I love this phrase) in their seventies that are asking if they can still find love.

The female main character is Ellie Moore, is a fun Southern Woman who absolutely LOVES animals.
I loved the animals.

Her son thinks she should find romance, and she hasn't had any luck.
She wins a senior cruise, and Ellis is hopeful to have a great time.

Mark Moore, the male main character is on the cruise as well, he is definitely a lot more introverted than Ellie.

Somehow, they end up in the same cabin, maybe the last names?

I loved the force proximity trope with older characters.

I loved this book so much!!!!!!

Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Booksandcoffeemx.
2,593 reviews157 followers
February 5, 2026
I absolutely loved this one, it was such a delightful surprise. One of the first things that immediately caught my attention was Ellie. She works at a veterinary clinic and is a total animal lover, I was sold right away.

Ellie and Mark are older, and not exactly looking for love, which somehow makes finding it even sweeter. Ellie is funny, loud, and extroverted; Mark is grumpy, introverted, and perfectly content keeping to himself.

Watching them be forced into close quarters on a seniors cruise ship (yes, really) was equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.

This was a beautiful story about second chances, trust, and finding joy in unexpected places. It made me laugh, kept me smiling, and I closed the book feeling happy, that’s always a win for me.
Profile Image for Julie B. (readingonthebrink).
228 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2026
A sweet, funny, uplifting read!

What a sweet gem of a story! A perfect way to stave off the winter cold, and cosy up to this later-in-life romance. Why Not had me pulled in to the main characters orbits right away, laughing out loud at the banter and predicaments the 2 MCs find themselves in. I appreciated the way Treese portrayed the two main characters, Ellie and Mark - their vulnerabilities, their sass/sarcasm, and the true ying and yang of their relationship. A great read to start February off!
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,210 reviews
March 15, 2026
This was a sweet read of a older couple (in the 70s) second chance romance. Mark and Ellie are both sent on a senior cruise by loved ones and they immediately don't get along when there's mishaps right away.
They are such opposites but when they become friends and more, it just works. But I wish Mark had been more forthcoming with Ellie because of a thing she went through and told him about. But I felt that it helped later on to reconnect them in a positive way and the people that helped along the way in each of their lives.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,505 reviews40 followers
February 12, 2026
Adorable from the front cover all the way through to the back! A darling romance at sea. The writing was phenomenal and the characters were so realistic, heartwarming, cute and hilarious. I loved this book! This story is an adventure about how life’s twists and turns can bring the most unexpected things. So "Why Not?" Loved the plot, great setting, and strong, interesting characters. An entertaining and very fun read you won't be able to put down, don't miss it!
Profile Image for Lisa Albright.
1,992 reviews69 followers
March 7, 2026
This sweet romance/mystery is a heartwarming love story between two older adults that have loved and lost. There are funny moments and tender moments, and I enjoyed them all. I love the opposites attract vibe and it was so cute to see them finally realize they meant something to each other. Well-written and capturing the surprise of finding love again this novel will leave you with a smile on your face and in your heart.

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Maria Imbalzano.
Author 13 books352 followers
March 20, 2026
I was quickly drawn into Leanne Treese’s latest novel, “Why Not?” The characters are in their early seventies which is rare to see in a romance novel but welcome. The story was funny and endearing, but also encompassed heartbreak and second chances. As with any well-written characters, the hero and heroine have pasts that encroach on the present leading to wrong assumptions and mistaken beliefs. Several twists kept me turning the pages of this very sweet romance.
Profile Image for Kim Wilch.
Author 6 books86 followers
March 23, 2026
This one completely won me over. It’s a warm, funny story about two seventy-somethings—Ellie, a lively animal lover, and Mark, a grumpy, bookish retiree—who couldn’t be more different but somehow click. Their adult kids add plenty of chaos, and the supporting cast keeps things lively. I found myself LOL more than once while rooting for them to find their happily-ever-after. It’s charming, relatable, and a great reminder that love can show up at any age.
Profile Image for Christy Taylor.
1,260 reviews55 followers
March 25, 2026
I can’t get enough senior characters lately, and I adored both Ellie and Mark. Ellie was a hoot, and her passion for rescuing animals touched my heart. Introverted Mark, with his kind heart, his love for the nieces he raised, had made some bad choices in the past but seemed to have more than made up for them. The cruise and their subsequent adventure were such fun to read about, and I loved the epilogue.
Profile Image for Dawnny.
Author 1 book90 followers
February 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this romantic adventure so much! It's about two older adults that connect on a cruise ship. Ellie is an animal lover and Mark a history teacher. They come together to help one of Mark's former students. This was a charming, humorous and heartfelt romance. I really enjoyed this.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Profile Image for crafty.jenn.reads.
288 reviews18 followers
March 12, 2026
As I really enjoyed her book Home, I was excited to read this one.

Just as good, but much more RomCom-y.

Both tender and funny, I loved the later-in-life romance, I loved the vacation setting, I loved Ellie's sass, I even loved the side characters (I’m looking at you, Gavin).

I can’t wait for this author’s next book.
Profile Image for Sarah W.
1,091 reviews34 followers
February 21, 2026
This was such a sweet read. I loved both Mark and Ellie’s personalities and how they were total opposites. The things they got into were fun and made me smile. There were a couple deeper emotional issues that I was not expecting added a good amount of depth. I enjoy cruises and I really liked how this was a senior cruise. I don’t read a lot of books with both main characters in this age range but I really enjoyed it. There was some mystery, romance, while being family centered. The small self discovery on both sides was nice and it was just an all around wholesome read.

Thank you @leannetreese @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Profile Image for Angela.
803 reviews
April 4, 2026
Grumpy sunshine?

Forced proximity?

Enemies to lovers?

Was this book grown for me in a lab?

I loved the cruise ship setting, the accidental roommate situation, and the fact that the two main characters had fully functional prefrontal cortexes.

This book was so utterly charming, I immediately went looking for her back catalogue.
Profile Image for Debbie Rozier.
1,461 reviews99 followers
March 16, 2026
This is a fun and sweet romance featuring older main characters (early 70s), opposites attract, and grumpy vs sunshine. It all happens during the main characters’ vacation which in part takes place on a seniors cruise in the Caribbean.

I also loved the fact there was a little mystery added into the plot.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews