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Dreamboat Cruises #1
Buoys & Girls
Book a Receive one shirtless man.
I boarded Dreamboat Cruises expecting sunshine, cocktails, and girl time. My roommate bailing at the last minute felt like a win. Until I opened my cabin door and found a very confused, very shirtless stranger already unpacking.
Apparently, checking the box that said happy to accept a matched roommate didn’t mean someone from my friend group. It meant anyone traveling solo during “Buoys & Girls Week,” Dreamboat’s quarterly singles program, which my best friend signed us all up for as a surprise.
Now I’m sharing tight quarters with Mason Reyes, a laid-back paramedic who is nothing like the men I’ve learned to expect. He listens. He notices things.
But I’m noticing things, too. Like the fact that Mason knows nothing about actual life-saving techniques.
My friends think he’s hiding something.
I’m starting to think this may have been a setup.
The only problem? I wonder if cracking the case is worth it. Because exposing the truth might cost me the one new connection on this ship I don’t want drifting off to sea...
One-click and start reading if you
Strong Friendship VibesForced ProximityHe has a SecretBeach Vacation RomanceOnly one bed
I boarded Dreamboat Cruises expecting sunshine, cocktails, and girl time. My roommate bailing at the last minute felt like a win. Until I opened my cabin door and found a very confused, very shirtless stranger already unpacking.
Apparently, checking the box that said happy to accept a matched roommate didn’t mean someone from my friend group. It meant anyone traveling solo during “Buoys & Girls Week,” Dreamboat’s quarterly singles program, which my best friend signed us all up for as a surprise.
Now I’m sharing tight quarters with Mason Reyes, a laid-back paramedic who is nothing like the men I’ve learned to expect. He listens. He notices things.
But I’m noticing things, too. Like the fact that Mason knows nothing about actual life-saving techniques.
My friends think he’s hiding something.
I’m starting to think this may have been a setup.
The only problem? I wonder if cracking the case is worth it. Because exposing the truth might cost me the one new connection on this ship I don’t want drifting off to sea...
One-click and start reading if you
Strong Friendship VibesForced ProximityHe has a SecretBeach Vacation RomanceOnly one bed
- GenresAudiobook
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 6, 2026
⭑༺༺♡❂♡༻♡༺❀♡❂♡❀༻♡༺♡❂♡༻༻⭑
⭐3
♡ Plot:
Sunny and delightfully unpretentious, Buoys & Girls introduces Liv, who reluctantly boards a singles cruise expecting sunshine, cocktails and carefree girl time - instead, a last‑minute, somewhat serendipitous cabin mix‑up forces her to share close quarters with handsome stranger, Mason. Between singles-week activities, chaotic group dynamics and the eccentricities of “Buoys & Girls Week,” Liv finds herself navigating not only her reservations, but a growing attraction she hadn't bargained for.
♡ Writing Style:
Cynthia Gunderson’s prose is breezy, conversational and easy to consume in one sitting. The tone is lightly comedic, with playful situational humour and snappy dialogue. Novellas often struggle with pacing, but here the rhythm remains consistent throughout, delivering a compact story that feels intentionally light.
♡ Characters:
Liv is a relatably grounded protagonist, her practical reactions anchor the more comical cruise scenarios. Mason is charmingly enigmatic - calm, observant, and just mysterious enough to keep things interesting. The initial forced-proximity dynamic begins with awkward humour before developing into a softer, more genuine connection, rooted in mutual compassion. Supporting characters add a sense of lively group energy, though remain lightly sketched.
♡ Impact:
This is ultimately a feel‑good, low-stakes read - peppered with themes of trust, vulnerability and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The emotional beats land nicely, though the minimal page count limits how deeply they can be explored.
♡ Entertainment Value:
Buoys & Girls is ideal for readers seeking to effortlessly devour a sweet, summery contemporary romance. While the setup is classic rom‑com fuel, readers may be left wishing this had been a full-length novel, thanks to the enjoyable quality of the writing. While unlikely to linger beyond the final page - it functions well as a fun little palate cleanser between heavier reads.
⭑༺༺♡❂♡༻♡༺❀♡❂♡❀༻♡༺♡❂♡༻༻⭑
Genre:
♡ Contemporary Romance
Tropes and Themes:
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Singles cruise
♡ Slow‑burn attraction
♡ Group dynamics
♡ Holiday romance
⭐3
♡ Plot:
Sunny and delightfully unpretentious, Buoys & Girls introduces Liv, who reluctantly boards a singles cruise expecting sunshine, cocktails and carefree girl time - instead, a last‑minute, somewhat serendipitous cabin mix‑up forces her to share close quarters with handsome stranger, Mason. Between singles-week activities, chaotic group dynamics and the eccentricities of “Buoys & Girls Week,” Liv finds herself navigating not only her reservations, but a growing attraction she hadn't bargained for.
♡ Writing Style:
Cynthia Gunderson’s prose is breezy, conversational and easy to consume in one sitting. The tone is lightly comedic, with playful situational humour and snappy dialogue. Novellas often struggle with pacing, but here the rhythm remains consistent throughout, delivering a compact story that feels intentionally light.
♡ Characters:
Liv is a relatably grounded protagonist, her practical reactions anchor the more comical cruise scenarios. Mason is charmingly enigmatic - calm, observant, and just mysterious enough to keep things interesting. The initial forced-proximity dynamic begins with awkward humour before developing into a softer, more genuine connection, rooted in mutual compassion. Supporting characters add a sense of lively group energy, though remain lightly sketched.
♡ Impact:
This is ultimately a feel‑good, low-stakes read - peppered with themes of trust, vulnerability and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The emotional beats land nicely, though the minimal page count limits how deeply they can be explored.
♡ Entertainment Value:
Buoys & Girls is ideal for readers seeking to effortlessly devour a sweet, summery contemporary romance. While the setup is classic rom‑com fuel, readers may be left wishing this had been a full-length novel, thanks to the enjoyable quality of the writing. While unlikely to linger beyond the final page - it functions well as a fun little palate cleanser between heavier reads.
⭑༺༺♡❂♡༻♡༺❀♡❂♡❀༻♡༺♡❂♡༻༻⭑
Genre:
♡ Contemporary Romance
Tropes and Themes:
♡ Forced proximity
♡ Singles cruise
♡ Slow‑burn attraction
♡ Group dynamics
♡ Holiday romance
January 13, 2026
4.5/5
Buoys & Girls is a fast paced, closed door romance about Liv and Mason. Liv is in a cruise celebrating her friend's birthday; however, a few days before the trip, one of her friends who also happens to be her cabinmate cancels. As she boards the ship, she realizes that their cruise is not only celebrating "Buoys & girls week" (singles week) but she will be sharing her cabin with Mason, a handsome paramedic. As they spend time together, Liv realizes that Mason is not who she thinks he is, as some aspects of his story are inconsistent; but this doesn't stop Liv from feeling an attraction towards him.
Overall, this is a very well written story, I enjoyed reading about Liv's friends and their friendship. Would love to have read Mason's POV in this story. Can't wait to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Buoys & Girls is a fast paced, closed door romance about Liv and Mason. Liv is in a cruise celebrating her friend's birthday; however, a few days before the trip, one of her friends who also happens to be her cabinmate cancels. As she boards the ship, she realizes that their cruise is not only celebrating "Buoys & girls week" (singles week) but she will be sharing her cabin with Mason, a handsome paramedic. As they spend time together, Liv realizes that Mason is not who she thinks he is, as some aspects of his story are inconsistent; but this doesn't stop Liv from feeling an attraction towards him.
Overall, this is a very well written story, I enjoyed reading about Liv's friends and their friendship. Would love to have read Mason's POV in this story. Can't wait to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from Book Sirens, but that in no way sways my review of the book.
This is a really cute quick read about Liv, a recently single lady, who goes on a birthday cruise with her best friends for one of their birthdays. Only to discover once on the boat that it’s a singles’ cruise and she has a surprise (hot) male roommate!
The friendships are real and well written and the strangers to lovers romance is quick and I personally like that it doesn’t have some blow up. The MLC is smart and kind and an all around good guy. The FLC is also smart and open to consider other people’s experiences/opinions and I really like that about her. It’s just a book with no complications and a good vibe throughout.
I finished this book in less than 2 hours and enjoyed it very much. However I would have liked the story to be a little more in depth and longer because I really liked the characters.
If you’re looking for a really quick, feel good read, this is a great choice.
If you’re interested, here’s my affiliate link to order from Amazon, while I could make a commission off this link it in no way changes my review of the books. Check my other reviews to see that I always leave an honest review.
Amazon 🔗: https://amzn.to/4jPIRa0
This is a really cute quick read about Liv, a recently single lady, who goes on a birthday cruise with her best friends for one of their birthdays. Only to discover once on the boat that it’s a singles’ cruise and she has a surprise (hot) male roommate!
The friendships are real and well written and the strangers to lovers romance is quick and I personally like that it doesn’t have some blow up. The MLC is smart and kind and an all around good guy. The FLC is also smart and open to consider other people’s experiences/opinions and I really like that about her. It’s just a book with no complications and a good vibe throughout.
I finished this book in less than 2 hours and enjoyed it very much. However I would have liked the story to be a little more in depth and longer because I really liked the characters.
If you’re looking for a really quick, feel good read, this is a great choice.
If you’re interested, here’s my affiliate link to order from Amazon, while I could make a commission off this link it in no way changes my review of the books. Check my other reviews to see that I always leave an honest review.
Amazon 🔗: https://amzn.to/4jPIRa0
January 10, 2026
Any time I have a chance to read a book by Cynthia Gunderson I jump at the opportunity!!
This one was no different!
It’s like Sex In The City meets speed dating, on a cruise.
The girls decide to go on vacation together, unknown to them, they are signed up for a singles cruise and all the activities that go with mingling.
When Liv finds out she is rooming alone, she secretly is excited to have the space to work without her friends nagging at her. But when she opens the door to her cabin and there is a man in there unpacking his suitcase, there seems to be a problem!!
A problem that quickly erupts into a bigger mess when neither of them can switch rooms since the entire ship is booked!
So here they are, a couple of singles, shacked up together on a ship for the next seven days.
Just when Liv thinks she knows Mason so well, things start to unravel. She starts to feel things she shouldn’t feel, she starts to understand things about herself, and dating in general she didn’t understand before.
That’s when life as she knows it, flips upside down in some of the best ways possible!!
Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!
This one was no different!
It’s like Sex In The City meets speed dating, on a cruise.
The girls decide to go on vacation together, unknown to them, they are signed up for a singles cruise and all the activities that go with mingling.
When Liv finds out she is rooming alone, she secretly is excited to have the space to work without her friends nagging at her. But when she opens the door to her cabin and there is a man in there unpacking his suitcase, there seems to be a problem!!
A problem that quickly erupts into a bigger mess when neither of them can switch rooms since the entire ship is booked!
So here they are, a couple of singles, shacked up together on a ship for the next seven days.
Just when Liv thinks she knows Mason so well, things start to unravel. She starts to feel things she shouldn’t feel, she starts to understand things about herself, and dating in general she didn’t understand before.
That’s when life as she knows it, flips upside down in some of the best ways possible!!
Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!
December 30, 2025
This is the perfect instalove story and the concept was perfect.
Mason is the kind of guy every girl dreams of and I love the way he’s written. But it doesn’t stop there, his goal is to help both women and men to find real lasting connection. What he didn’t plan on was his own connection with his unwitting roommate.
Liv had no idea she was going on a cruise specifically planned to help young singles connect. When she finds out, she is one hundred percent against it, She would simply hide out if she wasn’t celebrating one of her best friend’s birthday.
When an error rooms her with Mason she’s not happy, and she lets him know it. I love her little quirks and attitudes but then again she might just begin to like her situation. Mason is good looking, listens, and sees her. What’s not to love, or fall in love with?
This quick read is perfect for bedtime readers and those who want to know the ending this week. Great book. I recommend it.
Mason is the kind of guy every girl dreams of and I love the way he’s written. But it doesn’t stop there, his goal is to help both women and men to find real lasting connection. What he didn’t plan on was his own connection with his unwitting roommate.
Liv had no idea she was going on a cruise specifically planned to help young singles connect. When she finds out, she is one hundred percent against it, She would simply hide out if she wasn’t celebrating one of her best friend’s birthday.
When an error rooms her with Mason she’s not happy, and she lets him know it. I love her little quirks and attitudes but then again she might just begin to like her situation. Mason is good looking, listens, and sees her. What’s not to love, or fall in love with?
This quick read is perfect for bedtime readers and those who want to know the ending this week. Great book. I recommend it.
January 8, 2026
I devoured this book in under 24 hours. This romance follows an FMC who is forced to share a cabin on a cruise ship with the MMC after a mix-up caused by her friend having to cancel. Determined to enjoy girl time with her best friends, she instead finds herself distracted by the hot paramedic sharing her room. Is he hiding something, or was this all part of a setup?
What I loved most about this book was how real the characters felt. The emotional connection between them was so strong and genuine that I couldn’t help but root for them and hope they’d find a way to make it work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I loved most about this book was how real the characters felt. The emotional connection between them was so strong and genuine that I couldn’t help but root for them and hope they’d find a way to make it work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2025
I wonder what I would do in Liv and Mason's situation….Knowing me, I'd probably give in and squeeze in with my girls rather than stay in a room alone with a complete stranger. It's incredibly romantic how things ultimately work out for Mason and Liv. His food poisoning changes everything and becomes the catalyst for Mason and to open up and be vulnerably honest with one another. Their romance is simply beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2025
Finally an original idea for a romance novel. I loved it thank you Booksirens for allowing me to be part of the review team. You have 5 friends that plan on celebrating one of their 30th birthdays but surprise she has singed them all up for the single cruise. What a crazy fun idea. Once on board things go a rye. Funny stuff people. Read it you won’t regret it. I love the originality of this one. The characters are good, the storyline is lovely and keeps pushing forward at a good pace! Well done.
January 22, 2026
Liv and her friends are taking a cruise to celebrate Jamie's birthday. She checked willing to share with a matched roommate but ends up rooming with Mason. The cruise features Singles Week but after a breakup Liv is not interested in a relationship. Mason is part of the cruise activities in which he helps men and women relate to each other. I loved the stress of being honest with your date. There are some excellent tips on how to view dates and long-term relationships. I loved watching how Liv and Mason reacted with each other with care and concern. Great book!
January 27, 2026
This was such a relaxing, enjoyable story. No points of anger or feelings of frustration. Just right, to get my mind off worldly problems.
When Liv ends up sharing a cabin with Mason due to a mix up, there are adjustments to be made to complete the cruise. Although there is forced proximity, it was handled amicably.
The pages seemed to turn themselves and while there are some very good memorable points to ponder they have the touch of wisdom the young and older should find worth taking to heart.
I received a copy through Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
When Liv ends up sharing a cabin with Mason due to a mix up, there are adjustments to be made to complete the cruise. Although there is forced proximity, it was handled amicably.
The pages seemed to turn themselves and while there are some very good memorable points to ponder they have the touch of wisdom the young and older should find worth taking to heart.
I received a copy through Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 2, 2026
This was such a great read to kick of the new year! So thankful that Cynthia Gunderson posts her books on YouTube! I was able to enjoy it as I tidied up the house. I really liked the plot and the whole cast of characters...Liv was very relatable and Mason seems a bit too good to be true but that is the thing about Romance, the perfect men exist. I look forward to the other books in this series, especially Ben.
January 2, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked this book for a lot of reasons. It was fun and light-hearted to read, as any of this type of book should be. However, because of the characters and plot, I felt like it shared a unique view on relationships and what is important in them. That one theme is what helped this book get five stars from me.
Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I liked this book for a lot of reasons. It was fun and light-hearted to read, as any of this type of book should be. However, because of the characters and plot, I felt like it shared a unique view on relationships and what is important in them. That one theme is what helped this book get five stars from me.
Hopefully, you will enjoy it as much as I did.
January 4, 2026
This book is filled with unexpected gems of wisdom amidst all the feel good, wholesome, fun of HEA's. Every now and again the FMC was a bit whiny and for me unrelateable but not unrecoverable in any way. Occasionally I had to suspend reality as she spoke about counselors/therapists and just go with the story flow. I loved the premise and found the pacing worked, for the most part work. I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this cute little story! It’s a quick read that is well written and very entertaining. The two lead characters work well together and the match is totally believable. The supporting characters and friends are a hoot. You shouldn’t miss this one. I’m already looking for the next story in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2026
Ok I loved this book! And it's a clean story! Liv going on a cruz with her friends is awesome! I love this idea. Although I would probably be mad after Jamie explains what kind of cruise it is. And then there is Mason. The whole situation and bonding process between Liv and Mason is great. It's perfect progression. I was crying right along with Liv when the cruise was coming to an end. Such a great story. I can't wait for the next book.
February 14, 2026
Fast paced book about a newly single Liv going on a girls trip and falling in love with a guy named Mason in a week. Talk about instalove. It was good but a lot of characters for a short book. Maybe the next books in the series will focus on each friend that went on the trip. I liked the ending when Liv and Mason talked about touch but the instalove was a red flag then in the epilogue Live is literally barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2026
This was a short, quick read in which all characters are likable. The FMC goes on a cruise with her friends, but due to a work issue, the friend who was supposed to room with her can’t make it. She then realizes the cruise company has assigned her a roommate and she shares the week with the MMC. The story is cute and is an enjoyable light read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2026
I'm stuck between 3.5 to 4 ⭐s
Cute romance to start 2026!
Do not blink on this short sweet cruise where a girl's trip turns into something way deeper
If spice is what you are looking for unfortunately this book is not your book
Thank you Cynthia Gunderson for the free ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cute romance to start 2026!
Do not blink on this short sweet cruise where a girl's trip turns into something way deeper
If spice is what you are looking for unfortunately this book is not your book
Thank you Cynthia Gunderson for the free ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2026
A nice easy read. I want a Mason in my life, he's an almost perfect man.
I read this short story in one sitting and really enjoyed it. The banter is heartwarming and the romance is lovely.
Definitely worth a read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read this short story in one sitting and really enjoyed it. The banter is heartwarming and the romance is lovely.
Definitely worth a read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
This was a light, feel-good romance about Liv accidentally ending up on a singles cruise and sharing a cabin with a mysterious stranger.
I loved the strong friendship vibes, the forced proximity, and the sweet strangers-to-lovers dynamic, especially since the story stayed low-drama and charming throughout. A quick, fun, light-hearted read!
I loved the strong friendship vibes, the forced proximity, and the sweet strangers-to-lovers dynamic, especially since the story stayed low-drama and charming throughout. A quick, fun, light-hearted read!
January 2, 2026
When an error rooms Liv with Mason she’s not happy, and she lets him know it. I love her little quirks and attitudes but then again she might just begin to like her situation. Mason is good looking, listens, and sees her. What’s not to love, or fall in love with?
February 12, 2026
Am I remembering correctly - the main male character tells the main female character that he has grew up with only women, sisters and a single mom and that she reminds him of his oldest sister? And then later on in the book, states that his best friend is brother?
December 27, 2025
Cute little romance novel to get you into 2026!
Forced proximity lots of love and laughter. A light hearted easy read! - Thankyou Cynthia
Forced proximity lots of love and laughter. A light hearted easy read! - Thankyou Cynthia
January 3, 2026
it is such a light and interesting reading! I just couldn't put it down!
March 5, 2026
I loved the setting and it was a sweet cruise ship romance!
March 6, 2026
I’m always a sucker for when you use the epilogue to seamlessly transition into the next book
January 14, 2026
This funny romance probably deserves an award for including more tropes in one book than one would think was possible. Not only that but it does a great job and kept me laughing. Liv and her girlfriends go on a cruise to celebrate one of the friends’ birthday. While boarding the ship her friend shares that this is a singles cruise and they are signed up for all the speed dating while at sea activities. This can’t be too bad, right? Liv finds her cabin is already occupied by a very handsome man. Certainly a quick visit to guest services will resolve this issue, won’t it?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews