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A Shore Thing
The BRAND NEW gorgeously funny romantic comedy from MULTI-MILLION COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of
Love Island
, Christina Lauren and Tessa Bailey!
Lights. Camera...Showmance!
From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he's been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can't agree on anything.
Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.
Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there's a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo's used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.
But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo's most unexpected plot twist yet?
Escape to paradise with a laugh-out-loud, gorgeous forced proximity with your rival romance from MILLION-COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh
Lights. Camera...Showmance!
From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he's been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can't agree on anything.
Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.
Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there's a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo's used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.
But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo's most unexpected plot twist yet?
Escape to paradise with a laugh-out-loud, gorgeous forced proximity with your rival romance from MILLION-COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh
Audible Audio
Published January 26, 2026
About the author
Portia MacIntosh
54 books2,269 followersPortia 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
February 18, 2026
There's something irresistibly fun about the premise of this book: two bickering reality TV producers forced to step in as contestants on their own dating show when a tropical storm strands half the cast. It's Love Island meets The Truman Show meets a slightly chaotic island adventure, and for the most part, it delivers exactly the kind of breezy, escapist rom-com you'd expect from Portia MacIntosh.
Cleo has been casting for the hit show "Welcome to Singledom" for years, so she's more than a little annoyed when her boss brings in Lockie, a charming, infuriating rival with very different ideas about what makes good television. But then, stranded on the island with a handful of reality TV contestants, Cleo and Lockie have to actually survive, and it's here that the story becomes more engaging. There's a lovely found-family dynamic that develops, and one particular contestant (Island Daddy, as he's dubbed) absolutely steals scenes.
That said, the romance itself left me wanting a bit more. Cleo and Lockie have chemistry and their banter works, but I never quite felt emotionally invested in their relationship. We don't learn much about them beyond their immediate situation, and the transition from irritation to feelings felt a little rushed. The ending, too, wraps things up quickly: satisfying enough, but I wouldn't have minded another chapter to let the resolution breathe.
If you're looking for a quick, sun-drenched read that doesn't take itself too seriously, this fits the bill perfectly. It's funny in places, sweet in others, and the reality TV setting adds a fun layer of meta-commentary. Just don't go in expecting deep emotional stakes: this is pure holiday escapism, and on those terms, it absolutely works.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Cleo has been casting for the hit show "Welcome to Singledom" for years, so she's more than a little annoyed when her boss brings in Lockie, a charming, infuriating rival with very different ideas about what makes good television. But then, stranded on the island with a handful of reality TV contestants, Cleo and Lockie have to actually survive, and it's here that the story becomes more engaging. There's a lovely found-family dynamic that develops, and one particular contestant (Island Daddy, as he's dubbed) absolutely steals scenes.
That said, the romance itself left me wanting a bit more. Cleo and Lockie have chemistry and their banter works, but I never quite felt emotionally invested in their relationship. We don't learn much about them beyond their immediate situation, and the transition from irritation to feelings felt a little rushed. The ending, too, wraps things up quickly: satisfying enough, but I wouldn't have minded another chapter to let the resolution breathe.
If you're looking for a quick, sun-drenched read that doesn't take itself too seriously, this fits the bill perfectly. It's funny in places, sweet in others, and the reality TV setting adds a fun layer of meta-commentary. Just don't go in expecting deep emotional stakes: this is pure holiday escapism, and on those terms, it absolutely works.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 24, 2025
Ehhhh this one wasn’t for me.
I’m a huge fan of reality tv shows, but not particularly Love Island. I thought this sounded like that blended with Survivor and would be fun, but I pretty much hated every character.
Lockie is a terrible MMC. Honestly. I was hoping this would be one of those books where the FMC Cleo decides she is too good for him and forges her own path. Nope. He literally makes the worst decisions and betrays Cleo more times than I can count. The man gives me the ick.
Cleo needed to grow a back bone. Girl, your boss can’t force you to put on a skimpy bikini and try to survive on a deserted island. You could have said no. She’s a pushover and not someone I wanted to cheer for.
If you like Love Island and some simple characters with stupid men, you may like this one. I just couldn’t make it work and click on my head.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I’m a huge fan of reality tv shows, but not particularly Love Island. I thought this sounded like that blended with Survivor and would be fun, but I pretty much hated every character.
Lockie is a terrible MMC. Honestly. I was hoping this would be one of those books where the FMC Cleo decides she is too good for him and forges her own path. Nope. He literally makes the worst decisions and betrays Cleo more times than I can count. The man gives me the ick.
Cleo needed to grow a back bone. Girl, your boss can’t force you to put on a skimpy bikini and try to survive on a deserted island. You could have said no. She’s a pushover and not someone I wanted to cheer for.
If you like Love Island and some simple characters with stupid men, you may like this one. I just couldn’t make it work and click on my head.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I LOVE Portias writing, and this has her signature style.
This was the perfect Caribbean adventure to escape the gloomy January weather.
I really enjoyed the reality show side of the story. I felt asthough I was there on the island. I loved the dynamic between all the islanders and the way each character bought their own strengths. Cleo and Lockie had great chemistry, although Lockies decisions made me a bit mad. I'm glad they found a way past it.
Closed door with intimacy implied
This was the perfect Caribbean adventure to escape the gloomy January weather.
I really enjoyed the reality show side of the story. I felt asthough I was there on the island. I loved the dynamic between all the islanders and the way each character bought their own strengths. Cleo and Lockie had great chemistry, although Lockies decisions made me a bit mad. I'm glad they found a way past it.
Closed door with intimacy implied
March 10, 2026
Cleo is a casting director for a reality show, Welcome to Singledom. She attends a speed dating activity to see if any of the people there would be a good fit for the show. One that she meets and actually hits it off with is Lockie. When she attends a meeting with the producer/director about her suggestions, she is surprised to see Lockie there, her new co-casting director. She is not happy with this development and he quickly gets under her skin. Their job is to cast singles for the ultimate island romance, but Lockie's new idea to cast social media stars gets under her skin. The show gets cast with 8 contestants and an alternate and they are ready to go, until a tropical storm grounds all but 4 of the contestants. They can run with 6, so suddenly Cleo and Lockie are cast as two of the contestants. They are told to make sure thy match up and hopefully they will be the first ones voted off. Unfortunately the storm also hits the island and production ends, stranding them on the island to fend for themselves. Can they survive this encounter, will their fake fling turn into more?
I used to love Survivor and do enjoy The Amazing Race, but am not a fan of dating reality shows, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but idea of the casting directors being thrown into the fray and having to compete sounded interesting. I wasn't surprised that I didn't like 2 of the contestants. They were spoiled, didn't want to do any work and thought they were better than the others. The other 2 were okay, but one of them was pretending to be something that she wasn't. Of course Cleo and Lockie don't get paired off as they are selected by others, which added some tension and humor to the story. Once they were stranded, they finally begin working together and they change and grow a bit. They almost become friends, especially as they have a couple of scary situations and injuries along the way. This is a slow burn romance, with developing friendship, finding your niche and secrets that almost blow everything up. This was a cute story that I enjoyed and recommend it if you enjoy an escapist romance.
I used to love Survivor and do enjoy The Amazing Race, but am not a fan of dating reality shows, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but idea of the casting directors being thrown into the fray and having to compete sounded interesting. I wasn't surprised that I didn't like 2 of the contestants. They were spoiled, didn't want to do any work and thought they were better than the others. The other 2 were okay, but one of them was pretending to be something that she wasn't. Of course Cleo and Lockie don't get paired off as they are selected by others, which added some tension and humor to the story. Once they were stranded, they finally begin working together and they change and grow a bit. They almost become friends, especially as they have a couple of scary situations and injuries along the way. This is a slow burn romance, with developing friendship, finding your niche and secrets that almost blow everything up. This was a cute story that I enjoyed and recommend it if you enjoy an escapist romance.
February 6, 2026
3.5 stars
Portia Macintosh is an auto buy author for me, simply because whenever I pick up one of her books, I know I'm in for an enjoyable, light hearted, fun, easy read and yet again she delivered.
I enjoyed this right from the start and I was immediately drawn in by the familiar, easy writing style.
This was definitely a book where I liked all the characters. I really did like both our MC's Cleo and Lockie. I liked their banter and connection and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
One thing that I really liked about this book was the reality TV aspect. I don't read a lot of books based around that, so this felt like a pleasant change for me.
I felt the pacing was great, the plot and the characters relationship developed at just the right pace.
One very slight thing I wasn't that big a fan of was the ending. To me it did feel slightly rushed after all the build up, so that was a little disappointing.
However, if you are looking for a fun, light hearted, quick, easy to read book, that you can read in one sitting, you should definitely pick this up.
This definitely lived up to my high opinion of Portia Macintosh and I will definitely read from her again.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
Portia Macintosh is an auto buy author for me, simply because whenever I pick up one of her books, I know I'm in for an enjoyable, light hearted, fun, easy read and yet again she delivered.
I enjoyed this right from the start and I was immediately drawn in by the familiar, easy writing style.
This was definitely a book where I liked all the characters. I really did like both our MC's Cleo and Lockie. I liked their banter and connection and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
One thing that I really liked about this book was the reality TV aspect. I don't read a lot of books based around that, so this felt like a pleasant change for me.
I felt the pacing was great, the plot and the characters relationship developed at just the right pace.
One very slight thing I wasn't that big a fan of was the ending. To me it did feel slightly rushed after all the build up, so that was a little disappointing.
However, if you are looking for a fun, light hearted, quick, easy to read book, that you can read in one sitting, you should definitely pick this up.
This definitely lived up to my high opinion of Portia Macintosh and I will definitely read from her again.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review
February 5, 2026
Turns out reading a fictionalised Love Island-esque novel is far more entertaining than watching the real thing!
January 30, 2026
Didn't enjoy this one. The story seemed a little silly and predictable to me. The characters weren't likeable either. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2026
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about reading about a reality TV show, but Portia always creates the best characters and cute happy endings.
Portia, you are my comfort read.
Portia, you are my comfort read.
April 23, 2026
The plot jumps all over the place. The time skips make it clunky… no, just no.
Not for me and wouldn’t recommend
Not for me and wouldn’t recommend
January 7, 2026
This is an ARC review. I want to thank Portia MacIntosh and Boldwood Books for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!
Cleo & Lockie’s love story is so unconventional but I love it! Talk about Survivor meets Love Island at its wildest. While the book didn’t pick up until the show started, once it did…it was hard not to be hooked. The found family dynamic that was created on the island became a huge draw to continue reading. Without their Island Daddy, they would not have made it! He was instrumental on ensuring they enacted the life skills he taught them as well as just did for them.
This was a sweet slow burn romance that has one of my favorite tropes, forced proximity. Nothing is more forced than going into work being told your job duties are now completely different and you’ll be stranded on an island.
This book reminded me that not everyone is who they display to the world. We all have hidden depth to us no matter how shallow or self-centered we act. This is a very sweet romance with some pretty funny moments especially on the island!
Cleo & Lockie’s love story is so unconventional but I love it! Talk about Survivor meets Love Island at its wildest. While the book didn’t pick up until the show started, once it did…it was hard not to be hooked. The found family dynamic that was created on the island became a huge draw to continue reading. Without their Island Daddy, they would not have made it! He was instrumental on ensuring they enacted the life skills he taught them as well as just did for them.
This was a sweet slow burn romance that has one of my favorite tropes, forced proximity. Nothing is more forced than going into work being told your job duties are now completely different and you’ll be stranded on an island.
This book reminded me that not everyone is who they display to the world. We all have hidden depth to us no matter how shallow or self-centered we act. This is a very sweet romance with some pretty funny moments especially on the island!
February 3, 2026
3 stars - perfectly okay rom-com, but not among the author's best work. The writing style is quirky and fun, in true Macintosh -style, the main character was likeable, but the chemistry between her and the male protagonist seemed very sudden and I didn't quite see it. Also the misunderstanding felt a little contrived and very obvious, I wished there had been another, more original obstacle.
The idea for the story was fun though - a reality TV casting-person as the main character, and the way the show turned out was great. But other than that the characters, besides the main character, felt a little underdeveloped.
Fun. But not enough of a story to be memorable. I'll still keep reading Macintosh though as the books are perfect as "palate cleansers" in between heavier books, and even her "less perfect" books never annoy me in the way many rom-coms do.
The idea for the story was fun though - a reality TV casting-person as the main character, and the way the show turned out was great. But other than that the characters, besides the main character, felt a little underdeveloped.
Fun. But not enough of a story to be memorable. I'll still keep reading Macintosh though as the books are perfect as "palate cleansers" in between heavier books, and even her "less perfect" books never annoy me in the way many rom-coms do.
January 1, 2026
Portia is an auto buy author for me so when I saw this on NetGalley I couldn’t not read it. As usual I loved this one. I devoured it and when I wasn’t reading it I was wanting to pick it up and thinking of it.
The joy of the book was Portias humour shining through. I loved both MCs and how real the behind the scenes of the tv industry was written. All the characters added to the story with all their quirks. Cleo and Lockies chemistry was sizzling and jumping off the pages.
Portias writing is always such an easy, enjoyable read. Even though you know what will happen it doesn’t detract from a clean romance written superbly. Another top write from this author and worth investing in.
Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
The joy of the book was Portias humour shining through. I loved both MCs and how real the behind the scenes of the tv industry was written. All the characters added to the story with all their quirks. Cleo and Lockies chemistry was sizzling and jumping off the pages.
Portias writing is always such an easy, enjoyable read. Even though you know what will happen it doesn’t detract from a clean romance written superbly. Another top write from this author and worth investing in.
Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange of my honest opinion.
January 29, 2026
This is classic Portia shining through-her writing is always easy breezy and her humor is on point. You know there's going to be a happily ever after, but it doesn't take anything away from the fun of getting there. I always recommend Portia to anyone looking for a good rom-com because she is guaranteed to deliver.
The story behind this one is out of the norm for me because I am not much for reality survival type shows but both the MCs. Cleo and Lockie were full of quirks that made them fun to root for and their chemistry was undeniable. I can only imagine going on a survival type game show like Love Island and then something happens that changes everything for them all. Some of the supporting characters are not super smart but I guess that's to be expected on that type of show but it's a fun look behind the curtain.
If you need an escape from this cold winter, grab this Caribbean adventure!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
The story behind this one is out of the norm for me because I am not much for reality survival type shows but both the MCs. Cleo and Lockie were full of quirks that made them fun to root for and their chemistry was undeniable. I can only imagine going on a survival type game show like Love Island and then something happens that changes everything for them all. Some of the supporting characters are not super smart but I guess that's to be expected on that type of show but it's a fun look behind the curtain.
If you need an escape from this cold winter, grab this Caribbean adventure!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
March 4, 2026
Another fantastic read by Portia
Cleo is on the hunt for men but not for herself, only for the reality tv show that she works on. She finds Lockie but unbeknownst to her she will see him again at work as he is her new colleague to help with the tv show.
As they get ready for the show, Cleo and Lockie don’t get on, arguing about who should be on the show.
When the show starts they have to contend with not all the contestants being able to get there due to the weather/storms. So guess who is asked to go on the show.
Things go from bad to worse when they are on the island when a storm destroys it and they have no way of getting in touch with the tv company.
As Lockie and Cleo get closer what will happen when Cleo finds out the truth ?
Cleo is on the hunt for men but not for herself, only for the reality tv show that she works on. She finds Lockie but unbeknownst to her she will see him again at work as he is her new colleague to help with the tv show.
As they get ready for the show, Cleo and Lockie don’t get on, arguing about who should be on the show.
When the show starts they have to contend with not all the contestants being able to get there due to the weather/storms. So guess who is asked to go on the show.
Things go from bad to worse when they are on the island when a storm destroys it and they have no way of getting in touch with the tv company.
As Lockie and Cleo get closer what will happen when Cleo finds out the truth ?
January 30, 2026
I can't think of a better way to shake off the January blues than diving into one of Macintosh's romcoms and being transported off to sunnier climes.
We're off to the Caribbean for a spot of fake dating. Or is it?
Light, fluffy and full of hilarity, A Shore Thing is the perfect escapism and I breezed my way through it in several hours.
Erratic characters, witty banter, and forced proximity, with the vibes of Love Island...can't go wrong with that!
We're off to the Caribbean for a spot of fake dating. Or is it?
Light, fluffy and full of hilarity, A Shore Thing is the perfect escapism and I breezed my way through it in several hours.
Erratic characters, witty banter, and forced proximity, with the vibes of Love Island...can't go wrong with that!
February 28, 2026
Another great read by Portia Macintosh with lots of humour intertwined. Initially I thought this book was predictable, however the storm really took a spin on things and I really was invested. It started out with a Love Island impression and as the story progressed, gave more of an impression of lost at sea and I was intrigued to see what would happen to each of the characters. I appreciated the sneaky twist at the end too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 25, 2026Fun, flirty, and just a bit off the wall.
I wasn’t convinced of a relationship between Cleo and Lockie but then I don’t think they fit with anyone else either.
Being stuck on an island doesn’t give you a load of choices but it was fun to read about their escapades.
Speed dating works out for some but shouldn’t there be expiration dates?
Thanks Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.
I wasn’t convinced of a relationship between Cleo and Lockie but then I don’t think they fit with anyone else either.
Being stuck on an island doesn’t give you a load of choices but it was fun to read about their escapades.
Speed dating works out for some but shouldn’t there be expiration dates?
Thanks Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the early read.
January 28, 2026
OMG, Portia totally did it again! ☺️ This one has got to be in my top 3 of her books EVER! I mean, seriously, who can resist those adorable witty banter moments, the clingy proximity vibes, and that classic falling-for-each-other storyline? It’s got everything I could ever want in a rom-com! 💖✨ Honestly, it’s hands down my favorite read so far in 2026—can’t get enough! 🎉📚
January 28, 2026
If you love reality tv shows like love island and love tropes like forced proximity, hate to love then this book is perfect for you!
It was an amazing rom com and as always with Portia’s books it wasn’t long enough!
Her writing style makes you feel like you are right there watching the story unfold in real life. It had banter, romance and drama…all the things I love!
It was an amazing rom com and as always with Portia’s books it wasn’t long enough!
Her writing style makes you feel like you are right there watching the story unfold in real life. It had banter, romance and drama…all the things I love!
January 24, 2026
I enjoyed the book nice easy flow.
Tropes: 🏝️ Workplace romance 🏝️ Enemies to lovers 🏝️ Fake dating 🏝️ Forced proximity 🏝️ Reality TV show 🏝️ Caribbean island setting
Lights. Camera...Showmance!
Remind me of love island
Tropes: 🏝️ Workplace romance 🏝️ Enemies to lovers 🏝️ Fake dating 🏝️ Forced proximity 🏝️ Reality TV show 🏝️ Caribbean island setting
Lights. Camera...Showmance!
Remind me of love island
January 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This book had a different vibe than all of her other books, and I wasn’t as invested in this relationship as I usually am. On the positive side, she is so good at creating in depth characters in such short books. Forever a fan of Portia. I’ll read anything she writes.
This book had a different vibe than all of her other books, and I wasn’t as invested in this relationship as I usually am. On the positive side, she is so good at creating in depth characters in such short books. Forever a fan of Portia. I’ll read anything she writes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Genius.
Ive loved this story so so much. I loved the characters and i just didn't want it to end. As with all of Portia's books, she made me feel like i was there on the island with them.
The ending was brilliant and the twist was very cleverly done.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ive loved this story so so much. I loved the characters and i just didn't want it to end. As with all of Portia's books, she made me feel like i was there on the island with them.
The ending was brilliant and the twist was very cleverly done.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
this was so cute!
this was so cute!
April 7, 2026
I adore Portia’s writing and her books. This one is no exception. Toss in a reality tv show and you have me sold.
This was cute and exciting. I’m not sure how I really feel about Locke but I loved how it ended.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the gifted e-arc.
This was cute and exciting. I’m not sure how I really feel about Locke but I loved how it ended.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the gifted e-arc.
April 25, 2026
This was such a fun rom-com! Really enjoyed it a lot!
May 13, 2026
I've read this in one day and could not put it down. This premise was so fun to read and I've loved Portia's work that I've read so far. Really nice, quick read!
June 7, 2026
On Amazon (KU) as “Stranded in Paradise” instead of this title.
Really good book, a fun one to enjoy as a light romantic read!
Really good book, a fun one to enjoy as a light romantic read!
June 5, 2026
Read this book in honor of love island starting. Was kinda just annoying and predictable
February 14, 2026
Cute easy read if you need a quick book or even a quick audiobook.
June 7, 2026
Easy beach reach about two producers who have to fill in for missing contestants on as love island type game show.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews