Down With The Ship

by Chloe Jory

Pride and Prejudice meets Below Deck in this laugh-out-loud, enemies to lovers romance.

Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Katherine Center, Down With The Ship is a sharp, steamy romantic comedy for anyone who's ever felt out of their depth.

Act civil? That ship has sailed.
Stella Olsen doesn’t hate rich people. She swears. But the idea of spending two weeks trapped at sea with her snooty, judgmental in-laws sounds about as appealing as walking the plank. Even worse, she’s just been suspended from the PhD program she’s built her entire life around, and for reasons unknown, the family’s ultra-pretentious yacht captain seems intent on reminding her just how much she doesn’t belong.

Captain Caleb is everything Stella loathes about the elite— arrogant, stuck-up, and, worst of all, infuriatingly gorgeous. But if she wants to fit in with her sister’s shiny new family, she’ll have to learn to play nice. After all, she doesn’t have to like him to be civil. Which she absolutely, definitely, does not.

Because falling for a crew member— one who sees right through her guarded façade— is a distraction she can’t afford. Especially when it could ruin her sister’s happily-ever-after— and Stella’s carefully laid plans to get her life back on track.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Contemporary

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

About the author

CHLOE JORY is a writer, entrepreneur and recovering nomad who writes about love, magic, and the places that embody both. She currently resides in Southern California with her magnificent rescue chihuahua, Winnie. When she’s not writing, making plans for a regenerative farm collective, or pondering the secrets of the universe, she can often be found pretending to be useful on boats.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Neon Tiger Books and Untold Stories Author Services for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tessa Bailey’s IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER meets PRIDE & PREJUDICE in this debut nautical contemporary romance set on a private yacht. Steamy, dramatic, and hilarious, DOWN WITH THE SHIP is a perfect beach read and will make you want to hop on the next flight to Fiji.

Stella is drowning. Her dissertation for her PhD in Art History is total trash, and her fellowship is being suspended indefinitely. When Stella’s engaged sister invites her to join her billionaire in-laws-to-be on their private yacht in Fiji, it seems like the perfect opportunity to unplug. There’s just one problem: that mysterious super-hot guy who saved Stella from injury on the beach? He’s the captain of the yacht. And he wants nothing to do with Stella. But two weeks on the beautiful open ocean just might be enough time to change his mind, and to open Stella’s to the idea that her life can be whatever she makes it.

DOWN WITH THE SHIP is a delightfully fun read with laugh-out-loud humor and enough rich-people drama that it feels like a reality TV show. Chloe Jory’s dialogue is engaging and feels like genuine conversations, while the plot is well-paced and follows memorably messy characters. Stella’s story reminds the reader that it’s never too late to give ourselves grace and make time for the things we love to do.

The relationship tropes in this novel are very reminiscent of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with a grumpy x grumpy dynamic mixed with a sprinkle of miscommunication. Does Captain Caleb actually hate Stella, or is he just harboring deep, secret romantic feelings for her…? The yearning and banter were both top-tier, with many opportunities for forced proximity (there’s only one yacht?).

DOWN WITH THE SHIP is also actively promoting conservation efforts of the ocean’s coral reefs. Jory’s descriptions of the Fijian islands were stunning, and she wonderfully weaves real-life statistics about global warming’s effect on reefs and the projects that are working to preserve them. In addition, 50% of book profits will support Sea Trees’ reef restoration project in Fiji!!

This book reminded me that there is an adventure inside of us just waiting to be set free. If you love a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a tropical setting that ALSO will help save the ocean, be sure to pick up DOWN WITH THE SHIP when it releases on May 7, 2026.

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not your average romance novel enthusiast, but DWTS is not your average romance novel. It’s witty, has a great and layered storyline. I found myself rooting for and relating to the main character. Loved the end!

[Margeaux (meg_booklover7) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ I don’t think that a book has made me cackle and squeal as much as Down With The Ship has. I absolutely enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers, Pride and Prejudice coded rom-com. It put the com in rom-com but also served plenty of rom. Stella Olsen is a hot mess of an FMC. She’s just been recently dumped by her boyfriend and suspended from her art history fellowship when she succumbs to pressure and agrees to join her sister Jules and Jules’ fiance’s family, the Warrens, on a yachting trip. Prior to getting on the yacht, Stella had a run in with a sea urchin on the beach and a mysterious beach jogger helped her out. Lo and behold, the mysterious jogger ends up being Captain Caleb of the Vela Bianca, the Warren’s yacht. Caleb pretends to not know Stella when they are first introduced and that initial interaction starts off an enmity between Stella and Caleb that also leads to heavy tension. Stella can be a bit klutzy and awkward and Caleb seems to always be annoyed with her which doesn’t help the fact that she already feels like such a failure, especially since she doesn’t tell her sister about her suspension. Some shenanigans happen and more tension builds up, Stella and Caleb can’t deny the attraction between them. However, they can’t succumb to it because the Warrens have a very strict no fraternization policy. And so, as Stella figures out how to navigate her attraction to Caleb, she also then starts to figure out how to navigate her own life. In the end, she makes critical life choices that puts her life to right.

I truly loved Stella’s character. In a world that is so obsessed with perfection, she is a reminder that perfection doesn’t mean happiness. She’s such a relatable character, albeit funnier than the normal person. She’s just a tiny bit on the edge of ridiculousness that made reading her story so much fun. And, the romance is so swoon-worthy! Caleb is so Mr. Darcy coded - broody but delivers the best romantic gestures. The interaction between him and Stella will not only make you squeal but also have you girlishly kicking your feet. Down With The Ship is a summer MUST read!

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, swoony, and quietly uplifting, this was such a lovely read. Stella and Caleb had that warm, easy chemistry that made the whole story feel comforting, hopeful, and fun all at once. ☀️🌊

What really worked for me was the heart of the story. I loved the way it leaned into the idea that there is more than one way to build a happy life, and that choosing the path that truly fits you matters more than choosing the one that looks right on paper. Add in strong family and friendship dynamics, a beachy atmosphere, and a cast of side characters I would happily read more about, and this one was an easy win for me. Four and a half stars. 🎨💛

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

[Victoria Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Brilliantly written.
Funny and entertaining romance with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested.
Covering the complications of family dynamics and tough life choices. I devoured this and found myself very invested in the characters.

[Phylicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: 4.5 out of 5. This was such a fun read. It’s an enemies to lovers, opposites-attract vacation romance with tons of banter and just enough drama to keep you entertained the whole way through.

This is author Chloe Jory’s debut novel and she’s already making an impact with a strong first book while donating 50% of her book’s profits to Sea Trees’ reef restoration project in Fiji. She weaves that mission into the story beautifully, giving us moments where the characters learn about reefs in a natural, engaging way.

I really enjoyed this one, especially the feisty chemistry between the FMC and MMC. And the rich people problems mixed with solid character development was just right! Wish I had the luxury to be on a big private yacht! 🥲

Thank you to Neon Tiger Books via NetGalley for the advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle Brilz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually hesitant to give 5 stars to an ARC as I don’t want other readers thinking it’s not truthful, but this novel deserves it. It easily could be a Rom Com movie I watch in my pj’s with a glass of wine while crying into a box of tissues.

I laughed out loud more than a few times and cried a few more times than that. The humour and rich-people drama was so real and perfect.

I thought the plot was well-paced and super easy to follow and read. It kept me entertained and wanting to continue reading past each chapter.

I absolutely will be reading if Chloe Jory writes more novels!

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure what the author has against people with money, but someone must’ve hurt her somehow. I literally cringed constantly with her alluding to “rich people” and their entitlement and how the poor suspended from her job FMC was too good and proud for all that wealth and fun.

ie: “….from the bow (that’s rich people for ‘boat front’)
Soooo it’s actually just normal marine verbiage. Nothing to do with rich people.

The characters are just honestly not likable half the time. I get that there’s a comparison to pride and prejudice maybe here, but the author is projecting some pretty mega snob vibes onto both of them. And I’m sorry it gets old after the first 157 pages.

There’s okay romance once you hit about 55% through I guess. Spice level is about a 2.5🌶️ I feel like this was a missed opportunity and without the snobbish attitudes on overdrive we could’ve had a decent novel here.

Part of a NetGalley ARC read

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Wow, talk about a book that gave me vacation vibes! My biggest gripe with this book - Stella being “forced” to go on a luxury vacation in Fiji, spending 10 blissful days on a yacht with her sister and the hot captain. Stella, suck it up and have a mai tai.

Having gotten that out of the way, I gotta say that this was a pretty good first novel! I loved reading about the various islands in Fiji (although at times it did seem a bit much/preachy…) and the chemistry between Stella and Caleb was solid.

Thank you to NetGalley and Neon Tiger Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard the pitch for this novel (Pride and Prejudice meets Below Deck), I knew I was the target audience. And I was right!

- I loved Stella so much as the main character—her backstory and insecurities and motivations felt so real.
- I loved the setting—Fiji felt alive on the page, and the dynamics between the yacht crew and guests delivered on the pitch.
- And I loved the writing—humor and banter and voice and tension and pacing! 💥💥💥💥💥

[Cody Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! The vacation vibes are immaculate, perfect for a beach read. The writing is tight, witty, and just so fun overall. Chloe makes the characters so real and relatable too, I want to be besties with Stella lol. Excellent read by an excellent author. Bravo 👏 🤩💙

[PlotTwistMija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe Jory really gave us the full experience with Down with the Ship, and I’m honestly still obsessed with it. From the second I stepped onto that yacht, I was completely immersed in their world and didn't want to leave. It was so special getting to know every single side character on a deeper level, seeing how they’re all wired and how their relationships actually work made everyone feel so multi-dimensional and real. I was totally kicking my feet and smiling the whole time; it’s one of those rare books where you just want to hang out with the characters every day.

The slow burn was such a fun ride and the payoff was everything I wanted. Chloe timed everything perfectly, and that culmination in Chapter 20 was a total chef’s kiss moment that made the wait so worth it. The banter between everyone was amazing, and I loved the smart little nod to environmental conservation. It added such a cool, grounded layer to the story while still keeping the vibes fun and addictive.

I especially loved Stella, her monologue about having a hard life but still staying true to herself felt so raw and real. Watching Caleb do all those subtle, sweet things for her and eventually showing her how to actually live her life was just beautiful. By the end, I was so attached that I didn't want to say goodbye to them. If you’re looking for a book that makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action, you have to read this! LOVED THIS BOOK.

Advanced Reader Copy Review

[Emel · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW BASED ON NETGALLEY ARC

This book really surprised me! I walked in not knowing what to expect and struck gold! The prose spoke to me like a voice note from my best friend holiday. It had be giggling and clutching for every solid surface to keep me from falling over. The speed at I read this book is the correct idea on how fast it healed my reading slump. If Chloe Jory is looking for fans/friends please adopt me!
The way this author writes is aspiration. The seamless jokes and plot points made really question if this was a debut novel.
I have read a lot of debut arcs and but I must say this is one of the best so far.
The characters weren't stereotypes, they felt real for all the joy and all the flaws, they made me feel. It made me feel like I was being told about people I know socially. I am so glad I met them
Very excited for this authors other works!

[Nanioreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A yacht….check….Fiji…check…a handsome stranger…check…self-discovery journey…check! Wow was this book the perfect summer read! It was easy, light hearted, fun, and enjoyable. I read this book so quickly and before I knew it I finished the book. I was in vacation mode right along with Stella and throughout the chaos, I laughed and enjoyed every moment. Go pick this book up and you’ll be on your own vacation. Definitely recommend!!

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Down With The Ship by Chloe Jory expecting a fun escape, but I did not expect to fall this hard for it. This book completely swept me away and had me smiling, laughing, and feeling everything right alongside the characters.

Stella instantly felt real to me. She is messy, guarded, and trying to hold it all together after her world starts unraveling. Being stuck on a yacht with her sister’s wealthy in-laws while dealing with her own setbacks made her so relatable. You could feel her discomfort, her sarcasm, and that quiet vulnerability she tries so hard to hide. I loved how layered she was and how her growth felt natural and earned.

And then there is Caleb. Wow. He is the perfect kind of frustrating at first, the kind that makes you want to roll your eyes and lean in at the same time. Watching that tension between him and Stella build was everything. Their banter is sharp, witty, and honestly addictive. The enemies to lovers dynamic here is done so well, with just the right balance of humor, tension, and slow emotional unraveling.

The setting added so much to the story. Being trapped at sea created this perfect pressure cooker where emotions had nowhere to go but straight to the surface. It made every interaction feel more intense, more meaningful, and sometimes more chaotic in the best way.

What really stood out to me was how this book balanced being laugh out loud funny while still carrying emotional depth. Stella’s journey of figuring out where she belongs, who she is outside of expectations, and what she truly wants hit harder than I expected. It was not just about romance. It was about identity, self worth, and learning to let someone really see you.

This book gave me all the vibes of a smart, modern romcom with heart. The chemistry, the tension, the setting, and the emotional payoff all came together perfectly.

If you love enemies to lovers with sharp banter, forced proximity, and a strong heroine finding her footing while falling for the last person she expected, you need this on your list.

This was an easy five stars for me and one I will absolutely be recommending.

[Alex DS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspended from her PHD program, Stella Olsen reluctantly agrees to join her sister Jules and her soon to be in-laws on a luxurious yacht trip in Fiji.

As someone who hates the elite and excess, the Warren family are everything she despises, but most of all she can’t stand the boat’s captain - Caleb. He’s haughty, snooty and unfortunately, gorgeous.

However, determined to make a good impression for her sister’s sake, Stella can place nice. And certainly not commit the big no-no of falling for a crew member. Especially one she’s totally doesn’t even like.

Down with the Ship is such a fun read! I breezed through it in a couple of days, a perfect read now sunnier days are coming.

Stella is hilarious, if sometimes a little pompous, and it’s fun seeing her (unsuccessfully) try not commit social faux pas. The contrast between her and Caleb is initially a classic opposites attract until it becomes clear they have more in common than the think.

For a romance book there is a nice element of adventure present as well; the characters swim with sharks, visit coral reefs and discover hidden coves. It will certainly give you wanderlust.

Jory also takes the time to highlight the plight of the corals reefs of the world and the wider impact this has on the planet. This is interwoven quite well into the narrative without seeming preachy. She has also pledged 50% of sales to coral restoration projects in Fiji 🪸❤️

My only criticism would be that after the long building romantic tension (which was great), the last couple of chapters wrapping everything up seemed a little rushed.

Overall a great debut, would recommend grabbing a copy, heading to the beach (or paddling pool) and enjoying 😎

[Nomadic Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*

With a nod to Pride and Prejudice, Jory’s debut novel hits all the high points: grumpy male lead, classism, enemies-to-lovers, the relationship between sisters, and first world problems of the rich. She sets her story in Fiji, on a yacht owned by a billionaire media family, where Stella (an uptight, recently suspended PhD art history fellow) has joined her sister Jules, her fiancé Harry and his family for a two-week cruise. Imagine her surprise when she finds out the charming, handsome first mate who came to her rescue after being injured on the beach is actually the ship’s captain, who is none too happy to see her. Although they’re at odds with each other from the outset, the chill between them thaws as they face down killer sharks, discover a romantic bioluminescent lagoon, and escape near death falling down a cliff. In the process, Stella begins to question if she even likes the life and career she’s built, especially as it’s taken her far away from the art she enjoyed making for most of her pre-college life. As Caleb observes, it’s never too late to change the course of your life to find happiness with your chosen profession.

This lighthearted, adventurous romance makes a fantastic beach read with its gorgeous Fijian setting, many humorous moments, and just enough yearning and spice to make it interesting. An added bonus is Jory’s focus on conservation efforts to save the coral reefs. Fans of Katherine Center and Christina Lauren will thoroughly enjoy this. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Neon Tiger Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Kegan Herrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down With The Ship is a perfect beach vacation read! I started on the plane to kick off the good vibes and delightfully finished hearing the waves crash against the shore.

Stella finds herself in a rough spot, and reluctantly agrees to sail on a super yacht with her sister’s soon to be billionaire family who she considers snooty and judgmental. She is going to support her sister, but gets tangled in complicated family dynamics, finds herself overboard, both figuratively and emotionally, and the most inconvenient, distracted by a certain captain who may or may not have saved her from a beach injury prior to the trip who acts like he has no idea who she is once on board. And worst of all? She can’t stop staring at his stunning good looks and chiseled abs!

I loved how the book reminded me of one of my favorite shows, Below Deck, and highlighted coral reef conservation! The ocean is my happy place, and protecting the marine life and ecosystems are important. Chloe is setting aside 50% of profits from paperback sales for reef restoration projects that benefit marine life, our oceans and the community with Sea Trees, the islands based from the book.

Chloe served the best reminder through Stella — it’s never too late to find happiness and choose a new adventure!

Inside the pages, you’ll find:
⚓️ Witty banter
🐠 Characters with multiple layers
⚓️ Tropical setting in Fiji
🐠 Forbidden romance

Thank you so much to Chloe and Untold Stories Author Services for the gifted ARC.

[Marietta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I read this book over the weekend? Yes, I did—and I enjoyed every single minute of it. :)

Down With The Ship was such a fun and entertaining read from start to finish. I’ve always loved the sea and stories set around it, and this book absolutely nailed that atmosphere. Being stuck on a yacht for two weeks with complicated family dynamics, simmering tension, and undeniable chemistry made for the perfect setting for a romantic comedy.

Stella was such an easy character to root for. Watching her navigate everything going wrong in her life—while trying to keep up appearances with her sister’s very intimidating new in-laws—felt both relatable and hilarious. And Caleb, who seems determined to remind her just how out of place she feels, ends up being the perfect match for her. Their banter and enemies-to-lovers dynamic made the whole story incredibly entertaining.

The writing style was smooth and easy to fall into, which is probably why I flew through the book so quickly. I kept turning the pages because I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next. The characters were engaging, the chemistry worked, and the humor landed really well.

Honestly, this felt like watching a rom-com movie unfold on the page. Light, witty, a little steamy, and exactly the kind of story that’s perfect to escape into for a weekend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Stella has had a rough go lately. Her boyfriend broke up with her and is now dating her office mate, and due to poor performance and some poor decisions, she is now on probation from her job. When her sister invites her along on a trip with her soon-to-be husband’s rich family, she is hesitant. But her sister Jules and her best friend Marianne convince her to go. Over the course of ten days, Stella has run-ins with the stick-up Warrens, gets to explore a gorgeous part of the world, and meets and grumpy and sexy Captain Caleb.

I’m a sucker for a good rom-com and this one did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the setting of this book! I loved reading about the islands, and the coral reefs, and the bioluminescent lagoon and imagining that I was right there with Stella. There was great banter throughout and the characters were well-developed. I loved the figurative and descriptive language that the author used and her writing is really beautiful . Jory has a way with words! And while this is definitely a romantic comedy, the story had some very deep moments about finding yourself, following your dreams, and living life to the fullest. This is a debut book and I look forward to more by this author.



Thank you to @netgalley and Neon Tiger Publishing for the advanced digital copy and thank you the author Chloe Jory for sending me a paperback to keep as my own. I look forward to sharing this one with friends!

[Elia Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I could not put this book down once I started which means I stayed up way to late, but honestly, so worth it! Every single bit of this book was fun and wonderful. I loved Stella, she had lost her way in life as we so often do, she wanted to be dependable once she and her sister lost her dad and along the way, she lost her true self but it was so fun to root for her all throughout the story.

Her relationship with her sister Jules was so real and honest and even if they grew apart over the years, they were ride or die. I loved Harry and eventually even his family the Warrens, especially Matthew. And Caleb, oh Caleb, I loved him and how he did little special things for Jules. Their meet-cute was hilarious even if it was painful for Stella but they way they opened up to each other as strangers. I loved the Fiji backdrop and I sure didn't mind reading about the yacht life. I love the details that were put into this book along with all of the live and emotions.

Oh and I loved Stella's best friend Marianne and how she was always there for Stella and was such a great support for her.

So to sum it up, I loved it, plan and simple and I will definitely be following Chloe Jory for future books!

Thanks to NetGalley and Chloe Joy for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, Stella and her sister Jules only had each other. There is nothing in the world Stella wouldn’t do for her. But now Jules is engaged to Harry, and his family belongs to another world entirely — one filled with private jets, mega-yachts, and none of the warmth their father showered on them as children. When Stella is invited to join them on a family cruise, she really has no excuse not to go. With her PhD on the line and her teaching job on an involuntary hiatus, the timing is as good as it’s going to get. From the moment she meets Captain Caleb, Stella knows she’s in trouble. He is the hottest, most arrogant man she has ever met, with a New Zealand accent to die for. Determined to keep her distance from Captain Cool, Stella focuses on helping Jules make a good impression on Harry’s intimidating family. But whether he’s saving her from sharks or plucking barnacles out of her foot, Caleb always seems to come to the rescue. Their chemistry is electric, and really, when was the last time Stella had a real vacation? The problem is, dating a crew member is completely off-limits — and although the yacht is ridiculously large, Stella somehow ends up falling into his arms, literally, at every turn. An adorable, laugh-out-loud, below-deck romance! Consider me fully on board with this swoony sea-com.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Chloe Jory for the ARC copy of this novel.
First of all Chloe Jory's debut novel has absolutely no right to come out swinging this hard straight out of the gate. And to make matter better, 50% of the profits from Down With the Ship supports Seatales Restoration Project in Fiji.

This book was such a good, easy read. Pride and Prejudice meets Below Deck is genuinely the perfect description and the enemies to lovers tension between Stella and Caleb had me completely obsessed from the moment they met. The setting is so fun and claustrophobic in the best way, being trapped on a yacht with people you can't stand is such good romance fuel and Jory uses every bit of it.

Stella is a fantastic FMC. She's prickly and guarded and a little chaotic and I loved every second of her. Caleb is exactly the kind of infuriating MMC that makes enemies to lovers work so well- you understand why she can't stand him and you also completely understand why she can't stop thinking about him.

The humour lands consistently throughout which isn't always easy to pull off alongside genuine romantic tension but this book manages it really well. It's sharp and fun without sacrificing the emotional moments that make you actually care.

A genuinely impressive debut and one I'll be recommending for anyone who loves a slow burn with a side of chaos.
- Sash
@sash_wilcox

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down With the Ship
Chloe Jory

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with anything related to Jane Austen so I was very excited to read this book and it exceeded my expectations! Pride & Prejudice meets Below the Deck is the perfect summary for this nautical romcom. Down With the Ship is about two people who hate each other… Or do they?

Stella, oh, Stella! She was trying so hard to be perfect and to please everyone else. Following her journey and growth through the book warmed my heart and soul! As an accurate representation of Mr. Darcy, Caleb could be frustrating at first, but when he started to open up to Stella? He was everything! Their banter was amazing and the chemistry between them was off the charts.

The setting, the chemistry, the tension were all spectacular! The plot was well paced and the writing was excellent. This book balanced perfectly the funny parts and the emotional depth. It’s a sweet and spicy romcom, but it’s also a story about choosing the path that is right for you and that makes you happy!

What you’ll find:
🌴 Enemies to Lovers
⚓️ Forced Proximity
🌴 Vacation Romance
⚓️ Forbidden Romance
🌴 Opposites Attract
⚓️ Slow Burn
🌴 Hot Captain/Man in Uniform
⚓️ Pride & Prejudice meets Below the Deck

*Thank you to Chloe Jory, Neon Tiger Books, and NetGalley for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.75 ⭐️

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My bookshelf is filled with non-fiction “make me a better person” books that are really more of an obligation than something I ever get around to. Well, Chloe Jory’s Down with the Ship has officially turned me into a full-blown fiction fan (and a Chloe Jory fan).
From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The story completely pulled me in (yes, I am a Below Deck fan), and I found myself laughing out loud more than once. The writing just made me happy—I even started a running list of lines that cracked me up so much I didn’t want to forget them. Here are a few (I have more, but I won’t spoil it for you): “That’s not a dress… it’s an art installation,” “I continue, the failsafe on my blabber faucet malfunctioning completely,” and this one: “It’s ok, Stella, I remind my inner panicker." Lines like that made me immediately want to be friends with the author and hang out with her on a boat. Also her gentle reminders about caring for the environment and sea life - which she backs up with a MAJOR commitment to 50% of book profits going to Seatree's Coral Reef Restoration Project - amazing.

This book was the perfect kickoff to summer, and now I want to see everyone reading it—by a pool, at the beach, or curled up in bed. Ms. Jory, please keep writing. If this was your debut, I can’t wait to see what you do next!

[☆Laura☆]

Stella tenía su vida bastante clara o al menos eso creía. Su mundo giraba alrededor de su doctorado en historia del arte, de demostrar que todo el esfuerzo de años había valido la pena. Pero después de una ruptura humillante con su ex que además trabaja en el mismo departamento, todo empieza a ir cuesta abajo. Para empeorar las cosas, termina perdiendo temporalmente su puesto en la universidad justo cuando más lo necesitaba.

Sin trabajo, con el orgullo hecho pedazos y sin saber muy bien qué hacer con su vida, Stella acepta a regañadientes acompañar a su hermana a unas vacaciones en Fiji con la familia millonaria de su prometido. La idea de pasar días atrapada con gente rica y perfecta no suena nada bien, pero quedarse en casa sintiéndose miserable tampoco es una gran opción.

Lo que ella pensaba que sería un viaje incómodo pronto se convierte en algo mucho más inesperado. Nuevos lugares, gente desconocida y decisiones impulsivas empiezan a cambiar la forma en la que ve su vida.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Sara Huss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe Jory's debut novel is funny, charming, and includes ocean conservation, what more could you ask for?!

This book had me hooked from the moment Stella sets foot in Fiji. The spice, hilarious side characters, heartwarming story arc of the main character, and the dreamy setting.... a recipe for an excellent read. And as a fan of reality TV's Below Deck, I loved the dynamics that only a super yacht setting could foster.

Stella's story is so relatable for anyone who has found themselves down on their luck and struggled to find the way back to themselves. Caleb makes for the perfect addition to Stella's story with his seemingly gruff exterior, big heart, and of course his abs. If you're looking for a great rom com, look no further!

And in case you needed yet another reason to choose this title: 50% of sales profits will be donated to ocean conservation efforts, including Seatrees' Fijian Reef Restoration Project.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Neon Tiger Books in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

Stella has just been suspended from her PhD program when she finds herself stuck on a two-week yacht trip with her sister’s fiancé’s wealthy family. And just when things couldn’t get any worse, the yacht captain, Caleb, whom she had met before boarding and who initially seemed genuinely interested in her, now seems determined to remind her she’ll never belong with these people.

I honestly wasn’t sure where this one was going to go, but the premise intrigued me, and this book definitely did not disappoint! The writing is fresh and the dialogue and banter between Stella and Caleb is just spot on! I was gasping and giggling in equal measure. The setting of a Maldives yacht trip with a wealthy family full of quirks and personality was the perfect backdrop. The characters are all complex and layered without being stereotypical. The romance is definitely slow burn, but there’s enough tension and chemistry to keep you satisfied! I also loved the environmental conservation aspect, which added another meaningful layer to the story and gave the characters even more depth.

Down with the Ship is a sharp, witty, enemies-to-lovers romance set on a luxury yacht at sea. It’s the perfect balance of humour, chemistry, tension and emotional depth and vulnerability! Highly recommend to anyone wanting a vacation read with lots of heart hidden under the snark!

Thank you to Neon Tiger Books and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Down With The Ship surprised me in ways I did not expect. The cover is absolutely beautiful and felt like the perfect beach read, especially with my vacation coming up. But once I started, I found myself unexpectedly connected to Stella. As someone currently in a doctoral program, her academic stress and uncertainty felt very real. That quiet pressure of trying to hold everything together lingered beneath the humor.

The setting was immersive and escapist in the best way, and the writing had a sharp, funny edge that kept me turning pages. That said, I did find myself wishing for more romance. The tension was there, but I wanted a bit more depth in the relationship, especially toward the end, which felt slightly rushed. Still, it is an enjoyable read that blends humor with vulnerability, and it ended up being more relatable than I ever expected. Thank you to NetGalley and Neon Tiger Books for the ARC.

[Leanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great beach read especially because the setting stole the show. With how the books starts I was really rooting for the main characters to get together but I started hating both of them. The fmc is super immature and at times I felt like I could be reading a YA book not one about a 28-year-old in grad school. The mmc was a dick for no reason even though he thought he could justify how he was acting. All the other characters also had their issues, but at least their growth was shown throughout the book. At the end the fmc STILL didn't show any real change. Even though the main characters weren't my favorite, I did enjoy the vibes and overall significance of climate change, especially on coral reefs.

I do think this is a good debut and I'm super thankful to Net Galley and Neon Tiger Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Also, Kudos to Neon Tiger and Chloe Jory for donating 50% of the profits from sales to ocean conservation efforts.