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A former reality dating show villain’s second chance at fame turns into a battle for the spotlight in this swoony, sharp-witted rom-com—the second book in the Love at First Sail series.

Reality TV changed Molly Spencer’s life—and not in the way anyone expected. While she didn’t find love, she did walk away with a golden opportunity: returning as host for the show’s tenth season. After years of dead-end jobs, scraping by as a single mom, and her tumultuous first attempt at reality TV stardom, Molly feels like things might finally be looking up.

Until she learns she won’t be hosting alone. What was supposed to be a solo gig has evolved into a two-person team, and a trial run from the network to decide which host will take the role permanently.

When the other person vying for the job turns out to be Jonah Monroe—an infuriatingly charming, washed-up movie star who is entirely Molly’s type and entirely off-limits—keeping their professional rivalry and growing attraction from spilling onto the screen proves easier said than done. That is, until it becomes the key to saving the show’s plummeting ratings.

As Jonah pushes every single one of Molly’s buttons, exposing the raw insecurities beneath her carefully crafted façade, the lines between their staged personas and raw off-screen connection begin to blur. When a series of cryptic text messages pushes Molly into even rougher waters—and with the ship heading straight into an oncoming storm, no less—she must how much is she willing to risk for love, family, and her future?

In Too Deep is the second standalone novel in the Love at First Sail series—perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Ali Hazelwood, and Meghan Quinn. Expect sizzling rivals-to-lovers tension, single-mom romance, forced proximity at sea, reality TV drama, found family, and a heroine who refuses to go down without a fight.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

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About the author

S.A. Thorne

2 books20 followers
S. A. Thorne writes sparkling rom-coms about women finding their way—on the job, in friendship, and in love—often where they least expect it. Her debut novel, Cruising, launches the Love at First Sail series, bringing together behind-the-scenes reality TV drama, complicated sisterhood, and romance worth swooning over.

A former TV professional turned communications pro, she’s been telling stories for more than 15 years. When not writing, S. A. Thorne is chasing after her two young kids, daydreaming about travel, and drinking more coffee than she probably should.

Follow her writing adventures on Instagram at @shellythornewrites.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley McGillis.
32 reviews14 followers
June 23, 2026
Two words — Hot Mess.

In Too Deep is the second novel in S.A. Thorne’s Love at First Sail series and follows Molly Spencer, as she goes from contestant on the hit reality TV show Love at First Sail, to co-host, and hopefully soon - the only host. Of course, it can’t be that simple, insert Jonah Monroe. What should have been Molly’s second chance at fame turns into a competition. Suddenly it’s a “may the best host win!” battle as Molly and Jonah are forced to work together all while trying to keep their growing attraction towards one another from becoming the real show.

Molly is complicated, messy, stubborn, and determined to do everything she can to give her daughter, Morgan the best life. Molly is the kind of character who holds her life together with sheer willpower and a little bit of panic. Morgan, trying to keep up with her private tutoring, while literally living at sea adds both humour and heart to the story. It also highlights just how much Molly is juggling, and how far she’s willing to go to make things work.

Then there’s Jonah. He’s charming, frustrating, and exactly the kind of person Molly claims she can’t stand. The rivalry between Molly and Jonah keeps things entertaining, but it’s the quieter moments between the two, that show a different side of both characters. The battle for host quickly becomes the least of their concerns as real feelings start to blur the lines of the professional competition. While he and Molly are competing for the same job, Jonah never loses sight of the people around him. The way he takes on the role of both competitor and steady presence on the boat, adds depth to his character and makes the growing connection between him and Molly feel real.

One of my favourite parts of the story was seeing the family dynamic develop on the boat, with Morgan asking questions about her dad (and her dad reaching out to Molly) adds suspense and unwelcome drama into their already chaotic life. With Morgan and Jonah’s niece, Charlie, joining the adventure, the story becomes about more than just romance. Jonah’s caring and supportive nature shines through as he strengthens his connection with Charlie and builds a new connection with Molly and Morgan. Watching him step into that role and create a safe, encouraging environment added more depth to his character.

The reality TV backdrop, forced proximity, fake-dating elements, and emotional family moments create a story that balances humour and heart. It’s messy, but in the best way, while also being surprisingly tender when it needs to be. This was an entertaining read about second chances, finding confidence, and discovering that sometimes the person who challenges you the most might also be the person who supports you the most. I loved this story and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy, heartfelt read filled with humour and characters so messy you’ll walk away feeling like you have your life together.
Profile Image for Madi (madifett.reads).
110 reviews
June 23, 2026
Well, S. A. Thorne has done it again! In Too Deep is book two of Thorne’s Love at First Sail series, and it truly blew me away. I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC after loving book one. Thank you so much S. A. Thorne for the continued opportunity to be on your ARC team🫶

I had a blast being back in the world of Love at First Sail. Molly was my favorite character in book one, so I was thrilled to get her story. It absolutely did not disappoint. Molly is an incredibly dynamic character - she’s been through a LOT of hardship. As the book delved into more of her past, my heart broke for her. She’s a single mom doing everything she can to provide a good life for her daughter, and she’s dealing with her own trauma/trying to take care of her mental health. Molly’s relationship with her daughter Morgan was so sweet, and I loved that she joined Molly on the cruise ship.

And Jonah…sweet, ridiculous Jonah. He meets Molly exactly where she is with zero hesitation. He falls HARD for Molly, and the chemistry between them is palpable. Their banter is fantastic, too, and the “will they, won’t they” aspect of the story had me on the edge of my seat in the best way.

If In Too Deep sounds fantastic to you, make sure to read book one, Cruising, first - you’ll get a front row seat to Molly’s amazing redemption arc and meet some more wonderful characters. Oh, and each chapter opens with a different song, specifically 2000s rock/emo, that matches the vibe of the chapter. I love that music plays such a huge role in Thorne’s books, and it’s fun to see a ton of bands mentioned that I grew up listening to! Just a little bit of nostalgia that makes this book even more special ❤️
Profile Image for Stasia Roze.
236 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2026
Book Title: In Too Deep
Author: S.A. Thorne
Series: Love at First Sail
Release Date: Out Now

✨ ARC Review ✨

I absolutely loved the first book in the Love at First Sail, so when I saw ARC sign ups for this one, book 2, I was so excited! The book lived up to the hype and continued the series beautifully. It could be read as a standalone, but you'd miss out on details around 2 side characters and the back story of our FMC.

The journey we have gone on with this FMC is sensational, from villain to beloved home girl, we have felt her emotions every step of the way. We've grown with her and we've seen her handle herself with class and eloquence.

The romance is just dreamy, starting as enemies to lovers, moving into fake dating, and then finally they are together for real. But not only that, they go together SO well. It's heart warming and makes your soul feed good!

If you want a contemporary romance, look no further than In Too Deep!
Profile Image for Jenn L.
22 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
I couldn’t wait for this release after reading Cruising (book one) and this one did not disappoint!

In this story we follow Molly, who was a very complex character and contestant on Love at First Sail - a reality love show taking place on a cruise ship called the Gemstone in Cruising. This time around, Molly is hosting Love at First Sail. In this book Molly gets the chance to redeem her character and she sure does!

Molly’s humour, clumsiness and dedication as a parent makes her such a relatable character. There is banter, enemies to lovers, spice and humour - which makes it a solid 5 stars read for me!

Thanks S.A. Thorne for the ARC read - can’t wait to see what else you have coming!!
36 reviews
June 23, 2026
In Too Deep is the second book in Love at first Sail series.

It felt amazing to be back in the world of Love At First Sail reality dating show and to finally see Molly's true personality that wasn't exactly clear in the first book. New love, new scenes, new twists. With her daughter Morgan on the line with her, how would Molly take the professional rivalry and romance with the famous Jonah Monroe?

I loved both main characters, they were both perfect and real. The banter between them and their bonding was amazing.

Let's just say, S. A. Thorne did it again! She got us hunged up once more and she didn't fail in putting us in a good mood.
12 reviews
June 23, 2026
ARC Review
This was among the easiest 5 stars I have ever given. I honestly cannot express how much I love both In Too Deep and Cruising. The characters are so real. They feel like friends who are off living their life even after the story ends. The Gemstone is such a wonderful setting for a story. The detail that has been put into these books is incredible. From the songs to the social media posts at the beginning of each chapter, it feels like Love At First Sail is really happening and you as the reader are apart of the experience. Please please please go check out first Cruising and then In Too Deep. I really cannot recommend these books enough!
Profile Image for Angie (mushmysteriesandmore).
458 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
I have been waiting for this book since I finished book one back in December. I knew there was more to Molly than just her previous persona, although we got a glimpse of the real Molly during her redemption arc. But I knew she deserved a book of her own.

So former reality star Molly is now the new host of Love At First Sail (think Love Island on a cruise ship). Or should we say co-host, because the network decided to make this a competition for permanent hosting duties and drop former child actor Jonah on the ship next to her. They are now rivals, as only one of them will get the permanent gig. That would be the easy part if Molly wasn’t desperately attracted to Jonah.

I loved the banter between Molly and Jonah. From the instant they meet, they are at each other with the jabs and barbs and banter, yet also bonding over their sole parent/guardian issues and having to fake date to boost ratings.

I enjoyed the backgrounds of both characters; they had so much depth and detail in them, and both characters were dragging around baggage from their younger days, which was impacting them both in the present. I liked the way they were both there for each other, for support and to help where possible.

It was also nice to see Chloe and Nolan again, both having a part to play in the story, as well as seeing them happy and living their lives happily since their own HEA in Book 1. (Both of these are standalones and can be read separately)

I wonder if we will get Sora’s book, now THAT will be interesting.
Profile Image for Kate Brasington.
493 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2026
✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨

We meet Molly the FMC in Cruising and she is somebody we hate to love and love to hate. In In Too Deep we get a better understanding of Molly and why she comes off as such a brat at times. I loved Molly in Cruising but In Too Deep really solidified my love for her.
Molly is a cohost to the Love at First Sail reality dating show, that she was originally a competitor on, a single mother and a HOT MESS!
The MMC Jonah is this swoon-worthy himbo of a man, he also used to be a teenage heartthrob working on a show that was kinda like Vampire Diaries, he is also dipping his toes back into the entertainment industry all while having temporary custody of his niece.
This couple is an instant dislike with little embers that spark into a fiery passionate relationship. I love how down bad for Molly Jonah is 😩 he takes care of her in so many ways and is just the perfect little golden retriever man. I can relate to their dynamic heavily!
I also wish that this reality tv show was real because I think I would watch the heck out of it as I love messy drama and forced proximity and competing to find your perfect match on a cruise ship sounds like a beautiful recipe for disaster.
In Too Deep is going to be perfect for a summer time read! Please add it to your tbr 🥹
Profile Image for Julie.
145 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
ARC review
Antecdotal thoughts while reading
Love at First Sail Book 2
Meditation class for an hour would not be my jam. I'd either be blurting out or sound asleep.
Focus on 😤 Molly. 😁
Oh Molly, you get to take your little sidekick 😍
Co-host??? Could it be the professor? He would definitely bring the drama up a level?
Ah, the tweet hint makes sense now.
Don't speak too soon Simon. You may need to find some wood to knock on. 😆
👠 🚪 😁 🤢 oh 💩
👁 contest with tension 😁
🦁 vs 🐇
Oh Molly, you keep on dishing it! Don't mess with her.
Uncle??
Why would he be reaching out now? What's the story there?
Showing compassion and empathy 😊
🛗 ✋️ 🫂 🤗
Thinking of you Tessa. Wish I could help. Jonah, thanks for being there for Charlie.
What if it is not Colin though? What if it is a scoop on a contestant?
Jonah with the 💣.
Fun day ashore with the crew.
Morgan, you are an 😇 for Charlie!
🐔 🍟
Power Rangers, really Chloe?!?! 😁
😭 🫂
Open communication 👍
Intentions Morgan??? I LOVE it!!
Oh 💩! Glen....what did you just get yourself involved with?
Alert! Alert! At least let Jonah know the current situation.
✉️ 💰 🤬
👨‍🍳👩‍🍳🥟
✌️ out
🎶
Profile Image for Meredith.
597 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
Reality TV romcoms are definitely having a moment. I haven’t read them all, but I can say with 100% certainty that this is my favorite of the bunch.

Every single note - from the rivals to fake relationship to lovers, the single parenting, the obsessive compulsive representation, and the baggage and trauma from past relationships and emotional growth - rang so true in this world. Molly’s voice is full of strength when it comes to her daughter and so full of vulnerability when it comes to herself and her own needs.

The banter is on fire and I can see what attracts Jonah to her vividly, just as I can see how Jonah is just as much of a catch. He gives her space to be herself without embarrassment in a way that we all deserve. And I think this hits especially hard for single parents who are so accustomed to carrying all the burdens, all the time.

The spice is detailed and explicit and full of dirty talk and I LOVED it. It’s not quick to come - these characters earn it - but so very good.

Thanks so much to the author for the review copy!
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 25, 2026
ARC review!

It's officially summer and that means it's time for a perfect frothy summer read. Think cozy but trade your blanket for a beach towel, hot cocoa for a Diet Coke (or 3), and a sunny destination.

Throw in a cruise on the Mediterranean Gemstone? Perfection.

Whether this is your first time aboard or a return voyage, you'll quickly befriend vibrant characters and be swept away with the ups and downs of the reality show Love at First Sail and its new hosts, Molly and Jonah.

Molly Spencer is the whole package: gorgeous, charismatic, talented, and with an amazing new hosting job to boot. But still waters run deep: Molly brings her whole self to her new job (as we all do!) and you'll relate to her insecurities, self-doubt, and second guessing.

You'll also relate to her magnetic attraction to Jonah Monroe, who brings his own baggage (literal and otherwise) to the new gig.

Like her debut Cruising, the author sweeps you away on a romantic and often funny adventure... but her ability to bring depth to her characters and their backgrounds is what sets these books apart.

Pack your passport and update your TBR, this is the perfect choice to kick off your summer reading!
Profile Image for Verity Thornhill.
Author 2 books10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 19, 2026
⛴️💙 In Too Deep ARC Review 💙⛴️

I've been looking forward to reading this after loving Cruising (Book 1 in the series), and it didn't disappoint!

Molly is back on board the Gemstone, but this time it's for her TV show hosting debut... but that's not entirely accurate. Unbeknownst to Molly, she has a co-host. Enter Jonah, the heartthrob of a 90s Vampire trilogy (no not that one 😉).

For very different reasons, Molly and Jonah both need their hosting debuts to be a success. But the big snag in this is that they are competing against each other to win the role of host for any future seasons of Love at First Sail.

Let the competition begin 😍

Perfect for fans of rivals to lovers, single mum romances, and fake dating!

I really enjoyed In Too Deep - looking forward to more from S.A. Thorne 💙
Profile Image for Laura Welsh.
260 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
***ARC Review***

I loved the second book of the Love At First Sail series.

Starting shortly after the first book ended, we join Molly as she's back on the boat to be a host for Love at First Sail. Just before they disembark, she finds out she has a co-host that she'll be competing with for regular hosting duties in upcoming seasons.

S.A. Thorne does a great job of exploring some sensitive topics without bogging down the entire plot. In this book, there's an anxiety disorder, self-esteem issues, parental issues, and single parenthood.

There are a few open door love scenes.

Thank you to S.A. Thorne for the chance to read this great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
27 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 5, 2026
I got a chance to snag an early ARC from Shelly and let me tell you.... This book is a perfect redemption story for our girl Molly from book one Cruising (which I also loved). Our FMC really gave us a good look into what makes her, her and honestly really resonated with me. Our MMC was charismatic, sensitive, and swoon worthy, with a touch of misunderstood. The story just sang to me and let me feeling warm and fuzzy inside because honestly, who doesn't love a happy ending. This book is packed with nostalgia, witty banter and flirting and a bit of spice sprinkled on top. If you're not already following Shelly head over to her page now. You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Jenna La Bollita.
393 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 28, 2026
Not surprising at all, but this was so good!! I absolutely want to go on a cruise now just for the off chance I'll meet my own Jonah 😍

In this second story, we get to know Molly Spencer more. We get to meet her amazing daughter Morgan, and we get to fall in love with Jonah 🤤. Molly is an absolutely incredible mom.

I really love the OCD and dermatillomania representation - when I first read the beta version, resonating so much with Molly's experience is what finally inspired me to go back to therapy.

I LOVE this book so much and can't wait to read every other book S.A. Thorne ever writes!!
Profile Image for Shandra.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 29, 2026
I really ate this book up! I was obsessed with the first book in this series, Cruising, and In Too Deep did not disappoint. I loved getting into Molly's point of view and experiencing her growing as a character. I'm also super happy that we got a lot of Morgan. She seems like a hilarious daughter!

Getting to read some more about Chloe and Nolan some more was also great! I loved them in Cruising so obviously had no problem getting more of them in this series.

I wish Sora was a little more present butttt I can see there being a good storyline for a future book in the series. Same with Glen and Sal.

Thank you so much to S.A. Thorne for providing me with this ARC. I am so grateful that I got a chance to experience In Too Deep before it was released!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sandrau.
50 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 31, 2026
ARC received - 3.5 stars

As a reality tv and romance novel lover I was so excited to dive into this book. I love the concept of the plot but it took me half the book to get into it. Found the beginning part fell kind of flat, I wanted more description of the setting and a deeper dive into the characters to feel more connected to them. In the second half I felt myself getting more into the story.
Also I didn’t read the first book of the series and want to read it now to maybe get the background that’s I’m missing that would get me into this story from earlier in the book.

Would recommend as an easy vacation read if you like good endings and enemies to lovers arcs ☺️
Profile Image for Antonia Ferrara.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 6, 2026
In Too Deep

Shelly, you’ve done it again.

If you liked Cruising, you MUST read In Too Deep.

It’s got the same fun setting but with new (and returning) and exciting characters and storyline.
Molly and Jonah are delicious together because I love a good rivals to lovers story!

I absolutely loved the pop culture references that just add to character traits and personality.

I loved how this story touches on past relationships and how it affects a person but also shows it with such care. The maturity of these characters feels very natural and refreshing.

Thank you so much for this ARC!
82 reviews
Review of advance copy
May 9, 2026
ARC Review
5⭐️
In Too Deep is Book 2 in the Love at First Sail Series. First off I gotta say our FMC Molly, a single mom is a total badass, I wasn't sure I liked her in the 1st book, but I love her character now! I fell in love with the MMC Jonah, he's seems like a d bag at first but quickly you realize he's sweet & a bit feisty. The way Molly & Jonah come together is what makes reality TV great! Ahh the drama!!
Profile Image for Grace mary.
119 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 19, 2026
This was so cute I loved the first book and this one was just as good! Really loved seeing it Molly's redemption come full circle and her daughter was just adorable!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
1,200 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 30, 2026
beta read- obsessed- will give full review after release :)
Profile Image for Amy and Rae Bookshelf.
560 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
In Too Deep by S.A. Thorne is an absolute masterpiece of a romance. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Please do yourself a favour and read book one, Cruising, first. It’s amazing and you’ll meet this book’s FMC Molly, and you’ll get her incredible villain redemption arc. God, I love her so much! Don’t skip it.

This story is fast-paced, packed with high tension, and filled with hilarious, sharp banter. It balances a fun, twisty plot with deep characters and genuinely important emotional themes.

If you love the single mom trope, forced proximity (cruise ship), fake dating, and rivals to lovers—>this is the book for you. An easy 5 stars!

A special shoutout to the playlist. Early 2000s gold!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews