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Maiden Voyage #3
Captain's Orders
Captain Jordan Hayes prefers to keep her distance. From her crew and from her guests. It's worked perfectly well—until a last-minute cabin shuffle puts her hospitality lead in her private cabin.
Dani Ellis has always been good at her job: managing difficult guests, impossible requests, and an inconvenient attraction to her captain. But six nights sharing a cabin with Jordan Hayes? That's going to require a whole new level of self-management.
While the crew gossips and the tension becomes impossible to ignore, both women are forced to confront what's been simmering between them all along. The only question is whether they're brave enough to do something about it.
Dani Ellis has always been good at her job: managing difficult guests, impossible requests, and an inconvenient attraction to her captain. But six nights sharing a cabin with Jordan Hayes? That's going to require a whole new level of self-management.
While the crew gossips and the tension becomes impossible to ignore, both women are forced to confront what's been simmering between them all along. The only question is whether they're brave enough to do something about it.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2026
About the author
Lise Gold
57 books788 followersLise Gold is an author of lesbian romance. Her romantic attitude, enthusiasm for travel and love for feel good stories form the heartland of her writing. Born in London to a Norwegian mother and English father, and growing up between the UK, Norway, Zambia and the Netherlands, she feels at home pretty much everywhere and has an unending curiosity for new destinations. She goes by 'write what you know' and is often found in exotic locations doing research or getting inspired for her next novel.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
Working as a designer for fifteen years and singing semi- professionally, Lise has always been a creative at heart. Her novels are the result of a quest for a new passion after resigning from her design job in 2018.
When not writing from her kitchen table, Lise can be found cooking, at the gym or singing her heart out somewhere, preferably country or blues. She lives in London with her dogs El Comandante and Bubba.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 18, 2026
I didn't completely like this story. I didn't really believe the relationship between Captain Jordan and Dani, the yacht worker. Jordan didn't seem very consistent to me and I don't understand her arrogance. On the other hand, Dani seemed too easygoing—if you can put it that way—because she is okay with everything. And the charter guests deserve to be thrown overboard. Everything feels very forced and hard to believe. Those loud nighttime activities by the crew on a yacht are very unprofessional.
June 28, 2026
This series has really gotten me out of my reading slump, thank god. These novellas are fun, easy romances, and apparently that’s what works for me right now.
As usual for a Lise Gold romance, the characters are very like-able and the chemistry is well written. I do feel like the endings are bit abrupt, but since each novella picks up right after the last leaves off I’m not too bothered by it.
As usual for a Lise Gold romance, the characters are very like-able and the chemistry is well written. I do feel like the endings are bit abrupt, but since each novella picks up right after the last leaves off I’m not too bothered by it.
July 25, 2026
Another wonderful book in this sexy series!
Dani is in charge of everything passenger focused on The Maiden Voyage, a 120ft yacht. She has had this position for the last four years, after leaving the hotel hospitality business. For charters with few passengers, she works on her own, serving, cleaning, making beds and everything else. When the yacht is full, as it is now, she has two extra freelancers that she calls in.
Jordan is the captain and owner of the yacht. When they aren’t on a charter, she lives aboard the ship in Key West in Florida. Previously in the Navy, she is excellent at her job, but not really a people person. With her first mate and engineer they keep the ship together.
The current charter is for a large family of twelve - the maximum passenger capacity of the yacht. However the children’s nanny has come too, leading to hurried discussions, ending in Dani having to share the captain’s cabin with Jordan.
This is a cozy and also spicy story on board the yacht on a five night charter in the Bahamas. Not as much description of the scenery as previous stories in the series, but hot descriptions of Captain Jordan!
Dani is in charge of everything passenger focused on The Maiden Voyage, a 120ft yacht. She has had this position for the last four years, after leaving the hotel hospitality business. For charters with few passengers, she works on her own, serving, cleaning, making beds and everything else. When the yacht is full, as it is now, she has two extra freelancers that she calls in.
Jordan is the captain and owner of the yacht. When they aren’t on a charter, she lives aboard the ship in Key West in Florida. Previously in the Navy, she is excellent at her job, but not really a people person. With her first mate and engineer they keep the ship together.
The current charter is for a large family of twelve - the maximum passenger capacity of the yacht. However the children’s nanny has come too, leading to hurried discussions, ending in Dani having to share the captain’s cabin with Jordan.
This is a cozy and also spicy story on board the yacht on a five night charter in the Bahamas. Not as much description of the scenery as previous stories in the series, but hot descriptions of Captain Jordan!
June 26, 2026
After reading the three Maiden Voyage books, I feel like the novella format doesn't let Lise Gold develop her stories enough to reach the quality of her full-length novels.
In Midnight Wine, it was good until the end, where the story stops too early. It is missing a third act where the difficulties of dating a celebrity would have to be overcome.
In Stormy Waters, the enemies become lovers immediately, losing the main interest of these stories: the evolution from hate to love.
In Captain's Orders, more of an ice queen romance, the Captain character is developed enough, but her love interest, Nina, has no personality. It was difficult to connect with this relationship when half of it is missing.
All these stories could have been great with the space given by a novel; without it, they didn't work as well for me.
And Lise Gold couldn't even rely on her second talent (after the romance stories): making us enjoy an exotic setting. The setting, the Maiden Voyage yacht and the Bahamas, is established in the first book, completed in the second, and there is nothing left for the third book.
It was still an enjoyable read. In order of preference, I liked the first book the most and the second one the least. This last one was okay, middle of the road.
In Midnight Wine, it was good until the end, where the story stops too early. It is missing a third act where the difficulties of dating a celebrity would have to be overcome.
In Stormy Waters, the enemies become lovers immediately, losing the main interest of these stories: the evolution from hate to love.
In Captain's Orders, more of an ice queen romance, the Captain character is developed enough, but her love interest, Nina, has no personality. It was difficult to connect with this relationship when half of it is missing.
All these stories could have been great with the space given by a novel; without it, they didn't work as well for me.
And Lise Gold couldn't even rely on her second talent (after the romance stories): making us enjoy an exotic setting. The setting, the Maiden Voyage yacht and the Bahamas, is established in the first book, completed in the second, and there is nothing left for the third book.
It was still an enjoyable read. In order of preference, I liked the first book the most and the second one the least. This last one was okay, middle of the road.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
I’ve loved this entire series but it was delightful to see Dani’s crush, which had been the object of jokes from the other crew members become something real in the final book of the series.
Like the other two novellas, this moves fast. A charter with one person they failed to mention, puts The Maiden Voyage over her allotted guest capacity. To accommodate this family’s nanny, the nanny is given one of the bunks with Lindsay, the chef, but that puts Lindsay’s roommate, Dani, without a place to sleep.
The captain, Jordan, offers her extra pullout bed in the captain’s quarters as an alternative. The book is about what happens from there going forward.
I enjoyed this book and can definitely recommend it to others.
Like the other two novellas, this moves fast. A charter with one person they failed to mention, puts The Maiden Voyage over her allotted guest capacity. To accommodate this family’s nanny, the nanny is given one of the bunks with Lindsay, the chef, but that puts Lindsay’s roommate, Dani, without a place to sleep.
The captain, Jordan, offers her extra pullout bed in the captain’s quarters as an alternative. The book is about what happens from there going forward.
I enjoyed this book and can definitely recommend it to others.
July 31, 2026
Good, hotter (in a good way) than the previous books in the series
I liked this book. But I'm not sure why Dani and Lindsay had to give up a bed. Why not Rei or Zoe? This was a good story. It made me laugh out loud a few times. Bea was so cute! And it seemed hotter than the other books. I was glad there was a bit more about Lindsay and her relationship. It's still not enough though. And I want more information about Lindsay's family life. I really liked the relationship between Jordan and Dani. They're really good together in many ways. There isn't a book 4 yet, so I'll be waiting for that! The writing is good. I didn't spot any errors, but maybe a few Britishisms (tidy, swimming costume, etc.).
I liked this book. But I'm not sure why Dani and Lindsay had to give up a bed. Why not Rei or Zoe? This was a good story. It made me laugh out loud a few times. Bea was so cute! And it seemed hotter than the other books. I was glad there was a bit more about Lindsay and her relationship. It's still not enough though. And I want more information about Lindsay's family life. I really liked the relationship between Jordan and Dani. They're really good together in many ways. There isn't a book 4 yet, so I'll be waiting for that! The writing is good. I didn't spot any errors, but maybe a few Britishisms (tidy, swimming costume, etc.).
May 25, 2026
I was so happy to get another trip on the Maiden Voyage! Captain Jordan has seemed so standoffish in the prior books - her Navy background and firm rules have kept the crew on edge in the four years theyve been working together. Dani, the head of hospitality, has had a crush on the Captain since the start, and now because of miscommunication in the booking - she'll be sharing the Captains cabin.
This book was just a fun read - it isn't complicated - its just two people who have had feelings for each other be given a chance to explore them. I loved getting to see the softer side of the Captain and hope that there are more books coming in the series so I can see how it develops.
This book was just a fun read - it isn't complicated - its just two people who have had feelings for each other be given a chance to explore them. I loved getting to see the softer side of the Captain and hope that there are more books coming in the series so I can see how it develops.
May 28, 2026
Oh My God this is a delicious story!
Lise Gold has made my day just by reading this very hot and fun book. It is quite a feat to beat book 2 of this series, at least in my heart and mind but that is a fact! I couldn’t put it down! These characters are so real and creative at the same time. The setting from Key West to the Bahama Islands brings memories of my own visits on my cousins 55’ sail boat traveling in those waters. Chartering a vessel is tough work for all the crew, these stories with the various “clients” are very plausible and outrageous! It all makes for a great read.
Lise Gold has made my day just by reading this very hot and fun book. It is quite a feat to beat book 2 of this series, at least in my heart and mind but that is a fact! I couldn’t put it down! These characters are so real and creative at the same time. The setting from Key West to the Bahama Islands brings memories of my own visits on my cousins 55’ sail boat traveling in those waters. Chartering a vessel is tough work for all the crew, these stories with the various “clients” are very plausible and outrageous! It all makes for a great read.
July 1, 2026
This is the third in a series about the adventures of an all-female private charter yacht . The first two books were sweet and very touching as they documented romances that developed between the crewmembers and charter guests. it also was fun to read about their interaction with each other. This book finally focused on the captain and one of her primary crew. Despite all of her hesitation of having a romance with an employee, the captain succumbs big time. While it was inevitable this would happen it seemed rushed , and the ending left them both with the question what now? I like Lise Golds touching romances but this one just did not appeal to me.
May 28, 2026
You Need to Read This Series
Captain’s Orders was a wonderful conclusion to The Maiden Voyage series. I only wish that this book and the series were longer. In this book Dani, the coordinator of everything, and the captain finally get together after Dani’s crush of four years. They are “ forced “ to bunk together in the captain’s quarters after a family cruise for twelve turns into thirteen when family members neglect to include the nanny in the headcount.
The series payoff includes some steamy scenes in tight quarters.
Captain’s Orders was a wonderful conclusion to The Maiden Voyage series. I only wish that this book and the series were longer. In this book Dani, the coordinator of everything, and the captain finally get together after Dani’s crush of four years. They are “ forced “ to bunk together in the captain’s quarters after a family cruise for twelve turns into thirteen when family members neglect to include the nanny in the headcount.
The series payoff includes some steamy scenes in tight quarters.
September 4, 2026
My favourite of the series (so far?).
The chemistry between Jordan and Dani is amazing. It was nice to read Jordan's perspective as in the previous two books we get introduced to the other crew but the Captain is always a bit of an enigma.
I loved that Lindsay and Maddie's relationship continues to grow as well and there's several mentions of it throughout this book, if I had a "complaint" it's that there's no mention of Zoe and Stormy.
I can't finish my review without a comment on the scene when Jordan the reserved Captain is finally unleashed in the Cabin with Dani 🫠
The chemistry between Jordan and Dani is amazing. It was nice to read Jordan's perspective as in the previous two books we get introduced to the other crew but the Captain is always a bit of an enigma.
I loved that Lindsay and Maddie's relationship continues to grow as well and there's several mentions of it throughout this book, if I had a "complaint" it's that there's no mention of Zoe and Stormy.
I can't finish my review without a comment on the scene when Jordan the reserved Captain is finally unleashed in the Cabin with Dani 🫠
June 5, 2026
Captain Jordan is looking forward to another profitable cruise. Then she finds out the guests have brought a extra person.. and there's no bunk space for them. To deal, she asks two crewmen to share space, including having the first mate Dani bunk with HER.
Dani has always had a THING for Jordan, but she's never acted on it. But nights with Jordan and the teasing of her friends wear her down.
Good if short. There's also some follow up from the previous books. 3.5 stars
Dani has always had a THING for Jordan, but she's never acted on it. But nights with Jordan and the teasing of her friends wear her down.
Good if short. There's also some follow up from the previous books. 3.5 stars
June 23, 2026
Is there more, please?
This installment is about Jordan the Captain and Dani, the person in charge of hospitality aboard the Maiden Voyage. Dani has crushed on Jordan for four years while Jordan had no clue until they were forced to share a cabin. There's a great connection between these very likable characters. All three novellas were enjoyable, but just too short. This reader would like more. They just don't feel finished. Will there be a follow up???
This installment is about Jordan the Captain and Dani, the person in charge of hospitality aboard the Maiden Voyage. Dani has crushed on Jordan for four years while Jordan had no clue until they were forced to share a cabin. There's a great connection between these very likable characters. All three novellas were enjoyable, but just too short. This reader would like more. They just don't feel finished. Will there be a follow up???
June 2, 2026
Maiden Voyage
After four years of having a crush on the Captain Dani is having to share the same room because of a miss judgement in people who book the cruise. A wonderful story that you don't want to put down. It fun and some spicy scenes to keep you going. Hopefully there is a follow up book to see how the crew are doing
After four years of having a crush on the Captain Dani is having to share the same room because of a miss judgement in people who book the cruise. A wonderful story that you don't want to put down. It fun and some spicy scenes to keep you going. Hopefully there is a follow up book to see how the crew are doing
May 28, 2026
captains orders 3
Have enjoyed all 3 books in this series following the stories of the crew on the maiden voyage yacht, the ups, downs and their budding relationships, not forgetting the passengers they carry on their charters!!!🌈🌹
Have enjoyed all 3 books in this series following the stories of the crew on the maiden voyage yacht, the ups, downs and their budding relationships, not forgetting the passengers they carry on their charters!!!🌈🌹
September 2, 2026
oh god this is the finale we needed
Honestly I could use one more to see how it works as time goes on and we see more of all of them. But the power on this one had to be the best. I’ll always pick a lise gold book because everything about it is delicious..
Honestly I could use one more to see how it works as time goes on and we see more of all of them. But the power on this one had to be the best. I’ll always pick a lise gold book because everything about it is delicious..
May 25, 2026
Such a great series
This series just keeps delivering and if it were possible I’d gladly book a trip in The Maiden Voyage. Can’t wait for the next one.
This series just keeps delivering and if it were possible I’d gladly book a trip in The Maiden Voyage. Can’t wait for the next one.
May 27, 2026
STEAMY
I could have read at least 15 more chapters of this. I Loved it! I only wish it were longer.
I could have read at least 15 more chapters of this. I Loved it! I only wish it were longer.
June 21, 2026
Another good read.
I enjoyed this book equally as much as book 1 & 2.
Strong characters, good writing that makes it easy to escape into.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
I enjoyed this book equally as much as book 1 & 2.
Strong characters, good writing that makes it easy to escape into.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
June 22, 2026
Noooooo
That ended way too quickly!
I need more, NO, I demand more…
LG you left me hanging, not cool.
Love these two characters and I’m so glad they got together.
That ended way too quickly!
I need more, NO, I demand more…
LG you left me hanging, not cool.
Love these two characters and I’m so glad they got together.
June 23, 2026
Once again: very short. #1 and #2 teased this, so it's really nice to experience it. #1 get's a little cameo and it ends again on a nice high note with very much room for personal imagination.
August 24, 2026
A fun, light trilogy of novellas. This was good, but my least favorite of the three. Nice to have these in between heavier reads.
September 30, 2026
Favourite book of the 3! Enjoyed the different POVs
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews