In the Same Boat

by Portia MacIntosh

A BRAND NEW gorgeously funny romantic comedy from MULTI-MILLION-COPY bestseller Portia MacIntosh! 💖 Praise for Portia 💖

'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low

'I laughed, I cried - I loved it.’ Holly Martin

'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin

‘This is one of the easiest 5 stars I have given’ Reader Review

‘Portia Macintosh knows how to add the perfect amount of humor, current pop culture reference, and setting to make every rom-com an absolute joy to read!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

‘If you're looking for a feel-good read that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even shed a tear, "Wish You Weren't Here" is a must-read. Highly recommend!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

218 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2026

About the author

Portia 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

Reviews

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎉Happy Publication Day!🎉


I have to read more from this author. I forgot how much fun her books are.

I loved the writing style and the humor. This book made me laugh a lot, and this is what the com in rom-com is all about, so I’d recommend it for that reason alone.

Sammie and Nico first met at a singles event for people in their fifties, which they tricked their parents into attending. What followed was a series of that-would-never-happen events, including all four of them ending up on a fancy yacht. As two couples. Sort of.

Fake dating is a great trope. Combined with forced proximity and only one bed, it is even better. I didn’t love that Nico and Sammie were rude to each other at the beginning, but they grew on me eventually. Also, Sammie’s inner monologue was so entertaining that I was easily distracted from the fake conflict.

The parents were fun too (dad jokes notwithstanding), and the whole setup was very light and rom-com-y.

Overall, a solid four stars, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.

Expected 12 Aug 26

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, or Christina Lauren, this is definitely one to add to your TBR! 🩵

Sammie has built her life around work, routine, and stability. Romance isn’t exactly at the top of her list—especially when her mum unexpectedly moves in and becomes an unintentional obstacle to her dating life.

Determined to get her mum back out into the dating world, Sammie takes her to an over-fifties singles night. And, of course, that’s where things get complicated.

Her mum meets Hank, and Sammie meets Nico—Hank’s sarcastic, ridiculously attractive son. Their first meeting is anything but smooth, and the two clash immediately. Sammie figures that’s the end of it.

Until her mum surprises her with a luxury holiday in Monaco… on Hank’s yacht. 😳

Now Sammie is stuck at sea with her loved-up mum and Hank, plus the infuriating man she can’t seem to get along with. To escape their parents’ matchmaking and excessive affection, Sammie and Nico come up with a plan: pretend to be a couple.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well… absolutely everything when the fake flirting starts feeling a little too real. 😉

I loved the forced proximity + fake dating combination, and putting these two together on a luxury yacht made the whole setup even more fun. Sammie and Nico have that perfect “I can’t stand you… so why can’t I stop thinking about you?” energy, and watching their relationship evolve from irritation to attraction was such a highlight.

Sammie is relatable, especially in the way she tries to keep everything in her life controlled and predictable. Nico challenges that, forcing her to confront what she actually wants instead of simply choosing what feels safe.

This was a fun, flirty, feel-good romance with plenty of banter, family chaos, sunshine, and chemistry. The Monaco/yacht setting was the perfect backdrop for a story about stepping outside your comfort zone and taking a chance on something—or someone—you never expected.

🩵 Fake dating
🛥️ Luxury yacht romance
🔥 Enemies-to-lovers vibes
☀️ Forced proximity
😂 Sarcasm & banter
💘 Unexpected chemistry
👩‍❤️‍👨 Family matchmaking
✨ A heroine learning to let go of control

If you love fun contemporary rom-coms with witty banter, ridiculous situations, swoony moments, and a couple who absolutely refuse to admit they’re falling for each other, this one is worth picking up!

[Louise Hobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Usually, I find Portia’s books quite predictable, but in the best, most comforting way. However, I did not predict where this one was going, which made it even more fun to read! As always, Portia’s writing had me smiling and giggling throughout.

Another fun, quick and easy read from Portia, and I’ll happily read anything she writes!

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fake dating? Forced proximity? A sarcastic, annoyingly handsome man? A luxury yacht in Monaco? Obviously, I was in.

Sammie loves her mum, Chrissy, but living together is doing absolutely nothing for Sammie’s love life. In what initially seems like a brilliant solution, Sammie takes her mum to an over-50s night at their local club. Enter Hank—and, unfortunately for Sammie, his son Nico. Before long, Chrissy surprises Sammie with a trip to Monaco aboard Hank’s yacht, where Sammie is forced to spend far more time with Nico than she ever wanted. When their parents’ new romance starts placing pressure on everyone, Sammie and Nico decide that pretending to date might make their lives easier. Because fake dating while trapped together in Monaco always remains completely uncomplicated, right?

I flew through this book in less than a day. It was sweet, funny, romantic, and incredibly easy to get lost in. The yacht, the food, the scenery, and the overall Monaco atmosphere were described so vividly that I could practically feel the sunshine—and was also deeply offended that no one had invited me along.

The romance between Sammie and Nico was adorable, but I also loved that the story gave us two relationships to root for. The mother-daughter and father-son dynamics added much more depth than I expected. They were loving and insightful, but also realistically frustrating. The parents knew versions of their children that no one else did, which created some genuinely meaningful moments alongside all the romantic chaos.

There were also several developments that genuinely surprised me. I thought I knew exactly where the story was heading, but it managed to catch me off guard more than once. The brief reflections on grief and losing a parent also hit me much harder than I anticipated. They never made the book feel overly heavy, but they gave the story an emotional layer that really resonated with me.

Overall, this was such a fun and heartfelt summer romance. It had fake dating, forced proximity, family dynamics, luxurious vacation vibes, deliciously described food, and two possible love stories unfolding in one ridiculously gorgeous setting. What more could I ask for?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Liz Sturg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC book from NetGalley. I love Portia and this book didn't disappoint! Two kids trying to get their parents to put themselves out there and meet people or go on dates. The parents for them live at home with them and well they really can't date or have people over or else they will get interrupted. They get this idea to take their parents to an over 50s speed date round sort of event. Being they are the only young ones in the event, they gravitate towards each other and talk about their parents. The FMC sees her mom hits off with the MMCs dad and she wants to leave the event and not really deal with the MMC anymore. She finds him annoying and not taking their parents talking to each other seriously. She then finds the MMC is over at her home and his dad is upstairs with her mom and the MMC tells her, they have been up there alone for over 20 mins. The FMC was already having a crazy day at work to come home to the MMC who has made himself at home in her living room. The FMCs mom decides to surprise the FMC on a holiday only to find out that they are vacationing with the MMC and his dad. Then the FMC and MMC start thinking of ways to make their parents uncomfortable so they get to leave the holiday early. They pretend to hit it off and far from putting their parents off on it their parents are delighted. One morning the MMCs dad talks to the FMC letting her know the MMC doesn't really settle down and he needs a strong hand to get him to mature which puts off the FMC. They all get into a disagreement and the FMC and her mom leave the holiday early heartbroken and upset. Her mom fesses up that they wanted her and the MMC to hit it off. That the MMC is the owner of the yacht they were in and that he is a successful business owner. To which the FMC is embarrassed thinking that he was just a spoiled entitled 30yr old. Their parents conspire to reunite them again and they talk it out and end up together. I loved this book!

[Stephanie Coniff · Rating 4 out of 5]

🛥💕 In the Same Boat by Portia MacIntosh
Genre: Rom Com
Length: 272 pages
Spice: 🫑
Pub Date: Aug. 12, 2026
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tropes:
🔸️enemies-to-lovers
🔸️destination setting
🔸️forced proximity
🔸️fake dating
🔸️one bed
🔸️opposites attract

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Summary:
Meet Sammie- single, early 30s, clean water engineer, Type-A to the max, and lives with her mom, Chrissy, who is twice widowed.

Meet Nico- single, video game developer, also early 30s, loves the spontaneity of life, lives with his widower dad, Hank.

When Nico and Sammie each decide to take their single parents to an over-50s singles gathering, they notice that Chrissy and Hank have instant chemistry. But Nico and Sammie have anything but- complete opposites, they both can't stand each other.

So when Hank invites Chrissy on his luxurious yacht for a holiday in Monte Carlo, it seems like a perfect romantic getaway to spark their new relationship... except Nico and Sammie end up on the yacht, too after being tricked by their parents. Will there be love in the air, or will one of them be tossed overboard?

Review:
This was such a unique and fun rom com! It had all of my favorite Portia MacIntosh vibes, with its gorgeous destination setting, witty banter, and forced proximity/one bed tropes (which I love!). But one thing that really made this fun was the added love story of the parents, Hank and Chrissy. It was really funny how Nico and Sammie, even in their 'dislike' of each other, teamed up to try to get off the yacht. And to add a bit of good substance to the comedic parts, the author did formulate the love story around the age-old phrase of not judging a book by its cover when it comes to first impressions. This was a fun one for sure!

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩷 Blurb-
Sammie’s life is all about work, routine and stability. She needs to get back out there and start having fun, but then her mum turns up needing somewhere to live, and it’s seriously harming Sammie’s dating game. So, in a moment of desperation, Sammie takes her to an over-fifties singles night, hoping a little romance might encourage her to move out and move on.
There, Chrissy meets Hank. Unfortunately, he also comes with Nico: his sarcastic, frustratingly attractive son, who Sammie clashes with instantly.
Sammie assumes she’ll never see either man again. Until her mum surprises her with a luxury holiday to Monaco… aboard Hank’s yacht, with him and Nico. Trapped at sea with two loved-up parents and a man who gets under her skin, Sammie agrees to a ridiculous plan: she and Nico will pretend to be a couple so their over-the-top affectionate parents will back off.
But somewhere between fake flirting, forced proximity, and sun-soaked days at sea, pretending starts to feel dangerously real. And when the truth finally comes out, Sammie has to decide whether she’s ready to stop steering away from the things she really wants.
🩵 Review -
I have loved other books that I have read by the author and In The Same Boat certainly didn't disappoint. It makes the most perfect summer time read. From the start I was hooked and drawn into the story. Which I found fun and easy to follow. I loved the place settings in the story and there was a great cast of characters. I also loved the author's writing style and I will definitely be reading more by them. I highly recommend it.
💚 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Portia Macintosh and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia MacIntosh has quickly become one of those authors whose new releases I look forward to every year. Even though her books are not heavy on spice, they always manage to pull me in with their humor, charming characters, and entertaining storylines. As soon as I read the description of this one, I knew it would be another fun read, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.

I loved both Sammie and Nico from the very beginning. Their personalities balanced each other so well, and I really appreciated that the story was told from both of their perspectives. Having both points of view made it easier to understand what each of them was thinking, but it never took away from some of the bigger surprises along the way. In fact, there were a couple of twists that genuinely caught me off guard, which made the story even more enjoyable.

I also have to give a special mention to the supporting characters. I did not expect to enjoy Chrissy and Hank nearly as much as I did, but they ended up being some of my favorite parts of the book. Hank, in particular, had me laughing more than once with his impulsive personality. Their storyline added an extra layer of fun while also giving Sammie and Nico plenty of opportunities to spend time together. The fake relationship, forced proximity, and gorgeous Monaco setting made for a combination that was hard not to love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had the humor, heart, and romance that I have come to expect from Portia MacIntosh, along with characters that were easy to root for. I finished it with a smile on my face, and I already cannot wait to see what she writes next.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Jerri Bosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right up my street and exactly what I needed when I was reading it!

Sammie is fed up of having her Mum living with her, so tricks her in to attending an over 50s mingles night. Nico tricks his Dad into attending the same night. Whilst their parents hit it off, Nico and Sammie cannot stand each other. With the promise of a girls holiday, Sammie travels to Monaco to board a beautiful yacht - but who is on board, Nico. Who has also been tricked by his Dad? Nico. Together they must come up with a plan to get themselves off the boat and back home so they can escape this nightmare holiday.

This was such an easy read, I think I devoured it in just over 2 hours according to my Bookmory. I just didn't want it to end! It's probably the first book I've ever read which has made me laugh out loud.
The setting of the story is divine, beautiful Monaco - just exuding elegance jumps right off the pages. It feels like you too are also on the deck, cocktail in hand.

I was not keen on either of the main characters. Sammie especially. Nico was lovely at the way he was able to talk to women in the first few chapters, but then when he met Sammie he switched and turned quite awful? I did not understand as to why he was shown as being two different people in a short space of time, and it did confuse me.

I also wish the holiday part of the holiday would have lasted longer. The whole "plan" did not last very long. It felt like they tried for 48 hours then gave up? In which case, it was a very rushed romance. I needed more suspense.

4.5 stars because of how much I enjoyed the story, I just wish it had been longer. We need a story of what happened in the Bahamas/Barbados!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this story.

[fia 🐈‍⬛🕯️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, boldwood books and portia macintosh for an early copy of this in exchange for an honest review!

I feel like I wanna state first just how thankful I am for the opportunity to read this book early, and to remind everyone that not every book is always suited for every person! Sometimes we don’t love a book, yet that doesn’t make it a bad book, does it? I actually don’t love leaving detailed reviews of books I really didn’t like, however, I will always be honest abt the books I read.

That said, I sadly did not love this. But that doesn’t mean this book was bad in any way at all! I really liked the witty, hilarious and easy to read writing and loved how the book started! I liked the setting of Monte Carlo and how summery it felt! It kinda felt like a fruity little drink while tanning in the sun on the beach, so that was great!

What really took away a lot of enjoyment for me were sadly the main characters. Sammie did nothing but complain, which just really irked me. But what kind of made me feel actual dislike was how Sammie and Nico just wouldn’t let their parents be happy. I know they didn’t mean harm, but to me love means sacrifice. So even if they didn’t particularly like each other at first, if they loved their parents and really wanted what’s best for them, they honestly just could’ve sucked it up :(

Again, I was not trying to be mean or downtalk the book or author. This was merely my opinion and I wish the author the absolute best of luck with the upcoming release!

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I consider Portia Macintosh to be one of my favourite romance authors. Her books are always an easy read, charming, funny, and light hearted. Although they may not be anything special her writing and storytelling style just clicks with me and I usually really enjoy reading her books and always look forward to her new releases.
I really liked how in this book our protagonists were in their 30's. Usually in these kinds of books they are in their early twenties (not my demographic) so that was a big plus for me. And I did like them. I thought the banter between Sammie and Nico was good and at times humorous. Unfortunately though, I didn't feel any romantic chemistry between them. At all. They came across as more like brother and sister to me, something I don't want in a romance book.
I also felt like the story lacked any spark and it all just felt a little flat.
It was obvious right from the start what was going on, so there was nothing interesting in the plot for me.
And the ending really gave me the ick. I don't want to say what is was because it's a bit of a spoiler, but it really left a sour taste in my mouth.
So, this wasn't my favourite by this author, I just didn't find it as enjoyable, entertaining or as funny as some of her other books.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for the ARC I received in exchange for an honest review

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portia MacIntosh has done it again! In the Same Boat is everything I look for in a feel-good rom-com—funny, charming, romantic, and the perfect escape.

The premise immediately hooked me. Sammie and Nico reluctantly find themselves spending time together after their parents start dating, and what follows is a hilarious mix of forced proximity, fake dating, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Their banter was so much fun, and I loved watching their relationship slowly evolve.

The setting was another standout. Between the luxury yacht, Monaco, and all the sunshine-filled vacation vibes, this felt like the ultimate summer read. I could practically picture myself on deck with the characters, soaking up the scenery.

What I love most about Portia MacIntosh's books is that they always leave me smiling, and this one was no exception. The romance was sweet, the characters were lovable, and there was just the right balance of humor and heart throughout. I even found myself completely invested in the parents' romance alongside Sammie and Nico's story.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, feel-good romance to throw in your beach bag this summer, I highly recommend In the Same Boat. It's a delightful escape from beginning to end.

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

[Sophie Wisedale · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is something wonderful about picking up a rom-com and being transported somewhere glamorous. ‘In the Same Boat’ does exactly that, set aboard a yacht in Monaco, the story has a wonderfully glamorous and escapist feel that makes it perfect for a summer holiday read.

The romance is filled with great tropes that I love to see in a rom-com: fake dating, forced proximity and one bed. I really enjoyed the family dynamics throughout the book - mother and daughter, father and son - it added another layer to the story which definitely meant that I was smiling to myself.

There’s something wonderfully escapist about reading a story set in Monaco, particularly when so much of it takes place on a yacht. It gave the book a fun, luxurious atmosphere and made it incredibly easy to get lost in the story.

While I had fun reading this, I found myself wanting a bit more emotional depth and I felt that the ending was a little rushed. Personally, I wouldn’t have put the mother & father together but that’s definitely my preference.

‘In the Same Boat’ is a light, playful and escapist romance that you can pick up when you’re looking for something easy to read. It would be the perfect book to take on holiday and read by the pool.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher (Boldwood Books) for the ARC.

[Steph Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 ⭐

If you are looking for a breezy, laugh-out-loud rom-com to devour in one sitting, In the Same Boat delivers maximum sunshine and charm. It is light, quick, and absolute perfection for lounging by the pool—or, naturally, reading on the deck of a boat.

What makes this story shine is its dual-relationship dynamic. We follow Sammie and Nico alongside Chrissy and Hank, and Portia MacIntosh navigates the parent-child overlap (mother/daughter and father/son) with complete finesse. It never feels awkward or creepy—just warm, funny, and surprisingly sweet. In fact, Chrissy and Hank were such a highlight that I would happily read an entire spin-off book strictly from their perspectives!

The tropes are in full force and executed so well:

💏 Fake Dating: Delivered with top-tier banter and plenty of tension.
🔁 Forced Proximity: Works seamlessly with the setting to keep the characters colliding in the best ways.
🛥️ Destination Romance: Vivid, immersive, and total escapism.

Beyond the lighthearted romance, the plot packs in a few genuine surprises that keep the pages turning, leading to a neatly tied-up ending that leaves you with a smile. It is packed with authentic laugh-out-loud moments and makes for a delightfully fun, feel-good escape.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

[Lemonworld · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Same Boat starts as the better version of itself. The mother-daughter bickering lands, Sammie's interiority does real work, and her voice runs on a lovely tic: state a thing, then undercut it downward in the same breath. The comedy is specific and true to life — the ciabatta she wants to smack her mother with, the cereal her mum eyes like a pavement sandwich.

Then the plot arrives and eats it. Two smart people — two degrees, apparently — construct a fake-dating scheme so their loved-up parents will "back off," which makes no psychological sense and duly backfires. So they build a second plan. Then a third. Each is an elaborate contraption where one honest sentence would end it. That's the Idiot Ball, passed hand to hand, and it's the engine of the entire second half — closed out, of course, by the mandatory third-act misunderstanding.

The frustrating part: the character logic that might have made this story exceptional is genuinely there. It just arrives as backstory, explained late rather than lived on the page — tell-after-show at novel scale.

Both couples kiss. Everyone's happy. Competent prose, defective statics.

[aribooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ㅤꨄ︎ fake dating
ㅤꨄ︎ rom com
ㅤꨄ︎ summer vibes

I really wanted to read this book because the summary was promising and oh…my..god…I laughed so much during this book….i didn’t expect this to be so funny, even for a short novel but this was peak !!
There was family comedy, summer vibes, a holiday on a boat, fake dating, sweet romance…the perfect book for the summer guys!!!

This is the story of Sammie and Nico, who have both of their parents living with them, and both decided to take them to a over fifties single night. Which will lead them in spending a holiday together, on a boat in Monaco.

I smiled during the whole book, and I loved how it didn’t have any angst (very very very minimal and I don’t even count it as angst honeslty), and god this was so entertaining.
I loved how Sammie and Nico, went from king of not liking each other, to fake date to being in love…and omg their banter and flirting was so funny…I couldn’t stop smiling….

This was my first book from the author but I’ll definitely read more !!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

[Raelene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really was such a fun, fast read. This isn’t a 5 star for me because the conflict just seemed kind of… not actually there. Like, I feel like the reader was being told that Sammie and Nico didn’t like each other, but I felt such chemistry between them and loved their interactions right from the start!

Sammie and Nico really were great main characters, and it really was great to get both of their POVs! I feel like that really added so much to the story. Chrissy and Hank were well developed side characters as well. Since this story focuses basically just on those 4, there was a lot of time to develop them all and it was well done.

I didn’t love the complication towards the end, I get that there’s basically always a ‘third act breakup’ in romance novels and it did fit the story, so I do appreciate that. But I really do love the way things all came together in the end.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I'll admit, I wasn't sure about it at first. Chrissy and Hank meet at an over-50s mixer, fall in love, and then decide to set up their adult children. Honestly, the premise sounded a little icky to me. But when Sammie and Nico reacted with the exact same horror I was feeling, I was immediately hooked.

I loved the scheming from both sides as they each tried to sabotage the setup, and I found myself laughing throughout the book. Watching Sammie and Nico slowly go from reluctant participants to genuinely enjoying each other's company was so much fun. There was also a twist toward the end that completely caught me by surprise. And, for once, the inevitable third-act breakup didn't even bother me—it fit the story and was handled well.

This was such a fun, feel-good read and the perfect book to toss in your beach bag or take to the pool. I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a light, entertaining summer romance.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me an advanced copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Glorymar Rosario-Vicente · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Same Boat by Portia MacIntosh

This is my second book by Portia MacIntosh, so I was very happy to receive an ARC from this author. In the Same Boat is a very light and enjoyable read. It was easy to get into, flowed nicely, and had plenty of funny scenes that were absolutely hilarious when I pictured them in my head.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Nico and Sammie develop. There were definitely moments when I thought, “Are you serious right now? How did you come up with all these assumptions and conclusions about each other? Just communicate!” But I liked the way Portia handled the aftermath once they finally talked. She presented it in an entertaining way.

Let me tell you, I absolutely loved Hank and Chrissy. They added another layer of humor that I really enjoyed. And can we talk about the parallel process running throughout the whole story? It was so funny to watch the similarities unfold as everything came together.

Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this author, she never fails to deliver sweet, funny romances that leave me smiling.

The setting is an absolute dream: Monaco, luxurious yachts, endless blue skies... it's impossible not to be swept away by it.

Sammie is independent, works far too hard, rarely takes time to relax, and has no interest in a relationship. Nico, on the other hand, is laid back, carefree, and equally determined to stay single. When their parents start dating, the two of them immediately clash. The only thing they can agree on is that they don't want to be around each other. But when they come up with a plan together, they soon find themselves growing closer than either of them expected.

I can't say enough good things about this author. Her romances always have me laughing out loud, and they're so light hearted and heartwarming. They're the perfect feel good beach reads and this one was no exception.

Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review

[Mary Gosse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, although I enjoyed others by Portia MacIntosh a bit better. I liked the premise of the book, but the progression of the plot seemed slow overall - there was a lot of story set-up, which I appreciated and it gave a good background and character development, but I wished she would have spent more time on the yacht and fake-dating portion. I liked and could empathize with their parents Chrissy and Hank, and also with Nico the MMC; however, thought Sammie's character was kind of annoying. She kept getting irritated by Nico and the things he said, but | just didn't see it - it seemed she was constantly annoyed by the situations or her work and was always taking it out on him instead.

Overall, the rest of the characters were enjoyable and the dialogue was smooth and fun to read. I did enjoy the book and would recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.

[CWilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not easy to surprise me in romance books anymore, but Portia made me laugh out loud with a few unexpected threads in this colorfully woven romcom. I admit, sometimes the sniping that the characters do at each other in the begin made it hard to find them as like-able but, I also admit that starting from a sharper place does make the softening towards each other even sweeter and more endearing.

I enjoyed Sammie and Nico’s slow and, at times, unwilling romance. Portia does a great job making the characters have very human flaws and vulnerabilities that helps them feel real and relatable. The trip to Monaco was a really fun change of scenery, that made me add it to my bucket list.

Thank you Boldwood Books for sending this ebook for my review consideration. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.

This book is just a fun time. It’s an easy, light read with many funny moments.
Sammie and Nico are thrown together after their parents meet at an over 50s dating night and want to go on holiday together. Sammie’s Mum doesn’t want to go alone and Sammie isn’t Nico’s biggest fan. To get away from each other they come up with a plan to get kicked off the trip. But when forced to spend time together, it becomes a lot harder to hate each other…
This was light hearted fun in true Portia Macintosh fashion. While Sammie wasn’t my favourite FMC, I did really like Nico and their parents were a great mixture of hilarious and ridiculous.
If you’re looking for a light Rom com, this will be an enjoyable read for you.

[WhatFrizRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sammie's love life isn't thriving and with her mum living with her temporarily it's barely surviving at all, so she hatches a plan to find her a date. Enter Nico and his dad Hank, who are in a similar position. But when Hank and Chrissy, Sammie's mum, appears to get quite serious about each other..Nico and Sammie realise they need to do something fast..

As a fan of Mackintosh's writing, I liked the premise of this and the story did eventually deliver but it took a while for me to warm to Sammie and the story. I liked the little twist at the end and enjoyed how it ended. It is a typical romcom and the yacht/Monte Carlo setting was a nice touch - I've not read a book set mostly there before. An easy holiday read, it's not a particularly long one nor is it one I'd probably revisit, but it was one that once I was about 75% of the way through I had to finish it straight away!

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“In the Same Boat” is by Portia Macintosh. I’ve read a number of Ms. Macintosh’s books, so I’ve come to expect a UK-based book that’s an easy, charming, romance read. This book is no exception, but - for some reason - I didn’t find this book quite as enjoyable as I’ve found her other ones. It took me a while to warm up to the characters (sadly, all of them), which usually doesn’t happen when I read Ms. Macintosh’s books. Also, I didn’t really feel the romantic spark between the two kids (Sammie and Nico). This book wasn’t long, but I found myself struggling to finish it - and, have to admit, the third-act breakup didn’t add much to the story. Overall, while this book wasn’t to my usual enjoyment, I can others liking the escapism and quick read.

[Anmol Jain]

I don't think the storyline made sense to me from the get go - I have enjoyed the fake dating trope before but fake dating to yuck out your parents and get kicked off a trip? I'm happy to suspend reality most of the time but couldn't quite make sense of this one.

I think this book could've been made more interesting / layered by having an actual point of conflict or contention between the MMC and FMC. Without that, the third act breakup kind of fell flat a bit. While there was banter and cute moments, I didn't feel as emotionally connected to or invested in the characters' relationship because I didn't feel like they had enough interactions to actually get to know each other.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and of course to Portia MacIntosh for letting me read this ARC.

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When their parents start dating Sammie and Nico find themselves stranded together on a surprise holiday aboard a yacht. The forced proximity and awkward situation forces them into fake dating to escape their parents. They both quickly realise that maybe it isn't fake after all and feelings start to blossom. What follows is a serious of hillarious situations, dad jokes and non stop banter.

Portia Macintosh is fast becoming one of my favourite rom-com authors, and never disappoints. Every time I pick up one of her books I know I am in for a ride, and this book was no exception. It had me laughing out load and smiling in equal measures. The characters were really likeable and the storyline hilarious. I just really enjoy her writing style, so this is another great 4* read for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't help but enjoy Portia Macintosh's books. Her sense of humor never fails even in the silliest of stories...and this is a great example of it.

Two young adults, each being manipulated by their own parents while manipulating them right back, is just one of those premises you have to sit back and let carry you along in all its absurdity. Every single incident and misunderstanding is ridiculously funny, as long as you have the patience and single-mindedness to just enjoy whatever the story throws at you.

I can see people hating or loving this book. I personally enjoyed it, and I'm not sorry for it. There were moments that made me laugh out loud and others that made me cringe. Just be warned, and also enjoy the spicy moments.

Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Andreea · Rating 3 out of 5]

What starts as an attempt to help her mum find love soon lands Sammie on a luxury yacht holiday with her mum’s new boyfriend and his son.
This was a decent, easy read, the pacing kept things moving and I never felt bogged down. I also enjoyed the banter between the characters. That said, it didn’t leave much of an impression either. The ending felt rushed, like the last chapters were trying to wrap everything up way too quickly.
One thing that really got on my nerves was how often the phrase “no pun intended” was used, once I noticed it, I couldn’t stop noticing it.
I also have to say that the Chrissy and Hank reveal completely caught me off guard. I genuinely didn’t see that coming.
Overall, this was a good palate cleanser and a really easy book to get through. It was fun and kept me entertained.
Thank you netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early.

[Myza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of In The Same Boat.

This is an adorable romcom about Sammie and Nico. Sammie works in London and currently has her mom, Chrissy, living with her since the death of her stepfather.
Nico and his dad Hank live together and his dad is trying to put himself out there to meet someone special.

They all end up meeting at an over 50’s single night and sparks fly between the older duo. Sammie and Nico are not too happy when they are tricked on a vacation together with their respective parents, and are looking for ways to get off the boat and get back home.

This was really fun and the vacation vibes were great. I really enjoyed Chrissy and Hanks characters and loved to see an older representation who are still putting themselves out there and trying to live their best lives.