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Valentine's Inc. Cruises #3
Ship Happens
Photographer Upton Sanders is a proverbial third wheel. Still single after his best friend met the love of his life on the Valentine’s Inc. dating app, Upton assumes he’ll be alone forever. Everything changes when his friends surprise him with a week-long singles cruise.
Travel agent Walsh Dunne has never left the state of North Carolina. With the ink on his hospitality degree still wet, he embarks on the S.S. Neptune to learn about the cruise industry and the ship’s exotic ports of call. It isn’t until a chance encounter with Upton that Walsh learns this is no ordinary cruise.
Excited to attend the Ship Happens dating events, Upton has zero luck meeting the man of his dreams. The one man he is forever running into, Walsh, keeps rescuing him from sticky situations. Finished with the vain men he’s met so far, Upton and Walsh team up to explore the islands.
Sparks fly between the men, making them think a relationship in the real world is possible. Back on shore, both men are excited about the future, until an emergency calls Walsh back home.
Can the star-crossed lovers find a way back to each other? Or will their love go down with the ship?
Travel agent Walsh Dunne has never left the state of North Carolina. With the ink on his hospitality degree still wet, he embarks on the S.S. Neptune to learn about the cruise industry and the ship’s exotic ports of call. It isn’t until a chance encounter with Upton that Walsh learns this is no ordinary cruise.
Excited to attend the Ship Happens dating events, Upton has zero luck meeting the man of his dreams. The one man he is forever running into, Walsh, keeps rescuing him from sticky situations. Finished with the vain men he’s met so far, Upton and Walsh team up to explore the islands.
Sparks fly between the men, making them think a relationship in the real world is possible. Back on shore, both men are excited about the future, until an emergency calls Walsh back home.
Can the star-crossed lovers find a way back to each other? Or will their love go down with the ship?
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2019
103 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Pandora Pine
130 books606 followersSick of the slogging rat-race of her 9-5 job, Pandora Pine put pen to paper (literally!) to make her ambition of becoming a romance novelist a reality. She cut her teeth in the dog-eat-dog world of fanfiction, still dreaming of the day when she would be a published author. She lives in Massachusetts with her blabbermouth muse who’ s a fan of middle of the night plot twists.
In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.
Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.
Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.
In her spare time, Pandora fancies herself an amateur nature photographer. She enjoys mucking around in swamps, hiking through the woods and crawling around on her hands and knees in her backyard seeking out the perfect shot. Pandora is a fan of roadside seafood shacks and always thinks Mexican food is a good idea at the time.
Some of Pandora’s favorite things are chocolate, writing longhand with purple pens and handsome men falling in love with each other.
Don't miss Pandora’s seductive new novel coming soon to an e-reader near you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 4, 2019
I was enjoying this book enough to read other books by this author. Then the end happened. I can't believe I was contemplating a DNF at 85-90%. I just had a conversation about hating miscommunication as a trope, and I'll be damned if that wasn't used here. I hate it. It adds unneeded drama. It's the end of the book! Why the hell do you need manufactured angst? I was ready to DNF, but I figured I would see how it ended. Well, it ended. 🤷🏽♀️
August 19, 2019
What a sweet love story. It's a slow burn, getting to know you friends-to-lovers type story that just melts your heart.
Walsh has hidden he's gay for years with all the garbage he's had to deal with with his mother, he didn't need more ammo. So he just sticks his head down and did what he could do to graduate, get to college and run far away. His first assignment with the travel agency he works for is a cruise to Cuba. But there's a few things he doesn't realize about this trip. When he meets Upton and they start to get to know each other, Upton explains it's a singles gay cruise and Walsh freaks and runs. Leaving Upton feeling like shit. Walsh apologizes and explains and they end up spending the cruise together, getting to know each other and falling in love. They had plans to stay together for a week after the cruise to see if the chemistry was still there, when Walsh gets a call his mother has had a heart attack and he has to go home. Upton and Walsh are both destroyed. Walsh even more so when he finds out what the deal is when he gets home. After he ends things with his mother for good, he has to figure out how to make it right with Upton. If Upton will have him back.
Both of the guys have just had a hard time. Upton is not trusting because of past relationships, Walsh because of the crap with his mother. Especially with the stunt she pulls. But they found something in each other, they never had with anyone else. They found acceptance, love and someone that saw the real them. Flaws and all, and still loved them. Doesn't mean life is perfect. Far from it. But they are willing to work at it to keep that love alive.
And it was so good to see Lennox and Gareth again as well. This was a good story. A sweet one.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Walsh has hidden he's gay for years with all the garbage he's had to deal with with his mother, he didn't need more ammo. So he just sticks his head down and did what he could do to graduate, get to college and run far away. His first assignment with the travel agency he works for is a cruise to Cuba. But there's a few things he doesn't realize about this trip. When he meets Upton and they start to get to know each other, Upton explains it's a singles gay cruise and Walsh freaks and runs. Leaving Upton feeling like shit. Walsh apologizes and explains and they end up spending the cruise together, getting to know each other and falling in love. They had plans to stay together for a week after the cruise to see if the chemistry was still there, when Walsh gets a call his mother has had a heart attack and he has to go home. Upton and Walsh are both destroyed. Walsh even more so when he finds out what the deal is when he gets home. After he ends things with his mother for good, he has to figure out how to make it right with Upton. If Upton will have him back.
Both of the guys have just had a hard time. Upton is not trusting because of past relationships, Walsh because of the crap with his mother. Especially with the stunt she pulls. But they found something in each other, they never had with anyone else. They found acceptance, love and someone that saw the real them. Flaws and all, and still loved them. Doesn't mean life is perfect. Far from it. But they are willing to work at it to keep that love alive.
And it was so good to see Lennox and Gareth again as well. This was a good story. A sweet one.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
September 7, 2019
Following the series trend this book was cute. But also kind of dull with very little sexiness. Things kind of got monotone for me at 62%. There was little to no conflict which made the resolution unfulfilling for me.
September 16, 2019
Guess what, miscommunication kills another seemingly fairly decent book. Yeehaw, I was doing fine until we hit about 82% and then it happened and you know what it is.
Whatever we get the HEA but after that know one cares.
Whatever we get the HEA but after that know one cares.
June 5, 2024
old post reposted
Okay, yes, another deviation from my TBR piles, but in all fairness, this series (Cruises) is linked to the Valentine's Inc series (a lot of the same authors were invited to contribute, the whole cupid company idea is the same, and a lot of the side characters in the original series are now main characters in this one) and each book has a cute ship-themed title. The third book in this series is titled "Ship Happens," and it's by Pandora Pine. ((yes, I'm reading them out of order again--I'm maximizing my time here, people)).
["Photographer Upton Sanders is a proverbial third wheel. Still single after his best friend met the love of his life on the Valentine’s Inc. dating app, Upton assumes he’ll be alone forever. Everything changes when his friends surprise him with a week-long singles cruise.
Travel agent Walsh Dunne has never left the state of North Carolina. With the ink on his hospitality degree still wet, he embarks on the S.S. Neptune to learn about the cruise industry and the ship’s exotic ports of call. It isn’t until a chance encounter with Upton that Walsh learns this is no ordinary cruise.
Excited to attend the Ship Happens dating events, Upton has zero luck meeting the man of his dreams. The one man he is forever running into, Walsh, keeps rescuing him from sticky situations. Finished with the vain men he’s met so far, Upton and Walsh team up to explore the islands.
Sparks fly between the men, making them think a relationship in the real world is possible. Back on shore, both men are excited about the future, until an emergency calls Walsh back home.
Can the star-crossed lovers find a way back to each other? Or will their love go down with the ship?"]
This book was soooo cute!!! Walsh fought the attraction and the chemistry for like half a day, but Upton was hard to resist. ;) They we’re best friends by the second day, and dated with sweet goodnight kisses until the last night on the boat. Spoiler alert city (at least they were minor and vague).
There’s a little bit of a trigger warning (a little? It was kinda big—-domestic abuse), and I really thought the abuser would appear in the book after the prologue, but spoiler alert, he didn’t.
#shiphappens #pandorapine
#shipwork #shippingorders #battleship #luckoftheship #shippingthecaptain #abandoningship #shippingourloves #shipoff #upshipcreek #cruises #cruisesinc #valentinesinccruises #valentinesinccruisesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Okay, yes, another deviation from my TBR piles, but in all fairness, this series (Cruises) is linked to the Valentine's Inc series (a lot of the same authors were invited to contribute, the whole cupid company idea is the same, and a lot of the side characters in the original series are now main characters in this one) and each book has a cute ship-themed title. The third book in this series is titled "Ship Happens," and it's by Pandora Pine. ((yes, I'm reading them out of order again--I'm maximizing my time here, people)).
["Photographer Upton Sanders is a proverbial third wheel. Still single after his best friend met the love of his life on the Valentine’s Inc. dating app, Upton assumes he’ll be alone forever. Everything changes when his friends surprise him with a week-long singles cruise.
Travel agent Walsh Dunne has never left the state of North Carolina. With the ink on his hospitality degree still wet, he embarks on the S.S. Neptune to learn about the cruise industry and the ship’s exotic ports of call. It isn’t until a chance encounter with Upton that Walsh learns this is no ordinary cruise.
Excited to attend the Ship Happens dating events, Upton has zero luck meeting the man of his dreams. The one man he is forever running into, Walsh, keeps rescuing him from sticky situations. Finished with the vain men he’s met so far, Upton and Walsh team up to explore the islands.
Sparks fly between the men, making them think a relationship in the real world is possible. Back on shore, both men are excited about the future, until an emergency calls Walsh back home.
Can the star-crossed lovers find a way back to each other? Or will their love go down with the ship?"]
This book was soooo cute!!! Walsh fought the attraction and the chemistry for like half a day, but Upton was hard to resist. ;) They we’re best friends by the second day, and dated with sweet goodnight kisses until the last night on the boat. Spoiler alert city (at least they were minor and vague).
There’s a little bit of a trigger warning (a little? It was kinda big—-domestic abuse), and I really thought the abuser would appear in the book after the prologue, but spoiler alert, he didn’t.
#shiphappens #pandorapine
#shipwork #shippingorders #battleship #luckoftheship #shippingthecaptain #abandoningship #shippingourloves #shipoff #upshipcreek #cruises #cruisesinc #valentinesinccruises #valentinesinccruisesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
August 14, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********
This was a short and sweet read, and was definitely a bit slow in places, and not much happened during this book, it would’ve been a 5 star read if there was a bit more action and adventure during this book. I really didn’t really like the big drama basically at the end of the book but apart from that it was a good read. I enjoyed getting snippets of Granger and Lennox and got to see that they’re still going strong. I thought Upton and Walsh were amazing together but this was very insta-love but that’s part of the course for a novella, as there’s only so many pages for the characters to fall in love. Man Walsh’s mum is a complete and utter manipulative b*tch with the lengths she’d go to try and get Walsh back home after she heard that he was on vacation, from the town gossip. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Pandora Pine in the future. I’d recommend this book, the West Side Magick Universe and author to everyone.
This was a short and sweet read, and was definitely a bit slow in places, and not much happened during this book, it would’ve been a 5 star read if there was a bit more action and adventure during this book. I really didn’t really like the big drama basically at the end of the book but apart from that it was a good read. I enjoyed getting snippets of Granger and Lennox and got to see that they’re still going strong. I thought Upton and Walsh were amazing together but this was very insta-love but that’s part of the course for a novella, as there’s only so many pages for the characters to fall in love. Man Walsh’s mum is a complete and utter manipulative b*tch with the lengths she’d go to try and get Walsh back home after she heard that he was on vacation, from the town gossip. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Pandora Pine in the future. I’d recommend this book, the West Side Magick Universe and author to everyone.
January 13, 2022
I actually planned on reading Battle Ship, but what to my wondering eyes should appear? Book 3 was written by Pandora Pine! How did I miss this? *headdesk* LOL!!!
So, I jumped right in, and as much as I loved the story, the guys, and seeing Grange and Lennox again... I found a missing quotation mark! Yep, some things never change! But, it was just the one, how can I complain? *grin*
Now, I can move on to reading the rest of the books in this series, which I need for a challenge! ;p
So, I jumped right in, and as much as I loved the story, the guys, and seeing Grange and Lennox again... I found a missing quotation mark! Yep, some things never change! But, it was just the one, how can I complain? *grin*
Now, I can move on to reading the rest of the books in this series, which I need for a challenge! ;p
April 18, 2025
This is the story of Upton and Walsh. Upton is a reporter and photographer for the LGBTQ paper in Salem. His friends Lennox and Granger set him up on a singles cruise for gay men looking for love. Walsh is a newby travel agent, and attends the cruise so that he can recommend them to his clients in the future. Walsh is unaware this is a singles cruise for gay men, and is surprised by it. Walsh meets Upton at the buffet table, and although they both have to work towards their relationship, it is definitely worth it. This is a filler novel for the Cold Case Psychic and Haunted Souls novels. This leads me to believe that Upton and Walsh may play a part in upcoming novels. This story introduces them to us.
February 23, 2022
Slow but sweet...
I've gotten so used to the pacing and action in the cold case and ghost hunter books that the pacing seemed really slow to me. I kept waiting for something bad to happen but instead it was just a really sweet and fluffy romance. The only problem with that is there was nothing exciting pulling me back to the book so it took way longer to read than a more fast paced book would have.
I've gotten so used to the pacing and action in the cold case and ghost hunter books that the pacing seemed really slow to me. I kept waiting for something bad to happen but instead it was just a really sweet and fluffy romance. The only problem with that is there was nothing exciting pulling me back to the book so it took way longer to read than a more fast paced book would have.
March 18, 2022
It’s a fluffy meet-cute on a Singles Gay Cruise. Other than one of the MCs living in Salem, I’m not sure how it fits into th3 CCP universe yet, but it was recommended if reading the complete CCP universe in order. There is a brief mention of Tennyson & the gang and Granger & Lennox (from Kissing Booth, and later CCP) make a couple of appearances. It’s a sweet, romantic, comfortable read.
#SomeMomsAreTheWorst
#SomeMomsAreTheWorst
June 20, 2020
Cruise Love
Love at first sight dual point of view
Standalone, do not need to read other Valentine’s Inc or Pandora Pine to enjoy
Upton has set sail on a gay singles cruise to try and meet a life partner. He finds and has a lot of adventures, but does he have success.
Enjoyed the adventures and the conversations between Walsh and Upton. Some of them got me thinking.
Love at first sight dual point of view
Standalone, do not need to read other Valentine’s Inc or Pandora Pine to enjoy
Upton has set sail on a gay singles cruise to try and meet a life partner. He finds and has a lot of adventures, but does he have success.
Enjoyed the adventures and the conversations between Walsh and Upton. Some of them got me thinking.
August 28, 2020
An adorable romance
Upton and Walsh are a sweet pair whose whirlwind, shipboard love story doesn't feel particularly rushed until the Epilogue. Then again, it perfectly matches their courtship.
Their chemistry is delightful. Upton is a spark plug who matches nicely with the charming Walsh.
This is an easygoing romance that's is also a fun read.
Upton and Walsh are a sweet pair whose whirlwind, shipboard love story doesn't feel particularly rushed until the Epilogue. Then again, it perfectly matches their courtship.
Their chemistry is delightful. Upton is a spark plug who matches nicely with the charming Walsh.
This is an easygoing romance that's is also a fun read.
January 23, 2020
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
October 23, 2020
I've read a couple of these little books and love the cruise setting. This was a cute book with a sweet story but not something I'll remember in a couple of day. Nice way to spend a few stress free hours.
June 7, 2022
A cute story about a gay cruise for singles. Some angst at the end but it was soon resolved even though I thought Upton was childiah.
till like to know how he got his Cubga visa when he was told on a Sunday he was going the following morning.
till like to know how he got his Cubga visa when he was told on a Sunday he was going the following morning.
August 6, 2020
Die Geschichte hat Potential, aber nicht so
March 12, 2022
Great Fun
Ship Happens is a fun book. Upton and Walsh are fab characters and I really felt for Upton! I definitely need to go on a cruise!!
Ship Happens is a fun book. Upton and Walsh are fab characters and I really felt for Upton! I definitely need to go on a cruise!!
August 31, 2022
Pretty good read. Would recommend
August 21, 2019
💫💫🌟🌟🌟💫💫4 cruising stars💫💫🌟🌟🌟💫💫
This was my first book in the Valentine's Inc. Cruises and trust me, I will be taking a ride on the fantastic ride until I have sailed with each of the author's characters who have participated in this sailing fantasy.
Once in a lifetime.
Three years ago, Upton Saunders left behind the life he had known and started over fresh and with more of an understanding of how life should be. When his friends Lennox and Granger, from Kissing Booth
(Valentine’s Inc. #7) wanted to say thank you, they surprised Upton to a cruise of a lifetime. The thrill of closing off something on his bucket list was joy to him. And finally getting a chance to maybe find his one true love was like the icing on the cake.
"You're my light in the darkness."
Walsh Dunne was finished with college and finally with a grown up job. His boss entrusted him his first mission. Go on a cruise and report back so that he'd be able to sell the dream to their clients. What he had not expected when he booked the cruise was that it was for singles willing to mingle and find love. The "Ship Happens" cruise was going to be the one to change Walsh's life forever. And meeting the man he teased as "chicken and noodles" was going down in history as the one. If only other entities would not get in the way.
What happened when the ship docked and reality took over? Will these two men be able to plan a future? Set sail and enjoy the sights and laughter. I cannot wait to see what else Pandora Pine has up her sleeves.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
This was my first book in the Valentine's Inc. Cruises and trust me, I will be taking a ride on the fantastic ride until I have sailed with each of the author's characters who have participated in this sailing fantasy.
Once in a lifetime.
Three years ago, Upton Saunders left behind the life he had known and started over fresh and with more of an understanding of how life should be. When his friends Lennox and Granger, from Kissing Booth
(Valentine’s Inc. #7) wanted to say thank you, they surprised Upton to a cruise of a lifetime. The thrill of closing off something on his bucket list was joy to him. And finally getting a chance to maybe find his one true love was like the icing on the cake.
"You're my light in the darkness."
Walsh Dunne was finished with college and finally with a grown up job. His boss entrusted him his first mission. Go on a cruise and report back so that he'd be able to sell the dream to their clients. What he had not expected when he booked the cruise was that it was for singles willing to mingle and find love. The "Ship Happens" cruise was going to be the one to change Walsh's life forever. And meeting the man he teased as "chicken and noodles" was going down in history as the one. If only other entities would not get in the way.
What happened when the ship docked and reality took over? Will these two men be able to plan a future? Set sail and enjoy the sights and laughter. I cannot wait to see what else Pandora Pine has up her sleeves.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
August 20, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.25 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 2.5 (quick to fall/insta-love, feelings over ‘heat’)
Valentine’s Inc. strikes again. A cute insta-love story.
I really liked Upton and Walsh. They played off each other well and brought out the best in each other. I’m glad Upton got his HEA and we got to know more of his back story. I was surprised with the deep and confronting DV prologue for Upton and thought maybe that depth would continue through the story but I forgot this was a fluffy Valentine’s Inc Story and all about finding love, all the fuzzy feelings and the perfect, happily ever after! And this was delivered perfectly by Pandora!!
Upton and Walsh have sort of a misguided false start but once they realize how well they get along, they build a friendship and enjoy their cruise adventure! I loved Walsh’s romantic gestures and how well he read Upton, they were just so sweet and showed he cared!!! I felt the back and forth between these two showed good depth for a sweet romance and I liked that they approached the realisticness of a long-distance relationship and how that would likely not work. I was floored by Walsh’s mom and enraged at her behavior!!! I felt this and few other things could be expanded on but I loved the ride from attraction to friendship to love. It was cute and sweet read!!
P.S. I loved Fortin so much. I felt for the poor single Dad and really hope to see him (and Cooper) again soon!!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 2.5 (quick to fall/insta-love, feelings over ‘heat’)
Valentine’s Inc. strikes again. A cute insta-love story.
I really liked Upton and Walsh. They played off each other well and brought out the best in each other. I’m glad Upton got his HEA and we got to know more of his back story. I was surprised with the deep and confronting DV prologue for Upton and thought maybe that depth would continue through the story but I forgot this was a fluffy Valentine’s Inc Story and all about finding love, all the fuzzy feelings and the perfect, happily ever after! And this was delivered perfectly by Pandora!!
Upton and Walsh have sort of a misguided false start but once they realize how well they get along, they build a friendship and enjoy their cruise adventure! I loved Walsh’s romantic gestures and how well he read Upton, they were just so sweet and showed he cared!!! I felt the back and forth between these two showed good depth for a sweet romance and I liked that they approached the realisticness of a long-distance relationship and how that would likely not work. I was floored by Walsh’s mom and enraged at her behavior!!! I felt this and few other things could be expanded on but I loved the ride from attraction to friendship to love. It was cute and sweet read!!
P.S. I loved Fortin so much. I felt for the poor single Dad and really hope to see him (and Cooper) again soon!!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
August 19, 2019
Super sweet!
I’ve really enjoyed seeing more Valentine’s Inc, this time at sea! Though I liked seeing a visit from past characters too before/after they set sail, plus Gypsy was purrfect.
A cruise is something I’d never imagine doing myself, so it’s really fun and interesting to see these glimpses into the ship. In this book I especially enjoyed the details and interesting excursions-I see why Walsh & Upton loved them!
Walsh and Upton started out taking it slow and sweet, from acquaintances to more and then even more. I loved the progression and while it was still a short time frame it was different than your typical insta-love falling into bed. Not that when they fell into bed wasn’t also amazing.
The only thing I didn’t love was the big conflict cause I felt like they were both smarter than that and a couple sentences would have solved things, but it didn’t lessen my overall enjoyment of the book and story. And of course it did mean they got to come back together.
Overall great book in a great multi-author series, by one of my favorite authors! Highly recommend-and although they are connected you could read as a stand-alone and it would still make sense (but why not enjoy them all!)
I’ve really enjoyed seeing more Valentine’s Inc, this time at sea! Though I liked seeing a visit from past characters too before/after they set sail, plus Gypsy was purrfect.
A cruise is something I’d never imagine doing myself, so it’s really fun and interesting to see these glimpses into the ship. In this book I especially enjoyed the details and interesting excursions-I see why Walsh & Upton loved them!
Walsh and Upton started out taking it slow and sweet, from acquaintances to more and then even more. I loved the progression and while it was still a short time frame it was different than your typical insta-love falling into bed. Not that when they fell into bed wasn’t also amazing.
The only thing I didn’t love was the big conflict cause I felt like they were both smarter than that and a couple sentences would have solved things, but it didn’t lessen my overall enjoyment of the book and story. And of course it did mean they got to come back together.
Overall great book in a great multi-author series, by one of my favorite authors! Highly recommend-and although they are connected you could read as a stand-alone and it would still make sense (but why not enjoy them all!)
August 9, 2019
Light And Fun - Mostly. In this installment of the Valentine's Inc Cruises MM romance series, we get paranormal author Pandora Pine's effort, and it is indicative of her stylings while only tangentially being related to her overall world. If you're like me and have been on many cruises, there's a lot here that will bring back your best memories - including Stingray City in Grand Cayman and the Magic Chair at Mahogany Bay. If you've never been on a cruise before, this is a good introduction to what ship life can be. If you've been curious about Pine but are a bit leery of paranormal stories, this is an excellent way to see how she tells a story while only having the barest mention of her normal schtick. (And btw, her paranormal stories are awesome, so you should try them anyway.) This is a somewhat standard ish romantic comedy in that there is obviously the fight right before the happily ever after, but really that is the only time this book really veers away from being as light and airy as a cruise is supposed to be. Excellent work, and I'm looking forward to more from both this series and Pine.
August 14, 2019
Yay! Valentine's Inc is back and I love the idea of this series being set on a cruise. So many possible stories!
Pandora is one of my favourite authors and this book is another example of why as she builds up a friendship and possible relationship in a lighthearted way but also with a lot of feeling. Upton and Walsh are from quite different worlds and when they come together on the first night of the cruise there's an instant connection that both men feel. Walsh though is a little bit unaware of the type of cruise he is actually on! Upton continues on trying to find a love match but things not quite pan out until the two MC's take the time to spend their time together. Such beautiful settings are written by Pandora, I now need to get myself on a cruise to Cuba with a few other island stop offs on the way!
I really enjoyed the interaction between the men, as well as a couple of others that I'm hoping get their own story.
Recommended read for me, another hit in the Valentine's Inc series and from Pandora Pine. Now to get my hands on more in the series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Pandora is one of my favourite authors and this book is another example of why as she builds up a friendship and possible relationship in a lighthearted way but also with a lot of feeling. Upton and Walsh are from quite different worlds and when they come together on the first night of the cruise there's an instant connection that both men feel. Walsh though is a little bit unaware of the type of cruise he is actually on! Upton continues on trying to find a love match but things not quite pan out until the two MC's take the time to spend their time together. Such beautiful settings are written by Pandora, I now need to get myself on a cruise to Cuba with a few other island stop offs on the way!
I really enjoyed the interaction between the men, as well as a couple of others that I'm hoping get their own story.
Recommended read for me, another hit in the Valentine's Inc series and from Pandora Pine. Now to get my hands on more in the series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 20, 2019
“This was like The Bachelor: High Seas Edition.”
Upton Sanders last break up was horrible. It resulted in one black eye and a cut under the other. Even though three years has past he's still hopeful that love is out there. When presented with a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to try a singles gay cruise, he takes it.
Walsh Dunne is in for a surprise when his “work” cruise turns out to be a singles gay cruise. His first reaction to finding this out wasn’t the best, but he couldn’t get Upton off his mind so he tries to make up for it.
I thought this story was really sweet and a fun read. I liked both Upton and Walsh and thought they had great chemistry, but Walsh was definitely my favorite. He made me chuckle and swoon at just how romantic and sweet he was. The little drama at the end was different and not what I was expecting.
I loved all the places and activities the two men explore together. I felt like I was right there with them. I liked that a few of Pandora’s other characters are mentioned in this story showing how they are all connected.
Upton Sanders last break up was horrible. It resulted in one black eye and a cut under the other. Even though three years has past he's still hopeful that love is out there. When presented with a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to try a singles gay cruise, he takes it.
Walsh Dunne is in for a surprise when his “work” cruise turns out to be a singles gay cruise. His first reaction to finding this out wasn’t the best, but he couldn’t get Upton off his mind so he tries to make up for it.
I thought this story was really sweet and a fun read. I liked both Upton and Walsh and thought they had great chemistry, but Walsh was definitely my favorite. He made me chuckle and swoon at just how romantic and sweet he was. The little drama at the end was different and not what I was expecting.
I loved all the places and activities the two men explore together. I felt like I was right there with them. I liked that a few of Pandora’s other characters are mentioned in this story showing how they are all connected.
August 19, 2019
Ship Happens is Pandora Pine's contribution to the multi-author series Valentine's Inc Cruises. First of all, I love the name of the cruise. And, well, Ship Happens is a Pandora Pine story, so no surprise that it's wonderful.
Upton and Walsh are two strangers who meet on a cruise. One's sent by his friends, the other is there for work. Slowly, they get to know one another as the cruise goes on. With each laugh, touch, and gesture, they both find themselves falling in love. Course even if they want to be together, they live far apart, causing even more confusion.
It's sweet, tender, and romantic. Both men are stuck single and lonely while their friends are finding love and moving on. It's a story of finding someone worth changing your life for. It's a story of finding someone worth coming home to. With just the right amount of angst to make them have to fight to be together, it's a fun read. And, the ending is totally swoon-worthy!
Ship Happens is a tender insta-love-ish vacation romance. It's short, quick, and will leave the reader happy. Be sure to check it out when you're in the mood for a feel-good romance.
August 23, 2019
MM Cruise Romance
2.5 stars!
This is book 3 in the Valentine's Inc cruises series featuring different authors but this story is loosely connected to the cold case psychic series and previous Valentine's inc story by the same author. It can be read as a standalone just be aware of spoilers for these other series.
This book was ok. I like the idea of finding love on a cruise. I also love the name of the book-so clever. But Upton is such a pain to read about. I just can't root for a terrible person to find love and Upton is a crappy person. I don't want to spoiler alert here but the end of this story was atrocious. If your "Queen" comes out on the person you claim to love because they raced home to an ill family member, you are the bad person here. Why none of his friends told him he was in the wrong and should have went with him, I'll never know.
Needless to say this story was just mediocre for me. It had potential but the drama was manufactured and sent the story down a bad path.
2.5 stars!
This is book 3 in the Valentine's Inc cruises series featuring different authors but this story is loosely connected to the cold case psychic series and previous Valentine's inc story by the same author. It can be read as a standalone just be aware of spoilers for these other series.
This book was ok. I like the idea of finding love on a cruise. I also love the name of the book-so clever. But Upton is such a pain to read about. I just can't root for a terrible person to find love and Upton is a crappy person. I don't want to spoiler alert here but the end of this story was atrocious. If your "Queen" comes out on the person you claim to love because they raced home to an ill family member, you are the bad person here. Why none of his friends told him he was in the wrong and should have went with him, I'll never know.
Needless to say this story was just mediocre for me. It had potential but the drama was manufactured and sent the story down a bad path.
August 11, 2019
Ship happens is a new spin on the Valentine’s Inc. series written by a group of authors. If you are not familiar with the premise, Valentine’s Inc. is a fictional app that has wild success at helping singles find their soul mate. We are not disappointed in this story.
Upton is gifted a singles cruise by his best friend. Walsh, on the other hand, ends up booking himself on this cruise. These two meet over “chicken and noodles” and sparks fly. This book is an easy laid back read, perfect for vacation. The sites mentioned in the book are some of my favorite and very popular excursions on cruises. If you are like me, you will be reminiscing your way through this book.
This book has your standard plot line for a romantic comedy. However, the author has provided us with an interesting, engaging read with well-developed characters. I can’t wait to read some other books in this Valentines Inc. series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Upton is gifted a singles cruise by his best friend. Walsh, on the other hand, ends up booking himself on this cruise. These two meet over “chicken and noodles” and sparks fly. This book is an easy laid back read, perfect for vacation. The sites mentioned in the book are some of my favorite and very popular excursions on cruises. If you are like me, you will be reminiscing your way through this book.
This book has your standard plot line for a romantic comedy. However, the author has provided us with an interesting, engaging read with well-developed characters. I can’t wait to read some other books in this Valentines Inc. series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2019
Sweet couple, little too short..
I enjoyed the Valentines Inc series and this cruise-focused season is no different. Such great stories and characters, with cameos from the earlier couples too. Granger and Lennox were my faves from the first season so to meet them again and get to know their friend Upton was a joy.
Upton is a lovely character; mostly kind and nice with just a bit of ‘I will claw your eyes out’. Read the book and learn a new insult, is all I will say. Walsh is a sweetie but totally clueless at first that he has managed to book himself on a gay singles cruise, even worse because he’s kinda not really out...?
They get on so well on ship - but with the distance between their home towns can they make it on dry land? There’s a good bit of suspense towards the end but I felt it was too quickly done (my only criticism of this book). Oh and can we please find Fortin a nice man please? His character was so sad.
I enjoyed the Valentines Inc series and this cruise-focused season is no different. Such great stories and characters, with cameos from the earlier couples too. Granger and Lennox were my faves from the first season so to meet them again and get to know their friend Upton was a joy.
Upton is a lovely character; mostly kind and nice with just a bit of ‘I will claw your eyes out’. Read the book and learn a new insult, is all I will say. Walsh is a sweetie but totally clueless at first that he has managed to book himself on a gay singles cruise, even worse because he’s kinda not really out...?
They get on so well on ship - but with the distance between their home towns can they make it on dry land? There’s a good bit of suspense towards the end but I felt it was too quickly done (my only criticism of this book). Oh and can we please find Fortin a nice man please? His character was so sad.
August 18, 2019
I loved Upton and Walsh. These boys are from very different worlds. Upton is looking for a love of his own. His friends set him up on this cruise which is all single men. Walsh is not aware of the type of cruise he is on and is actually there for work, he is learning how to sell cruises to his clients. From their first meeting, sparks fly. But Walsh runs as he isn’t there for love. Upton continues with trying to find a connection without much success. When our boys decide to do some excursions together and just hang around each other, they grow to be friends and then lovers. Now they have to figure their next steps as the cruise is coming to an end and they live in different states. Was a heart warming addition to a great series.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2019
3.5 Stars!
This was a cute story. I was really rooting for Upton to find someone of worth after having such a horrible experience with an abusive ex.
For the most part this was a light and fun read, however, it did have it moments of serious topics like domestic abuse. I think the balance of both of that was ultimately there. It did take me a bit to vibe with Walsh, but I did after a chapter or two. There was the kind of cliche/expected fight right before the HEA that bugged me a bit, but it eventually led to a rather sweet HEA for these two men. I think this was a really cute and light read.
I have never been on a cruise before and this made me want to go so badly. Especially, if you can find the kind of love Upton and Walsh found in each other.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
This was a cute story. I was really rooting for Upton to find someone of worth after having such a horrible experience with an abusive ex.
For the most part this was a light and fun read, however, it did have it moments of serious topics like domestic abuse. I think the balance of both of that was ultimately there. It did take me a bit to vibe with Walsh, but I did after a chapter or two. There was the kind of cliche/expected fight right before the HEA that bugged me a bit, but it eventually led to a rather sweet HEA for these two men. I think this was a really cute and light read.
I have never been on a cruise before and this made me want to go so badly. Especially, if you can find the kind of love Upton and Walsh found in each other.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
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