What do you think?
Rate this book
Valentine's Inc. Cruises #7
Abandoning Ship
When the seas of love grow choppy, sometimes the best course is to abandon ship!
Two years ago, Ryan Abernathy was too tongue-tied, too introverted, and entirely too nervous to flirt with his hot but presumably straight new roommate. So when Ryan’s sister swooped in and scooped the hottie up for herself, he accepted his fate and kept his crush a secret.
Sawyer Muller never meant to find himself in a fake relationship with his sexy roommate's sister. And how was he supposed to know that Ryan would become his bestie and star in way too many of his dreams?
Things get complicated when Julia Abernathy strikes a deal with Sawyer to upgrade from fake boyfriend to groom, though they only need to stay married long enough for her to get her trust fund. They plan a fun cruise ship wedding with her entire family in tow. Sawyer figures it sounds like an adventure, and when they quietly divorce later, he’ll finally be free of all the fakery.
With Julia and Ryan’s homophobic, snooty family present, the pressure is turned up… especially when Sawyer finds himself jilted at the altar and drowning in a sea of blame. His only life preserver is the Abernathy sibling he can’t admit to wanting… Ryan.
This is an mm romantic comedy set in the Valentines Inc. world. Watch out for an awkward first kiss, a record-making group wedding, and sexy competitive shuffleboard. Before you board this ship, make sure you pack a fan because things are about to heat up on board this vessel!
Two years ago, Ryan Abernathy was too tongue-tied, too introverted, and entirely too nervous to flirt with his hot but presumably straight new roommate. So when Ryan’s sister swooped in and scooped the hottie up for herself, he accepted his fate and kept his crush a secret.
Sawyer Muller never meant to find himself in a fake relationship with his sexy roommate's sister. And how was he supposed to know that Ryan would become his bestie and star in way too many of his dreams?
Things get complicated when Julia Abernathy strikes a deal with Sawyer to upgrade from fake boyfriend to groom, though they only need to stay married long enough for her to get her trust fund. They plan a fun cruise ship wedding with her entire family in tow. Sawyer figures it sounds like an adventure, and when they quietly divorce later, he’ll finally be free of all the fakery.
With Julia and Ryan’s homophobic, snooty family present, the pressure is turned up… especially when Sawyer finds himself jilted at the altar and drowning in a sea of blame. His only life preserver is the Abernathy sibling he can’t admit to wanting… Ryan.
This is an mm romantic comedy set in the Valentines Inc. world. Watch out for an awkward first kiss, a record-making group wedding, and sexy competitive shuffleboard. Before you board this ship, make sure you pack a fan because things are about to heat up on board this vessel!
224 pages, ebook
First published September 2, 2019
108 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hawke
35 books368 followersSusan Hawke is more widely known for her mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 20, 2019
Another funny, light-hearted and enjoyable listen from Susi Hawke. 😉
Ryan and Sawyer has been friends and roommates for two years. Although there was definitely a spark and interest between them, Sawyer ended up fake dating Ryan’s sister Julia. And Ryan has no idea about their fake relationship and has always regretted being slow to move on Sawyer. Now Sawyer is going to marry Julia as a favor so that she can get her trust fund. And Ryan is wallowing I misery that his dream man is marrying his sister. When Sawyer found himself being jilted at the alter by his fake wife-to-be Julia, Ryan finally manned up and made a move on Sawyer. After all, isn’t love cruise where dreams for lovers come true?
This is quite light and funny. 😁 But I have some issues with the storyline and characters. First of all, I didn’t like Julia. She was entitled, spoilt, rude and very ungrateful to Sawyer. 😒 Second, although I believe there’s a spark between Sawyer and Ryan, I never quite felt the romance between them. It’s more of a convenient coupling rather than passionate romance for me. Regardless, it’s funny, filled with family drama and enjoyable. Love cruises are the best. 😉
3.5 love birds on love boat stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author via LesCourt services for an honest and unbiased review.
Ryan and Sawyer has been friends and roommates for two years. Although there was definitely a spark and interest between them, Sawyer ended up fake dating Ryan’s sister Julia. And Ryan has no idea about their fake relationship and has always regretted being slow to move on Sawyer. Now Sawyer is going to marry Julia as a favor so that she can get her trust fund. And Ryan is wallowing I misery that his dream man is marrying his sister. When Sawyer found himself being jilted at the alter by his fake wife-to-be Julia, Ryan finally manned up and made a move on Sawyer. After all, isn’t love cruise where dreams for lovers come true?
This is quite light and funny. 😁 But I have some issues with the storyline and characters. First of all, I didn’t like Julia. She was entitled, spoilt, rude and very ungrateful to Sawyer. 😒 Second, although I believe there’s a spark between Sawyer and Ryan, I never quite felt the romance between them. It’s more of a convenient coupling rather than passionate romance for me. Regardless, it’s funny, filled with family drama and enjoyable. Love cruises are the best. 😉
3.5 love birds on love boat stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Narration - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author via LesCourt services for an honest and unbiased review.
September 20, 2019
Susan Hawke’s Abandoning Ship, is the seventh novel in the Valentines, Inc. Cruises series. Narrated by Michael Pauley, he takes advantage of the light-hearted, jokey nature of this one and clearly enjoys every minute of it. His performance is upbeat, and he makes this one so much fun to listen to. We even get a few minutes of his horny ole grandma voice, which is my personal favorite.
Boarding a cruise ship where over 100 couples are getting married, with his bigoted dad and a host of goofy relatives, Ryan isn’t thrilled to see his best friend marry his sister but he’s going to make the best of it.
Luckily Susan Hawke turns it into a romp filled with wrong place at the right time antics, lots of sweet, hot sexytimes, and a fun little story which will make you smile.
an audio copy of Abandoning Ship was provided to me for the purpose of my review
Boarding a cruise ship where over 100 couples are getting married, with his bigoted dad and a host of goofy relatives, Ryan isn’t thrilled to see his best friend marry his sister but he’s going to make the best of it.
Luckily Susan Hawke turns it into a romp filled with wrong place at the right time antics, lots of sweet, hot sexytimes, and a fun little story which will make you smile.
an audio copy of Abandoning Ship was provided to me for the purpose of my review
July 30, 2020
Really sweet!
September 15, 2019
This was a cute sweet read and Michael Pauley did another great narration. We have the story of Ryan and Sawyer. Sawyer answers an add for a roommate after his dorm is flooded and is immediately attracted to Ryan. Ryan is so shy and doesn’t even think that Sawyer is gay or even bi. Enter Julia, Ryan’s sister who apparently jumps at dating someone that Ryan is interested in, not sure if I really liked that part. So Julia asks Sawyer out for drinks, on the same day as he’s moving in and Ryan thinks that he has lost his shot. As Julia and Sawyer date turns into dating and then turns into an engagement which leads to the wedding on a cruise. Has Ryan missed his opportunity at finding his HEA, or will he get a second chance when he finds out the truth that this is all a ploy for Julia to get her inheritance early so she can get out from under the thumb of her homophobic father. When Ryan finds out, I would have liked him to have been at least a little upset that no one trusted him with the secret. A lot of fun shenanigans happened on the boat and a sweet ending where everyone finds their HEA.
Audio arc provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
Audio arc provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2019
Secret attraction.... Roommates!
Secret attraction. Sometimes we like or admire someone but unwilling to put ourselves out there due to being scared of rejection. So we hide how we feel until it’s too late. Or do we sometimes get lucky and get a second chance to get it right?
Secretly attracted to his new roommate from the time he knocked on his door in answer to an ad, Ryan couldn’t help admiring the cute guy. But having a sister who goes through her boyfriends like changing clothes, he gave way not knowing if the new guy swings his way or not.
Fast forward to two years, unknown to Ryan, what he thought was a relationship wasn’t even close. As the truth start to unravel, Ryan finds himself facing a possibility of a second chance, should he take it?
A story full of shenanigans, hilarious moments and a chance at a great love between two people who thought that what they each felt was one-sided. A tale of the kind of friendship that will endure time and challenges. Full of funny, sweet and romantic moments, you will love Sawyer and Ryan, their sweetness and kindness to each other and the other people they interact with will make you swoon! Congratulations Ms. Susan Hawke! I love this story so much! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Secret attraction. Sometimes we like or admire someone but unwilling to put ourselves out there due to being scared of rejection. So we hide how we feel until it’s too late. Or do we sometimes get lucky and get a second chance to get it right?
Secretly attracted to his new roommate from the time he knocked on his door in answer to an ad, Ryan couldn’t help admiring the cute guy. But having a sister who goes through her boyfriends like changing clothes, he gave way not knowing if the new guy swings his way or not.
Fast forward to two years, unknown to Ryan, what he thought was a relationship wasn’t even close. As the truth start to unravel, Ryan finds himself facing a possibility of a second chance, should he take it?
A story full of shenanigans, hilarious moments and a chance at a great love between two people who thought that what they each felt was one-sided. A tale of the kind of friendship that will endure time and challenges. Full of funny, sweet and romantic moments, you will love Sawyer and Ryan, their sweetness and kindness to each other and the other people they interact with will make you swoon! Congratulations Ms. Susan Hawke! I love this story so much! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 13, 2019
Abandoning Ship
I am really enjoying my journey on the Valentine's Cruise here, this book unfortunately didn't make much heart sing as much as the others though. I couldn't get into it. Julia seemed the perfect spoiled brat but I never felt happiness for her and how quickly Ryan and Sawyer got together after the fiasco didn't float my boat. I'm sure others will love it, it just didn't work for me.
I am really enjoying my journey on the Valentine's Cruise here, this book unfortunately didn't make much heart sing as much as the others though. I couldn't get into it. Julia seemed the perfect spoiled brat but I never felt happiness for her and how quickly Ryan and Sawyer got together after the fiasco didn't float my boat. I'm sure others will love it, it just didn't work for me.
September 6, 2019
I really enjoyed this fun, sweet, funny feel good story. Fake relationship is one of my favourite tropes and it didn't disappoint.
It was an easy read which kept me thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
It was full of likeable characters who you want to see get their HEA.
I would recommend this as a great beach read.
It was an easy read which kept me thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
It was full of likeable characters who you want to see get their HEA.
I would recommend this as a great beach read.
September 19, 2019
This book was just one long cliche. The parents were caricatures, and the two male main characters were so one-dimensional that I rarely knew which one of them was speaking. They had no defined personality and no chemistry. The only reason I gave this book two stars was that I did laugh a couple of times. I usually like this author's books, but this one was just not well-crafted.
September 4, 2019
I was blissfully reading my way through this series and then Susan Hawke just had to burst my happy bubble. This book's several over-the-top attempts at humor just made me cringe. The 5-star spell is broken! :(
September 9, 2019
I loved it. Short, funny, with loads of cute fluffiness. My favorite part had to be the strip shuffle board game. SH had to cram a lot into the first 20% of the book to get the plot going but it was worth it for all the quirky humor and clumsy antics that followed. My fav in the series so far.
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 seven book in this series is titled "Abandoning Ship," and it's by Susan Hawke.
["When the seas of love grow choppy, sometimes the best course is to abandon ship!
Two years ago, Ryan Abernathy was too tongue-tied, too introverted, and entirely too nervous to flirt with his hot but presumably straight new roommate. So when Ryan’s sister swooped in and scooped the hottie up for herself, he accepted his fate and kept his crush a secret.
Sawyer Muller never meant to find himself in a fake relationship with his sexy roommate's sister. And how was he supposed to know that Ryan would become his bestie and star in way too many of his dreams?
Things get complicated when Julia Abernathy strikes a deal with Sawyer to upgrade from fake boyfriend to groom, though they only need to stay married long enough for her to get her trust fund. They plan a fun cruise ship wedding with her entire family in tow. Sawyer figures it sounds like an adventure, and when they quietly divorce later, he’ll finally be free of all the fakery.
With Julia and Ryan’s homophobic, snooty family present, the pressure is turned up… especially when Sawyer finds himself jilted at the altar and drowning in a sea of blame. His only life preserver is the Abernathy sibling he can’t admit to wanting… Ryan."]
There was a really awkward first kiss, a strip-shuffleboard game, and a record-breaking group wedding. Plus a lot of homophobic language and accident prone-ness and standing up for yourself and falling so easily in love it's almost unreal.
Julia was morally grey, but deep down, she had great intentions. And Sawyer, god, I thought Ryan would be the dorky and adorable one; Sawyer was just clumsy and so sweet.
#abandoningship #susanhawke
#shipwork #shippingorders #shiphappens #battleship #luckoftheship #shippingthecaptain #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 seven book in this series is titled "Abandoning Ship," and it's by Susan Hawke.
["When the seas of love grow choppy, sometimes the best course is to abandon ship!
Two years ago, Ryan Abernathy was too tongue-tied, too introverted, and entirely too nervous to flirt with his hot but presumably straight new roommate. So when Ryan’s sister swooped in and scooped the hottie up for herself, he accepted his fate and kept his crush a secret.
Sawyer Muller never meant to find himself in a fake relationship with his sexy roommate's sister. And how was he supposed to know that Ryan would become his bestie and star in way too many of his dreams?
Things get complicated when Julia Abernathy strikes a deal with Sawyer to upgrade from fake boyfriend to groom, though they only need to stay married long enough for her to get her trust fund. They plan a fun cruise ship wedding with her entire family in tow. Sawyer figures it sounds like an adventure, and when they quietly divorce later, he’ll finally be free of all the fakery.
With Julia and Ryan’s homophobic, snooty family present, the pressure is turned up… especially when Sawyer finds himself jilted at the altar and drowning in a sea of blame. His only life preserver is the Abernathy sibling he can’t admit to wanting… Ryan."]
There was a really awkward first kiss, a strip-shuffleboard game, and a record-breaking group wedding. Plus a lot of homophobic language and accident prone-ness and standing up for yourself and falling so easily in love it's almost unreal.
Julia was morally grey, but deep down, she had great intentions. And Sawyer, god, I thought Ryan would be the dorky and adorable one; Sawyer was just clumsy and so sweet.
#abandoningship #susanhawke
#shipwork #shippingorders #shiphappens #battleship #luckoftheship #shippingthecaptain #shippingourloves #shipoff #upshipcreek #cruises #cruisesinc #valentinesinccruises #valentinesinccruisesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 31, 2020
4% in and I'm in love with this book 😊
This book made me laugh, got me angry and fall in love with Sawyer and Ryan. Ryan was quiet but he watched out for Sawyer. Sawyer was awkward but would help anyway be could.
My favorite line: "Listen, Patrice. I didn't need your shit in high school, and I don't need it now. My sister is perfectly capable of standing up for herself. She doesn’t need a mediator to talk to her own brother." WAY TO GO RYAN!!!I
These guys were friends through it all. What better way to find a lasting love than to be friends first? Julia was a like annoying at first and it was hard to believe Ryan came from the same family but she got better.
I have just three words "READ THIS BOOK!" You won't regret it 😊
This book made me laugh, got me angry and fall in love with Sawyer and Ryan. Ryan was quiet but he watched out for Sawyer. Sawyer was awkward but would help anyway be could.
My favorite line: "Listen, Patrice. I didn't need your shit in high school, and I don't need it now. My sister is perfectly capable of standing up for herself. She doesn’t need a mediator to talk to her own brother." WAY TO GO RYAN!!!I
These guys were friends through it all. What better way to find a lasting love than to be friends first? Julia was a like annoying at first and it was hard to believe Ryan came from the same family but she got better.
I have just three words "READ THIS BOOK!" You won't regret it 😊
July 26, 2020
Paramour sailing
A clever tale with plenty of good content with the heat appearing towards the end. Dual POV works well, but might have been more interesting/real with the inclusion of Jules. Scenes on the ship are hilarious, but the descriptions of the parents a bit extreme. A fun read.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
A clever tale with plenty of good content with the heat appearing towards the end. Dual POV works well, but might have been more interesting/real with the inclusion of Jules. Scenes on the ship are hilarious, but the descriptions of the parents a bit extreme. A fun read.
As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.
February 25, 2020
Amazing book like every book part of the Valentine’s Inc series! Sawyer and Ryan’s BFFs to lovers story is full of misunderstandings, fake situations, awful family and very awkward moments that finally led to a wonderful HEA. Susan Hawke is a genius converting an apparently simple love story in a page-turner, incredible narration that kept me in my seat until the very end. Funny, witty and entertaining, full of romance and hot scenes this book is one of the best in the series.
January 11, 2026
I thought it was going to be a better reading... It was not bad, but wasnt that great either... about the sister Jules... Idk, i just didn't like her. She knew her brother liked the guy from the start, and still propose to do the fake stuff and worse, made swayer promised not to tell Ryan about it... That just felt completely egoistical of her.. and they forgave her too easy after what she done...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
Audiobook review.
Overall 5
Performance 5
Story 5
This had a few different tropes and I loved it. Secret crush, fake relationship, accidental marriage, friends-to-lovers and maybe even a few more.
Michael Pauley (he now goes by Michael Dean) did a great job performing Susan Hawke’s words. It’s such a shame that she passed away much too young.
Overall 5
Performance 5
Story 5
This had a few different tropes and I loved it. Secret crush, fake relationship, accidental marriage, friends-to-lovers and maybe even a few more.
Michael Pauley (he now goes by Michael Dean) did a great job performing Susan Hawke’s words. It’s such a shame that she passed away much too young.
April 27, 2020
4.5 ✨
May 2, 2020
A little cheesy, but cute and light.
May 13, 2020
Oh my gosh! This book was hilarious! I just freaking LOVED it! I LOVE Michael Dean as a narrator too, he's great! I'll definitely keep reading Susan Hawke's books, absolutely!
June 28, 2020
Fabulous read
I loved the premise of this book & I was not disappointed. With humour & wonderful MC’s there was nothing not to love about this book. A 5 star read Xx
I loved the premise of this book & I was not disappointed. With humour & wonderful MC’s there was nothing not to love about this book. A 5 star read Xx
July 26, 2020
This was a quick fun read. Lots of witty puns, and some great laugh out loud moments. Fake relationship leads to a great HEA. Loved it.
August 12, 2020
Best of the cruises
The valentines Inc cruise shared world has been very hit and miss. This was a hit. Super sweet and funny
The valentines Inc cruise shared world has been very hit and miss. This was a hit. Super sweet and funny
September 8, 2022
This book was incredible. I love this whole series its fun, loving and quirky all at the same time .
September 19, 2025
3.7 idk i did like Ryan and sawyer but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the plotline
September 22, 2019
Giggle snorting and a blue hand (an audio review)
I have enjoyed Susan Hawke’s Lovestrong series and so was keen to try out another book by her. Boy was I glad I did. This book is a true rom com and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I don’t listen to many true comedic books and this book will have me reconsidering that. I laughed out loud. Well, laughed, giggle-snorted and maybe even hooted. But I was alone in my car so I own up to none of those things. Considering I usually listen while on mass transit, I consider myself lucky. Sometimes it’s hard to convey physical comedy on the page, but Ms. Hawke does a great job. That blue hand is an image I won’t soon forget.
This book covers several of my favorite tropes – fake boyfriend, friends to lovers, and best friend’s sibling. Sawyer Muller is in a pickle. Two years ago he agreed to be a fake boyfriend to his new roommate’s sister Julia. A way for her to get her parents off her back and a way for him to…? Yeah, I was never really clear on why he agreed to a relationship with her. He figured her brother Ryan wasn’t interested and decided, ‘hey why not?’ For two years they appear at a myriad of family events pretending to be the perfect couple. Now they are facing graduation and Julia has a dilemma – marry or wait until she’s twenty-five to get her inheritance. Not known for patience or prudence, Julia proposes a fake marriage to Sawyer. She makes him a good offer and he again goes with the flow.
Breaking Ryan’s heart in the process. He’s crushed on his roommate for two years, watching him with Julia. Ryan’s always assumed Sawyer is straight, but you know what they say about assumptions… They wind up as roommates on the wedding cruise and that’s when things get really interesting. Sawyer has always been Julia’s safety position, but when her past comes calling, she abandons Sawyer at the altar.
Enter Ryan. At first he believes he’s just trying to cheer up his bestie but it quickly becomes apparent there’s far more going on than Sawyer just being left literally at the altar.
I have to say that until that moment, I felt like Sawyer was lacking some, well, balls. When things go sideways, however, he really steps up to the plate, taking on Julia and Ryan’s homophobic family and their father in particular. Once freed from his fake relationship and engagement, he’s free to explore a new relationship with Ryan – friends to lovers, as it were. There are plenty of shenanigans including a very memorable game of shuffleboard. And some sexual shenanigans as well. No more whiskey dick, that’s for sure. Although Sawyer will always maintain, “whiskey dick IS a thing!”
I found it interesting that although, as Ryan says, “my family puts the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional”, he and Julia manage to find happy endings. This is, after all, a wedding cruise.
Michael Pauley narrated this book and I’m so glad. He always delivers a strong performance and this one was no exception. Somehow he made coitus-almost-interruptus hilarious. I’m so glad I picked up this audio and I suspect everyone who listens to it will enjoy it.
I have enjoyed Susan Hawke’s Lovestrong series and so was keen to try out another book by her. Boy was I glad I did. This book is a true rom com and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I don’t listen to many true comedic books and this book will have me reconsidering that. I laughed out loud. Well, laughed, giggle-snorted and maybe even hooted. But I was alone in my car so I own up to none of those things. Considering I usually listen while on mass transit, I consider myself lucky. Sometimes it’s hard to convey physical comedy on the page, but Ms. Hawke does a great job. That blue hand is an image I won’t soon forget.
This book covers several of my favorite tropes – fake boyfriend, friends to lovers, and best friend’s sibling. Sawyer Muller is in a pickle. Two years ago he agreed to be a fake boyfriend to his new roommate’s sister Julia. A way for her to get her parents off her back and a way for him to…? Yeah, I was never really clear on why he agreed to a relationship with her. He figured her brother Ryan wasn’t interested and decided, ‘hey why not?’ For two years they appear at a myriad of family events pretending to be the perfect couple. Now they are facing graduation and Julia has a dilemma – marry or wait until she’s twenty-five to get her inheritance. Not known for patience or prudence, Julia proposes a fake marriage to Sawyer. She makes him a good offer and he again goes with the flow.
Breaking Ryan’s heart in the process. He’s crushed on his roommate for two years, watching him with Julia. Ryan’s always assumed Sawyer is straight, but you know what they say about assumptions… They wind up as roommates on the wedding cruise and that’s when things get really interesting. Sawyer has always been Julia’s safety position, but when her past comes calling, she abandons Sawyer at the altar.
Enter Ryan. At first he believes he’s just trying to cheer up his bestie but it quickly becomes apparent there’s far more going on than Sawyer just being left literally at the altar.
I have to say that until that moment, I felt like Sawyer was lacking some, well, balls. When things go sideways, however, he really steps up to the plate, taking on Julia and Ryan’s homophobic family and their father in particular. Once freed from his fake relationship and engagement, he’s free to explore a new relationship with Ryan – friends to lovers, as it were. There are plenty of shenanigans including a very memorable game of shuffleboard. And some sexual shenanigans as well. No more whiskey dick, that’s for sure. Although Sawyer will always maintain, “whiskey dick IS a thing!”
I found it interesting that although, as Ryan says, “my family puts the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional”, he and Julia manage to find happy endings. This is, after all, a wedding cruise.
Michael Pauley narrated this book and I’m so glad. He always delivers a strong performance and this one was no exception. Somehow he made coitus-almost-interruptus hilarious. I’m so glad I picked up this audio and I suspect everyone who listens to it will enjoy it.
August 31, 2021
Super cute; a romance centred on flatmates who are attracted to each other but have stuffed up their options when they first met. This is the story of them finding their way back to each other, assisted by an oblivious sister.
Narrated by Michael Dean - excellent.
Narrated by Michael Dean - excellent.
September 3, 2019
Well this was an interesting turn of events lol. A fake relationship for two years that turns into an almost fake marriage just for an inheritance. When all along, it's the brother, the 'groom' wants to be with.
Sawyer found the perfect roomie with Ryan. He took his quirks in and laughs along and made him feel comfortable. My immediately his sister, Julia, jumped in and started flirting and tried to make it more. But it didn't happen. So her plan was to be fake boyfriend/girlfriend to get her parents off her back. Especially since her heart really belonged to another. And it was a girl. Sawyer agreed with everything except for not telling Ryan. He hated keeping that secret from his best friend. When Julia's father was putting pressure on her to get married or work at his firm, she proposed her and Sawyer do a fake wedding for six months. Once she got her inheritance, they'd divorce and then tell Ryan. But the night before they were supposed to get married on this cruise ship, Julia calls and says the whole deal is off. She's found her true love after all. Ryan thought she was just drunk, but true next day at the wedding, a message was sent by someone, it wasn't a joke. Thinking Sawyer is upset, Ryan does all he can to cheer him up, but Sawyer has to come clean about all of it. Ryan is happy enough about it that he's not mad really about being lied to, because the love of his life can now be his. Hopefully. Now if he can just get Sawyer on the same wavelength.
I tell you, I felt sorry for Ryan and Sawyer both in this one. Ryan, because he's been in love with Sawyer for a while, and Sawyer, because in spite of really wanting Ryan, he wanted to help Julia. Especially after meeting her family. Homophobic asshole of a father and a mother who was a manipulative bitch. And trying to one up each other with their trophy partners. It was ridiculous. And when Julia called it off, they had no problem blaming everything on Sawyer, even when none of it was his fault. I hate people like that.
The good part was now Sawyer and Ryan had a chance to maybe see where things could go. They'd been best friends for two years. They genuinely loved each other and it could turn to more. There were a couple other good things in there as well. And one was how they got back at their father. But I can't give that away.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Sawyer found the perfect roomie with Ryan. He took his quirks in and laughs along and made him feel comfortable. My immediately his sister, Julia, jumped in and started flirting and tried to make it more. But it didn't happen. So her plan was to be fake boyfriend/girlfriend to get her parents off her back. Especially since her heart really belonged to another. And it was a girl. Sawyer agreed with everything except for not telling Ryan. He hated keeping that secret from his best friend. When Julia's father was putting pressure on her to get married or work at his firm, she proposed her and Sawyer do a fake wedding for six months. Once she got her inheritance, they'd divorce and then tell Ryan. But the night before they were supposed to get married on this cruise ship, Julia calls and says the whole deal is off. She's found her true love after all. Ryan thought she was just drunk, but true next day at the wedding, a message was sent by someone, it wasn't a joke. Thinking Sawyer is upset, Ryan does all he can to cheer him up, but Sawyer has to come clean about all of it. Ryan is happy enough about it that he's not mad really about being lied to, because the love of his life can now be his. Hopefully. Now if he can just get Sawyer on the same wavelength.
I tell you, I felt sorry for Ryan and Sawyer both in this one. Ryan, because he's been in love with Sawyer for a while, and Sawyer, because in spite of really wanting Ryan, he wanted to help Julia. Especially after meeting her family. Homophobic asshole of a father and a mother who was a manipulative bitch. And trying to one up each other with their trophy partners. It was ridiculous. And when Julia called it off, they had no problem blaming everything on Sawyer, even when none of it was his fault. I hate people like that.
The good part was now Sawyer and Ryan had a chance to maybe see where things could go. They'd been best friends for two years. They genuinely loved each other and it could turn to more. There were a couple other good things in there as well. And one was how they got back at their father. But I can't give that away.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
September 8, 2019
It's all pun and games until someone gets jilted at the altar.
From terrible puns to inappropriate nicknames for fun appendages to extremely small speedos, the awkward yet charming interplay between Ryan and Sawyer give credence to the idea that marrying your best friend can turn into the best kind of partnership.
I really wasn't kidding about the puns. I'm a huge fan of them, but the sheer number of them in this story, no matter their cleverness or quality, was a bit much. It was certainly a unique-ness thing for the not couple/couple though. The relationship was just as obvious as the pun choices and it was both frustrating and humorous with how they eventually got together. The shenanigans once they were on the same page is definitely a fine work of fiction. It induced snickering, eye rolling, swooning, and fanning from the amount of chemistry they had.
While I know all was forgiven in the end with Julia I can't help but feel her forgiveness was given too easily. She really was all kinds of selfish. Though I am glad we got a few glimpses into how her chosen partner encouraged her to make amends and to see the effects of her choices.
And the family dysfunction was absolutely ridiculous. While the homophobia and judging is horrible, it was all included in a slightly softer way. By making the father an exceedingly caustic human being it lent more humor than pain to the situation. Ryan still had to acknowledge that it wasn't a complete relief to see his father do what was predicted, so that was good, but it was still a far simpler matter because his dad was truly such an awful person.
Overall I think that's pretty much the way you can sum up all the confrontations and unions—simple and over the top in display. It was definitely a humorous story with far less angst than the antagonists and friction could have played out so I'd definitely say this was more a light and fluffy story. The feeling at the end was one of freedom, joy, and love and that despite so many setbacks and mishaps they all proved to be happy accidents that led them to the person and the life that was always meant to be theirs.
From terrible puns to inappropriate nicknames for fun appendages to extremely small speedos, the awkward yet charming interplay between Ryan and Sawyer give credence to the idea that marrying your best friend can turn into the best kind of partnership.
I really wasn't kidding about the puns. I'm a huge fan of them, but the sheer number of them in this story, no matter their cleverness or quality, was a bit much. It was certainly a unique-ness thing for the not couple/couple though. The relationship was just as obvious as the pun choices and it was both frustrating and humorous with how they eventually got together. The shenanigans once they were on the same page is definitely a fine work of fiction. It induced snickering, eye rolling, swooning, and fanning from the amount of chemistry they had.
While I know all was forgiven in the end with Julia I can't help but feel her forgiveness was given too easily. She really was all kinds of selfish. Though I am glad we got a few glimpses into how her chosen partner encouraged her to make amends and to see the effects of her choices.
And the family dysfunction was absolutely ridiculous. While the homophobia and judging is horrible, it was all included in a slightly softer way. By making the father an exceedingly caustic human being it lent more humor than pain to the situation. Ryan still had to acknowledge that it wasn't a complete relief to see his father do what was predicted, so that was good, but it was still a far simpler matter because his dad was truly such an awful person.
Overall I think that's pretty much the way you can sum up all the confrontations and unions—simple and over the top in display. It was definitely a humorous story with far less angst than the antagonists and friction could have played out so I'd definitely say this was more a light and fluffy story. The feeling at the end was one of freedom, joy, and love and that despite so many setbacks and mishaps they all proved to be happy accidents that led them to the person and the life that was always meant to be theirs.
September 1, 2019
Susan Hawke has written a great addition to the Valentine's Inc. Cruises series! We have a fake relationship (not the MC's), best friends to lovers as well as a lot of family drama all contained on one cruise ship!
Ryan and Sawyer met when Ryan needed a new roommate but unfortunately his sister beat him to the flirting race and he had to watch the two most important people start a relationship that leads to a wedding on a cruise ship.
Both men are a lot of fun to read! They have a great friendship before any other feelings become involved. Sawyer is an amazing friend to Julia, Ryan's sister, as they follow through on a fake relationship to help save her from a meddlesome/homophobic father. A wedding was never what he envisioned but that's what he attends, and gets jilted at, along with all of Ryan and Julia's awful family. What follows is a bonding experience for Ryan and Sawyer, and a test of friendship for Julia and Sawyer. There are some beautiful moments but also a lot of fun as they try and make the most of the holiday that they are on. There's a lot of heart felt moments as the two men are allowed to truly connect on all levels in the two years they've known each other. They have an obvious connection and a sexual attraction that quickly heats up as they learn the truth about each other and what they truly want.
Cannot recommend this enough. There's so much going on throughout the book as we move from friendship to fake romance to fake wedding, all with an atrocious family in the background that really bring out the protective claws of the both MC's and the sister. Then there is shock, hurt, support, friendship, love, attraction, fun and joy. Another must read in this series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Ryan and Sawyer met when Ryan needed a new roommate but unfortunately his sister beat him to the flirting race and he had to watch the two most important people start a relationship that leads to a wedding on a cruise ship.
Both men are a lot of fun to read! They have a great friendship before any other feelings become involved. Sawyer is an amazing friend to Julia, Ryan's sister, as they follow through on a fake relationship to help save her from a meddlesome/homophobic father. A wedding was never what he envisioned but that's what he attends, and gets jilted at, along with all of Ryan and Julia's awful family. What follows is a bonding experience for Ryan and Sawyer, and a test of friendship for Julia and Sawyer. There are some beautiful moments but also a lot of fun as they try and make the most of the holiday that they are on. There's a lot of heart felt moments as the two men are allowed to truly connect on all levels in the two years they've known each other. They have an obvious connection and a sexual attraction that quickly heats up as they learn the truth about each other and what they truly want.
Cannot recommend this enough. There's so much going on throughout the book as we move from friendship to fake romance to fake wedding, all with an atrocious family in the background that really bring out the protective claws of the both MC's and the sister. Then there is shock, hurt, support, friendship, love, attraction, fun and joy. Another must read in this series!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews