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Signs of Love #5
Cancer Ships Aquarius
Prepare to dip your toe into the biggest adventure of your life, Cancer. There's romance in the air, and it smells deliciously salty.
Dumped by the fifth girl in two years and abandoned by his best friends, Reid Glover is alone and in need of a home.
Desperate, he interviews to become a live-in manny aboard widowed Sullivan Bell’s yacht, the Aquarian.
The job? Not to look after thirteen-year-old Joanna. No, this child-mastermind needs Reid to befriend her dad, urge him to participate more in family life, encourage him to date, oh, and become his closest confidant and help him unleash his bottled emotions.
No pressure.
At least he’s not entirely out of his depth.
Okay, so he may have a slight aversion to the ocean. And possibly attract more than his fair share of misadventure.
But he is a pro at crying.
Watch out, Sullivan. Reid is on his way with a family-sized carton of tissues. He will help Sullivan through his fears. Will help him find love again.
Will absolutely not fall for him in the process . . .
Caution, Cancer, how long will you fool yourself?
~ ~ ~
Cancer Ships Aquarius (Signs of Love #5) is an MM opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring a misadventure prone manny and a blunt widower.
More wit, banter and bad puns - and even more heart-stopping slow burn!
Can be read as a standalone.
Tropes: slow burn, will-they-or-won’t-they, opposites attract, 10 year age gap, manny loves widow,
Genre: New Adult, light-hearted contemporary gay romance
Dumped by the fifth girl in two years and abandoned by his best friends, Reid Glover is alone and in need of a home.
Desperate, he interviews to become a live-in manny aboard widowed Sullivan Bell’s yacht, the Aquarian.
The job? Not to look after thirteen-year-old Joanna. No, this child-mastermind needs Reid to befriend her dad, urge him to participate more in family life, encourage him to date, oh, and become his closest confidant and help him unleash his bottled emotions.
No pressure.
At least he’s not entirely out of his depth.
Okay, so he may have a slight aversion to the ocean. And possibly attract more than his fair share of misadventure.
But he is a pro at crying.
Watch out, Sullivan. Reid is on his way with a family-sized carton of tissues. He will help Sullivan through his fears. Will help him find love again.
Will absolutely not fall for him in the process . . .
Caution, Cancer, how long will you fool yourself?
~ ~ ~
Cancer Ships Aquarius (Signs of Love #5) is an MM opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring a misadventure prone manny and a blunt widower.
More wit, banter and bad puns - and even more heart-stopping slow burn!
Can be read as a standalone.
Tropes: slow burn, will-they-or-won’t-they, opposites attract, 10 year age gap, manny loves widow,
Genre: New Adult, light-hearted contemporary gay romance
282 pages, ebook
First published February 17, 2020
159 people are currently reading
1310 people want to read
About the author
Anyta Sunday
111 books2,735 followersSpecialising in slow-burn romances where emotions reign, intimacy lingers, and chemistry sizzles—stories that leave you holding your breath and cheering for love, with just a splash of spice to sweeten the journey.
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 481 reviews
August 18, 2022
I think, at the end of the day, we're all just looking for that one person we can be completely, unabashedly, profoundly stupid with and not feel judged or embarrassed, and Anyta Sunday just gets it. And that's why her books will always have space on my shelves (and a soft spot in my heart).
February 19, 2020
gays on a yacht you say?
February 20, 2020
Anyta's "Signs of Love" series has been a lot of fun, and this latest installment was no exception.
From an early age, 28 y.o. Reid had always found himself being rejected, first by his less-than-compassionate parents, then by a long line of girlfriends, so one of his most heart-felt wishes was to finally have someone in his life that truly wanted him there. Who would miss him if he wasn't around.
At 37, Sullivan had found true love, only to suddenly and unexpectedly lose it four years ago. But he hasn't healed, hasn't learned to fully live again, even keeping his 12 y.o. daughter, Joanna, at arms length.
But Joanna was sick of her dad always running from putting down new roots, so she decided to take matters into her own hands and request that Sullivan hire a manny to help take care of her. When in reality, the manny was entirely to help in her efforts to pull her dad out of his funk and to reengage again.
Joanna and Reid were a bit of a devious, plotting pair, for sure, and I enjoyed seeing their up-hill battle with Sullivan slowly begin to bear fruit. Not that it was easy, it wasn't, but well worth the work that they put into “Project Anchor the Storm”, as she called it.
The story was Anyta's trademark slow-burn, with the steam seeming to occur especially late in this book, not that I minded, as I was kept engaged by plenty of touching and humorous moments in those earlier chapters. Like Reid's almost love-like infatuation with his life jacket, which constantly made me chuckle.
If I had to pick one aspect of the story, gun to my head, that was a smidge disappointing, I'd have to say that it would be that I would've like to have seen the story go a bit more over-the-top with the described character traits.
Such as Reid supposedly being misadventure-prone and Sullivan being stern and somewhat-cold. Other than a few instance of both, I was left wanting those aspects of their personas played up a bit.
The book ended with the shortest of separations, one that thankfully wasn't allowed to linger, then followed up by a grand gesture from Reid to get his man back, then an epilogue from a few months later, all of which made me pretty happy.
I'd rate the story at around 4.25 stars and strongly recommend it for fans of the other books in this series.
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February 11, 2020Coming February 17th!
*
Crafting a book is no lonely process!
I owe so much thanks to my beta and editing team for helping me shape Reid and Sullivan’s story. Thank you to Vir, Sunne, and Heather for being involved in the developmental stage—and bearing with me as you read various incarnations of the plot. Thank you to Suki Fleet for helping me with the British aspects of the story and for your maritime expertise. Thank you to Deborah Nemeth for content editing. HJ’s Editing for the fantastic line edits. Lynda for proofreading. And thank you to Vicki and Todd for final eyes reading and catching those last flubs. Maria Gandolfo, thank you for the chapter graphics of Cancer and Aquarius, and Natasha—cheers for yet another wonderful cover.
*
Crafting a book is no lonely process!
I owe so much thanks to my beta and editing team for helping me shape Reid and Sullivan’s story. Thank you to Vir, Sunne, and Heather for being involved in the developmental stage—and bearing with me as you read various incarnations of the plot. Thank you to Suki Fleet for helping me with the British aspects of the story and for your maritime expertise. Thank you to Deborah Nemeth for content editing. HJ’s Editing for the fantastic line edits. Lynda for proofreading. And thank you to Vicki and Todd for final eyes reading and catching those last flubs. Maria Gandolfo, thank you for the chapter graphics of Cancer and Aquarius, and Natasha—cheers for yet another wonderful cover.
July 25, 2020
3 Stars
Look, if a Sunday slow burn and blatant cluelessness is what makes you happy, then this latest in her Signs of Love series will definitely deliver for you.
First there’s Reid, who’s had nothing but bad luck when it comes to love. He’s a bit down and needs a place to stay plus a job stat, so when he’s propositioned by a teen to be her manny in order to help her widowed dad heal, how can Reid say no? What he doesn’t anticipate is for said dad to be one irresistible hot number, and though Reid hasn’t experimented with the other side of his bisexuality, he wouldn’t be adverse to doing so with Sullivan. Too bad Sulllivan is as straight as an arrow. Uh huh.
So, of course Reid is wrong in his assumptions. Of course, he’s totally dense when it comes to seeing how much Sullivan is attracted to him despite Sullivan’s huge reluctance to take the next step forward. Eventually, things bubble to a head as Sullivan’s “secret” is found out, and it just remains to be seen if these two can agree on a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Overall, this was consistent with the series’ vibe - easy and sweet, peppered with great funny moments with some twisty feels. What this wasn’t for me was Jamie, nor Beckett, and I had a more difficult time falling for Reid despite his earnestness, as well as for Sullivan despite his grumpy smart sexy self. The setup and romantic evolution just wasn’t cohesive enough, and the lack of a solid payoff regarding their win in the end really fell short as well.
Nevertheless, this will fill the Sunday void should you have one. For me though, this was not a close favorite by far, but as evidenced by the many other readers who have loved these two hard, I would say that the majority will find this a very satisfying treat!
Look, if a Sunday slow burn and blatant cluelessness is what makes you happy, then this latest in her Signs of Love series will definitely deliver for you.
First there’s Reid, who’s had nothing but bad luck when it comes to love. He’s a bit down and needs a place to stay plus a job stat, so when he’s propositioned by a teen to be her manny in order to help her widowed dad heal, how can Reid say no? What he doesn’t anticipate is for said dad to be one irresistible hot number, and though Reid hasn’t experimented with the other side of his bisexuality, he wouldn’t be adverse to doing so with Sullivan. Too bad Sulllivan is as straight as an arrow. Uh huh.
So, of course Reid is wrong in his assumptions. Of course, he’s totally dense when it comes to seeing how much Sullivan is attracted to him despite Sullivan’s huge reluctance to take the next step forward. Eventually, things bubble to a head as Sullivan’s “secret” is found out, and it just remains to be seen if these two can agree on a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Overall, this was consistent with the series’ vibe - easy and sweet, peppered with great funny moments with some twisty feels. What this wasn’t for me was Jamie, nor Beckett, and I had a more difficult time falling for Reid despite his earnestness, as well as for Sullivan despite his grumpy smart sexy self. The setup and romantic evolution just wasn’t cohesive enough, and the lack of a solid payoff regarding their win in the end really fell short as well.
Nevertheless, this will fill the Sunday void should you have one. For me though, this was not a close favorite by far, but as evidenced by the many other readers who have loved these two hard, I would say that the majority will find this a very satisfying treat!
February 18, 2020
Before the ending, this book was getting 4.5-5 stars.
This was so much fun to read. The banter was fabulous, the relationship-building was smooth, and I just couldn't wait for these two to finally get into the couple phase. Add in little cameos from the first three couples from this series, and this was headed to being amazing!
But that ending! I feel so unfulfilled. This is a personal taste thing, but the MC who was hurt should NEVER be the one to grovel. Should never be the one who keeps reaching out to the other. I didn't get nearly enough from the other MC to feel as if his words/actions should be forgiven.
And then, it just ended. An epilogue 3 months down the road didn't help me feel as if the other MC really has his shit together. I didn't believe they were in any way solid.
Ugh. I'm so disappointed. And I hate that this is what I'm harping on, since the first 90% was so awesome. But the ending is the freshest in my mind.
Yall should still read this. Maybe it's just me.......
I just honestly wanted to throw my Kindle against a wall.
This was so much fun to read. The banter was fabulous, the relationship-building was smooth, and I just couldn't wait for these two to finally get into the couple phase. Add in little cameos from the first three couples from this series, and this was headed to being amazing!
But that ending! I feel so unfulfilled. This is a personal taste thing, but the MC who was hurt should NEVER be the one to grovel. Should never be the one who keeps reaching out to the other. I didn't get nearly enough from the other MC to feel as if his words/actions should be forgiven.
And then, it just ended. An epilogue 3 months down the road didn't help me feel as if the other MC really has his shit together. I didn't believe they were in any way solid.
Ugh. I'm so disappointed. And I hate that this is what I'm harping on, since the first 90% was so awesome. But the ending is the freshest in my mind.
Yall should still read this. Maybe it's just me.......
I just honestly wanted to throw my Kindle against a wall.
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December 19, 2019Beta-ing this one for the lovely Anyta Sunday.
February 21, 2020
If you want a masterclass on how to write a slow burn romance with a clueless MC who is adorably oblivious to the effect he has on the other man, this is it.
Packed full of all the deliciousness you'd expect in this quite brilliant series from Anyta, this is probably my second favourite in the series now following book four.
There's also done guest appearances of characters ftom the other books and it made me happy to see them still living their best life.
Reid is cute as anything, Sebastian is just my type of guy and the supporting cast are a great mix, particularly arch schemer Joanna, who just wants her dad to be happy.
Loved it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Packed full of all the deliciousness you'd expect in this quite brilliant series from Anyta, this is probably my second favourite in the series now following book four.
There's also done guest appearances of characters ftom the other books and it made me happy to see them still living their best life.
Reid is cute as anything, Sebastian is just my type of guy and the supporting cast are a great mix, particularly arch schemer Joanna, who just wants her dad to be happy.
Loved it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
translated
June 12, 2020Favorites’ shelf.
I’ve been betareading Anyta’s work for more than two years now and every time she drafts a new story I feel privileged, honored and super glad to be a part of it. So, that said... Is this review unbiased? Well, maybe not, because I adore her, I love her writing and I enjoy this series like crazy, but still... unbiased or not, I needed to come here and tell you all that Reid and Sullivan are probably my favorite couple in the signs of love...
Whaaaat? What did she just say? Yes, yes, I know. I feel kinda weird with such statement and yes, I have some doubts and a little shame as if Theo and Jamie, Zane and Beckett were listening, frowning and judging me, but that’s the blast I had reading this story. It was a delight, really. From beginning to end.
It was also a rollercoaster full of feels. I laughed, I cried, I laughed again... well, I could keep going on and on, but I guess you know what I mean. And please, don’t be scared about the crying part, this is romantic comedy at its best. Anyta nails it. But still, it contains some angst coming from the fact that one of them is a widower. Perhaps angst it’s not the proper word here... it is to me because I’m a softie and some things affects me more that others but let’s just say: the premise it’s kinda sad, there is intensity and tenderness, but the humor is so spot on and so absurd you end up forgetting there's sadness underneath. I loved it hard.
So yes, I highly recommend this one. And let me warn you: this is a book full of misunderstandings (hear my words: FULL! so If that’s not your thing, go away and far from this novel!) naiveness, love, trust and kindness. And it’s super funny. Super, super funny.
**Advance Copy review, Cancer Ships Aquarius will be released on February 17th**
I’ve been betareading Anyta’s work for more than two years now and every time she drafts a new story I feel privileged, honored and super glad to be a part of it. So, that said... Is this review unbiased? Well, maybe not, because I adore her, I love her writing and I enjoy this series like crazy, but still... unbiased or not, I needed to come here and tell you all that Reid and Sullivan are probably my favorite couple in the signs of love...
Whaaaat? What did she just say? Yes, yes, I know. I feel kinda weird with such statement and yes, I have some doubts and a little shame as if Theo and Jamie, Zane and Beckett were listening, frowning and judging me, but that’s the blast I had reading this story. It was a delight, really. From beginning to end.
It was also a rollercoaster full of feels. I laughed, I cried, I laughed again... well, I could keep going on and on, but I guess you know what I mean. And please, don’t be scared about the crying part, this is romantic comedy at its best. Anyta nails it. But still, it contains some angst coming from the fact that one of them is a widower. Perhaps angst it’s not the proper word here... it is to me because I’m a softie and some things affects me more that others but let’s just say: the premise it’s kinda sad, there is intensity and tenderness, but the humor is so spot on and so absurd you end up forgetting there's sadness underneath. I loved it hard.
So yes, I highly recommend this one. And let me warn you: this is a book full of misunderstandings (hear my words: FULL! so If that’s not your thing, go away and far from this novel!) naiveness, love, trust and kindness. And it’s super funny. Super, super funny.
**Advance Copy review, Cancer Ships Aquarius will be released on February 17th**
August 23, 2025
I absolutely adore this series as a whole but I gotta admit, this one didn’t quite work for me like the rest of the books did 😭
At first I couldn’t get a solid grasp on what was going on in the first 20% of this book. Does Reid actually know he’s supposed to be Sullivan’s love interest? Does he understand there’s some tension between them? Are those genuine innuendos or is he really just that clueless? What exactly is he trying to achieve here? I honestly couldn’t tell at first and that felt frustrating.
BUT Anyta Sunday did her magic and after the initial confusion on my part I completely lost myself in these characters, the setting on this ship and their budding romance that gave me all the stomach swoopings. No one, and I mean NO ONE, writes better slow burns with an oblivious MC than AS and that shit is my absolute catnip. I CANNOT get enough of it, holy fuck!
I actually skipped this book at first because widower/only-parent tropes aren’t usually my thing. But I didn’t mind them here at all!! Sullivan’s daughter Joanna was a wonderful addition to the cast, and because the story is entirely in Reid’s POV and not the widowers, the dead ex trope never really weighed the story down.
Still, it wasn’t all smooth sailing (pun absolutely intended). The banter sometimes tipped into a bit much, and Reid’s obliviousness, while adorable, occasionally crossed into over the top. But what really got me was Sullivan. Not only did he lie to Reid about his sexuality for far too long, he also kept their relationship hidden well past the point where it made sense, and when it came down to it, Reid was the one doing all the fighting. To me, it should have been Sullivan stepping up with the grand gesture, him confessing his love, him fighting for Reid but all he did was set up boundaries until the very end and that imbalance left their relationship dynamic feeling off.
And yet… even with all that, I had a good time. Anyta Sunday’s slow burns are my kryptonite, and this one entertained me thoroughly even if I wanted to shake the characters now and then.
3,5⭐️
At first I couldn’t get a solid grasp on what was going on in the first 20% of this book. Does Reid actually know he’s supposed to be Sullivan’s love interest? Does he understand there’s some tension between them? Are those genuine innuendos or is he really just that clueless? What exactly is he trying to achieve here? I honestly couldn’t tell at first and that felt frustrating.
BUT Anyta Sunday did her magic and after the initial confusion on my part I completely lost myself in these characters, the setting on this ship and their budding romance that gave me all the stomach swoopings. No one, and I mean NO ONE, writes better slow burns with an oblivious MC than AS and that shit is my absolute catnip. I CANNOT get enough of it, holy fuck!
I actually skipped this book at first because widower/only-parent tropes aren’t usually my thing. But I didn’t mind them here at all!! Sullivan’s daughter Joanna was a wonderful addition to the cast, and because the story is entirely in Reid’s POV and not the widowers, the dead ex trope never really weighed the story down.
Still, it wasn’t all smooth sailing (pun absolutely intended). The banter sometimes tipped into a bit much, and Reid’s obliviousness, while adorable, occasionally crossed into over the top. But what really got me was Sullivan. Not only did he lie to Reid about his sexuality for far too long, he also kept their relationship hidden well past the point where it made sense, and when it came down to it, Reid was the one doing all the fighting. To me, it should have been Sullivan stepping up with the grand gesture, him confessing his love, him fighting for Reid but all he did was set up boundaries until the very end and that imbalance left their relationship dynamic feeling off.
And yet… even with all that, I had a good time. Anyta Sunday’s slow burns are my kryptonite, and this one entertained me thoroughly even if I wanted to shake the characters now and then.
3,5⭐️
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June 30, 2024
|| 3.0 stars ||
Sadly, I have to say this disappointed me. It could have been a lot better if only it had chosen to do things a little differently.
The romance here is between Sullivan and Reid.
Sullivan is a grumpy, closed-off, widowed father, who decides to get a nanny after his 13 year old daughter, Joanna, begs him for one. What Sullivan doesn't know, however, is that Joanna secretly only wants a nanny for her dad. Sullivan has moved them around every year since his late-husband died, never setting up roots or connections, and Joanna has had enough. She needs someone to help her dad want to settle down again: in come Reid.
Reid is a lovable, funny, and caring guy, who for some reason can't make anyone want to stay with him for a long period of time: everyone always ends up leaving. So when he gets dumped by yet another girlfriend, he is very welcome and compassionate towards Joanna's idea to get her dad out of his shell with Reid's help. And there begins the story with Reid working as a nanny for Joanna and Sullivan, with a secret mission to make Sullivan want to enjoy his life again.
It's a sweet enough premise, and could have worked well if it weren't for the fact that I couldn't stand Sullivan. A lot of the things he did ruined not only the romance but also a lot of the story for me. Maybe it would have helped if we had at least gotten his point of view as well, but I doubt it.
My annoyance started with Sullivan lying to Reid by pretending his late-husband was actually his late-wife, claiming he is very much straight instead of gay (supposedly because he doesn't want to give Reid any ideas about getting together or something: I mean, presumptuous much??). Which was irritating enough, but then the book makes it sound like Reid is oblivious for not noticing that Sullivan is gay and into him, but... Sullivan literally told him he was straight. That is not Reid being oblivious, that is just him respecting someone's sexuality.
Anyway, Reid and Sullivan eventually form a friendship, which was okay I guess, but it was still mostly Reid doing all the work here. Reid always reached out to Sullivan, Reid always tried to help and be understanding. And what did Sullivan do? Lie, set up ridiculous boundaries and mostly just give mixed-signals.
In the end, Reid obviously finds out about Sullivan having lied and being gay, but instead of feeling betrayed by that, he wants to date him. Which Sullivan refuses to do, because he still won't let anyone in, so they end up hooking up. A lot. No penetrative sex, though, no matter how much Reid begs, because that's too intimate. Reid, of course, takes any scraps Sullivan is willing to throw at him, so this goes on for ages. Which obviously annoyed me to no end.
Then, Reid finally decides to put it all out there, tell Sullivan he loves him and beg him to stay for longer than only a year, but Sullivan's reply to this is all angsty and difficult, and he basically rejects him. Reid is understandably hurt by this, and finally decides to leave, only to realize half a second later that he is willing to fight for Sullivan even more, and comes up with this grand gesture to show him his love bla bla bla.
I mean, I'm sorry, that's nice and all, but where the hell was Sullivan's grand gesture? Where was his effort? Where was his grovelling? I needed Sullivan to get off his arse and show Reid how much he cared about him and that he was willing to fight for him. Which he never did. Thus, I ended up hating the whole thing.
If it had been the other way around, if Sullivan had tried to convince Reid throughout the book to give them a shot, then I am sure I would have felt very differently about their relationship. But well. That wasn't the case. It was Reid always taking the first step, and the second, and the third... etc.
It's a shame it all went like this because the premise was pretty cute, and the banter between them was often funny, and they did have great chemistry together. I just couldn't fully enjoy it because of Sullivan.
'Signs of Love' series:
1. Leo Loves Aries - 4.5 stars
2. Scorpio Hates Virgo - 3.5 stars
3. Gemini Keeps Capricorn - 3.0 stars
4. Pisces Hooks Taurus - 5.0 stars
5. Cancer Ships Aquarius - 3.0 stars
6. Sagittarius Saves Libra - 3.5 stars
7. Capricorn Faces Scorpio - 3.0 stars
Novellas:
1.5. Leo Tops Aries - 3.5 stars
4.5. Pisces Floors Taurus - 3.5 stars
Sadly, I have to say this disappointed me. It could have been a lot better if only it had chosen to do things a little differently.
The romance here is between Sullivan and Reid.
Sullivan is a grumpy, closed-off, widowed father, who decides to get a nanny after his 13 year old daughter, Joanna, begs him for one. What Sullivan doesn't know, however, is that Joanna secretly only wants a nanny for her dad. Sullivan has moved them around every year since his late-husband died, never setting up roots or connections, and Joanna has had enough. She needs someone to help her dad want to settle down again: in come Reid.
Reid is a lovable, funny, and caring guy, who for some reason can't make anyone want to stay with him for a long period of time: everyone always ends up leaving. So when he gets dumped by yet another girlfriend, he is very welcome and compassionate towards Joanna's idea to get her dad out of his shell with Reid's help. And there begins the story with Reid working as a nanny for Joanna and Sullivan, with a secret mission to make Sullivan want to enjoy his life again.
It's a sweet enough premise, and could have worked well if it weren't for the fact that I couldn't stand Sullivan. A lot of the things he did ruined not only the romance but also a lot of the story for me. Maybe it would have helped if we had at least gotten his point of view as well, but I doubt it.
My annoyance started with Sullivan lying to Reid by pretending his late-husband was actually his late-wife, claiming he is very much straight instead of gay (supposedly because he doesn't want to give Reid any ideas about getting together or something: I mean, presumptuous much??). Which was irritating enough, but then the book makes it sound like Reid is oblivious for not noticing that Sullivan is gay and into him, but... Sullivan literally told him he was straight. That is not Reid being oblivious, that is just him respecting someone's sexuality.
Anyway, Reid and Sullivan eventually form a friendship, which was okay I guess, but it was still mostly Reid doing all the work here. Reid always reached out to Sullivan, Reid always tried to help and be understanding. And what did Sullivan do? Lie, set up ridiculous boundaries and mostly just give mixed-signals.
In the end, Reid obviously finds out about Sullivan having lied and being gay, but instead of feeling betrayed by that, he wants to date him. Which Sullivan refuses to do, because he still won't let anyone in, so they end up hooking up. A lot. No penetrative sex, though, no matter how much Reid begs, because that's too intimate. Reid, of course, takes any scraps Sullivan is willing to throw at him, so this goes on for ages. Which obviously annoyed me to no end.
Then, Reid finally decides to put it all out there, tell Sullivan he loves him and beg him to stay for longer than only a year, but Sullivan's reply to this is all angsty and difficult, and he basically rejects him. Reid is understandably hurt by this, and finally decides to leave, only to realize half a second later that he is willing to fight for Sullivan even more, and comes up with this grand gesture to show him his love bla bla bla.
I mean, I'm sorry, that's nice and all, but where the hell was Sullivan's grand gesture? Where was his effort? Where was his grovelling? I needed Sullivan to get off his arse and show Reid how much he cared about him and that he was willing to fight for him. Which he never did. Thus, I ended up hating the whole thing.
If it had been the other way around, if Sullivan had tried to convince Reid throughout the book to give them a shot, then I am sure I would have felt very differently about their relationship. But well. That wasn't the case. It was Reid always taking the first step, and the second, and the third... etc.
It's a shame it all went like this because the premise was pretty cute, and the banter between them was often funny, and they did have great chemistry together. I just couldn't fully enjoy it because of Sullivan.
'Signs of Love' series:
1. Leo Loves Aries - 4.5 stars
2. Scorpio Hates Virgo - 3.5 stars
3. Gemini Keeps Capricorn - 3.0 stars
4. Pisces Hooks Taurus - 5.0 stars
5. Cancer Ships Aquarius - 3.0 stars
6. Sagittarius Saves Libra - 3.5 stars
7. Capricorn Faces Scorpio - 3.0 stars
Novellas:
1.5. Leo Tops Aries - 3.5 stars
4.5. Pisces Floors Taurus - 3.5 stars
February 18, 2020
This was fun, and, tbh, I expected nothing else. I've really enjoyed all the books in this series!
The banter is cleverly written and hilariously ambiguous at times.
Reid's so oblivious you wonder if he is from this planet on several occasions, but it is very entertaining all in all. I have to mention aubergines and bechamel sauce here – very well done, Miss Sunday!
Sullivan is gorgeously grumpy and touchingly vulnerable at the same time, and I loved his attitude in the bedroom … a lot. Yeap. A lot....
Not sure if some parts of the plot work 100% for me.
Reid’s behaviour, particularly at the beginning when he doesn’t really know his boss is not professional at all, and, if I think about it, I have NO idea what he actually does the whole time he's supposedly a manny, apart from taking Joanna to school and messing up meals in the kitchen.
As for the issue surrounding Riley ... not totally happy how that worked out.
But, in general, I was happy enough to look past these niggles and go with the tide 😁.
I enjoyed this, but book 1 will remain my favourite!
The banter is cleverly written and hilariously ambiguous at times.
Reid's so oblivious you wonder if he is from this planet on several occasions, but it is very entertaining all in all. I have to mention aubergines and bechamel sauce here – very well done, Miss Sunday!
Sullivan is gorgeously grumpy and touchingly vulnerable at the same time, and I loved his attitude in the bedroom … a lot. Yeap. A lot....
Not sure if some parts of the plot work 100% for me.
Reid’s behaviour, particularly at the beginning when he doesn’t really know his boss is not professional at all, and, if I think about it, I have NO idea what he actually does the whole time he's supposedly a manny, apart from taking Joanna to school and messing up meals in the kitchen.
As for the issue surrounding Riley ... not totally happy how that worked out.
But, in general, I was happy enough to look past these niggles and go with the tide 😁.
I enjoyed this, but book 1 will remain my favourite!
June 2, 2020
3.5 Stars
I liked this fifth instalment to Sunday’s Signs of Love series. It brought the feels but was mostly a feel-good M/M romance, highlighting the charming and humorous calamities of yet another clueless romantic as he falls head over heels for his unexpected dream man.
Slow-burn romance ensues when down on his luck Reid Glover fortuitously lands a manny position for the Bell family. Desperate for the work and for a place to stay, Reid jumps at the opportunity to work for Sullivan Bell—a widowed environmental scientist who lives and works on his yacht, the Aquarian, with his precocious and plotting thirteen-year-old daughter Joanna.
Truth is, Joanna doesn’t really need a manny, but she’s somehow convinced her sad and lonely father that bringing Reid on board to help out is more for her benefit than it is for his. So, Sullivan begrudgingly hires hot mess Reid, even though he has his doubts whether Reid is even up to the task. And so, Joanna’s semi-secret plans to help her father get back to living and hopefully finding new love (with Reid) get underway.
In line with the themes and tones of the previous books in this series, miscommunications and double entendres shared between our oblivious MCs quickly get underway. Usually, in other books, such misunderstandings and silly shenanigans walk a fine line with my patience, but Sunday always manages to make her characters and their misunderstandings so damn charming, resulting in more face-splitting smiles and fond head shakes then the frustrations and grievances one could (probably would) experience with such tropes.
I cared about Reid a great deal and I enjoyed following his every good-intentioned yet clueless move in his attempts to make Sullivan a happy and whole person, again, even as he himself—a bisexual having only been with women—worked through his presumably hopeless feelings for the terse and moody man he believes is straight as an arrow.
It was a sweet and heart-warming story, and one I was happy to read as an extension of a much loved series, but I will admit that I didn’t enjoy Reid and Sullivan’s romance to the same deliriously happy degree that I enjoyed some of the Signs of Love couples that came before them.
I’m not sure if my reaction had to do with my pre-existing difficult feelings towards romances involving widowed characters (and all the grief-stricken, guilt-ridden, angsty feelings that come along with them finding new love), or whether Sullivan himself didn’t quite hit the high mark that ALL of the previous characters hit, but something, for me, was ever-so-slightly off about his character, especially in how the final chapters played out and how they reached their HEA. This could very much be a me thing, as even I can’t pinpoint my exact feelings here—but I know, even though I had a fun time reading the book, that I was left unsatisfied with the ending, which feels like a shame.
I liked this fifth instalment to Sunday’s Signs of Love series. It brought the feels but was mostly a feel-good M/M romance, highlighting the charming and humorous calamities of yet another clueless romantic as he falls head over heels for his unexpected dream man.
Slow-burn romance ensues when down on his luck Reid Glover fortuitously lands a manny position for the Bell family. Desperate for the work and for a place to stay, Reid jumps at the opportunity to work for Sullivan Bell—a widowed environmental scientist who lives and works on his yacht, the Aquarian, with his precocious and plotting thirteen-year-old daughter Joanna.
Truth is, Joanna doesn’t really need a manny, but she’s somehow convinced her sad and lonely father that bringing Reid on board to help out is more for her benefit than it is for his. So, Sullivan begrudgingly hires hot mess Reid, even though he has his doubts whether Reid is even up to the task. And so, Joanna’s semi-secret plans to help her father get back to living and hopefully finding new love (with Reid) get underway.
In line with the themes and tones of the previous books in this series, miscommunications and double entendres shared between our oblivious MCs quickly get underway. Usually, in other books, such misunderstandings and silly shenanigans walk a fine line with my patience, but Sunday always manages to make her characters and their misunderstandings so damn charming, resulting in more face-splitting smiles and fond head shakes then the frustrations and grievances one could (probably would) experience with such tropes.
I cared about Reid a great deal and I enjoyed following his every good-intentioned yet clueless move in his attempts to make Sullivan a happy and whole person, again, even as he himself—a bisexual having only been with women—worked through his presumably hopeless feelings for the terse and moody man he believes is straight as an arrow.
It was a sweet and heart-warming story, and one I was happy to read as an extension of a much loved series, but I will admit that I didn’t enjoy Reid and Sullivan’s romance to the same deliriously happy degree that I enjoyed some of the Signs of Love couples that came before them.
I’m not sure if my reaction had to do with my pre-existing difficult feelings towards romances involving widowed characters (and all the grief-stricken, guilt-ridden, angsty feelings that come along with them finding new love), or whether Sullivan himself didn’t quite hit the high mark that ALL of the previous characters hit, but something, for me, was ever-so-slightly off about his character, especially in how the final chapters played out and how they reached their HEA. This could very much be a me thing, as even I can’t pinpoint my exact feelings here—but I know, even though I had a fun time reading the book, that I was left unsatisfied with the ending, which feels like a shame.
October 12, 2022
“-Si encontraras un libro que contara la historia de tu vida, ¿lo leerías hasta el final aun sabiendo que no podrías cambiar nada?
— No, dejaría de leer con la esperanza de que acabe bien”. Reid me representa ;)
Quinta entrega de la serie Signos del amor y muy en la línea de los libros anteriores: un romance MM cuqui y hot cuando tiene que serlo, que se cuece a fuego lento, con mucho diálogo repleto de dobles sentidos y sin mucho drama ni giros innecesarios. Me ha recordado bastante a la novela de Theo y Jaime, aunque esa me gustó más, quizá por ser la primera.
#Popsugar2022 Reto 15: Un libro de un autor(a) de las islas del Pacífico (Anyta Sunday es de Nueva Zelanda).
— No, dejaría de leer con la esperanza de que acabe bien”. Reid me representa ;)
Quinta entrega de la serie Signos del amor y muy en la línea de los libros anteriores: un romance MM cuqui y hot cuando tiene que serlo, que se cuece a fuego lento, con mucho diálogo repleto de dobles sentidos y sin mucho drama ni giros innecesarios. Me ha recordado bastante a la novela de Theo y Jaime, aunque esa me gustó más, quizá por ser la primera.
#Popsugar2022 Reto 15: Un libro de un autor(a) de las islas del Pacífico (Anyta Sunday es de Nueva Zelanda).
February 15, 2020
This quote, while true is also so fitting to the story. I've been looking forward to this book for a long time, and I don't know if that's one of the reasons why I didn't love it as much as I wanted to - too high expectations. But I guess that’s life. I also think I’m going to be in the minority with those feelings, so please take it with a bit of salt.
I liked Reid and Sullivan together. I’m partial to adorkable characters like Reid, beyond clueless. It makes for fun – and awkward times. And of those there were plenty. But there was also this feeling that felt forced to me. There wasn’t a natural flow of things, least of all the conversations, like swimming against the tide.
There was a lot of UST between Reid and Sullivan, and their relationship was slow in the making. Despite Joanna’s plotting and planning. But I’m glad it was allowed to take time. Both men needed it. Well, maybe Reid could have gone faster – if he’d opened his eyes to truly see a thing or two – or ten. But clueless guys tends to stay clueless until something hits them over the head ;)
And was it only me that wanted Sullivan to make an effort too in their relationship? To me it felt like Reid was doing all the fighting for them and Sullivan setting up the limitations. Reid even had this lightbulb moment that he always put everyone else’s wants and needs before his own. But that only lasted for a page or two. I really wanted Sullivan to make some kind of grand gesture, but I would have settled for a smaller one. One not orchestrated by either Joanna or Reid.
Speaking of Joanna. I loved the idea of a meddling child, but that’s also where it kind of went wrong for me. She never felt like the thirteen year old girl she was supposed to be. More often than not she felt like she was at least in her mid-twenties. The way she talked, her mannerism, the plotting and planning. It didn’t ring true for me. But I hit my breaking point when she was referred to as a woman. Please don’t do this. She’s a child. Children have to grow up too quickly anyway, so please let them be children while they still can. A meddling younger sister to Sullivan would have been more credible. But those are my own personal thoughts and preferences.
In the end, we might be reading the same book, but none of us have read the same story. We are all different and me not enjoying this story as much as I hoped shouldn’t deter anyone else from giving this book a try. I do believe most of you will love Reid and Sullivan. So don’t miss out.
I'm just going to hide for a while...
A copy of this book was generously gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2020
I didn't enjoy it.
This book made me discover a new pet peeve of mine. I hate when new employees are overly familiar with their bosses. Reid was already being sarcastic and cracking jokes at the expense of Sullivan minutes after he was hired. I like the whole bosses to lovers troupe but I need it to be more credible than that.
I enjoyed the first book of this series when Theo was clueless, or was it Jamie. This one I didn't like. After reading several books in this series where they are almost always clueless I'm in the mood for something else,give me a character who isn't dense. They insta-loved really fast as well especially since Reid just got out of a relationship, I didn't think he should be jumping into relationships that quickly.
His daughter, Johanna, sounded like a woman in her 20s and not the 13 year old she was supposed to be. That also did not lend any credibility to the story. Though looking at the reviews my dislike is clearly a ME thing since everyone else loved it. So yea.
This book made me discover a new pet peeve of mine. I hate when new employees are overly familiar with their bosses. Reid was already being sarcastic and cracking jokes at the expense of Sullivan minutes after he was hired. I like the whole bosses to lovers troupe but I need it to be more credible than that.
I enjoyed the first book of this series when Theo was clueless, or was it Jamie. This one I didn't like. After reading several books in this series where they are almost always clueless I'm in the mood for something else,give me a character who isn't dense. They insta-loved really fast as well especially since Reid just got out of a relationship, I didn't think he should be jumping into relationships that quickly.
His daughter, Johanna, sounded like a woman in her 20s and not the 13 year old she was supposed to be. That also did not lend any credibility to the story. Though looking at the reviews my dislike is clearly a ME thing since everyone else loved it. So yea.
August 4, 2022
Okay, so I have a new favorite author. It's ridiculous how good of a romance story teller she is. Queen of slow-burn, chemistry and longing. Plus this one was really emotional.
Also, I have read 5 books and 4 short stories from her so far and every one of them took me only one, max two days, because I just couldn't put them down.
Also, I have read 5 books and 4 short stories from her so far and every one of them took me only one, max two days, because I just couldn't put them down.
February 18, 2020
***Now Available***
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars. Rounding UP!
🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆/5 (Get your minds out of the gutter!)
5/5 Lifejackets and Whistles!
5/5 Slow Burn Level
😍😍😍😍😍/5 Oblivious, Confused, Reluctant Heart Eyes!
"Yep, okay. Reid was definitely tearing up. He forced a croaky laugh. 'Are you telling me you'll never throw me overboard?' 'I'm telling you that afterward, I'd dive in shark-infested waters to get you back.' "
This book made my heart happy.
My first five star read of the year! I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen. Then Anyta Sunday swooped in. I should have known it would be her and the latest in her, "Signs of Love," series. Maybe I'm biased because I'm so smitten with this series. I don't care. I loved it. She could write this series forever and I would read it. Yeah, yeah, I know there are only two signs left that don't have a book so that means one more possible book. I'm just saying if she kept writing them with different signs put together, I would keep reading. If she wanted to write little stories every so often with Theo/Jamie, Percy/Cal, Wesley/Lloyd, Zane/Beckett and now Reid/Sullivan, I would read them. "Signs of Love," is one of my favorite series and, "Cancer Ships Aquarius," is a more than worthy addition to it.
This goes without saying if you've read one of Anyta's books but, if you haven’t, she is the undisputed QUEEN of the slow burn. And boy is this a slow one, deliciously slow. The kind of slow that gave me goosebumps. Made up of all these tiny moments powered by off the charts sexual tension until I was shouting,
When starting this book, I thought it might be a lot heavier than the other books in the series. After all, Sullivan is a widow. He's not a new widow but I was still a bit worried it might get dragged down in sadness. And there were sad parts. But it didn't feel bogged down in grief because it was so funny too. In fact, I think this might have been the funniest one yet. (Maybe. Zane in book four was hilarious.) From his ocean phobia to his trumped up resume to his cooking, "skills," Reid made me laugh. A lot.
Oblivious, confused and reluctant heart eyes are big in this series and I was delighted that they were going strong here. Nobody writes oblivious and confused guy paired with reluctantly smitten, slightly grumpy guy like Anyta Sunday and these two had me dying. I wanted to bop Reid on the head. Only I was too busy alternating between laughing and swooning.
Reid and Sullivan completely enchanted me and captured my heart and I read this book in two sittings. It would have been one except I had to do some work and go to the grocery store. Darn real life! I can't wait for you to meet them too!
*Daddy kink is NOT my thing and I did briefly worry that this book was going in that direction. It didn't but there were one or two times when, "good boy" was uttered. This isn't my thing either but since it was extremely minimal, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Just mentioning it in case it matters to you.
**Review copy provided by, "A Novel Take PR," in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Stars. Rounding UP!
🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆/5 (Get your minds out of the gutter!)
5/5 Lifejackets and Whistles!
5/5 Slow Burn Level
😍😍😍😍😍/5 Oblivious, Confused, Reluctant Heart Eyes!
"Yep, okay. Reid was definitely tearing up. He forced a croaky laugh. 'Are you telling me you'll never throw me overboard?' 'I'm telling you that afterward, I'd dive in shark-infested waters to get you back.' "
This book made my heart happy.
My first five star read of the year! I was beginning to think it wouldn't happen. Then Anyta Sunday swooped in. I should have known it would be her and the latest in her, "Signs of Love," series. Maybe I'm biased because I'm so smitten with this series. I don't care. I loved it. She could write this series forever and I would read it. Yeah, yeah, I know there are only two signs left that don't have a book so that means one more possible book. I'm just saying if she kept writing them with different signs put together, I would keep reading. If she wanted to write little stories every so often with Theo/Jamie, Percy/Cal, Wesley/Lloyd, Zane/Beckett and now Reid/Sullivan, I would read them. "Signs of Love," is one of my favorite series and, "Cancer Ships Aquarius," is a more than worthy addition to it.
This goes without saying if you've read one of Anyta's books but, if you haven’t, she is the undisputed QUEEN of the slow burn. And boy is this a slow one, deliciously slow. The kind of slow that gave me goosebumps. Made up of all these tiny moments powered by off the charts sexual tension until I was shouting,
When starting this book, I thought it might be a lot heavier than the other books in the series. After all, Sullivan is a widow. He's not a new widow but I was still a bit worried it might get dragged down in sadness. And there were sad parts. But it didn't feel bogged down in grief because it was so funny too. In fact, I think this might have been the funniest one yet. (Maybe. Zane in book four was hilarious.) From his ocean phobia to his trumped up resume to his cooking, "skills," Reid made me laugh. A lot.
Oblivious, confused and reluctant heart eyes are big in this series and I was delighted that they were going strong here. Nobody writes oblivious and confused guy paired with reluctantly smitten, slightly grumpy guy like Anyta Sunday and these two had me dying. I wanted to bop Reid on the head. Only I was too busy alternating between laughing and swooning.
Reid and Sullivan completely enchanted me and captured my heart and I read this book in two sittings. It would have been one except I had to do some work and go to the grocery store. Darn real life! I can't wait for you to meet them too!
*Daddy kink is NOT my thing and I did briefly worry that this book was going in that direction. It didn't but there were one or two times when, "good boy" was uttered. This isn't my thing either but since it was extremely minimal, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Just mentioning it in case it matters to you.
**Review copy provided by, "A Novel Take PR," in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2020
Oh man. This just did not work for me. I’ve struggled with this Author in the past, but I have, up until now, always loved this series. To say I’m bummed is an understatement. Leo Loves Aries, Gemini Keeps Capricorn and Pisces Hooks Taurus all were favorites and 5★ reads for me.
I just didn't connect with the book from the very beginning. I struggled with even finishing it.
I think I am just going to leave it at that and call it a day.
Sucks.
2★'s = it was ok.
**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
I just didn't connect with the book from the very beginning. I struggled with even finishing it.
I think I am just going to leave it at that and call it a day.
Sucks.
2★'s = it was ok.
**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
March 16, 2020
Once again Sunday offers up another 'pretty boy is clueless af' but once again she somehow makes me not hate it.
I desperately needed this quick, funny, silly, but serious, burst of joy. It has a lot of similarities to the last book in the series, and a few others, too, but as long as you don't mind that, I think you'll enjoy. Both characters have emotional baggage and it lends some realistic stakes to an otherwise fairly frothy read -- not a bad thing, by the way -- without getting too heavy. I'll admit I loved the beginning more than the end, and do feel a bit perplexed as to the choice for the particular character who had to resolve things, but, I had a good time with these characters and I'm glad I'm going into a new week having finished a better read than the one that came before it.
If you've read these books before, you pretty much know what you're getting into. This time just add a boat!
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
I desperately needed this quick, funny, silly, but serious, burst of joy. It has a lot of similarities to the last book in the series, and a few others, too, but as long as you don't mind that, I think you'll enjoy. Both characters have emotional baggage and it lends some realistic stakes to an otherwise fairly frothy read -- not a bad thing, by the way -- without getting too heavy. I'll admit I loved the beginning more than the end, and do feel a bit perplexed as to the choice for the particular character who had to resolve things, but, I had a good time with these characters and I'm glad I'm going into a new week having finished a better read than the one that came before it.
If you've read these books before, you pretty much know what you're getting into. This time just add a boat!
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
February 20, 2020
Gah...
Sorry... this did not work for me. I wasn’t as charmed by either of the MCs. I also did not find it as funny and witty as the previous books of the series. For a manny, Reid was appallingly incompetent. Sure, it’s meant to add humour by all his misadventures but to me, he just came across as rather immature.
I do like the message of fighting for love. Rather than being the damsel in distress and waiting for the other party to come rescue or change your life. So at least it had that going for it. But yeah...unfortunately everything else didn’t work for me ☹️
Sorry... this did not work for me. I wasn’t as charmed by either of the MCs. I also did not find it as funny and witty as the previous books of the series. For a manny, Reid was appallingly incompetent. Sure, it’s meant to add humour by all his misadventures but to me, he just came across as rather immature.
I do like the message of fighting for love. Rather than being the damsel in distress and waiting for the other party to come rescue or change your life. So at least it had that going for it. But yeah...unfortunately everything else didn’t work for me ☹️
February 18, 2020
5 stars.
By now, it's not a surprise that I love Anyta Sunday and her books. They're slow burn, friends to lovers, with the perfect blend of humor that gets to me every time. There's just something about it that gets me feeling really giddy.
And my first 5 star of 2020.
And there was a British main character in this book. Swoon. And an age gap. They're some of my weaknesses and this book was practically made for me. I loved Reid, Sullivan, the story, the banter, the secondary characters. Everything just worked.
The cameos made this book absolutely perfect. I never want this series to end. I could read it forever and ever, just hope that Anyta never stops writing. If you've ever read a book by the author or love a slow burn, age gap romance, this is definitely right up your alley.
Have you ever been driving and startled to find you've reached your destination and have no idea how you got there?
By now, it's not a surprise that I love Anyta Sunday and her books. They're slow burn, friends to lovers, with the perfect blend of humor that gets to me every time. There's just something about it that gets me feeling really giddy.
And my first 5 star of 2020.
And there was a British main character in this book. Swoon. And an age gap. They're some of my weaknesses and this book was practically made for me. I loved Reid, Sullivan, the story, the banter, the secondary characters. Everything just worked.
“You’re trouble, Reid. So much goddamn trouble I’m in no way ready for. Whatever am I going to do with you?”
The cameos made this book absolutely perfect. I never want this series to end. I could read it forever and ever, just hope that Anyta never stops writing. If you've ever read a book by the author or love a slow burn, age gap romance, this is definitely right up your alley.
April 11, 2020
Tag team review with Lost!
3.75 stars
After yet another break-up, the only bright spot for Reid is his new job as the live-in manny aboard a yacht.
Although ‘bright spot’ might not be the right term, as Reid’s terrified of water and wildly attracted to Sullivan, his still-grieving widowed employer.
Here’s the thing - Reid might not be the smartest cookie in the box. In fact, he takes the obliviousness trope of this series to new heights. And that’s entirely aside from his lack of basic survival skills.
But Reid is 100% a very compassionate cookie. A bit of a puppy in human form, really. I was all on board the Reid train from the start. He’s got heart in spades.
And he’s committed to his deal with Joanna, Sullivan’s daughter, to get her dad out of his funk - purely as platonic friends, of course.
But that doesn’t last long at all. Not with Reid’s attraction growing day by day, and Sullivan slowly caving to the warmth and sunshine he’d shut himself away from. Step by step, their friendship grows into something more.
I had some major heart eyes going throughout this book, as Reid slowly wooed Sullivan out of his cranky shell.
The UST was through the roof. And definitely worth it, once Sullivan and Reid finally give in!
The big roadblock is Sullivan’s broken heart after losing the first love of his life. I thought it was handled well, without becoming overly angsty.
My main issue though - Reid did all the heavy lifting. I would have liked Sullivan to put in effort and make a grand gesture at some before the epilogue.
That being said, the happy ever after was perfectly romantic. I loved seeing the small family and home Reid, Sullivan, and Joanna built on their yacht.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read romance with strong themes of family and healing, and some killer UST, give ‘Cancer Ships Aquarius’ a try!
3.75 stars
After yet another break-up, the only bright spot for Reid is his new job as the live-in manny aboard a yacht.
Although ‘bright spot’ might not be the right term, as Reid’s terrified of water and wildly attracted to Sullivan, his still-grieving widowed employer.
Here’s the thing - Reid might not be the smartest cookie in the box. In fact, he takes the obliviousness trope of this series to new heights. And that’s entirely aside from his lack of basic survival skills.
But Reid is 100% a very compassionate cookie. A bit of a puppy in human form, really. I was all on board the Reid train from the start. He’s got heart in spades.
And he’s committed to his deal with Joanna, Sullivan’s daughter, to get her dad out of his funk - purely as platonic friends, of course.
But that doesn’t last long at all. Not with Reid’s attraction growing day by day, and Sullivan slowly caving to the warmth and sunshine he’d shut himself away from. Step by step, their friendship grows into something more.
I had some major heart eyes going throughout this book, as Reid slowly wooed Sullivan out of his cranky shell.
The UST was through the roof. And definitely worth it, once Sullivan and Reid finally give in!
The big roadblock is Sullivan’s broken heart after losing the first love of his life. I thought it was handled well, without becoming overly angsty.
My main issue though - Reid did all the heavy lifting. I would have liked Sullivan to put in effort and make a grand gesture at some before the epilogue.
That being said, the happy ever after was perfectly romantic. I loved seeing the small family and home Reid, Sullivan, and Joanna built on their yacht.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read romance with strong themes of family and healing, and some killer UST, give ‘Cancer Ships Aquarius’ a try!
February 26, 2020
I am shocked to have to report that this is so far my least favourite in the series.
Do keep in mind though that I ADORE the other books and have read each of them at least 3 times so those standards were probably way too high to keep reaching.
In other words, it's still pretty damn good.
Do keep in mind though that I ADORE the other books and have read each of them at least 3 times so those standards were probably way too high to keep reaching.
In other words, it's still pretty damn good.
February 28, 2020
So, here's the thing about Anyta Sunday's books, I know I like them but I am not always sure why. I am oftentimes unsure of what exactly is going on even though I understand the broad strokes. The dialogue or at least the pace of the dialogue can be confusing and instead of being immersed in the story I feel like I am floating above it. I enjoy the characters but there's always a quirky guy and a more stoic guy it seems. I think maybe her stories are too cerebral for me, maybe?
February 15, 2020
"Have you ever been driving and startled to find you've reached your destination and have no idea how you got there?
I absolutely LOVED this book. No other Anyta Sunday book has made me sob like this. The bickering between the boys and the daughter was hilarious, and I just adored watching the sweet, totally oblivious Reid (who is even more clueless than the adorable Theo from Leo Loves Aries, which I did not think was possible) oh so slowly figure out what was going on. Sullivan's pain over having lost his husband years ago and his desperate attempts to stay away from the misadventure-prone manny his daughter roped him into hiring because he made him feel things for the first time since his loss was just heartwarming. I just loved those two together!
Sullivan turned the page and then dropped the resume with a snort. "National Spelling Bee?" Reid rolled his shoulders and projected his voice. "Uptight. U.P.T.I.G.H.T. Uptight. Origin: possibly staring at it."
*I received an advanced copy from the author*
I absolutely LOVED this book. No other Anyta Sunday book has made me sob like this. The bickering between the boys and the daughter was hilarious, and I just adored watching the sweet, totally oblivious Reid (who is even more clueless than the adorable Theo from Leo Loves Aries, which I did not think was possible) oh so slowly figure out what was going on. Sullivan's pain over having lost his husband years ago and his desperate attempts to stay away from the misadventure-prone manny his daughter roped him into hiring because he made him feel things for the first time since his loss was just heartwarming. I just loved those two together!
Sullivan turned the page and then dropped the resume with a snort. "National Spelling Bee?" Reid rolled his shoulders and projected his voice. "Uptight. U.P.T.I.G.H.T. Uptight. Origin: possibly staring at it."
*I received an advanced copy from the author*
March 12, 2020
I liked this less than the previous books. I can't put my finger on it...Not enough build up? Not enough chemistry? Not enough banter?
March 2, 2020
I was sent this book as an advanced copy for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this! It had been a while since the last Anyta Sunday book I read but I'm glad she's back and in great shape. This whole series is so funny and both light-hearted and deep when it needs to be and I'm always in awe of the author's creativity and how she can come up with so many different situations and scenarios.
This book had a lot of tropes I absolutely adore including single parent, living together and being an oblivious bisexual. I had so many moments where I was laughing to the point of tears and to be honest that's all I ask when I'm reading a romance book. Okay, not only that, but I also got everything else I wanted, so I literally can't have any complaints.
I also really liked both the cameos of previous couples and the presence of two queer women (even though they were mostly present on the phone more than physically), which is something I kind of miss in this series and in m/m romance in general. I'm actually really really hoping for a novella of their relationship because that would be so cute to read.
I know this is a short review but I really don't want to say anything else about the story and couple because I believe it's best to just start reading without knowing much about it, I can only recommend this book and the whole series wholeheartedly!
TWs: loss of a spouse in the past, grief, mentions of homelessness and child abandonment, alcohol, accidental alcohol consumption by a minor
I absolutely loved this! It had been a while since the last Anyta Sunday book I read but I'm glad she's back and in great shape. This whole series is so funny and both light-hearted and deep when it needs to be and I'm always in awe of the author's creativity and how she can come up with so many different situations and scenarios.
This book had a lot of tropes I absolutely adore including single parent, living together and being an oblivious bisexual. I had so many moments where I was laughing to the point of tears and to be honest that's all I ask when I'm reading a romance book. Okay, not only that, but I also got everything else I wanted, so I literally can't have any complaints.
I also really liked both the cameos of previous couples and the presence of two queer women (even though they were mostly present on the phone more than physically), which is something I kind of miss in this series and in m/m romance in general. I'm actually really really hoping for a novella of their relationship because that would be so cute to read.
I know this is a short review but I really don't want to say anything else about the story and couple because I believe it's best to just start reading without knowing much about it, I can only recommend this book and the whole series wholeheartedly!
TWs: loss of a spouse in the past, grief, mentions of homelessness and child abandonment, alcohol, accidental alcohol consumption by a minor
February 16, 2020
It’s official — I have a new favorite in the series. (So sorry Theo and Jamie.)
Reid is left in a rut and facing homelessness when his girlfriend dumps him and he desperately needs this nannying job. There are just a few things that he doesn’t count on happening — it taking place on a boat, his boss being a demi god he wants to climb like a tree and a 13 year old mastermind with a plan involving him. But, it’s fine. He’s totally got this.
This was so CUTE. There was so much pining (my favorite)....and the misunderstandings were on the side of making the buildup so much better. Reid was so oblivious and utterly adorable I actually ADORED him. Sullivan was tough....I really liked him and spent most of the book trying to figure him out but ultimately fell in love with him.
Reid and Sullivan were lovely together. The banter, the flirting and the tension between them was everything I look for in books.
Also, there was a side character I think could perhaps appear again and if so I’ll be looking forward to him...
If you’re looking for a book with an adorably oblivious guy who has a massive crush on his boss who is probably straight and is low angst but still has such raw emotions to it that you’ll be left feeling in awe at how the book has left you at the end — I highly recommend this one.
Seriously this was a great addition to the series and honestly this book exceeded my expectations.
5 stars
♡ arc provided in exchange for an honest review ♡
Reid is left in a rut and facing homelessness when his girlfriend dumps him and he desperately needs this nannying job. There are just a few things that he doesn’t count on happening — it taking place on a boat, his boss being a demi god he wants to climb like a tree and a 13 year old mastermind with a plan involving him. But, it’s fine. He’s totally got this.
This was so CUTE. There was so much pining (my favorite)....and the misunderstandings were on the side of making the buildup so much better. Reid was so oblivious and utterly adorable I actually ADORED him. Sullivan was tough....I really liked him and spent most of the book trying to figure him out but ultimately fell in love with him.
Reid and Sullivan were lovely together. The banter, the flirting and the tension between them was everything I look for in books.
Also, there was a side character I think could perhaps appear again and if so I’ll be looking forward to him...
If you’re looking for a book with an adorably oblivious guy who has a massive crush on his boss who is probably straight and is low angst but still has such raw emotions to it that you’ll be left feeling in awe at how the book has left you at the end — I highly recommend this one.
Seriously this was a great addition to the series and honestly this book exceeded my expectations.
5 stars
♡ arc provided in exchange for an honest review ♡
November 11, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing. I have no words to describe how much I love it. I laughed, cried and laughed some more.
This is a story about Reid and Sullivan.
After being dumped, Reid accepts a job of a live-in nanny on a yacht. He decides to take the job despite the fact that he would have to live there and he's kinda afraid of the ocean. The job is to look after both Sullivan and his daughter, Joanna. Sounds easy enough, except Sullivan makes it difficult for Reid at first.
Sullivan is a widower who's lonely and very closed off. He likes Reid, but he's scared of risking his heart once again. He tries to put some distance between them from the moment they meet by not correcting Reid when he comes to a conclusion that Sullivan's straight. Reid is so adorably oblivious and it was funny watching him trying to talk to Sullivan constantly about his "wife" and accusing him of being homophobic.
Somewhere along their misadventures, they fall for each other. Picnic, carnival, watching the sunrise every morning, watching movies with Joanna… There were so many beautiful moments in this book. So many moments where they bonded, shared secrets and fears… Their friendship progressed, then it definitely turned into something more (but very slowly, which is my favorite part of every Anyta Sunday's book - the actual slow burn).
There were also soooo many hilarious situations. Reid is so funny and his personality fits perfectly with Sullivan's slightly more guarded character. Joanna is very sneaky and very observant too. I enjoyed every scene with the three of them together. Such a perfect little family.
I just couldn't stop reading this book. Every moment was captivating. Jamie and Theo made an appearance and so did Wes and Lloyd. There were mentions of Percy and Cal too. The book also starts with Reid and Sullivan seeing each other for the first time in King's Café.
Thank you, A Novel Take PR, for giving me an ARC of this book. I'm forever grateful!
This is a story about Reid and Sullivan.
After being dumped, Reid accepts a job of a live-in nanny on a yacht. He decides to take the job despite the fact that he would have to live there and he's kinda afraid of the ocean. The job is to look after both Sullivan and his daughter, Joanna. Sounds easy enough, except Sullivan makes it difficult for Reid at first.
Sullivan is a widower who's lonely and very closed off. He likes Reid, but he's scared of risking his heart once again. He tries to put some distance between them from the moment they meet by not correcting Reid when he comes to a conclusion that Sullivan's straight. Reid is so adorably oblivious and it was funny watching him trying to talk to Sullivan constantly about his "wife" and accusing him of being homophobic.
Somewhere along their misadventures, they fall for each other. Picnic, carnival, watching the sunrise every morning, watching movies with Joanna… There were so many beautiful moments in this book. So many moments where they bonded, shared secrets and fears… Their friendship progressed, then it definitely turned into something more (but very slowly, which is my favorite part of every Anyta Sunday's book - the actual slow burn).
There were also soooo many hilarious situations. Reid is so funny and his personality fits perfectly with Sullivan's slightly more guarded character. Joanna is very sneaky and very observant too. I enjoyed every scene with the three of them together. Such a perfect little family.
I just couldn't stop reading this book. Every moment was captivating. Jamie and Theo made an appearance and so did Wes and Lloyd. There were mentions of Percy and Cal too. The book also starts with Reid and Sullivan seeing each other for the first time in King's Café.
Thank you, A Novel Take PR, for giving me an ARC of this book. I'm forever grateful!
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