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Cruise
How do you maintain love in the light after a lifetime in the dark?
40-year-old widow Armando Cruz had spent his entire life in the closet. He’d married his best friend and confidante Marta right out of high school. Every year, Marta sends him on a gay men’s luxury cruise. Ten days living vicariously through men who enjoy what he will never have – the freedom to be who he really is.
Marta has passed away and he’s taking the cruise to fulfill a promise made before her death…what made Marta think this time will be different?
At 31 years of age, Lyndon Douglas has concluded his poor past choices have damned him to be single forever. His mother’s concern that Lyndon’s locked himself in an emotional prison with no escape prompted her to surprise him with an all-expenses paid gay cruise…will the change of scene free him from the shadows?
When Armando and Lyndon meet the powerful attraction is powerful forms a strong bond between the two men. Is ten days enough time for their bond of light to curse the darkness at home?
If you always do what you’ve always done;
all you get’s what you’ve always got;
or not…
40-year-old widow Armando Cruz had spent his entire life in the closet. He’d married his best friend and confidante Marta right out of high school. Every year, Marta sends him on a gay men’s luxury cruise. Ten days living vicariously through men who enjoy what he will never have – the freedom to be who he really is.
Marta has passed away and he’s taking the cruise to fulfill a promise made before her death…what made Marta think this time will be different?
At 31 years of age, Lyndon Douglas has concluded his poor past choices have damned him to be single forever. His mother’s concern that Lyndon’s locked himself in an emotional prison with no escape prompted her to surprise him with an all-expenses paid gay cruise…will the change of scene free him from the shadows?
When Armando and Lyndon meet the powerful attraction is powerful forms a strong bond between the two men. Is ten days enough time for their bond of light to curse the darkness at home?
If you always do what you’ve always done;
all you get’s what you’ve always got;
or not…
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2021
3 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Miski Harris
18 books177 followersMiski Harris was born and raised in New York City with her younger brother and sister. She became and worked as a critical care nurse, served in the military, raised five amazing sons and traveled to other countries, sometimes, all at the same time. When Miski sets her mind to achieve something there is no force on earth that can stop her.
Through all the organized chaos that has often defined her life her one constant has been her love of books. Reading has always been a mainstay in her life and she is rarely seen without her Nook on which she has reportedly downloaded over 2,000 books. A woman of boundless imagination, she has always desired to give life to the characters who maintained residence in her imagination. With that in mind, she has finally put pen in hand to fulfill a lifelong desire to write books of her own.
Ask anyone who knows Miski to use one word to describe her and they would say fierce. A prior military commander once defined her as a “tender warrior”. Friends, patients, and associates have always found a strong advocate in this woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Miski believes three things: challenge is just another word to define worlds to conquer and lines to cross; love and faith are the most powerful forces in the universe, and the only thing that hinders success is to fail to try. With that in mind, she invites you to join her in a world where love is second to nothing and life is the greatest adventure of all.
Through all the organized chaos that has often defined her life her one constant has been her love of books. Reading has always been a mainstay in her life and she is rarely seen without her Nook on which she has reportedly downloaded over 2,000 books. A woman of boundless imagination, she has always desired to give life to the characters who maintained residence in her imagination. With that in mind, she has finally put pen in hand to fulfill a lifelong desire to write books of her own.
Ask anyone who knows Miski to use one word to describe her and they would say fierce. A prior military commander once defined her as a “tender warrior”. Friends, patients, and associates have always found a strong advocate in this woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Miski believes three things: challenge is just another word to define worlds to conquer and lines to cross; love and faith are the most powerful forces in the universe, and the only thing that hinders success is to fail to try. With that in mind, she invites you to join her in a world where love is second to nothing and life is the greatest adventure of all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 17, 2022
New to me author. This is a mm contemporary story about recently widowed Armando and Lyndon an architect and mm author. They met on a cruise but have very different backgrounds. After a beautiful cruise they decided to keep in touch. Drama happens when each goes home to their state, but love wins in the end.
February 16, 2022
The loss of a spouse is pure devastation and how does one move forward after such grief? Miski Harris provides one man’s heart a path forward in Cruise. Cruise opens the closet door revealing long held secrets, testing family bonds, and best of all… the devastation morphs into a dull ache, which will always be there but is overshadowed by fond memories and new beginnings.
Forty-year-old widow Armando Cruz recently lost Marta Cruz. His wife and best friend since high school; the mother of his son, Michael, and the confidant of his most guarded secret. To the outside world, and their family, Armando and Marta were the perfect couple; in love, and nurturing a stable home for their now adult son. Appearances can be deceiving…. Don’t take this wrong, they are a very happy family and love each other unconditionally while safeguarding each other’s secrets: Armando is gay, and Marta, who wasn’t sure how to identify herself until she began hanging out in male/male romance groups on social medial, identified as bi-romantic asexual. Neither of which would fly with their uptight religious families.
Thirty-one-year-old Lyndon Douglas’ luck with men has been a series of poor choices; leaving him, as he sees it, single forever. A successful architect by day and contemporary gay romance author by night, Lyndon is a workaholic. Fearing for Lyndon’s mental health, his mother, Selina Douglas, and sister, Denise, conspire with Lyndon’s personal assistant, Brandon Robeson, to stage an intervention…. Two thousand men on a gay cruise for ten days. Lyndon knows insta-love only happens in romance novels, but Mr. Right Now will be waiting.
Marta’s one insistence of Armando was that annually he take a gay cruise to let his hair down and be his true self. Armando skipped the cruise the year Marta passed but… adhering to her dying wish Armando is going on his cruise a year later and will figure out a way to reveal his secret to the religious zealots he calls family. Little do Armando and Lyndon know their upcoming cruise will change their lives forever.
There is so much packed into Cruise, it has everything from strong characters (of which there are many) romance, hurt, family, several triggers that could make it difficult for some, and yet it flows gracefully. I must admit during the cruise I wondered why the “Brandon subplot” was given the time it was… but that was answered in a big way when Selina steals the show for a bit and darkness briefly falls into their lives. Yes, I am intentionally teasing you with these characters here.
For me, the trigger that hit hardest is with Armando’s religious family. I can totally relate, and their theatrics had me rolling my eyes. But it is Miguel Juarez’s, Marta’s father’s, reaction in the passage/exchange below that had me smiling.
“‘Just what do you guys want from me? I love you and I won’t stop loving you but…”
Armando could almost see the moment the lightbulb in his head lit up.
“You want me to tell the mothers and your father, Armando! Oh no, boys. I don’t know much about this gay business, but I do know this. Gay, straight, or whatever, a man handles his own affairs.”
He walked over to the coat rack and grabbed his hat, then retrieved his keys from the desk drawer.
“Well, don’t just sit there. Let’s gather the clan and get this thing over with. Blaine! Come in here, please.”
Blaine walked in with a quirky grin on his face. “Yes, sir?”
“I’m leaving for the day. You can close the shop when you finish whatever you’re working on. Please call my wife, ask her to invite the Cruzes for dinner. Tell her the boys and I are on our way there.”
“Will do, Mr. Juarez,” Blaine said. Stepping back through the door, he muttered, “It’s about time.”
Miguel stopped Blaine. “I heard that. Are you saying you knew all this? Why didn’t you say something to me?”
Blaine shrugged his shoulder. “Wasn’t my story to tell and outing someone is the worst thing anyone can do.” He then moved on to his desk as the three men filed past him to leave the shop.
I found Cruise to be a fast paced enjoyable read with everything mentioned below adding to my reading delight. But some of these may make it difficult for others to enjoy this as much.
A bunch of subplots that one must keep track of.
* Eye rolling religious antics.
* Serious dark angst at the end; although gun wielding Selina is a hoot.
* The fade to black intimacy.
* Numerous characters to keep track of.
* Their journey ends rather abruptly but I didn’t leave without a sense of closure.
I’ll leave with a question to Miski: Can we please have Michael’s and Brandon’s stories? They seem to be begging to be told.
Forty-year-old widow Armando Cruz recently lost Marta Cruz. His wife and best friend since high school; the mother of his son, Michael, and the confidant of his most guarded secret. To the outside world, and their family, Armando and Marta were the perfect couple; in love, and nurturing a stable home for their now adult son. Appearances can be deceiving…. Don’t take this wrong, they are a very happy family and love each other unconditionally while safeguarding each other’s secrets: Armando is gay, and Marta, who wasn’t sure how to identify herself until she began hanging out in male/male romance groups on social medial, identified as bi-romantic asexual. Neither of which would fly with their uptight religious families.
Thirty-one-year-old Lyndon Douglas’ luck with men has been a series of poor choices; leaving him, as he sees it, single forever. A successful architect by day and contemporary gay romance author by night, Lyndon is a workaholic. Fearing for Lyndon’s mental health, his mother, Selina Douglas, and sister, Denise, conspire with Lyndon’s personal assistant, Brandon Robeson, to stage an intervention…. Two thousand men on a gay cruise for ten days. Lyndon knows insta-love only happens in romance novels, but Mr. Right Now will be waiting.
Marta’s one insistence of Armando was that annually he take a gay cruise to let his hair down and be his true self. Armando skipped the cruise the year Marta passed but… adhering to her dying wish Armando is going on his cruise a year later and will figure out a way to reveal his secret to the religious zealots he calls family. Little do Armando and Lyndon know their upcoming cruise will change their lives forever.
There is so much packed into Cruise, it has everything from strong characters (of which there are many) romance, hurt, family, several triggers that could make it difficult for some, and yet it flows gracefully. I must admit during the cruise I wondered why the “Brandon subplot” was given the time it was… but that was answered in a big way when Selina steals the show for a bit and darkness briefly falls into their lives. Yes, I am intentionally teasing you with these characters here.
For me, the trigger that hit hardest is with Armando’s religious family. I can totally relate, and their theatrics had me rolling my eyes. But it is Miguel Juarez’s, Marta’s father’s, reaction in the passage/exchange below that had me smiling.
“‘Just what do you guys want from me? I love you and I won’t stop loving you but…”
Armando could almost see the moment the lightbulb in his head lit up.
“You want me to tell the mothers and your father, Armando! Oh no, boys. I don’t know much about this gay business, but I do know this. Gay, straight, or whatever, a man handles his own affairs.”
He walked over to the coat rack and grabbed his hat, then retrieved his keys from the desk drawer.
“Well, don’t just sit there. Let’s gather the clan and get this thing over with. Blaine! Come in here, please.”
Blaine walked in with a quirky grin on his face. “Yes, sir?”
“I’m leaving for the day. You can close the shop when you finish whatever you’re working on. Please call my wife, ask her to invite the Cruzes for dinner. Tell her the boys and I are on our way there.”
“Will do, Mr. Juarez,” Blaine said. Stepping back through the door, he muttered, “It’s about time.”
Miguel stopped Blaine. “I heard that. Are you saying you knew all this? Why didn’t you say something to me?”
Blaine shrugged his shoulder. “Wasn’t my story to tell and outing someone is the worst thing anyone can do.” He then moved on to his desk as the three men filed past him to leave the shop.
I found Cruise to be a fast paced enjoyable read with everything mentioned below adding to my reading delight. But some of these may make it difficult for others to enjoy this as much.
A bunch of subplots that one must keep track of.
* Eye rolling religious antics.
* Serious dark angst at the end; although gun wielding Selina is a hoot.
* The fade to black intimacy.
* Numerous characters to keep track of.
* Their journey ends rather abruptly but I didn’t leave without a sense of closure.
I’ll leave with a question to Miski: Can we please have Michael’s and Brandon’s stories? They seem to be begging to be told.
December 13, 2021
"An Exciting, Gripping, and Hopeful Story"
Cruise, by Miski Harris, is a foreshadow of a luxurious time gliding over beautiful waters while also meandering through quaint towns and cities along the way. Time cautiously spent to live one's life freely as new experiences and new friends are gladly welcomed. With a mostly intriguing synopsis, this is what I had envisioned I'd be reading. I did....almost.
Cruise is a heartbreaking yet prideful story. It was deeply and heavily written with plentiful characters, a hopeful storyline and addicting plot. And, it is so very much more than that. A whole lot more that it gave me whiplash as a result of the deviance and depth to the storyline. This story had everything. Literally.
First and foremost, this story actually has many triggers that were difficult to read and comprehend. As the main character, Armando, sets out to begin his best life, he is met with homophobic transgressions by some family members in the form of a religious spouting of cures and blame. Another main character, Lyndon, also attempts to live by rising above past emotional ties, that despite his added strength, is met by an ex turned stalker turned psychopath, with ties to physical and emotional abuse.
The characters from this story were plentiful from a gun-yielding mother, to challenging family members, to an outgoing compatriot, to a questionable ex-boyfriend, all of which ranged from actually annoying to absolutely wonderful.
It is in this reader's opinion that Cruise has great potential with it's underlying storyline and necessary plot. With this, there is just so much going on with sub-plots, characters, and, such dark angst. With the added fade-to-black intimacy and abrupt ending, I needed so much more. More focused development and depth towards the initial storyline. I was eager to be transported to busy ports in Greece and Italy, with wonderful characters and exciting escapades. But, alas, this story fell short of this for this reader.
Cruise, by Miski Harris, was an addicting read with mostly good characters with a storyline filled with hope and strength to live one's life as one should....absolutely free.
*star rating: 4.15 'I liked this story' stars*
February 12, 2022
Armando has been living in the closet for most of his life . He married his best friend and confidante Marta . When she passes away things change for Armando he is free to live his life but is scared to do so . So he goes on one last cruise where he can be himself and live free as a gay man . He wasn't looking for something serious but in walks Lyndon and the attraction is so powerful that they spend every moment together on the cruise . Is ten days enough time to create the bond that will take them where they want to be when they get back to reality or will it all come crashing down around them .
Armando and Lyndon oh what can we say about them . Armando is a distinguished older man who we meet at the worst time of his life at the funeral of his wife and best friend . We see him at his worst and at his best as he comes to the realization that he can live his life the way his wife wanted him to . We really get to see him literally blossom and become confidant in his actions and his love . Lyndon is a strong man who has had the best relationship with his parents and they were there for him . But there is a bit of sadness to both these characters as they both have had so many hardships in their lives . Armando's is a family that is homophobic and highly religious and won't stand for a gay man in their lives . Lyndon has been fighting against a crazy stalker ex boy friend .I love how they can be stronger together then apart . There is one more character that really needs mentioning and that is Lyndon's mom . She is a pistol packing momma that doesn't take no for an answer . The Miguel the father n law of Armando's well he is a little more on their side then Armando reallizes . He really puts those women in their place . You will see when you read . The characters are well written and complex just the way I like them .
This is more then a romance book , it has really sweet moments and there is some intrigue to it . It also tackles a little bit on religion and homophobias that happen in a very religious family. The author takes us on a very emotional ride and we empathize with the characters . For such a short book there is a lot going on and for a moment or two I kind of felt lost in all the happenings that were going on . But I did find my way back and truly enjoyed this book and want to see what other books she has out . So if you like m/m books full of sweet moments and lots of angst check it out.
Armando and Lyndon oh what can we say about them . Armando is a distinguished older man who we meet at the worst time of his life at the funeral of his wife and best friend . We see him at his worst and at his best as he comes to the realization that he can live his life the way his wife wanted him to . We really get to see him literally blossom and become confidant in his actions and his love . Lyndon is a strong man who has had the best relationship with his parents and they were there for him . But there is a bit of sadness to both these characters as they both have had so many hardships in their lives . Armando's is a family that is homophobic and highly religious and won't stand for a gay man in their lives . Lyndon has been fighting against a crazy stalker ex boy friend .I love how they can be stronger together then apart . There is one more character that really needs mentioning and that is Lyndon's mom . She is a pistol packing momma that doesn't take no for an answer . The Miguel the father n law of Armando's well he is a little more on their side then Armando reallizes . He really puts those women in their place . You will see when you read . The characters are well written and complex just the way I like them .
This is more then a romance book , it has really sweet moments and there is some intrigue to it . It also tackles a little bit on religion and homophobias that happen in a very religious family. The author takes us on a very emotional ride and we empathize with the characters . For such a short book there is a lot going on and for a moment or two I kind of felt lost in all the happenings that were going on . But I did find my way back and truly enjoyed this book and want to see what other books she has out . So if you like m/m books full of sweet moments and lots of angst check it out.
December 20, 2021
*3.5*
Cruise is, to me, a book of two halves.
First we have a heartwarming romance for two men who, for their own reasons, haven't found love in their everyday lives. When they meet on the first day of a gay cruise, all bets are off with the strong connection that sparks between them. Something more builds between them and it's sweet reading as they spend all of their time together. It feels good especially for Armando considering what he goes through at the beginning of the story.
Then, we have a darker twist in the tale as Lyndon's ex comes back into the picture and causes trouble. Armando knows when he needs to help and things quickly escalate.
I enjoyed the characters that are met along the way, though not a fan of the several comments made regarding someone's eating habits. There is a good mix of light and dark as Lyndon and Armando quickly form a relationship and bask in their happiness and possible future. It's a low heat romance but it packs an emotional punch in places as Armando deals with his wife's funeral, strictly religious parents, and coming out. The end of the story did feel as though it ended fairly quickly and a couple of things felt slightly unfinished so here's hoping that there's another visit to the couple in the future.
Please be aware that there is mention of physical abuse and homophobia from very religious people.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Cruise is, to me, a book of two halves.
First we have a heartwarming romance for two men who, for their own reasons, haven't found love in their everyday lives. When they meet on the first day of a gay cruise, all bets are off with the strong connection that sparks between them. Something more builds between them and it's sweet reading as they spend all of their time together. It feels good especially for Armando considering what he goes through at the beginning of the story.
Then, we have a darker twist in the tale as Lyndon's ex comes back into the picture and causes trouble. Armando knows when he needs to help and things quickly escalate.
I enjoyed the characters that are met along the way, though not a fan of the several comments made regarding someone's eating habits. There is a good mix of light and dark as Lyndon and Armando quickly form a relationship and bask in their happiness and possible future. It's a low heat romance but it packs an emotional punch in places as Armando deals with his wife's funeral, strictly religious parents, and coming out. The end of the story did feel as though it ended fairly quickly and a couple of things felt slightly unfinished so here's hoping that there's another visit to the couple in the future.
Please be aware that there is mention of physical abuse and homophobia from very religious people.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
December 26, 2021
Intrigue with revelations all capped off by a sweet M/M romance
I enjoyed this book, which is my first by Miski Harris, so much that I’m now following her. Well-written, fast-paced and very enlightening as well as entertaining M/M romance. It ends with, at the very least, a “Happy for Now” ending, with a note that there is more to come. Based on her other series’ descriptions, I’m just guessing that it may follow another couple with cameos by Armando and Lyndon. Again, just guessing.
We meet Armando on his awful-no-good-terrible day: the final burial of his devoted wife, Marta. With his son Michael by his side along with his parents and parents-in-law, Armando succeeds in having a second burial to appease his and Marta’s families. Bad enough. Right?! His mother and mother-in-law are pushy women, consider themselves very religious so having a gay son or son-in-law would not do. Oh. My. Word. Just wait and see...Parenthetically, I love Miguel, Armando’s father-in-law; so wise and strong. His “speeches” in the book will give you chills.
Lyndon is going on a gifted (by his mother and sister) gay cruise to find Mr. Right. They are both fiercely supportive of his gay status but want to see him happy and settled after his last debacle of a relationship with Joe. If you like intrigue, sweet moments and lastly a hold-onto-your-hat event, read this M/M romance. So good. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
I enjoyed this book, which is my first by Miski Harris, so much that I’m now following her. Well-written, fast-paced and very enlightening as well as entertaining M/M romance. It ends with, at the very least, a “Happy for Now” ending, with a note that there is more to come. Based on her other series’ descriptions, I’m just guessing that it may follow another couple with cameos by Armando and Lyndon. Again, just guessing.
We meet Armando on his awful-no-good-terrible day: the final burial of his devoted wife, Marta. With his son Michael by his side along with his parents and parents-in-law, Armando succeeds in having a second burial to appease his and Marta’s families. Bad enough. Right?! His mother and mother-in-law are pushy women, consider themselves very religious so having a gay son or son-in-law would not do. Oh. My. Word. Just wait and see...Parenthetically, I love Miguel, Armando’s father-in-law; so wise and strong. His “speeches” in the book will give you chills.
Lyndon is going on a gifted (by his mother and sister) gay cruise to find Mr. Right. They are both fiercely supportive of his gay status but want to see him happy and settled after his last debacle of a relationship with Joe. If you like intrigue, sweet moments and lastly a hold-onto-your-hat event, read this M/M romance. So good. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
December 18, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange to an honest review.
I am in two minds about the book. I. really like the idea of a marriage between best friends to save them both from their overly religious families and Armando's battle to be free when his wife died.
The idea of setting it into a cruise background where he meets the overworked and commitment reluctant Lyndon is great and really fits the characters. Both are likeable guys and the chemistry fits.
The author is good in describing the battle of coming out with the family.
So why the low rating? I really didn't like the subplot with Lyndon's ex or better, I would like it if it would have been better done. It feels more than just cliche and Lyndon's mother - well that's over the top for me.
I also didn't like that the author left Michael's story totally in the open and also Armando's and Michael's relationship with the family. It felt like that was just forgotten over the ex's subplot, all just vanished from the book.
If she writes Michael's and Brandon's story (whom I really liked and found the portion of his involvement in the ex's plot quite unbelievable) I will read them.
I am in two minds about the book. I. really like the idea of a marriage between best friends to save them both from their overly religious families and Armando's battle to be free when his wife died.
The idea of setting it into a cruise background where he meets the overworked and commitment reluctant Lyndon is great and really fits the characters. Both are likeable guys and the chemistry fits.
The author is good in describing the battle of coming out with the family.
So why the low rating? I really didn't like the subplot with Lyndon's ex or better, I would like it if it would have been better done. It feels more than just cliche and Lyndon's mother - well that's over the top for me.
I also didn't like that the author left Michael's story totally in the open and also Armando's and Michael's relationship with the family. It felt like that was just forgotten over the ex's subplot, all just vanished from the book.
If she writes Michael's and Brandon's story (whom I really liked and found the portion of his involvement in the ex's plot quite unbelievable) I will read them.
December 22, 2021
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Starting off sad right with grief and mourning, Armando is confronted from both side about the secrets they kept from the outside world. Shame had no place in their marriage, just some of Marta and his family was open minded at the best of time, what would they have done once the truth was known? Now a year later as a widow, Armando is fulfilling his promise to his wife on her death bed. For Armando this cruise missed greatly, Lyndon was like a breath of fresh air he never know he was missing. Man, here's hopeful that Danny is just over whiney on their getaway, and not ever day life cause that boy needs a time out! When the voyage is over, will Armando force himself back into a lie, or his son for that matter? What Lyndon? Hard truths are coming out, ready or not. Wow Miguel is vicious, when it comes to family and loved it.
December 16, 2021
Rating : 3.5 stars
There are no trigger warnings listed but please be aware that physical/emotional abuse is depicted, as is homophobia borne by religious doctrine.
There is quite a lot going on with this story and it’s sub plots. From the main story of Armando, a closeted widower whose recently deceased wife encouraged the yearly gay cruises he takes, to Lyndon and his violent stalker ex who won’t take no for an answer. There is also the issue of Armando and his gay son Michael coming out to a deeply religious family. Whilst all these different threads, with their various side characters came together, I felt that there was a lack of depth to each which did distract me somewhat as it felt rushed in places - especially the ending.
This is a low heat,fade to black, angsty read that filled in a couple of hours.
There are no trigger warnings listed but please be aware that physical/emotional abuse is depicted, as is homophobia borne by religious doctrine.
There is quite a lot going on with this story and it’s sub plots. From the main story of Armando, a closeted widower whose recently deceased wife encouraged the yearly gay cruises he takes, to Lyndon and his violent stalker ex who won’t take no for an answer. There is also the issue of Armando and his gay son Michael coming out to a deeply religious family. Whilst all these different threads, with their various side characters came together, I felt that there was a lack of depth to each which did distract me somewhat as it felt rushed in places - especially the ending.
This is a low heat,fade to black, angsty read that filled in a couple of hours.
December 20, 2021
I received a copy of Cruise in exchange for an honest review.
Miski Harris is a new to me author and there were a lot of things I really liked about Cruise. Armando and Lyndon were likable and had great chemistry. I loved the cruise part of the book and everything between Armando and Lyndon happened organically and didn't feel forced. They genuinely seemed to care about each other.
My only complaint was that there were too many plots and the ending felt rushed. I wanted more of everything and thought this story would have worked better as a duet. Armando's coming out and the fall out with his parents/inlaws could have been its own book and Lyndon's troubles with his crazy ex could have also stood alone as a separate book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by Miski Harris.
Miski Harris is a new to me author and there were a lot of things I really liked about Cruise. Armando and Lyndon were likable and had great chemistry. I loved the cruise part of the book and everything between Armando and Lyndon happened organically and didn't feel forced. They genuinely seemed to care about each other.
My only complaint was that there were too many plots and the ending felt rushed. I wanted more of everything and thought this story would have worked better as a duet. Armando's coming out and the fall out with his parents/inlaws could have been its own book and Lyndon's troubles with his crazy ex could have also stood alone as a separate book.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by Miski Harris.
December 28, 2021
I absoluely adore these characters! Armando was deep in the closet, living a lie. His wife Marta was his willing conspirator since she had secrets of her own. After she passed, she asked Armando to pursue his truth. Lyndon, was successful in two careers. His Mother and sister booked passage on a gay cruise to get him to relax and maybe find a good man. They met and felt safe, relaxed and attracted to each other. Their courtship was delightful. Their lives back home were a big question mark to them. Their peripheral friends and relatives added a lot of fun and spice to the friendships. New friends, old friends good friends dangerous friends. Absolutely fun, romantic dangerous story. This is my first book by this author and I am absolutely a fan. Well done! I recieved an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2021
This isn't just a romantic story aboard a cruise, this book contains a complex plot with family secrets, homophobia, religious fanatism, kidnapping, stalking, and other such doings. As a side note, this story brings to light what we sometimes seem to forget: the definition of marriage does not always include a sexual relationship.
The story contains a mystery of sorts to be solved. Well, not really a mystery because you'll realize soon enough who the villain is, but you won't know Iwhat really happened until later in the story. I loved the two main characters and some of the side characters, especially Marta's father and Lyndon's mother. Danny was a real pain though. I hope the author will continue this as a series, with different couples who meet in future cruises.
The story contains a mystery of sorts to be solved. Well, not really a mystery because you'll realize soon enough who the villain is, but you won't know Iwhat really happened until later in the story. I loved the two main characters and some of the side characters, especially Marta's father and Lyndon's mother. Danny was a real pain though. I hope the author will continue this as a series, with different couples who meet in future cruises.
December 24, 2021
This was a fairly quick read, which I for the most part liked reading. The introduction to both MC's Armando & Lyndon is thoughtfully done. I liked how they had a kind of a slow burn romance after a quick click, in my opinion the cruise part could have had more details/ scenes. I enjoyed the side characters especially Brandon, Paul, Danny and fierce Momma Douglas. I hope we get a chance to get to know some of these characters better in future book/ shorts. and but I had to change gears to keep up.
Be aware of triggers: homophobia, stalkerish ex and abduction and mental and physical abuse which are mainly present in the later part of the book.
I was given arc by the author to leave a review.
Be aware of triggers: homophobia, stalkerish ex and abduction and mental and physical abuse which are mainly present in the later part of the book.
I was given arc by the author to leave a review.
December 18, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a quick, light to dark short story which packed a lot into it. The main characters Lyndon and Armando took us on a journey from the light of low heat romance to the dark of suspense and angst before they found their HEA.
While I enjoyed the story I wanted more depth to the characters, more background to Lyndon’s relationship with his ex and an ending that didn’t feel rushed. Unfortunately, this spoilt it a little for me and was why I reduced my rating.
A quick easy read that took me away from reality for a few hours.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
This was a quick, light to dark short story which packed a lot into it. The main characters Lyndon and Armando took us on a journey from the light of low heat romance to the dark of suspense and angst before they found their HEA.
While I enjoyed the story I wanted more depth to the characters, more background to Lyndon’s relationship with his ex and an ending that didn’t feel rushed. Unfortunately, this spoilt it a little for me and was why I reduced my rating.
A quick easy read that took me away from reality for a few hours.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
December 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
This is new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this story.
The writing flows really well, there is the right amount of descriptions without them being too much, the main characters are well developed and the secondary ones are perfect for the story.
Lyndon and Armando are truly meant for each other, and their families, wow, I know someone like that in IRL.
All in all I'm happy to have discovered a new author, particularly because I was left curious about Michael's story and Brandon's one. I wanna know more about both of them.
This is new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this story.
The writing flows really well, there is the right amount of descriptions without them being too much, the main characters are well developed and the secondary ones are perfect for the story.
Lyndon and Armando are truly meant for each other, and their families, wow, I know someone like that in IRL.
All in all I'm happy to have discovered a new author, particularly because I was left curious about Michael's story and Brandon's one. I wanna know more about both of them.
December 19, 2021
Two things I especially loved about this book: the two main characters are older men with lots of life experience and two, they get to meet because of the love and generosity of two very special women. Armando and Lyndon have to make a decision on this cruise about whether to own who they really are and be happy or keep hiding behind a protective shell that has served them their entire lives, isn't serving them well anymore but is safe and familiar. An uplifting read.
December 19, 2021
I loved about 80% of Cruise and I think if the author had focused entirely on the story reflected in the blurb and not introduced Lyndon's ex into the story I would have been singing all the praises... I love the premise and the way Armando's struggle of having kept his and Marta's secret for twenty years - and the journey towards coming out...
For my complete review please visit:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
For my complete review please visit:
http://www.mmromancereviewed.com/2021...
January 4, 2022
This was my first time reading this author. Loved, loved, loved Armando and Lyndon! They had a great connection and fantastic chemistry. The story flowed at a good pace and kept me engaged, couldn’t put it down. Overall, a fantastic read. The story was well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
February 10, 2022
“So I don’t often read M/M romances. Ive read a few but mostly in RH stories. Anyway, Cruise was a huge surprise! I don’t know why but men romances have more raw emotions. They tend to be so intense and somehow painful that had you on the edge. Anyway, the story wasn’t just about the cruise but something darker was happening. I don’t want to give details but it was breath holding! BTW, I absolutely love the ‘my man’ thing lol. Sounds silly but I felt so romantic even with the bad scenario.”
December 19, 2021
This book had me crying in the first chapter!! The intros to the main characters were fantastic. Then there was the cruise and the events that followed. All of the characters in the book were awesome, but besides the main characters, I fell in love with Lyndon’s mom! I hope this is a start of a series!
January 2, 2022
I loved this book! In fact I loved it so much I read it twice. This is the sweet story of a widower who finally decides to be himself after years of living a life firmly in the closet. When he meets someone who is worth the risk if being himself, he takes the leap. The writing is great and the storyline and dialogue are believable. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mm romance.
February 11, 2022
This was my first story by this author and I really enjoyed it especially the plot twist and the interaction between the main characters as well as the side characters. This is truly a second chance at life as well as a coming out for one character and learning to balance life a little better for the other.A great M/M love story with a hopeful follow up to come!!
January 18, 2023
Miski Harris is a new to me author but I will be checking out her back list asap. Cruise is a sweet slow burn tale of a closeted man enjoying a yearly gay cruise and a work-a-holic man who hasn’t had a relationship in ten years whose mother sends him on the cruise. This story sucked me in and kept me following their saga with delight.
December 17, 2021
Cruise was an interesting read. It was full of angsts, and complicated characters. The storyline was beautiful and the struggle real. The author kept my attention. I was glad to see Lyndon and Armando get together.
December 26, 2021
This was a plot I've never seen before and it was a very interesting read. It is very angsty but ends with a HEA. The characters are complicated and well written, very interested to read more of this author.
December 27, 2021
Don’t get on mommas bad side!
I really enjoyed this tale and felt for Armando having to stay closeted as he had. This is s story of just hie secrets can hurt not only you, but those who love you.
I really enjoyed this tale and felt for Armando having to stay closeted as he had. This is s story of just hie secrets can hurt not only you, but those who love you.
February 10, 2022
4/4.5
A breath of fresh air. I loved the balance of seriousness and light heartedness throughout the story. It managed to be fun and sweet yet suspenseful and sad. The characters were entertaining and a joy to read.
A breath of fresh air. I loved the balance of seriousness and light heartedness throughout the story. It managed to be fun and sweet yet suspenseful and sad. The characters were entertaining and a joy to read.
January 17, 2023
This is the first MM novel I.have read and I really enjoyed it. Armando loses his wife Marta and goes on a cruise and meets Lyndon and now he has to tell his son and family he is gay so he can live his life the he he should.
December 28, 2021
I didn’t expect the emotional punch this book has, especially the first chapter. Armando and Lyndon were both complicated and completely likable. Their story and romance was done well.
May 8, 2022
I read it
All I can say its the cleanest gay book I have ever read. It also did not say nice things about my home state. It was just ugh
All I can say its the cleanest gay book I have ever read. It also did not say nice things about my home state. It was just ugh
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