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Love, Lists & Fancy Ships #2
Luck and Last Resorts
9 hours
They have a second chance at love, but there are some rough seas ahead in the new contemporary romance from the acclaimed author of Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships
Commitment-phobe Nina Lejeune lives by two rules:
1. Always have fun.
2. Don’t rely on anyone but yourself.
The first rule is easy; the second, she’s only broken once.
Ten years after fleeing home, Nina is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity, single by choice, and perfectly content with how life has turned out.
But Nina’s ex-coworker and old flame, Irish chef Ollie Dunne, isn’t so happy with the status quo. One year after leaving yachting, he’s returned as the Serendipity’s chef with an ultimatum: if Nina continues to deny she’s in love with him by the end of this charter season, he’ll go back to Ireland for good.
Nina and Ollie’s shared secret from their past threatens to shipwreck not only their relationship, but the entire boat. But as their connection grows amidst chaotic guests and crew drama, could there be smooth sailing in their future?
They have a second chance at love, but there are some rough seas ahead in the new contemporary romance from the acclaimed author of Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships
Commitment-phobe Nina Lejeune lives by two rules:
1. Always have fun.
2. Don’t rely on anyone but yourself.
The first rule is easy; the second, she’s only broken once.
Ten years after fleeing home, Nina is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity, single by choice, and perfectly content with how life has turned out.
But Nina’s ex-coworker and old flame, Irish chef Ollie Dunne, isn’t so happy with the status quo. One year after leaving yachting, he’s returned as the Serendipity’s chef with an ultimatum: if Nina continues to deny she’s in love with him by the end of this charter season, he’ll go back to Ireland for good.
Nina and Ollie’s shared secret from their past threatens to shipwreck not only their relationship, but the entire boat. But as their connection grows amidst chaotic guests and crew drama, could there be smooth sailing in their future?
Audiobook
First published August 9, 2022
159 people are currently reading
18430 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Grunder Ruiz
4 books811 followersSarah Grunder Ruiz is a writer, educator, and karaoke enthusiast. Originally from South Florida, she now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She holds an MFA in creative writing from North Carolina State University, where she now teaches First-Year Writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 979 reviews
March 7, 2022
the friends to best friends to convenience-married to enemies to forced-proximed to dumbasses to lovers book i needed
February 23, 2023
Angsty- heart wrenching- genuine story perfectly blended in enemies-friends to lovers and fake marriage troupes! Even though some parts of this story truly made me sad, I couldn’t stop loving it too much!
I have to admit: I didn’t love Jo and Alex’s story as much as I love Nina and Ollie! This sequel is everything I want!
Nina and Ollie’s burning desire, high chemistry, quick witted and absolutely sarcastic banters can put the entire chapters into fire!
Their 9 years long chaotic, adventurous, intimate and extremely whirlwind love story touches your heart deeply. You want to scream at their faces to stop holding back and come clean about their feelings. They’re two broken, exhausted souls dealing with their own personal baggages, insecurities, troubled dysfunctional family relationships.
They were in their early twenties when they first met. Now they’re in their early thirties: Ollie is tired to play games. He knows what he wants. He wants to be with Nina. But Nina is still scaring of losing everything she’s hardly built. Could Ollie tell her the truth? Could she give herself second chance for the happiness?
I cried. I laughed. I pissed. My heart got broken. I screamed. I sighed. I stopped reading, giving empty looks to my walls. I reread some chapters. At the end I smile-cried! I loved this book so much!
Millions of thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this fabulous digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest reviews.
I have to admit: I didn’t love Jo and Alex’s story as much as I love Nina and Ollie! This sequel is everything I want!
Nina and Ollie’s burning desire, high chemistry, quick witted and absolutely sarcastic banters can put the entire chapters into fire!
Their 9 years long chaotic, adventurous, intimate and extremely whirlwind love story touches your heart deeply. You want to scream at their faces to stop holding back and come clean about their feelings. They’re two broken, exhausted souls dealing with their own personal baggages, insecurities, troubled dysfunctional family relationships.
They were in their early twenties when they first met. Now they’re in their early thirties: Ollie is tired to play games. He knows what he wants. He wants to be with Nina. But Nina is still scaring of losing everything she’s hardly built. Could Ollie tell her the truth? Could she give herself second chance for the happiness?
I cried. I laughed. I pissed. My heart got broken. I screamed. I sighed. I stopped reading, giving empty looks to my walls. I reread some chapters. At the end I smile-cried! I loved this book so much!
Millions of thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this fabulous digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest reviews.
October 2, 2022
3.5⭐
Book two of the Love Lists and Fancy Ships series. After reading book one I was on the fence about picking up this latest. Then I noticed that Karissa Vacker was the narrator and knew I had to listen!
Nina has risen to the position of chief stewardess aboard the yacht she’s served on for ten years. While preparing for another season, the new (or should I say previous) chef, Ollie arrives and rocks Nina’s boat!😜
The two have a history…but will they, can they have a future?
Simply put, Nina annoyed me a bit. It was clear what she wanted yet we had to travel in needless circles. I tell ya’, Ollie had the patience of a saint!🤦🏻♀️
Told in two timelines that occasionally were rather jumpy and lacking a real flow to keep the read cohesive.
Yes, Karissa Vacker knocked it out the park as she always does. So, will there be a third book in this series?🤷🏻♀️. Will I once again find myself on that fence?🤷🏻♀️. I guess that depends on KV’s involvement!
Thank you to my local library 🎧
Book two of the Love Lists and Fancy Ships series. After reading book one I was on the fence about picking up this latest. Then I noticed that Karissa Vacker was the narrator and knew I had to listen!
Nina has risen to the position of chief stewardess aboard the yacht she’s served on for ten years. While preparing for another season, the new (or should I say previous) chef, Ollie arrives and rocks Nina’s boat!😜
The two have a history…but will they, can they have a future?
Simply put, Nina annoyed me a bit. It was clear what she wanted yet we had to travel in needless circles. I tell ya’, Ollie had the patience of a saint!🤦🏻♀️
Told in two timelines that occasionally were rather jumpy and lacking a real flow to keep the read cohesive.
Yes, Karissa Vacker knocked it out the park as she always does. So, will there be a third book in this series?🤷🏻♀️. Will I once again find myself on that fence?🤷🏻♀️. I guess that depends on KV’s involvement!
Thank you to my local library 🎧
August 12, 2022
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a 2022 Berkley publication.
Nina Lejeune is in love with Ollie Dunne, but doesn’t want to admit it. She doesn’t do commitment and that is non-negotiable. She just wants their relationship to remain at status quo…
But Oliver has thrown down the gauntlet. He’s tired of spinning his wheels with Nina- it’s time to get serious or move on. Oliver ups the pressure by taking back his old chef job on board the ‘Serendipity” yacht, where the couple also happen to be bunkmates, much to Nina’s chagrin.
Can Oliver convince Nina to go all in or will they finally go their separate ways?
I loved Nina in “Love, List’s and Fancy Ships”. She was sarcastic and provided some comic relief when the storyline got a bit heavy. In this book, she takes center stage. But her quips are perhaps too much of a good thing. She was a little off-putting at first- way too mean- her remarks too cutting, and her banter with Ollie felt a little immature- which kept me from finding a groove with this book for a little while.
Ollie, on the other hand, had my sympathy all the way through. But as the book progressed, and more information is added to the couple’s backstory, I found myself highly invested in Ollie and Nina’s saga. Obviously, some of Nina’s outbursts are a result of her absolute misery. I was able to relax and give her the benefit of the doubt. By the end of the book the author had me eating out of her hand!! I was soaking the whole thing up like a sponge!
I really liked this story- a lot! It occurred to me as we headed down the home stretch that Ruiz has done something amazing… and long overdue… by turning the tables on traditional romantic roles- it was a like a ‘role-reversal’ in some ways- and it was SO refreshing! I LOVED it!
Overall, Ruiz impressed me with her first book, and despite the slightly bumpy start, she solidified her reputation for me with this sophomore effort. I hope she’s working furiously on her next book because I can’t wait to read it!! Well done!
4 + stars
Nina Lejeune is in love with Ollie Dunne, but doesn’t want to admit it. She doesn’t do commitment and that is non-negotiable. She just wants their relationship to remain at status quo…
But Oliver has thrown down the gauntlet. He’s tired of spinning his wheels with Nina- it’s time to get serious or move on. Oliver ups the pressure by taking back his old chef job on board the ‘Serendipity” yacht, where the couple also happen to be bunkmates, much to Nina’s chagrin.
Can Oliver convince Nina to go all in or will they finally go their separate ways?
I loved Nina in “Love, List’s and Fancy Ships”. She was sarcastic and provided some comic relief when the storyline got a bit heavy. In this book, she takes center stage. But her quips are perhaps too much of a good thing. She was a little off-putting at first- way too mean- her remarks too cutting, and her banter with Ollie felt a little immature- which kept me from finding a groove with this book for a little while.
Ollie, on the other hand, had my sympathy all the way through. But as the book progressed, and more information is added to the couple’s backstory, I found myself highly invested in Ollie and Nina’s saga. Obviously, some of Nina’s outbursts are a result of her absolute misery. I was able to relax and give her the benefit of the doubt. By the end of the book the author had me eating out of her hand!! I was soaking the whole thing up like a sponge!
I really liked this story- a lot! It occurred to me as we headed down the home stretch that Ruiz has done something amazing… and long overdue… by turning the tables on traditional romantic roles- it was a like a ‘role-reversal’ in some ways- and it was SO refreshing! I LOVED it!
Overall, Ruiz impressed me with her first book, and despite the slightly bumpy start, she solidified her reputation for me with this sophomore effort. I hope she’s working furiously on her next book because I can’t wait to read it!! Well done!
4 + stars
August 12, 2022
This book was a delight! I will say though, I didn't love it quite as much as the first book because it was hard to look past Nina standing in her own way for the entire book. I *get* it, but I didn't like it lol. However despite my issues with Nina's stubbornness, the chemistry and love between her and Ollie was undeniable and this was just a blast. Marathoning this series today was the best decision and I can't wait to read more from Sarah Grunder Ruiz in the future, whether its a continuation of this series or something new. Definitely a new auto-read author for me!!
CW: gambling addiction, abusive parents, death of a parent
CW: gambling addiction, abusive parents, death of a parent
January 1, 2022
What Nina and Ollie have is...complicated. Nina Lejeune is a former gymnast and Olympic hopeful whose career was ended by a knee injury, and whose life was ruined by someone she should have been able to trust. Ollie Dunne is an amazing chef but he has scars and can't go home. When they meet on deck of the Serendipity, a charter yacht, they strike up a unique relationship that is passionate, yet guarded. When Ollie wants to make a home with Nina, she has to decide what she wants and if she can truly open up again and take a chance on life and love. It's very Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell in Overboard, but I picture Michael Fassbender and Anna Kendrick as the lead roles.
I could NOT put this down. Nina and Ollie are gritty, complex, and real. Their story is equally complex. This is not your Hallmark-romance fare—if only it was that easy. I laughed at their biting sarcasm, I cried for them, rooted for them to heal and have a future, and felt sympathy for their pain. Rated PG for steam, but all the way up for passion. A must read.
I could NOT put this down. Nina and Ollie are gritty, complex, and real. Their story is equally complex. This is not your Hallmark-romance fare—if only it was that easy. I laughed at their biting sarcasm, I cried for them, rooted for them to heal and have a future, and felt sympathy for their pain. Rated PG for steam, but all the way up for passion. A must read.
September 11, 2022
Hi, friends!! It’s been a minute!! Life has been insane lately, but I’m baaaaack, and I got to read one of my most anticipated books of 2022!! 😎
I can't begin to describe all the ways that this is my id book. Some characters are just written in a way that speaks to my soul, and Nina Lejeune is one of them.
With that said, if you read this book and was intensely frustrated by Nina... I feel you. And you're right! It's just that I think I can be equally as frustrating as her in my life, which makes me identify with her hard, lol.
Another character who reminds me of Nina – and, again, of little old me – is Bee, the lead from Ali Hazelwood's Love on the Brain. What can I say, these girls are just as annoying as I would be if I was the main character of a romance novel. 🫠
Nina is a 32-year-old chief stewardess in a multimillion dollar yatch. She got the gig at twenty-three, after her bright career in gymnastics came to an abrupt end due to a knee injury and her gambling addict father fucked with her credit, meaning she needed a job with decent pay that offered housing and, no less importantly, an escape from her life. So, why not sail through the Caribbean for months at a time catering to rich people? Honestly, it could be a lot worse.
Also working in the yatch is Oliver Dunne, a handsome Irish chef who curses a lot and basically personifies all my dreams. He and Nina embark on an intense, chaotic, tumultuous on-and-off sort-of-relationship over the next ten years, and the book is split between their past, all through their alternately happy and heartbreaking moments, and the present, when Ollie has given Nina an ultimatum: they either get together for real, or he's going home to Ireland and giving up on her for good.
Nina and Oliver's dynamic is pretty much a cat-and-mouse kind of thing – he's forever chasing her, and she only allows herself to be caught for as long as she can handle. Nina's life before meeting Ollie turned her into a person who's terrified of getting attached to a good thing, to just shutting up and accepting love from someone else, which I... get. It ain't easy to be vulnerable, and, while I'm sure some people will want to throw their Kindles at the wall for every time Nina skirts around an emotional conversation for seemingly no reason, I feel for her. Opening up to someone is hard!!
The story definitely throws some curveballs and plot twists in there (the end of chapter four is a notorious jaw-dropper), the banter is 10/10, and the romance is gorgeous. Ollie gets put through the wringer for a good decade, but he gets his happy ending, I promise!
I hope everyone loves this book as much as I did, and I hope people show kindness towards Nina. She's trying her best!!! 💕
I can't begin to describe all the ways that this is my id book. Some characters are just written in a way that speaks to my soul, and Nina Lejeune is one of them.
With that said, if you read this book and was intensely frustrated by Nina... I feel you. And you're right! It's just that I think I can be equally as frustrating as her in my life, which makes me identify with her hard, lol.
Another character who reminds me of Nina – and, again, of little old me – is Bee, the lead from Ali Hazelwood's Love on the Brain. What can I say, these girls are just as annoying as I would be if I was the main character of a romance novel. 🫠
Nina is a 32-year-old chief stewardess in a multimillion dollar yatch. She got the gig at twenty-three, after her bright career in gymnastics came to an abrupt end due to a knee injury and her gambling addict father fucked with her credit, meaning she needed a job with decent pay that offered housing and, no less importantly, an escape from her life. So, why not sail through the Caribbean for months at a time catering to rich people? Honestly, it could be a lot worse.
Also working in the yatch is Oliver Dunne, a handsome Irish chef who curses a lot and basically personifies all my dreams. He and Nina embark on an intense, chaotic, tumultuous on-and-off sort-of-relationship over the next ten years, and the book is split between their past, all through their alternately happy and heartbreaking moments, and the present, when Ollie has given Nina an ultimatum: they either get together for real, or he's going home to Ireland and giving up on her for good.
Nina and Oliver's dynamic is pretty much a cat-and-mouse kind of thing – he's forever chasing her, and she only allows herself to be caught for as long as she can handle. Nina's life before meeting Ollie turned her into a person who's terrified of getting attached to a good thing, to just shutting up and accepting love from someone else, which I... get. It ain't easy to be vulnerable, and, while I'm sure some people will want to throw their Kindles at the wall for every time Nina skirts around an emotional conversation for seemingly no reason, I feel for her. Opening up to someone is hard!!
The story definitely throws some curveballs and plot twists in there (the end of chapter four is a notorious jaw-dropper), the banter is 10/10, and the romance is gorgeous. Ollie gets put through the wringer for a good decade, but he gets his happy ending, I promise!
I hope everyone loves this book as much as I did, and I hope people show kindness towards Nina. She's trying her best!!! 💕
November 10, 2022
✨I’ll let you below deck 😏✨
Thank you PRH Audio for an advanced listening copy! And thank you Berkley Romance for a free finished copy! All opinions are honest and my own.
If you’re a Below Deck fan I think you’ll have a very good time with this because that first 75% felt exactly like the show. I’m not normally one for flashbacks but I actually really liked them here! Again, single POV for the win. Ollie was pretty much on board from the start so it makes sense why the POV was just Nina.
On the topic of Ollie . . . KING. He kept calling her kitten and said “easy there killer” on more than one occasion. Historically, when pet names—especially killer—enter the chat, I lose my mind and all of my morals. And in that accent?? Excuse me, I need a moment.
This is super duper fade to black and that was also a let down because, like I said, Ollie was a sex pot with that accent OOF he was like we’re gonna TALK in the bedroom and my god why tease that??? I’m picturing and Irish Tom Hardy. He was also 5’9” which is pretty rare in a hero! A true Tom Hardy.
The first 75% was perfect and then they got off the big boat and Nina went off about wine glasses and I was like ???? It really disrupted the flow for me. But the breakup was necessary, as I did love how Ollie was just done after that and Nina really did have to put in the work to show him she took their relationship seriously.
Overall, this was a very solid book and a very unique take on the second chance trope. Fun and juicy details about their previous relationship were revealed and I had a very good time. The end dragged me down, but attached to the book as a whole it made sense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶.5/5
Thank you PRH Audio for an advanced listening copy! And thank you Berkley Romance for a free finished copy! All opinions are honest and my own.
If you’re a Below Deck fan I think you’ll have a very good time with this because that first 75% felt exactly like the show. I’m not normally one for flashbacks but I actually really liked them here! Again, single POV for the win. Ollie was pretty much on board from the start so it makes sense why the POV was just Nina.
On the topic of Ollie . . . KING. He kept calling her kitten and said “easy there killer” on more than one occasion. Historically, when pet names—especially killer—enter the chat, I lose my mind and all of my morals. And in that accent?? Excuse me, I need a moment.
This is super duper fade to black and that was also a let down because, like I said, Ollie was a sex pot with that accent OOF he was like we’re gonna TALK in the bedroom and my god why tease that??? I’m picturing and Irish Tom Hardy. He was also 5’9” which is pretty rare in a hero! A true Tom Hardy.
The first 75% was perfect and then they got off the big boat and Nina went off about wine glasses and I was like ???? It really disrupted the flow for me. But the breakup was necessary, as I did love how Ollie was just done after that and Nina really did have to put in the work to show him she took their relationship seriously.
Overall, this was a very solid book and a very unique take on the second chance trope. Fun and juicy details about their previous relationship were revealed and I had a very good time. The end dragged me down, but attached to the book as a whole it made sense.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶.5/5
January 3, 2022
Oh my heart!! Loved this.
Lengthier, coherent review to come when I can put myself together enough to be articulate.
Lengthier, coherent review to come when I can put myself together enough to be articulate.
May 4, 2022
Thank you for checking out my second book, LUCK AND LAST RESORTS! I love this book with my whole heart and am so excited to share Nina and Ollie's story with you. While this is a companion novel to my debut novel, Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships, you do not need to have read LLFS to enjoy and understand LLR.
LUCK AND LAST RESORTS book trailer
My babies:
This review is to share genre/trope/steam/TW info.
Genre: Contemporary Romance (unlike my first novel, this is not a hybrid of WF/CR, it is just CR)
Main trope: Second Chance Romance
Steam level:
TWs (minor spoilers)
LUCK AND LAST RESORTS book trailer
My babies:
This review is to share genre/trope/steam/TW info.
Genre: Contemporary Romance (unlike my first novel, this is not a hybrid of WF/CR, it is just CR)
Main trope: Second Chance Romance
Steam level:
TWs (minor spoilers)
March 29, 2022
this sequel was even better than the first one! thanks to netgalley and berkley publishing for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review. i enjoyed this book a lot, especially the characters and setting. it was nice reading about some characters that we’ve already met through the first book in the series and learning more about them.
this book follows nina lejeune, a former gymnast, and ollie, a chef. they’ve worked together for many years and have a… complicated history. ollie tries to build a stronger relationship with nina, which leads to her questioning if she can make herself vulnerable again. i loved seeing her growth throughout and how she relies on her friends to help her, such as jo and xav. it’s always nice seeing strong friendships in romance books.
i finished this book really quickly and it had a lot of twists and turns that kept me engaged - especially chapter 4! it’s a complex romance novel, but it’s one that i’m sure many people will love. i recommend it!
4.5 stars
this book follows nina lejeune, a former gymnast, and ollie, a chef. they’ve worked together for many years and have a… complicated history. ollie tries to build a stronger relationship with nina, which leads to her questioning if she can make herself vulnerable again. i loved seeing her growth throughout and how she relies on her friends to help her, such as jo and xav. it’s always nice seeing strong friendships in romance books.
i finished this book really quickly and it had a lot of twists and turns that kept me engaged - especially chapter 4! it’s a complex romance novel, but it’s one that i’m sure many people will love. i recommend it!
4.5 stars
August 3, 2022
I know I'm in the minority here but this one didn't work for me. I found Nina incredibly selfish, immature and annoying and didn't buy that Ollie has been obsessed with her forever. I also didn't like all the time jumping back and forth.
Her issues with her parents explain some of her maturity level (or lack there of) but even that wasn't well developed. Some of the conflict didn't make any sense and I just...blah. I just didn't enjoy the story at all.
Her issues with her parents explain some of her maturity level (or lack there of) but even that wasn't well developed. Some of the conflict didn't make any sense and I just...blah. I just didn't enjoy the story at all.
August 25, 2022
Without a doubt, this will be one of my favourites of the year. And it's unbelievably tricky to review because of CHAPTER FOUR. What a plot twist. Just know the angsty, messy love between Nina and Ollie will make your heart ache in the most glorious way. Within pages I could feel the complicated, beautifully woven history between them.
Both incredibly hotheaded, I was simply addicted to their flirtatious banter. Coworkers on the same super yacht, Nina and Ollie have always had a mutual agreement to remain friends with benefits. But let me tell you, their relationship is anything but simple. Alternating between past and present, you'll want to smack Nina and her intense commitment issues, but I assure you it'll all be worth it.
The yacht setting and genuine humour were the cherry on top! I wish I could spill all my gushing thoughts—but like I said, CHAPTER FOUR. All the stars for this one!
Both incredibly hotheaded, I was simply addicted to their flirtatious banter. Coworkers on the same super yacht, Nina and Ollie have always had a mutual agreement to remain friends with benefits. But let me tell you, their relationship is anything but simple. Alternating between past and present, you'll want to smack Nina and her intense commitment issues, but I assure you it'll all be worth it.
The yacht setting and genuine humour were the cherry on top! I wish I could spill all my gushing thoughts—but like I said, CHAPTER FOUR. All the stars for this one!
August 10, 2022
After hearing such fabulous things about Love, Lists, & Fancy Ships, the first book in this series, I jumped at the chance to read Luck & Last Resorts. It’s the first book I’ve read by the author, and I’m glad to say I enjoyed it! It has several tropes I love, and the second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance is great.
Nina and Ollie have a unique relationship, and their second-chance romance is filled with angst, chemistry, and complicated feelings. Nina especially has to face her feelings and stop self-sabotaging before she can really embrace her future. She has spent most of her adult life working as a yacht stewardess and avoiding the problems that she initially ran from. She is not great with change and is still struggling with trust issues because of betrayals in the past. Her actions are frustrating at times, but her fears and reactions to certain situations are very realistic.
And I love Ollie! He is so patient and understanding, and his feelings for Nina run deep. Ollie learns a lot about himself over the course of the story, and I love how he begins to stand up for himself and his wants too. He is a layered character with an interesting back story, much like Nina. Tired of playing games with Nina, he gives her an ultimatum, and it’s interesting to see how they both deal with the realization that their ten year on again off again relationship might come to an end. I enjoyed their banter and their decade-long love story. Flashbacks of Ollie and Nina’s relationship reveal so much about them, from their first contentious meeting to their eventual friendship and then romance, their feelings for each other run deep.
I enjoyed this book, and though it is the second in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. In fact, I hadn’t read the first book before I read this one, and I had no problem following the story or the characters. For those of you that have read the first book in the series, you’ll be happy to know that many of the characters have secondary roles in this book.
I think readers who enjoy contemporary romances with great characters, a summer setting, and a lovely second-chance romance will enjoy this story, and I’m thankful to Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Nina and Ollie have a unique relationship, and their second-chance romance is filled with angst, chemistry, and complicated feelings. Nina especially has to face her feelings and stop self-sabotaging before she can really embrace her future. She has spent most of her adult life working as a yacht stewardess and avoiding the problems that she initially ran from. She is not great with change and is still struggling with trust issues because of betrayals in the past. Her actions are frustrating at times, but her fears and reactions to certain situations are very realistic.
And I love Ollie! He is so patient and understanding, and his feelings for Nina run deep. Ollie learns a lot about himself over the course of the story, and I love how he begins to stand up for himself and his wants too. He is a layered character with an interesting back story, much like Nina. Tired of playing games with Nina, he gives her an ultimatum, and it’s interesting to see how they both deal with the realization that their ten year on again off again relationship might come to an end. I enjoyed their banter and their decade-long love story. Flashbacks of Ollie and Nina’s relationship reveal so much about them, from their first contentious meeting to their eventual friendship and then romance, their feelings for each other run deep.
I enjoyed this book, and though it is the second in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. In fact, I hadn’t read the first book before I read this one, and I had no problem following the story or the characters. For those of you that have read the first book in the series, you’ll be happy to know that many of the characters have secondary roles in this book.
I think readers who enjoy contemporary romances with great characters, a summer setting, and a lovely second-chance romance will enjoy this story, and I’m thankful to Berkley Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
August 8, 2022
Sarah just keeps getting better and better.
Oh my gosh was this addicting…this is about friendship and tip toeing that fine line between love and commitment. It’s about messy head spaces and grief and not quite getting over what messed you up in the past.
I adored Nina and Ollie. Their friendship was wonderful, slightly irreverent, and just freaking ADDICTING. As much as I was frustrated with Nina…and I was A LOT (girl has MAJOR denial issues)…Sarah wrote her in such a fresh, funny and relatable way that I still enjoyed her and wanted her to get her happy ending.
OLLIE. Precious. Irish. Yacht Chef with a foul mouth and sweet as they come….in a grumpy sort of way. The way he was with Nina warmed my heart. I seriously couldn’t get enough.
It’s so wonderful when an author creates two characters you can’t see with anyone but the other. The chemistry was there, the emotional pull, the ANGST…yes indeed…and I loved the back and forth between present and past as their relationship evolved.
Probably one of my fave adult romances this year. I hope you add this to your list when it releases in August! The audio was EXCELLENT. I couldn’t stop listening.
Thank you Berkley Romance and Netgalley for my advanced Earc.
*closed door maybe a peek open but fade to black non descript 1-2 scenes, heavy strong language.
Oh my gosh was this addicting…this is about friendship and tip toeing that fine line between love and commitment. It’s about messy head spaces and grief and not quite getting over what messed you up in the past.
I adored Nina and Ollie. Their friendship was wonderful, slightly irreverent, and just freaking ADDICTING. As much as I was frustrated with Nina…and I was A LOT (girl has MAJOR denial issues)…Sarah wrote her in such a fresh, funny and relatable way that I still enjoyed her and wanted her to get her happy ending.
OLLIE. Precious. Irish. Yacht Chef with a foul mouth and sweet as they come….in a grumpy sort of way. The way he was with Nina warmed my heart. I seriously couldn’t get enough.
It’s so wonderful when an author creates two characters you can’t see with anyone but the other. The chemistry was there, the emotional pull, the ANGST…yes indeed…and I loved the back and forth between present and past as their relationship evolved.
Probably one of my fave adult romances this year. I hope you add this to your list when it releases in August! The audio was EXCELLENT. I couldn’t stop listening.
Thank you Berkley Romance and Netgalley for my advanced Earc.
*closed door maybe a peek open but fade to black non descript 1-2 scenes, heavy strong language.
May 8, 2022
3.5/5
A+++ for that plot twist! I did not see it coming and it had me clutching the armrests of my chair!
I adored Ollie, who falls hard and fast for Nina and is so devoted to her. Nina is a tough nut to crack and she doesn't allow anyone into her heart, but it's obvious she's been deeply hurt. Her love for Ollie is a sure thing, she just needed to work on herself first.
This book is told in dual timelines, which doesn't always work for me, especially when the time gap isn't that significant. It wasn't a huge problem here because the chapters were well-labeled.
July 21, 2022
I couldn't wait for Ollie and Nina's story after meeting them in Love, Lists, & Fancy Ships. It's clear these two have a history, but I had no idea how deep it ran. Though the book can be read as a standalone, I think it would be most enjoyed if read in order since characters from the previous book appear heavily (and you get a great update on them).
Things to look forward to:
- Real and relatable characters. Ollie and Nina have baggage. They aren't perfect and they make mistakes. Sometimes you want to throttle them and other times give them a huge hug. I found myself very frustrated with Nina at different times in the book, but I appreciated that she (and Ollie) ultimately made changes for themselves and their own well being. They're complicated and messy people, but that only made their journey more satisfying.
- The writing. Sarah Grunder Ruiz is truly talented. I love her sense of humor and voice. She put these characters through the ringer, but she healed them too. I also did not see that twist coming at all! Well played! *clapping*
- Amazing friendships and secondary characters. I love Jo and Nina together, but it was Captain Xav who stole the show every time he was on the page. He was part boss, part friend, and part father figure. I'm very curious about his "one that got away' story and I wish we could get a happy ending for him too.
- Updates on Jo and Alex. I loved seeing these two again and getting more glimpses of their happily ever after. The epilogue especially brought everything full circle and had me smiling so big.
- I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook and Karissa Vacker was excellent. I really enjoyed her narration, especially all of Ollie's "fecking" LOL
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
Sometimes the timeline was a bit hard to follow (the story is told through past and present chapters) and I had to stop at every chapter to make sure I had everything straight. I also wish that there would have been more happy moments together between Ollie and Nina after everything that they went through, but like I said, that epilogue was pretty fantastic. Sad to say goodbye to these characters!
CW: strained family relationships, domestic violence/child abuse (past), gambling addiction (parent), identity theft and loss of credit (past), sexual harassment (work related, on page)
*I read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
Things to look forward to:
- Real and relatable characters. Ollie and Nina have baggage. They aren't perfect and they make mistakes. Sometimes you want to throttle them and other times give them a huge hug. I found myself very frustrated with Nina at different times in the book, but I appreciated that she (and Ollie) ultimately made changes for themselves and their own well being. They're complicated and messy people, but that only made their journey more satisfying.
- The writing. Sarah Grunder Ruiz is truly talented. I love her sense of humor and voice. She put these characters through the ringer, but she healed them too. I also did not see that twist coming at all! Well played! *clapping*
- Amazing friendships and secondary characters. I love Jo and Nina together, but it was Captain Xav who stole the show every time he was on the page. He was part boss, part friend, and part father figure. I'm very curious about his "one that got away' story and I wish we could get a happy ending for him too.
- Updates on Jo and Alex. I loved seeing these two again and getting more glimpses of their happily ever after. The epilogue especially brought everything full circle and had me smiling so big.
- I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook and Karissa Vacker was excellent. I really enjoyed her narration, especially all of Ollie's "fecking" LOL
Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4 stars
Sometimes the timeline was a bit hard to follow (the story is told through past and present chapters) and I had to stop at every chapter to make sure I had everything straight. I also wish that there would have been more happy moments together between Ollie and Nina after everything that they went through, but like I said, that epilogue was pretty fantastic. Sad to say goodbye to these characters!
CW: strained family relationships, domestic violence/child abuse (past), gambling addiction (parent), identity theft and loss of credit (past), sexual harassment (work related, on page)
*I read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
July 6, 2022
Review coming soon.
February 7, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Warnings: Difficult family dynamics, domestic violence/child abuse (past, off page), identity theft, gabling addiction, sexual harassment
Read if you liked: Love, Lists and Fancy Ships or Count Your Lucky Stars
Steam: 2ish (fade-to-black/peek-around-the-door)
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Frenemies to Lovers, It's Just a Hookup, Second Chance, Workplace
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Luck and Last Resorts will be released on August 9th, 2022.
Sarah' did it again! It's quirky, chaotic, heartfelt and I just love those two humans so much. I am VERY INVESTED in this story world that has been created and I need all the books about it. Unlike Love, Lists and Fancy Ships which was more women's fiction, this is a second chance romance. We got a taste of Nina and Ollie + their dynamic in LLFS but now we get a whole book about them.
Things I loved: The pining, the second chance of it all, the chapter 4 surprise. The Tobacco Free Florida Ad is such a Florida kid thing and we all KNOW. Ollie and Nina's dynamic and the banter. The pizza rolls, the earrings. I loved seeing Jo and Alex again. THERAPY was mentioned and we love a therapy moment. I love Ollie, like adore him and I would like him to be real.
Things I didn't care for: The timeline, I loved how we had past and present but then we kept skipping months. They resulted in a little confusion. I wanted more context about both of their pasts before each other.
Disclosure: The author and I are mutuals on social media, do live in the same area and have become friendly. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Warnings: Difficult family dynamics, domestic violence/child abuse (past, off page), identity theft, gabling addiction, sexual harassment
Read if you liked: Love, Lists and Fancy Ships or Count Your Lucky Stars
Steam: 2ish (fade-to-black/peek-around-the-door)
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Frenemies to Lovers, It's Just a Hookup, Second Chance, Workplace
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Luck and Last Resorts will be released on August 9th, 2022.
Sarah' did it again! It's quirky, chaotic, heartfelt and I just love those two humans so much. I am VERY INVESTED in this story world that has been created and I need all the books about it. Unlike Love, Lists and Fancy Ships which was more women's fiction, this is a second chance romance. We got a taste of Nina and Ollie + their dynamic in LLFS but now we get a whole book about them.
Things I loved: The pining, the second chance of it all, the chapter 4 surprise. The Tobacco Free Florida Ad is such a Florida kid thing and we all KNOW. Ollie and Nina's dynamic and the banter. The pizza rolls, the earrings. I loved seeing Jo and Alex again. THERAPY was mentioned and we love a therapy moment. I love Ollie, like adore him and I would like him to be real.
Things I didn't care for: The timeline, I loved how we had past and present but then we kept skipping months. They resulted in a little confusion. I wanted more context about both of their pasts before each other.
Disclosure: The author and I are mutuals on social media, do live in the same area and have become friendly. All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2022
3.5 stars
I'm back and forth about the rating for this novel. I really liked how it involved people working on a yacht because I don't see that used very much in novels and it makes for a fun and different setting. As well, I loved all of the characters from the main two characters to the surrounding characters.
However, I felt a mixture of emotions when reading this book. It was fun but it was also raw, deep, and emotional. Ollie truly won me over and I really really felt for him. I did feel for Nina as well and I understood where she was coming from with her struggles but...she really made Ollie go THROUGH it. To be honest, I don't know if this would have the same ending in real life or if there would have been that same level of dedication. But alas, it's a fictional story.
After reading this book, even though it's the second in a series, I want to backtrack and read the first book. I know I kind of spoilt it for myself but I think I'll still like the story and the journey in that first book just as much.
I'm back and forth about the rating for this novel. I really liked how it involved people working on a yacht because I don't see that used very much in novels and it makes for a fun and different setting. As well, I loved all of the characters from the main two characters to the surrounding characters.
However, I felt a mixture of emotions when reading this book. It was fun but it was also raw, deep, and emotional. Ollie truly won me over and I really really felt for him. I did feel for Nina as well and I understood where she was coming from with her struggles but...she really made Ollie go THROUGH it. To be honest, I don't know if this would have the same ending in real life or if there would have been that same level of dedication. But alas, it's a fictional story.
After reading this book, even though it's the second in a series, I want to backtrack and read the first book. I know I kind of spoilt it for myself but I think I'll still like the story and the journey in that first book just as much.
May 27, 2023
1.5 stars rounded up feels pretty generous. Nina may not have gone to the Olympics but she won this honorary gold 🏅 for being the world’s most selfish asshole. I’m generally pretty forgiving, particularly of FMC’s, but she was so unlikable that I started actively rooting against her HEA at about 34%.
ALTERNATE ENDING—I’m just going to pretend this is what happened instead: Ollie (HE. DOES. NOT. LIKE. TO. BE. CALLED. OLIVER.) goes home to Ireland, gets some therapy, grows a backbone and meets the love of his life—a kind Irish girl named Shannon who thinks the sun shines out of his arse. Shannon tells him she loves him every day, asks him what’s wrong when he’s upset AND actually listens when he asks her not to call him Oliver because she respects him as a human being.
Ollie finally gets to experience what it’s like to love and be loved by someone who isn’t a complete narcissist so that when Nina finally shows up, all he feels for her is pity. Ollie forgives Nina and thanks her for being “just not that into him” because now he gets to experience true happiness and have beautiful Irish babies with Shannon. Nina signs the divorce papers immediately (since it’s the literal least she can do after wasting 10 years of Ollie’s life) and f**ks right off back to I don’t care where. The End.
I enjoyed the writing style in the beginning and tolerated Nina because I was hoping for epic character development. Needless to say, she remained a garbage human being. The dual timelines emphasized Nina’s complete lack of depth and growth in a decade. Past Nina and present Nina acted exactly the same.
The romance itself was incredibly unbelievable and repetitive. Nobody in their right mind would let Nina walk all over them FOR TEN YEARS! 2-3 years while they’re still in their early twenties? Sure, I could have chalked that up to young and dumb and found more nice things to say about this story. But I’m supposed to believe that Ollie put up with ten years of Nina’s hot and cold bullshit—stringing him along, repeatedly breaking his heart, sleeping with other people—all while still technically married to each other and supposedly in love? No, no. A thousand times no.
Phewwww. That’s enough of that. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. I was feeling pretty passionate there for a minute.
ALTERNATE ENDING—I’m just going to pretend this is what happened instead: Ollie (HE. DOES. NOT. LIKE. TO. BE. CALLED. OLIVER.) goes home to Ireland, gets some therapy, grows a backbone and meets the love of his life—a kind Irish girl named Shannon who thinks the sun shines out of his arse. Shannon tells him she loves him every day, asks him what’s wrong when he’s upset AND actually listens when he asks her not to call him Oliver because she respects him as a human being.
Ollie finally gets to experience what it’s like to love and be loved by someone who isn’t a complete narcissist so that when Nina finally shows up, all he feels for her is pity. Ollie forgives Nina and thanks her for being “just not that into him” because now he gets to experience true happiness and have beautiful Irish babies with Shannon. Nina signs the divorce papers immediately (since it’s the literal least she can do after wasting 10 years of Ollie’s life) and f**ks right off back to I don’t care where. The End.
I enjoyed the writing style in the beginning and tolerated Nina because I was hoping for epic character development. Needless to say, she remained a garbage human being. The dual timelines emphasized Nina’s complete lack of depth and growth in a decade. Past Nina and present Nina acted exactly the same.
The romance itself was incredibly unbelievable and repetitive. Nobody in their right mind would let Nina walk all over them FOR TEN YEARS! 2-3 years while they’re still in their early twenties? Sure, I could have chalked that up to young and dumb and found more nice things to say about this story. But I’m supposed to believe that Ollie put up with ten years of Nina’s hot and cold bullshit—stringing him along, repeatedly breaking his heart, sleeping with other people—all while still technically married to each other and supposedly in love? No, no. A thousand times no.
Phewwww. That’s enough of that. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk. I was feeling pretty passionate there for a minute.
August 9, 2022
4.5/5 stars
Luck and Last Resorts is a contemporary romance. It can be read as a standalone. However the characters from the first book are in this book. I would definitely recommend reading the books in order.
The narrator is 32 year old Nina (1st person POV). She is Jo's best friend from Love, Lists & Fancy Ships.
Nina is an intriguing character. She was a world class gymnast. But has a difficult relationship with her family. And she is very secretive (her big secret blew me away).
The book is Nina and Ollie's story. We get them in the present. But we also see glimpses of the past starting 9 years ago when they met (and moving forward year by year). I thought that was a very good way to tell their story.
Nina is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity. And we get to see a lot of life on the yacht, which I enjoyed. Nina does not do relationships, which was a bit frustrating. I just wanted to shake her and tell her that she was being ridiculous.
Ollie was a fun love interest. He is an Irish chef working in the US. He also has issues from when he left home. Together these two made an interesting couple.
The last part of the book was definitely the best. And I really enjoyed seeing Jo and having her story continue in this book. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Thanks to netgalley and Berkley Romance for allowing me to read this book.
Luck and Last Resorts is a contemporary romance. It can be read as a standalone. However the characters from the first book are in this book. I would definitely recommend reading the books in order.
The narrator is 32 year old Nina (1st person POV). She is Jo's best friend from Love, Lists & Fancy Ships.
Nina is an intriguing character. She was a world class gymnast. But has a difficult relationship with her family. And she is very secretive (her big secret blew me away).
The book is Nina and Ollie's story. We get them in the present. But we also see glimpses of the past starting 9 years ago when they met (and moving forward year by year). I thought that was a very good way to tell their story.
Nina is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity. And we get to see a lot of life on the yacht, which I enjoyed. Nina does not do relationships, which was a bit frustrating. I just wanted to shake her and tell her that she was being ridiculous.
Ollie was a fun love interest. He is an Irish chef working in the US. He also has issues from when he left home. Together these two made an interesting couple.
The last part of the book was definitely the best. And I really enjoyed seeing Jo and having her story continue in this book. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Thanks to netgalley and Berkley Romance for allowing me to read this book.
February 19, 2023
AHH this was UTTER PERFECTION!! Sarah Grunder Ruiz makes the swooniest characters that I actually care about!! I laughed, cried, screamed because I just felt so much for both Nina and Ollie!! They’re so real to me and the tropes are all amazing (forced proximity, pining etc.)! This is closed door but don’t let that deter you from picking this up! Honestly, I’ll buy every book from this author from now on!! Read this pls ✌️now excuse me while I think about this book until my next re-read!
LOVE, LISTS & FANCY SHIPS
#1 Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships – 4.25 stars
#2 Luck and Last Resorts – 4.75 stars
LOVE, LISTS & FANCY SHIPS
#1 Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships – 4.25 stars
#2 Luck and Last Resorts – 4.75 stars
August 27, 2022
wow I really wanted to smack the shit out of nina.
March 27, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5)
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (fade to black scenes with mild description)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of gambling addiction, identity theft, and abuse
Yacht stewardess Nina Lejeune and chef Ollie Dunne have had a rollercoaster romance ever since meeting nine years ago. While Ollie is straightforward about his feelings and wants to make things official, Nina has trust issues from her past that have caused her to push Ollie away when things get too serious. As they embark on another charter season together, Ollie gives Nina an ultimatum that will force her to confront her feelings and make a decision about where their future really lies. Can Nina really change her ways and commit, or will she be left behind while Ollie finally moves on?
After meeting Nina and Ollie in book 1, I knew their romance was going to be epic. This story did not disappoint, especially with the unexpected plot twist that's revealed early on! The banter between Nina and Ollie was excellent, and it had me flying through this book. I loved how they had so much chemistry with their bickering, playful personalities. Reading about Nina's struggles was really heartbreaking, and even though she was the one causing problems with Ollie, I still really felt for her. I absolutely loved that Ollie wanted to settle down and commit to Nina! What a dream man! The flashbacks just added to the story and gave enough backstory to show how their relationship developed and how Nina repeatedly self-sabotaged things. Honestly, the only thing that kept this from being a perfect five stars was the fact that the last 25% was dragged out a bit too much for me. But it was worth it to see how things ended between these two. I've heard there might be another book in this series, and I really hope it happens so I can get more of this beloved couple.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥 (fade to black scenes with mild description)
Trigger Warning: brief mentions of gambling addiction, identity theft, and abuse
Yacht stewardess Nina Lejeune and chef Ollie Dunne have had a rollercoaster romance ever since meeting nine years ago. While Ollie is straightforward about his feelings and wants to make things official, Nina has trust issues from her past that have caused her to push Ollie away when things get too serious. As they embark on another charter season together, Ollie gives Nina an ultimatum that will force her to confront her feelings and make a decision about where their future really lies. Can Nina really change her ways and commit, or will she be left behind while Ollie finally moves on?
After meeting Nina and Ollie in book 1, I knew their romance was going to be epic. This story did not disappoint, especially with the unexpected plot twist that's revealed early on! The banter between Nina and Ollie was excellent, and it had me flying through this book. I loved how they had so much chemistry with their bickering, playful personalities. Reading about Nina's struggles was really heartbreaking, and even though she was the one causing problems with Ollie, I still really felt for her. I absolutely loved that Ollie wanted to settle down and commit to Nina! What a dream man! The flashbacks just added to the story and gave enough backstory to show how their relationship developed and how Nina repeatedly self-sabotaged things. Honestly, the only thing that kept this from being a perfect five stars was the fact that the last 25% was dragged out a bit too much for me. But it was worth it to see how things ended between these two. I've heard there might be another book in this series, and I really hope it happens so I can get more of this beloved couple.
September 5, 2022
3.5 stars. This book affirmed my extreme weakness for “kitten” as a term of endearment. It certainly didn’t hurt that Irishman Ollie was the one saying it. But “kitten” gets me every time, no matter the book. Needless to say, I was Team Ollie all the way.
Or at least, as much as I could be when I questioned his judgment when it came to Nina. I had a lot of mixed feelings about Nina in Love, Lists & Fancy Ships so it’s unsurprising I have a lot of mixed feelings about her book. She and Jo don’t have the healthiest of friendships, given Nina’s preference for Jo to stay in denial about her grief or ever dealing with emotions just like her. But I tried to go into this with an open mind. This was just as compulsively readable but I remained befuddled that Nina had any real friends, much less an on-again off-again relationship with Ollie that had lasted 9 years. NINE YEARS of mixed signals?! Ollie, my man, you deserve so much better. I really hoped we’d see a strong transformation for Nina but it didn’t quite play out that way.
I had three main issues. First, the emotional arc needed better pacing. The thing is, there was a lot about their relationship that worked for me so I was rooting for Nina to get her head in the game. It just wasn’t enough time to show healing had really occurred and that things would be different this time around.
Second, the green card marriage. Anything connected to immigration is incredibly fraught these days but romances about green card marriages involving white European immigrants skate by without ever acknowledging that reality. Nina and Ollie are in their early 20s when Nina suggests they get married so Ollie can stay in the US; I wouldn’t expect them to have much awareness of the larger considerations based on their age. It was enough that Ollie knew it would be fraud. I hoped that present day Ollie and Nina would reflect on what a privileged situation they were in by virtue of them both being white and Ollie being from Ireland. That would have gone a long way, given the very real discrimination, racism, and bigotry non-white immigrants face in the US.
Third, the author must have listened to the critique about the whiteness of Love, Lists & Fancy Ships because the racial diversity was much improved. However, it’s still a very cishet book and that’s concerning because Nina was coded as queer in LL&FS—and the author confirmed as much to my friend. There’s nothing that suggests she is anything but straight in this book. I’m here for casual queer rep but it shouldn’t be so casual that your average reader completely misses it. That’s really concerning and not at all okay. It’s a major misstep in an otherwise enjoyable book.
Characters: Nina is a 32 year old white chief stewardess and a former gymnast. Ollie is a 32 year old white Irish chef; he’s 5’9. This is set in Palm Beach, FL and Cobh, Ireland.
Content notes: filing for divorce (green card marriage 9 years ago), sexual harassment by charter guests, family estrangement (MMC; ), off-page death of estranged parent, MMC’s father was physically and emotionally abusive (past), parental gambling debt and identity theft, insomnia, old knee injury, acknowledgment of racism in yachting industry, pregnancy epilogue, fade-to-black sex, alcohol, inebriation, cigarettes, drug references (including presence on yacht), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
Or at least, as much as I could be when I questioned his judgment when it came to Nina. I had a lot of mixed feelings about Nina in Love, Lists & Fancy Ships so it’s unsurprising I have a lot of mixed feelings about her book. She and Jo don’t have the healthiest of friendships, given Nina’s preference for Jo to stay in denial about her grief or ever dealing with emotions just like her. But I tried to go into this with an open mind. This was just as compulsively readable but I remained befuddled that Nina had any real friends, much less an on-again off-again relationship with Ollie that had lasted 9 years. NINE YEARS of mixed signals?! Ollie, my man, you deserve so much better. I really hoped we’d see a strong transformation for Nina but it didn’t quite play out that way.
I had three main issues. First, the emotional arc needed better pacing. The thing is, there was a lot about their relationship that worked for me so I was rooting for Nina to get her head in the game. It just wasn’t enough time to show healing had really occurred and that things would be different this time around.
Second, the green card marriage. Anything connected to immigration is incredibly fraught these days but romances about green card marriages involving white European immigrants skate by without ever acknowledging that reality. Nina and Ollie are in their early 20s when Nina suggests they get married so Ollie can stay in the US; I wouldn’t expect them to have much awareness of the larger considerations based on their age. It was enough that Ollie knew it would be fraud. I hoped that present day Ollie and Nina would reflect on what a privileged situation they were in by virtue of them both being white and Ollie being from Ireland. That would have gone a long way, given the very real discrimination, racism, and bigotry non-white immigrants face in the US.
Third, the author must have listened to the critique about the whiteness of Love, Lists & Fancy Ships because the racial diversity was much improved. However, it’s still a very cishet book and that’s concerning because Nina was coded as queer in LL&FS—and the author confirmed as much to my friend. There’s nothing that suggests she is anything but straight in this book. I’m here for casual queer rep but it shouldn’t be so casual that your average reader completely misses it. That’s really concerning and not at all okay. It’s a major misstep in an otherwise enjoyable book.
Characters: Nina is a 32 year old white chief stewardess and a former gymnast. Ollie is a 32 year old white Irish chef; he’s 5’9. This is set in Palm Beach, FL and Cobh, Ireland.
Content notes: filing for divorce (green card marriage 9 years ago), sexual harassment by charter guests, family estrangement (MMC; ), off-page death of estranged parent, MMC’s father was physically and emotionally abusive (past), parental gambling debt and identity theft, insomnia, old knee injury, acknowledgment of racism in yachting industry, pregnancy epilogue, fade-to-black sex, alcohol, inebriation, cigarettes, drug references (including presence on yacht), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
October 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
I felt really torn about reading Luck and Last Resorts because I thought it would be super angsty (not my thing) and that Nina would try my patience, but I loved the first book, Love, Lists & Fancy Ships so I thought I’d give it a shot.
Nina did try my patience, and I did understand she wanted to guard herself after what her parents put her through, but still, I wanted to shake her on more than one occasion! She pushed Ollie away so many times and I really had no idea why he took this waffling from her for so long. He was an absolute sweetheart. I was glad he gave Nina an ultimatum because it pushed her to finally start to acknowledge her true feelings for him. Of course, she didn’t change completely overnight, and it was painful in parts.
I know it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the story, but I did. The story flashes back to when Nina and Ollie first meet and they started a bit playfully adversarial but grew to be friends and then inseparable. It was fun and passionate. That is until Nina screwed things up. My heart hurt for Ollie, but also for Nina, because she was depriving herself of real joy and happiness by keeping Ollie at arm’s length.
Luck and Last Resorts was an angsty, heart wrenching read, but one that I enjoyed overall.
Karissa Vacker's narration was excellent!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
I felt really torn about reading Luck and Last Resorts because I thought it would be super angsty (not my thing) and that Nina would try my patience, but I loved the first book, Love, Lists & Fancy Ships so I thought I’d give it a shot.
Nina did try my patience, and I did understand she wanted to guard herself after what her parents put her through, but still, I wanted to shake her on more than one occasion! She pushed Ollie away so many times and I really had no idea why he took this waffling from her for so long. He was an absolute sweetheart. I was glad he gave Nina an ultimatum because it pushed her to finally start to acknowledge her true feelings for him. Of course, she didn’t change completely overnight, and it was painful in parts.
I know it sounds like I didn’t enjoy the story, but I did. The story flashes back to when Nina and Ollie first meet and they started a bit playfully adversarial but grew to be friends and then inseparable. It was fun and passionate. That is until Nina screwed things up. My heart hurt for Ollie, but also for Nina, because she was depriving herself of real joy and happiness by keeping Ollie at arm’s length.
Luck and Last Resorts was an angsty, heart wrenching read, but one that I enjoyed overall.
Karissa Vacker's narration was excellent!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2022
This book was my most anticipated read of 2022, an it became my favorite read of the year super fast. It was everything I wanted and way more.
The quality of this story was so enormous that I felt like I'd been knowing Nina and Ollie for years or for ten books. Their personalities were so defined, so intense and deep, that it feels as if they're real people. Especially Nina... she was delightful. I already loved her in LOVE, LISTS AND FANCY SHIPS, but being inside her mind was something else. She's one of the most complex heroines ever. I fell in love layer after layer of her character. She's so funny and genuine, but also, deeply damaged, and knowing her fears even before she faced them made her extremely lovable.
Ollie... OLIVER JOSEPH DUNNE. I want him to exist right now. He was... perfect. (Also, not revelant for his personality but it was so refreshing to see a shorter than 6ft hero!). Even though the book is narrated from Nina's POV, I feel like I got to know Ollie as deeply as Nina. After reading romance novels for years, I find it hard to get to know the heroes the same way if the books are single POV, but Sarah has managed it. I think it speaks volumes about her gift for writing.
In my original review, this part is a bit spoilery but I decided to change it because even though I know it’s a matter of time that it gets out, I don’t want to be the one doing it. This book is a second chance romance, yes… but it’s MUCH more than second chance. You just have to read the famous Chapter 4 to find out, so you won’t have to wait long to have the bomb dropped on your feet. It’s the best twist EVER. It was a masterpiece, but also heartbreaking. I felt a hand squeezing my heart a bit more with every chapter I read. By Chapter 16, my heart was shattered, and I love when books do this to me! I want the emotion, the angst, because I know the HEA is extremely rewarding after all the pain. They deserved the happiest ending ever, and it was beautiful.
I hope my review does this book justice, because it’s what Sarah and the book deserve.
PS. Listen to Taylor Swift when you’re reading, no matter what song, every single one fits.
PSS. You’ll never be able to sit on a bench again.
ARC provided by Berkley via NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
The quality of this story was so enormous that I felt like I'd been knowing Nina and Ollie for years or for ten books. Their personalities were so defined, so intense and deep, that it feels as if they're real people. Especially Nina... she was delightful. I already loved her in LOVE, LISTS AND FANCY SHIPS, but being inside her mind was something else. She's one of the most complex heroines ever. I fell in love layer after layer of her character. She's so funny and genuine, but also, deeply damaged, and knowing her fears even before she faced them made her extremely lovable.
Ollie... OLIVER JOSEPH DUNNE. I want him to exist right now. He was... perfect. (Also, not revelant for his personality but it was so refreshing to see a shorter than 6ft hero!). Even though the book is narrated from Nina's POV, I feel like I got to know Ollie as deeply as Nina. After reading romance novels for years, I find it hard to get to know the heroes the same way if the books are single POV, but Sarah has managed it. I think it speaks volumes about her gift for writing.
In my original review, this part is a bit spoilery but I decided to change it because even though I know it’s a matter of time that it gets out, I don’t want to be the one doing it. This book is a second chance romance, yes… but it’s MUCH more than second chance. You just have to read the famous Chapter 4 to find out, so you won’t have to wait long to have the bomb dropped on your feet. It’s the best twist EVER. It was a masterpiece, but also heartbreaking. I felt a hand squeezing my heart a bit more with every chapter I read. By Chapter 16, my heart was shattered, and I love when books do this to me! I want the emotion, the angst, because I know the HEA is extremely rewarding after all the pain. They deserved the happiest ending ever, and it was beautiful.
I hope my review does this book justice, because it’s what Sarah and the book deserve.
PS. Listen to Taylor Swift when you’re reading, no matter what song, every single one fits.
PSS. You’ll never be able to sit on a bench again.
ARC provided by Berkley via NetGalley. Opinions are my own!
August 2, 2022
I absolutely loved the first book in this series when I read it last year and have been so looking forward to getting to read Nina and Ollie’s story and I’m so glad it lived up to the hype for me! It had a different feel to it than the first book, which was a good thing because to me it just showed that the author is multifaceted and able to still right such an amazing romance just with a different feel. I think the biggest difference I noticed was this one was more angsty, but not in an annoying way. Nina and Ollie’s pain came from such a relatable place and I was rooting for them SO hard. They had amazing chemistry which lead to some wickedly funny banter and so much sarcasm. If you like romances with depth, some summery vibes and are a fan of Below Deck this is a must!
August 1, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is the second book in her Love, Lists & Fancy Ships Series but can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t read the first book in the series and didn’t feel like it hurt my reading experience for Luck and Last Resorts, however, now I really, want to read the first book as I loved the characters and writing in this emotional romance.
Nina Lejeune is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity. She spent the last 10 years working her way up to this position, managing the staff on the super yacht. She’s single and fun-loving and has no intention of changing anything in her life. She’s away at sea for months at a time, and that life has no room for a relationship.
Irish chef Ollie Dunne is back on the Serendipity for one last voyage. He’s there to find out at last if Nina will ever admit that she loves him. He’s done playing games with Nina and he is determined to turn their on-again, off-again relationship into something permanent, or he will leave for Ireland, never to see Nina again.
This is one emotional story and it’s full of angst. Both Nina and Ollie have some giant-sized baggage, and each of them needs to come to terms with their own issues before they can be together for real. Their relationship is intense and sometimes it’s difficult to watch them. But, I was rooting for them during the entire book as it’s obvious they are meant to be together.
The yacht is its own character and I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at how a superyacht is managed and all the lower deck staff drama. We also get a glimpse of the previous characters from the first book, but they are not really part of the story. The story is focused on Nina and Ollie.
This story is sometimes heartbreaking, frustrating, and gritty, but it’s also hopeful, romantic, and satisfying. These characters are so realistic and relatable that I couldn’t help being touched by their journey.
I highly recommend Luck and Last Resorts to anyone who enjoys romance and women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Luck and Last Resorts by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is the second book in her Love, Lists & Fancy Ships Series but can be read as a stand-alone. I didn’t read the first book in the series and didn’t feel like it hurt my reading experience for Luck and Last Resorts, however, now I really, want to read the first book as I loved the characters and writing in this emotional romance.
Nina Lejeune is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity. She spent the last 10 years working her way up to this position, managing the staff on the super yacht. She’s single and fun-loving and has no intention of changing anything in her life. She’s away at sea for months at a time, and that life has no room for a relationship.
Irish chef Ollie Dunne is back on the Serendipity for one last voyage. He’s there to find out at last if Nina will ever admit that she loves him. He’s done playing games with Nina and he is determined to turn their on-again, off-again relationship into something permanent, or he will leave for Ireland, never to see Nina again.
This is one emotional story and it’s full of angst. Both Nina and Ollie have some giant-sized baggage, and each of them needs to come to terms with their own issues before they can be together for real. Their relationship is intense and sometimes it’s difficult to watch them. But, I was rooting for them during the entire book as it’s obvious they are meant to be together.
The yacht is its own character and I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at how a superyacht is managed and all the lower deck staff drama. We also get a glimpse of the previous characters from the first book, but they are not really part of the story. The story is focused on Nina and Ollie.
This story is sometimes heartbreaking, frustrating, and gritty, but it’s also hopeful, romantic, and satisfying. These characters are so realistic and relatable that I couldn’t help being touched by their journey.
I highly recommend Luck and Last Resorts to anyone who enjoys romance and women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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