Book Review: "Starboard" by Ava Olsen

I’m now two books into this series (it’s called Voyagers) and I’m loving it. I don’t normally read an entire series super fast, but these books are a great balance of romance, super-spicy steam, and emotional depth. (Each book has recurring characters, but they can be read as a standalone.)

Dylan is a handsome actor whose public struggles with alcohol have damaged his career. He’s been divorced twice, and while his first stint in rehab didn’t quite take, he’s now been sober for two years and has spent most of that time out of the public eye.

He’s reluctantly agreed to work with a ghostwriter on his memoir, and at the same time he’s been offered a new film role. His close friends and his AA sponsor are worried that opening up about his life and addiction may damage his sobriety.

Max has made a living as a ghostwriter and professor, and writes his own novels in his spare time. When he and Dylan meet for the first time, there’s an immediate connection, and it’s not long before Dylan is opening up about many long-held secrets, including a major bombshell: he’s bisexual.

The more time they spend together, the stronger their attraction to one another grows. As much as they try to keep things professional, they know it’s just a matter of time before their lust overwhelms them. But what will a relationship with Max do to Dylan’s sobriety? Will a relationship sure to go public affect the tenuous custody arrangement Max and his ex-husband have for their teenage daughter?

"I remembered that some stars collided and merged as one, united forever after. Others ricocheted upon impact and headed into different directions, never to meet again."

While there is very little question about how this book will end, it still was a really enjoyable read. Dylan’s struggles with sobriety and his vulnerability about sharing his secrets added some real emotion to the story. I’m ready to get onboard for the third book!

Book Review: "Oh Buoy" by Ava Olsen

I watch very little television, but I will admit to occasionally binge-watching Below Deck. I don’t know why, but the whole chartered yacht vibe, rich people behaving badly, and drama between employees fascinates me. (Plus the crew is usually quite attractive.)

This book is the first in a 5-book series called Voyagers, and it definitely gave me Below Deck vibes. It’s romantic, super steamy, emotional, and there are lots of vivid descriptions of beautiful places, delicious food, and sexy people.

Andrew is about to start working as chief steward on the superyacht Now, Voyager. The last thing he’s expecting is how unbelievably handsome Rowan, the yacht’s owner, is. And while there’s definitely chemistry between them, Andrew has just been rebuilding his life after a workplace romance fell apart, so he needs to keep business and pleasure separate.

Rowan has been struggling, both professionally and personally. Ever since his relationship with a celebrity ended, he’s been the subject of paparazzi and gossip, which hasn’t been good for the family business. He cannot get Andrew out of his mind, but the last thing he needs is a scandal involving an inappropriate relationship with an employee.

The more they try to fight it, the more intense their feelings grow for each other. Can they wait until the charter season is done and then Andrew will no longer be an employee? Or is a chance at forever worth the risks?

“He wrecked my body and ruined my heart, and it was the most beautiful feeling imaginable.”

Book Review: "Luck and Last Resorts" by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Sometimes love means letting yourself be vulnerable.

Nina learned the hard way not to depend on anyone else. And she’s done a good job of that for the most part—except for Ollie, who has been her on-again, off-again flame for nearly 10 years.

It’s been easy to avoid any real commitment, with Nina working as chief stewardess on a yacht and Ollie working as a sous chef at a restaurant. But when Ollie decides to return to working on the yacht, he comes with an ultimatum: if Nina isn’t ready to admit she loves him by the end of the charter season, he’s going back to Ireland.

It should be easy for Nina: she really only feels complete when she’s with him. But life—and emotions—are far more complex, and her fears and vulnerabilities keep her from admitting how she feels. And a secret they share could tear it all apart.

This follow-up to last year’s Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships is romantic, funny, sweet, emotional, and even a little steamy. Banter is one of my favorite things in a rom-com, and Nina and Ollie make it into an art form. But their chemistry and their feelings for one another work so well, too.

You could read this as a stand-alone but I’d totally recommend reading the first book, which I absolutely loved. I hope to see all of these characters again!!