Total dreamboat A novel

There's no second book slump for Doyle (Just Some Stupid Love Story) in this fun beach read. Recently dumped Hope Lanover is persuaded to accompany her best friend, lifestyle influencer Lauren, on a Caribbean cruise, despite not being a "cruise person." British restaurant owner Felix Segrave is coerced onto the same boat by his wealthy family, though the break from his routine represents a threat to his sobriety. When Felix and Hope meet at the buffet, sparks fly. Together, they embrace cruising culture, enjoying moonlit walks, performances by Elvis impersonators, and island excursions. Unfortunately, their budding romance is interrupted by Hope's ex-boyfriend and a typical rom-com misunderstanding about intentions that leads to a major fight. With tempers flaring, Hope and Felix can't even avoid each other as they watch their ship depart port without them, leaving them stranded in the Bahamas without their identification, working phones, or any of their luggage and forced to rely on one another. The banter is clever, the setting gorgeous, and the quirky supporting cast entertains. Readers will be swept away. (June)

Hope Lanover is not one for cruises, but when she is invited to join a friend's all-expenses-paid Caribbean vacation, she can't resist the opportunity to escape the reality of a bad breakup, a budget crunch, and her parents' divorce. Another passenger, sober Felix Segrave, who's normally kept busy by the bustling gastropubs he runs, is also a reluctant cruiser; he's only here to celebrate his parents' anniversary. Neither Hope nor Felix was expecting to find instant chemistry on their 10-day cruise. When the reality of their pasts intrudes on the fantasy of cruise life, however, the resulting blow-up argument sees Hope and Felix stranded on an island paradise and reluctantly reliant on each other until their passports can be replaced. Their chemistry may have been scorching, but whether or not they resolve their personal issues in time to find a future together is still in question. VERDICT Doyle (Just Some Stupid Love Story) combines a breezy, fun vacation-fling plot with meaningful character development for a romance that feels lighthearted and flirty as well as warm and moving. A great choice to read poolside or on the beach.--Meagan Day