Jasmine and Brian broke up a few weeks ago, and good riddance. Sure, they've tried breaking up multiple times over the last several months, drawn back in by ease, proximity, and their shared dog, but Jasmine is starting to wonder what she wants in her future, even if it might take some effort, and Brian just isn't it. It's his casual racism for me. Kick him to the curb!

Jasmine is not the perfect Punjabi daughter her sister Niki shaped up to be. She studied visual arts *gasp,* works as an animator, and then there's the matter of her shitty boyfriend of four years. But she's felt like a disappointment to her parents since even before that, harkening back to her teenage years. When she finds out that only Niki was invited on a cruise with her parents and their friends (she didn't take them up on it), they have the gall to tell Jasmine she wasn't invited because her own travel preferences are typically "more adventurous." Surely, she wouldn't be interested in a boring Alaskan cruise. In an attempt to call the bluff, Jasmine invites herself despite lacking the money or inclination to really do so. As she gears up to spend time with a slew of aunties and uncles likely to be judging her, she soothes herself with the promise of reconnecting with friends from childhood. Imagine her shock when she arrives to discover none of those friends are there. It's a seniors' cruise, and she's been misled.

Jasmine and Jake get off to a bad start despite being the only ~underage~ passengers onboard. First, she mistakes him for a waiter she might want to get frisky with. After heavy flirting and a misstep, she has to reveal she doesn't remember babysitting him as a child (ouch on multiple levels). Revved up for a fight with how everything's going, Jasmine can't help but see echoes of her ex in his affront, which only adds fuel to her fire.

As the two are thrown together more and more, Jasmine starts to notice that Jake might not be a complete jerk. The ice really starts to thaw when Jasmine jailbreaks Jake from the opera to go to a staff party, Titanic-style. But it's even better because it involves trash-talking over beer pong and a man who can DANCE. With quintessential millennial music as a soundtrack, the scene goes from strength to strength. But Jasmine's decided she wants to tame her impulsivity-- because look where it's got her! Jumping into something with Jake for the fun of it seems like the exact sort of thing she should avoid when following this new life plan. It makes the situation very complicated for Jasmine, who embarks on a hot/cold internal battle about how she feels, what's right and good for her, and how she wants her future to look. Jake is excessively patient through it all. I love a cinnamon roll who comes back for more even when a lady is deep in lashing out mode. And I don't know what that says about me. Even though the dynamic is a good fit for Jasmine's personality and story, it could be frustrating to read in terms of a romantic arc. Throw in the fade-to-black culmination of all their loaded glances and near misses, and the result is a lovely romance, yet not everything I hoped it would be.

Jasmine's story with her family (and Jake's with his, actually) shines through the brightest for me. It's a hard journey with baggage, so by necessity, it doesn't go smoothly. That makes it all the more real and satisfying. Jasmine is ready to change and improve her relationship with her parents, but it will require a group effort, and not all attempts are created equal.

The book covers several serious topics in addition to conversations around family. For one, Jasmine's experiences growing up cover sexist expectations for her good behavior that a boy would never shoulder. There's also colorism that she, as a darker-skinned person, finds aimed at her in comments by one of the women on the cruise (sadly, Jake's aunt and a pillar of the community, etc.). Finally, there's a scene where Jasmine hangs back at customs to bolster her auntie when she's being targeted by and demeaned by a customs agent. The racism they experience falls into that scary space where someone with authority could do them real harm.

I'm not sure I agree with the message that you have to accept yourself before anyone else will, which comes up a couple of times. It's in tension with a different message in the book about how we're always working on ourselves, so it's something you don't have to do on your own or put a pause on other life things until you're done. I think the latter is not only more forgiving but better suited to the story at hand. Jasmine can work on her finances (relatable) and fall in love at the same time. She can improve her relationship with her parents and learn to trust herself at work. Because really, Jasmine is the draw for this book. It's her story of getting her life on track while staying true to herself and taking an active role in seeking the future she wants. That's a valuable message for anyone. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!

Thank you to @netgalley and @berkleypub for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to @prhaudio for a free download of the audiobook.

Sonya Lalli's "Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat" is a delightful discovery, filled with warmth, humor, and relatable pop culture references.

Jasmine, recovering from a breakup, joins her parents on an Alaskan cruise, expecting a reunion with childhood friends, only to find herself surrounded by seniors. She then encounters Jake, a man she used to babysit, sparking an unexpected romance. Lalli skillfully balances Jasmine's burgeoning feelings for Jake with her efforts to mend her strained relationship with her parents, who have always underestimated her. Jake's undeniable charm and genuine care for Jasmine shine through, making their connection feel authentic and heartwarming. Their vulnerable heart-to-heart conversations and playful banter are a highlight, and Jake's support in navigating her meddling family is endearing.

While the romance may not be overtly steamy, it provides a satisfying emotional connection alongside Jasmine's personal growth. This book is a perfect palate cleanser, offering a sweet and humorous escape.

Mayuri Bhandari's narration perfectly captures Jasmine's voice, enhancing the audiobook experience.

This charming story will leave you longing for an Alaskan adventure and perhaps even a cruise!

4 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #berkleypub #berkleybuddyreads #prhaudio #prhaudiopartner #sponsored #berkelywritesstrongwomen #jasmineandjakerocktheboat #sonyalalli

I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but it has been two years and I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

This has to be one of my fave rom-com books….a friends to lovers story, with a twist! I also appreciate the Asian American Pacific Islander representation.

This book really hit the spot for me. I loved it so much!! I related to Jasmine's character so thoroughly -- from her feeling like an outsider in her family and the desire to please them and gain their approval. This book was touching and funny and cringey and just about perfect.

A fun enemies-to-lovers romance that takes place on a senior’s cruise to Alaska. The setting alone makes for some very funny moments. A fun rom-com read. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced readers copy of this book.

I loved Jasmie and Jake! Enemies to lover is a favorite trope of mine. And this was so fun to read. I loved the setting on the cruise and all the side characters as well!!

Jasmine Randhawa likes everyone to think she has it all—great job, perfect Seattle apartment, and a handsome boyfriend. But she’s not as confident or successful as she seems, and her relationship is at a breaking point.

When Jasmine finds herself single and tagging along on her parents’ vacation, she’s not sure her life can get any farther off course. It's a nightmare for someone who's been so fiercely independent to find herself on a cruise full of family friends who’ve judged her since childhood. Things only get worse once the ship leaves the harbor and she realizes that this is a seniors’ cruise, and the only other person under fifty on the entire boat is her childhood acquaintance, cocky and successful Jake Dhillon.

Jasmine and Jake clash right away, with Jasmine smarting over how their South Asian community puts him on a pedestal as the perfect Indian son, whereas her reputation as a troublemaker precedes her. Except they can’t avoid each other forever during the ten-day cruise, and they soon recognize a surprising number of similarities, especially in how many secrets they’re keeping hidden from their families. Their restlessness seems to disappear whenever they’re together, but is this relationship strong enough to last on land?

And even days after finishing it, I’m still thinking about this book. I loved how this book left me feeling so many different emotions ranging from sky high level of happiness to nail biting nervousness. However, by the end I was absolutely thrilled and appeased. It was sweet.

Absolutely loved this book! Sonya Lalli is a fantastic author and I really, really enjoy her romcoms.
Forced Proximity is one of my favourite tropes and Jasmine and Jake are on a cruise ship which is such a fun place to be stuck together. I am not sure I would say this is an enemies-to-lovers, but the beginning of their relationship was not smooth sailing (sorry, I had to). Both Jasmine and Jake are working through some tough stuff and it leads to them having some banter that isn't always polite.

I’ve enjoyed reading so many of author Sonya Lalli’s previous books, and was so excited to read JASMINE AND JAKE ROCK THE BOAT. Her books are so charming and sweet, and I really enjoyed this one too!

The story features enemies to lovers,Jasmine and Jake, on an Alaskan cruise, with plenty of banter.

I loved the character growth and themes of family and the choices we make.

*many thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the gifted copy

I did not read the first book in the series, and this reads just fine as a standalone. The main characters from the first book did have some appearances, but they were very much side characters.

I really want to go on an Alaskan cruise, and the descriptions of some of the stops only reinforced that desire.

Jasmine and Jake are each joining family members on a cruise. Jasmine had no idea that it was a seniors' cruise. She is sharing a room with one of her aunties, and her parents are also on the cruise. She and Jake only slightly knew each other when they were growing up, but Jake is very much the golden boy, and, well, Jasmine has a less positive reputation in their community and she struggles with her relationship with her parents.

Jasmine really needed to get out of her own way to be able to find some peace and happiness. She had gotten so used to being thought of negatively, that she really faced most scenarios from a defensive posture, and sometimes would create her own reality. And, the best part of this book is that we get to go on that journey with Jasmine as she is able to challenge and let go of some of her self-defeating beliefs. Jake also has some baggage that he needs to work through. This enemy/friends to lovers with some forced proximity, given that they're on a cruise ship, was an enjoyable read. I like how they were able to support each other. I will write more from this author.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

As someone with a sometimes stressful and taxing desi family, this book was extremely relatable. Every South Asian woman has a meddling Auntie constantly commenting on lifestyle choices, etc. Jake, just being a man, gets a pass and can do no wrong. It was an interesting plot twist that Jake was a kid she used to baby sit when they were younger. Anyone who is a fan of desi romcoms with complicated family drama should give this book a try!

At times the protag. is a bit immature, which is weird considering that there's an age gap where she's the older woman, but it doesn't detract too much from the book as a whole.

A fun read, but not a stand-out one.

When Jasmine ends up on (seniors) cruise with her parents, she never imagined that the only person her age would be her childhood friend (acquaintance?), Jake. Their South Asian community treats Jake like the perfect Indian son and Jasmine like a troublemaker. However, the two grow closer over the ten day cruise.

Sonya Lalli is a must read for me, and this did not disappoint. I liked Jasmine and Jake’s relationship - I always like a younger man/older woman trope. It’s a quick, fun read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

𝘼𝙣 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙠𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙗𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨-𝙩𝙤-𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.

📍 Read if you like:
• Second Chance Romances
• Enemies To Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Alaskan Cruises
• Personal Growth

This was such a fun read, I loved the Alaskan cruise setting. This is my first read by this author, but it most definitely won’t be my last - I enjoyed the writing style.

There’s a sort of enemies-to-lovers trope I really enjoyed, and the forced proximity on this cruise was so fun(ny). Both characters are stuck with an older age group and it’s hilarious reading about how they’re the only two young ones on board - *cough cough* forced proximity.

It also turns out that Jasmine used to babysit Jake, which brings a second chance trope. I honestly really think this story was written so well. I loved the pop references and the journey both characters took. There’s also a huge theme of personal growth, which makes you enjoy these characters more.

I will say, this book did take me a while to get into. It also felt very slow at times, and some of the decisions the characters made were over the top. There wasn’t a huge feeling of romance, but I do think both characters were portrayed well - I just wish their chemistry was a bit stronger.

Overall, this was such a fun and delightful read. I loved the amount of humor and heartwarming moments. This isn’t your typical kind of romance, which was very fun to read. It was fun for what it was and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Berkley for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!

•𝗧𝗪/𝗖𝗪: Bullying, Emotional Abuse, Misogyny, and Sexism

This was such a fun, sweet and at times emotional read. I really enjoyed Jasmine's journey and watching her grow throughout this book. I wish there was a bit more depth for Jake and his relationship with his dad. I loved all the cultural element while reading. Overall, I really enjoyed this story!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

accidentally ending up on a seniors cruise with your parents? sounds like something that would happen to me, tbh! 🤪

this was a cute read— love how the romantic storyline played out in tandem with working through relationship dynamics with parents. i love when a story fully immerses you in a culture like
this one did with jasmine’s indian culture and her community of so many aunties and uncles.

its closed door and a slow burn but has great banter and really good, healthy communication throughout! we love to see it!

When Jasmine Randhawa finds herself on a senior cruise with her estranged parents and hundreds of aunties and uncles from her childhood, she's forced to face some truths about herself, like the fact that maybe it's time to grow up. Jasmine and Jake's romance never clicked for me, as they never felt like they were at the same place in terms of maturity and readiness for commitment. But as friends, their bickering-bantering is fun, and Lalli does a good job with Jasmine's growing pains and the family dynamics. There are other books that do it all better, of course, but it's an easy time-pass read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet and layered story! This is a forced proximity romance with two estranged childhood friends-to-lovers who are trapped on a seniors cruise to Alaska with hundreds of meddlesome aunties. 🤭 There is such great character development evenly paced throughout this story and some really lovely nuanced exploration of identity, intersectionality, and the chaotic growth that our 20's and 30's bring. I loved the realistic depiction of growth–healing and the journey of 'getting your sh*t together' is not linear, and Jasmine's back-and-forth growth felt like a very honest and relatable depiction of this chapter of life.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves a messy and chaotic MC because they too worry that they will never be able to 'get their life together' and are constantly behind where they're supposed to be in life. I think you'll see a lot of yourself in Jasmine. 💜

I enjoyed this book SO much and just couldn't put it down.

It was so interesting to see Jasmine interacting with her family and finally teasing out (and starting to resolve) so many of their issues, all while this potential romance is brewing with the swoon worthy Jake.

I don't know too much about south asian cultures, but this was a really interesting insight - especially of the inequality amongst sexes that prevails so strongly compared to a lot of western cultures.