*Thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*

3.5 stars

I wasn't expecting to like this book so much.
I was really surprised at how it hooked me and how I simply loved following the journey of our protagonists falling in love.
Keep in mind when you read this book that it's kind of instalove, so if you don't like that trope, this might not be the book for you.
Now, if you don't mind and love reading books where the male protagonist is completely in love, enchanted and does everything for the girl, this book is for you.
That was definitely what I liked most about this book: our male protagonist and how he completely surrenders to our girl and does everything for her.
If you don't mind instalove, read this book.
You won't regret it.
It's a quick, cute book to read with a passionate romance, cute and charismatic characters, and a very cliché ending.
I highly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

This was a cute little romance and i have no ideawhy it took so long to read this book the characters were very well developed. The premise of the story was enjoyable and the plot line was one of my favorites that ive read in a while i cant wait to read more from this author

Laura Brown’s *A Cruise Fling* is a lighthearted, summery romance set against the backdrop of a luxurious Caribbean cruise. While the premise promises escapism and a refreshing spin on inclusivity, the execution struggles to fully deliver the depth and emotional connection that could elevate this flirty vacation read.

**Mackenzie Laurel (Mac)** is a relatable protagonist trying to escape the struggles of her reality—a lack of job, home, and meaningful relationships. Her decision to indulge in a luxurious cruise makes her an engaging, fun-loving character. Onboard, she meets **Cole Matterhorn**, a charismatic yet emotionally guarded man looking for distraction from his own troubles. Sparks fly quickly, setting the stage for an enjoyable, albeit predictable, whirlwind romance.

One of the book’s standout features is its thoughtful representation of disabilities. Mac, who is hard of hearing, and Cole, who uses a prosthetic, bond over shared experiences of feeling out of place in the world. Their connection is built on mutual understanding and respect, adding an important layer of relatability and authenticity to their romance. Brown’s portrayal of their challenges and triumphs feels genuine and empowering, making the characters and their journey more memorable.

However, where *A Cruise Fling* shines in representation, it falters in pacing and depth. The chemistry between Mac and Cole is undeniable, but their relationship feels rushed. Nine days on a cruise is a limited timeframe to develop a lasting connection, and the transition from a steamy fling to something more serious feels abrupt. The emotional stakes are hinted at—Cole’s struggles with self-worth and commitment, Mac’s feelings of instability—but these themes are underexplored, leaving the story lacking the emotional impact it could have had.

The supporting cast and cruise setting add charm and lighthearted moments to the narrative. From trivia games to karaoke nights, the cruise activities provide a fun, vibrant backdrop that immerses readers in the carefree vacation vibe. However, the external conflicts and Cole’s work-related struggles feel somewhat forced, detracting from the main romance.

Overall, *A Cruise Fling* is an enjoyable, breezy read perfect for fans of light romance and vacation stories. Its inclusivity and focus on representation are commendable, but the rushed romance and lack of deeper emotional resonance keep it from fully setting sail. It’s an ideal pick for readers looking for a feel-good escape, even if it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. It was a perfect vacation book and I stayed interested in the storyline. This was a strangers to lovers romance with a lot of different characters that brought even more to the story. This was my first Laura Brown book, and I plan to read more.

Thank you to Laura Brown and Entangled: Amara for the ARC.

DNFed - I chose to DNF this book in the past. I am typing as a review so it doesn't harm my %. I haven't chose to pick the title back up.

Challenges Schmallenges! Trust Your First Instinct!

I really enjoyed Mac and Cole’s story because of their chemistry, the fun dialogue, and the sometimes humorous situations that included not just Mac and Cole, but also their friends. I also liked that they didn’t allow their challenges to define them. The running thread of listening to your first instinct is good advice for us all. All of these characters were likeable and I was pulling for Mac and Cole the whole way.

I feel like I would have loved this at a different time. It was a cute, quick and easy read, however I outgrew my romcom/plain romance phase so I couldn’t really get into the story and enjoy it.

This was a super cute book. I read it in one day. While I did like the book I felt something was missing. I do think a lot of people would enjoy this book and I will be recommending it!

I thought this story was adorable. I really enjoyed the various disability representation throughout. I also loved the cruise atmosphere, as I personally love a cruise! It was sweet, light hearted, and just an overall fun read.

I highly recommend you read this book - and if you can read it while on a cruise, I think it takes the story to the next level! I felt like that was the perfect place to read this one!

Cole and Mackenzie are both on this cruise for different reasons. Cole is visiting his friend who works on the ship and Mackenzie is reeling from a breakup, among other big life changes. The ship is large and they probably would not have met each other...until their luggage gets switched.

Something I did not realize going into this story was the disability rep. Cole has an amputation and I thought the author portrayed this so well! It was sensitively addressed and fit into the story easily.

I absolutely loved the connection that these two formed and I couldn't get enough of them. I was absolutely rooting for them throughout the whole story! I wouldn't be upset if Laura Brown ever writes a sequel to this one!

This was just ok for me.
The writing and plot were completely fine but I had absolutely no connection to this book.
I could have been reading anything on paper, everything was set but it gave me no emotions. I raced through it just to give this review.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review “A Cruise Fling.”

I love cruising and i was so excited to read a romance set on a cruise ship. Unfortunately, not every book is for every reader and this one didn’t quite work for me. I didn’t see the character growth that I was looking for from the FMC and not a whole lot seemed to happen during the book. I did appreciate the positive disability representation (FMC was hard of hearing and the MMC had a prosthesis) and felt the author treated their struggles well. 3 stars.

A Cruise Fling by Laura Brown invites readers on a sun-soaked journey filled with romance, humour, and the promise of new beginnings. Set aboard a luxury cruise ship, this delightful tale follows the adventures of Mackenzie Laurel and Cole Matterhorn as they navigate the waters of love and self-discovery.

From the moment Mackenzie, affectionately known as Mac, steps onto the ship, readers are swept away by the allure of the ocean and the possibilities that lie ahead. Brown expertly captures the excitement of a cruise vacation, painting vivid scenes of sun-drenched beaches, breezy decks, and sparkling seas. Her descriptive prose brings the setting to life, immersing readers in the splendour of the Caribbean while also offering a glimpse into the inner worlds of her characters.

At the heart of the story is the budding romance between Mac and Cole. Both characters are wonderfully flawed yet undeniably endearing, and their chemistry sizzles on the page. What sets A Cruise Fling apart is its exploration of deeper themes such as identity, acceptance, and the courage to embrace life's unexpected twists. Mac's experience as a hard of hearing woman and Cole's journey with his prosthetic add layers of authenticity and depth to their characters, making them all the more relatable and engaging.

Brown's narrative is buoyed by witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and plenty of steamy encounters that will leave readers swooning. However, amidst the fun and romance, the novel also offers moments of reflection and introspection, reminding readers that true happiness often lies in embracing who we are and seizing the opportunities that come our way.

While A Cruise Fling may follow a familiar romance trope, Brown infuses it with her own unique charm and warmth, making it a standout read in the genre. Whether you're a fan of cruise vacations or simply in need of an escape to sunnier shores, this book is sure to delight and entertain. So grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and set sail on a journey you won't soon forget with A Cruise Fling.

Perfect quick little vacation read.

Mac and Cole are both on cruises, going through major life changes. They decide to have a fling while on a cruise, but will it only last that long??

They met over some mixed luggage and were inseparable after.

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

This book was entertaining with characters that both had disabilities that helped them understand each other. It was a good plot.

This book has gotten me so excited for my cruise next week(!). A Cruise Fling captures the fun and relaxing vibes of a cruise vacation with great friendships and a sweet romance. Mackenzie and Cole are each facing huge changes in their lives and really just need a few days to escape. Both have their reasons for wanting nothing more than a fling but sparks fly instantly and the growing connection is hard to resist. Structuring the books into days like a cruise itinerary in lieu of chapters was a fun touch. The friendships were an unexpected highlight and I loved the supportive yet teasing banter. Mackenzie's tendency to second guess herself wore me out a bit towards the end but overall I enjoyed this book and it's a great choice for your next beach read.

I’m prefacing this by saying that I’m a mood reader, and I may have just started this at the wrong time. This is a new to me author and I didn’t get very far into this before I chose to not finish it.

Another romance book, okay...but....THIS WORKED FOR ME. It was so funny at times, I had to re-read pages to keep laughing over and over again. The banter was so much fun to read, and it never got tiring. This was a win for me, and I see where a lot of people did not like this, but I am glad I enjoyed it.

I was approved for this ARC very shortly after I went on a cruise so that made this book more enjoyable! It was everything I felt a book called “A Cruise Fling” so it was a little predictable but I also thought it was cute. The characters were a little annoying, like “can’t you see what the other person is wanting??” But I still enjoyed reading about them. I definitely want to read another book by this author!