rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

“But trust is as much of a gut feeling as it is a choice. And I’m choosing to trust him. Because my gut is telling me to.”

More Than Shipmates follows Eliza Chapman, Eliza lands a job as an events coordinator on a cruise ship. After an awful breakup, falling out with friends, and getting rejected from drama school, Eliza is looking for new beginnings and has sworn off men. But now that Eliza’s met her co-workers Tom and Oscar, she’s not sure how possible that’s going to be.

✨If you’re looking for a super spicy beach read, More Than Shipmates is for you!

This book gives you workplace romance, forced proximity, friends to lovers, and love triangle. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the love triangle trope but it was done so well. There were many plot lines in this book and I feel like at times it was a bit too much going on for me.

The characters in this book were so relatable. I feel like I related the most to Tom. I also lost my dad to cancer and could relate a lot to his family situation. Eliza is a girl who is just trying to find herself and it was so relatable to see her go through the ups and downs of that journey. Eliza, Oscar, and Tom all had so much depth to them and I loved that we got all three of their POV’s.

The biggest struggle I had while reading was how long it is. I think the book could’ve been a lot shorter and still have the same effect.

Overall, I think this book would be a good one to bring with you on vacation. I enjoyed the setting and I think it definitely captures the chaotic, unhinged energy of being on a cruise. If you love spice, this book won’t disappoint. There’s A LOT of it! I just wish it was shorter and had a little less going on.✨

Thank you NetGalley and Philippa Young for sending me this ebook to review!

I honestly loved this; it was different than other things I have read so far which was nice. It did start off slow for me and I was Kind of disappointed it wasn't a why choose. Which was honestly my own fault for going in blind. But it was a vibe. I also didn't like the POV would change mid-Chapter it would throw me off. But overall, I can't wait for the next book to come out I'm so excited and invested to see what happens in the next story.

‘More Than Shipmates’ by Phillippa Young was such a fun read! Full of great characters and beautiful destinations, this is definitely perfect for summer. Recommend!

This book is certainly longer than most like it but that actually is a good thing. I feel like we got to really understand the main character and her past and that made the romance so so much better!

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC, but sadly had to DNF at page 138. It just wasn’t for me and didn’t really flow well. I couldn’t make out what the plot exactly was or when things were present or past.

I’m a bit disappointed on this one. I just couldn’t engage in this book. The beginning of the relationship side was too blasé.
From there it was almost impossible to relate to the characters and their story.

When I first started reading this story I was starting to get into it and enjoyed the different characters. At one point about half way through to me it just went slow and I was beginning to lose interest. I thought at first that this would be a reverse harem but it turned out it’s not. The main character Eliza starts to have feelings for two of her shipmates and jumps to conclusions when she over hears things about them without even knowing the actual story. It does have a happy ending.

Thanks to Netgalley! Came for the cute cover, stayed for the smut. I am honestly surprised more people aren't talking about this book on booksta. It was light and fun to read. Eliza , who is tired of getting rejected from drama schools and cheating exes, decides to work in a cruise ship for 6 months. She thinks she'll probably be celibate the entire time😆. First she meets a hotty before she even steps foot in the ship. Then ANOTHER hotty is her appointed buddy? Phew! That girl was inevitably going to get some🌝. Both the boys are veryy sweet. And hot obvs. A very entertaining read, makes you want to hop on a cruise ship ASAP😉

In "More Than Shipmates," Eliza Chapman's journey takes readers on a delightful and humorous ride as she embarks on a six-month Caribbean cruise that promises both hard work and unbridled fun.

From the very beginning, Eliza's character tugs at the heartstrings with her relatable imperfections and insecurities. Her struggles with self-doubt and her constant feeling of inadequacy make her a captivating and genuine protagonist. As she steps into the role of an entertainment host, we witness her determination to overcome her past mistakes and the challenges that lie ahead.

The author adeptly weaves a web of romantic entanglements that keeps readers engrossed throughout the story. Eliza's decision to swear off men and focus on her career sets the stage for an amusing and entertaining plot filled with witty banter, flirtatious encounters, and mischievous mishaps. The dynamics between Eliza and her colleagues Tom and Oscar provide delightful romantic tension that unfolds in unexpected ways, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages.

The setting of the Caribbean cruise adds a dash of exoticism to the story, and the vibrant descriptions of the locations and the ship's atmosphere transport readers right into the heart of the adventure. The blend of work and play creates a dynamic backdrop for both humorous and heartfelt moments, making the cruise itself a character in its own right.

What sets "More Than Shipmates" apart is its ability to balance lighthearted comedy with deeper themes of personal growth and self-discovery. As Eliza faces various challenges on the cruise, she learns to confront her past and opens herself to the possibility of love. The character development is well-executed, allowing readers to root for Eliza as she grows, matures, and learns to embrace her worthiness.

The prose is engaging and flows smoothly, ensuring an effortless reading experience. The humor is cleverly incorporated into the narrative, making readers laugh out loud while also connecting with the characters on an emotional level. Additionally, the well-crafted dialogue adds authenticity to the relationships and enhances the overall charm of the story.

While "More Than Shipmates" delivers on its promise of a steamy romantic comedy, it also leaves room for more profound contemplation about the power of second chances and the courage to let love in. The blend of humor and heartwarming moments makes it a delightful escape for fans of the genre.

In conclusion, "More Than Shipmates" is an enjoyable and captivating romantic comedy that skillfully balances humor, romance, and personal growth. Eliza Chapman's journey is one that will resonate with readers, and the entertaining dynamics between characters will keep them invested until the very end. Perfect for those seeking a light-hearted, yet emotionally fulfilling read, this novel is a commendable addition to the romantic comedy genre.

If you’re looking for a quick, fun summer read this might just be the one for you! Set on a cruise ship, the story follows Elsie as she tries to find herself, gain confidence, and maybe even fall in love along the way. Be warned, this book will make you want to join a cruise ship entertainment team because it sounds so freaking fun!

If you like any of the following tropes you will enjoy this book:
➖ Love triangle
➖ Character growth
➖ Spicy scenes and tension🥵
➖ Cruise ship setting

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the Arc in exchange for an honest review. Any views expressed are my own.
So I’m not really sure where to start with this book. I was a fan of the plot right away with it being set on a cruise ship. That was a unique setting for a romance book and I had never read one on a cruise ship before.
I really liked the beginning with Eliza and Tom creating a friendship & I wasn’t really sure where Oscar fit in but I kind of thought it would be a love triangle which it kind of ended up being? I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry with Eliza and Tom. From there the back-and-forth was good between the three of them. Then all the external characters within the ship got a little bit confusing and the games thrown in became a bit much. I didn’t mind the games when it came to the tension between Eliza and Tom or Eliza and Oscar but I felt there were too many ship games for a bunch of adults. And I may be just the wrong audience for this book. 1) I don’t understand Theatre kids. I will never understand it and it comes off as cringe to me every time. So the performances and the singing and drama part just felt like another extra thing thrown in that I didn’t really care for. And 2) the games were just too much. I understand on the ship there’s not a lot to do and everybody’s into each other, but do adults really spend that much time playing children’s games? Anyway, theatre and children’s games are both two things I check out reading on. It just wasn’t for me but I can see a lot of people who would think that the games tied into the adults off time being fun and also the theatre singing part would also be fun. The first time with Tom and Eliza dressing up to be in Grease that was cool with me and enjoyed it but then beyond that it was too much.
I then it became confusing when Eliza and Oscar got together, and then Tom was kind of just like a side friend, and didn’t really show up in the plot anymore.
Many of the side scenes needed to be cut out like the random Gwen and Daniel part. That seems very odd to me and unnecessary. Even the side family/friend drama felt random and not authentic. There’s so many things that could’ve just been cut out of the book completely. It should have been focused on either 1) the love triangle actually being a love triangle 2) the three of them being together or 3) just one of the romances on the ship (Eliza & Tom OR Eliza & Oscar). Maybe it was because I liked Tom more that I’m irked about the story but I just did not feel the chemistry with Eliza and Oscar.
Again, I feel this book would be geared towards more of someone looking for a book with more than just a romance and doesn’t mind a lot going on. Or enjoys/understands theatre kids and thinks they are great. Just not the story for me.

Oh my goodness. I don't know where to start with this book. I loved everything about it. All 497 pages of pure joy. I never felt like there were any filler pages in this book despite the size of it.

The book focuses on Eliza Chapman who joins a cruise ship after failing to get into drama school. What starts as a way of escaping soon becomes a journey of discovery as she begins to find her place within the ship. I loved her character and connected with her so much.

I absolutely adore the theatre and I'm always in awe when I see the talent on display at shows so I loved all the references and behind the scenes writing of putting shows together. I especially loved that the Heathers, Musical was mentioned as I saw this when I was last in London and it blew me away. So it was really fresh in my mind and I could picture it all so clearly.

It's not only Eliza that goes through a journey on this book there's also two delicious men to read about in Oscar and Tom. Both playing pivotal parts in Eliza's life. There is so much fun in this book and some very spicy scenes also to add into the mix. It had a bit of everything.

I feel like the author combined a lot of my favourite things and merged them into a book 📚 I am delighted to discover there's going to be another book to follow Tom's story.

Although, I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy from @netgalley I have purchased my own copy which the author is signing for me as I will definately read this again.

One of my favourite reads this year. Perfect summer read ❤️

4/5 stars.

This was a cute cruise ship romance. I had a fun time reading it. Eliza’s journey from feeling like a failure to her family and applying for a job with adventure is very relatable. I’m not usually a fan of love triangles but Oscar, Tom, and Eliza were very cute throughout the book. You got to understand them more and more as the storyline progressed.

I really enjoyed the feeling of adventure while reading and the little boat games they played. It added to the plot line. I am also a big musical theatre fan so I loved all the references. Super cute.

In my option they book ran a little long at 500 pages and dragged a bit. That’s a the love triangle for me made it hard to continue at some points. I’m just not a fan of deciding between two super sweet lovers.

The spicy scenes made up for a lot though! Those were great and helped pick back up the pace.

All in all it was a cute, fun, enjoyable summer read about self-discovery, and love with humor mixed in.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's the way that this book was everything I didn't know I wanted. Eliza was such a relatable character- feeling like you're constantly failing at everything while everyone around you seems to be excelling and enjoying their lives. I really loved how every single character you meet had their own stories and personalities without seeming overdone or caricatured. You could see the growth each and every character experienced from the beginning of the book to the end- no matter how big or little part they played. I'm not usually a fan of love triangles, but Philippa really outdid this one and I really enjoyed it! From the get go, I was rooting for the MMC Eliza ends up with (and honestly if this ended up as a throuple I would not have been against it) even while the other MMC was involved. And despite the warning at the end, all I want to do know is go get a job on a cruise ship!

This book was AMAZING! Literally what a rom com should be. I found myself giggling every couple of pages and flat out cackling at others. I love the personal development of all three MCs and their love triangle was HOT HOT HOT 🥵 definitely a must-read this summer.

I love that it was set on a cruise ship as well as I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set on a ship before. Philippa’s writing style sucked me in and made me feel like I was right there on that ship with the characters. Stunning descriptive scenery, detailed emotional struggles, and of course the relationships between the characters was so well written. A bonus point for this being a queer friendly story too! If you’re looking for a 5-star summer read, this is it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This book surprised me. I did not know what to expect. Wow there were so many good characters in this story and enjoyed it very much. Ready to go on my first cruise.

I wanted to first and foremost thank Philippa Young & Summer Stars Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

I initially picked this one up because I was looking for a nice summer read, but I ended up DNF-ing it at about 15-20% in.

I just couldn’t connect with Eliza, and honestly Tom and Oscars names really just gave me an ick. The writing was nice, but the chapters were far too long to capture my attention unfortunately.

I’d could see myself giving this one another chance; but it wasn’t for me right now.

⭐ Characters – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Atmosphere – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Writing – ⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Plot – ⭐⭐.5
⭐ Pacing – ⭐⭐
⭐ World Building – ⭐⭐⭐
⭐ Enjoyment – ⭐⭐.5

More than Shipmates by Philippa Young takes readers on a journey into a contemporary love triangle set aboard a ship, evoking the vibrant energy of movies like Mamma Mia from the 2000s.

The characters in this debut novel are expertly crafted, with each bringing their own unique personality and background to the story. Their interactions feel authentic and dynamic. However, the lack of challenge in the relationships stands out. Obstacles are easily overcome, which lessens the impact of certain situations. The protagonist, Eliza, sometimes exhibits hypocrisy in her expectations of others' actions without following through herself, which may make her character less relatable to readers.

Young's skill in capturing the ship's setting shines through, immersing readers in a vibrant and occasionally chaotic environment. Descriptions of the ocean, ship activities, and the camaraderie among the crew create a vivid backdrop. However, the focus on theater and plays may be less engaging for readers unfamiliar with these topics.

The prose occasionally feels awkward or rushed. The presence of multiple points of view in the middle of chapters can be confusing and overwhelming.

The execution of the love triangle concept lacks depth in the initial romantic connections before progressing to another person, leading to a loss of emotional investment. Intimacy scenes suffer from inconsistency and rushed portrayals, weakening the emotional connection. The frequent changes of scene and lack of closure in certain aspects can disrupt the reading experience.

While More than Shipmates offers vibrant characters and a unique setting, the issues with pacing and an underwhelming plot prevent it from fully captivating readers. As a debut in the New Adult romance genre, it shows promise with its diverse characters, immersive atmosphere, and exploration of complex relationships. However, improvements in writing, plot development, pacing, and world-building could enhance the overall reading experience. Fans of LGBTQIA+ romance and those interested in shipboard settings may find elements to enjoy, but it may not stand out as an exceptional read for everyone.

Review Posted on Goodreads, July 17th : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5685545534

SUCH A FUN READ!
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This was my first cruise ship story but this was so well done. This was an easy read which is the best in my honest opinion, loved it and would recommend it!

After reading about this book I knew this would be the perfect book for me! I absolutely love all things cruises so for there to be a book based around one I had to delve straight in.

The characters were all fabulous, very modern characters that are extremely lovable and all with a big of drama going on for them all.

The story itself was super exciting and just fun, so many times I burst out laughing. I just absolutely loved this. I definitely will be reading more from this author in the future as they sure know how to write a best seller!