Hope heads on a cruise ship vacation with her best friend. While there she meets Felix and the two start an adventurous ship romance.

This was such a good one! Here's what I loved:

Hope: She was such a great character. There was so much she was going through so much but kept an optimistic view. She also has so many of the same anxieties that I do which I connected with. Her humor also stood out for me. Really, she's one of my fave FMCs I've read in a while.

Felix: He was amazing. Same as with Hope, he has a lot of baggage but you find him endearing as you are reading the story. I wanted to see them come together finally.

The story: I really liked all of the crazy situations the characters get into. You get the feeling of being on the cruise ship and all of the excursions. I loved it all.

The narration: Kelli Tager and Russ Bain were amazing in this. They really embodied the characters and got me into the story.

All in all, this was such a good vacation romcom!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

This audiobook was a fun escape—like a vacation for your brain with a little extra drama thrown in.

Hope and Felix are both a bit of a mess (in a relatable way), and their cruise fling turned emotional adventure had just the right mix of charm, banter, and tropical chaos. The whole “stranded in paradise” plot was a little over the top, but honestly, that’s part of the fun.

The narration was solid and made the characters feel real, even when the story leaned into the cheesy side. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it kept me entertained and smiling, which is exactly what I wanted.

Perfect for when you want something light, flirty, and just a little ridiculous—in the best way.

A tropical cruise that turns into a hilarious, heartwarming, totally chaotic romantic escape, yes please! Even better, that I'm going on a cruise next week! This was just the thing to get me ready!

Hope and Felix are two opposites thrown together on a cruise they didn't want to be on but the chemistry, the banter, and the forced proximity? Total perfection. The story takes you from awkward meet-cute to steamy detour in paradise, with laugh-out-loud moments and a healthy dose of personal growth.

I loved the story, it was unlike anything I've ever read before, and I loved the narrators in the audio version. I will definitely keep Katelyn Doyle on my radar

Stopppppp this was SO CUTE!! The banter and chemistry between Hope and Felix was incredible and I was laughing and kicking my feet throughout most of the story. Hope is exactly what I want to see in a main character and I loved how she respected herself enough to handle troublesome situations with grace and confidence. I'm not usually a fan of the miscommunication trope and I was immensely irritated with Felix at points, but I did understand why he seemed to be spiraling given what he's been through and the journey he was on. Recovery can be a sensitive topic and I think the author handled it very well. The narrators also did a fantastic job helping me feel truly immersed in the story and emotions of the characters. Overall a wonderful read!

Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle is a wildly satisfying, sun-drenched romantic comedy that manages to be both hilarious and emotionally sincere. From the first page to the last, this book hooked me with its snappy dialogue, layered characters, and unexpected emotional weight. Thank you to Flatiron Books for the gifted copy—I’m so grateful I got to read this early—and to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC and ALC. And of course, thanks to GoodReads for calling this one a Total Dreamboat, because Felix Segrave absolutely lives up to the name.

Hope Lanover is a woman in freefall. Her long-term relationship just ended, her job is soul-crushing, and her creative spark is gone. When her influencer best friend drags her on a luxury Caribbean cruise—under the thin excuse of a vacation but really to scope out rich husbands—Hope figures she’ll sip cocktails, hide from the chaos of her life, and avoid eye contact with the crowd of wealthy retirees onboard. Enter Felix Segrave, British chef, control freak, and—unfortunately—also trapped on this ship. Felix doesn’t vacation. He’s sober, laser-focused on running his restaurant empire, and emotionally walled off. He only agreed to this trip because his family guilted him into it for their parents’ anniversary.

Hope and Felix’s chemistry is instant, undeniable, and fueled by equal parts attraction and sarcasm. What starts as a planned, no-strings ten-day fling quickly morphs into something deeper. But things spiral when old demons creep back—Hope’s insecurities, Felix’s sobriety struggles and trust issues, and a surprise appearance from Hope’s ex. Then the cruise takes a sharp turn: both of them end up missing the ship during a port excursion and are suddenly stranded together in paradise with no escape—and plenty of unresolved feelings.

Doyle plays with classic rom-com tropes—forced proximity, one bed, enemies-to-lovers energy—but what sets Total Dreamboat apart is how much emotional authenticity lives beneath the breezy surface. Hope isn’t just heartbroken; she’s deeply unsure of who she is and whether she still has the courage to pursue the life she once wanted. Felix isn’t just a grumpy Brit; he’s a recovering alcoholic who has worked hard to build a life worth living, but doesn’t know if there’s room in it for vulnerability or love. Their romance unfolds with tension and charm, but also the kind of hard-earned growth that makes the ending feel truly earned.

The audiobook is absolutely worth calling out. Kelli Tager and Russ Bain are fantastic. Tager captures Hope’s inner turmoil and humor perfectly, and Bain delivers a Felix who’s as brooding as he is quietly wounded. He’s got the accent, sure, but also the emotional depth that makes you root for him. Their performances enhance the chemistry and give the characters even more texture.

Side characters add even more richness—Felix’s sisters are sharp, warm, and funny; Hope’s best friend, while grating at first, evolves in a way that adds dimension to the story. The cruise ship itself is practically a character: buffets, karaoke nights, shuffleboard, endless drinks, and high-seas awkwardness all create a perfect rom-com playground. And while things do get chaotic (especially when they’re stranded together off-ship), the pacing never loses its grip. Doyle knows exactly when to throw a twist and when to let her characters breathe.

Is there a third-act breakup? Yes. Is there miscommunication? Absolutely. But for once, these choices feel organic. Hope and Felix both need to do some serious emotional work before they can actually choose each other. And that’s what makes their reunion feel so deeply satisfying. When they come back together, it’s not just because they miss each other—it’s because they’ve grown into the people who can finally show up for love.

I also want to say that this story isn’t afraid to let its characters be messy. They get things wrong. They lash out. They run. But they also reflect, repair, and reach for more. That’s what makes Total Dreamboat more than just another cruise ship fling—it’s a rom-com with heart, honesty, and just the right splash of chaos.

Katelyn Doyle, thank you for writing the kind of love story that doesn’t just give us heat and humor, but also healing. I adored Hope and Felix. I loved watching them try, fail, and try again. I laughed, I cringed, and yes, I got a little misty at the end. This book is a perfect summer read, but also a story with year-round resonance. If you’re looking for a rom-com that delivers both the swoons and the emotional payoff, Total Dreamboat is absolutely the one to grab.

I couldn’t put this down and easily finished this rom-com in a day! The top notch banter and dry humor had me kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. A cruise is the perfect backdrop for a summer romance. I loved the dual timelines; it’s one of my favorite tropes and it was done so well here. Felix and Hope were authentic and endearing. Their baggage and insecurities were relatable. I enjoyed both narrators. They were easy to listen to and understand, even at a faster speed if that is your thing. This has also forced proximity, miscommunication, and insta-love tropes.


Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!

This book was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!! I audibly laughed out loud, I felt the chemistry through the entire book and who doesn’t love a good cruise ship story! I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and the ONLY reasons I am is because I absolutely LOATHE the ex to the point it was almost to much…like stalking her and basically trapping her on a cruise ship as a “grand gesture” after being a complete and utter a** and dumping her. How about stalker much and using your poor grandma in the scheme ?! How repulsive are you?!? 10/10 loathed him! Also, Felix just jumping to the conclusions about Hope without even asking her about the pictures or videos and not finding it suspicious that an anonymous number sent everything to him?!! Come on my guy you are better than that! I actually got so angry for Hope but I’m glad he realized what he did was wrong and realized the person he loves wouldn’t do something like that and isn’t that type of person. I absolutely love Hope honestly as a FMC, it’s hard for me to truly like them but I do love her! I loved the relationship she had with her best friend and Felix’s whole family. I even love her best friend’s new relationship. The ending had me swooning!!! Seriously the most well deserved 4.5/5 stars and can’t wait to read more by this author! I can’t forget either I loved the narrators, they were so great and truly made me enjoy listening to the book even more! Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen and review this book!!

A perfect summer beach read. This romance features a couple that meets on a cruise ship, and we follow the ups and downs of the growth of themselves and their relationship. The relationship was messy, but I liked where everything landed in the end.

This book was such a treat! I enjoyed it from start to finish. The story line, the characters, the location, the banter and chemistry - just adorable. The characters and their stories just felt real - the way they interacted, the way they went about their daily life - the ups and downs and everything in between. It felt like catching up with an old friend. Hope joins her best friend on a luxury cruise where she meets Felix, who is on the boat celebrating his parents anniversary. Sparks fly at first site, until secrets are revealed. When they find themselves stranded in the Caribbean, will they work through their issues? If you are looking for a summer vacation read, I definitely would add this to your bag (or kindle!)

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

🎧 Title: Total Dreamboat
✍️ Author: Katelyn Doyle
🎙️ Narrator(s): Kelli Tager & Russ Bain
🗓️ Release Date: June 24, 2024
📚 Format: Audiobook (ARC) — provided by @netgalley and @macmillan.audio in exchange for an honest review.

🌟 Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

A swoony, sun-soaked romance with real emotional depth and irresistible narration.

⸻

💖 Tropes/Themes:
• Strangers to Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Dual POV
• Emotional Healing
• Second Chances
• Travel Romance
• Recovery/Personal Growth

⸻

🎧 Audiobook Performance:
The dual narration by Kelli Tager and Russ Bain is spot-on, elevating the story with heart and nuance.
• Kelli Tager perfectly channels Hope’s wit, vulnerability, and inner strength with warmth and relatability.
• Russ Bain lends Felix a restrained charm that slowly peels back to reveal deep emotional complexity.
• Their chemistry is undeniable, and the pacing feels just right—never rushed, never dragging.
• Production quality is crisp, immersive, and free of distractions. A flawless listening experience.

⸻

📖 Story Review:
I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a romantic cruise, emotional depth, and a snarky yet heartfelt heroine—and Total Dreamboat delivered on all counts.

Hope boards a cruise with her best friend, desperate to hit reset after a rough patch. Falling in love wasn’t on the itinerary—until she meets Felix, a handsome British passenger with a dry wit and a guarded heart. Their flirtation is fun, but what really stands out is how real their connection feels, especially once things start going off-course (literally).

Stranded far from the ship after a misadventure ashore, Hope and Felix are forced to rely on one another to make it back. What begins as a breezy vacation romance takes on unexpected emotional weight as Felix’s recovery from alcoholism and struggle with vulnerability come to light. The dual POV allows both characters’ emotional arcs to shine, making their journey toward each other feel authentic and well-earned.

The balance of humor, longing, and self-discovery is beautifully handled. It’s not just about falling in love—it’s about learning to show up for yourself and someone else, even when it’s hard.

“I didn’t plan on falling for anyone. Especially not someone who sees through every one of my carefully built walls.”

⸻

✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely!
• Perfect for fans of Emily Henry or Tessa Bailey.
• If you enjoyed The Love Boat vibes but wanted more emotional payoff, this is your pick.
• Great for readers who love emotionally honest romance with travel shenanigans, British charm, and deep personal growth.

⸻

📝 Final Thoughts:
Total Dreamboat is so much more than a vacation fling—it’s a heartfelt, hilarious, and hope-filled romance that proves the best love stories happen when you’re not looking. Katelyn Doyle’s writing is sharp, soulful, and laugh-out-loud funny. This is one of those audiobooks that stays with you long after it ends. I’ll be watching for whatever she writes next.

⸻

📣 Disclaimers & Tags:
• This audiobook was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.
• CW: Alcoholism, recovery, mention of past emotional trauma

ARC REVIEW (6/24/25): total dreamboat by katelyn doyle 🛳️ an irresistible romcom about what happens when a cruise ship romance goes...overboard.

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF A MORE PERFECT ROMANCE FOR ME? sorry, I’m done yelling. this is literally a romcom that takes place on a cruise. and if you know me, me & cruising are like this 🤞🏻, honey.

my bestie and I have always joked about *cruise boyfriends* on our (what’s shaping up to be) yearly cruises so actually seeing this real life trope explored in a book had me giggling 💙 with that said, I can be super critical about my *special interests* in books but I’m happy to say that cruising was represented in SUCH a swell (HA) way!

🌴 I adored the antics the two meddling sisters & influencer bff brought to the deck. kelli tager and russ bain do a terrific job narrating this romance! they captured hope’s vulnerability and felix’s emotional distance quite well.

imo, I wasn't expecting the twist at the 40% mark as it was a bit too coincidental… & the ending almost felt TOO real for a fun, summertime romance 🌊 when our love interests were on the ship together, I was singing karaoke right along with them. but after that, the chemistry wasn’t there for me.

my happy place has always been on a ship out at sea so please, do not disturb- I’m booking a cruise asap… bon voyage 🌤️👙 3.5 stars! (overall rating rounded up)

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 319 / Genre: Romcom
Audiobook Narrator: Kelli Tager and Russ Bain
Duration: 9 hours
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Hope Lanover is still reeling from a breakup and has a miserable job thanks to her insufferable boss. So when her best friend invites her on a 10-day, all-expense-paid Caribbean cruise, she jumps at the chance to escape her depressing reality. Onboard, she meets handsome, brooding, rich Felix Segrave, a recovering alcoholic and workaholic chef who’s on holiday with his family from England. What follows is a sweet, funny, opposites-attract romcom full of romance and ridiculous scenarios all on a cruise vacation—my absolute favorite kind of vacation! So, of course I loved it.

The story was made even better by narrators Kelli Tager and Russ Bain on the audiobook. They did an excellent job bringing the characters to life.

Thank you, @greatlyn, @flatironbooks, and @macmillan.audio for my free paperback and audiobook. #FlatironPartner #MacAudio2025 #macmillanaudio

Thank you MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle in exchange for an honest review.

Sadly for myself I have to DNF this one as an audiobook. I do plan on reading this as a physical book when I get my OwlCrate SE in the mail.

For the audio, DNF'd at 5% into the book. I just couldn't get past the flighty and ditzy best friend of the FMC and the fake southern accent of the FMC. It was just too much for me. And that's just a me thing not anything against the narrator.

Hope and Felix find themselves on a luxury Caribbean cruise, both needing kind of a reset. Hope’s been flailing since her ex dumped her, hates her job, and hardly makes enough to get by anyway. Her BFF influencer gets a free trip that includes a plus-one, so off they go for some fun!

Felix is guilted into this cruise by his parents and sisters—he can’t say no to a chance to spend time together even if he’s way more comfortable in his routine, which helps him stay sober and safe.

As they keep getting thrown together, they decide there’s nothing wrong with a harmless vacation fling, right? They could both use it, there’s some serious attraction, and they just have so much fun together. Until feelings become involved, misunderstandings ensue, and they find themselves stranded and forced to team up…

I LOVED this book! I loved these two flawed but genuinely likeable people dealing with underlying demons and trying to navigate newfound situations and feelings. Hope and Felix had some legit depth and issues while the book still kept true to a light and fun romcom. I laughed out loud a LOT and could really picture the scenes. The side characters added a lot too—Hope’s BFF was definitely over the top and a good foil for her; Felix’s sisters were hilarious. Overall, a perfect summer beach read!

And, the audio narration was fantastic! Kelli Tager and Russ Bain brought so much to the story. It’s so true that narrators can make or break the story, and these two made it.

Finished 6/19/2025

TW: Past alcoholism

I had a fun time with this one. I loved their cruise ship fling but when the misunderstanding hits, it hits hard! The miscommunication in this was done so well and I think it's because it wasnt used for the typical third act break up. I loved that Hope was described as "dry" and Felix was just like "thats my type" lmao. They had great banter, I loved sassy Hope! I loved the story, it was so fun even in those frustrating moments. Their relationship trajectory while having them work on their own issues came thru so well.

First time author for me ! Super long chapters but the constant flipping POVs made it seem like several different chapters.

Audiobook narrators: Kelli Tager, Russ Bain
Dual POV, First Person
Tropes: Vacation fling, Insta-Love, Forced Proximity, Sobriety representation
Notable Microtropes: Stranded together, One Bed, He falls first
Spice: 1.5/5

Listened at 1.5x speed.
First time listening to both of these narrators! They both had great deliveries and were super expressive. There was this one moment when the FMC was arguing and frustrated and Kelli did so so good with that performance! Not sure what's Russ's real accent, but did great with both American and British ones. Both getting added to my favorites list!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an ALC.

3.5 ⭐️

After a bad breakup, Hope reluctantly joins her bestie on a luxury cruise. Felix, an overworked chef, would rather be anywhere else than on this ship. Neither expects much until they lock eyes at check-in and sparks fly.

I was hooked on this super cute premise immediately. The dual-narrated audiobook was so much fun, especially hearing Felix’s English accent. I was truly kicking my feet at how perfectly the narrators voiced these characters!!

That said, while the story started strong, my interest tapered off as it went on. The miscommunication toward the end really slowed the pace for me, and I found myself a bit frustrated with the back-and-forth. Even so, the narrators kept me invested all the way to the last page.

Huge thank you to Flatiron for the ARC and to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!!

Total Dreamboat starts with two people stranded at a dock after their cruise takes off without them to the next port. Then the story of these two passengers who had a cruise romance unfolds and explains how they ended up there. This was such a cute romcom. Lots of dry humor, steamy romance, honest feelings and insecurities and lovable side characters. All with a perfect summer setting in the Caribbean. I did the audio and loved it.

This book is a perfect beach read. Two strangers become fast lovers then haters. Very predictable but a fun read nonetheless.

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

3.75 stars rounded up. This was a sweet little story about finding love, unexpectedly, while on a cruise. Hope and Felix are both on a cruise that they don’t really want to be on when they meet and sparks fly. There were a few times the story didn’t hold my interest, but overall it flowed really nicely and was very cute! This was dual narrated with Felix and Hope alternating chapters, so that added an extra element to the audio book that I really enjoyed. It’s always nice when the characters have their own voices. Perfect book for summer or a beach vacation!

Can I listen to this audiobook for the first time again?? I wish!!
I couldn’t stop listening once I started!

Hope Lanover is so relatable as she figures out her life after a failed relationship and her lost sense of self. Her journey of finding herself while on a luxury cruise is such a fun setting, especially since she doesn’t even want to be there in the first place. Hope and Felix couldn't be more different, but their dynamic is fire, and I loved every moment of their slow-burn romance. The tension, the witty banter, and their chemistry is undeniable.

The tropical setting is the perfect backdrop for this love story, and the narrators brings it all to life in such a beautiful way. They totally nailed the personalities of Hope and Felix, which made the listening experience much more interesting.

The story kept me so invested! Will Hope and Felix make it through their emotional hurdles? Will they find love and healing together?

This is a swoon-worthy adventure. a cute rom-com with the perfect amount of tension! I absolutely loved Total Dreamboat.