cruise romance novels

Advertise   Contact   Privacy

Browse All Reviews

New Releases

List Reviews by Rating

List Reviews by Author

List Reviews by Title

25 Best Books Set on a Cruise Ship

Whether you’re a frequent cruise-goer or someone just embarking on your first trip, reading a novel set on a cruise ship can be a fun way to spend some time while you’re drifting across the ocean and lounging about on the lido deck.

I’ve only been on one cruise (from Seattle to Alaska, which had some really gorgeous views), but my parents are obsessed with cruises and do them all the time. With things finally getting back to normal, they’re antsy to get crusin’ once again, which is what inspired this booklist!

For this list, I’ve rounded up some of the Best Books Set on a Cruise Ship , divided up into genres so you can choose what strikes your fancy.

There’s quite a few murder mysteries of various varieties on this list, probably because cruise ships make for a great environment for that type of story, with lots of strangers stuck together for long periods of time and stops at exotic places in between.

Have you read any of these titles or was there something you were expecting to see on this list that was omitted? Free free to leave a comment if so!

Mysteries Set on a Cruise Historical Fiction Set on a Cruise Romance Set on a Cruise Other Books Set on a Cruise

Mysteries Set on a Cruise

An expert swimmer, Joey makes her way to a floating bale of Jamaican pot-and then to an island inhabited by an ex-cop named Mick Stranahan, whose ex-wives include five waitresses and a TV producer.

Now Joey wants to get revenge on Chaz and Mick's happy to help her.But in swampy South Florida, separating lies from truths and stupidity from brilliance isn't easy. Especially when you're after a guy like Chaz-who's bad at murder, great at fraud, and just terrible at getting caught...

Historical Fiction Set on a Cruise

Romance set on a cruise, other books set on a cruise.

Share this post

The Seven Year Slip

Darling Girls

Yours Truly

The Coworker

Just for the Summer

Best Literary Fiction of 2024 (New & Anticipated)

The Housemaid Series Recap

2024’s Best Book Club Books (New & Anticipated)

Bookshelf: Development Diary

Best Rom-Com, Beach Reads & Contemporary Romance Books

Share your thoughts Cancel reply

Just came to say that the only cruise i have been on was also from Seattle to Alaska! Also, I totally meant to read Sweet and forgot about it until seeing this post, so thank you for the reminder!!

Hercule Poirot is a favorite character of mine and I’ve definitely been in the mood for cruise ships and summery reads :) Great list!

thanks megan! and yes I’m such a huge agatha christie/poirot fan! they make for such great breezy mysteries, perfect for the summer! :)

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE OUR LATEST POSTS IN YOUR INBOX

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

21 Interesting Cruise Ship Books to Read on a Cruise

Dated: July 21, 2023 Last Modified: August 27, 2023 by Amy 3 Comments

We just recently returned from our cruise vacation, and I wanted to pop on here with some ideas for cruise ship books to read on a cruise vacation – while this is still on my mind! You know…because I’m at that age where things just don’t seem to stick in my head like they used to!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, or link to any products or services from this website.

Leisure Time Well Spent

We had an incredible vacation with Carnival Cruise Lines. We ate like kings, listened to all the live music and DJ playlists we wanted, met lots of great new people, and had plenty of leisure time we normally don’t allow ourselves at home. A lot of this leisure time involved basking in the sun even though I’m not supposed to really spend much time in the sun, and I’m back home with the sunburn to prove it!

And what’s a good time basking in the sun if you don’t have proper reading material? Admittedly, I didn’t plan out my vacation reads with much intention. I have a stack of books at home that have been waiting for me to kindly turn my attention to them. A few are some I bought from Amazon. A couple others are some from a book exchange with my sister-in-law.

The night before we left for the trip, I grabbed a couple to tuck into my backpack. Imagine my surprise when one of the books from my sister-in-law turned out to be a suspense thriller (my favorite genre) that takes place on a cruise ship! What luck!

Reading My Cruise Ship Book on the Cruise

I read my cruise book all over the Carnival Valor. The Cabin Below by N.L. Hinkens was the perfect cruise read for me! There are so many situations in the book that might not have made much sense to me had I not currently been cruising (or had not recently cruised). For example, in the book the main characters have to report to the muster station on their embarkation day – something I had just done an hour before getting to that part in the book. If you had asked me a month ago about a muster station, I would not have been able to remember at all what that even is as it’s been a while since our last cruise.

I read my book all over the place.

I read at the main pool with tons of other people around and a variety of DJs blasting favorite hits.

I read in the quiet of my own cabin balcony with the soothing waves rhythmically moving in the background.

And I read after ordering a bucket of poolside beverages…until I dozed off from said pool drinks since I’m not much of day drinker.

By the way, I took this next picture with my phone in one of those clear phone pouches on a lanyard thingies. The pictures come out a bit more hazy than they do when the phone isn’t in a case, but it’s not bad at all considering I didn’t have to stress about my phone getting messed up by water or sunscreen. I have put it in my carry on so I will have it for future trips.

The Cruise Ship Library

When I was finished reading my book at the end of the trip, I donated the book to my Carnival cruise library so someone else on the upcoming cruises could borrow and enjoy. Isn’t it super cool the ship has a library with books and games that guests can check out on the honor system? It had never even occurred to me that cruise ships have libraries!

You can read or play games at the tables and comfy chairs in the library or you can take the items back to your room. Every time I went into the Carnival Valor library, there were multiple people in there enjoying the peaceful space. My family enjoyed playing some games while I dug through the bookshelves.

The library seemed to have a carefully planned library collection. Obviously, the cruise ship librarian realizes book on cruise ships should appeal to a wide range. There were fiction and non-fiction books – from historical books, Christian-themed books, and novels with a travel focus or a cultural focus. I did notice many books were authored by global authors from around the world which I have a strong appreciation for. There were books featuring identity struggles to family dramas to romances and tragedies set back decades in time. I found quite a few Spanish language novels, and there were plenty of children’s books, as well. I thought the books matched very well to the demographics of guests on the cruise ship.

I was pleased to see there were a few more books with a cruise ship setting in the library collection!

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton looked like a great new book! If I had more time to read it after I stumbled upon it in the cruise library, I definitely would have! A suspenseful story set on a luxury cruise liner from New York to Havana, secrets and suspense abound.

More Mystery and Suspense Cruise Ship Books

After doing some research, asking friends for recommendations, and doing some more research, I have come up with a list of 10 additional suspense cruise ship books – in addition to the two already mentioned above.

Many of the books are available in Kindle, audio, and paperback formats.

• The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware – This novel is next on my list of cruise ship books to read on a cruise! It is suspenseful and thrilling, just like I like. On Goodreads, it scores a 3.7. It is an Amazon editor’s pick and receives a nod from Entertainment Weekly and the New York Post.
• Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries (series) by Hope Callaghan – This light-hearted series of 24 mystery books all center around assistant cruise director Millie (a 50-something grandmother) and the shenanigans that unfold aboard a massive cruise ship. You can order one book a time (the first book has a Christmas theme linked below), a set of the first three Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries , a set of 10, or the entire series!
• A Murder Mystery Cruise by Dawn Brookes – Part of the A Rachel Prince Mystery series, this book takes readers on yet another cruise with Rachel Prince – this time a murder mystery cruise. This cruise ship novel scores a 4.4 on Goodreads.
• Day Four by Sarah Lotz – This thriller takes readers through many twists and turns and a gloomy arrival aboard The Beautiful Dreamer cruise ship. This suspenseful novel scores a 3.3 on Goodreads.
• Cruise Ship Caper by Tegan Maher (Kindle or audiobook only) – This novella is part of the Witches of Keyhole Lake Mysteries series and follows main character Noelle and friends as they find excitement they hadn’t banked on on a cruise ship.
• Patricia Fisher Cruise Ship Mysteries by Steve Higgs – This series of 10 cruise ship novels follows passenger Patricia Fisher as she dances around accusations of theft and more features humor, romance, emotional roller coasters, and suspense.
• Blood Cruise by Mats Strandberg – There should be no guesses as to the suspense and thrill of this book when the cover tagline reads, “On the Baltic Sea, no one can hear you scream.” This thriller rates a 3.4 on Goodreads.
• Bert and Mamie Take a Cruise by John Keyse-Walker – When a couple sets sail on an African cruise in 1939, the last thing they are expecting is to become cruise detectives! (As this is a new 2023 release, the paperback version is not yet available at the time of this writing. But Kindle and hardback versions are available.)
• The Last Cruise by Kate Christensen – Join the guests on this retro luxury cruise ship as it takes its last hoorah. Just be prepared for any twists and turns along the way.
• Death Under the Perseids by Teresa Dovalpage – Part of A Havana Mystery series, this book brings a cruise ship setting and the vibrant city of Havana together as the main character scrambles to uncover secrets.

Romance Books to Take on a Cruise

If romance is more your speed, don’t fret! Here are a few titles with good reviews that will go along perfectly on your cruise vacation!

• Shipped by Angie Hockman – This novel falls under Amazon editor’s pick for best romance. The plot involves a female main character attending a company cruise.
• Undercover Billionaire: A Forbidden Cinderella Cruise Ship Romance by Amy Andrews – This sultry romance brings two main characters – male and female – into a ocean-bound romance!
• Ship of Fools by Katherine Anne Porter – If you enjoy classical reads that pull you back into decades past, you might enjoy this novel set in 1931 with passengers aboard a cruise ship set for Germany. Originally published in 1984, this is a cruise read that has stood the test of time!
• Cruise Quarters: A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships by Cara Bertoia and Raymond Bertoia – If you head for the casino deck the minute you board a cruise ship, this novel, based on real life situation and authored by actual cruise ship casino employees, might be for you!
• No puedes engañar al amor by Elisabeth Martin – This Spanish language romance novel is the first in a series of protagonist Emily Gilbert and centers around “the most fabulous cruise ship in the world” headed to New York.

Holiday Cruise Books (Christmas Season)

If you are on the countdown for a Christmas cruise, surely one of the following cruise ship books should be in your bag! Some are romance and others are mystery, marked accordingly.

• Santa Cruise: A Festive and Fun Holiday Story by Fern Michaels – Follow four lifelong friends as they set out for adventure on a singles cruise during the Christmas season. This romance is an Amazon editor’s pick and scores a 3.9 on Goodreads. (Romance)
• Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark – For all the Mary Higgins Clark fans out there, we had to add Santa Cruise . A peaceful post-holiday cruise turns anything but once the Santa Cruise hits the waves. (Suspense)
• A Christmas Cruise Murder by Dawn Brookes – This holiday-themed suspense cruise book takes readers along with Rachel as she starts her cruise to the Canary Islands. But, like with many cruises, there are a few bumps along the way! (Suspense)
• Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries: Cruise Ship Crisis by Hope Callaghan – As we’ve already mentioned, the Millie’s series features up to 24 mystery books. But this particular one, the first book, kicks the entire series off with a Christmas cruise theme. (Lighthearted Suspense)

Happy cruising and happy reading, fellow cruisers!

More Travel Posts

Be sure to check our other cruise content linked in the list below!

Branson Landing with Kids

The Nest in Hot Springs

Guess and Company Christmas Warehouse in Des Arc

Girls Weekend in Savannah

OKC with Kids

5 Fun Things to do in St. Louis

Places to Eat at Branson Landing

Branson Strip with Kids

Kayaking in Arkansas

What to Do in Panama City, Panama

Atlantic and Pacific Restaurant

Panama City Fish Market

Dog Sledding in Montana

Treehouse Cabins in Eureka Springs

A Visit to Dallas Market Hall

O ur Stay in a Caribbean Beach Resort Pirate Room

Tips for a First Time at Disney World

7 Day Disney World Itinerary

Disney Animal Kingdom Outfit Ideas

What to Wear to Disney World

Magic Kingdom Outfit Ideas

Chef Mickey’s Breakfast

Cinderella’s Royal Table Visit

A Weekend in Austin Itinerary

Weekend in Charleston Itinerary

Charleston Outfits Ideas

Big Cedar Lodge Getaway

Gorgeous Luxury Cabins in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Spudnut Shoppe in El Dorado, Arkansas

Staying at Comfort Inn San Juan (Abitta Boutique San Juan)

Best Ideas for Kids at Condado Beach in San Juan

Cruising Ducks for Duck, Duck, Cruise

Quotes About Cruising and Cruising Captions

All About Cruising on Carnival Valor

The Best Quotes About Cruising

Amy is a wife, mom, teacher, and content creator/owner of Planted in Arkansas. She loves creating recipes, travel plans, party ideas, and outfits. And she believes in celebrating all things - big and small.

Reader Interactions

Melody Hayden

March 8, 2024 at 10:40 PM

I came across your website as I was searching for books about cruises. Recently I read a book titled “The Untold Tales of a Sailor at Sea” by author L.C.Tang which is all about the hidden truths of the cruise industry. I recommend checking out the boook and perhaps adding it to your website for your followers. You have a very informative website and suggestions for travel enthusiasts.

Travel enthusiast, Melody

March 8, 2024 at 10:38 PM

I came across your website as I was searching for books about cruises. Recently I read a book titled “The Untold Tales of a Sailor at Sea” by author L.C.Tang which is all about the hidden truths of the cruise industry. I recommened checking out the boook and perhaps adding it to your website for your followers. You have a very informative website and suggestions for travel enthusiasts.

March 15, 2024 at 10:07 PM

Thank you, Melody! I will definitely check this one out! I love a good “behind the scenes” type of book!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Gone With The Family

Adventures in Family Travel

Escape With These 40 Flirty Romance Books Set in Fabulous Destinations

At Home , Book Reviews / February 11, 2021 by Lisa Goodmurphy / 2 Comments

I’m a voracious reader and enjoy most genres of books but sometimes (like this winter) I just need a light, entertaining read. When this mood strikes then I turn to so-called chick-lit books for diversion. And, of course, my favourites are those that take place in a destination that I love or want to visit.

These 40 books are my picks for the best rom-coms and contemporary romance novels set in fabulous destinations – mostly new releases from the past couple of years plus a few old friends. They’re all perfect for Valentine’s Day season or any time that you need a little romantic escape!

You might also enjoy 36 Books Set in Paris: A Literary Escape to the City of Light and find all of our book recommendations here !

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to  Amazon.com  and affiliated sites.   As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Eighty Days to Elsewhere by KC Dyer

Setting: Around the world trip

“The Amazing Race” meets Around the World in 80 Days as a woman desperate to save her family bookstore falls for her competition.

This romantic comedy is a fun read as Romy travels the globe in an  Amazing Race  style (mis)adventure based on Jules Verne’s  Around the World in 80 Days  as part of a competition to land a job at ExLibris Expeditions and save the bookstore owned by her uncles in New York City.

Along the way, Romy discovers that her sole (rather attractive) competitor might not be as evil as she initially thought. On her madcap adventure Romy travels from New York City to Liverpool, London, Paris, the French Alps, Italy, Egypt, India, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Niagara Falls and more!

In the second installment in the ExLibris Adventures series, An Accidental Odyssey , Gia should be planning her wedding but a series of events result in her following her father, an eccentric Classics professor, to the Mediterranean where he will be retracing Odysseus’s famous voyage with assistance from an attractive, young archeologist.

BUY ON AMAZON

2. The Rome Affair by Karen Swan

Setting: Rome, Italy

1974 and Elena Damiani lives a gilded life. Born to wealth and a noted beauty, no door is closed to her, no man can resist her. At 26, she is already onto her third husband when she meets her love match. But he is the one man she can never have, and all the beauty and money in the world can’t change it.

2017 and Francesca Hackett is living la dolce vita in Rome, leading tourist groups around the Eternal City and forgetting the ghosts she left behind in London. When she finds a stolen designer handbag and returns it, she is brought into the orbit of her grand neighbor who lives across the piazza – famed socialite Viscontessa Elena dei Damiani Pignatelli della Mirandola.

Mutually intrigued by each other, the two women agree to collaborate on a project, with Cesca interviewing Elena for her memoirs. As summer unfurls, Elena tells her sensational stories, leaving Cesca in her thrall. But when a priceless diamond ring found in an ancient tunnel below the city streets is ascribed to Elena, Cesca begins to suspect a shocking secret at the heart of Elena’s life.

I haven’t read this novel yet but have read several others by Karen Swan. Many of her contemporary romance books are page-turners set in fabulous destinations and usually have a bit of a mystery element to them as well. This one set in Rome is the perfect escape if you’re in need of a little Italian dolce vita .

3. Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal

Setting: Pakistan

Told with wry wit and colorful prose, Unmarriageable is a charming update on Jane Austen’s beloved novel and an exhilarating exploration of love, marriage, class, and sisterhood.

I loved this retelling of Jane Austen’s  Pride and Prejudice  set in modern day Pakistan. Even though I technically knew how the story was going to end, I couldn’t wait to see how it all worked out for Alys, Darsee and the rest of the characters – such a fun read!

4. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Setting: London, England

Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London’s trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season’s must-haves. The only trouble is, she can’t actually afford it – not any of it.

Her job writing at Successful Saving magazine not only bores her to tears, it doesn’t pay much at all. And lately Becky’s been chased by dismal letters from the bank – letters with large red sums she can’t bear to read. She tries cutting back. But none of her efforts succeed. Her only consolation is to buy herself something . . . just a little something.

Any or all of Sophie Kinsella’s books could be on this list but I decided to go with the first. I read Confessions of a Shopaholic shortly after it was first published 20 years ago and was instantly hooked at Becky’s laugh-out-loud funny escapades and the London setting. I have read every book that Ms. Kinsella has written since as well as a couple that she had written previously under the name of Madeleine Wickham.

5. The Love & Series by Jenna Evans Welch

Setting: Tuscany (Book 1), Ireland (Book 2) and Greece (Book 3)

In Love & Gelato , 16 year-old Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, but she isn’t in the mood for Italy’s famous sunshine and fairy-tale landscape. She’s only there because it was her mother’s dying wish that she get to know her father. But then Lina is given a journal that her mom had kept when she lived in Italy and a summer in Italy turns into a road trip across Tuscany following in her mother’s footsteps.

This is a fun read that both my teenage daughter and I enjoyed. Welch followed up the bestselling  Love & Gelato  with  Love & Luck  about a road trip through Ireland filled with love, adventure, and the true meaning behind the word family and  Love & Olives  about a teen girl finding romance while trying to connect with her absent father in beautiful Santorini, Greece.

6. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Setting: The Beach

A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.

Although it’s not really in a particular destination, the two main characters are living next door to each other in beach houses for the summer which sounds like a fabulous destination to me! Loved the characters, the setting, the flirty dialogue and the way the author balances romance with serious issues – Emily Henry is a must-read author for me!

7. Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan

Setting: Singapore and Hong Kong

When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor.

Crazy Rich Asians is the first in a trilogy by Kwan (the others are  China Rich Girlfriend  and  Rich People Problems ) and I loved them all! The stories are hilarious and have everything – love, romance, scheming social climbers and more. The novels are set primarily in Singapore and  Hong Kong  and have definitely stoked my wanderlust and desire to visit both of these incredible Asian cities. (For visual travel inspiration – watch the film after reading the books!)

8. The Flip Side by James Bailey

Setting: Bristol, England

Penny wise or pound foolish? A heartbroken young Brit decides to turn his love life over to the flip of a coin – in this delightfully British rom-com in the vein of Jenny Colgan, Rosie Curtis, Nick Hornby, and David Nicholls.

I love a British rom-com and I can’t wait to read this one that’s told from the guy’s point of view. Plus he lives in Bristol which has been on my travel wish list for quite some time!

9. The Hidden Beach by Karen Swan

Setting: Sweden

In the oldest part of Stockholm, Bell Everhurst is working as a nanny for an affluent family. Hanna and Max Von Greyerz are parents to seven year-old Linus and five-year old twins Ellinor and Tilde, and Bell has been with the family for more than two years.

One early Spring morning, as she’s rushing out to take the children to school, she answers the phone – and everything changes. A woman from a clinic she’s never heard of asks her to pass on the message that Hanna’s husband is awake. Bell is confused. She clearly just saw Max walking out of the house a few minutes earlier, but the woman mentioned Hanna by name . . . When she gets hold of her employer, the truth is revealed: Hanna’s first husband fell into a coma seven years earlier, following an accident. But now he’s awake. And life is going to change for them all.

I read this Karen Swan contemporary romance last summer and loved it! It’s set in the historic city of Stockholm and along the beautiful archipelagos of the Swedish coast. We visited Stockholm on a cruise several years ago and I have wanted to return to see more of Sweden ever since – this novel cemented that desire.

10. The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore

Setting: Tuscany, Italy

When Gracie Burton stumbles upon an advertisement for a week-long cookery course in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, she cannot resist, and ploughs her life savings into the trip. Her only family – daughter Carina and granddaughter Anastasia – are hesitant about what has prompted this seemingly random venture. But they have no sense of Gracie’s past; of what could possibly be calling her to Italy. They have no idea that Gracie is harbouring the secret of an extraordinary life that preceded them.

This was the first novel that I read by bestselling author, Santa Montefiore, and I enjoy her style of contemporary romance set in beautiful destinations. The theme of this novel is that you should never give up on your dreams no matter how long you hold onto them. I enjoyed reading about Gracie and the dreams that prompted her to visit the Tuscan countryside (a destination that I have always wanted to visit!).

11. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Setting: Australia and New York City

The art of love is never a science: Meet Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially inept professor of genetics, who’s decided it’s time he found a wife. In the orderly, evidence – based manner with which Don approaches all things, he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner: a sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the late arrivers.

It has been a few years since I read this novel but the quirky romance between an awkward genetics professor and the woman who is all wrong for him is one of my all-time favourite rom-coms. The couple live in Australia but there’s also a trip to New York City in an attempt to find Rosie’s father. The book also has two sequels The Rosie Effect and The Rosie Result .

12. Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

Bridget Jones’s Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud account of a year in the life of a thirty-something Singleton on a permanent doomed quest for self-improvement.

It’s not possible to have a list of rom-coms without including Bridget Jones’ Diary as it’s widely considered one of the best rom-coms of all time. It has been 25 years since it was first published and I hold Helen Fielding responsible for my obsession with British rom-coms! It was also a wildly successful book which was followed by sequels detailing later developments in Bridget’s life as well as a series of films.

The follow-up books are: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason ; Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy ; and Bridget Jones’s Baby: The Diaries .

13. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Setting: Hawaii

For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during the Hawaiian trip of a lifetime – maybe even love – in this romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling authors of Roomies.

I have yet to read this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy but it was on a lot of must-read lists for 2019. A bout of food poisoning takes out everyone in Olive’s sister’s wedding party except for Olive and her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

As a result, there’s an all-expenses paid vacation in Hawaii up for grabs that Olive and Ethan decide to take together despite their mutual hatred. Posing as loving honeymooners in paradise, however, might just lead to feelings that neither of them were expecting!

14. Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

Setting: England

Vivian Forest has been out of the country a grand total of one time, so when she gets the chance to tag along on her daughter Maddie’s work trip to England to style a royal family member, she can’t refuse. She’s excited to spend the holidays taking in the magnificent British sights, but what she doesn’t expect is to become instantly attracted to a certain private secretary, his charming accent, and unyielding formality.

I recently read this novel, by best-selling author Jasmine Guillory, and quite enjoyed the story of the middle age romance between Vivian and Malcolm. Most of the story is set at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate and in London as Vivian travelled to England with her daughter who is styling the Duchess.

It’s set during the holiday season but most of the plot isn’t Christmas-related so it’s a fun read at any time of the year. There’s one fairly steamy scene in the book so if you’re buying it as a gift then it might not be ideal for granny or your teenage daughter.

15. Anna and the French Kiss

Setting: Paris, France

A teen romance about a girl from Atlanta whose father sends her to boarding school in France for her senior year. Anna is less than thrilled until she meets Étienne St. Clair, the perfect boy. The only problem? He’s taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her crush back home.

16. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Setting: Larchmont neighbourhood of Los Angeles

Meet Nina Hill: A young woman supremely confident in her own…shell.   The only child of a single mother, Nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book. When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They’re all – or mostly all -excited to meet her! She’ll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It’s a disaster! And as if that wasn’t enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis, has turned out to be cute, funny, and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn’t he realize what a terrible idea that is?

I loved this quirky romance when I read it a couple of years ago – maybe because I love books and trivia and love to plan too! It’s set in the Larchmont neighbourhood of Los Angeles which is known for its historic homes on tree-lined streets and quaint shopping district with cafes, boutiques and independent stores. I hadn’t heard of this neighbourhood before but reading the book made me think that I want to visit Larchmont when I finally get to Los Angeles.

17. Simmer Down by Sarah Smith

Setting: Maui

Nikki DiMarco knew life wouldn’t be all sunshine and coconuts when she quit her dream job to help her mom serve up mouthwatering Filipino dishes to hungry beach goers, but she didn’t expect the Maui food truck scene to be so eat-or-be-eaten – or the competition to be so smoking hot.

It has been years since we visited Maui and I would love to go back so I’m looking forward to reading this contemporary romance that revolves around the Maui food truck scene.

18. The Spanish Promise by Karen Swan

Setting: Madrid, Spain

One of Spain’s richest men is dying. But as he prepares his estate, his family is shocked to discover he is making plans to give away his wealth to a young woman they have never even heard of. Who is she, and what hold does she have over him?

Charlotte Fairfax is asked to travel to the troubled family’s home in Spain to get to the bottom of the mysterious bequest.

But in Madrid, things don’t go to plan when the woman denies knowing anything about the gift. Is she lying? Looking for clues, Charlotte digs into the prominent family’s history and unearths a dark and shocking past in which two people were torn apart by conflict.

That description along with the dreamy book cover was enough to put this book at the top of my summer reading list two years ago. Spain has been on my travel wish list for some time and reading this novel provided even more inspiration so hopefully I will be able to finally book that trip to Madrid and Barcelona soon!

19. Paris is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

Setting: Paris, Ireland and Tuscany

A thirty-year-old woman retraces her gap year through Ireland, France, and Italy to find love – and herself – in this hilarious and heartfelt novel.

A popular rom-com from 2020 that I just finished reading. Chelsea’s escapades in Europe are funny and there are heartfelt bits as well as she deals with her grief over the loss of her mother and how she can move on with her life.

What I enjoyed most though was travelling vicariously to Ireland, Paris and Tuscany with Chelsea. Reading about two of my favourite places (Ireland and Paris) and one at the top of my bucket list (Tuscany) was just the escape I needed while staying at home.

20. The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Setting: London and a Yorkshire village

When overachiever Leena Cotton is ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, she escapes to her grandmother Eileen’s house for some long-overdue rest.

Eileen is newly single and about to turn eighty. She’d like a second chance at love, but her tiny Yorkshire village doesn’t offer many eligible gentlemen.

So they decide to try a two-month swap.

Another popular rom-com from 2020 that I have just finished reading and I loved this charming feel-good story about a grandmother/granddaughter duo switching lives and finding love and happiness as a result.

Eileen was my favourite character in this book – we all could use a feisty grandma like her – and I loved the small Yorkshire village where she lives. Yorkshire has been on my travel wish list for awhile and now I want to visit all the more!

21. Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella

Setting: Italy and London

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Owe You One, an utterly delightful novel about a woman who ditches her dating app for a writer’s retreat in Italy – only to find that real love comes with its own filters .

Sophie Kinsella is my guilty pleasure and I thoroughly enjoyed this rom-com, in no small part because it’s set at a writer’s retreat along the Mediterranean in Italy as well as in London. Plus there’s an adorable (if a bit naughty dog)!

22. Shipped by Angie Hockman

Setting: Galápagos Islands cruise

The Unhoneymooners meets The Hating Game in this witty, clever, and swoonworthy novel following a workaholic marketing manager who is forced to go on a cruise with her arch-nemesis when they’re up for the same promotion.

This is a cute enemies-to-lovers rom-com but what I really loved about it was the unique setting. Henley and her colleague, Graeme (who she hates), are both in the running for a promotion at the adventure travel company they work for. Their boss decides to send them both on one of the company’s small ship cruises to the Galápagos Islands and have them compete to come up with the best sales marketing campaign for that region.

A Galápagos cruise has been on my travel wish list for a very long time so the descriptions of their experiences in the islands was enough to make this an enjoyable read for me!

23. If Only by Kate Eberlen

Letty and Alf are the only English speakers in an Italian class in Rome, where they discover that the language that really connects them is dance. Alf is nineteen, a former ballroom champion who seems reassuringly confident and at ease with himself. Letty, twenty-two, is unusually reserved and studious, having been forced to give up her childhood dream of becoming a ballet dancer. They come from different worlds, but when they waltz around the Piazza Navona together, a passionate relationship begins.

If Only is a novel about identity, secrets, passion and dance – and the indefinable collision of physical, emotional and intellectual excitement that we call falling in love.

I haven’t read this one yet but I love anything that reminds me of my one visit to Rome almost 10 years ago already.

24. The Endless Beach by Jenny Colgan

Setting: A fictional Scottish island

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bookshop on the Corner and The Cafe by the Sea comes another enchanting, unforgettable novel of a woman who makes a fresh start on the beautiful Scottish Island of Mure – only to discover life has more surprises in store for her.

I loved this contemporary romance set on a remote Scottish Island – and the sequel Christmas at the Island Hotel is just as good!

25. Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler

Setting: Alaska

A grouchy mountaineer, a Hollywood starlet and miles of untamed wilderness…What could possibly go wrong?

If you like a well-written romantic comedy set in a great destination then you’ll enjoy this series where each book focuses on a different couple in Moose Springs, Alaska. Enjoy the View is the third book in the series and was preceded by The Tourist Attraction and Mistletoe & Mr. Right .

26. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand

Setting: Nantucket Island

When Mallory Blessing’s son, Link, receives deathbed instructions from his mother to call a number on a slip of paper in her desk drawer, he’s not sure what to expect. But he certainly does not expect Jake McCloud to answer. It’s the late spring of 2020 and Jake’s wife, Ursula DeGournsey, is the frontrunner in the upcoming Presidential election.

There must be a mistake, Link thinks. How do Mallory and Jake know each other?

Based on the classic film Same Time Next Year (which Mallory and Jake watch every summer), 28 Summers explores the agony and romance of a one-weekend-per-year affair and the dramatic ways this relationship complicates and enriches their lives, and the lives of the people they love.

Elin Hilderbrand is a prolific writer of contemporary romance novels set on beautiful Nantucket Island. I have read several and found them all quite enjoyable so pretty much any of them could be on this list! A few more recent favourites are The Hotel Nantucket and The Five-Star Weekend .

27. Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

Setting: An English village

At thirty-three-years old Evangeline Starling’s life in Chicago is missing that special something. And when she’s passed over for promotion at work, Evie realizes she needs to make a change. Some time away to regain perspective might be just the thing.

In a burst of impulsivity, she plans a holiday in a quaint English village. The holiday package comes with a temporary position at Much Ado About Books, the bookstore located beneath her rental apartment. There’s no better dream vacation for the bookish Evie, a life-long Shakespeare lover.

Is it wrong for me to be jealous of a fictional character? Evie’s holiday working in a bookshop in a quaint English village does sound like a dream vacation! There’s also a flirty local farmer in the mix so perhaps a little holiday romance or maybe even something longer lasting. An enjoyable, light and easy rom-com read. Not much happens plot-wise but it’s set in a charming village in Northumberland in the north of England. Bonus points because it involves a book shop.

28. The Summer House by Jenny Hale

Setting: North Carolina’s Outer Banks

Callie Weaver and her best friend Olivia Dixon have finally done it: put their life savings into the beach house they admired through childhood summers, on the dazzling white sand of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. They’re going to buff the salt from its windows, paint its sun-bleached sidings, and open it as a bed and breakfast.

Callie’s too busy to think about her love life, but when she catches the attention of local heartthrob Luke Sullivan, his blue eyes and easy smile make it hard to say no. He’s heir to his father’s real estate empire, and the papers say he’s just another playboy. But as they laugh in the ocean waves, Callie realizes there’s more to this man than money and good looks.

Just when true happiness seems within reach, Callie and Olivia find a diary full of secrets . . . secrets that stretch across the island and have the power to turn lives upside down. As Callie reads, she unravels a mystery that makes her heart drop through the floor.

Will Callie and Luke be pulled apart by the storm the diary unleashes, or can true love save them?

I’m not familiar with this author, however, I’m looking forward to reading this contemporary romance as I have heard a lot about North Carolina’s Outer Banks and would love to visit someday.

29. The House by the Sea by Santa Montefiore

Setting: Tuscany and the Devon coast of England

Spanning four decades and sweeping from the Italian countryside to the English coast, this story by Santa Montefiore is a moving and mysterious tale of love, forgiveness, and the past revealed.

This was the second novel by Santa Montefiore that I read last year and I thoroughly enjoyed both. This one is also partly set in beautiful Tuscany as well as the Devon coast of England – two destinations that I would love to visit!

30. The Greek Escape by Karen Swan

Setting: The Greek islands

Running from heartbreak, Chloe Marston leaves her old life in London for a fresh start in New York. Working at a luxury concierge company, she makes other people’s lives run perfectly, even if her own has ground to a halt. But a terrible accident forces her to step into a new role, up close and personal with the company’s most esteemed and powerful clients. Charismatic Joe Lincoln is one of them and his every wish is her command, so when he asks her to find him a secluded holiday home in the Greek Islands, she sets about sourcing the perfect retreat.

But when Tom, her ex, unexpectedly shows up in Manhattan and the stability of her new life is thrown off-balance again, she jumps at the chance to help Joe inspect the holiday house; escaping to Greece will give her the time and space to decide where her future truly lies. Tom is the man she has loved for so long but he has hurt her before – can she give him another chance? And as she draws closer to Joe, does she even want to? As magnetic as he is mysterious, there’s an undeniable chemistry between them that she can’t resist.

But whatever her heart is telling her, she’s in over her head – another client’s wife has mysteriously disappeared and serious allegations about Joe threaten more than just her happiness. Who can she trust? And will Chloe uncover the truth in time?

If you’re looking for a novel that is pure escapism – with a little mystery and romance thrown in – then internationally bestselling author Karen Swan is for you! Another Karen Swan book that I’m looking forward to reading – this one set on a lush Greek island.

31. Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Setting: Canyonlands National Park, Utah

From the author of the “heartfelt and funny” (Publishers Weekly) sensation The Unhoneymooners, this page-turning adventure full of second chances, complicated relationships, and the breathtaking beauty of the American Southwest will take fans on one wild ride.

A fun second-chance romance/adventure novel that reminded me a bit of the movie Romancing the Stone from the mid ’80s.

Lily Wilder, daughter of a notorious treasure hunter, has resorted to leading tourists on fake treasure hunt/horseback riding trips in Utah using her father’s hand drawn maps in order to make ends meet. The current group includes Leo Grady who broke Lily’s heart after a summer working on her family’s ranch in Wyoming 10 years earlier.

What is supposed to be a fun few days on a wilderness trip takes a turn and the group embarks on a dangerous search for Butch Cassidy’s long missing treasure in Canyonlands National Park that might also lead to Lily and Leo finding their way back to each other. Just a fun escape that’s perfect for lazy summer days!

32. Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

Setting: Channel Islands

From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year comes a heartwarming and hilarious tale that asks: What if you picked up the wrong suitcase and fell head over heels for its mystery owner?

I picked out this book to read entirely because it takes place on Jersey in the Channel Islands and it sounded like a fun rom-com with an interesting premise.

Laura is a writer for a digital lifestyle magazine who is travelling to Jersey to write a story about how her parents fell in love on the island but when she arrives at her hotel she realizes that she has the wrong suitcase. The contents of the suitcase reveal that the owner is Laura’s dream man and she is convinced that destiny has brought them together. So with the help of Ted, a local cab driver, she sets out to find the owner of the suitcase while at the same time tracing her parents’ footsteps and learning more about her island family.

Just Haven’t Met You Yet is a sweet romance that’s laugh-out-loud funny in places and I’m still keen to visit the Channel Islands after reading it but it’s also a much deeper heartfelt story about grief and family memories that left me in tears as often as it had me laughing. And I absolutely loved the sentiment from the last line of the book: “ I have no illusions about happily ever afters – I know life will bring its challenges and nothing is forever – but I hope we might be happy today, and for as many todays as we are lucky enough to have “.

33. Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

Setting: Key West, Florida

From the USA Today bestselling author of West Side Love Story, an acclaimed romantic comedy series with its own set of complex family dynamics set in Key West, Florida filled with humor, fake dating, Latinx culture, and perfect for summer beach reading…

When social media influencer Sara Vance is stranded sans her flaky boyfriend just before a Key West family vacation, a meet-cute with Cuban-American firefighter Luis Navarro in the parking lot of the airport is the answer to her prayers. With Luis as her fake fiancée for the week, Sara can maintain her “perfect” image IRL. But what happens when the fake starts feeling so real?

This first in Oliveras’s Keys to Love series was an enjoyable read so if you’re looking for an escape to a beautiful sunny destination then this sweet yet steamy contemporary romance set in beautiful Key West will be the perfect addition to your beach bag this summer! Anchored Hearts is the second installment in the series and is the story of the firefighter sister of the male main character in Island Affair .

34. People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

Setting: Various destinations in Canada, the U.S. and Europe

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers and Beach Read comes a sparkling novel that will leave you with the warm, hazy afterglow usually reserved for the best vacations.

Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.

Poppy and Alex don’t hit it off when they meet during first year university but develop a friendship on a road trip home to their small town in Ohio at the end of the year. Over the next decade, they get together for a week long vacation each summer until an ill-fated trip to Croatia ends their friendship.

It’s now two years later and Poppy contacts Alex and invites him on another summer vacation. The two meet up in Palm Springs and the novel then alternates between this summer’s trip and each of the previous vacations so that the reader experiences the development of Poppy and Alex’s relationship, discovers what happened on the trip to Croatia and roots for them to get together now that they have reconnected.

This book was the perfect escape for me. I easily related to Poppy, a small-town girl with insatiable wanderlust, who starts out as a travel blogger and becomes a writer at a well-known travel magazine and I loved vicariously experiencing the destinations that they visited which include Vancouver Island, Nashville, San Francisco, New Orleans, Colorado, Sanibel Island, Tuscany, Croatia and Palm Springs.

Likeable characters, witty dialogue, bucket-list settings and some emotional bits that left me in tears make People We Meet on Vacation an engaging and entertaining read!

35. Two For the Road by Chantel Guertin

Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Christina Lauren will adore this touching and witty novel about a woman who takes an impulsive trip to England to meet the man behind the audiobook narrator she’s fallen for.

This is the Canadian title of Chantel Guertin’s book – in the US it is called Gigi, Listening .

Gigi has been running her family’s bookshop in Ann Arbor, Michigan since the death of her parents several years earlier. She avoids dating in favour of reading but is obsessed with Zane, the narrator of her favourite audiobook who also works for his family’s tour business. When her friends find out, they gift her a 10 day coach tour through England for her 30th birthday so she has the opportunity to meet him in person and discover whether he actually is her soulmate.

A light-hearted romance and armchair travelling all in one! Gigi’s obsession with Zane’s voice which is the premise for Two for the Road is a bit cringey but once you get past that then it’s quite a fun read.

Gigi seems a bit flaky but she hasn’t recovered from the tragic loss of her parents and her travels across England become a journey of self-discovery. A great cast of supporting charaacters and I loved vicariously travelling around England with Gigi and the rest of the group. Two for the Road is a charming rom-com (more sweet than steamy) and a fun escape!!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

36. Ciao for Now by Kate Bromley

When an American interning at a fashion house in Rome butts heads with her professor’s surly son, sparks fly!

A cute, lighthearted rom-com set in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Violet is a 29 year-old design student from New York City, deeply in debt and plagued by self-doubt, who has landed a coveted internship in Rome that will have her competing with two classmates for a job at a New York fashion label. Shortly after arriving in Rome, Violet falls in a cafe spilling coffee everywhere and breaking a man’s laptop. Although she tries to make things right, he’s not impressed with her profuse apologies and she later discovers that he is her professor’s son, Matt.

Violet needs to win this competition to launch her fashion career but sparks fly as she spends more time with Matt and the distraction might cost her the prize. Fun banter and chemistry, fabulous setting (Rome and a weekend trip to Capri), and interesting secondary characters (especially her friend and fellow student Marco) – Ciao For Now is a fun read that will be perfect for the beach bag this summer!

Thanks to NetGalley for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

37. Love Me Do by Lindsey Kelk

Setting: Los Angeles, California

Greetings card copywriter Phoebe Chapman knows a good romantic line or two – and it makes her a fantastic Cupid.

So when she lands in the Hollywood Hills – a place that proves film stars, golden beaches and secret waterfalls don’t just exist in the movies – she can’t resist playing matchmaker for her handsome neighbour, carpenter Ren.

But you can’t hide from love in La La Land.

And isn’t there something a little bit hot about Ren, her own leading man next door?

I enjoyed this fun friends to lovers rom-com and especially the nod to Cyrano de Bergerac! There’s more than just romance here – the story also touches on family, friendship and toxic relationships plus there’s some exploring of the hidden gems of Los Angeles as Bel and Ren take Phoebe to the beach, hiking, and to a Dodgers game so she gets to know the real LA. Loved the British humour and the secondary characters – Phoebe’s relationships with Bel, Myrna, and Suzanne are every bit as much fun as the one with Ren.

This is a fun, feel-good read – perfect as a summer beach read or when you need an escape to sunny California!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Canada for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

38. The Second Chance Hotel by Sierra Godfrey

Setting: Greece

It’s all fun and games until you accidentally marry a stranger in Greece and inherit a hotel.

A fun rom-com set in a beautiful destination!

Amelia and James have both fled problems at home in the U.S. to travel in Europe for several months when they find themselves as the only guests at a hotel on a small Greek island that doesn’t get much tourist traffic. In a strange turn of events, they find themselves married and owners of the hotel.

Amelia agrees to stay and run the hotel through the busy summer season with James but as she finds her attraction to him growing she begins to wonder if she should be returning to her real life as a project manager in San Francisco or whether the universe has presented her with a second chance to start over and live a different sort of life.

I thought this was an enjoyable read – funny with quirky secondary characters and a great sense of place – The Second Chance Hotel made me want to run off to Greece and run a hotel!

39. Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli

Setting: Alaskan cruise

An impulsive decision to join an Alaskan cruise getaway brings the chance for an onboard romance in this new enemies-to-lovers romance from the author of A Holly Jolly Diwali.

An enjoyable romance that takes place on a 10 day cruise to Alaska from Seattle.

Jasmine Randhawa is 33, newly single and a bit of a mess. She has had a rocky relationship with her parents for years because she was rebellious as a teen and considered a bad girl in their South Asian community but decides to travel with them on this cruise in an effort to mend their relationship.

Jasmine expects that many friends from her younger days will be on the group cruise but it turns out that it’s a senior’s cruise and she and childhood acquaintance and golden boy, Jake, are the only two under ’50s on the ship.

I was a couple of chapters into this book when I realized that Jasmine is the older sister of Niki in Holly Jolly Diwali which I had read previously and I enjoyed that connection. This is a romance but it’s as much about Jasmine’s growth and the mending of her relationship with her parents. I loved the descriptions of the ports-of-call as it reminded me of the Alaskan cruise we went on years ago and reminded me that I would love to cruise there again!

40. The Paris Connection by Lorraine Brown

In this witty and heartfelt debut love story for fans of Josie Silver’s One Day in December, a woman stranded in Paris for the day discovers that the wrong road can sometimes lead us in the right direction.

A fun, light, enjoyable read. Hannah and her boyfriend, Simon, have been on a romantic getaway in Venice and are on their way to Amsterdam for his sister’s wedding. They accidentally get separated on the overnight train and Hannah ends up in Paris instead where she spends the day seeing the city with Léo, a young Parisian man who she met on the train.

I love a book set in Paris and the best part of this book is exploring Paris with the two as Léo takes Hannah to see all of his favourite places in the city. The descriptions of the city made me want to hop on a plane and return to la belle Paris!!

You Might Also Enjoy

25 Books Set in Cold and Snowy Places to Read This Winter

50 Books Set in Italy To Stoke Your Wanderlust

15 Books To Read This Winter – A Travel Inspired Reading List

60+ Books to Inspire a Love of Travel and Adventure in Kids

21 Mysteries, Thrillers and Spooky Novels With a Strong Sense of Place

Pin This For Later

Reader Interactions

Colleen Lanin

February 26, 2021 at 3:01 pm

Lately, I’ve only been reading memoirs (travel and chef memoirs, usually). But these look super fun. I loved Bridget Jones’ Diary years ago. Will pin these books for later!

Lisa Goodmurphy

March 3, 2021 at 2:03 pm

Thanks, Colleen! Lately I’m enjoying alternating between serious books and lighter reads but I should probably work a few memoirs into the rotation too!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Kindle Store
• Kindle eBooks
• Literature & Fiction

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $13.08 $13.08

Save: $5.59 $5.59 (43%)

Buy for others

Buying and sending ebooks to others.

• Select quantity
• Buy and send eBooks
• Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Cruising for Love: A second-chance romantic comedy beach read novel (The Escape Series Book 2) Kindle Edition

• Book 2 of 3 The Escape Series
• Print length 198 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date June 9, 2016
• File size 2395 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details
• Next 2 for you in this series $11.98
• All 3 for you in this series $17.97

Customers who bought this item also bought

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

From the author.

• Taking Chances
• Making Choices
• Faking Changes
• Breaking Challenges
• Shattered Diamonds
• Shining Pearls
• Shimmering Emeralds
• Shadowed Rubies
• Shocking Sapphires
• Shaded Amethysts
• Heartless Hunk (Cocky Hero Club World and Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems spinoff)
• His First Time: Ranger (FREE and available exclusively at Callie Love's website)
• His First Time: Sterling
• His First Time: Saint
• His First Time: Beau
• His First Time: Nick
• His First Time: Adam
• His First Time: Gabe
• Man of the Month Club: January
• Man of the Month Club: February
• Man of the Month Club: March
• Man of the Month Club: April
• Man of the Month Club: May
• Man of the Month Club: June
• Man of the Month Club: July
• Man of the Month Club: August
• Man of the Month Club: September
• Man of the Month Club: October
• Man of the Month Club: November
• Man of the Month Club: December
• Aloha, Baby! (FREE when you visit Ann Omasta's website)
• Getting Lei'd
• Cruising for Love
• Island Hopping
• Coconutty Christmas (Bonus short story)
• Goofy Newfies
• Itty Bitty Kitties
• Funny Bunnies
• Daring the Neighbor
• Daring his Passion
• Daring Rescue
• Daring her Captor
• Daring the Judge
• The Broke Billionaire
• The Billionaire's Brother
• The Billionairess
• The Royally Broke Billionaire: Royal Wedding Blues
• The Royally Broke Billionaire: Royal Baby Scandal
• Guarding Grace
• Watching Willow
• Be Your Own Boss as an Independent Author
• Top 10 Tips for Happiness
• Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle
• The Ultimate Book of Life Hacks

About the Author

• I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin.
• Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida, and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle.
• If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon, and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea--I love it all.
• There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return.
• Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above.
• Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word.
• Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.
• All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie Sleeping with the Enemy, but I can't seem to control this particular quirk.
• I love, love, love finding a great bargain!
• Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great--now I'm thinking about it. Ick!

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01G0LUYOO
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ More Happily Ever Afters (June 9, 2016)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 9, 2016
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2395 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 198 pages
• #24,432 in Romantic Comedy (Kindle Store)
• #28,605 in Contemporary Romance Fiction
• #35,816 in Romantic Comedy (Books)

About the author

Ann Omasta is a USA Today bestselling author.

Click FOLLOW to be notified about her new books.

Ann’s Top Ten list of likes, dislikes, and oddities:

1. I despise whipped cream. There, I admitted it in writing. Let the ridiculing begin.

2. Even though I have lived as far south as Key Largo, Florida, and as far north as Maine, I landed in the middle.

3. If I don't make a conscious effort not to, I will drink nothing but tea morning, noon, and night. Hot tea, sweet tea, green tea––I love it all.

4. There doesn't seem to be much in life that is better than coming home to a couple of big dogs who are overjoyed to see me. My other family members usually show significantly less enthusiasm about my return.

5. Singing in my bestest, loudest voice does not make my family put on their happy faces. This includes the big, loving dogs referenced above.

6. Yes, I am aware that bestest is not a word.

7. Dorothy was right. There's no place like home.

8. All of the numerous bottles in my shower must be lined up with their labels facing out. It makes me feel a little like Julia Roberts' mean husband from the movie Sleeping with the Enemy, but I can't seem to control this particular quirk.

9. I love, love, love finding a great bargain!

10. Did I mention that I hate whipped cream? It makes my stomach churn to look at it, touch it, smell it, or even think about it. Great––now I'm thinking about it. Ick!

~ Ann's Books ~

The Davis Twins Series:

> Taking Chances

> Making Choices

> Faking Changes

> Breaking Challenges

The Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems:

> Shattered Diamonds

> Shining Pearls

> Shimmering Emeralds

> Shadowed Rubies

> Shocking Sapphires

> Shaded Amethysts

> Heartless Hunk (Cocky Hero Club World and Brunswick Bay Harbor Gems spinoff)

His First Time Series:

> His First Time: Ranger (Free and available exclusively at Callie Love's website)

> His First Time: Sterling

> His First Time: Saint

> His First Time: Beau

> His First Time: Nick

> His First Time: Adam

> His First Time: Gabe

The Man of the Month Club Series:

> The Entire Year (January - December)

> Holly's Fake Date for Christmas (Man of the Month Club spinoff)

States of Love Series:

> Alabama Admirer

> Alaska Adventurer

> Arizona Artist

> Arkansas Athlete

... Enjoy reading each state's book all the way through Wyoming Widower!

The Keys to my Diary Series:

> Marina

> Trixie

The Escape Series:

> Aloha, Baby!

> Getting Lei'd

> Cruising for Love

> Island Hopping

> Coconutty Christmas (Bonus short story)

The Pet Set:

> Goofy Newfies

> Itty Bitty Kitties

> Funny Bunnies

The Broke Billionaires Club:

> The Broke Billionaire

> The Billionaire's Brother

> The Billionairess

> The Royally Broke Billionaire: Royal Wedding Blues

> The Royally Broke Billionaire: Royal Baby Scandal

The Daring Desires Set:

> Daring the Neighbor

> Daring his Passion

> Daring Rescue

> Daring her Captor

> Daring the Judge

Wings on Fire:

> Falling

> Blazing

> Soaring

The Gold Coast Retrievers:

> Guarding Grace

> Watching Willow

Nonfiction Self-Help Books:

> Be Your Own Boss as an Independent Author

> Top 10 Tips for Happiness

> Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle

> The Ultimate Book of Life Hacks

Stay up-to-date on new releases and insider info by liking / following Ann:

- Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/annomasta

- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@annomastaauthor

- Facebook: www.facebook.com/annomasta

- Twitter: www.twitter.com/annomasta

- Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/annomasta

- Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-omasta

- Reader Group Signup Link: www.annomasta.weebly.com/free-copy-of-aloha-baby.html

** Ann would LOVE to send you a free novella: Aloha, Baby!

Visit annomasta.com for details.

>>> SUBSCRIBE TO ANN OMASTA'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR FREE AUDIOBOOKS! <<

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

25 Best Selling Cruise Books – Cruise Travel Guides, Fiction & More!

Sharing is caring!

Whether you’re a first time cruiser or a cruise veteran in need of specific cruise  destination information, this list of cruise books will help! While there’s so much we can learn from cruise blogs and youtube channels, books about cruising provide in depth information often isn’t available anywhere else.

In this post, I share 25 of the best and most well reviewed cruise books on Amazon to help you plan and enjoy your travels. I also included some entertaining fiction cruise books and romance novels that you can read on a cruise or at home.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

25 Best Books About Cruises (Fiction & Non-Fiction)

While most of these cruise books are paperbacks or hardcovers, many are available in a Kindle version or Audiobook. You can take advantage of an Audible Plus free trial and as well as promotions on Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans .

Amazon Prime Free Trial

Amazon Prime comes with many benefits, including faster, free delivery, movies and TV shows (Prime TV) and even borrowing Kindle books. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, check out the FREE 30 day trial .

Cruise Travel Books

1. berlitz cruising & cruise ships.

Often referred to as the “cruise industry bible”, the book Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships is the longest-running guide to cruising and cruise ships. Written by author Douglas Ward, it includes a great first timers guide to cruising as well as fascinating reviews of over 300 ocean going cruise ships.

Recommended: Berlitz Cruise Guide – Cruising & Cruise Ships (see price and Amazon reviews here)

Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruising

Looking for a beginner’s guide to planning your Alaska cruise? The Fodor’s Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises offers everything you need from choosing the right cruise line and ship, to port guides, detailed maps and destination photos.

In addition to the paperback version, you can also get the Kindle version here .

Recommended : Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruising

Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rick Steves Travel Guide)

If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise, Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Port Travel Guide is a must-read. Rick Steves loves Europe and shares practical tips on how to make the most of your time in each cruise port destination. The travel guide includes full color maps and self-guided tours that will be very helpful and can even be brought along on your Mediterranean cruise .

Recommended: Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports Travel Guide (read excellent Amazon reviews here)

**Kindle version also available: Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Kindle)

Kindle Books

If you have a Kindle and love it, make sure to check out the Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans . You’ll get unlimited reading of over 1 million books!! This is especially useful if you plan on bringing your Kindle on your cruise .

Rick Steves Scandinavian and Northern European Ports Guide

If you’re going on a Baltic cruise, you’ll want to pick up a copy of Rick Steves Scandanavian and Northern Ports Guide . You’ll get practical advice on cruising to 18 European cruise ports including  Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Warnermunde, Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, the Norwegian Fjords,  Geirangerfjord, Amsterdam,Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Southampton, Paris and more.

No Rick Steves travel guide would be complete without self-guided walking tours and full color maps.

Recommended: Rick Steves Scandanavian and Northern Ports Guide 

Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call (Full-color Travel Guide)

Planning a Caribbean cruise? Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call is a helpful guide to the Caribbean cruise ports, sights and activities. One of the best reviewed books about cruises, this book makes a great gift for any cruise lover !

Recommended: Fodor’s Caribbean Cruise Ports of Call

Frommer’s EasyGuide to River Cruising 

River cruising is gaining popularity among experienced and first time cruisers. However, river cruising isn’t all that similar to ocean cruising. Frommer’s River Cruising is a guide that provides expert advice in an easy to read book. Authors Fran Golden and Michelle Baran.

Recommended: Frommer’s EasyGuide to River Cruising (see details & reviews here)

Antarctica Cruising Guide

This Antarctica Cruising Guide: Fourth edition: Includes Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Ross Sea is a great book to have if you’re planning this bucket list cruise.

Authors Peter Carey and Craig Franklin are Antarctic scientists and travel guides and they’ve included photographs, wildlife descriptions and detailed maps in this Antartica Cruising Guide.

Recommended: Antarctica Cruising Guide

Ultimate Cruise Planner

The Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner is a printable planner that you can use in every step of planning your cruise. The 47 page cruise planner includes cruise packing lists, shore excursion planning forms, a countdown calendar, payment tracker and more. Please note that this is not a physical product, but can be downloaded, printed and used as often as you need.

See details here: Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Best Cruise Tips: 303 Cruise Hacks Saving You Time, Money & Frustration

First time cruisers will appreciate this book with over 300 cruise tips to save you time, money and frustration. Author Randall Stewart, shares advice on using a travel agent, getting the best deal on a cruise, making the most of days in a port of call and more.

Recommended: 303 Cruise Hacks Saving You Time, Money & Frustration

Carnival Cruise Tips for Families: Create Hassle-Free Vacation Memories

Cruising with Carnival? Here are some great Carnival family cruising tips in this book by Dale Stevens.

Recommended: Carnival Cruise Tips for Families

Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2022

The Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line by Erin Foster, Len Testa and Ritchey Halphen has great advice for first time Disney cruisers, money saving strategies and cruise packing tips. You’ll get great information on the Disney Cruise Line entertainment, dining and Castaway Cay, the cruise line’s private island.

Recommended: Unofficial Guide to the Disney Cruise Line 2022 (see price & amazon reviews here)

Cruise Books that Make Great Gifts

Here are some books about cruising that make wonderful gifts for cruise travelers .

100 Years of Cruise Ships in Colour  Hardcover

This beautiful hardcover book by author William H. Miller, includes 150 photographs of cruise ships and ocean liners, beginning in the 1920’s through today. 100 Year of Cruise Ships in Colour is a great book for any cruise history buff.

Recommended:   100 Years of Cruise Ships in Colour (see details & “what’s inside” on Amazon)

180 Years of Cunard

A beautiful and fascinating book by authors Chris Frame and Rachel Cross looking back at 180 years of Cunard ships and history. This book is a must have for anyone who loves Cunard as well as any fans cruise ships and ocean liners.

Recommended:   180 Years of Cunard (check price & details on Amazon here)

High Tea on the Cunard Queens; a Light-Hearted Look at Life at Sea

In High Tea on the Cunard Queens , author Paul Curtis recounts stories of his 50 years as an entertainment officer with Cunard, He combines history and anecdotes in this entertaining book.

Recommended: High Tea on the Cunard Queens (see reviews here)

Cruising Interrupted

If you love cruising, Cruising Interrupted is a must-read. A follow up to popular cruise book, The Joy of Cruising, author Paul C. Thornton shares the stories of passionate cruise travelers, against the backdrop of the pause in cruising due to the pandemic. Some familiar cruise vloggers and bloggers are featured, along with many interesting cruise travel personalities.

Recommended: Cruising Interrupted (check price & details on Amazon here)

The Joy of Cruising: Passionate Cruisers, Fascinating Stories

In The Joy of Cruising , author Paul C. Thornton profiles travelers from all over the world with an extraordinary  passion for cruising. The Joy of Cruising will interest anyone who has ever cruised, aspires to take a cruise, or just loves travel.

Recommended: The Joy of Cruising (see price & reviews here)

Cruise Confidential: A Hit Below the Waterline: Where the Crew Lives, Eats, Wars, and Parties

Cruise Confidential is a fun, steamy tell-all book written by Brian David Burns, a former Carnival cruise ship crew member. If you’ve wanted to know what goes on below deck, so to speak, or simply want a good laugh, this book fits the bill!

Recommended: Cruise Confidential (see 300+ great reviews)

Cruise Fiction Books

Santa Cruise

The ultimate Holiday cruise romance novel!  In Santa Cruise , author Fern Michaels shares the heart-warming and entertaining story of 4 single ladies who embark on a Christmas and New Year’s cruise. This ladies singles cruise is full of adventure and even new found love..

Recommended: Santa Cruise (see 500+ Amazon reviews here)

Starboard Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Book 1)

Starboard Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (book 1) is the first book in an entertaining series by author Hope Callaghan. Millie Sanders, a recently divorced woman, manages to land her dream job as an assistant cruise director. Millie gets more adventure than she bargained for, as she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery onboard the Siren of the Seas.

Recommended: Starboard Secrets: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel (book 1)

Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Box Set (Kindle Edition)

This set of the first 10 books in Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Box Set (Kindle Edition) is an amazing value! It is a Kindle edition, which is especially good is you’re bringing your Kindle on your next cruise.

If you’s enjoy unlimited reading and listening on your Kindle or device, consider signing up for a Kindle Unlimited membership plan .

Recommended: Millie’s Cruise Ship Mysteries Box Set (Kindle Edition)

The Missing Sapphire of Zangrabar: A Patricia Fisher Mystery

Love a cozy cruise ship mystery? You’ll enjoy  The Missing Sapphire of Zangrabar: A Patricia Fisher Mystery by author Steve Higgs.

Getting away from her cheating husband, Patricia boards the world’s finest luxury cruise ship for a three-month tour of the world. Unfortunately, things go awry when she’s accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Now she and a couple new allies must solve this mystery before they end up dead!

Recommended: The Missing Sapphire of Zangrabar: A Patricia Fisher Mystery (see 800+ Amazon reviews)

Blood Cruise

If you’re in the mood for a cruise mystery that’s actually scary, Blood Cruise by Matt Strandberg is it! This thriller takes place on a Baltic Cruise and won’t be what anyone expected!

Recommended:  Blood Cruise: A Chilling Thriller (read Amazon reviews here)

Undercover Billionaire: A forbidden Cinderella cruise ship romance

A take on “Undercover Boss”, Undercover Billionaire has the handsome billionaire and heir to a Greek shipping line boarding one of his own cruise ships, as a passenger, to find out why it’s underperforming. In this fun and sexy cruise romance novel, you’ll find out if he break his own rules as he unexpectedly falls for one of the cocktail waitresses – and what happens next…

Recommended: Undercover Billionaire: A forbidden Cinderella cruise ship romance by Amy Andrews

A Very Beary Christmas Cruise (Dark Wing Paranormal Holiday Cruise) 

A Very Beary Christmas Cruise by Ellie Pond is a paranormal story of Michele, who goes on a solo Holiday cruise and meets a bear shifter – and yes, romance ensues. This book is one of 4 books in the series, but stands alone on it’s own.

Recommended: A Very Beary Christmas Cruise (read 400+ Amazon reviews here)

The Couple in Cabin 2124: A Patricia Fisher Mystery

The Couple in Cabin 2124 by Steve Higgs is another Patricia Fisher Mystery. This time, after a crew member takes his own life, Patricia obeys his dying wish and becomes involved in investigating the odd couple in cabin 2124. In addition to a mystery to solve, Patricia has a bit of romance playing out in her own life.

Recommended: The Couple in Cabin 2124: A Patricia Fisher Mystery

Cruise Ships Coloring and Drawing Book

Are you going on a family cruise or looking for stocking stuffers for your cruise loving kids or grandkids? This Cruise Coloring Book for Kids & Toddlers is a perfect gift!

Recommended: Cruise Ships Coloring and Drawing Book (check Amazon for price & reviews)

Cruise Tip for Books

If you love to read on a cruise, but are trying to pack light and want to avoid bring a lot of heavy books, consider an Amazon Kindle Membership Plan. You can find more information here: Amazon Kindle Membership

If faster shipping of your books would be useful, don’t forget to check out the free 30 day Trial Amazon Prime (amazon link)

Related posts:

Holiday Gift Guide for Cruisers 2021-22

50 Most Recommended Amazon Cruise Essentials

75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips

17 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

What to Pack for a Caribbean Cruise

Final thoughts on Best-Selling Cruise Books

If you love cruising or are planning a future cruise, these books about cruising will get you in the mood. These cruise planning and fiction cruise books are great reads on a cruise ship or at home!

Have you read any of these books and would you recommend? What other cruise books have you read recently that could be added to this list?

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Let’s connect:

Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised

Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Beyond the Bookends

A Book Blog for Women and Moms who Love to Read

25 Best Boat Books and Sailing Novels for Vacation

When I was younger, I went to sailing camp which is why when I am by the ocean, I try to read a story with the same setting. If I can’t sail around, I at least need some boat books to let me pretend I’m on the water.

The sailing novels and boat stories below all transported me to my favorite setting. When I’m reading them, I can hear the water lapping on the sides of the boat in my mind and the gentle call of the gulls.

You’ll find classics, thrillers, non-fiction, and romance boat books below. We hope you find something wonderful to help you escape into.

*This boat book post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some of the books on this list have been gifted. All opinions are our own.

Table of Contents

Non-Fiction Boat Books

The Wager by David Grann

David Grann writes the most captivating nonfiction books that read like novels. The Wager is no exception. It’s a tale of the shipwreck of the English boat, Wager in 1742.

Encompassing the events that led up to the wrecking, the mutiny that happened after, and the dastardly deeds of some of the crew before and after their rescue kept me enthralled.

While not quite a pirate book, this high-seas boat book read like Treasure Island and kept me entertained while I pondered what I might have done in the same situation.

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold in the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

The heroics of the team enthralled me. The sheer force of will and strength it took to get in that boat and win. I thought I would be bored by the minutia of rowing, but I wasn’t.

The mechanical part of it, the precision, just made me appreciate the skill of rowing even more. The Olympic games gave me such a heightened sense of American pride. I was rooting for the team and cheering them on the whole time. If you are looking for non-fiction books for beginners, this is one of the nonfiction books that read like fiction.

Find this book in Books with Colors in the Title / Feel Good Nonfiction Books

Maiden Voyages by Sian Evans

Maiden Voyages looks at the ladies who worked Ocean Liners like the Titanic and the unbelievable challenges they faced. I was in awe as I listened to this story of ships being sunk by icebergs and wartime submarines. 

The stories of unruly passengers, hurricanes, and the sacrifices of leaving their families to help others were unbelievable. I was so engrossed that I kept forgetting the book was non-fiction.

Why We Love it: If you love women’s history, the history of travel, or stories about the Titanic, this is the book for you!

Find this book in Books Set in the 1920s / Gilded Age Books / Books like Downton Abbey / Feel-Good Nonfiction / Boat Books

Romance Sailing Novels

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy

Cassie’s grandmother is selling the hotel in Avalon Bay that has been in the family for decades. Now, Cassie heads there for the last time to celebrate her birthday and find a summer fling. She finds Tate, a local sailing instructor, who is the perfect candidate.

As the two walk the lines between friends and lovers, they discover there is so much more beneath the surface. It was such a sweet romance and possibly my favorite of the three books in the series.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

When I learned that Tessa Bailey used Schitt’s Creek’s Alexis as her inspiration for Piper, I knew I had to read this grumpy sunshine romance.

After getting in trouble one-to-many times for her party-girl lifestyle, Piper and her sister are banished back to their late father’s hometown in Washington.

While she’s learning to be responsible and money-conscious for the first time in her life, she needs to try not to fall for a local fisherman, Brendan. This is a sailing novel with heat!

Find this book in Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books similar to The Love Hypothesis / Emily Henry books .

Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks is well-known for romance books that pack an emotional punch. After finding a message in a bottle, divorcee Theresa is determined to find the man that wrote the love letter inside.

If you are looking for a sailing novel that will make you cry, you better load up on your tissues now. I was bawling like a baby when this sailing novel concluded.

Float Plan by Trish Doller

This forced proximity romance follows the romance script with perfect predictability which means that it is perfect if you are looking for a romance. Note: there is a suicide in this book that might be a trigger for some people and you should avoid this book if that is the case for you.

Even though there are some heavier elements, I didn’t feel that the book ventured too much from the typical romance path. I enjoyed it.

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

This is such a cute romance. Fox Thorton is a player who has never had a relationship. The last thing he needs is to fall for his best friend, Hannah, while trying to help her get her crush. And to make matters worse, she has moved into his spare room for the next few weeks while she is filming a movie.

I wish there was a soundtrack to go with this book. It was such a cute and quick read.

Boat Books Set on Cruise Ships

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

Greta James is at a crossroads in her career and her life. After a very public breakdown following her mother’s death, Greta decides to go on an Alaskan Cruise with her father.

But Greta and her father haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. This book focused on Greta’s relationship with her dad and herself. There is a side love story angle, but I would not classify this book as a romance.

I loved Greta’s soul-searching set against the gorgeous backdrop of Alaska. This boat book about music is the perfect vacation read.

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is the queen of mysteries and this story is no exception. Set aboard a river yacht during a trip down the Nile, a murder unfolds and Hercules Poirot must solve it!

I did NOT see the ending coming, that’s for sure. This boat book was recently adapted for Amazon and it was delightful to see it brought to life.

We Ship It by Lauren Kay

This charming YA cruise novel screams summer vacation read! Our nerdy heroine is dragged on a cruise by her family despite her desire to study for an upcoming presentation.

Despite being a little awkward, she meets a fun crew of fellow teens and a love interest. Sound fluffy? It is, but there are serious topics explored as well. Trigger warnings for drug use and overdose in pick for best ya books of 2023.

The 2024 Beach Read Hub and Fun Summer Reading Challenges

Beach stories, summer reading bingo, poolside stories, and our yearly Ultimate Beach Reads lists!

Historical Fiction Boat Books

The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

While this story is set in the same time period as some of Cleeton’s stories about the Perez family, this book is not about the family! It is inspired by the real story of the S.S. Moro and its fateful last journey.

Add in a woman pretending to be an heiress, a fiance who isn’t what he seems, a thief, and a passenger out for revenge and you have the perfect historical fiction beach read of 2023!

Voyager by Diana Gabaldon

The third book in the Outlander series takes place during Claire and Jamie’s trip from Scotland to the Caribbean!! I was fascinated by the detailed descriptions of the treacheries of life at sea during the 1700s.

If you are looking for the inside scoop on what travel was really like back then, this sailing novel is for you. But it also gives an unflinching look at the harsh realities of sugar plantations during this time.

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

What boat books list doesn’t include stories set on the Titanic? Not ours! Tess is hired to be a ladies’ maid aboard the Titanic, hoping it’s her chance to become a seamstress.

When Tess is rescued after disaster strikes, she’s forced to reckon with the possibility that her employer might have sacrificed the lives of others to save her own skin. Tess has to decide if she should keep her employer happy or stay true to herself.

I liked that this story looks at events after Titanic instead of just ending when the boat sank. I really enjoyed this one.

Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne Du Maurier

This book is my favorite book of all time. After reading Du Maurier’s Rebecca, I was eager to read more of her novels. At the time, my grandparents had a home in a Florida enclave by the same name so I picked it up and read it.

Only after I fell in love with this tale of a bored housewife who finds a hidden cove with pirate inhabitants did I learn that it was the namesake for their Florida home. The one romantic book from the OG thriller queen, this is a classic book set in Cornwall worth reading.

Find this book in Kirsten’s Favorites , Books set in Cornwall , Pirate Books , Classic Romance Novels

Seven Days in May by Kim Izzo

Like the movie Titanic, the characters are made up; however, the events surrounding the sinking of the Lusitania are true.  The story is centered around two sisters who go aboard the ship and a third who works with the government receiving messages intercepted from Germany.  

I think of this boat book in my head as a movie that is somewhere between The Hunt For Red October and the Titanic. This book would be a fantastic movie!!!!  It moved quickly, kept me on my toes, and had a love story as well.

Ultimate Beach Reads 2023: The Hottest Summer Reads

Looking for more beach reads? Check out our Ultimate List of Beach Reads for 2023

Classic Boat Books

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Oh, big white whale, how I despised you. I could not stand this boat book! My senior English professor is obsessed with it. We would get into debates CONSTANTLY, which actually made learning about it enjoyable and memorable.

But lordy, call me bored with this tale. (See what I did there?) Whaling, oil-making, and vulgar fishermen are not for me. So why is it on the list? Because lots of people ADORE this story. It’s not for me, but it might be for you! This is the quintessential animal book for adults.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

No list of boat books would be complete without Jules Verne! A wildly imaginative tale of sea exploration whose whimsical details kept me turning the page. This classic by Jules Verne is about Captain Nemo and his underwater vessel, The Nautilus.

As Captain Nemo seeks scientific knowledge of the seas, he uncovers massive sea monsters, the land of Atlantis, and other thrilling adventures. Disney is currently planning a movie adaptation of this book.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas

The first time I read this book was actually before I saw the movie Shawshank Redemption. I read it a bunch of times and loved it.  I did not realize, however, that it was an abridged version.

When I was at University, I embarked on a journey to read the unabridged version of this book.  I was so amazed at the brilliance and detail that it has been a favorite ever since.

Edmund Dantès is thrown into the Chateau D’if for a crime that he did not commit. There, he meets a fellow prisoner who teaches him within the confines of their cells before telling him of a treasure. Dantès escapes and seeks his revenge.

Find this book in Jackie’s Favorites / Must-read Classic Books / Boat Books

The Odyssey by Homer

There is a reason this boat book is one of my favorite books of all time. I find this classic tale to be so entertaining. This is one of the OG adult fantasy novels.

My 11th grade english teacher taught it to us then had our class act it out and shoot it as a movie. As a result,   I adored the story so much that I used to reread it every summer. It’s a classic for a reason. Odysseus’s struggle to get home to his family is truly epic. Those Greeks sure knew what they were doing.

I’m constantly picking up something new and reading it along with A Thousand Ships and The Lost Sisterhood gave me so much to think about.

Find this book in Literary Classics / Long Books / Boat Books

Fantasy Sailing Novels

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

When a boat sinks in the Pacific, the only survivors are a 16-year-old boy named Pi, an orangutan, a hyena, a Bengal tiger, and a zebra. And while this book was written less than 20 years ago, it is already a modern classic.

This is not a sailing novel that once read can be forgotten. I know that some people look at the story as an extended metaphor in which each animal represents a person but personally, I like the book exactly the way it was written, one of the best magical realism books I have read.

There is magic in the pages of this book in all meanings of the word. First, read this book, then, rethink everything. This is a perfect example of a thought-provoking book because no two people view it the same way. If you are looking for animal fiction books, this one is a must.

The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood

Shadow of Perseus is a multi-narrator Greek mythology retelling told from the perspective of the women in Perseus’s story. 

Heywood examines how facts can be manipulated into folklore, making everyday stories into monster-filled legends. Ultimately, the females in the story cast Perseus in a much different, and darker, light than traditional mythological depictions.

I love when mythology retellings turn a well-known story on its head – and this one does it exquisitely! I was riveted by Medusa, Andromeda, and Danae’s version of events and the setting of this boat book . We needed to include it in our ultimate list of beach reads 2023.

Fable (Fable #1) by Adrienne Young

October 2020 YA Reese’s Book Club Pick

If you are interested in young adult pirate books, you must add this to your list. This story of a bad-ass female pirate was incredible. Normally, I only like fantasies if they have a strong romantic element. But in Fable, I found myself drawn in by our namesake character and the vivid world description.

Well done, Reese with this sailing novel … I need to go update our list of the best Reese Book Club picks now, because this one is top-notch. This is a must-read in this list of fantasy books for teens.

Love Fantasy Books? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Fantasy for Adults and the Ultimate List of YA fantasy !

Thriller sailing novels.

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

Stuart Turton does it again with The Devil and the Dark Water. Like The 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle , this book is captivating and smart.  Turton thinks of every detail and leaves no questions at the end of the book.  ⁣He writes like it is a puzzle and everything only comes together when the last piece is put into place.  ⁣

Set on a ship that is being haunted by the devil himself, at a time when witchcraft was feared, Samuel Pips and his loyal bodyguard Arent are being transferred to Amsterdam where Sammy will be hanged as a traitor.  

With Pips, the great problem solver, in chains, the only one that can help solve the mystery of who is killing people on board is Arent. This is such a well-written boat book and unexpected!⁣

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Shortly after being burglarized, a travel journalist boards a small luxury cruise liner to cover its inaugural voyage. When she thinks she sees a passenger thrown overboard – but everyone is still accounted for – she has to decide if what she saw was real or only in her head.

This book wasn’t as creepy as some of Ware’s others, but it still kept me on the edge of my seat. This book has an unreliable narrator which also makes a perfect psychological thriller. You just might want to wait until you are off a boat to read this one! If you love thriller novels, this book is a must-read.

Find this book in Sailing Novels / Isolation Books / Psychological Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

This is the Ultimate Beach Read Thriller! It’s all about 2 girls who hire a couple to charter them a boat to a deserted island.

But the island isn’t so deserted after all. As their relaxing trip turns deadly, we learn about the back story that brought each person to their destination.

Why I Like it: It’s a wonderfully addicting novel that is great in audiobook format as well. I found the setting to be so unique and integral to the party.

Find this book in Books like People We Meet on Vacation / Books set at the Beach / Isolation Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Boat Books

Ultimate List of Thrillers

Love Thrillers? We created this list and carefully divided it by sub-genre. These will definitely keep you on your toes.

Which boat books are you planning to add to your to-read list?

Co-Founder and Creative Director

As a mother of two boys, Kirsten rediscovered her life-long love for reading while choosing appropriate books for her children. She started this website with Jackie to share their passion for literacy with other moms and kids. She uses her years of experience in marketing and public relations to create quarterly magazines, implement social media strategy, and ensure the website content is relevant and beautiful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

LoveLit Cruise

February 23-28, 2025 Miami, FL 

Grab your book bestie. you're going to want to see this, luxury cruise. time with your favorite authors at sea. get ready to set sail on the most swoon-worthy voyage of your literary dreams. we've crafted a 5-night, intimate escape that's not just a cruise—it's a page-turning, heart-throbbing, reader convention at sea aboard virgin voyage's valiant lady designed especially for our fellow romance enthusiasts. so, pack your bags, grab your favorite romance novels, and get ready to embark on a journey where the sea meets passion, and every sunset promises a new love story. don't miss the boat—reserve your spot now and prepare to sail away on the valiant lady with virgin voyages for a romance-filled escape like no other 🚢💕.

Get ready to cast off into the sunset of passion and embark on a 5-night escapade that's not just a cruise—it's a floating love affair filled with author talks, Q&A sessions, book signings, themed nights, games, parties, and unforgettable connections with your favorite romance authors and influencers. We'll visit: Miami Playa Del Carmen/Cozumel The Beach Club at Bimini Miami

Author Extravaganza

Picture this: the gentle hum of the ship, the sun setting over the horizon, and your favorite romance authors bringing their stories to life. we've curated an incredible lineup of authors to whisk you away into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and, of course, a healthy dose of happily-ever-afters. this isn't just a cruise; it's a chance to forge connections with the brilliant minds behind your favorite love stories. engage in intimate discussions, participate in exclusive events, and maybe even catch a sunrise chat with an author over coffee. it's the kind of interaction that makes your heart skip a beat..

Themed Nights, Games, Parties & More 

Prepare to dazzle in your most glamorous attire as we dive headfirst into themed nights that transport you into the pages of your favorite romance novels. Our evenings promise to bring the magic of romance to life under the stars.

Break out the confetti because we're turning every night into a celebration! From lively games that'll test your knowledge of classic love stories to dance-all-night parties, there's never a dull moment on this floating love fest. Get ready to make memories with fellow romance aficionados that will last a lifetime.

Unlocking the Secrets of Romance Magic

Ever wanted to dive into the minds of the brilliant authors who craft the enchanting love stories that keep you turning pages late into the night? Well, get ready, because our Q&A sessions are your backstage pass to the hearts and minds of your favorite romance wordsmiths.

Our esteemed authors will take center stage, ready to spill the beans on their writing process, the inspiration behind their characters, and the secrets that make their stories pulse with passion.

This is your chance to ask burning questions, hear the tales behind the tales, and maybe even uncover a few juicy tidbits about upcoming projects. It's not just a conversation—it's a connection, a meeting of hearts and minds that transcends the pages of a book.

If You Read One Romance This Spring, Make It This One

Our romance columnist recommends three terrific new books, but the one she loves most is Cat Sebastian’s “You Should Be So Lucky.”

Credit... Michela Buttignol

Supported by

• Share full article

By Olivia Waite

Olivia Waite is the Book Review’s romance fiction columnist. She writes queer historical romance, fantasy and critical essays on the genre’s history and future.

• April 24, 2024

Spring! There’s no better time of year for a baseball romance. We’ll wind up the column with a much-anticipated book by Cat Sebastian, but we lead off with KT Hoffman’s endearing and tender new novel, THE PROSPECTS (Dial, 346 pp., paperback, $18) .

The minor-league baseball player Gene Ionescu is almost living his best life. He’s a professional ballplayer, even if it’s for a minor-league team. He’s transitioned and is generally accepted as the guy he is, even if a trans man still doesn’t have quite the same locker room experience as a cis man. In this liminal space, he makes a finicky distinction between hope — which he exercises as dutifully as a muscle — and actual wanting, which would inevitably lead to disappointment because hasn’t it always?

Enter Luis Estrada, Gene’s former college teammate.

Luis, the son of a major-league star, was drafted before graduation. Now he steals Gene’s place at shortstop and upsets his balance — at least, until they’re forced to room together on a road trip and discover that making out turns their physical chemistry from something destructive into something electric. But dating a teammate is a terrible idea — especially when you’re certain the teammate is going to be called up and will leave you behind.

Except that isn’t quite how it goes. We’re right there with Gene as he struggles with going from almost enough to more than plenty, as he stops letting life happen to him and learns to actually reach for something. Because what if true happiness is right there, and it’s even sweeter than you dreamed?

The difference between wishing for good things and working toward them is precisely where Lily Chu’s THE TAKEDOWN (Sourcebooks Casablanca, 384 pp., $16.99) finds its footing. The diversity consultant Dee Kwan clings to positive thinking through layoffs, microaggressions and familial health challenges. All the while, her mother insists that a positive attitude is more important than any minor speed bump like your parents and grandmother moving in with you or a house that now smells constantly of medicinal weed. Her one true comfort is the online puzzle game where she’s usually first in the rankings.

Then Dee lands a new job, only to find her nearest gaming rival, Teddy, there. Even worse, he’s the son of the C.E.O. whose toxic corporate culture she’s being paid to improve.

Dee fixes upon improving Teddy’s dad’s company as a stand-in for fixing the world (and her own life). Teddy, on the other hand, has detached himself emotionally from his job, bruised by past disappointments. Chu’s couple find their solution in making small but significant changes to what’s immediate and reachable — relationships both romantic and otherwise. What they learn is that effort and hope have to work together: One without the other is never enough.

But sometimes there is no hope. Illness worsens, accidents strike, you lose people you love. It’s inevitable, as Cat Sebastian’s blunt, beautiful midcentury historical makes clear: “Unless a couple has the good fortune to get hit by the same freight train, their story ends in exactly one way.”

At the start of YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY (Avon, 382 pp., paperback, $18.99) , the journalist Mark Bailey is only 16 months out from the death of his partner. He’s coasting. It’s only when he’s assigned to write about a flailing baseball player on the sad-sack New York Robins that he finds something to connect to: “What’s happening to Eddie O’Leary is an end . That’s something Mark knows about; that’s something Mark can write about.”

Eddie, “a wad of bad ideas rolled into the approximate shape and size of a professional baseball player,” doesn’t know why he is suddenly terrible at a game he loves. He’s lonely and new to the city and shunned by the teammates he bad-mouthed to the press. He’s grateful for Mark’s attention even though he knows it’s an assignment, and he’s quick to notice all the little kind impulses Mark would die rather than admit to. Their romance is like watching a Labrador puppy fall in love with a pampered Persian cat, all eager impulse on one side and arch contrariness on the other.

People think the ending is what defines a romance, and it does, but that’s not what a romance is for. The end is where you stop, but the journey is why you go. Whether we’re talking about love, baseball or life itself, Sebastian’s book bluntly scorns measuring success merely by end results: “The crowd is hopeful, but it isn’t the kind of hope that comes with a fighting chance. It’s a hope that doesn’t need success to validate it. It’s something like affection, maybe with a bit of loyalty mixed in.”

Hoping, loving are things you do for their own sake, to mark being a human among other humans. Or as Eddie puts it: “Sometimes you want to look at a guy and say: Well, he’s f——-, but he’s trying.”

I can think of no better summary of why we do any art. If you read one romance this spring, make it this one.

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

How did fan culture take over? And why is it so scary? Justin Taylor’s novel “Reboot” examines the convergence of entertainment , online arcana and conspiracy theory.

Jamaica Kincaid and Kara Walker unearth botany’s buried history  to figure out how our gardens grow.

A new photo book reorients dusty notions of a classic American pastime with  a stunning visual celebration of black rodeo.

Two hundred years after his death, this Romantic poet is still worth reading . Here’s what made Lord Byron so great.

Harvard’s recent decision to remove the binding of a notorious volume  in its library has thrown fresh light on a shadowy corner of the rare book world.

Bus stations. Traffic stops. Beaches. There’s no telling where you’ll find the next story based in Accra, Ghana’s capital . Peace Adzo Medie shares some of her favorites.

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

Advertisement