Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Pub for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’m stingy with my 5 star reviews, but this book is nothing less. This book is heartwarming, fun, and unique!

Jo, a yacht stewardess, is dealing with a tragic family loss and and continuing to heal from a toxic relationship. She creates a bucket list of 30 things to do before she turns 30, but when her 2 teenage nieces arrive unexpectedly for the summer, Jo must get creative as to how she checks off every item.

What I loved most:
-the author’s writing was impeccable…and as I learned more about Ruiz, I discovered she has an MFA in creative writing and teaches writing in college.
- the relationships: Jo and Nina’s friendship, Alex and Jo’s romance, Jo’s relationship with her nieces, Alex and his daughter. Through these relationships, so much is revealed about each character and we see the growth within the story.
-All the emotions! This book has an underlying theme of grief, but it’s woven with so much fun that you aren’t weighed down by it.
-As much as I enjoy the romance genre, I much prefer a romance with “more” and this book delivers. The focus is not solely on the romance, but Jo’s journey as she heals and grows.

I cannot wait to read more about these characters, as we had a sneak peek at the end for Ruiz’s next book!

I was prepared for this book to be sad - any book about a family grieving the loss of a family member (a little boy to boot) is going to be tinged with sadness. But I give major props to Sarah Grunder Ruiz for so skillfully blending the heartbreak with the absolutely hilarious and the adorably romantic. There were moments I was snort-laughing (Jo skinny dipping and Greyson puking stand out in my mind) and other times when I was holding back tears (any scene mentioning Samson). I would categorize this book as a romcom/WF mashup.

I adored the entire ensemble of characters in Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships: Main character, Jo (who had fantastic character development), Hot Yacht Chef and love interest Alex, offbeat BFF Nina, and sassy teens Mia, Kitty, and Greyson (Mia was my favorite). I even felt like I knew Samson.

This is all to say, I really enjoyed this debut novel and look forward to reading more from the author.

At 29, Jo Walker writes her 30-by-30 list on a bar napkin. She is able to complete many of her tasks through her adventures as a yacht stewardess. But then her plans get upended. Her teenage nieces won't let her drop it and push her to check off the remaining items. 

Jo meets Alex at a bar when crossing off number 5, kissing a stranger. Their relationship is super slow burn with lots of will they/won't they moments. The book features fun music playlists, movies, and dancing. I enjoyed learning a bit about charter yachts and the crew who work them. There are so many great characters and scenes.

But mostly, this is a book about Jo and how she handles grief. It gets very intense and emotional. And it's very real. I always understood and empathized with her.l, even when I disagreed with her choices. That's the mark of great storytelling. The book is beautifully written.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

TW: death of a child, death of a parent, parental abandonment (all before the book starts)

This book hit all the fluffy feelings in my chest whilst simultaneously making me feel like I was ran over by a truck of sad emptiness, and I loved every minute of it.

This novel explores feelings of grief and loss after tragedy strikes the main characters family in the form of the death of a loved one. The main character and her sisters set out to complete her bucket-list after the ice-bucket realization that life is short, and can end with a snap.

I LOVED the book boyfriend in this book but more importantly I loved the exploration of feelings we sometimes see as taboo, especially in romantic contemporaries, to talk about. The family dynamics, the strong female bonds, and the romance were all so so fantastic.

This was just okay. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it.. I liked the list aspect a lot but the execution of the items was just okay. Just not a book for me.

This was very cute! Literally the title describes all things that I love. I’ve never heard of this author or read anything by them but I’m really glad I picked it up and I’m really glad I liked it considering it was a cover pic. I highly recommend this and I can’t wait to see what else comes out from this author! Great characters and great atmosphere!

Sometimes you come across a book that beautifully captures life, love, and loss.

After tragedy strikes her family, a woman sets out to finish a “bucket list” of items before she turns 30 with the help of family and friends. Along the way she encounters new friends, a sweet romance, and bittersweet realizations about a second chance at all of those and overcoming grief along the way.

I wouldn’t classify this as a rom-com, as the family dynamics were more prominent in the story, but it’s definitely a book worth reading. Especially if you’re looking for a cry!

This would be rated higher but I found I struggled with the pacing at times.

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships straddles the line between women's fiction and romance, and it does so beautifully. Grunder Ruiz captures Jo's emotional journey in a way that's sweet, funny, and utterly moving. While the story can get heavy (it is a lot about grief!), there's plenty of humor and romance (hello, hot yacht chef) to round out the emotional beats, and the supporting cast is fantastic.

Yacht stewardess Jo Walker is just trying to get through life, day by day. Her family was hit with an unimaginable tragedy and as much as she throws herself into work, she can't seem to move on. Jo's best friend forces her to get back on track with checking things off her bucket list that she was supposed to finish before she turned thirty, hoping that it will give her a new purpose in her life. Her task of kissing a stranger turns into a hot moment she didn't expect. When Jo's two nieces arrive to stay with her for the summer unexpectedly, they discover her bucket list. The three set out to check off the last few things on her list throughout the summer. These adventures and her budding relationship with hot kiss stranger Alex may be just what she needs to begin feeling well again.

Wow! This book was so unexpected for me! The description and cover made it seem like a cute and fun romance that I would enjoy, which it certainly was. But I didn't think that it would be the kind of book that would give me all the feels like it did. It's hard to describe how I felt while reading this book because it was such a mix of emotions. The moments of sorrow and happiness that this book had really rocked me to my core.

Jo's relationship with her nieces and nephew warmed my heart. They had me laughing out loud with their hilarious and silly dialogue and antics. But on the more serious side, Jo and her nieces' grief was all-consuming at times and it broke my heart.

The true light of this book was Alex - one of my newest book boyfriends. I loved how he reacted to Jo in their first encounter, rolling with the punches and cool as a cucumber. And as we got to know him slowly throughout the summer, he got even better and better. He was a man who knew what Jo needed in this difficult time in her life. I really want to list all the reasons why I love him, but I won't so I don't spoil too much for you.

Be ready with a box of tissues with this one because you will cry tears of sadness and happiness. Your heart will be broken but put back together again! This is an awesome debut novel by Sarah Grunder Ruiz!

Steam level: 🔥
⚠️: death of a loved one, grief, abandonment by a parent

It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re reading a book and, even before you’ve finished the first chapter, you know it's going to end up being a five star read.

That’s what Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships is. It’s a book that immediately grabs ahold of you and doesn’t let you go.

This became not only one of the best romance books of 2021 for me, but it’s also become one of the best books I’ve read all year period.

With the topic of grief being prominent within this story, you may feel that you’ll want to put it off, but I’m begging you not to. The author touched my heart and soul throughout the entire book. It’s a beautiful and meaningful read that I’ll never ever forget.

It mixes those heavy topics perfectly with joy and humour and, of course, romance.

What I think I loved the most about this book is how many different types of love were portrayed. Naturally, you have a budding romance between the protagonist and the love interest, but the story also focuses on the love between siblings, best friends, new friends, parent and child, and aunt and nieces and nephews. It turned out to be SO much more than a romance and I can’t recommend it enough.

This debut novel is an excellent portrayal of the stages of grief and the incredible hole the death of loved ones leaves, whether it’s a parent, a child, a niece or nephew, or a friend. In this case, Jo has recently lost her nephew Samson to a tragic accident after suddenly losing her father when she was only 12. As a result, she’s closed herself off emotionally to avoid being hurt or abandoned again. Of course, it takes a hot guy (in all his iterations) and the vulnerability of her two grieving nieces (visiting for the summer) to make her realize that being alone is no way to live.

The romance, which starts with a steamy meet-cute kiss in a bar, builds slowly, especially since both Alex and Jo are resistant to opening themselves up. However, the friendship is enviable and the way they tease and laugh together is delightful. Jo is also blessed with a colorful, quirky best friend and boss, Nina, who pushes her out of her comfort zone by encouraging her to live her fullest life leading up to her 30th birthday. In fact, she suggested the 30 by 30 bucket list which starts with a blog and drives much of the action throughout the story. When Samson’s sudden death temporarily halts her progress and the unexpected arrival of her nieces derails her plans for a vacation to Europe to check off two items on the list (sleep in a castle and visit 10 countries), it takes some creative thinking to achieve her goal. However, with the help of her friends and family, completion might be attainable.

The emotions Ruiz draws from readers is a testament to her power as a storyteller. She doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, yet she’s respectful of the pain and guilt the death of a child evokes. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

As good as a vacation without getting full of sand!
The novel is an entertaining mix of fun, silliness, seriousness and romance.
A good example of why communicating with our fellow humans is so important.

Thank you to Berkeley for an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships is a wonderful blend of women's fiction and romance. Following Jo, a stewardess on a yacht, and her 2 nieces for the summer months after her nephew was killed in an accident.

Jo has a list of things she wants to do before her 30th birthday, which is a great premise and introduction to the love interest, Alex or Hot Yacht Chef, as he'd prefer.

I love the dynamic between Jo and Alex. It felt real and believable, and was so so sweet. Usually we see these relationships over a few weeks, but you see this slow-burn over the course of the summer and oh, is it worth it. I think we could all use a little Hot Yacht Chef in our lives.

Can't recommend this enough!

It's been a while since I've flown through a book this quickly (what with everything going on in the world, my attention span has been more than a bit fractured) so I think that speaks highly to how wonderfully readable this novel is. I found the yacht setting super interesting and so unique, I loved all of the characters, and think the author captured grief so realistically and beautifully. Highly recommend for fans of Emily Henry!

**Review will be published on my blog/Instagram November 23rd.**

ABSOLUTELY LOVED.

I called a five-star from chapter ONE. That’s how convinced I was this was going to be a great read and y’all, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. It gave me allllllll the Below Deck vibes minus without being over the top dramatic (like the show). I am here for the romance between a stewardess and a Hot Yacht Chef.

There were many themes at play here and they interconnected beautifully throughout Jo’s story. Jo is working through the grief of losing her nephew. When her two nieces show up for the summer she struggles to approach the topic and discussions surrounding him. Jo made some mistakes in this arena, but also really grew as a character. The dialogue and open apologies had me tearing up and loving Jo all the more.

Jo is approaching 30 and has a difficult time opening up and letting in others. Allowing herself to love and be loved as she deserves. ENTER ALEX. From kissing a hot stranger in a bar to finding out he’s your co-worker, BRING ON THE FORCED PROXIMITY. The tension from these two are wild. I don’t know how many times I shouted to KISS HER ALREADY. Then I got one of those arguments turning into confessions of love and I am swooning. Absolutely done for. There’s no spice and I didn’t miss it for one second. Alex and Jo were this charming, real-life couple I dream for. Did I mention Alex is a single Dad to an amazing teen Greyson? I loved this duo and how seamlessly they fit into Jo and her nieces lives.

Y’all. I couldn’t get enough of this South Florida love story. Weaving many plot lines together that had me laughing, tearing up, and devouring this story. Consider this a must add to your TBR. I am off the roof excited for the next story!!!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some
- Romance: kisses/make-outs
- Trigger/Content Warnings: death of a teen (off page, but is discussed often), loss of a parent (prior to book, but again, discussed), parental abandonment, intense guilt, depictions of grief and depression

LOVE, LISTS AND FANCY SHIPS is delectably dishy and deeply emotional. It stars a pretty lady, Jo Walker, who is trying to finish her bucket list before she turns thirty. She is a stewardess on a private yacht in Florida. Her best friend helps her with her bucket list and urges her to cross one item off by kissing a complete stranger while they are at the local bar. She plants a wet one on extremely handsome Alex Hayes. What possessed her to do that?

Alex is stunned when the lovely lady sitting next to him kisses him. Hmm, very interesting woman. Fate brings them closer together, when Alex is hired as the new yacht chef on the ship where Jo works. Flirting and frisky banter between them turns up the heat. Then, Jo discovers Alex has a daughter and he lives near her in the same complex. Well, well...

Then, Jo's young nieces appear unexpectedly at her condo. Her life is disrupted in more ways than one. Her heart is torn into pieces as she and her nieces grapple with grief over the ramifications of the sudden death of her young nephew, a couple years back. Between dealing with her moody nieces, her romantic life, and her job, Jo is awash with unexpected feelings that she is not certain how to navigate. Her nieces help her complete her bucket list, at the same time testing her patience with their antics. Life holds a lot of surprises for Jo. Is one of them a romance with the sexy dad who makes her heart go pitter-patter?

LOVE, LISTS AND FANCY SHIPS is a stunning debut novel that explores grief in all its forms with a beautiful romance woven in. Jo is an adorable character and a fun aunt who handles life's unforeseen disruptions as best she can. She meets hot, hunky Alex and they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. The author beautifully pens a slow burn romance while piecing together a perfectly paced fascinating plot. I absolutely adored the nieces and their youthful exuberance! There are plenty of subplots and interesting characters that round out the whole story. This is a fantastic novel that kept me turning pages way into the night! LOVE, LISTS AND FANCY SHIPS is about personal feelings on grieving with a fun, gratifying romance. Definitely a story to treasure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is a whiplash, and I mean that in the best way. We enter the story under a cloud of grief. Weather might be the best analogy for grief (it can feel like a downpour of rain, it’s fleeting like a dark cloud, and sometimes it’s a light rain when there are sunny skies) and Grunder Ruiz managed to capture that. Each character has been affected by loss and each deals with it differently. Jo’s life could have made her bitter, but with the support system of her family and friends she still manages to be optimistic and that characteristic is made believable with the premise of a 30 by 30 bucket list.

What I appreciate most, especially with books featuring romance, are a believable plot. A stewardess on a fancy yacht attempting to complete her 30 by 30 bucket list when her life is completely upended for the summer by her nieces? Consider me intrigued (and I was hooked!)

The supporting cast of characters adds even more layers. I’m eagerly looking forward to Nina and Ollie’s story. I would describe the love interest Alex as tender and patient.

You’ll laugh, feel grief, and then ride the waves of hope in equal measure when reading Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships. A strong debut in my opinion.

Fun, emotional, and sweet story about family and a budding romance. 4.5 STARS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book was a big surprise to me. Unique jobs, unique family settings, and a growing love interest that pulls on the heartstrings. I love the thirty by thirty list! It was a beautiful way to tie the characters together and build on the foundation of friendship and family.

Ruiz manages to craft and captivate with her character development. Alex is a perfect dream guy and Jo balances him perfectly. I could feel the tension through the growing feelings and the fear as they worked through their emotional growth so they could take a risk. The supporting family and friends are witty and warm while working through their emotional upheavals too.

Much of this story also deals with grief in several different ways. While it is not a “sad” story, there are many instances where you will find yourself a bit weepy while relating to the intricacies of the emotion. The characters learn to grow through the pain with love and connection.

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships is a delightful story with a strong, flirty, fun, yet healing message. It is not a heavy story and you will find yourself absorbing every word, holding your breath as they all figure out where to go from here.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest road. This is a must read romance for the fall! I totally fell in love with this book-it had me laughing out loud and crying, in equal measures. The struggle of the protagonist to cope with such a big loss was so real, you often read about parents grieving but not very often do you read about how loss impacts other people in a family. It's quirky enough to keep you laughing, while also being realistic.

Let me start with this, this book is not a romance. This book is about a women and her personal struggles, family, grief/coping, and there happens to be a romantic relationship. While this is not a romance this was a 5 star read for me. Jo felt like a real character to me and her nieces were incredible side characters. I really enjoyed my time in this world and I am so ready to be back with Nina and Ollie!