Thank you, Philippa Young for taking me out on a cruise without leaving my house. You made me feel like I'm one of the characters. I would love to read more books by you. I am a new fan!

🇺🇸: Eliza Chapman after another disappointment decided to sign up as an entertainment host on a six-month Caribbean cruise, where the motto is 'work hard, play hard'.

Determined not to repeat the mistakes of her past by mixing work with romance, she swears to herself to be completely away from men.

However, keeping the promise will be a feat, staying away from the cheeky American Tom and the charming British Oscar will not be easy.

More Than Shipmates is the perfect book for summer read, made me want to drop everything and go working on a cruise ship.

The writing is fluid, you don't even notice it and you're already at the end of the book. It was really fun to read about Eliza's adventures, to see her start from scratch.
Seeing her make friends, the games, the events and the nights on the ship.

Before boarding on the ship Eliza meets a boy named Tom, a very nice American, between the two immediately snaps an affinity.

While the first meeting between Eliza and Oscar Havery made me laugh a lot, very Romcom style.
Eliza enters her cabin, ready to change and put on her uniform when a blond guy comes out of the bathroom, very similar to a model.
(tell me if this scene doesn't shout ROMCOM in big letters!? Did I loved anyway? Oh Yes!! )

What I liked the most was the opportunity to read the story from three different point of view, Eliza, Tom and Oscar.
I also loved the descriptions of the ship and the destinations.

Thank you NetGalley and Philippa Young for sending me the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely recommend this book to those who are looking for fun summer read. More Than Shipmates is an amazing debut for this writer.

P.s. the cover looks very sweet, but inside there are spicy scenes. 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5


🇮🇹: Eliza Chapman dopo l’ennesima delusione si è iscritta come host di intrattenimento su una crociera caraibica di sei mesi, dove il motto è “work hard, play hard”.
Determinata a non ripetere gli errori del suo passato mescolando il lavoro con il romanticismo, giura a se stessa di stare completamente lontana dagli uomini.

Tuttavia tenere fede alla sua promessa sarà un impresa, stare lontana dallo sfacciato americano Tom e dall’affascinante britannico Oscar non sarà facile.

More Than Shipmates è il libro perfetto per l’estate, mi ha fatto venire una voglia pazzesca di mollare tutto e andare a lavorare su una nave da crociera.

La scrittura è molto fluida, nemmeno te ne accorgi e sei già alla fine del libro. È stato davvero divertente leggere delle avventure di Eliza, vederla rincominciare da zero.
Vederla fare amicizia, i vari giochi, gli eventi e le serate sulla nave.

Prima di salire sulla nave Eliza incontra un ragazzo di nome Tom, un americano molto simpatico, tra i due scatta subito in affinità.

Mentre il primo incontro tra Eliza e Oscar Havery mi ha fatto un sacco ridere, molto stile Romcom.
Eliza entra nella sua cabina, pronta a cambiarsi e mettersi la divisa quando dal bagno esce un ragazzo biondo, molto simile a un modello. ( ditemi voi se questa scena non grida ROMCOM a caratteri cubitali!? L’ho amata comunque? Oh Si!! )

Quello che mi è piaciuto di più è stata l’opportunità di leggere la storia da tre punti di vista differenti, Eliza, Tom e Oscar.
Ho amato anche le descrizioni della nave e delle destinazioni.

Ringrazio tantissimo NetGalley e Philippa Young per avermi inviato l’ARC, in cambio di una recensione onesta.

Consiglio assolutamente questo libro a chi sta cercando una lettura estiva leggera e divertente. More Than Shipmates è un debutto con il botto per questa scrittrice.

P.s. la copertina inganna un pochino, sembra molto dolce ma ci sono scene spicy. 🔥

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5


I will post on instagram Friday.

First I would like to say that I really like the cover. this is definitely a cover I would pick up at the store.


This story is about Eliza.
Eliza decides to work on a cruise ship. Even before she gets on the ship she meets a very nice man, Tom.
Soon Eliza and Tom click and become friends. Once on the boat, they immediately have to work hard and there she meets her other colleague, Oscar.

both men are very nice and soon she has lust for both. in between all the hard work there is time for some games and I can tell you those games are spicyyyyy🌶.

I enjoyed the book! But it could have been a little less pages for me.
I really enjoyed the interaction between Eliza and her colleagues and enjoyed all the games that were played.

in the end Eliza went for my favorite man😁.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣-𝙛𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙, 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙮 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣.

I’m probably one of the few people who will say they actually like love triangles. I get why they’re not for everyone, but I think the author did such a great job of displaying it in this one.

I’m going to be completely honest, I have never heard of this book until an Instagram group I’m in brought it up… so of course I went to request it off NetGalley, and I’m so glad I read this because I enjoyed it.

It’s set on a cruise ship, which means forced proximity - and I equally loved both of our male characters, Tom and Oscar. I also adored Eliza with both of them, we also get POVs from all of them.

The atmosphere was so fun and delightful. With this being a longer book, I honestly wasn’t expecting it to keep me engaged the whole time - but it did. There’s also a few steamy scenes, which I can’t deny were fun.

The tension between all characters was so fun, and I loved the side characters. With this being a love triangle, I was expecting a bit more drama out of it.

I honestly can’t believe this is a debut. It’s fun, witty, and definitely worth the read. I won’t say who Eliza ended up with - I did prefer the other love interest, but the one she ended up with made more sense. I just hope we don’t see the last of “him” 🤐

This was fun and definitely a great summer romance. I know not everyone loves the love triangle, but I think it was so well written in this one. I would definitely recommend picking this up - if may be a long book, but it’s worth the read!

Thank you so much NetGalley and the author for the review eARC in exchange for my honest review!

•𝗧𝗪/𝗖𝗪: Sexual Content, Infidelity, Toxic Relationship, and Vomit

I adored this book! I really like that it was on a cruise ship and I found the story line is easy to follow!

I absolutely loved the vibes of this book, although a love triangle isn’t my favourite thing in a book this was different. I loved the setting and how different it was from other summer books! The only reason I didn’t completely love it was because of the love triangle.

<b><i><u>please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers</b></i></u>
<i><u>I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. </i></u>
<b>POV:</b> 1st person, multi POV
<b>HEA:</b> yes
<b>spice:</b> several open-door spicy scenes
<b>TWs:</b> death of parent (recounted), cheating (not MCs), OW drama, OM drama
<b>standalone:</b> yes
<b>final thoughts</b>: the teasing and slowburn and steam had me on the <b>edge of my seat</b>. The antics of the shipmates were so much fun to read, and I never knew how it was going to end. I don’t typically enjoy love triangles, so I was really hoping for some multiple partner action… LOL but alas we don’t get that. Great characters and world building of this environment that kept me captivated but I felt like Eliza’s family/home life was so confusing and distracting that I had a hard time caring about any of those characters or storylines. That being said, I enjoyed reading about the boat so much and seeing what they got up to


read this book if you love
🏝️ forced proximity (colleagues on a cruise ship)
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
🌍 world building
💞 friends-to-lovers
🥰 nicknames
🌈 LGBT+ representation
😬 angst
💓 slowburn
🎸 singer/performer FMC/MMC
😡 grumpy/sunshine
🔼 love triangle
💼 workplace romance
🫡 big MMC

This was an interesting book to say the least. I enjoyed the glimpse into cruise life, I wonder if any of it was true. I really didn’t enjoy the love triangle aspect and the back and forth. It was a lot of will they or won’t they? I’m not happy with who Eliza chose but that’s a personal opinion and not a criticism of the book

rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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