Hearts Overboard
—Becky Dean @beckydeanwrites
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Savannah Moore is a STEM girly to the core. She doesn’t like what she can’t predict, and applies science to every aspect of her life. When a series of unpredictable moments fall on Savannah following the end of her junior year of high school, she starts to question if her logical thinking also renders her boring. Newly single and stuck on a two-week long cruise with her nemesis, Savannah attempts to break out of her habits and understand why new could possibly equal fun. With Tanner stuck by her side, Savannah steps out of her comfort zone and comes to a seriously illogical conclusion.

This YA novel was EVERYTHING that YA should be and kept me up later than my bedtime (I’m not 17 but I still give myself a 10pm bedtime so…)

Savannah ~S’more~ is quite the heroine. She reminded me a bit of myself back in my teenage years. She is intelligent, thought out, reserved and witty all at once. There truly was never a dull moment with Savannah.

The family dynamic in this book was phenomenal. Sometimes given family just isn’t it, and this book highlighted living with trauma in a way that—I think—any teenager or adult can relate too.

I loved the romance of this book. It was charged in an exciting way, full of chemistry and soaring new heights. The hero in this story was quirky, patient and ridiculously misunderstood. Getting to know the individual stories and watching the growth of the two lovebirds only heightened the experience. Together, they were kinetic and charged.

Honestly, this book reminded me a lot of a BCD romance I read in December in the best ways possible. It was lighthearted and deep all at the same time, and nothing about it was boring. It had me giggling and kicking my feet. I was grinning ear to ear so many times, and my heart was going WILD.

I would recommend this book to anyone of any age, but I think Becky Dean is, quite possibly, the best YA romance writer I’ve ever experienced, and I think any young adult reader should experience this book too.

Hearts Overboard releases July 9, 2024! Thanks to @netgalley & @delacorteromance @randomhouse and @beckydeanwrites for the ARC!

This was such a cute read! I have always wanted to go on an Alaskan Cruise and reading this makes me want to go even more! I loved all the detail and watching the journey of the 2 main characters! I read this book in less than a day and can’t wait to read more by this author!

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me access to this ARC! Since cruising is my favorite way to travel, I knew this story was for me. Then I saw the map inside — I LOVE maps in books — and I was instantly smitten. Coupled with Cunningham’s illustration of the journey, Dean’s descriptions of the landscapes, wildlife, and onboard shenanigans brought back fond memories of my own Alaskan cruise more than a decade ago.

Savannah (adorably nicknamed S’more) is steadfast, safe STEM girl who reluctantly gets pushed out of her comfort zone on a family vacation by Tanner, her rival turned friend turned more. They bring out new depths in each other and discover things about themselves in the process. As an educator, I really appreciate that both characters seriously consider teaching as a worthwhile future career. The world needs more teachers!

This was such a cute novel.
I was absolutely delighted with it. I finished it one evening because it was so very good.
This new to me author kept me entertained and made me laugh out loud in several places.
Tanner is something else! Oh my. He really made me giggle but at the same time infuriated me.
I loved the cruise all the way around. I chose this book for that reason. I love anything that has a setting with a ship in it.
This book made me feel like I was there. I very much enjoyed my Alaskan cruise and I felt like I was flying on the bungy lines. ( probably something I'd never try in real life. I'm scared of heights laugh out loud).
Savannah is very much like me. I don't much like going out of my comfort zone either. But I loved learning right along side of her as Tanner taught her how to have fun and experience different things along the way .
This will be one of my favorite coming of age novels that was absolutely adorable.
“I have ideas. You just don’t get to hear
them yet.” I did have a growing idea. After spending so much time with him this week, I’d learned that he wasn’t what I’d expected.
I love this quote because it's true. None of us is what the other expects. That's the joy of getting to know that other person that you want to spend time with or just being friends is ok too.
5 stars for a wonderful, crazy adventure that I totally enjoyed.
I highly recommend this sweet YA novel.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars

This is a perfect, YA coming of age romance! I loved the unique setting of an Alaskan cruise instead of a normal school setting. It was perfect for our FMC, Savannah's, growth arc. She is afraid of change and new things.

I love how Savannah and Tanner, our MMC, help each other overcome fears and discover what they want their next steps to be. They truly make each other the best versions of themselves.

Perfect for fans of Lynn Painter!

I thought this was such a cute story of self-discovery, going outside of your comfort zone, and enemies to friends to lovers, and most importantly embracing who you are. As someone who has never been to Alaska, I love getting to read about and all the fun activities that can happen on a cruise. The banter between Tanner and Savannah was so adorable and I loved this story a lot.

Savannah is a girl who is comfortable with what she knows and what she can expect. She doesn't like going out of her comfort zone, but when her boyfriend tells her she's boring when he's breaking up with her, she makes a point to try new things on a cruise in Alaska with Tanner Woods, her childhood nemesis.

This was a really sweet story of what happens when you misjudge others. Savannah as a character had a lot to learn, but it seemed more feasible since she's a high school senior. I identified with her a lot - "I liked my boxes. They were near and orderly and perfectly stacked in my mind, which made life less stressful." If you want a sweet, clean romance set in Alaska this is for you!

I liked the concept of 2 friends helping each other! I love that the setting is an Alaska cruise vacation. This is YA so def geared towards a younger audience. I think highshoolers will eat this up. Savannah and Tanner are so cute!

This book have positive messages. Two of them being about chasing your dreams and staying true to what is your passion.

The part I didn't like was that I didn't understand why Savannah was so eager about ex-boyfriend. He obviously was no good.

I do recommend this book to the teenager age group.

Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean is a fantastic YA romance story.
It was swoony and very sweet. I loved the characters I thought they were well developed and super cute.
A humorous, banter-filled rivals-to-lovers romance between a STEM-loving girl and a jock guy that will have you quickly flipping the pages ...and have you rooting for love in the great outdoors!
Becky Dean’s writing is so well done, too, that it makes this story so lovable.
Overall, the plot was great, characters were lovely and the story was engaging.

Thank You NetGalley and Delacorte Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Becky Dean is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA romance authors. Hearts overboard follows Savannah from the last day of junior year when her life gets turned upside down by a very public breakup. She comes up with a plan to try new and exciting things while on her 2 week vacation with her parents and her parents best friends, including their son tanner her rival at school. They compete for grade and the coveted astronomy club presidency but what happens if they can put their differences aside and work together for once?

The characters were cute together and I love the way Dean writes the snarky teenage banter. I can’t wait to read more by this author

"Hearts Overboard" by Becky Dean presents an enchanting tale of self-discovery and romantic exploration. Follow Savannah Moore, a young woman seeking to break free from the "boring" label given to her by her ex, Caleb, as she embarks on a transformative cruise to Alaska. As Savannah ventures out of her comfort zone, she encounters Tanner Woods, a long-time nemesis and family friend, who knows her true self better than she would like. Tanner's support and encouragement lead Savannah on an adventure-packed journey filled with zip-lining, dogsledding, bear-infested wilderness hiking, and spontaneous karaoke nights. With Tanner as her guide, Savannah aims to prove to Caleb and herself that she can be anything but dull. Along the way, Savannah discovers hidden strengths and passions, gaining a newfound confidence and appreciation for life. The dynamics between Savannah and Tanner evolve as they spend more time together, and soon, Savannah finds herself questioning whether Caleb is truly the one she desires. With vivid descriptions of Alaska's breathtaking landscapes and a cast of engaging characters, "Hearts Overboard" effortlessly sweeps readers into Savannah's transformative journey. Becky Dean's heartwarming and humorous storytelling style creates a delightful read that explores themes of identity, self-love, and the unexpected paths love can take.

This book was exactly what I wanted in a YA novel! I’m honestly shocked at the things that slip into a book labeled YA these days, but this one was perfect. No cursing. No spice. Instead, we had outstanding character growth and just a couple of sweet kisses. Savannah and Tanner’s story truly captured my heart.

Savannah Moore is into math and astronomy. Outsiders are quick to label her as a nerd. “Moore the Bore” is a nickname she hears on campus at her high school. Her boyfriend, Caleb, publicly breaks up with her as they are leading into their summer break following junior year. She’s mortified, and sad. And as if that isn’t a terrible way to start her summer break, she now must push through the sadness and set sail on a two-week Alaskan cruise with her mom’s work company. A trip that she’s dreading because her high school rival, Tanner, will also be on board with his parents.

Tanner is a football jock. He also won the title of astronomy club president which Savannah is quite bitter about. This cruise forces them to spend a lot of time together. They start to realize they had assumed a lot of things about the other that simply weren’t true. Tanner challenges Savannah to try one new thing a day and takes on the role of her “Fun Coach” to shake off the “bore” stigma. Their adventures are SO much fun to read about. From extravagant offshore excursions to trying escargot, there are a lot of laughs to be had. He becomes the Yin to her Yang and Savannah finds that Tanner’s heart is one of the kindest she’s ever known.

This story will encourage you to overcome your fears and try something new, but to also embrace your uniqueness. You shouldn’t let others define who you are.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Savannah More is healing from her recent breakup and humiliation by her now ex boyfriends after he dumped her in the school parking lot in front of nearly half her school.
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Enter Tanner Woods he is a carefree jock who has always found enjoyment in teasing Savannah.
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With it now being summer both their mothers who happen to be coworkers sign them up for an all inclusive fully paid Alaskan cruise.
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This book was so cute and swoon-worthy. I loved seeing them grow as individuals as well as grow closer together as Tanner agrees to help her win her ex back. I loved that they had a history together always trying to outcompete each other. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the decisions Savannah made I can appreciate how everything fell together in the end.
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I have always been a big fan of travel in romance books. When I heard this one took place on an Alaskan cruise I was immediately sold. ( I live in Alaska). I truly appreciated how accurate the Alaskan setting was and enjoyed reading bout something so close to some.

Loved this book and seriously want to go on an Alaska cruise now! What a great story about two teenagers who manage to learn about themselves and each other when stuck together on a cruise together since their parents work together. Savannah is coming off of a very public, very cruel breakup that she was not expecting at all. Her ex not only ended their relationship, but told her that she was boring and stuck in her ways. She has decided that in order to get him back, and get back the senior year she has planned out for herself, she needs to try new things and take risks. Both Savannah and Tanner realize that not only are some of the risks fun, but they each learn a lot about believing in themselves and following your dreams, not what others may think is the right path for you. There was just something so sweet about this high school romance.

YA contemporary romance is not my main genre, but occasionally I pick one up and enjoy it. And that happened with Hearts Overboard.

Dean nailed the cruise vibes. I've been on a couple cruises (but not an Alaskan one yet), and I was smiling when Savannah gave herself a tour of the ship. I've had the exact same thoughts about identical cabin hallways and awkward sail away parties. The cruise provided a fun setting.

While Savannah's need for order and familiarity were explained throughout the novel, there was something about it that didn't quite work completely for me. Maybe it's because I'm more adventurous than she is, but I struggled a little bit with that character aspect, even though it was integral to the plot.

Personally, I think the romance between Savannah and Tanner might have happened too fast considering they go from rivals to a couple over the span of a cruise. But like I said at the beginning, YA romance isn't my main genre, so this is likely just a personal preference. =)

If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted read, Hearts Overboard might be a good fit.

Cautions: five kisses; moderate romance; brief reference to a rude gesture

4.4 rounded down to 4/5

"Hearts Overboard" by Becky Dean is a heartwarming YA romance that takes readers on a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of Alaska. Filled with vivid, colorful descriptions and entertaining banter, this book offers a perfect blend of opposites attract, frenemies-to-lovers, and the joy of discovering oneself.

The story follows Savannah Moore, determined to break free from her reputation as "Moore the Bore" after a public breakup. Her plan to embrace adventure on her mom's company cruise to Alaska becomes even more interesting when she finds herself partnered with her longtime nemesis, Tanner Woods. The dynamic between Savannah, a STEM-loving protagonist, and Tanner, a jock, adds depth and charm to the narrative.

The author skillfully explores the theme of opposites attracting as Savannah and Tanner navigate the Alaskan wilderness together. Their entertaining banter and the challenges they face, from zip-lining to dogsledding, create a delightful atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of Alaska make the setting come alive, and readers may find themselves yearning for their own dog sledding adventure.

One of the strengths of the novel lies in the growth of the characters. Both Savannah and Tanner push each other to step out of their comfort zones and aim for greater goals. The pre-existing history and rivalry between them add layers to their relationship, making their journey from frenemies to lovers all the more engaging.

While the overall message of finding oneself and embracing new experiences is clear, the motivation behind Savannah's desire to win back her ex, Caleb, is less apparent. Caleb's public and humiliating breakup raises questions about why Savannah would want him back, especially as her connection with Tanner deepens.

The ending, though somewhat predictable, adds a satisfying touch to the story. The steady plot progression keeps the reader engaged throughout, making it a great choice for teens or anyone looking for a feel-good romance. The juvenile tone of the writing may be attributed to the YA genre, but it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In "Hearts Overboard," Becky Dean delivers a charming romance filled with sweetness, joy, and the beauty of discovering love in unexpected places. The well-developed characters, coupled with the Alaskan backdrop, create a captivating tale of self-discovery and the transformative power of embracing new adventures.

I fell in love with this book almost immediately. Such a sweet and easy read. I finished it in less than a day. I loved it, and I hope to read more from this author soon!

I still don't understand her focus on bears. That got a little annoying and repetitive if I'm being honest. But other than that what a cute read. I threw it to the top of my list when I learned I'm going on an Alaskan cruise this summer so I definitely took some notes.
Cute quick slow burn rivals to lovers. I secretly love teen angst.

Enjoyed this fluffy, fun YA Contemporary read. 'Hearts Overboard' is a fun guided tour through parts of Canada, Alaska, and the cruise ship, as much as it is a story about two long-standing rivals finding their way to friendship, and maybe more.

#HeartsOverboard #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

This book was not for me. I found the main character to be insufferable, even before she was the victim of heartbreak. Plotting someone's downfall is a little sociopathic, if you ask me. I DNF'd this book pretty close to the beginning.