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.

"Hearts Overboard" by Becky Dean is a fun, light-hearted story about the boringness of normality and the dreams we're meant to chase. While the ending felt predictable and the writing seemed on the younger side of YA, I still enjoyed its message on finding yourself and embracing new things.

Savannah and Tanner are adorable. They grew up trying to outcompete each other in grades, volunteer hours, and votes for their Astronomy Club presidency. I like that they have a history together and actual reasons to be rivals. I also thought their personalities complimented each other, especially when they started working together. This book promised rivals-to-lovers romance, and it did not disappoint! Part of the build-up also read like a friend-to-lovers romance, which is awesome news for my fellow readers who love that trope.

I also liked the setting. Most of the story takes place on an Alaskan cruise ship, and the excursions bring humor to the plot. I loved reading Savannah's internal monologue when she went ziplining above grizzly bears and did the polar plunge. She had a lot of funny lines, and her banter with Tanner was priceless. I thought the author did a great job showing how Savannah and Tanner supported each other, whether that included trying new things, letting go of past relationships, or rethinking college plans.

This book has a lot of positives, and I like that the characters grow along the journey. That said, the writing felt a bit juvenile. I can see a lot of middle or high school readers loving this story, as it definitely caters to that audience. I also struggled with some of the characters' reasoning during certain parts of the book. I didn't see why Savannah was so eager to reconnect with her ex-boyfriend (he broke up with her in front of their school and didn't appreciate her personality/humor). Even the romance between her and Tanner felt a little bland because it lacked any sense of urgency. I didn't need a life-or-death plot, but something to raise the stakes would have been nice.

Overall, I enjoyed this fluffy, rivals-to-lovers YA romance. While I would have liked higher stakes and a more mature writing style, I understand that I'm a few years outside the target audience. I think this story had a lot of important messages on staying true to your passions and finding the courage to chase your dreams. I'd recommend it to high schoolers looking for a fun summer read or young women debating a career in STEM. You never know what you'll like or can accomplish unless you try.

3.5/5 stars and a recommendation to readers in the teen fiction genre.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. It is set partly on a cruise ship to Alaska and also in the great outdoors of Alaska and Canada. Rivals that are thrown together due to their families' friendship work together to help each other during their vacation to Alaska. In the process, they learn a lot about each other, themselves and what they really want out of life. And it surprises them. I recommended great read. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the premise of two friends that push each other for greater goals. Savannah wanted to prove to her ex that she wasn’t boring and Tanner agreed to help her win her ex back during an Alaska cruise vacation. Eh. I didn’t understand why she wanted her ex back. Her self esteem or judgement was lacking. And to have another guy help her achieve that was odd. Though there was a certain sense of romance between them that took forever. That helped the story along for me. Otherwise it was a bit boring. And this from a person that went on two different Alaskan cruises. By the way I highly suggest the dog sledding adventure if you go on the cruise. It was spectacular. Anyways, back to the story. It was a sweet teen romance. The ending was okay. Overall, it was a good book that I think would be great for teens. Just not so much for me. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

Absolutely adorable. I struggled so much my freshman year of college, not knowing what to major in or what I wanted to do. High school had been easy, but I never enjoyed any subjects. Suddenly having to know what to do with the rest of my life was terrifying. Reading a book like this, at that time, would have been so nice. Realizing that there were other people struggling with the same issues would have been a lifesaver. Books given to the right person at the right time can make all the difference. You don't have to have it all figured out, but hopefully you can find someone who will help you.

This delightful YA romance is utterly heartwarming and sure to make you swoon! The Alaska cruise setting comes to life with vivid, colorful descriptions, weaving together an enchanting tale of freenemies turned lovers, opposites attracting, and wickedly entertaining banter. The story beautifully explores the blossoming friendship and self-discovery of a STEM-loving girl and a jock, making it absolutely irresistible!

Love is undeniably in the air, and everywhere in the sky smells like love.

Savannah Moore is still healing from the wounds of public humiliation inflicted by her ex-boyfriend, Caleb, who dumped her in a parking lot in front of the entire school crowd. Her school friends now whisper her new nickname, "Moore the Bore."

Savannah, strict and averse to trying new things, clings to her routine and schedule, which provide a steady life plan—until her biological father disrupts it with his unconventional methods. Is it really so bad to choose the safe side, avoid risks, and follow the rules?

Enter Tanner Woods, the carefree, entertaining, and popular school athlete—an old nemesis who lives life on the edge, rejecting orders.

Their mothers, coincidentally coworkers vying for a promotion, throw them together when both families accept an all-expenses-paid Alaska cruise. Savannah finds herself stuck with her arch-nemesis for an extended trip.

Confused by Tanner's unexpectedly kind treatment after her breakup, Savannah wonders if he has a hidden agenda. When he proposes a mutually beneficial plan, she can't refuse. The simple deal: Tanner helps her step out of her comfort zone to show her ex how much fun she can have, and in return, she assists him in choosing his college major. What could possibly go wrong? Yet, as they discover each other's true selves and explore new experiences, Savannah realizes that Caleb may not be the one she truly wants. The person who makes her genuinely happy might be standing right in front of her.

This book is a delightful blend of sweetness, swoon-worthy moments, and pure joy! I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend you dive in and savor every page.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for providing me with a digital review copy of this enjoyable book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is the first book by Becky Dean that I've read, but it won't be the last.
Alaska is my favorite place, so that's what initially drew me to this story. I loved hearing about the spots the characters visited, but it was the characters that made me love this book. I liked Tanner from the start, and Savannah grew on me as the story went on.
At times there was too much dialogue, but I enjoyed the author's writing style. The plot was steady.
Overall, this is a sweet story of seeing someone you've known forever in a new light.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

The narrator reminded me so much of the girl from Never have I Ever which was such a great show! I love the theme of seeing there is more to yourself that meets the eye and having someone bring that side out in you!
Very thrilled to share a full review on this one!

When Savannah Moore gets dumped on the last day of Junior year, it sends her into a bit of a tailspin. She likes her routines, always being prepared, and feeling in control; but being labeled “Moore the Bore” because of her public breakup causes her to think about how to win Caleb back. Are her Taco Tuesdays and Milkshake Fridays really *that* boring? She contemplates this as she prepares to set off on an Alaskan cruise with her parents and her mom’s best friend/coworker and her family. Unfortunately for Savannah this includes Tanner, her mom’s best friend’s son, who was witness to her public breakup and new unpleasant nickname. Tanner suggests that Savannah team up with him on the cruise to try at least one new thing each day to help her overcome her new “Moore the Bore” nickname. Savannah isn’t sure she trusts Tanner but decides to give it a chance. Through the course of the cruise will Savannah fall back into her comfortable, safe ways or will she learn that growth sometimes requires us to try new things and be willing to let new people into our lives? Stem-minded Savannah also faces the dilemma of playing it safe with her future studies or taking a chance on her dreams.
I really enjoyed the character development for not just Savannah, but Tanner as well. I appreciate that Becky Dean writes books that show real-life issues like overcoming anxiety or PTSD from traumatic events in a healthy way. I appreciate that her books do not include strong language or sexual content so that I can feel confident adding it to my middle school library and recommending it to any of the students in my school.