"More Than Shipmates" by Philippa Young is a sizzling debut novel that takes readers on a captivating journey aboard a Caribbean cruise. Eliza Chapman, determined to reinvent herself and leave her past failures behind, takes on the role of an entertainment host, where the motto is “work hard, play hard.” She vows to avoid mixing work with romance, but this proves easier said than done.

Eliza’s resolve is tested by two intriguing colleagues: the cheeky American Tom and the charming Brit Oscar. As the lines between professional and personal blur, Eliza finds herself in increasingly scandalous situations, making it hard to resist the magnetic pull of romance.

Philippa Young does a fantastic job of creating a vibrant, high-energy setting that perfectly complements the unfolding love triangle. The characters are well-developed, and the chemistry between Eliza, Tom, and Oscar is palpable, adding just the right amount of spice to the story. While the plot's predictability—knowing who the winning boy would be by the book’s midpoint—might detract slightly from the overall suspense, it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the journey.

"More Than Shipmates" is a steamy workplace romance that expertly balances the excitement of new beginnings with the challenges of letting love in. Philippa Young’s debut is a delightful read that promises more great stories to come. If you’re looking for a spicy, engaging novel set against the backdrop of a tropical cruise, this book is a fantastic choice.

More Than Shipmates by Philippa Young
Below Deck Book 1
Rating:4/5
Release Date: 1 June 2024

Eliza Chapman has always felt she fell short. She didn't make it into drama school, couldn't keep a boyfriend, and even failed as her insufferable brother’s PA. But things are about to change. Eliza has signed up as an entertainment host for a six-month Caribbean cruise, where the motto is “work hard, play hard.” Determined to avoid her past mistakes of mixing work with romance, she vows to swear off men completely. Yet, when the lines between colleagues and crushes blur and the nightlife leads to some scandalous situations, Eliza's resolve is tested by the cheeky American Tom and the charming Brit Oscar, who might not be so keen on resisting her.

Philippa's debut novel is a delightful and hilarious contemporary romance featuring Eliza, who escapes her unsatisfactory British life to work on a cruise ship. There, she finds herself drawn to two captivating men. The story offers a mix of fast and slow burn romance with open door spice and wild, humorous sexual escapades that are an absolute joy to read!

Life on the ship was entertaining, and the spicy escapades they got into were hilariously refreshing. However, the characters often felt too immature or too self-centred to succeed in an environment where you have to live with your co-workers for up to six months.

Overall, I breezed through the book and found the storyline easy to follow.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Summer Stars Publishing, and the author, Philippa Young, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

More Than Shipmates is a remarkable debut romantic comedy that has many layers. This is a romance novel first and foremost, but there’s so much more to it. Emphasis on the journey the characters go through about self-discovery. It was inspiring to read that sometimes the path you think you’ve always wanted for yourself isn’t the path you’re meant to be on. 

Eliza’s looking for a change. After everything seemingly going in the opposite direction than what she planned for her life goals, she makes the decision to venture out of her comfort zone and get a job on a cruise. What she doesn’t expect, however, is finding herself falling for two guys. Tom and Oscar add an unanticipated, but welcome bump in the road to Eliza’s journey to finding what she wants from life. 

What to expect in More Than Shipmates:

- Workplace Romance
- Love Triangle
- Witty FMC
- Musical Theater Aspects
- Found Family
- Romcom
- Multi Povs
- Self-discovery
- Past trauma
- Miscommunication
- Spice
- HEA

For my fellow readers who also can find love triangles a bit frustrating, I will say it’s canonically clear well before half way through the book on who the final love interest will be… But I won’t spoil who it is, you’ll just have to read to find out!

Thank you to the publisher; Summer Stars Publishing, the author; Philippa Young, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will.

ARC review: More Than Shipmates by @philippayoungauthor 🩵💛 - 4.5⭐️, 3🌶️
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Fave Quote: “If we were in a show and your voice gave out one night because it was tired from weeks of being pushed to its limits, I wouldn’t blame you for not wanting to turn up the next night. But ‘the show must go on’, as they say. I want the show to go on. And I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. I’ll make you hot honey and lemons, I’ll run extra warm-ups, I’ll rehearse with you, I’ll get them to change the key, I’ll sing all of your songs with you night after night until you’re confident again.” He wipes the happy tears from my cheeks with his thumb. “You’re the star of this show, Chapman and without you, there is no show. And before you say it, I refuse to work with an understudy.”
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This is a great debut novel by Philippa! It’s a lighthearted and hilarious contemporary romance of Eliza, escaping her unsatisfactory British life to work on a cruise ship, where she meets two men she’s drawn to! There’s fast and slow burn open door spice, wild sexual hijinx that was so funny to read! AND even though it’s a love triangle romance, it was written so well that you’re not pulling your hair out over it (also I’m proud of myself for picking the right boy 😎) This is a great book I’d recommend if you want a light summer/ vacation read!
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Tropes:
🩵 Love Triangle (Blonde v. Brunette MMC’s)
💛 Forced Proximity/ Co-Workers - Cruise Ship
🩵 Open Door Spice
💛 Triple POV
🩵 Rom Com
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Thank you NetGalley and Summer Star Publishing for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Eliza's interactions with Tom and Oscar are electric, sparking a love triangle that is as complex as it is captivating. As the lines between professionalism and desire blur, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how Eliza's choices will unfold.

Themes of personal growth and romantic tension, draw readers into Eliza's journey of self-realization. Through her experiences onboard the cruise ship, Eliza confronts her past insecurities and learns to embrace the possibility of love, even in the unlikeliest of places.