I love this book! The unique premise, a one-night stand that turns into a harrowing, yet somehow romantic, 12-day adventure at sea, is riveting. However, it’s the love story between Lexi and Zeke that is really captivating. On the surface, they’re polar opposites: a 31-year-old plain Jane (only in her own eyes) trying to figure out her future while still dealing with the grief of losing her mother, and a handsome, edgy 23-year-old who works as a junior chef but feels like a failure. They are both dealing with family dysfunction baggage, but when fighting together for their lives, they form an unbreakable bond and help each other see that the low opinion they have of themselves is based on external influences, not reality.
The forced proximity trope is there, but not in the formulaic way it’s used in most romances. Yes, there is a strong attraction, but it takes a backseat to the struggle to survive against nearly insurmountable odds. There are many lighthearted moments, so it’s not all doom and gloom, but when O’Leary adds a twist you don’t see coming, the tension continues to grip you until the end. 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.