Reviews

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

niamhsbookshelf's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

generally a fun read, made me want to be in a yacht somewhere falling in love with the boats chef. but it sort of felt like the book got to 80% and the author went okay she’s better now! didn’t really feel resolved, just forgotten about to me 

paigedent's review

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

So good just not quite five stars. Didn’t leave me thinking enough. But very enjoyable and love that the love was so interesting but completely completely clean. 

karimorton33's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

This was quite different than other romances I've read and I enjoyed that. I liked how it was a slow build and the family's played a big part in the story too.

kristenraeham's review

5.0

Read if you love…

✨single parent of a teenager, MMC

🌞South Florida

✨workplace romance 

🛥️yachting

✨forced proximity

💬sassy teenagers

✨slow burn

👨‍🍳MMC chef

✨friends to lovers

So I started my SGR journey with book 3 (Last Call at the Local) and it’s one of my all-time favorite books, so I knew I had to read books 1 & 2!

Book 1 did not disappoint at all! I loved it so damn much! Jo & Alex are just everything!

I love the way that SGR doesn’t write with a billion tropes. There’s a couple, but they’re not overbearing; they’re subtle, and just so dang well done!

I loved the way grief was woven into this book, both directly from Jo’s point of view but also what the reader saw of her nieces journey with grief.

Alex is just perfection. I love his backstory with his teenage daughter & ex. I love the way Alex & Jo just keep getting thrown together.

And so many other things that are spoilers!

100/10 recommend you put SGR’s books at the top of your list!!

📍Florida

‼️Content: death of a parent & nephew, past; grief

jennharmon's review

fast-paced

4.0

Again, I’m a sucker for a single parent/step-parent trope.  Is that even a trope?!  I’m making it one. Each and every time they get me in the ❤️.  A few frequent run ins for Joe and Alex including him showing up at her work as the new chef.  Later they find out they live in the same complex. He has a young teenage daughter and she has her two teen nieces for the summer. The three girls become the best of friends and makes Jo and Alex spend more time together while Jo is working through her list of things to do before she turns 30.  Just a sweet easy read. I’m excited to see what book #2 has in store for me!

freckleduck's review

4.0

I liked this book a lot. I did find the main character’s struggles with grief to be hard because it felt like in a way she avoided it until the end and didn’t really deal with it it just resolved itself but I am not sure that’s true. I loved the emotional resonance and the relationship of her and her nieces.

kelleycailin's review

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

neudorfl's review

4.0

4.5

tiffanyrich623's review

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

newlybookish24's review

3.75

This was a captivating journey that swept me off my feet, immersing me in a whirlwind of love, discovery, grief, and healing. While the plot initially took its sweet time to get moving, once it gained momentum, it became impossible to put down. Sarah's exploration of grief across multiple characters adds depth and relatability to the narrative, resonating with readers on various levels. The slow-burn romance between the FMC and MMC was utterly adorable, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the story. Whether you're a hopeless romantic seeking an emotional rollercoaster or simply in need of a cozy read for a night in, Live Lists and Fancy Ships is a read you won't want to miss.

Spice Level: Closed Door