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xanthe87's review
4.0
*3.5*
Cruise is, to me, a book of two halves.
First we have a heartwarming romance for two men who, for their own reasons, haven't found love in their everyday lives. When they meet on the first day of a gay cruise, all bets are off with the strong connection that sparks between them. Something more builds between them and it's sweet reading as they spend all of their time together. It feels good especially for Armando considering what he goes through at the beginning of the story.
Then, we have a darker twist in the tale as Lyndon's ex comes back into the picture and causes trouble. Armando knows when he needs to help and things quickly escalate.
I enjoyed the characters that are met along the way, though not a fan of the several comments made regarding someone's eating habits. There is a good mix of light and dark as Lyndon and Armando quickly form a relationship and bask in their happiness and possible future. It's a low heat romance but it packs an emotional punch in places as Armando deals with his wife's funeral, strictly religious parents, and coming out. The end of the story did feel as though it ended fairly quickly and a couple of things felt slightly unfinished so here's hoping that there's another visit to the couple in the future.
Please be aware that there is mention of physical abuse and homophobia from very religious people.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Cruise is, to me, a book of two halves.
First we have a heartwarming romance for two men who, for their own reasons, haven't found love in their everyday lives. When they meet on the first day of a gay cruise, all bets are off with the strong connection that sparks between them. Something more builds between them and it's sweet reading as they spend all of their time together. It feels good especially for Armando considering what he goes through at the beginning of the story.
Then, we have a darker twist in the tale as Lyndon's ex comes back into the picture and causes trouble. Armando knows when he needs to help and things quickly escalate.
I enjoyed the characters that are met along the way, though not a fan of the several comments made regarding someone's eating habits. There is a good mix of light and dark as Lyndon and Armando quickly form a relationship and bask in their happiness and possible future. It's a low heat romance but it packs an emotional punch in places as Armando deals with his wife's funeral, strictly religious parents, and coming out. The end of the story did feel as though it ended fairly quickly and a couple of things felt slightly unfinished so here's hoping that there's another visit to the couple in the future.
Please be aware that there is mention of physical abuse and homophobia from very religious people.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
vicki_williams's review
4.0
Rating : 3.5 stars
There are no trigger warnings listed but please be aware that physical/emotional abuse is depicted, as is homophobia borne by religious doctrine.
There is quite a lot going on with this story and it’s sub plots. From the main story of Armando, a closeted widower whose recently deceased wife encouraged the yearly gay cruises he takes, to Lyndon and his violent stalker ex who won’t take no for an answer. There is also the issue of Armando and his gay son Michael coming out to a deeply religious family. Whilst all these different threads, with their various side characters came together, I felt that there was a lack of depth to each which did distract me somewhat as it felt rushed in places - especially the ending.
This is a low heat,fade to black, angsty read that filled in a couple of hours.
There are no trigger warnings listed but please be aware that physical/emotional abuse is depicted, as is homophobia borne by religious doctrine.
There is quite a lot going on with this story and it’s sub plots. From the main story of Armando, a closeted widower whose recently deceased wife encouraged the yearly gay cruises he takes, to Lyndon and his violent stalker ex who won’t take no for an answer. There is also the issue of Armando and his gay son Michael coming out to a deeply religious family. Whilst all these different threads, with their various side characters came together, I felt that there was a lack of depth to each which did distract me somewhat as it felt rushed in places - especially the ending.
This is a low heat,fade to black, angsty read that filled in a couple of hours.
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