Love, Lists & Fancy Ships - Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Book Synopsis: Sometimes a yacht, a bold bucket list, and a kiss with a handsome stranger are all a person needs to dive into the deep end of life.

For the last year, yacht stewardess Jo Walker has been attempting to complete a bucket list of thirty things she wants to accomplish by her birthday. Jo has almost everything she's ever wanted, including a condo on the beach (though she's the youngest resident by thirty years) and an exciting job (albeit below deck) that lets her travel the world.

Jo is on track until a family tragedy turns her life upside down, and the list falls by the wayside. But when her two nieces show up unannounced with plans to stay the summer, they discover her list and insist on helping Jo finish it. Though the remaining eight items (which include running a marathon, visiting ten countries, and sleeping in a castle) seem impossible to complete in twelve weeks, Jo takes on the challenge.

When she summons the courage to complete item number five--kiss a stranger--and meets Alex Hayes, all bets are off. As her feelings for Alex intensify and Jo's inability to confront difficult emotions about her family complicates her relationships, she must learn to quit playing it safe with her heart before she loses what matters most.

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This book has quickly become one of my favorite reads of 2021. I loved every minute of it, there was humor, romance, grieving, and a bucket list.

What made this book exciting was definitely a toss up between completely the bucket list and the blossoming romance between Josephine and Alex. Everything about this novel was heartfelt and sweet. The way the author wrote about the tragedy of loss is so touching and real - I truly felt the heartbreak and was able to relate.

My favorite character was definitely Nina, Jo's hilarious best friend and fellow co-worker on the yacht - and I'm excited to read her book next year. She's a fun character and I can't wait to see what is in store for her.

If you are a cruise ship or yacht lover and a fan of romance, you would definitely love this book. It's the whole package and I will probably reread this book as a refresher before I read the next book starring Nina.

Rating: 5/5 Stars ★★★★★