GRR Reviews Cruising Toward Love by Christi Barth

Cruising Toward Love managed to spin the old trope of "old flame back in town" by mixing it with "forced cohabitation (cruise)" and "enemies into lovers" tropes, and the result is at times funny, at times poignant, and often quite sweet.

Town librarian Zoe Balis was not enjoying her all expenses paid Caribbean cruise at all. Her sister was left at the altar, and the unused cruise ticket would be wasted if no one will go. What she did not count on was her archnemesis Nate, who humiliated her in front of the entire town 10 years ago at the prom was first assigned as best man (a last minute substitution), then not informing them of the runaway groom until he left town, and finally, who took the groom's cruise ticket and thus, will be sharing the honeymoon suite with her. Not to mention splashing her with icy puddle with his motorcycle, burning her pink skirt (long story), and other transgressions. Nate Hyatt, army medic on leave, never told Zoe why he left her without a goodbye, or dumped her on prom night, but he never forgot about her, and he'll do his darnedest to win back her heart... if at all possible, and what better place to do it on a romantic cruise? As Zoe befriends an internet mogul w/ no tact but plenty of cash, Nate made friends with the ship photographer who's battling PTSD, and the four joined a cruise-sponsored "treasure hunt". Can Zoe forgive Nate, even though he may be leaving? Can Nate love Zoe and help her heal? Is there love by the end of the cruise?

Nate and Zoe definitely have chemistry, and the backstory made it that much funnier and sadder. The other couple was cute too. The rest of the adventure was interesting as well. Enjoy the read, even if it's a bit long.

Category: Contemporary

Primary Plot: Girl goes on a cruise, ends up with her nemesis as the roommate; will romantic cruise work its magic?

Tropes: enemies to lovers, reunion, forced proximity

Overall Rating:  4/5