I really liked this book – a lot. However, I feel obligated to warn readers that they should skip the epilogue if they don’t like cliffhangers. There’s no indication in the blurb, or on Amazon, that this is the beginning of a series but I feel like it must be, simply because of the epilogue.

There is a very satisfying HFN for Jamie and Dexter by the end of the last chapter and the epilogue really has nothing to do with them. In some ways I wish I hadn’t read it (usually I love epilogues) but I’m actually not sorry that I did. While I’m intrigued enough to want to read what I hope will be the next book, I don’t think I’ll feel devastated if it never comes to be.

This cruise is the first time that Jamie has gone anywhere on a holiday since his husband died five years ago and this trip is actually part business. Dexter is on the ship with his mother – she’s one of the entertainers and convinced him to take a break and come with her.

Dexter knew there was something special about Jamie when he met him and he couldn’t help flirting; then he saw the wedding ring on Jamie’s finger. Dexter is the first man that Jamie has really been attracted to – in that way, since his husband died but he gets cold feet after the first time he and Dexter are intimate with each other.

This is a story that really held my attention. I found the secondary character of Dexter’s mother to be entertaining and she also helped Jamie’s confusion about his feelings for Dexter. I fell in love with cruising about 6 years ago and really enjoyed the setting for this story. The descriptions of the ship were pretty accurate as far as the cruises I’ve been on. The story brought back fond memories of past cruises (I was on one with seas nearly as rough as what was described in the book) and it also made me sad that cruising has been suspended due to the current pandemic.

The only slightly disappointing thing was the epilogue and the cliffhanger. I would not have minded near as much if there had been some warning. I know some authors feel strongly about not warning of cliffhangers but I feel it’s better when they do. Like I said you can read the book and skip epilogue with the cliffhanger and just enjoy the very satisfying HFN for Jamie and Dexter.

Reviews for Thom Collins

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“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, gazing into the night. Straight ahead he could see nothing but dark, the blackness was complete, but leaning on the balcony and looking down, he saw the moderate swell of the ocean and the white-capped waves hitting the side of the ship.

“We’re moving at a fair speed,” Jamie said, glancing at the wake they gave off.

Jamie stepped near to him, their upper arms touching as they stood against the railing.

He’s regaining his composure, Dexter thought.

Somewhere inside Jamie was a desire to be loved again, Dexter was sure of it. To be desired and wanted and not to spend the rest of his life alone. His love for Tyler could never be doubted, but Jamie was too young, had too much of his life remaining, to be on his own forever.

Dexter took a mouthful of champagne and swallowed, choosing his words. “I know this is new for you, and that it can’t be easy. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to, or aren’t ready for. What I’m trying to say is this is all up to you. How much or how little we do together, you decide. I won’t push you into anything.”

Jamie took a deep breath and sighed. He moved his hand from the railing and put it on Dexter’s waist. “I know what I want. And he’s standing right here.”

Dexter turned to face him. How handsome, how striking he looked, in the early hours of the morning, so far out to sea. He caressed Jamie’s face with the tips of his fingers, along his cheek and the lean length of his jaw. “You’re taking my breath away right now; I hope you realise that.”

Jamie put his own hand on top of Dexter’s. “Let’s go inside.”