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Hickory Hollow
Drunk on a Plane
Those little bottles of airplane liquor add up fast. Eric Caretti discovers this while drowning his relief on the way to his destination wedding. Alone. Sort of. He hadn't counted on his cheating ex-bride-to-be's (bride-to-have-been's?) cousin being there to help get his drunk self to the cruise ship.
Megan Prescott jumps at the chance to photograph her cousin’s cruise wedding. It's the perfect opportunity to build her travel portfolio… and put some distance between her and her anxious, controlling mother. The last thing she expects is to spend ten days at sea with her cousin's jilted groom.
Megan and Eric reluctantly spend their days together, swimming with dolphins, exploring Mayan ruins, and becoming friends.
Just friends.
Because anything more would be inappropriate.
Right?
Note: All novels in the Hickory Hollow series are completely stand-alone and can be read in any order.
Megan Prescott jumps at the chance to photograph her cousin’s cruise wedding. It's the perfect opportunity to build her travel portfolio… and put some distance between her and her anxious, controlling mother. The last thing she expects is to spend ten days at sea with her cousin's jilted groom.
Megan and Eric reluctantly spend their days together, swimming with dolphins, exploring Mayan ruins, and becoming friends.
Just friends.
Because anything more would be inappropriate.
Right?
Note: All novels in the Hickory Hollow series are completely stand-alone and can be read in any order.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
87 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 8, 2021
This book is a contemporary romance about a guy who is dumped before his destination wedding on a cruise ship. He decided to go anyway (it is paid for!) and gets drunk on the plane to the ship. The wedding photograph also decided to go anyway (it is paid for!) despite being the cousin of the ex-bride-to-be.
This was a fun book - easy to read and some nice humor. I liked both characters very much (and I also hated the ex-bride and mother of the photographer as I should!). If you've ever gone on a Caribbean cruise on one of those mega ships, you'll recall fond memories of the excursions and food and people through this story. It was nice to reminisce as I did a lot of those cruises when my kids were younger - free babysitting anyone?? :D
My only quibble was the title - not quite right for this story as that was only one incident and doesn't match the rest of the story. Plus I think it might turn some readers off, thinking it's about a wild weekend.
Overall, if you enjoy contemporary romances, this is for you!
This was a fun book - easy to read and some nice humor. I liked both characters very much (and I also hated the ex-bride and mother of the photographer as I should!). If you've ever gone on a Caribbean cruise on one of those mega ships, you'll recall fond memories of the excursions and food and people through this story. It was nice to reminisce as I did a lot of those cruises when my kids were younger - free babysitting anyone?? :D
My only quibble was the title - not quite right for this story as that was only one incident and doesn't match the rest of the story. Plus I think it might turn some readers off, thinking it's about a wild weekend.
Overall, if you enjoy contemporary romances, this is for you!
March 14, 2025
Right off the bat it has to be said ... the title of this book STINKS. It is horrible. It is dumb. And, in the grand theme of things, it doesn't even really relate to the events of this story at all. Who thought this was a good idea???? Is there someone drunk on a plane. Well, yeah, for about two pages at the beginning of the book. That's it. Is it essential to the remaining plot of the story? Not really. I guess Megan and Eric first find themselves together when Megan jumps in to help a tipsy Eric who has overimbibed on the tiny alcoholic drinks served on his plane. Why did he drink so much? Well, you could say that he was drowning his sorrows after his fiancee dumped him right before their destination wedding. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Eric just drank too much for no reason at all. Hence the stupid name for this book. A totally unnecessary entrance to a book that could have been just as good without this pointless episode.
As for the actual story ... it was nice enough, I guess. Eric was engaged to Megan's cousin. Megan doesn't have a close relationship with her cousin but was invited to the wedding as the photographer. When the wedding is cancelled, she decides to still come on the cruise so that she can spend some time working on the photography that she loves. Eric is on the cruise because he paid for the excursions and might as well enjoy them all by himself. He doesn't really know Megan all that well, but when he hears her reason for coming on the cruise, he invites her to come along with him and enjoy the excursions too. During the entire trip Eric and Megan get closer and closer. It is obvious that they have a connection and chemistry together, but neither are interested in pursuing anything. After all, Eric was engaged two seconds earlier. And he was engaged to Megan's cousin, so that would make the family gatherings a bit awkward. Because there is no intention to take things to the next level, Eric and Megan are free to be more natural with one another, and they have a ton of fun together. These cruise chapters of the book seem a bit surface level, but they are okay. They do the job of showing how Eric and Megan could be a great match for one another.
When things head off the vacation and back to real life, the book gets super frustrating. Megan's family dynamics are horribly dysfunctional. I REALLY detested how her mother was written.
...SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD ...
Megan's younger brother died in a horribly tragic way when she was a teenager, and her mother did not handle it well. I get it. I really, really get it. Because of the circumstances of that death, Megan's mom is WAY overprotective of Megan, even as an adult. Overprotective doesn't even quite cover what she is doing. She demands to know Megan's every move. She manipulates everything to keep her finger on Megan's life, and Megan allows it because she has her own guilt regarding her brother's death. It all makes sense. What her mother needs is some serious counselling. Carrie Jacobs could have created a really powerful story element if she had written this mother with some nuance. Show that she is a serious unhealthy drag on Megan's life, but portray her actions as those of a grieving woman who cannot move forward. Instead, she chose to write her as pure evil. She was a horrible woman who never had anything good to say to Megan. She was a horrible, horrible person, and that made her a boring character.
She did the same thing in her portrayal of Eric's ex-fiancee. She couldn't just be a cheating cheater who cheats. That would be bad enough. No. She had to just be horrible in every interaction with the world. Manipulative. Uncaring. Selfish. It made it easy to root for Megan and Eric to succeed. But I feel like it is lazy writing. Sometimes relationships just don't work out. Sometimes you don't end up clicking with the person you thought you wanted to be with. It happens. You don't have to create a monster to justify this.
I will say that this was an easy read. I didn't hate it. I just don't think that it stands out all that much in the crowded contemporary romance genre. I'll give it a weak three stars. It was okay.
As for the actual story ... it was nice enough, I guess. Eric was engaged to Megan's cousin. Megan doesn't have a close relationship with her cousin but was invited to the wedding as the photographer. When the wedding is cancelled, she decides to still come on the cruise so that she can spend some time working on the photography that she loves. Eric is on the cruise because he paid for the excursions and might as well enjoy them all by himself. He doesn't really know Megan all that well, but when he hears her reason for coming on the cruise, he invites her to come along with him and enjoy the excursions too. During the entire trip Eric and Megan get closer and closer. It is obvious that they have a connection and chemistry together, but neither are interested in pursuing anything. After all, Eric was engaged two seconds earlier. And he was engaged to Megan's cousin, so that would make the family gatherings a bit awkward. Because there is no intention to take things to the next level, Eric and Megan are free to be more natural with one another, and they have a ton of fun together. These cruise chapters of the book seem a bit surface level, but they are okay. They do the job of showing how Eric and Megan could be a great match for one another.
When things head off the vacation and back to real life, the book gets super frustrating. Megan's family dynamics are horribly dysfunctional. I REALLY detested how her mother was written.
...SLIGHT SPOILER AHEAD ...
Megan's younger brother died in a horribly tragic way when she was a teenager, and her mother did not handle it well. I get it. I really, really get it. Because of the circumstances of that death, Megan's mom is WAY overprotective of Megan, even as an adult. Overprotective doesn't even quite cover what she is doing. She demands to know Megan's every move. She manipulates everything to keep her finger on Megan's life, and Megan allows it because she has her own guilt regarding her brother's death. It all makes sense. What her mother needs is some serious counselling. Carrie Jacobs could have created a really powerful story element if she had written this mother with some nuance. Show that she is a serious unhealthy drag on Megan's life, but portray her actions as those of a grieving woman who cannot move forward. Instead, she chose to write her as pure evil. She was a horrible woman who never had anything good to say to Megan. She was a horrible, horrible person, and that made her a boring character.
She did the same thing in her portrayal of Eric's ex-fiancee. She couldn't just be a cheating cheater who cheats. That would be bad enough. No. She had to just be horrible in every interaction with the world. Manipulative. Uncaring. Selfish. It made it easy to root for Megan and Eric to succeed. But I feel like it is lazy writing. Sometimes relationships just don't work out. Sometimes you don't end up clicking with the person you thought you wanted to be with. It happens. You don't have to create a monster to justify this.
I will say that this was an easy read. I didn't hate it. I just don't think that it stands out all that much in the crowded contemporary romance genre. I'll give it a weak three stars. It was okay.
September 22, 2024
Don't be deceived by the title, this is a great novel. It's funny and sexy and totally fun.
October 30, 2023
Loved this book! I immediately cared about the characters and actually put everything else on hold so I could finish it.
November 10, 2025
3.75 stars, 0.5 spice, mild spoilers. Meghan is about to hop on a plane to take pictures of her cousin’s wedding on a cruise. Instead she ends up helping the jilted groom onto the boat. They make a deal to do the prepaid excursions together so she can take pictures for her travel portfolio and she will help him track down exotic coffee for his new business. Both are trying to escape the disappointments waiting for them at home.
This is a fun rom com if you ever dreamed of hopping a plane to run away from your problems. Eric and Meghan are a good pair. They are both trying to find a new reality and sense of self away from every day life. Meghan’s mom is completely unhinged. I can’t believe her father stood by and let her mother treat her that way. The family tragedy was a little too melodramatic. I also didn’t really understand why Eric was willing to marry Brittany, when he knew what she was at her core and didn’t seem to like her let alone love her. He also jumps to a lot of conclusions despite no evidence to support the ideas, while Meghan simply believes the best about him.
The story is strongest when they are on their adventures at each port. The descriptions are beautiful and engaging. I get seasick and it made me want to go on a cruise. Or at least pick up a camera and go exploring. It helped me get out of a reading slump. It’s a fast engaging read perfect for a beach or a snow day when you want to be on a beach with a piña colada.
This is a fun rom com if you ever dreamed of hopping a plane to run away from your problems. Eric and Meghan are a good pair. They are both trying to find a new reality and sense of self away from every day life. Meghan’s mom is completely unhinged. I can’t believe her father stood by and let her mother treat her that way. The family tragedy was a little too melodramatic. I also didn’t really understand why Eric was willing to marry Brittany, when he knew what she was at her core and didn’t seem to like her let alone love her. He also jumps to a lot of conclusions despite no evidence to support the ideas, while Meghan simply believes the best about him.
The story is strongest when they are on their adventures at each port. The descriptions are beautiful and engaging. I get seasick and it made me want to go on a cruise. Or at least pick up a camera and go exploring. It helped me get out of a reading slump. It’s a fast engaging read perfect for a beach or a snow day when you want to be on a beach with a piña colada.
August 5, 2024
This book was interesting. Eric’s wedding was called off by the bride, Britney. Eric has already paid for the cruise and it’s too late to get a refund so he decides to go on the ten-day trip by himself. Megan, Britney’s cousin, is the wedding photographer. She has always had a difficult time with her mother, but one life-changing event put things over the top. She needs an escape to develop her travel portfolio and advance her career. Perfect solution? Take the cruise she was supposed to photo journal for her cousin. It’s paid for after all.
Drunk on a Plane gets its title from one of the first scenes in the book. It is such a fun story! It is also clean, and very entertaining. You’ll meet lots of interesting, delightful characters. There are also characters you’re going to hate. The main characters are older and (sometimes) more mature. Mature characters mean the drama is happening around them rather than to them. I applauded when Megan’s dad finally realized what’s been going on for years. If you're looking for a book that makes you laugh, scream with frustration, and then end up smiling check this one out. Plus, who doesn't want to go on a Caribbean cruise?
Drunk on a Plane gets its title from one of the first scenes in the book. It is such a fun story! It is also clean, and very entertaining. You’ll meet lots of interesting, delightful characters. There are also characters you’re going to hate. The main characters are older and (sometimes) more mature. Mature characters mean the drama is happening around them rather than to them. I applauded when Megan’s dad finally realized what’s been going on for years. If you're looking for a book that makes you laugh, scream with frustration, and then end up smiling check this one out. Plus, who doesn't want to go on a Caribbean cruise?
June 22, 2024
This was such a fun, well written romance with all the "holiday escape" & "forced proximity" tropes you would expect. What I liked most about Eric & Megan's story was how them becoming a couple seemed so natural & easy when all around them was drama. I also loved the themes that come with having older MCs - learning from the past, and not letting others decide what your life should look like.
Fav Quote
"She's crazy about you. I can't believe you're not spending every waking moment figuring out how to make it work with her." "I don't want to hear it." "Come on. You two were looking at each other the way I look at cheesecake." "Gee, thanks," Stewart said. "Babe. Cheesecake."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I can't stop daydreaming and telling everyone about this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A great read with all the feels. I would read again.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book but wouldn't it read again.
⭐⭐ - Usually in the DNF pile or I suffered until the end for whatever reason.
⭐- Just no.
Fav Quote
"She's crazy about you. I can't believe you're not spending every waking moment figuring out how to make it work with her." "I don't want to hear it." "Come on. You two were looking at each other the way I look at cheesecake." "Gee, thanks," Stewart said. "Babe. Cheesecake."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I can't stop daydreaming and telling everyone about this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A great read with all the feels. I would read again.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book but wouldn't it read again.
⭐⭐ - Usually in the DNF pile or I suffered until the end for whatever reason.
⭐- Just no.
June 15, 2023
Fun little beach read about a young woman who's never had a real-life experience, take an adventure on a cruise ship. It was the perfect about amount of fluff for my own cruise vacation. A bit of family drama thrown in added interest. The ending was rushed, and I would have liked more detail how some things worked out.
I feel.like the main character should have been younger than 34 years old. It was a bit unbelievable she never had some life experiences such as eating lobster or flying in a plane by 34. The characters could have been developed a bit more. I liked them, but they are forgettable. But I was looking for fluff, and that's what I got. Not a bad thing - it's a vibe.
I feel.like the main character should have been younger than 34 years old. It was a bit unbelievable she never had some life experiences such as eating lobster or flying in a plane by 34. The characters could have been developed a bit more. I liked them, but they are forgettable. But I was looking for fluff, and that's what I got. Not a bad thing - it's a vibe.
April 17, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ it was a cute cruise themed book, I only enjoyed it because I was on a cruise and I have done some of the ports/excursions mentioned. However, it felt like the author googled top excursions at each port and got enough info to write 1-2 pages about them. Everything was so rushed and fast paced, unrealistic. It didn't feel like the ports lined up in the correct order and would take more time to travel to each. Would have loved to see more on board activities. Ending was so cheesy and even more fast paced. Fun to read while on vacation otherwise not sure id enjoy it.
September 20, 2020
This was such a sweet book and just exactly what I needed to read. Disclaimer - I've actually "known" Carrie for over a decade, but she had no idea I was reading it. I read a lot of romance and this is a solid example of a summer read. So many fun adventures and characters I loved, paired with enough drama to keep it interesting. Can't wait to read Carrie's next book.
February 28, 2024
Excellent
Loved this book. Eric was supposed to be getting married on a cruise. Eric found out she was cheating, broke up and went anyway. Megan was supposed to be the photographer. Eric and Megan ended up hanging out together. Megan's mom was a real piece of work.
Loved this book. Eric was supposed to be getting married on a cruise. Eric found out she was cheating, broke up and went anyway. Megan was supposed to be the photographer. Eric and Megan ended up hanging out together. Megan's mom was a real piece of work.
October 3, 2024
I got this book as a gift, took me forever to get into it and read it. The writing and story line is super sped up and hard to grasp/believe in the love story. Had some cute moments between the characters but not my favorite read
November 14, 2024
As someone who has yet to be on a cruise, it was fun to read about the experience one may have when going on a cruise. If you are looking for a light, Hallmark type of romance, this is for you. Plenty of drama along the way where being anything more than "friends" could mean trouble.
October 20, 2025
Easy reading. I liked the characters and the light hearted romance laced with comedy. If you’re looking for something to read that will keep your interest; read this. It moves along at a pretty good pace and keeps your interest.
July 20, 2023
This is an excellent romance with humor and lots of heart.
March 27, 2025
Cute and romantic
I loved the cute romance with a little drama. I would recommend this book. It's a quick read. I gave it 4 as I just feel there could've been a little more romance.
I loved the cute romance with a little drama. I would recommend this book. It's a quick read. I gave it 4 as I just feel there could've been a little more romance.
June 5, 2025
A good, cute quick read
November 14, 2025
Cute couple with fun banter, but I did find it a bit slow and the minute by minute details became too much.
May 21, 2022
feel good, quick read
I couldn’t put the book down. I’m a cruiser who has dabbled in photography. Cute relatable read. I’m sad it’s over.
I couldn’t put the book down. I’m a cruiser who has dabbled in photography. Cute relatable read. I’m sad it’s over.
May 16, 2020
Drunk on a Plane is the perfect summer read with exotic destinations, dolphins, and ALL the fruity cruise cocktails! Megan and Eric are sweet and hilarious and although theirs is a slow burn romance, I found myself rooting for them from chapter one. The story is so well told, you'll feel like you're on the cruise with them, but the thing I appreciated most was that when the trip was over and they were back in the real world, they still had to face the reality of small town life and familial expectation to earn their HEA. If you're looking for a sweet escape with all the laugh out loud moments, Drunk on a Plane delivers!
April 9, 2022
This book was a joy to read! I was looking for a fiction book that included a cruise and I got a lot more than I bargained for! I got a book involving a great many details about a cruise, and I now have a new favorite author! Meggan reminds me, in some respects, of the past and present me: a girl unsure of herself, hesitant to try new things, and wanting the love of her life! Well I found love, and am improving myself! I’m trying new things and trying to find confidence inside myself! AND I LOVE CRUISING! I was also looking to read a happy story, and I was rewarded with this story! Thank you Carrie Jacobs! Please, please read this author, you won’t be sorry!
May 5, 2020
Cruise ship, coffee shops, cameras, and carefree excursions! This was a fun, sweet read. The heroine really learns to drop her baggage at the dock and flip her cares the middle finger. After being trapped under her mother's overprotective manipulations, the heroine finally finds freedom.... miles and miles and miles at sea. And she finds love.
The Hero of this story isn't without his own baggage, but he bounces back and is patient, understanding, fun-loving businessman with a taste for good coffee... and the perfect-for-him woman. I loved how sweet this was. <3
The Hero of this story isn't without his own baggage, but he bounces back and is patient, understanding, fun-loving businessman with a taste for good coffee... and the perfect-for-him woman. I loved how sweet this was. <3
June 14, 2022
I loved this book! It was a real page turner - I couldn't put it down! It captures your complete attention from page 1. The details make you escape right onto the cruise and into the lives of Eric and Megan. There's an unexpected twist that will make you feel many emotions - as though they were truly happening right in front of you, or even to you. I would recommend this book over and over again and am so glad I have a copy of it! One of my all time favorites books! I can't wait for the author, Carrie Jacobs, to write another book
March 13, 2023
Don't let the title fool you. This is a super romantic love story. Never did I fly on an airplane or sail on a cruise ship, so this was an exciting concept for me. The author did a wonderful job of explaining how things were done and what you could expect to see on a cruise ship and different aspects of their trip. I felt like I was right there with the characters. This is a great read and if you love oceans, horses, airplanes or cruise ships, this is the book for you!
January 24, 2021
This was a delightful read with and engaging start that continued to hold your attention. Chapters stimulated variety of emotions. I went back and forth between 3 & 4 ⭐ but landed on a 4. My debate was drivin by the hand holding... To instant and no stomach butterflies attached to the action. However, still was a great relationship build between the main characters. Thanks for the cruise!
June 15, 2022
Another great read by Carrie Jacobs! I just discovered her a few months ago and this is my third novel. Loved this book as much as the first two. The characters of Hickory Hollow draw you in and you can't help rooting for them. This was extra special since I felt like I took a ten day cruise, with exciting excursions, without ever leaving my house. Two thumbs up!
April 13, 2020
This book was so much fun! It was like being on the cruise with the characters. I loved how descriptive everything was and the plot was a perfect romantic comedy for being stuck inside.
Read
November 13, 2023Aborable story of second chances at happiness finding yourself in the adventure.
June 29, 2021
Fast read and a feel good ending !!
July 10, 2021
The best book! Carrie is a fabulous writer and a wonderful person.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews