Making Waves

Getaways #1

by Harper Robson

Penn

I'm the wild friend. The social butterfly who always knows where the party is (hint: it's usually at my place). After getting my heart stomped on, I end up with a pair of non-refundable tickets for a super-luxurious cruise vacation. The thought of going solo makes me want to puke, but the only person available to come with me is the one guy who's completely unimpressed by my trust-fund lifestyle and wild antics.


Hunter

Penn and I have nothing in common. The guy’s never even had a job, while my career is one of my top priorities. He’s into glitzy parties, designer clothes and fancy cars, while I’m more comfortable behind my keyboard writing code or hitting the neighborhood pub with our friends for a beer. Sharing a room with the guy for an entire week is going to be one helluva challenge.


Making Waves is a spicy, frenemies-to-lovers, tropical vacation M/M romance. It features only one bed, loads of beachy shenanigans, friends who are family, and plenty of proof that opposites do, in fact, attract.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Queer, Audiobook, Enemies To Lovers, Romance

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2024

About the author

Harper Robson grew up dreaming of being a writer, but that didn’t work out until she was in her forties. Along the way, she worked in oil & gas marketing, software development, and spent more than a decade as a stay-home mom.

A true Pacific Northwesterner, Harper loves the rain, and when her family decided to make a big move to Southern California in 2023, she was sure she’d miss the cozy gray winters of Seattle and Vancouver. However, it turns out that a daily dose of sunshine and palm trees isn’t hard to get used to, and San Diego feels more like home all the time.

She’s mom to two teen boys and an adorable but naughty Yellow Lab. Her husband works in the tech industry, and he makes her laugh every single day.

Harper’s favorite things include getaways with her besties, the Seattle Kraken, her dogs and drinking champagne for no reason at all.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making Waves by Harper Robson is a stand alone, MM, only one bed, found family romance that will give you all the fun in the sun vibes along with sweet romance. This is my first book of Harper’s.



Penn Thompson is around thirty years old or so I believe. He is a trust fund baby. He has tried ever since college to find a career that he can love but hasn’t stuck with any of them. His friends think of him as a bit of a wild child with no job but plenty of money.

Hunter Davies who is around the same age, is part of the same friend group Penn is in but the two of them have never really jived. They are both close with their friends but have kept their distance from each other. Hunter is a software engineer. Where Penn is extroverted, Hunter is a total introvert. He doesn’t like large groups of people. It makes him uncomfortable. He grew up with very little money so now his financial security is of utmost importance to him. He looks down on the way Penn throws his money around.



In his effort to make a failing relationship work, Penn had purchased two non refundable tickets to a very luxurious cruise. But the relationship failed anyway and now Penn needs someone to go with him and use the other ticket. The only person who can take the time from work is Hunter. Can two men who barely ever talk, who don’t know each other at all, spend a week together on a cruise ship in the same cabin? They’re about to find out.

Both of these men soon realize that they have misjudged the other. As they spend time together, they share their histories, their secrets, and their passions. The chemistry between them is crazy hot. Maybe the cruise can be a sort of, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas scenario? Except on a cruise ship?



I really enjoyed getting to know these two along with their friends. I loved the way they all stuck together and when one of them needed something, in this case Penn with a secret project he’s been hiding from everyone, they all jump instantly to help out. The ending was super sweet as well. There is another series by this author that has been on my radar for a long time so I think it’s time I move it up in my reading schedule.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Penn & Hunter
Rating: 3.7 ⭐

- Frenemies-to-Lovers
- Cruise Vacation
- Only One Bed
- Found Family
- Opposites Attract

This was a light and fun read that made me smile, which I needed after my last read. These two men have known each other for years being in the same friend group but they never got to know each other, due to Hunters immediate prejudice towards Penn from his own past trauma. They have both been attracted to each other but it never went any further than that. With Penn needing someone to go on his trip with him and Hunter being the only one available to go, they are about to be in close proximity for the first time.

The first day of the trip begins to change both their viewpoints on the other man, finally getting to see who they really are. They get hot and heavy pretty quickly after that but it didn't feel rushed since they have known each other for so long and this was bound to happen eventually for them. I loved that quiet workaholic Hunter was so dominate when they would get intimate. Penn lit up like a livewire every time that side of Hunter came out. Hunter was also adorable when he would get jealous and then mad at himself for it bothering him, since they weren't together. It doesn't have to be rational when their chemistry is so strong. It was fun to watch them shift from strangers to friends and then to lovers as they spent more time together. They do make a deal to only be together while on the trip and then go back home as friends. Mainly because they're both scared of what could be but they also don't want any drama to break up their friend group since for both of them, it's really the only family they have. Their friend group is awesome and very supportive once they finally find out about Penn's project.

There are some time jumps but it didn't really bother me here. You only get to read about one off the boat excursion with a cute little beach day and epic return to the ship. The added epilogue was a nice touch as you get to see their developed relationship and Penn's project coming to fruition. The epilogue also hints at the next couples that will be in this series and I'm mostly looking forward to Jesse and Martin's story for sure. They both need some healing and someone to help them move on and find love again, hopefully with each other. There's also the Hot Dam Homes series mentioned in here, which came out before this and sounds like an interesting series to look into. I think I’ve read a novella from that series but not any of the main books.

I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No, since they weren't a couple when they separated

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

- opposites attract
- close proximity
- one bed trope

Penn and Hunter have been a part of the same friend group since college, but have never really gotten to know one another. All that changes when Penn needs a plus one for an all inclusive luxury cruise and the only person who can tag along is Hunter.

Once alone the two hit it off, much to Hunter’s surprise, and after clearing the air, he realizes Penn is more than the trust fund having playboy he portrays. Even more surprising is the chemistry that sparks between them, making their time on the cruise even more interesting.

While things do heat up rather quickly between Penn and Hunter, I loved watching them shift from strangers to friends and to more as they spent more time together. The chemistry between them was fantastic, and their story was just swoony and fun.

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love it when the quiet nerds are dominant during sexy time 🤭 when Hunter is jealous... ABSOLUTELY delicious. So was their time in Snoqualmie falls hehe.
I would have liked to see more of their connection and more adventures on the cruise. We only get 1 cute lil beach day.
Time jumps a bunch, too. I still loved it.

"The slow smile that spreads across his face, warm and rich like maple syrup on pancakes"
🥹

I received an arc copy from GRR

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but will definitely read more in the future. This was a cute, easy read that I really enjoyed. Their dynamic was a lot of fun and I loved that they couldn’t stay away from each other and that their communication was actually quite good!

Hunter was such a great support for Penn and I loved how he worked really hard to help Penn reach his goals! The found family aspect was also really great and I loved how the friend group all rallied around Penn to do whatever they could to help!

Loved their HEA! I’m excited to read more in this series. I’m also intrigued by the Hot Dam Homes series as they are mentioned in this one!

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story ok, but the writing just didn’t work for me. I never really connected with either Penn or Hunter. They had been friends for years and yet they never really knew each other. That’s kind of how I felt. There was way too much inner monologue for my taste. I probably won’t read any more books by this author.

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This was a very nice reading: Penn and Hunter have been in the same group of friends since college, but they don't really know each other well. When Penn is in need of a friend to accompany him to the cruise he bought for his cheating boyfriend, they have the chance to spend time together.

Penn is the stereotype of a trust found guy, extrovert, funny, the life of the party; he appears shallow and he still doesn't know what he wants to do in his life. Hunter is reserved, socially anxious, he's got a good career, but no family or boyfriends. They have in common their friends who they consider as family.

When they agree on a friends with benefits deal during the cruise, they both believe that there cannot be more, none of them thinks they're good enough for the other: Penn was never loved by his family for beingg queer and different and for not conforming to the family standards, so he believes he couldn't be loved by Hunter either; Hunter, raised by his loving grandparents after his mother's death, has always been bullied for being poor and all his life he's always focused on work and having financial stability, he thinks a brilliant man like Penn can't be attracted by his boring self.
They will learn a lot about each other during and after the cruise.

The sex scenes are very steamy but also very emotional because they can't completely lock out their feelings

It was a very nice story and I liked all the guys of the groups. I'm curious about which of them will be the MC of the next book.

I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

The perfect weekend read when you want to get away to a tropical destination without leaving your favourite reading chair! Egged on by a co-worker, Hunter and Penn end up on a cruise ship, in a room with only one bed... and you'll be swept up in the shenanigans, the high seas hijinks and the steamy nights as these two men start to see how attraction grows!

Hunter shows a whole new side of himself that I'm truly down for... and Penn certainly is too! This book was a quick and steamy read that made me laugh, made me swoon and made me crave the next Getaways book!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One everyday young man, raised by his grandparents, works hard for a living, and then we have the rich kid from a very prominent family who doesn't have to work and can do what he pleases, odd mix right? This is a bloody good story that skirts around differences and deals with an unexpected romance while on a cruise. and brings sensibility and love to both.

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Waves by Harper Robson is the first book in her Getaways series. It is an opposite attracts story between two men who met in college and continued to stay with their group of friends for the next 10 years, attracted to each other in passing until they take a vacation together and it turns into much more. Penn Thompson grew up in an extremely wealthy Texas oil company family. From the beginning he was somewhat flamboyant and out there, outgoing and kind to others which is not the image his conservative family wanted to represent them. When his brother and sister were more to their liking he was allowed to go and do his own thing, and left alone by them. He went to the University of Washington and met a group of friends that became very close and stayed that way for the next 10 years. Penn had a lot of inherited money so he could do whatever he wanted so he dabbled in a lot of things but got restless and never brought them to a conclusion, plus he became somewhat of a playboy and enjoyed being with a lot of other men. However, he was now invested in creating an LGBTQ+ center for kids in a town about an hour from Seattle called the Open Door and had brought in Martin Benoit, a man who had worked on other centers to help him. But he wasn’t sure if he could pull it off so he never told his friends about it, afraid they would just think he was at it again and never finished anything. Hunter Davies is one of the group but he never really got to know Penn because he thought he was just like all the other rich kids who had bullied him as a child, one who never completed anything and was able to flit from place to place, doing as he pleased without any worries. This changed when Penn was looking for someone to take his ex boyfriend’s place on a top of the line Caribbean cruise and Hunter was asked to go since no one else in the group could. They both weren’t sure how this would work since Hunter was a solitary introverted person who didn’t like to be around a lot of people and Hunter was the exact opposite. However, once they got on the boat and started talking, Hunter realized he had been all wrong about Penn and the attraction he felt 10 years ago and never acted on because he thought he wasn’t in Penn’s league, came flying back to the forefront. Penn also found out a lot about Hunter and he also felt the pull and it didn’t take long for them to act on it in a very hot love scene. They decided to keep this up during the cruise but that the scenes would end once it was over because they didn’t want the dynamic they had with their friends to change. They enjoyed all kinds of activities on the trip, including one that almost ended it, and also liked being by themselves making love. They were introduced to some other travelers that became friends and even caused Hunter a little jealousy over Penn. That friend also encouraged Penn to tell Hunter about the Open Door and when he did he got nothing but support and told that he could do it, even though he wasn’t sure he could. When the cruise was over neither of them wanted what they had to end, but they both thought that was what the other wanted. This changed a few days later when they met up with their friends and knew they couldn’t be apart any more, which started their real relationship which led to love. When Penn told his other friends about the center they also gave him their support and help which allowed it to become a reality that would change not only Penn’s life but the lives of the children it would serve. I really enjoyed this book. It was very light hearted at times but you also felt the emotions as Penn wasn’t sure he could follow through and that he wasn’t just a screw up even though this was what he thought everyone thought of him. Hunter wasn’t sure about Penn at first, but the more he got to know him and how kind he was, the more supportive he became and the more he wanted him. Their friends and Martin also played a big part in the story and their support of both men. The cruise scenes were also fun and showed how sumptuous they could be if you could afford the best they have to offer. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like opposite attracts stories that take place on a cruise with men who aren’t sure what they want in life but are happy to find it together.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tricky one to review fairly, as it's got some things I liked and some things I didn't. The short length is both an asset and a weakness-- it's what first attracted me to it because hello, low angst quick read set on a cruise? Yes please! More length might have led to more depth, but if it had been a lot longer I might not have got through it. I kept grinding my teeth in annoyance as it was.

The plot, such as it was, was unconvincing. I mean, I wanted 40k of fluff, but in some ways this wasn't fluffy enough for my taste. The jealousy storyline with Jesse was simply hugely daft and annoying, and I got irritated with how contrived it felt. That on top of the silliest reason for not getting together ever-- apparently they didn't want to risk damaging their *friend group* FFS, really-- left me wanting to DNF. I'm not necessarily opposed to a jealousy storyline, or a grumpy sunshine, or a forced proximity, or any of the other tropes that are nominally in this book, but it just felt like it flirted with s lot of different tropes but didn't really commit to any of them. It ended up being a very thin layer of fluff over... well, nothing, really. It was all quite incredibly shallow and superficial.

The one thing that I really liked about this book, and that kept me reading even as I was getting angry with everything else, was the bedroom dynamic. There was a bit of a pleasure Dom vibe, which I absolutely love and have a real weakness for. If you're a fan of that dynamic, you'll know it's pretty rare, and you kind of have to get it where you can. I got it and I enjoyed it, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to redeem all the things I didn't enjoy. The book wasn't truly bad, by any means, it just wasn't particularly good either. Perhaps I just expected too much from it, as there's been a few books I absolutely loved with a similar setting and/or premise. It honestly felt like it had the potential to be really good, but unfortunately it just had no depth at all. If it appeals to you I'd still give it a go, I think a lot of readers will find it perfectly fine, but unfortunately it wasn't my cup of tea this time.

[Kiki Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Waves kicks off Harper Robson's new Getaways series, and I’m hooked.
Hunter and Penn have been part of the same friend group since their UW days, even if they haven’t been particularly close. After a breakup leaves Penn with an extra ticket to a luxury cruise, Hunter agrees/is coerced/maybe secretly wants to go into using his “use them or lose them” vacation days.
Hunter has always been a bit suspicious of party boy Penn. And Penn sensed Hunter’s discomfort- thinking it was on him and his extra large personality. I did like that misunderstanding was cleared up before they even set foot on the ship with Hunter owning up to it being on him and bad childhood memories and nothing to do with Penn.
The cruise is a lot of fun. An only one bed situation leads to an agreed upon vacation fling. They are pretty hot together and have a lot of fun with each other. When new friend brings out Hunter’s inner caveman, he realizes he want to be more than friends with benefits. Mild-mannered Hunter acting on his jealousy is forty shades of 🔥🔥🔥
And I loved trust fund baby Penn. He’s always known he wasn’t suited to take the reins at his family’s oil company. It took him a while to find his calling, but I loved him working on a shelter for LGBTQ youth. He’s a giver at heart and the passion he put into his secret project showed his true character. Hunter finally looked past the gorgeous, glittery exterior and saw the compassionate, caring man Penn really was.
“I feel seen. Understood. Respected not just for the pleasure we give each other, but for who I am outside this room, outside of us.”
Other thought: I giggled at the Amazing Race reference- perfect! And buttoned-up Hunter loving some mm romance - yes please! I also loved new friend Jesse’s quiet encouragement and connection to the Hot Damn Homes world. I really hope the spark I felt between Jesse and Martin in the epilogue is explored in a future book - lord knows they both deserve HEAs!
A fun and flirty, low-angst read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

[Anne Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews, and this is me leaving my honest review.
Penn had a problem. He had bought an all-expenses-paid nonrefundable ticket on a super luxurious cruise vacation for 2. But he broke up with his boyfriend, so he now finds him self with a ticket that his friends don’t want. He can’t impress them that everything is going to be first class so Penn didn’t know what he was going to do. That was until one of his friends, put Hunter in the awkward position of having to accept . He didn’t really know Hunter that well, he’s been a member of the friends group for it for ages, but they never really seem to spend any time together so he was Not sure that they would have a great time.
Hunter was an introvert. He likes his own company. He also like his group of friends, but he didn’t really go out to celebrate like that. So when his best friend told him, he had taken no vacation yet, and he should buy Penn’s handoff. He caved and agreed to go away with Penn. Hunter is never really wanted to get close to Penn, He had been bullied throughout school about being pulled by the rich guys and pen was rich enough, but he has not worked a day in his life. He had Everything money could buy but hey, maybe this was the chance to get to know him.
Who was to know that the team would be sexually attracted to one another and the chemistry was too fierce to deny. They agree that they will have a fling until they get back home from the cruise. But how would that work knowing that they would see each other when the group of friends came together??

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I really like the chemistry that these to share the passion. Oh my gosh, that was just off the charts. And the passion only got hotter when Hunter got jealous. This book is a quick read it. It will fill your heart with joy. A really great rate 4.5 stars

[Bol.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tags: heartwarming, engaging, enjoyable, easy to read, friends to lovers, no cliffhanger
"..those blue eyes that have been my anchor, my storm, my calm."
I enjoyed reading this heartwarming, well-written, and engaging book about two guys who have known each other for a long time and suddenly realized their perception of each other was wrong and misplaced.
Penn is an attractive, wealthy, carefree party boy who hides his insecurities and kind, emotional nature while trying to prove himself in front of his friends and family. Hunter is the opposite: geek, raised in poverty, focused on his career, introverted, and not a fan of Penn, mildly put.
By coincidence, he joins Penn for a week-long cruise, and things change between them instantly and dramatically. What starts as a hostile relationship turns into a sweet and captivating tale of the magic of opening yourself to others and of infinite possibilities. Once Hunter sees and accepts Penn for who he is, the fire of love and passion consumes them. I love how the author transforms a story with a seemingly straightforward plot into an enjoyable and engaging read.
The vivid insight into the characters' thoughts, emotions, and insecurities creates a profound, relatable narrative that charms and engages the reader. It is a warm, no angst or heartbreak, masterfully written story, perfect for days when you seek distraction from gloom and doom.
What to expect: charming, sweet, uplifting story, easy to read, and feel-good romance.
What not to expect: dark, overwhelming drama, full of angst, suspense, and complex issues.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.

[Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hunter and I have always been like ships passing in the night. Close to each other but never really seeing the other one."

I knew this was going to be a good one and it did not disappoint at all.
Hunter & Penn had all the cute vibes going on!
Shy introvert of the friend group with the extremely extroverted playboy of the group go on a cruise together. What could go wrong? or what could go right?

These two could not be more different in all the ways but it works.
Penn struggles with being vulnerable and rightly so after what he has been through. His story gripped the heart when we get the truth because those that love you should love you for you not what you could do for them. Penn never got to have that type of love.
Hunter doesn't want to be around Penn, simply because of what he thinks and what he has been through in the past. Once he comes clean and we get the why behind his reluctance to be around Penn it all clicks together.
Both of these men's past have left a hole in one way or another in them.

The one thing that had me smiling so hard was Penn and what he has committed to doing. We need more of that now and everywhere. That is one thing that we could always do something with. The need is and always will be there.

Now let's get to what is in here because while this was a cute quick read there is some real good stuff inside ;)
There's that smidge of praise
Them yummy "you're mine" declarations
We get a one bed situation
The jealousy
Just a pinch of possessiveness
Friends to lovers
and so much more!

Although a quick read for me this was one of those light feel good books. I wasn't expecting the way it unfolded and that made it that much better. Such a good one. I will definitely be looking at more from Harper.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story and characters were very sweet. I enjoyed the exploration of the friendship and relationship between Penn & Hunter. Two friends who embark on a fancy cruise vacation realize that they truly know very little about one another, despite being in the same friends group for a decade. Penn is an extrovert known mostly for his laid back and partying ways with a knack for making friends wherever he goes, while Hunter is very introverted and known to be far more straight-laced and uptight. Their discovered commonalities ignite their connection almost as soon as their journey begins, and the couple enjoy their time together for the week. They both struggle with cutting off their fun after the end of the trip, which leads them to reach out soon after, as expected.
Penn's dedication to a new charity project is encouraging, especially once he understands how much his close friends can truly help him without being judgmental. When Penn decided to finally disclose his project to Hunter, he jumped in as any good friend would, and talked Penn into sharing with their group. The reaction from them is what helps launch and support his project.
I had some difficulties reading this book due to the many spelling and grammar errors within. Normally, these issues really wouldn't be too impactful, but it happened far too often and pulled my concentration out of the story. I would definitely still recommend this book to others who enjoy a sweet and spicy romance.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Likes2Explore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great cast of characters that I connected with right away. Hot steamy off the chart chemistry between Penn and Hunter. Both are dealing with insecurities and Hunter is dealing with prejudices towards Penn because of his past. I love how all the friends are supportive of each other and pull together to support Penn with his project and I really liked how Hunter and Penn knew what each other needed once they got to know one another.

“I think back to how terrified I was to tell anyone when I hatched the idea for this place. How very afraid I was of failure. And let me tell you, I had some clear failures during the process, but what I really didn’t understand back then was how much confidence failing can bring. Confidence, because if the thing you failed at was important enough, you never give up. It’s just not an option. You just suck it up and then get right back on the horse and keep going, no matter what. It’s when you realize how much you’ve learned for the failure, that’s what gives you even more confidence.”

Fellow Mood Readers and those with triggers : This one has high heat, low angst, there is off screen discussion of family deaths and family drama that causes the insecurities of our MCs.

*Easy to read
*MM Romance
*High Heat
*Opposites attract
*Frenemies to Lovers
*Found Family
*HEA

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up

This is a frenemies-to-lovers book which could have been a bit more but is still an entertaining read.

Penn and Hunter are part of the same friendship group but on very opposite ends. Penn doesn't know why Hunter seems to dislike him and Hunter is just fixed in his opinions.

When pushed together to go on a cruise Penn booked for a boyfriend who cheated, both open up and start talking and discovering a lot more about each other and themselves.

Their relationship moves very quickly and both start having feelings and don't know how to voice them, being afraid to create tension as they need their friendship group as their family.

I love the concept of found family a lot but here it's quite less visiable as the majority of the book is on board the cruise ship, so the secondary characters seem less developed. Normally the found family means I want to know what will happen to the group but here I am not impatiently waiting for the next book.

The book is quite short and I think that's one of my problems with it, there is just not enough time to really give Penn, Hunter and their friends the attention to show them as characters with depth and development.

A good book for a rainy afternoon or a holiday.

[Mandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good I started and finished it in a day! Although they belong to the same friend group, the Penn and Hunter are anything but friendly. When Penn finds himself going solo on a cruise vacation for two, he looks to his friends to see if anyone is available to go along with him. Hunter is begrudgingly volunteered, despite not having the best opinion of Penn. The two are complete opposites! Where Hunter is controlled and laser focused on his career, Penn hasn’t held down a job since graduating college, and lives off of his trust fund. Hunter has feelings about those with money, as he grew up poorer, and was bullied for it.

On the first night of their vacation they quickly clear the air, and realize that they really don’t know one another’s back stories. Once Hunter learns more about Penn, he feels bad for having misjudged him. He also realizes he’s wildly attracted to Penn, and a week of steamy passion ensues. Will this simply be a vacation fling, or can these opposites get their HEA?

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely in love with this book! Hunter and Penn were an awesome couple and they gave me all the feels, wanting to get to know and hang out with them.
Penn broke my heart, the insecurities he still carried due to the treatment he received from his family made me want to hug him and tell him it was all gonna be okay. Of course, he was so good at hiding his feelings behind a carefree exterior that Hunter was the first person to notice even though, until they spent a week together on a Caribbean cruise, he had been Penn’s toughest critic.
This book was super steamy and sweet and an absolute dream to read. (And I loved the nod to the previous series, my introduction to this author’s books, Hot Dam Homes!) It was low angst and extremely easy to get lost in, definitely one I recommend readers not to miss. For me, it’s an easy 5 stars as I suspect it will be for most readers as well. Grab it, you’ll be glad you did!

I received a free copy of this book but this is my voluntary review.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

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What a wonderful story with some great vacation vibes and a strong sense of found family.

Hunter and Penn have known each other for years, but they don’t really know each other. Penn is seen as a wealthy socialite, and it’s clear that Hunter isn’t his biggest fan. But when Penn needs a plus one for a luxury cruise Hunter agrees to go when the rest of their friend group says they can’t go.

And we all know how a week of forces proximity goes! All that time together. Late-night talks. On-shore adventures. It gives these two a chance to finally get to know each other beyond the surface, and discover some pretty incredible chemistry.

Overall this story was swoony and fun, but it also had plenty of tender moments to create a touching story.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are in the same friend group but they don't really spend any time together. Penn and Hunter are very different men who have different lives. Penn is privileged and fancy free mostly and Hunter is career focused and a bit more low key. When Penn has a trip planned and no plus one or companion the one person who is able to travel with him is Hunter. This is eye opening for them both. Spending time together in close proximity without the buffer of other friends to allow them not to talk gives them time to get to know one another. As they share with one another about their pasts and what is on their minds their relationship begins to change and deepen. And in some ways they both grow. They have a good friend group that supports them both as a couple and in the things that they want to accomplish. This was a nice story of a pair of people who move past the surface and find something really great together in the deeper end of things.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

Making Waves is the first book in Harper Robson’s new Getaways series. The best part of the story for me is where it leans into the vacation side of things. Penn is very wealthy and he has planned a luxurious cruise vacation for him and his then-boyfriend. So this is pure high-end vacation porn and we get to follow along as the men stay in an amazing on-ship suite, enjoy the concierge lounge, and take advantage of all the other perks that most of us could only dream about. There is fun, light vacation vibe that plays well with the theme of the series.

I found this one to be a light, easy read and the vacation side of things a lot of fun. I just wished for more depth in the story and more character development for these men independently and with one another. But if you are looking for a light read with some nice heat, this could be an appealing choice.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the frenemies on a cruise actually learning about each other and finding they had more for a basis of friendship than they thought. The more Penn and Hunter actually talked and listened, the more they understood each other and could make that connection. The cruise was just the catalyst they needed to realize, then accept, the underlying attraction that had been simmering for years without either really being aware of it.
I felt a connection as Penn’s project was centered in Marysville, a small Washington town north of Seattle, and my home for the last 50 years. I think his project could be of benefit here, would like to see it come to fruition. I also connected to the cruise, bringing back memories of the laid back style when on a ship, the meeting of new people and enjoyment of the scenery, the peace one can find on a ship in small oases on board, and the excursions off with the necessity to check schedules and the clock.
Engaging characters, great supports for each other, found family, and following a dream —- a good plan for an interesting tale.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, Quick Romance!

Harper Robson is a new author to me and if all of her books are like this, count me in for more! In Making Waves we meet Penn and Hunter, a complete opposites attract couple.

Both Penn and Hunter were written sweet and surprising in their own way. Penn had the confidence that Hunter lacked, while Hunter had the stability Penn lacked. From the first chapter you can see where the story was going to go, the fun was in the details getting there.

As the first in the Getaways series, Harper Robson did a nice job setting up the “friend circle” while also keeping up with our main characters. The book is well written and moves along quickly, which I liked. There’s definitely some sexy along with just enough angst for this many pages. No need to drag things out. Making Waves reads as a standalone with a cute epilogue to wrap things up.

Reviewed for Renee Entress’s Blog

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Harper Robson read and I just want to say I loved it. It’s a very well written MM storyline flowed and kept me emotionally involved as it entertained me page after page. The characters, both main and secondary, were just perfect. Friends since college who are all there to support one another yet keeping parts of their lives separate from the group.

So what happens when the two in the group who probably have the least in common and honestly know very little about one another end up taking a luxurious ocean liner cruise together? Will they find they have more in common than originally thought or will they learn things that are even more shocking than either expected!

Penn and Hunter’s story will touch your heart in so many ways. At least it did mine. I highly recommend grabbing it up asap, you won’t regret it.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[AshReads6 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Harper and I must say it was a solid first choice.

* MM
*Frenemies to Lovers
*Found Family

Penn and Hunter's connection was written so well. Spending their time on a trip as friends, learning more about one another, and growing that bond was amazing to read. In just that short time on their vacation I could feel the relationship blossoming into something beautiful. The support system amongst their friends was well written and I can't wait to see what comes of some of the other main characters in this universe. I loved the story line on the entire LGBTQ+ and how well it was written.

There were a few typos throughout some parts but, for being an advanced copy, that is to be suspected.

This is a super quick enjoyable read and I can't wait to look more into this author.

[Traci S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the travel aspect of Making Waves, the cruise was a fun way to force Hunter and Penn together. It’s a pretty quick read with a wonderful setting on a epically big cruise ship, a bit of spice, and an overall good sense of fun. The characters are generally likable but not very developed, Hunter more so than Penn. I’ve read several books from this author that I very much enjoyed, like the Hot Dam Homes series. This one felt a bit different, maybe because it’s shorter. But, the dialogue reads kind of flat and it did feel longer than its page count. I did enjoy Penn and Hunter’s steamy times on the ship and the side characters were well done. The Open Door, Penn’s project with Martin was also a highlight, I enjoyed seeing that side of Penn.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Johanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept -- rich boy who wants to be taken more seriously takes friend of a friend with hangups about the well-off on a cruise vacation -- is a fun premise, with a nice overlay of "only one bed". But so much of this felt forced, flat, or both that I can't recommend it.

I found the alternating point of view structure led to repetition, as we were told about the same situations more than once. The same happened with the perspective of each character -- or maybe it was just that the challenges were dragged out longer than they needed to be.

I also didn't believe the two were really drawn to each other for any other reason than "the plot requires it." I found myself skipping the sex scenes hoping for more character development, but not much of that happened, although the fantasy locations were wonderful to dream about.

(I was given a free digital ARC for review.)

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I will ever be able to understand how a whole family can stop believing in a son's capabilities, just because they aren't their ambitions. Thank goodness this is fiction, as my heart of a daughter and mother would break in two.
Penn had no self-confidence when it came to employment or his self-worth and relied on his trust fund to make acquaintances. Just as well he was able to make close friends when studying, while still keeping his hurt to himself. After a breakup he needs someone to accompany him on a cruise and only Hunter from his group had the time to go with. This would be a time of getting to know each other better and delve behind the curtain of secrets.
I received a copy and this is my honest and voluntary review.