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Love on the Titanic
They were never meant to meet—let alone fall in love—on a voyage that would change the world forever.
Henry is a young Irish-American carpenter traveling third class aboard the RMS Titanic, returning to New York with his closest friend, Madeleine. Oliver is a first-class steward - polished, disciplined, and bound by rules that leave no room for the life he wants, or the man he is.
Separated by rigid class lines and constant risk, their worlds were never meant to cross. Yet in hidden corridors and borrowed hours, Henry and Oliver discover something neither a connection that feels urgent, fragile, and dangerously real. What begins as a cautious attraction deepens into a love that asks impossible questions - about identity, sacrifice, and how much one is willing to risk for another person.
As the Titanic moves steadily toward history, their stolen moments grow more precious. When disaster strikes, love is no longer something whispered in the dark - it becomes a matter of survival.
Love on the Titanic is a deeply emotional queer historical romance about love that defies class, convention, and catastrophe - honoring the tragedy of the Titanic while imagining the lives, and loves, history never recorded.
This is not a story about changing history. It is a story about the love that existed within it - and refused to disappear.
Henry is a young Irish-American carpenter traveling third class aboard the RMS Titanic, returning to New York with his closest friend, Madeleine. Oliver is a first-class steward - polished, disciplined, and bound by rules that leave no room for the life he wants, or the man he is.
Separated by rigid class lines and constant risk, their worlds were never meant to cross. Yet in hidden corridors and borrowed hours, Henry and Oliver discover something neither a connection that feels urgent, fragile, and dangerously real. What begins as a cautious attraction deepens into a love that asks impossible questions - about identity, sacrifice, and how much one is willing to risk for another person.
As the Titanic moves steadily toward history, their stolen moments grow more precious. When disaster strikes, love is no longer something whispered in the dark - it becomes a matter of survival.
Love on the Titanic is a deeply emotional queer historical romance about love that defies class, convention, and catastrophe - honoring the tragedy of the Titanic while imagining the lives, and loves, history never recorded.
This is not a story about changing history. It is a story about the love that existed within it - and refused to disappear.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2026
10 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 31, 2026
”Love, I realized, wasn’t something you could figure out in a world like this, not when everything beautiful had to be kept quiet. And still … I couldn’t stop wanting it. And that had to mean something.”
This book was poetic, beautiful and harrowing. Love on the Titanic takes the love story we all know and adore but has retold it as an mm romance between a third class passenger and a first class steward. I love the nods to the movie but really adored how this book made a romance on the Titanic completely new and unique. Oliver and Henry are two beautiful souls and Madeleine captured my heart as well. This book doesn't have nearly enough recognition and I'm so lucky to have discovered this hidden gem from the beginning!
Please do yourself a favor and pick up Love on the Titanic for a beautiful love story between two men in the 1900s aboard the infamous unsinkable ship. ✨
February 10, 2026
Several things made me hesitant to read this, the retelling of a story much told and the fear of a dreadfully sad ending for our three young people, ones who are just trying to live a peaceful, loving life, I feared for them from the start, even felt the need to peek at the ending, but I didn't, I put my faith in the author to do the right thing for us. An amazing story, a well written and intense tale.
January 31, 2026
Love on the Titanic will surprise you. More historical fiction than romance, the author showed a keen affinity for imagery and demonstrated their extensive research on this devastating historical event.
I was lost and immersed in this story. While the author did struggle to find his footing in the first couple chapters, he regained with vigor.
A love story forged by chance and cured by tragedy, in a world that vehemently rejected them. More tales like this should be shared.
You will not regret purchasing or reading this book. I hope there’s a follow-up novel. I’m very invested in these characters and their tales.
I was lost and immersed in this story. While the author did struggle to find his footing in the first couple chapters, he regained with vigor.
A love story forged by chance and cured by tragedy, in a world that vehemently rejected them. More tales like this should be shared.
You will not regret purchasing or reading this book. I hope there’s a follow-up novel. I’m very invested in these characters and their tales.
February 10, 2026
I was completely drawn into this tender, heartbreaking romance set aboard the Titanic. The author beautifully balances historical weight with an intimate love story that feels fragile, urgent, and deeply human. Henry and Oliver’s connection unfolds with quiet intensity, made even more powerful by the rigid class divide and looming tragedy. Their stolen moments feel precious, and when disaster strikes, the emotional impact is devastating without ever feeling exploitative. This book honors history while giving voice to love that was often erased. I recommend it to readers who enjoy emotional historical fiction, queer romance, and stories that linger deeply afterward.
February 6, 2026
Nice read
I enjoyed this book. I always love reading a story set on the Titanic and the story of Oliver, Henry and Madison was a good one.
I loved the imagery of seeing the titanic from a person from third class and a steward.
The love between Oliver and Henry was impactful as they had great chemistry.
I enjoyed this book. I always love reading a story set on the Titanic and the story of Oliver, Henry and Madison was a good one.
I loved the imagery of seeing the titanic from a person from third class and a steward.
The love between Oliver and Henry was impactful as they had great chemistry.
February 8, 2026
First, the author is clearly passionate about his subject and provides evocative yet succinct descriptions of the Titanic and her crew. There’s no spoiler here - the ship sinks, but there are riveting and disturbing scenes written with an intimate understanding of the last hours of the Titanic and what happens to the survivors. The author proves himself in the last half of the book, and it’s worth your time to get there.
That said, the author’s enthusiasm for the ship and eagerness to get his characters where they need to be in the narrative arc seem to suggest he might benefit from a no-nonsense editor. He should enshrine the phrase “kill your darlings” in his writing nook or on his laptop - wherever he writes.
Characters too often talk in pithy maxims rather than dialogue. Silences are always companionable, emotional words always hit in soft, vulnerable places. When it comes to the MC’s, we get a Tetley relationship - just add warm water and voila, near instant love. The writing can be portentous to the point of being almost pretentious.
The author can’t keep the basic facts of his settings, times of day, and where people are in space straight. On page 141 a marble fireplace glows faintly with the last of its coals, then 9 lines later - in the same place and time - the fire is cracking loudly. By the bottom of page 142 we’re back to glowing coals. Likewise, at the top of 142 there’s only a handful of passengers in the First Class Smoking Room, but then, on page 144 and just a handful of minutes later, the room is magically empty. At least once in the book, the setting is daytime then suddenly night, with starlight reflecting off ice in the distance. Henry is turned away from Oliver one second but towards him the next - but the reader is left scrambling trying to picture the scene as a result. These inconsistencies aren’t terribly disorienting, just something a reader has to ignore or work through for no good reason. The author should be more careful.
Some sections are repeated, like the author included two versions of the same scene back to back. This happens on page 199 and 200. A character heads towards something, and then that action is repeated on page 200 with different wording, again leaving the reader in the lurch.
Still, I’ll probably buy the hardcover in an effort to support him. There’s potential here, it just needs more guidance.
That said, the author’s enthusiasm for the ship and eagerness to get his characters where they need to be in the narrative arc seem to suggest he might benefit from a no-nonsense editor. He should enshrine the phrase “kill your darlings” in his writing nook or on his laptop - wherever he writes.
Characters too often talk in pithy maxims rather than dialogue. Silences are always companionable, emotional words always hit in soft, vulnerable places. When it comes to the MC’s, we get a Tetley relationship - just add warm water and voila, near instant love. The writing can be portentous to the point of being almost pretentious.
The author can’t keep the basic facts of his settings, times of day, and where people are in space straight. On page 141 a marble fireplace glows faintly with the last of its coals, then 9 lines later - in the same place and time - the fire is cracking loudly. By the bottom of page 142 we’re back to glowing coals. Likewise, at the top of 142 there’s only a handful of passengers in the First Class Smoking Room, but then, on page 144 and just a handful of minutes later, the room is magically empty. At least once in the book, the setting is daytime then suddenly night, with starlight reflecting off ice in the distance. Henry is turned away from Oliver one second but towards him the next - but the reader is left scrambling trying to picture the scene as a result. These inconsistencies aren’t terribly disorienting, just something a reader has to ignore or work through for no good reason. The author should be more careful.
Some sections are repeated, like the author included two versions of the same scene back to back. This happens on page 199 and 200. A character heads towards something, and then that action is repeated on page 200 with different wording, again leaving the reader in the lurch.
Still, I’ll probably buy the hardcover in an effort to support him. There’s potential here, it just needs more guidance.
January 23, 2026
There were a lot of lines in this book that resonated with me, but this was one of my favorites:
“You ever wonder what it would be like to stop pretending completely? Just…for a while?” Doesn’t everyone feel this way at one point or another?
We all know the story and know where it’s going, but it all felt so new. Experiencing the awe and wonder as well as cautious optimism and anticipation of Henry and Madeline starting a new life was exciting. Then experiencing a new perspective we don’t normally hear, from a steward’s perspective via Oliver with his own aspirations and eventual survivor’s guilt, breathed new life into a familiar story.
On top of that, I fell in love with these characters so quickly. I want the world for them and hope they all find what they’re looking for.
When the movie came out, I became obsessed. I did so much research, did school projects and book reports on this story, and I’ve visited numerous Titanic museums. So the attention to world building detail was amazing, and I loved how glamorous even third class was made to feel.
And don’t get me started on the beautiful relationships - not only between Henry and Oliver’s budding forbidden romance, but also Henry and Madeleine’s adorable friendship. Two people hiding and finally finding themselves in each other in a time when it was taboo and scary; then the best, most accepting and non-judgemental of best friends.
I also really feel we were able to experience the struggle, trauma, and different types of grief in the aftermath in a relatively simple, yet impactful, way. Meaning - we didn’t have tons of pages devoted to explaining who the background characters were, who they lost, and how, but were still able to deliver the emotional gut punch necessary to care.
Burning Questions - Did Madeleine ever find her artist?! Did Henry’s mom have that mother’s intuition that Oliver wasn’t ‘just their savior’ or ‘just Madeleine’s cousin’?? Where DO they go from here???
“You ever wonder what it would be like to stop pretending completely? Just…for a while?” Doesn’t everyone feel this way at one point or another?
We all know the story and know where it’s going, but it all felt so new. Experiencing the awe and wonder as well as cautious optimism and anticipation of Henry and Madeline starting a new life was exciting. Then experiencing a new perspective we don’t normally hear, from a steward’s perspective via Oliver with his own aspirations and eventual survivor’s guilt, breathed new life into a familiar story.
On top of that, I fell in love with these characters so quickly. I want the world for them and hope they all find what they’re looking for.
When the movie came out, I became obsessed. I did so much research, did school projects and book reports on this story, and I’ve visited numerous Titanic museums. So the attention to world building detail was amazing, and I loved how glamorous even third class was made to feel.
And don’t get me started on the beautiful relationships - not only between Henry and Oliver’s budding forbidden romance, but also Henry and Madeleine’s adorable friendship. Two people hiding and finally finding themselves in each other in a time when it was taboo and scary; then the best, most accepting and non-judgemental of best friends.
I also really feel we were able to experience the struggle, trauma, and different types of grief in the aftermath in a relatively simple, yet impactful, way. Meaning - we didn’t have tons of pages devoted to explaining who the background characters were, who they lost, and how, but were still able to deliver the emotional gut punch necessary to care.
Burning Questions - Did Madeleine ever find her artist?! Did Henry’s mom have that mother’s intuition that Oliver wasn’t ‘just their savior’ or ‘just Madeleine’s cousin’?? Where DO they go from here???
January 18, 2026
Love on the Titanic surprised me in the best way. Not only was this story so sweet, yet heartbreaking, but it stays grounded for a romance that takes place over only four days.
Henry and Oliver have an INSANE amount of chemistry, and I love that this story doesn’t ignore how complicated it would’ve been for two men to fall for each other in 1912. The secrecy and constant internal conflict makes their relationship feel authentic and not just “insta-love” solely based on looks.
As someone who's read about the history of the tragic story of Titanic for decades:
1. I truly appreciated the accurate attention to detail. Everything from textures to smells to lighting to moods to audible background chatter and music - you truly feel like you're a voyeur watching everything happening in real-time with every chapter.
And 2. Henry and Oliver's story is such a brand new perspective that hadn't even crossed my mind before that made me think, "What WOULD two men in the early 1900s do if they suddenly fell for each other on a ship where they couldn’t be seen or heard?" It's a great plot idea and opens the door for a potential series *fingers crossed*.
Overall, Love on the Titanic balances quiet romance and heat perfectly, with just enough dramatic tension to keep you turning pages. And it's rare to come across a good historical novel where you root for everyone in the story - highly, highly recommended.
Henry and Oliver have an INSANE amount of chemistry, and I love that this story doesn’t ignore how complicated it would’ve been for two men to fall for each other in 1912. The secrecy and constant internal conflict makes their relationship feel authentic and not just “insta-love” solely based on looks.
As someone who's read about the history of the tragic story of Titanic for decades:
1. I truly appreciated the accurate attention to detail. Everything from textures to smells to lighting to moods to audible background chatter and music - you truly feel like you're a voyeur watching everything happening in real-time with every chapter.
And 2. Henry and Oliver's story is such a brand new perspective that hadn't even crossed my mind before that made me think, "What WOULD two men in the early 1900s do if they suddenly fell for each other on a ship where they couldn’t be seen or heard?" It's a great plot idea and opens the door for a potential series *fingers crossed*.
Overall, Love on the Titanic balances quiet romance and heat perfectly, with just enough dramatic tension to keep you turning pages. And it's rare to come across a good historical novel where you root for everyone in the story - highly, highly recommended.
January 15, 2026
Once you start this book, you can’t put it down. The captivating romance aboard the Titanic makes you believe in true, all consuming love. Inspiring to readers.
February 28, 2026
Love on the Titanic by Justin Love completely swept me away. I am a total sucker for a romantic story, and spoiler alert, unlike the movie Titanic, I am so glad all three of them survived.
The author did an amazing job showing what the Titanic looked and felt like. The chaos of the sinking, the panic of the passengers, and the PTSD of surviving were all so vividly portrayed. It felt immersive, intense, and completely heartbreaking at times, even while my heart was rooting for love to endure.
And can we talk about the lamp from the oil scene? 🥵 That moment was absolutely steamy and had me sitting forward in my seat.
The characters’ journey, their bonds, and the way they navigate life after such a traumatic event had me completely invested. I would love for the author to continue their story in another book and show how their lives carry on.
A beautiful mix of romance, history, and survival that left me completely captivated.
The author did an amazing job showing what the Titanic looked and felt like. The chaos of the sinking, the panic of the passengers, and the PTSD of surviving were all so vividly portrayed. It felt immersive, intense, and completely heartbreaking at times, even while my heart was rooting for love to endure.
And can we talk about the lamp from the oil scene? 🥵 That moment was absolutely steamy and had me sitting forward in my seat.
The characters’ journey, their bonds, and the way they navigate life after such a traumatic event had me completely invested. I would love for the author to continue their story in another book and show how their lives carry on.
A beautiful mix of romance, history, and survival that left me completely captivated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews