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Working For It #2
Ship Work
Falling in love with your boss is never a good idea. Now if someone could just explain that to my heart.
Dane:
When I first started working for Holt Atwood, I respected him. That respect turned to like, and eventually into love.
But Holt is married to his job, and I am not about playing second fiddle to mergers and acquisitions. So it’s time to move on.
I can do this one last thing for him though. I can go on this singles cruise with him and help him see that work isn’t all there is to life. If I can do that, I will feel better about leaving him with such short notice.
Holt:
Work has been my focus for so long I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just let go and have fun.
At first, when my parents insisted I go on this cruise because I was on the fast track to burn out, I thought I could take my assistant along and make it a work trip.
But Dane has other ideas, and the longer I am around him outside of work, the more I realize maybe everyone is right. Maybe I have been so focused on work I’ve missed what’s really important.
I just hope it’s not too late to convince Dane I want him for more than work. I want him forever.
Dane:
When I first started working for Holt Atwood, I respected him. That respect turned to like, and eventually into love.
But Holt is married to his job, and I am not about playing second fiddle to mergers and acquisitions. So it’s time to move on.
I can do this one last thing for him though. I can go on this singles cruise with him and help him see that work isn’t all there is to life. If I can do that, I will feel better about leaving him with such short notice.
Holt:
Work has been my focus for so long I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just let go and have fun.
At first, when my parents insisted I go on this cruise because I was on the fast track to burn out, I thought I could take my assistant along and make it a work trip.
But Dane has other ideas, and the longer I am around him outside of work, the more I realize maybe everyone is right. Maybe I have been so focused on work I’ve missed what’s really important.
I just hope it’s not too late to convince Dane I want him for more than work. I want him forever.
82 pages, ebook
First published August 12, 2019
139 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 3, 2019
Other than the completely unnecessary misunderstanding toward the end when Dane jumped to unwarranted conclusions, this was a short and sweet little nugget.
I wanted to see more of the relationship off the ship, both before and after the cruise.
I liked Dane's friends and kind of want to read their backstories.
Low steam, cute epilogue, tentative HEA.
I wanted to see more of the relationship off the ship, both before and after the cruise.
I liked Dane's friends and kind of want to read their backstories.
Low steam, cute epilogue, tentative HEA.
June 24, 2022
A great book. Wish it was available in audio
June 11, 2020
I'm all here for books that take place on a cruise (why, I have no idea) and also the falling in love with my boss trope, so this book sounded like it was right up my alley. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.
I really enjoyed reading about Holt letting go of his work and learning to have fun, and also him realise he was in love with Dane. We love a oblivious guy.
I like that we got to read about why Holt was so focused on work and not on fun, which also made it make more sense that it was pretty easy for him to let go, so he didn't just change personality out of nowhere.
A short, sweet read with low angst. It wasn't a lot of action, but since it was a pretty short book that took place during a short time, that was understandable. Definitely an enjoyable read :)
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading about Holt letting go of his work and learning to have fun, and also him realise he was in love with Dane. We love a oblivious guy.
I like that we got to read about why Holt was so focused on work and not on fun, which also made it make more sense that it was pretty easy for him to let go, so he didn't just change personality out of nowhere.
A short, sweet read with low angst. It wasn't a lot of action, but since it was a pretty short book that took place during a short time, that was understandable. Definitely an enjoyable read :)
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2019
Cruising with the boss.
I like that this is the perfect level of fluff for a short summer read.
At the same time, the plot feels like an outline. The main characters get together in the span of a week, after knowing each other for five years. I suppose it's conceivable, but I feel like they would need more time to untangle some of the issues that they've amassed from Holt being a workaholic.
I have trouble with characters talking about being together forever when they barely know each other. I think the book could have earned it's extra stars if the relationship had been more fleshed-out. Still a cute quick read.
I like that this is the perfect level of fluff for a short summer read.
At the same time, the plot feels like an outline. The main characters get together in the span of a week, after knowing each other for five years. I suppose it's conceivable, but I feel like they would need more time to untangle some of the issues that they've amassed from Holt being a workaholic.
I have trouble with characters talking about being together forever when they barely know each other. I think the book could have earned it's extra stars if the relationship had been more fleshed-out. Still a cute quick read.
September 1, 2019
Cute, but I could see the conflict/misunderstanding/miscommunication coming a mile away. It was still a quick read that kept me going while working out.
February 5, 2020
Holt really is a pretty horrible boss -- I have no idea how any HR department would let their CEO legally behave that way to their Admin.
August 16, 2019
3.5 stars.
Cute story. I like that they knew each other before, that makes it more believable with so few pages. Because of the length, things were a little quick to evolve, but it was an alright pace nonetheless.
Cute story. I like that they knew each other before, that makes it more believable with so few pages. Because of the length, things were a little quick to evolve, but it was an alright pace nonetheless.
August 18, 2019
The whole story is quite ridiculous and predictable and that’s actually exactly the reason, why I chose this book in the first place.
Holt is a workaholic, who thinks about his business 24/7. Dane is his assistant, who finally has enough and decides to quit.
However, before he gets the chance to let his boss know, they go on a cruise.
Holt’s parents more or less force him to take a vacation on a Caribbean cruise and as he doesn’t want or need a holiday, he decides to bring his assistant to get some work done.
Once on the ship he has to realize that Dane has other plans.
This was the perfect mindless holiday read for a day at the beach, or on a cruise.
No surprises, no drama, nothing memorable, still great if you want something to read that will not require a single brain cell.
For me it was the right story at the right time and a good 3 Star read.
Holt is a workaholic, who thinks about his business 24/7. Dane is his assistant, who finally has enough and decides to quit.
However, before he gets the chance to let his boss know, they go on a cruise.
Holt’s parents more or less force him to take a vacation on a Caribbean cruise and as he doesn’t want or need a holiday, he decides to bring his assistant to get some work done.
Once on the ship he has to realize that Dane has other plans.
This was the perfect mindless holiday read for a day at the beach, or on a cruise.
No surprises, no drama, nothing memorable, still great if you want something to read that will not require a single brain cell.
For me it was the right story at the right time and a good 3 Star read.
October 2, 2019
Alternating first person POVs
When workaholic, Holt, is told he's been booked onto a cruise and is ordered to take time OFF of work, we decides he can create a loophole by making his assistant come with him.
Dane may be in love with his boss but he's done being taken advantage of. That's why he's putting in his resignation... but before the paperwork can be turned in Holt practically demands Dane accompany him on a cruise. Why not get a free vacation first for all the hard work and many sacrifices he's made.
The two are going to have to compromise if they're to make it through this week.
Cute fun short story. Not a lot of depth, but there's a light connection and some chemistry to this pairing.
Nice ending.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.875 ~ Stars: 4
When workaholic, Holt, is told he's been booked onto a cruise and is ordered to take time OFF of work, we decides he can create a loophole by making his assistant come with him.
Dane may be in love with his boss but he's done being taken advantage of. That's why he's putting in his resignation... but before the paperwork can be turned in Holt practically demands Dane accompany him on a cruise. Why not get a free vacation first for all the hard work and many sacrifices he's made.
The two are going to have to compromise if they're to make it through this week.
Cute fun short story. Not a lot of depth, but there's a light connection and some chemistry to this pairing.
Nice ending.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 3.875 ~ Stars: 4
August 13, 2019
Jacki James starts this series with a bang. Holt is a work alcoholic who is ordered to go on a vacation cruise by his mother (father owner of company enforces the order). Holt has no choice but to agree. He tries to be sneaky by taking his PA Dane to turn it into a working vacation. What Holt doesn't know is the Dane has turned in his resignation and will leaving the company after the cruise. Also Dane refuses to work the all day when on a cruise. Slowly Holt realizes that there's more to life than work and that he has failed to see what Dane means to him in the 5 years they've worked together. He sets out to prove that Dane is more important than work and plans to get his man.
September 5, 2019
Cute, fluffy read. Holt, a workaholic CEO gets trapped on a singles cruise by his meddling mom. At first he's determined to work all day in his room and even takes his assistant Dane with him. He didn't expect to become enraptured with Dane. How could he never have noticed how sexy and funny his assistant was? Dane is doubtful about Holt's attentions but Holt is a determined man and once he sets his sights there's no stopping him. There is also a tiny hot pink speedo involved. 😎
August 15, 2019
Really well done for a short story (not a fan of those). The writer managed a slow burn (most shorts are insta-love or insta-sex which I don’t like). The MC’s were cute together. I really liked Dane
I loved the Valentine Inc series. Can’t wait to see what this series had in store for us.
I loved the Valentine Inc series. Can’t wait to see what this series had in store for us.
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story. It was quick light fun with an occasional laugh. After being forced on a singles cruise by his parents Holt believes he can turn this into a work vacation but his assistant, Dane, is not having any of that on his first-ever cruise and decides fun is much more important, almost more important than his hot boss. The story follows the same formula as most of these romances but still manages to be enjoyable even though you know where it is going. There were a few things that bothered me though. Which is why I gave it three stars.
The short-lived jealousy bit. It’s like in these m/m romances the only way for the guy to notice he likes the other guy is if he gets jealous of him spending time with other guys. There has to be another way to do this. We can’t always be getting jealous and if we must how we navigate that can be switched up. This one slips into the ‘I’m going to drink my jealousy away and then confess my love in a drunken stupor because I clearly don’t have the strength to do it sober’ trope. It’s supposed to be funny but it was more, the drunken man’s truth thing again. If he had expressed something other than that, like something deeper I would’ve been on board. Holt was drunk after all he had to be harbouring something more than his like for Dane and this was the perfect opportunity to not go the normal route.
There was also the whole ‘when the love interest admits their love and the object of said love being too shocked to realise it’s true’ angle. Sigh, I legit reviewed a book right before this one where a guy tried to vacate in the middle of the night because he was so sure the other guy didn’t want a relationship. I could pull many more out of my head where, in full-length stories, this idea ends up being the thing that creates the tension for a few chapters, which I never read, until the guy stops sabotaging the romance and it actually moves forward. The naive I can’t believe this is happening angle thankfully was solved almost as quickly as it began in this novel.
Lastly, Dane is leaving the company. After a passionate night together he mentions something about his new job after the cruise. Holt is like you’re still leaving. He’s his boss of course he was hoping finally admitting his feelings might have persuaded him to change his mind. Hell I’m shocked he didn’t ask in a fun flirtatious way that lead to clever banter and more lovemaking. Now that I would’ve been down for. However, instead of talking about it like adults, Dane assumes he’s pretending to date him only to keep him on staff and then dump him as soon as he changes his mind. He gets mad and storms out the room. Ugh. I can’t even begin to think how many times in both straight and gay romance novels some irrational I’m not going to think this through like an adult situation ruins, or stalls, the relationship. Seriously you just gone get angry and not give them a chance to explain and walk out the door, and the other person, usually the male in straight romance, just lets them leave instead of forcing them to listen to an explanation. Thankfully, like the above situation, a few paragraphs later this was sorted and it did not become a main focus of the novel.
There were a few other small things that bugged me but mostly I did enjoy this story. It was a short swift romance that didn’t have an overwhelming amount of angst and solved whatever cliches I didn’t like quickly. I probably could’ve done with a day or more of the cruise so the characters could spend more time being a couple before the book ends but most readers probably won't mind. Recommended for anyone who needs a quick, light weekend read with a HEA and minimal drama. A nice feel-good read.
The short-lived jealousy bit. It’s like in these m/m romances the only way for the guy to notice he likes the other guy is if he gets jealous of him spending time with other guys. There has to be another way to do this. We can’t always be getting jealous and if we must how we navigate that can be switched up. This one slips into the ‘I’m going to drink my jealousy away and then confess my love in a drunken stupor because I clearly don’t have the strength to do it sober’ trope. It’s supposed to be funny but it was more, the drunken man’s truth thing again. If he had expressed something other than that, like something deeper I would’ve been on board. Holt was drunk after all he had to be harbouring something more than his like for Dane and this was the perfect opportunity to not go the normal route.
There was also the whole ‘when the love interest admits their love and the object of said love being too shocked to realise it’s true’ angle. Sigh, I legit reviewed a book right before this one where a guy tried to vacate in the middle of the night because he was so sure the other guy didn’t want a relationship. I could pull many more out of my head where, in full-length stories, this idea ends up being the thing that creates the tension for a few chapters, which I never read, until the guy stops sabotaging the romance and it actually moves forward. The naive I can’t believe this is happening angle thankfully was solved almost as quickly as it began in this novel.
Lastly, Dane is leaving the company. After a passionate night together he mentions something about his new job after the cruise. Holt is like you’re still leaving. He’s his boss of course he was hoping finally admitting his feelings might have persuaded him to change his mind. Hell I’m shocked he didn’t ask in a fun flirtatious way that lead to clever banter and more lovemaking. Now that I would’ve been down for. However, instead of talking about it like adults, Dane assumes he’s pretending to date him only to keep him on staff and then dump him as soon as he changes his mind. He gets mad and storms out the room. Ugh. I can’t even begin to think how many times in both straight and gay romance novels some irrational I’m not going to think this through like an adult situation ruins, or stalls, the relationship. Seriously you just gone get angry and not give them a chance to explain and walk out the door, and the other person, usually the male in straight romance, just lets them leave instead of forcing them to listen to an explanation. Thankfully, like the above situation, a few paragraphs later this was sorted and it did not become a main focus of the novel.
There were a few other small things that bugged me but mostly I did enjoy this story. It was a short swift romance that didn’t have an overwhelming amount of angst and solved whatever cliches I didn’t like quickly. I probably could’ve done with a day or more of the cruise so the characters could spend more time being a couple before the book ends but most readers probably won't mind. Recommended for anyone who needs a quick, light weekend read with a HEA and minimal drama. A nice feel-good read.
August 29, 2021
Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 2.5 Stars. It was a perfectly fine read. But for me, it was lacking chemistry. I believed in their relationship, yet I was never immersed. Another telling sign, I didn't feel it was too short. As a rule, I'm not a fan of novellas. Though I find them useful at times. I actually liked the 3 previous novellas I just read. Even though it's been two years, I apparently really enjoyed the 1st "Working for It". I wrote a long detailed review. That was not true for this one. No huge glaring issues, but nothing elevated above "just okay'.
Blurb = 3
My Genre Scale = 3
Odds if not your genre = 2
Development of: =
*World = 4
*Plot = 2.5
*Characters = 3.5
What stood out = Nothing
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Quick, easy, boss romance. Light on sex and no real drama.
Warnings = None
HFN/HEA = Yes
Series Notes = 2nd of 2
*Reading on? No
*Reading back to back? No
*Can be easily read without the previous? Definitely
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... ) The one moderate issue I had was the Dad at the end. He said he couldn't help with a deal. Then put together a huge meeting with no explanation to what changed or why he acted the opposite of what he'd said. Not in a bad way. It just didn't make sense except in a plot device to force the m/c's to talk. And that didn't seem to be his intention, which at least would have made some sense.
**************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
Blurb = 3
My Genre Scale = 3
Odds if not your genre = 2
Development of: =
*World = 4
*Plot = 2.5
*Characters = 3.5
What stood out = Nothing
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Quick, easy, boss romance. Light on sex and no real drama.
Warnings = None
HFN/HEA = Yes
Series Notes = 2nd of 2
*Reading on? No
*Reading back to back? No
*Can be easily read without the previous? Definitely
Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... ) The one moderate issue I had was the Dad at the end. He said he couldn't help with a deal. Then put together a huge meeting with no explanation to what changed or why he acted the opposite of what he'd said. Not in a bad way. It just didn't make sense except in a plot device to force the m/c's to talk. And that didn't seem to be his intention, which at least would have made some sense.
**************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..) It has its uses: to pass time when tired, on the beach, etc... The problem comes when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
June 5, 2024
old post reposted
Okay, yes, another deviation from my TBR piles, but in all fairness, this series (Cruises) is linked to the Valentine's Inc series (a lot of the same authors were invited to contribute, the whole cupid company idea is the same, and a lot of the side characters in the original series are now main characters in this one) and each book has a cute ship-themed title. The first book in this series is titled "Ship Work," and it's by Jacki James.
["Falling in love with your boss is never a good idea. Now if someone could just explain that to my heart.
Dane
When I first started working for Holt Atwood, I respected him. That respect turned to like, and eventually into love.
But Holt is married to his job, and I am not about playing second fiddle to mergers and acquisitions. So it’s time to move on.
I can do this one last thing for him though. I can go on this singles cruise with him and help him see that work isn’t all there is to life. If I can do that, I will feel better about leaving him with such short notice.
Holt
Work has been my focus for so long I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just let go and have fun.
At first, when my parents insisted I go on this cruise because I was on the fast track to burn out, I thought I could take my assistant along and make it a work trip.
But Dane has other ideas, and the longer I am around him outside of work, the more I realize maybe everyone is right. Maybe I have been so focused on work I’ve missed what’s really important.
I just hope it’s not too late to convince Dane I want him for more than work. I want him forever"]
A little fast into the falling and a little too dramatic of a miscommunication, but this book was very, very cute! Holt was just like "oh shit, I'm like in love with him and shit," and Dane was all "whelp, I guess if we're already here." Though Dane sassy and put Holt in his place more than once. They worked, and it was such a good start to the series.
Though I kept accidentally kept seeing Captain Raymond Holt from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which was very weird for me (since, they just had like NOTHING in common--and Dane is definitely not a Dr. Kevin Cozner).
#shipwork #jackijames
#shippingorders #shiphappens #battleship #luckoftheship #shippingthecaptain #abandoningship #shippingourloves #shipoff #upshipcreek #cruises #cruisesinc #valentinesinccruises #valentinesinccruisesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Okay, yes, another deviation from my TBR piles, but in all fairness, this series (Cruises) is linked to the Valentine's Inc series (a lot of the same authors were invited to contribute, the whole cupid company idea is the same, and a lot of the side characters in the original series are now main characters in this one) and each book has a cute ship-themed title. The first book in this series is titled "Ship Work," and it's by Jacki James.
["Falling in love with your boss is never a good idea. Now if someone could just explain that to my heart.
Dane
When I first started working for Holt Atwood, I respected him. That respect turned to like, and eventually into love.
But Holt is married to his job, and I am not about playing second fiddle to mergers and acquisitions. So it’s time to move on.
I can do this one last thing for him though. I can go on this singles cruise with him and help him see that work isn’t all there is to life. If I can do that, I will feel better about leaving him with such short notice.
Holt
Work has been my focus for so long I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just let go and have fun.
At first, when my parents insisted I go on this cruise because I was on the fast track to burn out, I thought I could take my assistant along and make it a work trip.
But Dane has other ideas, and the longer I am around him outside of work, the more I realize maybe everyone is right. Maybe I have been so focused on work I’ve missed what’s really important.
I just hope it’s not too late to convince Dane I want him for more than work. I want him forever"]
A little fast into the falling and a little too dramatic of a miscommunication, but this book was very, very cute! Holt was just like "oh shit, I'm like in love with him and shit," and Dane was all "whelp, I guess if we're already here." Though Dane sassy and put Holt in his place more than once. They worked, and it was such a good start to the series.
Though I kept accidentally kept seeing Captain Raymond Holt from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which was very weird for me (since, they just had like NOTHING in common--and Dane is definitely not a Dr. Kevin Cozner).
#shipwork #jackijames
#shippingorders #shiphappens #battleship #luckoftheship #shippingthecaptain #abandoningship #shippingourloves #shipoff #upshipcreek #cruises #cruisesinc #valentinesinccruises #valentinesinccruisesseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
June 22, 2020
Holt has become such a workaholic that when his parents insist he take a 7 day cruise he arranges for his personal assistant, Dane, to also go.
After 5 years working for Holt and having his personal life impacted Dane has made a decision. He's leaving for a new job. So when Holt insists on working on the ship just the same as they do in the office Dane has nothing to lose. He tells Holt a few truths about his work and his company.
The rest of the cruise Holt has to relax and he does that by spending time with Dane.
An enjoyable read as Dane gets a glimpse of his fantasy and Holt sees what he has been missing.
After 5 years working for Holt and having his personal life impacted Dane has made a decision. He's leaving for a new job. So when Holt insists on working on the ship just the same as they do in the office Dane has nothing to lose. He tells Holt a few truths about his work and his company.
The rest of the cruise Holt has to relax and he does that by spending time with Dane.
An enjoyable read as Dane gets a glimpse of his fantasy and Holt sees what he has been missing.
May 3, 2020
Holt and Dane
This was a short and sweet romance between a boss, Holt and his administrative assistant, Dane. They had a charged chemistry and lots of tension when they first boarded the ship. But as the week went on, they figured out their chemistry and how to handle it for a lasting relationship.
This was a short and sweet romance between a boss, Holt and his administrative assistant, Dane. They had a charged chemistry and lots of tension when they first boarded the ship. But as the week went on, they figured out their chemistry and how to handle it for a lasting relationship.
October 18, 2025
A fun holiday romance between a boss and employee. An employee who has been crushing for the work-obsessed man since the beginning.
Just before he decides to move on to another job, they find themselves on a cruise together. And the perfect chance for Dane remind Holt how to live and enjoy life.
Nothing like unlimited buffets, beaches, and dancing to see how perfect you can be together.
Just before he decides to move on to another job, they find themselves on a cruise together. And the perfect chance for Dane remind Holt how to live and enjoy life.
Nothing like unlimited buffets, beaches, and dancing to see how perfect you can be together.
August 1, 2020
A sweet romance
This cute story gives us MCs with a really nice chemistry in a shipboard romance between a boss and his soon-to-be ex-assistant. The forced proximity/close quarters trope works well. An easy breezy read.
This cute story gives us MCs with a really nice chemistry in a shipboard romance between a boss and his soon-to-be ex-assistant. The forced proximity/close quarters trope works well. An easy breezy read.
March 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
I liked Ship Work but I didn't absolutely love it - I felt it was missing something. However, Dane and Holt were great characters and this book has made me desperately want to go on a cruise!!!!
I liked Ship Work but I didn't absolutely love it - I felt it was missing something. However, Dane and Holt were great characters and this book has made me desperately want to go on a cruise!!!!
August 5, 2020
Nett aber zu kurz.
Read
July 10, 2022Eh. Very average. A bit quick and simple.
December 4, 2023
Cute
Aww so cute and good. Certainly not what I was expecting but still so good. I would definitely recommend this book.
Aww so cute and good. Certainly not what I was expecting but still so good. I would definitely recommend this book.
September 11, 2025
Short but sweet
January 18, 2020
Awesome.
Loved it. Love the whole Valentine's Inc concept. And this series is promising to be great. The cruise ship idea is brilliant. I loved the way Dane managed to get Holt to loosen up. It was fun to watch.
Loved it. Love the whole Valentine's Inc concept. And this series is promising to be great. The cruise ship idea is brilliant. I loved the way Dane managed to get Holt to loosen up. It was fun to watch.
August 12, 2019
This is a cute way to start out this series. It really is. An overworked boss, who doesn't know the meaning of the word fun, and an assistant who's leaving in order to finally have a life.
When Holt gets shanghaied by his mother to take this cruise to take time off, he immediately gets his assistant Dane to go with him. He figures he can work the whole time and get everyone off his back too. But what he doesn't realize is Dane has put in his notice to resign and this cruise is his last job for Holt. He also has no plans whatsoever to work the whole time he's on that cruise and has no problem putting his foot down with Holt. Holt finally caves and agrees to a little fun, and quickly realized how much he needs Dane in his life. For five years, they've been together for work but for Holt, he finally realized it means more for him and he wants more. But sticking his foot in his mouth when he finds out about Dane's new job, has just put all he wants in jeopardy and if he doesn't work quickly, he won't get it back.
I used to work a job where it was 12-16 hour days almost every day, and I burned out after a bit. So I get where Holt is coming from to a point but I totally get everyone else trying to get him to take a break. Burn out is no fun. To this day, I still can never even think of working for a restaurant again. No matter what my skills were.
And Dane I was so proud of for putting his foot down. Five years of missing things, and losing boyfriends and missing family events all for Holt and work. Enough is enough. Time to live life and find what makes him happy. Now if he can just get Holt to do that while here on this cruise.
A good way to start off this series. And good to see some old visitors.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
When Holt gets shanghaied by his mother to take this cruise to take time off, he immediately gets his assistant Dane to go with him. He figures he can work the whole time and get everyone off his back too. But what he doesn't realize is Dane has put in his notice to resign and this cruise is his last job for Holt. He also has no plans whatsoever to work the whole time he's on that cruise and has no problem putting his foot down with Holt. Holt finally caves and agrees to a little fun, and quickly realized how much he needs Dane in his life. For five years, they've been together for work but for Holt, he finally realized it means more for him and he wants more. But sticking his foot in his mouth when he finds out about Dane's new job, has just put all he wants in jeopardy and if he doesn't work quickly, he won't get it back.
I used to work a job where it was 12-16 hour days almost every day, and I burned out after a bit. So I get where Holt is coming from to a point but I totally get everyone else trying to get him to take a break. Burn out is no fun. To this day, I still can never even think of working for a restaurant again. No matter what my skills were.
And Dane I was so proud of for putting his foot down. Five years of missing things, and losing boyfriends and missing family events all for Holt and work. Enough is enough. Time to live life and find what makes him happy. Now if he can just get Holt to do that while here on this cruise.
A good way to start off this series. And good to see some old visitors.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
August 21, 2019
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
August 12, 2019
This is the classical 'you don't know what you've got until you're about to lose it'.
It's exactly the case for Holt. He's had Dane as an assistant for five years, although he's never allowed himself to really notice how attractive Dane is. But now Dane says that he's given his notice and he already has a position in another company.
Why now? Why leave when Holt has finally opened his eyes and appreciates Dane as a man,not as the best assistant? Now that he has just realized how compatible they are outside of work? What can Holt do? Because he's adamant that he would make Dane his and he's ready for anything to achieve it.
Good thing that they're on a cruise,right? The perfect place to make the best convincing plans and shower the man with attention,isn't it?
And persuading Dane isn't that hard,considering the huge crush he's always had on his boss. There are rules before he agrees to date Holt,but after that,all sails ahead...towards happily ever after...
Ship Work by Jacki James is sweet and entertaining. Cute,endearing characters and a charming love story... And it takes place on a cruise! How fun is that?
The book is the great start to a series and I'm giddy with excitement for the other ones,too.
It's exactly the case for Holt. He's had Dane as an assistant for five years, although he's never allowed himself to really notice how attractive Dane is. But now Dane says that he's given his notice and he already has a position in another company.
Why now? Why leave when Holt has finally opened his eyes and appreciates Dane as a man,not as the best assistant? Now that he has just realized how compatible they are outside of work? What can Holt do? Because he's adamant that he would make Dane his and he's ready for anything to achieve it.
Good thing that they're on a cruise,right? The perfect place to make the best convincing plans and shower the man with attention,isn't it?
And persuading Dane isn't that hard,considering the huge crush he's always had on his boss. There are rules before he agrees to date Holt,but after that,all sails ahead...towards happily ever after...
Ship Work by Jacki James is sweet and entertaining. Cute,endearing characters and a charming love story... And it takes place on a cruise! How fun is that?
The book is the great start to a series and I'm giddy with excitement for the other ones,too.
August 17, 2019
Working Vacation
A fantastic romance novella that found the right balance between being a vacation fling and a work tryst, all while establishing a great relationship.
Dave has been Holt's assistant for five years, and half in love with him for most of them. But loving his boss means he has done everything asked of him, which has meant skipping out on family, friends, and the rest of life for his work obsessed boss. Holt became the youngest CEO for his company by being so work obsessed, but his family is afraid he is going to burnout. So the two men find themselves on a cruise; Holt determined to work despite the forced vacation, Dane trying to get his boss to relax before he leaves to a new job in two weeks.
Holt and Dane were great together. The freedom of knowing he had given in his notice let Dane actually speak his mind. It also made Holt take notice and kept there from being an awkward imbalance of power in their developing relationship. The setting let it feel like a vacation romance, getting to know each other through the outings and romantic locations, but it had the longevity of knowing that they weren't from different places. It all worked together for a very enjoyable novella that was an excellent start to Valentine's Inc Cruises!
A fantastic romance novella that found the right balance between being a vacation fling and a work tryst, all while establishing a great relationship.
Dave has been Holt's assistant for five years, and half in love with him for most of them. But loving his boss means he has done everything asked of him, which has meant skipping out on family, friends, and the rest of life for his work obsessed boss. Holt became the youngest CEO for his company by being so work obsessed, but his family is afraid he is going to burnout. So the two men find themselves on a cruise; Holt determined to work despite the forced vacation, Dane trying to get his boss to relax before he leaves to a new job in two weeks.
Holt and Dane were great together. The freedom of knowing he had given in his notice let Dane actually speak his mind. It also made Holt take notice and kept there from being an awkward imbalance of power in their developing relationship. The setting let it feel like a vacation romance, getting to know each other through the outings and romantic locations, but it had the longevity of knowing that they weren't from different places. It all worked together for a very enjoyable novella that was an excellent start to Valentine's Inc Cruises!
August 18, 2019
Falling in love with your boss can sometimes be what you are looking for!
Holt is a workaholic. Dane cannot say no to Holt when he asks Dane to stay late for work so Dane cancels dates, bachelor parties or family reunions. But it has to come to an end. Dane cannot take it anymore.
Forced by his mom to go on a cruise, Holt decided to make it a work-cruise thereby bringing Dane with him. But Dane refuses to work all the time while on board, so they agreed to work only for a few hours daily. Before Holt realizes, he starts to enjoy it and sees Dane, not as his personal/administrative assistant but as an attractive man. Dane has been attracted to Holt since he started working for him, leaving the company has more to do with his growing feelings than the job.
Can these two beautiful men find it in themselves to just be and enjoy this chance to get to know each other better and become more than boss and assistant? And maybe, they might fall in love while on board!
Beautiful and sweet story Ms. Jacki James, Congratulations!
Holt is a workaholic. Dane cannot say no to Holt when he asks Dane to stay late for work so Dane cancels dates, bachelor parties or family reunions. But it has to come to an end. Dane cannot take it anymore.
Forced by his mom to go on a cruise, Holt decided to make it a work-cruise thereby bringing Dane with him. But Dane refuses to work all the time while on board, so they agreed to work only for a few hours daily. Before Holt realizes, he starts to enjoy it and sees Dane, not as his personal/administrative assistant but as an attractive man. Dane has been attracted to Holt since he started working for him, leaving the company has more to do with his growing feelings than the job.
Can these two beautiful men find it in themselves to just be and enjoy this chance to get to know each other better and become more than boss and assistant? And maybe, they might fall in love while on board!
Beautiful and sweet story Ms. Jacki James, Congratulations!
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