Isn't It Romantic? - The Survival Edition

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Crash Landing by Annie McQuaid
Published by Avon on April 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A funny and heartwarming debut romance about two exes forced to reunite when a plane crash leaves them stranded on a deserted island.

Piper Adams is totally, one hundred percent, completely over Wyatt, the former love of her life. After he broke her heart, she stopped taking risks and focused instead on building a perfect—and perfectly safe—life. Bumping into him at the airport on the way to her best friend’s destination wedding wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was a canceled flight nor Wyatt’s offer of a ride on the tiny plane he’s flying to attend the same wedding. Desperate to make it on time she accepts his offer, but things go from awkward to full-blown nightmare when their plane crashes in the Caribbean, stranding Piper on a deserted island with the last person she ever wanted to see again.

At first, rule-following Piper clashes with adventure-driven Wyatt, but as the days tick by, she begrudgingly admits that the boy she once knew has grown into a man. A man who makes her laugh, knows his way around a fire, and is annoyingly hot shirtless. As the chemistry still simmering between them boils over, Piper begins wishing Wyatt could be more than just a survival partner. But for their love to survive a second chance, she’ll have to not only trust Wyatt again, but also learn to trust herself and find the courage to let go of her carefully curated life for the chance at something far greater—if they survive the island long enough for rescue.

Piper was excited for her best friend's destination wedding, but a flight cancelation left her without a lot of options. That was until her Ex, Wyatt, appeared and offered her a spot on a private plane. What could go wrong? Well, you know, an unexpected storm could cause the plane to crash and leave you stranded on a deserted island with your first love....

I LOVED this! My adoration of second chance romances runs deep, so it didn't take much to get me on board, but the shared history, how Piper and Wyatt evolved and grew, and their unfinished business had me even more invested in seeing their relationship resurrected. Piper and Wyatt grew up spending summers together. They shared a love of fantasy books and milkshakes, and slowly, fell in love as teens. But Wyatt abruptly ended their relationship, and it had been eight years since they had spoken.

Through flashbacks, I had the pleasure of seeing these two fall in love, and those glimpses into their past made me yearn for their reunion. I was all about "Wiper"! And the universe obviously agreed with me since it trapped them on an island where they had to rely on each other for survival. But, as expected, that isolation gave them the time and space to get to know the grown up versions of each other while confronting and dealing with their past. It was all wonderfully done with the survival aspect cranking my emotions up a notch.

Yes, their time on the island was something they both needed and gave them an opportunity to salvage their friendship, but it also gave them time to reflect on other aspects of their lives. Piper was not living her dream, and that became abundantly clear after she nearly died. I was especially pleased with the life decisions Piper made following the crash. These were HUGE and pointed her towards a future that both Piper and I were excited about.

Overall, this book was as stupendous blend of romance and adventure which had my heart pumping for all different reasons, but mostly for this couple's future together. Fun and feel-good, I am so glad I got to see Piper and Wyatt find their way back to each other.

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Swept Away by Beth O'Leary
Published by Berkley on April 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together in this epic new love story by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

What started as a one night stand turned into twelve days lost at sea. Though this experience was harrowing at times, it also led to healing and self discovery for both Zeke and Lexi.

I have been an official Beth O'Leary fangirl for a while. Her books are always full of humor, great characters, and lots of emotion. She also likes to throw a good curveball (I'm looking at you, The No-Show), and I am still wrestling with my feelings about the one she threw here. Other than that, I LOVED this book.

O'Leary did an incredible job blending romance with action, adventure, and a fight for survival. It's started all swoony and hot, but as the days passed and they were still adrift, things got real. It's situations like this where you see someone's true colors and what they are made of, and both Lexi and Zeke rose to the occasion. Seeing their grit, strength, and resilience endeared them to me. And let me tell you, there were some very precarious moments that ocurred which ratcheted up my anxiety. These were trying times, and I was glad they had each other to rely on.

Is it odd that I found the whole houseboat living intriguing? I have never sailed on a small ship, and have only seen houseboats from the outside. It was interesting learning more about them and all the features they can have, and I found myself eager to spend time aboard the ship. 

But my favorite part of this tale was the romance, of course! This was an age gap romance with Lexi being eight years Zeke's senior. Though he was young (23!), he never seemed that young, and it had a lot to do with his life experiences. Zeke was definitely an old soul who was trying to make changes in his life. He spent years living in a way that was detached and destructive, and with help, he realized he wanted more, he deserved more. And I wanted that to rub off on Lexi! I wanted her to want more and to know she deserved more. They were both wounded with family baggage, but they seemed to find something special with each other, and I loved them together.

Though it was stressful at times, I had a wonderful time being lost at sea with Lexi and Zeke! I was swept away by their romance and fight for their lives, and so, so grateful for the amazing ending they found together.

*ARCS PROVIDED BY THE PUBLISHER

Which would you choose
Age-gap or second chance romance?
Let us know in the comments!