Title: Ship Happens
Author: Mason Deaver
Publisher: Avon
Publication date: August 18, 2026
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Summary
Owen was happy a year ago, until his boyfriend at the time, Jacob, moved to the United Kingdom for a job and they broke up. Now, everything seems to be unraveling, and Owen doesn’t know how to stop it. So, the last thing he needs is for Jacob to show up out of the blue, just in time for Christmas.
For Christmas, his friends spring a six day surprise crusie on them, Jacob included. So, Owen is going to be stuck on a cruise with Jacob, trying to avoid all of the feelings his appearance has brought up. Will the two be able to work things out, or will it all fall apart again?
Review: Ship Happens
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for an advanced copy of Ship Happens by Mason Deaver to review! This is Deaver’s second foray into adult romance, and I’d say it’s a success! I enjoyed that it doesn’t necessarily follow the typical structure of a romance novel; it focuses on Owen and Jacob working through the fact that their feelings for each other never left. Having them both trapped on a cruise was fun, even if an Alaska cruise in the middle of winter doesn’t quite seem realistic.
One of the best parts of the writing was the found family aspect of Owen and his friends. Owen clearlly didn’t have a great home life, and it was nice to see him have that with his friends. They may be a slightly ridiculous group of people, but it is clear that they all really love each other. Even when they’re meddling in each others’ lives.
Also, the chapter titles were hilarious. Reminiscent of Rick Riordan and Percy Jackson, but in an adult romance. It made the overall story all the more fun.
Owen and Jacob also had a great amount of romantic tension, really leaning into that second chance romance. Deaver does a great job with their chemistry, and you’re really rooting for them to figure it out by the end.
All in all, if you’re looking for a fun romance to read at the end of summer, definitely check this one out!
4/5 stars