If you’re looking for a wholesome, slow-burn romance with emotional depth, a unique setting, and characters who genuinely grow together, this is the book for you. Sariah Wilson’s yacht-set romance delivers charm, warmth, and just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked from the first page.

Lucky Salerno is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for—driven, sweet, and constantly second-guessing herself thanks to past trauma and the pressure of her bakery dreams. She’s recently been promoted to chief stewardess on a luxury yacht cruising the Mediterranean, and she’s determined to stick to the no-hookups rule laid out by the new owners. With a three-year plan to save money and support her sisters, Lucky has no time for distractions—especially not romantic ones.

Then comes Hunter Smith, the new deckhand who’s not only bunking with her but also quietly battling his own demons. Hunter is compassionate, grounded, and maybe a little too good to be true. But that’s kind of the point. His empathy and quiet strength balance out Lucky’s anxious energy, and from their very first interaction, there’s a spark. What starts as a friendship—complete with movie nights and late-night talks—slowly, inevitably turns into more.

This book thrives on tropes done right: forced proximity, pining, and forbidden romance all play major roles, and they’re executed with just the right amount of restraint. Lucky and Hunter aren’t just navigating attraction—they’re navigating trust, vulnerability, and their own inner battles. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching two imperfect people, with real emotional baggage, grow not only closer to each other but also into stronger versions of themselves.

The Mediterranean backdrop adds a rich, dreamy layer to the story. The details—Italian coastal towns, cobblestone streets, the smell of espresso—are vivid without being overdone. You feel transported, like you’re right there with the crew, soaking up the sun and the tension.

While the romance is sweet and clean, there’s plenty of chemistry and longing. The emotional connection is front and center, and the build-up makes every small moment—a shared bed for movie night, a lingering glance, a supportive word—feel significant.

The story doesn’t ignore the real-world pressures of mental health either. Lucky’s anxiety and ADHD are woven thoughtfully into her character, never played for drama but explored with care. Hunter’s backstory of loss and his gentle way of being there for Lucky without pushing her felt real and refreshing. It’s rare to find a romance where emotional support is just as swoony as a kiss, but this one nails it.

My only minor critique? Some elements felt a little too perfect, like the stars aligning just right for the romance. But honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want in a book—especially when real life feels heavy. This story was a reminder that love can be soft, kind, and healing.

Whether you’re in need of a lighter read, craving a slow burn that actually earns its payoff, or just want to escape into a charming romance on the sea, this book delivers. It’s sweet without being saccharine, heartfelt without being heavy, and exactly the kind of love story that makes you believe in good things again.