Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships

What do a Hot Yacht Chef, Hot Single Dad, and Hot Guy from the Bar all have in common? They are all Alex Hayes, otherwise known as Josephine “Jo” Walker's kryptonite. Goddamn, those neon green running shorts.

After family tragedy strikes, Jo is more broken than normal. And with her thirtieth birthday looming, she's less than thrilled to be reminded of everything she's lost. Not to mention her 30 before 30 bucket list, where she must kiss a stranger, skinny dip, get a tattoo, and more. Her motivation to finish the list is dwindling.

Which is where her nieces, Mia and Kitty come in. They vow to finish the list together over the course of the summer. This is no easy feat during the charter season, especially with a brand-new chef thrown into the mix, as well as a new neighbor who may not be a stranger to Jo. Jo's quest to finish the list is full of antics, heartbreak, and a little bit of romance. Throughout the summer Jo learns to open up her heart to the heartbreaks that have made cracks. She learns how to heal from her past and how sometimes healing just takes time. She learns that potential heartbreak is no match to letting others in to love her.

This story is about pain. Pushing it away, burying it, resenting it. But it's also about learning how to deal with it, figuring out that sharing and sitting in it won't make it better, but it will help. Grief will unfortunately always rear its head and this story shows us that you aren't in it alone. It's about living and loving life in the midst of it all.

I loved this book, it was so raw and real but at the same time hilarious. This book was amazingly light-hearted and heartbreaking at the same time. The characters were complex, real people who experience a shit ton of pain. There was no sugarcoating grief in this story, and it was nice to see a story that revolves around such a subject. It should be covered more, as people will and can relate to it.

I loved the banter between Alex and Jo, their love story was great, but definitely a slow burn (Heads up for my romance ladies who don't like that trope!). However, I equally loved the other relationships Jo both strengthened as well as started. The dynamics of family and friends were shown so well, and in different types of ways as well.

I've never read this author before, and boy oh boy, I definitely will be reading more. She's hilarious. Simple as that. Grander Ruiz knows what she's doing, adding humor to tragedy, she makes you fall in love with her quirky characters. I can't wait to see what other stuff she has to offer!