Hearts Overboard: An Enchanting Journey of Love and Self-Discovery
I’m convinced that life is always better while reading a Becky Dean novel, and her latest release, Hearts Overboard, is no exception. As an avid fan who has had the privilege of ARCing all her books, I found myself eagerly anticipating this one. With her knack for combining humor, heart, and relatable characters, I just knew I was in for another delightful ride. Picture this: a jock and a type-A STEM enthusiast thrown together in a world of academic rivalry on a cruise. If that doesn’t pique your interest, I don’t know what will!
At its core, Hearts Overboard delivers a refreshing take on the academic rivals trope, a personal favorite of mine. As a former overachieving Valedictorian and a current perfectionist, I relate to the struggles of characters who overthink everything—it’s delicious drama at its finest! Becky crafts a wonderfully compelling jock, Tanner, who comes with a comedic flair, and Savannah, our type-A STEM lover. This dynamic alone resonated with my high school self and was a dream come true.
One of the standout elements is how Tanner’s character deepens throughout the story. Beneath the surface of his charm and humor lies a wealth of complexity. It’s beautiful to witness Savannah coaxing out the person behind his carefully maintained mask, creating a connection that readers can genuinely invest in. The balance between their personalities is simply masterful and embodies the opposites attract trope perfectly.
What I loved most about this narrative was its overarching message: don’t settle for the comfortable “just fine” when you can risk it all to find something truly extraordinary. This resonated with me deeply as a risk-averse person, reminding me of the importance of growth and adventure. Join Savannah and Tanner as they explore the nuances of their relationship and expand their horizons together—each sightseeing visit and adventure on the cruise ship had me feeling like I was part of their journey. And can we talk about the inclusion of a map? A map! As a visual learner, this tiny detail added a special touch that I thoroughly appreciated.
The swoon factor in this book is through the roof! Tanner is just the sweetest guy, playful but also filled with genuine affection for Savannah. The romantic tension is palpable from the get-go, leaving me feeling every flutter and excitement as if I were an adolescent again. Thank you, Becky Dean, for taking me back to those delightful moments of young love, complete with belly swoops and the all-too-familiar butterfly madness.
And let’s not forget about the nerd culture references that pepper the pages! From Doctor Who to Star Wars, I felt so seen and ecstatic to catch those nods to my own interests. It’s one of Becky’s trademarks, and it brings such warmth and authenticity to her writing.
Overall, I rate Hearts Overboard a solid 4.5 stars! This book is perfect for fans of romantic comedies, those who enjoy relatable characters, and anyone looking for a light-hearted escape with a sprinkle of wisdom. If you’re ready for a charming tale filled with adventure and the complexities of young love, then grab your copy. Becky Dean has once again delivered a story that sparks joy and reminds us all to seek the extraordinary in life.
Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Children’s | Delacorte Romance, and of course, Becky Dean for this delightful reading experience! Happy reading!