I believe if I had read this book back when it was published in 2015, I would have loved it; however, so much has changed in the world of contemporary romance that reading it eleven years after its release, there are now glaring areas where the genre has evolved, leaving this one a little worse for wear. The comedy was solid, timeless, and had me laughing throughout the entire book, but the romantic element was cringe-worthy. Josephine was far too hot and cold, toying with Julian’s emotions as if his livelihood depended on it (which, to some extent, it did, as he was her boss). Julian was a walking, talking HR nightmare – whether it was making inappropriate comments “just in jest” or literally following Josephine to the bathroom on the boat. There were moments that just made my jaw drop, followed by a head shake and an eye roll.

Julian falling first and being head over heels for Josephine felt more contrived than natural, more lust than love. I almost fell off my chair laughing when he mentioned that at 31, she was far too old for him at 25 (seriously – take a moment to look at the wives of some of the wealthiest men, or just Hollywood in general, and you’d know exactly why that’s hilarious). If Josephine complained one more time about her size D cup chest and the supposed hardship of attracting men’s attention, I was ready to reach through the pages and smack her! Again, while entertaining and obviously fiction, there were moments in this book that were stretched so far from reality you’d think the plot would snap.

For that reason, I have no interest in reading the second book. For those who are huge fans of instalove (which I am quickly learning I am not), fairytale situations, and what was once upon a time (see what I did there?) considered spicy but would be tepid nowadays, I would give this one a go – if for nothing else but the quick wit, hilarious dialogue, and one party that will make you see the geriatric community in a whole new light!