Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Two Tickets to Love by Kathleen Allen and Kelli Mascaron beautifully combines two of my favorite idylls: a secret love of spicy romance novels and a fascination with cruising and cruise ship relationships. After experiencing a traumatic and painful divorce from the wife he believed was his “forever” woman, Ethan has become somewhat of a recluse in his own Boise, Idaho home. Far away, in North Carolina, Clarissa has been undergoing her own despair after catching her fiancé in bed with another woman. Like Ethan, Clarissa has sworn off relationships and is trying to rebuild her shattered confidence and self-esteem. When Clarissa’s college roommates, one of whom is getting married, advise her that the hen-party will be held aboard a luxury cruise to the Caribbean, Clarissa is far from amused. It’s the last thing she would want to do, but as maid of honor, she reluctantly agrees to attend provided there are no attempts at romantic matchmaking. Ethan’s best friend and his wife have decided that a cruise is just what Ethan needs to lift him out of his post-divorce funk. Despite his fervent attempts to wriggle out of the plan, and with no desire to be a third wheel, he is finally convinced to join the cruise with them. Two broken hearts will collide on the smooth seas of the Caribbean. Can they find each other and soothe each other’s pain?

Two Tickets to Love is a fun, sexy romp into the luxury and excitement of cruising life. Authors Kathleen Allen and Kelli Mascaron wrote this epic romantic journey with a backdrop of gorgeous sea, sun, sand, and the ultimate luxury of a cruise liner. I enjoyed the interplay of the characters, especially the women, who were all strong, standout characters in their own right. Clarissa, especially, was independent and feisty despite the pain and angst she was suffering. I loved that she was prepared to stand up to and mock the misogynistic, arrogant men on the cruise who viewed any woman as “prime meat” just waiting to be conquered. Ethan was a genuinely likable and relatable guy whose “cone of truth” brought an element of humor and difference into the narrative. Readers who enjoy spice in their romance will not be disappointed in this story. The lovemaking scenes are intense, steamy, and very erotic, without delving into crassness, and the emotional involvement is clear and meaningful. In this fast-paced, hectic world, it is wonderful to stop and take the time to remind ourselves that life is about people, relationships, and love, something this book does so well. I loved this relaxing and reaffirming read and highly recommend it.