One of the reasons I love romance novels is that there are infinite ways to tell a story. Ship Happens is a second chance romance, and as such, it looks at whether the initial breakup was a good choice, what has happened to the characters since they broke up, and whether, if they get back together, can they make it work? The way Deaver explores those questions feels fresh, and not because Owen and Jacob are trans men.
Owen fell in love with his best friend’s brother, and when they broke up, Owen moved into Kaitlin’s spare room to get back on his feet financially. As an adult, he is trying to not make Kaitlin choose, so when she asks if he’ll be ok with Jacob staying with them over Christmas, he says yes. And when Kaitlin arranges a cruise vacation for the friend group, he says yes again. Owen is stuck on a ship with his ex, who he is still in love with, and feels like he has to be ok with the proximity.
Owen is juggling conflicting feelings and fears. He loves Jacob and wants to snuggle into him. He loves Jacob and he wants him to be able to be able to pursue his career dreams, which means moving frequently following squid migration. He needs stability and security for himself both because he’s a homebody who thrives on routine, and because he has a chronic illness to manage. He has his own career dreams that would be more easily achieved by staying in one place. He’s afraid of being abandoned because he’s a disappointment. He doesn’t want to be friends with Jacob, because the loss of Jacob in his daily life is too painful.
Owen’s internal conflict drives the plot. In fits and starts, Owen and Jacob find their way back to each other. I love that they find a way forward that honors both of them, that their “we” doesn’t mean the sacrifice of one or the other of them. Some readers are going to find it challenging, but I love romances that expand our concept of happily ever after.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
