What happens when reality TV chaos collides with an unexpected slow-burn romance? This story takes an outrageous premise and turns it into something surprisingly heartfelt, funny, and full of found-family charm.
A Shore Thing by Portia MacIntosh
Genres: Contemporary Romance

It's survival of the fittest!

From the moment Cleo met Lockie, her infuriatingly charming co-casting producer on hit reality show Welcome to Singledom, he’s been getting under her skin. Their job? Casting singles for the ultimate island romance. Their problem? They can’t agree on anything.

Now, the cameras are ready to roll, and the contestants—well, most of them—are en route. But when the threat of a tropical storm delays half the cast, launch night turns into a total disaster. With no Plan B, Cleo and Lockie are forced to step in as contestants. Just for 24 hours until the real stars arrive.

Simple, right? Except tensions are sky-high and sparks are flying for all the wrong reasons! All they have to do is couple-up and get voted off - but there’s a storm coming, so leaving the island might not be so easy. Cleo’s used to pulling strings behind the scenes, not falling headfirst into the drama.

But when the cameras stop rolling, will their fake fling fade with the credits—or could it be Cleo’s most unexpected plot twist yet?

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Cleo and Lockie’s love story is wildly unconventional, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. Think Survivor meets Love Island at its most chaotic — but with a softer, sweeter emotional core than you might expect. While the story took a little time to find its footing before the show truly began, once the island setting came into play, I was completely hooked.

The island dynamics are where this book truly shines. The found-family element that develops among the contestants is a standout and becomes a major reason to keep turning the pages. Their so-called “Island Daddy” was an absolute highlight — equal parts mentor, caretaker, and comic relief — and without him, it’s hard to imagine any of them surviving, emotionally or practically.

The romance itself is a gentle, satisfying slow burn, leaning heavily into forced proximity — and it doesn’t get much more forced than being stranded on an island with your coworker after being told your job description has completely changed. Cleo and Lockie’s connection develops naturally, with plenty of small moments that quietly build intimacy rather than rushing it.

I also appreciated the reminder that people are rarely who they appear to be on the surface. Beneath the reality-show personas are layered, vulnerable characters with depth and heart. Add in some genuinely funny moments and a warm emotional payoff, and you have a charming, feel-good romance that left me smiling.