grateful to NetGalley for granting me the e-ARC of this book.

this was a fast paced mystery romance with a simple and easy to follow writing style but some of it felt a little too outlandish and unrealistic. some of the plot lines were a bit too convenient and we were also left with some unanswered questions. that said, i like and enjoyed the characters and it was very fun trigger to figure the mystery out. i would definitely recommend this as a quick and easy palette cleanser in between harder books as there were dark themes but none of it was really expatiated on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was my first romantic suspense novel and boy do I want to read more! We follow Pop Princess Poppy after her Aunt’s untimely death as she has been invited on the showstopping Cruise Ship The Midas. Whilst trying to find out what really happened to Poppy’s Aunt, Detective Isaiah becomes her bodyguard.

This novel has the perfect amount of story and romance. The forbidden love trope is key in this whilst also trying to work out who’s been killing the guests on The Midas!

Tropes:
❌ Off-Limits
🛌 Shared Cabin
🫣 Reluctant Allies
❤️‍🔥 Angst and Slow burn

A great summer read, maybe not if you are looking forward to your cruise 👀

4 ⭐️

Pros:
✅ Murder mystery with romance attached
✅ Pop star x Bodyguard
✅ Just enough slow burn without you getting frustrated- the highlights I have 🫠

Cons:
⭕️ I was shocked but not on the floor gasping with the reveal… maybe I now read too many

3 stars
While I did end up enjoying this book pretty well I felt that it started to drag around 60% of the way through so it was a bit of a struggle to make myself finish it. I will say though, I can tell that a lot of thought was put into this book with the playlist and guide to which chapters had spice but I personally would have like if there was a list of trigger warnings at the beginning and the chapters they would appear in since there was some very heavy subject matter discussed that I was not expecting. My biggest complaint is also the lack of chemistry between the characters. I just wasn’t really feeling much between the two main characters and the “best friend”? she wasn’t in most of the book like every scene she was gone for some reason and we never learned anything about her all we knew was her appearance and relationship with her boss. I would have enjoyed learning more about her and having her actually be in the book other than a few pages in the first and last chapters.
I will say though, as predictable as the killer was the plot twist at the end was definitely unexpected and this was overall a pretty good book.

Kate is the one author that I have followed from that first book at the beginning to now. It has been so great to watch her grow and expand as an author. The Situation Ship was a departure from what I would say has been her norm the last couple years, and I am here for it. When I tell you my jaw dropped at the end of the Epilogue I am not exaggerating. Not only was this a fun little murder mystery aboard a cruise ship (legit my worst nightmare) but it also had Callaghan's signature wit and banter between our two love interests. Also the ending was fantastic, was I shocked at who the murder was no.... but did I call it..... also no! So well done. I also want to give a shout out to the dedicated page that tells readers which chapters to skip if they are not into spice in their books. I think this was a really considerate more on the authors part and wish more would do so. That way the non spice readers could enjoy the story parts in the books so many love.

Engaging mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. Particularly apt as I was on a cruise while I read it

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a mystery and romance on a cruise ship with characters that have electric chemistry between the two them. A very easy read that keeps you guessing until the very end whodunit.

⭒ Rating: 4.2
🌶️ rating: 0.5 / 3

Promote a book as a mystery romance and I’m sold. Add in the fact that it’s a summer romance set on a cruise ship, and it’s from an author that I’ve never read before, but have been meaning to check out, and there was no way I wasn’t reading this. So I did and it was a lot of fun!

I honestly loved getting to learn a lot about the happenings of a cruise, like it literally put me there on the cruise with these characters. Something that I’m actually terrified of doing but sort of want to do one day and reading this book just made me want to do it more.

When it came to the characters, honestly my heart hurt a lot for our heroine’s family situation. She had lost her parents very young and everyone that was a part of her close circle since then was complete trash, serves everyone right for ending up where they did. So having a new friend and a bodyguard (even though he was suspicious of her before they even met), but having him there, caring for her beyond a professional capacity, it just made me happy for. Getting to watch them solve a mystery together, and fall in love was just so fun! They kinda made the perfect couple.

I also really enjoyed our hero’s friends. They appeared once the cruise reached its destination and we got to meet this couple that apparently have their own book already. I really liked them and got super curious to read how they got together, so I just might one day. They sound like a lot of fun too. But I do kinda want to read what’s coming next because those two, AHH. I need to know how they end up together hehe because that guy is DOWN BAD and the girl acts like she wants nothing to do with him beyond their professional connection. I need to know!

This author gets my approval ahah, and this won’t be the last time I read her, especially if her other books have the same vibe as this one! I’m always here for a mystery romance. If you’ve read this author before, do tell me what book I should read next.

 
𝜗𝜚 Tropes: cruise vacation, hero has a plan, bodyguard romance, forced proximity, one bed, mystery romance, blue collar hero,

I requested this read heavily based on the adorable cover and I appreciate NetGalley and Kate Callaghan giving me the opportunity to enjoy this eArc. The prologue was super interesting holding me right away. I appreciate the author adding in where the spicy chapters are so you have the opportunity to skip as well giving it a nice touch. I love a dual pov giving different perspectives and leading you to make your own observations and determinations along the way. It was a fun read I was not super into it as I got further in but I did not feel compelled to dnf.

Quick Summary: A twisted suspense romance mystery/thriller

My Review: The Situation Ship by Kate Callaghan is an adult mystery/thriller/romance fiction novel. It is scheduled for release on 7/27/25.

About the Book: "Pop star Poppy Roe’s glittering life of fame takes a sinister turn when she finds herself trapped in a nightmare aboard a luxurious cruise ship.

In a desperate bid for survival, Poppy turns to enigmatic detective Isaiah Rivers...

Amid the horrifying murders, a thrilling romance blossoms, intertwining their fates in a dangerous dance of trust and vulnerability.

Poppy and Isaiah must navigate a treacherous sea of suspicion and desire. Will they unmask the killer before the final note of their haunting melody?"

In My Own Words: A morally gray pop star with a tragic past joins forces with a troubled anti-hero who is set on implicating her, in order to solve a glam wham, high seas murder mystery.

My Final Say: Right out of the gate, this story had me in its clutches. The course that it took quickly drew me in. I wanted to know what had shaped the lives of the main characters. As each cast members connection to the leads came into play, I wanted to know more. More about their motivations. More about their aims. More all the way around. I needed to find out what was what was what. As the twists and turns were revealed, the plot thickened, as they say. I was thoroughly entertained.

I would adore listening to this as an audiobook. The story has movement and intrigue, as well as character identities that are textured and colorful in the way I want to hear brought to life.

This was my first time reading this author's work. She has a very attractive writing style and interesting character perspectives. If this is her norm for novels, then count me in! I would definitely read more. In fact, I think this novel has room to expand into a series. (Wishful thinking on blast.)


*** Potential readers should be mindful of any and all author/publisher content warnings. This novel is not intended for underaged readers. It contains mature content. ***


Other: Indicated tropes and themes ->

🪸Cruise Ship

🌊 Angst & Slow Burn

🪸Murder Mystery

🌊 Off Limits

🪸 Anti Hero

🌊Shared Cabin

🪸 Revenge

🌊 Reluctant Allies

🪸Detective X Pop Star


Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Cover: +
Content Warning: Yes
Triggers: "Trauma, stalking, murder, emotional and physical abuse"

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (CallaghanWriter | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was pleasure to review this work. I totally enjoyed the experience. I look forward to reading more from this writer.

Poppy Roe is the pop star going on a luxurious cruise. Isaiah is the suspicious detective who ends up being her bodyguard at sea. He is a man on a mission, one that evolves to not only to truly protecting Poppy, but also working with her to solve the puzzling murders that start happening on the ship. Will their blossoming romance get in the way of getting to the truth?

First of all, a letter of confession as a prologue? What an incredible way to start a murder mystery! Romantic suspense suits this author. The cruise setting gives the murders locked-room vibes. Dripping with intrigue and danger from the get-go, it might be unconventional to say this has huggable energy, but it does. It is a state of Callaghan's books, even when she is getting murdery. There is a plethora of great, grounded dialogue that is always insightful. As are the musings of each character in their POV.

This is my 5th ARC by Kate Callaghan, and we have here her first female lead I have read, teetering so perilously on a morality tightrope. The dynamic between the leads is one of ease and respect, even in their what could be called weird and then tense-ridden situation. They are both stubborn, set in their ways — he as a gruff, no-nonsense, take my actions seriously detective, she as a basically lonely, doesn't trust easily, tad spoiled celebrity. The romance is a passion that comes on strong and a matching of wits. Their flirting made my cheeks hurt from smiling.

I liked that the chapters have no numbers, just names. I'm glad the mystery starts early with little things that something is wrong. Poppy is quite capable and clever for an amateur detective. I also enjoyed the fact that almost everyone looks like a suspect, and trying to piece how everything fits together. A lot of WTF moments. I relished the flow of the storyline, of the investigation. Threaded with humor and moments of honest emotions and truths, our characters are deliciously flawed, each with their own secrets. The author shows the proper sensitivity to less-than-easy topics.

Includes some of the most useless and/or aggravating staff members of a cruise ship ever. I adored the guest appearances of characters from where we first saw Isaiah. It was in Not Another Rockstarr and don't worry you don't have to have read that to enjoy this book, but you would be missing out.

I may have needed a bit more of a wow factor from the characters upon discovery of some of the bodies or clues, especially from Poppy, who was supposed to be new at this. Not histrionics, not by any means. Just a bit more oomph, to feel the calm getting away from them. Also, their first 'encounter', although caliente felt a bit nonsensical in the moment. But their back and forth after that scene was even more entertaining.

Themes that are explored here are revenge, the pitfalls of fame, betrayal and survival. We deal with how the world is not black and white but grey — morally grey. I know people will have a difference of opinion on the rights and wrongs of this story.

Certainly unpredictable, with a perpetrator playing engrossing mind games, and an unbelievable final twist, this is a blockbuster of a romance/murder mystery.

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕦𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟-𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡 🛳️ 𝕆𝕌𝕋 ℕ𝕆𝕎 - 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨

Welcome back, my sweet, awful creatures! 🦇

Guys!! I officially found a new genre I enjoy: a murder mystery rom-com with SPICEEEE! I ate this up like I was starving and you need to know why!

Poppy, a young starlet on the rise to fame, decides that she has had enough of her aunt, who ruined her childhood. One night, she finally takes the life changing step of ending her life and start her own. Believing she has succeeded without raising any suspicions, she boards a cruise with her new bodyguard, Isaiah who’s supposed to protect her from whoever has been after her. What she doesn’t know is that Isaiah is a private detective trying to solve the case of her aunt, by getting poppy to confess. Things take a turn when they get caught searching for evidence and end up making out to avoid drawing attention to themselves. What if this fake kiss turns into more than a distraction? Will Isaiah be able to separate his feelings from his job?

AHHHH, this book was so good!! The storyline, the writing, the damn smut... Perfect! I think it was my first time reading a book like this, so since I've enjoyed it, I'd appreciate your suggestions in the comments! I need moreeee. I'm a big fan of murder mystery movies and almost always get the murderer right, but this time I had no idea and all my guesses were wrong-even though the biggest clue was right in front of me. Now that is how you write a murder mystery!

Poppy and Isaiah were hotttt! Like, their sexual chemistry was out of this world. It wasn't like the classic "guy seduces girl" plot. She seduced him without even doing a thing and that is what I want from smut, I want it happening naturally, with chemistry. In their case it was and it was easily one of the hottest I have read. Not too graphic but still teasing enough for the reader. Also, I'm a slow burn girl so maybe that's why.

Isaiah's reaction upon discovering the truth about Poppy was impressively mature. He listened and did NOT judge! I'm pretty sure I talked about this before and I will say it again: Murder is wrong but can have valid and excusable reasons. Poppy's murders are justifiable. This was another sign as to why Isaiah was a good guy! He could have turned her in, but he didn’t—not just because he loved her, but because he understood her situation.


If you're searching for a cutesy murder mystery with some spice, this one is for you! Get your copy now on Amazon and everywhere else!

Until next time!

Mira 💗

Poppi's (pop singer) and Isaiah's (detective) banter was top tier. This story definitely had "insta love" vibes as they move from non trusting individuals to being all about each other. The setting of a luxury cruise ship was perfect. I was hooked from the very beginning with the whole "murder mystery" tone. The writing was very good and I plan to read more of the author's books. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep readers interested and the action packed scenes had me finish the book fairly quickly! Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Callaghan, and IBPA for the early reading opportunity!

3.5* rounded up! This is an easy read perfect for escaping on a summer day. ironically, it's the third book I've read this year that takes place on a cruise ship. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect to this one and bodies were dropping versus just one. My biggest beef was Poppy and Isaiah's relationship felt rushed and random, but without dragging out the build up and knowing they had a finite amount of time on the ship, it worked. They just didn't reel me in completely as the mystery was more my jam. I liked Phoebe and Axel's appearance and wished there was a little more of them. I liked the ending as it kept me guessing!

Romantic Suspense is a newer genre for me and I'm enjoying it. This book had a great deal going on and is sure to appeal to many readers:
✨Tropes & Themes✨
🪸Cruise Ship
🌊 Angst & Slow Burn
🪸Murder Mystery
🌊 Off Limits
🪸 Anti Hero
🌊Shared Cabin
🪸 Revenge
🌊 Reluctant Allies
🪸Detective X Pop Star

Thank you to Kate Callaghan/Callaghanwriter and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The situation ship was such a fun and easy read! I do think the mystery was semi-predictable but I still enjoyed it! I think the themes made this a perfect read for summer and the mystery was such a nice little twist with the romance involved. I loved the characters and the banter between them. Overall I think this is great for anyone who just wants a quick easy read but still wants to be entertained the entire time!

A charming blend of mystery and romance!

This was a delightful murder mystery rom-com with an engaging plot, clever twists, and well-developed characters. The story kept me turning pages, eager to see how everything would unfold.

I did feel that the romantic relationship between the two main characters developed a bit too quickly, a little more buildup and time for them to truly connect would have made their dynamic feel even more satisfying.

That said, the book was thoroughly enjoyable and held my interest right through to the end. A fun and entertaining read for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

Here we meet Poppy and Isaiah. A pop princess and her detective bodyguard, together on a 2 week cruise with deadly consequences…

Oh my goodness - I devoured this book in one day. Absolutely loved it. I loved the plot, the characters and the relationship. I really enjoyed the morally grey FMC/MMC - you can’t condone what they did but you’re still rooting for them. I adored Mina and I laughed out loud at some of the things Poppy said. I think there could have been a bit more romance-y bits between Poppy and Isaiah but that’s the romantic in me asking for that. I liked the dual POV - always a bonus. I especially loved the section letting us know where the spicy chapters were if we wanted to avoid - I had never seen this before and thought it was so inclusive and thoughtful and meant everyone could enjoy the book.

Would definitely read something by Kate again - are we getting Mina’s book?!

Thank you to Net Galley and Kate Callaghan for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!

I requested this eARC because of the title and cover and I had a great time with it!

If you’re looking for a fun murder mystery romance between a pop star who is either a murderer or the next to be murdered, and her bodyguard who is actually a cop trying to figure out if she’s a murderer, and a whodunnit on a cruise ship then I’d highly recommend this book. I felt like it was more murder mystery focused than romance as the romance subplots are a bit rushed whereas the mystery is drawn out.

A few smaller things I didn’t like. I kept catching details about the ship or the people and thinking hm this will be important for later and I was right. Except that later was in 3-5 pages and it took away all the suspense. I also didn’t like the heavy virtual signaling of oh this celebrity donates the PR packages she gets sent isn’t she SUCH a good person, and oh this criminal boss guy doesn’t do anything with women or drugs or children so it’s okay that our MMC is friends with him (I’m still confused on what criminal boss man does tbh)

I did not guess the ending and my guess wasn’t even a red herring that was explored so I was way off. Overall a good time and a fun beach read mystery!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of The Situation Ship by Kate Callaghan. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Told in dual POV, this story follows pop superstar Poppy Roe and brooding Irish detective Isaiah Rivers. When people in Poppy’s orbit start turning up dead, Isaiah suspects she’s involved. Ordered to take a vacation by his captain, he instead accepts an assignment as Poppy’s personal bodyguard aboard the luxury yacht Midas. As the body count rises in a setting where Poppy couldn’t possibly be the culprit, the two must work together to uncover the truth—and survive.

This book is a perfect blend of mystery and slow-burn, high-heat romance. I loved the mix of tension and tenderness between the leads. Poppy is a fierce and compassionate heroine determined to reclaim her independence, while Isaiah is a smoking hot, morally gray MMC with undeniable chemistry with her. Their dynamic crackles on the page.

The pacing was strong throughout, with clues revealed steadily rather than saved all for the end. Around the three-quarter mark, some new characters are introduced somewhat abruptly—but fans of Callaghan’s earlier work will recognize them from a previous book. Once their role became clearer, their presence added a fun layer of intrigue to the story.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with spice, layered characters, and a bit of a jet-set thriller vibe, this is one to grab. 4 stars and I’ll definitely be reading more from Kate Callaghan!

Thank you to Kate Callaghan and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC and provide my opinion!

Things I enjoyed about this book:
-The banter
-The murder mystery aspect
-The cruise ship setting
-The dual POV

Poppy is a celebrity and she's taking a cruise to get away from it all so that she can relax. Only she's in the middle of a murder spree. The people around her are dying and she doesn't know who she can trust. There are so many potential suspects, but you may be surprised when you find out who is behind it.