Book Review: More Than Clickbait by Philippa Young

A Steamy Brother’s Best Friend Secret Identity Rom-Com

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

More Than Clickbait by Philippa Young

ISBN 9781739413521

Published 2 May 2024

Genre Contemporary Romance

Pages 286

When health-and-fitness influencer Gemma Harvey’s dream of being selected for a reality TV dating show turns into a nightmare, she sets sail on a cruise ship with a whole new identity, ready to spend the next six months working with her brother, out of the public eye.
But Gemma’s plan to lie low goes awry when cheeky American Tom Parks – her brother’s girlfriend’s best friend (it’s complicated) – gives her a night she’ll never forget, and suddenly the last thing she wants is to be invisible.
Tom’s struggling to maintain his social media presence onboard the ship following the success of a viral stand-up comedy clip, until he meets “Megan” – the one woman he doesn’t know yet he can’t have – who could be the key to his success…as long as her brother never finds out their little secret.

What is More Than Clickbait by Philippa Young about?

More Than Clickbait is the second book in the Below Deck series by Philippa Young.

When health and fitness influencer Gemma Harvey’s aspirations of joining a reality TV dating show turn sour, she opts for a fresh start aboard a cruise ship alongside her brother, away from the public eye. However, her plans to keep a low profile are disrupted when she shares a memorable night with cheeky American Tom Parks, her brother’s girlfriend’s best friend, complicating matters. Tom, struggling with his social media presence post-viral fame, encounters “Megan,” unaware of her true identity, and sees potential for success—if only her brother remains unaware of their connection.

My thoughts about More Than Clickbait

As a devoted fan of Oscar in book one, I never anticipated falling head over heels for Tom within the first chapter, but boy, did I ever! Once again, Philippa has surpassed herself. The dynamic between the characters was simply incredible, and the lingering tension from book one truly immersed me in this sequel.

Philippa has an unparalleled talent for crafting characters with immense depth and personal struggles that authentically impact the storyline. I deeply appreciated that these issues weren’t just background noise but were seamlessly interwoven into the plot, adding layers of emotional depth. The raw and poignant storyline resonated with me on a personal level, evoking tears and heartache as I witnessed the characters confront their pasts and overcome their struggles.

The relationship between Tom and Gemma was undeniably heartwarming and wholesome, and I found myself utterly obsessed with both of them. And let’s not forget the steamy scenes, which were as incredible as expected. I particularly admired the consistent emphasis on consent and trust throughout the narrative—a vital aspect that added depth to their romance.

Tropes include:
🏝️ Secret Identity
⛱️ Brother’s “Best” Friend
🛳 Workplace Romance 
☀️ Forbidden Love
🐚 Forced Proximity
🌊 Romantic Comedy
👙 2nd book in a series
⚓ No third-act breakup
🌶️ Spice from the start

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I’m Emily, the creator and author behind this blog. I’m an avid reader and want to share my love of books with everyone. I am a teacher and librarian hoping to give insight into books and libraries. I will be posting book reviews and author interviews every week!

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