Total Dreamboat Summary, Characters and Themes
Total Dreamboat by Katelyn Doyle is a romantic novel that follows Hope, a woman recovering from a broken heart, and Felix, a man with his own emotional baggage. They meet during a Caribbean cruise, forming an unexpected connection despite their differences.
Their relationship, filled with awkward moments, misunderstandings, and personal growth, faces multiple challenges, from past relationships to financial struggles. Both Hope and Felix are on a journey of self-discovery and healing, learning to embrace love and open their hearts. Set against the backdrop of beautiful locations, Total Dreamboat explores themes of vulnerability, personal growth, and finding love when least expected.
Summary
Hope is heartbroken and lost in her own life when she finds herself on a luxury Caribbean cruise with her best friend, Lauren. While Lauren is eager to flirt with wealthy men and enjoy the trip, Hope is just trying to escape her failed relationship with Gabe.
The cruise is an awkward experience for Hope, who feels out of place among the elderly tourists, further deepening her sense of isolation. She’s also struggling with a lack of direction in her own life, feeling unfulfilled both personally and professionally.
She’s not a fan of cruise ships, but she goes along with Lauren’s plans, participating in activities she’s not interested in, such as water aerobics, where an embarrassing moment only adds to her discomfort.
During this time, Hope meets Felix, a fellow cruise passenger who is also going through his own emotional struggles. He’s staying on the ship with his affluent family, which starkly contrasts with Hope’s more grounded lifestyle.
Their initial interactions are awkward, especially after Felix witnesses Hope’s embarrassing incident in the water aerobics class. Despite these awkward beginnings, Felix and Hope continue to cross paths and develop a tentative connection.
They bond over casual conversations, with Felix sharing his love of British literature and Hope revealing more about her own past and struggles.
Felix is a man of many insecurities, one of which is his lack of formal education, especially in comparison to his high-achieving family members. He is drawn to Hope’s intelligence and wit, while Hope feels an undeniable attraction to him but remains hesitant to pursue anything due to her lingering emotional baggage from her breakup.
Despite these hesitations, Felix and Hope continue to grow closer, sharing more moments of humor, awkwardness, and flirtation.
The story takes a turn when Felix invites Hope to dinner, and they continue to bond over their shared interests. They attend a cooking class together and enjoy their time working together in the kitchen, flirting and having fun despite some minor mishaps.
Hope reveals her struggles with alcohol in the past, and Felix opens up about his two years of sobriety. Their connection deepens, but Hope’s seasickness interrupts their growing bond, forcing Felix to take care of her, further strengthening their relationship.
As their connection grows, Hope wakes up in Felix’s room one morning after a night of intimacy. They plan a snorkeling trip, but Hope is anxious about possibly running into Gabe, her ex, who is known for making grand gestures.
Felix is supportive, but Hope’s insecurities surface as they discuss their past relationships and personal dreams. Felix shares his desire to open a pub with rooms, and Hope reflects on her fantasy of living in the English countryside.
Despite their playful moments, there’s an undercurrent of tension as Hope’s thoughts linger on her past and the differences between her life and Felix’s.
The cruise continues with more interactions between the two, but complications arise when Hope’s financial struggles and her friendship with Lauren come to the forefront. Lauren’s social media posts, depicting Hope as a “gold digger,” cause a rift between Hope and Felix, who begins to question Hope’s motives.
Felix is hurt by the misunderstanding, and despite Hope’s attempts to explain, their relationship becomes strained.
The tension reaches its peak when Felix’s wallet is stolen, and the two find themselves stranded in Nassau, struggling to figure out how to continue their journey. They must work together to navigate the challenges of being without identification and money.
As they wait for their travel documents, Hope’s positive attitude clashes with Felix’s growing frustration, creating further emotional distance between them.
Hope, trying to maintain some semblance of control, reflects on her feelings for Felix and the misunderstandings that have built up. Felix, still hurt by his doubts and insecurities, begins to distance himself from Hope, making their shared situation even more uncomfortable.
As they try to make the best of a bad situation, they realize that their forced closeness has revealed deeper emotional truths about their relationship.
As their time together ends, Hope returns to New York, feeling the weight of unresolved feelings and the disappointment of unfulfilled potential. Felix, also dealing with his own struggles, decides to take control of his life by buying a hotel in Devon, slowly working on rebuilding himself.
Meanwhile, Hope is determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. She receives unexpected emotional support from Lauren and takes a promotion at work, setting her sights on completing a novel.
Hope eventually moves to Devon to focus on her writing, finding solace in her new surroundings and routine. Felix, still thinking about Hope, finally reaches out to her, and they reconnect.
Felix reveals that he has made significant changes in his life, including buying the inn. As they spend time together, they slowly begin to rebuild their relationship, acknowledging the mistakes of the past while rediscovering their chemistry.
Felix, after much hesitation, confesses his love for Hope, and she admits the same.
The two decide to take things slowly, and as they grow closer, their connection intensifies. Felix eventually proposes to Hope, and she agrees.
Their relationship becomes a beautiful balance of love, mutual support, and individual growth. Hope finishes her novel, which is well-received, and Felix continues to pursue his own dreams, all while supporting Hope’s success.
Together, they build a future filled with love, ambition, and dreams coming true.
Characters
Hope
Hope is a young woman trying to overcome a breakup and feeling adrift in her life. At the start of Total Dreamboat, she is emotionally vulnerable, still reeling from the end of her relationship with Gabe.
She embarks on the cruise with her best friend, Lauren, hoping to escape her sadness and find some clarity. Though she struggles with her discomfort aboard the cruise ship, Hope is intelligent, witty, and capable of deep emotional insight.
Throughout the story, her character evolves from a woman haunted by past mistakes to someone discovering her own potential. Her intellectual side is highlighted when she bonds with Felix over their shared interest in British literature.
However, Hope also grapples with insecurities, especially about her career as a writer. She dreams of writing a book, but is stuck in a job that leaves her feeling unfulfilled and creatively drained.
Despite her vulnerabilities, Hope has a strong sense of self and begins to take charge of her life by pursuing her passions, especially writing, and confronting her fears. Her connection with Felix grows over time, even though she initially hesitates to act on her feelings due to her unresolved emotional baggage.
The emotional complexity in Hope’s character is evident as she battles both external struggles, like her financial difficulties, and internal conflicts, such as her relationship with Felix. Her journey of self-discovery and independence culminates in her success as a writer and her eventual romantic reconciliation with Felix.
Through her ups and downs, Hope becomes a character who learns to balance love and ambition, ultimately finding happiness and fulfillment.
Felix
Felix’s character is shaped by his background of privilege and his struggles with self-worth. He comes from a wealthy family, and though he enjoys the luxuries his life offers, he harbors insecurities about his place in the world.
Felix’s vulnerability stems from a history of addiction, and he is currently in a period of self-reflection, trying to rebuild his life. His romantic disappointment and the burden of living up to the expectations of his family add to his emotional baggage.
Throughout the novel, Felix reveals layers of complexity, from his awkward, playful demeanor to moments of genuine tenderness and care for Hope. His interactions with Hope demonstrate his evolving feelings as he slowly opens up to her.
He is initially hesitant to pursue a relationship with Hope due to his own unresolved issues, but over time, their chemistry and shared moments of humor and intimacy draw them closer. Felix also struggles with his self-esteem, feeling inferior to his high-achieving family members.
Despite these challenges, his love for Hope ultimately leads him to make bold decisions, like buying an inn in Devon and committing to a new life. Felix’s character arc focuses on personal growth, learning to trust again, and overcoming his past to embrace love.
His emotional growth mirrors Hope’s, and together, they navigate their insecurities, finding mutual support and understanding in each other. Felix is a character who learns to balance his past mistakes with his desires for a better future, making his eventual reconciliation with Hope all the more rewarding.
Lauren
Lauren, Hope’s best friend, is a fun and outgoing character who plays a crucial role in Hope’s journey. While Hope is more introspective and emotionally reserved, Lauren provides a contrast with her bold and flirtatious personality.
She is excited about the cruise as an opportunity to meet wealthy men, which sometimes makes Hope feel out of place and unsure of her own goals. Lauren’s light-hearted nature helps to balance the more serious tones of the novel, but she also reveals a deeper side through her interactions with Hope.
She is fiercely loyal and supportive, always trying to help her friend feel better, even if her own motivations seem superficial at times. Her relationship with Colin, the man she meets on the cruise, serves as a subplot, providing further character development as she navigates her own romantic aspirations.
Though Lauren’s character seems focused on fun and adventure, she also provides Hope with a grounding presence, helping her to work through her doubts and fears. The friendship between Lauren and Hope is a key element in the novel, highlighting the contrast between two women with different approaches to life, yet sharing an unbreakable bond.
Prue and Pear
Prue and Pear are Felix’s sisters, and their presence in Total Dreamboat offers insight into Felix’s family dynamics. They are playful and sometimes teasing toward Felix, but also show a supportive side when they encourage him to pursue a relationship with Hope.
Their interactions with Felix reveal the warmth of his family, but also highlight his insecurities about living up to their expectations. Prue and Pear serve as a contrast to Hope’s relationship with Lauren, offering a glimpse into a more traditional and affluent family dynamic.
Though they don’t play major roles in the plot, their influence on Felix is evident as they push him toward emotional openness, even though he is initially hesitant. Their teasing and lighthearted behavior add a layer of humor to the story, helping to break up the tension between Felix and Hope.
Prue and Pear, while not central to the romantic arc, offer support to Felix in his personal growth and decisions regarding his relationship with Hope.
Gabe
Gabe is Hope’s ex-boyfriend, whose shadow looms over much of Hope’s emotional journey. His actions, both during and after their relationship, play a significant role in Hope’s reluctance to fully embrace new romantic possibilities, particularly with Felix.
Gabe’s grand gestures of affection are in stark contrast to the more genuine connection Hope develops with Felix, but his lingering influence still causes Hope emotional distress. His actions become a source of tension when he sends a video of Lauren to Felix, leading to a misunderstanding that threatens to unravel Hope’s growing relationship with Felix.
Gabe’s character is not as fully developed as others in the novel, but he serves as a significant force in Hope’s emotional development, forcing her to confront unresolved issues from her past and ultimately making her realize the importance of self-worth and trust in her relationships.
Colin
Colin is a charming man whom Lauren meets during the cruise, and while his role is more peripheral to the central romance, he serves to highlight Lauren’s flirtatious and adventurous personality. Colin and Lauren share a brief but meaningful connection, bonding over their shared interest in Irish whiskey.
His character provides an opportunity for Lauren to explore the possibility of a relationship, though it’s clear that her bond with him does not overshadow her friendship with Hope. Colin’s interactions with Lauren offer a moment of levity and fun in the story, showcasing the different romantic dynamics at play in the cruise setting.
While he doesn’t become a central figure, Colin adds to the vibrant social atmosphere of the cruise, giving the story a lighter, more playful moment that contrasts with the emotional complexities of Hope and Felix’s relationship.
Themes
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
Throughout Total Dreamboat, both Hope and Felix embark on transformative journeys of self-discovery and growth. Hope starts the story feeling emotionally defeated, lost in the aftermath of a breakup and the weight of her stagnant career.
Initially, she struggles with a lack of direction, unsure of her worth and uncertain about her potential as a writer. Her time spent on the cruise serves as an escape but also as a catalyst for self-reflection.
As she gets closer to Felix, she confronts the internal conflicts that stem from her past relationships and insecurities. Felix, too, is undergoing a period of self-discovery.
Having recently gotten sober, he grapples with feelings of inadequacy, particularly in relation to his family, which places significant emphasis on success and education. His struggle to reconcile his personal desires with his family’s expectations highlights his internal conflict.
Their shared moments allow them to explore what they truly want in life, including their aspirations and the kind of relationships they hope to build. Ultimately, their individual journeys of personal growth converge as they find peace with their pasts and take steps toward realizing their dreams—Hope with her writing and Felix with his new venture in buying a hotel.
This theme emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and change, illustrating that personal growth often involves confronting discomfort, uncertainty, and the courage to make difficult decisions.
Love and Relationships
Love and its complexities are central to the narrative of Total Dreamboat. The evolving relationship between Hope and Felix showcases the nuances of love, from initial awkwardness and hesitation to deep emotional connection.
Both characters start off reluctant to dive into a new relationship, weighed down by personal baggage. Hope is still healing from her breakup with Gabe and is cautious about opening her heart again, while Felix, despite being attracted to Hope, is not ready to pursue a serious relationship due to his own struggles.
Their love story is filled with moments of tension, vulnerability, and miscommunication, highlighting how love can be a messy and complicated journey. The theme of love also explores the impact of past relationships on one’s ability to connect with new partners.
Hope’s unresolved feelings for Gabe complicate her budding connection with Felix, and Felix’s own insecurities prevent him from fully trusting Hope at times. However, the narrative also shows that love requires patience, understanding, and forgiveness.
Their eventual realization that they have deep feelings for each other, despite the challenges, marks a pivotal moment in their relationship. As they both work through their individual fears and insecurities, they come to understand that love is not just about passion but also about trust, communication, and supporting each other through difficult moments.
Emotional Healing and Resilience
The theme of emotional healing and resilience is woven throughout Total Dreamboat as both Hope and Felix learn to recover from their pasts and navigate the emotional turbulence in their lives. Hope’s journey is especially poignant, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, emotional baggage from her previous relationship, and the pressures of her career.
Her personal growth involves not only confronting her past but also learning to forgive herself and accept that her worth is not defined by her past failures. Through her interactions with Felix, Hope learns to embrace the possibility of a future filled with new opportunities and emotional fulfillment.
Similarly, Felix’s path to emotional healing is shaped by his struggles with addiction and his feelings of being out of place within his wealthy family. His emotional resilience is evident in his decision to take control of his life by getting sober and eventually investing in his own future by purchasing a hotel.
Their relationship becomes a catalyst for their emotional healing, as they both support each other in overcoming their individual challenges. The narrative illustrates that emotional healing is not a linear process; it involves setbacks, moments of doubt, and difficult choices.
Yet, it also shows that healing is possible when individuals are open to change, self-compassion, and building supportive relationships.
Class and Social Expectations
Class and social expectations play a significant role in shaping the dynamics between Hope and Felix in Total Dreamboat. Felix’s family comes from a background of wealth and status, which creates a stark contrast to Hope’s more modest upbringing.
This disparity is especially evident during their interactions, as Felix is accustomed to a life of luxury, while Hope is more grounded and practical. The social divide creates moments of tension, as both characters navigate their differences in a world where appearances and material success are often valued.
Felix, in particular, feels the pressure of living up to his family’s expectations of success, which makes him insecure about his own worth, despite his personal achievements. Hope, on the other hand, feels out of place on the cruise, where she is surrounded by affluent tourists.
She is also burdened by financial insecurity, further complicating her interactions with Felix. The theme of class is further explored when Hope’s friend, Lauren, posts a video that makes Hope appear to be a “gold digger,” feeding into Felix’s insecurities about her intentions.
This moment serves as a catalyst for misunderstandings and emotional conflict. Ultimately, the book challenges the notion that wealth and status should define a person’s worth or the validity of their relationships.
Through Hope and Felix’s evolving connection, the narrative shows that true value lies in one’s character, emotional depth, and the ability to connect on a genuine, human level.
Self-Worth and Insecurity
Self-worth and insecurity are recurring themes that shape the characters’ behaviors and decisions in Total Dreamboat. Both Hope and Felix struggle with their own insecurities throughout the story.
Hope’s low self-esteem is a direct result of her failed relationship with Gabe and her unfulfilled career. She feels inadequate both personally and professionally, often questioning whether she deserves happiness or success.
Her journey involves not only learning to heal from her past but also discovering her inherent worth beyond the opinions of others. Felix’s insecurities, while stemming from his struggle with addiction, are amplified by his family’s high expectations and his feeling of being an outsider.
He often questions his value in comparison to his siblings, who are highly accomplished. This sense of inadequacy is a major barrier in his relationship with Hope, as he struggles to open up and trust her.
Both characters, through their interactions with each other, learn to confront and challenge their self-doubt. As they begin to accept themselves for who they are, they find greater emotional fulfillment and self-empowerment.
The narrative underscores the importance of self-acceptance and the need to let go of the insecurities that hold individuals back from forming genuine connections with others.