Henley Evans is a marketing manager for SeaQuest, a Seattle-based cruise line. She’s smart, talented and creative but is stagnating in her job. When an opportunity arises for a promotion where she’s considered the leading candidate, her excitement is dashed when she learns that Graeme Crawford-Collins, the man who manages their social media remotely from Michigan is her chief competition. Henley had a distasteful experience with him in the past and resents that he’s even a contender. Things get even more uncomfortable when as part of the evaluation, they’re both sent on a cruise together to the Galápagos Islands where each is tasked with developing a proposal to increase the profitability of that excursion.
I was in the mood for something light and entertaining and thought this sounded like the perfect story. I actually got quite a bit more substance than I bargained for as the issues Henley had to deal with on the job brought back memories of my own. Struggling to be heard in a male-dominated environment, second guessing myself when my ideas were the best being offered and being forced to compete with lesser candidates because of my gender. Henley’s reactions were so authentic and I loved her network of professional women who were not only supportive but gave sound advice.
Now to the romance. Graeme was absolutely wonderful, not even close to the man Henley thought him to be (thank goodness). His patience with her was borne from a deep-seated admiration that had grown through their professional interactions. Their developing relationship during the cruise was well crafted, even if she was immature and annoying at times. The supporting characters were substantive and interesting (Nikolai was a riot!), rounding out the story. The ending, though, was the stuff dreams are made of, which satisfied me just fine. I ended up loving the narrator after initially thinking she sounded too young. Her voice for Graeme was superb and she nailed the others, making this an enjoyable listening experience. Lastly, but just as importantly, the descriptions of the Galápagos Islands were expertly researched and set my imagination on fire, easily transporting me to that locale. Some books show up at just the right time and that’s the way this worked for me.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 19, 2021
- Narrator: Inés del Castillo
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 42 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
What a gem of a story! I love romcoms that have some meat to them and the setting is just my kind of setting. I’ve been noticing lately that good romcoms really do reflect our own truths and I love books that seem to get me and my own life experiences. Excellent review, Jo!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I was just looking for something to pull me out of a funk and got that and so much more. You’re so right about a connection to a story making it more powerful. I’m also finding I prefer my romances with a bit more substance these days.
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I love love love the setting for this one. I have this on my shelf, Jonetta, and I’m even more excited to get it now. Terrific review!
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Thank you, Jennifer💜 You’d love this!
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Sometimes one just needs something fun and heartwarming. Terrific review!
Anne – Books of My Heart
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That’s it exactly! Thank you, Anne💜
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I actually have this book sitting on my shelf so I’m thrilled to hear what a gem of a story it is. I love it when what I’m expecting to be a light, fluffy read ends up having some unexpected depth to it. That always enhances my reading experience so now I’m even more excited to read this book. 🙂
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I had it for a while, too, and am annoyed that it took me so long to start it. It is a gem.
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Sounds like a fun story. Glad you enjoyed it, even if it wasn’t as light as you were expecting.
Melanie @ Books of My Heart
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Thank you, Melanie💜 It was a breath of fresh air.
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Fab review! I’m glad to hear this one worked for you. I loved the Galapagos setting too (such great descriptions!), but the ending was a miss for me personally.
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Thank you, Yvo💜 It was a fairytale ending that I kinda needed at the time😏
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Some books are just extra special when read at the exact right time. 😉
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Sounds like one even this not a rom com fan might like. Great review as always!
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Thanks, Marialyce💜 There was so much more to this story. While there are some amusing moments, they’re not what defines the book and you just might like it.
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Excellent review Jo. This sounds like a wonderful story, a romance with some meat to it. I just checked and my library has this audiobook, so it is now on my shelf.
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Thanks, Carla💜 I think this is one you’d enjoy!
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It is on my wishlist.
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