I really enjoyed this novel. It was such a lovely read. I loved the place settings in the story and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.

This was such a fun, beachy summer read! The plot moves quickly and I ended up finishing it in just a couple of days.
While I found the chemistry between the main characters a little flat at times, it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment. It was still an engaging and entertaining story, perfect for a light, easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

A light, amusing story which does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s an escapist’s delight, drawing me in with the mention of turquoise seas. Leo and Kat have history. Both worked happily together as interns, but when Leo was offered the job whilst Kat was rejected, bitterness seeps in. Consequently, Kat is most unhappy when not only does she have to pitch again for what was previously a secure contract, but she also has to compete with Leo. The two of them are thrown together on a luxury cruise and forced to partake in a number of activities. They are not happy, but then things begin to change. A joyful interlude of escapism, which fitted the bill perfectly.

I enjoyed this book so much. I’ve read others in this series that I enjoyed so was concerned I wouldn’t enjoy this as much. I think I enjoyed it more and liked the characters more. My only criticism is I wish it were longer, which really is no criticism at all.
The story involves 4 PR people going on a cruise in order to pitch for the contract to represent the company. I did think it would be too posh for me but the author really made the characters feel very human. The two main characters Kat and Leo are very easy to like and their relationship feels believable. There is somebody positivity in the book which I always like. Lots of descriptions of fabulous food, lots of mention of alcohol so if you are trying to abstain be careful. There is a mention of someone being orphaned by a car accident but that is covered very very briefly so that the book is still very gentle, calming and a perfect read for a long weekend or a holiday.
If you are looking for a fun book with a beautiful romance with positive female characters and some attractive men, well maybe man, thrown in this is a fantastic book. There is some nice references to Liverpool if your from there which could be nice. I think cruise ships should be sponsoring the book because it definitely sells a cruise holiday!
Just writing this makes me want to read this again, my current life is complex and quite sad with lots of grief so this book was such a welcome reprieve.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.

What a glorious book to wind down with. Kat is a hard working, single woman who is head strong and puts her career before anything else so when she is invited on a cruise to pitch, she knows she must show her boss what a valued member of the team she is and that she can do this for the business. But when Leo ends up on board too from a rival company, Kat needs to show everyone that she is the woman for the job, it is unfortunate that Leo is very good looking and Kat may be tempted. It was such a light and easy read. Amusing in parts and just full of sunshine, cruises, work and maybe a little romance. Light hearted and lovely.

Kat is a hardworking PR and when her client Excalibur Cruises invites her and her boss to pitch for their account she jumps at the chance. They're going on a 2 week cruiseon their new ship. It seemed to be gpoing well until she discovers Leo is also pitching for the account and she's known him in the past

Wow, is all I can say! I read this book in around 2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed it! What a gorgeous setting, loved the characters, so gorgeous!

Having read Escape to the Northern Lights, this latest offering by Carrie Walker did not disappoint. Funny, poignant and at times cringeworthy, the tale of Kat’s cruise experience with her PR company pitching against their rivals offered lots of fun. The perfect summer read!

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. Having enjoyed Walker's last book, I was keen to read this. I was initially unconvinced from the opening (for no definable reason, I just wasn't sure this book would be 'me') but I ended up immersed in it. The writing was beautiful and vividly capturing the setting, and while most of the characters were not that likeable, I was engaged in Kat and Leo's story. Their relationship and its complexities felt meaningful and believable, and I enjoyed seeing it progress.

Loved, loved loved the latest from Carrie Walker. I thoroughly enjoyed her previous novel. Escape to the Northern Lights and her latest did not disappoint.
A perfect holiday read. Great setting and interesting characters. Kat & Leo have a bit of a love hate relationship and having to spend time in close proximity on a cruise ship whilst trying to win an advertising deal doesn't help matters!
Lighthearted and amusing, an easy read that kept me engaged....with a few twists and turns along the way. Highly recommend.

A mix of business and pleasure on a beautiful cruise ship. With breathtaking views, tense relationships, and on board romance, this book has it all. A most enjoyable read.

This was such a great read. Loved everything about it, didn’t want it to end.

Kat has worked for Northstar PR a long time and one of the biggest clients Excalibur cruises now want rebranding.

As she starts to think of ideas for the rebranding she finds out that she will be going to be up against the rival advertising company and her nemesis Leo that keeps beating her.

To get an idea of what the cruise ship is like the new lady in charge wants both company’s to go on a cruise all together, what’s the worst that could happen?

Who will end up on top ? What happens when the other company have the exact same idea for the rebranding? And how does this affect Kat?

Perfect for fans of forced proximity, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, a dash of spice and beachy destinations

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review

I am literally obsessed with this book. I couldn’t get enough and didn’t want it to end. What a fabulous holiday read!

I loved it all! The characters and side characters, the chemistry, the scenery, the holiday vibes, the premise of a work battle and the exercises on the cruise- it was all glorious! The two main characters were so well written, relatable and believable.

It was literally sunshine in a book. I’ve gone and added all the other books of Carries I don’t own yet to my wishlist. I think this may be a new fabulous author I have found!

A beautiful blend of business and pleasure. Kat and Leo are rivals in PR and set out on a madcap cruise with the client and two other colleagues. As they participate in mad “enforced fun” they find themselves enjoying the unknown, the new opportunities and getting to know each other, again. Yes, they have history! A great summer read and full of delightful travel fun as well as blossoming love.

A good bit of fun where you don’t have to think too hard, just immerse yourself in the story with the beautiful scenery being described and the completely relatable antics on the cruise ship. It’s not groundbreaking but it is enjoyable to read. I enjoyed that it highlighted destinations that don’t get as much press and that it showed some of the more unusual activities. It may be little predictable but it’s still a good read.

Ive loved these books ever since I got to read the first in the series. They encourage so many good feelings in me. From the plot,characters and to even the front covers they jist have it. They have the reason to make you smile. And how I love going on adventures, to the new places which ill never get to see myself but have done via these gorgeous reads. And this book was no different.
This time we are on a cruise and all the summer and warming rays were bringing this story to life.
We've got 2 workplace rivals Kat and Leo and they are both after the same client. Said client wants them to come on a cruise and win them over. Kat isnt about to let Leo get the win...this time. But he might just be winning over something else of hers altogether...
I love how they get to go on said cruise to see what they need to know for the rebrand and of course this sets in motion so many things and also means we get to be along for the ride on the boat too.
I loved the energy to this read. Both pace and people felt like it was up tempo. But you never quite know whether its on a crash course to love or chaos.sometimes both.
This book made me smile so much and that doesnt mean it was without its meaning or more emotionally charged moments. Kat and Leo both together and individually bought high,lows,and getting in your own way vibes. And I definitely wanted them go from rivals to lovers. I adored their chemistry and banter back and forth.
A brill read that made me feel better for reading it and being immersed and the sun beam like feelings of both setting and plot.

A light, fun read. I really enjoyed this book - it got me out of a reading slump. It was my first Carrie Walker title, but I'll definitely be seeking out some more. Loved the cruise setting and the PR competition premise. Thank you Aria and Carrie Walker for the ARC.

I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it in a day it was that good. It’s the perfect summer read. A lovely little storyline and wonderful characters.

A fun enemies to lovers rom com set in a variety of gorgeous destinations!
Kat's a PR manager desperately trying to impress her biggest client, a cruising company.
As part of a pitch to keep their business, she's flung together with her arch nemesis Leo who is the CEO of a rival firm. He's the guy who stole her dream job years ago and she hasn't seen him since.
The pitch turns out to involve a two week long cruise, where she and Leo clear the air and bond with each other, realising that they both had feelings for each other from the moment they first met.
It's not plain sailing for this pair, especially when old rivalries are ignited...
There is a brilliant cast of characters and enough plot twists to make you want to keep reading. This would be a brilliant beach read.

A fabulous addition to the escape series by this author. I’d actually go so far as to say this was my favourite of hers so far! I loved the overall idea of the cruise and the two companies going against one another but my favourite character was definitely Leo. He seemed like such a sweetheart and I couldn’t be happier with the ending.

Overall, a great read.

A perfect summer read. Who doesn't dream of drifting in the sun with plenty of good food and entertainment. But when it includes work and rivals it's a different matter. Fun

Kat and leo working together as interns years ago….and now they’re pitched against each other to win the Excalibur cruises account. A lot of tension and emotions bubble to the surface as they are subjected to a two week cruise in order to deliver the best pitch possible. A really fun beach read

I think this could be my favourite Carrie Walker novel so far, given how much I love cruising.

And the Esmerelda is one rather impressive cruise ship, I adored resident drag cabaret star Barbie Cue who has a heart of gold. Then there is Dahlia the ents manager, who is determined to get Kat and Leo taking part in as much stuff as possible.

After all how can they hope to pitch for Excalibur Cruise's PR account, if they haven't experienced everything.

These are rivals with history between them and the rivalry is fierce.

I loved the descriptions of the various ports of call on this cruise, especially of the Azores. And some of the excursions sounded fabulous too.

I really enjoyed my fortnight aboard the Esmerelda as well as all the drama and pitch ideas it brings with it.

Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book as it is a fab summer read.
The story is based mainly on a Cruise ship, sailing to beautiful destinations like the Azores. The characters are fun and interesting and the potential of a secret romance between Leo and Kat had it's twist and turns.
Great fun and made me feel like I was onboard with them.

I really enjoy reading the escape to series. They are fun, happy and flirty, this one didn’t disappoint. Kat has been working in PR for years, when she has to try and win a contract they have, she’s hoping it will go well. She boards a huge Excalibur cruise ship and bumps into a guy she was at university with. They don’t like each other and their company has won every bid they have been up against. The cruise begins with all the fun and games. It’s a great summer read, the cruise sounds lovely, the fun and games on board are a delight, a great fun read for summer. 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.

A delicious escape to kickstart your summer.

Kat’s PR agency has an important pitch to make to their longtime client Excalibur Cruises. The catch? Kat and her boss Heidi have to go on one of the cruises alongside their PR rivals in order to make the pitch as authentic as possible.

I devoured this book while sitting in the sunshine and pretending I was on a beach in Portugal alongside the characters. This book gives such lush descriptions of the food and atmosphere that I felt like I was there.

Kat’s fear of being on the cruise are so relatable, and I found myself highlighting the scene where she silent disco-ed to an *iconic* song.

Thank you to Aria & Aries I Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

This romantic comedy set in the world of PR is a perfect summer read. It is full of assumptions and misunderstandings, which keep the drama rolling along.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

Escape to the Turquoise Seas is the perfect enemies to lovers summer read set mostly on a cruise ship which I loved. I was rooting for Leo and Kat to overcome their past in both love and work. Fabulous supporting characters including the wonderful Barbie Queue. I read this book so easily

This is a fun summer holiday read.
The book is set on a cruise ship where a battle is taking place to be the cruise ship giant's PR representatives. Crazy antics and a bit of romance are thrown in.
I like Carrie Walker's books, uncomplicated and fun.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book

It’s been a long time since Kat has been working for Northstar PR. When she’s told the news that one of their biggest clients Excalibur cruises are looking to rebrand.

Kat begins to think of ways in which she can put together a portfolio for the rebranding. When she and her colleague go to meet the person in charge, they are informed that their rival company is also pitching to have Excalibur cruises as their client. Leo is the person whose company is their rival and one person she could do without meeting.

They are all told that by the lady in charge that they will be going on a cruise with her so that they can get to know what the cruise ship is like. Something that is a good thing and bad too.

When they’re on the cruise ship, things don’t start off well with their rooms and then there’s the activities they’re joining in with the other passengers.

They begin to think of ideas for their pitch, as well as visit the different places on excursions.

But, once back on dry land, when it comes to the pitch, once again, things don’t go to plan. It seems that both companies have thought of the same pitch, but, who has stolen whose ideas? And what will that mean for Kat and her job?

I loved the characters, especially Barbie Cue.

I highly recommend this book.

This is my second book by Carrie Walker, and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Romance isn't usually the genre I naturally reach for, but I really enjoy the way this author writes. The humour is woven throughout the story perfectly, making it such an easy and enjoyable read.

Set aboard a cruise ship as it travels to different destinations, this book had me wishing I was packing my suitcase! I especially loved the stop in Madeira. Having visited myself (and, of course, sledged down the famous streets!), I couldn't help but smile knowing exactly what the characters were experiencing. It added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.

The rivals-to-lovers dynamic was fun, the pacing kept the story moving, and the whole book had such a cosy, feel-good atmosphere that was easy to get lost in.

If you're looking for a light-hearted romance with plenty of humour, beautiful locations and characters you'll enjoy spending time with, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

I'll certainly be reading more books by Carrie Walker in the future!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Kat Vignoles has worked hard her whole leaving home for Manchester, raising two children by herself and climbing the corporate ladder of advertising agency Fresh Ideas. So when Excalibur Cruises invites her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to secure her promotion to the agency's board... and maybe to finally relax a little.

But the last person she wants to stuck on a boat with is Wulf Hendricks, the CEO of rival agency Bright Campaigns – and Kat's nemesis. When Wulf bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Wulf has become a distractingly attractive opponent.

As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon and Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing getting rough...

My Opinion

Escape to the Turquoise Seas is the fourth book in the Holiday Romance series but it can be read as a standalone. A charming read with some lovely characters. A quick and easy read with a delightful writing style.

Rating 4/5

This is my second book by Carrie Walker, after Escape to the Northern Lights, and as a Portuguese person I could not miss a romance set on a cruise around Portugal.

Escape to the Turquoise Seas follows Kat, who works for a PR agency. Excalibur Cruises is one of their biggest clients, but when the company wants a new rebrand, her agency has to pitch for the account again. The problem is that they are competing against a rival agency, led by Leo, Kat’s old nemesis who always seems to beat her. To get a real feel for the cruise experience, both agencies are invited on board. What could possibly go wrong?

I had such a fun time with this one. The rivals to lovers dynamic between Kat and Leo was really enjoyable, and I liked seeing their relationship slowly develop while they were stuck together on the ship. Kat could be frustrating at times, especially with how she tends to shut people out and assumes the worst instead of asking for the truth. Leo, on the other hand, was so sweet and thoughtful, and I really loved the little things he did for her and how supportive he was, even when they were competing against each other. There was one misunderstanding near the end that annoyed me a bit, because I just wanted her to talk to Leo instead of immediately pulling away. But I did like that, beneath the fun rivalry and cruise setting, there was a softer side to the story, with Kat slowly allowing herself to really see Leo instead of only seeing him as the person who took something from her.

One of my favourite things was definitely the atmosphere. This book had great holiday vibes and it was so easy to escape into the story. I really enjoyed the cruise setting, the work competition and the side characters, especially Barbie Cue, who was fun, exuberant and genuinely lovely. I also loved the way the Portuguese warmth and beautiful scenery were described, especially through the little moments in each place, from the Carreiros do Monte toboggan rides in Madeira, to the volcanic surfing in the Azores and the streets and views of Lisbon. I have never been on a cruise, but this book definitely made me want to try one.

This was a fun, light-hearted romance with great holiday vibes, humour, chemistry and beautiful locations. I might be a little biased as a Portuguese reader, but I had such a good time with it. Perfect if you want something easy to get lost in. I give it 4.25 stars, rounded to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

This is such a cute and romantic read. I wanted to go on a cruise immediately whil reading
The scenery is described so well and the activities on the cruise all sound so fun that I want to do exactly this cruise. Perfect really!

Kat and Leo are so cute and they have perfect chemistry. However, Kat always icing people out is something she definitely needs to work on. I really like Leo because he is so thoughtful with everything he says and does. I especially enjoy the gifts he gives her which are super-special and cute.

I also rooted so much for Kat and her agency keeping the big client the Cruise company is.

This is a perfect summer/beach read!