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Lime to My Coconut
Sometimes, you have to get lost to find what you're looking for.
When Carmela 'CJ' Jones's love life goes from "I do" to "I don't think so," she swaps wedding bells for seashells and heads to Cocoa Reef Resort for some soul-searching. But instead of finding inner peace, she finds Keston Kips—the infuriatingly handsome mixologist who seems to have a PhD in getting under her skin.
Their tropical tango includes a series of hilarious mix-ups, leading them to an unexpected adventure on a deserted island. Stranded with nothing but their wits and a growing attraction they can't ignore, CJ and Keston must navigate more than just the wild—they need to figure out if they can stand each other.
As they battle hunger, mosquitoes, and the occasional flying coconut, they discover that the most challenging survival skill might just be opening their hearts to each other.
Lime to My Coconut is the first book in the Cocoa Reef Resort series by Lynn Joseph. Packed with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a dash of tropical escapism, this rom-com is the perfect recipe for readers who love their romance with a side of witty banter and a twist of adventure.
Grab your copy of Lime to My Coconut today!
When Carmela 'CJ' Jones's love life goes from "I do" to "I don't think so," she swaps wedding bells for seashells and heads to Cocoa Reef Resort for some soul-searching. But instead of finding inner peace, she finds Keston Kips—the infuriatingly handsome mixologist who seems to have a PhD in getting under her skin.
Their tropical tango includes a series of hilarious mix-ups, leading them to an unexpected adventure on a deserted island. Stranded with nothing but their wits and a growing attraction they can't ignore, CJ and Keston must navigate more than just the wild—they need to figure out if they can stand each other.
As they battle hunger, mosquitoes, and the occasional flying coconut, they discover that the most challenging survival skill might just be opening their hearts to each other.
Lime to My Coconut is the first book in the Cocoa Reef Resort series by Lynn Joseph. Packed with sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a dash of tropical escapism, this rom-com is the perfect recipe for readers who love their romance with a side of witty banter and a twist of adventure.
Grab your copy of Lime to My Coconut today!
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
285 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Joseph
95 books106 followersLynn Joseph's adventure travel, island hopping, and lifelong wandering have a purpose. And it's not just to find the best crepes, gelato, and champagne! She swears! Lynn writes about the places she falls in love with. She's discovered in her travels that everyone is looking for a romance and a happy ending! Especially romance authors! Her USA home base is the charming Ferry Village in South Portland, Maine, and her international home base is the Caribbean Island of Tobago, where she’s known as the Mermaid Queen. Lynn believes in protagonists of color traveling and changing the world. And falling in love, of course! She almost always finds a way to work in crepes, gelato, or champagne as part of the story (to support the research!) If you're ready for some sweet romance, join Lynn on her journey of love, food, and romantic destinations (not necessarily in that order).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 26, 2024
I loved Lime to my Coconut! CJ and Kestons adventure had me laughing out loud and wanting more. It was a great pool side read! I can’t wait for the next one!
July 3, 2024
I really enjoyed CJ and Keston her being an older women and Keston being younger. 🥰 I felt like it was love at first site for Keston it probably was the same for CJ but she had to put up a little fight. I had all types of feeling with this one I even teared up and had those little butterfly feelings for this couple. I'm glad that he was able to help CJ with being true to herself. This was diffently a good read and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series 😀
March 19, 2024
Absolutely feel in love with this book and it's characters! Lime to My Coconut, made me laugh, have tears in my eyes, blush and even on the edge of my seat at times! Can not wait for the next book so I can continue CJ and Kestons journey!
August 22, 2024
5 stars
Such a good spicy Caribbean romantic comedy type! It had all the feels in it and such an easy read!!
Such a good spicy Caribbean romantic comedy type! It had all the feels in it and such an easy read!!
April 9, 2024
"Keston and CJ were one of the cutest couples I've read about. Their banter and tension left the book unpredictable and a very good read. The spice was there but not fully in play. I can't wait to read more of Keston and CJ."
June 9, 2024
A sexy read.
This was a fun read that was true to the title. Nice going CJ😉 Looking forward to book II later this week.
This was a fun read that was true to the title. Nice going CJ😉 Looking forward to book II later this week.
April 7, 2024
i loved CJ and Keston, they are such amazing characters and their banter was just *chefs kiss*
seeing CJ being more herself thanks to Keston was so amazing, she needed a man that loved her no matter what, he really brought out her true self.
this book had my giggling and crying on the train, it is a perfect spring/summer cute spicy romance and i cannot wait to read more about these two.
Some of my favourite quotes/moments are below, they might contain spoilers, so please be careful!!
“His smile outshines the damn sun. It’s as if he owns the light of this Caribbean Island.
I swear he gives the sun a run for its money”
“It sounds corny, but I want to be the star of my own romantic movie. Where the girl falls in love and the guy loves her back the same. Is that too much to ask?”
“Keston would have hugged you first”
“Keston Kips and I belong together.”
“Stars brighten the universe as my heart fills with love watching the man whose spirit has knitted itself onto my souls for eternity.
As if love is finally explained. That’s how I feel.”
THE BEST ONE 🤌🏼
“Woman, you had me in my feelings from day one. It was always you.”
seeing CJ being more herself thanks to Keston was so amazing, she needed a man that loved her no matter what, he really brought out her true self.
this book had my giggling and crying on the train, it is a perfect spring/summer cute spicy romance and i cannot wait to read more about these two.
Some of my favourite quotes/moments are below, they might contain spoilers, so please be careful!!
“His smile outshines the damn sun. It’s as if he owns the light of this Caribbean Island.
I swear he gives the sun a run for its money”
“It sounds corny, but I want to be the star of my own romantic movie. Where the girl falls in love and the guy loves her back the same. Is that too much to ask?”
“Keston would have hugged you first”
“Keston Kips and I belong together.”
“Stars brighten the universe as my heart fills with love watching the man whose spirit has knitted itself onto my souls for eternity.
As if love is finally explained. That’s how I feel.”
THE BEST ONE 🤌🏼
“Woman, you had me in my feelings from day one. It was always you.”
March 27, 2024
This meet-cute made me smile, panic and cry with happy tears.
CJ is a strong, independent woman who has a moment of realisation when her life isn’t going in the direction she was hoping for.
Cue holiday for one on a magical island, where we meet Keston Kips, a smooth, playful local who is really a big softy at heart.
Initially CJ’s uppity persona annoyed me, so I was here for the moment she found her island groove mojo.
Joseph’s style of writing was easy to follow and I loved the witty banter of the MCs.
Lime to my Coconut is a slow burn, filled with sexual tension.
Can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Story 3 ⭐️
Spice 1.5 🌶️
CJ is a strong, independent woman who has a moment of realisation when her life isn’t going in the direction she was hoping for.
Cue holiday for one on a magical island, where we meet Keston Kips, a smooth, playful local who is really a big softy at heart.
Initially CJ’s uppity persona annoyed me, so I was here for the moment she found her island groove mojo.
Joseph’s style of writing was easy to follow and I loved the witty banter of the MCs.
Lime to my Coconut is a slow burn, filled with sexual tension.
Can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Story 3 ⭐️
Spice 1.5 🌶️
April 3, 2024
This was a really cute, get your groove back style age gap (older woman younger man) feel good book with a whole lot of great life advice.
The MFC was a little over the top in a lot of areas which turned me away a bit, and some of the dialogue was really awkward or I’d have 5 starred this book.
I love their connections with “Lucy” and Keston’s outlook on love and life and his willingness to go anywhere his heart beats. He’s exactly what you want CJ to realize by the end of the book.
This is a great pallet cleanser story, or book for someone who wants a lighter, but not fluffy read as it does have some soul searching and deep moments.
The MFC was a little over the top in a lot of areas which turned me away a bit, and some of the dialogue was really awkward or I’d have 5 starred this book.
I love their connections with “Lucy” and Keston’s outlook on love and life and his willingness to go anywhere his heart beats. He’s exactly what you want CJ to realize by the end of the book.
This is a great pallet cleanser story, or book for someone who wants a lighter, but not fluffy read as it does have some soul searching and deep moments.
August 24, 2024
Excellent romance book by Lynn Joseph. C.J, a lawyer goes for a trip to the islands and meets handsome bartender who changes and shifts her perspectives on life and love. This is not your typical contemporary romance and I love the threads of humanity and real life scenarios presented in the character development. I'll be reading the next book in the series!
August 11, 2025
Destination Romance
CJ is preparing for Marcus to propose today. What she gets is 2 tickets to Cocoa Reef Resort and a "Happy Birthday."
She grabs the tickets and the champagne and tells him it's over. She finds the resort to be beautiful and peaceful. She talks to a man in a tux on his way to a beach wedding and finds herself confiding in him about her breakup and more. She's horrified to discover he is the bartender,Keston, in the beach bar near her villa. He takes a special interest in her. She goes on a cruise to No Man's Land island and goes snorkeling. She misses the return trip and is saved from drowning by that same bartender. But now they're both stuck on the island. Keston and CJ have 4 days until the boat comes back. They find a way to work together and find a strong attraction simmering. Their adventures include near heatstroke for CJ and Keston saving her again, hurricane and CJ saving him and his crushed leg. Marcus comes to her rescue with a medic helicopter and flies in the best surgeons to save his leg. He takes CJ back to New York and she resumes her life as a lawyer and internet sensation after their survival story goes viral. She admitted to herself and Keston that she did not enjoy being a lawyer and being back and dating Marcus again, she finds all of it is still true. Facing the truth comes from her mother, the last person CJ thought would encourage her to follow her dreams. The conclusion is perfect for their journey. This is a story of love found in the most surprising places.
CJ is preparing for Marcus to propose today. What she gets is 2 tickets to Cocoa Reef Resort and a "Happy Birthday."
She grabs the tickets and the champagne and tells him it's over. She finds the resort to be beautiful and peaceful. She talks to a man in a tux on his way to a beach wedding and finds herself confiding in him about her breakup and more. She's horrified to discover he is the bartender,Keston, in the beach bar near her villa. He takes a special interest in her. She goes on a cruise to No Man's Land island and goes snorkeling. She misses the return trip and is saved from drowning by that same bartender. But now they're both stuck on the island. Keston and CJ have 4 days until the boat comes back. They find a way to work together and find a strong attraction simmering. Their adventures include near heatstroke for CJ and Keston saving her again, hurricane and CJ saving him and his crushed leg. Marcus comes to her rescue with a medic helicopter and flies in the best surgeons to save his leg. He takes CJ back to New York and she resumes her life as a lawyer and internet sensation after their survival story goes viral. She admitted to herself and Keston that she did not enjoy being a lawyer and being back and dating Marcus again, she finds all of it is still true. Facing the truth comes from her mother, the last person CJ thought would encourage her to follow her dreams. The conclusion is perfect for their journey. This is a story of love found in the most surprising places.
July 28, 2025
This one definitely gave Stella Got Her Groove Back vibes and I was all in! Sis was in a relationship for five years with no ring in sight, so she dipped off to a resort to clear her head and ended up catching feelings for an island man real quick.
But babyyyy the plot thickens! After an excursion goes left, they get stuck together for four whole days and whew, the tension, the chemistry, the vibes?! Everything! Sometimes a little detour is exactly what you need to remember who you are.
What starts as a getaway quickly becomes a journey of rediscovery, romance, and realizing that sometimes what you really need is waiting on the other side of letting go. It was giving grown woman healing, second chances, and unexpected love with a little extra spice on top.
But babyyyy the plot thickens! After an excursion goes left, they get stuck together for four whole days and whew, the tension, the chemistry, the vibes?! Everything! Sometimes a little detour is exactly what you need to remember who you are.
What starts as a getaway quickly becomes a journey of rediscovery, romance, and realizing that sometimes what you really need is waiting on the other side of letting go. It was giving grown woman healing, second chances, and unexpected love with a little extra spice on top.
April 3, 2024
Thank you Author Lynn Joseph for the ARC! I enjoyed this tropical-laden story. C.J. (aka Carmela) thinks that her boyfriend will propose on her birthday. When things don't go as planned,she uses her birthday gift to escape from the humiliation. It turns out that the trip is the best thing that could have ever happened. I wasn't too crazy about Carmela in the beginning but she grew on me. Let's just say that you will wish that there was a Keston in your life as well! This book is just like the fruity drinks that Keston serves up. It's refreshing and satisfying.
June 10, 2024
I think CJ and Keston are my favorite fictional couple I have read this year. Stranded on an deserted island together four days is insane, but this couple made it work. I feel as though this story fits under Fated mates because everything about CJ and Keston just flowed perfectly together. Although CJ is an attorney and Keston is a bartender, their worlds collided together perfectly when CJ arrive to St. Nichols island to heal over breaking up with her billionaire boyfriend. Lynn Joseph you have created a masterpiece. Now I'm on to read Book 2 of the Cocoa Reef Resort series.
August 9, 2024
I can almost smell the coconuts !! Lovely read !!
Oh , WOW !!!
This story was soo sweet !!! And cute , and put a smile on my face !!!
CJ is a determined , New York lawyer who has a rich boyfriend . On this particular day, she is celebrating her birthday , and she is hoping for a special something from her man.
On a fantastic island resort , CJ meets a the BEST drink of her life !!! And the very famous bartender Keston , who fancies himself a sort of therapist, as i suppose most bartenders are 😁 A great story filled with the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean was a fantastic read !! I would definitely read mire from this author !!!
Oh , WOW !!!
This story was soo sweet !!! And cute , and put a smile on my face !!!
CJ is a determined , New York lawyer who has a rich boyfriend . On this particular day, she is celebrating her birthday , and she is hoping for a special something from her man.
On a fantastic island resort , CJ meets a the BEST drink of her life !!! And the very famous bartender Keston , who fancies himself a sort of therapist, as i suppose most bartenders are 😁 A great story filled with the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean was a fantastic read !! I would definitely read mire from this author !!!
January 9, 2025
Liked it
Keston made this story for me. He had seemingly endless patience with CJ, who I admittedly wasn't a fan of. She was quite ungrateful and spoiled and bratty, even after internally checking herself for being so. But despite that, I enjoyed the way they worked together to survive and get out of that situation (that it was her fault they were in but, whatever LOL) and how she came to certain realizations finally. And I always dig a rom-com and this had me chuckling a few times.
Keston made this story for me. He had seemingly endless patience with CJ, who I admittedly wasn't a fan of. She was quite ungrateful and spoiled and bratty, even after internally checking herself for being so. But despite that, I enjoyed the way they worked together to survive and get out of that situation (that it was her fault they were in but, whatever LOL) and how she came to certain realizations finally. And I always dig a rom-com and this had me chuckling a few times.
March 26, 2024
Prepare for a serious book hangover! 'Lime to My Coconut' had me glued to the pages until 4am, hallucinating from the sheer brilliance of the story.
CJ and Keston's chemistry is off the charts, their banter is electric, and the island setting is so vividly described, I could almost feel the sand between my toes.
With steamy scenes that'll make you blush and writing that's as witty as Sophie Kinsella's, this book is a must-read.
CJ and Keston's chemistry is off the charts, their banter is electric, and the island setting is so vividly described, I could almost feel the sand between my toes.
With steamy scenes that'll make you blush and writing that's as witty as Sophie Kinsella's, this book is a must-read.
March 26, 2024
Lime to My Coconut by Lynn Joseph is a tantalizing tropical romance filled with lush scenery, delicious food and love between a beautiful woman and a sexy man and a slightly complicated but completely swoon worthy story that you won’t want to miss. If you read it, you’ll definitely be glad you did!
September 14, 2024
absolutely beautiful
CJ and Keston rocked my world a chance meeting, flirting and secrets revealed a beautiful beginning to any relationship. Marcus was never for her he was a tad bit dry and stuffy for my liking. Too hung up on himself. Makes me want a to book a tropical island getaway for one and hope 🥳
CJ and Keston rocked my world a chance meeting, flirting and secrets revealed a beautiful beginning to any relationship. Marcus was never for her he was a tad bit dry and stuffy for my liking. Too hung up on himself. Makes me want a to book a tropical island getaway for one and hope 🥳
December 6, 2024
3 1/2 rounded up to 4. CJ expected her long time boyfriend to propose, but that's not what happened. So they broke up and she ended up in the Caribbean. The story was cute and the characters had some growth which I liked. The spice level was quite high. All in all a good, light read, but quite forgettable.
February 24, 2025
Wonderful book
CJ and Keston's romance is one for the ages. Despite very different backgrounds, they found love through shared experiences. Experiences like being shipwrecked, almost drowning and surviving a near fatality. Newton forced CJ to deal with issues from her past and her life became better due to it. Loved the story and the characters.
CJ and Keston's romance is one for the ages. Despite very different backgrounds, they found love through shared experiences. Experiences like being shipwrecked, almost drowning and surviving a near fatality. Newton forced CJ to deal with issues from her past and her life became better due to it. Loved the story and the characters.
April 1, 2024
Absolutely fell in love with Keston and CJ! I generally don’t read a lot of romance books because I feel like sometimes the plot is lacking. But this book was full of adventure and I couldn’t put the book down.
April 5, 2024
A quick read with mild spice. CJ is the FMC with a fire and spiteful attitude that lands herself stranded with a hot mixologist. Age gap, mild spice, and lots of stubborn determination make this a great book!
May 21, 2024
This book was so much fun to read and had everything a fun contemporary romance should have (and then some) 👀
An island vacation, a sexy bartender, a deserted island, a hurricane, and whoooooooole lotta steaminess. Sail away with this tropical adventure
An island vacation, a sexy bartender, a deserted island, a hurricane, and whoooooooole lotta steaminess. Sail away with this tropical adventure
June 6, 2024
Great book!
This book was such a fun, refreshing and quick read. I was immediately sucked into the world of CJ and Keston and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for them. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
This book was such a fun, refreshing and quick read. I was immediately sucked into the world of CJ and Keston and I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for them. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
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June 15, 2024OMG
So sexy. So well written. I really enjoyed the history that was told in this book. It really got me thinking and it gave me something to think about for the long haul. Love this.
So sexy. So well written. I really enjoyed the history that was told in this book. It really got me thinking and it gave me something to think about for the long haul. Love this.
August 5, 2024
Highly Recommend!
Lynn Joseph's writing is amazing. As I read this book I could picture everything about the island, and the characters. The romance was sweet with some spice sprinkled here and there. I really enjoyed this book!
Lynn Joseph's writing is amazing. As I read this book I could picture everything about the island, and the characters. The romance was sweet with some spice sprinkled here and there. I really enjoyed this book!
April 25, 2025
I think this is one of my new favorite books!!! I wish life wasn’t so busy so I could have read this faster but it’s such a relatable book!!! It’s so cute with a little spice, keeps you on your toes and has short chapters! I just LOVE this book. Can’t wait to read the second book in this series!
August 5, 2025
Lime to my coconut hit
What a wonderful story. I would love to visit the Vocal Reef resort, the description makes it sound like paradise. No man's land sounds just as beautiful with the beach and inland waterfall and cotton tree the can provide shelter in a storm.
What a wonderful story. I would love to visit the Vocal Reef resort, the description makes it sound like paradise. No man's land sounds just as beautiful with the beach and inland waterfall and cotton tree the can provide shelter in a storm.
April 10, 2024
Absolutely recommend, I loved the way it was written made me fall in love with the characters, can't wait for the next in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews