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Gillian's Island: A Romantic Misadventure
Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale…
Scarlet Day, the magnetic lead singer of the all-female alt-rock band The Scarlet Begonias, is on the cusp of fame. Their first album just launched and they’ve landed a dream gig – performing on a luxury sapphic cruise to the Galapagos. To top it all off, during their first set on deck, she makes a connection with a mesmerizing woman in the crowd.
Robin Barry is a solo traveler on a couples cruise, which has the potential to be painfully awkward. A veterinary researcher intent on focusing on the wildlife rather than the women, her plans change abruptly when she meets the sultry starlet. Couples massages, indulgent meals and island-side adventures turn the cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime tropical fling – until fate announces it has other plans.
A cataclysmic storm forces the passengers to abandon ship, stranding them on an uninhabited island with few supplies and no means of calling for help. With tensions rising and food dwindling, Scarlet and Robin are at odds about what to do next. Can their blossoming romance weather the storm, or will it fade along with the hope of rescue?
From bestselling author Cara Malone comes Gillian’s Island, a story of two women caught between the turmoil of survival on an untamed island and the unpredictable currents of the heart. Immerse yourself in the lush, sun-soaked Galapagos Islands and spend some time with fan-favorite couples from Trail Magic, the Fox County Forensics series, Lakeside Hospital and more, and fall in love all over again with a new couple too in this standalone sapphic adventure.
Scarlet Day, the magnetic lead singer of the all-female alt-rock band The Scarlet Begonias, is on the cusp of fame. Their first album just launched and they’ve landed a dream gig – performing on a luxury sapphic cruise to the Galapagos. To top it all off, during their first set on deck, she makes a connection with a mesmerizing woman in the crowd.
Robin Barry is a solo traveler on a couples cruise, which has the potential to be painfully awkward. A veterinary researcher intent on focusing on the wildlife rather than the women, her plans change abruptly when she meets the sultry starlet. Couples massages, indulgent meals and island-side adventures turn the cruise into a once-in-a-lifetime tropical fling – until fate announces it has other plans.
A cataclysmic storm forces the passengers to abandon ship, stranding them on an uninhabited island with few supplies and no means of calling for help. With tensions rising and food dwindling, Scarlet and Robin are at odds about what to do next. Can their blossoming romance weather the storm, or will it fade along with the hope of rescue?
From bestselling author Cara Malone comes Gillian’s Island, a story of two women caught between the turmoil of survival on an untamed island and the unpredictable currents of the heart. Immerse yourself in the lush, sun-soaked Galapagos Islands and spend some time with fan-favorite couples from Trail Magic, the Fox County Forensics series, Lakeside Hospital and more, and fall in love all over again with a new couple too in this standalone sapphic adventure.
260 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2024
107 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Cara Malone
68 books478 followersI write stories that explore the thrills – and challenges – of falling in love as a woman-loving woman, including the bestselling Lakeside Hospital medical romance series and Rainbow Award honorable mention The Rules of Love.
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
My books are for you if you’re a fan of contemporary romance, if you love strong women who aren’t afraid to be vulnerable, and if you like a little heat with your sapphic love stories.
Grab a free copy of Mind Games on my website, CaraMalone.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 27, 2024
The book wasn't bad, but it just didn't pull me in. The insta-love storyline felt predictable and lackluster, and I couldn't really feel the connection between the two MCs.
July 11, 2024
Not officially a series but lots of characters from previous books: stand alone but helps to know previous dynamics. Weird premise (liner shipwrecked & lost with all crew and guests) but readable and recommended.
July 2, 2025
Sometimes a quick, short book with not too much depth is exactly what I need - and this definitely hit the mark.
This was the first book I picked up by the author, so I didn't know any of the other characters but I really liked the idea of adding couples from her previous books into this story.
However, that also meant there were a lot of characters which made it hard to give everyone enough screen time.
A lot of them were also forgotten throughout the story and only mentioned briefly now and then.
I found it really strange that Scarlet never spend time, or even talked to, her friends whilst they were on the island.
I didn't get the impression that they were truly friends.
I didn't like the insta love.
The way the romance was executed I didn't really believe in it.
I felt like the author should have added a few more scenes before they got stranded, to really show us how the two of them spend time together and got to know each other.
Overall I would definitely recommend if you're looking for something quick and easy yet interesting, but nothing groundbreaking.
This was the first book I picked up by the author, so I didn't know any of the other characters but I really liked the idea of adding couples from her previous books into this story.
However, that also meant there were a lot of characters which made it hard to give everyone enough screen time.
A lot of them were also forgotten throughout the story and only mentioned briefly now and then.
I found it really strange that Scarlet never spend time, or even talked to, her friends whilst they were on the island.
I didn't get the impression that they were truly friends.
I didn't like the insta love.
The way the romance was executed I didn't really believe in it.
I felt like the author should have added a few more scenes before they got stranded, to really show us how the two of them spend time together and got to know each other.
Overall I would definitely recommend if you're looking for something quick and easy yet interesting, but nothing groundbreaking.
May 26, 2024
This is not the first sapphic cruise wreck book I have read. I don't know why I read them - I quite like cruises and I am sure I would not enjoy being cruise wrecked.
My first thought about this story was why would Scarlet dye her hair before a cruise?! I can clearly remember being at reception when a woman pushed past me sobbing as her freshly dyed hair had turned green in the pool! The remedy for that by the way is to rub tomato ketchup into it - it does something to the chemical imbalance that caused the green reaction.
My second thought was why would you gift someone a single ticket to a couple's cruise. Surely that would just be depressing.
I also noticed that some of the couples were character's from Cara's other books. I always like to see a guest appearance.
There is of course a storm and the ship hits rocks and they have to abandon ship, using the 2 lifeboats. That seems a very small cruise ship.
They wash up on an island - they were heading for the Galapagos Islands so it must be one of those.
There is discussion amongst the women about Castaway, Lord of the Flies, The Beach and Gilligan's Island - all other stories set on a deserted island. Hilariously they christen it Gillian's Island - after Gillian Anderson's Scully.
I didn't understand why, with all those other literature 'comparisons' and the cast of lesbians in the story, there wasn't a comparison made to Girl Island? So I went and read that to see if I could see a reason. And I couldn't. There appears to be a cross section of ages of women on this cruise - especially in the Scarlet Begonias. And I have seen books where other sapphic lit is referenced. Anyway. On with the story.
I forgot to tell you about the characters. Scarlet is the lead singer of the Scarlet Begonias who performed for the sail away party. She is the one with the newly dyed hair. She meets Robin, a single woman gifted the ticket for the couple's cruise. 50 women including the band and staff mean there are not a lot of couples on this couple's cruise.
Anyway. They wash up on an deserted island. They do their best to survive while hoping to be rescued. As with all group situations there are some disagreements and the group splits into 2.
Shortly after they are rescued.
Epilogue -
This a year later and provides an update on how everybody is getting on with their lives.
This is quite a good story - action packed and interesting. The cruise ship oddities are accepted as 'poetic licence'.
My first thought about this story was why would Scarlet dye her hair before a cruise?! I can clearly remember being at reception when a woman pushed past me sobbing as her freshly dyed hair had turned green in the pool! The remedy for that by the way is to rub tomato ketchup into it - it does something to the chemical imbalance that caused the green reaction.
My second thought was why would you gift someone a single ticket to a couple's cruise. Surely that would just be depressing.
I also noticed that some of the couples were character's from Cara's other books. I always like to see a guest appearance.
There is of course a storm and the ship hits rocks and they have to abandon ship, using the 2 lifeboats. That seems a very small cruise ship.
They wash up on an island - they were heading for the Galapagos Islands so it must be one of those.
There is discussion amongst the women about Castaway, Lord of the Flies, The Beach and Gilligan's Island - all other stories set on a deserted island. Hilariously they christen it Gillian's Island - after Gillian Anderson's Scully.
I didn't understand why, with all those other literature 'comparisons' and the cast of lesbians in the story, there wasn't a comparison made to Girl Island? So I went and read that to see if I could see a reason. And I couldn't. There appears to be a cross section of ages of women on this cruise - especially in the Scarlet Begonias. And I have seen books where other sapphic lit is referenced. Anyway. On with the story.
I forgot to tell you about the characters. Scarlet is the lead singer of the Scarlet Begonias who performed for the sail away party. She is the one with the newly dyed hair. She meets Robin, a single woman gifted the ticket for the couple's cruise. 50 women including the band and staff mean there are not a lot of couples on this couple's cruise.
Anyway. They wash up on an deserted island. They do their best to survive while hoping to be rescued. As with all group situations there are some disagreements and the group splits into 2.
Shortly after they are rescued.
Epilogue -
This a year later and provides an update on how everybody is getting on with their lives.
This is quite a good story - action packed and interesting. The cruise ship oddities are accepted as 'poetic licence'.
May 11, 2024
Enjoyed this story very much!
This wonderful book is about Scarlet, budding rockstar and lead singer of the all girl's band the Scarlet Begonias, and Robin, a veterinarian researcher, one of a few singles on this couples cruise. They meet onboard ship and enjoy each other's company immediately. Lots of lighthearted mingling until the ship runs into rocks during a severe storm when they are forced to abandon the sinking ship. Egads! Even then, these ladies demonstrated their positivity, calm demeanor and leadership abilities.
Stranded on a deserted island in the Galapagos, Scarlet and Robin were two of the hardest working to help them all survive. When one of the people from the ship went off the rails, Scarlet proved to be the strongest moral compass. To me, Zoe represented the devil tempting others with food and other mythical supplies while casting a net of uncertainty around them.
It was clever how Cara was able to mingle so many couples from her previous books. Old familiar friends are always fun to catch up with!
Thanks for another great story, Cara, with a wonderful message, main characters that were yummy and a perfect epilogue! I highly recommend!!!
This wonderful book is about Scarlet, budding rockstar and lead singer of the all girl's band the Scarlet Begonias, and Robin, a veterinarian researcher, one of a few singles on this couples cruise. They meet onboard ship and enjoy each other's company immediately. Lots of lighthearted mingling until the ship runs into rocks during a severe storm when they are forced to abandon the sinking ship. Egads! Even then, these ladies demonstrated their positivity, calm demeanor and leadership abilities.
Stranded on a deserted island in the Galapagos, Scarlet and Robin were two of the hardest working to help them all survive. When one of the people from the ship went off the rails, Scarlet proved to be the strongest moral compass. To me, Zoe represented the devil tempting others with food and other mythical supplies while casting a net of uncertainty around them.
It was clever how Cara was able to mingle so many couples from her previous books. Old familiar friends are always fun to catch up with!
Thanks for another great story, Cara, with a wonderful message, main characters that were yummy and a perfect epilogue! I highly recommend!!!
June 3, 2024
Surprising!
Expecting “Gillian’s Island” to be a mushy lesbian romance, a departure from my usual thriller/mystery go to’s, I began to read. What a surprise I received from Cara Malone! Despite its somewhat lighthearted title, “Gillian’s Island: A Romantic Misadventure” has plenty of thrill and mystery, and just the right flavoring of romance. Malone’s characters, all coming together from other books for this fated cruise, combine to make a community that covers the spectrum of human characteristics - from benevolent to selfishly cruel. Oh, and there’s plenty of adversity, angst, pain, and courageousness! I really, really enjoyed this story - having read many of Cara Malone’s other books, I’m very happy I took a chance and read “Gillian’s Island: A Romantic Misadventure” - it’s anything but mushy!
Expecting “Gillian’s Island” to be a mushy lesbian romance, a departure from my usual thriller/mystery go to’s, I began to read. What a surprise I received from Cara Malone! Despite its somewhat lighthearted title, “Gillian’s Island: A Romantic Misadventure” has plenty of thrill and mystery, and just the right flavoring of romance. Malone’s characters, all coming together from other books for this fated cruise, combine to make a community that covers the spectrum of human characteristics - from benevolent to selfishly cruel. Oh, and there’s plenty of adversity, angst, pain, and courageousness! I really, really enjoyed this story - having read many of Cara Malone’s other books, I’m very happy I took a chance and read “Gillian’s Island: A Romantic Misadventure” - it’s anything but mushy!
June 8, 2024
Scarlet is lead singer and founder of upcoming alt-rock group The Scarlet Begonias, and while on a working cruise to the Galápagos Islands she meets Robin, a veterinary researcher. Along with all the other women on the sapphic cruise, they are stranded on an uninhabited island, where they have to learn to survive and cooperate.
A fun story with humour and sometimes tongue in cheek naughtiness, their romance is hot and intense. But tensions in the all-female group cause Scarlet and Robin to have problems, which they overcome easily.
In the story they reference ‘Lord of the Flies’, and then in a bizarre turn this story seems to parallel that later. A brilliantly written story that I didn’t want to put down.
A fun story with humour and sometimes tongue in cheek naughtiness, their romance is hot and intense. But tensions in the all-female group cause Scarlet and Robin to have problems, which they overcome easily.
In the story they reference ‘Lord of the Flies’, and then in a bizarre turn this story seems to parallel that later. A brilliantly written story that I didn’t want to put down.
March 2, 2025
A shipwreck island surviving story that is grim and romantic and intense all at the same time! I have to admit that Scarlet the lead singer of the rock band is a near Saint, a female Jesus Christ! Majority of us when put in the same life and death situation won't be as tolerant and loving and forgiving as her, she has such a great warm heart and her firm faith in humanity is admirable! I love how creative and resourceful these brave and strong women are when strangled in the small island, and their friendship warmed my heart. Robin and Scarlet's love story is moving and sweet, even the evil Zoe and a few of her followers are well written and feels real! A great story that I will remember for a long time!
May 20, 2024
all at sea.
Wow, this book had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what to expect next, all I did know was I had to finish the story or I wouldn’t sleep (it’s currently 1am).
If you are a fan of Malone’s books you will recognise quite a few characters in this book. It’s been a while since I read some of the stories so it’s great to catch up.
As usual every character is well written, even the bad guy, who just…I’m not saying anything but really REALLY.
The setting is beautiful, if you are going to be shipwrecked I can’t think of a nicer place.
Thoroughly enjoyable read. With so many characters you already know it feels like you’re joining friends for a holiday.
Wow, this book had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what to expect next, all I did know was I had to finish the story or I wouldn’t sleep (it’s currently 1am).
If you are a fan of Malone’s books you will recognise quite a few characters in this book. It’s been a while since I read some of the stories so it’s great to catch up.
As usual every character is well written, even the bad guy, who just…I’m not saying anything but really REALLY.
The setting is beautiful, if you are going to be shipwrecked I can’t think of a nicer place.
Thoroughly enjoyable read. With so many characters you already know it feels like you’re joining friends for a holiday.
May 28, 2024
Delightful read
I Always love Cara's books and this is no exception! The concept of a Sapphic Couples Cruise going down with the passengers and crew trying to survive on a deserted island is a great idea to begin with. The fact that Cara brings back so many of our favorite characters just adds icing on the cake. Of course you have the love story of the two MCs, then there's the dangers of attempting to survive including weather, accidents, illness, threat of starvation, and dissent among the characters. Mix it all together and you have another delightful read from Cara Malone! Don't take my word for it - just start reading and see for yourself!
I Always love Cara's books and this is no exception! The concept of a Sapphic Couples Cruise going down with the passengers and crew trying to survive on a deserted island is a great idea to begin with. The fact that Cara brings back so many of our favorite characters just adds icing on the cake. Of course you have the love story of the two MCs, then there's the dangers of attempting to survive including weather, accidents, illness, threat of starvation, and dissent among the characters. Mix it all together and you have another delightful read from Cara Malone! Don't take my word for it - just start reading and see for yourself!
July 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this “romantic misadventure,” as it’s billed. Our poor main characters, Scarlet and Robin. Just when they find each other onboard the ship, it sinks. The rest of the book is about the passengers and crew surviving on an island. Even though it’s about survival, the story is still pretty low angst. There is plenty of drama, though. As much as you’ll love Scarlet and Robin, you will absolutely loathe the antagonist. Oh, how I hated her. I very much liked seeing characters from other Cara Malone series, particularly for me, Raven and Kit from Trail Magic. I loved that book. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Nym Kingsley. They did a terrific job.
May 23, 2024
Another great book from Ms Malone, who just keeps producing real literary gems. Scarlett is the lead in a band that has a gig on board a ship. Robin has signed up for the cruise that seems full of couples; most of which are from Ms Malones’ previous books. Instant chemistry bodes for an interesting cruise until the ships occupants are forced to abandon ship on to a desert island, they christen ‘Gillian’ after Gillian Anderson. Well written, with an interesting story line and nice thought to reintroduce old book characters. Really enjoyed it.
August 1, 2024
A very mediocre lost on an uninhabited island story. The love story wasn't all that present and exciting. I didn't really feel any chemistry. No built up, no passion, no steam. I just didn't feel any of it. The rest of the story was a little boring as well.
And if you think this is a rockstar story: it's not.
There are a lot of different side characters you only get to see a little bit of. I couldn't keep them all apart. In the end I read most of them were main characters in previous books. So maybe this book it nicer when you've read those first.
And if you think this is a rockstar story: it's not.
There are a lot of different side characters you only get to see a little bit of. I couldn't keep them all apart. In the end I read most of them were main characters in previous books. So maybe this book it nicer when you've read those first.
May 30, 2024
A Fun, Adventurous Misadventure
Scarlett Day and the Scarlet Begonias have a dream job on a sapphic cruise. During their first gig she connects with a woman in the crowd. Robin Barry is a veterinarian who is gifted a cruise by her best friend. When a storm causes the ship to sink they end up in a survival situation. A great reunion of several characters in previous books. Love it.
Scarlett Day and the Scarlet Begonias have a dream job on a sapphic cruise. During their first gig she connects with a woman in the crowd. Robin Barry is a veterinarian who is gifted a cruise by her best friend. When a storm causes the ship to sink they end up in a survival situation. A great reunion of several characters in previous books. Love it.
June 11, 2024
This was a good read.
I mean.....an island full of stranded lesbians, who wouldn't want to read that, right?
Scarlet and Robin were a realy cute couple that falls in love more with every page you turn.
There is an adventure, suspense and some sexy times. Whats not to like.
I gotta say this though, I've never wanted to physically punch a fictional character so much. Nat got on my last nerve. Seriously hats down to Cara Malone for writing such a perfectly hateable character :D
I mean.....an island full of stranded lesbians, who wouldn't want to read that, right?
Scarlet and Robin were a realy cute couple that falls in love more with every page you turn.
There is an adventure, suspense and some sexy times. Whats not to like.
I gotta say this though, I've never wanted to physically punch a fictional character so much. Nat got on my last nerve. Seriously hats down to Cara Malone for writing such a perfectly hateable character :D
May 5, 2024
This is an adventure on a deserted island! Scarlet is the lead singer of the group Scarlett Begonias! They're the entertainment on a Sapphic cruise ship. Robin is one of the few singles on board. When the two women catch each others eye, and spend time together. Then a storm comes! What an adventurous read! You're going to thoroughly enjoy it! Walworth more than 5 stars!!
May 12, 2024
AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT!
Wow! This story had me on pins and needles the whole time they were on the island. That would be my worst nightmare. I have a phobia of deep water and can’t swim. I couldn’t wait for the next page.
As usual Cara Malone weaved a great story. Even the villain was drawn very well. Of course she deserved everything she got.
Wow! This story had me on pins and needles the whole time they were on the island. That would be my worst nightmare. I have a phobia of deep water and can’t swim. I couldn’t wait for the next page.
As usual Cara Malone weaved a great story. Even the villain was drawn very well. Of course she deserved everything she got.
May 16, 2024
Love on the island
This story is a real nail biter. There is a romance blossoming between Robin & Scarlet while they struggle to survive and keep everyone calm and focused on getting off the island. There are plenty of tense moments as well as some happy ones. You must read it to see how it all turns out. Great cast of characters from other popular books by Cara.
This story is a real nail biter. There is a romance blossoming between Robin & Scarlet while they struggle to survive and keep everyone calm and focused on getting off the island. There are plenty of tense moments as well as some happy ones. You must read it to see how it all turns out. Great cast of characters from other popular books by Cara.
June 8, 2024
Gillian's Island almost became Lord of the Flies!
Cara has created her castaways from her previous books and maybe one or two new ones to give and taste of what could have been a true story. One character I was sorry to read about was a bad apple and almost upset the whole barrel! Glad to hear that character going to jail. Intrigued yet? Enjoy!
Cara has created her castaways from her previous books and maybe one or two new ones to give and taste of what could have been a true story. One character I was sorry to read about was a bad apple and almost upset the whole barrel! Glad to hear that character going to jail. Intrigued yet? Enjoy!
June 18, 2024
A Fun Read!
This was different from most other Sapphic romances. And it worked out well. The characters developed well, conflicts that occurred were relevant to the story, and you’ll get to find Scarlet and Robin growing closer through almost every day of their shipwrecked time on the island.
Give it a read!
This was different from most other Sapphic romances. And it worked out well. The characters developed well, conflicts that occurred were relevant to the story, and you’ll get to find Scarlet and Robin growing closer through almost every day of their shipwrecked time on the island.
Give it a read!
May 4, 2024
Wow Cara Malone never fails to take you on an adventure and this book is no different I got so lost in the story its a beautiful sweet story written with so much depth and love its flowes seamlessly a highly recommend MUST READ congratulations
May 28, 2024
I loved this story. I'd have given it 10 stars if it was allowed. Very exciting I could hardly put it down.
I did not want it to end. I have not read any of Cara Malone work I did not enjoy.
I did not want it to end. I have not read any of Cara Malone work I did not enjoy.
October 21, 2024
2 stars. For a book about people stranded on an island this was really boring. I liked the writing a lot but I cared nothing about any of the characters or what they had going on. The romance flopped for me because I just didn't buy the chemistry between Robin and Scarlet at all. Not for me.
May 18, 2024
quick nice read
This is a nice fast easy read, a standalone, but filled with characters from the author’s body of work. Nice pacing so you’re able to just keep flipping the pages.
This is a nice fast easy read, a standalone, but filled with characters from the author’s body of work. Nice pacing so you’re able to just keep flipping the pages.
May 20, 2024
Scarlet and Robin met at a ship but fell in love during the lost island of Galapagos. A lovely story, felt the hard work. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2024
I don’t even know what I just read. Love the authors crime/romance books way better. The ending was probably better than anything between Scarlett and Robin and how they were saved.
June 10, 2024
fun
Got a trip to the Gallopagos next year
Hoping the story doesn’t come true
Good story and characters. Recommend it
Got a trip to the Gallopagos next year
Hoping the story doesn’t come true
Good story and characters. Recommend it
June 29, 2024
eerily lighthearted
A very fun read with lots of angst, leadership, fear and love with togetherness & separation thrown in to emphasize the difference between ego and true empathy.
A very fun read with lots of angst, leadership, fear and love with togetherness & separation thrown in to emphasize the difference between ego and true empathy.
July 29, 2024
Awesome book
I started reading and found it very hard to put down. This is a must read.
Thank you so much
Kandi B
I started reading and found it very hard to put down. This is a must read.
Thank you so much
Kandi B
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews