Stuck in Paradise with You

by Laura Carter

From the bestselling author of Fake it 'til you Make a totally unmissable second-chance romance - characters with an unbeatable chemistry and a gorgeous happy ever after!

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

A sun-filled and heartwarming romance, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.

'Such a fun read - I loved it!' Sarah Bennett

A juicy second-chance romance with an added hurricane! I couldn't put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed my luxury Caribbean escape.' Leonie Mack

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Second Chance Romance, Adult, Fiction

Audible Audio

First published October 15, 2024

About the author

Amazon top 10 and internationally bestselling author of romcoms and sports romance, translated into multiple languages. Exploring relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is Laura’s passion. She takes inspiration from everything she loves from sports to law, from music and books to on screen romances, and from her own friends and family (shhhhhh, don't tell them!). Laura lives in Jersey, Channel Islands and loves nothing more than being active outdoors.

Rep'd by Tanera Simons of Greenstone Literary Agency.

Connect with Laura through Facebook (@lauracarterauthor), Instagram (@lauracarterauthor) and TikTok (@laura.carter.author).

Learn more about Laura and her books here: www.lauracarterauthor.com.

Reviews

[Savannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books publishing for the ARC! I was very excited going into this book because the summary sounded very interesting! However, the first 30% of the book was very repetitive. I’m not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope and it drove me insane the entire time. I felt like there was too many characters. I couldn’t feel any chemistry between the main characters. I felt that the ‘seven years ago’ parts wasn’t necessary considering how many times the past had already been brought up. The story dragged and it felt like I was at 57% without anything actually happening. After finishing the book I realized how much of the writing was unnecessary and made the book feel oddly long.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

No tengo idea como es posible que estos dos terminaran juntos.


- Luke estaba casado, su matrimonio tenía problemas, se separaron y seis semanas después empezó a salir con una colega, Carrie.

-Carrie siempre estuvo enamorada de Luke, entonces cuando se entera de la separación fue la mejor noticia que pudo tener.

- No se menciona como empezaron, pero es obvio que los dos ya se traían cosas antes de que dejara a la esposa.


- Hay un importante y que he menciono en todos los puntos anteriores: él estaba separado, pero no divorciado.

- Tuvieron una relación por 6 semanas, hasta que la esposa le dice que está embarazada, entonces decide regresar con ella. Además de que en el mismo día en su trabajo se enteraron de su inapropiada relación, entonces decidió renunciar.

-Se supone que se encontrarían en un hotel, pero lo único que Carrie recibió fue un mensaje que le decía "Anya está embarazada y regresaremos".

-Él estaba muy feliz por su hijo, pero a los 6 meses su esposa hizo una prueba de paternidad y resultó que el papá era otro.

-Luke estaba muy triste y decidió contactar con Carrie para que regresaran 🙄. Pero no contaba con que lo hubiera bloqueado por todos lados y que se cambiara de casa, por lo que sus cartas nunca fueron recibidas.

- Durante años, Carrie intentó quitar el prejuicio de salir con su jefe, pero no pudo y la veían como la trabajadora que intentaba asceder acostandose con los jefes, entonces renunció y empezó de nuevo en otra empresa.

- No se vieron hasta 7 años después y tienen que trabajar juntos.

- El tarado por alguna razón le echa la culpa a ella por él fracaso de su relación, dice que fue ella quien se alejó ya que nunca leyó sus cartas en donde le explicaba la importancia de la familia para él y que le pedía que fueran amigos ¿?😑

-El tipejo se la pasa molestandola y haciendo comentarios como "es la reina de hielo", "tiene un palo en el trasero", "cara de perra en reposo", etc. Todo un caballero, la rata bastarda.

-Por algun malentendido, Carrie piensa que el tarado tiene novia y aun así hay escenas en donde casi se besan. Es que esta no aprende a no meterse en relaciones ajenas.

¿Se supone que crea que este libro es romántico?



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Manda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know even what to say about this book. I guess what I liked...I always like a tropical setting. I love a good enemies to lovers and forced proximity. This was not that unfortunately. The characters were really not well developed and you don't really know them outside of the story. The settings could have been described better. For about 80% of the book, the two main characters do not have banter but passive aggressive jabs. It isn't fun hate...but HATE hate to the point where you are like there is no tension here just resentment. Then, all of a sudden, it flips to them having a hook up. ( fade to black). The MMC fixates on why she blocked him out of his life after he left her for his pregnant wife, and then he was like I tried to explain after I found out my wife cheated on me and the baby wasn't mine...I wanted to come back to you ....just...no... this is not a romantic gesture. Them not communicating after he decided to resign is also very far fetched...it was just like pulling angst after angst that it took away from what could have been a playful teasing romance with some heavy stuff in between. Don't even get me started on a CAT 5 storm on an island in a storm cellar...

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there were a lover-enemy-lover book this would be it. The hatred these two felt for each other was dripping off the page!!! Gosh, Carter wrote this well!

In my opinion, both were as bad as each other. Carrie, lived in the past, with her hurt and understandably so! She didn't know the entire story as Luke never told her. Then when their paths crossed, boy was it explosive! With a hurricane also threatening, you knew how this story was going to play out, with one small minor twist, which I quite enjoyed.

I blitzed this on audio but I just didn't enjoy the narrators (sorry), I could hear every breath that Craig took and at first, it was off-putting but when I sped up the speed of the book, I didn't notice it. Aside from that it was another book by Ms Carter which I enjoyed.

It was the perfect book for every woman who has been scorned, never got closure but got a chance for a second chance. I mean the setting in the story most definitely helped, I do want Carrie's job!!! I mean a private island in the Caribbean - yes please there is no way you couldn't fall in love! I did love Henry's little interjections, they made me chuckle. And despite the hatred Luke and Carrie had for each other, ignoring their sizzle, I loved the banter. I have to say, I would love a Joe in my life!

[Book_withquotes · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing an arc of the book. This book was released on October 15, 2024.

“Stuck in Paradise with You” by Laura Carter tells the story of Carrie Briggs, a successful accountant who is tasked with auditing the accounts of a billionaire on his private island. Unbeknownst to her, this assignment will force her to confront her past and confront the man who broke her heart seven years prior: Luke Chalmers, the company’s CFO.

The story explores themes of second chances, forgiveness, and the complexities of past heartbreak. While the enemies-to-lovers trope is well-executed, the constant miscommunication between Carrie and Luke can feel frustrating at times. The inclusion of a tropical island setting adds a touch of escapism, but the pacing of the plot can feel uneven at times.

Despite some minor shortcomings, “Stuck in Paradise with You” offers a lighthearted and entertaining read. The characters, while not entirely original, are engaging, and the story provides a pleasant escape for readers seeking a feel-good romance with a touch of tropical paradise.

[The Unrepentant Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tropical island, an old flame, years-old heartbreak, and a hurricane to contend with, make a last-minute work trip full of drama and desire for Carrie.

There were so many elements of this book to love, from the way the heartbreak of years past was portrayed, to the dual POV of Carrie and Luke.
Love, fear, bitterness, apprehension, anger and so much more keep these two from resolving what ripped them apart, and a matchmaking boss, flirty staff and the incoming weather keep the will-they-won't-they of this couple front and foremost.

If anything, I would have adored a little more angst to this, with a bit more post-island - but that's a minor thing compared to how much I enjoyed reading this.

[jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I have just finished this book. It's a fun, easy quick beach read.

What I loved:
-The setting - who doesn't want to read a book that takes place on an island? I am weirdly picky about the settings of my books since I see so many overdone. While there are a lot of books set on islands, this is fun!
-The writing style is beautifully done.
-Characters are fun. Spice is included,
-Cover is gorgeous. I feel like a good cover goes a long way.

What I didn't love:
-Pacing was not quite to my liking.
-I found myself not completely engrossed in this story, it was easy to put down. However, that might be a me thing as I gravitate towards fast paced books.
-Dynamic between the two main characters did not keep me enticed.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for a silly, fun beach read to take or read before bed even.

I am so incredibly grateful to be granted access to this ARC! Thank you!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a respite from all these snowy, festive reads, then escape to this sun-drenched Caribbean where there is a storm brewing- literally and emotionally. I enjoyed meeting these characters who did not run to types. What you see is not always what you get, especially with some of the secondary characters. It also gives a peep into a privileged world of fast speed boats among other rich man's toys.

Carrie is on the brink of fulfilling her dream to be a partner in her finance firm. She has put every other aspect of her life on hold whilst she strives to achieve this. However, she is beginning to wonder if it is all worth it. It is hard to get inside Luke's mind at first, but as he opens up to the reader, you see that at the root of their misunderstandings is a lack of communication. Carrie, especially, has closed herself off and shut her eyes to an alternative explanation for their break up. There is humour and warmth in the story as new friendships are made. It is an entertaining read which involves you as events push them together again.

In short: enemies to lovers
Thanks to the publisher

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Copy - Netgalley - I just finished Stuck in Paradise with You by Laura Carter, and I’m feeling a bit torn. I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, but I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope, so I was kind of conflicted the whole time. I ended up giving it 3/5 stars because while I enjoyed the story, there were definitely some things that bugged me.

Carrie and Luke both had legit reasons for feeling the way they did—Carrie felt betrayed when Luke left, and Luke thought he was doing the right thing by going back to his ex-wife and potential baby. But here’s the thing: Luke wrote letters explaining everything, and they just never got delivered. So we spend 200 pages watching them bicker and avoid just having a grown-up conversation, which was frustrating. I really hate when characters don't just say what’s on their mind, so that dragged the book down for me.

That said, I did enjoy the split POV. It was interesting because I couldn’t figure out who I was rooting for—both of them had pretty solid reasons for their feelings, so it kept things interesting. And of course, the forced proximity trope was fun too!

Without spoiling too much, they do get their happy ending, but I was kind of annoyed it took so long to get there. Overall, it was a decent read, but it felt longer than it needed to be.

[Hayley Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first novel by Laura Carter and I will definitely be seeking out more novels for her. I loved the characters of Carrie and Joe and the supportive characters. The backdrop of the Carribbean remote Island was perfect.

[Emma H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy, light read

Another of Laura Carter books I have enjoyed. An enjoyable escape into a building romance. Looking forward to her next book.

[Emily Potter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diabolical. Felt like a 15-year old wrote it on wattpad. Wanted a sexy beach read and there wasn’t even really any sex. Could not have cared less about any of the characters or the relationship. Boo.

[Lara Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Inhaled in a day on holiday, the location, characters & pacing had me absolutely hooked and racing to turn each page. A 5 star read!

[A Picky Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a prime example of how a book can “not be for you” but still an enjoyable experience. On a personal note, I’m kind of over second-chance tropes, and when I read the summary I was hesitant to even download because I don’t see how anyone could ever get over having the person they love chose someone else (and someone else they thought they might have a baby with). Not to say it wasn’t understandable, from his point of view, but I think (realistically) the only closure a relationship that ended the way theirs did could ever really be through possibly being friends- not getting back together. But I still decided to give it a try because it definitely seemed interesting- and I love a little hurricane action.

I’ve already started to ramble, so I’m going to try and break this down in a way that won’t give many spoilers, but will help potential readers better determine if this book is for them.

1️⃣ Punctuation, Spelling, and Grammar: 3 ⭐️
Throughout the book I noticed a few spelling errors and typos. But not too many I couldn’t ignore. However, from the beginning I noticed that the author didn’t use proper quotation marks. For anything. Which was already starting to drive me insane. But then, I also noticed that any time someone would address someone as “Ms.” Or “Mr.” there would be not a period mark or punctuation. Helpful tip: you can write out Miss, Missus, or Mister. If you’re going to abbreviate because that’s how we write it, make sure you get that punctuation because Ms., Mrs, and Mr. are abbreviations.

2️⃣ Syntax, Diction, and Wording: 3.5 ⭐️
I’ve gotten better and better at ignoring (or understanding) when authors mess up, or simply say/spell things differently based on where they are from. For example, if they’re from the U.K. but are writing a book set in the U.S. with “American” characters. This is one of those areas that differentiate an okay or a good author, from a great author- their ability to catch and correct these things. But I don’t hold it against them, usually, if they spell “apologise” instead of “apologize”. But this author decided to repeatedly mention differences in how the American MMC spoke versus his British friend. Then the American main characters would say things they should not have said or would not understand things they should have understood. Definitely makes me think that having ARC or Beta readers from the place you’re basing your characters on should be a key piece of editing. Still, I could have tried to ignore most of it, though it did take me out of the story, if the author hadn’t brought it to my attention via the characters themselves. Other than that, the author’s writing was actually pretty good. There were several “I should save this” lines and good visualizations written well.

3️⃣ Length, Repeats, and Pacing: 3.5 ⭐️
It was very long, very repetitive, and there seemed to be no real communication until close to the end. This book didn’t so much as read as a romance to me, as it did an adventure with an end goal. Someone else wrote that there were too many characters, and I could see that. There were a lot of unnecessary names that did nothing for the plot, but there were also a few that did and I enjoyed the friend group’s dynamic. If it wasn’t for the adventures along the way, the romance relationship aspect of the MC’s and the main plot itself could’ve probably been under 300 pages instead of over 560 (I did read this on Apple Books, so the page numbers can be different other places). That, of course, is one of the hard things about writing. Knowing when to add or take away things in support of the plot. Completely up to the author. But maybe something that would have prevented other reviews from their critiques.

4️⃣ Plot and Premise: 3.75 ⭐️
As I said above, I’m not a big fan of the second-chance trope. I find it overdone. But this book was just unique enough that I gave it a chance. It was definitely different and planned out well. Though, again, I think the main romance plot was not really there. There also wasn’t really much of a conclusion. To me, it read more as the MMC still not understanding what exactly he did wrong in the past. He started to understand a bit better, but then he’d say “we really messed us up”… a lot. Which is 100% not understanding that he was quite literally the one that messed up. I don’t see how they could move forward as a couple when that was still a thought process he was having. I also don’t really see how it was such a huge theme that everyone thought she had even some of a hand in their relationship ending. Outside of being young and ending up in a relationship with a separated (but still married) boss/colleague, she did the only sane thing when being left by her lover via text- and via a text saying he was moving, going back to his wife, and that his wife was pregnant. It made me not really like how the side characters could get so involved, to the point where someone who was cheated on (the area is grey for this, but the MFC said she felt this way and I could see why) would be forced to be with her ex in a professional setting because they thought they needed to talk… seven years after the fact. Yet, the side characters kept shying away from the fact the MMC was the one at fault, and the MMC is the only one they actually had a relationship with. How the plot unfolded was not very realistic, to me, especially when looking at how this was supposed to be a professional setting. Of course, it’s always a bit harder to suspend one’s disbelief when the premise of a novel is set in the real world.

5️⃣ Spice: 2.5 ⭐️
A couple of bedroom scenes and fond reminiscences throughout. Mainly along the route of normal books for adults. But definitely not anywhere near as spicy as many books are these days.

6️⃣ Loose Ends Tied Up: 4 ⭐️
Most things were tied up but one of the biggest things I noticed, and that ultimately made me more dissatisfied with the ending, is the lack of closure on the MMC apparently sending the MFC hand-written letters to explain why he left and how he was feeling that the FMC never received, yet the first letter had been read. Though, I still really don’t see what else had to be said after a “I’m going back to my pregnant wife” text, but I digress. It was a huge red flag to me, that I definitely think would have been a necessary part of the MC’s deciding to get back together or not. Like, what did he write. Does it even make a difference? But it did seem like someone kept the letters from getting to her, on purpose, and they never really talked about any of that. Let alone the fact that, if he really wanted to talk to her back then he could have found a way. Anyway, this definitely seemed like a major loose end.

⭕️ Honestly, this book is not one for me. But I still got enough positive things out of it that makes me think it wasn’t a waste of time and I am certain many people would enjoy it. Though, if I had to choose a villain and a protagonist, I think the MMC would be the Antagonist leading his group of friends and the FMC would pretty much be the only Protagonist. Simply because I can’t get over his lack of full understanding that their breakup was his fault, and how his friends pretty much handled everything.

Most of the negative aspects I mentioned, like grammar, punctuation, spelling, and pacing can easily be fixed. It’s kind of hard to fix me not liking the MC’s history and the MMC. But that is a personal opinion. What can I say? I guess I’m Team Carrie. And just like real life, they say don’t tell your friends how someone did you wrong because you might get over it, but they won’t.

Overall 3.5 ⭐️
Simply because of the punctuation issues, the diction/wording in some places, the pacing, and the loose ends. All things that can be fixed. I try to keep my personal opinions out when determining a book’s rating, even when I include it in the review just in case someone similar is debating on reading.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. The relationship drama between Carrie and Luke is gripping and most of the things they sniped at each other had me laughing.

Thank you Laura Carter, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this ARC

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stuck in Paradise with You is Laura Carter’s latest standalone romantic comedy. It is an emotional second-chance romance which takes place primarily on a remote island in the Caribbean. It is told in dual POV.
Carrie Briggs is a career-focused tax attorney in New York City, on the cusp of earning the desired partnership. She lives in an apartment with her pug, Eddie, who she co-parents with her gay best friend and neighbor, Callum. Carrie avoids romantic entanglements after getting heartbroken seven years earlier from an affair with a co-worker and being viewed as “sleeping her way to the top’”. When her boss, Eric, is ill with food poisoning, she is sent in his place to review the annual taxes with a reclusive billionaire client, Joe Hettich. He has a beautiful private island in the Caribbean, where he resides with his wife, four children, and extended family.
Luke Chalmers is Chief Financial Officer of his best friend’s tech firm, but he previously worked as an attorney. When he was separated from his wife Anya, he had an affair with his beautiful young associate, Carrie. Then his wife alerted him that she was pregnant, and a co-worker reported his relationship with Carrie. Those two events ended his and Carrie’s brief romance, and he moved back to Chicago to try to reunite with his wife. It turned out that he wasn’t the father of her baby, but Carrie totally blocked him. He has only had two-months-long relationships during the intervening seven years.
Both Luke and Carrie are flabbergasted when they meet on Joe’s beautiful island and are forced to spend time in each other’s company. They resent the other one for their heartbreak, not knowing the other’s version of events from seven years ago. There’s multiple tropical storms brewing in the ocean, but Joe ignores the weather forecasts because the storms always change course and hit Florida instead of the Caribbean islands.
I really would not classify Stuck in Paradise with You as a rom-com; it has too much emotion and angst amidst the funny scenes. It is a well-written story with engaging main characters who readers can identify and sympathize with. The colorful and well-developed side characters add to the story, and the impending storm is almost like a character. Joe and Ella’s backstory is shared so much that it feels like the author has written their story, but I couldn’t find it. Stuck in Paradise with You is definitely a beach read to be enjoyed over a weekend.
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from NetGalley and Boldwood Books for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cassandra Bivens · Rating 2 out of 5]

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🌴💔 **Stuck in Paradise with You** by Laura Carter 💔🌴

*A promising enemies-to-lovers premise that unfortunately falls flat in execution.*

🌟🏝️ **Review:** 🏝️🌟

I had high hopes for *Stuck in Paradise with You* by Laura Carter, especially with the alluring enemies-to-lovers trope and a tropical island setting. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

The main issue is the lack of character depth. While the premise had potential—two professional rivals stuck on a remote island—the chemistry between the characters just didn’t come through. Their banter, which should have crackled with tension and wit, felt forced and repetitive. The romance itself seemed rushed, lacking the slow burn that makes enemies-to-lovers stories so satisfying.

Additionally, the pacing was uneven. There were long stretches where nothing significant happened, and then the resolution felt too quick and convenient, leaving little room for the characters’ relationship to develop organically. The tropical setting, while beautifully described, wasn’t enough to save the story from feeling somewhat bland.

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🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Tropical Setting**: The island backdrop was vivid and added some nice moments to the book.
- **Premise**: The enemies-to-lovers concept had potential but wasn’t fully realized.

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💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Sometimes, paradise isn’t about where you are, but who you’re with."* - A nice sentiment, but the characters didn’t live up to it.

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🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)

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*Stuck in Paradise with You* had the ingredients for a fun, steamy romance, but the lack of chemistry and rushed storyline made it hard to fully invest in the characters. If you’re looking for a quick escape, it might still be worth a read, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

See more reviews at:
Casla Reads

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*I received this book through NetGalley as an ARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book.*

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Stuck in Paradise with You by Laura Carter.

Carrie, a tax accountant up for promotion to partner, travels to a private island in the Caribbean for a week to do some work for one the firm’s clients, Joe Hettich, one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Luke, Carrie’s former boss and the love of her life, who broke her heart seven years ago, is Joe’s best friend and CFO of Joe’s company.

This was my first book by this author so I had no idea what to expect. I was drawn to the description of this novel because I am an accountant and there are very few romance novels about accountants so I was excited to read about someone like me! I liked the portrayal of Carrie’s job, she works long hours and is working hard for her promotion, which is an accurate portrayal of a public accountant going for partner. I also thought the description of the hurricane was very accurate – I have been through a number of hurricanes, including a few where the eye went directly over, and the descriptions in the book were well done.

I thought the character of Joe Hettich was clearly based on Richard Branson, and it was a bit distracting. Joe’s character also came off a bit juvenile, interfering in the personal lives of his employees and service providers. I didn’t find this believable. Also, the main conflict in the book is due to miscommunication, which dragged on and on for so many pages I was getting bored. I think quite a few pages in the middle where Carrie and Luke just argue with each other could have been cut out to help the story move along.

Overall, I didn’t find the book to be a must read, but it was a nice light read with a HEA. A 3 star read for me.

[MoniqueFC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Stuck in Paradise with You by Laura Carter. This is my first time reading one of her books, and I went in pretty excited about the premise—second-chance romance mixed with enemies-to-lovers, plus forced proximity. That combo usually brings a lot of tension and great banter. However, this one landed at 3 stars for me.

The setup had a lot of potential. The two main characters are stuck together for a week in paradisiac island, and both have pretty solid reasons to want to avoid each other. But the miscommunication trope is at the heart of the conflict, and unfortunately, it dragged on a bit too long for my taste. I'm not a fan of this particular trope, especially when it feels like two adults just can't communicate even when they're literally in close contact for days, so it started to feel juvenile and kept me from being more invested.

I get that both characters had their baggage and reasons for keeping their distance, but I wish the plot had offered more beyond the repeated lack of communication. They only really started talking things through close to the end of the book, and by then I wasn't as engaged as I would like to be. I wish we had seen some development a bit earlier.

That being said, this was a light and fun read. The setting is great, and I enjoyed both characters. There were some great moments that made me smile and I really enjoyed the banter with the side characters as well.

If you love second-chance romance and don't mind a hefty dose of unresolved tension throughout most of the book, Stuck in Paradise with You might be worth a try!

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck in Paradise with You by Laura Carter

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

Blurb

It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex

Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.

And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.

But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.

With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…

My Opinion

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book - I am a fan of Laura Carter but I had seen some mixed reviews and the blurb didn’t really grab me. However, this was a pleasant and quick read. Carrie and Luke are forced together without much warning. I enjoyed the way that this book had been cleverly written. Laura Carter has written a light, easy read. Set on a private island with nice writing this would make for a great holiday read.

Rating 4/5

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trip to the Caribbean for work? Yes please!! I’d even take the high pressured job for five days on a private island in luxury. But I’ll give the ex and tropical storm thrown into the mix a miss. The idea of a bit of warmth is more than welcome as the British autumn can’t decide what it’s doing!!

I loved meeting Carrie. She’s a bit like me, she overthinks and analyses everything! Every word or reaction. It’s tiring!!! She is also exceptional at her job. She’s fought tooth and nail to get where she is and is on the brink of being a partner at her firm. In her personal life, the relationship between her and Callum and her love for Eddie her pooch is wonderful and heartwarming. This woman who has been torched by heartbreak has found that love she (and everyone) needs, unconditional and platonic. It gave me hope for this woman who had built walls around her heart.

But OMG the sparks between her and Luke 🔥🔥🔥 They were setting my kindle on fire! As Joe quite rightly said they’re either going to kill each other or sh… ! Yes they were fighting verbally, not physically, I mean disagreeing like warring parties but as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire right. They loved each other once – could lightning strike twice?!?

I cried, I giggled, I smirked, I may have got a little angry and annoyed. Carter put me through the emotional mill but I loved it!! This may be my first encounter of Carter’s writing but she is going on my hit list for the entertaining rom-coms I love in between my crime fiction. It was utterly gorgeous!

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blurb :
It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex
Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.
And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.
But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.
With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…


My Thoughts :
We meet Carrie Biggs, a tax accountant who is up for a big promotion at work as partner.
Carrie is soon jetting off to a private island for a week to do some work for a billionaire client, Joe Hettich.
Enter Luke Chalmers, Luke is Carrie’s ex and one true love that broke her heart 7 years ago when he left her.
It turns out Luke is Joe’s best friend and also the CEO of the Joe’s company.
All Carrie wants to do is get on the next plane home but with a hurricane on the way she is going nowhere.
As the couple are once again thrown together, can Carrie keep things professional or will old feelings resurface and start to cause problems!?.
I did enjoy the split POV aspect as it gave us more of an idea of the back story and the reasons why they both felt the way they did. And how they dealt with their feelings.
Although we are in autumn now, it was refreshing to escape to a sun drenched tropical location after the horrible so called summer we had.
Laura Carter certainly gives us that with the idyllic descriptions and beautiful surroundings of the Caribbean. Oh that front cover!.
A light hearted, romantic and fun read, that is about giving second chances.
Looking forward to more soon from Laura Carter.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck in Paradise With You is a rom-com set on an island with a storm on the way, and that’s not even describing the weather as there is a hurricane on the way ! Our main characters, Carrie and Luke have a past that’s didnt end so well and is the cause of most the turbulence!
I do love a good bit of communication in a romantic book, let’s face it’s, happens I’m most relationships abd is the cause of lot a of relationship breakdowns, but also repairs when resolved. I loved the dual POVs, I always adore reading more thank one point of view, I find it’s enhances the bookish when we got more than the main characters views, which Laura Carter does so well here.
The setting is beautiful, makes me want to get trapped on an island, just not with a storm please ! This was such a great read, I can’t wait for more from Laura, I’m fact I know I she has books put I haven’t read so excuse me whilst I run of to purchase them !
Is you love enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, second chance and workplace themes (which I love so much especially the first two) Then Stuck in Paradise With You is the perfect escape.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this spicy, tropey, and chaotic Caribbean workplace romance, readers join Carrie Briggs just as she is about to have a career breakthrough at her accountancy firm. With her final hoop being working with billionaire Joe Hettich on his private Caribbean island, Carrie has no problems with hitting a career milestone on a tropical getaway -- until she realizes that Luke Chalmers, her ex who picked his ex over her seven years ago, is critical to the whole operation as Joe’s CFO. Dealing with their complicated personal history and the proximity forced on them by work and the private island, readers join Carrie and Luke as storms brew (literally and figuratively) and threaten to upend everything she thought she knew. With brilliant characters and funny tropical tropes, readers will love the obstacles and events in play in this summery and spicy romance novel. Carrie is a classic romance protagonist, and her history with Luke (and their new interactions) will really immerse the readers into this new book by Laura Carter. With a lot going on and a lot at stake, readers will love the pacing and structure of this classic summer romance read, and they definitely want to know what happens with Carrie and Luke.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read book about second chance love with a little enemies to lovers thrown in. Luke and Carrie dated seven years ago, but it had complications, namely they were coworkers and he was separated from his wife. Things ended badly for them and both moved on. Carrie, present day, is ready to make partner at her accounting firm when she gets assigned to go to a private island to discuss tax stuff. Her coworker was set to go but got sick last minute. She’s surprised when she arrived and the CFO is her ex Luke. It’s an awkward trip and Carrie wants to leave but there is a hurricane coming. I didn’t really love the Luke character as he didn’t understand why Carrie blocked all contact with him when they broke up (because it was the healthy thing to do??) I felt like he played the victim and was kind of whiny. Joe, the client, was problematic. In the end, I was just rooting for Carrie to get off the island, alone. Check out at your local library if you are looking for something.

Thank you Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Chantel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books publishing and the author for the ARC!!

Carrie is unexpectedly sent to fill in for her boss and work with one of the wealthiest men in the world and the work is on a tropical island.. Doesn't sound too bad to tropical island. When she finds Luke, an ex partner is the client and CFO she will be working for. Stuck in Paradise with you is a second chance meets enemies to lovers romance. It is a quick and easy beach read.

The first 30% or so felt slow, it was hard to keep reading at times. Banter between Carrie and Luke was quick witted and build tension- but felt forced at times. I found it hard to feel for them and want the relationship to work in the end. The impending storm felt like the turning point for them to finally make what feels like a genuine connection. It fell a little flat for me.

This was my second Laura Carter book, it feels the same. A great premise, great idea with realistic characters but the playout of it falls short for me personally. Still a super easy read if you are looking for a tropical, forced proximity, second chance romance. 3.5 Stars overall.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrie Briggs is this close to achieving her career goal when she's sent to a private Caribbean island to assist a billionaire client, Joe Hettich. Things take an unexpected turn, however, when Carrie discovers her ex, Luke Chalmers, the man who once broke her heart, works as the CFO of Joe's company. This puts Carrie in a difficult position, having to face unresolved feelings and navigate the tension while trying to stay focused on her professional goals.
Carrie is a relatable character, trying to juggle her career aspirations with the awkwardness of her past, and the tension with Luke adds both drama and heart to the story. The chemistry between Carrie and Luke is palpable, and their emotional journey feels real and satisfying.

This is an easy, delightful story that blends humor with heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of drama. It’s perfect if you're looking for a lighthearted, yet emotionally resonant story. It has just the right amount of tension and heart to keep you hooked from start to finish.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Patrice Gotting - #prdgreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts: I absolutely adored this one, really struggled to put it down because everything was just perfect, even though the main characters lack of communication throughout was driving me to distraction! To the point where I just wanted to bang their heads together, but that being said I was totally here for it!

The setting was an absolute dream, and Joe was just the most amazing side character, yes he’s a billionaire and has everything he could ever want but it hasn’t gone to his head, all that really matters to him is the happiness of his family and his best friend Luke. I just wanted to give him a big cuddle and tell him how amazing he was.

Carrie and Luke are just meant to be, you can tell.. they try and hate each other, but they get when they’re angry and frustrated with each other you can feel the love, the angst and the sexual frustration.. the only people that couldn’t see it was themselves 😂

I highly recommend this one!!

This is only the second book by Laura that I’ve read but they’ve both been 5 stars! I can’t wait to dive into her back catalogue and she’s firmly secured herself as an auto buy author for me 😍

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so close to DNFing this book so many times, I actually even just skimmed the last 150 pages because I just did not have any energy in me to even try to care. I loved the idea of the book, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, second chance romance, workplace romance, all the good stuff, but it was really just the longest, most dragged out book of miscommunication that I didn't even understand.

The FMC was the worst because she was being unreasonable about the fact that the man she was hooking up with was MARRIED and having a CHILD but somehow she felt entitled to have him to herself? Like get over yourself. And the MMC should have tried harder if he was actually in love with the FMC. Also what decent man falls in love with another woman while still married? I was not a fan.

I will say that I did like the author's writing and the way that wrote about the characters actually having thoughts and feelings besides just lust for each other. The plot just was not interesting enough for me to want to care.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Carter and I found rather charming! I’d rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

This book hit the tropes of exes being force to work together, miscommunication, and others seeing what the two main characters couldn’t.

Carrie and Luke dated seven years ago for a passion filled six weeks shortly after Luke separated from his wife. While Carrie was waiting to surprise him for his birthday, he received a text that changed his life and prevented him from meeting up with Carrie.

Now they are forced back together in a work situation and the hurt and angry feelings from the past come spewing out. As a hurricane closes in on their work trip, will they be able to reconcile their difference and clear the air? Or will their story be just as destructive as the hurricane?

Thank you NetGalley, Laura Carter, and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a candid review. This book is available now so go check it out along with the other works of Laura Carter. I know I intend to!