What do you think?
Rate this book
Holiday Romance #4
Escape to the Turquoise Seas
Kat Brennan has worked hard her whole life, leaving home for Manchester and climbing the corporate ladder of advertising agency Fresh Ideas. So when Excalibur Cruises invites her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to prove to her boss that she's indispensable... and maybe to finally relax a little.
But the last person she wants to stuck on a boat with is Wulf Hendricks, the CEO of rival agency Bright Campaigns – and Kat's nemesis. When Wulf bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Wulf has become a distractingly attractive opponent.
As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon and Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing getting rough...
PERFECT for fans
Forced proximity
Enemies-to-lovers
A dash of spice
Beachy destinations
But the last person she wants to stuck on a boat with is Wulf Hendricks, the CEO of rival agency Bright Campaigns – and Kat's nemesis. When Wulf bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Wulf has become a distractingly attractive opponent.
As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon and Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing getting rough...
PERFECT for fans
Forced proximity
Enemies-to-lovers
A dash of spice
Beachy destinations
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 14, 2026
This was such a great read. Loved everything about it, didn’t want it to end.
Kat has worked for Northstar PR a long time and one of the biggest clients Excalibur cruises now want rebranding.
As she starts to think of ideas for the rebranding she finds out that she will be going to be up against the rival advertising company and her nemesis Leo that keeps beating her.
To get an idea of what the cruise ship is like the new lady in charge wants both company’s to go on a cruise all together, what’s the worst that could happen?
Who will end up on top ? What happens when the other company have the exact same idea for the rebranding? And how does this affect Kat?
Perfect for fans of forced proximity, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, a dash of spice and beachy destinations
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review
Kat has worked for Northstar PR a long time and one of the biggest clients Excalibur cruises now want rebranding.
As she starts to think of ideas for the rebranding she finds out that she will be going to be up against the rival advertising company and her nemesis Leo that keeps beating her.
To get an idea of what the cruise ship is like the new lady in charge wants both company’s to go on a cruise all together, what’s the worst that could happen?
Who will end up on top ? What happens when the other company have the exact same idea for the rebranding? And how does this affect Kat?
Perfect for fans of forced proximity, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, a dash of spice and beachy destinations
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review
April 5, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much. I’ve read others in this series that I enjoyed so was concerned I wouldn’t enjoy this as much. I think I enjoyed it more and liked the characters more. My only criticism is I wish it were longer, which really is no criticism at all.
The story involves 4 PR people going on a cruise in order to pitch for the contract to represent the company. I did think it would be too posh for me but the author really made the characters feel very human. The two main characters Kat and Leo are very easy to like and their relationship feels believable. There is somebody positivity in the book which I always like. Lots of descriptions of fabulous food, lots of mention of alcohol so if you are trying to abstain be careful. There is a mention of someone being orphaned by a car accident but that is covered very very briefly so that the book is still very gentle, calming and a perfect read for a long weekend or a holiday.
If you are looking for a fun book with a beautiful romance with positive female characters and some attractive men, well maybe man, thrown in this is a fantastic book. There is some nice references to Liverpool if your from there which could be nice. I think cruise ships should be sponsoring the book because it definitely sells a cruise holiday!
Just writing this makes me want to read this again, my current life is complex and quite sad with lots of grief so this book was such a welcome reprieve.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
The story involves 4 PR people going on a cruise in order to pitch for the contract to represent the company. I did think it would be too posh for me but the author really made the characters feel very human. The two main characters Kat and Leo are very easy to like and their relationship feels believable. There is somebody positivity in the book which I always like. Lots of descriptions of fabulous food, lots of mention of alcohol so if you are trying to abstain be careful. There is a mention of someone being orphaned by a car accident but that is covered very very briefly so that the book is still very gentle, calming and a perfect read for a long weekend or a holiday.
If you are looking for a fun book with a beautiful romance with positive female characters and some attractive men, well maybe man, thrown in this is a fantastic book. There is some nice references to Liverpool if your from there which could be nice. I think cruise ships should be sponsoring the book because it definitely sells a cruise holiday!
Just writing this makes me want to read this again, my current life is complex and quite sad with lots of grief so this book was such a welcome reprieve.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
May 11, 2026
I am literally obsessed with this book. I couldn’t get enough and didn’t want it to end. What a fabulous holiday read!
I loved it all! The characters and side characters, the chemistry, the scenery, the holiday vibes, the premise of a work battle and the exercises on the cruise- it was all glorious! The two main characters were so well written, relatable and believable.
It was literally sunshine in a book. I’ve gone and added all the other books of Carries I don’t own yet to my wishlist. I think this may be a new fabulous author I have found!
I loved it all! The characters and side characters, the chemistry, the scenery, the holiday vibes, the premise of a work battle and the exercises on the cruise- it was all glorious! The two main characters were so well written, relatable and believable.
It was literally sunshine in a book. I’ve gone and added all the other books of Carries I don’t own yet to my wishlist. I think this may be a new fabulous author I have found!
July 14, 2026
This is such a cute and romantic read. I wanted to go on a cruise immediately whil reading
The scenery is described so well and the activities on the cruise all sound so fun that I want to do exactly this cruise. Perfect really!
Kat and Leo are so cute and they have perfect chemistry. However, Kat always icing people out is something she definitely needs to work on. I really like Leo because he is so thoughtful with everything he says and does. I especially enjoy the gifts he gives her which are super-special and cute.
I also rooted so much for Kat and her agency keeping the big client the Cruise company is.
This is a perfect summer/beach read!
The scenery is described so well and the activities on the cruise all sound so fun that I want to do exactly this cruise. Perfect really!
Kat and Leo are so cute and they have perfect chemistry. However, Kat always icing people out is something she definitely needs to work on. I really like Leo because he is so thoughtful with everything he says and does. I especially enjoy the gifts he gives her which are super-special and cute.
I also rooted so much for Kat and her agency keeping the big client the Cruise company is.
This is a perfect summer/beach read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my second book by Carrie Walker, after Escape to the Northern Lights, and as a Portuguese person I could not miss a romance set on a cruise around Portugal.
Escape to the Turquoise Seas follows Kat, who works for a PR agency. Excalibur Cruises is one of their biggest clients, but when the company wants a new rebrand, her agency has to pitch for the account again. The problem is that they are competing against a rival agency, led by Leo, Kat’s old nemesis who always seems to beat her. To get a real feel for the cruise experience, both agencies are invited on board. What could possibly go wrong?
I had such a fun time with this one. The rivals to lovers dynamic between Kat and Leo was really enjoyable, and I liked seeing their relationship slowly develop while they were stuck together on the ship. Kat could be frustrating at times, especially with how she tends to shut people out and assumes the worst instead of asking for the truth. Leo, on the other hand, was so sweet and thoughtful, and I really loved the little things he did for her and how supportive he was, even when they were competing against each other. There was one misunderstanding near the end that annoyed me a bit, because I just wanted her to talk to Leo instead of immediately pulling away. But I did like that, beneath the fun rivalry and cruise setting, there was a softer side to the story, with Kat slowly allowing herself to really see Leo instead of only seeing him as the person who took something from her.
One of my favourite things was definitely the atmosphere. This book had great holiday vibes and it was so easy to escape into the story. I really enjoyed the cruise setting, the work competition and the side characters, especially Barbie Cue, who was fun, exuberant and genuinely lovely. I also loved the way the Portuguese warmth and beautiful scenery were described, especially through the little moments in each place, from the Carreiros do Monte toboggan rides in Madeira, to the volcanic surfing in the Azores and the streets and views of Lisbon. I have never been on a cruise, but this book definitely made me want to try one.
This was a fun, light-hearted romance with great holiday vibes, humour, chemistry and beautiful locations. I might be a little biased as a Portuguese reader, but I had such a good time with it. Perfect if you want something easy to get lost in. I give it 4.25 stars, rounded to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Escape to the Turquoise Seas follows Kat, who works for a PR agency. Excalibur Cruises is one of their biggest clients, but when the company wants a new rebrand, her agency has to pitch for the account again. The problem is that they are competing against a rival agency, led by Leo, Kat’s old nemesis who always seems to beat her. To get a real feel for the cruise experience, both agencies are invited on board. What could possibly go wrong?
I had such a fun time with this one. The rivals to lovers dynamic between Kat and Leo was really enjoyable, and I liked seeing their relationship slowly develop while they were stuck together on the ship. Kat could be frustrating at times, especially with how she tends to shut people out and assumes the worst instead of asking for the truth. Leo, on the other hand, was so sweet and thoughtful, and I really loved the little things he did for her and how supportive he was, even when they were competing against each other. There was one misunderstanding near the end that annoyed me a bit, because I just wanted her to talk to Leo instead of immediately pulling away. But I did like that, beneath the fun rivalry and cruise setting, there was a softer side to the story, with Kat slowly allowing herself to really see Leo instead of only seeing him as the person who took something from her.
One of my favourite things was definitely the atmosphere. This book had great holiday vibes and it was so easy to escape into the story. I really enjoyed the cruise setting, the work competition and the side characters, especially Barbie Cue, who was fun, exuberant and genuinely lovely. I also loved the way the Portuguese warmth and beautiful scenery were described, especially through the little moments in each place, from the Carreiros do Monte toboggan rides in Madeira, to the volcanic surfing in the Azores and the streets and views of Lisbon. I have never been on a cruise, but this book definitely made me want to try one.
This was a fun, light-hearted romance with great holiday vibes, humour, chemistry and beautiful locations. I might be a little biased as a Portuguese reader, but I had such a good time with it. Perfect if you want something easy to get lost in. I give it 4.25 stars, rounded to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Read
July 15, 2026Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Kat Vignoles has worked hard her whole leaving home for Manchester, raising two children by herself and climbing the corporate ladder of advertising agency Fresh Ideas. So when Excalibur Cruises invites her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to secure her promotion to the agency's board... and maybe to finally relax a little.
But the last person she wants to stuck on a boat with is Wulf Hendricks, the CEO of rival agency Bright Campaigns – and Kat's nemesis. When Wulf bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Wulf has become a distractingly attractive opponent.
As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon and Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing getting rough...
My Opinion
Escape to the Turquoise Seas is the fourth book in the Holiday Romance series but it can be read as a standalone. A charming read with some lovely characters. A quick and easy read with a delightful writing style.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Kat Vignoles has worked hard her whole leaving home for Manchester, raising two children by herself and climbing the corporate ladder of advertising agency Fresh Ideas. So when Excalibur Cruises invites her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to secure her promotion to the agency's board... and maybe to finally relax a little.
But the last person she wants to stuck on a boat with is Wulf Hendricks, the CEO of rival agency Bright Campaigns – and Kat's nemesis. When Wulf bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Wulf has become a distractingly attractive opponent.
As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon and Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing getting rough...
My Opinion
Escape to the Turquoise Seas is the fourth book in the Holiday Romance series but it can be read as a standalone. A charming read with some lovely characters. A quick and easy read with a delightful writing style.
Rating 4/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is my second book by Carrie Walker, and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Romance isn't usually the genre I naturally reach for, but I really enjoy the way this author writes. The humour is woven throughout the story perfectly, making it such an easy and enjoyable read.
Set aboard a cruise ship as it travels to different destinations, this book had me wishing I was packing my suitcase! I especially loved the stop in Madeira. Having visited myself (and, of course, sledged down the famous streets!), I couldn't help but smile knowing exactly what the characters were experiencing. It added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.
The rivals-to-lovers dynamic was fun, the pacing kept the story moving, and the whole book had such a cosy, feel-good atmosphere that was easy to get lost in.
If you're looking for a light-hearted romance with plenty of humour, beautiful locations and characters you'll enjoy spending time with, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
I'll certainly be reading more books by Carrie Walker in the future!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set aboard a cruise ship as it travels to different destinations, this book had me wishing I was packing my suitcase! I especially loved the stop in Madeira. Having visited myself (and, of course, sledged down the famous streets!), I couldn't help but smile knowing exactly what the characters were experiencing. It added an extra layer of enjoyment for me.
The rivals-to-lovers dynamic was fun, the pacing kept the story moving, and the whole book had such a cosy, feel-good atmosphere that was easy to get lost in.
If you're looking for a light-hearted romance with plenty of humour, beautiful locations and characters you'll enjoy spending time with, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
I'll certainly be reading more books by Carrie Walker in the future!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second of Carries books I’ve read but actually the fourth in the holiday series. All are standalones so if you’ve only read this one, that’s fine. There’s just something about how the writing and plot makes you feel like you’re actually in the story.
In this book Kat works in PR and is offered the chance to pitch for the upcoming exclusive account for a cruise company onboard a trip with them. We have a full on enemies to lovers scenario with forced proximity as also on board is fierce competition from Leo , the CEO of a rival company who is also there for the same reasons. However, past intentions within a past marketing job left them both being rather stand offish and cold with each other.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise and after this I feel like I’ve experienced one. Set in a beautiful setting with absolute fantastic characters. The only one I didn’t mould to was Zack. A book full of pure escapism and the perfect holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Aria & Aries and Carrie Walker
In this book Kat works in PR and is offered the chance to pitch for the upcoming exclusive account for a cruise company onboard a trip with them. We have a full on enemies to lovers scenario with forced proximity as also on board is fierce competition from Leo , the CEO of a rival company who is also there for the same reasons. However, past intentions within a past marketing job left them both being rather stand offish and cold with each other.
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise and after this I feel like I’ve experienced one. Set in a beautiful setting with absolute fantastic characters. The only one I didn’t mould to was Zack. A book full of pure escapism and the perfect holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Aria & Aries and Carrie Walker
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a light-hearted, fun read which is perfect as a holiday read. It whisks you away on a cruise ship with some lively characters and there is plenty of humour to be found, both in the interactions between the characters and in the events themselves. Pitted against each other are Kat and Leo and their PR companies which are both trying to win the PR contract for the cruise line. If Kat's firm loses and fails to renew this huge contract, the livelihoods of their colleagues and themselves will be in danger.
Kat and Leo have a joint history which stems to when they were both young interns and both trying to get a permanent job in the firm they were working in. Kat has held a grudge for years and it is a shock to her to discover that many of her assumptions about Leo were incorrect. Forced to work in the confines of the cruise ship, she has to face up to a few home truths. Of course there are other characters who add to the fun of the story and plenty of situations to amuse.
In short: sun, sea and romance
Kat and Leo have a joint history which stems to when they were both young interns and both trying to get a permanent job in the firm they were working in. Kat has held a grudge for years and it is a shock to her to discover that many of her assumptions about Leo were incorrect. Forced to work in the confines of the cruise ship, she has to face up to a few home truths. Of course there are other characters who add to the fun of the story and plenty of situations to amuse.
In short: sun, sea and romance
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this could be my favourite Carrie Walker novel so far, given how much I love cruising.
And the Esmerelda is one rather impressive cruise ship, I adored resident drag cabaret star Barbie Cue who has a heart of gold. Then there is Dahlia the ents manager, who is determined to get Kat and Leo taking part in as much stuff as possible.
After all how can they hope to pitch for Excalibur Cruise's PR account, if they haven't experienced everything.
These are rivals with history between them and the rivalry is fierce.
I loved the descriptions of the various ports of call on this cruise, especially of the Azores. And some of the excursions sounded fabulous too.
I really enjoyed my fortnight aboard the Esmerelda as well as all the drama and pitch ideas it brings with it.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And the Esmerelda is one rather impressive cruise ship, I adored resident drag cabaret star Barbie Cue who has a heart of gold. Then there is Dahlia the ents manager, who is determined to get Kat and Leo taking part in as much stuff as possible.
After all how can they hope to pitch for Excalibur Cruise's PR account, if they haven't experienced everything.
These are rivals with history between them and the rivalry is fierce.
I loved the descriptions of the various ports of call on this cruise, especially of the Azores. And some of the excursions sounded fabulous too.
I really enjoyed my fortnight aboard the Esmerelda as well as all the drama and pitch ideas it brings with it.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first Carrie Walker book, and I already know it won't be my last.
I loved the enemies-to-lovers romance between Kat and Leo. Watching two rival PR professionals compete for the same cruise line contract while sailing together created so many fun moments. Their chemistry felt natural, and I found myself smiling every time they were together.
The cruise setting was absolutely gorgeous. Between the destinations, the food, and the atmosphere, I wanted to book my own vacation before I even finished reading.
I also appreciated how relatable the characters were. Even surrounded by luxury, they felt like real people with real insecurities and real emotions.
My only complaint is that I wanted another hundred pages because I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the enemies-to-lovers romance between Kat and Leo. Watching two rival PR professionals compete for the same cruise line contract while sailing together created so many fun moments. Their chemistry felt natural, and I found myself smiling every time they were together.
The cruise setting was absolutely gorgeous. Between the destinations, the food, and the atmosphere, I wanted to book my own vacation before I even finished reading.
I also appreciated how relatable the characters were. Even surrounded by luxury, they felt like real people with real insecurities and real emotions.
My only complaint is that I wanted another hundred pages because I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Escape to the Turquoise Seas is an enemies to lovers rom com romance.
When two PR companies are pitted against each other to win the the account of Excalibur a luxury sea cruise company battle lines are drawn, especially when Amplify the opposing company is their nemesis, always pitching to out do and often winning accounts from Kat’s company.
A lighthearted read but not one that engaged me, at times the storyline was slow, with characters that I think were intended to be humorous but I found were more caricatures especially Brooke the Texan that was to decide who would win the contract.
The descriptions of the ports visited and food onboard ship were well described but not enough for me to be invested in the story.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
When two PR companies are pitted against each other to win the the account of Excalibur a luxury sea cruise company battle lines are drawn, especially when Amplify the opposing company is their nemesis, always pitching to out do and often winning accounts from Kat’s company.
A lighthearted read but not one that engaged me, at times the storyline was slow, with characters that I think were intended to be humorous but I found were more caricatures especially Brooke the Texan that was to decide who would win the contract.
The descriptions of the ports visited and food onboard ship were well described but not enough for me to be invested in the story.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker is book number 4 in the Holiday Romance series by the author. The FMC is Kat who is working as a PR executive. One of her big clients wants to rebrand and she comes into conflict with her adversary, Leo aka 'Wulf' who works for another PR company and is her rival. The client decides that both companies must go on the cruise to get a better understanding of the boat and the company overall. I like the descriptions of the cruise and the ship overall so it's a great holiday read for those who are looking for a quick and easy read for the weekend or a good summer read. I also like the chemistry and the reality of the relationship of the two main leads in this book, it is a very believable one. And this book has one of my favorite tropes in it, enemies to lovers which was done perfectly!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, feel‑good read that gave me all the holiday vibes. Kat, working in PR, suddenly finds herself competing against her old rival Leo for a big cruise line account. To make things even more intense, both agencies are invited onboard to experience the cruise.
Since I work in marketing I could totally understand the dynamics here.
The chemistry built slowly, and the banter between them kept the story lively.
The cruise setting was a highlight. The descriptions of beautiful places like Madeira, Lisbon and many others were so vivid that I felt like I was traveling alongside them. The food, the excursions, even the silent disco made the book feel like a mini vacation.
The mix of rivalry, romance, and travel made the story lighthearted but also meaningful, as Kat learned to let go of old grudges and see Leo in a new way.
Since I work in marketing I could totally understand the dynamics here.
The chemistry built slowly, and the banter between them kept the story lively.
The cruise setting was a highlight. The descriptions of beautiful places like Madeira, Lisbon and many others were so vivid that I felt like I was traveling alongside them. The food, the excursions, even the silent disco made the book feel like a mini vacation.
The mix of rivalry, romance, and travel made the story lighthearted but also meaningful, as Kat learned to let go of old grudges and see Leo in a new way.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A delicious escape to kickstart your summer.
Kat’s PR agency has an important pitch to make to their longtime client Excalibur Cruises. The catch? Kat and her boss Heidi have to go on one of the cruises alongside their PR rivals in order to make the pitch as authentic as possible.
I devoured this book while sitting in the sunshine and pretending I was on a beach in Portugal alongside the characters. This book gives such lush descriptions of the food and atmosphere that I felt like I was there.
Kat’s fear of being on the cruise are so relatable, and I found myself highlighting the scene where she silent disco-ed to an *iconic* song.
Thank you to Aria & Aries I Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Kat’s PR agency has an important pitch to make to their longtime client Excalibur Cruises. The catch? Kat and her boss Heidi have to go on one of the cruises alongside their PR rivals in order to make the pitch as authentic as possible.
I devoured this book while sitting in the sunshine and pretending I was on a beach in Portugal alongside the characters. This book gives such lush descriptions of the food and atmosphere that I felt like I was there.
Kat’s fear of being on the cruise are so relatable, and I found myself highlighting the scene where she silent disco-ed to an *iconic* song.
Thank you to Aria & Aries I Aria and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fun enemies to lovers rom com set in a variety of gorgeous destinations!
Kat's a PR manager desperately trying to impress her biggest client, a cruising company.
As part of a pitch to keep their business, she's flung together with her arch nemesis Leo who is the CEO of a rival firm. He's the guy who stole her dream job years ago and she hasn't seen him since.
The pitch turns out to involve a two week long cruise, where she and Leo clear the air and bond with each other, realising that they both had feelings for each other from the moment they first met.
It's not plain sailing for this pair, especially when old rivalries are ignited...
There is a brilliant cast of characters and enough plot twists to make you want to keep reading. This would be a brilliant beach read.
Kat's a PR manager desperately trying to impress her biggest client, a cruising company.
As part of a pitch to keep their business, she's flung together with her arch nemesis Leo who is the CEO of a rival firm. He's the guy who stole her dream job years ago and she hasn't seen him since.
The pitch turns out to involve a two week long cruise, where she and Leo clear the air and bond with each other, realising that they both had feelings for each other from the moment they first met.
It's not plain sailing for this pair, especially when old rivalries are ignited...
There is a brilliant cast of characters and enough plot twists to make you want to keep reading. This would be a brilliant beach read.
Review of advance copy
This is the first Carrie Walker book I have read and it certainly won't be the last. I believe it is book 4 in the Escapes Series.
It had a lot of the tropes I love and set on a cruise ship, the descriptions of which were amazing.
I loved Kat and Leo's characters and felt they were well written. You could tell there was chemistry, as well as history, between them. I was, however, irked at Kat in her treatment of Leo at times and wished she communicated more. I did hope things would work out for them though.
The other characters added another layer with their own back story. However, their characters were questionable and they annoyed me at times.
A wonderful easy read full of fun, laughter, romance and drama, which I couldn't put down.
It had a lot of the tropes I love and set on a cruise ship, the descriptions of which were amazing.
I loved Kat and Leo's characters and felt they were well written. You could tell there was chemistry, as well as history, between them. I was, however, irked at Kat in her treatment of Leo at times and wished she communicated more. I did hope things would work out for them though.
The other characters added another layer with their own back story. However, their characters were questionable and they annoyed me at times.
A wonderful easy read full of fun, laughter, romance and drama, which I couldn't put down.
June 25, 2026
I really enjoy reading the escape to series. They are fun, happy and flirty, this one didn’t disappoint. Kat has been working in PR for years, when she has to try and win a contract they have, she’s hoping it will go well. She boards a huge Excalibur cruise ship and bumps into a guy she was at university with. They don’t like each other and their company has won every bid they have been up against. The cruise begins with all the fun and games. It’s a great summer read, the cruise sounds lovely, the fun and games on board are a delight, a great fun read for summer. 5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a glorious book to wind down with. Kat is a hard working, single woman who is head strong and puts her career before anything else so when she is invited on a cruise to pitch, she knows she must show her boss what a valued member of the team she is and that she can do this for the business. But when Leo ends up on board too from a rival company, Kat needs to show everyone that she is the woman for the job, it is unfortunate that Leo is very good looking and Kat may be tempted. It was such a light and easy read. Amusing in parts and just full of sunshine, cruises, work and maybe a little romance. Light hearted and lovely.
July 17, 2026
Escape to the Turquoise Seas is a cute enemies-to-lovers romance. Kat and Leo have history. They are current rivals. All that comes to a head when the companies they work for have to pitch the same account for PR services. Crammed aboard a cruise ship, only one team will successfully secure the account.
Escape to the Turquoise Seas is fast-paced, easy to follow and get lost in, and has a fantastic setting. I enjoyed the author's writing style, character development, and world-building. Filled with wonderful characters, vivid imagery, and an engaging story, Escape to the Turquoise Seas is a must read!
Escape to the Turquoise Seas is fast-paced, easy to follow and get lost in, and has a fantastic setting. I enjoyed the author's writing style, character development, and world-building. Filled with wonderful characters, vivid imagery, and an engaging story, Escape to the Turquoise Seas is a must read!
July 21, 2026
This is the second book I’ve read by Carrie Walker and I loved it even more than the first. It’s such a wonderful, fun read. The hilarious riff between the characters, the fact it was set on a cruise & generally the overall plot being based around PR was perfect for me. It all fit together so well.
The MFC is so unbelievably relatable. Everything she thought is how I feel on a daily basis. She felt real with real emotions and I loved that. Throw in your cocky yet misunderstood MMC and you have the best kind of romance. Together, the love-hate relationship they have throughout the book is just delightful. I didn’t want to put the book down as I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and wanted to find out more.
The competitive nature of the two couples was something different to your usual romance too, I just loved the overall idea of them competing for the PR contract and the variety of characters. The cruise element was clever, well structured & a fabulous insight into the cruising world, which I feel is very undervalued.
It’s a book full of real emotions, with added twists and turns & lots of fun thrown in. Give it a read, you won’t regret it.
*Thank you NetGalley & Aria & Aries for the eArc ahead of publishing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks for Netgalley and also Aria & Aries | Aria for providing this ARC!
The cover was so pretty, and yes, Ia dmit it was what drew me towards the book in first place. It is also obviously part of a series? But it worked well as a standalone in my opinion, I did not really have the feeling I missed important things while reading. For me, it was a little romantic holiday, taking me onto a cruise I could never afford in real life... I laughed, I dreamed of the ocean, and I simply overall very much enjoyed this one. Well done!
The cover was so pretty, and yes, Ia dmit it was what drew me towards the book in first place. It is also obviously part of a series? But it worked well as a standalone in my opinion, I did not really have the feeling I missed important things while reading. For me, it was a little romantic holiday, taking me onto a cruise I could never afford in real life... I laughed, I dreamed of the ocean, and I simply overall very much enjoyed this one. Well done!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A good bit of fun where you don’t have to think too hard, just immerse yourself in the story with the beautiful scenery being described and the completely relatable antics on the cruise ship. It’s not groundbreaking but it is enjoyable to read. I enjoyed that it highlighted destinations that don’t get as much press and that it showed some of the more unusual activities. It may be little predictable but it’s still a good read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun, beachy summer read! The plot moves quickly and I ended up finishing it in just a couple of days.
While I found the chemistry between the main characters a little flat at times, it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment. It was still an engaging and entertaining story, perfect for a light, easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC
While I found the chemistry between the main characters a little flat at times, it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment. It was still an engaging and entertaining story, perfect for a light, easy read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC
April 12, 2026
Having read Escape to the Northern Lights, this latest offering by Carrie Walker did not disappoint. Funny, poignant and at times cringeworthy, the tale of Kat’s cruise experience with her PR company pitching against their rivals offered lots of fun. The perfect summer read!
July 19, 2026
Filled to the brim with summer fun and romance
The perfect romance read for the beach or by the pool - and before you know you too could imagine being on deck of the Esmeralda cruise ship sailing around the Azores, Madeira and Lisbon.
The perfect romance read for the beach or by the pool - and before you know you too could imagine being on deck of the Esmeralda cruise ship sailing around the Azores, Madeira and Lisbon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews