‘Who doesn't love an adventure? Especially when it's set in the Caribbean!’ Linn B Halton ‘Who doesn't dream about a vacation in the Caribbean?’ R is for Reviews ‘I loved Janice’s descriptions of the Caribbean.’ Comet Babe’s Books ‘You feel like you are living the story.’ LB. Netgalley Reviewer. ‘Janice’s descriptive passages capture the very essence of the Caribbean.’ Carol E Wyer 'Adventure, danger, romance, and a backdrop to die for!" BestChickLit.com “The waterfall and the cave scenes took my breath away.” Jera’s Jamboree Book Blog “A very entertaining and fun read.” The Book Maven. CASTAWAY IN THE CARIBBEAN Vacationing on the beautiful Caribbean island of Antigua, Janey Sinclair is persuaded by her magazine editor boss to do a quick island hop in order to supervise an impromptu photo-shoot for the front cover. With no flights immediately available, Janey is directed to the harbour. Captain Travis Mathews hates tourists, although he’s not above making a bit of money off a prissy and sharp-tongued young British girl when she’s desperate to get to the neighbouring island of Tortola. After striking a deal, they set off together in Travis’s weather-beaten old boat. When the vessel comes to a sudden full stop in the sea, the mismatched pair end up as castaways on an uninhabited island. In this fast-moving romantic adventure about a vacation that turns into a tropical nightmare there’s more fun than you’ll find in any travel brochure.
Janice Horton, also known as the backpacking housewife, writes contemporary romantic fiction with a dash of humour and a sense of adventure. Once her three children had grown up, Janice and her backpacking husband sold their empty nest in Scotland UK along with almost everything they owned and set off to travel the world. Since then they have been travelling full-time and have explored over 50 countries, living out of an apartment, a hut, or wherever they happen to find themselves.
Janice works as a writer wherever she is in the world. When not writing bestselling romantic adventure novels, she writes lifestyle and travel features for her website and her work has also featured in national and international magazines like ‘Prima’ in the UK and ‘Friday’ in Dubai. She has also been involved in BBC Scotland’s Write Here Write Now project and has been interviewed on many podcasts and radio shows including Loose Women’s Kaye Adams’ prime time BBC Radio Scotland Show.
Look out for her latest romantic adventure novel and escape to a tropical paradise in this epic story of hidden pasts and family secrets: 'Island in the Sun' (published January 2019)
Janice writes for HarperCollins Publishers. Janice signed a three-book deal with HarperImpulse - the romance imprint of HarperCollinsUK for 'The Backpacking Housewife' (published July 2018) and two more backpacking romantic adventure novels including a sequel 'The Next Adventure' (July 2019) and a third title to be published later in 2019.
Her backlist of bestselling romantic adventure novels include: 'Bagpipes and Bullshot' and 'Reaching for the Stars' and 'Castaway in the Caribbean' - a #1 Kindle Bestseller shortlisted for the prestigious Love Story Awards.
Janice also writes under the author name of Janey Travis. Look out for her fun romantic comedy 'I Need a Doctor'. “Just the right sprinkling of romance and humour” says Brook Cottage Books.
Firstly I’d like to thank the author for sending me this eBook to read and share my honest review. The blurb on this one really caught my attention and I couldn’t wait to start reading.
By the time I reached the end of chapter one I was captivated. Janey’s relationship with her boyfriend seemed a little off but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was that bothered me about it. Janey was soon sent off on work business so I didn’t really get the chance to explore their relationship fully but I soon realised that my sense of unease was justified.
I thoroughly enjoyed the moment Janey first met Travis – I just love it when characters don’t get on, I think it makes the storyline more entertaining. Reading from Travis’ point of view was great because he was just so charming, I wanted to know exactly what was going through his mind when he was laying on that charm. Janey was a wonderful character, she seemed to blossom before my eyes and I loved that about her. Apparently danger was the key to her finding her own strength.
Unusually for me I actually chose to read this book at a slower pace purely because I wanted to savour it for a bit longer – I was enjoying it so much, I didn’t want it to finish. There was a point in the storyline where I thought the end was just around the corner, but to my delight the full adventure was only beginning!
If you’re tired of the dull, damp weather outside then this book is just what you need. The authors words will transport you to the beautifully sunny and warm Caribbean where a tray of ice-cold refreshments (and maybe the odd pirate or two) are waiting for you. But then you stop reading and realise its raining outside again. Oh well, back to the book then – it truly is the perfect book to escape with.
Castaway in the Caribbean is an exciting adventure which takes you on a rollercoaster ride of pirates, danger, treasure, kidnapping and even explosions – utter mayhem in beautiful surroundings!
Janey Sinclair is surprised by her wonderful boyfriend with a trip to the Caribbean. Once out of dreary London and on the sandy beaches she feels worlds away. That is until her editor asks her to take a detour from her trip to check on a photo-shoot. When Janey goes looking for a flight she finds none. She is left with only going on a charter boat to the island of Tortola. It is Captain Travis Matthews job to get Janey there and back. Unfortunately, due to a mistake regarding the fuel and Janey’s over zealous need for control they are stranded and forced to stay on a nearby island. While on this island tensions between the two become hot. But before they do anything they would both regret they are forced to defend themselves and their boat from Pirates. These aren’t the Jack Sparrow kind either. Just when Travis and Janey think they are safe and nothing can go wrong that is when the worse happens and they are forced to look at their lives and question what they really want.
This was a great fun read. Janice really wrote a great story with lots of details of the Caribbean. Her research really paid off here. If you have ever seen the movie 7 days and 7 nights you will see some coincidental story line similarities. While reading this I was concerned that this was too close to the movie, but thank goodness for good twists and turns because Janice takes us on a much more suspenseful ride then the movie ever does. The vivid back drop that is painted really becomes a character with in the story. Janey and Travis are great but it’s that scenery that captivates the imagination and helps pull you into the danger, fun and excitement that they experience. Overall, a very entertaining and fun read. Another great addition to the world of fiction by Janice Horton.
I received a copy of this book from Brook Cottage Books in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.
I love the sea. I love beaches. I love going to new places, especially warm places where there's sun, sand, and sea. Having said that, it should not be a surprise anymore if I say that I truly enjoyed this book. Because I really did.
The story was fun. It was great reading page by page. The characters were well-written. The plot and development was well-planned and executed. This book is a great combination of romance and adventure. I liked the heroine, but I have to say that I liked the hero more. I've had a soft spot for the rugged ones who are manly men as opposed to the metrosexuals that seem to be the trend now.
The chemistry between the main characters were great. Boyfriend or not, I immediately wanted them to end up together. I've rooted for them the entire book. This may be cheesy to some, but it definitely hits the right spot if you're looking for a fun, light read to keep you entertained and take you on an adventure even as you just sit at home with a book in your hand.
Castaway in the Caribbean is jolly, light easy read. It's a romantic adventure of the chicklit variety. 30 year old Janey Sinclair lives and works in Scotland. Her barrister boyfriend takes her to Antigua for a holiday and to propose.
Whilst there Janey's boss from Hot Scot Magazine wants her to oversee a photo-shoot on another tiny island. With only a small time window of opportunity Janey must charter a boat to get her there.
Travis Mathews hates tourists but he'll take their money. He accepts Janey's money and sets out to take her to the island of Tortola. Disaster strikes and they end up on an uninhabited island. They are surviving quite nicely awaiting rescue until pirates turn up. Some clever planning helps them outwit the pirates and eventually get back to Antigua, but it's not quite the end of the tale.
This is a modern adventure with some good descriptions of the Caribbean setting. An ideal light beach read type of book.
I have been to the Caribbean before so I knew I would want to read this book. This is a romantic story with a twist, I liked all the characters, the setting was amazing. I felt like I was back there reading this book, it is a definite holiday read. I found this book an enjoyable read. You may want to book a holiday after reading this book though.
'Surreal in its familiarity' is a perfect way to describe this good yet predictable read; with its prototypical damsel in distress versus her begrudging yet handsome hero, Horton's holiday-gone-wrong romance is foreseeable yet still succeeds in producing tension, and laughs despite its somewhat recycled delivery.
A mixture between Mcconaughey's ' Fools Gold and Oscar Wildes 'The Importance of Being Earnest', Horton combines treasure hunting with miraculous coincidences which are just too quintessentially pristine and contrived to be given credence; from sufficient food for survivial and a survivors spice rack to cutlery and plates on hand there appears to be little too much luxury to this island getaway.
But with its suspenseful moments, dramatic twists + turns and close-escapes Horton keeps readers engaged.
It was also a good choice to have multiple narrative perspectives with Mark's viewpoint popping up every now and again as it throws in fresh perspective however the time span and the lack of real depth of emotion makes it difficult for readers to bond with the characters.
Yet the combination of the beautiful scenery and culture such as a waterfall spa in the dense undergrowth, nursery reefs, professional island dancers and comedic character interactions make for a very easy and pleasant Romance.
This was a nice easy holiday read. I enjoyed following the Caribbean holiday romance between Janey and American boat owner, Travis and how that compared with Janey's engagement to her fiance, Mark and Travis, his girlfriend, Honey. I also enjoyed the adventure of Travis and Janey when they get stranded on a small uninhabited island in the Caribbean and find themselves the target of pirates who have buried treasure on the island. I did, however, find a few things confusing e.g. the fact that Travis and his friend Bill talk about the blow hole where the treasure is hidden being full of water, which Travis, on a capture, nearly drowns in. But when Janey is thrown in there she doesn't seem to be in water and if it was a huge drop down anyway, it is surprising she has no injuries. These small details impeded my full enjoyment of the book.
Janey has a life that seems pretty much perfect and a boyfriend who is the epitome of perfect too. Their relationship seems perfect too, if a little ordered. By ordered, read dull! Janey appears to like ordered. Mark’s a good looking guy with a great career and both are ready to make the next step. So Janey’s thrilled when Mark whisks her away on a surprise trip to the Caribbean, to the place where they first met. It seems kind of romantic until Mark, in his carefully ordered way, insists on the same table and the same food. At this point it becomes clear how stifled Janey is within their relationship. So you start to think, wouldn’t it be good for Janey to have some adventure?
Though Janey is supposed to be having a well earned break from work, a problem arises that needs her attention on a neighbouring island. Reluctant Captain, Travis Matthews, has Janey pegged as his worst type of tourist; uptight and prissy doesn’t work for him at all! What a pity they end up stranded together.
The sparks fly and the adventure sets sail when the pair are forced to take shelter on a small island. Laid back Travis infuriates Janey, especially as she blames him for getting them into this mess. He doesn’t seem to take anything seriously, including his relationship with a dancer at the hotel. Janey is desperate to get back to her dependable Mark. But when pirates attempt to steal Travis’s boat and take a keen interest in the island, the pair are forced together for survival and Janey uncovers a lot about herself in this thrilling adventure.
I loved this story! It was fast paced and a pure delight. Take a Harrison Ford movie, mix it up with a little Matthew McConaughey, add a few exciting twists, wonderful scene setting and what you have is a brilliant adventure all wrapped up in this great book!
This book sounded just like my thing, I love travelling and especially enjoy being in the Caribbean, this is an area of the world I have managed to make very familiar. One of my favourite islands is Tortola, so for this to feature in the book made me excited.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book, it was pacy and the story line interested me. We are on holiday with Janey and her boyfriend. They feel like they are miles away from anyone and are enjoying every minute of it. Janey works for an editor in Scotland and so when she gets a call from her boss asking her to leave Antigua and pop over to Tortola to help out with a photo shoot, Janey looks at it as a chance to shine and show her boss what she is made of. Her boyfriend is less impress after just proposing and her contemplating to leave.
Getting to Tortola isn't as easy as it should be, with no flights running, her only option is to hire a boat. This is where she meets Travis, Janey pays over the odds for Travis to take her, but she feels like she has little choice. Unfortunately not everything goes to plan .
Like I said I really enjoyed the first part of the book, it kept my interest and I really wanted to know what was going to happen, however just over half way though I felt the story was a little dragged out and some of the scenarios were a little far fetched. I would have given the book 3.5* but have rounded this up to 4*, I thought that it could have been cut a little shorter, saying this, it didn't make it any less enjoyable and I am glad I had the opportunity to read and review it.
If you enjoy books set somewhere exotic and are a bit of fun this is a perfect read for you, perhaps on the beach with a cocktail in hand?
I would like to thank Janice Horton for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
If escapism is what you’re looking for, this book is it. You know you’re going to get a satisfying ending. You also know from the quality of the writing you’re going on a tantalising adventure before you reach your destination. We open with Janey Sinclair, a columnist for Hot Scot magazine. The author sets the scene fabulously: straightway we have who Janey is, where she’s going, what she wants – or possibly doesn’t. We, the reader, know absolutely, that good looking, apparently caring, (nicely done, Janice Horton) Mark isn’t it. We’re soon whisked off to the Caribbean, where Mark proposes. What? So, what’s not to like? Quite a lot, actually. Mark’s romantic gesture lacks spontaneity. It’s all carefully planned, right down to the last repetitive detail. The man is a control freak. Janey doesn’t plan to run, but run she does: off to meet a photoshoot deadline for her mag on a neighbouring island.
Meeting her travel companion, arrogant, unkempt, good-looking boat-owner, Travis, we’re not surprised she doesn’t make the deadline. Here he is, our gorgeously flawed hero – and there’s lots not to like, but we love him. Marooned on an island with the most seemingly obnoxious, full of himself, incompetent captain ever (even his boat’s unkempt for goodness sake!), the two must learn to get along if they’re to survive an unforgiving climate and marauding pirates. This is a story of self-discovery, a love against all odds kind of story – and I absolutely adored it. You’re simply there: heading for the idyllic white sandy beach, dining on venomous Lionfish, fighting back tears of humiliation and frustration, ditto the lush tropical foliage. With sparks flying, danger and delicious twists and turns along the way, this story is perfect escapism. Bliss in a book.
Janey and Mark are perfect couple. She is journalist, beautiful and attractive; he is tall and very handsome attorney. Mark takes Janey to trip in Caribbean. There Mark asks Janey “the question” she says “yes”and everything is great till Janey gets call from her boss. She supposes to go to other island Tortola and take a picture of some celebrity for the magazine cover. Mark is disappointed; he couldn’t go with her fiancée. But is not simple to go to Tortola, it’s holiday and there is no ride to Tortola, single transport is one old boat and very rude captain. They sailed and near Tits Island they are stuck in the middle of the sea. Tits Islands(lol) as Travis, the captain calls those islands, because they look to him like woman breasts.
Reading about the drama on the ocean I wanted to be there and see all those beautiful places, despite the danger. Blue ocean is everywhere around them and danger rises the adrenaline. I laugh out loud on Janey and Travis conversation in front of Tit Islands when Travis thinks that she is married to some attorney or doctor and Janey thinks that he is a savage.
I like entanglement, stuck in the middle of the ocean and how the author frees things. I was sorry for Mark but then I realized that everything is in the right spot where should be.
This book I highly recommend for summer days to everyone who love romance spiced with danger in the blue ocean.
I would like to thank CandleLitAuthorServices and Janice Horton for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When we first meet Janey she is in her hometown in Scotland and surprised by her boyfriend Mark with a holiday in the Caribbean, everything seems perfect between the couple and when Mark proposes Janey couldn’t be happier. Janey’s boss virtually blackmails her into hopping over to a neighbouring island to do a photo shoot with a model. This is where the fun begins.
Janey meets Travis Matthews who agrees to take her to the neighbouring Island, leaving Mark back at the hotel they set off. Janey and Travis don’t get on from the start and this leads to lots of sarcastic comments between the pair. Especially when they are stranded on an Island and pursued by pirates.
I like Janey from page one and never understood what she saw in the boring stick to the routine Mark, even taking her to the same restaurant every week and having the same meal.
I like Travis even though he was bullish about Janey it was obvious he had a caring side.
I loved Janice’s descriptions of the Caribbean and would love to visit someday.
The story is fast paced and I read this in one sitting, wanting to find out would they escape the Island? Would they escape the Pirates and what would happen between Janey and Travis? If you want a fun adventure that is fast paced and mentions Treasure Island then this is for you.
Who doesn't dream about a vacation in the Caribbean? Me? Defenitely.
Janey Sinclair was lucky enough to go there for a week for the second time with her - what she didn't realised when they were back home - self-centered boyfriend Mark. On the island Mark after three years Finaly manages to propose to Janey. But next day Janey is sent by her boss to the neighbouring island of Tortola where she would have to supervise a photo-shooting for the magazine, she worked for. She goes to the Tortola by boat, with Captain Travis Mathews, who hates tourists and his first encounter with Janey goes badly, partly because of his attitude to the tourists and partly because of Janey's behaviour towards him and his boat. Finally they manages to make a deal and they sail out of the marina, just to find theirselves in the middle of the Caribbean sea with no fuel...
Janice Horton managed to write a romantic adventure with a twist... It's an easy read and basically made you wish to pack your bags and go on the first plane to the British Virgin Islands...
There’s a whole lot of fun and adventure nestled between the pages of Janice Horton’s latest release.
The story begins with a brief introduction to main character, Janey, her normal life and routine-loving boyfriend, Mark. When a surprise trip to the Caribbean comes her way, she jets off with Mark in the hope of some sun, sea and relaxation. Then, with the appearance of Travis, the steady couple’s tropical holiday dramatically veers off course; the action kicks in and Janey proves herself to be a worthy protagonist. Travis will no doubt win the hearts of many female readers, as his steady nature and ruggedness are sure to be a hit.
The author’s obvious knowledge and love of the Caribbean setting shines though and, for me, made all the difference. I could picture the scenes clearly in my head and thoroughly appreciated the research that went into creating the perfect locations. A little bit of adventure, danger, romance and a backdrop to die for are all thrown in the mix to create a read that’s just perfect for whiling away a lazy summer afternoon.
If you’re looking for romance on a tropical island then this is just the book for you. At first I thought how lucky Janey was to have such a caring boyfriend as Mark, who whisks her off to a Caribbean island in order to propose. When he insists on going to the same restaurant and eating the same food, it becomes obvious that he’s a bit of a control freak. He doesn’t like it when Janey has to go to a neighbouring island to interview a model. The pace begins to heat up with the introduction of Travis, Captain of the boat sailing Janey to Antigua. I loved the interaction between these two and when the boat is marooned and they come across a bunch of marauding pirates, their true natures are revealed. It’s a bit like Robinson Crusoe and Girl Friday meet Pirates of the Caribbean – romance, adventure and thrills abound. Some readers might find the ending a tad predictable but then who doesn’t want a Happy Ever After?
I loved all of Janice’s previous books and this one was no exception. Castaway in the Caribbean is fast-paced, adventurous and utterly addictive.
As always, Janice’s character cast is superb! Janey is a wonderful heroine who made me laugh out loud more than once and Trevor is an excellent counterpart for her. I loved their amazingly constructed banter and his dry and slightly sarcastic humour.
Next to a brilliant plot line, there were a few unexpected little twists and turns thrown into the mix and I absolutely adored the stunning description of this tropical destination. It certainly evoked a strong feeling of wanderlust in me.
Castaway in the Carabbean is the perfect summer read . There is not much more that you could want from a romantic novel – two brilliant characters, plenty of adventure and tension and the most stunning setting!
Mixed feelings about this book, I'm afraid. I really wanted to love it, as we're planning a Caribbean trip and it all sounded great for a summery read on a sunny day, dreaming of white beaches and clear blue seas. However, although it began with promise, as I went on reading I felt as though I had picked up, by mistake,a boys' comic tale with "killer pirate captains" and somewhat farcical "fights"! The language style was as if aimed at a young audience although obviously the content was not. I guess that it was meant to be humorous but it became too farcical for my taste. I rushed through the second half because I wanted to get on to another book, and I hate having to do that. A friend also told me that it was almost identical to a Harrison Ford film (?) (I can't remember which one).
I was meant to read this in Greece but instead it accompanied me on the train to London and back and boy did it sweep me away! I adored the setting - hot sand, hot sun and a hot manly boat captain. What more could a girl wish for?
I loved the character of Janey. She was strong, she knew what she wanted (as soon as she got away from her control freak boyfriend - loved to hate him!) and she got her hands dirty. A bit like a Bond girl. And this romance adventure had plenty of action. Death defying leaps into waterfalls, twines that bind and some modern day pirates. It was a breath of fresh air!
I really enjoy Janice's writing style and this book had me captured. I can see why it was shortlisted for the Love Stories Awards 2015. Highly recommended.
What seems like a nice and easy assignment for Janey Sinclair to fly off to the paradise beach of Antigua, for a quick photo shoot with model Nola Nichols on a nearby island does not go quite as planned. When flights are cancelled an offer on board a boat with unlikely Captain, Travis Mathews brings an adventure which involves kidnap, murder, lost treasure, and modern day pirates.
A lively romantic adventure, a nice and easy read that I found hugely entertaining, and enjoyable. Just perfect to cast yourself away from the mishmash of weather we are having at the moment and escape to a book with its warm and sunny setting in the Caribbean.
Who doesn't love an adventure? Especially when it's set in the Caribbean! The cast of characters is headed by Janey and Travis, as the two are thrown together on an unexpected adventure. Can Janey prove she isn't just the predictable tourist Travis thinks she is? And can Travis ever impress Janey? Well, it's a long journey and it's one you'll follow with interest, as the supporting cast adds to the overall fun of this well-written story. Another Janice Horton success and well-deserved - I loved it!
Another great read from Janice Horton, this time set in the Caribbean. A modern day Treasure Island adventure. I do not wish to spoil the storyline for those of you who havn't read it yet but I found that I was totally absorbed in the story that time just ran away from me. The characters were so engaging and I was willing them on. Janey and Travis become the modern day Tarzan and Jane and it was fantastic.
This was a nice easy laid back beach book. I gave it fours stars in the beach book category. (Not so much in a rating of of all the books I have read. ) It is a far fetched adventure, but it had funny moments and was a good light read. If you take it for what it is, it was a good read.
I liked the characters and setting of this story. The treasure hunt was interesting. The romantic misunderstanding was predictable and couples who act on mistaken assumptions annoy me. All in all, a fun read!