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Princess Cruises Presents
To Catch a Bouquet
A straight-talking redhead, a tried-and-true cowboy, and a magical week on the high seas.
Annie Grace Thomas would rather be hauling hay than spending a week on a cruise ship, no matter how spectacular it happens to be…at least until she meets Clint.
Clint McCall wouldn’t be on that ship if it weren’t for his parents’ wedding anniversary and vow renewal—a family celebration he couldn’t possibly refuse to join. But when a bouquet unexpectedly comes sailing through the air at him—and he looks down at the cute little redhead who is holding the other side of it—little does he know that his life is about to change forever.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
798 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Brown
185 books4,158 followersHi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.
I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.
I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.
Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!
I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 27, 2021
Two strangers, Annie Grace Thomas, and Clint McCall (both from Texas) meet on board the Emerald Princess (a luxurious Princess cruise ship). Annie Grace is there for her sister Marybeth’s wedding, and Clint is there for his parent’s wedding anniversary and wedding vow renewal. Annie Grace and Clint both get to know each other during their week-long cruise and find themselves very attracted to each other. But what will happen when the cruise is over?
This was a lovely and entertaining short story (54 pages). The main couple were very likable, and I loved the cruise ship setting. I liked the things they did on board the ship, and the shore excursions they went on. Annie Grace and Clint had a lot in common and made a good couple. A fast and romantic read.
This was a lovely and entertaining short story (54 pages). The main couple were very likable, and I loved the cruise ship setting. I liked the things they did on board the ship, and the shore excursions they went on. Annie Grace and Clint had a lot in common and made a good couple. A fast and romantic read.
October 20, 2016
Short and sweet.
May 4, 2017
A cute, short romance. Quick read and very entertaining.
July 14, 2016
This was a quick, clean read. The writing and editing were well done. I guess, because it was so short, there was a lot of the good stuff missing to make me really gets some feels when reading. It seemed more like a romanticized commercial for Princess Cruises, and I found myself skimming over some of the description that sounded like it came from a brochure. Also, my husband and I got married on a cruise ship. Not of this particular cruise line, but a cruise ship nonetheless. The way the weddings played out in the book is not how things worked on our cruise. Overall, it was a decent read if you're just looking for something quick and free with a HEA. But if you're looking for something with some depth, you might want to look elsewhere.
February 14, 2018
Good romance but very predictable
It was like a romantic story every young girl wants for themselves. Good story but I liked the last one I read better. The new one sounds pretty good too. I gave this rating. But I know it was probably one of your first.
It was like a romantic story every young girl wants for themselves. Good story but I liked the last one I read better. The new one sounds pretty good too. I gave this rating. But I know it was probably one of your first.
November 2, 2015
very cheesy and predictable. somewhat boring plot with no climax.
November 21, 2015
Princess cruise
This story makes you want to take a cruise for the romance and the food. Another hit For Carolyn and princess cruise ships.
This story makes you want to take a cruise for the romance and the food. Another hit For Carolyn and princess cruise ships.
March 31, 2016
Sweet romance
This is a typical romance with with no trouble or problems and it was fun to read. Will not take long to read.
This is a typical romance with with no trouble or problems and it was fun to read. Will not take long to read.
December 3, 2016
Completely stupid advertisement for Princess Cruises. At least it was free.
August 4, 2017
3.5 stars for this fun short story. Could be an infomercial for Princess Cruise Lines. The author apparently knows her way around the Princess Lines. She must be an experienced cruiser, as am I, so I can vouch for her accurate descriptions of the ships various decks, restaurants and all the fun stuff one can experience on a cruise.
Two single people meet on the Emerald Princess going through the Caribbean. Both are Texans and there for a wedding ceremony. They both reached for the bouquet at the same time? Which is how they meet. This is a predictable romance but a refreshing change of pace for me from what I've been reading lately. I love Carolyn Brown and her clean, light and funny novels.
Two single people meet on the Emerald Princess going through the Caribbean. Both are Texans and there for a wedding ceremony. They both reached for the bouquet at the same time? Which is how they meet. This is a predictable romance but a refreshing change of pace for me from what I've been reading lately. I love Carolyn Brown and her clean, light and funny novels.
May 9, 2017
There was nothing I didn't like about this novella. Being a fan of Carolyn Brown's her books never disappoint. Annie Grace and Clint are each on their first ever cruise. She for her sister's wedding. He for his parents vow renewal. It was fate that brought them together. Each being alone without a partner they decided to do shore excursions together. Then they were having all their meals together. Before they knew it, even in such a short time, they knew that what they each felt was the real thing. This was a short sweet romance and I really hated for it to end.
September 13, 2019
Cute little story! Mostly a cruise ship infomercial! Not Caroline’s normal thing, but for a short, sweet read, it’s entertaining!gives you a lot of info, if you don’t know much about cruises, (which includes me) , so some seem to complain, some seem to agree with me.... just read it , enjoy! Love Ms Caroline, a cool, sweet Oklahoma author, who writes delightful , humorous, romances! Also historical, lots of cowboys, & other fiction!i have been very late getting this written..... may have already posted a review somewhere else? I apologize if that happened, thank you.......
November 13, 2019
I wanted to like this - the premise is so cute! But there were so many little things wrong with it that I was constantly pulled from the story and found myself rolling my eyes.
I also felt like the whole story was told to me instead of shown to me (except when there were sparks and there were so many sparks I thought the damn ship caught fire). And there was a heaviness and gravity to certain scenes that didn’t match the rest of the story or the development of the feelings. The characters were flat and one-dimensional.
If you’re into cheesy romance with only kissing, this one is for you.
I also felt like the whole story was told to me instead of shown to me (except when there were sparks and there were so many sparks I thought the damn ship caught fire). And there was a heaviness and gravity to certain scenes that didn’t match the rest of the story or the development of the feelings. The characters were flat and one-dimensional.
If you’re into cheesy romance with only kissing, this one is for you.
August 20, 2020
Disappointing!
I have read and enjoyed many of Carolyn Brown's books, but I did not like this one at all! The story was rushed...no character development, no filling in of details, just a rush to the romantic ending. I would have enjoyed seeing what happened between the two main characters after they left the cruise ship, watching their relationship develop and grow, but all of a sudden, it was a year later and they were getting married! I felt cheated by this book, like the point was just to get to the end, with nothing of interest leading up to it.😣
I have read and enjoyed many of Carolyn Brown's books, but I did not like this one at all! The story was rushed...no character development, no filling in of details, just a rush to the romantic ending. I would have enjoyed seeing what happened between the two main characters after they left the cruise ship, watching their relationship develop and grow, but all of a sudden, it was a year later and they were getting married! I felt cheated by this book, like the point was just to get to the end, with nothing of interest leading up to it.😣
December 18, 2023
Mary Beth decided to get married on a cruise, so she took her sister Annie Grace with her with instructions that when she got married she would not be interrupted on her honeymoon. She then booked Annie Grace some activities to keep her busy.
When Mary Beth through the bouquet, Annie Grace only caught half of it while a gentleman caught it as well.
This book will make you smile and you won't want to put it down once you started reading it. You can always be assured that if the book is written by Carolyn Brown it will be an awesome book
When Mary Beth through the bouquet, Annie Grace only caught half of it while a gentleman caught it as well.
This book will make you smile and you won't want to put it down once you started reading it. You can always be assured that if the book is written by Carolyn Brown it will be an awesome book
October 1, 2024
1.5, rounded up. Look, I recognize these were produced by/for the cruise line, but so many things came across very insincere. I can say this is the longest and cringiest vacation advertisement I’ve ever read.
Having been on several cruises though, it was pretty accurate in describing the experience - I just could have done with the advertisement being less in your face. I snorted when we got to “Movies Under the Stars®️” including the registered symbol.
Very short story… First cruise, shared catch of bridal bouquet, then cue cowboy insta-love and a thorough tour of the ship
Having been on several cruises though, it was pretty accurate in describing the experience - I just could have done with the advertisement being less in your face. I snorted when we got to “Movies Under the Stars®️” including the registered symbol.
Very short story… First cruise, shared catch of bridal bouquet, then cue cowboy insta-love and a thorough tour of the ship
April 17, 2019
This was so cute and sweet, I just wish it had been longer. I wanted more! However, the book was very well written and the characters were great. As someone who has been on a couple of cruises, I can tell the author herself has either done some serious research or has actually been on at least one herself since the details are very accurate (which I thoroughly appreciate). Definitely an author I'll be looking out for in the future!
April 13, 2022
Cute quick read. Annie Grace & Clint meet on a cruise ship. She’s there for her sister’s wedding; he’s there for his parents’ vow renewal & they meet over the bouquet. A whirlwind week on the high seas full of romance brings them together.
This book was a really quick read (less than an hour). I wish we had gotten more of their relationship after the cruise. Maybe Carolyn will pick the story up once they get home so we can get the cowboy romancing his cowgirl.
This book was a really quick read (less than an hour). I wish we had gotten more of their relationship after the cruise. Maybe Carolyn will pick the story up once they get home so we can get the cowboy romancing his cowgirl.
May 20, 2022
Sweet and Clean Romance on a Cruise Ship
This is a novella-length sweet and clean romance. The story takes place on a Princess Cruise and is pretty much an advertisement for their cruises. But that is ok because it is a romantic setting for the story. It features those Texas cattle ranchers that this author captures so realistically. While the story is complete in itself, I am sure we will see the characters again in other stories. A classic, feel-good romance that warms your heart.
This is a novella-length sweet and clean romance. The story takes place on a Princess Cruise and is pretty much an advertisement for their cruises. But that is ok because it is a romantic setting for the story. It features those Texas cattle ranchers that this author captures so realistically. While the story is complete in itself, I am sure we will see the characters again in other stories. A classic, feel-good romance that warms your heart.
February 1, 2023
This genre isn’t my cup of tea. Even after this book it still isn’t. It was cute, the writing as a whole was actually good. I’m not a big fan of the insta love trope, but others who are might enjoy this. It was a super short novella so it was easy to read. But I’m sorry, I cannot get over the “He gave me a smile that put an extra giddy up on my pulse.” It was all over for me after that hahahahaha.
September 22, 2017
Romance at it's best
Who says romance and true love can't happen in just one week? Clint and Annie Grace have no idea that their lives are about to change upon a cruise ship. Annie Grace is there to witness her bestie get married and Clint is there for his parents renewal of their vows, after 40 years of marriage. Romance and love...the adventure of a life time begins.
Who says romance and true love can't happen in just one week? Clint and Annie Grace have no idea that their lives are about to change upon a cruise ship. Annie Grace is there to witness her bestie get married and Clint is there for his parents renewal of their vows, after 40 years of marriage. Romance and love...the adventure of a life time begins.
April 26, 2018
Let's Read It Again
If you have never been on a cruise, you will be dying to go on one after reading this!! Magic, excitement, and love is what this story is all about. I love how Carolyn kept her western trademark alive even on a cruise ship!! Great story and I highly recommend it!
If you have never been on a cruise, you will be dying to go on one after reading this!! Magic, excitement, and love is what this story is all about. I love how Carolyn kept her western trademark alive even on a cruise ship!! Great story and I highly recommend it!
November 29, 2018
Love at first bouquet
Wow, what a delightful read. Annie Grace and Clint meet on the Emerald Princess cruise ship, when they both catch the bouquet thrown by Marybeth, Annie’s sister. They’re both single and decide to go on the excursions together. This is a fast read about how they spend that week together and then have to go home. Grab your copy and see what all happens.
Wow, what a delightful read. Annie Grace and Clint meet on the Emerald Princess cruise ship, when they both catch the bouquet thrown by Marybeth, Annie’s sister. They’re both single and decide to go on the excursions together. This is a fast read about how they spend that week together and then have to go home. Grab your copy and see what all happens.
June 22, 2019
Fun romantic story
Fun romantic story about two workaholics from Texas. No longer hopeful about finding real love, they each have been forced to be on a cruise ship for a week. Sightseeing tours have been arranged and they are expected by family to participate. A bouquet, which is caught together brings them together and the rest is the story.
Fun romantic story about two workaholics from Texas. No longer hopeful about finding real love, they each have been forced to be on a cruise ship for a week. Sightseeing tours have been arranged and they are expected by family to participate. A bouquet, which is caught together brings them together and the rest is the story.
August 5, 2019
What a waste of time
What a loss of money. This author surprised me I can usually buy her books without reading the reviews. I've enjoyed her books so much, but this one is like an afterthought that she came up with to fill in a gap. It's not worth the time or money. I would not have even liked reading it for free!
What a loss of money. This author surprised me I can usually buy her books without reading the reviews. I've enjoyed her books so much, but this one is like an afterthought that she came up with to fill in a gap. It's not worth the time or money. I would not have even liked reading it for free!
September 4, 2020
To Catch a Bouquet is a cute, quick little read. Clean and wholesome, the romance is sweet and occurs in passing on a cruise ship. As someone who has been on a cruise or two in her life, this book has wonderful descriptions and I felt like I was on the ship. I highly recommend this quick romantic story between Anne and Clint.
March 11, 2021
To Catch a Bouquet was a very entertaining short story. The characters oozed with chemistry and were believable. Moreover, the delightful plot was quite interesting, especially being set on a cruise. I adored the author's use of vivid descriptions which created a lively tone. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this narrative.
March 14, 2022
A lot of rushing
The author rushes the reader through the events with a lot of telling. Dialogue that should make the characters pause and reflect did not. I could feel the love on its surface. The author did relay the atmosphere on a Princess Cruise, but that's it. The ending is nice.
The author rushes the reader through the events with a lot of telling. Dialogue that should make the characters pause and reflect did not. I could feel the love on its surface. The author did relay the atmosphere on a Princess Cruise, but that's it. The ending is nice.
February 19, 2025
Quick little read finished in one walk on my peleton. :) Finding love on a Princess Cruise, 2 strangers meet simultaneously catching a bouquet at the ship's chapel. Having been on cruises and at the stops they did excursions at, easy to picture the romance unfolding, especially as time does seem to stand still when cruising.
July 14, 2017
2.5 stars for this short story advertisement for Princess.
"There was something so relaxing about water all around them, an incredible cruise ship where even the lines of the exquisite decor said “forget everything and let yourself go.”
"There was something so relaxing about water all around them, an incredible cruise ship where even the lines of the exquisite decor said “forget everything and let yourself go.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews