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Island Escapes #1
Finding Cory
Olivia Stratten wasn’t thinking about romance when she accepted a job as marketing director for a resort island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. She just wanted to get far, far away from New York and her ruined career. She’s running away from a mess not of her own making…
Her ex-boyfriend’s crimes destroyed her reputation. Nobody in New York will hire Olivia Stratten, once the PR darling of the Big Apple. Offered a job on a resort island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, she jumps at the opportunity to escape. To start again.
Trust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been burned, but when Olivia meets Cory, she can’t help but be tempted. The resort’s easy-going activities director is not only one of the most physically attractive men she’s ever met, he also seems like one of the nicest.
Can Cory possibly be for real? There’s only one way to find out… and Olivia’s way is diving in head-first!
FINDING CORY is a fun, charming 25,000 word standalone contemporary novella with some sexy scenes, set on a glorious, sun-kissed Australian island. Start the Island Escapes series here and fall in love with the staff of Sunfish Island as they hunt for their happily ever afters!
Her ex-boyfriend’s crimes destroyed her reputation. Nobody in New York will hire Olivia Stratten, once the PR darling of the Big Apple. Offered a job on a resort island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, she jumps at the opportunity to escape. To start again.
Trust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been burned, but when Olivia meets Cory, she can’t help but be tempted. The resort’s easy-going activities director is not only one of the most physically attractive men she’s ever met, he also seems like one of the nicest.
Can Cory possibly be for real? There’s only one way to find out… and Olivia’s way is diving in head-first!
FINDING CORY is a fun, charming 25,000 word standalone contemporary novella with some sexy scenes, set on a glorious, sun-kissed Australian island. Start the Island Escapes series here and fall in love with the staff of Sunfish Island as they hunt for their happily ever afters!
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2018
82 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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July 1, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/1/2018)!💝
August 7, 2021
FINDING CORY was a super quick and easy read with a wonderful Australian beach setting. Considering I read this while it was raining outside, I completely dived into the beautiful setting. Olivia has had a rough year so she jumps at the chance to go to Australia and take over the marketing of a newly renovated beach resort. I liked Olivia's attitude toward life and her easy going manner; even when she's just embarrassed herself by falling off the dock. Cory was the classic charming hero and these two have an immediate attraction. Cory has had a bad experience dating a coworker and he's kept himself off the market ever since but he can't help being captivated by Olivia. We only have Cory's POV a few times, but it's clear he's easy going and confident. The story only covers about 2-3 days so it's definitely a HFN and that fits the time frame.
ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review
ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review
August 3, 2023
A short story that takes place in 2 days. Girl runs away from NYC to Australia, meets boy in the morning. Kisses him in the evening gets sunburned the next day and live happily ever after from day 3. Yeap a very short story.
October 23, 2018
Finding Cory - While I prefer clean, I like this author and decided to read this book. The story is funny, entertaining and interesting. The clear descriptions put the reader in Oz and the Sunfish Resort. The characters were all likable and didn't follow the stupid formula, they were intelligent and acted like mature people. The relaxed, conversational writing style and the storylines kept the reader interested in the story. I was surprised when the story ended; it was too soon.
I don't care too much for explicit sex or vulgar language of which there such little usage it was a shock to see (distraction). There was quite a bit of sex, which I skipped - written sex is boring and usually unnecessary. It's the sexual tension that's important, which this story skipped. It was basically "Hello. Let's." A fun read. 4*
If Wishes Were Horses - This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was tickled pink and belly laughed my way quite a bit through the story. Well written, entertaining with plenty of humor keeping the reader immersed in the pages. The most of the characters are fun, likable and developed enough to add to Ms. Lynch's entertaining descriptions. There was interesting information about what goes on with the management of this type of enterprise.
I skipped chapter thirteen because of the explicit sex, which I always find boring, unnecessary and in this case ridiculous since they only met two day previous. There's more but those scenes don't take up a complete chapter. There is infrequent usage of vulgar language, which I appreciate since as a real person I don't use that language. This is a perfect story for a cuppa while snuggling on the sofa. Relaxing and a smile maker. I found this book on Booksprout.co. 5*
I don't care too much for explicit sex or vulgar language of which there such little usage it was a shock to see (distraction). There was quite a bit of sex, which I skipped - written sex is boring and usually unnecessary. It's the sexual tension that's important, which this story skipped. It was basically "Hello. Let's." A fun read. 4*
If Wishes Were Horses - This is my first read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was tickled pink and belly laughed my way quite a bit through the story. Well written, entertaining with plenty of humor keeping the reader immersed in the pages. The most of the characters are fun, likable and developed enough to add to Ms. Lynch's entertaining descriptions. There was interesting information about what goes on with the management of this type of enterprise.
I skipped chapter thirteen because of the explicit sex, which I always find boring, unnecessary and in this case ridiculous since they only met two day previous. There's more but those scenes don't take up a complete chapter. There is infrequent usage of vulgar language, which I appreciate since as a real person I don't use that language. This is a perfect story for a cuppa while snuggling on the sofa. Relaxing and a smile maker. I found this book on Booksprout.co. 5*
November 9, 2018
I immediately connected with this book because of the location and how she was from North America moving to North Queensland. I lived in Australia for two years, about 3 hours from where the setting of this story took place and even visited the location often, so it was kind of a neat coincidence. Having been an international myself I could relate to her confusion with some of the slang and their accent and definitely had a giggle here and there.
After that though, I kind of lost my respect for the story. It was cute, but I am not one for insta-love or insta-relationships, and this one was extremely insta-everything.
I really was not a fan of Olivia. I feel like her “character growth” was another instant. I liked the idea that she was all proper and professional and wasn’t used to the laid back nature of her new job and surroundings, but the change in her literally happened within hours and seemed like she got more immature as time went on.
I also didn’t like that Cory “wasn’t a player” and “didn’t do summer flings”, yet within less than 12 hours they were hooking up, not even knowing anything about each other. To me that sounds like either a fling or a booty call.
I mean, I know it was a novella, but it’s a romance that took place over the span of 3 days…..
I would have enjoyed it more if the story was extended over a longer time frame, even simply by adding “Over the next few days they began to spend more and more time together…..” or “Olivia was so busy the following week she only saw Cory a handful of times…..” Some type of time period to give the story the effect of being longer and having more substance.
The writing itself was enjoyable and was full of detail, but the plot and characters themselves were quite basic.
After that though, I kind of lost my respect for the story. It was cute, but I am not one for insta-love or insta-relationships, and this one was extremely insta-everything.
I really was not a fan of Olivia. I feel like her “character growth” was another instant. I liked the idea that she was all proper and professional and wasn’t used to the laid back nature of her new job and surroundings, but the change in her literally happened within hours and seemed like she got more immature as time went on.
I also didn’t like that Cory “wasn’t a player” and “didn’t do summer flings”, yet within less than 12 hours they were hooking up, not even knowing anything about each other. To me that sounds like either a fling or a booty call.
I mean, I know it was a novella, but it’s a romance that took place over the span of 3 days…..
I would have enjoyed it more if the story was extended over a longer time frame, even simply by adding “Over the next few days they began to spend more and more time together…..” or “Olivia was so busy the following week she only saw Cory a handful of times…..” Some type of time period to give the story the effect of being longer and having more substance.
The writing itself was enjoyable and was full of detail, but the plot and characters themselves were quite basic.
November 9, 2018
Sometimes what I'm just in the mood for is a quick, straightforward, romantic read. All too often, such stories can be dragged out too long with too many forced misunderstandings and problems. Finding Cory is not such a book. Instead, the romance happens quickly, it's quite sweet (by which I mean that their interaction is quite sweet, not that this doesn't involve sex) and there aren't misunderstandings shoehorned in to add a bit of drama to the story.
Cory and Oliva make a great couple and this is a nice quick read about them getting together. It is, very obviously the start to a series, but it does that job well. I enjoyed this novella and polished it off in a morning.
If you're looking for a nice story, then I really don't think that you will go far wrong here. I'd be quite keen to read the rest of the series and I see that there's already the opportunity to get stuck into the second and third books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Cory and Oliva make a great couple and this is a nice quick read about them getting together. It is, very obviously the start to a series, but it does that job well. I enjoyed this novella and polished it off in a morning.
If you're looking for a nice story, then I really don't think that you will go far wrong here. I'd be quite keen to read the rest of the series and I see that there's already the opportunity to get stuck into the second and third books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 22, 2018
🔥Attraction before she even steps on the 🚤boat; will it lead anywhere?
March 20, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Short, Insta-attraction romance at an idyllic Australian luxury resort. The writing was good, the plot okay, but none of the characters seemed complex. If you want a romance with hot intimacy from day one and a good escape from the drudgery of real life, this may be the read for you. I felt it lacked something; the absence of any conflict that lasted longer than two seconds (apart from a raging sunburn!) made the plot a smooth cruise rather than the rollercoaster that makes a romance exciting IMO. Hopefully the following books in the series will build more of a backstory for the MCs and go for a bit more challenge for the couples to work through.
I read a complimentary copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 20, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Short, Insta-attraction romance at an idyllic Australian luxury resort. The writing was good, the plot okay, but none of the characters seemed complex. If you want a romance with hot intimacy from day one and a good escape from the drudgery of real life, this may be the read for you. I felt it lacked something; the absence of any conflict that lasted longer than two seconds (apart from a raging sunburn!) made the plot a smooth cruise rather than the rollercoaster that makes a romance exciting IMO. Hopefully the following books in the series will build more of a backstory for the MCs and go for a bit more challenge for the couples to work through.
I read a complimentary copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 24, 2018
Very quick but cute story
Olivia leaves the hustle-bustle of New York City, after a disastrous love affair got her fired from a prestigious job, for the sunny warmth of an Australian resort. Her first day upon arrival at the Sunfish Resort, Olivia meets Cory, the resort activities director. Being an older reader, I was a little taken aback at how the couple became so intimate on the very day they meet, but such is the life for young, single folk. The two really seem to hit it off. However, within only a few days of her arrival, the book comes to an end, with a small offering of the next book in the series. I fully understand the challenge new author's have in today's literary market, but a bit more than a mere taste of a story would be nice. I am curious to see how this couple end up, so I may purchase the next book, but with some hesitancy.
Olivia leaves the hustle-bustle of New York City, after a disastrous love affair got her fired from a prestigious job, for the sunny warmth of an Australian resort. Her first day upon arrival at the Sunfish Resort, Olivia meets Cory, the resort activities director. Being an older reader, I was a little taken aback at how the couple became so intimate on the very day they meet, but such is the life for young, single folk. The two really seem to hit it off. However, within only a few days of her arrival, the book comes to an end, with a small offering of the next book in the series. I fully understand the challenge new author's have in today's literary market, but a bit more than a mere taste of a story would be nice. I am curious to see how this couple end up, so I may purchase the next book, but with some hesitancy.
December 31, 2018
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
This is a short story that I finished in about an hour. I enjoyed reading this. The only thing that I had a problem with was the author used too many exclamation points (!) throughout the book.
The last thing on Olivia Stratten's mind is a relationship when she starts her new job in Australia after running from New York. Her fiance got caught doing something illegal and she lost her high powered job as a partner in her firm, and spent months clearing her name. She just wants to be as far away from N.Y. as possible.
Cory meets Olivia on her first day and is in awe of her. But Olivia is wary due to being burnt by her ex. Is Cory too good to be true?
This is a short story that I finished in about an hour. I enjoyed reading this. The only thing that I had a problem with was the author used too many exclamation points (!) throughout the book.
The last thing on Olivia Stratten's mind is a relationship when she starts her new job in Australia after running from New York. Her fiance got caught doing something illegal and she lost her high powered job as a partner in her firm, and spent months clearing her name. She just wants to be as far away from N.Y. as possible.
Cory meets Olivia on her first day and is in awe of her. But Olivia is wary due to being burnt by her ex. Is Cory too good to be true?
May 8, 2018
This is the first book in the Island Escapes Series. Olivia took a splash into the harbor waters when her heel got stuck on the rank. She surfaced to a roar of laughter from a gorgeous Aussie. It's sorta of an insta love between her and Cory, the activities director of the resort. She was trying to start over in a new location after a bad event ruined her career and the last thing she was looking for was love. But amazing that it shows up when you're least looking. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
March 27, 2019
This author took me back to a wonderful family holiday as she enthralled me with her tale of a workplace romance on a tropical island. A very first for me reading this author and I am sure it will not be my last time as she had me picturing the island and wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. I loved the characters and had to laugh along with them in some situations and you could feel the chemistry between Olivia and Cory. There were also so many other great characters that I am sure we will get to read more about in the future as this series progresses along. This is a very short story that is fast moving and entertaining.
How would you go from living your life in New York City to moving to a resort Island in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland Australia?
It sounds like the perfect life and job for me.
Can you find love in paradise?
How would you go from living your life in New York City to moving to a resort Island in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland Australia?
It sounds like the perfect life and job for me.
Can you find love in paradise?
February 13, 2020
Olivia needed a new start, having left a disaster in New York, a 12 months job in the Whitsunday Resort was just what she needed.
Off course fate hadn't left her with much pride intact, and although the crew seemed welcoming enough, an event that left her red faced, only gave amusement to those she was to work with. Luckily, she didn't take offense at the Aussie sense of humour, and quickly saw the funny side of her faux par.
This story deals with the beauty of one of Australia's wonderful playgrounds. It gives you a good glimpse at this particular island lifestyle and attractions.
Off course fate hadn't left her with much pride intact, and although the crew seemed welcoming enough, an event that left her red faced, only gave amusement to those she was to work with. Luckily, she didn't take offense at the Aussie sense of humour, and quickly saw the funny side of her faux par.
This story deals with the beauty of one of Australia's wonderful playgrounds. It gives you a good glimpse at this particular island lifestyle and attractions.
March 21, 2018
AN INTERESTING READ!!!
A wonderfully written, easy to follow, smooth flowing read that captivated me from the start. The scenes, the characters were so realistic I could relate. With ups and downs and a few surprises it kept my attention on the storyline and eyes focused on the pages. I loved getting to know the characters and their personalities. It made a fantastic read. Caitlyn did a great job bringing this read to life.
A wonderfully written, easy to follow, smooth flowing read that captivated me from the start. The scenes, the characters were so realistic I could relate. With ups and downs and a few surprises it kept my attention on the storyline and eyes focused on the pages. I loved getting to know the characters and their personalities. It made a fantastic read. Caitlyn did a great job bringing this read to life.
July 2, 2018
Engaging quick read
Finding Cory is a super quick read. It took me only about an hour and ends at about 85%, with a preview of the next book making up the remaining content. This story is quick and engaging, with likable characters and steamy scenes. My only point of contention with this book is that I would liked to have read more. Seen more of how Cory and Olivia's story evolves. I'm guessing there will be perks into their path as the other Island Escapes Books unfold.
Finding Cory is a super quick read. It took me only about an hour and ends at about 85%, with a preview of the next book making up the remaining content. This story is quick and engaging, with likable characters and steamy scenes. My only point of contention with this book is that I would liked to have read more. Seen more of how Cory and Olivia's story evolves. I'm guessing there will be perks into their path as the other Island Escapes Books unfold.
September 10, 2018
My first book of Caitlyn Lynch's and I love the way she expresses herself. Short but definitely a five-star book. Recently hired from New York City to be in charge of marketing for Sunfish Island Resort, Olivia quickly made friends with the other staff, one in particular, Cory. Loved the scene where she first gets to the boat, hilarious! You need to get her book and read it for yourself. Highly recommend this one. Happy reading.
November 29, 2018
After Olivia's boyfriend gets caught up in his illegal schemes resulting in ruining her reputation she decides to leave New York City and takes a job in Australia at a resort where she meets Cory. Cory and Olivia have a instant and hot attraction. This is a short story so so much is packed into this short but enjoyable story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2018
Emotionally thrilling, Sweetly charming and Smoking hot sexy island romance filled with passion. This was a very quick yet highly entertaining adventure that kept me excited and reading to the very end. I fell into the story from the beginning and was so happy to be in this beautiful vacation getaway. Looking forward to my next Island Escape from this series.
August 4, 2018
Finding Cory is a short novella and the first book in the Island Escapes Series. Love Olivia and Cory's insta connection and steamy chemistry. This is a sweet vacation resort love story with believable characters, a story that flows and the perfect amount of steam. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Island Escapes Series.
December 7, 2018
This is a very short fast paced story. I loved these characters, especially Cory. There is not a lot a world or character building due to the shortness of the story but it does make for a very fun read over a lunch hour. Hot and steamy and sure to please. Well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2018
This is the 2nd book I’ve read written by Caitlyn Lynch; she has done a good job at writing a good book. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2019
Her ex boyfriend crimes have ruined her reputation so she flees to a job hundred of miles away to start afresh. She finds she likes how relaxed he was and she wonders if she can learn to trust again?.Will he be good for her? See if her life gets better
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just couldn't get enough of it and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I recommend that you read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2019
I gotta say, this book was everything and nothing like I expected. I could not put it down once I started it and did not want it to end when I got there. Stand-alone, romance with a HEA. A captivating very well written read! An intense emotionally heartfelt story-line that grabs you right from the start keeping you engrossed and on edge throughout this beautifully written story!
March 23, 2018
A quick read that is entertaining and fun. With a mild touch of drama, some humor, an a instant attraction and plenty of sparks flying between the characters. An enjoyable read. I'm posting a honest voluntary review after reading this book.
August 3, 2018
Perfect beach read
I loved visiting Australia and the people on this island. I'm looking forward to more and hope to see more of these characters. They were too enjoyable to give up so soon.
I loved visiting Australia and the people on this island. I'm looking forward to more and hope to see more of these characters. They were too enjoyable to give up so soon.
December 2, 2018
This is the first book that I've read by this author and it won't be the last. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Loved the ambience of the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2018
As a short story, it was ok, but not as a book. I wish authors would let their readers know, that there are only a couple of short chapters. I always feel cheated, 8 chapters does not a book make!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2019
Sweet, fun and sexy
Olivia comes to Australia for a job and not only has fun with all the staff she is attracted to Cory one of the staff members.
Sparks fly as soon as they lie eyes on each other.
Loved it sweet sexy cute a great read
Olivia comes to Australia for a job and not only has fun with all the staff she is attracted to Cory one of the staff members.
Sparks fly as soon as they lie eyes on each other.
Loved it sweet sexy cute a great read
April 22, 2019
Short and very sweet
A lovely short story that brings two gorgeous characters together in a spectacular setting (tropical nth qld) written well, full of insta-lust and hot as hell chemistry.
I think it’s a great start to a fantastic set of stories... here’s hoping for a series 😉😉
A lovely short story that brings two gorgeous characters together in a spectacular setting (tropical nth qld) written well, full of insta-lust and hot as hell chemistry.
I think it’s a great start to a fantastic set of stories... here’s hoping for a series 😉😉
March 25, 2018
A quick, short read with instant attraction between the characters. This book was a fun read that I enjoyed over an afternoon.
I received an arc and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an arc and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews