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Lost in Paradise
SOMETIMES LOVE HAS TO BE LOST BEFORE IT CAN BE FOUND…
Nicole Morella boards a private Mediterranean cruise with one to reclaim herself after her divorce. When she sits next to a beautiful blonde in the ship’s lounge, she’s knocked off balance by the immediate attraction between them, and it’s not just because Nicole hasn’t found her sea legs yet. Fiona stirs things in Nicole that haven’t been stirred in a long time, but a fiery kiss turns dangerous when the ship is hijacked. The women launch a daring escape, leaving them adrift in an empty lifeboat.
Fiona Boone has been adrift most of her life, but never in such a literal sense. She’s a survivor, though, so when they land on a deserted island, Fiona’s ready to do whatever it takes to stay alive until they’re rescued. In the meantime, she can’t get enough of the feisty woman she’s stranded with, despite her usual fiercely independent nature. Although they’re lost, Fiona finds something unexpected in the comfort of Nicole’s touch. But when an injury puts her life in jeopardy, they begin to worry help won’t arrive in time. If she survives their ordeal, Fiona might just face her biggest challenge falling in love.
Nicole Morella boards a private Mediterranean cruise with one to reclaim herself after her divorce. When she sits next to a beautiful blonde in the ship’s lounge, she’s knocked off balance by the immediate attraction between them, and it’s not just because Nicole hasn’t found her sea legs yet. Fiona stirs things in Nicole that haven’t been stirred in a long time, but a fiery kiss turns dangerous when the ship is hijacked. The women launch a daring escape, leaving them adrift in an empty lifeboat.
Fiona Boone has been adrift most of her life, but never in such a literal sense. She’s a survivor, though, so when they land on a deserted island, Fiona’s ready to do whatever it takes to stay alive until they’re rescued. In the meantime, she can’t get enough of the feisty woman she’s stranded with, despite her usual fiercely independent nature. Although they’re lost, Fiona finds something unexpected in the comfort of Nicole’s touch. But when an injury puts her life in jeopardy, they begin to worry help won’t arrive in time. If she survives their ordeal, Fiona might just face her biggest challenge falling in love.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2019
323 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Lacey
37 books2,384 followersRachel Lacey is an award-winning contemporary romance author and semi-reformed travel junkie. She's been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, the majority of her adventures take place on the pages of the books she writes. She lives in the mountains of Vermont with her family and a variety of rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
February 27, 2020
Nicole and Fiona escape pirates, jump in a lifeboat and fall in love. I really enjoyed the romance and liked Nicole's parents. I couldn't connect with the MCs till the second half, when they revealed a bit about themselves and then I loved them, especially Fiona. An entertaining read overall.
December 14, 2023
Edit: December 14th, 2023, audiobook review
Lost in Paradise is one of the first books I read by Rachel Lacey and my first 5⭐️. I have a signed copy on my bookshelf, of which I’m very proud. It’s a very Rachel Lacey book in that it’s impossible not to fall in love with the MCs. In this one, there aren’t a lot of secondary characters—the one that do exist are very secondary yet important to the story—and for good reason: for a large part of the book, the MCs, Nicole, an American, and Fiona, a British expat living in France, are stranded at sea then on an island. It should be tragic, and at times it is, but it’s also full of hope and instead of being dreadful, it becomes the beginning of something beautiful.
I first read this book during lockdown, after loving Don’t Cry for Me. Then as now, I loved the way the characters’ personalities are unveiled progressively, Fiona appearing as strong and laid-back at first then revealing her vulnerability, and Nicole, freshly divorced, growing from confused and scared at the beginning to self-assured and confident in what she wants. And all along the attraction between the two women keeps the tone rather light. I don’t know anything about cruise ships, pirates, and being lost at sea, but I’m pretty sure the situation Nicole and Fiona find themselves in would be terrifying. The MCs aren’t nonchalant about it, but the author keeps the overall mood uplifting, a Lacey trademark.
A word about the narration: Ellie Gossage is a new to me narrator and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to listen to her work often. The voices fit the characters flawlessly, the pace is right, everything is as should be.
This book isn’t perfect, there are a few bumps here and there but it’s so heart-warming that while I know my original 5⭐️ are probably slightly excessive (I don’t believe in star ratings anyway, they’re never fair), I’ll stick to them for the pure enjoyment it brought me twice.
------------------------------------------------
It seems fitting that in my fourth week of self-isolation / lockdown, I’d read a story about two women stranded on a desert island. I didn’t do it on purpose, I was looking for a book to take my mind off my growing anxiety last night, and since I had enjoyed Don't Cry for Me so much not long ago and my friend Gaby, over at LezReviewBooks, had told me this one was really good too (here’s her review to prove it), it sounded like a good choice. I didn’t read the blurb beforehand, so everything came as a surprise.
When she treated herself to a cruise on the Mediterranean sea after her divorce, Nicole Morella never expected pirates to take over the ship, much less to meet the love of her life and escape with her on a lifeboat. From the moment she got her first glimpse of Fiona Boone at the bar, attraction flared. Nicole has known for a long time that she’s bisexual but she’s never gone any further with a woman than a few kisses with a girlfriend in college. Fiona, a British expat on the French Riviera, was supposed to be spending the cruise with a casual lover but he stood her up. Unlike Nicole, Fiona identifies as gay but finds men more open to no-strings affairs, the only kind of relationship she’s into. She’s no more ready for Nicole than Nicole is for her, but life has a way to not let you decide the timing of such things.
I loved both MCs, loved them more and more as the book progressed and their complexity came to light. In the first pages, Fiona appears as extremely confident, the rescuer when the ship is highjacked, the one who knows how to react in desperate situations. On the lifeboat, then on the island, she shows a much more vulnerable side of herself, a side that comes to the forefront after she and Nicole come back to their “normal” life. She’s a survivor in many ways, not just from what happened on the cruise, and her strategy to survive has been to close herself off. Nicole is less damaged but just as layered and her strength comes out a little more with every plot twist.
There aren’t a lot of secondary characters, since a big part of the novel is about the two women being stranded on a desert Greek island, but the few that pass by – Nicole’s parents, Fiona’s father – feel real enough. I’m not sure how much of the story itself is plausible but it really doesn’t matter.
I think I’ve found another author whose writing simply works for me. This is my second Rachel Lacey book and I am so looking forward to many more. The two I have read evoke the same kind of feelings as one of my favourite authors’ books, Lise Gold. Life isn’t always pretty (duh) but some people, some connections make it worthwhile, and this is what those books are about.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
Lost in Paradise is one of the first books I read by Rachel Lacey and my first 5⭐️. I have a signed copy on my bookshelf, of which I’m very proud. It’s a very Rachel Lacey book in that it’s impossible not to fall in love with the MCs. In this one, there aren’t a lot of secondary characters—the one that do exist are very secondary yet important to the story—and for good reason: for a large part of the book, the MCs, Nicole, an American, and Fiona, a British expat living in France, are stranded at sea then on an island. It should be tragic, and at times it is, but it’s also full of hope and instead of being dreadful, it becomes the beginning of something beautiful.
I first read this book during lockdown, after loving Don’t Cry for Me. Then as now, I loved the way the characters’ personalities are unveiled progressively, Fiona appearing as strong and laid-back at first then revealing her vulnerability, and Nicole, freshly divorced, growing from confused and scared at the beginning to self-assured and confident in what she wants. And all along the attraction between the two women keeps the tone rather light. I don’t know anything about cruise ships, pirates, and being lost at sea, but I’m pretty sure the situation Nicole and Fiona find themselves in would be terrifying. The MCs aren’t nonchalant about it, but the author keeps the overall mood uplifting, a Lacey trademark.
A word about the narration: Ellie Gossage is a new to me narrator and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to listen to her work often. The voices fit the characters flawlessly, the pace is right, everything is as should be.
This book isn’t perfect, there are a few bumps here and there but it’s so heart-warming that while I know my original 5⭐️ are probably slightly excessive (I don’t believe in star ratings anyway, they’re never fair), I’ll stick to them for the pure enjoyment it brought me twice.
------------------------------------------------
It seems fitting that in my fourth week of self-isolation / lockdown, I’d read a story about two women stranded on a desert island. I didn’t do it on purpose, I was looking for a book to take my mind off my growing anxiety last night, and since I had enjoyed Don't Cry for Me so much not long ago and my friend Gaby, over at LezReviewBooks, had told me this one was really good too (here’s her review to prove it), it sounded like a good choice. I didn’t read the blurb beforehand, so everything came as a surprise.
When she treated herself to a cruise on the Mediterranean sea after her divorce, Nicole Morella never expected pirates to take over the ship, much less to meet the love of her life and escape with her on a lifeboat. From the moment she got her first glimpse of Fiona Boone at the bar, attraction flared. Nicole has known for a long time that she’s bisexual but she’s never gone any further with a woman than a few kisses with a girlfriend in college. Fiona, a British expat on the French Riviera, was supposed to be spending the cruise with a casual lover but he stood her up. Unlike Nicole, Fiona identifies as gay but finds men more open to no-strings affairs, the only kind of relationship she’s into. She’s no more ready for Nicole than Nicole is for her, but life has a way to not let you decide the timing of such things.
I loved both MCs, loved them more and more as the book progressed and their complexity came to light. In the first pages, Fiona appears as extremely confident, the rescuer when the ship is highjacked, the one who knows how to react in desperate situations. On the lifeboat, then on the island, she shows a much more vulnerable side of herself, a side that comes to the forefront after she and Nicole come back to their “normal” life. She’s a survivor in many ways, not just from what happened on the cruise, and her strategy to survive has been to close herself off. Nicole is less damaged but just as layered and her strength comes out a little more with every plot twist.
There aren’t a lot of secondary characters, since a big part of the novel is about the two women being stranded on a desert Greek island, but the few that pass by – Nicole’s parents, Fiona’s father – feel real enough. I’m not sure how much of the story itself is plausible but it really doesn’t matter.
I think I’ve found another author whose writing simply works for me. This is my second Rachel Lacey book and I am so looking forward to many more. The two I have read evoke the same kind of feelings as one of my favourite authors’ books, Lise Gold. Life isn’t always pretty (duh) but some people, some connections make it worthwhile, and this is what those books are about.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
February 9, 2019
Nicole Morella is a recently divorced New Yorker taking some thinking time in a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. When she meets Fiona Boone, a British artist living in France, they hit it off immediately but their budding attraction is interrupted when the cruise is hijacked. Both women escape in a lifeboat and they will need to fight together for their survival and their chance at love.
Rachel Lacey is a seasoned author of almost twenty romance novels but this is her first LGBT and f/f book. According to the author's notes, she wrote the first draft in a week which is a big accomplishment because the plot is original and well crafted.
Written in third person from the point of view of both main characters, the story is varied in thrilling moments, romance and drama, all of them well balanced and realistic. Both women face setbacks in their fight for survival and the reader cannot help but cheering for them. The secondary characters are mostly in the background but it makes sense as a big part of the story happens with both women isolated from anyone else. However, when the secondary characters make their appearance, they are well-rounded and believable, specially Nicole's parents.
There's a trigger warning of abuse but just narrated by one of the characters in a couple of paragraphs. The sex scenes are well written and realistic and show the characters' growing intimacy. I think that this book will appeal not only the usual lesfic reader but also to Ms. Lacey's fans.
Overall, an entertaining book with a well-balanced mix of thrilling scenes, romance and drama. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Rachel Lacey is a seasoned author of almost twenty romance novels but this is her first LGBT and f/f book. According to the author's notes, she wrote the first draft in a week which is a big accomplishment because the plot is original and well crafted.
Written in third person from the point of view of both main characters, the story is varied in thrilling moments, romance and drama, all of them well balanced and realistic. Both women face setbacks in their fight for survival and the reader cannot help but cheering for them. The secondary characters are mostly in the background but it makes sense as a big part of the story happens with both women isolated from anyone else. However, when the secondary characters make their appearance, they are well-rounded and believable, specially Nicole's parents.
There's a trigger warning of abuse but just narrated by one of the characters in a couple of paragraphs. The sex scenes are well written and realistic and show the characters' growing intimacy. I think that this book will appeal not only the usual lesfic reader but also to Ms. Lacey's fans.
Overall, an entertaining book with a well-balanced mix of thrilling scenes, romance and drama. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this castaway love story between two women, each trying to come to terms with their lives and love for eachother, both through survival and in it's aftermath.
It wasn't just airy though, there was angst and real emotion created. The characters were sympathetic and endearing even throughout frustrating push and pulls in the relationship. You could understand the motivations behind character decisions and feelings.
A nice happy ending to give warm fuzzies, I highly recommend it!
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Paradise-...
It wasn't just airy though, there was angst and real emotion created. The characters were sympathetic and endearing even throughout frustrating push and pulls in the relationship. You could understand the motivations behind character decisions and feelings.
A nice happy ending to give warm fuzzies, I highly recommend it!
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Paradise-...
April 30, 2020
The fortunate stranded.
Nicole is rewarding herself with a cruise after going through a divorce. She meets a flirty Fiona at the bar. They move to a private part of the deck to connect a little bit when their ship is suddenly commandeered. They work together to try and make an escape. Then they are on an island with nobody in sight.
I liked the premise of this story. The escape in the life boat was exciting. The island portion of this kind of lost some steam for me. I never felt like they were really in danger. This was an elite and upper class sort of stranded. Really fortunate to end up on a deserted island with a fully stocked boat.
The chemistry between Nicole and Fiona was good. I definitely felt the attraction. I struggled a bit with believing in an emotional connection between the two. It seemed too fast for the amount of time spent on the island. Also, there were multiple explicit sex scenes and no amount of rinsing in the ocean can make me feel good about it.
A lot of the story happens after the island. I appreciated this second part of the book a lot, because I began to feel that connection that was missing earlier. Absence makes the heart grow fond, and all of that. But this was the part that really kept me engaged because I wanted to know how it could possibly work out with them being in different countries.
Overall, I liked this. The writing was good, the characters had personality, the concept was intriguing, and kept me engaged.
I recommend this to people who like to read about romance, flings, cruises, ocean, survival, deserted islands, art, damaged people, and paint splatter.
Nicole is rewarding herself with a cruise after going through a divorce. She meets a flirty Fiona at the bar. They move to a private part of the deck to connect a little bit when their ship is suddenly commandeered. They work together to try and make an escape. Then they are on an island with nobody in sight.
I liked the premise of this story. The escape in the life boat was exciting. The island portion of this kind of lost some steam for me. I never felt like they were really in danger. This was an elite and upper class sort of stranded. Really fortunate to end up on a deserted island with a fully stocked boat.
The chemistry between Nicole and Fiona was good. I definitely felt the attraction. I struggled a bit with believing in an emotional connection between the two. It seemed too fast for the amount of time spent on the island. Also, there were multiple explicit sex scenes and no amount of rinsing in the ocean can make me feel good about it.
A lot of the story happens after the island. I appreciated this second part of the book a lot, because I began to feel that connection that was missing earlier. Absence makes the heart grow fond, and all of that. But this was the part that really kept me engaged because I wanted to know how it could possibly work out with them being in different countries.
Overall, I liked this. The writing was good, the characters had personality, the concept was intriguing, and kept me engaged.
I recommend this to people who like to read about romance, flings, cruises, ocean, survival, deserted islands, art, damaged people, and paint splatter.
April 13, 2022
This was my first full length book by this author and I think I found another author that has a writing style I just click with.
This book is about two women who basically escape some horrendous events and end up stranded on an island. I like how resourceful and supportive the characters are. It’s a bit rare for me to like the mains equally but it do in this book. I can identify with both Fiona and Nicole, they are (head) strong and independent, and generally very likeable.
This book provides some excellent escapism with depth.
This book is about two women who basically escape some horrendous events and end up stranded on an island. I like how resourceful and supportive the characters are. It’s a bit rare for me to like the mains equally but it do in this book. I can identify with both Fiona and Nicole, they are (head) strong and independent, and generally very likeable.
This book provides some excellent escapism with depth.
February 9, 2023
Original plot, well crafted romance and vivid descriptions.
March 25, 2019
Nicole Morella and Fiona Boone meet while on a Mediterranean cruise. Nicole took the cruise as a post-divorce gift to herself. Fiona was stood-up by a man for a week of no strings sex and adventure. Fiona is the type that takes action before thinking things through; Nicole is more reserved. When the ship is hijacked, Fiona jumps into action and decides to abandon ship. Nicole follows her reluctantly and they become marooned on an island.
I enjoyed every minute of this story. I do wish their time on the island had been longer with more adventure and angst. But this is a story I will definitely revisit. BTW, I did not notice any errors in this book at all. That was a very welcome relief.
I enjoyed every minute of this story. I do wish their time on the island had been longer with more adventure and angst. But this is a story I will definitely revisit. BTW, I did not notice any errors in this book at all. That was a very welcome relief.
no-thank-you
May 15, 2022As a bisexual woman reader, here is my reaction to the beginning of this romance novel about two women who appear, from the info I have, to both be bi/pan:
Nicole sees an attractive blonde woman. Nicole thinks: "It had been a long time since she'd felt this kind of attraction and even longer since she'd felt it for a woman." The blonde woman's name is Fiona. She says: "I was supposed to meet someone on the boat... a man."
Nicole thinks: "It was a good thing Fiona was straight."
Kicking things off with a spot of bisexual erasure by a bi/pan main character, really?
Nicole sees an attractive blonde woman. Nicole thinks: "It had been a long time since she'd felt this kind of attraction and even longer since she'd felt it for a woman." The blonde woman's name is Fiona. She says: "I was supposed to meet someone on the boat... a man."
Nicole thinks: "It was a good thing Fiona was straight."
Kicking things off with a spot of bisexual erasure by a bi/pan main character, really?
October 31, 2023
Lost in Paradise is one of my favorite books of all time! It has two sexy main characters whose chemistry is off the charts, drama, and a fight for survival. Their adventures are exciting and their romance is swoon-worthy.
On the surface, Fiona appears confident, brave, and calm in the face of danger. She takes the lead as the rescuer on the ship, in the lifeboat, and on the island. Yet as time goes by and she begins to show vulnerability, my heart simply melted for her. As a fellow yogi, I appreciate a main character whose yoga and meditation practices are an integral part of her life. Fiona’s layers are deep, bearing a lot of scars. She’s a survivor on multiple levels who has closed herself off to others for self-preservation and has never really had someone in her corner. As she allows Nicole in, and her walls start to crack, her uncertainties and anxieties skyrocket, and are carefully ordered world is shaken. I could honestly feel her anguish as she questions everything she’s ever known. I have to say that her character arc is a really powerful element in this story.
Nicole doesn’t go through as grand an arc as Fiona but she does come to realize that she’s stronger than she ever imagined possible. Her steady presence, thoughtful reflections, and positive outlook help to level Fiona’s tumultuous emotions.
Nicole and Fiona’s stolen glances and mutual admiration while floating on the Mediterranean in an adrift lifeboat help to accelerate their connection so when they land on the deserted island, they can barely keep their hands off each other. It’s sexy, steamy, and so delicious. Once they’re rescued and they both try to go back to their lives (on separate continents no less), that connection they found on the Mediterranean won’t let either one go. This time is essential to both of their arcs and is as adorable as it is frustrating. These are clear signs of a stellar read!
Audiobook addition:
I’ve read Lost in Paradise countless times since its release in 2019 and when I heard that it was coming to audio, I was downright giddy! Ellie Gossage is a new to me narrator and with the work she’s done with this audio, she has catapulted herself right up there on a pedestal with my beloved narrators! She does an absolutely stellar job bringing Nicole and Fiona’s tale to life. Fiona’s sexy British accent is exactly what I imagined each time I read this story over the years. Nicole’s deeper timbre perfectly encompasses her character perfectly. Both of their voices are carried throughout the course of the story and the emotions Ellie Gossage conveys with smiles in her voice. hitches in her breathing, and sighs of pleasure make this a truly excellent listen.
On the surface, Fiona appears confident, brave, and calm in the face of danger. She takes the lead as the rescuer on the ship, in the lifeboat, and on the island. Yet as time goes by and she begins to show vulnerability, my heart simply melted for her. As a fellow yogi, I appreciate a main character whose yoga and meditation practices are an integral part of her life. Fiona’s layers are deep, bearing a lot of scars. She’s a survivor on multiple levels who has closed herself off to others for self-preservation and has never really had someone in her corner. As she allows Nicole in, and her walls start to crack, her uncertainties and anxieties skyrocket, and are carefully ordered world is shaken. I could honestly feel her anguish as she questions everything she’s ever known. I have to say that her character arc is a really powerful element in this story.
Nicole doesn’t go through as grand an arc as Fiona but she does come to realize that she’s stronger than she ever imagined possible. Her steady presence, thoughtful reflections, and positive outlook help to level Fiona’s tumultuous emotions.
Nicole and Fiona’s stolen glances and mutual admiration while floating on the Mediterranean in an adrift lifeboat help to accelerate their connection so when they land on the deserted island, they can barely keep their hands off each other. It’s sexy, steamy, and so delicious. Once they’re rescued and they both try to go back to their lives (on separate continents no less), that connection they found on the Mediterranean won’t let either one go. This time is essential to both of their arcs and is as adorable as it is frustrating. These are clear signs of a stellar read!
Audiobook addition:
I’ve read Lost in Paradise countless times since its release in 2019 and when I heard that it was coming to audio, I was downright giddy! Ellie Gossage is a new to me narrator and with the work she’s done with this audio, she has catapulted herself right up there on a pedestal with my beloved narrators! She does an absolutely stellar job bringing Nicole and Fiona’s tale to life. Fiona’s sexy British accent is exactly what I imagined each time I read this story over the years. Nicole’s deeper timbre perfectly encompasses her character perfectly. Both of their voices are carried throughout the course of the story and the emotions Ellie Gossage conveys with smiles in her voice. hitches in her breathing, and sighs of pleasure make this a truly excellent listen.
March 5, 2019
I grabbed this book when it came up in my Amazon 'books you might like' feed. The blurb hooked me, and I hit one-click.
This is a new to me author and I didn't realise it was book 2 in a series. With that said, this books reads perfectly fine as a standalone.
Despite the nail biting beginning, this is a relatively easy read. No complicated side plot, or abundance of side characters, in fact there's little of both.
The leads are very different, but both likeable. The sex scenes were plenty and well written.
Although both characters identify as bisexual, an aspect I loved, (there are not enough books representing bisexual women) Lesfic lovers can rest assured there's no 'meat' in this story, so to speak.
Around the 80% mark this story takes a turn, and I found Fiona's reveal of her teenage years a little hard to swallow, hence 4 stars and not 5.
FOOTNOTE because I've been known to comment about typos - this book is beautifully edited!
This is a new to me author and I didn't realise it was book 2 in a series. With that said, this books reads perfectly fine as a standalone.
Despite the nail biting beginning, this is a relatively easy read. No complicated side plot, or abundance of side characters, in fact there's little of both.
The leads are very different, but both likeable. The sex scenes were plenty and well written.
Although both characters identify as bisexual, an aspect I loved, (there are not enough books representing bisexual women) Lesfic lovers can rest assured there's no 'meat' in this story, so to speak.
Around the 80% mark this story takes a turn, and I found Fiona's reveal of her teenage years a little hard to swallow, hence 4 stars and not 5.
FOOTNOTE because I've been known to comment about typos - this book is beautifully edited!
February 11, 2025
4.5 stars
July 30, 2022
"You crossed an ocean for me".
I have a warm feeling in my heart now.
I like castaway stories and I loved both characters and the journey they have done throughout the book, both physically and mentally.
Nicole for never giving up when knowing something feels right.
Fiona for finally taking a chance to be truly loved and open her heart completely, and stopping being and feeling alone.
I loved the art representation in the book and Fiona has a special place in my heart.
Some scenes where so tender.
And let's say it, women rule when faced with adversities.
A book to read this summer, to dream of distant lands, starry nights, making peace with your past and having hope for the future.
Crossing that bridge that you've always feared to find your home.
A feel good reading.
I have a warm feeling in my heart now.
I like castaway stories and I loved both characters and the journey they have done throughout the book, both physically and mentally.
Nicole for never giving up when knowing something feels right.
Fiona for finally taking a chance to be truly loved and open her heart completely, and stopping being and feeling alone.
I loved the art representation in the book and Fiona has a special place in my heart.
Some scenes where so tender.
And let's say it, women rule when faced with adversities.
A book to read this summer, to dream of distant lands, starry nights, making peace with your past and having hope for the future.
Crossing that bridge that you've always feared to find your home.
A feel good reading.
June 29, 2024
What an exciting adventure! This book hooked me from the first page, the brave and creative couple escaped the doomed cruise ship, survived on a lifeboat, landed on a deserted island in the middle of Mediterranean Sea, and fell head over heel in love with each other. Love happens at the most unexpected times, in this story, two strangers, Nicole, a New York advertisement specialist and Fiona, the French designer and artist, met on the cruise ship and went through life changing experience together and finally got their happy ending. I love the dreamy description of the little island and I enjoy reading about the care and love between the couple. Looking forward to reading more in this incredible series!
April 28, 2022
3.6
I had fun reading this. I really enjoyed Rachel Lacey's style of writing. The beginnings had me real excited. A tension I really enjoyed. I liked the chemistry the two characters had together, and it was believable. The premise intrigued me. I was more interested in the stranded experience more so I was a little surprise that it ended by around 50%.
While I appreciated the emotional "growth" they had in the second half, I think that aspect could have been explored more when they were stranded. With that said, I enjoyed the first half more. After reading this, I feel like I remembered the amount of steamy scenes this book had more than the number of any memorable non-sexual scenes.
One thing's for sure, I'll be checking the author's other works. It was an entertaining read.
I had fun reading this. I really enjoyed Rachel Lacey's style of writing. The beginnings had me real excited. A tension I really enjoyed. I liked the chemistry the two characters had together, and it was believable. The premise intrigued me. I was more interested in the stranded experience more so I was a little surprise that it ended by around 50%.
While I appreciated the emotional "growth" they had in the second half, I think that aspect could have been explored more when they were stranded. With that said, I enjoyed the first half more. After reading this, I feel like I remembered the amount of steamy scenes this book had more than the number of any memorable non-sexual scenes.
One thing's for sure, I'll be checking the author's other works. It was an entertaining read.
February 24, 2019
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I dove into this book, but it wasn’t the plain Jane contemporary I’d envisioned. And thank goodness for it! This story is jam-packed with beautiful writing, vivid descriptions, and fantastic scenery. It also starts out with a, “Holy cow, did that just happen?!” and ends with a, “OMGsh, that just happened!” Seriously, it rocked my happy little boat from page one.
Our main characters find themselves “shipwrecked” (of sorts, but I truly don’t want to say any more because going into the beginning of this book blind is one of the best decisions I’ve made in recent memory!) Anywho, they’re stranded on an island… and it’s frickin’ Hot. With a capital H. And I don’t just mean the temperature.
The chemistry between Fiona and Nicole is off the charts, and the imagery their surroundings and adversities supply? Gorgeous. Trust me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves lesbian romance, especially of the sizzling variety. It would also appeal to readers who enjoy a little adventure with their romance, because… yeah. That beginning. It definitely starts off with a bang!
Our main characters find themselves “shipwrecked” (of sorts, but I truly don’t want to say any more because going into the beginning of this book blind is one of the best decisions I’ve made in recent memory!) Anywho, they’re stranded on an island… and it’s frickin’ Hot. With a capital H. And I don’t just mean the temperature.
The chemistry between Fiona and Nicole is off the charts, and the imagery their surroundings and adversities supply? Gorgeous. Trust me.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves lesbian romance, especially of the sizzling variety. It would also appeal to readers who enjoy a little adventure with their romance, because… yeah. That beginning. It definitely starts off with a bang!
January 23, 2021
“I love your eyes,” Nicole whispered. “They’re like our beach… turquoise and gold where the water meets the sand.”
3.5 stars. This was one of those romances that just got better and better as it went along! At first I was a bit meh on the characters and the trajectory of the plot, but after the 50% mark things really picked up and I really started connecting with the characters.
I picked this up expecting a castaway/stranded story, and it was, but only partially so. About half the story deals with the two women meeting and getting stranded out at sea, and the other half deals with the aftermath. I was a teensy bit disappointed when I realised that was the direction the book was going in, because I haven't read a castaway type story in some time and I was looking forward to the adventure and survival bits. There was some of that, but not as much as I wanted. I was also hoping for a slow burn, and this wasn't that.
But despite those caveats, I'm coming away from this book with just a deep feeling of satisfaction? IDK, I really liked it! It was sweet and steamy and had a lot more emotional depth than I expected it to have in the beginning. Fiona is a super closed-off character, keeps her walls up super high, and it can be sometimes frustrating to read romances with characters like that. But that part of her personality was written so well. I understood her and I was never annoyed, even though I obviously wanted her to open up to Nicole more. This book does some things that others have, but it still felt really meaningful and affecting. And again, the second half where we get to know the characters and their motivations better, and see the path they took to love and the work they needed to do: it was so so good!
Greatly enjoyable overall. Now I want to read even more queer shipwrecked/stranded stories. ;u;
Content warnings:
June 21, 2023
Rounding up because it was much better than I expected even if there were a few bumps.
The story moves quite quickly and actually leaves room for the relationship to develop outside of the high stress environment the two leads are in. Sometimes lead characters can feel not too relatable, I found that even though were successful women approaching 40 I could actually still relate.
The only thing I wished was that the weeks of romantic development were slowed down. I wanted to see all the ways the characters showed up for one another despite their circumstances and what they had been through. Overall it was summarized well enough but I just really wanted more soft cozy feelings to balance out the angst and stress.
Certainly worth a try if you like survival or wilderness stories and angst. I found it incredibly amusing that Lacey actually added current life boats to the story as I had no idea how the technology of lifeboats has changed since... the Titanic? I did spend more than enough time actually watching videos on these boats and the care to make sure it was properly described and researched was refreshing.
The story moves quite quickly and actually leaves room for the relationship to develop outside of the high stress environment the two leads are in. Sometimes lead characters can feel not too relatable, I found that even though were successful women approaching 40 I could actually still relate.
The only thing I wished was that the weeks of romantic development were slowed down. I wanted to see all the ways the characters showed up for one another despite their circumstances and what they had been through. Overall it was summarized well enough but I just really wanted more soft cozy feelings to balance out the angst and stress.
Certainly worth a try if you like survival or wilderness stories and angst. I found it incredibly amusing that Lacey actually added current life boats to the story as I had no idea how the technology of lifeboats has changed since... the Titanic? I did spend more than enough time actually watching videos on these boats and the care to make sure it was properly described and researched was refreshing.
February 27, 2022
This is one of those books that had my interest from the very beginning. Both of the main characters are so very likeable. The meet on a Mediterranean cruise. Nicole is an American living in NYC. She is treating herself to a post-divorce vacation alone. Fiona is a British expat living in France. She was stood up by a man who was supposed to be traveling with her, but he stood her up. Nicole and Fiona hit it off right away. While they are on deck getting to know each other, the ship is hijacked. The two end up getting away in a lifeboat and eventually find themselves stranded on a deserted island. While this isn't how either of them expected things to go, they make the best of a bad situation and find comfort in each other's arms. Once rescued and back in their respective homes an ocean apart, can they make a relationship work? Do they even want to try?
As I stated earlier, I really liked both MCs, but Fiona frustrated me a couple of times. Still, she's a delight and Nicole's an absolute sweetheart. As for supporting characters, there are very few, but Nicole's parents are wonderful.
This story was very enjoyable from the first page to the very last sentence. This was just my second Rachel Lacey book, but at the end of it, she included the first chapter of her book, Don't Cry For Me. Yeah, I'll be reading that one shortly.
As I stated earlier, I really liked both MCs, but Fiona frustrated me a couple of times. Still, she's a delight and Nicole's an absolute sweetheart. As for supporting characters, there are very few, but Nicole's parents are wonderful.
This story was very enjoyable from the first page to the very last sentence. This was just my second Rachel Lacey book, but at the end of it, she included the first chapter of her book, Don't Cry For Me. Yeah, I'll be reading that one shortly.
March 14, 2021
Bisexual divorcee Nicole Morella is reclaiming her identity after the collapse of her marriage by pampering herself with a Mediterranean yacht cruise. On the ship, she meets Fiona Broome, a British expat artist living in France -- and sparks fly. Until their ship is boarded by pirates looking to hold the passengers for ransom, and Nicole and Fiona escape in a lifeboat, only to be stranded on a deserted Mediterranean island together.
In addition to being a fun stranded-on-a-deserted-island book, this novel is also a much deeper exploration of sexuality and new relationships. Fiona's worried that she's just Nicole's post-divorce rebound and Nicole is afraid that commitment-phobic Fiona will never be ready for a real relationship. Plus, there's a lot of family drama, too, which makes this an even richer book.
In addition to being a fun stranded-on-a-deserted-island book, this novel is also a much deeper exploration of sexuality and new relationships. Fiona's worried that she's just Nicole's post-divorce rebound and Nicole is afraid that commitment-phobic Fiona will never be ready for a real relationship. Plus, there's a lot of family drama, too, which makes this an even richer book.
September 8, 2024
A low key, almost twee romance that is in 2 distinst parts: two women who meet on a boat which is hijacked and then their "after rescue." A bit 'pat but it made me cry so 5
February 13, 2019
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
It's been quite I while since I read one of Rachel Lacey's Stranded books, but that didn't diminish this book in the slightest. It is also, I believe, my first foray into a F/F romance! I have to say, this was a very interesting read!
I loved the slow burn of the romance between Fiona and Nicole! I also found it easy to identify and connect with Fiona. I really loved Fiona's dictate to Nicole that they take time apart for Nicole to find herself, as I felt that her concerns were extremely realistic of the situation. I suspected something had happened in Fiona's past, but the reveal of it was a complete surprise for me! I loved how Nicole's parents viewed themselves as "Modern" Catholics, since more traditionalist Catholics are the reason I left that faith entirely, so many years ago!
This was a quick read, but told a complete story, and was very engaging and entertaining to me! I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
It's been quite I while since I read one of Rachel Lacey's Stranded books, but that didn't diminish this book in the slightest. It is also, I believe, my first foray into a F/F romance! I have to say, this was a very interesting read!
I loved the slow burn of the romance between Fiona and Nicole! I also found it easy to identify and connect with Fiona. I really loved Fiona's dictate to Nicole that they take time apart for Nicole to find herself, as I felt that her concerns were extremely realistic of the situation. I suspected something had happened in Fiona's past, but the reveal of it was a complete surprise for me! I loved how Nicole's parents viewed themselves as "Modern" Catholics, since more traditionalist Catholics are the reason I left that faith entirely, so many years ago!
This was a quick read, but told a complete story, and was very engaging and entertaining to me! I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
October 10, 2023
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but I love love LOVED it. Ohhhh my god, the horror, the adventure, the emotions, the romance…I am so glad I went on this journey. I fell in love with both MCs and even felt close to crying a few times! Rachel Lacey is a stellar writer and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future.
May 20, 2024
3.5 stars
This read like a modern day, smutty, penny dreadful. In the best of ways, of course. Quite honestly, a snippet of this book was in the back of another book I read by Rachel Lacey and I thought I was getting myself into another romcom. Boy, was I wrong… (kinda) It follows a romcom plot, romance wise. But instead of meet cutes and dates, these two women end up stranded together? It was really quite a treat, a change of pace if you will. Kindle unlimited is doing me some good finally.
This read like a modern day, smutty, penny dreadful. In the best of ways, of course. Quite honestly, a snippet of this book was in the back of another book I read by Rachel Lacey and I thought I was getting myself into another romcom. Boy, was I wrong… (kinda) It follows a romcom plot, romance wise. But instead of meet cutes and dates, these two women end up stranded together? It was really quite a treat, a change of pace if you will. Kindle unlimited is doing me some good finally.
February 5, 2021
The more I read this authors work the more I want her to write more lesfic/wlw books.
This one was a slow starter for me but then I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Fiona, once she opens up more, I would say was my favourite character. I did like Nicole and could feel her frustrations she had with Fiona. Both were great characters but I think I resonate with Fiona more.
If you haven't read any of this authors work, I would highly recommend reading this or her series called Midnight in Manhattan. You will not be disappointed.
This one was a slow starter for me but then I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Fiona, once she opens up more, I would say was my favourite character. I did like Nicole and could feel her frustrations she had with Fiona. Both were great characters but I think I resonate with Fiona more.
If you haven't read any of this authors work, I would highly recommend reading this or her series called Midnight in Manhattan. You will not be disappointed.
March 23, 2019
Lost in paradise
Loved this read, it was much more than I expected; it follows the two MC's through the ordeal that leaves them shipwrecked, their solitary survival and then finding themselves afterwards. I felt the depth of characters really separated this from other similar plots, and gave it that extra dimension that made me put this novel on a shelf as a definite read again.
Loved this read, it was much more than I expected; it follows the two MC's through the ordeal that leaves them shipwrecked, their solitary survival and then finding themselves afterwards. I felt the depth of characters really separated this from other similar plots, and gave it that extra dimension that made me put this novel on a shelf as a definite read again.
April 6, 2022
This was a good story that kept my interest. It had the right amount of drama and angst. Nice ending.
February 12, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I know I've said this before but I'll mention it again, I don't usually read the blurb or review of a book I want to read for review. If I do I usually wait awhile so I can forget what I read. I don't like anything tainting what I'm reading. I like to go in surprised.
Well!!! I was damn surprised when I read Lost in Paradise that's for sure.
Who would have thought that the two main characters are both female. I was a tiny bit shocked by this from this author. I don't remember her ever doing a book like that.
That being said I have to say she did a wonderful job of it. It was impossible to go in without a somewhat tainted view of the story. I don't shy away from same sex romances, but I also don't seek them out.
So, at first I almost put this one down. Then I told myself to get over it and read the story. I am so glad that I did. This is wonderfully written. Shortly after starting it I truly wanted to know Nicole & Fiona's story. I wanted more of them together.
You really root for these two to both make it and find their happy-ever-after together. I became so lost in their story that it became just like any other romance to me. I'm so glad I gave this story a chance.
If your mind is totally closed off to the idea of same sex romance then pass of this one. But if you I like to explore something different I do believe this one is a very good one to start with.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
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ARC received for a honest review
I know I've said this before but I'll mention it again, I don't usually read the blurb or review of a book I want to read for review. If I do I usually wait awhile so I can forget what I read. I don't like anything tainting what I'm reading. I like to go in surprised.
Well!!! I was damn surprised when I read Lost in Paradise that's for sure.
Who would have thought that the two main characters are both female. I was a tiny bit shocked by this from this author. I don't remember her ever doing a book like that.
That being said I have to say she did a wonderful job of it. It was impossible to go in without a somewhat tainted view of the story. I don't shy away from same sex romances, but I also don't seek them out.
So, at first I almost put this one down. Then I told myself to get over it and read the story. I am so glad that I did. This is wonderfully written. Shortly after starting it I truly wanted to know Nicole & Fiona's story. I wanted more of them together.
You really root for these two to both make it and find their happy-ever-after together. I became so lost in their story that it became just like any other romance to me. I'm so glad I gave this story a chance.
If your mind is totally closed off to the idea of same sex romance then pass of this one. But if you I like to explore something different I do believe this one is a very good one to start with.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
October 23, 2024
I did really enjoy it but it was a little too short.
I would have appreciated more detail and more of them stuck on the island.
There was a little too much spice for me, considering this book is barely 200 pages long.
I did like the characters, but Fiona frustrated me a little towards the end.
And again, I would have appreciated even more detail about their past and stuff.
Could have been a 5 stars but (once again) just a little too short.
But it's definitely great as a palate cleanser, since it's so short and Rachel's writing is really easy to get through.
I would have appreciated more detail and more of them stuck on the island.
There was a little too much spice for me, considering this book is barely 200 pages long.
I did like the characters, but Fiona frustrated me a little towards the end.
And again, I would have appreciated even more detail about their past and stuff.
Could have been a 5 stars but (once again) just a little too short.
But it's definitely great as a palate cleanser, since it's so short and Rachel's writing is really easy to get through.
December 4, 2018
Love has a way of shaking up more than a heart. Lost in Paradise is a journey of personal discovery. It's surprising, sexy and an emotional rollercoaster as well. Nicole is looking to heal a broken heart. Become a new woman. What she finds is love like she's never known before. Lacey takes her talents in an unexpected direction. Out of tragedy comes the courage to be happy.
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