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Romancing the Seas

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Sous-chef Pippa Renshaw thinks a change of scene will mend her bruised heart, so she swaps her job in a prestigious London restaurant to head-chef on a cruise ship sailing around New Zealand. A great plan until she meets her new CEO, the delectable Jonathon Eagleton, and discovers she has to share a suite with him.

Even though sparks fly whenever they are together, Jonathon steadfastly keeps her at arm’s length, which suits Pippa just fine because she’s still getting over the betrayal of the last time she had a relationship with the boss.

The situation is starting to feel like solitary confinement until a thunderstorm traps them in a tramper’s hut while hiking. Suddenly a different kind of storm unleashes inside the hut.

But will they be able to go back to their previous status now the line has been crossed?

Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2013

1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read

About the author

Cait O'Sullivan

8 books182 followers
Cait O'Sullivan is a romance author with a love of words and magic, having had the good fortune to grow up in Ireland. The wanderlust in her blood sent her out to travel the world and now, residing in a leafy suburb of London, it is her thoughts and memories that journey far and wide in order to create her stories.

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5 stars
10 (41%)
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9 (37%)
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3 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Desere.
758 reviews79 followers
February 6, 2013
Personally I have always thought it would be incredible to take a trip on a cruise around the world, the wonders one would see, the smell of the ocean, the sights of sea life around you and best of all soaking up the sun, and if there is a hot, sexy man to bring me some drinks, all the better!

After reading this spectacular book I am more determined to make it happen, as this author did one amazing job at letting me be taken away on a journey of romance and passion out on the open seas.

The characters of Pippa and Jonathan were incredible, both having so much fire and spunk it had me in bouts of laughter one minute and bordering on tears the next. I loved how the author let them first have a real proper go at each other before simply falling straight into bed before having spoken two proper sentences, as happens very often in books of the contemporary romance line and that does not make for bad reading however, I like to have a bit of argument and going toe to toe moments before getting to the passionate and complicated parts. It gives me as reader the spark I need to let the characters really speak to me, and boy oh boy did they speak to me!

But of course what made this one all the more spunky was the fact that they both cannot give into their attraction due their work, now if your thinking hot and heated sneaked moments your absolutely right and it was fabulous! I could not put this read down! The sensual heat level in this one was scorching and when I say you need to make sure you have some form of a refreshment while reading I mean it, it got hotter than hot!

The author also did a really incredible job at describing the surroundings, I could taste the salty breeze and hear the ocean, it was so descriptive and vivid it was as if I was Pippa living the dream, if the dream of being in the arms of Johathon or the dream of being out on the ocean, that is undecided at this point as I am at a loss to decide which dream sounds better, and that is all thanks to the author for creating both character and setting so perfectly!

This is a compelling, sexy, sensual read and the perfect read to take you away from all your troubles, you will be lost from the start and as myself never want to return to the real world again.

Excellent work Cait!
5/5 star review
" Get thrown into the arms of your boss and left breathless wave after wave"
Profile Image for Christine Warner.
Author 11 books298 followers
January 9, 2013
Congrats to Cait O'Sullivan for this wonderful romantic tale. I loved the characters and the setting.

Ms. O'Sullivan has a wonderful way of putting her words together to weave a fascinating and fun story. The descriptions were beautiful and the characters fresh and three dimensional. And the end came all to soon, but still managed to leave me with a huge smile on my face. Nothing better than a happily ever after with characters that you've cheered on from the start.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Romancing the Seas and Cait O'Sullivan. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
931 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2018
Fair read

It was a good story and well written. The characters were good.Jonathan kept you wondering how he was going to get out of his mess.
295 reviews22 followers
June 27, 2015
This was a very cute romance novel and a quick read. I was a little nervous at first because the first couple chapters didn't do a whole lot for me, too much describing of how the two main characters look. Then as I got more into Romancing the Seas it got better with each page. I would categorize this romance novel as semi steamy with some light comedy, it had a good mix of both.

As readers we get to see both the male lead Johnathon's point of view and the female lead Pippa's point of view. This was refreshing. I love when romance novels give us both view points. It helps us understand what is going on in both of their heads and gives us more insight into why they do what they do. This was a nice change in pace since there is always frustrating drama that comes along in a romance novel.

Pippa was a great character. She was sassy, strong, and cute. Plus she was a chef, and I loved her passion for her work. I don't read a lot of books with chefs in them and this was a nice change. Johnathon was sexy and strong and dumb, but he makes up for it. Although not always perfectly described, their chemistry was steamy.

The setting of a cruise ship in New Zeleand was wonderful. When the characters get stuck over night in a cabin together it was intense. I loved that scene. It was hot and full of humor. O'Sullivan wrote that scene wonderfully.

The only main thing that bothered me with this book, and why I didn't give it a higher rating, was that I felt like the story was too rushed. I understand with it taking place on a cruise that it couldn't last forever, but there could have been a change over with another cruise or something of the sort. I just wish it would have been slightly longer so we could have gone a little more in depth with the characters and their relationship. Also, I wanted more time with some of the minor characters. They were important to the story in their own way, but I felt like we didn't see enough of them.

Overall Romancing the Seas is a delightful read, perfect for a rainy day or a day at the beach. If you are looking for a romance novel with the right mix of funny and steamy this would be a good fit.

**I received this book for free from the author. It in no way hindered my honest review. Thanks Cait!
Profile Image for A.R. Von.
Author 32 books1,177 followers
April 2, 2013
A sweet, fun and romantic read with lots of food and a touching romance that many fans of the genre will be sure to enjoy :)

Pippa is starting anew. Her first step is taking a job pretty much on the blind doing something she loves. She’s excited for a new adventure and the escape of the terrible situation/relationship she was in before. The last thing she expects is to meet the perfect man.

Jonathon recently made it to his current position as CEO and has worked very hard to get there. Now he’s cleaning up the mess the previous CEO left and is working on various projects and improvements. As well as “cleaning up” other areas because the former CEO enjoyed sleeping with the new hires. When a new hire comes aboard, he is stricken by her beauty. His first though is “is she capable of the position she’s been hired for or is she one of the former CEO’s playthings?” He sure hopes not because he’s awakened in the most intimate of ways within himself and is finding it very difficult to resists her.

Not many get the chance to meet their soul mate. Pippa and Jonathon are two very lucky ones. They instantly were drawn to one another and are such a perfect match. I would not mind at all seeing more of Pippa and Johnathon and how their lives end up once they are all settled.
Profile Image for Sara Ellwood.
Author 21 books173 followers
February 16, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed Romancing the Seas by Cait O'Sullivan. The story is about Pippa a chef hired on by a womanizing CEO who was known for sleeping with the pretty employees. Jonathon is his replacement. The two get off to a very rocky start when he thinks her looks got her the job and she thinks he's just a hunky jerk. Then things get worse. There's no room on the ship for the newest arrival and poor Pippa has to share Jonathon's cabin. Sure she has her own room, but who would want to share space with her boss, especially one she can't stop fantasizing about. She has her own hang-ups too. She and her old boss had been lovers, and she vows never to repeat that mistake. EVER AGAIN. No matter how sexy the CEO might be.

Romancing the Seas was a delight to read. I loved the sexual tension that sizzled off my Kindle and I loved the conflict that crackled through the sizzle. The characters are not just likable, they are lovable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a fantastic romance and a great escape to a cruse ship off the coast of New Zealand. Which, by the way, Ms. O'Sullivan paints with wonderful descriptions letting the reader experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Profile Image for Serena Clarke.
Author 8 books185 followers
February 12, 2013
Who wouldn’t want to cruise the islands of New Zealand, being paid to do a job you love? For Pippa, it’s the ideal way to escape heartbreak in London, and take a huge step forward in her career. But she didn’t expect the complication of having to share a cabin with her distractingly hot boss…

This book is just enchanting. I loved the descriptions of life at sea, and the beautiful wild country that calls to Pippa. If I was going to travel to the other side of the world, Pippa is exactly the friend I’d like to take with me. She’s real, relatable and a naturally beautiful both inside and out – but with plenty of fire. After having her heart broken by her previous boss, she’s determined to steer clear of any work romance – but the tension between her and company CEO Jonathon absolutely zings. I was as surprised as Pippa by the plot twist that threatened her carefully constructed new life, and the happiness that could be just within her reach. With a sexy-smart hero and feisty heroine, snappy dialogue, clever turns of phrase, and an ending that will leave you satisfied, this book is a complete delight. I’m looking forward to being taken away by the author’s next one!
Profile Image for Teresa Blue.
Author 7 books8 followers
January 24, 2013
This review is from: Romancing the Seas (Crimson Romance) (Kindle Edition)
I have always wanted to take a cruise on a glistening ship with all the trimmings. Author Cait O'Sullivan has given me that in her novel, Romancing the Seas. The descriptions of the coastal shores and salty waves put me right on the deck of Queen Cruises, only without the motion sickness. For Pippa Renshaw, her dreams of becoming the prized chef on a popular cruise line is at last within her reach. If she can overcome the whispered accusations of using any means to advance her career, like sleeping her way to the top. Pippa needs to steer clear of her boss, hot and oh, so handsome Jonathon Eagleton. Which will be pretty hard to do since they're to share adjoining cabins. Ms. OSullivan's has whipped up the perfect recipe for a breezy-you'll sail right through this- and satisfying romance. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for R.T. Wolfe.
Author 12 books180 followers
March 2, 2013
Ms. O'Sullivan's Romancing the Seas is a warm, fun story of Pippa Renshaw's journey into a new job, a new life and new love. I enjoyed Pippa's detailed antics that made her real to me. She talks too much when she's nervous, resists her inner lusts and completely loves her art of cooking. Jonathon Eagleton is the lust to resist. He's her boss! These two work to stay apart but find it difficult as they are working on the same cruise ship and share the same cabin suite.

I loved 'reading' Ms. O'Sullivan's Irish accent. It is scattered throughout her work in a way that brought me all the closer to the New Zealand seas where the story takes place. Her characters were diverse, including a chef with a lovely French-English dialect. Fun!

Way to go, Ms. O'Sullivan!

-R.T. Wolfe, Black Creek Series
Profile Image for Lucy Oliver.
Author 19 books17 followers
February 19, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of cooking and romance on the sea. Without giving too much away, Pippa is offered a job on a cruise ship as Head Chef, but doesn’t expect to fall in love with the very attractive CEO of the cruise line, Jonathon. I thought the main characters were brilliant and believable—I particularly loved the fact Pippa was a professional in her own right—and the authors descriptions of meals were so real I could almost taste the food. Certain parts, especially one involving chillies, made me laugh and I enjoyed the descriptions of the wonderful scenery. This book would make a perfect holiday read, or just transport you to warmer climates from the comfort of your own living room.
Profile Image for Yazmin.
523 reviews11 followers
July 5, 2013
In Romancing the Seas by Cait O’Sullivan, Pippa Renshaw is trying to escape and forget her the betryal and relationship she had with her now former boss, which left her with a very bruised heart. So she has decided to take a job as a chef on a cruise ship sailing around New Zealand.

Jonathon Eagleton is the new CEO and he is trying to clean up everything that the previous CEO left behind for him. And on that note are the new hires the womanizing man hired only to sleep with him, and who are not qualified for the jobs they were hired for. So when he sees Pippa he does not immediately believe that she was hired for her qualifications. Read More...
Profile Image for Hot Damn Book Tours.
2 reviews12 followers
January 9, 2013
Congrats to Cait O'Sullivan for this wonderful romantic tale. I loved the characters and the setting.

Ms. O'Sullivan has a wonderful way of putting her words together to weave a fascinating and fun story. The descriptions were beautiful and the characters fresh and three dimensional. And the end came all to soon, but still managed to leave me with a huge smile on my face. Nothing better than a happily ever after with characters that you've cheered on from the start.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Romancing the Seas and Cait O'Sullivan. Definitely looking forward to reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Eliza Daly.
Author 3 books62 followers
April 27, 2013
I want to hop a plane to New Zealand! What a romantic setting for a book. The author skillfully uses the setting to enhance the chemistry between Pippa and Jonathon. I couldn't decide if my favorite scene was the one where Pippa participates in a traditional Maori dance, or the one where they encounter each other while hiking through a remote area of a forest. Wow! That's all I can say. You'll have to read the book to find out more. Jonathon exudes sex appeal and has to overcome more than his fear of falling in love to win over Pippa in the end. A very fun and romantic read!
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 4 books37 followers
April 13, 2013
Feel like a light romance on board ship? this is very well-written, with a captivating plot behind the scenes, and an appropriate ending.
Even though I seldom choose this genre, I found myself engaging with Pippa and Jonathan on their rocky ride to fulfilment.
"Thoughts like powdery snow shifting at the top of a mountain gathered momentum as they picked up remorse and guilt, and tumbled into an avalanche of emotions."
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews