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Lost at Sea
Annie Peck finds herself in a terrible situation and is literally running for her life. A chance encounter with a surprising lookalike leads her towards a risky solution.Captain Caroline West knows she is lucky to be one of the few women cruise ship captains in the world. Sadly, not having a standard nine to five job means relationships are nearly impossible and she's all but given up on finding anyone.Join these two women for an all-expenses-paid cruise of the Mediterranean and find out what happens when an identity thief with a heart of gold meets the rule-abiding woman who could throw her in jail.
442 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2019
162 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Radley
30 books467 followers***While I have a profile here on Goodreads, it is only to administer my books when necessary (add them, change covers etc).
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
I do not answer messages on here, I do not engage in groups, and I do not read the reviews.
I believe Goodreads is a place for readers and not authors and so I stay away for the most part. If you do want to contact me, please go to my website***
A.E. Radley is an entrepreneur and best-selling author living and working in England.
She describes herself as a Wife. Traveller. Tea Drinker. Biscuit Eater. Animal Lover. Master Pragmatist. Annoying Procrastinator. Theme Park Fan. Movie Buff.
When not writing or working, Radley indulges in her third passion of buying unnecessary cat accessories on a popular online store for her two ungrateful strays whom she has threatened to return for the last seven years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 8, 2019
Liked it well enough, but not so much that it goes on my read again list. Story was funny but a bit slow, characters were very nice. There were quite some sentences where a word was missing or words where a letter was missing. Pity.
3.4 stars for me, which means 3 stars in the Goodreads system.
3.4 stars for me, which means 3 stars in the Goodreads system.
November 8, 2019
Two person POV book. Opens with 30 something Annie Peck frantically running around Barcelona trying to figure out how to ‘get away’. Ends up in the train station, buys a ticket. Spends a few moments in the bathroom before leaving, and comes face to mirror to someone who looks just like her – or, I should say, the mirror shows two copies of her, eh? Her ‘double’ is a famous opera singer named Serena Rubio. Both women are sad and depressed and stuff. Serena because her manager is ‘making her’ take a break on a cruise ship to rest her voice – while Serena would prefer to remain in Spain and be with her Australian boyfriend who is on a plane to her right at this moment. Annie is sad and stuff because the man whose orbit she fell into (and briefly dated) is going to kill her. And, since he’s part of the Ortega crime family, he’s got a lot of people around to spot Annie and make good on this death thing. Serena lets Annie in on her issues; Annie just says she has boyfriend issues. Serena forces her ID and ticket onto Annie to take her place on the cruise ship. Annie is super reluctant but eventually agrees if Serena promises to not stay in Barcelona.
The other point of view is fifty something Captain Caroline West. West is the captain on a cruise ship, specifically the one that Annie as Serena is about to board. West has a prestige job and has a form of celebrity status of her own (both among cruise ship passengers, and those who care about cruise ships, since she’s one of the few female cruise ship captains). West grew up dreaming of being a ship’s captain, just not for a cruise line. Her goal was the Navy. And she was a ship captain in the navy for a while, but had to leave the service for reasons mentioned in the book. West is a professionals professional – so, while not having any real desire to ‘act nice’ with passengers, that’s one of her main duties on board, and so she does it. Which is how the two main characters meet.
Annie-Serena planned to stay in her room as much as possible. She’s playing the part of a famous woman, and there are people after her. Her fakery might be easily spotted (though she herself hadn’t previously heard of Serena), and/or bad elements might spot Annie as Serena and inform on her. But, unfortunately for her, but fortunately for the story line, an old couple spotted her and overheard that she’s someone famous. So they latch onto her, offer to dine with her. Annie agrees but just to not make a scene right there and then. Still planning to stay in her room. Unfortunately, again, Graham, the old man of the couple, is very persistent, and Annie finds her at the big huge ‘Captain’s table’. On display, so to speak, and right next to the Captain.
The two have a kind of insta-lust develop, but Annie is trying to hide, and West is too much of a professional to lunge across the table and begin humping Annie-Serena. Later she restrains herself by constantly reminding herself that Serena is 26 and half her age (Serena is 26, Annie is 31, but Annie is pretending to be Serena; Caroline West, is 55).
Something like fate, one of them mentions at some point, keeps having the two women keep bumping into each other – on board ship, and on excursions off ship. Somewhere along the line the two decide to be friendly and then later that turns into something more. Seemingly from the first moment (not really) Annie as Serena keeps telling West that she needs to tell West something (or, if I recall things correctly, she started to tell West this at some point after their first fumbling’s in bed), but keeps getting interrupted by West needing to hurry off and do ship stuff. Naturally, in a situation like this . . .
Interesting enough story. Entertaining. Passed the time well enough.
Rating: 3.7
November 8 2019
The other point of view is fifty something Captain Caroline West. West is the captain on a cruise ship, specifically the one that Annie as Serena is about to board. West has a prestige job and has a form of celebrity status of her own (both among cruise ship passengers, and those who care about cruise ships, since she’s one of the few female cruise ship captains). West grew up dreaming of being a ship’s captain, just not for a cruise line. Her goal was the Navy. And she was a ship captain in the navy for a while, but had to leave the service for reasons mentioned in the book. West is a professionals professional – so, while not having any real desire to ‘act nice’ with passengers, that’s one of her main duties on board, and so she does it. Which is how the two main characters meet.
Annie-Serena planned to stay in her room as much as possible. She’s playing the part of a famous woman, and there are people after her. Her fakery might be easily spotted (though she herself hadn’t previously heard of Serena), and/or bad elements might spot Annie as Serena and inform on her. But, unfortunately for her, but fortunately for the story line, an old couple spotted her and overheard that she’s someone famous. So they latch onto her, offer to dine with her. Annie agrees but just to not make a scene right there and then. Still planning to stay in her room. Unfortunately, again, Graham, the old man of the couple, is very persistent, and Annie finds her at the big huge ‘Captain’s table’. On display, so to speak, and right next to the Captain.
The two have a kind of insta-lust develop, but Annie is trying to hide, and West is too much of a professional to lunge across the table and begin humping Annie-Serena. Later she restrains herself by constantly reminding herself that Serena is 26 and half her age (Serena is 26, Annie is 31, but Annie is pretending to be Serena; Caroline West, is 55).
Something like fate, one of them mentions at some point, keeps having the two women keep bumping into each other – on board ship, and on excursions off ship. Somewhere along the line the two decide to be friendly and then later that turns into something more. Seemingly from the first moment (not really) Annie as Serena keeps telling West that she needs to tell West something (or, if I recall things correctly, she started to tell West this at some point after their first fumbling’s in bed), but keeps getting interrupted by West needing to hurry off and do ship stuff. Naturally, in a situation like this . . .
Interesting enough story. Entertaining. Passed the time well enough.
Rating: 3.7
November 8 2019
December 18, 2019
I am obsessed!
Annie boards a cruise ship after an extremely lucky chance meeting with Serena Rubio. She intends to keep to herself, have her cruise then continue with her plan to get away from Barcelona once and for all. Things don’t exactly go to plan when she finds herself sat at dinner right beside the captivating captain. Caroline West is unsure what it is about the woman she sat beside at dinner, but they have a connection but because of her job, her life, she is certain they could never have anything more and be happy, but she allows herself to dream, just a little in the hope that maybe they can.
I can’t express how much I loved this story. Like every time I pick up an A. E. Radley book, it becomes my new favourite but this one is something else. Literally completely obsessed with this story!!! It has been stuck in my head ever since I started reading it and I got so emotionally invested in the characters and their story because of the way it was told and drew me in. Absolutely amazing, easy to read, perfect romance with mystery and drama story. There were so many wonderful elements that gave twists and turns to this adventure on the sea. I absolutely loved this story and can’t rave about it enough. Literally unable to put the book down, and as soon as I finished it I wanted to go back and start again…right away! I can’t believe just how immersed in this I became! It was that good!!!
Loved every second of it and now have withdrawal symptoms! I miss and Annie and Caroline so I just hope they appear in another story one day!
I honestly can’t describe how passionately I feel about Annie and Caroline’s characters! They were the perfect combination, an age gap, vulnerable but strong women, dedicated and despite everything trying to be happy. The connection they had was the kind I adore in age gap romance couples, and the kind I dream of! These two were perfect! The absolute cutest couple ever!!!
Annie, such a relatable character because she was really torn but she was so genuine and lovely even after everything she was going through. Given the circumstances, Annie really did handle everything well. I absolutely adored her. But you know me, I am a sucker for the older woman and it is Captain Caroline West who completely stole my heart. She was so amazing I can’t even put it into words. Love, love, love her!!!
Just the most amazing story, captured my heart, and I am totally in love with it!
Annie boards a cruise ship after an extremely lucky chance meeting with Serena Rubio. She intends to keep to herself, have her cruise then continue with her plan to get away from Barcelona once and for all. Things don’t exactly go to plan when she finds herself sat at dinner right beside the captivating captain. Caroline West is unsure what it is about the woman she sat beside at dinner, but they have a connection but because of her job, her life, she is certain they could never have anything more and be happy, but she allows herself to dream, just a little in the hope that maybe they can.
I can’t express how much I loved this story. Like every time I pick up an A. E. Radley book, it becomes my new favourite but this one is something else. Literally completely obsessed with this story!!! It has been stuck in my head ever since I started reading it and I got so emotionally invested in the characters and their story because of the way it was told and drew me in. Absolutely amazing, easy to read, perfect romance with mystery and drama story. There were so many wonderful elements that gave twists and turns to this adventure on the sea. I absolutely loved this story and can’t rave about it enough. Literally unable to put the book down, and as soon as I finished it I wanted to go back and start again…right away! I can’t believe just how immersed in this I became! It was that good!!!
Loved every second of it and now have withdrawal symptoms! I miss and Annie and Caroline so I just hope they appear in another story one day!
I honestly can’t describe how passionately I feel about Annie and Caroline’s characters! They were the perfect combination, an age gap, vulnerable but strong women, dedicated and despite everything trying to be happy. The connection they had was the kind I adore in age gap romance couples, and the kind I dream of! These two were perfect! The absolute cutest couple ever!!!
Annie, such a relatable character because she was really torn but she was so genuine and lovely even after everything she was going through. Given the circumstances, Annie really did handle everything well. I absolutely adored her. But you know me, I am a sucker for the older woman and it is Captain Caroline West who completely stole my heart. She was so amazing I can’t even put it into words. Love, love, love her!!!
Just the most amazing story, captured my heart, and I am totally in love with it!
June 3, 2020
A neat story! I really enjoyed the sexy lesbian lady captain of the ship in her 50s falling for the younger woman in her 30s who was pretending to be someone else!
I loved the details of the travels and cruise life, plus the mystery behind our love interests impersonation.
No love scenes though, bahhumbug lol! I jest, it was a very sweet chaste novel with adorable characters, a good casual holiday read with a feel good ending.
I loved the details of the travels and cruise life, plus the mystery behind our love interests impersonation.
No love scenes though, bahhumbug lol! I jest, it was a very sweet chaste novel with adorable characters, a good casual holiday read with a feel good ending.
November 7, 2019
The book starts with Annie apparently in peril, but after a chance meeting with a similar looking opera singer she ends up on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean. This was quite interesting, if a bit far-fetch, but it then went a bit flat. It was very sweet, but it didn’t engage me and I found myself skipping pages. Part of the problem for me was that most of the story was purely about the relationship, their everyday life was virtually non existent.
Towards the end of the book Annie’s problems become sorted but Caroline became a petulant child and the last few chapters were about sorting this out. The story was OK, but it wasn’t one of my favourites from this author. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
Towards the end of the book Annie’s problems become sorted but Caroline became a petulant child and the last few chapters were about sorting this out. The story was OK, but it wasn’t one of my favourites from this author. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
February 3, 2021
It is an unsettling experience to complete a romance and have your heart ache for a thoroughly loveable MC because you know she didn’t find love. That she gave way, way more than she’d ever get. And you want to protect her.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
February 4, 2020
Oh, I don't know, didn't really click with the main characters, all seemed a lttle unlikey (you think? ed) and to be honest I gut bored and skipped a couple of chapters, found I'd missed a key one & went back. But a disappointment from A E Radley. Sorry.
September 22, 2019
Oh, the joys of a cruise vacation/getaway/whatever...
December 26, 2019
This was ok. Unique settings made it more interesting.
September 24, 2019
Swooning at Sea
Annie is on the run and meets Serena who has her own problems. Annie agrees to help the opera singer and finds herself on the cruise ship Fortuna. Captain Caroline West is sexy, strong and so alluring…. Against better judgement, Annie is drawn to the lovely sailor and it’s not one sided. This is a problem for both women. One of many it seems…The attraction between the two women is instant and incredible. They both have problems and are unsure of themselves. Annie is bubbly and perky while Caroline is more serious and closed off. She has thousands of people she is responsible for and just doesn’t have the luxury to take much time for herself but Annie makes her want things she doesn’t think she can have… I ADORED this book!!! Its fun, romantic, sweet and charming. I think I can read it again and again and not tire of it. Ms Radley has really outdone herself on this one!
Annie is on the run and meets Serena who has her own problems. Annie agrees to help the opera singer and finds herself on the cruise ship Fortuna. Captain Caroline West is sexy, strong and so alluring…. Against better judgement, Annie is drawn to the lovely sailor and it’s not one sided. This is a problem for both women. One of many it seems…The attraction between the two women is instant and incredible. They both have problems and are unsure of themselves. Annie is bubbly and perky while Caroline is more serious and closed off. She has thousands of people she is responsible for and just doesn’t have the luxury to take much time for herself but Annie makes her want things she doesn’t think she can have… I ADORED this book!!! Its fun, romantic, sweet and charming. I think I can read it again and again and not tire of it. Ms Radley has really outdone herself on this one!
September 18, 2019
An amazing book, with an original story and so beautifully described characters. A story with passion, love, suspense, drama and happy ending. A lot of times while I was reading it I became very emotional. Perfect book. Excellent A.E. Radley
September 23, 2019
Great characters, strong ensemble, good balance between the romance and identity threads which make for an interesting story.. enjoyable reading.
January 3, 2020
I found this book very original. It was a solid 4 stars but I don’t think I would read it again. Very well written and good pacing of the story. (Also the first book I’ve read with KU!)
August 16, 2021
And again, an amazing book that I just couldn't put away. Luckily I threw my back out last week so I didn't have a reason to.
I've always dreamed of going on a cruise and reading about two wlw on a cruise made me swoon from start to finish. I fell in love with Caroline, how she stood for the things she believes in and how she made everyone in awe and comfortable. I fell in love with Annie, with her spontaneity and her witty banter. I'm almost sad the book ended but the ending was just too beautiful to be sad about.
I absolutely adore your books Amanda Radley.
I've always dreamed of going on a cruise and reading about two wlw on a cruise made me swoon from start to finish. I fell in love with Caroline, how she stood for the things she believes in and how she made everyone in awe and comfortable. I fell in love with Annie, with her spontaneity and her witty banter. I'm almost sad the book ended but the ending was just too beautiful to be sad about.
I absolutely adore your books Amanda Radley.
October 15, 2019
Wonderful!
This is a very well written book with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. Can a little lie ever be explained and/or forgiven? Sometimes things aren't as they seem and only explanations and time will bridge the gaps. This book grabbed my attention right from the start. I highly recommend it for your must read list.
This is a very well written book with well developed characters and an engrossing storyline. Can a little lie ever be explained and/or forgiven? Sometimes things aren't as they seem and only explanations and time will bridge the gaps. This book grabbed my attention right from the start. I highly recommend it for your must read list.
October 27, 2019
Amazing
Amazing story, well written, the characters are captivating. Captain Caroline West figure is imposing, gorgeous and majestic. Annie is a sweet, beautiful and brave, the story is an adventure, a fantastic voyage in the ship Fortuna, where they met, laugh and cry. I definitely recommend it.
Amazing story, well written, the characters are captivating. Captain Caroline West figure is imposing, gorgeous and majestic. Annie is a sweet, beautiful and brave, the story is an adventure, a fantastic voyage in the ship Fortuna, where they met, laugh and cry. I definitely recommend it.
October 15, 2019
Very enjoyable story. Great ending.
November 25, 2019
I loved it. Yet another amazing book by A E Radley.
June 29, 2020
Big Fan of This Story
I've yet to read an A.E.Radley book that isn't well written and absolutely entertaining. This is another one.
I've never been on a cruise but this story successfully took me there. What interesting goings on aboard a cruise ship! Especially travelling first rate, running away and hiding amid luxury. There's more than enough twists and turns to leave me "lost" in the wake.
I felt the pain along the way too, my heart cheering for the two main characters. I'm so glad Radley believes in positive outcomes.....or I'd cry for a long time. That's how special these two are. Instead I'll be smiling for a long time. Pick this up and read it....it's great.
I've yet to read an A.E.Radley book that isn't well written and absolutely entertaining. This is another one.
I've never been on a cruise but this story successfully took me there. What interesting goings on aboard a cruise ship! Especially travelling first rate, running away and hiding amid luxury. There's more than enough twists and turns to leave me "lost" in the wake.
I felt the pain along the way too, my heart cheering for the two main characters. I'm so glad Radley believes in positive outcomes.....or I'd cry for a long time. That's how special these two are. Instead I'll be smiling for a long time. Pick this up and read it....it's great.
September 28, 2022
Annie is running away from her dangerous former boyfriend when she meets her doppelganger in a restroom. They agree to trade places, with Annie taking a cruise while pretending to be a famous opera singer. A lot takes place in a week, including meeting the ship’s master, Caroline. In the space of the one week of the cruise, Annie and Caroline flirt and retreat repeatedly, all the while becoming more attracted. There are some humorous and some angsty sections sprinkled throughout the book which were entertaining as they interact with each other and other characters. However, Annie’s secret is a big stumbling block. I wondered how the truth would come out, and Radley wrote some tension-filled scenes which kept me riveted.
October 25, 2024
Brilliant Idea and really unique!
There was no way I could have guessed what happened next at any point in the book. It kept me under a spell. The characters were so cute together and I would love to take a vacation on such a boat. (especially with that captain)
The only thing I have to say is that the freezer scene was so brutal! I gasped out loud, and then tried to retell my friend what had just happened in my 'cute little romance book.' Her face was priceless. But nevertheless that scene really completed the book, since it showed what Annie was afraid of from the beginning.
I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to escape reality for a bit, take a vacation on a boat and fall in love.
4/5
There was no way I could have guessed what happened next at any point in the book. It kept me under a spell. The characters were so cute together and I would love to take a vacation on such a boat. (especially with that captain)
The only thing I have to say is that the freezer scene was so brutal! I gasped out loud, and then tried to retell my friend what had just happened in my 'cute little romance book.' Her face was priceless. But nevertheless that scene really completed the book, since it showed what Annie was afraid of from the beginning.
I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to escape reality for a bit, take a vacation on a boat and fall in love.
4/5
October 19, 2020
As improbable as this story was, I ended up really enjoying it. Annie is in big trouble being chased by the Mafia in Spain. While trying to make her escape undetected, enter famous Opera singer, Serena Rubia, who just happens to be identical to Annie. Serena has her own reasons for disappearing, so the two switch identities and go their separate ways. Annie ends up on a luxury cruise ship where, given her new status, she finds herself sitting at the dining table of Captain Catherine West. When feelings develop between the two women, things become difficult. How can they possibly be together when Annie is not even who she says she is?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
Seeing the storyline was based on a cruise ship had me intrigued initially as I’m a huge cruiser. Add in a hot captain and a bit of suspense and I was hooked.
Caroline, the ship’s captain, was the absolute star of this book for me. She was authoritative, caring, protective, and so much more. Even when she found out the truth she was still so protective. Also, the town she lived in is gorgeous and it’s now on my Italy list (yes I googled it because I had to know).
I was not expecting so much suspense when I read the blurb, but I was pleasantly surprised and lacked sleep wanting to know what happened because of it.
Caroline, the ship’s captain, was the absolute star of this book for me. She was authoritative, caring, protective, and so much more. Even when she found out the truth she was still so protective. Also, the town she lived in is gorgeous and it’s now on my Italy list (yes I googled it because I had to know).
I was not expecting so much suspense when I read the blurb, but I was pleasantly surprised and lacked sleep wanting to know what happened because of it.
January 19, 2022
I’m glad I was already in love with Amanda Radley’s writing before I read this book because I fear I might not have gone past the doppelgänger meeting if I hadn’t known I could trust Amanda to make this book an excellent read. After that defining moment, I could not put the book down anymore and had a wonderful time seeing Annie and Caroline get to know each other. Amazing attention to detail and meaningful conversations make us believe this love story to be true. And I’m ready to look for more of Amanda’s stories to read!
June 1, 2020
The identity swap kicking off this story is preposterous. That aside, it's a good tale. The main characters are interesting women, each with a little baggage. There is a decent supporting cast with mostly minor roles. Less minor is the ship's doctor who provides a strong push on a couple of critical occasions to keep things moving in the right direction. The women eventually attain the expected HEA; presumably much of that ever-after to be spent aboard ship.
June 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this
Ms. Radley does it again. Excellent work on this story of secrets, forgiveness, and oh sweet love. Some of reviewers have had issues with it's slow start but I found the pacing perfect for me. It gave me ample time to grasp the cruise ship world that is Fortuna.
Ms. Radley does it again. Excellent work on this story of secrets, forgiveness, and oh sweet love. Some of reviewers have had issues with it's slow start but I found the pacing perfect for me. It gave me ample time to grasp the cruise ship world that is Fortuna.
February 7, 2023
You can’t go far wrong with an Amanda Radley book and this little sea jaunt is more evidence of this. Wonderful main characters, intriguing supporting characters and the beautiful surroundings of the Mediterranean. I’ve never fancied a cruise myself, but I do now.
A lovely, easy and entertaining read.
A lovely, easy and entertaining read.
Read
December 20, 2025Quick didn't finish after 30-or-so pages. The whole " running from assassin then meeting a twin that happens to be famous (but yet nobody ever noticed the similarity?) and switching roles"... I don't know, it just didn't work for me at all. Maybe I simply wasn't in the mood for such a far-fetched set-up for a lesfic romance. And an age-gap at that. which isn't my fave trope to begin with.
May 25, 2020
Cruising for suspense
In this book the author takes us through the development of a wonderful May/September romance with uniforms, mistaken identity and suspense. It a rollicking good time!
In this book the author takes us through the development of a wonderful May/September romance with uniforms, mistaken identity and suspense. It a rollicking good time!
March 22, 2021
Good read
I have only been on one cruise and hated every minute of it. If it had been on the Fortuna, I think it would be much more entertaining. This book was filled with bits of humor and bits of sadness. I enjoyed the push/pull of Annie and Caroline. Great ending.
I have only been on one cruise and hated every minute of it. If it had been on the Fortuna, I think it would be much more entertaining. This book was filled with bits of humor and bits of sadness. I enjoyed the push/pull of Annie and Caroline. Great ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews