The Night in Lover's Bay

Love and Wanderlust #0.5

by Liz Alden

A disenchanted superyacht chef and a hunk of a deckhand. Will a hot night between the sheets cure wanderlust?

I expected this job to be perfect—fancy tasting menus while schmoozing elite clientele and island hopping in the Caribbean.

Instead, we’re stuck in Antigua, with nothing but boat work.

I accidentally saw my coworker naked on my first day.

And I can’t stop thinking about him.

When the yacht gets sidelined, will the building tension crash over me, or will I escape and find the adventure I’m looking for?

The Night in Lover’s Bay is a prequel with a to-be-continued ending for the Love and Wanderlust series. These contemporary romances are full of steamy nights between two travelers, perfect to feed your wanderlust.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Ebooks, Adult

80 pages, ebook

First published September 12, 2021

About the author

My Direct Store: https://lizalden.myshopify.com/

Winter Wanderlust Series
Nutcracker with Benefits: https://geni.us/nutcrackerwithbenefits
Frosty Proximity: https://geni.us/frostyproximity
Ghost of Ex-mas Past: https://geni.us/ghostofexmaspast
Run, Run, Roommates: https://geni.us/runrunroommates




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About Liz

I spent ten years traveling the world on a sailboat with my husband. He is not a secret rockstar, nor a grumpy farmer, nor a coworker I accidentally saw naked. I only see him naked intentionally.

Many of my books are based on my travels all over the world – from the Caribbean to Polynesia to Europe. I know exactly how big the world is—having sailed around it—and exactly how small it is, having bumped in to friends worldwide. I’ve been a dishwasher, an engineer, a CEO, and occasionally I get paid to write or sail.

Now I’m in my small town era, both in fiction and real life. I live in Western Massachusetts with a big backyard that would be perfect for a goat if only SOMEONE would let me have one. I like my men to be sweethearts, the bedroom door wide open (with a splash of something new!) and the women to be independent and mature.

You can read free short stories in all her series at https://www.lizalden.com/

Connect with Liz:
Facebook > https://facebook.com/lizaldenwriter
Twitter > https://twitter.com/lizaldenwriter
Instagram > https://instagram.com/lizaldenwriter
Pinterest > https://www.pinterest.com/lizaldenwri...

Reviews

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great short read. The drama was just enough to keep you reading, but not too much to overpowered the story.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story of Marcella and Seb that meet. It has you wanting them to have a HEA as they are made for each other! This storyline was interesting and the characters were developed and pulled you into the story.

[κris ☄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much, author Liz Alden for providing me a copy of this book.

I honestly enjoyed reading this book. The characters were good and cute. It was such a delightful and wonderful story of Marcella and Seb. Although it is prequel I still want to hear and read from them and good thing, I was able to read the last note from the author that their story will continue on the third installment which will be released this year - September 2021! I can't wait for how their story reveals their attraction towards each other and their thoughts pan out. Plus, their painful parting in this book was a bit disappointing because I didn't get to see their last goodbyes.

Overall, I immensely enjoyed the book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series most especially Marcella and Seb's second-chance story. I was left wanting more! The writing was pretty good and perfect for a light great read at this time.

[Bona Caballero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Creemos que cuando una cosa es regalada, no pierdes nada. Cogí free la primera novela de esta serie y antes de empezar te sugieren que leas esta historia de 80 páginas, la #0.5, también de balde. Pues no, nada es gratis del todo, siempre pierdes algo, en concreto, tu TIEMPO, que podías haber dedicado a algo más ameno que «esto», tan irrelevante que aburre hasta las piedras.
Marcella, chef italiana de un yate de lujo en el Caribe, se enrolla con Seb, un miembro de la tripulación, entre actividades turísticas, paisajes y cocinas. Pero no, no tienen su final feliz. Y no son los protagonistas de la que yo iba a leer en primer lugar, sino la siguiente o la otra que, claro, ya no está gratis y va a leer Rita la Cantaora.
Esto ha sido como ver las fotos de tus amigos en sus vacaciones caribeñas, que sí, que ellos lo habrán pasado genial, pero a ti te sirve de cura para el insomnio. Vamos que es de una ⭐ porque solo pude acabarla a 🦘 🦘 🦘 🦘 La segunda ⭐ se la doy por un brindis que hace él, estadounidense de Miami: «Salud, que la belleza sobra», así en español en el original. Una historia en la que aprendo algo, aunque sea una frase hecha en mi propio idioma, no se puede quedar con una sola 💫

[Julianna Thorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I signed up for Liz Alden's newsletter and got this delightful novella along with it! I really enjoyed the setting and was rooting for Marcella and Seb the whole time. This novella felt complete—it was a sexy and neat standalone story that also deftly opened up a whole world. I was totally sucked into the setting and I walked away with a big smile on my face.

I'll be keeping an eye out for this series when it comes out, and especially for Seb and Marcella's second-chance story—I can't wait to see how their hopes and dreams pan out. Liz Alden's writing is easy and fun; I read this story in one sitting. Perfect dinner entertainment. Big recommend from me!

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the books in this series totally out of order, and this was the last book that I read and, therefore, could better understand how Seb´s and Marcella´s relationship of love and hate started. As always, beautiful descriptions of people, places, foods, and drinks made me wish to travel and go to the beach.
This is a short story, easy to read, and fun!!!
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my unbiased review.

[Viki Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning - once you read this novella then you are going to be left wanting more! Just as well Liz Alden has the Love and Wanderlust series underway, and I can't wait to start the next book The Hitchhiker in Panama.
There are some hot and steamy scenes, along with a great plot of life on the ocean with strong female adventurous characters - just like the author herself.
A great read - highly recommended.

[DMATMOOBILforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

- 4 stars… cute intro, but now I want to read book 3 with Marcella and Seb instead of going in order
- 14% omg knuckle cracking flirting hahahah I love it
- I bet Seb was mad, hurt, and jealous in the end because Marcella couldn’t find him to say goodbye. I hope there’s angst in their book haha

[Raelene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun novella, that I think was a good way to lead in to the ‘Love and Wanderlust’ series! It felt a bit rushed, but that is pretty understandable considering the short length.

I’m excited to read more about Eivind, Jonas, and Elayna & was very excited to see Seb’s name mentioned as someone who is going to be featured in one of the books on this series.

Cute, quick read that definitely made me even more excited for The Hitchhiker in Panama!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun setting for a series! I love when authors write many books that are slightly connected with different characters so you can see their stories more fully. I signed up for Liz Arden’s newsletter and received a copy of this novella for free. Marcella and Seb have a fun & flirty friendship that turns steamy and I can’t wait to see where their journeys land later on in further books. I am intrigued by the sailing and water aspect; the various cultures involved from characters will be so interesting as well. I am hooked!!

[Asteroula · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was delightful! The best mini beginning to a huge adventure. I can't wait to dive in the next book. For a short story the characters and the world building was awesome. Let's sail off!!!

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Okay, so yes, I knew it was a novella, and a prequel. But I was not prepared to be left quite so hanging at the end of it. That’s my own fault. However, it was definitely a good story and it makes me want to read on! From what I can tell about the synopsis of book 1 in the series, which I do have a freebie copy of that as well, it will be about one of the characters we kind of barely met in this one, not the couple from this book. And it seems I’ll be waiting till the 3rd book to get Marcella and Seb’s story from this novella. Although it sounds like that book will be only 6 months after this one, so that is good? Anyway, a fun quick read at only 79 pages. My first book by Liz Alden who I’ve been wanting to read for a while!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.

[Peaches & Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novellas can be hit-or-miss, but this one hits. It’s best read before The Second Chance in the Mediterranean to make sense of a few boat things (if that world is new to you), but I read it afterwards, and it was still interesting to have the flashback of sorts to the relationship and backstory.

The author’s website has bonus material for most of the books in this series, like photos and her real-life experiences that inspired characters and plot points (some of the links have expired, so be careful what you click on). It’s a wonderful addition to round out the experience, especially since yatching is a world many readers won’t have taken part in.


//Heat level: explicit scenes.

[Robin Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful prequel to the love and wanderlust series. Though I've only read The Sailor in Polynesia it was so lovely to get a glimpse into Marcella's life and have a story especially for her and Sebastian to whet our appetites before The Chef in the Mediterranean graces our shelves.

It was cute and insightful, sweet and sentimental, and I really enjoyed reading it. The only downfall is that it is so short. But that only makes me more excited for Marcella's full-length novel.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this short introduction to the series! Marcella is a chef on a super yacht moored in Antigua. She has her eye on Seb, a deckhand who she is friends with. One night after they find out the yacht will be coming out the water for repairs, they finally connect. But things get complicated from there, and soon Marcella needs to make some other plans.

I have read the first book in this series, and with this taste of Marcella’s story, I am adding book three to my TBR!

[Greg Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The night in lover's bay

A good read for people who are into the series recommended highly a good read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series

[Melissa Corday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Alden is such a good author. I read this while I was supposed to be working. OK, I actually did get some work done. Multitasking for the win.

I fell in love with the atmosphere and setting; it would be hard not to when you can nearly smell the salty air and almost feel the Caribbean sun. Maybe it helps I'm currently planning a cruise...

Anyway.

Marcella and Seb were really cute together, with just the right amount of tension and stakes while still keeping things light and optimistic. Although this was a novella, I was disappointed when it was over because I was enjoying it so much, and then even more disappointed when I learned book 1 in the Love and Wanderlust series is NOT their story! Thankfully, I own book 1 The Fling in Panama and I'm ready to dig into that so I can get closer to book 2 which is Marcella and Seb's full story.

Despite being only 70 pages, Alden somehow manages to pack in backstory, worldbuilding, character growth (a smidge, but still) and lay the foundation for a fiery romance. I've now read three of her books and the most notable thing is how different all her characters out. Some authors that have prolific bibliographies tend to recycle characters or plots and just insert new settings, but Alden doesn't fall into that habit. In fact, it took me a moment to realize I'd actually read three of her books! Prosecco with my Professor, for example, is NOTHING like The Night in Lover's Bay, but both are still incredibly enjoyable.

I can't wait to explore more of what Alden has to offer. Alden is a powerhouse and is quickly becoming one of my favorite indie authors.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for The Hitchhiker in Panama and couldn't help myself to read the prequel.

This story follows Marcella a chef who works on a superyatch named Odyssey. On her first day Marcella accidentally went in the wrong room and saw Seb, one of her fellow crewmates, naked. Ever since the encounter Marcella has had an interest in him.

Seb and Marcella become close and Seb admits he has been flirting with Marcella and she admitted that she pictures him naked more often then not. This leads to a steamy night with Seb but also leads her to be fired. This is a miracle in disguise as Marcella has been longing for more adventure.

The romance is steamy and adorable but I love the fact that this book leads up to how Marcella met the crew and started their journey together sailing before meeting Lila. The only part of this book I didn't enjoy was how at the end Seb acted like he didn't know Marcella. Their romance was adorable and I hoped it would continue or end in a happier way.

[R Huiszoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liz Alden,’The Night in Lover’s Bay’.
A Love and Wanderlust Prequel.(114 p.)

As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I found a free copy of this story in the sequel of this book and voluntarily produced an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 3 (of 5 stars).

Promising introduction to adventures of traveling female top chef.

Main character:
- Marcella
Head chef on the luxurious charter yacht ‘Odyssee’ with a crew of 13 people and Antigua as home base. She’s a former chef of 5 star restaurants, but wants to see the world. But the ‘Odyssee’ did almost have no clients and made only a few short voyages, so some of the crew lose their job. And Marcella is looking for other opportunities. However before she can quit, she, in spite of her talent and conscientiousness, is fired due to internal jealousy within the staff. Fortunately friends offer her a chance to fulfill her dreams on another yacht.
So, it’s difficult to rate this short story: the character descriptions are still superficial and the explanation of their actions sometimes a bit unclear for me, but after this short, promising prequel I’m looking forward to Liz Alden’s sequel ’The Hitchhiker in Panama’.

R. Huiszoon.

[Liz Alden]

What would you do if you saw your coworker naked on the first day?

What if you eat, sleep, live, and work with said coworker and the sexual tension is off the charts?

Marcella and Seb are stuck in Antigua in dead-end jobs on a superyacht. I was stuck in Antigua during lockdown (such a hardship, right?) so I knew the contradiction of beautiful water and adventures so close and yet so far.

This is a first chance romance between Marcella and Seb. The series continues with The Hitchhiker in Panama, but Marcella and Seb don't get their HEA until The Second Chance in the Mediterranean. The Love and Wanderlust series are interconnected standalones - you can skip right ahead to Marcella and Seb's HEA if you want.

FREE to read everywhere!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcella and Sebastian work together on the crew of the Odyssey. Their jobs keep them both extremely busy but it doesn't stop them from watching each other and developing an interesting in each other. Will they take a chance on each other?

This is a very short story that introduces the reader to Marcella and Sebastian. There isn't an immediate and obvious connection between this and the rest of the Wanderlust series. I enjoyed the interactions between Marcella and the rest of the characters. Sebastian is almost a side character to Marcella. Even though this is a very short story the author manages to give the reader a reason to have some pretty strong emotions about Marcella (no spoilers here). This story has an interesting ending that I didn't expect.

I will definitely read more from this author in the future.


Spoiler alert....you've been warned....

This is not a romance story even though Marcella and Sebastian hook up. This story does not have a HEA ending because these two characters have a book in the series that completes their romance story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liz Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I read this novella not realizing it was the precursor to another book in this series, and that was honestly the best way to do it. Marcella is a chef trying to see the world, and Seb is a deckhand on the superyacht she’s currently working for.

As far as one night stands are concerned, the ending scene of the two boats sailing by each other made me so excited to read their second chance romance. It’s clear they’d both been harboring feelings for a while, and when they finally got to act on it, it resulted in her being removed from the boat. Had she effectively decided to get a new job? Yes, but that choice was taken away from her, and I’m upset for her.

What I wouldn’t give to know what was running through Seb’s mind in that final scene. I need to know where he’s at after everything.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay story. I have to admit that it didn’t quite work for me because I felt that it put way too much focus on irrelevant details such as how to cook specific foods and all of that space could have been used to create a stronger connection between Marcella and Seb. I didn’t get to know them at all and I therefore wasn’t that invested in their romance. But seeing as this was a prequel and they will get a full story I’m hoping that that story gives a better insight into them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story of how Marcella and Seb meet up on the cruise. The storyline took us through their adventures island hopping in the Caribbean with laughs along the way. Will they find ways to beat those little bouts of boredom? Can they make this a memorable experience? The characters were likable and felt like old friends as the story progressed. I look forward to continuing this series with all of the variety of directions it can go. Grab your copy and come aboard!

[Megs: Knee Wall Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun quick story of yacht life and warm places. Especially when it is bitter cold outside while you are reading.

I loved seeing the behind the scenes of being on a super yacht.

I definitely need more of Marcella’s story and of the brothers on the sailboat. I can’t wait for the rest of their adventures. I hope that Seb makes a comeback.

If you are looking to escape to warmer places this winter- do yourself a favor and start this series.

[Christine Biesheuvel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Start!
The prequel that tells you how Italian Marcella got to join the Norwegian (Jonas/Eivind) and French (Elayna) crew of the sailboat Eik, travelling around the world’s seas. A description of the way of life of some rich people on private cruise ships and what goes with the crew on those ships. A jealous captain getting rid of the woman who spurns him and who prefers to spend a night with another man.
Lovely short story, getting ready for some big sailing!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book on a stuff your kindle day from romance bookworms.com thought this was a cute story. This is a prequel and I felt a little like I needed to know more about Marcella and Sebastian, like this added something to a story I should have already known.
I’d like to read more of this author unfortunately her books aren’t in my library or on Libby. I’ll have to wait until it comes through my local bookstore or the library catches up!

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seb and Marce were so fun to get to know!!!! Liz did such an amazing job writing that I truly felt every emotion as if I was right there! I absolutely adore any story which indulges my thirst for adventure and travel and this book did not disappoint! Highly recommend you grab this fun sweet and hot book!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Teresa Bryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this fun read that takes place in a tropical location. It was obvious the author knew her way around a boat and a kitchen. The characters were likable and real. Steamy is not my first choice in genres but I found those parts of the story realistic, tastefully done, and secondary to the main storyline.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun, short novella with great characters and introduces the series in a great series opener! The characters for a book later in the series are introduced here and I am looking forward to their second chance story later in the series!! There's swearing, a terrible boss, and lots of chemistry and some steam! Plus some fun beach-y locations and some intriguing Scandinavian characters.