Marooned

by Louise Jane Watson

"Crisp and engaging dialogue and just-one-page-more pacing...romance readers who enjoy love blooming under adversity will root for Sunny and Kit’s happily ever after." - Publishers Weekly

A Hollywood actor, a nerdy artist, and the ship's cat are shipwrecked on a deserted island...what could go wrong?

Sunny Evans is a homely, practical girl with thick glasses and a tender heart. On graduating from art college, she is offered a job on a remote South Pacific research station. Being paid to illustrate the flora and fauna of the island, using her exquisite painting skills, is a dream come true. Life hasn't been easy for her in the last few years, but it looks as though her luck is finally changing.

Nicky "Kit" Kitson is one of the biggest names in Hollywood. Voted "The Sexiest Man Alive" for three years running, Kit is beginning to tire of his artificial LA lifestyle. Using the excuse of doing background research for his latest blockbuster, he intends to join the scientific team on the island to get out of the limelight for a while. Something has to change, or he is going to burn out.

The two new island recruits are onboard a supply vessel headed toward the station when a devastating series of explosions wreck the boat and blast Sunny, Kit, and Pinky (the ship's cat) overboard. Kit and Sunny, together with Pinky the cat, have to find a way to work together and survive. But Sunny has lost her glasses, Kit is badly burned, and Pinky has a secret...

Great for fans of Tracey Garvis Graves’s On the Island, readers of warm-hearted, feel-good adventure romances will love this debut standalone novel by Louise Jane Watson.

Genres: Contemporary Romance

319 pages, ebook

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Louise Jane Watson was born and raised in the UK (Suffolk), but now lives permanently in Portland, Oregon. She has three grown up kids, a lovely husband called Curly and a temperamental cat called Pinky.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marooned is a sweet and gentle romance following the story of Kit and Sunny. They are unexpectedly thrown together after a terrible accident at sea somewhere off the coast of Fiji. They are complete opposites but find themselves relying on each other’s strengths and weaknesses in order to survive. The characters learned so much from each other and the character development throughout the story was brilliant. This is particularly the case for Kit who was not a likeable character to begin with coming across as extremely conceited and vain. His character subsequently mellowed and I liked his more caring and loving persona.

This is by no means a gritty tale of survival, it’s a cute, funny and feel good romance story. There are one or two perilous and moments, but overall I’m a little disappointed the anxiety and fearfulness of being isolated on the island didn’t come across more in the writing. The dialogue is a wee bit cheesy in parts and I couldn’t get away from the fact it remained one hundred percent clean. In all honesty I was expecting it to be a lot more racy considering two young people are drawn together, with fast growing feelings. Romantically it needed a bit more oomph, nothing happened albeit a few chaste kisses and it lacked the intensity of feeling and chemistry I enjoy in a romance.

I loved the whole premise of the story, the island setting is wonderful and it’s an easy and fun read. Although the writing needs a little refining (and there are two very odd scene’s from Pinky the cat’s point of view) it is nevertheless an enjoyable and endearing read which romance readers looking for a clean and wholesome book will enjoy.

Thank you so much to the author for sending an advanced copy my way.

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[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Louise Jane Watson has what every romance lover lives for! Honestly if Hallmark doesn’t pick this up for a movie adaptation then they are missing out because it is that good.

Kit and Sunny met unexpectedly and then are thrown together in a bid for survival rather unexpectedly. Their only other companion is a cat named, Pinky. The unlikely trio must depend on each other if they plan to make it out to the other side. There is huge character development for both Kit and Sunny as they adapt to depending on each other for survival. It all comes to a head, making you wonder will they survive back in the real world?

If you love romance of any kind, I highly recommend. This book catches your attention right away and the multiple point-of-views are done flawlessly. Book release is September 20!

**I received an advanced copy from the author in return for my honest review**

[Debra Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fresh sweet romance! Marooned follows the story of unlikely duo Kit and Sunny after they find themselves relying on each other for survival while marooned! The story is fast paced and enjoyable!

[Jess Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly really enjoyed this book. I'm not usually a romance reader or much of a fiction reader, but I was pretty quickly sucked into this work: I liked the characters and the contrast between them: their interplay and growing respect for each other: I liked the ways the two interacted in different environments. I didn't like kit at first, but it was very much about his growth: I liked that neither character was perfect but both had changes they needed to make. I like that part of those changes for Sunny were her accepting care and love from other people. Its a perfect bite of summer, whether reading it on a beach or curled up in frozen weather. Fun but not without substance.

[N.B. Menina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully written. The detail to the characters hook you and reel you in. There is a good humor and wit, and a tiny bit of sizzle. The characters Kit and Sunny are easy to fall in love with, and I love their character growth throughout the story. The cat, Pinky, is a bonus to the story, and I think really bonds them all together. Would definitely recommend this book, its cute, funny, and leaves you feeling good all over.


**I received an advanced copy from the author in return for my honest review**

[Jenna Rare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received ARC book from the author. (Thank you!)

I loved how this book was good clean fun. Two super opposite worlds work together in order to survive on a deserted island, and a cat lol.

There were a couple things why I decided to give 3 stars.

1) there were some scenes where the author could have totally shown. *spoiler* the period scene. But they were just told, brushed over, glossed over almost becoming a plot hole.

2) the beginning and the end felt super rushed. *spoiler* it made it sound like the boat didn’t take off from shore and just crashed right then and there.

3) maybe I’m uneducated about this but the aloe Vera plant in a jungle doesn’t make sense. Being from super south Texas, aloe Vera grows only in super hot almost desert environment. Not on a tropical island.

4) there were many opportunities where bad things happening can help the characters grow, but they didn’t. They were fixed easily and happy endings all around.

[Emily Windler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love some humor with my romance, so this book is a winner for me! Louise Jane Watson's sense of romance and humor in our everyday world is delightful, making it easy to get lost in the characters. Would definitely recommend!

[G.D. Roman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hits all the right feels for a sweet romance novel. Two characters are stranded on an island with a cat, trying to get along and survive. Both are off at the beginning, but slowly and surely, they fall in love. The premise of the novel was new and exciting! Being marooned and trying to survive based on growing skills and know-how. How they each learned from the other and grew as characters were something I rarely see in novels where everything happens so fast. I also thought Sunny and Kit as characters were sweet and endearing.

A point that I found challenging was the writing style of the book. There are instances of "telling instead of showing" that made moments that were so important appear blurry and off. I wanted to know more about the characters, get under their skin and picture them with clarity. I found that difficult when I was told "He was frustrated" or "he was angry" instead of imagining how the character looked frustrated and angry—the telling and showing alternated in the novel.

Then again, this could be the author's authentic writing style, and that is what she wanted to portray. If so, she succeeded, and I hope she continues to grow and gain momentum as a novelist. The story itself was new for me, the characters sweet and the cat charming.

If you are a fan of clean romance with cute banter, then Marooned is for you! Experience it for yourself, and make your conclusions.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I love Sunny, a character who is normal, not a glamour girl. Sunny, is typical girl next door. She wears these thick glasses. She worked hard in college, and was offer this great job painting the flora and fauna on the island. She thought she won the lottery.
Kit was voted the sexiest man alive for 3 years running. He was tired of the Hollywood lifestyle and needed a break. So he con his way onto a boat heading to this island to research out the flora and fauna on this gorgeous island.
Only one big problem in their plan. The explosion that takes place on their boat. So here they are on a desert island with a cat name Pinky. What will become of them?.

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

[Robert Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written charming romance of characters of opposite personalities who under adverse circumstances gradually change each other and become romantically attached. I liked Sunny the artist very much as she was so normal but initially did not like Kit the highly successful actor because of his selfishness, arrogance and vanity. Kit became like able as he 'grew up' to be a responsible caring adult. I was rather disappointed that the romance did not feature any erotic or sexual behavior that I think would have been more probable and realistic under the circumstances of maximum opportunity and dependency on each other with no other inhibitory influences. I liked the frequent switching of the characters' viewpoints, which kept pace with events. I expected a greater climax at the end when finally they were able and wanting to be together.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the clean romance between Kit, a burnt out Hollywood superstar, and Sunny, a recent art college graduate who takes a job as an illustrator. Their deserted Island adventure begins when the ship they are traveling aboard has a explosion which propels them into the ocean. This heartwarming and fun story has witty banter, Pinky the cat, adventure, and sweet romance. I highly recommend this enjoyable book.

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

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! The quirky dialogue between the characters is refreshing, in my opinion- and I do love the little cat! I love a good survival element, and I believe that Marooned delivered in a believable survival romance story. Charming as ever, and with some round characters that you feel at home with right away!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I was able to read this book. This is a debut book for this author, and I love the writing style. It reads like a Hallmark movie. The main characters have banter that is playful and has that will they/won't they element that drives the plot. Very cute HEA.
I am looking forward to what this author does next.

[Stories | With | Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marooned was a carefully crafted story about to people forced to survive together after a terrible accident at sea. They not only discover their own strengths but also learn to appreciate the small things - small things that just may change their outlooks forever!

[Kate B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute gem! The author finds a wonderful balance between dynamic pacing and depth of character and relationship - it’s such a fun, engaging read. I love finding a book that I pick up before reaching for my phone. Highly recommend!

[Sheyla Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear Lifetime or Hallmark needs to pick this up immediately and make this into a movie! Such a romantic story between two characters from two different worlds! A famous actor and a small town girl. 10/10 loved it! Will be getting the physical copy!

Arc reader promising an honest review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this sweet and funny story! Really warmed my heart.. It is cute and interesting, with wonderfully endearing main characters.. Heart-hugs for this lovely romance..

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

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean, cute story with plenty of adventure. I loved the sweet romance and witty banter. I especially loved a strong woman meeting challenges head on. This is an easy read that will leave you with a smile.

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

[Marie Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love finding new authors and this one is definitely a keeper! I had so much fun reading this story!!! A well written adventure that was sweet, exciting, and the banter between the characters was so good!!! Great job!!.

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

[Christina Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a pretty good book. I liked Kit and Sunny together and really enjoyed their story. I was mostly happy with how things wrapped up.

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

[Tracy Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut novel by Louise Jane Watson. Who knew 'lost on a desert island romance' was a genre? It was news to me. Even so I loved it. An easy read, great storyline with a strong female lead and a cat who doesn't get killed off. I look forward to reading this authors future work.

[Roxann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad for a newer author. Though the beginning of the book she had some complicated sentences that I had to read several times before I got what she was saying. Either she stopped or I got used to them and didn't notice.

Otherwise it was a cute story, though predictable.

[Danielle Cancel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the humor in this story and watching the characters grow. I would recommend this book.

[Alli Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me hooked from the prologue! I really enjoyed this book. The writing was good and I enjoyed the character growth. Sunny and Kit are great but Pinky was my favorite!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute

[Lianne Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone always wonders what they’d do if they were stuck on a deserted island, but I can’t say I’d thought of being marooned there with a celebrity! This was a super cute and non-spicy story that kept me turning the pages, dying to know what happens next. I hope she writes more books in the series soon!

[Lorrayne Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to read more from Pinky's perspective! 😻

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so cute! It reminded me of Blue Lagoon a little bit, but without the characters being related. I really loved the inclusion of the cat…seemed to ground the characters a little more. Super cute, quick read romance!

[BookWorm_Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunny and Kit get lost at sea while heading out on a research trip somewhere around Fiji. They, along with the ships cat end up on a non inhabited island where they try their hardest to survive… hoping someone comes to rescue them.

Kit is an A-list celeb while Sunny is an average, awkward, young woman who has no idea who he is off the island. The pair learn to depend on each other.. and themselves, and eventually fall in love.

This is a really cute story. A nice easy to read romance. Kit is goofy, so there’s quite a few funny moments.

I quite enjoyed reading this story!

[Nancy Ahyee · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/is-t...
Live Sep 11, 2022