Sometimes the right book comes along exactly when you need it. Escape to the Turquoise Seas swept me away with sunshine, sparkling ocean views, witty banter, and a romance that felt as refreshing as the sea breeze. If you're looking for a book that will make you want to book a cruise while cheering for two people who can't stop competing with each other, keep reading.
Escape to the Turquoise Seas by Carrie Walker
Series: Holiday Romance #4
Genres: Romantic Comedy

Kat Brennan has always been the work-hard, play-harder type, navigating single life in London and the chaos of her job at Northstar PR. So when Excalibur Cruises invite her aboard to pitch for their account, she jumps at the chance to prove to her boss she's indispensable... and to finally relax a little.

But the last person she wants to get stuck on a boat with is industry hotshot Leo Kendrick, the CEO of rival agency Amplify – and Kat's nemesis. When Leo bagged a coveted marketing internship 15 years ago, Kat vowed never to let him win anything again. She is not about to break that promise, even if Leo has become a distractingly attractive opponent.

As the Esmerelda sails the seas, from the Azores to Lisbon via Madeira, the two agencies must battle it out to present the best pitch. But in such close quarters, the sea might not be the only thing rocking the boat…

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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There are books you enjoy, and then there are books you never want to end. Escape to the Turquoise Seas was one of those for me. This was my first book by Carrie Walker, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Kat has worked hard at Northstar PR and finally has the opportunity to help rebrand one of the company’s biggest clients, Excalibur Cruises. The catch is that another advertising agency is competing for the same contract. Leading that team is Leo, the rival who always seems to beat her at every turn.

To make things even more interesting, both agencies are invited aboard one of the cruise ships to experience everything firsthand before presenting their ideas. Putting two competing teams together in paradise sounds like a recipe for disaster, and it makes for a story that is equal parts funny, romantic, and impossible to put down.

I loved Kat from the beginning. She’s ambitious without being over the top, determined without becoming unlikeable, and easy to root for. Leo surprised me in the best way. At first he seems like nothing more than the competition, but the more time they spend together, the more you see the man behind the rivalry. Their chemistry felt natural, and I never questioned why they were drawn to each other.

One thing that really stood out was how relatable everyone felt. Even with the luxury cruise setting, the characters never came across as untouchable. They worried about work, questioned themselves, laughed together, and made mistakes. It made the romance feel grounded instead of like a fantasy.

The cruise itself almost became another character. The descriptions of the destinations, the incredible meals, and the atmosphere had me wishing I could pack a suitcase and sail away. Fair warning though. You may find yourself craving a cruise by the time you finish.

I also appreciated the body positivity woven throughout the story. It wasn’t there to make a statement or check a box. It simply existed as part of these characters’ lives, and that made it feel genuine.

The only complaint I have is that I wanted more. I wasn’t ready to leave Kat, Leo, or the beautiful world Carrie Walker created. That is always the sign of a book that completely captured my attention.

This book arrived at exactly the right time for me. Life has been filled with grief and difficult moments lately, and for a few hours I was able to escape into sunshine, romance, and turquoise waters. Sometimes that’s exactly what a great book is supposed to do.

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