** Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC**

I really did enjoyed reading this book very much! The plot, how it was written, and also the characters. This was my first time reading from the author Poppy Minnix and I'm glad that I did because like I said before I did enjoy how this book was written. So, this book is about former childhood friends -- Xiamara and Apollo-- who lost contact with each other over the years cross paths again as adults as Xiamara was training for some type of race that the island they live on hosts each year. Both Apollo and Xiamara had a crush on each other but they didn't want their friendship to be ruined, so they continued to be in the friendzone. But now as adults, both Apollo and Xiamara still has feelings for each other especially while they're both training for the race together and also being partnered as well. This book did made me go through alot of feelings of happy, giggly, and sometimes pissed off during reading each chapter and I'm glad this book did kept me entertained. And, most importantly for me, it ended with an HEA and epilogue to the next book in the series. Do I recommend this book? Yes, I do if you love or enjoy reading the 'childhood friends to lovers' trope in romances. I give this book a 5/5 stars and 5/5 for the steamy scenes *wink wink*.

Superb writing from this author, a very eye catching cover, this book will go far, 5 stars. Blindingly excellent ... These books should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away.

Another gem of a book. must read and go and get it today. great series and characters. Must read. read it soon as you get it.

This was a very middle-of-the-road book for me. But I do know people I can recommend this book to that will love and enjoy it.

I finally finished this book!! It took me so much longer than I had expected it to because I had to keep walking away since Xia kept infuriating me! Overall, I did enjoy this story, but I found Xia to be completely insufferable at times. She was so clueless and came up with the most ridiculous reasons as to why Apollo couldn't possibly like her and then blamed him for every misunderstanding between them (like how you gonna get mad about his leaving the island, when you never once asked him if that's even what he's planning to do?!). Don't get me wrong, there were some sweet moments, but they were drowning in misunderstandings and miscommunications. Then when they finally get together after having an actual adult discussion, the story's just over? Just felt so anticlimactic to me... Like I said, I did enjoy this for the most part, but it definitely was not a favorite romance for me.

Caribbean Competitors by Poppy Minnix is adorable! A story of childhood friendship that becomes a real relationship or does it really?

I read this book without reading the first one in the series first but the story is not hard to follow and figure out who is who. (though I found the urge to read it the first book of the series now!) . I'm in love with Simona Islands, the quirky characters of the residents are so unique but somehow real, as if I'm in there, enjoying the islands both for the entertainment and exploring around. couldn't

The idea of estranged childhood best friend reunited again when they're adult with some unresolved things and untold feeling never failed to sold me out. The author did a great job on entwined Xia and Apollo back together through their preparation for the island annual competition, their banter is so cute. This book follow Xia's point of view of everything happened, so even if I found that she tends to run away when things get overwhelming I can understand her reason and gosh! isn't Apollo THE book boyfriend we all dreaming to have?!

This has been a funny, sweet, and steamy story. it fits best when you in need some escapism. read!