I have been a huge fan of RS Grey for years. She is a well rounded author that can write a romance or rom-com like nobody’s business.

The reason for the 4 stars rather than 5 lies in the fact that I felt the beginning of the book was a bit rocky, I disliked Phillip for a while, and I felt there were some thing missing that could have added to the story. Otherwise, once I reached the 30% mark of the novel, I just couldn’t put it down.

In this novel we meet Phillip and Casey who were once friends in middle school, but that friendship ended on bad terms. Now they meet again as adults, and Casey learns that Phillip really knows how to hold a grudge.

This is the one aspect about Phillip that made me roll my eyes. It was middle school, man. Forgive and forget. We all make mistakes, but Phillip held on to his for a while. Eventually he shakes off the cold shoulder, but it takes some time.

Casey was a great character. I could relate to her in many ways, especially having a job that isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I liked how she gave us a flashback to her and Phillip when they were friends, but I also wanted a couple more flashbacks.

This was a cute vacation read. You can tell Grey did her research on cruises, because I felt like I was on the ship with the characters. It was so good.

This was a short, fun read that has angst that will have you wanted to turn each page faster and faster.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

RS Grey is back and how. I have always loved RS Grey's books but some of her recent ones were either a hit or miss for me. This one is great. I loved spending time on the cruise with both the MCs. Recommend this one!

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. This doesn't impact my opinion in any way.

Rivals to lovers
Classic RS Grey
Absolutely superb.
What more can I say other than I absolutely loved it and I highly recommend you read it if you are a fan of her previous work.

Grab your floppy hat and a piña colada, because R.S. Grey's Caribbean Crush is the ultimate sun-soaked romantic comedy you'll want devouring alongside those ocean waves. This delightfully spicy yet heartwarming romp will whisk you away to an enemies-to-lovers tropical paradise!

At the story's core is the electric chemistry between Casey, a perpetually under-appreciated "wallflower" fact-checker who seizes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to score a career-making interview with the world's most reclusive billionaire, Phillip Woodmont. The catch..? When Casey fibs her way onto Phillip's ultra-exclusive Caribbean cruise, she gets way more heated tension than she bargained for. The hilarious clash of wits between this bickering pair as Phillip rebuffs Casey's increasingly zany attempts at an interview is unputdownable fun as he still holds a grudge since middle school.

Grey's clever use of dual perspectives makes this romcom truly soar. Getting inside both Casey and Phillip's heads only amps up the excitement and anticipation, allowing you to root for them to overcome their rocky past. The sexual tension crackles and awkward shipboard run-in as their proximity forces them into an irresistible game of cat-and-mouse flirtation.

Yet there's authentic depth amidst the banter too. Watching the perpetually downtrodden Casey finally find her delightfully witty side, thanks to Phillip's prodding, makes for an immensely satisfying character journey. As they navigate long-held misunderstandings and confront emotional baggage, their path to reconciliation and romance unfolds.

The dazzling supporting cast, including Casey's new BFF Sienna (a scene-stealing hoot many hoped would find romance with the charismatic Javier) and charming cruise director Tyson, provide the perfect counterbalance to the fiery central couple. Laugh-out-loud moments abound!

If you're craving a ridiculously cute romantic romp with just the right amount of spice (let's call it a solid two-chili rating), Caribbean Crush delivers in a delectable fashion. The cover of the book is a solid description of the journey.

On the critique side, the snappy editing could have used another pass to catch some missed typos. And many readers may feel a tad shortchanged by the slightly abrupt happily-ever-after epilogue, leaving us wanting just a little more detail on what comes next. But those are extremely minor nitpicks in the face of such an utterly charming, swoon-worthy island escape.

"Caribbean Crush" is a delightful romcom that skillfully blends heartwarming moments with adventurous twists, leaving readers believing in the power of love and second chances. It's a must-read for anyone seeking an enchanting story set against a backdrop of self-discovery and unexpected romance.


P.S. The way the book highlights the way fate works! My God!

second chance
enemies to lovers
forced proximity
he falls first
Dual POV

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be diving into RS Grey's entire catalog faster than you can say 'book binge.'


#CaribbeanCrush #NetGalley.

I remember this author from a book I read in 2014 in my rockstar romance phase. I remember it being a great read - “The Duet” on kindle unlimited too!

I picked this up before boarding a flight to Portugal myself and thought it would be a cutesy summer read and BOY I wasn’t wrong. I devoured this in 2 days straight.

Casey is an aspiring travel journalist and has boarded a bougie brand trip/luxury cruise for her travel magazine. Her goal is to interview her old school ‘friend’/childhood crush, and man, that does not work out for her… He wants nothing to do with her.

The pacing is good, it doesn’t feel like it takes ages to get somewhere, but also doesn’t feel like it’s too quick. No insta-love here.

I wouldn’t say this is proper enemy’s to lovers - it’s more “mild annoyance” to lovers, but I still ate it up.

Also special shoutout to referencing Bristol, I lived there for 12 years and spent a good amount of time wondering what club you’d take a 80 year old grandma for their birthday…

It was about 2 chilli’s of spice, good but you can read this on a plane without too much concern about the person beside you reading what you’re reading.

Dual POV, I don’t always love this because it gives away the mmc’s thoughts too much and ruins the ‘will they won’t they’ aspect, but in this case the way the story was set out I didn’t mind it at all.

Now don’t mind me while I go read everything else RS Grey has ever written.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc!! It was a very entertaining read and I read this finish in one sitting cause I just couldn't stop plus the characters were funny and kinda relatable.

my first arc (ahhhhh 😁)! I was so excited to read this as I’d never read anything with this plot or setting before. romance on a cruise? sign me up!

I honestly loved this book so much I could not bring myself to put it down. It is a heartwarming somewhat spicy romance that takes readers on a journey of forgiveness, second chances, self-reflection and love. The story follows Casey and Phillip who had a blossoming friendship when they were younger that ended in disaster, and now find themselves awkwardly (with a side of hostility) reunited on the maiden voyage of a luxurious cruise ship. As they navigate the feelings of the past and the potential of the present, their story unfolds.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the ocean and the romance and charm of a cruise ship, Caribbean Crush is a captivating tale of finding oneself and discovering love in unexpected places. The author's colourful descriptions bring the setting to life, allowing readers to escape into a world of luxury, romance, and adventure.

While I would have thoroughly enjoyed a scene where Casey and Phillip rehash the past and delve into what happened when they were kids, it wasn’t necessary for the story and would have only served to satisfy my over curious mind.

Overall, Caribbean Crush is an entertaining read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you believing in the power of love. It is a testament to the beauty of second chances and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt romcom set against a backdrop of adventure and self-discovery.

Casey works in a dead end job. After a tough life and losing her gran last year, shes struggling. While zoned our at a meeting at work she hears a name she never thought she would hear again. Phillip woodmont. After accidently saying she knew him... of sorts, she now finds herself on a once in a life time, all expenses paid cruise around the Caribbean. All she has to do is land an interview with the world's most private man. He's never done an interview before but hopefully she can sway him and bump up her career. Only Philip does remember her and he's holding a grudge. From middle school.

This was hilarious, cute and made me really want a holiday. It was such an easy, fun read and I would recommend it if your looking for a cute rom com. Casey, the fmc, while I felt for her and rooted for her, she did annoy me at times. She came across really selfish at times but I guess that was part of the journey.

Sienna is so lovable! I loved the scenes with her. She is another journalist who was invited for the journey and is next door to casey. She's just that friend everyone needs.

Phillip. Oh wow. The tall, handsome, muscly ceo. Yeah. He's that guy. Totally moody but turns out to be a cinnamon roll. Say less.

Okay so. Taking a moment for her... deal she made him in the hallway. I cringed so hard. She made her self out to be a... to have a... raunchy job of selling services. And he just went along with it! Like this happens all the time?!?! But I mean I got over cause, well... 😅

Over all I really did enjoy this 🤍

🤍

"You're gonna make it, kid. Okay? You've got sunshine in you, you know that? You don't ever let anyone snuff it out."

"You're like my fairy godmother."
"Oh, yuck, wasn't she old? I'd like to be Cinderella's sexy
friend, the one who has a tryst with prince charming's brother instead."

"How long do I get to keep you?" 💔

"You do this, Casey. You make me feel like I'm finally fucking waking up, you know? I'm seeing what it's supposed to be like."

Second chance lovers? Fate? This was an easy read giving all the summer vibes needed to get through this long English winter!
I found that Casey was relatable from the get go. Holding on to a grudge or a memory of a middle school crush, who doesn't? Banter between Casey and Philip throughout their time on the cruise had me genuinely smiling as I read along and not wanting to put it down.
Casey struggles through some self doubt which is understandable from the loss she has been through in her life. Her drunken truths and bold moves has this heroine channelling all my dream holiday romances into one. Such an enjoyable read and I'm looking up more from this author immediately.

Cases Hughes And Phillip Woodmount. The chemistry between them was unreal. Was hooked from start to finished. Love the character developments between both of them. This is childhood rivals turned enemies to lovers. I absolutely adored this book. I mean anything R S Grey writes is bound to be so good. I loved the two side characters, My girl sierra and Tyson. It was funny, good banter and a good story development from start to finish. Would recommend anyone to read this. Spice level was 2.5 out of 5.

I’m convinced this book had literal crack sprinkled through it!

This book was HOT 🔥 the tension between the FMC and MMC was insane and I was hooked from the first chapter. I couldn’t put it down, and it was all I could think of while I was at work.

I will 100% be rereading ASAP and this book WILL be on my shelf when it is released in September.

10/10 💯 5 Stars ⭐️ Perfect

Casey is a low-level fact-checker for a travel magazine who is sent on a cruise ship as an assignment. The problem? The man in charge, and the man she needs to interview, is someone from her past who can’t stand her.
Phillip hates Casey for her actions as a teen and will do anything to stop her from getting the interview she needs.

What could go wrong?

Read Time ⏱️ 3.5 hours

4.5 stars!!!!

This book was good! It seems silly to say that, but honestly, I just had so much fun!! I started the book 4 hours ago, and I just couldn't put it down until I finished.

I think what I loved most about this book was the banter between Casey and Phillip.

Casey is a self-proclaimed wallflower who is in a dead-end job as a fact-checker with a travel magazine. She started working there out of college and hasn't been promoted since. Honestly, she is not really sure they know she exists, except when they want to pile work on her. She recently lost her only living relative, has no friends, and is homeless, with massive debt to pay off. We can confidently say this is a down-on-her-luck gal. So, when she sees the opportunity to go in a 2-week-cruise to the Caribbean, she takes it. So what if she lies and tells her boss she has an in with the guy they want to interview?

Enter Phillip, a broody billionaire with a heart of gold who holds a grudge against Casey for something that happened in 8th grade. Also, did I mention that he is a very private person and has no intention of letting Casey interview him?

Yeah, it gets interesting.

What I loved:
- Casey really found her witty side with Phillip. She gets tired of being stepped on by everyone (by life, honestly) and starts fighting back. Not only does she find a backbone with Phillip, but also with her job.

-Siena. Let me tell you, I need a friend like that. I was really afraid the beginning that she was going to end up stabbing Casey in the back, but I'm glad to be wrong. Although, I thought she and Javier were going to have something more? Kind of bummed there. Tyson also deserves an honorable mention tbh.

- Finally, Phillip. I'll let you guys find that out for yourselves. Just, when he makes sure everyone in the ship is at her disposal. Swoon!!!!!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

The perfect holiday read! I’d almost forgotten how well Grey draws you in with her likeable characters and a MMC with all the charm. Part enemies to lover/old friends to lovers whilst travelling the Caribbean on an all expenses paid trip… A girl can only dream of this kind of experience. Truly is a quick, funny, and romantic read.

Cute, spicy summer read. There wasn’t a whole lot of substance to this one but there didn’t need to be. I did wish we had more of teenage Phillip and Casey and their interactions in the past. They also turned enemies to lovers really quick. Quick, breezy read.

Awww this was such a great captivating enemies to lovers trope I could not put down. Seriously. I surprised myself and stayed up until 2am to finish this book!

Casey lucks out and finds herself on the maiden voyage of a luxury cruise ship. Her goal is to score an exclusive interview with the ships owner Phillip Woodmont. She told her boss she knew Phillip and could get the interview with the private CEO. What she failed to mention is, yes she once knew him but it was years ago when they were in grade eight. And their friendship also ended in grade eight over rivalry and sabotage between their school debate teams.

Once aboard the extravagant ship, she makes it her mission to get the interview. However, once Phillip sees and recognizes her, his immediate response is no. No way is she getting an interview. He's still holding a grudge from grade eight.

The book has phenomenal character development. I really liked both Casey and Phillips characters, and Sierra's! They were all likeable, emotional and real. The descriptive writing was wonderful. I could clearly envision the ship, the ports, the food, the clothing, everything!

If you are in the mood for a easy to follow romcom sprinkled in with some spice, this is one for you! I don't read a lot of romcoms and very rarely give out five stars for one, but as this one held my attention and I could not put it down. I have to extend the whole five stars to Caribbean Crush!

I must say that I read about 95% of R.S Grey s books. And I enjoyed most of them, as this one. It was a okay read. Nothing too pver the moon, but, not bad eather.

I wanted little bit of more romance and connection... In parts it just felt flat...

But it made me crave summer....

( Also it sting a little, because I am from Serbia! Lol)

ARC via NetGallery


"That’s not right. I don’t want [his] heart. I want his soul in glossy magazine print. My name on the byline."

"Slowly, he weaves our fingers together, tightening his hold. What a simple, intimate act. Just our palms pressed together, nothing more, and it feels like he’s reached inside my chest and stolen my heart."


✔️dual POV
✔️childhood rivals
✔️forced proximity
✔️she will do ANYTHING to interview him

I loved this book! It was such an easy read and I loved the tension between the two characters. I would highly recommend!

R.S. Grey has once again woven her magic! Her knack for storytelling, coupled with endearing characters and unparalleled banter, shines through in this delightful rom-com.
Meet Casey, an aspiring travel journalist yearning to kickstart her career. Her big break arrives in the form of a dream assignment: a luxurious 10-day voyage aboard the Aurelia. There's just one catch—Phillip Woodmont, the owner of the cruise ship, happens to be her middle school rival. Now, she's on a mission to secure an exclusive interview from him, despite his reluctance.
Phillip is the epitome of success—wealthy, handsome, and intensely private. With his focus solely on business, he's a man of routine and caution. But Casey's sudden reappearance disrupts his carefully curated world. Though he harbors resentment towards her from their past, he finds himself drawn into her orbit as the ship sets sail.
As sparks fly between Casey and Phillip, she's determined to land the interview that could change her career trajectory, while he's equally resolved to keep her at arm's length. But Casey refuses to back down, refusing to let Phillip deter her.
From the opening pages to the very end, this book captivated me with its charm and warmth. I found myself utterly engrossed, unable to tear myself away from Casey and Phillip's dynamic!