Book Review: Caribbean Cruising

Book: Caribbean Cruising by Rachel Hawthorne

Edition: Paperback

Description:

The perfect summer story of a girl, several boys, and a cruise ship full of possibilities.

Lindsay has never been on a cruise, but she knows exactly what she wants to do now that she is: climb a waterfall, snorkel, meet lots of cute guys, and look for one perfect guy for a summer fling.

But her to-do list isn't going according to plan, especially when she discovers that it's impossible to have a fling-when you're actually falling in love.





Rating: 5 stars

Review:

In Caribbean Cruising, 18 years old Lindsay Darnell was on an amazing 10 day cruise because her mother got remarried and the trip was both a celebration for the newly married couple and for Lindsay. She was going to use this trip as a way to be a more fun and outgoing version of herself and she also had a list of things that she wanted to accomplish or experience including having a summer fling. This is the summer before she starts college at the University of Texas and she was ready to become a bold new Lindsay. The only problem is her new stepfather invited his godson Ryan McKenna (who I figure is 19-20 years old since he's a Junior at the University of Texas) on the trip to keep an eye on Lindsay and be a companion for her since her best friend Julie Barnes wasn't able to go on the trip.

Embarking on this new adventure, Lindsay certainly didn't want a babysitter. And she felt like Ryan despite how nice and cool (and handsome) he was, she still thought he would ruin her plans. Trying to hang out without Ryan she did meet a new friend, Brooke Hastings who is very much a party girl who's trying to get over a broken heart by meeting as many guys as she can.

Throughout the 10 day trip, Lindsay was trying new things like rock climbing (on the ship's rock climbing wall), scuba diving, hiking, seeing ancient ruins, going to nightclubs (on the ship and on various islands), etc. and meeting new people. Romance or summer fling wise none of the guys that she was meeting (mostly through Brooke), she didn't have a good connection with. That is except Ryan but he was a family friend (or so she kept telling herself) and plus she didn't think he was interested in her. Lindsay might have stated that she wanted a summer fling (and placed it on her list) but I don't think that's what she really wanted. Because if that was the case one of those guys she met could have easily fit the bill, yet as the story moved along it seemed like a romance was what she really wanted instead of a meaningless fling. But that didn't stop her from wanting to keep trying because she had a misguided goal (that didn't just include a summer fling) and she wasn't going to be deterred by anyone. But Lindsay would realize that life has a funny way of changing your plans and putting things into perspective.

This was a good read, it's a fun adventure on and off the cruise ship as Lindsay tries to have an unforgettable vacation. She was finding out a lot about herself including her naïve view on summer flings. Her new friend Brooke can be a little annoying sometimes in the story but she's not bad just impulsive and wild. And in her own way she does try to look out for Lindsay. Ryan was also trying to look out for Lindsay but also give her space because she said she didn't want him to babysit her. Lindsay and Ryan have a lot of good chemistry, will she see it or more like allow herself to see it.