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Calypso Key #1

Visions of You: A Single Dad Romance

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Coming in early 2024! Book cover and description coming soon...

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Published January 31, 2024

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About the author

Erin Brockus

46 books831 followers
​Dive into steamy small-town romance, where passion meets paradise!

Award-winning author Erin Brockus writes steamy small town romances that transport readers to exotic, tropical destinations, and provide a perfect beachy getaway from everyday life. Her mature, relatable characters are impossible not to root for, and she weaves breezy romantic adventure into her stories, emphasizing scuba diving and the ocean.

Drawing on her twin passions for diving and travel, Erin infuses her characters and narratives with a sense of excitement and passion. Her idea of the perfect day involves sipping a cocktail on the beach after exploring the ocean depths.

Erin lives in Washington wine country with her husband, who is also a scuba instructor. She is currently hard at work on her next island adventure. When she's not writing, she enjoys running, mountain biking, or enjoying a good book with a cup of coffee.

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5 stars
118 (54%)
4 stars
68 (31%)
3 stars
19 (8%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews219 followers
February 1, 2024
5 star Review of Visions Of You (Calypso Key) by Erin Brockus
As I have come to expect from a book from Erin Brockus, I was quickly drawn into the story she wove about Gabe Markham and April Desmond. Having met April previously, I could not wait to see what she had in store for her and the man who would finally claim her heart.
 
Gabe is a grumpy single dad, a man with who is carrying the hopes of his family (and their resort) on his shoulders. The sparks sizzled between them from the moment they first met. These two are opposites and yet they work well as a couple.
It was entertaining to watch April bring light into Gabe’s life as their relationship progressed. Neither of them wanted a forever relationship and yet fate often plays tricks.
Visions Of You is a beautifully written, character driven story that was romantic, passionate and ticked all the boxes for me.
2 reviews
January 7, 2024
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review.
I LOVED this book and absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series! I love a good standalone that has characters weaving in and out of the rest of the books.
10/10 would recommend and would read again.
This is a slow burn, medium heat, deeply connected romance. I fell in love with the main characters early on and I rooted for them the whole time. It’s refreshing to read a story with an HEA that you don’t have to give blood, sweat and tears for!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
105 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2024
Welcome to the Calypso Key series by Erin Brockus! As usual, the characters are genuine, relatable and help make the book a joy to read!

April Desmond is a dive master and she is on Calypso Key to help out her friend, Maia, who is pregnant and no longer able to dive. Gabe Markham is one of Maia’s brothers. He has returned from Miami with his daughter, Hailey, to help build the family business back up after some rough times.

The first meeting between April and Gabe doesn’t go well but they are attracted to one another. As they work together, however, sparks become greater. But they have both been burned in previous relationships so are reluctant to enter into a romance. They agree (haha, shake my head!) to just enjoy time together. But those sparks develop into feelings…April’s demeanor slowly gives Gabe a new perspective as he in turn makes her feel validated.

Then a situation arises which could jeopardize the resort and their relationship, forcing them to reassess those feelings. Will they work it through, or is the rift too much to overcome?

I am giving my honest opinion as I received an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,503 reviews23 followers
January 31, 2024
Ms. Brockus has definitely captured my interest with her wonderful series. The Calypso Key series has me completely enthralled. I want a book on all the characters. I fell in love with this family. Even the ones that readers haven’t met yet. Just talking about them makes me want to get to know them better. I hate to compare authors, but Ms. Brockus reminds of Cindy Kirk. She has the ability to pull readers to this town and make you feel like you are there. Getting to know these characters. They are your friends too. I love it.

Gabriel Markham is back in Calypso Key with his daughter, Hailey. He moved back to help out with the family resort. It has hit a financial snag, and Gabe is just the man for the job. He will assume the position as the resort’s CFO while his brother, Evan, continues to manage it. His sister Maia and her husband, Wyatt, also have major roles at the resort. Maia is pregnant which prompted the need to hire a divemaster.

April Desmond needed to get away from her life in St. Croix. With a self-imposed sabbatical off men, she headed to Calypso Key to help her friend. April and Gabe had a not so pleasant run in. Despite Gabe’s grumpy disposition, April could not help but see how good looking he was. Fortunately, Gabe was in the same boat. Neither wanted a relationship. Both had had traumatic relationships in their past. A no-strings affair seems like the perfect situation for these two.

Gabe and April spend time together. Hailey adores April as well. April is fitting in well with the resort staff and the rest of Gabe’s family. Can they keep their feelings in check? Just when everything seems to be getting back on track financially with the resort, they are dealt another blow. Will this blow mean the end of the Markham legacy at Calypso Key?
Profile Image for Orlaith Hunt.
Author 1 book6 followers
January 30, 2024
"When I say forever, I mean it. So I just have one question. Are you in or out?"

Visions of You is a single dad romance that makes you swoon from the first encounter. Filled with strong characters and a strong family bond, it makes you wish to be apart of this world. The descriptions of the ocean views and dive sights are impeccably detailed and so vivid, it's like you're really there.

Erin really encapsulated the insta-love trope in a way that made your heart melt. And the spicy moments - wowzah - those were damn good to read. The main thing that I loved was that their relationship grew and wasn't just spice but rather they had tender moments sprinkled in.

I enjoyed every minute of this read, which would have been faster if not for life and sleep being needed. So, I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a cozy yet steamy romance.

I mean who could deny a hot single dad romance.
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,300 reviews47 followers
January 28, 2024
This is a great read with characters that I loved to get to know. Gabe is a single dad, a bit of a grump, and back to help with the family business. He's very standoffish with April at first, but there's more there than that first encounter. April is looking to move forward with her life, focus on her job, and just enjoy the future. I loved their back and forth, the fire is there, and those sweet moments are strong. The story flowed, pulled me in, and made me wish I was there in the Keys enjoying life. I love the family and looking forward to more from this series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Natasha Bovee.
352 reviews13 followers
January 13, 2024
Gabe and April may be my favorite Erin Brockus couple yet. (Except for Hope and Alex. I don’t know that there’s any topping them!) They start off on the wrong foot, but April decides to kill him with kindness until he relents. Then they decide to have an exclusive, but not serious relationship. It’s endearing how blind they are to their own actual feelings about each other. It all just kind of sneaks up on them and it isn’t what they agreed to. They start out with a lot of chemistry and passion (and I won’t think of whiskey the same way again!), but I loved seeing their feelings develop into something deeper.
518 reviews17 followers
January 22, 2024
April has moved from St. Croix to Calypso Key to work as a divemaster at the Calypso Key Resort. Gabe has returned to the resort to help his family keep the resort and make it a premier destination again. April and Gabe have chemistry, but they’ve both made the decision to not fall in love. Haha, joke’s on them. I really enjoyed the evolution of this relationship. Author Erin Brockus has built a world that I would like to live in. The descriptions of the dives are so vivid, and the lives of the characters are so complete, with hobbies and all of the interactions that make a story believable. I’m now looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Sharon S.
1,026 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2024
Fun addition to this series by Erin Brockus.
Gabe arrives home to the Keys and gets in a bar fight and ends up in jail.
April has taken the job as divemaster at Calypso Key Resort, it’s a long awaited new beginning.
Their first couple of meetings do not go well even though there is a definite attraction. Gabe is grumpy and rude to her. As they get to know each other, their friendship and attraction grows.
*Adult situations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
602 reviews
January 21, 2024
Gabe had the ultimate burn when his wife just walked away. April had been treated like a garbage doormat all her adult life, except for Alex but he never really saw or acknowledged her. Leaving Half Moom Bay to start a new life, she couldn't help but be bowled over by her new boss. Both she and Gabe were reluctant to look at or try love again but couldn't help falling for each other. Erin has so brilliantly brought us into the story and made us feel we were a part of the family. You can't help but cheer and shed a tear or two. Excellent book looking forward to the next in the series. I could hardly put this book down. I received this book in advance. This is my honest review.
9 reviews
February 10, 2024
Oh my gosh !! This book was absolutely phenomenal!!! Her writing style kept me hooked in from the very first page !!! Absolutely loved!!! 10/10 would highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for Patty Baumeister.
562 reviews29 followers
Read
February 18, 2024
ARC Book Review
Visions of You
A Novel Written By Erin Brockus
Fiction - Romance
Published January 2024
290 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Erin Brockus has a new series, Calypso Bay! You can expect the ocean, scuba diving, a tropical setting, romance, and spice from a book written by Erin Brockus. She does not disappoint with this new book. If you have never read one of her books, this is a good one to start with.

This book takes place in the Florida Keys at The Calypso Bay Resort. Gabriel Markham has returned home to the family resort to take over the family business from his father and rescue it from financial ruin. He has returned with his eight year daughter, Hailey after a messy divorce from Hailey’s mother.
This Hot Grumpy Guy is not looking for romance.

April Desmond has relocated to Florida after living and working in St. Croix. She is the new dive master at the Calypso Bay Resort. She is looking for a new start. She has taken a self-induced sabbatical from men after having her heart broken a few times. Readers of the author’s Half Moon Bay Series will remember April.

Can a workplace romance with a no love pact between Gabe and April lead to something more?

“ I like the man I am when I’m with you.”
1 review1 follower
August 11, 2024
Visions of You is a beautiful novel by Erin Brockus that lets the reader into the hearts and minds of its endearing characters. The author’s whimsical character development shines through, making each individual in the story feel like someone you could meet—or wish to meet—in real life. If you’re into diving you’ll also appreciate the author’s expert depiction of this world as well.

The novel intertwines complex relationships, be they romantic, familial, friendships or business. The characters have depth and flaws that make them relatable and real. Their struggles and triumphs are depicted with a sensitivity that pulls at the reader's emotions, making it easy to become invested in their outcomes. Gabe & April’s journey, while not perfect, leaves the reader yearning for their happiness.

Another standout aspect is the way the novel balances its character-driven narrative with a compelling plot. The pacing is just right, allowing readers a view into the emotional nuances and inner worlds of the characters while also keeping them engaged with the unfolding happenings in the family resort at Calypso Keys.

Visions of You is a touching read. Erin is a heartfelt storyteller and that has created a world with adventures & characters that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
105 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2024
I started this series with "Traces of You," which was a short intro to Calipso Key Resort of Markham family. Maia, the youngest of the Markham family, quickly fell in love with an unexpected pregnancy. But how the story unfolds awaits you to discover. (Free if you sign up for the author's newsletter)

"Visions of You"
İntroduces the mighty Gabriel Markham, the prodigal son who returns home to save the legacy of his family for a century and more. His sharp mind had closed the door to his heart after what happened with his ex-wife. His only focus was his job and his adorable daughter, Hailey.
April comes to replace Maia in the diving section, leaving behind a one-sided love from her side and opening up to new opportunities in life.
When these two meet, the chemistry between them ignites.
The more they deny it, the closer they become. But can April and Gabriel trust each other in this new adventure?

I enjoyed this story, and all the credit goes to the author who gave each character a distinctive personality.

Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,645 reviews138 followers
January 26, 2024
I have loved every book I have read by Erin Brockus but I think I have just found my favourite couple in Gabe Markham and April Desmond. E at back in Calypso Key to get to know a grumpy single dad and the woman who could bring sunshine into his life.
Gabe is not looking for a relationship in fact his life is all about being the best dad he can be and making sure the resort his family own is successful until April walks through the door.
They may have started off on the wrong foot but April is determined to bring some light and fun into this grumps days. But what happens when friendship turns into so much more…….
Visions of You has all the feels, it has characters you can’t help loving, it will make you smile and I’m sure like me you will be cheering this couple on to a HEA. This author has a way with words and she brings the wonderful Caribbean into our living rooms as well as giving us beautifully written journeys and characters to love. Loved everything about this book.
Profile Image for Nicola Dean.
273 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2024
I absolutely loved this book.
Gabe is a single dad to Hailey, he is a bit of a grump, and takes responsibility for a lot of things and has returned home to Calypso Key Resort to help with the family business. It is in more trouble than he expected.
His sister Maia is pregnant so has recruited her friend April as a divemaster. April is looking to move forward with her life, focus on her job, she is sworn off of men after some bad experiences.

The first time Gabe encounters April, he is rude and April doesn't think she will see him again and then discovers he is her boss.
Gabe can't stop thinking about April and April can't stop thinking about Gabe, even if they do have some encounters where Gabe is rude, the fire between them is there.

And then Gabe has his lightbulb moment, but has he already made April believe she is not enough?

I loved the back and forth between the pair and enjoyed meeting some of the other characters of Calypso Key
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,943 reviews45 followers
January 11, 2024
What a wonderful and interesting romantic read, full of fabulous characters and a beautiful setting, well written and has a nice steady pace and flow. Setting and business with multiple aspects I found unique, it's an area I haven't read very much about but in general looks beautiful. The characters had a good depth of background which always helps readers get to know them. I loved that even with instant chemistry it's wasn't rushed, they got to know each other had dates and spent time together. The other side of the plot gave a little bit of an edge and excitement as well as a bit of suspense. This was my first complete story by this author and I am completely satisfied as a reader, I smiled, worried and loved right along with the characters, I'm invested in wanting more of this series as well. Great story.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,267 reviews219 followers
January 20, 2024
5-star Review of Visions Of You (Calypso Key) by Erin Brockus
As I have come to expect from a book from Erin Brockus, I was quickly drawn into the story she wove about Gabe Markham and April Desmond. Having met April previously, I could not wait to see what she had in store for her and the man who would finally claim her heart.

Gabe is a grumpy single dad, a man with who is carrying the hopes of his family (and their resort) on his shoulders. The sparks sizzled between them from the moment they first met. These two are opposites and yet they work well as a couple.

It was entertaining to watch April bring light into Gabe’s life as their relationship progressed. Neither of them wanted a forever relationship and yet fate often plays tricks. Visions Of You is a beautifully written, character driven story that was romantic, passionate, and ticked all the boxes for me.

Profile Image for J Williams.
295 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy. Gabe is a divorced single father who has returned home to help run the family resort in Calypso Key. April works at the resort as the divemaster and the first meeting is not so great. April is not going to let Gabe’ grumpiness put her off she is just going to outshine him. April and Gabe are very attracted to each other, but both of their pasts stand in the way, but life has other plans and attraction burns hotter between these two. They decide to date but not in a we are not in a serious relationship, but we don’t see other people kind of thing. Gabe and April are really two halves to a whole and they just need to get other themselves and realize it. Will they let their pasts drive away their future?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DS_Promotions.
567 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2024
Small town romance with a grumpy single dad & a co worker that are an opposites attract.
I loved this read! Gabe and his daughter Hailey were back in Calypso Key to help with their family resort. Taking on the CEO role of the resort he meets April who is at the resort with her friend. There first chance meeting wasn't the best BUT they both felt something even though neither of them were looking or even interested in a relationship.
they both had lets just say not the best of relationships in the past so romance and love was definitely not on either of their list of "to do's"

It's funny how fate and life works and even if they were both in the mindset of remaining single, life and destiny had other plans.
Loved this book! Erin is fast becoming one of my favorite authors, she draws you in and makes you feel like you are at home within their surroundings. Well done!!
Profile Image for Sarah Elyse.
1,638 reviews92 followers
May 29, 2024
“Visions of You” is the first book in Erin Brockus’ small town romance series, Calypso Key, and it’s a grumpy/sunshine romance featuring Gabriel “Gabe” Markham and April Desmond.

This was my first time reading anything by Erin Brockus, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Gabe and April’s love story was super cute, and I was rooting for them the whole time.

Gabe is a single father to an adorable little girl named Hailey, and taking care of her has always been his number one priority. Gabe might be a little bit of a grump, but I truly believe his heart is in the right place.

April, on the other hand, was a total sweetheart! She was a very genuine kind of person, and I loved that she took the time to get to know Hailey, even before she and Gabe got together. All in all, I would recommend this to fans of workplace and/or single dad romance novels!
5,195 reviews30 followers
February 9, 2024
After letting his father convince him to return to Calypso Key, Gabe returns to take over the resort and finds out it is in much worse shape then he thought. He will be CFO of the resort with Evan managing it, his sister is the divemaster but is pregnant. They have to hire a new one to fill in for her.

April is friends with Maia and is ready and willing to come to Calypso Key, to take over Maia's duties. April and Gabe have chemistry but both have been burned in the past and not looking for a relationship. No strings seems to be the perfect solution.

As they spend time together, will they be able to keep their feelings out of it?.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Manda .
872 reviews10 followers
March 3, 2024
April and Gabe have both had disastrous relationships and are rightly shy of putting their trust in anyone else. So an exclusive, no falling in love arrangement seems ideal. Except neither of them had expected to catch feelings.

April is a capable, sunshine individual who just wants a fresh start and to put down roots. Whilst Gabe is a tall, terse, handsome man returning home with his daughter to help save the family business.

A truly wonderful romance with plenty of family interference, angst, trauma to overcome and sweet passion. A new to me author which I have thoroughly enjoyed and will most definitely be looking out for of.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donise.
1,293 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2024
Oh, all the feels for this book. It is steamy, funny, tragic, touching, and full of love and hope. Definitely one I would like to read again, and I hope the rest of the series is just as good. He is a single dad, the oldest son and has been asked back to the family resort to help it get back on its feet. She's been burned several times by guys and is looking for a fresh start. Her friend offers her the position of dive master at her family's resort. These two rub each other the wrong way at first but the more they get thrown together the more the respect and individual feelings grow. The little girl and the grandmother are a hoot. Enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dasha.
335 reviews
February 1, 2024
What a great story

I really enjoyed this story. I love the grumpy sunshine combo between Gabe and April. I really enjoy the setting and all the details of the dives and snorkeling moments. I would highly recommend this book.
Gabe comes back to his family's resort to help bring it around financially. He is a divorced single father and isn't looking for love. April comes to Calypso Key as a dive instructor and also plans to start a new life after a series of bad relationships. At first Gabe and April get off on the wrong foot but they eventually warm up to each other. (In more ways than one. That scene with the alcohol was hot.) Can they keep their casual relationships going or will one fall in love and ruin everything.
I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.3k reviews257 followers
February 7, 2024
This is the first in a new series, and this is Gabe and April’s story.
Gabe is a divorced single dad to his daughter, and he returns home when his dad needs help running the family resort. April has been hired as the new divemaster, and from the moment she and Gabe meet, the sparks fly, and the chemistry between them is undeniable, and they complement each other perfectly.
This is a well written story which has family, friendships, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, challenges, romance, emotions, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
839 reviews52 followers
October 13, 2025
Enjoyable with some spice here and there. I think the first part of the book was a little slow for me, maybe too slow, focusing on her job (diving) and such. It was nice to read about the scenery; the author was definitely very descriptive there, but I wanted more focus on the MCs. At some point, the story even goes much further in time, like months, when it felt like they met just days ago, so switching to months felt like a huge leap for a story.
I can't wait to read more about their brothers, especially Evan, who is a little on the shy side because of his limp! (And OMG, he's going to a bakery to see the owner who doesn't know he has a crush on her, so cute!!!)
3.5-4 stars.
1,069 reviews10 followers
January 31, 2024
Beautiful, heartwarming story.

Erin Brockus is one of my favourite authors. This is another beautiful, heartwarming story of lost souls that have a jaded view of relationship based on past experiences. I loved the romantic tension and challenges as April and Gabe find their way to a meaningful and deep loving relationship. The constant support and love of Gabe's family added to the engaging story. I highly recommend this book and this author.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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