It was just one night, ten long years ago. One very unforgettable night...
Sassy and seasoned, Leona Filipe has a great life working and playing in paradise. As the head of housekeeping at the luxurious Indigo Royal Resort, she's seen it all, and even has a few wild stories of her own. Like that one night, a decade ago, with a certain infamous athlete. She's been there, done that and won't repeat the mistake, no matter how much she wants to. No one gets under her skin quite like Cullen, but as far as Leona's concerned, he's not getting under anything else no matter how many times he returns to the resort.
In the wake of his forced retirement, Cullen Cruz is brooding and wounded. But the professional footballer still has his annual retreat to look forward to. A stay at the Indigo Royal Resort is just what he needs to decompress and turn his attention toward his future. That is, if he can avoid any messy encounters with the beauty in housekeeping. They only spent the one night together a decade ago, but the very lovely Leona has been stuck in his head ever since.
But when Leona and Cruz are forced to confront their past, the tide begins to turn. Is it possible that there is something real between them, or were they always meant to be nothing more than one night of fun?
Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.
You guys … Cullen and Leona are #mypeople *heart eyes* Leona is a spitfire that matched Cullen’s alpha exterior perfectly. I say exterior because the guy puts up a good front but deep down … yeah, heart eyes. The chemistry between them was explosive and palpable. Any time they came near each other I thought my kindle would catch fire. I can’t say that their story was angsty, but they had drama! No shortage of it for sure! But the best kind of drama! It read so easily and so real that I was transfixed from the moment I started reading.
I read the first book in this series back in May of this year, but it was during a time where I was buried in reading just to survive the anxiety of the real world and never formally reviewed the book, but I remember the author making an impression on me with the book and she continues to do so now with Caught Up In You. The development of not only the romance, but also the growth of both Cullen and Leona was done impeccably. Cullen especially has the most eye-opening growth within the story. Like I mentioned before, he comes off as alpha arrogant but once you break thru his exterior, or rather he allows you to see inside of him, it’s a whole new world. GAH, I really enjoyed every aspect of this story and I just can’t wait for more from Claire Hastings!!
From the moment Leona was first introduced in Can’t Fight This Feeling, I was dying to know more about her and more about her history with Cullen Cruz. Caught Up In You was everything I wanted and so much more.
Leona is hardworking, she loves her family and her friends, she doesn’t love Cullen Cruz. The man who destroyed her ten years prior, now he is back on his annual visit to Indigo Royal and Leona is forced to see him again. Cullen’s career is changing, his agent is trying to push him in a different direction, but being back at the Indigo Royal Resort is causing Cullen to rethink his choices and his career path……
I LOVE Leona. She is full of sass, she is feisty and she is selfless and caring, especially for those that she loves. Cullen comes across as arrogant, but there are many layers to him and you get to know more about him and who is really is throughout the story. I loved the tension between Leona and Cullen, the banter, and the CHEMISTRY. Those two had some insane amounts of chemistry. Even though there is an eleven year age gap between them, it wasn’t noticeable. Leona is very mature for her age.
This story was a roller coaster of emotions for me. This wasn’t an easy ride for both Leona and Cullen, but it was well worth it. There may have been a moment where I wanted to through my kindle across the room, but that slight drama was quickly fixed.
I am already dying to return to the Indigo Royal Resort! Caught Up In You is a MUST READ that will captivate you from the start!
10-years ago, pro soccer player, Cullen was island vacationing at the Indigo Royal Resort and ended up having a flirtatious one night stand with staff member, Leona. But the next day, he learned that Leona was not only 11-years his junior but 17-years old. That sobered Cullen up real quick and from then on out, Cullen made sure to put a wall up between them.
Ever since then, Cullen vacations every year at the resort where Leona works. And now that Cullen is almost 40 and being pushed into retirement, he’s hosting a training camp on the island for the local kids, one of which happens to be Leona’s little brother. Leona can’t stand Cullen anymore but once she learns the true reason behind his behavior and more about who he really is, Leona can’t help but fall back into his arms.
Caught Up in You by Claire Hastings is book 2 in the Indigo Royal Resort series. While I loved book 1, this romance kinda missed the mark for me. I love forbidden, age gap romances and the second chance element can really work for me. This didn’t meet my expectation and I found myself getting bored at times. I still did enjoy the romance and plan to finish the series. 3/5 stars.
Caught Up in You by Claire Hastings Leona Filipe- Island native. Daughter and sister. Strong connection to her family. She is a hard worker who has been working at the Resort since she was 15 to help her family make ends meet. She is now the Manager of House Keeping at the Indigo Royal Resort. A mature 27 year old Cullen Cruz- Famous English Football Player. Forced into retirement, unsure of his future. Son of Immigrants. Yearly visitor to the Indigo Royal Resort A love story ten years in the making. Cullen and Leona have fought an attraction to each other since a fateful night 10 years before. Cullen was all in with Leona until her learned she was only 17. Since that time, he has done everything in his power to alienate her and push her away, all the while demanding she be the one to clean and care for his bungalow while visiting the resort. Leona loves big! She is a caretaker. She would do anything for the people she loves. Their needs seem to always come before hers. You can tell in her young life she has lived 3 lifetimes. Leona tends to be closed off and hard to get to know. Once she opens her heart you, she is all in. The Night she lost her virginity to Cullen she was infatuated, however he quickly turned that in to loathing with his actions towards her. At the beginning of the book I kept shaking my head thinking Cullen is an ass. Dude really needs a reality check. But as the story develops and we get to know Cullen he is a pretty good guy. He does care. The life of fame has not been easy for him. He very much is attracted to Leona but has always felt he need to fight it because of their age. Once he opens himself up to her you see he has a very caring heart. I really enjoyed this story. Claire Hastings is a newer author on the scene, but her stories are very well done. Caught Up in You is book 2 of the Indigo Royal Resort but can be read as a standalone. But you should read Can’t Fight this Feeling! The love affair with 80’s music in these stories makes me so happy. I am a child of the 80’s and love the music. This was a 5/5 read for me. It is a Slow Burn Romance with an age gap. Even though you only see Leona and Cullen’s interaction over the 3 weeks they are on vacation, there are plenty of flashbacks and dialogue that show you how long these two have been fighting against their attraction for each other.
Welcome back to the Indigo Royal Resort. This series just makes me want to move to the Virgin Islands.
Caught up in you is the second book in the Indigo Royal Resort series and it's Leona's story. I was dying to know more about her history with Cullen after reading Can't fight this feeling and I wasn't disappointed!
Leona has been working for the Indigo Royal Resort since she was fifteen. She met Cullen 10 years ago while he was spending his holiday at the Resort. Something happened during his first visit and since then Leona has hated him altought that didn't stop him to keep visiting the Indigo Royal Resort every year. 10 years of building passion And when these two finally come together, let me tell you, their chemistry is off the charts! But can they let go of the past and move on to be able to see a future together?
I loved the banter between Leona and Cullen. Leona is a sassy, hard working and strong woman who loves selflessness her family and friends while Cullen is this sexy, broody and arrogant football player although it's just an act. There is so much more behind this persona he created to keep the real him hidden from the world and I loved learning more about him throughout the book.
I absolutely loved that we still have some of the characters from the first book all involved in this story too.... The uncles, Drea, Kyle, Dalton and also some new characters. I'm so intrigued by Dalton and I'm dying to know his story!
This was such a sweet and enjoyable read and I can't wait to go back to the Indigo Royal Resort for the next book!
It's nice to let someone else do the heavy lifting for a change. With a little salt and vinegar, Hastings puts a bit of spring in your step and spice in your heart. The temptation is addictive and the emotion is real. Yet somehow behind the brewing storm, a rainbow is waiting to be found. Leona and Cruz turn unpredictable heartache into irresistibly heartwarming. How can any heart not love that?
I loved this follow up Can’t Fight This Feeling. In Caught Up In You we get an enemies to lovers romance between Leona from the first book, and football (soccer) star Cullen. This story is full of sass, football and lots of steam. My full review is now up on my blog: readingstewardess.wordpress.com/2020/...
Are you looking for a fabulous end of summer read? Set in in the Virgin Islands, Claire Hastings’ Caught Up In You is the perfect Labor Day weekend read. This second chance story has all the feels- a lush tropical setting, an engaging, relatable couple and a sensuous romance. At first I wasn’t too sure how the pairing of housekeeper Leona Filipe and soccer star Cullen Cruz would work out. Claire Hasting’s descriptive voice and spot on storytelling brought these characters to life for me. Cullen and Leona are multifaceted characters. The author dug deep to provide the readers with a glimpse of Cullen’s past and contrasted with his playboy, soccer star image. Leona loves her job at the Indigo Royale and its perks but, her family and friends mean everything to her. The chemistry between the couple is sizzling hot and I loved their heartfelt, humorous and sexy conversations! Caught Up In You is fast-paced and well written. Cullen and Leona’s story captivated me from the first page. I enjoyed this trip to the Indigo Royale and enjoyed catching up with Drea, Kyle, Dawson, Maeve and the uncles. Locking forward to reading the next book in the series.
There’s a battlefield all right. But it’s not love Leona Filipe is feeling for Cullen Cruz. Since the morning after she gave him her virginity, she’s hated him and his demands for his annual stay at the Indigo Royal.
Cullen Cruz is a glutton for punishment. While he tries to stay away from the woman eleven years his junior, he can’t help himself, demanding she be the one to see to his whims during his vacations for the last ten years.
When the two finally allow themselves to connect, the chemistry is off the charts! Stories that tug on your heart and steam that makes you melt welcome you back to Paradise. Claire Hastings delivers with this second book in the Indigo Royal Resort series with new looks at our favorite BFF as she finds her HEA and glimpses of our favorite resort occupants. Get caught up in Lee and Cullen’s love story that shows that paradise is just like heaven.
Leona has grown up at the Indigo Royal Resort since her best friend’s uncles own it. She started working there at 15 and has worked her way up to Housekeeping Manager. She loves her job except for that once a year visit from Cullen Cruz. She has hated him since his first visit. Cullen knows he treated Leona badly after they got together his first visit to the Indigo Royal years ago. He makes her life hell every year when he visits but just can’t stop himself. Can they let go of the past in order to see a future together?
This is the second book in the Indigo Royal Resort series and such a fun read. The snarky banter between Leona and Cullen will make you laugh. We get to know Leona so much deeper in this book than book 1. The Uncles are all involved and I love them. Cullen is so much more than a famous playboy and the author does a great job of making him real for me. I love that the characters from book 1 are prominent in the story too. Book 2 is sweet, sassy and plenty steamy. Looking forward to book 3.
Enemies to lovers is definitely one of my favourite troupes. Throw in a sassy heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and some hilarious banter between the 2 MC and you definitely have yourself a winner. This is exactly what Claire Hastings gives us with book 2 in the Indigo Royal Resort. The setting for the story is amazing. I definitely need to find myself a wee holiday to a similar resort, it’s sounds amazing! I liked the characters, particularly that the story wasn’t just focused on the MC but the background characters also all played a huge part in the story. The story itself is sweet, full of sassy banter and some serious chemistry. Let’s not forgot the cover...hot!!! My only criticism is that it is told in third person and I feel that takes away some of the connection between the reader and the characters.
Claire Hastings is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. This book is the perfect mix of enemies to lovers romance.
Leona is a housekeeper in the gorgeous Indigo Royal Resort. 10 years ago, Leona made the mistake of falling into the arms of a guest, Cullen Cruz, a famous football player. Year after year, Cullen returns to the resort however their relationship is anything but friendly. Hate still doesn't come close. This year thought everything changes when Cullen returns to run a camp for local kids also while he sorts out his professional life.
This is an amazing age gap and enemies to lovers romance.
Claire has an amazing writing technique that is really captivating. Her descriptions are so believable I genuinely thought I was there 🤣. I loved the characters and it was great seeing previous characters again
This is part of a series however it can be read 100% as a standalone. Also, this book has a dual POV which is amazing.
Loved Leona and Cullen's story. The Indigo Royal Resort is a great setting for an epic love story and this is the second of two great stories (so far?!?!). Leona proved how stubborn she could be and Cullen was perfect for her. Would absolutely recommend this for an island adventure escape.
These feelings are hard to find and it is hard to die...
~Cullen Cruz & Leona's story~ I have been intrigued by Leona since reading about her in the first book, Can't Fight This Feeling I want to know the sassy blonde and her hatred towards the English soccer player. Well, it is delivered in this book! Their story is explosive, even from the start, and it's only getting hotter as the story progresses.
So, Leona first met Cullen 10 years ago when she started work for the resort. He hurt her which is why she harbors hatred so deep for the guy But time passes and the attraction is still very much presents. Cruz can understand Leona perfectly and Leona is afraid of that. Until they can't help but give in to the feelings and W O W... their chemistry is burning the pages.
It can be said this story is much more angsty than the first book. I don't mean there aren't sweet moments between Cullen & Leona, there are.
Truth to be speaking, I can't get enough of this story and these characters! I hope there will be a book for Dalton!
“Caught Up in You” is the second book in the Indigo Royal Resort series by Claire Hastings, and I thought it was even better than the first. In this enemies-to-lovers story. Head Housekeeper Leona and star athlete Cullen clean up all the messy details of the serious, not at all funny ‘game’ they’ve been engaged in for a decade.
Leona is a hard-working woman who takes life and her responsibilities very seriously. She’s been working for the Resort since she was just 15. When she met Cullen 10 years ago during his first vacation there, something happened between them and she’s loathed him ever since. I don’t want to spoil it so I’m not going to describe what happened, but it was bad! Each year he comes back anyway, and the tension keeps building. Cullen is at a crossroads in his career and in his life. On his extended escape to the Resort this time, everything changes.
This book is steamy, angsty, funny and so entertaining. The secondary characters are excellent, especially Leona’s mother and younger brother. A lot of the supporting characters will be familiar if you’ve already enjoyed the first book in the series. Note: Be aware that you needn’t have done so in order to enjoy this one. I thought the ending of this book was very well done, as was the dialogue and banter throughout the whole story.
Caught Up In You (Indigo Royal Resort #2) by Claire Hastings is a contemporary, enemies to lovers, second chance, age gap romance told in third person. Although it can be read as a standalone, reading it after book one, Can't Fight This Feeling, will bring maximum enjoyment as familiar characters reappear.
Cullen Cruz is a professional footballer on the cusp of retirement. Leona Filipe is head of housekeeping at the Indigo Royal Resort in St. Thomas. Every year, Cullen vacations at the resort and asks for Leona to personally handle cleaning his room and fulfilling all his requests. Every year, she dreads his visit, but this year is even worse because his trip has been extended so he can run a skills camp for the island kids.
Leona can't stand doing Cullen's bidding. She hasn't forgotten the night they spent together ten years ago, and she hasn't forgiven him for the way he treated her afterwards. Cullen is remorseful about his behavior. He successfully pushed Leona away and managed to keep her away for the past ten years. Now, with his career in transition, Cullen is ready to make some changes in his life. He and Leona are older, and he doesn't want to keep her at arm's length anymore.
Will Leona be able to forgive Cullen? Can she let go of the past so they can move forward together? What will happen when Cullen's vacation ends? Can their relationship last beyond its expiration date? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I loved Leona and Cullen's story! Leona is a sassy spitfire with a feisty personality. She acts tough, but she has a soft heart and puts everybody else's needs ahead of her own. Cullen comes across as a jerk at first, but as the story progresses, he shows a sweeter, gentler side. I loved how Leona refused to take any crap from Cullen, and I loved the way he treated her little brother. The chemistry between these two was off the charts. The story was sexy, sweet, and fun. I can't wait to return to the resort for Dalton's story in book three, What I Like About You. He's been my favorite character since book one.
There were so many moments in this book, that I couldn't believe that Cullen was as old as he is. Leona is mature far beyond her years, while Cullen acts like a spoiled teenager so much of the time. This enemies to lovers gives us a glimpse into just how closed minded someone can be. Cullen and Leona hooked up once when he first started visiting the resort, and it did not end well. Fast forward 10 years, and Cullen has been punishing Leona on his visits each and every year. Being the professional that she is, Leona deals with it. She doesn't do it quietly, but she deals. There is no doubt that she is a strong woman who knows her worth, and refuses to accept anything less. Cullen is a little bit lost, and has strong feelings for Leona, and takes it out on her each and every time. He doesn't think before he speaks a lot, and ends up making things worse. When he gets his mind straight, these two have amazing chemistry. The cast of supporting characters is superb, and Hastings give us a great look into how supportive of each other this group truly is. Cullen is pulled into the fold seamlessly, and while they work through a lot, they get their HEA. If you hadn't visited the Indigo Royal yet, you should.
You will notice quickly; somebody has a thing for classic rock and roll songs.
We are back to the infamous Indigo Royal Resort, where the staff is willing to make everyone feel like a VIP. Leona is gearing up for an annual tradition she would rather avoid, but her position won't allow her to do that. World-famous footballer Cullen Cruz is on his way for his yearly stay in the resort's VIP bungalow. But, this year, he is coming for a new reason and alone, this time.
When an author enjoys writing, you know you will enjoy the read. It is evident from the author's colorful verbiage she had a great time writing this book. After all, she had to really be enjoying writing to include the phrase "out of the rub tub and into the hot tub!" That still cracks me up. And you can tell a particular couple is up for some exciting times.
The writing style is easy to follow, and before long, you find yourself immersed in the setting. You will not be sorry to add this one to your TBR list. Even if you didn't read book one in the series, you wouldn't be lost. Heck, read book one first, then read this one. Yes, I do recommend this one.
I was so excited to dig into this book right after reading Can't Fight This Feeling because I knew it promised a feisty enemies to lovers romance and it did not disappoint!
Leona Filipe is the head strong self assured head of housekeeping at the Indigo Royal and Cullen Cruz is the bane of her existence. They've been butting heads for 10 years, ever since the soccer/football start started spending his holidays at the resort with a different woman each time. Well except for that first time she showed up and this last time that he's been there alone.
Their heated banter and power dynamics is so fun to read because as head of housekeeping, Leona is nothing if not professional so her restraint is amazing, when Cullen uses that to his advantage by antagonizing her every chance he gets because he knows she can't fire back at him. I really enjoyed reading as they opened up and found the happy ever after that they truly deserved. Drea's family played a key role in the story and I hope we get to glimpse her brother Josef in a future book! More than that, I enjoyed seeing the Indigo Royal family also looking out for one another again proving that family is more than blood.
I loved this book! Leona and Cullen are as passionate in their animosity for each other as they are in their love for each other. This passion has built over 10 years! Hastings does a great job of building the tension between them – Leona is such a fiery, sassy, and strong women, while Cullen is a sexy, dirty-talking footballer (I’m not talking American football, real football!). Yet there is so much more to them - they have similar backgrounds, and they bring out the best in each other. Along with Leona and Cullen, Hastings incorporates a varied cast of supporting characters, many you will know from the first book and some new intriguing characters – giving us glimpses of what may come in future books. Once again, St. Thomas and the Indigo Royal Resort are the back drop for this sexy love story. I got caught up in the beauty of the resort and imagined, or should I say wished, I was there in person! This is a well written, enjoyable read. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 2nd book in this wonderful series and is Cullen and Leona’s story. Leona loves her job as the head housekeeper at the resort, and the only man that gets under her skin is Cullen, who destroyed her 10-years ago. Cullen has recently retired from football and is coming to the resort for his 2-week retreat, before deciding his future. His agent has changed things around this year and has volunteered Cullen to run a skills camp for the local children. This is a beautifully written tale which is filled with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and is a poignant love story. I was hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend for all readers.
Island resort, soccer player, second chance, enemies to lovers, struggling finances, family, friendships. This book had it all and some spice added in there. This book is a great beach read. 10 years ago the age gap was a problem but they are both older and wiser now. Even once they get over the past, they have to figure out a way to move on with the future that keeps what is important to both of them, still important. I loved the friendships that the characters had and the family dynamic at the resort.
This is not the first book in the series but it can be read as a complete stand alone. If you have read the other books you would just know more about the secondary characters and the family dynamic. But everything you need to know has been given to you.
Cullen is a European Football player that vacations at the same resort every year. Leona is head of maid services at the Resort and has a love hate relationship with Cullen. Many years ago these two had a hot and heavy hook up that left one broken hearted and one freaked out. Years later are they finally ready to address what happened? Is he really who she thinks he is? Can he show her that they have more in common then she knows? This was another great quick read by this author. I have Been enjoying this series. The tight friendship between this group has been very entertaining to read. They have funny banter and tell each other how it is if they really want to hear it or not. I’m ready for book 3 in this series!
For probably the first third of this book I wondered what on earth Leona is doing being hung up on such an entitled, arrogant prick as Cullen. Honestly, it's no wonder the guy was single, nobody could love him as much as he does himself. (Probably guessed I wasn't a fan, huh?) Then, I kept reading and Cullen won me over. Actually, neither Cullen or Leona were my favourite couple, but I honestly ended up loving this story. It's only the second from this author that I've read, but I found it fun, touching, sad and human in places. I loved the interaction between these two and having just watched Ted Lasso, enjoyed this story very much.
I enjoyed Leona and Cullen's story. There is plenty of tension, sparks and intense emotion as their story unfolds. These two generate boatloads of drama and angst as they struggle with their past and their feelings. I have to be honest though and say that I often found myself wanting to give these two a hard shake because sometimes their shenanigans just frustrated me. Overall though, I thought this was a very good book. I'm electing to post a objective review.
Leona and Cullen have an enemies to lovers relationship that has grown for the last 10 years. Now that they've reconnected, they're learning more about each other and realize that they aren't who the other thought they were. Can they make it work this time? Loved these characters and the setting was just as amazing.
I was so intrigued what happened between Leona and Cullen for 10 years they've known each other. 10 years worth of pent up angst, hate, passion and chemistry, Cullen is not going to ignore it this time around. His football career is coming to an end, there's nothing going on in his life but Leona is making him think what would it be like to live the island life with her. This was such a sweet and enjoyable read. I love their banters, it will make you laugh.
I always love a good enemies to lovers and this did not disappoint! Claire Hastings once again has a swoony hero, and feisty heroine and the backdrop of the Indigo Royal that makes me want to hop on a plane and take a vacation. This was a perfect escape, especially being stuck at home in the rain.