Up Too Close

CeCe has a job in Portugal but no way to get there until she runs into René, a playboy sea captain she despises. He needs a first mate to get an aging wooden yacht to England and from there, he has promised to put CeCe on a plane to Portugal. At first, part of René's goal is to get CeCe in his bed and CeCe’s goal is to stay out of it. But the longer they are out to sea, the more they begin to understand one another. Before they know it, they are depending upon one another emotionally and physically. René has fallen hard for CeCe, but has no idea how to convince her that he is worthy of her love.

Even if yachting is not one’s thing, this story is written so that the uninitiated can understand what is happening and the severity of certain conditions. This novel is all about the personal journey that each of the characters is making in order to metamorphose into complete persons. René is arrogant, but really not so sure of himself while CeCe is disillusioned with all men. The premise is not original - man likes woman, woman hates man - but the tale is entertaining. CeCe tends to overreact, which is wearing after a while. An excellent novel, "Up Too Close" has its comedic moments as well as tender, touching ones. There is a touch of intrigue that weaves through the novel and leaves the reader wanting more.

Belinda Wilson