Diving Into Her

Kim Richmond and Helene DuBois are casual friends, acquaintances really. They’ve rarely spent time together unless it was with their mutual friends. No reason to think that would change anytime soon. A coincidental meeting at one of Saint Tropez five-star hotels throws that conclusion right out the window.

Kim is desperate for a break, time away from the city and her boyfriend. After cancelling their holiday for the fifth time because Greg has more important things to do, Kim is at her wit's end. Thankfully, her best friend has a reservation in a swanky hotel in the south of France up for grabs. With her summer plans firmly in place, Kim sets off for a few weeks of rest, relaxation and cocktails. With the sun on her face and the sea air on her skin, she is delighted to be in the Côte d’Azur. That is until the hotel's receptionist informs her that someone accidentally canceled instead of amended the reservation. Worse still, there are no rooms left in the hotel and Kim can’t afford the prices that come with hotels in the area. With nowhere to go, she’s left sobbing in the hotel lobby. Her hopes of a relaxing get-away are in tatters until a friendly face turns up to save the day.

Helene is tired of dating, tired of watching women walk away from her. Is there a reason the cosmos is determined to keep her single? Maybe she’s cursed? Who the hell knows! What Helene knows for sure is that she needs a break. No work, no women. With no time to spare, she hops on her brother's private jet and heads to Saint Tropez. A week in a luxury hotel and then a few more aboard the family's super yacht should do the trick. No drama, just sun, sea and scuba diving. But what is she to do then when she comes across Kim sat in the hotel lobby crying? That scenario screams drama! They barely know each other, but Helene can’t bare to see the woman so sad. Offering to share her suite wasn’t exactly the way she expected to help, but her mouth acts before her brain has time to catch up. 

With their holidays combined, Helene and Kim aim to make the best of a strange situation. For Helene, it becomes clear that Kim is unlike anyone she has met before. She’s sassy, witty and a ninja on high heels. She also knows how to bring out Helene’s mischievous side. 

Kim is taken aback by Helene’s kindness and generosity. It’s been a long time since she’s felt so safe and supported. The connection they have is electric. It’s also way too fast.

The phrase ‘All good thing’s must come to an end’ is definitely appropriate when the lives they ran away from come calling. Kim has to navigate her relationship with Greg, which turns out to be harder than expected, especially when he turns up uninvited at the hotel, acting out of character. Helene has to face her evolving feelings for Kim and deal with family matters that have plagued her for decades.

Nothing is smooth sailing, not even in paradise.