Review: Paradise Rules by Beth Kery

Casee‘s review of Paradise Rules by Beth Kery.

To most people, Hawaii’s crystal blue shores are an inviting opportunity to escape reality. But for Lana Rodriguez, who grew up there, the picture-perfect vacation getaway disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without some emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki to control her own destiny, with a bold defiance when it comes to men, romance, and sex.

A local celebrity, businessman, and island god, Jason Koa is every woman’s dream-but for Lana, it’s not love at first sight. Though their start is rocky, they can’t deny the passions they arouse in each other. Jason decides it’s time to show Lana who makes the rules on this island-and in the bedroom. But will Jason’s attempt at breaking Lana’s shell reveal secrets that neither are prepared to face, or will they allow themselves to get swept away by a tidal wave of desire?

Is there anything better than a book that takes place Hawaii? Yes, I think there is. Being in Hawaii while reading a book that takes place in Hawaii. I wanted to be there, especially after starting Paradise Rules. Beth Kery did an awesome job of pulling me into not just the story but the setting.

Lana Rodriguez has done everything possible to put Hawaii behind her. Growing up on the shores of Honolulu sounds ideal to most people, but to Lana it was a nightmare. Moving to New York, Lana has built a life for herself as far removed from her past as possible. When her assistant and good friend goes through a bitter divorce, Lana can’t say no when she asks her to accompany her to Hawaii.

Jason Koa recognizes Lana as the famous musician she is almost instantly. Everything about her screams “Ice Queen”, which goes against everything Jason believed about her from her music. Jason is as attracted as he is repelled. Jason manipulates his way into Lana’s bed and sees hints of vulnerability that surprise him. Lana is everything he never thought he wanted in a woman, but he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Lana doesn’t get close to anyone. She’s determined to treat Jason the way she would treat any other man she’s gone to bed with. That proves impossible. Jason is able to bring feelings to the surface that she would otherwise keep hidden. When he walks away from her, Lana tells herself it’s for the best.

Paradise Rules is the kind of hot/sweet romantic combination that I came to expect from Beth Kery after reading Daring Time and Wicked Burn. Jason senses that if Lana lets go, the possibilities between them are endless. He just has to break down the wall she has put between them and uncover the secrets in her eyes.

Lana isn’t the only one that is vulnerable in this book, which is what makes it so good. Jason has very few weaknesses, but Lana turns out to be one of them. One thing I liked about Lana was her ability to admit how she was hiding herself. Toward the end of the book when she decides to go back to Jason, it was empowering. Which made what followed all the more heartbreaking.

Beth Kery did a fantastic job. From the characters to the plot to the setting, you can’t go wrong with this book.

4.25 out of 5.

This book is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here in e-format.

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