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BLAME IT ON PARADISE - Chrystal Hubbard Genesis/Love Spectrum March 2008 |
SYNOPSIS: A money-driven workaholic finds his life turned upside-down when he travels to Darwin Island and loses his heart to an island goddess
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Marguerite Lemons
REVIEW:
Hot shot attorney Jackson DeVoy is sent to the tiny
island of Darwin, off the coast of New Zealand, to secure the rights to
manufacture and sell a miracle weight loss tea that is indigenous to the
island. Jackson has an impressive record of acquisitions and is
looking to challenge J. T. Marchand, the attorney for the island, who
has never lost a case. J. T. (Jaslyn Therese), known by the
Darwinians as “Lina”, is stunned by the blonde good looks of Jackson
DeVoy. After spotting him in town, she vows to get to know him in a
more intimate way. But Lina initiates her plan of seduction not
knowing that Jackson is there only for the tea. Jackson,
mesmerized by Lina’s stunning good looks and gray eyes, begins to let
his work slip; much to his company’s chagrin. However, the real
fun begins when J. T. makes an unexpected trip to Boston to let
Coyle-Wexler know that the tea is not for sale.
BLAME IT ON PARADISE takes
place on the mythical island of Darwin and in Boston. Darwin is a
quaint, but somewhat backwards little island. The population has
become more of a melting pot over the years, and some of the islanders
have taken issue with that fact. Based on the island’s
description, it sounds like an appealing tropical get away for those who
don’t mind living without a few modern comforts. I enjoyed the
fact that Lina is a strong, independent woman who has no problem taking
on a male dominated field. However, I was disappointed that she
was portrayed as the stereotypical island nymph, who throws caution to
the wind and has sex with men she knows nothing about.
Ms. Hubbard
does an excellent job working Jackson through his personal demons with
Lina’s help. I understand why the race issue is there, but I think
it was given more weight than necessary. It’s pretty much a given
that when an Irish American man becomes involved with a person of
Aboriginal, or African American, descent there will be a few familial
issues. For both characters, it was love at first sight but
neither was inclined to believe it could be true since they were jaded
by past relationships. However, when confronted with a personal
threat, they came together as one.
BLAME IT ON PARADISE is a fast-paced and
interesting read. Ms. Hubbard had me wondering what the secret to
the tea was and if there is anything on the market today that would work
the same. If you are a romance fan, and you believe in soul mates
and love at first sight, this book is for you.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 5th March 2008