Synopsis:
Anna thought she was marrying Liam for access to subsidized family housing. She thought she signed divorce papers. So, when Liam shows up three years later, saying their still married and he needs a huge favor, Anna is shocked. Turns out Liam is an heir to the Weston Food conglomerate, but he wants nothing to do with it. In order to get out of it, he needs to convince his family he’s happily married for five years.

Can Anna pull off being a high society wife during a week of luxury with the Weston clan?

Thoughts:
Ah this book was like a breath of fresh air! It was so amazing and fun. I loved it so much. The writing was fantastic, and for being a billionaire trope, surprisingly believable which you can’t exactly say often.

I really enjoyed that this book had so many laugh out loud moments. This isn’t always something that happens, even with romcoms so it’s always refreshing and welcome when it does! The writing style that this author pair brings is just phenomenal and I am always excited for their new releases.

Anna was a fun character. She had a lot going on in her life and it was utterly chaotic while she was also disorganized in everything she did, but she did it all with a lot of heart. Liam was determined to make a way for himself, but and make a difference while doing so. Their chemistry was off the page and just sizzling hot. The cast of side characters rounded out Anna and Liam nicely, and I think that Blair was probably my favorite though not exactly the most likeable I appreciated her. The growth of Anna and Liam over the course of the book was amazing to watch, as well as for Liam’s family. I was most surprised with Alex’s character arc though thinking about it, I was quite proud of him for doing what he did.

I was a little bummed by one of the tropes towards the end of the book, I don’t want to give it away, but it did wrap up satisfactorily and made me happy as everything ended on a sweet note, it was just a rough and emotional journey for a while. A good romcom should end on a sweet note and this one did exactly that so for that I am grateful.

This book is an absolute must read.

5 ⭐️ I loved loved loved this book!!! My favorite Christina Lauren to date 🫶🏼

It has all the tropes, marriage of convenience, billionaire romance / drama, one bed, all set on a gorgeous tropical island!!

I did not expect to like this book so much, sometimes their books can be a bit cheesy / predictable (not talking about Love and Other Words, don’t worry) but this one really tugged at my heart and made me giggle at the same time.

I was obsessed with Liam and Anna!!

Easy 5 stars for me!

I've loved almost all of the Christina Lauren books, and I can add this one to that list! It was a great escape, gave me Crazy, Rich Asians feels!

This was the perfect escapism book for the summer, and I really loved it. I could put myself right into the book - what would I do if presented with this married to millions for appearances only, and boy would I do the same thing. If only it could drop out of the sky like that for me too. I love Christina Lauren and always look forward to these novels.

Christina Lauren is one of my favorites! The Paradise Problem is full of her usual laugh out loud rom-com moments and lovable characters in a perfect summer setting. I flew through this book and enjoyed every minute!

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, unfortunately, doesn't quite live up to expectations. While the authors are known for their charm and wit, this book falls short in both originality and emotional depth. The plot feels overly familiar, almost as if it's drawing from well-worn tropes without offering anything new or exciting to the genre. The characters, though likable at times, lack the kind of development or complexity needed to make their journey truly engaging. Overall, it's a bit of a letdown for fans hoping for a fresh take on romance, leaving a sense of disappointment rather than satisfaction.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren is a delightful rom-com with just the right mix of humor, heart, and high-society drama. The story centers on artist Anna Green, who unexpectedly finds herself still legally married to her college “ex-husband,” Liam Weston—a Stanford professor and heir to a massive fortune. Liam needs Anna to play his wife for a family event to secure his inheritance, and what follows is a heartwarming and hilarious journey as the two navigate their fake marriage and unexpected real feelings.

Christina Lauren delivers on all fronts, with charming characters, witty banter, and sizzling chemistry between Anna and Liam. The wealth and family drama create just enough tension, while the lush Singapore setting and Liam’s quirky family add to the fun. For anyone looking for a perfect summer read that’s equal parts romantic and laugh-out-loud funny, The Paradise Problem is sure to satisfy.

Thank you netgalley for my e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I enjoyed this book so much! I'm so appreciative of the advanced copy.

I thought the characters were really cute and fun in this one, and I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I highly recommend!

Rating: 4⭐️

This. Was. So. Cute.

Unhoneymooners but better. I loved that the FMC as a bit lackadaisical. The MMC wasn't there to save her, but just there for her. She ends up savig him. Omg so cute 10/10 recommend.

In The Paradise Problem, Christina Lauren delivers a delightful, opposites-attract romance packed with charm, humor, and a dash of luxury. Anna Green and Liam “West” Weston start off in a marriage of convenience, tying the knot as college students to gain access to affordable housing. Three years after their supposed divorce, West learns they’re still legally wed, complicating his inheritance as he must remain married for five years to secure his fortune. This revelation forces them to pose as a happily married couple, plunging Anna into West’s wealthy, complex family dynamics at a high-profile destination wedding.

This book had some real charm, with its lively banter, island setting, and the classic "marriage of convenience" trope that Christina Lauren does so well. Anna’s character, with her “hot mess” appeal and her fierce loyalty to her family, was endearing and added a lot of fun to the story. The contrast between Anna’s free spirit and Liam’s privileged family brought out some memorable, funny moments. Despite the clever premise, the overall story felt a bit predictable, and at times, the plot slowed down. While the chemistry between Anna and Liam was definitely there, it sometimes felt overshadowed by the family drama. This novel was a light, enjoyable read and a nice addition to the Christina Lauren catalog, even if it didn’t entirely blow me away.

Loved this book! Funny and witty and sexy! It's a perfect summer romance. I feel so glad to have read it, as the last two publications from this team were not my favorite but this was a great story and worth the read.

3.5*
Fake romance is a common trope but for years there is no romance, just a signed marriage document. Anna Green and Liam Weston both need student housing at UCLA. They join in a marriage of convenience to allow them to stay in a building designated for couples. Divorce is a given, following graduation.

Over the time that they cohabitate, they barely interact and don’t really know anything about their spouse. But long after school is over, Liam’s very wealthy grandfather dies, leaving a stipulation in his will that states that Liam cannot inherit until he’s been happily married for 5 years. Suddenly, Liam, or West as everyone calls him, needs to bring his wife to a family wedding to prove she exists, since no one has met the elusive woman.

Anna is uncultured, peppers her speech with profanity and is a free spirit while Liam is controlled and consumed with his work as a professor. She is under the illusion that her college marriage from a number of years ago was terminated and she’s shocked to learn that she’s still Liam’s wife. Now this man she doesn’t even know needs her to pretend to be a loving wife. The pair are vastly different people and pulling off the fake loving couple will be a tremendous challenge. Complicating things is Liam’s father who's domineering and controlling and his one brother who’s especially skeptical and looking for any sign of marital rift.

Though the story has its own take on fake relationships, it has the typical tensions of pretending to care for someone where no romance exists. One can’t help but enjoy Liam’s position of being at the mercy of Anna; she clearly has the upper hand. As the story progresses, so does the growing understanding of who their spouse really is.

Some of the scenes are quite sizzling. Anna is very sexy and of course, Liam is super hot. But there’s more to them than just physical attractiveness. They have personal commitments and goals that they will not forego and which could be either deal breakers or potential assets.

What could go wrong when money is on the line and petty jealousy attempts to stir up trouble? Readers are treated to a rollicking destination wedding on an exotic island with two strangers pretending to be in love. Neither Anna nor Liam are totally comfortable with the expectations Liam’s family brings to the event. He will not be coerced by his family and she won’t be intimidated by their opulent wealth and privilege. But can the two of them pull off the elaborate hoax or will they get ensnared in their own plot.

Liam and Anna are likeable, attractive and smart. They make an entertaining duo that shouldn’t work, but with familiarity, sharp wits and a dose of chemistry, they begin to create their own formula. Romance lovers will find this a nice take on a popular trope.

Thank you to Lauren Carr at Gallery Books and NetGalley for a gifted eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

1. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - I have to ponder the thought that no one has ever asked me to spend an exorbitant amount of money to go to a remote tropical island to spend a week in a state of opulence. Can anyone help me figure out how to make this happen?

2. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 - Maybe the timeless saying that money can’t buy happiness is correct. Liam’s family is almost all vile and Anna’s dad is the epitome of what fatherhood looks like. However, things do have a way of turning around. And I couldn’t help but get some Humpty Dumpty vibes as things started to crumble!

3. 𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐭 - Liam’s mother. She’s the one. Is that much lavishness really worth being with such a pile of shit who will destroy one of your children with the blink of an eye? Grow a backbone and do something. Who cares if you divorce - you’d still have millions?

4. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 - This kept ringing in my ears…why can’t they just start the five year cycle over and get married for real this time. It’s not like they all can’t wait for the inheritance. However, we may not have gotten to the real issue at hand had that happened!

5. 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 - I lost count of how many laugh-out-loud moments Anna created throughout this book. She sits on a list of one of the funniest and most lovable characters I’ve ever met in a book!

🌺 The Paradise Problem - Christina Lauren

5 ⭐️ - Well, my only fault here is that I let this one sit for way too long without being read. I adored and devoured this one. I quite literally couldn’t get enough of these characters, their growth, the luxurious setting, and love (spice, too).

I enjoyed this book a lot. All of Christina Lauren's books are so enjoyable. They have such a way to make you feel like you know the characters and that you are in the setting.

Another huge hit for me from Christina Lauren. I love their writing style and this book drew me in quickly. I look forward to their books each spring/summer because they have never let me down!

This was a fun vacation rom-com read. Christina Lauren writes funny stories with characters you generally root for. I wasn't the biggest fan of the FMC in this story, but in the end, I found myself rooting for both main characters and their relationship.

I loved this book! It had me laughing out loud. The characters were so lovable. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to Gallery Books for the eARC.

4.5 stars.

I usually can’t stand “hot mess” heroines. But I loved Anna. Her hot mess-ness was less about not having her life together and more about doing all she could to support her dad and that just makes her entirely too wholesome to not love.

Liam’s family felt a lot like the show Succession, where everyone hates everyone and the siblings undermine each other. And Anna is thrown into the mix as Liam’s wife—a fake wife to get an inheritance who now has to enter the belly of the beast at a destination wedding.

The chemistry was hot and I loved the progression of their relationship: a reluctant team to lovers to more. But while the two together are very lusty, I loved the interactions of Anna and Liam’s niblings the most. Anna truly was just a great character with a wonderful soul.

Such a fun and entertaining read, Christina Lauren just has the magical RomCom touch.

Lauren does a great job creating a fun character. Anna is messy but lovable. She’s relatable because her family comes first and she is also trying to pursue a dream. She’s not ready to give up everything in order to just survive. I love how she allows Ana to be incredulous about the riches of Liam’s family. It has a little cliché that Liam’ s father, who is a business mogul turns into an egocentric jerk to every body, including his family.