The last couple Christina Lauren books I've read were enjoyable but a bit underwhelming (Something Wilder, Twice in a Blue Moon). This one gave off similar vibes as The Unhoneymooners, which I loved, so I was excited to receive an advanced copy—and wow, did it deliver. I wasn't sure I was going to like either of the MC's from the first couple chapters, but that quickly changed and I wound up adoring both of them.

The plot—faking a 5-year marriage to a practical stranger after not seeing each other for 3 years in order to claim a massive inheritance, while pretending to fit in with the elite rich on a private island getaway—was not nearly as cheesy as it could have been. This book was laugh-out-loud funny but also had just the right amount of tension and sadness. I loved the characters, the setting, and the twisted family B-story.

This is Christina Lauren at their best, and one of the few rom-coms I would actually want to read a second time. I will say that this one probably gets 4 chili peppers on the spicy scale, and it was a bit more graphic than I expect from these authors. Not in a bad way at all, just surprising and something for readers to consider before jumping in. Overall, I could not get enough of this one!

This was such a fun read! I love the fake marriage trope and this didn’t disappoint. I’m one generally that enjoys some character development and growth - Christina Lauren accomplished that! Overall, it was a treat to travel to “paradise.”

Thank you to NetGalley, & Simon and Schuster publishers for this early release.
I loved this one! I think my new fav romance authors are these two, Christina Lauren. They make great love stories, lovable characters, great story lines and I can never put these books down! Very thankful and glad that I was able to get this book before it was released! A must read, perfect for your summer beach read!

I knew I should have DNF after this line:

“Are you shitting my dick right now?” That was in the first 10% and I still decided to stick with it.

I don’t know. Their writing has become juvenile. It’s like they were trying to write the cool girl, but instead Anna was so effing annoying. She was lazy, a stoner, came off unlikeable and boring.

They kept calling his erection his “goddamn” and at first it was funny but then it got so annoying and so cringe that I decided to DNF at 55%. Just no. What happened to these writers? Like a couple wannabe teenagers wrote this. It wasn’t funny or cute or tension filled whatsoever. Probably my last chance with them.

Thank you so much to Gallery Books for the advance copy!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!

"If I had to choose between this shower and a date with Harry Styles...I would choose Harry Styles, but I'd hesitate."

Of course I would start off this review with a reference to Harry Styles. This book kept me up way into the night and I just could not put it down. Slow burns are not usually my favorite but this one was an exception. I admit I am not skilled in Christina Lauren books as I should be being a romance reader. And I know they are well loved. So perhaps others might not love this like I did as they could be comparing their prior work.

I don't read a whole lot of marriage of convenience as usually it is just fake dating/engaged so this was refreshing for me. There were so many moments between Liam & Anna that I highlighted. Their relationship was so fun to see progress throughout the book. The chemistry to me was oozing off the page and LORD when it hit, it was beautiful! I thought the family aspect of this was an interesting part of the book and played a role in their relationship. I love how as much as Liam wanted Anna to conform to his family's lifestyle, he also did not want her to change. I just love how supportive each were to one another. I just love them so much!!

I know this review isn't that thoughtful but I just wanted to scream from the rooftop about how much I loved this & I want others to read and hopefully experience the same joy as I did.

I am looking forward to revisiting this couple when the audiobook comes out!

If you love opposite attracts, tropical setting, dual POV, lots of flirty talk & family drama- check this book out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars!)

This is my 3rd CL book, and I am becoming a fan! My first was “Something Wilder”, and it was just okay. My second was “Love & Other Words” and I loved that! I think I liked this one even more! At first, the story seemed a little far fetched, but I quickly grew to love it. Anna and Liam get married while they’re in college, in part so that they can secure student housing, but remain married so that Liam can gain access to his inheritance. Liam has to be married for 5 years in order to obtain his inheritance. I’m purposefully being vague so as not to give anything away. This reads very much like an Emily Henry book - lots of witty banter. In my opinion, the characters and story have just enough depth to keep your attention and care about the outcome. Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this advanced reader copy!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. And I’m glad to have read it. However, I have a surprising critique: I didn’t think there needed to be what seems to me was gratuitous descriptions of the sex. Now, I am a devoted Victorian and/or Regency romance reader, which really just means I read some smut. So I am not a prude. However, I didn’t enjoy it so much in this book. Maybe this author, who is a biggie but who I have not read before, is just not good at that sort of thing? I don’t know if that’s it, but it actually took away from my enjoyment of the book.

I loved the premise and the weirdness of some of the characters and it made me laugh out loud a few times (“Liam and his goddamn!”). And I could see myself reading another by this author. 💜📚

Christina Lauren has done it again!! Another AMAZING read to recommend. This book definitely gave me Crazy Rich Asians vibe with the fake dating and lots of fun ridiculous activities. My favorite part(s) was the family drama with humor in it all. Definitely will continue to read any CLo books and recommend it to all. :) Thank you Netgalley and Gallery Books for letting me have an early arc for an honest review.

A Heartwarming Dive into Love and Legacy: "The Paradise Problem" by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren's "The Paradise Problem" is a delightful concoction of romance, humor, and self-discovery that leaves readers swooning and smiling long after the last page is turned. In this captivating tale, we follow the journey of Anna Green and Liam "West" Weston as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns of love, marriage, and family legacy.

What makes this novel truly shine is its authentic portrayal of complex relationships and the transformative power of love. Anna and Liam's chemistry crackles off the pages, drawing readers into their whirlwind romance that defies societal expectations and family pressures. Despite their unconventional beginnings, their love story is heartwarming and genuine, reminding us that true love knows no bounds.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its richly drawn characters, each with their own quirks and vulnerabilities. Anna's spunky personality and unwavering loyalty make her a refreshing and relatable protagonist, while Liam's internal struggle between duty and desire adds depth and complexity to his character. As they navigate the challenges of Liam's inheritance and family expectations, readers will find themselves rooting for this dynamic duo every step of the way.

Moreover, Christina Lauren masterfully weaves humor and wit throughout the narrative, balancing tender moments with laugh-out-loud scenes that keep the story light and engaging. From awkward family gatherings to unexpected revelations, "The Paradise Problem" is filled with delightful surprises that will keep readers eagerly turning pages until the very end.

Beyond its enchanting romance and witty banter, "The Paradise Problem" also explores deeper themes of identity, ambition, and the true meaning of happiness. Through Anna and Liam's journey of self-discovery, readers are reminded that sometimes the greatest treasures in life are found in the most unexpected places.

In conclusion, "The Paradise Problem" is a charming and uplifting read that will capture the hearts of readers from start to finish. With its captivating storyline, endearing characters, and poignant message, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Christina Lauren has once again delivered a must-read romance that is as delightful as it is unforgettable.

Such a cute romance! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I loved it more than I thought I would!

A love the fake dating trope! A solid 4 star

Christina Lauren does it again! I could not put this book down! I read it in less than 48 hours! I was even up at night thinking about this book! The story and romance was so pure, witty, and funny. The entire flow of the book felt natural and realistic and not hurried or forced. I loved Ana’s character as a witty, funny, starving artist who also had pure intentions and believed the best in people. This book will be perfect for the summer with its tropical island destination!

This book had a great premise! I am a fan of the authors, however this fell completely short for me. The characters were unlikable and had minimal character development.

Entertaining and fun as is typical from this duo. Enjoyed the marriage of convenience and subsequent charade of being a married couple. Liked the different personalities of our MCs as well. At times this story felt kind of Crazy Rich Asians-ish with the island setting, the lead up to a wedding, people coming from different backgrounds, and just absurdly rich people things normal people could never wrap their head around. Themes of wealth, money, love, family, and what's important/ matters most. Some pretty vile characters and really messed up family dynamics which I appreciated but it also grated me a bit. Also wished for a little more connection from our MCs aside from the lust. Overall though, I can see this being another hit for CLo lovers!

Laugh out loud delightful. Very fun and not as stereotypical as I was imagining; definitely not an unhoneymooners remake. I wish that there was a little more conflict resolution with how things played out with Ray/family, the end felt rushed. Maybe use the word boner a less. Viv's role was a little unclear. The tropes were used really well. definitely would recommend. Thanks for the ARC!

Christian Lauren does it again. This has become my new favorite book of hers, because it’s so good.. Who doesn’t love the fake marriage book? This book has the fake marriage thrown in with a lot more exciting twists and turns. Anna Green & Liam “West “ Weston agree to get married so they can live in married housing at UCLA. They pretty much live as ships passing in the night and everything they assumed about the other is completely wrong. And just because things seem so wonderful on the other side doesn’t mean it really is. West & Anna take us along for an amazing 12 day for his sisters wedding on a private island, where you are witness to some super over the top wedding events. Not only is the wedding over the top but the family disfunction & manipulation is also over the top. You will not want to put this perfect beach read book down for a minute. This book was read in the winter but had me escaping to this beautiful island along with Anna & West.

Christina Lauren can only write fantastic romance stories. I absolutely loved The Paradise Problem. What a fun escape to a tropical island where we get to see 2 almost strangers - who by the way were once married to each other - fall in love. Of course there is drama. Of course there is fake-it-for-the-family. Of course there are serious obstacles. Of course there are horrible family members. But also witty banter, Smoldering looks. Beaches and boat rides and over-the-water fantasy suites. And sexy shenanigans and chasing dreams. If you love Christina Lauren, The Paradise Problem must be on your tbr this spring. Happy reading!
4.5 rounded up to 5.
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.

"Paradise Problems" by Christina is a captivating novel follows the story of young woman escapes to a tropical to heal her broken, only to encounters even challenges and unexpected along the way. its engaging plot twists and well-developed characters, book keeps readers on the of their seats from start to finish. Christina Lauren's witty and charming writing style adds depth and emotion to the narrative, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Overall, "Paradise Problems" is a delightful and heartwarming read that will leave you feeling uplifted and satisfied.

This book is about a fake marriage in order to gain access to an inheritance among other reasons that I won’t spoil. They pretend to be married at a destination wedding for his sister. Before that, they were fake married for almost 5 years, but barely spent time together.

My thoughts: the beginning of this book was amazing. It was funny and there was a lot of tension between Liam and Anna.

I loved Anna’s character. I thought she was funny, sassy, and completely lovable especially when we see how she interacts with Liam’s nieces and nephews.

Liam was great too. He was a really great guy, but I sometimes felt his personality took a backseat and that Anna outshined him.

This was a very slow burn and I wish we actually got more time of them actually being together.

What I didn’t like was the 3rd act breakup & that was because at that point of the book- it was entirely focused on family scandal that it lost some of the magic of the beginning of the book.

The epilogue was good and it made me happy to see how everything worked out in the end and I liked how it was told over several ranges of time so that we got a full picture of their lives after.

Overall, it was a good read, but I definitely loved the first half of the book the most.

It might be five stars. At first I really didn't vibe with Anna but as I got to know her she had me chuckling out loud. I loved the communication between her and Liam, especially towards the second half of the book. I loved the way their love was written, it was almost poetic and pure. Liam was vulnerable and introspective about his feelings and I ate it up.

This may be the beach read of the summer! The end of the prologue had me laughing, and the good feelings continued throughout the book. One thing that I have enjoyed about Christina Lauren's storytelling is how they allow us to see both MC's POVs.