Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

Steam? Check. Funny? Check. Perfect setting? Check. Christina Lauren still reign supreme with this latest title.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren is a light and enjoyable read, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of their previous works. Set against a tropical backdrop, the story follows a familiar mix of romance, personal growth, and misunderstandings. The characters are likable enough, but they sometimes feel a bit underdeveloped, and the plot, while engaging, lacks the twists and depth that fans of the authors might expect.

The writing is breezy, and the setting is vividly described, making it easy to get lost in the island atmosphere. However, the pacing feels uneven, with some parts dragging while others are rushed. For readers looking for a relaxing, beachy escape, The Paradise Problem will hit the mark. But for those expecting a standout romance or more complexity, it might fall a little short. Overall, it’s an enjoyable but forgettable entry in Christina Lauren’s repertoire.

SLIGHT SPOILERS: I loved the inevitable chemistry between Anna and Liam once they were trying to pull off the “married for almost 5 years” ruse. I wish the author hadn’t let the book get too stuck in all the technicalities of how the inheritance got resolved though I understand having to give some amount of information to make it feel believable. The challenging family dynamics took the focus off of the couple in a way that took away from the flow of their relationship. I would definitely read another one of Christina Lauren’s books though and appreciated the realism both main characters had approaching each situation they were in.

I enjoyed this and the writing style, and the story was compelling. I am very interested in reading this author’s future work and this was a very solid romance. Would definitely recommend to others.

The Paradise Problem was a so-so read for me. I felt that the pacing was a bit off and I hoped for more of a finale. I usually love this duos books, so this very well may just be a one off for me.

I've read a ton of Christina Lauren books and I think this one is my new favorite. I think there was just a bit of everything so there's something here for every reader. The spice was so good and added to the development of the relationship rather than just being thrown in there for content. I'm always here for a fake dating trope and a cinnamon roll MMC.

I really enjoyed this - great banter and chemistry between Anna and West. It was not all fluff, but also pretty hilarious. Each character clearly had their own flaws, and the situation was pretty silly, but the main characters were pretty likable. I did wish there was a flashback scene of them at college living together… something, anything that showed what they were like then, other than move out day. The “villains” were a little one dimensional, so I wish there were even 1-2 moments where West’s parents had a bit to show more than their nastiness to Anna. I’m clearly nitpicking, because it was a very fun, escapist book - and I enjoyed it!

The Paradise Problem is a Christina Lauren book in the best of ways. It is fun, frothy, with heart. It literally drops us off in paradise, on a secluded island that reads as gorgeous as could be- but with the typical angst and drama and family issues that come along with the fake marriage trope. I found this a perfect summer read, not too light to be bearable but perfect to pull me out of my real world. I was surprised how hard I was rooting for the couple by the end, and if I didn't love it as much as some of the authors' other works, it still ranked in my top 3 romances for summer 2024. Four stars!

I loved this book!

It had amazing banter and I loved the growth of the characters. Christina Lauren will always be one one of my favorites.

5 STARS

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This one had it all for me...the banter between the characters, the humor and the spicy! I loved it and didn't want it to end.

Grumpy professor meets hot mess express sunshine in a tropical location? YES PLEASE! What could go wrong when you have a grumpy soon-to-be a super wealthy man and a starving artist chaotic woman and they just happen to be married?

Anna Green thought she married Liam Weston to get cheap housing at UCLA and signed the divorce papers as soon as they graduated. When several years later, Liam shows back up at her door, not surprisingly the same day that she got fired from her gas station job, she is shocked to find out that she didn't read the contract that she signed too closely and she is still married. Now, Liam needs Anna's help to convince his family at his little sister's wedding that the marriage is real so that he can inherit one hundred million dollars from his deceased grandfather. That doesn't sound too bad to get an all-expense paid trip to a remote tropical island for two weeks until you meet Liam's super wealthy and obnoxious family. Can they pull off the impossible? Can they do it without ruining each other's lives?

The novel skillfully balances humor and romance, drawing parallels to the classic "Pretty Woman" while delivering a believable progression of the central romance. The slow development of the relationship adds depth to the characters and their interactions, making the storyline more engaging despite its seemingly improbable premise. "The Paradise Problem" is a delightful read that would appeal to any fan of the romance genre.

4.25 Stars

Honestly, I love everything that these authors write. Everything. They can do no wrong, and this book is no exception! The main characters were charming, realistic, and easily lovable. The supporting characters were realistic, annoying, hysterical, and amazingly horrible (Ray) all in one! The plot and dynamics of Liam's family and the narcissistic plot line really hit close to home as a narcissistic abuse survivor, but truly, these authors captured the dynamics and struggles of this type of behavior PERFECTLY. Bravo, ladies!

The Paradise Problem is a fun rom com with opposites attract and a fake marriage. Anna and Liam aka West are believable characters that you can’t help but root for as they tangle and untangle themselves. There is plenty of spice and humor here as well as intricate family drama. The title of the book sums up the storyline perfectly. I would rank this as one of the top CL books. Very well written with protagonists the reader can relate to. The ending has an HEA that will remain long after the last page is turned. Who wouldn’t want to head to a tropical island with a hunk? On a side note the perfect amount of heat. Ty for the ARC #NetGalley

Every time I finish a book by Christina Lauren, I think it's my new favorite, and The Paradise Problem is no exception. I loved everything about this book. Anna and West are the perfect main characters--one Sunshine and the other Grumpy.. There are other tropes, too-- marriage of convenience, one bed, and definite Pretty Woman vibes. This was a fun read with likeably main characters, but some other characters that are easy to hate! Christina Lauren has done it again! Five stars!

I loved this so much. This came very close to my
Love for the Unhoneymooners which is saying a lot. The back and forth banter was excellent. Liam’s awful family. I loved Anna so much. This didn’t have the miscommunication trope that I hate. Just adored it.

The banter in this one was spot on and so freaking funny. I loved the dynamics of the characters and the story was unputdownable. The spice was a great addition to the story but didn't take it over. And I loved that the characters grew throughout the story. Another wonderful story from authors Christina Lauren!

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE : 🔥🔥

This was a fun one! I always love accidental marriage but I adore deliberate marriage that thought it was divorce with a side of fake dating! This felt fun and fresh but also in the comforting way that Christina Lauren tell stories.

Anna and Liam were both good characters but Anna drove this whole plot for me and I loved her!

This had laugh out loud moments, crazy family members and a huge healing of swoon.

In always love reading this duo because they wrote in a way that is captivating and easy to read while always injecting humor and emotion into their stories.

I love Christina Lauren! This book was such a fun rom-com with some serious moments thrown in. I adore a good fake romance turned lovers, and this definitely checks that box. I loved the banter between West and Anna. Their chemistry was amazing. This was a great, make you feel good read!

This is the fake marriage trope done right! Thoroughly enjoyed this romance, and Liam and Anna are absolutely my kind of people. Happy to have this in our collection!