I was super excited when I was approved for this advanced reader copy. I always enjoy books by Christina Lauren. Liam and Anna made an arrangement; they got married in college for a mutually benefitting circumstance - housing. Anna didn’t know that Liam also needed to be married for five years in order to complete the terms of his grandfather’s trust. Five years go by, and they go their separate ways. A few months later, Liam’s little sister is getting married and the couple is invited to the wedding on a private island. They are not yet divorced, so Anna agrees, for a sum of money, to go as Liam’s wife. The fancy life that Liam’s family lives is far from Anna’s reality. Anna and Liam face a number of challenges together, while also growing closer and closer. This beachy read was a quick and easy, and included some spicy scenes. If you love a good romcom, you’ll love this book.

Ah your good old classic fake marriage trope…..except wait you’re actually married…….for almost 5 years! Throw in a family wedding in paradise with a wildly dysfunctional family of billionaires and things get a bit insane.
Just the right amount of humor and spice. Honestly the perfect novel to read with an oncoming ice storm.

Soooo I know I got a bunch of book mail yesterday, but I also got approved on @netgalley for the latest Christina Lauren book so you better believe I dropped everything for it.

The Paradise Problem follows Anna Green whose life has been a series of unfortunate events lately. She's sulking on her couch after getting fired from her job when Liam Weston shows up on her doorstep. Anna married Liam five years ago in order to be able to get affordable family housing in college. She thought they had gotten divorced though. He lets it be known that not only are they not divorced, but she needs to accompany him to his sister's tropical paradise wedding in order to convince his family that their marriage isn't a farce. Liam is entitled to a great deal of money from his trust if he and Anna can make it to their five year wedding anniversary. He promises her some of the money if she agrees to this elaborate scheme.

For the first 50% of the book, I did not want to put it down! Both Liam and Anna are such likable main characters. The setting of the novel is *chef's kiss*. Also, their banter and chemistry is incredible. Christina Lauren did an excellent job with the fake dating trope. 👏

Unfortunately, the last half of the book fell a little flat for me. While the whole premise of the book was pretty unbelievable, the second half felt especially unbelievable. I grew to dislike a lot of the characters as the back half of the book played out.

I still ended up rating this one three stars since I loved the first part so much! Overall, I would say it was worth the read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Christina Lauren, and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! I have been looking forward to it, because I love Christina Lauren. It did not disappoint!
It’s a quick, easy, fun read, and I just want to be friends with Anna. She’s a great main character. 5 stars!

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Publishing date - 05/14/24
Rating (5/5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this e-ARC. I love the witty banter between characters - Anna and Liam! This might be the best Christina Lauren yet! Highly recommend this one when it releases in May.

This book is one of those where you know it's going to be a favorite after just a few pages. The story revolves around Anna and Liam. Anna Green thought that she was marrying Liam "West" Weston for access to subsidized family housing while at UCLA. She also thought that she had signed divorce papers when they both graduated and went their separate ways.  Liam knew otherwise.

Three years after going there separate ways, Anna is now a struggling artist living paycheck to paycheck while Liam is a professor at Stanford. Although Liam is one of four heirs to the Weston Foods conglomerate, he has little interest in working for the heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. However, he is interested in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance, which he won't receive until he's been happily married for five years because of an antiquated clause in his grandfather's will. Just when Liam thinks he's in the home stretch, pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he has no choice but to turn to the one person he's afraid to introduce to his one-percenter parents: his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife, Anna. In the presence of his family, Liam's fears quickly shift from whether the feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part or whether the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his surprisingly grounded and loyal wife. Liam, meanwhile, grapples with the question of whether the price tag on his cover story is worth losing true love that sprouted from a lie. If you love a good fake dating story, you will enjoy this book. It's the perfect combination of "Crazy Rich Asians," "The Honeymooners," and "The Final Offer," and it has the tell-tale Christina Lauren charm. The book has laugh-out-loud moments that will leave you kicking your feet up and giggling. Anna's character is adorable, and it's hard not to fall in love with her. Liam West — lovable in his own right — comes equally under her spell.

Christina Lauren books are such a gift!! I want to think the authors, the publishers, and Netgalley for allowing me to read The Paradise Problem- what a much needed, feel good read!

This book twists the fake dating trope to explore what happens when starving artist Anna and wealthy businessman-turned-academic Liam, who married for convenience five years ago, have to convince Liam’s family that their marriage is real, passionate, and loving his sister’s tropical wedding. The main characters are both relatable and likable, and secondary characters add a lot of life, humor, and drama that kept me hooked.

I appreciated the chemistry between the characters, and I loved the way their relationship evolved. The book even goes beyond romance to softly explore social issues around immense wealth. Anna’s relationship with her father was especially touching, and I enjoyed the heartfelt aspect that I brought to the book. Thanks to a lovely Michigan blizzard, I had a lot of time to read and devoured this book and under 24 hours- do yourself a favor and read it :-)

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s like the fake marriage trope meets Succession. If you don’t mind a bit of cringe/ gen z language, it’s a really nice read. The characters and their backstories are very likable. My only complaint is that the epilogue was a bit too long.

I flew through this book! It hooked me immediately with the banter and the one liners. God I love a funny fmc! Loved this book and will definitely be re reading it.

Christina Lauren is a go to for me. And this new one did not disappoint!
Marriage of convenience is chefs kiss. The banter was so fun. All the wedding fun.
And my favorite trope ONE BED, Ahhhh so good.
The characters were married in college in order to get housing. They divorced after or so they thought. Of course there is a “I need you to still be my wife for this family event drama.”

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

The story centers around Anna Green and Liam 'West' Weston, whose seemingly straightforward college marriage for housing takes an unforeseen turn when a hefty inheritance is at stake.
The novel effortlessly weaves between the past and present, unraveling the complexities of Anna and Liam's relationship. As a fan of the fake dating/marriage trope, I found myself thoroughly immersed in the delightful dance of emotions and rediscovery. Christina Lauren, known as the reigning queens of romance, once again showcase their unparalleled ability to craft engaging narratives with characters that feel both authentic and relatable.
My love for this book stems from its seamless blend of humor, heart, and the exploration of the consequences of wealth on genuine connections. Anna's feisty, paint-splattered persona and Liam's inner conflict between family expectations and true love create a dynamic that kept me turning the pages.
'The Paradise Problem' checks all the boxes for a perfect romance read – a well-executed trope, engaging characters, and the signature wit of Christina Lauren.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own.

I recently finished reading "The Paradise Problem" by Christina Lauren, and I can't help but share my thoughts on this delightful novel. It's a fun and easy read that seamlessly blends romance with a touch of comedy.

The enemies-to-lovers storyline added a refreshing twist to the plot, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The chemistry between the characters was palpable, making their journey all the more enjoyable. The authors skillfully wove together humor and romance, creating a perfect balance that kept me entertained throughout.

What struck me most was the subtle resemblance to a rom-com version of "White Lotus." The exotic setting and the dynamics among the characters brought a unique flavor to the story, making it stand out in its own right.

If you're looking for a book that offers a lighthearted escape with a hint of romance, "The Paradise Problem" is definitely worth a read. Christina Lauren has once again delivered a charming story that left me with a smile on my face.

This was a slow, slow burn romance. The first half was funny and very light hearted. Anna married Liam so that they could get access to family housing on campus. She eventually signs the divorce papers and leaves that part of her life behind. Fast forward three years later and Liam shows up at her place saying they're still married and he needs her to accompany him to his sister's wedding.

I loved Anna. She was very relatable, down to earth and easy going. As for Liam it took me a bit to warm up to his character. Liam and Anna are total opposites, but in everything where it counts they complemented eachother well. I loved their easy banter and I liked how Anna was very understanding of his family situation.

The second half I did struggle though with the drama of Liam's father and brother. They were both awful to Liam. His father was very greedy and wanted power over his children especially Liam. I did like how everything played out though. I loved seeing a glimpse into Liam and Anna's future. It was very realistic and fit perfectly to their relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows the classic trope of a wild child meeting a serious, uptight guy. Anna is an artist who is described as a mixture of a woman and a muppet. Liam, on the other hand, is a stiff academic type who wants nothing to do with his dysfunctional wealthy family.

To help each other out in college, they got married to live in family housing. Unfortunately, they never got divorced and Liam's inheritance now depends on them making it to the five-year mark. What could possibly go wrong? Liam's family demands to finally meet Anna, and what better place to do so than his sister's remote island wedding in just four days. Anna has only four days to transform herself into the perfect, sophisticated wife, complete with a new wardrobe. This couldn't come at a better time for Anna, who has lost her job and is broke. So why not let her rich husband pay her to pretend to be his adoring wife for a week?

Anna and Liam have an instant chemistry that makes the whole situation even more complicated. The banter in the book is excellent, and there are a lot of spicy situations that both characters get into. If you're a fan of the author, you will find this book satisfying and full of the Christina Lauren charm, laughs, and spiciness that you're used to.

I don't know what it is about a book by Christina Lauren - is it the witty banter between characters, the steamy sex, the strong female leads - whatever it is, I love it every single time.

Five years ago, Anna and Liam (who barely know each other) marry as a matter of convenience to gain subsidized housing while in college. After graduation, the sign divorce papers and part ways. Liam shows up on her doorstep three years later when Anna is at her lowest point - she is struggling to make a living as an artist and she has just been fired from her job at a convenience store. Liam informs Anna that they are not divorced and he needs her to come with him to his sister's wedding and pretend that they are a happily married couple. Anna sees this as an opportunity to make the cash she desperately needs to help pay her father's medical bills so she agrees.

I absolutely loved this book!!! I always love a good "fake dating/marriage" trope and this one was perfection. The banter between Liam and Anna (really Anna and any other character in the book) had me laughing out loud. Anna is a strong woman, confident in herself (despite being thrust into a horrible family situation), and she is not afraid to speak her mind. I love how Christina Lauren always paint these powerful female leads in their books (Anna reminded me a lot of Hazel from Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating). The chemistry between Anna and Liam is off the charts - I absolutely fell in love with these two characters.

Than you so much Gallery Books for allowing me to read an early copy of this one! This might be the best Christina Lauren yet.

Christina Lauren does not disappoint in this new romantic fiction novel. With a plot that is unlike anything I have ever read, I was engaged from the first page. With love, comedy, drama, and lots of real like issues, this novel is one that will keep you going to the end. The two characters are believable and how their relationship blooms keeps you wanting to read more. This is one that all romance readers are not going to want to miss. I can't wait for her next novel!

So Anna Green and Liam Weston marry for purposes that seemed to work for both of them at the time. He had his own personal reasons and she needed cheap housing. She thought they divorced when he moved out two years later. Fast forward three years and Liam finds himself with quite the predicament. He's been lying to his parents about his marriage for years and it's time to face the music. His family wants to meet his wife.

Liam has no choice but to reach out to Anna, who is struggling after she just lost her job. Along with her father's medical bills, she is drowning in debt. At first she's godsmacked to find out that they are still married, but then she realizes Liam needs her and she needs money.

What starts out as a charade becomes something deeper. When fake becomes real where does that leave
things? How are them going to live their lives after the charade is over? The Paradise Problem points out the obvious-rich people have problems too, they just have more resources to fall back on. Greed and deceit are the running themes through out the story. How do two people playing out their own charade maneuver the murky waters surrounding Liam's family?

Marriages of convenience are one of my favorite tropes. The Paradise Problem is a good, solid read.

Written with laugh-out-loud humor, steam that would open the tightest pore, wit to match Lorelei Gilmore after two coffees, and even a well-timed Barbie movie reference, this Crazy Rich Asians meets Christina Lauren love story left nothing to be desired. Delectable from the first page to the last, finishing this book felt like finishing the last episode of your favorite TV series.

Anna’s wit is razor sharp, making her my favorite CL protagonist to date, and her love story with Liam “West” was sweet and lovable and made me want to root for them through the pages. Even the antagonists were fun to read about, and this particular English teacher never complains about some good character development in some said antagonists, which these authors did beautifully. 😉

The only thing to cure a post- CL hangover (see my recently reposted by @christinalauren review of Tangled Up in You), is another CL book, and the hangover these authors have left me with physically hurts. Perhaps the kind of pain that can only be healed with a physical advanced copy of this book for a die-hard CL fan girl to reread five more times (wink wink, @christinalauren — a girl’s gotta try, right?)

My only gripe is the names Liam and Anna, since my name is Anna and my brother’s is Liam. Made some steam scenes a little weird to read. But I don’t anticipate this being a problem for anyone else. 😂😂

Another 5-⭐️ book by two of my favorite auto-buy authors!

Succession meets White Lotus with a dash of fake dating...

Unsurprising for a Christina Lauren book, this hooked me right away. I was tickled by the hot, quirky mess of the FMC but a little slower to appreciate the elitist and self-centered MMC.  I think the success of The Unhoneymooners must have gotten CLo stuck on getaway-centered stories, but the setting worked for this one.

I deeply appreciated the humor in this story - both in the dialogue between the characters and Anna's inner monologue. There were also some amazing Twilight references that my elder millennial self felt on a spiritual level.

Without spoiling anything, the entire third act of the book was decidedly more dramatic than I was expecting, but it worked so well without any glaring pacing issues. I did find the epilogue(s) to drag on for a bit, though. I have really mixed feelings about them in general. If they are too short, you are furious with the author for not giving you more, but sometimes the opposite can be so much worse. This one definitely swung towards the latter.

All in all, this was a solid 4/5 for me. Many thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for sharing a digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I love any book I read by Christina Lauren and this one did not disappoint! I love the witty banter between characters. I love how descriptive the author was when describing the island and the characters! I loved Reagan, Liam, Anna, Charlie, and Blair’s! I was not a fan of Alex but every story needs a bad guy and hated Ray! But every story needs a bad guy! I couldn’t wait to find out the mystery surrounding PISA. Over all the minute I started reading this book I could not put it down!! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romance!!!

Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to review this ARC!!