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Paradise #1
Crazy in Paradise
Welcome to Tarpon Cove.
Dying in the Middle of Summer is Sweaty Business...
If you ever put yourself in trouble by picking up someone else's past, you have to meet Madison Westin, an honorary Trouble Queen.
Madison is a quirky motel owner, who recently inherited her aunt's beachfront motel in the Florida Keys. But that is NOT all she inherited, as the motel houses a slew of colorful tenant's - drunks, ex-cons, fugitives, and whatever bad guy you can think of.
How to solve this mess...?
That is really not that difficult if you are Madison Westin.
Step 1: Take back control of YOUR motel
Step 2: Learn the ins and outs of blackmail, murder, and drugs
Step 3: If all fails, hope for the best...
Deborah Brown's Crazy in Paradise is packed with Action, Romance, Intrigue, Mystery and Suspense. Oh... did I forget to mention the humor makes for a fast and enjoyable read? This book will be difficult to put down!
Dying in the Middle of Summer is Sweaty Business...
If you ever put yourself in trouble by picking up someone else's past, you have to meet Madison Westin, an honorary Trouble Queen.
Madison is a quirky motel owner, who recently inherited her aunt's beachfront motel in the Florida Keys. But that is NOT all she inherited, as the motel houses a slew of colorful tenant's - drunks, ex-cons, fugitives, and whatever bad guy you can think of.
How to solve this mess...?
That is really not that difficult if you are Madison Westin.
Step 1: Take back control of YOUR motel
Step 2: Learn the ins and outs of blackmail, murder, and drugs
Step 3: If all fails, hope for the best...
Deborah Brown's Crazy in Paradise is packed with Action, Romance, Intrigue, Mystery and Suspense. Oh... did I forget to mention the humor makes for a fast and enjoyable read? This book will be difficult to put down!
341 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
3598 people are currently reading
3915 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Brown
53 books1,439 followersDeborah Brown is the author of the Paradise series, Crazy, Deception and Trouble Florida Keys mysteries, which makes the reader laugh, cry and cheer...
My personal ad would read:
There's nothing a new pair of shoes can't cure.
Redhead. Long legs. There's nothing like a strawberry-lemonade in summer. Favorite activity: Filling my pockets with seashells. An avid rule follower when eating Animal Cookies: Broken ones get eaten first, match up the rest, duplicates next, line them up favorite to not, least favorite go first. South Florida is my home, with my ungrateful rescue cats, and where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.
My personal ad would read:
There's nothing a new pair of shoes can't cure.
Redhead. Long legs. There's nothing like a strawberry-lemonade in summer. Favorite activity: Filling my pockets with seashells. An avid rule follower when eating Animal Cookies: Broken ones get eaten first, match up the rest, duplicates next, line them up favorite to not, least favorite go first. South Florida is my home, with my ungrateful rescue cats, and where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
October 22, 2013
Imagine inheriting a nice house and some beachfront cottages in an unsophisticated beach town called Tarpon Cove, yes, just like that, in the name of love? And imagine you meet all aunt Elizabeth Hart's friends with names like Spoon, Moron, Slice, Harder, Axe, and a funeral home owner, named Dickie Vanderbilt, and you have a cat called Jazz. Wouldn't you feel like the reality of paradise really hit you big time? And if you were coming from my point of view, don't you think it was safer to keep them all as friends since you might get chopped, sliced and diced up if you don't? I would also consider offering them the dog-paw handshake, really. It fits to offer a lifeless dangling hand as a greeting. How cute is that?! Don't you just love me as your new heroine?
Have we implied a touch of sleeze here? Not at all. You still have to meet the slime-bag lawyer Tucker Davis, and we're all set for the adventure of a lifetime, if you were named Madison Westin, and your mom's name is Madeline, and your decent brother's name is Brad.
What would you do if you are denied excess to your inheritance by an even bigger sleazebag than the lawyer - the appointed manager.
Yep, you got it right: we will go crazy in paradise! And things will happen pretty fast and nasty.
What I liked: An easy, light, fast, relaxing read. Not too many brain cells required to figure things out. That's perfect once in a while when the brain needs to rest. Well written.
What I did not like: A man in my home who pick-locked himself in, telling me in five minutes that he wants to jump my whatever and get into my whichever as fast as possible and I absolutely thrive on the aggressive sexual attention and think he is blazingly HOT.
Excuse me, that's actually what Madison liked.
Me: I would have 1) shot him in his other leg as well, then 2) nailed his family jewels to the ceiling and leave him dangling like a pumpkin for insulting me and underestimating my intelligence. He would learn at the speed of lightning to at least respect certain woman, if not all. By the laws of gravity alone, his blood will flow to his actual brain, before 911 can come and rescue him!
There were loose ends left dangling at the end. One crap weasel did not meet his maker in the form of the law when he should have. That would have made the story more believable. Another issue just drizzled in and misted out with no final conclusion to the young man's fate in life. Again, it could have made a huge difference in the story.
I did not identify with anyone in the story. One of the reasons being that I personally do not hang out with people driving around in dark-tinted heavy-armored SUVs. That's where bad guys hide (including dodgy politicians in real life) It spells T.O.X.I.C. friends to me!
I also did not care for painted toes, short skirts, girly ponytails as being the ultimate dress-code to be taken seriously. So no, I did not even think it was cute, but that's just me.
But really, overall, I actually enjoyed the adventure. I skipped the parts I did not like - since voyeurism has never been one of my strong suits in life- and frolicked along with the rest of it.
This book needs the right audience - just change the blurb a bit to keep readers like me out of it. Just state it is for chic-lit lovers only.
June 19, 2020
Loved it a lot! I have to admit that the first chapter was a little .... strange... Once I made it past that I was hooked until the end. Wait....make that past the end: I had to download the next installment right away and started to read immediately. Now I am reading the 3rd one and finally take a moment to write my thoughts here.
This is a very spunky read with lots of questionable characters that are super fun! Some quite funny moments and I loved every minute of it.
This is a very spunky read with lots of questionable characters that are super fun! Some quite funny moments and I loved every minute of it.
August 12, 2017
Starts off rough, but gets bearable. Anyone that has read more than three mystery books can figure out the outcome halfway through the book. The clues aren't even very cleverly disguised. Crazy is the correct title. The main character, Madison Westin, inherits her aunt's home and set of cottages in Tarpon Cove, Florida. The first time she enters the home and goes out onto the pool, she meets a mysterious stranger ( very dark and handsome, and conveniently single, of course) who has been shot. Does she scream, "who the heck are you and what are you doing in my yard?" No. Does she call 911? No. Does she call the police? No. She allows him to kiss her and play sexual innuendo conversation. Things continue like that throughout this story. Madison has only been there a week and she's suddenly best friends with Zach's entire "crew." My biggest issue with the storyline is it seems the author wasn't sure whether or not to make Madison's character some air head that is totally oblivious to her lawyer trying to run/steal/sell the Cottages to trying to be a badass-lock picking bold-as-brass woman.
Every cliche you can imagine is included: Madison, the young divorcee that refers to her ex as "DickHead," Madeline, Madison's cigar-smoking, Jack fashionable mother, Brad, Madison's big brother, Zach, the smoking hot mysteriously dangerous-always coming to Madison's rescue at just the right time Private Investigator, Fab, the fabulous lock-picking, gun toting- give you an ass beating beautiful partner of Zach, Tucker, the epitome of sleazy lawyer with only his best interests in mind. There are sooooooo many other events in this storyline that makes the reader go "What-- she just allowed her new boyfriend of a few days bring his juvenile delinquent brother to stay in her house and she's ok with that?"but I refuse to spend anymore time describing it.
I think chick-lit and cozy mystery fans will enjoy this. However, it's not for me. Too much ridiculousness, even for fiction.
Every cliche you can imagine is included: Madison, the young divorcee that refers to her ex as "DickHead," Madeline, Madison's cigar-smoking, Jack fashionable mother, Brad, Madison's big brother, Zach, the smoking hot mysteriously dangerous-always coming to Madison's rescue at just the right time Private Investigator, Fab, the fabulous lock-picking, gun toting- give you an ass beating beautiful partner of Zach, Tucker, the epitome of sleazy lawyer with only his best interests in mind. There are sooooooo many other events in this storyline that makes the reader go "What-- she just allowed her new boyfriend of a few days bring his juvenile delinquent brother to stay in her house and she's ok with that?"but I refuse to spend anymore time describing it.
I think chick-lit and cozy mystery fans will enjoy this. However, it's not for me. Too much ridiculousness, even for fiction.
May 7, 2024
What I liked:
The plot overall seemed interesting. I liked following Madison and this new life she has been thrown into because of her Aunt's death. The concept is interesting. I think the potential is there.
What I didn't like:
Insta-love
Insta-lust
You have to suspend your belief for a lot of this.
I think shooting someone in the back puts you in a lot of trouble with the cops even if it was a "self-defense" because tech shooting someone in the back is not self-defense.
The reaction to shooting someone felt unrealistic.
Her and Zach's relationship is a bit ick. The first time they meet he is shot and is kissing her within 50 seconds and she kisses him back because he is hot and zero fucks given about anything else... I felt zero chemistry between them even when they jumped into bed after one date.
This was a bit too weird and a little no.
Not to mention after she was beaten to a pulp and in the hospital, he felt up ... like seriously??? This is just a major freak creep factor right there.
The plot overall seemed interesting. I liked following Madison and this new life she has been thrown into because of her Aunt's death. The concept is interesting. I think the potential is there.
What I didn't like:
Insta-love
Insta-lust
You have to suspend your belief for a lot of this.
I think shooting someone in the back puts you in a lot of trouble with the cops even if it was a "self-defense" because tech shooting someone in the back is not self-defense.
The reaction to shooting someone felt unrealistic.
Her and Zach's relationship is a bit ick. The first time they meet he is shot and is kissing her within 50 seconds and she kisses him back because he is hot and zero fucks given about anything else... I felt zero chemistry between them even when they jumped into bed after one date.
This was a bit too weird and a little no.
Not to mention after she was beaten to a pulp and in the hospital, he felt up ... like seriously??? This is just a major freak creep factor right there.
September 28, 2019
.
I enjoy a nice, fluffy exploration into fiction that elicits joy, humor, and inspiration. So I was delighted to discover this mystery series available free with Kindle Unlimited, which claimed it includes humor. My perception of the books did not associate with my preference of humor, at least not the laugh out loud style that Janet Evanovich elicits in similar situations.
On a positive note, there are some likable characters. The heroine has a dependable network of friends and associates. The story is fast paced and the scenes are descriptive. However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. You feel a compulsion to keep reading, even though you know that it will probably leave a bad taste in your mouth.
The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
I really had difficulty reading this book for several reasons. I pushed through, looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. It sure was a dim one, because situations just continued to get worse and worse. There were definitely gaps in the plot. lack of character development, no well-rounded characters, editing errors that detracted from the read, stilted dialogue, AND too many characters to keep track of (which progressively gets worse with each book).
However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
If I had a mother that set me up on a blind date without permission, I would have walked out immediately and we would not share an amicable relationship. Yet this woman let everyone walk all over her. Janet Evanovich's series had unsavory characters, but they were also chocked full of humor that could make you laugh out loud and not so much degradation. This series could have benefited from some humor. The abuse in this installment was intolerable and I fail to understand how people find it entertaining.
The heroine seems to find it impossible to say 'no' and is oblivious as to how to stand up for herself in any given situation. So she decides to take shooting lessons and begins to carry a gun (with a concealed license permit of course).
Consequently, not my favorite, but certainly not the worst thing I ever read either. As a light read with little mystery, some may actually enjoy it even more than I did.
I enjoy a nice, fluffy exploration into fiction that elicits joy, humor, and inspiration. So I was delighted to discover this mystery series available free with Kindle Unlimited, which claimed it includes humor. My perception of the books did not associate with my preference of humor, at least not the laugh out loud style that Janet Evanovich elicits in similar situations.
On a positive note, there are some likable characters. The heroine has a dependable network of friends and associates. The story is fast paced and the scenes are descriptive. However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. You feel a compulsion to keep reading, even though you know that it will probably leave a bad taste in your mouth.
The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
I really had difficulty reading this book for several reasons. I pushed through, looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. It sure was a dim one, because situations just continued to get worse and worse. There were definitely gaps in the plot. lack of character development, no well-rounded characters, editing errors that detracted from the read, stilted dialogue, AND too many characters to keep track of (which progressively gets worse with each book).
However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
If I had a mother that set me up on a blind date without permission, I would have walked out immediately and we would not share an amicable relationship. Yet this woman let everyone walk all over her. Janet Evanovich's series had unsavory characters, but they were also chocked full of humor that could make you laugh out loud and not so much degradation. This series could have benefited from some humor. The abuse in this installment was intolerable and I fail to understand how people find it entertaining.
The heroine seems to find it impossible to say 'no' and is oblivious as to how to stand up for herself in any given situation. So she decides to take shooting lessons and begins to carry a gun (with a concealed license permit of course).
Consequently, not my favorite, but certainly not the worst thing I ever read either. As a light read with little mystery, some may actually enjoy it even more than I did.
July 22, 2024
So many thoughts on this book. The book itself sounded like it was going to be a fun Rom-com with a slight mystery. Also being it was book 1 in a series I figured characters and relationships would develop. What a disappointment this book was.
The MC Madison inherited her Aunts house and some cottage rentals. It started off at the funeral of her Aunt where the town drunk stood up and spoke and then the town's beauty queen turned drug addict stood up and talked. I still thought okay this book will be funny. NOPE after the fiasco of the funeral was over Madison went home and in her house was a guy who had been shot. He was a friend of her dead Aunt. HIs name is Zach and he does some investigative work. He seemed shady but protective of Madison.
The romance happened in chapter 2 and it was so odd. They just met and she applied a bandage and then they are flirting and the next thing they are kissing. The next chapter they are boyfriend/girlfriend. It didn't develop it just happened.
It just wasn't very good at all
The MC Madison inherited her Aunts house and some cottage rentals. It started off at the funeral of her Aunt where the town drunk stood up and spoke and then the town's beauty queen turned drug addict stood up and talked. I still thought okay this book will be funny. NOPE after the fiasco of the funeral was over Madison went home and in her house was a guy who had been shot. He was a friend of her dead Aunt. HIs name is Zach and he does some investigative work. He seemed shady but protective of Madison.
The romance happened in chapter 2 and it was so odd. They just met and she applied a bandage and then they are flirting and the next thing they are kissing. The next chapter they are boyfriend/girlfriend. It didn't develop it just happened.
It just wasn't very good at all
Read
January 31, 2022 .
I enjoy a nice, fluffy exploration into fiction that elicits joy, humor, and inspiration. So I was delighted to discover this mystery series available free with Kindle Unlimited, which claimed it includes humor. My perception of the books did not associate with my preference of humor, at least not the laugh-out-loud style that Janet Evanovich elicits in similar situations.
On a positive note, there are some likable characters. The heroine has a dependable network of friends and associates. The story is fast-paced and the scenes are descriptive. However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. You feel a compulsion to keep reading, even though you know that it will probably leave a bad taste in your mouth.
The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
I really had difficulty reading this book for several reasons. I pushed through, looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. It sure was a dim one, because situations just continued to get worse and worse. There were definitely gaps in the plot. lack of character development, no well-rounded characters, editing errors that detracted from the read, stilted dialogue, AND too many characters to keep track of (which progressively gets worse with each book).
However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
If I had a mother that set me up on a blind date without permission, I would have walked out immediately and we would not share an amicable relationship. Yet this woman let everyone walk all over her. Janet Evanovich's series had unsavory characters, but they were also chocked full of humor that could make you laugh out loud and not so much degradation. This series could have benefited from some humor. The abuse in this installment was intolerable and I fail to understand how people find it entertaining.
The heroine seems to find it impossible to say 'no' and is oblivious as to how to stand up for herself in any given situation. So she decides to take shooting lessons and begins to carry a gun (with a concealed license permit of course).
Consequently, not my favorite, but certainly not the worst thing I ever read either. As a light read with little mystery, some may actually enjoy it even more than I did.
I enjoy a nice, fluffy exploration into fiction that elicits joy, humor, and inspiration. So I was delighted to discover this mystery series available free with Kindle Unlimited, which claimed it includes humor. My perception of the books did not associate with my preference of humor, at least not the laugh-out-loud style that Janet Evanovich elicits in similar situations.
On a positive note, there are some likable characters. The heroine has a dependable network of friends and associates. The story is fast-paced and the scenes are descriptive. However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. You feel a compulsion to keep reading, even though you know that it will probably leave a bad taste in your mouth.
The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
I really had difficulty reading this book for several reasons. I pushed through, looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. It sure was a dim one, because situations just continued to get worse and worse. There were definitely gaps in the plot. lack of character development, no well-rounded characters, editing errors that detracted from the read, stilted dialogue, AND too many characters to keep track of (which progressively gets worse with each book).
However, things that bothered me far outway that morsel of goodness. The use of profanity was low but too much for my taste. The heroine was clearly not able to manage on her own - especially while her life was in danger, but insisted on doing so anyway (spurning the assistance of trained security officers). The sexual scene was not explicit, but the insinuations about sex were way too much. There was no character development going on, even with the H/H and H/Mother.
If I had a mother that set me up on a blind date without permission, I would have walked out immediately and we would not share an amicable relationship. Yet this woman let everyone walk all over her. Janet Evanovich's series had unsavory characters, but they were also chocked full of humor that could make you laugh out loud and not so much degradation. This series could have benefited from some humor. The abuse in this installment was intolerable and I fail to understand how people find it entertaining.
The heroine seems to find it impossible to say 'no' and is oblivious as to how to stand up for herself in any given situation. So she decides to take shooting lessons and begins to carry a gun (with a concealed license permit of course).
Consequently, not my favorite, but certainly not the worst thing I ever read either. As a light read with little mystery, some may actually enjoy it even more than I did.
February 17, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book so much! Madison Westin is one of those character's that will have you chuckling--then laughing out loud-and even shaking your head in disbelief at some of the scrapes she gets into. Zach, who walked into her house (literally) is a private detective bad boy who immediately decides that Madison is his girlfriend-whether she agrees or not. His cohorts all end up walking in as well and kind of take over Madison's life--as if she doesn't have enough trouble with a Mom who is, let's just say unusual and seems to want to set poor Madison up on a date--Madison's brother--well he is her Big brother after all. Actually I don't think there is one normal person in the book--except perhaps for Jazz, Madison's cat! There are some pretty nasty people in there as well who are out to steal Madison's inheritance (her recently deceased Aunt Elizabeth's motel) and things do get kind of dicey for a while.
In conclusion if you like a light and airy who done it or is going to possibly do it and you like humor along with a little romance, a little mystery and a little of everything in-between-I suggest you sit yourself down and read this book--it is a fast read and it definitely gets a 5 star from me!
Crazy in Paradise
In conclusion if you like a light and airy who done it or is going to possibly do it and you like humor along with a little romance, a little mystery and a little of everything in-between-I suggest you sit yourself down and read this book--it is a fast read and it definitely gets a 5 star from me!
Crazy in Paradise
January 23, 2012
Crazy in Paradise was a book full of strange, crazy characters, each collecting their own set of “I owe you’s.” From the first page of the book to the last, the action was non-stop. The story began with recently divorced Madison Westin inheriting her recently deceased aunt’s beachfront house and properties. Not only does she inherit an old motel, she also inherits an old motel full of eccentric people.
From the insane funeral that will leave you in tears, to the scheming attorneys, mad ex-cons, a centerfold private investigator who is just as adept at making trouble as he is in solving mysteries (and he’s also quite the charmer.) Then, there are the dates that Madison’s mother tries to fix her up with that will leave you rolling your eyes.
Trouble seems to follow Madison around as she tries to legitimize her aunt’s business and she finds herself in the midst of a shootout. The book was not a serious book by any means and would be a great book to sit out on the beach to read. You’ll find yourself looking for the hunky P.I. and seeing shady characters lurking by old motels. The story is humorous and you’ll find yourself chuckling along the way. Crazy in Paradise is just that, crazy (and a fun read.)
From the insane funeral that will leave you in tears, to the scheming attorneys, mad ex-cons, a centerfold private investigator who is just as adept at making trouble as he is in solving mysteries (and he’s also quite the charmer.) Then, there are the dates that Madison’s mother tries to fix her up with that will leave you rolling your eyes.
Trouble seems to follow Madison around as she tries to legitimize her aunt’s business and she finds herself in the midst of a shootout. The book was not a serious book by any means and would be a great book to sit out on the beach to read. You’ll find yourself looking for the hunky P.I. and seeing shady characters lurking by old motels. The story is humorous and you’ll find yourself chuckling along the way. Crazy in Paradise is just that, crazy (and a fun read.)
December 14, 2015
As our heroine deals with something that is close to everyone's heart, the death of a close relative and the problems around receiving the inheritance this also brings along change and with change new people and problems crop up. As she moves into her aunts property and meets her new love the story really begins?
I really liked the dirty tricks and dodgy dealings of the lawyer and how he tries to try and hide his real motives which is apparent in everyday life as well as the people he uses and employs to maintain his lifestyle. The author did a great job at describing the characters bringing them to life throughout the story, I could easily imagine how they would be acting and even reminded me of a couple of people I know.
This is the first book in a series, I cannot wait to read the next one, a totally enthralling read.
An excellent debut novel which I really enjoyed, easy to read and follow, full of emotion and personal conflict which builds to an excellent crescendo with an nail biting twist, a must read for all chick lit fans.
I really liked the dirty tricks and dodgy dealings of the lawyer and how he tries to try and hide his real motives which is apparent in everyday life as well as the people he uses and employs to maintain his lifestyle. The author did a great job at describing the characters bringing them to life throughout the story, I could easily imagine how they would be acting and even reminded me of a couple of people I know.
This is the first book in a series, I cannot wait to read the next one, a totally enthralling read.
An excellent debut novel which I really enjoyed, easy to read and follow, full of emotion and personal conflict which builds to an excellent crescendo with an nail biting twist, a must read for all chick lit fans.
August 2, 2013
OK, when I picked up this book it was because I tried to start two other books first. One started out with a cheating husband and his death leaving a grief stricken pregnant wife to put the pieces of her life back together...uhhh, heavy read. So then try two... started out with a happy girl that was suddenly being molested by her father. She turned into a pregnant prostitute trying to earn money to leave... TOO Heavy. So picking up this book! WOW. First I thought, this is crazy. No way will I get into this book starting with a whacky funeral for a little family's beloved aunt. This book had a fast pace, quit dialogue, and crazy loveable characters. LOVED IT! I was laughing out loud trying to read as fast as I imagined that they were talking. This book reminded me a little of Gone in 60 Seconds? Have you seen that movie? I'm not a big Nicolas Cage fan but loved the humor and lines...yep, that's what this book reminded me of.
I loved all of the craziness!
I loved all of the craziness!
September 10, 2016
Madison Westin proves to be an intriguing character in a cove filled with interesting characters, most of whom are tenants at the motel. Personalities help make the story, although the story could have started a bit quicker. Introducing the murder sooner would have increased the pace.
The first meeting between Zach and Madison strains the reader’s believability. There wasn’t enough development between the two characters as well as between Madison and her mother.
Errors and editing mistakes stood out to the point that it detracts from the story. Stilted dialogue proved to have a similar result as well. The number of times the author avoided said, when said would have worked just fine as a dialogue tag, stood out.
If you can look past the errors in the prose, overall the story certainly kept my attention from the first page to the last, fitting nicely as a chick lit and beach read.
The first meeting between Zach and Madison strains the reader’s believability. There wasn’t enough development between the two characters as well as between Madison and her mother.
Errors and editing mistakes stood out to the point that it detracts from the story. Stilted dialogue proved to have a similar result as well. The number of times the author avoided said, when said would have worked just fine as a dialogue tag, stood out.
If you can look past the errors in the prose, overall the story certainly kept my attention from the first page to the last, fitting nicely as a chick lit and beach read.
March 25, 2015
Read this at the airport / on the plane. It would have been a "bathtub" book though not read in the tub except it wasn't that good. It was predictable and sophomoric but I finished it. The series had been recommended to me but I won't be diving in.
(I would have given it 1 star but I finished it. Blame it on the 2 bloody Marys' and my fear of plane travel.)
(I would have given it 1 star but I finished it. Blame it on the 2 bloody Marys' and my fear of plane travel.)
February 24, 2021
I was looking forward to a light romance with some comedy thrown in and it delivered, but was light on the laugh out loud moments.
Madison behaves juvenile and the dialogue is confrontational. She's in your face aggressive which seemed contradictory to her caretaker nature. She's also over sexualized to the point she let's men tell her what to do even though she ignores them. She's convinced Zach isn't controlling and lies to keep him from getting angry at her when she disobeys him. BTW, they don't make it as a couple. HE dumps her in book four. Then Creole moves in and she tells the reader over and over that he isn't controlling like Zack was, but spoiler alert... he was. He puts GPS on her car and tells her she can't drive into certain areas. He gets pissed and yells at her and she excuses it with rounds of sex. Don't get me wrong make up sex it great in a book and in real life but Madison is weak.
Madison and her mother are both afraid of Madison's brother who passes judgement as if he is the strictest father on earth. It sickened me to read that. I'd have told him to mind his own damn business right after I tole each of the love interests that it was my life and I was living it the way I wanted to and if they didn't like it they could take a hike. Problem solved.
Bottom line, if you're a feminist you probably won't like this book series.
I'll confess... I continued until book 6 where I finally threw in the towel.
Madison behaves juvenile and the dialogue is confrontational. She's in your face aggressive which seemed contradictory to her caretaker nature. She's also over sexualized to the point she let's men tell her what to do even though she ignores them. She's convinced Zach isn't controlling and lies to keep him from getting angry at her when she disobeys him. BTW, they don't make it as a couple. HE dumps her in book four. Then Creole moves in and she tells the reader over and over that he isn't controlling like Zack was, but spoiler alert... he was. He puts GPS on her car and tells her she can't drive into certain areas. He gets pissed and yells at her and she excuses it with rounds of sex. Don't get me wrong make up sex it great in a book and in real life but Madison is weak.
Madison and her mother are both afraid of Madison's brother who passes judgement as if he is the strictest father on earth. It sickened me to read that. I'd have told him to mind his own damn business right after I tole each of the love interests that it was my life and I was living it the way I wanted to and if they didn't like it they could take a hike. Problem solved.
Bottom line, if you're a feminist you probably won't like this book series.
I'll confess... I continued until book 6 where I finally threw in the towel.
August 11, 2022
Not for me. DNF. Got through 35% reading free on a kindle offer but expected more than what was offered. I soon realized I didn’t like any of the characters, even the main character. Madison came across as a horny teenager most of the time pretending to be smart and bad-ass when she really wasn’t. I’m not sure the author knew what she wanted her character to be. The other characters weren’t any better.
Too much drinking, drunk characters and unlikable people trying to be witty tried my patience. I’ll pass, thank you.
Too much drinking, drunk characters and unlikable people trying to be witty tried my patience. I’ll pass, thank you.
July 8, 2023
This was a semi change of pace for me. I seen this series advertised on Facebook with rave reviews so I wanted to give it a shot and it was so good.
June 25, 2012
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the author. All that was asked was an honest review.
If you are looking for the next great american novel or one with some fancy award, then this is not the book you are looking for, but if you are looking for a fun read then this is it.
When Madison Elizabeth Westin's aunt passed away it came as a surprise to everyone. When she was informed about it by the lawyer Tucker Davis and askes about her helping with the burial plans, she is informed that he was the executor and that he would handle everything and her input bus neither wanted or needed. Then after returning to her aunts, now her, house and finds an exceedingly handsome man in a chaise lounge sleeping by the pool, to say she is surprised would be an understatement. Then she finds out he had been shot and the adventure begins. Along the way she will meet some wacky and/or crazy people. Be involved in a gunfight, accused of murder, almost ran off the road and kidnapped. as can be seen Madison is one of those people who you sometimes wonder why she is allowed out by herself instead of on a leash with a watcher.
This is one of those book that if you just go by the blurp on the back cover you might hesitate to get. If my reaction to the story is any indication, you will be glad you decided to get it.
If you are looking for the next great american novel or one with some fancy award, then this is not the book you are looking for, but if you are looking for a fun read then this is it.
When Madison Elizabeth Westin's aunt passed away it came as a surprise to everyone. When she was informed about it by the lawyer Tucker Davis and askes about her helping with the burial plans, she is informed that he was the executor and that he would handle everything and her input bus neither wanted or needed. Then after returning to her aunts, now her, house and finds an exceedingly handsome man in a chaise lounge sleeping by the pool, to say she is surprised would be an understatement. Then she finds out he had been shot and the adventure begins. Along the way she will meet some wacky and/or crazy people. Be involved in a gunfight, accused of murder, almost ran off the road and kidnapped. as can be seen Madison is one of those people who you sometimes wonder why she is allowed out by herself instead of on a leash with a watcher.
This is one of those book that if you just go by the blurp on the back cover you might hesitate to get. If my reaction to the story is any indication, you will be glad you decided to get it.
August 27, 2013
A laugh-out-loud, delightful, easy read. The characters (and they are characters) are well developed, slightly crazy, but definitely entertaining. Just the book to pick up when you want to be entertained.
December 24, 2012
Poor plot. OK writing. Not impressed.
June 22, 2023
The book was amazing from start to finish! It wasn't light, but it wasn't overwhelming. I adore Madison. At first, I was so irritated with how the book was going. No way were Tucker and Will getting away with their bull. I couldn't understand why Madison just let it go on, especially after she heard Tucker talking on the phone. The first thing she should have done was get her own lawyer!! So her naivete really annoyed me at first. I'm just glad it worked out in the end. I also love Zach, and him and Madison are perfection. But my favorite character has got to he Fabiana! She's so funny and such a badass! I can't wait to read the next book
August 1, 2022
Great Book
Ok, this had me on the edge of my chair. Not because of suspense, but because I hate when someone tries to take advantage and steal from someone else. I could not put it down until the bad guys were found out. And my, it was a tense (and yes suspenseful) ending. I loved it.
Ok, this had me on the edge of my chair. Not because of suspense, but because I hate when someone tries to take advantage and steal from someone else. I could not put it down until the bad guys were found out. And my, it was a tense (and yes suspenseful) ending. I loved it.
July 23, 2023
It was a fun easy read. Set in South Florida with a variety of fun characters. Look forward to reading the next one in the series
abandoned
June 9, 2024Just kidding this is some of the worst writing I’ve ever read. Guess I’ll be looking for a good beachy cozy mystery forever. dnf @ 8%
April 7, 2025
Kept my attention
I enjoyed the characters and the humor. The plot was interesting and well thought out. I would definitely recommend for a quick read.
I enjoyed the characters and the humor. The plot was interesting and well thought out. I would definitely recommend for a quick read.
April 20, 2012
This was a really neat book in that it was full of conversation. Almost the entire book was conversation, unless it needed some description or other things to be explained, for the most part it was pure conversation. This is the first time I have come across writing like this. It was rather interesting, very well done, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Madison Elizabeth Westin, a newly divorced and a cynical character because of it, yet perhaps not so cynical as she was "realistic" in her approach to life now, was packed and ready to go visit her favorite aunt and second mother to her, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth lived in Tarpon Cove, Florida, in the Keys, running a bunch of cottages/motel, and living in the main house on the property. Madison is ready to leave when she finds out Aunt Elizabeth has passed away. She was so shocked.
Somehow her Aunt's attorney had been left directions to coordinate the funeral, without any say-so of the family whatsoever, and the entire funeral turns out to be a fiasco which infuriates Madison.
I have to say the author has written this event to be absolutely hilarious in places you would least expect it. First, at the funeral home, where the Funeral Director has her Aunt sitting straight up in her casket and people feel like she is staring at them and is a little offended. The attorney schedule a couple of local drunks who knew her to get up to speak about her. One has to be carried away, the other escorted out.
Only in the keys would people be attending a funeral be sitting around in bathing suit cover-ups, tropical shirts, cut-off blue jeans shorts and more. Madison was the only person dressed in black. She was very angry about this entire funeral that her Aunt's attorney set up. This did not make sense to her as to why the family would not be allowed to take part in the planning of this funeral.
For anyone who has ever traveled to the Florida Keys, or spent any time there at all, this can be very typical of the way many people dress and act, which is what was so hilarious about this for me. It was so laid back and true-to-life I was in hysterics! I remember some of the characters I met on the beach, and couldn't help but to relate them to some of these characters in this book! ONLY in the Keys! Now I was left wondering WHAT could happen next?
First she finds a little romance! Okay, one HOT guy!
Madison later finds out she has inherited this property her aunt owned. Now she has to fight with this attorney, and the Hotel Management guy, who does nothing but give her grief. If anyone needs to be cynical and realistic now, it's Madison. All of these new problems now, which just does not make sense to her, nor the Reader, ALL being caused between these two men. The attorney blames is on Probate Court, the Maintenance Man states her Aunt appointed him to do this and that. None of this makes sense to Madison.
With this comes a lot of problems, problems you would never think of! From her meddling mother setting her up on dates she never would have gone on on her own, to the very colorful tenants and the visitors of Tarpon Cove, to a dead body.
Out of the blue, Madison gets herself involved in a Murder/Mystery which puts her and other people's lives in danger.
Only in Tarpon Cove!
I happened to greatly enjoy this story. I thought it was a lot of fun to read, and the interjected humor was a riot. I really liked the main character, Madison's, approach to life. Cynical at times, yet not so cynical but more of being realistic towards life. She had some tough things thrown at her with very little knowledge or understanding as to what was going on. She was like a fish out of water at times.
This was a great story to lose yourself in. I enjoyed every part of it!
Now, throw all your cares away and read this book!
I HIGHLY suggest this book for a beach read, or a great Winter Vacation in Tarpon Cove right now! Escape the cold 'now' and go on vacation down to the warmth of the Florida Keys! Take this trip! Turn up the heat in your house, throw on your bathing suit, grab your flip-flops and your cover-up, and put on some tropical music! Don't forget the beach towel and the sunscreen! You'll have transported yourself directly to the Florida Keys, in the thick of it! Say "Hi!" to Madison for me!
I received this book for “FREE” from "Crazy Book Tours" through Deborah Brown-Create/Space Publishing, in exchange to read the book and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but “of my own opinion.” I was provided with “NO MONIES” to read and write a review for this OR ANY book, except for my pure enjoyment of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Madison Elizabeth Westin, a newly divorced and a cynical character because of it, yet perhaps not so cynical as she was "realistic" in her approach to life now, was packed and ready to go visit her favorite aunt and second mother to her, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth lived in Tarpon Cove, Florida, in the Keys, running a bunch of cottages/motel, and living in the main house on the property. Madison is ready to leave when she finds out Aunt Elizabeth has passed away. She was so shocked.
Somehow her Aunt's attorney had been left directions to coordinate the funeral, without any say-so of the family whatsoever, and the entire funeral turns out to be a fiasco which infuriates Madison.
I have to say the author has written this event to be absolutely hilarious in places you would least expect it. First, at the funeral home, where the Funeral Director has her Aunt sitting straight up in her casket and people feel like she is staring at them and is a little offended. The attorney schedule a couple of local drunks who knew her to get up to speak about her. One has to be carried away, the other escorted out.
Only in the keys would people be attending a funeral be sitting around in bathing suit cover-ups, tropical shirts, cut-off blue jeans shorts and more. Madison was the only person dressed in black. She was very angry about this entire funeral that her Aunt's attorney set up. This did not make sense to her as to why the family would not be allowed to take part in the planning of this funeral.
For anyone who has ever traveled to the Florida Keys, or spent any time there at all, this can be very typical of the way many people dress and act, which is what was so hilarious about this for me. It was so laid back and true-to-life I was in hysterics! I remember some of the characters I met on the beach, and couldn't help but to relate them to some of these characters in this book! ONLY in the Keys! Now I was left wondering WHAT could happen next?
First she finds a little romance! Okay, one HOT guy!
Madison later finds out she has inherited this property her aunt owned. Now she has to fight with this attorney, and the Hotel Management guy, who does nothing but give her grief. If anyone needs to be cynical and realistic now, it's Madison. All of these new problems now, which just does not make sense to her, nor the Reader, ALL being caused between these two men. The attorney blames is on Probate Court, the Maintenance Man states her Aunt appointed him to do this and that. None of this makes sense to Madison.
With this comes a lot of problems, problems you would never think of! From her meddling mother setting her up on dates she never would have gone on on her own, to the very colorful tenants and the visitors of Tarpon Cove, to a dead body.
Out of the blue, Madison gets herself involved in a Murder/Mystery which puts her and other people's lives in danger.
Only in Tarpon Cove!
I happened to greatly enjoy this story. I thought it was a lot of fun to read, and the interjected humor was a riot. I really liked the main character, Madison's, approach to life. Cynical at times, yet not so cynical but more of being realistic towards life. She had some tough things thrown at her with very little knowledge or understanding as to what was going on. She was like a fish out of water at times.
This was a great story to lose yourself in. I enjoyed every part of it!
Now, throw all your cares away and read this book!
I HIGHLY suggest this book for a beach read, or a great Winter Vacation in Tarpon Cove right now! Escape the cold 'now' and go on vacation down to the warmth of the Florida Keys! Take this trip! Turn up the heat in your house, throw on your bathing suit, grab your flip-flops and your cover-up, and put on some tropical music! Don't forget the beach towel and the sunscreen! You'll have transported yourself directly to the Florida Keys, in the thick of it! Say "Hi!" to Madison for me!
I received this book for “FREE” from "Crazy Book Tours" through Deborah Brown-Create/Space Publishing, in exchange to read the book and write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but “of my own opinion.” I was provided with “NO MONIES” to read and write a review for this OR ANY book, except for my pure enjoyment of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
April 27, 2017
Crazy in Paradise: Dying in the middle of the summer in the Florida Keys is sweaty business. (Paradise Florida Keys Mystery Series Book 1) Light and airy with a sense of humor, and s a nice little appetizer for more of the series. Crazy in Paradise was a book full of strange, crazy characters, and from the first page it was non-stop action.
The story began with recently divorced Madison Westin inheriting her recently deceased aunt's beachfront house and properties. Not only does she inherit an old motel, she also inherits an old motel full of eccentric people.
The story began with recently divorced Madison Westin inheriting her recently deceased aunt's beachfront house and properties. Not only does she inherit an old motel, she also inherits an old motel full of eccentric people.
November 3, 2011
Madison Westin's a strong, independent woman who can take care of herself. Really. Now that she's inherited her aunt's motel, she's ready to prove it to the world. The only things standing in her way are crazy tenants, a manager who's telling everyone he owns the place, a lawyer who's insisting she sell, and her mom who just wants her to meet a nice man. Then she gets a surprise visit from her aunt's friend Zach - he's young, hot, and bleeding all over her lanai. Welcome to Florida - where a girl's best friend is her Glock.
This book's like cotton candy - a sweet, airy confection that's a little taboo, but you've got to have it anyways. It's chicklit in the best sense, a story that knows sometimes a girl just needs a bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a bad boy. This is the kind of book that's a welcome reward after a hard day in stiletto heels.
Madison's an interesting character. She likes to think she's the instigator, but in reality, she's the tentpole and all the other characters weave the story around her. It's almost as if she's taken a step back and wondering if she's walked into the wrong life by mistake. She's like an alien spy trying to interact with the humans and discovering her intel is all wrong.
It's the supporting characters that shine here. Zach is a perfect book boyfriend, snarky and dangerous, just begging you to throw him down and have your way with him. He comes with a crew of stealth ninja enforcer types who know how to throw a lovely dinner party, and an entitled emo little brother who could benefit from a night in the Everglades with the alligators. The bad guys are so sleazy you need hand sanitizer to turn the pages.
This is a fun, hot story that makes a great little weekday vacation from your busy life. It's a fast, entertaining read that asks nothing of you but your enjoyment. Think of it as a literary bonbon, one that goes really well with chocolate.
This book's like cotton candy - a sweet, airy confection that's a little taboo, but you've got to have it anyways. It's chicklit in the best sense, a story that knows sometimes a girl just needs a bubble bath, a glass of wine, and a bad boy. This is the kind of book that's a welcome reward after a hard day in stiletto heels.
Madison's an interesting character. She likes to think she's the instigator, but in reality, she's the tentpole and all the other characters weave the story around her. It's almost as if she's taken a step back and wondering if she's walked into the wrong life by mistake. She's like an alien spy trying to interact with the humans and discovering her intel is all wrong.
It's the supporting characters that shine here. Zach is a perfect book boyfriend, snarky and dangerous, just begging you to throw him down and have your way with him. He comes with a crew of stealth ninja enforcer types who know how to throw a lovely dinner party, and an entitled emo little brother who could benefit from a night in the Everglades with the alligators. The bad guys are so sleazy you need hand sanitizer to turn the pages.
This is a fun, hot story that makes a great little weekday vacation from your busy life. It's a fast, entertaining read that asks nothing of you but your enjoyment. Think of it as a literary bonbon, one that goes really well with chocolate.
April 20, 2020
Do yourself a favor and stop now. Even if you can overlook the ridiculous names of the main characters, the entire series is a frustrating, misogynistic load of crap. Every interaction either of the female leads has with the "boyfriend" ends with the female being picked up (who actually does that?) and being deposited in a bed or a truck seat or some such nonsense. If the man isn't doing that, he is being overbearing and controlling, "worried about her safety." It's just the worst. I wish I could say the writing gets better, but it does not. I have read several of the books in the series and this review would be accurate for them all. This is really sad, because once you set aside the horrible names (Fab? Didier? Really?) and the awful dynamic between the sexes, the underlying story is actually decent.
July 16, 2019
I really wanted to like this based on the synopsis but I could not finish. I don't know how this has 4 star reviews????!
The writing is BASIC, there is no depth to the plot/characters/locations/(everything you look forward to in a book tbh). There is no romance- AT ALL. The "mystery" is not worth finishing, the main character has no backbone and comes off very weak, the love interest is just some one dimensional dude with no personality. I was hoping this would be a nice summer read, I did like the setup - follow through, not so much. :(
The writing is BASIC, there is no depth to the plot/characters/locations/(everything you look forward to in a book tbh). There is no romance- AT ALL. The "mystery" is not worth finishing, the main character has no backbone and comes off very weak, the love interest is just some one dimensional dude with no personality. I was hoping this would be a nice summer read, I did like the setup - follow through, not so much. :(
November 8, 2016
Loved this book! There's romance with lots of thrills, action, and suspense set in scenic Key West. Many colorful characters called Slice, Axe, Fab, Moron, and others who Madison meets through her new boyfriend Zach quickly become close protective friends. She will need their help as there are devious and dangerous people who will stop at nothing to obtain the properties she inherited from her recently deceased aunt.
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