My take on: Crazy in Paradise

Quirky is the best word I can use to describe Crazy in Paradise by Deborah Brown. There's a lot packed into this little book. What stood out to me the most is the names for some of the characters. Spoon, Slice, Axe, Topaz, and Buckshot to name a few.

The normal one of the bunch is recently divorced Madison Westin. She has just inherited property from her deceased Aunt Elizabeth. She sees it as an opportunity to start a new life. She can live in her aunt's home and run her rental property. It sounds great, but Aunt Elizabeth's attorney, Tucker Davis, has other plans. Plans that don't include Madison. But Madison is determined to fight for her rights.

One moment Madison is assertive with the local drunk Joseph, but folds quickly in certain moments of conflict. Tucker is the executor of Aunt Elizabeth's estate and never lets Madison forget it. All the while I'm thinking stand up for yourself. Don't let someone walk over you. Madison says she will hire her own attorney to protect her interests, but it takes a lot to get to that point.

Despite the legal distractions, Madison manages to form a romantic relationship with the mysterious and good-looking Zach Lazarro. The attraction is instant. If you've read my last couple of reviews, you'll know I'm dubious of instant attraction. Their first meeting was extremely unconventional and a bit of a stretch. Madison discovers Zach asleep and bleeding from a gunshot wound in her home. Yes she is taken aback by this, but Madison is also thinking of how cute Zach is. How about screaming? Hmmmmmmmm? Zach reassures Madison he's not a bad guy and even convinces her to call the local doctor instead of an ambulance or the police. I just had a hard time finding this scenario believable. A couple of chapters later and they're already having sex. Zach insists they're in a relationship despite Madison's protests. She doubts their relationship. Is it real or was it born out of extreme circumstances?

The storyline is fact-paced and has a lot of action. But some of it requires a stretch of the imagination. In Madison's quest to get control of Aunt Elizabeth's property, she overhears a plot to threaten her safety. She is shaken by it, but doesn't immediately inform the police, Zach or her family. Instead, she keeps it to herself. It isn't even brought up again until much later in the book. You know someone plans to intimidate and possibly harm you, why wouldn't you go to the police? Situations like that can't be resolved on your own.

The last couple of chapters made up for my issues with the plot. I can't give it away, but it kept me interested. From page to page you're wondering what will happen. Will it end badly or will everything work out?


Rating: Give it a try


Note: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.