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!

I got an ARC!! Thanks Netgalley. I love Christina Lauren. I definitely would recommend the Paradise Problem to other romance lovers. I enjoy a marriage of convenience love story!

The romance was believable and the dialogue was fun.

It definitely had some serious elements regarding wealth, money, emotional abuse, and the failures of the American Healthcare system. And lots of family drama.

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!!

Christina Lauren does it again. This romantic comedy has something to appeal to all romantic troupe lovers. There a little bit of billionaire romance, a sprinkle of grumpy sunshine, and a dash of comedic relief. This book was one that was difficult to put down and had you from the beginning.
The story is set between California and a tropic island paradise with less than perfect people. It truly shines a light onto the evils of money as well as the ways to overcome family drama and corrupt business. Liam, our leading man is easy to fall in love with his kind and protective demeanor towards our creative Anna. Anna is able to show Liam a unconditional love that he hasn't experienced before. While Liam is faced with choosing his future of money, family, love. or himself he grows and develops into a well rounded character worthy of love, but will Anna be able to overcome their difficulties?

Love Christina Lauren! Love this book! Love the deeper themes of this book and how the characters balanced each other out. I’f you couldn’t relate to one, you could definitely relate to the other. Great read!

Disclaimer: I am not a big romance reader, and need substance/reality in a book. I enjoy Christina Lauren's books, and dare I say that this is my favorite. I smiled throughout the book, and even teared up at one point. This is a story about two UCLA students who marry as a way to live in married housing and go their separate ways. Due to Liam's family/financial situation, they are brought together again that leads to a forever relationship as they navigate Anna's career and Liam's complicated career and family life. While I cannot relate to the incredible wealth described, the story was realistic, especially as Anna and Liam explore their feelings post paradise.

I have been a huge fan of Christina Lauren for a long time and they always deliver. This book was so easy for me to read and had me swooning one minute over Liam and cackling over Anna. I had high expectations with this one and it definitely exceeded all of them. If you’re wanting a marriage of convenience with strangers to friends to lovers thrown into a White Lotus-esque setting, then you’ll love this book. I’m still obsessing over Liam and Anna and how perfectly their story was told. As always, another amazing book from these two!

This was a fantastic book and my favorite Christina Lauren by far. The characters were great, and I particularly loved Anna's chapters. She was a refreshing protagonist and all of the conflict felt earned and real. A great read!

What an absolutely phenomenal book by this incredible writing duo. Christina Lauren’s writing style continues to grow and evolve, constantly outdoing themselves. This one has similar vibes to The Unhoneymooners (fake marriage, Island setting), but where The Unhoneymooners is a rom-com, this one is more romance with depth and family drama.

Liam and Anna are two incredibly well-written leads. Liam has a heart of gold, but comes from a wealthy family full of cold hearts. Anna comes from a single parent home where money was always in short supply. Both are strong characters that bring out the best in each other. I loved the slow build of their marriage/relationship. The way their feelings build was perfection.

I loved the rotating dual POVs, which readers have come to love in a Christina Lauren novel. This always keeps a story line moving, and this was no exception.

While this was a love story, it was so much more. There were so many raw emotions poured out on these pages & you felt like you were right there with them as they navigated through them. I was cheering them on as a couple and individually. These two quickly worked their way into my heart & I’ll have a hard time letting them go.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book is an absolute must read when it releases in May! I can only imagine how incredible the audio will be.

This rom com had me laughing out loud! I loved Anna and West’s relationship and overall maturity. Another great, fun Christina Lauren story. The pop culture references were fun (Indiana Jones! White Lotus!) but likely won’t age well in the long run. Regardless, so fun and I loved it!

Only one real complaint - Why is Goddamn the sexual innuendo go-to? I thought it was a typo! Noooo thank you.


Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

I love Christina Lauren’s books! I can always count on them to be fun, flirty, mood lifters. The Paradise Problem is so exception! It has it all- brooding male main character, creative/quirky female lead, family troubles, tropical paradise, fake dating (marriage), etc!

While I enjoyed the storyline, I struggled a bit with the romance. There was definitely chemistry, but it mostly revolves around sex. Towards the end I caught myself skimming the sex scenes to find out what happened with the family conflicts. I also found her nickname for her husband’s genitalia a bit silly. All in all, I did enjoy this book and it’ll be a perfect easy summer read!