The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
This was my first book by Christina Lauren, the pen name of the 2 authors, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The story revolves around Liam, a reserved heir of a grocery chain and his ex, a free spirited woman named Anna.
Anna Green thought she was marrying Liam “West” Weston while attending UCLA to help get subsidized housing as a married couple. Once she graduated, she thought she signed papers. A couple years later, Anna is living as an artist barely making it ends meet. West is now a professor at Stanford. He may be one of four heirs to his family’s supermarket chain, Weston Foods. He has little interest working for the company, Weston Foods, but he has a 100 million dollar inheritance tied to the caveat that he won’t get the money unless he’s happily married for 5 years.
While still technically married, they fake their relationship and go away to a private island for Liam’s sister’s wedding with Liam’s family. Anna gets makeover to fit into a world far removed from her own.. Liam is concerned seeing his parents after their falling out and whether Anna will past the test. Will her fancy new clothes and freshly colored hair be enough to charm his family?
Anna proves quite the lovely lady and strikes a rapport with his sister, Charlie, and to Liam’s surprise, can charm those around her. As West and Anna spend time getting to know each other, real feelings start to develop. They must decide what is right for themselves and if their lie is still a lie?
The story is a vacation getaway romance. It is reminiscent of most tropical vacations. It reminded me of my own trip to Maldives and being on a secluded island with clear waters. I was able to reflect on some of my fun memories from Maldives while reading this book. I am also a UCLA Bruin so liked that they went to my Alma mater.
The story is humorous. There were several instances I found myself laughing either at the scenario or what they say to each other. It is fun to fantasize what it would be like with a multi millionaire and what that would be like. I enjoyed the book and would recommend for romance and rom com readers.