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Paradise #2
Deception in Paradise
Madison Westin is back with her never-say-no style; smarter and packing an attitude not to mention her Glock. This time, trouble rolls into Tarpon Cove in the form of Madison's ex-husband, Jackson Devereaux, whom she hoped to never see again. His arrival brings unparalleled chaos and an uninvited corpse. Teaming up with her hot friend, Fabiana, the two women go from chasing the usual cast of misfits and weirdos to hunting down a murderer. The action turns deadly serious when they stir up a nasty enemy as they try to stay one-step ahead in a game of cat and mouse that threatens their lives.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
1573 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Brown
50 books1,437 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 127 reviews
June 19, 2020
A page turner just like the first book in the series. A great mystery, lots of action and some more romance. And once again a lot of questionable characters in all shades of grey. ;)
I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series. The background story keeps evolving.
I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series. The background story keeps evolving.
Read
February 6, 2022.
This fast-paced mystery series is available free with Kindle Unlimited.
The heroine has a dependable network of friends and associates. However, I had a very difficult time connecting with the characters, experiences, and plotline. The use of profanity was not excessive, but too much for my taste.
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. 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 excessive.
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 the small portion of goodness. The use of profanity was low but still 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.
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.
.
This fast-paced mystery series is available free with Kindle Unlimited.
The heroine has a dependable network of friends and associates. However, I had a very difficult time connecting with the characters, experiences, and plotline. The use of profanity was not excessive, but too much for my taste.
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. 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 excessive.
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 the small portion of goodness. The use of profanity was low but still 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.
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.
.
December 14, 2015
The second installment of Madison Westin adventures in Florida Keys. Just when she is trying to rebuild her life, her past catches up with her when her ex husband turns up demanding his share of Madison inheritance. While staying there he organises a party and one of the guests ends up dead leading Madison and her fiends into a murder mystery investigation and personal conflict with her new love.
The story is a real page turner with twists and turns, easy to follow and keeps the reader engrossed with the excellent red herrings she throws in.
Even though this is the second book in the series it can be read without reading the first one a totally separate issue and self contained narrative.
The author has created the beginnings of an excellent series who could challenge M C Beaton and the Agatha Raisin series. Praise for a new innovative character who finds herself in a lot of pickles and has to bend / stoop below the law in order to survive.
An excellent novel which not only covers the intrigue and investigation side of the mystery but really touches on the human nature and emotions which add spice to the story.
Novel number three is waiting and really looking forward to it.
The story is a real page turner with twists and turns, easy to follow and keeps the reader engrossed with the excellent red herrings she throws in.
Even though this is the second book in the series it can be read without reading the first one a totally separate issue and self contained narrative.
The author has created the beginnings of an excellent series who could challenge M C Beaton and the Agatha Raisin series. Praise for a new innovative character who finds herself in a lot of pickles and has to bend / stoop below the law in order to survive.
An excellent novel which not only covers the intrigue and investigation side of the mystery but really touches on the human nature and emotions which add spice to the story.
Novel number three is waiting and really looking forward to it.
July 14, 2023
I'm really enjoying this series so far--I am gonna break up the books since there's so many already out--but I enjoy the storyline and characters.
Read
May 29, 2024Fun book, easy read. I didn't figure out who the murderer was on my own.
August 11, 2014
The first book I ever read by Deborah Brown was Crazy in Paradise. I loved it!! I was so happy that the second book in the series is out and I got a chance to read and review it.
Madison is still up to her elbows in trouble-mostly because she just can't say NO. Plus she is mighty tired of her Mom and brother and her current boyfriend trying to protect her. I know that feeling all too well. When Madison's Ex husband suddenly appears at her door he brings lots of trouble along with him. If you remember her Aunt Elizabeth died and left her with the beach house and a rundown motel. That motel is occupied by several memorable characters who are allowed to stay there. Tucker, an unscrupulous lawyer wants the house and is causing all kinds of mischief. Fab, Madison's friend, is still working for a bondsman. Madison has decided she is going to learn the ropes as well!
There is a murder that has to be solved and Madison is not going to be left out much to the distress of her current boyfriend and Mother. So, she just does not tell them and goes about with Fab finding out about it on her own. Heck--her Ex is being accused as a killer-which Madison knows he is not--he may be a liar but not a murderer!
This is another book that had me shaking my head and laughing--it is just an easy read-with multiple things going on that you will enjoy. I give it a 5 Star and now have to wait for the next book in this series--This definitely can be read as a stand alone but you should read the first for the laughs!---which I will grab as soon as it comes out.
Madison is still up to her elbows in trouble-mostly because she just can't say NO. Plus she is mighty tired of her Mom and brother and her current boyfriend trying to protect her. I know that feeling all too well. When Madison's Ex husband suddenly appears at her door he brings lots of trouble along with him. If you remember her Aunt Elizabeth died and left her with the beach house and a rundown motel. That motel is occupied by several memorable characters who are allowed to stay there. Tucker, an unscrupulous lawyer wants the house and is causing all kinds of mischief. Fab, Madison's friend, is still working for a bondsman. Madison has decided she is going to learn the ropes as well!
There is a murder that has to be solved and Madison is not going to be left out much to the distress of her current boyfriend and Mother. So, she just does not tell them and goes about with Fab finding out about it on her own. Heck--her Ex is being accused as a killer-which Madison knows he is not--he may be a liar but not a murderer!
This is another book that had me shaking my head and laughing--it is just an easy read-with multiple things going on that you will enjoy. I give it a 5 Star and now have to wait for the next book in this series--This definitely can be read as a stand alone but you should read the first for the laughs!---which I will grab as soon as it comes out.
March 6, 2023
I was really expecting to like this book. I was wrong. FMC - Madison - was a doormat. She allowed her ex-husband back into her life after cheating on her, allowing his friends/brother to lie to and steal from her. He gets a fake ID with HER address on it, steals her brother's boat (because if he asked her she would say no), damages the side and trashes the interior, allows his brother to steal and pawn all of her yard and gardening equipment. But but but...he used to be FAMILY. OY I didn't buy her "I've never even heard of the guy but I've got to find out what happened to Pavel because he was a person and he didn't deserve to die". Lie if you have to but she did an awful lot of it.
Fab is a lunatic. "Just come with me to do 'this' and be my lookout." I'm not quite understanding the friendship...Fab says do this and Madison does it? Okayyyyy
I thought I was going to like Zane but even he turned into a douche. Although honestly someone did seriously need to save Madison from her idiocy.
I've already forgotten his name but I felt sorry for the guy Madison kept asking to find out information on Pavel and then the bad guys. She didn't give a crap if something happened to him, SHE NEEDED INFORMATION.
Creole could end up being an interesting character but no way would he make up for everything else.
I'm always looking for good cozy mysteries but unfortunately, this wasn't it.
Fab is a lunatic. "Just come with me to do 'this' and be my lookout." I'm not quite understanding the friendship...Fab says do this and Madison does it? Okayyyyy
I thought I was going to like Zane but even he turned into a douche. Although honestly someone did seriously need to save Madison from her idiocy.
I've already forgotten his name but I felt sorry for the guy Madison kept asking to find out information on Pavel and then the bad guys. She didn't give a crap if something happened to him, SHE NEEDED INFORMATION.
Creole could end up being an interesting character but no way would he make up for everything else.
I'm always looking for good cozy mysteries but unfortunately, this wasn't it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2021
Drug blows
Many people are trying to figure out who is responsible for the disappearance and death of dockworker, Pavel, who was last seen alive on Brad and Madison's boat. Madison's ex, Jax, was driving the boat when Pavel disappeared.
It only becomes apparent nearcthe end of the book who the various entities are.
If you're looking for a sweet romance you'll need to come back again for the next book because Madison is terrified about commitment and control.
Madison's BFF Fab spends a huge amount of time with Madison. Much more than any love interest. Fab is handy with a Glock so that's kinda ok. I think she needs to back off a bit. So does Madison's mom. And loverboy Zach.
I didnt like ex husband one little bit. He's a mental case and will always be trouble. His problems go way beyond drugs and alcohol.
The first book in the series was way better than this one.
Many people are trying to figure out who is responsible for the disappearance and death of dockworker, Pavel, who was last seen alive on Brad and Madison's boat. Madison's ex, Jax, was driving the boat when Pavel disappeared.
It only becomes apparent nearcthe end of the book who the various entities are.
If you're looking for a sweet romance you'll need to come back again for the next book because Madison is terrified about commitment and control.
Madison's BFF Fab spends a huge amount of time with Madison. Much more than any love interest. Fab is handy with a Glock so that's kinda ok. I think she needs to back off a bit. So does Madison's mom. And loverboy Zach.
I didnt like ex husband one little bit. He's a mental case and will always be trouble. His problems go way beyond drugs and alcohol.
The first book in the series was way better than this one.
September 14, 2024
Madison is settling into a quiet life of occasionally helping out her best friend Fab with her private investigating life and running the rental property her aunt left her when her x-husband Jax shows up on her doorstep, prepared to sue her for her house. It doesn’t take long for Jax to run a foul of a well connected business man and be facing criminal charges. It’s up to Madison to get him out of trouble as that is the only way to get him out of her life once again. In the mean time, everyone, from her mother, to her boyfriend, to the connected business man is telling her to leave it alone. But Madison is like a bull dog and once she starts looking into things she can’t stop. This was a fun and light read and judging by the complication MS brown threw into Madison’s love life in the form of the amazingly hot and mysterious Creol AKA Luke Baptiste, I can’t wait to read the next book.
June 18, 2020
This second book in the "Paradise" series is a good read. Have I read better, you bet! Have I read worse, absolutely! It is one of those series of books that I will read along as I can, but it is not one of those that I have to read the next right away, and then the next, etc. I was laying in a hospital room yesterday, no visitors allowed because of COVID-19, and it was a good way to pass the day. I am sure that there are others that will like it more than I did, and others that will hate it more than I did. To me, it just a book to pass some time (and I do enjoy stories about the Florida Keys).
July 27, 2023
Ex-Husbands Never Stay Gone
This book is the second in a series that just keeps getting better. The series needs to be read in order as the story does build upon itself. Each book is its own complete mystery, but part of the fun is the details. The story is set in South Florida. A young woman has inherited her beloved aunt's estate and has collected an odd assortment of friends. These include former SEALS, private investigators that walk the thin line between legal and not, and assorted street people. This episode is quite the page-turner. It was very difficult to put down. I am leaning toward binge-reading this series!
This book is the second in a series that just keeps getting better. The series needs to be read in order as the story does build upon itself. Each book is its own complete mystery, but part of the fun is the details. The story is set in South Florida. A young woman has inherited her beloved aunt's estate and has collected an odd assortment of friends. These include former SEALS, private investigators that walk the thin line between legal and not, and assorted street people. This episode is quite the page-turner. It was very difficult to put down. I am leaning toward binge-reading this series!
May 19, 2023
I love this author and these characters! These are FAST reads for me because they are action packed and the characters just jump off the page and become so real! I AM HOOKED!!! If you need great books for the beach or vacation this summer these are for you! I am going to get the next one now!
I didn't see any of this coming as I read the book but I sort of guessed the last part (don't worry I won't give it away) and that made me super happy!!! I also have a prediction about the next book but I will keep that to myself....like I said I don't want to spoil anything!
I didn't see any of this coming as I read the book but I sort of guessed the last part (don't worry I won't give it away) and that made me super happy!!! I also have a prediction about the next book but I will keep that to myself....like I said I don't want to spoil anything!
June 23, 2023
Wtf happened with Madison in this book? Ugh! She divorced her ex because he cheated, yet he showed up fake ID with a scheme to take her house, and she just let's him in like nothing is happening. Her naivete irked me in the last book, but in this one, I couldn't look past it. There was nothing redeeming about her besides her cat!!! And Fab in this book made me want to punch her in the face?!? She 100% took advantage of Madison and constantly put her in danger. I wanted the mystery and fun of the last book, but that's not what I got. I hated all the characters except maybe Zach.
October 19, 2021
Great and interesting book.
My five-star rating is kind of unusual. I usually find grammatical errors somewhere in a book, but my knowledge, there were none in this one. It was interesting all the way through to the end. Seems like there was a surprise in every chapter. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries and intrigue, not to mention the small but exciting sensual, context.
My five-star rating is kind of unusual. I usually find grammatical errors somewhere in a book, but my knowledge, there were none in this one. It was interesting all the way through to the end. Seems like there was a surprise in every chapter. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries and intrigue, not to mention the small but exciting sensual, context.
September 20, 2022
Surprise, surprise, surprise!
The first book in the series was a tough slog, the main characters needed to be fleshed out a little more. There are clues in the second book that do a lot to bring some character to the players.
Also the second book spends a little more time showing the requisite skill sets of the protagonists... So when they make certain decisions or moves you kind of expect them to do that. Now we're ready some more...
The first book in the series was a tough slog, the main characters needed to be fleshed out a little more. There are clues in the second book that do a lot to bring some character to the players.
Also the second book spends a little more time showing the requisite skill sets of the protagonists... So when they make certain decisions or moves you kind of expect them to do that. Now we're ready some more...
September 21, 2017
Ex-husbands and controlling boyfriends do not make a match in heaven.
You know it's gonna be a bad day when you come home and find your ex-husband lounging around the living room. And the bad days just keep piling up for Madison. Another wonderful book full of great characters and a wonderful storyline.
You know it's gonna be a bad day when you come home and find your ex-husband lounging around the living room. And the bad days just keep piling up for Madison. Another wonderful book full of great characters and a wonderful storyline.
March 13, 2018
This second book in the series grabbed my attention, and held it. In the first book, Madison was kind of a sad sack that you felt sorry for. Now she's showing her spine, as well as her aim! Way to go, Deborah Brown, for adding some cool characters that I love and hate! This is Keys craziness at its best, so it got all 5 stars. I'm really looking forward to working my way down the series!
September 15, 2018
Who cares what the mystery is about. It's the cast of characters that makes these books so much fun to read. Ah, to be lucky enough to surround yourself with a bunch of sexy men. Well, Madison Westin is that lucky girl. Most important are her bunch of crazies and the nasties. Throw in an overprotective mother and a disapproving brother along with her bestie, Fab,and you have a winner.
January 20, 2019
Cute
I was interested in this book because it was set in the Keys. It was cute and a fast,easy read. There was the main mystery, and a few subplots wrapped up in the story. The cast of characters is quite quirky, but I never really got wrapped up in them. Maybe it's because I started with this second book instead of at the beginning.
I was interested in this book because it was set in the Keys. It was cute and a fast,easy read. There was the main mystery, and a few subplots wrapped up in the story. The cast of characters is quite quirky, but I never really got wrapped up in them. Maybe it's because I started with this second book instead of at the beginning.
August 4, 2022
Easy read
Second in this series and it's easy read, interesting characters and doesn't go too deep. I'd call this a quick and dirty one in between books of more substance. The mystery in this particular one wasn't earth shattering but characters gained some definition. Plenty more in this series so might give it a shot every once in a while.
Second in this series and it's easy read, interesting characters and doesn't go too deep. I'd call this a quick and dirty one in between books of more substance. The mystery in this particular one wasn't earth shattering but characters gained some definition. Plenty more in this series so might give it a shot every once in a while.
June 25, 2023
holy smokes… reels you in and keeps you wanting more!
Another great read. This book picked right up where the 1st left off without repeating everything! Love a good mystery with a little rom-com spice stirred in!
Onto book 3 now because I have to see what Madison gets up to next!
Another great read. This book picked right up where the 1st left off without repeating everything! Love a good mystery with a little rom-com spice stirred in!
Onto book 3 now because I have to see what Madison gets up to next!
January 26, 2024
humorous murder mystery
The story was interesting. Very much on the Stephanie Plum line so if you like that series you’ll like this one. I was a more than a bit disappointed in how much she let her ex husband use her and she kept protecting him and trying to clear his name while he was just trying to get everything he could take or steal from her.
The story was interesting. Very much on the Stephanie Plum line so if you like that series you’ll like this one. I was a more than a bit disappointed in how much she let her ex husband use her and she kept protecting him and trying to clear his name while he was just trying to get everything he could take or steal from her.
September 26, 2019
Variety of enjoyable characters!
I love this book! The writing and the setting are so enjoyable. And I love all the various characters. The suspense and the action keep the story flowing. A very entertaining book!!!
I love this book! The writing and the setting are so enjoyable. And I love all the various characters. The suspense and the action keep the story flowing. A very entertaining book!!!
February 22, 2020
Enjoyable
Character development is excellent and enjoyable. A combination of wit and sarcasm makes for an interesting and entertaining read. I look forward to the next in the series.
Character development is excellent and enjoyable. A combination of wit and sarcasm makes for an interesting and entertaining read. I look forward to the next in the series.
May 27, 2020
Aced it again
Another very good book. I'm so glad I found your books. The first two have been so good the others will have a lot to live up to. I liked Creole but I hope Zach and Madison don't break up.
Another very good book. I'm so glad I found your books. The first two have been so good the others will have a lot to live up to. I liked Creole but I hope Zach and Madison don't break up.
February 22, 2021
I loved it
I usually don't read suspense or drama but I've been captivated by Madison and her crazy menagerie of friends and the wild escapades of tarpon cove. I can't wait to get to the next story. Creole was a nice touch 😉
I usually don't read suspense or drama but I've been captivated by Madison and her crazy menagerie of friends and the wild escapades of tarpon cove. I can't wait to get to the next story. Creole was a nice touch 😉
December 11, 2021
Great
Once again the mystery keeps you drawen in that you just have to keep reading. Kinda hoping in the next book her and Zach make up they make such a great couple. Hopefully the ex husband goes back to his family and stops causing problems.
Once again the mystery keeps you drawen in that you just have to keep reading. Kinda hoping in the next book her and Zach make up they make such a great couple. Hopefully the ex husband goes back to his family and stops causing problems.
March 17, 2022
Another zany good read
A lighthearted funny book. It was hard to put down and was disappointed that it ended so quickly. I definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a book that keeps you entertained.
A lighthearted funny book. It was hard to put down and was disappointed that it ended so quickly. I definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a book that keeps you entertained.
March 30, 2022
Another good romp in Paradise
I enjoyed the first one so much I rushed to start this one. It didn’t grab me on the first page, but I was hooked pretty quickly. Not sure how many I will devour, but it definitely will be at least one more!
I enjoyed the first one so much I rushed to start this one. It didn’t grab me on the first page, but I was hooked pretty quickly. Not sure how many I will devour, but it definitely will be at least one more!
May 13, 2022
Deception Indeed
Madison and company never disappoint! There is just enough sex and bloodshed to keep one's interest and a by the seat of your pants excitement that keeps the adrenaline flowing! Now onto the next book!!!
Madison and company never disappoint! There is just enough sex and bloodshed to keep one's interest and a by the seat of your pants excitement that keeps the adrenaline flowing! Now onto the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews