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Paradise Rules
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Because You Are Mine novels...
She didn’t believe in paradise…
Lana Rodriguez grew up along Hawaii’s crystal blue shores, but for her, the picture-perfect paradise disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki to control her own destiny when it comes to men, romance, and sex. This time, it’s on her terms.
Until she found it in him.
Jason Koa is every woman’s dream. While Lana would like to keep her distance, the passion is just too hot to ignore, even if Jason does make all the rules—on the island and in the bedroom. But his attempts to break Lana’s shell reveals secrets neither is prepared to face. And it’s about to sweep them away in a tidal wave of danger and desire.
She didn’t believe in paradise…
Lana Rodriguez grew up along Hawaii’s crystal blue shores, but for her, the picture-perfect paradise disguises the bitter truths she escaped years ago, and not without emotional scars. Now a successful blues singer, Lana’s returning to Waikiki to control her own destiny when it comes to men, romance, and sex. This time, it’s on her terms.
Until she found it in him.
Jason Koa is every woman’s dream. While Lana would like to keep her distance, the passion is just too hot to ignore, even if Jason does make all the rules—on the island and in the bedroom. But his attempts to break Lana’s shell reveals secrets neither is prepared to face. And it’s about to sweep them away in a tidal wave of danger and desire.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2009
11 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kery
187 books2,694 followersBeth Kery is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of over thirty novels, novellas and serials. She writes contemporary romances as well as erotic contemporary romances, her hallmarks being emotional intensity, leap-off-the-page realistic characters and steamy sexual tension.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 31, 2009
I finally finished this one, and I'm kind of bummed that it was just an okay read. But it seems to me that Beth Kery is becoming a hit or miss for me. I loved Wicked Burn and Daring Time, but Sweet Restraint was so-so for me and unfortunately, so was Paradise Rules. There were some good things about it: loved the (Hawaiian) island locale, the writing and dialogue were well done, the trademark earthy, raw sex scenes were there (in abundance), the plot was fairly original, but...I just never fell for the characters. Lana Rodriquez, the jazz/blues singing half Hawaiian/half Mexican heroine, was just too angsty for my tastes--she had so many issues about her childhood and had sooo many walls around her, that it was hard to get to know her or like her. To me she came off as way too remote and often bitchy. Maybe, maybe if the author had let the reader in a little sooner about why she acted the way she did, I would have had a chance to like her. But by the time her backstory was finally revealed, it was a little too little, too late. I understood why she acted the way she did, but to be honest, BK didn't fully convince me that her childhood was that bad. I've read about heroines who had it a lot tougher than Lana and who had better attitudes, so yes, I wasn't really feelin' the love for Lana.
Jason, the Hawaiian/Welsh god/Olympic swimming medalist/surfer/entrepreneur stud, was a little better, but there wasn't anything terribly endearing about him to me. He seemed to be leading the good life, complete with an adoring family (except for a somewhat sleezy/jealous cousin), and a carefree bachelor existence on his houseboat. Then Lana enters his life and sort of turns it upside down when he decides to pursue her. She doesn't really make it easy for him, and despite the crazy lust she inspires in him, I wondered why he even bothered. I didn't really care for how he often lost his temper with Lana (although who could blame him) or how bossy, rough and dominating he could be in his love making (shades of Vic in "Wicked Burn"). And speaking of lust, there were many, many lust-filled sequences, with sexual acts that were rough, raw, and often mind-boggling. Which could have been really exciting (because I'll admit, BK does have a certain way with a sex scene), but I wasn't that excited by them, because I just wasn't all that thrilled with the characters. If BK had given me a backstory about the characters that made me fall for them, then those sex scenes would have melted the pages! As it stands, they were just...simmering?
Another thing that bugged me, was that just as all the info about Lana's past was revealed, and after Jason and Lana had to deal with an embarrassing 'news leak' about their torrid affair, and just when it looked like Lana and Jason turned a corner in their relationship and they might have a future together, the book abruptly ended. I actually flipped through a couple of blank pages at the end of the book, desperately seeking some kind of epilogue! But all I got was a vague, they're "happy for now" feeling. Very disappointing.
I've learned that for me, what's most important in an erotic romance is the characters. Well-developed, likable characters can overcome even the most cliched, predictable plot. No amount of inventive, hot on the printed page sex scenes will save a book for me if I'm not feeling the characters. Unfortunately, Jason and Lana just didn't click for me. For other readers--who knows? Beth Kery is a very talented writer, so I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. 3 1/2 stars.
Warning: this book contains explicit language and sex, including oral and anal, some light bondage, and use of a sex toy(s). Not for the faint of heart!
Jason, the Hawaiian/Welsh god/Olympic swimming medalist/surfer/entrepreneur stud, was a little better, but there wasn't anything terribly endearing about him to me. He seemed to be leading the good life, complete with an adoring family (except for a somewhat sleezy/jealous cousin), and a carefree bachelor existence on his houseboat. Then Lana enters his life and sort of turns it upside down when he decides to pursue her. She doesn't really make it easy for him, and despite the crazy lust she inspires in him, I wondered why he even bothered. I didn't really care for how he often lost his temper with Lana (although who could blame him) or how bossy, rough and dominating he could be in his love making (shades of Vic in "Wicked Burn"). And speaking of lust, there were many, many lust-filled sequences, with sexual acts that were rough, raw, and often mind-boggling. Which could have been really exciting (because I'll admit, BK does have a certain way with a sex scene), but I wasn't that excited by them, because I just wasn't all that thrilled with the characters. If BK had given me a backstory about the characters that made me fall for them, then those sex scenes would have melted the pages! As it stands, they were just...simmering?
Another thing that bugged me, was that just as all the info about Lana's past was revealed, and after Jason and Lana had to deal with an embarrassing 'news leak' about their torrid affair, and just when it looked like Lana and Jason turned a corner in their relationship and they might have a future together, the book abruptly ended. I actually flipped through a couple of blank pages at the end of the book, desperately seeking some kind of epilogue! But all I got was a vague, they're "happy for now" feeling. Very disappointing.
I've learned that for me, what's most important in an erotic romance is the characters. Well-developed, likable characters can overcome even the most cliched, predictable plot. No amount of inventive, hot on the printed page sex scenes will save a book for me if I'm not feeling the characters. Unfortunately, Jason and Lana just didn't click for me. For other readers--who knows? Beth Kery is a very talented writer, so I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. 3 1/2 stars.
Warning: this book contains explicit language and sex, including oral and anal, some light bondage, and use of a sex toy(s). Not for the faint of heart!
November 22, 2009
3 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance/Erotica/BDSM
Disappointing...that’s the one word summation for how I feel about Kery’s Paradise Rules . It had the potential to be an intriguing, scorching hot erotic read, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me. I loved the exotic Waikiki, Oahu island setting and the numerous, beautifully descriptive references to the culture, locale, climate, and wildlife almost made me feel the sun on my skin, the sand beneath my toes, and the tropical breeze on my face. If only the characters had been half as captivating, perhaps I would have been more engaged with the story, but as it was, I found both the H/H rather unlikable and really didn’t care much for either of them, especially the heroine.
Jason Koa, the local Hawaiian surf god, sex stud, playboy, wealthy entrepreneur, and ex-Olympic swimmer who loves to dominate in and out of the bedroom is challenged by the icy, bitchy, aloof, controlled, and emotionally detached and distant facade of famous blues singer Lana Rodriguez when she and her friend arrive in Waikiki for vacation. He’s determined to melt her cold veneer and break through all her barriers, and of course he uses sex to establish his dominance and bend her to his will. Yes, the sex in this is frequent, potent, raw, kinky, sometimes rough and forceful (although consensual), and verrry hot because after all, Kery has some serious talent for depicting wickedly erotic, steamy sex scenes. But sadly, I didn’t feel any connection between the H/H whatsoever, and in fact, they didn’t even like each other for most of the book. They engaged in a constant emotional and sexual power struggle and manipulative tug-of-war throughout the entire story, and all I really felt that they had in common were defensive, irritating personalities, insatiable lust, and equally overactive libidos. Lana was such a frigid, wishy-washy bitch, and I frankly didn’t understand why Jason tried so damn hard to win her over. I guess he just got off on the fact that she unleashed and defied his sexual dominant streak and inner caveman. W for whatever. Also, since Lana’s backstory wasn’t exposed until the very end of the book, and even then it wasn’t really that much of a revelation or attitude justification, it did very little to appease my dislike for her character.
What seriously ramped up my frustration level is the fact that just when I was starting to think that perhaps Jason and Lana might actually have a chance together and to finally have some emotional investment in the story, it ended just like that. *finger snap!* No HEA found here, just an abrupt, lust-filled, alright for now ending that left me feeling dissatisfied.
Beth Kery’s writing, level of emotional intensity, and powerful eroticism are definitely top notch, and if only there were appealing characters to care about (like she created in Daring Time) to go along with that, I’d be all kinds of 5 star read happy. Regrettably, that wasn’t the case here, so I’m giving this 3 ½ stars.
Disappointing...that’s the one word summation for how I feel about Kery’s Paradise Rules . It had the potential to be an intriguing, scorching hot erotic read, but unfortunately it just fell flat for me. I loved the exotic Waikiki, Oahu island setting and the numerous, beautifully descriptive references to the culture, locale, climate, and wildlife almost made me feel the sun on my skin, the sand beneath my toes, and the tropical breeze on my face. If only the characters had been half as captivating, perhaps I would have been more engaged with the story, but as it was, I found both the H/H rather unlikable and really didn’t care much for either of them, especially the heroine.
Jason Koa, the local Hawaiian surf god, sex stud, playboy, wealthy entrepreneur, and ex-Olympic swimmer who loves to dominate in and out of the bedroom is challenged by the icy, bitchy, aloof, controlled, and emotionally detached and distant facade of famous blues singer Lana Rodriguez when she and her friend arrive in Waikiki for vacation. He’s determined to melt her cold veneer and break through all her barriers, and of course he uses sex to establish his dominance and bend her to his will. Yes, the sex in this is frequent, potent, raw, kinky, sometimes rough and forceful (although consensual), and verrry hot because after all, Kery has some serious talent for depicting wickedly erotic, steamy sex scenes. But sadly, I didn’t feel any connection between the H/H whatsoever, and in fact, they didn’t even like each other for most of the book. They engaged in a constant emotional and sexual power struggle and manipulative tug-of-war throughout the entire story, and all I really felt that they had in common were defensive, irritating personalities, insatiable lust, and equally overactive libidos. Lana was such a frigid, wishy-washy bitch, and I frankly didn’t understand why Jason tried so damn hard to win her over. I guess he just got off on the fact that she unleashed and defied his sexual dominant streak and inner caveman. W for whatever. Also, since Lana’s backstory wasn’t exposed until the very end of the book, and even then it wasn’t really that much of a revelation or attitude justification, it did very little to appease my dislike for her character.
What seriously ramped up my frustration level is the fact that just when I was starting to think that perhaps Jason and Lana might actually have a chance together and to finally have some emotional investment in the story, it ended just like that. *finger snap!* No HEA found here, just an abrupt, lust-filled, alright for now ending that left me feeling dissatisfied.
Beth Kery’s writing, level of emotional intensity, and powerful eroticism are definitely top notch, and if only there were appealing characters to care about (like she created in Daring Time) to go along with that, I’d be all kinds of 5 star read happy. Regrettably, that wasn’t the case here, so I’m giving this 3 ½ stars.
October 11, 2009
Lana Rodriguez and her personal assistant Melanie are vacationing in Hawaii. Lana is a semi-famous blues singer who is trying to keep a low profile. She isn’t too thrilled about being in such a touristy place like Waikiki, but since Melanie needs a bit of R&R due to a nasty divorce, Lana sucks it up. Both women decide to do a little surfing and end up taking lessons at the Jason Koa Surf School. The school is run by a former Olympic medalist who has quite the reputation on the island because of his last name and his superstar status. Lana soon becomes annoyed because Jason is late for their lesson due to some tender loving care he is receiving from one of his students. Lana rips into Jason. He thinks she is cold and uptight and she thinks he is a horny loser.
These two go their separate ways even though Lana really connects with Jason. He knows she is distant for a reason and wouldn’t mind cracking that shell she has placed around herself. Lana likes to be in control of everything, even in the bedroom. Instead of picking up any man on the island, she goes through an escort service that is run by Jason’s oily cousin Po. Lana is in for a big surprise when Jason shows up at her hotel room. She is ready to throw him out but Jason won’t let her and one thing leads to another and they have mind blowing sex. Lana doesn’t know how to react to Jason and insults him. He leaves in a huff but not before he tells her that if she wants to get laid again by him, she needs to play by his rules or not at all.
Even though Lana knows that Jason is so wrong for her in every way, she can’t stay away from him because the sex between them was too good for words. She will play by his rules even if it means opening herself up to Jason in ways she has never done with a man before. Jason stretches the limits of what is acceptable for Lana and he won’t let her hide away from the secret fantasies and desires she has always longed to act out.
These two know that forever is not in the cards and the next few days they throw caution to the wind and engage in some kinky sexual acts that are titillating. But then reality comes crashing down because someone has told the press about Lana’s use of the escort service and Jason’s role in it. Both must decide if they should work together to find out the person responsible or turn away from their island paradise vacation they both want to have with one another.
Paradise Rules is a very erotic story with many intense sexual acts that may make you squirm. Jason does things to Lana that are very hot and sexy but also a bit shocking. Every act between them is a test of endurance. Jason uses his skill as a lover to break down the defenses Lana has placed around her heart, as well as her body.
The relationship between Jason and Lana is a difficult one to explain. These two do not care for one another in the beginning. Both seem so cold and a bit cruel. They both seem to dislike each other immensely and the only reason they have sex is because of this deep attraction they have for one another. Lana hurls insults at Jason while he overpowers her because of his sexual gifts.
Some readers may not find Paradise Rules to be comfortable reading. The sex scenes are well written but I just couldn’t find any connection between Jason and Lana other than each has an itch that needs to be scratched. Their personalities were just too off putting for me to believe that these two would have a happily ever after together.
Lana’s friend Melanie is a nice woman trying to find peace within herself after her husband has been so horrible to her. Jason’s cousin Po is a nasty piece of work but his other family members such as his grandmother Lily were nice to read about.
Beth Kery can sure write some scintillating stories and Paradise Rules is one of them. I enjoyed the exotic island atmosphere but felt the love story between Jason and Lana was lacking. But if you are in the mood for reading hot sex that stretched the limits with the main characters, Paradise Rules may just be the book for you.
These two go their separate ways even though Lana really connects with Jason. He knows she is distant for a reason and wouldn’t mind cracking that shell she has placed around herself. Lana likes to be in control of everything, even in the bedroom. Instead of picking up any man on the island, she goes through an escort service that is run by Jason’s oily cousin Po. Lana is in for a big surprise when Jason shows up at her hotel room. She is ready to throw him out but Jason won’t let her and one thing leads to another and they have mind blowing sex. Lana doesn’t know how to react to Jason and insults him. He leaves in a huff but not before he tells her that if she wants to get laid again by him, she needs to play by his rules or not at all.
Even though Lana knows that Jason is so wrong for her in every way, she can’t stay away from him because the sex between them was too good for words. She will play by his rules even if it means opening herself up to Jason in ways she has never done with a man before. Jason stretches the limits of what is acceptable for Lana and he won’t let her hide away from the secret fantasies and desires she has always longed to act out.
These two know that forever is not in the cards and the next few days they throw caution to the wind and engage in some kinky sexual acts that are titillating. But then reality comes crashing down because someone has told the press about Lana’s use of the escort service and Jason’s role in it. Both must decide if they should work together to find out the person responsible or turn away from their island paradise vacation they both want to have with one another.
Paradise Rules is a very erotic story with many intense sexual acts that may make you squirm. Jason does things to Lana that are very hot and sexy but also a bit shocking. Every act between them is a test of endurance. Jason uses his skill as a lover to break down the defenses Lana has placed around her heart, as well as her body.
The relationship between Jason and Lana is a difficult one to explain. These two do not care for one another in the beginning. Both seem so cold and a bit cruel. They both seem to dislike each other immensely and the only reason they have sex is because of this deep attraction they have for one another. Lana hurls insults at Jason while he overpowers her because of his sexual gifts.
Some readers may not find Paradise Rules to be comfortable reading. The sex scenes are well written but I just couldn’t find any connection between Jason and Lana other than each has an itch that needs to be scratched. Their personalities were just too off putting for me to believe that these two would have a happily ever after together.
Lana’s friend Melanie is a nice woman trying to find peace within herself after her husband has been so horrible to her. Jason’s cousin Po is a nasty piece of work but his other family members such as his grandmother Lily were nice to read about.
Beth Kery can sure write some scintillating stories and Paradise Rules is one of them. I enjoyed the exotic island atmosphere but felt the love story between Jason and Lana was lacking. But if you are in the mood for reading hot sex that stretched the limits with the main characters, Paradise Rules may just be the book for you.
October 29, 2009
There is a reason why Beth Kery books get “auto-buy/rush to the store/hound my local bookseller” treatment. Her erotic romance books are first-rate, expertly crafted with the right amount of character development, chemistry and emotion turmoil to make you care and boiling hot sex scenes to make you squirm. Wicked Burn has always been my favorite Beth Kery book, and really just one of my all time favorites, PERIOD. But Paradise Rules’ story of Jason Koa and Lana Rodriquez was just as good and now I’m a bit confused as to which is my favorite. Paradise Rules lived up to every expectation that the book summary promised, especially Jason being a beautiful, exotic dominant lover.
Successful Blues singer Lana Rodriquez has absolutely no desire to be in Waikiki, but she’s helping a good friend cope with a nasty divorce/custody battle with a girlfriend getaway. The nasty scars Lana has lived with through most of her adult life are tied to the island, and she copes by sweeping her Hawaiian heritage under the rug and putting defenses up when it comes to men. The touristy glitz of Oahu irks Lana. Jason Koa on the other hand, revels in it.
Jason is the winner of several gold Olympic medals in swimming, extremely comfortable in his own skin (*swims naked in the ocean near his yacht DAILY*) a smart businessman, a charismatic owner of the hot spot restaurant “Jace’s” and heir to part of the Koa family fortune – the most power family in Oahu. Unlike Lana, he is extremely proud of his Hawaiian ancestry and thinks there’s no better place to be than the island.
As you can probably guess, Lana and Jason do NOT hit it off, especially when she catches him in a compromising position while he’s suppose to be giving her and her girlfriend surf lessons. Jason’s been a fan of Lana’s beautiful voice for years, and he’s so disappointed at the woman behind the music. But the sparks fly anyway and their attraction can’t denied. Jason uses trickery to bed Lana the first time *very funny & completly unexpected turn of events I won't spoil*– but one night with Lana is simply not enough. Jason’s the perfect dominant lover to break down Lana’s sexual/emotional walls, but not without a lot of delicious tension/angst. Lana was so unlike an heroine I’ve previously read. She would absolutely melt under Jason’s touch, submit and give in to her desire for him…but then turn around and treat him in a cold, business-like manner 2 seconds later…like he didn’t just totally f*** her breasts and make her scream many times over. Lana’s flip flopping gave the story a real unpredictable edge that I just soaked up! And seeing Jason’s reactions…to quote a Beth Kery fan I met this weekend, “I just fell madly in love with Jason.” Well, I did, too! The sex was so emotionally charged - and that’s the perfect kind of erotic romance for me. Otherwise, why bother? And Jason is so ravenous for her, and she for him. He slips up a few times, safety wise, because he can’t control himself *deep sigh/fans myself* Much of Jason and Lana’s time together was on or near his yacht, but it seemed like everything was utilized and there was nice variety – bedroom/deck bench/ladder/ocean/secluded lagoons…just to name a few.
Also appreciated Paradise Rules’ unexpected plot twists. Jason has enemies on the island seeking a piece of the Koa estate, and the manner in which they strike caught me off guard. I also loved the vivid descriptions of Oahu – It’s been 3 years since my visit, but Beth Kery truly made me feel like I was there again. I laughed, gasped, screamed and squirmed. The extremely sexy scenes coupled with emotion that yanked at my heart strings– Paradise Rules was amazing and without a doubt a re-read for me.
Successful Blues singer Lana Rodriquez has absolutely no desire to be in Waikiki, but she’s helping a good friend cope with a nasty divorce/custody battle with a girlfriend getaway. The nasty scars Lana has lived with through most of her adult life are tied to the island, and she copes by sweeping her Hawaiian heritage under the rug and putting defenses up when it comes to men. The touristy glitz of Oahu irks Lana. Jason Koa on the other hand, revels in it.
Jason is the winner of several gold Olympic medals in swimming, extremely comfortable in his own skin (*swims naked in the ocean near his yacht DAILY*) a smart businessman, a charismatic owner of the hot spot restaurant “Jace’s” and heir to part of the Koa family fortune – the most power family in Oahu. Unlike Lana, he is extremely proud of his Hawaiian ancestry and thinks there’s no better place to be than the island.
As you can probably guess, Lana and Jason do NOT hit it off, especially when she catches him in a compromising position while he’s suppose to be giving her and her girlfriend surf lessons. Jason’s been a fan of Lana’s beautiful voice for years, and he’s so disappointed at the woman behind the music. But the sparks fly anyway and their attraction can’t denied. Jason uses trickery to bed Lana the first time *very funny & completly unexpected turn of events I won't spoil*– but one night with Lana is simply not enough. Jason’s the perfect dominant lover to break down Lana’s sexual/emotional walls, but not without a lot of delicious tension/angst. Lana was so unlike an heroine I’ve previously read. She would absolutely melt under Jason’s touch, submit and give in to her desire for him…but then turn around and treat him in a cold, business-like manner 2 seconds later…like he didn’t just totally f*** her breasts and make her scream many times over. Lana’s flip flopping gave the story a real unpredictable edge that I just soaked up! And seeing Jason’s reactions…to quote a Beth Kery fan I met this weekend, “I just fell madly in love with Jason.” Well, I did, too! The sex was so emotionally charged - and that’s the perfect kind of erotic romance for me. Otherwise, why bother? And Jason is so ravenous for her, and she for him. He slips up a few times, safety wise, because he can’t control himself *deep sigh/fans myself* Much of Jason and Lana’s time together was on or near his yacht, but it seemed like everything was utilized and there was nice variety – bedroom/deck bench/ladder/ocean/secluded lagoons…just to name a few.
Also appreciated Paradise Rules’ unexpected plot twists. Jason has enemies on the island seeking a piece of the Koa estate, and the manner in which they strike caught me off guard. I also loved the vivid descriptions of Oahu – It’s been 3 years since my visit, but Beth Kery truly made me feel like I was there again. I laughed, gasped, screamed and squirmed. The extremely sexy scenes coupled with emotion that yanked at my heart strings– Paradise Rules was amazing and without a doubt a re-read for me.
August 6, 2011
Wasn't very good. Definitely does not measure up to Kery's other reads that I enjoyed:
Wicked Burn
and
Release
. While her standard sizzling chemistry is still there, none of the other things that I've liked in her books were present: well-defined and (mostly) likable hero and heroine, strong relationship development, good emotional and personality chemistry (in addition to the always physical), and interesting subplot.
Explosive
, another Kery book, at least had that last.
Surprisingly, if I had to choose something I liked it would be the heroine. Normally Lana is the type of heroine whom I dislike, but I thought Kery did a very good job of showing us her cold, strong exterior while letting us into all of the inner vulnerability and uncertainty she feels. To me as a reader, she never felt like a cold-hearted bitch because her emotions are so clearly shown to us. I liked her verbal interactions with Jason and how he tried to break down her barriers and defenses, and she slowly increasingly let him.
I got a little sick of (read: a whole hell of a lot) hearing over and over and over again about how hot Jason was, and how in love Lana was with his body, and his beautiful bronzed skin, and his hunky muscles, and etc.
Surprisingly, if I had to choose something I liked it would be the heroine. Normally Lana is the type of heroine whom I dislike, but I thought Kery did a very good job of showing us her cold, strong exterior while letting us into all of the inner vulnerability and uncertainty she feels. To me as a reader, she never felt like a cold-hearted bitch because her emotions are so clearly shown to us. I liked her verbal interactions with Jason and how he tried to break down her barriers and defenses, and she slowly increasingly let him.
I got a little sick of (read: a whole hell of a lot) hearing over and over and over again about how hot Jason was, and how in love Lana was with his body, and his beautiful bronzed skin, and his hunky muscles, and etc.
December 31, 2009
Lana Rodriguez is a popular singer with a smoky voice and a childhood she's done her best to forget. When her assistant, Melanie, needs a holiday to escape her ex-husband's nasty divorce tactics, she agrees to go with her to Hawaii - the one place she never wanted to return to. As reserved and cold as she seems, Lana's eye is caught by the uber-attractive Jason Koa, a surfing coach and owner of a popular beachside restaurant.
Jason is part of a large family headed by Grandmother Lilly. Once an Olympic swimmer, he now lives on a boathouse, swims and surfs as much as he can, and manages his grandmother's books. He's also a fan of Lana's music, and when the opportunity arises, he arranges with his cousin Po to be her escort for a night.
One night isn't enough however. Jason wants more of Lana, wants to break down her icy facade and mean more to her than just sex. Luckily for him, Lana wants more too. Getting her to promise to spend an entire night and a day with him on his houseboat is as far ahead as he can think, but just when Lana decides to risk everything to be with Jason longer, their steamy, dreamy, passionate world comes tumbling down.
Beth Kery writes great sex. I mean that in both senses of the word: stylistically, and narratively. That is: good prose, good description. If there's one thing you can always count on, it's steamy, steamy sex. And let's be completely clear here: this is erotic romance. That is an actual sub-genre of Romance. A romance novel might have two or three actual sex scenes in it, but focuses mostly on anticipation and the build-up of sexual tension. There's some of that here, but erotic romance doesn't waste time (unless it's a boring one).
The thing about the sex in these books is that it's used to explore the characters' psyches, their strengths and flaws, their compatibility, their issues, their connection. This is the third way in which Beth Kery writes great sex. Without it, the whole novel would fall apart.
There were aspects of both Lana and Jason that I liked, and little things that bugged me. I don't care for heroines who get too stubborn and difficult, mostly because they're way too common. Lana had a bit of that here and there, and I'd like to see a different approach to the character-with-troubled-past-she-wants-to-hide-from. Granted, you'd have to find some other way to create conflict and resistance - the whole point of Romance books, anyway, is to find a way for the characters to resist each other, often needlessly. Hence the sexual tension. Hence why I can't read too many Romance novels, too close together.
The saving grace here is that Lana and Jason have an edge, and also that they desire each other and it's not the sex that they're resisting, but anything more permanent, more committed, more open and trusting. Or, at least, she is. I like a man (in the Romance novel sense), who isn't afraid to go after the woman he wants. I think this is why I like erotic romance so much: you tend to get decisive men and electric, passionate scenes. The emotional side builds more gradually.
Jason was a little too perfect, though. I know I had that complaint about the hero in Sweet Restraint, and maybe the characters' personalities are a little too similar, but for some reason I liked Jason. I did have to laugh at the bit about him winning 8 Gold medals at the Sydney Olympics - trying to steal the limelight away from the real golden boy of the pool that year, Ian "Thorpedo" Thorpe? Not gonna happen! (There was a little dig about Aussie surfers towards the end too - have to say, I don't even know the names of any of our surfers, but it still pricks my sense of national pride! And people say we aren't patriotic ... Maybe not, but we are loyal! And our sports people are our national heroes...)
The story of Lana's childhood was sad, but handled gently and subtly - no emotion-wringing heavy-handedness here! The setting was beautifully recreated - the closest I've come in real life is a pit stop at Honolulu airport where I had to sign away all my rights to America (not a nice feeling I can tell you!) while George W Bush grinned inanely down at me from a horrible gilded portrait on the wall; but in that brief stop-over I did get a sense of the quality of the air: humid, hot and sticky, with a different taste from any other humidity I've experienced, and a distinct feeling of being somewhere else. The tropical beauty of the islands - and their dangers - were simply but effectively rendered here, and even though it felt a bit weird reading it while huddled in my warm clothes with the fireplace going and the temperature outside at -20, it did transport me to Honolulu and make me want to visit the place (first time I've ever felt the inclination).
And did I mention that Beth Kery writes great sex?
My thanks to Beth Kery for a copy of the book.
Jason is part of a large family headed by Grandmother Lilly. Once an Olympic swimmer, he now lives on a boathouse, swims and surfs as much as he can, and manages his grandmother's books. He's also a fan of Lana's music, and when the opportunity arises, he arranges with his cousin Po to be her escort for a night.
One night isn't enough however. Jason wants more of Lana, wants to break down her icy facade and mean more to her than just sex. Luckily for him, Lana wants more too. Getting her to promise to spend an entire night and a day with him on his houseboat is as far ahead as he can think, but just when Lana decides to risk everything to be with Jason longer, their steamy, dreamy, passionate world comes tumbling down.
Beth Kery writes great sex. I mean that in both senses of the word: stylistically, and narratively. That is: good prose, good description. If there's one thing you can always count on, it's steamy, steamy sex. And let's be completely clear here: this is erotic romance. That is an actual sub-genre of Romance. A romance novel might have two or three actual sex scenes in it, but focuses mostly on anticipation and the build-up of sexual tension. There's some of that here, but erotic romance doesn't waste time (unless it's a boring one).
The thing about the sex in these books is that it's used to explore the characters' psyches, their strengths and flaws, their compatibility, their issues, their connection. This is the third way in which Beth Kery writes great sex. Without it, the whole novel would fall apart.
There were aspects of both Lana and Jason that I liked, and little things that bugged me. I don't care for heroines who get too stubborn and difficult, mostly because they're way too common. Lana had a bit of that here and there, and I'd like to see a different approach to the character-with-troubled-past-she-wants-to-hide-from. Granted, you'd have to find some other way to create conflict and resistance - the whole point of Romance books, anyway, is to find a way for the characters to resist each other, often needlessly. Hence the sexual tension. Hence why I can't read too many Romance novels, too close together.
The saving grace here is that Lana and Jason have an edge, and also that they desire each other and it's not the sex that they're resisting, but anything more permanent, more committed, more open and trusting. Or, at least, she is. I like a man (in the Romance novel sense), who isn't afraid to go after the woman he wants. I think this is why I like erotic romance so much: you tend to get decisive men and electric, passionate scenes. The emotional side builds more gradually.
Jason was a little too perfect, though. I know I had that complaint about the hero in Sweet Restraint, and maybe the characters' personalities are a little too similar, but for some reason I liked Jason. I did have to laugh at the bit about him winning 8 Gold medals at the Sydney Olympics - trying to steal the limelight away from the real golden boy of the pool that year, Ian "Thorpedo" Thorpe? Not gonna happen! (There was a little dig about Aussie surfers towards the end too - have to say, I don't even know the names of any of our surfers, but it still pricks my sense of national pride! And people say we aren't patriotic ... Maybe not, but we are loyal! And our sports people are our national heroes...)
The story of Lana's childhood was sad, but handled gently and subtly - no emotion-wringing heavy-handedness here! The setting was beautifully recreated - the closest I've come in real life is a pit stop at Honolulu airport where I had to sign away all my rights to America (not a nice feeling I can tell you!) while George W Bush grinned inanely down at me from a horrible gilded portrait on the wall; but in that brief stop-over I did get a sense of the quality of the air: humid, hot and sticky, with a different taste from any other humidity I've experienced, and a distinct feeling of being somewhere else. The tropical beauty of the islands - and their dangers - were simply but effectively rendered here, and even though it felt a bit weird reading it while huddled in my warm clothes with the fireplace going and the temperature outside at -20, it did transport me to Honolulu and make me want to visit the place (first time I've ever felt the inclination).
And did I mention that Beth Kery writes great sex?
My thanks to Beth Kery for a copy of the book.
February 16, 2012
As reviewed for Readourlipsblog.blogspot.com
Woohoo! This book has A LOT of sex! Coming from me, that’s saying something! It’s the kind of book that you can not only polish your pearl to, you can polish a string of pearls to. But wait! I’m getting ahead of myself. I was just so excited. Ok, deep breath. *fans herself*
We start the book by meeting Lana Rodriguez. New Yorker, Blues Singer, damaged by childhood, Queen Bitch when she wants to be, Lana. She and her best friend and personal assistant, go to Hawaii to help Melanie get over a difficult divorce and custody battle. When the BFF’s go for surf lessons and we get to meet Jason Koa. Olympic Swimmer, Surf Champion, Entrepreneur, heir to quite a fortune, Jason.
From the beginning, Lana and Jason have a volatile relationship. Sparks fly in every way imaginable. At their first meeting, Jason is late for the surf lesson that he’s supposed to be instructing and when Lana goes to find him, she finds him in la flagrante delicto with a curvy blonde. That doesn’t stop her from giving him a piece of her mind, with the blonde’s hand still down his pants. Lana’s got moxy, and then some.
Eventually, these two get to release some of that explosive energy between the sheets. Or should I say up against a dresser. Later, when Lana seeks out Jason for another go-round, he agrees with conditions. He gets her for 24 hours. His rules. On his house boat (which is really a floating pleasure palace, let’s just call it what it is). Lana agrees, but she has tried and true defense mechanisms that give Jason a run for his money.
Once they get to the boat, we learn that Jason is a true sexual dominant, but not in the traditional sense. He doesn’t wear leathers, or make her call him “Master”, but he does do just about everything else. This man should teach a workshop on creative sex. I’d say they only have conventional ‘insert Tab A into slot B’ about 30% of the time. The rest of the time, we get to see backdoor play or fleshy pocket lovin’ or some sweet kisses in all the pink spots. It is positively combustible.
There are trials and tribulations in the path of these two lovebirds, like a sex scandal, Lana’s painful childhood and Jason’s inability to dial it back a notch sometimes when it comes to Lana. Which is a recipe for a really sexy, sophisticated read. I would definitely recommend this book.
What I loved about Paradise Rules:
1 - Lana challenges Jason in a way he’s never been before. Sexually and otherwise. The reader reaps the benefit.
2 - Jason has two toy drawers. And he opens them often.
3 - I could really feel that paradise that is Hawaii. The author did the natural beauty justice.
4 - Jason helps Lana overcome a longtime fear.
5 - The ‘I can’t wait another minute to be inside you’ sex.
6 - Jason’s boat. I wanna go!
7 - The peripheral characters. Lily, Harold, Melanie, Manuel, lil’ Lil and Kelly. I hope the author plans a sequel. She did too good a job describing all of these people for me not to care about them.
8 - The scene where Jason drowns Lana in leis. It is decadent and sumptuous. It’s going on my ‘Scenes I’d like to re-create’ list!
9 - I now have the knowledge that a boat’s ladder can be used in many creative ways.
10- The romantic side of Jason.
11- It was just so hot! Sex, sex and more sex!
What I didn’t like about Paradise Rules:
1 - I was upset that there were times when safe sex wasn’t practiced. Especially since the first time Lana meets Jason, he’s getting it on with someone else. Usually, it wouldn’t bother me, but just that circumstance made it oogey.
Woohoo! This book has A LOT of sex! Coming from me, that’s saying something! It’s the kind of book that you can not only polish your pearl to, you can polish a string of pearls to. But wait! I’m getting ahead of myself. I was just so excited. Ok, deep breath. *fans herself*
We start the book by meeting Lana Rodriguez. New Yorker, Blues Singer, damaged by childhood, Queen Bitch when she wants to be, Lana. She and her best friend and personal assistant, go to Hawaii to help Melanie get over a difficult divorce and custody battle. When the BFF’s go for surf lessons and we get to meet Jason Koa. Olympic Swimmer, Surf Champion, Entrepreneur, heir to quite a fortune, Jason.
From the beginning, Lana and Jason have a volatile relationship. Sparks fly in every way imaginable. At their first meeting, Jason is late for the surf lesson that he’s supposed to be instructing and when Lana goes to find him, she finds him in la flagrante delicto with a curvy blonde. That doesn’t stop her from giving him a piece of her mind, with the blonde’s hand still down his pants. Lana’s got moxy, and then some.
Eventually, these two get to release some of that explosive energy between the sheets. Or should I say up against a dresser. Later, when Lana seeks out Jason for another go-round, he agrees with conditions. He gets her for 24 hours. His rules. On his house boat (which is really a floating pleasure palace, let’s just call it what it is). Lana agrees, but she has tried and true defense mechanisms that give Jason a run for his money.
Once they get to the boat, we learn that Jason is a true sexual dominant, but not in the traditional sense. He doesn’t wear leathers, or make her call him “Master”, but he does do just about everything else. This man should teach a workshop on creative sex. I’d say they only have conventional ‘insert Tab A into slot B’ about 30% of the time. The rest of the time, we get to see backdoor play or fleshy pocket lovin’ or some sweet kisses in all the pink spots. It is positively combustible.
There are trials and tribulations in the path of these two lovebirds, like a sex scandal, Lana’s painful childhood and Jason’s inability to dial it back a notch sometimes when it comes to Lana. Which is a recipe for a really sexy, sophisticated read. I would definitely recommend this book.
What I loved about Paradise Rules:
1 - Lana challenges Jason in a way he’s never been before. Sexually and otherwise. The reader reaps the benefit.
2 - Jason has two toy drawers. And he opens them often.
3 - I could really feel that paradise that is Hawaii. The author did the natural beauty justice.
4 - Jason helps Lana overcome a longtime fear.
5 - The ‘I can’t wait another minute to be inside you’ sex.
6 - Jason’s boat. I wanna go!
7 - The peripheral characters. Lily, Harold, Melanie, Manuel, lil’ Lil and Kelly. I hope the author plans a sequel. She did too good a job describing all of these people for me not to care about them.
8 - The scene where Jason drowns Lana in leis. It is decadent and sumptuous. It’s going on my ‘Scenes I’d like to re-create’ list!
9 - I now have the knowledge that a boat’s ladder can be used in many creative ways.
10- The romantic side of Jason.
11- It was just so hot! Sex, sex and more sex!
What I didn’t like about Paradise Rules:
1 - I was upset that there were times when safe sex wasn’t practiced. Especially since the first time Lana meets Jason, he’s getting it on with someone else. Usually, it wouldn’t bother me, but just that circumstance made it oogey.
October 6, 2009
Paradise Rules by Beth Kery
Contemporary Romance- Oct. 6th, 2009
4 stars
Paradise Rules demonstrates why Beth Kery is an author to watch out for! In her latest installment, she explores the journey of her heroine’s transformation, one that includes some very erotic scenes that kept me glued to the pages!
Lana Rodriguez has issues. When you are popular and famous people try to take advantage of you and she has had to learn the hard and painful way to protect herself and her own. When her friend Melanie is devastated by a nasty divorce Lara decides to drag her with her to Hawaii for a vacation. Once there they both decide to take surfing lesson with Jason Koa. A beautiful if arrogant playboy that annoys Lana. The tension between the 2 is powerful. But Lana and Jason’s mutual dislike overlays an intense attraction. When Lana decides to boost her friend’s spirits and have a girls night out she decides to call an escort service for her friend and herself. But when she opens her door she is surprised to find Jason ready to service ALL her needs! She is helpless to stop her addiction to his charms but Jason says they can only continue their affair if she agrees to ‘his’ rules.
Jason wants Lara and when he hears that his cousin’s escort service latest contract is to find Lana a man, he decides to volunteer himself! As Jason pushes Lara, a woman who is used to control, he doesn’t realize the powder keg he has opened. Jason is very dominant and protective. Seeing Lana’s true vulnerability breaks something inside him. He wants to be the one she turns to, the one to comfort her. But her painful past prevents her from being impulsive or spontaneous. And when the tabloid releases a scandal concerning their ‘escorted’ relationship they face hard decisions. Is this new relationship something worth holding onto?
Beth Kery excels at hot and sensual scenes. At first I found Lana’s character abrasive and Jason’s arrogance a bit of a turn off. But as the author slowly built the tension and reveals the vulnerability in her characters I could not stop the pull I felt for the 2! Lana’s childhood is scarred and I wondered if she could see through er past of pain. Lana is an intensely private person and she feels comfortable that way. And Jason’s very dominant and forceful appearance in her life makes big changes for her. Lana questions her motto to keep men out of her life, but having Jason around makes her feel sooo good. Should she take a chance with Jason? Taking risk with her emotions is difficult for her. She must confront her demons and let a man be there for her when no man has before.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the 2 characters, especially Lana’s transformation. They were a well matched pair that were wonderful together.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Contemporary Romance- Oct. 6th, 2009
4 stars
Paradise Rules demonstrates why Beth Kery is an author to watch out for! In her latest installment, she explores the journey of her heroine’s transformation, one that includes some very erotic scenes that kept me glued to the pages!
Lana Rodriguez has issues. When you are popular and famous people try to take advantage of you and she has had to learn the hard and painful way to protect herself and her own. When her friend Melanie is devastated by a nasty divorce Lara decides to drag her with her to Hawaii for a vacation. Once there they both decide to take surfing lesson with Jason Koa. A beautiful if arrogant playboy that annoys Lana. The tension between the 2 is powerful. But Lana and Jason’s mutual dislike overlays an intense attraction. When Lana decides to boost her friend’s spirits and have a girls night out she decides to call an escort service for her friend and herself. But when she opens her door she is surprised to find Jason ready to service ALL her needs! She is helpless to stop her addiction to his charms but Jason says they can only continue their affair if she agrees to ‘his’ rules.
Jason wants Lara and when he hears that his cousin’s escort service latest contract is to find Lana a man, he decides to volunteer himself! As Jason pushes Lara, a woman who is used to control, he doesn’t realize the powder keg he has opened. Jason is very dominant and protective. Seeing Lana’s true vulnerability breaks something inside him. He wants to be the one she turns to, the one to comfort her. But her painful past prevents her from being impulsive or spontaneous. And when the tabloid releases a scandal concerning their ‘escorted’ relationship they face hard decisions. Is this new relationship something worth holding onto?
Beth Kery excels at hot and sensual scenes. At first I found Lana’s character abrasive and Jason’s arrogance a bit of a turn off. But as the author slowly built the tension and reveals the vulnerability in her characters I could not stop the pull I felt for the 2! Lana’s childhood is scarred and I wondered if she could see through er past of pain. Lana is an intensely private person and she feels comfortable that way. And Jason’s very dominant and forceful appearance in her life makes big changes for her. Lana questions her motto to keep men out of her life, but having Jason around makes her feel sooo good. Should she take a chance with Jason? Taking risk with her emotions is difficult for her. She must confront her demons and let a man be there for her when no man has before.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the 2 characters, especially Lana’s transformation. They were a well matched pair that were wonderful together.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
June 17, 2011
The story just took off for me and I loved it! Lana is a famous jazz/blues singer who is bringing her good friend and assistant, Melanie, on a vacation to help Melanie get over a bad divorce she is going through. Melanie chooses Oahu, which has lots of bad memories for Lana, definitely some bad history that has screwed her up. They first run into Jason, the "it man" of the island, when they sign up to take a surf lesson- he is late for their lesson. He is getting a "hands on lesson" in the back room from a blonde beach bunny. Lana full of attitude already, joins them to give Jason a few choice words and the hostility between them is instantly fierce and charged. They want nothing to do with each other and so the story goes. Jason is amazing! He is so charismatic, such a pillar of strength for his family, which they are sort of like the Kennedy's of Hawaii, and very much an alpha/ take charge when it comes to Lana. I liked Lana, but she did have a lot of baggage and attitude to over come.
Like other Beth Kerry books I have read she knows how to burn up the pages, but has she ever heard of "too much of a good thing"- and yes all the scenes are phenomenal, but I couldn't take anymore and was skimming them towards the end. (maybe I will go back later to get the details- you all know what I mean) Even though I loved the book, the reason it didn't "amaze me" for 5 stars was because the ending missed the mark for me, unanswered questions or they were just skimmed over. Since the build up was all about the connection to Hawaii, tortured past and her father it wasn't given the pages needed to give that fulfilling ending I was craving (maybe she could have skipped one of those toe curling sex scenes to give it a little more closure- just a thought). Definitely enjoyed the book, Beth Kery as a writer has a good formula for me; intense chemistry, usually some jealousy with third party just to tease, good creative story, and hot love scenes.
November 23, 2009
For an erotic book, I really liked it. The story did not really start until after the half way mark. Was it a fantastic story? No. I beleive the sex scenes are what made this book for me. Also the location in the book adds to the overal read. In my opinion, do not pick this book up until your in the mood for a HOT read with a small amount of story.
May 9, 2016
Eh is was a good read. I would have given it 5 stars on the heated scences alone! However Lana was such a whack job...I mean she was too angry..and not in a good way or for really a good reason. The one thing I did like is Beth did no the make them head over hills in love even by the end. Of course I loves Jason! Decen read to pa as a quiet Sunday afternoon.
July 23, 2009
I can never warm up to BK's heros. They always come across as total jerks. Jason's dominating attitude became old really fast.
Want to read
September 20, 2023R͎e͎a͎d͎ ͎d͎a͎t͎e͎:͎
R͎a͎t͎i͎n͎g͎:͎
O͎w͎n͎e͎d͎ ͎s͎i͎n͎c͎e͎: September 19th 2023
P͎u͎r͎c͎h͎a͎s͎e͎d͎ ͎a͎t͎:͎ Goodwill
P͎r͎i͎c͎e͎:?? 99¢
R͎a͎t͎i͎n͎g͎:͎
O͎w͎n͎e͎d͎ ͎s͎i͎n͎c͎e͎: September 19th 2023
P͎u͎r͎c͎h͎a͎s͎e͎d͎ ͎a͎t͎:͎ Goodwill
P͎r͎i͎c͎e͎:?? 99¢
January 22, 2013
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time and the price tag on Amazon always deterred me from buying it. I finally caved and got it last night. I'm not disappointed that I bought it, because it IS hot and the descriptions of this Hawaiian paradise and what Jason and Lana do in it give "sex on the beach" a whole new meaning. I thought the plot was really fantastic. Hawaiian local royalty/businessman/former surfing champion meets former secret Hawaiian native turned blues/jazz star whose music he has had a thing for and starts a hotter than habanero peppers fling with. All of the twists and turns in the plot made this story extremely interesting...and really added to the character development of the book. And oh my, did I mention the description of the setting? I really need to go to Hawaii on a trip or something. :)
Why I did not give this book four stars:
Why I did not give this book four stars:
September 27, 2010
Above average for some great, hot sex scenes with a dominating guy, but the story conflicts could have been better.
STORY BRIEF:
Jace is 35. He is a former Olympic gold medalist in swimming. He owns a restaurant and surfing school in Hawaii. He’s a hot hunk. Lana is a famous blues singer. She hates Hawaii because she had some troubling times there as a child. She reluctantly comes to Hawaii with her friend Melanie. Melanie is going through a rough divorce and wanted this vacation. Lana calls an escort agency to hire a guy for each of them for the night. Jace learns about this from his brother Po who owns the escort agency. Jace talks Po into letting him go to Lana as her escort.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story was a little weird due to Lana’s bitchy, cold and withdrawn personality, but overall a decent story. Jace gets mad at Lana more than once saying she’s just using him as a temporary hot vacation fling, planning to forget about him when she leaves. They have some great, hot sex, but then they fight for the reasons mentioned. They are cold and a bit cruel to each other. The reasons for conflict weren’t as interesting as I would have liked, but the background stories and side stories were pretty good. Sex scenes include toys, bondage and rear door activity.
DATA:
Story length: 326 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 12. Total number of sex scene pages: around 93. Setting: current day Hawaii. Copyright: 2009. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Beth Kery books, see my 4 ½ star review of Release posted 2-7-10.
STORY BRIEF:
Jace is 35. He is a former Olympic gold medalist in swimming. He owns a restaurant and surfing school in Hawaii. He’s a hot hunk. Lana is a famous blues singer. She hates Hawaii because she had some troubling times there as a child. She reluctantly comes to Hawaii with her friend Melanie. Melanie is going through a rough divorce and wanted this vacation. Lana calls an escort agency to hire a guy for each of them for the night. Jace learns about this from his brother Po who owns the escort agency. Jace talks Po into letting him go to Lana as her escort.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
The story was a little weird due to Lana’s bitchy, cold and withdrawn personality, but overall a decent story. Jace gets mad at Lana more than once saying she’s just using him as a temporary hot vacation fling, planning to forget about him when she leaves. They have some great, hot sex, but then they fight for the reasons mentioned. They are cold and a bit cruel to each other. The reasons for conflict weren’t as interesting as I would have liked, but the background stories and side stories were pretty good. Sex scenes include toys, bondage and rear door activity.
DATA:
Story length: 326 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 12. Total number of sex scene pages: around 93. Setting: current day Hawaii. Copyright: 2009. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other Beth Kery books, see my 4 ½ star review of Release posted 2-7-10.
October 28, 2013
Maybe 3.5 stars, probably closer to 3.
I usually really really enjoy Beth Kery's books. It probably means I was harsher on rating this book then I would have been had it been a new to me author. But I guess I expect more from this author.
Where she is usually spot on when it comes to balancing character development, the development of romantic connection, other sub plot lines and sex in a book, Kery really failed here. I hate to say it, but there was just too much sex in this one. It was hot, it was enjoyable but it completely over powered the rest of the book. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this book but it didn't suck me in. I didn't become invested in the characters, I didn't feel the need to rush through to the ending, and I kind of got bored at times. It was somewhat closer to watching porn than it was to enjoying a romantic novel with a bit of steam.
The ending was also very open ended, and it might be particular of me but I like a little more closure than we were seem to be given at the end of this book.
I usually really really enjoy Beth Kery's books. It probably means I was harsher on rating this book then I would have been had it been a new to me author. But I guess I expect more from this author.
Where she is usually spot on when it comes to balancing character development, the development of romantic connection, other sub plot lines and sex in a book, Kery really failed here. I hate to say it, but there was just too much sex in this one. It was hot, it was enjoyable but it completely over powered the rest of the book. It doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this book but it didn't suck me in. I didn't become invested in the characters, I didn't feel the need to rush through to the ending, and I kind of got bored at times. It was somewhat closer to watching porn than it was to enjoying a romantic novel with a bit of steam.
The ending was also very open ended, and it might be particular of me but I like a little more closure than we were seem to be given at the end of this book.
January 21, 2011
I really liked Lana here but then I do like the tough, cold heroines. I also liked Jason but I felt that we didn't really get as good a grasp of his character. On the other hand, the story is very much Lana's and how she confronts the demons of her past. I do kind of wish the sex scenes weren't always all about Jason dominating Lana. I get that it was part of his trying to break down her really impressive walls but I would have liked maybe a little evenness in that exchange.
February 20, 2013
Lotsta folks think Lana is a bitch. I like Lana. A woman raised by a jackass alcoholic father who used her gifts to make a living finds herself on her own in a male-dominated business. Shields become necessary. Jason Koa is HOT. The man is a master of the bedroom rodeo. And the beach rodeo. And the boat rodeo. Just sayin.
The ending was abrupt and an epilogue would've been well-received.
The ending was abrupt and an epilogue would've been well-received.
December 12, 2009
Well, Beth, you were right about me and this book LOL!
Am I glad I read it? Definitely, yes.
Did I enjoy the wonderful steamy relationship? Definitely, yes.
Did I miss the I Love You's at the end? Definitely, yes.
Would you consider an epilogue, please?!?!
Am I glad I read it? Definitely, yes.
Did I enjoy the wonderful steamy relationship? Definitely, yes.
Did I miss the I Love You's at the end? Definitely, yes.
Would you consider an epilogue, please?!?!
December 24, 2009
Full of hotness in the sex department. But also very well-written, which is always a plus.
May 13, 2013
It was good but then I found the ending rushed...to me their story is unfinished...the ending of this book should of been the beginning of their relationship....
June 4, 2020
This was really good but the typos...
June 14, 2018
Fast, sexy and stimulating read. Interesting charismatic characters, sultry setting.
That said, the novel felt jam packed, as if it could perhaps have stretched out further. It’s focus on the sex scenes is what it is. A sexy read, emotionally packed, for a quick naughty indulgence.
That said, the novel felt jam packed, as if it could perhaps have stretched out further. It’s focus on the sex scenes is what it is. A sexy read, emotionally packed, for a quick naughty indulgence.
May 23, 2021
Could not put the book down. Well written. We all need a paradise that we can escape to and be real. As well as find out things from our tragic pasta.
library
July 30, 20210
Read
January 27, 2022 I’ld like to order some sex on the beach. This book had me blushing a deep shade of crimson. The book is hotter than a summer day in Hawaii, where the story happens takes place.
June 15, 2023
Wish it didn't end
July 29, 2013
‘Ello, ello, ello, what a bunch of naughty treacles you ladies are. Erotic romance, you have been keeping this from us men, and you tell us off if we go for one of those top shelf magazines that has erotic stories in it. After reading Beth Kery’s Paradise Rules I believe that this book should also be on the top shelf next to said magazines. At times I was blushing like a vicar at an Ann Summer’s party!
There is a story in Paradise Rules – honest. Our two main protagonists Jason Koa known as Jace and Lana Rodriguez go through a mixture of emotions and feelings for each other that proves that Paradise Rules at the end of the book.
Jace is a successful former Olympic swimmer, a member of the large Koa clan, successful businessman and all round Adonis, Lana is famous recording artist, beautiful, strong willed who doesn’t allow anyone to get close to her. Sex is something that they both can have easily with the opposite sex with no strings attached and remain in control of their lives.
Lana hates Hawaii always had and the reasons why are uncovered as you work through the book which brings a deeper understand of her as a strong female character. Lana has come to Hawaii with her personal assistant Melanie who is going through a messy divorce as a means of getting away from it all.
They first meet when Jace has been booked to give Lana and Melanie a surf boarding lesson, but their introduction is not the best. As she interrupts him having a happy hump with some blonde that has chased him down.
From there an intense relationship builds around a meeting Jace at his restaurant and through Hawaiian Nights and it is this that will eventually blow up and bring us the happy ending at the end of the book. There are copious amounts of sex around the pages any normal man can only ever dream of and most women know only an Adonis can supply.
Lana and Jace spend more time together on his houseboat and his private beach and lagoon, having more sex than a normal man can cope with and not even being nagged once and he hits the right spot every time. In real life no man can hit the right spot without being aided by a young lady making pointed observations about his inability to be romantic and spontaneous!
I could go on about the story in this book but it would stop you reading Paradise Rules as there is a story with the sex. While some of the language about the sex looks like it has been stolen from a teenagers instant messenger chats do not let that put you off. As you will miss how Jace is able to break down Lana’s hard exterior that she uses for protection and gets her to face down her demons.
Though you might want to kill Po Koa he is an integral part of the story as how Jace finally wins the trust of Lana and is able to make her feel part of Hawaii. But it takes time & a lot of energetic work on Jason’s behalf to break Lana down but that he does and like all romances they live happily ever after...
I would certainly recommend this book as one to read and take on holiday with you as it is a wonderful way to escape from the real frustrations of life. This is where all the men are gods rather than short fat bald and skint, while the women are things of all our dreams. The language leaves nothing to the imagination so be prepared but not shocked, and enjoy Paradise Rules.
There is a story in Paradise Rules – honest. Our two main protagonists Jason Koa known as Jace and Lana Rodriguez go through a mixture of emotions and feelings for each other that proves that Paradise Rules at the end of the book.
Jace is a successful former Olympic swimmer, a member of the large Koa clan, successful businessman and all round Adonis, Lana is famous recording artist, beautiful, strong willed who doesn’t allow anyone to get close to her. Sex is something that they both can have easily with the opposite sex with no strings attached and remain in control of their lives.
Lana hates Hawaii always had and the reasons why are uncovered as you work through the book which brings a deeper understand of her as a strong female character. Lana has come to Hawaii with her personal assistant Melanie who is going through a messy divorce as a means of getting away from it all.
They first meet when Jace has been booked to give Lana and Melanie a surf boarding lesson, but their introduction is not the best. As she interrupts him having a happy hump with some blonde that has chased him down.
From there an intense relationship builds around a meeting Jace at his restaurant and through Hawaiian Nights and it is this that will eventually blow up and bring us the happy ending at the end of the book. There are copious amounts of sex around the pages any normal man can only ever dream of and most women know only an Adonis can supply.
Lana and Jace spend more time together on his houseboat and his private beach and lagoon, having more sex than a normal man can cope with and not even being nagged once and he hits the right spot every time. In real life no man can hit the right spot without being aided by a young lady making pointed observations about his inability to be romantic and spontaneous!
I could go on about the story in this book but it would stop you reading Paradise Rules as there is a story with the sex. While some of the language about the sex looks like it has been stolen from a teenagers instant messenger chats do not let that put you off. As you will miss how Jace is able to break down Lana’s hard exterior that she uses for protection and gets her to face down her demons.
Though you might want to kill Po Koa he is an integral part of the story as how Jace finally wins the trust of Lana and is able to make her feel part of Hawaii. But it takes time & a lot of energetic work on Jason’s behalf to break Lana down but that he does and like all romances they live happily ever after...
I would certainly recommend this book as one to read and take on holiday with you as it is a wonderful way to escape from the real frustrations of life. This is where all the men are gods rather than short fat bald and skint, while the women are things of all our dreams. The language leaves nothing to the imagination so be prepared but not shocked, and enjoy Paradise Rules.
March 26, 2010
I bought this book because I'd read good reviews, but before I'd read Sweet Restraint. I didn't care too much for Sweet Restraint so this one lingered on my bookshelf for a long time. I decided to read it because I was looking for a contemporary read.
Paradise Rules surprised the hell out of me. It was really good - very, very erotic. I enjoyed it from cover to cover and there were only a few spots where I felt like"really?".
Lana Rodriguez is a famous jazz/blues singer who has come to Hawaii to hang out with her friend, who's going through an ugly divordce. Lana spent her childhood in Hawaii (we don't learn all the particulars until near the end of the book, needless to say she has a secret) and isn't thrilled about being there but wants her friend to have a good time.
Jace Koa is a local celebrity, an olympic swimmer/surfer who's come home to Hawaii and runs a surf shop and a restaurant. He first runs into Lana and her friend at his surf shop while he was getting a hand job from a client. Lana was not pleased as he was supposed to be teaching them how to surf.
Later, she hires a male escort for her friend and ends up getting one for herself too. Little does she know Jace's cousin runs the escort service and when Jace hears she's hired their services he steps in to be her "date". Hot sex ensues. Hot, angry sex. Oh, my....
The first half or more of this book is Lana and Jace's relationship, which consists mostly of sex - on a beach, on a boat, next to the boat.... Both Lana and Jace were very strong characters, so there was a lot of pushing back and forth between the two of them. Lana was kind of a bitch, and I did sort of wonder what Jace saw in her that kept him coming back, but let's be honest, I wasn't too worried about it - Ms. Kery knows her way around a sex scene!
There did turn out to be a scandal involving Lana and Jace, and Jace tries to figure out who's responsible while Lana is angry and blaming Jace. I knew who the culprit was but Jace was so sweet while he figured it out. I did wish Ms. Kery had gone into more detail at the end of the book; I kind of felt like it was too open ended, but that's just my preference.
I really enjoyed this book and I give Paradise Rules 4 out of 5 stars. A super sexy read!
Paradise Rules surprised the hell out of me. It was really good - very, very erotic. I enjoyed it from cover to cover and there were only a few spots where I felt like"really?".
Lana Rodriguez is a famous jazz/blues singer who has come to Hawaii to hang out with her friend, who's going through an ugly divordce. Lana spent her childhood in Hawaii (we don't learn all the particulars until near the end of the book, needless to say she has a secret) and isn't thrilled about being there but wants her friend to have a good time.
Jace Koa is a local celebrity, an olympic swimmer/surfer who's come home to Hawaii and runs a surf shop and a restaurant. He first runs into Lana and her friend at his surf shop while he was getting a hand job from a client. Lana was not pleased as he was supposed to be teaching them how to surf.
Later, she hires a male escort for her friend and ends up getting one for herself too. Little does she know Jace's cousin runs the escort service and when Jace hears she's hired their services he steps in to be her "date". Hot sex ensues. Hot, angry sex. Oh, my....
The first half or more of this book is Lana and Jace's relationship, which consists mostly of sex - on a beach, on a boat, next to the boat.... Both Lana and Jace were very strong characters, so there was a lot of pushing back and forth between the two of them. Lana was kind of a bitch, and I did sort of wonder what Jace saw in her that kept him coming back, but let's be honest, I wasn't too worried about it - Ms. Kery knows her way around a sex scene!
There did turn out to be a scandal involving Lana and Jace, and Jace tries to figure out who's responsible while Lana is angry and blaming Jace. I knew who the culprit was but Jace was so sweet while he figured it out. I did wish Ms. Kery had gone into more detail at the end of the book; I kind of felt like it was too open ended, but that's just my preference.
I really enjoyed this book and I give Paradise Rules 4 out of 5 stars. A super sexy read!
December 18, 2009
Oh, oh, what can I say other than my fingers burned cos of this book. Yes it is one of those books that puts fire to the room. Very hot, scorching.
These two dislike at first sight, but at the same time there is lust at first sight. And that will soon lead to some hot Hawaiian nights. Jason wants her to let loose. She seems too rigid, uptight, and bitchy now and again. This surely comes from the fact that she hates the Islands. Why, well we will learn that later but it is pretty obvious that she is hiding some deep secrets. And he, well he does come off like somewhat arrogant but hey it is still smoking between those two and he clearly wants to be in control.
Here is a lovestory that does not want to be a lovestory. He does not need some non-Islander looking for a fling coming in and trying something, she just wants sex. But then things are never that simple, the attraction is clear and something else is sizzling underneath too.
And while those too are working things out, something else will happen too, that might drive them apart, and what about that haunting past?
Ok hot is the word of the day, yes very hot. I will never look at Hawaii the same way after this. Jason is a true alpha, dominant and controlling, and gorgeous. Lana let go of some control and finds that she likes it. He is also nice, and he who can talk about his childhood tries to get her to talk about it. He wants to fix things, and I melt away there. He has fallen. Great romance between two very different people in a way, and there is one thing at the end that I like and find really sad. But you just have to look for that yourself.
I like Kery's style, it is easy flowing and the pages moves fast forward, and never gets stuck anywhere.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Very nice, and I so wanna go there at once.
Reason for Reading: Own copy
Final thoughts: If you are looking for a hot read then this is it.
These two dislike at first sight, but at the same time there is lust at first sight. And that will soon lead to some hot Hawaiian nights. Jason wants her to let loose. She seems too rigid, uptight, and bitchy now and again. This surely comes from the fact that she hates the Islands. Why, well we will learn that later but it is pretty obvious that she is hiding some deep secrets. And he, well he does come off like somewhat arrogant but hey it is still smoking between those two and he clearly wants to be in control.
Here is a lovestory that does not want to be a lovestory. He does not need some non-Islander looking for a fling coming in and trying something, she just wants sex. But then things are never that simple, the attraction is clear and something else is sizzling underneath too.
And while those too are working things out, something else will happen too, that might drive them apart, and what about that haunting past?
Ok hot is the word of the day, yes very hot. I will never look at Hawaii the same way after this. Jason is a true alpha, dominant and controlling, and gorgeous. Lana let go of some control and finds that she likes it. He is also nice, and he who can talk about his childhood tries to get her to talk about it. He wants to fix things, and I melt away there. He has fallen. Great romance between two very different people in a way, and there is one thing at the end that I like and find really sad. But you just have to look for that yourself.
I like Kery's style, it is easy flowing and the pages moves fast forward, and never gets stuck anywhere.
Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Very nice, and I so wanna go there at once.
Reason for Reading: Own copy
Final thoughts: If you are looking for a hot read then this is it.
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