Aja Lewis has spent the last four years building her online dating investigation business from the ground up and is ready to take it to the next level but when the mother she never knew dies, she has to drop everything to handle her mother's affairs.
Spritual coach Del Parris has just lost his favorite client and good friend. Now the woman's outspoken daughter needs his help in getting to the truth. He doesn't want to get involved but what he wants and what he needs are two different things.
Aja's investigation takes her and Del to sunny Barbados, where the temperature isn't the only thing that's heating up.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. The cover of this book looked interesting to me. I am so happy I took a chance on this author. Unfortunately, this is book 2 in a series. I missed that. So hopefully soon, I will have time to read book 1 before any more books come out in this series. This book packed a lot in. Aja Lewis only has time for her company, Expose’. It is a company that investigates situations of possible catfishing. Interesting line of work. Aja’s life is turned upside down by an unexpected visitor.
Delford Parris is a life coach. One of his clients made him the executor of their will. That person was Aja’s mother. Aja had not seen her mother since she was a young girl. She always had her father and Nessie, Aja’s grandmother. Y’all Nezzie pushed this book to extraordinary. She was witty and funny, quick with sassiness.
To close her mother’s estate, Aja was off to Barbados. Her mother lived and worked there. Aja is dealing with a lot. Del and Nezzie are there to help her through this tough time though. Can Del help her come out of her shell? Maybe a few of his tips will help Aja in the future. There is also a bit of mystery. Aja gets a possible catfishing case while there. Will she solve it before it is too late?
I enjoyed reading this book, I believe I had the plot down only to find out I wasn’t even close. Aja’s character is very relatable being her drive and hardness especially in today’s world. Yet Del shows her it’s okay to be soft and still take the lead……I enjoy it!
If you’re in the mood for a romance that blends intrigue, family secrets, and a dash of island sunshine, Catfish in Paradise by Joi Jackson is exactly what you need. This second installment in the Love, Lies, and Catfish series takes us on an emotional journey as Aja Lewis, a savvy online dating investigator, unearths unexpected truths about her past while navigating the heat of a budding romance.
Aja is all about business—her company, Expose’, is her life. But when she learns that her estranged mother has passed away, she’s forced to drop everything and fly to Barbados to settle the estate. It’s not just the unexpected death that throws her off—it’s also Del Parris, a spiritual coach and the executor of her mother’s will. Del has a calm, grounded presence that challenges Aja’s guarded nature, and their chemistry sparks even when she’s not ready to admit it.
What makes this story sing is the way Jackson weaves the romance with a touch of mystery. Aja’s trip to the Caribbean isn't just about closure—it’s also about solving a potential catfishing case while rediscovering her roots. And while Aja and Del’s dynamic is the heart of the story, Aja’s grandmother, Nezzie, absolutely steals the show with her wit, wisdom, and sassy one-liners. Plus, seeing Nezzie get her own unexpected romantic moment? Priceless.
The chemistry between Aja and Del is slow-building but satisfying. Del’s patient, calming presence balances Aja’s driven, no-nonsense approach, and it’s refreshing to see a Black love story that navigates vulnerability, healing, and romance with authenticity. The spice level is mild, adding a sweet touch without overpowering the plot.
My only minor critique is that some of the plot twists felt a bit predictable, but the emotional payoff and the rich portrayal of Barbados more than made up for it. The setting comes alive through Jackson’s descriptive prose, making the reader feel as if they, too, are strolling through the tropical paradise.
Catfish in Paradise is a charming, heartfelt romance with just enough intrigue to keep you hooked. Aja’s quest for answers—and love—is relatable and rewarding, and the vibrant Caribbean backdrop makes this story feel like a mini vacation. Whether or not you’ve read the first book, this one stands strong on its own and will leave you craving more from the series.
If you love stories about unexpected love, self-discovery, and a little island magic, pick this one up!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice Level🌶️🌶️
My Rating System: 1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book. 2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations. 3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others. 4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read the book again. Definitely recommendable. 5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liked it - Planning her estranged mother's funeral is not the closure Aja expected. With the support of her grandmother Nezzie and Del, she wings off to Barbados to make the final arrangements. Getting embroiled in a new case is the last thing she needs, but there is something compelling about Jewel's situation. New love and a mystery unfold in a tale with intricate twists and turns I never saw coming. Stella's not the only lady that got her groove back on a trip to the Islands. And I'm not talking about Aja.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aja and Del don't know each other, but Del has some news for Aja. Her biological mom has passed away and Del is the executor of Diana's estate. Aja's been estranged from her mother for more than 20 years, and she is not sure that she wants anything to do with this business.
Aja decides to go to Barbados to get some closure, but finds more questions than answers and possibly a new love interest.
If you like some twists and turns in your romance, this is a great story!! Joi Jackson puts together an unlikely cast of characters and wraps it all up nicely in a bow at the end! Enjoy this one! It's a keeper!
Wow. From start to finish, this was an exciting ride. And to see the relationship between a woman who exposes men who catfish women on dating sites and a man who makes his living as a life coach. Visiting Barbados is on my bucket list, and this book makes me want to get there even more. This was not my first book by this author, and It surely won't be my last.
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
Aji is a woman who doesn't trust men because of her business. She tracks down men who are Catfishing women. So, when Delford walks into her life she is already has her guard up. Will Delford be the to break through. Only time will tell what will happen next.
This was a fun read mixed with romance and mystery that kept me guessing what would happen next. I loved the relationship between Aja and Del and I’m glad they were able to make it work despite all the chaos surrounding their relationship.
Black love in full effect!! Such a cute read with great characters!! Plot was good with great tie ins from the first book!! Absolutely loved seeing Nezzie get the unexpected happily ever after!!