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The Lei Crime Universe
Seal of a Monk
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B012OW06AK.
The ancient jungles of Kauai provide the perfect setting for self-discovery.
Despite the terror she experienced on her last trip, Lainey Lee returns to Hawaii to manage a silent meditation course on the Coconut Coast. Twenty-five women are under her care for ten days in a beautiful and remote location. Lainey expects to find inner peace, but four days into the course, one of the meditators disappears without a trace.
Did the girl leave of her own free will, or was she lured away by a strange cult? Lainey is frantic to answer these questions. As her desperation grows, she finds help from an unexpected source—a retired Navy SEAL named Maximillian Scott.
Now, Lainey has two mysteries to solve: what happened to the missing girl and the case of her own heart. Can she ever trust a man again?
The ancient jungles of Kauai provide the perfect setting for self-discovery.
Despite the terror she experienced on her last trip, Lainey Lee returns to Hawaii to manage a silent meditation course on the Coconut Coast. Twenty-five women are under her care for ten days in a beautiful and remote location. Lainey expects to find inner peace, but four days into the course, one of the meditators disappears without a trace.
Did the girl leave of her own free will, or was she lured away by a strange cult? Lainey is frantic to answer these questions. As her desperation grows, she finds help from an unexpected source—a retired Navy SEAL named Maximillian Scott.
Now, Lainey has two mysteries to solve: what happened to the missing girl and the case of her own heart. Can she ever trust a man again?
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2015
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Eden Baylee
19 books229 followersEden Baylee left a twenty-year banking career to write. Incorporating some of her favorite things such as travel, culture, and a deep curiosity for what turns people on, her brand of writing is sensual and literary.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
On June 30, 2014, she released her first novel--a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica called STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Eden loves hearing from readers, so connect to her via her website at www.edenbayleebooks.com and all her social networks.
She has written three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction ~ SPRING INTO SUMMER, FALL INTO WINTER, and HOT FLASH.
On June 30, 2014, she released her first novel--a psychological mystery/thriller set in Jamaica called STRANGER AT SUNSET.
Eden loves hearing from readers, so connect to her via her website at www.edenbayleebooks.com and all her social networks.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 1, 2015
Seal of a Monk by Eden Baylee
Lainey Lee returns to Hawaii for a mediation class to try to find inner peace. A few days later one of the mediators disappears. With the help of a retired Navy Seal, Max they try to find the missing woman.
Lainey is very likable, she is getting over a divorce and the horrors of her last Hawaiian visit. I liked Max too, could he possibly be the one to steal her heart?
The story moves at an even pace, with drama, suspense and a splash of romance. The characters are well developed,the plot is original, and the Hawaiian setting exotic. Overall I felt SEAL OF A MONK was very enjoyable and readers of any genre will enjoy it as well.
Lainey Lee returns to Hawaii for a mediation class to try to find inner peace. A few days later one of the mediators disappears. With the help of a retired Navy Seal, Max they try to find the missing woman.
Lainey is very likable, she is getting over a divorce and the horrors of her last Hawaiian visit. I liked Max too, could he possibly be the one to steal her heart?
The story moves at an even pace, with drama, suspense and a splash of romance. The characters are well developed,the plot is original, and the Hawaiian setting exotic. Overall I felt SEAL OF A MONK was very enjoyable and readers of any genre will enjoy it as well.
July 30, 2015
SEAL OF A MONK by Eden Baylee is a treacherous story. One I couldn’t walk away from until I got to the end. Wanted to know where this trail would lead me. Love the Kauai backdrop. I could picture the landscaping, the vibrant colors and smell the sweet scents. The mystery and suspense kept my heart thumping in anticipation, as the twists left me reeling.
The language is raw, edgy and in your face. No holding back and no better word choices could have been used. "Her shoes sank into the damp earth, jagged edges where erosion had split the soil like decaying flesh."
There is no wasting words. The author gets right to the meat of things. I knew this from A Snake In Paradise, Stranger At Sunset and her other compelling reads. She takes command of her story and has the ability to hold a tight grip over her reader. I couldn't look away fearing I would miss something. I ate this story up like a scrumptious meal. Tantalizing and exhilarating.
Quote ~
"As Lainey made her way toward her room, an odd sensation slithered up her back, something she had not felt in a long time. Her tattoo was fully healed now; it should no longer itch. The last time a tingling occurred like this, it alerted her to danger..."
The language is raw, edgy and in your face. No holding back and no better word choices could have been used. "Her shoes sank into the damp earth, jagged edges where erosion had split the soil like decaying flesh."
There is no wasting words. The author gets right to the meat of things. I knew this from A Snake In Paradise, Stranger At Sunset and her other compelling reads. She takes command of her story and has the ability to hold a tight grip over her reader. I couldn't look away fearing I would miss something. I ate this story up like a scrumptious meal. Tantalizing and exhilarating.
Quote ~
"As Lainey made her way toward her room, an odd sensation slithered up her back, something she had not felt in a long time. Her tattoo was fully healed now; it should no longer itch. The last time a tingling occurred like this, it alerted her to danger..."
July 29, 2015
This is Eden’s second book featuring Lainey. If you haven’t read the first book, there is enough back story to bring you up to date but you missed an awesome story. Lainey is back in the Hawaiian Islands in Kaua’i to treat herself for her 50th birthday volunteering at a peaceful meditation retreat. What happens next is anything but peaceful. Once again, Lainey will have to rely on her talisman as if someone’s life depends on it- and it does. A young girl missing, a predator on the loose, dense jungle and a dangerously attractive ex-seal who is a cross between James Bond and a deadly jungle cat. This is a great read. Eden Baylee blends a little something for everyone in beautiful but deadly Hawaii.
July 31, 2015
What I love about this book is the calm tension that builds from beginning to end. I also like that, even if you didn't read the first book, this story stands on it's own. It's also longer than the first one so you have more time to see the lush scenery and enjoy the character development. Worth the two bucks and a great addition to the Lei Crime KW family.
August 9, 2015
Lainey, the heroine in Snake In Paradise, is back for another adventure in this second book of the series. This time Lainey is in Hawaii, not only to celebrate her 50th birthday, but also to be an instructor at a meditation session. One of the students, the daughter of a friend of Lainey, turns up missing and Lainey get right in the thick of things to find out what happened.
Much like the first book, I was drawn into this one immediately. Not only because of the story (very riveting), Ms. Baylee's writing style (excellent, as always) or even the drama...I have found myself being attached to Lainey and feeling every emotion she does and even gasping once or twice while reading about another surprise she encounters. This character is one that every reader should learn about and follow in this and other stories. I can't wait to read about Lainey's next adventure.
I wish to thank Ms. Baylee for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Much like the first book, I was drawn into this one immediately. Not only because of the story (very riveting), Ms. Baylee's writing style (excellent, as always) or even the drama...I have found myself being attached to Lainey and feeling every emotion she does and even gasping once or twice while reading about another surprise she encounters. This character is one that every reader should learn about and follow in this and other stories. I can't wait to read about Lainey's next adventure.
I wish to thank Ms. Baylee for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2016
Seal of a Monk is a fantastic and suspenseful read: it grips you from the first page, and ratchets up the tension skilfully throughout the story. I found it to be the kind of story that you end up tearing through in one sitting, just because it's so hard to put down.
The setting is the mountains and jungles of Kaui, and Baylee really makes you feel like you're there: with the humidity and heat, the mosquitoes and scents. Every character feels alive and real and the dialogue is sharp and well-crafted. I especially liked the main character Lainey Lee and her ex-SEAL helper Max: the attraction between them is instant, and builds bit by bit through the story.
Seal of a Monk is Baylee's sequel to A Snake In Paradise (which I haven't read... yet), but it works just fine as a stand-alone read. This was my first dip into the Lei Crime Series, but it won't be the last!
The setting is the mountains and jungles of Kaui, and Baylee really makes you feel like you're there: with the humidity and heat, the mosquitoes and scents. Every character feels alive and real and the dialogue is sharp and well-crafted. I especially liked the main character Lainey Lee and her ex-SEAL helper Max: the attraction between them is instant, and builds bit by bit through the story.
Seal of a Monk is Baylee's sequel to A Snake In Paradise (which I haven't read... yet), but it works just fine as a stand-alone read. This was my first dip into the Lei Crime Series, but it won't be the last!
August 5, 2015
I discovered Eden Baylee’s work over a year ago, and I’ve consistently enjoyed everything I’ve read. Seal of a Monk was a fantastic sequel to the author’s first in the Lei Crime series, A Snake in Paradise.
What I enjoy most about all of Baylee’s work, including this one, is her ability to paint with words, crafting a taut storyline without ever littering words on a page.
Following the protagonist, Lainey Lee, on a second trip to Hawaii, and in what seems like the most tranquil, safe environment, trouble explodes with the realization that Lainey’s best friend’s daughter is missing from the meditation retreat she is helping to lead. Panic! Sheer terror! Questions without answers. And it just gets better. Fast, tense, and page turning. A great read.
What I enjoy most about all of Baylee’s work, including this one, is her ability to paint with words, crafting a taut storyline without ever littering words on a page.
Following the protagonist, Lainey Lee, on a second trip to Hawaii, and in what seems like the most tranquil, safe environment, trouble explodes with the realization that Lainey’s best friend’s daughter is missing from the meditation retreat she is helping to lead. Panic! Sheer terror! Questions without answers. And it just gets better. Fast, tense, and page turning. A great read.
August 11, 2015
The book starts with a great suspense- and mystery-inducing prologue that creates intimate urgency right away, taking place in the woods of the Hawaiian Island Kaua’i. We then step back to join our heroine, Lainey, who’s about to go to the island for a meditation retreat. All the while through the set-up you are aware of the prologue and the tension and drama that is about to unleash.
When Kirstin, a young woman is found missing, the search and rescue mission begins, enhanced by the presence of attractive ex-SEAL Max.
Lainey is a great character (as are the others), the jungle setting is atmospheric, the writing tight and the action and drama intense.
Excellent.
When Kirstin, a young woman is found missing, the search and rescue mission begins, enhanced by the presence of attractive ex-SEAL Max.
Lainey is a great character (as are the others), the jungle setting is atmospheric, the writing tight and the action and drama intense.
Excellent.
July 30, 2015
This is Eden's second story in the Lei Crime Series. You do not have to read the first book A Snake in Paradise but you should. It is amazing! This time Lainey returns to Hawaii to celebrate her 50th birthday volunteering at a peaceful meditation retreat. Her best friend's daughter Kristin is at the retreat and ends up missing. So ends her peaceful retreat as she tries to help find Kristin. The adventure you go on is amazing with so many twist and turns it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next? I loved every minute of this book and hated to see it end.
August 15, 2015
I love Eden Baylee's work and Seal of a Monk is no different.
This is Ms. Baylee's 2nd addition to The Lei Crime series and in it she brings back her character Lainey Lee from A Snake in Paradise.
Ms. Baylee knows how to capture your attention right from the beginning with a story that moves along at a good pace without leaving you breathless.
I cried toward the end at the rescue scene. That's how good Eden Baylee writes and how good Seal of a Monk is.
This is definitely a recommended read.
This is Ms. Baylee's 2nd addition to The Lei Crime series and in it she brings back her character Lainey Lee from A Snake in Paradise.
Ms. Baylee knows how to capture your attention right from the beginning with a story that moves along at a good pace without leaving you breathless.
I cried toward the end at the rescue scene. That's how good Eden Baylee writes and how good Seal of a Monk is.
This is definitely a recommended read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2015
Another good story in the Lei Crime Kindle World. I enjoyed getting to know more about Lainey, and Max is intriguing. I definitely would be interested in learning more about him. The plot and settings were very well thought out and written, with the potential to have been a full length novel.
I was gifted this novella by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was gifted this novella by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2016
Madelaine Lee - a divorced bank fraud management consultant - has spent the past year and several months dreaming about returning to Hawaii. Despite the terror she experienced during her last trip there, Lainey cannot deny that the beauty of the island paradise still calls to her. She imagines that the ancient jungles of Kauai could provide the perfect setting for self-discovery.
To celebrate her upcoming fiftieth birthday, Lainey decides to treat herself by booking another trip to Hawaii. This time she is returning in the capacity of mentor and guide for a silent meditation course on the Coconut Coast. Twenty-five women - including her best friend's troubled eighteen-year-old daughter, Kristin - will be under her care for the next ten days in a beautiful and remote location.
Lainey expects to find inner peace - for herself, as well as for the students under her tutelage. For the next few days, the ladies are introduced to the basics of meditation and set on the correct path toward enlightenment. However, four days into the course, one of the meditation students - Kristin - disappears without a trace...
As Lainey frantically tries to discover what happened to the girl, her mind is filled with numerous questions. Did Kristin leave of her own volition, or was she lured away somehow? Lainey is desperate for answers to these questions - especially when she learns of the existence of a secretive community calling itself 'TruthWay'. Ostensibly, 'TruthWay' seems to be hosting a course fairly similar to Lainey's - open to anyone who might be seeking spiritual enlightenment - yet, she can't help but be slightly suspicious of the community's cult-like behavior.
As her desperation grows, she finds help from an unexpected source - a retired Navy SEAL named Maximillian Scott. Now, Lainey has two mysteries to solve: what actually happened to the missing teenager and can she possibly overcome her fear of what happened to her in the past. Can Lainey ever trust a man again?
This is actually the second novella that I've read by Ms. Baylee and I must say that I absolutely loved it. I loved the plot of the story, and appreciated that even though the novella was written within the same world as Toby Neal's Lei Crime Series, it was an entirely new and different story. I enjoyed reading another mystery featuring such a strong character as Lainey Lee - I could really appreciate how much she had grown since I read A Snake in Paradise in May of 2015. I give this novella an A+!
In fact, this is the second of six recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have three more novellas from the July of 2015 batch of releases set on my TBR pile and ready to read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
To celebrate her upcoming fiftieth birthday, Lainey decides to treat herself by booking another trip to Hawaii. This time she is returning in the capacity of mentor and guide for a silent meditation course on the Coconut Coast. Twenty-five women - including her best friend's troubled eighteen-year-old daughter, Kristin - will be under her care for the next ten days in a beautiful and remote location.
Lainey expects to find inner peace - for herself, as well as for the students under her tutelage. For the next few days, the ladies are introduced to the basics of meditation and set on the correct path toward enlightenment. However, four days into the course, one of the meditation students - Kristin - disappears without a trace...
As Lainey frantically tries to discover what happened to the girl, her mind is filled with numerous questions. Did Kristin leave of her own volition, or was she lured away somehow? Lainey is desperate for answers to these questions - especially when she learns of the existence of a secretive community calling itself 'TruthWay'. Ostensibly, 'TruthWay' seems to be hosting a course fairly similar to Lainey's - open to anyone who might be seeking spiritual enlightenment - yet, she can't help but be slightly suspicious of the community's cult-like behavior.
As her desperation grows, she finds help from an unexpected source - a retired Navy SEAL named Maximillian Scott. Now, Lainey has two mysteries to solve: what actually happened to the missing teenager and can she possibly overcome her fear of what happened to her in the past. Can Lainey ever trust a man again?
This is actually the second novella that I've read by Ms. Baylee and I must say that I absolutely loved it. I loved the plot of the story, and appreciated that even though the novella was written within the same world as Toby Neal's Lei Crime Series, it was an entirely new and different story. I enjoyed reading another mystery featuring such a strong character as Lainey Lee - I could really appreciate how much she had grown since I read A Snake in Paradise in May of 2015. I give this novella an A+!
In fact, this is the second of six recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have three more novellas from the July of 2015 batch of releases set on my TBR pile and ready to read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
August 27, 2015
Eden Baylee's second outing in the Lei Crime Series finds her protagonist, Lainey Lee, back on the Hawaiian islands, this time involved in a meditation retreat. Things, of course, do not go as planned, and she finds herself in a life-or-death race against time, with only an attractive ex-SEAL for company. As is usual with Ms. Baylee's work, the narrative flows easily and the characters are deftly drawn, the prose sparse and compelling. The author also knows how to insert little details that make her locations come alive; and she wears her learning lightly.
This lady knows how to spin a tale. Buy and read.
This lady knows how to spin a tale. Buy and read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews