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The Lei Crime Universe
A Snake in Paradise
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00VQWUBUU.
Lainey Lee has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. It should have been her honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in a poetic twist of fate, she is making the journey twenty-seven years later—following a messy divorce.
Once on the Big Island, Lainey discovers paradise, but white sand beaches and blue skies are not all Hawaii has to offer. She soon meets Julian, a mysterious stranger ten years her junior. They share an instant connection.
Lainey is eager to shed the fears that trapped her in a loveless marriage, but is Julian a tempting distraction, a new beginning, or a snake in paradise?
Q & A with Eden Baylee
Q: Tell us how your story is connected to Toby Neal’s Lei Crime novels.
EB: A Snake in Paradise happens concurrently with Toby Neal’s first book, Blood Orchids. I have created my own characters, but they co-exist with Toby’s and also take place on the Big Island of Hawaii.
My novella is a mystery and suspense story with a strong female protagonist named Lainey Lee. She is a newly divorced mother of three at a pivotal point in her life. Lainey is someone readers will relate to because she changes and grows throughout the story.
Q: The Lei Crime novels are police procedural mysteries with a twist of romance. What genres do you explore in your story?
EB: The genres I write are erotic romance, suspense, and crime. In A Snake in Paradise, I stay true to my strengths, so all these elements exist in my story. The crimes involved are murder and theft.
Q: What inspired A Snake in Paradise?
EB: A chance encounter inspired the story. I am a firm believer in serendipity and pay attention to odd connections that most people might not think twice about.
A particular gentleman inspired the character of Julian with his playful nature and his love for words. Because the story involves theft, you can even infer he stole something from me. Thankfully for him, it’s not something that will get him arrested.
Lainey Lee has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. It should have been her honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in a poetic twist of fate, she is making the journey twenty-seven years later—following a messy divorce.
Once on the Big Island, Lainey discovers paradise, but white sand beaches and blue skies are not all Hawaii has to offer. She soon meets Julian, a mysterious stranger ten years her junior. They share an instant connection.
Lainey is eager to shed the fears that trapped her in a loveless marriage, but is Julian a tempting distraction, a new beginning, or a snake in paradise?
Q & A with Eden Baylee
Q: Tell us how your story is connected to Toby Neal’s Lei Crime novels.
EB: A Snake in Paradise happens concurrently with Toby Neal’s first book, Blood Orchids. I have created my own characters, but they co-exist with Toby’s and also take place on the Big Island of Hawaii.
My novella is a mystery and suspense story with a strong female protagonist named Lainey Lee. She is a newly divorced mother of three at a pivotal point in her life. Lainey is someone readers will relate to because she changes and grows throughout the story.
Q: The Lei Crime novels are police procedural mysteries with a twist of romance. What genres do you explore in your story?
EB: The genres I write are erotic romance, suspense, and crime. In A Snake in Paradise, I stay true to my strengths, so all these elements exist in my story. The crimes involved are murder and theft.
Q: What inspired A Snake in Paradise?
EB: A chance encounter inspired the story. I am a firm believer in serendipity and pay attention to odd connections that most people might not think twice about.
A particular gentleman inspired the character of Julian with his playful nature and his love for words. Because the story involves theft, you can even infer he stole something from me. Thankfully for him, it’s not something that will get him arrested.
ebook
First published April 5, 2015
5 people are currently reading
45 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 14, 2015
After her unsettling divorce, Lainie gets a tattoo -- of a snake! This powerful image helps her shed her insecurities and become the bold woman she discovers in A Snake in Paradise. I really enjoyed this novella gifted to me by Eden Baylee. Thanks, Eden!
April 17, 2015
I loved Eden Baylee’s stories since I read her Fall into Winter collection. So when I saw that she had written a Lei Crime Kindle World novella, I had to read A Snake in Paradise.
Essentially, the story is one of a woman discovering her inner strength and learning to trust herself. My favorite aspect is how the author uses the snake as a symbol of strength and power, as opposed to the usual sneaky, evil associations.
The story
Madelaine Lee is a recently divorced woman who decides to turn her life around. She starts to call herself “Lainey,” rather than Madelaine. After decades of her overbearing husband preventing her from getting a tattoo, after her divorce, Lainey has a friend give her a colorful tattoo of a snake the length of her back. Then she treats herself to a solo vacation on the Big Island, Hawaii.
At the opening of the story, she’s clearly still in recovery mode: nervous, anxious to please. But she is making the effort to transform herself. She dresses so as to show off her tattoo. She books adventurous excursions.
At her hotel, she is victimized by a handsome man, who seduces her, then robs her and leaves her naked and bound hand and foot.
Drawing on her new-found inner strength, symbolized by the snake tattoo, she is determined not to let her experience ruin her vacation, and to help the police find the man who robbed and humiliated her.
Her self-confidence grows daily. She makes new friends and begins to like herself more and more. By the end of the story, she’s no longer the same Madelaine Lee, ex-wife. She’s self-actualized Lainey Lee. Like a snake, she has gone through a painful struggle and is now renewed.
Kindle World
A Snake in Paradise is one of the titles in the Lei Crimes Series Kindle World. Bestselling author Toby Neal created the Lei Crime series, which now has nine books featuring Hawaiian Detective (and sometimes FBI Agent) Leilani Texeira, as well as a companion novel about a secondary character.
Kindle Worlds is an initiative of Amazon, where the company takes a successful series and invites other people to write shorter works that fit within the original author’s world. Toby invited a number of proven, professional writers to contribute to her Lei Crime world, and Eden Baylee joined with A Snake in Paradise.
In total, eight authors have published Lei Crime Kindle World books of varying length, and I’m looking forward to reading more, including Christine Nolfi’s The Shell Keeper and Emily Kimelman’s Warrior Dog.
April 13, 2015
The Lei Crime Series: A Snake in Paradise (Kindle Worlds Novella)
by Eden Baylee
After a messy divorce Lainey Lee goes to Hawaii. A dream vacation has finally come true. Once there she meets Julian, mysterious, handsome and ten years younger than she. They definitely have a connect, or so she thinks. She lets loose gets a tattoos and gives Julian a chance. Is this a wise choice? She is about to find out.
I really enjoyed The Lei Crime Series: A Snake in Paradise. Lainey is very likable. After accepting her divorce and wanting a fresh start she decides to throw caution to the wind and go for it all. She meets some nice interesting people, and a younger man.
I like the plot, the setting in Hawaii is perfect. The story is fast paced yet each page is filled with drama, some romance, excitement, crime and even some OMG moments. There is a lot more I could say, but I never do spoilers. I feel those who love a great read, especially crime/drama/romance ( and readers of all genres) will enjoy this great read. Five stars all the way!
by Eden Baylee
After a messy divorce Lainey Lee goes to Hawaii. A dream vacation has finally come true. Once there she meets Julian, mysterious, handsome and ten years younger than she. They definitely have a connect, or so she thinks. She lets loose gets a tattoos and gives Julian a chance. Is this a wise choice? She is about to find out.
I really enjoyed The Lei Crime Series: A Snake in Paradise. Lainey is very likable. After accepting her divorce and wanting a fresh start she decides to throw caution to the wind and go for it all. She meets some nice interesting people, and a younger man.
I like the plot, the setting in Hawaii is perfect. The story is fast paced yet each page is filled with drama, some romance, excitement, crime and even some OMG moments. There is a lot more I could say, but I never do spoilers. I feel those who love a great read, especially crime/drama/romance ( and readers of all genres) will enjoy this great read. Five stars all the way!
April 16, 2015
This beautifully written novella tells the story of a newly divorced woman who comes to Hawaii for a vacation, but leaves with something much greater than she ever imagined that her time in paradise would grant her. As a woman, I found the protagonist, Lainey Lee, to be someone that I believe many women will not only root for, but also relate to and appreciate on multiple levels.
I’m such a fan of Baylee’s work because she creates her worlds with great artistry, paining scenes so realistic that you almost forget you’re reading and instead see a film playing out before your eyes.
With distinctive characters and just the right amount of description, A Snake in Paradise pulled me into the locale, the story, and the intrigue. In a lesser book with the same story, I would have hurried to see how it ended, but I love this author’s writing so much that I slowed down to savor every word.
For lovers of great writing and an engaging story, I hope you’ll enjoy this work as much as I did.
I’m such a fan of Baylee’s work because she creates her worlds with great artistry, paining scenes so realistic that you almost forget you’re reading and instead see a film playing out before your eyes.
With distinctive characters and just the right amount of description, A Snake in Paradise pulled me into the locale, the story, and the intrigue. In a lesser book with the same story, I would have hurried to see how it ended, but I love this author’s writing so much that I slowed down to savor every word.
For lovers of great writing and an engaging story, I hope you’ll enjoy this work as much as I did.
October 4, 2015
Another fantastic piece of work by the talented Eden Baylee. You'll find yourself rooting for Lainey Lee from the very beginning of her wild Hawaiian vacation. Recently divorced and searching for her next adventure, Ms. Lee gets a little surprise in paradise in the form of a seductive man, named..... Well, I'll let you see for yourself. I highly recommend this suspenseful thriller. 5 STARS!!
April 16, 2015
Wonderful Addition to the Lei Crime World.
Heartwarming and suspenseful, A Snake in Paradise is as much a story of a woman's recovery from divorce as a tense crime novella. Baylee has created a heroine with pluck and courage--one worth rooting for. Highly recommended.
Heartwarming and suspenseful, A Snake in Paradise is as much a story of a woman's recovery from divorce as a tense crime novella. Baylee has created a heroine with pluck and courage--one worth rooting for. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2015
"The Lei Crime Series: A Snake in Paradise (Kindle Worlds Novella)" by Eden Baylee is a very impressive crime novella set in Hawaii. It starts with a powerful prologue which features a woman waking up tied up. It leaves the reader with a lot of questions and curiosity for the chapters to come.
Then the actual story begins. Recently divorced Lainey Lee arrives in Hawaii, with a pinch of bitterness and reflection and an appetite to enjoy herself.
She has a snake tattoo that was given to her by her best friend in a symbolic gesture of redefining herself and finding herself.I've read about the book on the author's blog before its released and have speculated about the title of a 'snake in paradise' for some time. There were also music lyrics mentioned in her blog post that befit the theme of dealing with a snake. And a snake will be found indeed.
As single woman Lainey soon gets attention from men on the island, some unwanted and some wanted, which kicks of the mystery and suspense part of the story.
Written with great sensitivity the characters are excellently drawn, the dialogues are sharp and poignant and the plot is well thought out.
An engaging, entertaining and stimulating read. Very enjoyable.
Then the actual story begins. Recently divorced Lainey Lee arrives in Hawaii, with a pinch of bitterness and reflection and an appetite to enjoy herself.
She has a snake tattoo that was given to her by her best friend in a symbolic gesture of redefining herself and finding herself.I've read about the book on the author's blog before its released and have speculated about the title of a 'snake in paradise' for some time. There were also music lyrics mentioned in her blog post that befit the theme of dealing with a snake. And a snake will be found indeed.
As single woman Lainey soon gets attention from men on the island, some unwanted and some wanted, which kicks of the mystery and suspense part of the story.
Written with great sensitivity the characters are excellently drawn, the dialogues are sharp and poignant and the plot is well thought out.
An engaging, entertaining and stimulating read. Very enjoyable.
April 26, 2015
A Snake in Paradise, A Lei Crime Series Novella by Eden Baylee is a brilliant piece of fiction. The author tells a gripping mysterious story that sent chills down my spine, yet shares the story in a poetic, creative way where the scenes just seem to come alive off the pages. This is a quick read that has great depth and substance. I was instantly drawn into the suspenseful mystery that is both dramatic and captivating.
Each word feels hand selected and poignant. The author has a unique talent of telling an unusual story in a way that feels realistic and full of life. Eloquent in its approach, A Snake in Paradise is both smart and unpredictable.
Quote ~
"She closed her eyes and allowed the virtual stranger to inspect her. He was interested in the ink, not her body, yet he was so close she smelled the faded scent of his shampoo, felt the warm current of his breath on her neck. A shiver crawled up her back and not an unpleasant one at that."
Each word feels hand selected and poignant. The author has a unique talent of telling an unusual story in a way that feels realistic and full of life. Eloquent in its approach, A Snake in Paradise is both smart and unpredictable.
Quote ~
"She closed her eyes and allowed the virtual stranger to inspect her. He was interested in the ink, not her body, yet he was so close she smelled the faded scent of his shampoo, felt the warm current of his breath on her neck. A shiver crawled up her back and not an unpleasant one at that."
April 28, 2015
Each book I've read set in the Lei Crime World series has been absolutely awesome. Eden Baylee's "A Snake in Paradise" is no exception. Set along a timeline concurrent with one of Toby Neal's books, this novella moves along at a great pace. We are introduced to Lainey Lee, a newly divorced woman who is just coming into her own. While Lei and the gang are investigating murders on their island, Lainey runs into a crime of her own on the Big Island. It was wonderful to see how, even through the difficult experiences that Lainey encounters, she comes out the other side a much stronger, more confident woman. This is a great addition to the Lei Crime series; however, I would hope that Ms. Baylee might consider writing more about such a great character as Lainey Lee. She certainly deserves her own book.
**I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
**I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review**
April 30, 2015
Ah, this book is refreshing right from the start. Eden Baylee brings such craft to her writing. She gives exactly the right amount of detail to engage and inform the reader, but never too much. She shows the reader a delightful character, Lainey, who is eager to explore the world after ending a long marriage.
I hadn't ever felt particularly drawn to Hawaii, but after reading this story, I want to go there.
But the story is really about the people. It's about a woman putting her broken life back together, and learning to take charge of her well-being, even through difficulty.
I might have liked a tiny bit more insight into the villain's motive, about why he does what he does in the way he does it. But maybe that's just me. Either way, it's an enjoyable book, quite well-written, and well worth reading.
I hadn't ever felt particularly drawn to Hawaii, but after reading this story, I want to go there.
But the story is really about the people. It's about a woman putting her broken life back together, and learning to take charge of her well-being, even through difficulty.
I might have liked a tiny bit more insight into the villain's motive, about why he does what he does in the way he does it. But maybe that's just me. Either way, it's an enjoyable book, quite well-written, and well worth reading.
April 17, 2015
What a page turner! It will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Lainey newly divorced gets talked into getting a snake tattoo by her best friend. The tattoo goes up and down her back. It is supposed to make her brave and do stuff she has never done before. She finally gets her dream trip to Hawaii which turns into a nightmare for her. This is a heartwarming crime novella. I loved every minute of it and hated to see it end. Eden Baylee has done a beautiful job writing this story. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for the copy of the book she gifted to me.
April 28, 2015
A snake, indeed!
A journey to Hawaii to regroup and reclaim herself after her divorce sets Lainey on a harrowing journey of self-discovery. And unexpected story of courage and justice with a heroine who makes me cheer! Highly recommend.
A journey to Hawaii to regroup and reclaim herself after her divorce sets Lainey on a harrowing journey of self-discovery. And unexpected story of courage and justice with a heroine who makes me cheer! Highly recommend.
October 2, 2015
I'm the author
June 4, 2015
Madelaine Lee is a forty-something recently divorced woman, who is finally spreading her wings after spending way too many years trapped in a loveless marriage. For her fresh start in life, Madelaine is determined to make some changes about herself that will make her feel like an entirely new person. She changes her name to Lainey, and does something that she is absolutely sure her old self would never even have contemplated: she gets an intriguing, artistic and intricately done tattoo on her back and books a dream vacation to Hawaii.
Yes, Lainey has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. As a matter of fact, she and her new husband Elliot were supposed to go there on their honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in what Lainey sees as a poetic twist of fate, she is finally making the trip by herself - twenty-seven years later - as a gift to herself following a messy divorce.
Once she arrives on the Big Island, Lainey finds herself in absolute heaven - a true paradise of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue skies. She is having a truly amazing time, and even finds time for a little flirting and romance. After spending such a long time in a loveless marriage, Lainey is certainly eager to shed her fears and take a chance with Julian - a dashing and mysterious stranger ten years her junior. After all, it seems to Lainey that they shared an instant connection.
However, Lainey will soon find that romantic strolls along white sand beaches and leisurely swims in vibrant turquoise lagoons is not all Hawaii has to offer. Her budding relationship with Julian might prove to be a tempting distraction; a precious but fleeting chance at true love; or a date with the most charming snake in paradise. Will Lainey's Hawaiian vacation ultimately turn out to be a dream come true, or a waking nightmare?
I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fast-paced and subtly dramatic, I enjoyed Ms. Baylee's writing style and her development of such strong yet sympathetic characters. I give this book an A+! and I am eagerly waiting to read more from this author in the future.
This is actually the first book by Eden Baylee that I've read; although at 67 pages long, it really should be classified as more of a novella. In fact, this is the fourth of eight recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle set on my TBR pile and ready to read.
Yes, Lainey has always dreamed of going to Hawaii. As a matter of fact, she and her new husband Elliot were supposed to go there on their honeymoon trip, only it never happened. Now, in what Lainey sees as a poetic twist of fate, she is finally making the trip by herself - twenty-seven years later - as a gift to herself following a messy divorce.
Once she arrives on the Big Island, Lainey finds herself in absolute heaven - a true paradise of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue skies. She is having a truly amazing time, and even finds time for a little flirting and romance. After spending such a long time in a loveless marriage, Lainey is certainly eager to shed her fears and take a chance with Julian - a dashing and mysterious stranger ten years her junior. After all, it seems to Lainey that they shared an instant connection.
However, Lainey will soon find that romantic strolls along white sand beaches and leisurely swims in vibrant turquoise lagoons is not all Hawaii has to offer. Her budding relationship with Julian might prove to be a tempting distraction; a precious but fleeting chance at true love; or a date with the most charming snake in paradise. Will Lainey's Hawaiian vacation ultimately turn out to be a dream come true, or a waking nightmare?
I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fast-paced and subtly dramatic, I enjoyed Ms. Baylee's writing style and her development of such strong yet sympathetic characters. I give this book an A+! and I am eagerly waiting to read more from this author in the future.
This is actually the first book by Eden Baylee that I've read; although at 67 pages long, it really should be classified as more of a novella. In fact, this is the fourth of eight recently released Kindle World Novellas set within the Lei Crime Series that I've had the pleasure of reading. I still have Hidden Poppies by M. L. Doyle set on my TBR pile and ready to read.
October 8, 2016
After Lainey’s husband blindsides her by filing for divorce after 27 years of marriage, Lainey decides she’s finally going to take that trip to Hawaii – the one she wanted to take on her honeymoon.
At almost fifty, she has to learn how to be comfortable on her own again. She sheds her skin with her marriage and gets a tattoo that represents herself and her new journey: a coral snake.
News of sexual crimes and murder reminds her to keep her wits about her and stay safe. This wasn’t the Hawaii she read about in brochures! Still, she’s determined to enjoy herself on this vacation.
But then, a creep bothers her at a resort bar and a charming man named Julian swoops in to her rescue. This vacation is starting to look up… or is it?
First, I’d like to say “mahalo” to the author for the complimentary copy of A Snake in Paradise.
This empowering novella pulled me in right away and had me at the edge of my seat throughout. It was also great that the themes of this novella are self-discovery, self-growth, and triumph from evil. A Snake in Paradise also has a satisfying conclusion.
I loved Lainey and all of her astute observations. She was super intelligent and the wrong “little lady” to mess with!
I loved the rich setting of this story and enjoyed reading about the turquoise waters and the different terrains of the island. What I love about reading is living vicariously through the characters so I really appreciated the setting! I felt like I was in Hawaii.
I would recommend this short read to fans of crime fiction and psychological suspense aimed at empowering women. A quick, yet satisfying read!
Full review including interview of Author Eden Baylee can be found on A Well Read Woman Blog: https://awellreadwomanblog.wordpress....
At almost fifty, she has to learn how to be comfortable on her own again. She sheds her skin with her marriage and gets a tattoo that represents herself and her new journey: a coral snake.
News of sexual crimes and murder reminds her to keep her wits about her and stay safe. This wasn’t the Hawaii she read about in brochures! Still, she’s determined to enjoy herself on this vacation.
But then, a creep bothers her at a resort bar and a charming man named Julian swoops in to her rescue. This vacation is starting to look up… or is it?
First, I’d like to say “mahalo” to the author for the complimentary copy of A Snake in Paradise.
This empowering novella pulled me in right away and had me at the edge of my seat throughout. It was also great that the themes of this novella are self-discovery, self-growth, and triumph from evil. A Snake in Paradise also has a satisfying conclusion.
I loved Lainey and all of her astute observations. She was super intelligent and the wrong “little lady” to mess with!
I loved the rich setting of this story and enjoyed reading about the turquoise waters and the different terrains of the island. What I love about reading is living vicariously through the characters so I really appreciated the setting! I felt like I was in Hawaii.
I would recommend this short read to fans of crime fiction and psychological suspense aimed at empowering women. A quick, yet satisfying read!
Full review including interview of Author Eden Baylee can be found on A Well Read Woman Blog: https://awellreadwomanblog.wordpress....
June 21, 2015
More than a great whodunit... a story of liberation.
When I downloaded this novella, I was merely expecting to enjoy a great whodunit mystery. The author delivered on that superbly, yet her story stirred me in some profound ways. I was intrigued and completely immersed before I finished reading the prologue.
There are many wonderful elements woven into the plot, the kinds that resonate with me deeply: liberation, transformation, collaboration, courage, and friendship. Baylee’s use of subtlety within the story’s dialogues and details involving time and place was masterful. It was more entertaining to sit back and read, let the story unravel the mystery instead of trying to figure it out myself. I didn’t want to miss any subtle nuances embedded within the plot.
Baylee’s theme of liberation is powerfully presented. Lainey Lee’s transformation from a people-pleaser with little backbone into a confident, perceptive, and proactive woman was poignantly rendered. I was delightfully entertained by a slew of quirky, raucous, rude, slick, and witty characters. Their encounters and interactions with Lainey were memorable ones.
Without giving away the details in the story, there is one aspect that continues to resonate with me. It relates to a tattoo, and how the author uses this particular one as an analogy, a reflection of Lainey Lee’s psychological metamorphosis. I’ll say no more, though, so readers can experience this gem for themselves.
A SNAKE IN PARADISE is well worth reading, one of my top-shelf stories.
When I downloaded this novella, I was merely expecting to enjoy a great whodunit mystery. The author delivered on that superbly, yet her story stirred me in some profound ways. I was intrigued and completely immersed before I finished reading the prologue.
There are many wonderful elements woven into the plot, the kinds that resonate with me deeply: liberation, transformation, collaboration, courage, and friendship. Baylee’s use of subtlety within the story’s dialogues and details involving time and place was masterful. It was more entertaining to sit back and read, let the story unravel the mystery instead of trying to figure it out myself. I didn’t want to miss any subtle nuances embedded within the plot.
Baylee’s theme of liberation is powerfully presented. Lainey Lee’s transformation from a people-pleaser with little backbone into a confident, perceptive, and proactive woman was poignantly rendered. I was delightfully entertained by a slew of quirky, raucous, rude, slick, and witty characters. Their encounters and interactions with Lainey were memorable ones.
Without giving away the details in the story, there is one aspect that continues to resonate with me. It relates to a tattoo, and how the author uses this particular one as an analogy, a reflection of Lainey Lee’s psychological metamorphosis. I’ll say no more, though, so readers can experience this gem for themselves.
A SNAKE IN PARADISE is well worth reading, one of my top-shelf stories.
September 21, 2015
Hawaii: Paradise in Lainey Lee's eyes. With her taxing marriage behind her, she could now take the trip she's been dreaming of all her life. So what if there have some reported crimes on the island? Just like the snake tattoo on her back, Lainey "[is] slender and small, reclusive and intelligent. But because [she] never wants to be trapped, [she] can also be highly poisonous. When confronted, [her] first line of defense will be to flee, but as a last resort, [she] can protect yourself, even kill if [she] must.” (23) Sounds very Nikita, right?
Best advice: “You’ve shed your old skin with your marriage. It’s time you renew yourself and start fresh, a rebirth if you will. You have the power like the snake to transform yourself, Lainey. I know you do.” (23)
During a brief altercation, Julian steps into her life and a tropical romance begins.
Set across the tranquil beauty and enriching culture of the Hawaiian islands, A Snake in Paradise is a subdued cocktail of mystery and drama sans the suspense. It's a novella, so you don't get much story from it, but it was still well-written and captivating nonetheless.
Best advice: “You’ve shed your old skin with your marriage. It’s time you renew yourself and start fresh, a rebirth if you will. You have the power like the snake to transform yourself, Lainey. I know you do.” (23)
During a brief altercation, Julian steps into her life and a tropical romance begins.
Set across the tranquil beauty and enriching culture of the Hawaiian islands, A Snake in Paradise is a subdued cocktail of mystery and drama sans the suspense. It's a novella, so you don't get much story from it, but it was still well-written and captivating nonetheless.
April 29, 2015
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Lainey Lee goes to Hawaii after a messy divorce. Her dream vacation has finally come true. She meets Julian there he is a handsome, mysterious, man and ten years younger than her. She feels they have a connection, or so she believes she lets herself go and gets a tattoo and gives Julian a chance. Is this wise?Did she make a mistake? She is about to find out... I loved the Lei crime series: A Snake in Paradise, loved the Hawaii setting, a fast paced story plenty of drama, romance and excitement. Some crime and even some OMG moments. If you love a great story with crime/drama / romance i highly recommend you read A Snake in Paradise.
April 22, 2015
Oh, I enjoyed this book on so many levels! It is a crime/mystery novella that will keep you guessing til the very end, has a beautifully painted Hawaiian backdrop and a strong female protagonist. Author Baylee Eden masterfully kept this story flowing, with surprises around every turn. I really like her style. I especially liked the way she wove the metaphor of Lainey shedding the self-doubt and weakness from her divorce throughout the story, just like the snake of the tattoo on her back shedding its skin. I thought that was very clever. I highly recommend this book for a good read.
May 13, 2015
It's difficult to imagine a mystery being able to fit into a novella length book. Mysteries are a slow burn and they need time to develop their flavor and get you hooked. But Eden Baylee is a master at writing that slow burn.
The prologue hooked me instantly and I didn't want to put it the book down. Her writing is tight, no word is wasted. Characters, settings, and dialog are well developed and keep you intrigued. The hooks catch you and don't let go.
Well done!
I highly recommend A Snake in Paradise.
The prologue hooked me instantly and I didn't want to put it the book down. Her writing is tight, no word is wasted. Characters, settings, and dialog are well developed and keep you intrigued. The hooks catch you and don't let go.
Well done!
I highly recommend A Snake in Paradise.
July 3, 2015
This short story of a woman coming to realize who she is and what she is capable of is NOT your typical story with that type of theme. Ms. Bayley has been a must - read author for me ever since I opened the first page of her first book. Her usual writing style that encompasses knowledge, emotions and intelligence is present here. Using a snake as the heroine's symbol was pure genius. Thank you, Ms. Baylee, for the copy of this book. It was a joy to read.
April 30, 2015
It is difficult to expound on the plot of a mystery novella without giving spoilers, but suffice to say 'A Snake in Paradise' features Eden Baylee's characteristically evocative descriptions of time and place (in this case, Hawaii), a compelling female protagonist, and a few snaky twists. There is a great opening section which hooks the reader immediately. The writing is, as usual, tight, and the dialogue rings true. An excellent addition to the author's canon.
August 27, 2015
I always enjoy a great novella or short story. Eden Baylee has perfectly captured her main character, a divorced woman, on her first vacation since the divorce, celebrating her new start. Eden has done a wonderful job connecting Lainey with the reader. This is a wonderfully worded novella, it weaves a great story with a character that is easy to relate to, with a tightly written plot. This is a great read by an author who clearly has a good grasp of both people and storytelling.
May 27, 2015
Tautly written mystery
This book had a very tight story that had just enough commonly used elements to lull you into false security only to shock you. With a twist at the end that made it worth reading. Great job.
This book had a very tight story that had just enough commonly used elements to lull you into false security only to shock you. With a twist at the end that made it worth reading. Great job.
May 3, 2015
Well written, heartwarming story of a woman's finding herself through adversity in paradise.
August 4, 2016
Excellent writing! Thrilling and fun!
August 16, 2016
I am familiar with Eden Baylee's work having read a few of her short stories and her novel Stranger at Sunset. I've always enjoyed her work. She's a very skilled author. The descriptive quality of her writing puts the reader in the characters' shoes and evokes imagery so that it almost feels as if you are watching the action.
I was not familiar with the Lei Crime series and understand that these books are only available from Amazon.com at the moment. The author kindly gifted a copy to me so that I could read it.
A Snake in Paradise is a quick read that has a lot of depth. Lainey Lee is a 49-year-old woman who is newly divorced. She travels to Hawaii, somewhere she has always wanted to visit. The prologue sets the scene for some kind of criminal activity but doesn't give too much away. We then follow Lainey on her trip as she meets up with many interesting characters. This story will keep you guessing, and as it unfolds it becomes clear that this paradise destination is not as heavenly as it first seemed.
I enjoyed this story and would describe it as a page turner because it's the kind of book that you want to carry on reading to find out what happens next.
I was not familiar with the Lei Crime series and understand that these books are only available from Amazon.com at the moment. The author kindly gifted a copy to me so that I could read it.
A Snake in Paradise is a quick read that has a lot of depth. Lainey Lee is a 49-year-old woman who is newly divorced. She travels to Hawaii, somewhere she has always wanted to visit. The prologue sets the scene for some kind of criminal activity but doesn't give too much away. We then follow Lainey on her trip as she meets up with many interesting characters. This story will keep you guessing, and as it unfolds it becomes clear that this paradise destination is not as heavenly as it first seemed.
I enjoyed this story and would describe it as a page turner because it's the kind of book that you want to carry on reading to find out what happens next.
July 19, 2015
While this is part of Kindle World's Lei Crime Series, Eden Baylee has written a great mystery that can stand on its own. The characters are well developed, the story is believable and the main character Lainey is as intricate as the tattoo she carries.
Snakes come in all forms and Eden has captured the best and the worst in this tale of a woman growing into and getting comfortable in her own skin after a divorce and devastating encounter with a strange man.
Snakes come in all forms and Eden has captured the best and the worst in this tale of a woman growing into and getting comfortable in her own skin after a divorce and devastating encounter with a strange man.
June 12, 2015
Don't let this book fool you! That's right, that's exactly what I said! The twist it has will leave you going WHAT THE HECK JUST HAPPEN! This is a well written plot. The places description and characters will make you feel that you are them or that you're living their life! A very nice escape from reality when you read this book!!!
*Received for an honest review*
*Received for an honest review*
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