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Paradise Stories #2
Paradise Found: Cain
Cain Callahan wants his wife back. Trouble is, he can’t find her. Lost after their rushed marriage, he’s been on the hunt for his Sofie. Her quiet, shy nature shouldn’t have been a turn on for him, but one-night with too much passion-punch and that fling turned into his ring on her finger. Then she disappeared. As he’s never been a quitter in or out of boxing matches, he’s determined to win her over...once he finds her again.
Sofie Vincentia-Callahan didn’t expect to get married. Problem was, she couldn’t resist him. The temptation of an alpha male so opposite her bookish style quickly burned to deep passion and a night she’ll never forget. When she learns the truth about him and his past, she feels she has no choice but to separate from him. Only, she’s back and he’s more committed than ever to keep her as his.
Lies and lust blur the lines, leaving the question: can love conquer all for this married couple?
This new adult romance retells one of the oldest tales of brother against brother, only this time both brothers wish to win at love. If you like a strong alpha male, a book-smart heroine and boxing matches, then you’ll cheer on this rocky marriage to become a true romance.
** Originally published as Paradise Found: Cain.
This version includes the prologue novella of Paradise Tempted.
Sofie Vincentia-Callahan didn’t expect to get married. Problem was, she couldn’t resist him. The temptation of an alpha male so opposite her bookish style quickly burned to deep passion and a night she’ll never forget. When she learns the truth about him and his past, she feels she has no choice but to separate from him. Only, she’s back and he’s more committed than ever to keep her as his.
Lies and lust blur the lines, leaving the question: can love conquer all for this married couple?
This new adult romance retells one of the oldest tales of brother against brother, only this time both brothers wish to win at love. If you like a strong alpha male, a book-smart heroine and boxing matches, then you’ll cheer on this rocky marriage to become a true romance.
** Originally published as Paradise Found: Cain.
This version includes the prologue novella of Paradise Tempted.
300 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2016
26 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Dunbar
95 books3,281 followersL.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever after. She’s a USA TODAY Bestseller as well as #1 Bestseller on Amazon in Later in Life Romance with her Sterling Falls, Lakeside Cottage, and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her weekly newsletter, Love Notes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 6, 2016
This book is great! It has everything a hot, sexy, sweet love story should have for me. It’s such a gorgeous romance and I can't think of anything in it to complain about.
Cain and Sofie have some history together. After one year of being apart, they meet again and unexpected sparks fly. The attraction is so strong between them and the sexual chemistry sizzles off the page. Although his controlling father disapproves of Sofie, Cain is determined to fight for her love and the future they deserve, whatever the price. Best thing of all about Cain, he has a strong sense of responsibility towards his brother and he loves the heroine so much he actually tears up during tender moments. He may be a lean mean fighting machine but he’s capable of great tenderness and understanding with Sofie.
The sweet, teasing apple of a girl with her bright red glasses and her rope lips. Her smile lit a dimmed bar at that winery and the only drink I wanted was a sip of her.
I was hypnotized by the glare of his eyes, the tone of his shoothing voice, and the sting of his fingers. Cobra. The name suited him.
I love Cain and his determination to win Sofie over so that they could become a family. Although he thinks that Sofie deserves better than him, their bond is so special that Cain finds it impossible to resist her charms and sweetness. The battle that begins between Cain and his father will bring dark secrets to the surface. Will Cain and Sofie be able to finally find the stability they so desperately want?
This book was very steamy but the story called for it. Sofie needed to trust him and Cain had to get rid of his demons and get Sofie to see he was a changed person. They really brought out the best of each other. They were terrific characters on their own but together they were stellar. This is another fabulous, romantic, and steamy read about the power of love and family. I highly recommend it for all romance lovers!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Cain and Sofie have some history together. After one year of being apart, they meet again and unexpected sparks fly. The attraction is so strong between them and the sexual chemistry sizzles off the page. Although his controlling father disapproves of Sofie, Cain is determined to fight for her love and the future they deserve, whatever the price. Best thing of all about Cain, he has a strong sense of responsibility towards his brother and he loves the heroine so much he actually tears up during tender moments. He may be a lean mean fighting machine but he’s capable of great tenderness and understanding with Sofie.
The sweet, teasing apple of a girl with her bright red glasses and her rope lips. Her smile lit a dimmed bar at that winery and the only drink I wanted was a sip of her.
I was hypnotized by the glare of his eyes, the tone of his shoothing voice, and the sting of his fingers. Cobra. The name suited him.
I love Cain and his determination to win Sofie over so that they could become a family. Although he thinks that Sofie deserves better than him, their bond is so special that Cain finds it impossible to resist her charms and sweetness. The battle that begins between Cain and his father will bring dark secrets to the surface. Will Cain and Sofie be able to finally find the stability they so desperately want?
This book was very steamy but the story called for it. Sofie needed to trust him and Cain had to get rid of his demons and get Sofie to see he was a changed person. They really brought out the best of each other. They were terrific characters on their own but together they were stellar. This is another fabulous, romantic, and steamy read about the power of love and family. I highly recommend it for all romance lovers!
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
3 Stars and that's me being generous !!!!! SPOILER ALERT: BE Warned, Do NOT Continue if you don't want to hear my spoiler rant!!!!!!!
OMG, I am so damn mad right now. I can see that I am in the minority here but I have to be honest with my feelings! I absolutely loved the beginning of Cain and Sofie's relationship. No, I hated the way they parted but still it left me wanting for more of them.
It is with a very heavy heart that I write about my negative feelings at the moment. OK, so Cain, ughhhhhh, he couldn't have been more hypocritical of a character. OK, so he serves her papers and for the whole freaking year, he thinks oh she didn't sign them maybe she is still wanting me. OK, I can see that BUT then the whole Malinda thing....OMG, that ruined his part for me. Sorry, it was weird, f'ed up and for me, I was already over their story!!!!! Besides the constant going back n forth between the two of them, I was all set, ARGHHHHHHH, I was so damn annoyed! OH, how I WISHED that she HAD moved on at least and had some swoony man drooling over her when Cain finally decides to pursue her but no she had to be the "celibate" one...... of course!
I truly felt Cain wasn't quite the stand-up guy I thought or rather was led to believe and I can't help but feel disappointed:( His inner thoughts and his actions just never seem to measure or rather meet up..... I just didn't get a lot of it unfortunately. I don't even understand WHY he had Able checking on her and YET he never did a damn thing. She was the one showing up to his fight...almost like if she hadn't gone there, he would never have gone after her. I am so confused about his character:(
I can't help to feel that if the storyline for me had been executed "differently" in a few ways, I could have truly loved them!!!!!!! I hate to be such a downer BUT I was so looking forward to this story and unfortunately for me it was a bust:( Rant over! Ughhhhhhhhh I am just so darn upset lol!!!!
OMG, I am so damn mad right now. I can see that I am in the minority here but I have to be honest with my feelings! I absolutely loved the beginning of Cain and Sofie's relationship. No, I hated the way they parted but still it left me wanting for more of them.
It is with a very heavy heart that I write about my negative feelings at the moment. OK, so Cain, ughhhhhh, he couldn't have been more hypocritical of a character. OK, so he serves her papers and for the whole freaking year, he thinks oh she didn't sign them maybe she is still wanting me. OK, I can see that BUT then the whole Malinda thing....OMG, that ruined his part for me. Sorry, it was weird, f'ed up and for me, I was already over their story!!!!! Besides the constant going back n forth between the two of them, I was all set, ARGHHHHHHH, I was so damn annoyed! OH, how I WISHED that she HAD moved on at least and had some swoony man drooling over her when Cain finally decides to pursue her but no she had to be the "celibate" one...... of course!
I truly felt Cain wasn't quite the stand-up guy I thought or rather was led to believe and I can't help but feel disappointed:( His inner thoughts and his actions just never seem to measure or rather meet up..... I just didn't get a lot of it unfortunately. I don't even understand WHY he had Able checking on her and YET he never did a damn thing. She was the one showing up to his fight...almost like if she hadn't gone there, he would never have gone after her. I am so confused about his character:(
I can't help to feel that if the storyline for me had been executed "differently" in a few ways, I could have truly loved them!!!!!!! I hate to be such a downer BUT I was so looking forward to this story and unfortunately for me it was a bust:( Rant over! Ughhhhhhhhh I am just so darn upset lol!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2016
4 Sweet Temptation stars
Starting this book I kept feeling like I was missing chunks of the story and struggled to grasp the plot, I haven't read the first book Abel so I don't know if a lot of that has to do with the contents of Abels story with his brother Cain and what happened in book one was leading up to the events with Cain. I would advise Abel's story first to grasp a better understanding of both brothers and the whole plot although through explanation I began to come up to speed and grasp it but would advise reading previous book to appreciate more.
Paradise Found was a complex read, bible references, family history,danger elements,lies & deceit surrounding the characters of Cain an MMA fighter and sweet Sophie who melted Caines hard heart.
A book filled with action,some humour,heartwarming moments,frustrating moments, hot moments and intense scenes all in all a gripping plot that certainly has your attention peaked throughout.
I loved the following lines:
Leaning forward to kiss her hair, she quietly cried over my heart. I'll never let you go it beat
He was the night sky staring down at the shore. I was the liquid ocean under him, hoping to reach him with every rolling wave.
Arc gratefully received for honest review: BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends & L.AB.B
Http://www.BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Starting this book I kept feeling like I was missing chunks of the story and struggled to grasp the plot, I haven't read the first book Abel so I don't know if a lot of that has to do with the contents of Abels story with his brother Cain and what happened in book one was leading up to the events with Cain. I would advise Abel's story first to grasp a better understanding of both brothers and the whole plot although through explanation I began to come up to speed and grasp it but would advise reading previous book to appreciate more.
Paradise Found was a complex read, bible references, family history,danger elements,lies & deceit surrounding the characters of Cain an MMA fighter and sweet Sophie who melted Caines hard heart.
A book filled with action,some humour,heartwarming moments,frustrating moments, hot moments and intense scenes all in all a gripping plot that certainly has your attention peaked throughout.
I loved the following lines:
Leaning forward to kiss her hair, she quietly cried over my heart. I'll never let you go it beat
He was the night sky staring down at the shore. I was the liquid ocean under him, hoping to reach him with every rolling wave.
Arc gratefully received for honest review: BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends & L.AB.B
Http://www.BBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
May 23, 2016
Ever since I read Abel's story I was always curious about Cain. I'm happy to say this story didn't disappoint!
Cain's story was a whirlwind of emotions where I found myself between wanting to slap him to wanting to kiss him. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took and the little surprise at the end. I can't wait to read more as I hope that there're be another soon! I for one can't get enough of the sexy MMA brothers! Although Abel captured my heart from the beginning Cain is definitely right up there.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Cain's story was a whirlwind of emotions where I found myself between wanting to slap him to wanting to kiss him. I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took and the little surprise at the end. I can't wait to read more as I hope that there're be another soon! I for one can't get enough of the sexy MMA brothers! Although Abel captured my heart from the beginning Cain is definitely right up there.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2016
LB Dunbar continues to wow me with the intelligent way she brings classic stories of our youth transforming them into something fresh, but not so much that the underlying meaning is lost.
Book 2. Brothers. MMA fighters. Love. Acceptance. Closure. Beginnings.
Words. Just words that I wrote up there, but those words are what Cain is about. The continuation of the iconic fight between two brothers, Abel and Cain, that may have ended and declared Abel the winner, but Cain is still fighting. He’s fighting for love. Sweet, Sassy Sofie. She got away once and then she was found, now he has to give up the only way he knows how to live, in order to be alive.
We met Sofie in the first book of the Paradise series, Abel, and she’s on the road to becoming a doctor while spending weekends back on her family’s vineyard to earn extra money. It’s at this vineyard where Sofie first met Cain and that was one unforgettable, life changing weekend.
The snake and the angel. Darkness and Light. Good and Evil.
Cain and Sofie have many secrets and obstacles that will come to light and it will either break them forever or set them free to be able to just be.
I loved everything about this story. I just can’t get enough of LB Dunbar! Her writing is smart, and the words paint the most vivid picture or the darkest of feelings that you are truly being intertwined with the story as it flows.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Book 2. Brothers. MMA fighters. Love. Acceptance. Closure. Beginnings.
Words. Just words that I wrote up there, but those words are what Cain is about. The continuation of the iconic fight between two brothers, Abel and Cain, that may have ended and declared Abel the winner, but Cain is still fighting. He’s fighting for love. Sweet, Sassy Sofie. She got away once and then she was found, now he has to give up the only way he knows how to live, in order to be alive.
We met Sofie in the first book of the Paradise series, Abel, and she’s on the road to becoming a doctor while spending weekends back on her family’s vineyard to earn extra money. It’s at this vineyard where Sofie first met Cain and that was one unforgettable, life changing weekend.
The snake and the angel. Darkness and Light. Good and Evil.
Cain and Sofie have many secrets and obstacles that will come to light and it will either break them forever or set them free to be able to just be.
I loved everything about this story. I just can’t get enough of LB Dunbar! Her writing is smart, and the words paint the most vivid picture or the darkest of feelings that you are truly being intertwined with the story as it flows.
I can’t wait to see what comes next!
June 6, 2016
For me, this was a book I thought I would never like. I was way off base with that opinion however. I generally enjoy either rock star of paranormal genre. Boxing is sometimes an issue for me since I really am not into violence of any kind. However, this story caught me from the beginning and I loved every minute of it.
I am not a person who likes to read about any type of violence even boxing as a sport. It's just not in my list of genre's. Even though Cain is about a boxer and a fair amount of violent type behavior, it does not dwell on that. It dwells on what I love most and that's the ups and downs of a relationship. In many places throughout the story, my heart was breaking for both Cain and his lady love Sofie. Just when you think things are going to work out for them, something else comes along that tears them apart. Lot of twists and turns in the relationship.
I enjoyed this read and love the way this author keeps me turning the pages to see what's next. Her writing is exceptional, the plot is very easily read and her characters are always well developed into the story line. I give this book a 5 star rating from an author I have grown to love.
I am not a person who likes to read about any type of violence even boxing as a sport. It's just not in my list of genre's. Even though Cain is about a boxer and a fair amount of violent type behavior, it does not dwell on that. It dwells on what I love most and that's the ups and downs of a relationship. In many places throughout the story, my heart was breaking for both Cain and his lady love Sofie. Just when you think things are going to work out for them, something else comes along that tears them apart. Lot of twists and turns in the relationship.
I enjoyed this read and love the way this author keeps me turning the pages to see what's next. Her writing is exceptional, the plot is very easily read and her characters are always well developed into the story line. I give this book a 5 star rating from an author I have grown to love.
June 1, 2016
This book was given to me as an ARC for honest review.
Continuing the modern (and subtle) reference to the Biblical story about two brothers: Cain and Abel, Cain finally gets to pick up from where he left off in Paradise Tempted and Paradise Fought (books 0.5 and 1 in LB’s Paradise series). Having his world turned upside down, and desiring something (or rather someone) he never knew he wanted, has Cain battling the most important fight of his life to date… for love.
I LOVED watching the transformation that came over Cain as he realizes what’s truly important in life, discovers more about who he can be, and let’s in love. I found this story truly original with enough twists, secrets, and surprises to keep me guessing. The passion is heartfelt and the struggles are extremely real. The characters are well developed and you really start to feel like you know them.
BRAVO to an epic continuation in this series. I can’t wait for more!!
Continuing the modern (and subtle) reference to the Biblical story about two brothers: Cain and Abel, Cain finally gets to pick up from where he left off in Paradise Tempted and Paradise Fought (books 0.5 and 1 in LB’s Paradise series). Having his world turned upside down, and desiring something (or rather someone) he never knew he wanted, has Cain battling the most important fight of his life to date… for love.
I LOVED watching the transformation that came over Cain as he realizes what’s truly important in life, discovers more about who he can be, and let’s in love. I found this story truly original with enough twists, secrets, and surprises to keep me guessing. The passion is heartfelt and the struggles are extremely real. The characters are well developed and you really start to feel like you know them.
BRAVO to an epic continuation in this series. I can’t wait for more!!
June 7, 2016
This book continues perfectly from book 1 (Abel) where Cain and Abel are fighting against each other in the ring... On their fathers orders!!!
Abel found Sophie and this story unfolds the secrets as to who Sophie is to Cain and how they met, also the journey they both take as they try to make a future!!!
It's a brilliant story and really does touch your heart as secrets of days gone by are revealed! The passion between Cain and Sophie is off the charts mind blowing, but will they ever be left alone? Can they get through the past? Will they be strong enough? Can they pull together and get their HEA? Or will circumstances keep them apart forever?... All these questions will be answered, and more! It's a book that you can't put down once you start, and it pulls you into the story and drags you so deep that you feel part of the book!!!
A brilliant 10/10 read and i can't wait to see what LB has planned next, and i just know that what ever it is... It's going to be kickass!!!
Abel found Sophie and this story unfolds the secrets as to who Sophie is to Cain and how they met, also the journey they both take as they try to make a future!!!
It's a brilliant story and really does touch your heart as secrets of days gone by are revealed! The passion between Cain and Sophie is off the charts mind blowing, but will they ever be left alone? Can they get through the past? Will they be strong enough? Can they pull together and get their HEA? Or will circumstances keep them apart forever?... All these questions will be answered, and more! It's a book that you can't put down once you start, and it pulls you into the story and drags you so deep that you feel part of the book!!!
A brilliant 10/10 read and i can't wait to see what LB has planned next, and i just know that what ever it is... It's going to be kickass!!!
June 8, 2016
Title: Paradise Found: CAIN
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports-MMA, Suspense
Series or Standalone: Series (Paradise #2)
Rating: ★★★★
Review
L.B. Dunbar has done it again.
She’s taken MMA fighters, put them together in romance, weaving together a biblical like, fairy-tale style read that once started, sweeps you off your feet. Her words and way with description almost lyrical in nature. Captivating to be sure.
But she also gives you not so perfect characters. Ones that on a day to day appear to be anything but the fictional entities they are, but more like real everyday people, experiencing much the same things we do, but on a little bit of a grander scale. Hero’s that even though they make mistakes (and trust me here, Cain made some serious missteps along the way), you still can’t help but root for. Want the best for and definitely want to see come out the other end of what plagues them.
In this case Cain (and Abel’s) father.
What a piece of work that was. I thought I’d seen the level of his depravity and lack of feeling as it pertained to his family in Abel’s story, but let me tell you, the worst is yet to come. There were quite a few instances here where I was just taken aback and completely off guard at just how deep his own hatred of his family went. The sheer need for destruction on all levels that he had. While I have to admit I did think that things were taken to an almost out of this world at one point (hence the rating being lower than Abel’s), it wasn’t so much so that it took away from the overall feel of the story for me.
I still loved it and I still loved Cain and Sofie together.
For anyone that’s read the previous novella, you’re aware of how their relationship comes to be and how it ends up heading into this one, but what you get here on a much grander scale is just how affected these two people are by each other. Sure, they’ve got the physical attraction, but there are points in this novel, way before any feelings are admitting or I love you is uttered where you see it’s even more deep seeded than that. You can see that it’s more and you just want both of them to smarten up so they can see it clearly too.
These two whenever they were together in scenes were phenomenal. Scorching yet fluid at the same time. It was like all the pieces fit for me. What Sofie was to Cain and really what he was to her. Temptation and Sin at times, but ultimately, change, beauty and happiness. In a way, a soft place to fall for both of them. And considering what they managed to go through within the pages of this story, they were both definitely deserving of that.
Overall, this book delivered on everything I went in hoping it would, even if there were some aspects I didn’t enjoy as much as the others and I think that if you’re a fan of MMA fighters, falling in love, flawed characters that mess up a few times before they get it right, you’ll really enjoy this. I know I did.
My thanks to the author and all others involved for letting me read an ARC of this story before its official release out into the world. I can safely say that as long as this author keeps writing, I’m going to come back for more. She hooked me and it’s my hope she’ll hook other readers in the same way.
June 7, 2016
4.5 Stars - L.B. Dunbar continues to enchant with this latest Paradise Stories novel! Paradise Found: Cain has it all, pulling me into the whirlwind of lust, love, mystery, and action with minimal effort. The instant connection between Sofie and Cain that we discovered in the prequel novella, Paradise Tempted: The Beginning, is put to the test in this book by a myriad of complications and manipulative plots, leaving readers to navigate this angst-ridden journey in an attempt to unravel the secrets that threaten their relationship. With each new novel, L.B. Dunbar grows by leaps and bounds as she further develops her craft, enchanting readers with her spellbinding stories and this was certainly no exception. L.B. Dunbar had my heart fluttering with her powerful prose and skilled story building and I found myself absolutely devouring this novel in hopes of reaching Cain and Sofie’s happily ever after.
Sofie exhibits a lot of growth in this novel and I’ll admit, it was intensely satisfying. Heartache has made her feisty and strong, capable of holding her own with Cain when he comes barreling back into her world. L.B. Dunbar further developed this character as the story progressed, creating a balance between the sweet, kindhearted girl and the fierce, guarded woman. Sofie’s newfound stubbornness led to some seriously amusing banter with Cain along with plenty of sizzling tension that made their story a delightfully steamy one. I was definitely surprised by the vulnerability Cain displayed in this book. Never one to leave himself open, his decision to trust Sofie with his heart and his willingness to expose the damaged pieces of himself to her left me swooning. Having already been hooked by the dirty talking, sexy as sin fighter, it was the sweet, emotionally raw man who caught me off guard and won my heart so completely.
Paradise Found: Cain definitely stood out from the rest of the series. There was a sense of desperation that gave Cain and Sofie’s story an emotional urgency I just couldn’t ignore. As they fought to hold onto their fragile relationship, secrets began to unravel, threatening to destroy them both. My heart raced as Cain and Sofie tried to get ahead of whatever was coming for them and I loved how easily L.B. Dunbar built the suspense of this novel. As always, a handful of secondary characters helped bring this book to life and I am definitely more than a little intrigued by some of the new faces. L.B. Dunbar leaves readers with the enticement of more to come from this fascinating collection of characters and I hope we’ll be hearing their stories soon. Paradise Found: Cain was well paced and expertly executed delivering a heartfelt story that was exciting, charming, and addictive.
Sofie exhibits a lot of growth in this novel and I’ll admit, it was intensely satisfying. Heartache has made her feisty and strong, capable of holding her own with Cain when he comes barreling back into her world. L.B. Dunbar further developed this character as the story progressed, creating a balance between the sweet, kindhearted girl and the fierce, guarded woman. Sofie’s newfound stubbornness led to some seriously amusing banter with Cain along with plenty of sizzling tension that made their story a delightfully steamy one. I was definitely surprised by the vulnerability Cain displayed in this book. Never one to leave himself open, his decision to trust Sofie with his heart and his willingness to expose the damaged pieces of himself to her left me swooning. Having already been hooked by the dirty talking, sexy as sin fighter, it was the sweet, emotionally raw man who caught me off guard and won my heart so completely.
Paradise Found: Cain definitely stood out from the rest of the series. There was a sense of desperation that gave Cain and Sofie’s story an emotional urgency I just couldn’t ignore. As they fought to hold onto their fragile relationship, secrets began to unravel, threatening to destroy them both. My heart raced as Cain and Sofie tried to get ahead of whatever was coming for them and I loved how easily L.B. Dunbar built the suspense of this novel. As always, a handful of secondary characters helped bring this book to life and I am definitely more than a little intrigued by some of the new faces. L.B. Dunbar leaves readers with the enticement of more to come from this fascinating collection of characters and I hope we’ll be hearing their stories soon. Paradise Found: Cain was well paced and expertly executed delivering a heartfelt story that was exciting, charming, and addictive.
June 6, 2016
“I just want you to be happy. That’s what hurts my heart. You’re a good man, and you don’t see it.”
This quote is exactly what Paradise Found is about….a tortured man who doesn’t believe he is good, and believes the lies his father has told him his entire life. Yet, he fights so hard to be good and find some happiness. It’s Cain’s story, and I have been waiting very impatiently to finally get his, but Mrs. Dunbar made it well worth the wait!
I’ve read the entire series, including the prequel, Paradise Tempted: The Beginning which was the start of Sofie and Cain’s story. It’s interesting how Dunbar wrote the prequel, then wrote Cain’s brother’s story. Then, she went back to Cain’s story. She weaved each of their stories together flawlessly. I loved Cain from the very moment I met him, even though he came across as cold and unfeeling except when he is with Sofie. She has a way of melting that hardness and making him believe there is goodness inside of his heart, and he is worthy of being loved. Sofie came across as somewhat naïve in the prequel, but she has matured into a strong, independent woman despite the fact that Cain ripped her heart out. In this book, Cain has finally found Sofie. He tries to convince himself it’s to take care of some unfinished business, but that is very far from the truth. Will he realize it in time? Will she be able to trust her heart to him again if he begs for a second chance?
I am purposely not giving many details because this is a series you MUST READ! While there is romance and some great sex scenes, there are twists you will NEVER see coming. The secrets and lies that Cain and Abel’s father has kept hidden will be revealed, and it will change all of their lives. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down for too long. I just had to know if Cain would finally find his “paradise.” If one character deserves that, it’s Cain. He’s fought his whole life for others in his life, especially trying to to protect his brother from their father. Somewhere along the way, he lost his own self, so he deserves some love and happiness.
LB Dunbar continues to surprise and amaze me. She has written several different series, and she continues to make each series and the characters different and unique in their own ways. I love her use of the English language and the magical, descriptive way she writes. By doing this, she pulls her readers right into the story, so much that you feel like you are a part of it. Now, Mrs. Dunbar will be testing my patience again waiting for the next one in the series….what an ending!!!!!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
This quote is exactly what Paradise Found is about….a tortured man who doesn’t believe he is good, and believes the lies his father has told him his entire life. Yet, he fights so hard to be good and find some happiness. It’s Cain’s story, and I have been waiting very impatiently to finally get his, but Mrs. Dunbar made it well worth the wait!
I’ve read the entire series, including the prequel, Paradise Tempted: The Beginning which was the start of Sofie and Cain’s story. It’s interesting how Dunbar wrote the prequel, then wrote Cain’s brother’s story. Then, she went back to Cain’s story. She weaved each of their stories together flawlessly. I loved Cain from the very moment I met him, even though he came across as cold and unfeeling except when he is with Sofie. She has a way of melting that hardness and making him believe there is goodness inside of his heart, and he is worthy of being loved. Sofie came across as somewhat naïve in the prequel, but she has matured into a strong, independent woman despite the fact that Cain ripped her heart out. In this book, Cain has finally found Sofie. He tries to convince himself it’s to take care of some unfinished business, but that is very far from the truth. Will he realize it in time? Will she be able to trust her heart to him again if he begs for a second chance?
I am purposely not giving many details because this is a series you MUST READ! While there is romance and some great sex scenes, there are twists you will NEVER see coming. The secrets and lies that Cain and Abel’s father has kept hidden will be revealed, and it will change all of their lives. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down for too long. I just had to know if Cain would finally find his “paradise.” If one character deserves that, it’s Cain. He’s fought his whole life for others in his life, especially trying to to protect his brother from their father. Somewhere along the way, he lost his own self, so he deserves some love and happiness.
LB Dunbar continues to surprise and amaze me. She has written several different series, and she continues to make each series and the characters different and unique in their own ways. I love her use of the English language and the magical, descriptive way she writes. By doing this, she pulls her readers right into the story, so much that you feel like you are a part of it. Now, Mrs. Dunbar will be testing my patience again waiting for the next one in the series….what an ending!!!!!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
June 6, 2016
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Cain is a man that has had to fight his entire life. Raised by an obsessive and abusive father, Cain has been conditioned his entire life to not only be a champion, but the only champion. When faced with taking the life of another in a tragic accident gone wrong, Cain just wants an escape. After meeting Sophie at her family’s vineyard, what started out as a one-night stand, turns into more than he could have ever anticipated.
Sophie is a good girl. She has always been a good girl. After tragically losing her parents at a young age, she has found her solace in working with her grandparents and going to school to be a doctor. Although not fondly, she often finds herself thinking and stalking the internet for any information on the Cobra. Feeling as if their brief time together meant nothing to him, she comes face to face with the man that she has hated for over a year, but ultimately still holds a piece of her heart that he refuses to let go.
When the two lost lovers reunite, it is not the reunion that either of them anticipated. Cain does not want to let her go, but he also knows that keeping her will destroy her life and all that is good within her.
Whoever coined the phrase “I’m a lover, not a fighter” must have had this guy in mind. Cain is a man that is known to completely dominate his opponents in the cage, but his fighting skills have nothing on his ability to swoon even the most skeptical of women. The guy can literally make and prolific love to a woman with a mere few and simple words. He doesn’t say much but what he has to say is powerful. Complete Grade A swoon worthy perfection.
I completely adored Sophie. After getting a little glimpse of her in Abel’s book, I was taken by complete surprise as to how she was written in Paradise Fought. She was charming, insanely smart and while she was extremely vulnerable during some scenes in the book, she did not hesitate to bring Cain to his knees with her unyielding love and adoration for the true man that she knew he could be.
I just thought that I loved Abel and Elma’s story, but they have got nothing on Cain and Sophie. I have read every book by this author and this one is definitely my favorite so far. There are not many books that I find myself hoping that there will be a cliffhanger, but this was one that I prayed for just so I could have another opportunity to read more about these two beautiful and emotionally powerful characters. One of the most passionate and insanely romantic stories that I have ever read, Paradise Found will have you pleading to savor every last reverent word of Cain and Sophie’s story.
Cain is a man that has had to fight his entire life. Raised by an obsessive and abusive father, Cain has been conditioned his entire life to not only be a champion, but the only champion. When faced with taking the life of another in a tragic accident gone wrong, Cain just wants an escape. After meeting Sophie at her family’s vineyard, what started out as a one-night stand, turns into more than he could have ever anticipated.
Sophie is a good girl. She has always been a good girl. After tragically losing her parents at a young age, she has found her solace in working with her grandparents and going to school to be a doctor. Although not fondly, she often finds herself thinking and stalking the internet for any information on the Cobra. Feeling as if their brief time together meant nothing to him, she comes face to face with the man that she has hated for over a year, but ultimately still holds a piece of her heart that he refuses to let go.
When the two lost lovers reunite, it is not the reunion that either of them anticipated. Cain does not want to let her go, but he also knows that keeping her will destroy her life and all that is good within her.
Whoever coined the phrase “I’m a lover, not a fighter” must have had this guy in mind. Cain is a man that is known to completely dominate his opponents in the cage, but his fighting skills have nothing on his ability to swoon even the most skeptical of women. The guy can literally make and prolific love to a woman with a mere few and simple words. He doesn’t say much but what he has to say is powerful. Complete Grade A swoon worthy perfection.
I completely adored Sophie. After getting a little glimpse of her in Abel’s book, I was taken by complete surprise as to how she was written in Paradise Fought. She was charming, insanely smart and while she was extremely vulnerable during some scenes in the book, she did not hesitate to bring Cain to his knees with her unyielding love and adoration for the true man that she knew he could be.
I just thought that I loved Abel and Elma’s story, but they have got nothing on Cain and Sophie. I have read every book by this author and this one is definitely my favorite so far. There are not many books that I find myself hoping that there will be a cliffhanger, but this was one that I prayed for just so I could have another opportunity to read more about these two beautiful and emotionally powerful characters. One of the most passionate and insanely romantic stories that I have ever read, Paradise Found will have you pleading to savor every last reverent word of Cain and Sophie’s story.
May 14, 2016
To say I was knocked out by LB Dunbar’s new book, Paradise Found: Cain, is not an exaggeration. For me it is the perfect blend of an alpha male, broken by his upbringing, and an increasingly independent woman. As with all her books, the writing is elegant and flows off the page into the reader’s imagination. The characters are well developed and complex, so much of their individual pasts and their shared past go into building their personas.
Cain’s story is the continuation of the story arc that began in Paradise Tempted: The Beginning and continued in Paradise Fought: Abel. Ms. Dunbar weaves a beautiful tale of a man, who grew up in a household without love, trying to digest the fact that he has fallen in love with someone that he feels he doesn’t deserve. . While some may dislike Cain, I adore him because I understand him and the past that broke him My heart aches for Cain through much of the book as he struggles to figure out his life and his heart. He knows that he doesn’t want to let Sophie go but struggles to find a way keep her. Communication is not his best skill, and he often does things in order to protect her, which she misreads as disinterest.
Sophie lost her heart to Cain at her grandparents’ inn, and though they were separated for a year, she never forgot her feelings for him. Sophie is a sweet, loveable, “good” girl who fell in love with a fighter. Separated by an ocean, and time, she could not rid him from her head or her heart. She finds she is fighting a losing battle, and when she realizes he still has feelings for her, the gloves are off. The lovers dance around their feelings for each other; one desperate to hear, “I love you,” and other fighting to say those words and assuming she knows.
The readers get more of the underdog brother, Abel, and his love, Elma, as the brother’s struggle with their father and their brotherly relationship. Secrets are revealed about Kursch and Ava, Abel’s coach, and even the death of Sophie’s parents. The most evil character in this trilogy is Atom, Cain and Abel’s father. He is a man hell bent on destroying the bond between the brothers and any happiness they might find with the women they love. The reader has a ringside seat to the ultimate match up.
This round goes to Ms. Dunbar, the fight for love is hard fought, but in the end, she takes the couple to the mat, or perhaps the mattress, and declares them both winners. The book appears to be the final installment of the Paradise Stories, however the ending may prove there is more to tell.
Cain’s story is the continuation of the story arc that began in Paradise Tempted: The Beginning and continued in Paradise Fought: Abel. Ms. Dunbar weaves a beautiful tale of a man, who grew up in a household without love, trying to digest the fact that he has fallen in love with someone that he feels he doesn’t deserve. . While some may dislike Cain, I adore him because I understand him and the past that broke him My heart aches for Cain through much of the book as he struggles to figure out his life and his heart. He knows that he doesn’t want to let Sophie go but struggles to find a way keep her. Communication is not his best skill, and he often does things in order to protect her, which she misreads as disinterest.
Sophie lost her heart to Cain at her grandparents’ inn, and though they were separated for a year, she never forgot her feelings for him. Sophie is a sweet, loveable, “good” girl who fell in love with a fighter. Separated by an ocean, and time, she could not rid him from her head or her heart. She finds she is fighting a losing battle, and when she realizes he still has feelings for her, the gloves are off. The lovers dance around their feelings for each other; one desperate to hear, “I love you,” and other fighting to say those words and assuming she knows.
The readers get more of the underdog brother, Abel, and his love, Elma, as the brother’s struggle with their father and their brotherly relationship. Secrets are revealed about Kursch and Ava, Abel’s coach, and even the death of Sophie’s parents. The most evil character in this trilogy is Atom, Cain and Abel’s father. He is a man hell bent on destroying the bond between the brothers and any happiness they might find with the women they love. The reader has a ringside seat to the ultimate match up.
This round goes to Ms. Dunbar, the fight for love is hard fought, but in the end, she takes the couple to the mat, or perhaps the mattress, and declares them both winners. The book appears to be the final installment of the Paradise Stories, however the ending may prove there is more to tell.
May 26, 2016
LB Dunbar once again delivers an emotional and uniquely crafted story with Paradise Found: Cain. Through great writing, she tells a story of two people who were inexplicably drawn to each other and had to fight impossible odds. Having read Paradise Tempted: The Beginning, the novella that introduced Cain and Sofie, I was so excited to see what would happen when they reconnected. The two of them had spent a weekend together at a vineyard one year prior, but circumstances caused them to separate. Now they are face to face again, tied together by an undeniable chemistry and a soul-shattering connection.
The characters of this story were well-written, intriguing, and multi-dimensional. Dunbar has a way of drawing the reader into her stories with the way she writes her characters. Cain was someone who lived under the rule of his tyrannical father, a man who had no respect for women and treated his children as pawns. Groomed by his father from a young age, Cain lived to fight, and didn't have any room for emotions or feelings. That all changed when his path crossed with Sofie's. Sofie was innocent, sweet and intelligent, and I loved her from the very beginning. She knew that falling for the bad boy would lead to heartache, but the pull between her and Cain was impossible to resist. They were opposites in every way, hard versus soft, yet the connection they shared was one that couldn't be denied. The author did a great job creating tension between Cain and Sofie, which led to some angst-filled encounters between them. I like that the characters felt very real to me. They were flawed people, and that showed in some of the decisions that they made.
Cain and Sofie had tremendous obstacles that stood before them. There were some incredibly sad moments that occurred, and there were moments that left me frustrated and yelling at them to just get it together and be happy with one another. Their journey was not an easy one by any means. I love that we saw a transformation in Cain from the man that was first introduced in book 1 of the series. The storyline was both well-written and intriguing, with some great twists and revelations that kept me hooked into the book. This was a great story of redemption, love, and an undeniable bond between two souls. I really hope that the author plans to give us more from this series, because it has been one that I have truly enjoyed.
The characters of this story were well-written, intriguing, and multi-dimensional. Dunbar has a way of drawing the reader into her stories with the way she writes her characters. Cain was someone who lived under the rule of his tyrannical father, a man who had no respect for women and treated his children as pawns. Groomed by his father from a young age, Cain lived to fight, and didn't have any room for emotions or feelings. That all changed when his path crossed with Sofie's. Sofie was innocent, sweet and intelligent, and I loved her from the very beginning. She knew that falling for the bad boy would lead to heartache, but the pull between her and Cain was impossible to resist. They were opposites in every way, hard versus soft, yet the connection they shared was one that couldn't be denied. The author did a great job creating tension between Cain and Sofie, which led to some angst-filled encounters between them. I like that the characters felt very real to me. They were flawed people, and that showed in some of the decisions that they made.
Cain and Sofie had tremendous obstacles that stood before them. There were some incredibly sad moments that occurred, and there were moments that left me frustrated and yelling at them to just get it together and be happy with one another. Their journey was not an easy one by any means. I love that we saw a transformation in Cain from the man that was first introduced in book 1 of the series. The storyline was both well-written and intriguing, with some great twists and revelations that kept me hooked into the book. This was a great story of redemption, love, and an undeniable bond between two souls. I really hope that the author plans to give us more from this series, because it has been one that I have truly enjoyed.
June 4, 2016
Cain Callahan is a lost soul in a garden of temptation, greed, and sin, but at one point, in the arms of his sweetest temptation, Sofie Vincentia, he was found, and for a small amount of time, he was untainted and repentant. But that paradise was destroyed by Cain’s father - the man who made Cain into the man he is by harsh words and damaging fists. Once out of Eden, Cain goes right back to his sinful ways despite the vow he made and the heart he gave away.
After a year without Sofie, Cain realizes the error of his ways and truly understands that one man’s paradise is another man’s hell, so as he tries to prove himself to Sofie and disentangle himself from the devil, Cain finds himself in the biggest fight of his life, not only for the woman he has grown to love, but the man his mother always wanted him to be.
It’s easy to see who Cain is under his father’s control and who he is when he actually tries to not be his father’s son. In Paradise Fought, Abel’s story, as well as Paradise Tempted, there are two sides to Cain’s personality - one clearly driven by and for himself and the other when he allows his father to command him. But in Paradise Found, Cain’s greatest sin and salvation becomes the driving force in his life, forcing him to strike out against the hell his father has placed him in and return to paradise - the place he learned how to love and how to give instead of take.
Cobra is the perfect fighter name for Cain because he’s a snake who bites with his fists in the ring and tempts with his pleasurable ways in the bedroom, and Sofie is seduced by his charm and constantly tempted by the man she sees beneath the fighter facade.
But in order for Cain to reclaim paradise, he needs to prove to Sofie that their forbidden love is worth more than his fighting career, more than the wrath of his father, and more than his fears of giving himself to someone else when he doesn’t truly understand what love is.
Paradise Found is a text rich in biblical storylines - brother vs. brother, good vs. evil, sin vs. salvation, and while LB Dunbar crafts her own interpretations of them, they still teach lessons for a contemporary society reader that are just as worthwhile and impacting.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
After a year without Sofie, Cain realizes the error of his ways and truly understands that one man’s paradise is another man’s hell, so as he tries to prove himself to Sofie and disentangle himself from the devil, Cain finds himself in the biggest fight of his life, not only for the woman he has grown to love, but the man his mother always wanted him to be.
It’s easy to see who Cain is under his father’s control and who he is when he actually tries to not be his father’s son. In Paradise Fought, Abel’s story, as well as Paradise Tempted, there are two sides to Cain’s personality - one clearly driven by and for himself and the other when he allows his father to command him. But in Paradise Found, Cain’s greatest sin and salvation becomes the driving force in his life, forcing him to strike out against the hell his father has placed him in and return to paradise - the place he learned how to love and how to give instead of take.
Cobra is the perfect fighter name for Cain because he’s a snake who bites with his fists in the ring and tempts with his pleasurable ways in the bedroom, and Sofie is seduced by his charm and constantly tempted by the man she sees beneath the fighter facade.
But in order for Cain to reclaim paradise, he needs to prove to Sofie that their forbidden love is worth more than his fighting career, more than the wrath of his father, and more than his fears of giving himself to someone else when he doesn’t truly understand what love is.
Paradise Found is a text rich in biblical storylines - brother vs. brother, good vs. evil, sin vs. salvation, and while LB Dunbar crafts her own interpretations of them, they still teach lessons for a contemporary society reader that are just as worthwhile and impacting.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
May 30, 2016
I’m in love with this book. I just did not, could not put it down. My poor family suffered because I made them cook dinner just so I could continue reading. I only put it down (with like 30 mins left to read according to my Kindle) to watch one of my all-time favorite shows but you bet I was reading during commercial breaks!
Let me start with saying, I didn’t read the other books in this series (I know but I honestly didn’t know there were other books until I had the book in my hands!!) So I read it and was able to follow along fine. In a way, I’m glad I didn’t know about book 1… I would have been sooooo pissed at Cain! Okay, I was already pissed at Cain but man! And I wasn’t just mad at Cain, Sofie had me yelling too. I just wanted to take these two and put them in a locked room and tell them to talk and do “whatever” you need to do but you can’t leave unless you talk!!! Both hard headed and determined not to be burned by each other again. But you could just see the connection they had.
There were a few places here and there where the story sort of repeated itself (told me info you just told me) but you know what? The story was so good that by the end of it I had forgotten about it. Other than those few spots, the writing was great. The story flowed. The character development was so good. I was happy to see them grow and see the relationships develop.
It’s been a full day since I read this book and I can’t stop thinking about these characters. My heart hurt for them. I rejoiced with them and I cried with them. I felt their emotions and just wanted to wrap them in my arms. It was a beautiful story which I will re-read again after I go back and read the other books.
Let me start with saying, I didn’t read the other books in this series (I know but I honestly didn’t know there were other books until I had the book in my hands!!) So I read it and was able to follow along fine. In a way, I’m glad I didn’t know about book 1… I would have been sooooo pissed at Cain! Okay, I was already pissed at Cain but man! And I wasn’t just mad at Cain, Sofie had me yelling too. I just wanted to take these two and put them in a locked room and tell them to talk and do “whatever” you need to do but you can’t leave unless you talk!!! Both hard headed and determined not to be burned by each other again. But you could just see the connection they had.
There were a few places here and there where the story sort of repeated itself (told me info you just told me) but you know what? The story was so good that by the end of it I had forgotten about it. Other than those few spots, the writing was great. The story flowed. The character development was so good. I was happy to see them grow and see the relationships develop.
It’s been a full day since I read this book and I can’t stop thinking about these characters. My heart hurt for them. I rejoiced with them and I cried with them. I felt their emotions and just wanted to wrap them in my arms. It was a beautiful story which I will re-read again after I go back and read the other books.
June 15, 2016
Cain was an amazing story that blew me away, and another hit from this author that I devoured in one sitting. Cain spent one of the best nights of his life with Sophie, and them proceeded to break her heart to pieces. One year later, he finally sets eyes on her again, but she wants nothing to do with him at all. He has since realized that he can't let her go again, so he's trying everything to get her to forgive him. But Cain also has to keep her safely hidden away so his evil father can't get to her, as daddy dearest won't hesitate to use anything or anyone to get Cain winning in the fighting ring. Will Cain be able to keep Sophie safe, plus break away from his father once and for all?!
This review is hard to write, because I just want to tell every detail of this amazing story! L.B. Dunbar has risen to new heights of EPIC with this book! She has a brilliantly original writing style that can't be duplicated, and it's so addicting! Her twists and turns in this story had me chewing my nails to nothing while screaming OMG, plus the switch to my dramatic girly girl emotions was flipped, and I was a mess! The character development is fantastic, with an awesome cast of secondaries. An intense, original, and very well written storyline flowed perfectly. Flammable chemistry ignites into FIERY FLAMES of sexy scene goodness that had me sweating. The ending had me calling her a few choice names, so it's safe to say the next book can't come soon enough, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
This review is hard to write, because I just want to tell every detail of this amazing story! L.B. Dunbar has risen to new heights of EPIC with this book! She has a brilliantly original writing style that can't be duplicated, and it's so addicting! Her twists and turns in this story had me chewing my nails to nothing while screaming OMG, plus the switch to my dramatic girly girl emotions was flipped, and I was a mess! The character development is fantastic, with an awesome cast of secondaries. An intense, original, and very well written storyline flowed perfectly. Flammable chemistry ignites into FIERY FLAMES of sexy scene goodness that had me sweating. The ending had me calling her a few choice names, so it's safe to say the next book can't come soon enough, and I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY and HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 6, 2016
4.5 stars
Review by Lindsey
Edgy, brutal, heart pounding, passion, and gripping this book will definitely keep you entertained from beginning till the end. From the plot to the characters this book will make an impact on you. These characters go through so many things to try and find peace to find the happy ending that eludes them, through tragedy and those that will not see them happy. Cain and Sofie both have their differences and struggles but somehow find each other.
They say the story of Cain and Able is story about brothers, survival and betrayal. Cain is and will forever be his brother’s keeper but what happens when your father tries to destroy that bond, destroy your life by not letting you be with the one woman that makes you happy, that’s your savior. Soft, sweet Sofie the calm to Cain soul. Sofie is Cain balance and them finding their way back to each other just felt right. These characters had a great chemistry and nowhere in their story did it feel force or lacked.
This story captivated me from beginning till the end. I loved this story even when I wanted to throw my Kindle and scream at Cain for beginning so difficult and hardheaded. L.B. Dunbar gave a story that made it a top favorite from me. Plus, an alpha that will make you want to tear your hair out but will make you love him in the end. This is a story that has to be read I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Review by Lindsey
Edgy, brutal, heart pounding, passion, and gripping this book will definitely keep you entertained from beginning till the end. From the plot to the characters this book will make an impact on you. These characters go through so many things to try and find peace to find the happy ending that eludes them, through tragedy and those that will not see them happy. Cain and Sofie both have their differences and struggles but somehow find each other.
They say the story of Cain and Able is story about brothers, survival and betrayal. Cain is and will forever be his brother’s keeper but what happens when your father tries to destroy that bond, destroy your life by not letting you be with the one woman that makes you happy, that’s your savior. Soft, sweet Sofie the calm to Cain soul. Sofie is Cain balance and them finding their way back to each other just felt right. These characters had a great chemistry and nowhere in their story did it feel force or lacked.
This story captivated me from beginning till the end. I loved this story even when I wanted to throw my Kindle and scream at Cain for beginning so difficult and hardheaded. L.B. Dunbar gave a story that made it a top favorite from me. Plus, an alpha that will make you want to tear your hair out but will make you love him in the end. This is a story that has to be read I can’t wait to see what’s next.
June 16, 2016
I haven't read the first book in this series but let me tell you that I will be reading it soon! This one was deliciously good! Cain and Sofie have a history with one another. The meet again after a year apart and the chemistry oozed off the pages between these two. Cain is an MMA fighter which means he is tough and determined but there is a soft center that is so sweet and endearing. Cain's father leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion and I hated him from the get go. While his brother, Abel was just as endearing as Cain himself. Sofie was a fighter in her own rite. Her story is just as heartbreaking as Cain's and she didn't trust him easily because of their past. She has been hurt and it is understandable she is the way she is. However Cain is determined to win her over and conquer his demons. As I said this story was wonderful and one that I am thrilled I got the chance to read. The characters are all well written and leave you breathless at times. I'm not a huge sports romance fan but this one simply works for me.
This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/cain-by-lb-d....
A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
June 6, 2016
I am new to this author and I am quite impressed with the writing and the overall story. I mean WOW! However, I am struggling here with this review only because this was said to be a standalone and I believe if I would of read the first book Paradise Fought in this series I would of no doubt had a better understanding of Cains story and would have given Paradise Found 5 fantastic stars...
This is a busy story with many twist, turns and surprises. Cain I would of loved to hate but I couldn't. He had me so worked up and frustrated at times. Sophie is just precious, and her whole world change the day she met Cain.
Overall this story was still great even though it took me a bit to get an understanding of everything going on but even so I couldn't put it down. I loved the overall story line, the biblical twist of Cain and Able. I will definitely be going back and reading book 1 in this series and I look forward to reading more from this author in general...
My personally opinion, I would recommend reading book 1 Paradise Fought before diving into Paradise Found...
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
ARC Provided in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you <3
This is a busy story with many twist, turns and surprises. Cain I would of loved to hate but I couldn't. He had me so worked up and frustrated at times. Sophie is just precious, and her whole world change the day she met Cain.
Overall this story was still great even though it took me a bit to get an understanding of everything going on but even so I couldn't put it down. I loved the overall story line, the biblical twist of Cain and Able. I will definitely be going back and reading book 1 in this series and I look forward to reading more from this author in general...
My personally opinion, I would recommend reading book 1 Paradise Fought before diving into Paradise Found...
Christy
Radical Reads Book Blog
ARC Provided in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you <3
June 6, 2016
This is the second time I have entered this series more eager than the first time because I am aware of all the players. You get a taste of paradise when you enter in because Cain is even more intense than his brother. Dummy me though did not realize this was the next one until I got into it because I was drawn to the blurb and it had been a minute since reading the other one. Excitement raced in my veins because in retrospect he on the outside seems so cold bugging his brother about Sofie did he find her to then become friends with her. Jealousy ran thick too in that part. When they do come face to face again with her learning a truth or two you go with them on a violate journey that will pull even the readers every which way. See him peeled layer by layer by the healing from love but there is still their father who I think is the snake. That is one easy character to hate and love doing it. Since Cain does not really have a clue except what is in his heart about love that makes his even more tender by far. So glad that Sofie has strong character with endurance herself but not easy to forget a man like him anyway. could not have asked for a better ending than the one that will be given but wowzer what the door let in is got me so curious about another one.
June 5, 2016
It has been a year since Cain lost sight of Sofie. This is their story as they reunite and what a roller coaster it is! With Atom still pulling the strings and controlling Cain with his grip of steel, our lovers are guaranteed the fight of the century beyond the ring.
I must say the character of Atom brings out the worst feelings out of me. He is real in his evil pursuit of the riches and glory through Cain's fighting. He is the embodiment of the unfeeling, controlling father who will not bend and will rule over his son regardless of the consequences.
Sofie and Cain on the other hand, are both endearing in different ways. Sofie with her sweet determination and love; Cain with his direct unflinching passion for a life with Sofie. It is through Cain's pursuit of a life with Sofie that we discover all the secrets he has kept for years in order to protect his siblings.
I loved this book! I love this stubborn fighter with a heart of gold who will not relent from his goal no matter how much he is hurting.
I must say the character of Atom brings out the worst feelings out of me. He is real in his evil pursuit of the riches and glory through Cain's fighting. He is the embodiment of the unfeeling, controlling father who will not bend and will rule over his son regardless of the consequences.
Sofie and Cain on the other hand, are both endearing in different ways. Sofie with her sweet determination and love; Cain with his direct unflinching passion for a life with Sofie. It is through Cain's pursuit of a life with Sofie that we discover all the secrets he has kept for years in order to protect his siblings.
I loved this book! I love this stubborn fighter with a heart of gold who will not relent from his goal no matter how much he is hurting.
June 6, 2016
I give this book 5 beautiful, breathtaking, sexy, heartbreaking and then piecing it back together stars. LB really outdid herself with this book.It also helps to picture Lance Jones as Cain the entire time you're reading it. I absolutely fell.in live with Cain and Sofie's story. I also love a second chance romance.
From the very beginning you are sucked in. Both Cain and Sofie's stories will break your heart, but don't worry they will be slowly pieced back together throughout the novel. At times you will be literally on the edge of your seat and wondering where are we going from here. It was a love story of epic proportions. Towards the end I was almost biting my nails. I even had some tears in there watching the cobra self destruct, so to speak.
In short, this book was absolutely incredible and is one I will highly recommend without an ounce of doubt. If you love a good MMA fighter novel with characters that are extremely strong and will grip your heart completely, this book is definitely for you.
From the very beginning you are sucked in. Both Cain and Sofie's stories will break your heart, but don't worry they will be slowly pieced back together throughout the novel. At times you will be literally on the edge of your seat and wondering where are we going from here. It was a love story of epic proportions. Towards the end I was almost biting my nails. I even had some tears in there watching the cobra self destruct, so to speak.
In short, this book was absolutely incredible and is one I will highly recommend without an ounce of doubt. If you love a good MMA fighter novel with characters that are extremely strong and will grip your heart completely, this book is definitely for you.
June 6, 2016
I fell in love with Cain & Sofie in the prequel: Paradise Tempted-the beginning. The whole snake (Cain the Cobra) being tempted by the apple (innocent Sofie) as well as the modern twist of the biblical story of Cain & Abel with an MMA fighter romance had me captivated. I couldn't put any of the books down, but this one especially.
This takes place one year after their 48hr tryst where they got married. Cain finally finds Sofie & he is determined to keep her despite his father's orders to divorce her. This story is about overcoming his father's control over his life and striving towards love. Cain isn't even sure he knows what love is, but he is certain that Sofie is his saving grace. Sofie loves Cain even though she knows that he will break her heart.
This book will have you thinking you know what's going to happen & then bam! You are totally surprised. I hope to see more of this series soon.
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
This takes place one year after their 48hr tryst where they got married. Cain finally finds Sofie & he is determined to keep her despite his father's orders to divorce her. This story is about overcoming his father's control over his life and striving towards love. Cain isn't even sure he knows what love is, but he is certain that Sofie is his saving grace. Sofie loves Cain even though she knows that he will break her heart.
This book will have you thinking you know what's going to happen & then bam! You are totally surprised. I hope to see more of this series soon.
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
May 25, 2016
SO DIDN'T SEE THAT HAPPENING!!!
this was said many times throughout this story!! I was completely blown away with Cain's story!!
L.B Dunbar has a way of retelling an ageless story and making it her own it's PHENOMENAL!!!
I was never a fan of books that included MMA fighting and Paradise Found has changed my mind about the sports genre as a whole.
I can't say enough positive things about this book, the emotions that I experienced while reading caught me off guard. The intimacy was out of this world and it made me feel like I was in the book experiencing it for myself.
At times I wanted to climb inside of my kindle and hurt a certain individual myself..... I can't wait to see if we will be getting to know the other characters within this series!!!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review on behalf of Elaine and Tami's JB3s Blackbirds Blog
this was said many times throughout this story!! I was completely blown away with Cain's story!!
L.B Dunbar has a way of retelling an ageless story and making it her own it's PHENOMENAL!!!
I was never a fan of books that included MMA fighting and Paradise Found has changed my mind about the sports genre as a whole.
I can't say enough positive things about this book, the emotions that I experienced while reading caught me off guard. The intimacy was out of this world and it made me feel like I was in the book experiencing it for myself.
At times I wanted to climb inside of my kindle and hurt a certain individual myself..... I can't wait to see if we will be getting to know the other characters within this series!!!
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review on behalf of Elaine and Tami's JB3s Blackbirds Blog
June 6, 2016
I was so intrigued with Cain in the first book so I was anxiously awaiting to read his story. It was such a great story that I literally had to fight myself to put my kindle down at midnight. I didn't want to stop reading it!
Cain is a MMA fighter but deep down he has always questioned his worth in life. Why did his father treat him the way he does and why did his mother leave him at such a young age? These questions are always at the front of his mind. When he meets Sofie he is immediately drawn to her.
I loved the romance between these two. It was such a beautiful love they shared but one that they had to fight to keep. Cain loves deeper than he puts on display and Sofie is a calming presence to his chaotic life. The scenes between these two were definitely HOT and I loved this couple so much!
One click this book today as you won't be disappointed!
Cain is a MMA fighter but deep down he has always questioned his worth in life. Why did his father treat him the way he does and why did his mother leave him at such a young age? These questions are always at the front of his mind. When he meets Sofie he is immediately drawn to her.
I loved the romance between these two. It was such a beautiful love they shared but one that they had to fight to keep. Cain loves deeper than he puts on display and Sofie is a calming presence to his chaotic life. The scenes between these two were definitely HOT and I loved this couple so much!
One click this book today as you won't be disappointed!
June 23, 2016
3.5 Stars
I have to say I really struggled with Cain and Sofie's story. I was so looking forward to reading this once I had finished the novella and first book but I feel disappointed.
I couldn't connect with Cain at all, he was a complete and utter jerk and bar loving Sofie he had no redeeming qualities at all.
I liked Sofie's character, I was able to connect with her early on in the book and I loved her attitude.
The amount of times that Sofie's parents death was explained kind of put me off also. It was told the exact same way so many times that I just started to skip them parts.
While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous 2 there were still parts of it that I really enjoyed.
I have to say I really struggled with Cain and Sofie's story. I was so looking forward to reading this once I had finished the novella and first book but I feel disappointed.
I couldn't connect with Cain at all, he was a complete and utter jerk and bar loving Sofie he had no redeeming qualities at all.
I liked Sofie's character, I was able to connect with her early on in the book and I loved her attitude.
The amount of times that Sofie's parents death was explained kind of put me off also. It was told the exact same way so many times that I just started to skip them parts.
While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous 2 there were still parts of it that I really enjoyed.
May 28, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for a honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.
Since reading Paradise Fought The Beginning I wanted more of Cain and Sophie's story. I'm so glad I got to read this. Out of the two brothers Cain is my favorite. He takes on so much but leaves himself lacking what he truly needs. Sophie is such a remarkable woman to deal with all the pain thrown at her. This is a book that I know I will read again, along with the rest of the series.
Since reading Paradise Fought The Beginning I wanted more of Cain and Sophie's story. I'm so glad I got to read this. Out of the two brothers Cain is my favorite. He takes on so much but leaves himself lacking what he truly needs. Sophie is such a remarkable woman to deal with all the pain thrown at her. This is a book that I know I will read again, along with the rest of the series.
June 12, 2016
Cain is all alpha. Dark, mysterious and explosive.
The girl he loves is the opposite. Light, open and quiet.
They seem to have absolutely nothing in common, except the fiery attraction between them.
Add to it some really intense and crappy circumstances and it feels like they will never get over them.
This story is dark and gritty. There is no fluff but there is some raw emotions, and sexy times.
Overall a good and interesting read.
The girl he loves is the opposite. Light, open and quiet.
They seem to have absolutely nothing in common, except the fiery attraction between them.
Add to it some really intense and crappy circumstances and it feels like they will never get over them.
This story is dark and gritty. There is no fluff but there is some raw emotions, and sexy times.
Overall a good and interesting read.
May 21, 2016
Cain may have a lot of faults like always screwing up royally, but he can be so sweet, and he can always man up and say his sorry, “I hurt you and I’m sorry,”I swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean to do it. I was …scared.” I swallowed again and blinked." I liked this book, Cain was really rough around the edges but once he got his **** straight he turned out to be a great guy.
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