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Paradise #12

Ambushed in Paradise

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The Keys is a great place to hide a seashell bucket full of secrets. Creole…shot…dead. Three words Madison Westin never thought she’d hear in the same sentence. Creole promised. He pinky swore on it. But even through a blur of tears fed by prescription-strength margaritas, Madison can tell when things are shady. Sure, Creole was undercover, but she deserves more than sketchy non-answers, an urn of ashes, and a secret life crawling out of the woodwork. Nothing’s adding up, nothing that remotely sounds like the Creole she knew and loved. Calling in every one of her IOU’s—only to find some of her most reliable information sources drying up—Madison sets out to dig up what really happened to Creole. She never thought the truth would wrap its arms around her and make her wonder if she’s chasing a ghost… or taking a vacation from sanity. Ambushed in Paradise is book #12 in the action-packed Paradise series. Come along with Madison and Fab as they dig up the truth and share more than one hair raising adventure.

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2017

562 people are currently reading
312 people want to read

About the author

Deborah Brown

50 books1,440 followers
Deborah Brown is the author of the Paradise series, Crazy, Deception and Trouble Florida Keys mysteries, which makes the reader laugh, cry and cheer...

My personal ad would read:

There's nothing a new pair of shoes can't cure.

Redhead. Long legs. There's nothing like a strawberry-lemonade in summer. Favorite activity: Filling my pockets with seashells. An avid rule follower when eating Animal Cookies: Broken ones get eaten first, match up the rest, duplicates next, line them up favorite to not, least favorite go first. South Florida is my home, with my ungrateful rescue cats, and where Mother Nature takes out her bad attitude in the form of hurricanes.


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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,471 reviews45 followers
November 7, 2018
Ambushed in Paradise by Deborah Brown (Paradise Series Book 12) Ms Brown damn near gave me a heart attack with the start of this book! In fact I threw it down (ok I didn’t as it was my phone) and almost refused to read it, (ok another lie) – after an opening line of “He’s dead.” you wouldn’t want to stop reading either!
 
Madison’s life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Creole is killed in the line of duty, he was killed on an undercover mission and when she goes to start making arrangements for his funeral she is told that he has already been cremated! I really felt for Madison, she lost the love of her life and didn’t even get to say goodbye to him properly, is it any wonder she slips into a depression. Fab and Didier try to give her space but they are worried about her, but it was her mother that I wanted to take a swig at – she felt that Madison would benefit from seeing a shrink and does so underhandedly by inviting Madison to dinner as well a shrink. Not cool, not cool at all. I felt like her family were trying to get her to come to terms with his death rather quickly instead of letting her come to terms with it in her own way.
 
Madison takes herself off to the Beach House to rest and be near him, only ghost from the past resurface in a way that will leave you shocked!
 
Ambushed in Paradise was a great addition to the series and it will tug on your emotions along side Madison.
 
As it is book 12 in the series you will have no problem reading this as a stand alone but trust me you will want to read all of Madison & Fab’s antics up to this point.
Profile Image for Shelly.
Author 2 books37 followers
January 6, 2018
Most series have a point where they reach repetitive story lines and the characters burn out; however, Deborah Brown keeps hitting grand slams with the PARADISE series! Ambushed in Paradise dives down deep into your emotions. Madison losing her lover, Creole, rips your heart out along with hers. Losing a loved one is always difficult to deal with; taking that rollercoaster ride with Madison gives us a clearer insight to her thought processes. We get to see how much she's grown (if you've read from Book 1!) yet she is still the same mischievous pal of Fab. After all,it wouldn't be the PARADISE style if the girls didn't end up tangled in a mystery, right? 

Some of the relationships are starting to change but it makes for an interesting twist in events. I think it reveals a lot about the person Madison was and who she will be by the end of the series. Definitely 5-stars!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
January 8, 2018
When Madison's boyfriend is killed in the line of duty--she tries everything to find out what happened. She is totally and truly depressed. Her Mother--meaning well--I guess--tries to force her to go see a psychiatrist--hum---. Poor Diedier , Fab's boyfriend has his hands full attempting to keep the duo out of trouble. Madison's brother has hooked up with a shady partner. AND Madison and Fab decide to start their own investigative business. Of course the tenants in her cottages are up to their usual shenanigans.

When Madison is at her lowest--a ghost appears? Uh--now how are they gonna hide the fact that the ghost is not a ghost and keep him and themselves from being found?

This will really get you going. I admit to a couple, well more then a couple of tears both sad and happy in this one!
Ambushed in Paradise
Profile Image for Tracey.
441 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2017
*This ARC was received in exchange for an honest review*

This is the story of Madison Westin who after being informed that her boyfriend Creole was shot in the line of duty. But when she tells them she wants to organise his funeral she is informed that he was already cremated. So now she and her best friend Fab are put into dangerouse situations while trying to investigate what really happened to Creole.
There is a lot of humour and sadness in this story and some suprising twist plots ahead.
Can’t wait to see what comes next in this series by Deborah Brown.
Profile Image for Leila.
581 reviews9 followers
January 17, 2018
I have followed Madison since she first arrived in the Florida Keys. I have been through her relationship with Zack, their breakup; her friendship with Fab; tons of fun; lots of adventure; a crazy mother; physical and emotional pain; love; and now heartbreak.

I cannot imagine losing the love of my life and then to not have the support of family!? I wouldn't survive and I have no clue how Madison managed to pull herself (drag herself may be more appropriate) through each day.

Madelyn, Spoon, Brad and Phil are definitely on my 'do not like' list and Fab has earned her spot back into my 'like' list. I can't even begin to wrap my head around the actions of Madelyn, Spoon, and Brad (I am pretty sure Brad has lost his mind in its entirety and foresee massive trouble with Brad - more trouble than he encountered with his psycho ex-girlfriend. And at this point, I can't help but say he deserves it and as much as I hope Madison doesn't bail him out; she will because she always does for those she cares about.)

Even with Madison's loss, there is no missing action, adventure, and laughs in Ambushed in Paradise. In fact, I am venturing to guess that this installment would top the action and adventure in previous installments!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
January 11, 2018
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Since I've read most of the Paradise books and feel like these characters are friends, I didn't bother to read the book description before I read Ambushed in Paradise. Talk about ambushed! What a way to start a book! I felt Madison's heartbreak right along with her when she was told that Creole was dead. I kept saying, "He can't be dead. He can't be dead." But then there was a funeral and his ashes were buried...

It amazes me how Deborah Brown can keep these stories so alive and refreshing. You would think that at some point they would get repetitive or boring but she keeps coming up with surprises (even if it is a death) to keep things interesting. Madison's best friend, Fab, and Fab's boyfriend are great friends and try to help her through her grief. Fab is still pretty crazy. And Madison's family is always interesting.

I read this book in one sitting ("He can't be dead. He can't be dead."). It's just January and I'm sure this will be one of my favorite books of 2018. Ambushed in Paradise can be read as a stand alone but I wouldn't recommend it. I would read at least book #11 before this one in order to understand the love that Madison loses at the beginning of the story.

Profile Image for Nicki Conroy.
631 reviews11 followers
January 16, 2018
What a way to open a book! My heart broke initially for Madison as she is told her boyfriend, Creole, is dead. And worse, she is told by someone she believes would not betray her.

As always, Deborah Brown has woven a great story set in paradise. While I have to believe that paradise is the mountains I live in, I know that many people believe paradise is water and heat. Ambushed in Paradise is definitely set in that paradise.

Fab, Madison's best friend, and Madison try to act normal once learning of Creole's death and the weird funeral that takes place. Fab's boyfriend takes over worrying for both women as they solve small mysteries from various clients.

Many of the twists and turns in this novel, other than being around Creole's death, have to do with real estate. I don't want to give anything away but you do need to pick this up and give it a read. You need to find out where everything ends.

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
216 reviews8 followers
January 10, 2018
I'm really surprised that I read this whole book! I was so mad about Creole's death that I almost rage quit the book. However, I had to stick around to find out how Madison would survive. I should've known that she would make it day by day, with Fab and Didier at her side.

Madison of course wants to find out what happened to Creole, and no one wants to answer her questions. As usual Fab manages to set them up with crazy jobs, which sometimes end with bullets. I cried, I laughed, and I enjoyed the story.

This book can be read on its own, but it will be infinitely better if you read the whole series. You won't regret it, I promise!

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,377 reviews118 followers
January 10, 2018
ARGH! I screamed and threw my kindle down when I read the opening. Rather literally, but don't worry the kindle is fine, I snatched it right off the floor to keep reading, hoping it was some kind of sick and twisted joke. I've never cried more tears of both sadness and happiness in one book. This is most definitely the crowning jewel in an amazing series, and readers won't be able to put this book down (except maybe throwing it down in frustration before quickly scooping it back up to continue reading)!

Received as a gift from the author
Profile Image for Julie Baswell.
724 reviews29 followers
December 18, 2017
Madison feels lost after the love of her life is killed in the line of duty. She can’t get any information on what went down, nor understand how the police department could give such a sorry excuse of a funeral for Creole. All she can count on is her best friends Fab and Didier since her family only wants to interfere and not let her process her grief on her own terms. One thing is for sure though. Madison Westin will not stop without uncovering the truth behind Creole’s death.

I felt so bad for Madison, and I couldn’t understand how her family could treat her the way they did. There was a shift in several character’s personalities, and not for the good. I predict there will be more strife ahead between Madison, brother Brad, and mother dearest, Madeline. But I do like the newest characters, and the direction Madison and Fab are taking. It will be interesting to see where it goes.
Profile Image for Shanell Meek.
582 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2017
Well that wasn’t what I was expecting!

I love books with strong female leads, this one is definitely not a disappointment! This is the 12th book in Deborah Browns Florida Keys mystery series. I’m starting a little late in the series but I’m really excited to go back and start it from book one! This book can be read in order or as a stand alone, anything that is referenced from another book is explained so you never feel left in the dark! I love the characters, Brown does an amazing job of creating complex and interesting characters! Even the smaller characters who aren’t mentioned often have huge personality. I read well into the night because I couldn’t stop reading once I got going with this one! I can say this is absolutely a recommended book for anyone looking for a relaxing read, it has humor, romance, mystery, excitement and so much more!!
Profile Image for Kate Brackett.
Author 3 books4 followers
November 2, 2017
The 12th book in the series will not disappoint you! This book was fun, emotional, suspenseful, and good mystery read. This was one of the author's strongest books yet, and a bunch of the characters that had made appearances in past books are back in this mystery. The main character Madison is going through some hard times, and the author definitely makes you feel sympathetic towards her. There are some funny situations and some surprising plot twists in the story and it was one of the author's best on the series (in my opinion.)
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
October 7, 2017
Ms. Brown has outdone herself

For being book 12, I always look forward to every book in this series. That being said, this one was fantastic and maybe one of the best ones thus far. Deborah outdid herself and I applaud her. All of the crew is back along with the residents of the cottages for a laugh. Kevin is even growing on me and I loved the book!
36 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2017
I have read a number of books in the series and this one did not fail to please. I am looking forward to reading her next installment.
Profile Image for Ashley.
50 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2018
Ok guys. So if you have been here and have followed me for a while you know that the In Paradise series by Deborah Brown is one of my favorites of all time. I have been a member of this review tour since her very first book and I look forward to these books.

This one was no different BUT, that being said, this was a hard one to read. The main character, Madison, has been through the ringer when it comes to relationships. She has been through break ups, and new loves, and now in this book we had to read while she greived for Creole. I almost felt like I was grieving (thats how much you get attached to characters after you have read 14 books about them). I found myself asking "why would Deborah take Creole away from her? Why would she put Madison through this after all this time? Why can't she just be happy?"

All of that aside, the book was pretty good. You have the frustratingly irritating mother who actually reminds me of my own and makes me think that how my own mother would act at times especially in this book when Madison is trying to grieve in her own way but her mother thinks she should grieve differently.

I know I haven't mentioned must about the storyline but the main points I wanted to mention just happened to be such a large part of the progression of Madison's story so it had to be discussed more.

You can expect the normal action packed, humerous, craziness you have come to expect. Fab is still amazing but you will have some irritation with other characters like Spoon that you may not have had previously.

I was given this book in exchange for my 100% honest review.
481 reviews12 followers
January 15, 2018
How can you jump in at book 12 and have any idea of what is going on?
Debora Brown expertly showed me how!

From page 1 I was hooked. I could not put this book down.
I was gasping and I didn't even really know who Creole was but I was just takin' with this book.

I had no problem getting into the story even though I had not read any of the preceding books.

Ambushed In Paradise was a true 5 star read for me. I think that Deborah Brown is quickly becoming my favorite author at least when it comes to Florida Keys Mystery's.

This reader was taken on a fast ride filled with suspense, comedy and a little romance.

There are a lot of sub characters in this book. Since Madison
is the owner of a group of rental cottages there are quite a few quirky characters hanging around.

And since she helps her best friend Fab with her P.I. business there is no shortage of clients and criminals to keep track of.

Not to mention Madison's family who is just as quirky as everyone else!

Madison's best friend Fab and her boyfriend Didier are charming. He's delightful speaking french.

Fab is just a hoot that knows how to drive fast and shoot a gun when needed.

I enjoyed this book so much that I am looking forward to back tracking to the beginning.

If your a fan of a good clean cozy this entire series is for you.

There is no language and no bedroom scenes.

I received a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Teresa Kander.
Author 1 book186 followers
January 18, 2018
Most of this book was heartbreaking to read, as we follow Madison's journey through grieving for Creole after she learns he was shot and killed while undercover. But even in the midst of her grief, she and Fabiana are in the middle of a mystery or two of their own.

I was disappointed in the way Brad and Philipa acted in this book for the most part, as it feels like neither of them is going to have Madison's back any longer. Madison's mother irritated me on more than one occasion. I can understand that she was worried about her daughter, but I think she went a bit overboard at times.

Even with such a heavy storyline, there is still plenty of the humor we've come to expect from these books--Crum's gardening class immediately comes to mind, as well as Mad and Fab's interactions with Brick.

Since I've already read book #13, Christmas In Paradise, I'm anxious to see where #14 will take us!!



I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Jessica.
553 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2018
Oh no! not my Creole

I loved Creole and Madison's character. They are my favorite couple from this series. This book made me so intense knowing what happened to Creole.

Life for Madison would be devastating as her love of her life is dead. This book made my vacation more fun while I was in the Philippines. It is indeed so surreal reading this book while you are at the beach.

It is full of family support and endless friendship. It has twist as well. It is full of mystery as always. Ms. Deborah Brown did my head hurts and my heart jumped a bit while reading this book. This series never gets boring. I loved this series and most especially this book.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,428 reviews45 followers
January 11, 2018
ARC supplied by book tour for an honest review as part of a book tour.
Book 12 starts with a bang - with news that Creole is dead and funeral is already set. But Madison knows something is wrong and call in some help to find what happen.
This is book 12 and my first time reading. But this book is filled with great characters and a magic settings lots of fun and excitement. Will Madison & friends find out what happen and why. And will they be ready for the news. Read the book you will not be disappointed with this fun book
836 reviews10 followers
October 7, 2017
To Friendship!!

Whenever a Paradise book releases I have to immediately download it & stay up all night to finish it if needed. Ambushed in Paradise is a particularly dark as you can tell from the synopsis as Madison is dealing with the death of the love of her lover Creole. However even while Madison grieves, she & Fab find time to get themselves in some dangerous, yet hilarious situations. The usual cast of characters put in appearances. Unfortunately this one was a little light on Miss January & her cat, but Svetlana fans will be happy that she makes an appearance. I refuse to give away spoilers, but please trust the author. This book is definitely worth reading although I recommend making sure you have plenty of time to read it in its entirety because I guarantee once you start you won't be able to put it down till the end!
Profile Image for Laura.
3,205 reviews348 followers
May 25, 2018
Tragedy strikes at the very beginning as the love of Madison's life is shot dead while on an undercover assignment. Unable to get any information through official channels, Madison and Fab do what they do best, they make other plans. Madison won't rest until she knows what happened and what happened to Creole's killer.
Life goes on. Madison and Fab have cases to work on, some of which deal with issues very personal and involving family. Her family believes she is not handling her grief properly and attempt to rush her emotions.
A touch of Fast and Furious meets Weekend at Bernie's for a more senior crowd. Each day brings another assignment no one else would consider taking.
Profile Image for Lonnie.
77 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2017
Thought she was pregnant

Thought Madison was pregnant. That would have really been a twist to the story. Love the trouble she & best friend Fab get into. Glad they can find their way out, mostly unscathed. Look forward to reading more in this series.
Profile Image for Linda Olds.
25 reviews
October 11, 2017
Amazing!

I loved this one. I eagerly await each novel and can't put it down until finished. Keep it up, Deborah!
266 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2017
Paradise

This story was so entertaining. The twist and turns kept you go oh no and what! The characters are always growing and in what direction, will you just have to read.
Profile Image for Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews).
1,451 reviews32 followers
January 25, 2018
Ambushed in Paradise by Deborah Brown is book 12 in the Florida Mystery Keys Mystery series. It really has the perfect combination of romance, action, and mystery, with some humor thrown in.
Madison is devastated when she gets news that her boyfriend, Creole, has been shot and killed. She knew he was working undercover, but she never expected this. Then, things take a strange turn, starting with the funeral and then get even stranger. She is hearing things about Creole that she knows can’t be true. So, she begins investigating to find out the truth about what happened to him. What she finds will definitely shock her and the others that knew him.

I have to be honest and say, this is the first book I read in the series. I wasn’t confused, and I could keep up with the flow of the book and the characters. However, I am going to begin at the first book. I loved the characters. The were quirky, and I love that in my characters. Her best friend Fab and her boyfriend, Didier were so loving and supportive of Madison and added so much to the story.

The Florida Keys are my favorite place in the world. We vacation there almost every summer, so I loved that this was set there. Brown did such a wonderful job of keeping the magic that is the Keys in her book. If you are looking for a mystery with some romance added and charming characters, I highly recommend reading this one. I’m looking forward to reading the entire series.

***Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
Profile Image for Sharon Martin.
374 reviews48 followers
January 31, 2018
Here we go again with the crazy gang in the Florida Keys, but this time it is a bitter heart ache for Madison as the love of her life has gone. Faced with the prospect of being alone and not wanting to interfere with her souls mate love life she throws herself into even more wild situations than before. This is to try and avoid the sympathy factor and give her the chance to grieve in her own way.

The usual characters are larger than life and show how much compassion and love they have for Madison in her time of need. The full range of human emotions is felt in this particular story and you just want to reach out and protect Madison. The excellent character traits of those around her are expertly described especially with not knowing what do for the best.

The story is another page turning adventure of fast cars, guns, love and the feeling of loss and the hope of the future. Another fantastic instalment from Deborah Brown and cannot wait for the next escapades in Florida Keys.
Profile Image for Rachel Kester.
487 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2017
This book is the 12th one in Deborah Brown’s Florida Keys Mystery Series. It will take you on the journey of Madison Westin as she tries to find out why her friend Creole, an undercover agent, was brutally murdered. As Westin works to discover why this murder took place, she comes across some other puzzling and dangerous situations.
At 296 pages, this novel might be a little long for some, but it’s such a fun and intriguing mystery that those pages will end up just flying by. Brown opens her novel in a catchy way which not only grabs the reader’s attention, but gives a good idea into what the entire novel will be about. You’ll also learn a little about the interesting culture and traditions of the Florida Keys. This cozy mystery is perfect for those who want a mystery that isn’t too in-depth but one that nevertheless is suspenseful.
Profile Image for Bill Hooten.
924 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2021
I started reading this series of books, because I like books about the Florida Keys, and I wanted a fun, easy, and mindless read. This book in the series was still and easy read -- but it was not fun, and not mindless. Grief is a very difficult thing, and it wasn't something I was prepared for when I started this book. You will need to read the book, to see how Deborah Brown handles the subject. I have got to the point that I don't read this series on a regular basis (although I do have #13 on my Kindle), but just now and then (in fact, this was the first one this year). That is the way that it will probably continue to be. This was different than the others, and that's not a bad thing.
Profile Image for Shecki B.
105 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2018
I've read the whole series of Paradise books. Usually, I really enjoy them. I had a hard time getting into this one. I couldn't believe that author Deborah Brown had killed off one of the main characters. It was hard to watch a grieving Madison struggle to go on with her life. And I was angry on her behalf when her meddling mother staged an intervention.

The Paradise books are an action packed series with lively characters and wild plots. Even though they can be read as stand alone books, I'd recommend starting at the beginning. Once you get into them, you'll want to devour them all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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