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Sidney Evans #1
What Lies in Paradise
She’s got 400,000 fans. One of them could be the killer.
Instagram Influencer Sydney Evans carefully curates her enviable public persona. Despite being freshly widowed, she’s eager to strike a pose at her best friend’s extravagant destination nuptials. But Sydney’s feed goes dark when she blacks out on the plane, awakening to discover another guest poisoned to death.
With the FBI keen to use Sydney as an insider, she takes the arm of a rookie undercover agent hoping to capture something incriminating. But a deadly run-in exposes a shocking criminal underbelly lurking beneath her own picture-perfect marriage. And if she doesn’t solve the case before her friends tie the knot, the culprit will make sure her next selfie is her last.
Can Sydney catch a murderer or will the wedding become a funeral?
What Lies In Paradise is a fast-paced standalone thriller. If you like real-world issues, lavish socialite parties, and electrifying twists and turns, then you’ll love Leah Cupps’ provocative mystery.
Instagram Influencer Sydney Evans carefully curates her enviable public persona. Despite being freshly widowed, she’s eager to strike a pose at her best friend’s extravagant destination nuptials. But Sydney’s feed goes dark when she blacks out on the plane, awakening to discover another guest poisoned to death.
With the FBI keen to use Sydney as an insider, she takes the arm of a rookie undercover agent hoping to capture something incriminating. But a deadly run-in exposes a shocking criminal underbelly lurking beneath her own picture-perfect marriage. And if she doesn’t solve the case before her friends tie the knot, the culprit will make sure her next selfie is her last.
Can Sydney catch a murderer or will the wedding become a funeral?
What Lies In Paradise is a fast-paced standalone thriller. If you like real-world issues, lavish socialite parties, and electrifying twists and turns, then you’ll love Leah Cupps’ provocative mystery.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 20, 2020
3.5 STARS
Sydney Evans lost her husband 6 months ago. She's hidden her grief and sorrow behind her work. She is what's known as an Influencer marketer. Posting on Instagram on a daily basis, showcasing what she wears, what products she uses, she now has thousands of followers.
Her best friend is getting married in Jamaica. Sydney is going to be bridesmaid. She's thinking of all the pictures she'll be able to take while there.
But something happens that no one had foreseen ... she blacked out while on the plane, and was actually carried off without her knowledge. When she finally comes to, she finds the local law enforcement sitting across from her.. and he has a lot of questions for her.
Another of Sydney's friends, who was also on her way to be a bridesmaid, she is poisoned and dies within minutes. It is determined that this was not a suicide .....
Absolutely sure there is no way the soon to be wed couple had nothing to do with this murder. Why would either of them want her dead? The police send Sydney on to the wedding, but they're putting an undercover officer with her hoping to catch something that will give them a clue.
Can Sydney catch a murderer or will the wedding become a funeral?
This is a well written mystery, filled with twists and turns, perhaps a red herring or two, to keep the reader's eyes on the pages. This debut novel showcases some sharply drawn characters. There's a bit of romance in the air and I enjoyed the banter between Sydney and the FBI Agent, even though she's still grieving the loss of her husband.
Many thanks to the author / Vision Fort Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Sydney Evans lost her husband 6 months ago. She's hidden her grief and sorrow behind her work. She is what's known as an Influencer marketer. Posting on Instagram on a daily basis, showcasing what she wears, what products she uses, she now has thousands of followers.
Her best friend is getting married in Jamaica. Sydney is going to be bridesmaid. She's thinking of all the pictures she'll be able to take while there.
But something happens that no one had foreseen ... she blacked out while on the plane, and was actually carried off without her knowledge. When she finally comes to, she finds the local law enforcement sitting across from her.. and he has a lot of questions for her.
Another of Sydney's friends, who was also on her way to be a bridesmaid, she is poisoned and dies within minutes. It is determined that this was not a suicide .....
Absolutely sure there is no way the soon to be wed couple had nothing to do with this murder. Why would either of them want her dead? The police send Sydney on to the wedding, but they're putting an undercover officer with her hoping to catch something that will give them a clue.
Can Sydney catch a murderer or will the wedding become a funeral?
This is a well written mystery, filled with twists and turns, perhaps a red herring or two, to keep the reader's eyes on the pages. This debut novel showcases some sharply drawn characters. There's a bit of romance in the air and I enjoyed the banter between Sydney and the FBI Agent, even though she's still grieving the loss of her husband.
Many thanks to the author / Vision Fort Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 2, 2020
What Lies In Paradise is the story of Sydney, a “social media influencer” who presents a perfect life to her followers, constantly posting well-planned selfies in the highest fashions at exotic locations. In real life Sydney has lost her husband, but doesn’t let her grief show online. When one of her best friends dies on the way to another friends wedding, Sydney finds herself in the middle of an FBI investigation into an international criminal.
This is a good crime story which I would rate 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. The author chose to make it fairly clear early on who the “good guys” and “bad guys” were. I understand that it was intentional, but I like figuring mysteries out for myself.
I appreciate the fact that the story addresses social media and how fake it can be. I just didn’t quite connect with the characters as deeply as I would have liked.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens. My review is voluntary.
This is a good crime story which I would rate 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. The author chose to make it fairly clear early on who the “good guys” and “bad guys” were. I understand that it was intentional, but I like figuring mysteries out for myself.
I appreciate the fact that the story addresses social media and how fake it can be. I just didn’t quite connect with the characters as deeply as I would have liked.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens. My review is voluntary.
January 16, 2020
Anything to do with social media in a novel and I am hooked and want to read, so when this one mentioned Instagram and how the main character had 400K followers it intrigued me. I have to admit though that the first line of the blurb "She’s got 400,000 fans. One of them could be the killer" was very deceiving as you learn pretty quick basically chapter 2 what is happening and that it has nothing to do with her fan base, but more her choice of family and friends. The novel starts off with Sydney going to Jamacia for a friend's wedding. She decided to fly separately as she has been grieving since her husband died six months ago and didn't want to spoil her friend's ride over. It's a good thing though she didn't fly the same as her friends as one of them dies in air and the next thing Sydney knows is waking up in an interrogation cell with Homeland Security - the mix of Ambien and Alcohol fully knocked her out. With her friend dead and her other friend's suspects, Sydney is coerced into taking an FBI agent Alex undercover as her date to the wedding. When they arrive in Jamacia though, things aren't what they seem as somebody wants her other friend's death and are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way. During the trip, Sydney will also learn that she didn't know her husband Jack as well as she thought she did and that he was hiding a lot of secrets. What happens though when Sydney and her friends find themselves in the Crossfire and unexpected people from their past turn up on the island?
I did like the twists with this book but felt a little let-down when the book glimpsed at the major secret that Ethan and Jack were hiding as I wish we could have learned more about it and what happened after as it had "A Simple Favour" feel to it.
I did like the twists with this book but felt a little let-down when the book glimpsed at the major secret that Ethan and Jack were hiding as I wish we could have learned more about it and what happened after as it had "A Simple Favour" feel to it.
May 30, 2020
First of all, big thank you to @booksirens and @cupps79 for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was such a GOOD thriller ! Fast paced and exciting - it kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime ! There were so many things I liked about this story... the tropical Jamaican setting, the long list of colorful characters, the action-packed storyline... But most of all, I loved how descriptive Cupps was. I would definitely recommend this novel if you’re looking for an easy (but interesting) read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
January 19, 2020
Good story, needs proofread.
February 7, 2020
Choreographed modern princess Rom-thriller
Before reading on - I don't do Rom-Com in thrillers. Bear that in mind.
That aside, I enjoyed some of this book. It was a quick & easy read, perfect for a light and casual read while you're travelling perhaps. The cover and description was misguiding - I expected a dark and brooding mystery, but it felt much more like a self-reflective and light-hearted personal journey of love and grief, during a wedding and a murder. That's a lot of tangents.
What I liked: The writing is easy to digest, very balanced with the context and feelings of characters. I could visualise the story details well. I could connect with Sydney's character well. After about 20% in, I was hooked enough to want to keep reading. Some of the romance was cute (albeit unrealistic). The exploration of dangers of social media perfectionism is good.
What I struggled with: The way everything sort of fell into place perfectly for Sydney, the modern day instagram influencer princess. The security and protection of a handsome FBI agent and all it's cheesy Knight in undercover armour connotations. The unfolding, unlikely & unprofessional love story. Implausible scenes. I spent the first quarter of the booking chronically noting "ew" whenever I heard references to designer brands, botox, spray tans and weddings (but that's just my disinclination to those things). Predictable twists (c'mon, twins..remote island). When I looked back at my notes on guessed outcomes, most were correct guesses. Authors need to be able to outsmart their readers. I also struggled to get into the twins mindsets.. it was so back and forth and vague - couldn't quite connect with these characters.
Then, the ending was almost too easy for the characters. It felt rushed, characters suddenly weren't in the picture anymore even though they were a very ominous threat... The overall story wasn't even about the murder of the poor character who everybody was sympathising with in the first place. I wanted to know more about some of the dangerous characters and less about the romance.
Then there was this scene where Sydney's running during a panicked moment, and she's reflecting on her love interest options...??? ..Srsly?
This book was a bit of an eye-roller for me. Predictable, impractical, delusional, cheesy and a bit superficial. I would recommend only for light reading, but not with the expectation that it's anything but a rom-com with a murder on the side.
Available: Now
The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I received a free Advanced Readers Copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and the author for this copy.
Before reading on - I don't do Rom-Com in thrillers. Bear that in mind.
That aside, I enjoyed some of this book. It was a quick & easy read, perfect for a light and casual read while you're travelling perhaps. The cover and description was misguiding - I expected a dark and brooding mystery, but it felt much more like a self-reflective and light-hearted personal journey of love and grief, during a wedding and a murder. That's a lot of tangents.
What I liked: The writing is easy to digest, very balanced with the context and feelings of characters. I could visualise the story details well. I could connect with Sydney's character well. After about 20% in, I was hooked enough to want to keep reading. Some of the romance was cute (albeit unrealistic). The exploration of dangers of social media perfectionism is good.
What I struggled with: The way everything sort of fell into place perfectly for Sydney, the modern day instagram influencer princess. The security and protection of a handsome FBI agent and all it's cheesy Knight in undercover armour connotations. The unfolding, unlikely & unprofessional love story. Implausible scenes. I spent the first quarter of the booking chronically noting "ew" whenever I heard references to designer brands, botox, spray tans and weddings (but that's just my disinclination to those things). Predictable twists (c'mon, twins..remote island). When I looked back at my notes on guessed outcomes, most were correct guesses. Authors need to be able to outsmart their readers. I also struggled to get into the twins mindsets.. it was so back and forth and vague - couldn't quite connect with these characters.
Then, the ending was almost too easy for the characters. It felt rushed, characters suddenly weren't in the picture anymore even though they were a very ominous threat... The overall story wasn't even about the murder of the poor character who everybody was sympathising with in the first place. I wanted to know more about some of the dangerous characters and less about the romance.
Then there was this scene where Sydney's running during a panicked moment, and she's reflecting on her love interest options...??? ..Srsly?
This book was a bit of an eye-roller for me. Predictable, impractical, delusional, cheesy and a bit superficial. I would recommend only for light reading, but not with the expectation that it's anything but a rom-com with a murder on the side.
Available: Now
The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I received a free Advanced Readers Copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and the author for this copy.
January 7, 2020
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. The story is very well written and keeps your interest throughout. A hard book to put down. I definitely recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to Read
November 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/3/2020)! 🎁
January 6, 2020
I reviewed this by as an ARC. A great debut book. The book is the setting of a mystery involving an social media influencer, twin brothers, a socialite heiress, all of their friends, the FBI, an international criminal and a wedding in Jamaica. Sydney, the lead character, is a social media influencer who was married to Jack twin to Ethan who is getting ready to marry Sydney's best friend. Confusing? Wait it gets better. Sydney is also a widow who has tried to maintain perfection for herself and for her followers. On the way to the wedding venue one of Sydney's close friends is murdered which hits Sydney quite hard, not that she will allow it to show. Then the FBI gets involved because the murder happened in a plane over international waters. Clearly things must not be what they seem.
I have to be fair, I had a hard time getting into this book at the start and I started thinking that the book wasn't going to live up to how good the synopsis and the premise of it sounded. So I was quite happy when I was about 14% in my kindle only shows locations not pages) and it took hold of me. It was so easy to go from there to over 54% in just 2 hours. I was pleasantly surprised as well. The mystery was really good and even I managed to figure out some things ahead of time it was great to see all the pieces fall into place. I am really excited that I am able to review a book like this, I love mystery, cozy mysteries and suspenseful books because it's fun to see if I can figure out the whodunit or to see how the pieces will fall into place. I like the challenge. Even though I was able to figure some of the key pieces out early on there were still quite a few of the smaller important pieces that I didn't have, so it was a very good mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does or even doesn't enjoy mystery books because I think it is really a very good story that you will enjoy either way.
I have to be fair, I had a hard time getting into this book at the start and I started thinking that the book wasn't going to live up to how good the synopsis and the premise of it sounded. So I was quite happy when I was about 14% in my kindle only shows locations not pages) and it took hold of me. It was so easy to go from there to over 54% in just 2 hours. I was pleasantly surprised as well. The mystery was really good and even I managed to figure out some things ahead of time it was great to see all the pieces fall into place. I am really excited that I am able to review a book like this, I love mystery, cozy mysteries and suspenseful books because it's fun to see if I can figure out the whodunit or to see how the pieces will fall into place. I like the challenge. Even though I was able to figure some of the key pieces out early on there were still quite a few of the smaller important pieces that I didn't have, so it was a very good mystery.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does or even doesn't enjoy mystery books because I think it is really a very good story that you will enjoy either way.
February 5, 2020
The book starts our with our main character Sydney going to Jamaica for her best friends wedding. Sydney hates flying to she take a pill and blacks out when she awakes she is being questioned by the police and one of the bridesmaids and her close friend, (Lizzy) is dead. After a quick talk the police send Sydney on her way to the wedding with one snag, she is being accompanied by an undercover officer (Alex Birch), who's job it is to try to catch the person responsible. This book had me on my toes through the whole thing. The characters were amazing and I really found myself pulled into their world, by both the positives and the negatives. I found it interesting how much the used social median in the book as a plot point and to help move the story along it was very interesting and the social media stars a now common part of day to day life it was nice to see something like that mentioned in fiction. Every time that I thought I knew who was the killer I was pulled into another direction. This mystery will have you guessing the whole way through. This is the first book I've read by Leah Cupps however after the roller coaster ride that I went on with her first book I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.I loved all of the characters even the ones I loved to hate. They were very well rounded and impeccably written. Check out this book if you like a good mystery but also if you want to read the next big novel because I believe that this is one that is going to break the glass ceiling.
March 22, 2020
An entertaining and easy read. I have to say, I’m left with questions at the end of this one... what happened to the twins? Did Estavez get caught? Or did he follow through with any revenge? What about the stolen millions? Hmmm???
The novel definitely captured my attention from the get-go, the storyline was fast-paced, but it all ended and left me feeling unsatisfied when it was done. A few unrealistic and unbelievable circumstances that could’ve used a bit more depth, like attending your best friends wedding in Jamaica but avoiding her until 2 days after arriving on the destination island. This happening after their other best friend was murdered? No chance I could relate to that no matter what FBI was involved.
Not sure if there’s even a sequel in the works either? Truthfully, these are all unknowns and leaving me not in the best state upon completion because of all the loose ends I feel that have not come together. I gave it 3 stars because I finished and thought it captured my attention enough to keep me going. Sadly in the end it left me wishing for more though.
Thank you to BookSirens for my complimentary ebook ARC of this novel with the understanding that I would leave an honest review. I am always grateful to be in possession of new novels.
The novel definitely captured my attention from the get-go, the storyline was fast-paced, but it all ended and left me feeling unsatisfied when it was done. A few unrealistic and unbelievable circumstances that could’ve used a bit more depth, like attending your best friends wedding in Jamaica but avoiding her until 2 days after arriving on the destination island. This happening after their other best friend was murdered? No chance I could relate to that no matter what FBI was involved.
Not sure if there’s even a sequel in the works either? Truthfully, these are all unknowns and leaving me not in the best state upon completion because of all the loose ends I feel that have not come together. I gave it 3 stars because I finished and thought it captured my attention enough to keep me going. Sadly in the end it left me wishing for more though.
Thank you to BookSirens for my complimentary ebook ARC of this novel with the understanding that I would leave an honest review. I am always grateful to be in possession of new novels.
January 27, 2020
Sydney is a social influencer. She spends her days taking selfies of herself in perfect poses, of her food and whatever activity she is doing. Her life seems for lack of a better term perfect, yet things seem to be falling apart around her. Her husband Jack is dead and on her way to Jamaica to celebrate her good friends wedding to her dead husbands twin brother she is drugged and finds herself in the hands of the FBI. Another one of her friends is murdered on her way to the ceremony and now Sydney is being asked to help the FBI figure out what is going on.
I had a feeling about the twist before it occurred but I didn't see some of the other information that came about. I really liked this book and Sydneys evolution. I was a bit disappointed with the ending which I wanted more of a wrap up but this was more true to life. I could see there easily being a sequel if the author wanted to.
Good read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had a feeling about the twist before it occurred but I didn't see some of the other information that came about. I really liked this book and Sydneys evolution. I was a bit disappointed with the ending which I wanted more of a wrap up but this was more true to life. I could see there easily being a sequel if the author wanted to.
Good read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 7, 2020
Picture Perfect...Or Is It???
A great story to introduce a new author for me. A twisted tale of lies, deceit and murder that comes full circle in beautiful Jamaica. Sydney portrays a perfect life to her Instagram followers but her life is anything but. On her way to Jamaica for her best friends wedding she finds out just how far from picture perfect her life truly is. Waking up detained at the airport she finds out one of he best friends is dead and is being held for questioning by the FBI trying to capture a dangerous man with ties to her dead husband, Jack, and his twin, Ethan. While escorting undercover agent, Alex, to the wedding of her best friend, Marisa, lies are uncovered shattering her picture perfect life. A fast paced what the hell is going on and who done it story with a touch of what if's. A MUST READ !!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy for my favorites collection via Booksprout.
A great story to introduce a new author for me. A twisted tale of lies, deceit and murder that comes full circle in beautiful Jamaica. Sydney portrays a perfect life to her Instagram followers but her life is anything but. On her way to Jamaica for her best friends wedding she finds out just how far from picture perfect her life truly is. Waking up detained at the airport she finds out one of he best friends is dead and is being held for questioning by the FBI trying to capture a dangerous man with ties to her dead husband, Jack, and his twin, Ethan. While escorting undercover agent, Alex, to the wedding of her best friend, Marisa, lies are uncovered shattering her picture perfect life. A fast paced what the hell is going on and who done it story with a touch of what if's. A MUST READ !!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy for my favorites collection via Booksprout.
January 5, 2020
It's been so long since I read a crime type book and this was certainly a good one to break me back into them. Straight away there's drama, and from chapter one onwards, the ball keeps rolling.
The book is written from multiple viewpoints, but don't worry, it really adds to the depth of the story rather than being confusing (I've read some shockers that muddle everything by doing this!).
This story is a little bit crime, a little bit mystery and a little bit self discovery. At first I was unsure I'd like the female lead, but as the story moved on I understood her more and ended up rooting for her. I don't like to give away plot in reviews, which is why I'm skirting around the subject, but know this - it's an intriguing read that keeps you guessing (I read it in a day so I could find out what happened!). Who doesn't love twins, murder, mystery, and romance?
The book is written from multiple viewpoints, but don't worry, it really adds to the depth of the story rather than being confusing (I've read some shockers that muddle everything by doing this!).
This story is a little bit crime, a little bit mystery and a little bit self discovery. At first I was unsure I'd like the female lead, but as the story moved on I understood her more and ended up rooting for her. I don't like to give away plot in reviews, which is why I'm skirting around the subject, but know this - it's an intriguing read that keeps you guessing (I read it in a day so I could find out what happened!). Who doesn't love twins, murder, mystery, and romance?
January 6, 2020
My first book with this author. I was pleasantly surprise with the book. It was entertaining on a who done it point of view. You have a tragedy among the best friends. Someone killed one of the three. You have plenty of people in this story. I would like to see some of the other characters get their own book. You had your good people and your bad. The story center around Marissa wedding. With every murder there will be twists and turns to find out who did it. Leah did not hesitate to all plenty of them to keep me entertain until I found out who killed Lizzy. Don't forget you have your social media included as well. Its a very good crime story with some romances, drama, setbacks and a killer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2020
Ok so I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It’s more of a mystery than a romance do not my normal trope but I really enjoyed it.
Sydney is a widowed social influencer on her way to her friends wedding when she is pulled in by the FBI.
They need her help in solving a murder.
At first Sydney is reluctant to assist them, but she wholeheartedly believes her friends are innocent and so she agrees.
But this mystery is bigger than what she imagined.
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the murder. And I liked how vulnerable Sydney actually was.
So why if I enjoyed it did I only rate 4 stars, well I thought the ending was a little abrupt. And I felt that Sydney really needed a HEA with everything that she went through rather than a possible HFN.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sydney is a widowed social influencer on her way to her friends wedding when she is pulled in by the FBI.
They need her help in solving a murder.
At first Sydney is reluctant to assist them, but she wholeheartedly believes her friends are innocent and so she agrees.
But this mystery is bigger than what she imagined.
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the murder. And I liked how vulnerable Sydney actually was.
So why if I enjoyed it did I only rate 4 stars, well I thought the ending was a little abrupt. And I felt that Sydney really needed a HEA with everything that she went through rather than a possible HFN.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This book is about best friends being there for each other. On loss of her husband(Jack) and then trying to live with out him. One of her best friends was is getting married to a twin brother(Ethan) of her husband but something was gone wrong. She (Sydney) is flying to where her friend (Marissa Schumacher) was getting married but she had to take a detour to a airport so she can be told what is happening. Her friends was flying in to Jamaica together but something happens to her friend Elizabeth Lizzy Ortez. Now would be the time to get the book so you can find out what happens. I will be getting more from this author. Thank You for writing the books so we can read them.
January 14, 2020
This is a very good mystery with plenty of action, suspense, some unexpected and some slightly obvious twists, and very believable characters. As such I would have been happy to give it a four-star rating. However, because of the numerous typos (wrong character names, wrong location names, wrong words, missing words, etc), I could not justify anything higher than a three-star rating. Ms. Cupps is a very good author and if the services of a professional editor are not feasible, I would recommend she make use of family and friends. The story is very enjoyable and the typos do not require the services of a professional.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I would like to thank them and the author for the opportunity to read What LIes in Paradise.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I would like to thank them and the author for the opportunity to read What LIes in Paradise.
March 9, 2020
Overall this book was a great quick read. The action started almost right away and kept twisting and turning throughout the book keeping my interest. I liked the characters of Alex and Sydney and wish the book had been written from their perspectives instead of Sydney and Ethans. I think that might have helped develop the relationship between the two of them and made it more believable. I think it also could have helped make the storyline less predictable. Sometimes things seemed to fall into place too easily and other times major events were quickly forgotten or overlooked. Overall it was a solid mystery and I would read more from the author!
I received an advance review copy for free, thank you BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, thank you BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last.
This book starts with a gun to the head and doesn't stop with the edge of the seat excitement.
I guarantee you that if you pick this book up you won't be able to put it down until you have finished it.
Sydney at first seems quite superficial, and I didn't really like her to be honest. But as I got to know her my opinion changed, as I came to understand why she was the way she was.
I really enjoyed the fast pace and twists that just kept coming 😱😱
Definitely a book I'd recommend if you enjoy a good thriller ❤❤❤
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last.
This book starts with a gun to the head and doesn't stop with the edge of the seat excitement.
I guarantee you that if you pick this book up you won't be able to put it down until you have finished it.
Sydney at first seems quite superficial, and I didn't really like her to be honest. But as I got to know her my opinion changed, as I came to understand why she was the way she was.
I really enjoyed the fast pace and twists that just kept coming 😱😱
Definitely a book I'd recommend if you enjoy a good thriller ❤❤❤
January 11, 2020
Sydney has a perfect life. That's what her Instagram page says. But not really - it's a mess. And it's about to get a whole lot messier. On the way to a friend's wedding in Jamaica, another friend is murdered. When her plane lands, she's held in connection with that murder. This book was great to read - a true thriller with all the twists and turns. I had not idea where the story was going, and every time I thought I had it figured out - plot twist. It took a bit for me to get into the book (several chapters), but the it took off. This is my first read from this author - looking forward to more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2020
This is a very suspenseful read. The characters are colorful, independent, dramatic and somewhat over the top all in good ways. It is a page-turner and I can honestly say it has many twists and turns and actions I never saw coming. It’s characters were well-developed, the story is well-written and there are many surprises along the way. This is the first time reading this author and I enjoyed her writing style, the danger and suspense she put in the story and I will read her again. It was a super read and I would add it to your “to be read” list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2020
What Lies in Paradie is a fast moving pace story at times will have readers wanting to know what happened before this book between to characters to have readers better understand the characters.
The story is interesting with the characters waking up in interrogation room wondering what happened and how she ended up on there. The story moves quickly giving readers enough mystery without giving away too much until the closer reader get to the end of the book. At times the story slows down giving readers a chance to catch their breath before the next excitement or murder.
Thank you to Netgalley
The story is interesting with the characters waking up in interrogation room wondering what happened and how she ended up on there. The story moves quickly giving readers enough mystery without giving away too much until the closer reader get to the end of the book. At times the story slows down giving readers a chance to catch their breath before the next excitement or murder.
Thank you to Netgalley
January 24, 2020
This story was captivating. I really liked the interactions the characters had with each other. Though there was one character who disappeared without explanation, being a murder mystery it seemed to be important to tell what happens to everyone. I love mysteries and this one grabbed me quickly. I liked trying to figure it out and thought I had it a few times but something would happen and blow that out of the water. I don’t want to give anything away but WOW! It was very intriguing and can’t wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2020
What Lies in Paradise is the story of Sydney, a social media influencer who boards a flight to Jamaica and wakes up to find her entire life has changed. Her good friend is dead and someone seems to want to hurt her. Working with the FBI, Sydney falls into the world is money laundering, international business fraud and murder.
Well, kind of. This book is a fast paced thriller that could be excellent if given more time. If this is part of a future series - then great. If not, then I have many, many questions. MANY. Still, this is a fun, quick read for anyone looking for a tiny escape.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Well, kind of. This book is a fast paced thriller that could be excellent if given more time. If this is part of a future series - then great. If not, then I have many, many questions. MANY. Still, this is a fun, quick read for anyone looking for a tiny escape.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 29, 2020
Sydney is grieving the loss of her husband while trying to keep up a perfect life to her online fans as an Instagram influencer. She is on the plane to her best friends wedding when tragedy strikes. One of her best friends is killed on the way to the wedding. Devastated and fearful for her life she agrees to go undercover with an FBI agent to investigate which friend is a killer. But what she finds, is more than she bargained for. This book got the action going right away! And it was a good escapism book but very predictable. Still, if you’re looking for a quick, fun read with some twisted secrets, this is for you!
March 20, 2021
What Lies in Paradise was a great read by Leah Cupps. Sydney Evans is an Instagram Influencer who carefully curates the life everyone sees. She's excited to pose at her best friend's destination wedding. She blacks out on the plane and awakens to discover on of the other wedding guests was poisoned to death. The FBI wants to use Sydney as an insider and she takes a rookie undercover agent with her in the hopes to find out who the killer is. A deadly run-in exposes a criminal underbelly that lurked under her own seemingly perfect marriage. She has to find out who the culprit is before she is murdered next. I enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
January 10, 2020
This was a great read! I loved the twists and turns to the plot. It was a great mystery with fully developed characters.
I enjoyed the touch of romance will they/won't they that was thrown in as well. So if you just enjoy straight mystery with no side romance plot, this is not your book.
All in all, a fun read full of mystery, suspense, romance and more. I fully recommend this book to any reader that likes these things.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the touch of romance will they/won't they that was thrown in as well. So if you just enjoy straight mystery with no side romance plot, this is not your book.
All in all, a fun read full of mystery, suspense, romance and more. I fully recommend this book to any reader that likes these things.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2020
This was an amazing read and I ended up screaming at my kindle several times as the plot thickened. We are quickly shown that not everyone is who they are at first glance and I believe some characters still have some masks to reveal. Hopefully we will see these characters again soon; but, until then, if you are looking for the perfect read to blow the winter chill away look no further than What Lies in Paradise.
I received a copy of this book for free in return for a review which I am leaving voluntarily.
I received a copy of this book for free in return for a review which I am leaving voluntarily.
March 7, 2020
A wonderfully well written book about Sydney who is in jamaica for her friend Marrisa's wedding. On the way over via plane Sydney's friend dies on the plane.
Now everyone is on a mission to find out what happened to lizzie.
Sydney meets a cia agent Alex and agrees to be his fake girlfriend and help him with the case.
I really liked this book. It has many twists and turns and there is a big surprise no expects, especially Sydney.
Alex and Sydney have feelings for each but will it become more?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now everyone is on a mission to find out what happened to lizzie.
Sydney meets a cia agent Alex and agrees to be his fake girlfriend and help him with the case.
I really liked this book. It has many twists and turns and there is a big surprise no expects, especially Sydney.
Alex and Sydney have feelings for each but will it become more?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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