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Finding Hope

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Twenty three years ago, Luke Romanov's childhood playmate disappeared without a trace. He's never stopped blaming himself. When the family he works for hires a woman identical to his childhood friend, he'll stop at nothing to discover her true identity, even if it means betraying her. What few memories photographer Hope Jennings has of her past aren't pretty. The monsters from her nightmares make it impossible to completely erase her violent history, but she's living her life one day at a time. Hired to photograph a wealthy family's ancestral home in the Caribbean, she expects to work hard, get the job done, and go home. Instead, Hope finds unexpected passion in the arms of the family's sexy and dangerous security expert, who has the power to destroy the safe life she's built for herself. When someone from her past targets her to die, Hope doesn't know who to trust. Will Hope and Luke find the answers they need before it's too late?

First published August 31, 2009

31 people are currently reading
401 people want to read

About the author

Katie Reus

162 books3,240 followers
Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

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5 stars
120 (38%)
4 stars
107 (34%)
3 stars
69 (22%)
2 stars
12 (3%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Jacqueline J.
3,565 reviews371 followers
January 12, 2012
3-1/2 stars rounded up. Quite enjoyable romantic suspense. I liked the strong heroine and the relationship she had with the man (her adopted father) who saved her life at 15. The hero was well written, a strong competent man. The heroine was also competent. The action was pretty believable and well written. The sex scenes were well done. They weren't too soon or too many. The heat level was fresh and well written.

The only real problem I had with the book was the end where the story lost momentum. There were two bad guys and one of them was sort of lame and probably wouldn't have done what he did. Then the relationship aspect drug on a bit. That might be fairly realistic but didn't fit as cleanly into a novel as I would have liked. Still I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Quinn.
688 reviews58 followers
March 16, 2017
I know I've mentioned a time or two that I'm in a major reading funk these days. It's not a full-on reading slump, but it's very similar. And it's been going on for months. I've also mentioned that Katie Reus's books have been great for me during this reading funk. They are usually action packed, on the shorter-side, with characters that I really like. Therefore, I decided to read Danger in Paradise, an older romantic suspense novel by Katie Reus. Unfortunately I didn't love this one.
What's the Story:
Hope is a talented photographer on the rise. When she's hired to take photographs of a beloved home for a wealthy family, she meets Luke, who also works (and is friends) with the wealthy family. The problem is that Hope looks identical to the wealthy family's daughter. And then, while on the job, Hope's life is in danger, and Luke and Hope have to figure out what is going on.
What I Liked:

Danger in Paradise is fast-paced. As I mentioned above, being in such a reading funk, fast-paced novels are what I need right now.
The premise is interesting. I do love a romance where the heroine discovers there is more to her past than she knew.
I liked Luke quite a bit. He's very strong and willing to protect Hope.

What I Struggled With:

Although I have just loved Katie Reus's Red Stone Security series, this book is not as well-written as those books.
The plot isn't as tight as a could have been.
There are a number of times when Luke and/or Hope could have just talked to each other to make things easier, but there was some "reason" why they couldn't. It happened a lot, and it was very unbelievable.
It was pretty convenient that both Hope's and the baddies discovered Hope through her photography website. I mean, really? Of all the photographers in the world? And it was the photo of her that got their attention, not her name. And at the same time?

Final Thoughts:
Danger in Paradise by Katie Reus is not as solid as her later books. The suspense plot was weak, the romance was only alright, and the characters weren't spectacular. I recommend reading her Red Stone Security series, though.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,120 reviews8 followers
April 7, 2018
Danger in Paradise

WOW! I didn't know what to expect with this story. Hope is a photographer who gets a cushy job with a wealthy family not realizing it is her family. When Luke sees her, he is extremely hopeful that he has found Anna but he also loses his heart to her. However, Hope has to get rid of the threat against her life. In the end, she finally faces the guy who raped her and fights him until Luke shows up to finish subduing the guy. Once he is handcuffed, the police take him away but he is then shot so the threat is neutralized for Hope. It takes a while for Hope to trust Luke again but after a year together, they finally get married and find their happily ever after. FANTASTIC job Katie! I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Coral.
776 reviews31 followers
June 1, 2018
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3.5/5
Prose: 3.5/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
138 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2022
Danger in Paradise

Loved this story. It had intrigue and danger a nd hot sex scenes to make your toes curl. A girl finds she is a missing twin.
Profile Image for TJ.
1,754 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2023
This book between Lucas and Hope is a stand-alone and it certainly has you hooked. Lots of drama along with some twists and turns.
1,114 reviews17 followers
February 9, 2020
Omg......... That was something else! I’m sure Luke was shocked to come face to face with Hope, but I’m so glad they came together. And when I finally found out what actually happened in her life, it sadden me a little....... but the outcome was fanfreakingtastic!!! They finally had closure. I loved it from beginning to end! Exceptional read.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,215 reviews206 followers
August 12, 2012
DANGER IN PARADISE by Katie Reus

DANGER IN PARADISE is a stand-alone novel originally titled ‘Finding Hope’ written in the romance mystery genre. Although I tend to read more serial books, Danger in Paradise will leave you wanting more especially when we know there are so many other characters just crying for their story.

Hope Jennings is a photographer with a secret. Raised by Mac, the man who adopted her when she was a teen, Hope has always dreamed of making it big. And a contract to photograph the homes of one of the wealthiest Cuban coffee plantation owners was a risk worth taking. But the man sent to escort her forced Hope to break all of her own rules.

Luke Romanov owned his own high-tech security firm and worked for the wealthy Santiago family. But 23 years ago, one of the Santiago twins was kidnapped and her whereabouts were never discovered. Only 13 years old at the time, Luke blamed himself for sending the young girl away, when he was too busy to play. Now he faces the woman, who was once his childhood friend. Guilt, shock and the beginnings of love, will compel Luke to stop at nothing to make sure that Hope is protected.

Soon, Hope’s past will catch up when the person responsible for her near death experience wants to finish the job. Rescued by Mac Jennings at 15, Hope was found floating at sea with 2 bullet wounds and a secret that only Mac and she shared. But now that secret will be revealed when a father and son make good on a contract promising to take Hope out of their lives for good. And the person responsible for the kidnapping will face his own mortality, when Luke turns the table and discovers the story behind the man’s deceit.

DANGER IN PARADISE is a short story that is fast paced and never leaves the reader hanging. The characters are well developed and the love relationship is not without its’ moments. The relationship between Luke and Hope builds slowly, but falters when Hope believes she has been betrayed. At this point, I was not happy with Hope’s behavior because she was fully aware of the risks to her life and the others, yet she continued to judge a man for doing his job, but all is fair in fiction and fantasy. Without controversy, there would be no story.

see all of my reviews at: thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Amy R.
592 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2012
I love romantic suspense books and Katie Reus writes some really good ones. I am working my way through all of her books and this was one of her older ones. In true Katie Reus fashion, the plot was very engaging and had me hooked from the beginning. In this story, Hope accepts a job opportunity from a family that she didn’t realize she had. Of course, she doesn’t know that she is their long lost daughter until she is in the middle of an undercover case that has Feds involved but also one in which a hit was put out on her life. Oh and then there is the attraction to Luke, the family friend who is also a security expert. Talk about complications! Katie manages to keep the reader involved in the story without confusing them.

Luke and Hope are hot and cold, but they worked. They did have good chemistry but neither is completely honest with one another. Just when Hope feels she can trust Luke, he doesn’t something else to lose her trust. Granted, it is usually for her safety, but she still believes he could have asked her first and been up front with her. Luke just can’t fathom losing his childhood friend and love of his life so he goes to extremes to keep her safe – even if it means putting tracking devices in her shoes without telling her. So, their relationship was a little up and down, but it worked for the story, as I think the characters were well written and acted as you would expect given their personalities and situation. I enjoyed watching the reunion between Sonja, Maria and Hope. Mother-daughter reunions are the best. I also really liked Mac and Hope’s relationship, as they had such a special bond.

So, all in all, this was a good romantic suspense story. Katie balances the suspense and romance out very well in this book. I enjoy stories that are a little heavier on the suspense and dragging out the romance a bit, as it makes the attraction and relationship between the hero and heroine more believable. If you have read any of Katie’s other books you will easily enjoy this one as well. Even if you haven’t this one is a good place to start!
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,423 reviews
August 9, 2021
I would consider this more of a 3.5 because I enjoyed the good mix of romance and suspense. Hope doesn’t have a lot of experience but she can’t deny how strong her attraction to Luke is. The two jump into bed pretty quickly and feelings emerge fast as well. However, once Luke’s secrets are out this causes Hope to pull back and keep her distance for a bit. Hope and Mac’s relationship is really sweet and it made me want to call my dad and tell him I love him. Mac was there when Hope was a traumatized teen and his continued support, love, and protection of Hope was written really well. They truly made their own family when they needed it most.

I really enjoyed Luke’s character and even though he makes some “mistakes”, it’s all in order to protect Hope. He’s the right amount of alpha male to make things sexy but also protective and gentle with Hope. At one point, Hope gets angry with Luke for keeping secrets and she claims that her secrets weren’t hurting him in any way while he was invading her privacy. I wanted her to acknowledge that her secrets were actually hurting Luke because how is Luke supposed to protect Hope if he doesn’t know who is after her?

I felt the Mac-Sonja-Jose thing was a bit out of place and not really developed. I guess it just added to the family dynamic but overall I felt it wasn’t really explored all that well.
Profile Image for Hope Frost.
811 reviews9 followers
May 29, 2011
I really liked the concept of this book. Hope was strong willed and didn't trust easily. Mac was the protective father (and I adored him), but she had this whole other family that wanted nothing more than to get to know her. A quick read, but worth it. The part I found lacking was the end. I think an epilogue could have handled some of the "left out" parts. Mac, Hope's adopted dad, had become close to Hope's mom, and that seemed to upset her biological dad, but nothing came of that. Maria was having a secret relationship, but other than a brief mention, that was never brought up again. Several other details could have been wrapped up in another chapter, but instead I was left....wanting a conclusion.
Profile Image for ツ Renée.
208 reviews25 followers
March 23, 2012
Luke was hot. Hope was damaged. I understand why she was difficult considering everything she went through, but her attitude towards Luke pissed me off. She didn’t take responsibility for anything she did, and Luke did all the work in their relationship. Even at the end, he went after her when she was the one who left.
Profile Image for TBA66.
645 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2015
I was intrigued by the plot-line/summary of this romantic-suspense story, and I was not disappointed. I like a strong, alpha hero (Luke) especially when paired with a strong heroine (Hope). There's romance, suspense, mystery, and action. An enjoyable read. I am looking forward to reading the Red Stone Security series.
Profile Image for MaryLennox.
135 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2014
Much, much better than her other novels. Though her tendency to repeat scenarios is getting really annoying. This one was better since the kidnapping angle seems to show a maturity in a stronger storyline. Good read, good job!
Profile Image for Luvbooks36.
78 reviews
January 29, 2015
Loved it! It was amazing!I loved the storyline, and the suspense was killing me! LOl <3 <3
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,336 reviews38 followers
September 23, 2012
It was kinda good & kinda boring I would only read this book once.
Profile Image for Olimpia.
223 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2013
Danger in Paradise by Katie Reus is a fast paced, action packed well written read. Had everything in it including romance, mystery and suspense. Very enjoyable and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Berli.
33 reviews
March 12, 2015
I usually love supernatural stories, I chose this book just because Katie Reus wrote it. I loved it, it has everything a great book needs, unforgettable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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