Customer Reviews

Paradise Rules

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lana Rodriguez and her personal assistant Melanie are vacationing in Hawaii. Lana is a semi-famous blues singer who is trying to keep a low profile. She isn't too thrilled about being in such a touristy place like Waikiki, but since Melanie needs a bit of R&R due to a nasty divorce, Lana sucks it up. Both women decide to do a little surfing and end up taking lessons at the Jason Koa Surf School. The school is run by a former Olympic medalist who has quite the reputation on the island because of his last name and his superstar status. Lana soon becomes annoyed because Jason is late for their lesson due to some tender loving care he is receiving from one of his students. Lana rips into Jason. He thinks she is cold and uptight and she thinks he is a horny loser.

These two go their separate ways even though Lana really connects with Jason. He knows she is distant for a reason and wouldn't mind cracking that shell she has placed around herself. Lana likes to be in control of everything, even in the bedroom. Instead of picking up any man on the island, she goes through an escort service that is run by Jason's oily cousin Po. Lana is in for a big surprise when Jason shows up at her hotel room. She is ready to throw him out but Jason won't let her and one thing leads to another and they have mind blowing sex. Lana doesn't know how to react to Jason and insults him. He leaves in a huff but not before he tells her that if she wants to get laid again by him, she needs to play by his rules or not at all.

Even though Lana knows that Jason is so wrong for her in every way, she can't stay away from him because the sex between them was too good for words. She will play by his rules even if it means opening herself up to Jason in ways she has never done with a man before. Jason stretches the limits of what is acceptable for Lana and he won't let her hide away from the secret fantasies and desires she has always longed to act out.

These two know that forever is not in the cards and the next few days they throw caution to the wind and engage in some kinky sexual acts that are titillating. But then reality comes crashing down because someone has told the press about Lana's use of the escort service and Jason's role in it. Both must decide if they should work together to find out the person responsible or turn away from their island paradise vacation they both want to have with one another.

Paradise Rules is a very erotic story with many intense sexual acts that may make you squirm. Jason does things to Lana that are very hot and sexy but also a bit shocking. Every act between them is a test of endurance. Jason uses his skill as a lover to break down the defenses Lana has placed around her heart, as well as her body.

The relationship between Jason and Lana is a difficult one to explain. These two do not care for one another in the beginning. Both seem so cold and a bit cruel. They both seem to dislike each other immensely and the only reason they have sex is because of this deep attraction they have for one another. Lana hurls insults at Jason while he overpowers her because of his sexual gifts.

Some readers may not find Paradise Rules to be comfortable reading. The sex scenes are well written but I just couldn't find any connection between Jason and Lana other than each has an itch that needs to be scratched. Their personalities were just too off putting for me to believe that these two would have a happily ever after together. Lana's friend Melanie is a nice woman trying to find peace within herself after her husband has been so horrible to her. Jason's cousin Po is a nasty piece of work but his other family members such as his grandmother Lily were nice to read about.

Beth Kery can sure write some scintillating stories and Paradise Rules is one of them. I enjoyed the exotic island atmosphere but felt the love story between Jason and Lana was lacking. But if you are in the mood for reading hot sex that stretched the limits with the main characters, Paradise Rules may just be the book for you.

Katiebabs

Paradise Rules by Beth Kery

Contemporary Romance- Oct. 6th, 2009

4 stars

Paradise Rules demonstrates why Beth Kery is an author to watch out for! In her latest installment, she explores the journey of her heroine's transformation, one that includes some very erotic scenes that kept me glued to the pages!

Lana Rodriguez has issues. When you are popular and famous people try to take advantage of you and she has had to learn the hard and painful way to protect herself and her own. When her friend Melanie is devastated by a nasty divorce Lara decides to drag her with her to Hawaii for a vacation. Once there they both decide to take surfing lesson with Jason Koa. A beautiful if arrogant playboy that annoys Lana. The tension between the 2 is powerful. But Lana and Jason's mutual dislike overlays an intense attraction. When Lana decides to boost her friend's spirits and have a girls night out she decides to call an escort service for her friend and herself. But when she opens her door she is surprised to find Jason ready to service ALL her needs! She is helpless to stop her addiction to his charms but Jason says they can only continue their affair if she agrees to `his' rules.

Jason wants Lara and when he hears that his cousin's escort service latest contract is to find Lana a man, he decides to volunteer himself! As Jason pushes Lara, a woman who is used to control, he doesn't realize the powder keg he has opened. Jason is very dominant and protective. Seeing Lana's true vulnerability breaks something inside him. He wants to be the one she turns to, the one to comfort her. But her painful past prevents her from being impulsive or spontaneous. And when the tabloid releases a scandal concerning their `escorted' relationship they face hard decisions. Is this new relationship something worth holding onto?

Beth Kery excels at hot and sensual scenes. At first I found Lana's character abrasive and Jason's arrogance a bit of a turn off. But as the author slowly built the tension and reveals the vulnerability in her characters I could not stop the pull I felt for the 2! Lana's childhood is scarred and I wondered if she could see through her past of pain. Lana is an intensely private person and she feels comfortable that way. And Jason's very dominant and forceful appearance in her life makes big changes for her. Lana questions her motto to keep men out of her life, but having Jason around makes her feel sooo good. Should she take a chance with Jason? Taking risk with her emotions is difficult for her. She must confront her demons and let a man be there for her when no man has before.

I really enjoyed the relationship between the 2 characters, especially Lana's transformation. They were a well matched pair that were wonderful together.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

STORY BRIEF:

Jace is 35. He is a former Olympic gold medalist in swimming. He owns a restaurant and surfing school in Hawaii. He's a hot hunk. Lana is a famous blues singer. She hates Hawaii because she had some troubling times there as a child. She reluctantly comes to Hawaii with her friend Melanie. Melanie is going through a rough divorce and wanted this vacation. Lana calls an escort agency to hire a guy for each of them for the night. Jace learns about this from his brother Po who owns the escort agency. Jace talks Po into letting him go to Lana as her escort.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:

The story was a little weird due to Lana's bitchy, cold and withdrawn personality, but overall a decent story. Jace gets mad at Lana more than once saying she's just using him as a temporary hot vacation fling, planning to forget about him when she leaves. They have some great, hot sex, but then they fight for the reasons mentioned. They are cold and a bit cruel to each other. The reasons for conflict weren't as interesting as I would have liked, but the background stories and side stories were pretty good. Sex scenes include toys, bondage and rear door activity.

DATA:

Story length: 326 pages. Swearing language: mild. Sexual language: strong/erotic. Number of sex scenes: 12. Total number of sex scene pages: around 93. Setting: current day Hawaii. Copyright: 2009. Genre: erotic contemporary romance.

OTHER BOOKS:

For a list of my reviews of other Beth Kery books, see my 4 ½ star review of Release posted 2-7-10.

Oh, oh, what can I say other than my fingers burned cos of this book. Yes it is one of those books that puts fire to the room. Very hot, scorching.

These two dislike at first sight, but at the same time there is lust at first sight. And that will soon lead to some hot Hawaiian nights. Jason wants her to let loose. She seems too rigid, uptight, and bitchy now and again. This surely comes from the fact that she hates the Islands. Why, well we will learn that later but it is pretty obvious that she is hiding some deep secrets. And he, well he does come off like somewhat arrogant but hey it is still smoking between those two and he clearly wants to be in control.

Here is a lovestory that does not want to be a lovestory. He does not need some non-Islander looking for a fling coming in and trying something, she just wants sex. But then things are never that simple, the attraction is clear and something else is sizzling underneath too.

And while those too are working things out, something else will happen too, that might drive them apart, and what about that haunting past?

Ok hot is the word of the day, yes very hot. I will never look at Hawaii the same way after this. Jason is a true alpha, dominant and controlling, and gorgeous. Lana let go of some control and finds that she likes it. He is also nice, and he who can talk about his childhood tries to get her to talk about it. He wants to fix things, and I melt away there. He has fallen. Great romance between two very different people in a way, and there is one thing at the end that I like and find really sad. But you just have to look for that yourself.

I like Kery's style, it is easy flowing and the pages moves fast forward, and never gets stuck anywhere.

Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Very nice, and I so wanna go there at once.

Reason for Reading: Own copy

Final thoughts: If you are looking for a hot read then this is it.

Lana Rodriquez is a successful, blues singer. She comes across, cool, confident and a smidge on the bitchy side. She's also not a huge fan of Hawaii (even though she lived there for a short time during her childhood), but when her best friend/assistant Melanie suggests a vacation on the island paradise to get over a particularly nasty divorce, Lana begrudging agrees to accompany her.

Jason Koa is practically Hawaii's favorite son. His family is steeped in Hawaiian tradition; he's a former Olympic swimmer and has several very successful businesses including a surfing school which he still occasionally teaches at.

Jason and Lana's first meeting gets off to a rocky start. She has agreed to take a surfing lesson with Melanie, but when they arrive at the surfing school, they discover their teacher (Jason) is late. This ticks Lana off to no end and it doesn't get any better, when she discovers Jason, in the back room, indulging in a little après surfing hanky-panky with another student.

Despite their inauspicious beginning, sparks do fly right from the start between these two and neither can deny that they are attracted to one another. Jason is intrigued by Lana and her standoffish behavior, and he is determined to crack her cool exterior shell to see what lies beneath the surface of Ms Rodriquez.

This book is full of hot, steamy, sweaty sex, no doubt about it and not for the faint of heart. Jason and Lana's relationship is not without its bumps along the way, compounded by underlying issues in both their personal lives that affect how their relationship plays out.

If you're in the market for a red-hot read, you can't miss with Paradise Rules by Beth Kery

"Once again author Beth Kery creates magic for the reader with her ability to create sensually captivating romances that are erotically thrilling and packed with a deep emotional punch. The plot is remarkable and complex, each scene masterfully crafted, each emotion real, and each character fascinating producing a flawless romance that is sure to stand the test of time. There is lushness to the beauty and the attention Ms. Kery pays to the finest details making this story comes alive to further the reader's enjoyment."

'Lana Rodriguez is a multilayered woman. She is a sexy woman with fire running through her veins and ice around her heart. She has a razor sharp demeanor that she uses to keep people at bay while inside the demons of the past battle, creating a sense of vulnerability. Used to being in control, Lana protects her emotions behind an invisible cloak, never letting any man get to close. Jason Koa is an intriguing man, full of energy and heat, and secure in his life. Clearly used to being in control, Jason isn't about to let Lana get the upper hand in any of their dealings. Seeing the vulnerability inside this woman touches something in him. It will take patience and control, something that Jason excels at. Jason's family along with additional secondary characters are interesting and delightful, helping move the story forward and bringing it full circle. The chemistry between Jason and Lana sizzles, the sex is raw, steamy, and highly graphic, yet at times tenderly touching. The added touches of sexual toys as well as blindfolds and restraints added to the heightened levels of seduction. This is a powerful story that shouldn't be missed!" - Shannon

A highly successful jazz singer, Lana Rodriguez has people grabbing for her all the time. When a friend going through a painful divorce needs her, Lana hesitates only a second and the two head for Hawaii even though Lana never thought she would return to the place of her ugliest childhood memories. Lana is constantly on her guard and very rarely relaxes. Surfing lessons with hometown hero Jason Koa only make matters worse and when she calls for a male escort for the evening and Jason arrives, Lana's anger is chillingly apparent. So is her attraction, and that is the hardest part of all for Lana - she is used to depending on herself.

Jason Koa knows he and Lana started out on the wrong foot - so to speak. Hearing that Lana and her friend need male escorts for the evening is like manna from heaven. Jason will be able to apologize for their less than amiable meeting and then he and Lana can begin the scorching hot affair that he knows he wants and hopes she wants as well. What Jason doesn't imagine is the spitfire mad virago who opens her door to him. Animosity aside, Jason has never wanted another woman the way he wants Lana. He just has to convince her that underneath his good boy charm he is a man that wants to satisfy her - if only she will follow his PARADISE RULES.

PARADISE RULES is steamy, raw, and may push a few buttons. To me, the hardest and most difficult part of this hot book is Lana. She had more defense mechanisms than the Pentagon. Her heart seemed frozen and she seemed to like it that way. I almost gave up on this beautiful character because her way of dealing with her burgeoning feelings for Jason were so opposite of what I would have done that I almost couldn't stand to see what would happen next. I didn't count on Jason Koa's fortitude as a man and a master who knew how to handle Lana precisely and with control that she needed.

PARADISE RULES is sultry, hotter than fire, and will scorch the skin off your fingers. Lana and Jason's love story is not easy, but it is real. Take a chance on talented author Beth Kery today - you won't be sorry!

Natalie S.

Successful blues singer Ailana "Lana" Rodriguez has accompanied her friend and personal assistant, Melanie, on a vacation to Waikiki. Melanie is weathering a very acrimonious divorce and as much as Lana hates the island, (that was once her home) she wasn't about to let her friend go alone. Melanie books a surfing lesson for the two of them and when the instructor for the school is unfashionably late, Lana (not known for patience) goes to seek him out. She finds their instructor, whom she later discovers is Jason Koa, in a very compromising position with a young blonde tourist. After a terse exchange where sparks fly between Lana and Jason, he does meet his commitment and give the women a surfing lesson. Lana had herself well camouflaged to avoid recognition, however in order to take the lesson she has to remove her big hat and cover-up. It is at this point that Jason discovers she is the famous blues singer whose music he has enjoyed for years.

Lana Rodriguez is a complex heroine. She is beautiful, sexy, has a razor sharp tongue and while she keeps and outward appearance of perfect calm, she is inwardly vulnerable and insecure doing battle with many past demons. Lana is sexually experienced and has always assumed the control with her past liaisons never allowing a man to get too close. That is until Jason....

Jason "Jace" Koa, Olympian swimmer, surfing champion, local legend, restaurateur and entrepreneur, lives on a luxury houseboat moored in a private lagoon on the island. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. Jace is strong minded and completely comfortable in his own skin. He is secure and happy with his upbringing and very involved with his large, tight knit extended family. Jace also likes control and is a dominant in the bedroom. Jace has enjoyed his pick of any female he has wanted over the years but has never considered settling down or committing himself to one woman. Then along comes the prickly and seemingly cold hearted Lana Rodriguez....

After admiring their `surfing instructor', Melanie makes a joke about enjoying some male `companionship' while on the island. Lana decides that is just what the doctor ordered and arranges for male escorts for herself and her friend through what is supposed to be a `reputable' agency that is known to be very discreet with respect to its clientele's privacy.

Meanwhile, Jason is at his popular restaurant "Jace's" and his cousin Ipo "Po" Koa, pays a visit. Po is a slimy little cretin who just so happens to own "Hawaiian Nights", which is the same escort service (and strip club) that Lana has called for her and Melanie's `dates'. Po brags about a `celebrity' booking an escort and Jason puts two and two together. At first he tries to ignore his desire to see Lana again, however, since the opportunity has presented itself, he decides to approach Po with an offer to step in as her `escort'.

When Lana opens her hotel room door to find her paid escort is none other than the surfing instructor who she had words with earlier in the day, surprise is an understatement to describe her reaction. Jason will not be pushed around or patronized by Lana and she quickly learns he isn't about to be controlled, in fact, it is exactly the opposite.

There are a number of passages of sensual prose in the narrative of this novel hot enough to boil your blood. I chose one from Jason and Lana's initial sexual encounter just as an example to titillate.

"He seized her mouth in a hard kiss. His male essence flooded her awareness, leaving room for nothing but a hot, erupting desire. She clutched onto his shoulders then desperately sank her hand into his hair, holding on for dear life as a tsunami of lust pounded through her. He penetrated her lips and made free with her mouth. She found herself striking out hungrily with her own tongue, ravenous for more of his flavor.

She was so overwhelmed with the power of his kiss she didn't realize he'd untied the halter of her dress until he lowered the material to her waist. He sealed their lips. She trembled. The man's kiss could more accurately be called an attack. That's how it seemed to her jangled nerves and screaming senses."

Paradise Rules © Beth Kery

Lana is a victim of childhood neglect and abuse and continues to suffer the after effects of that trauma. I found her to be quite fearful of the passion Jason arouses in her when he takes control during their sensual encounter, but at the same time she experiences a sense of awe at the magnitude of her response. In reaction to these unaccustomed feelings she patronizes Jason and pushes him away and he leaves angry never expecting to see her again. Then Lana discovers who he really is and finds herself unable to ignore her desire to see him again while she is still visiting the island. It is, after all, just sex.

Lana seeks Jason out at his houseboat:

"She distantly heard the sound of water splashing. She walked over to the window and watched, her breath burning in her lungs, as Jason arose out of the ocean with a flex and bulge of defined muscle. He'd obviously taken an afternoon swim. He used his fingers to wipe water out of his face, and then casually swiped his hand over a ridged abdomen, making a stream of water splash off taut, sun-bronzed skin. Lana stood rigid, paralyzed by the sight of him glittering and flashing in the bright sunlight like an ancient Polynesian god."

Paradise Rules © Beth Kery

Ms. Kery brought these characters to life for me, I could literally hear the dialogue between Jace and Lana, visualize their special moments together as well as the beauty of the various settings.

Jace Koa, simply ROCKS. He knows Lana is struggling with relinquishing control to him, but certainly flourishes and responds. Lana is not sexually naïve and despite allowing Jason to take the reins, gives as good as she gets.

Jason finds Lana captivating, but at the same time it becomes evident fairly quickly that she has major issues with commitment and tells himself that she is "not his type". So, when tempers flare again and they part ways, he leaves the decision up to Lana as to whether they see each other again. Which, of course, they do....

"He tapped at the ice in his glass with a straw, his eyes glued to her curving mouth. He couldn't believe she'd just walked into his place looking hot enough to ramp up the testosterone in the room to record-breaking levels, and cool enough to care less."

Paradise Rules © Beth Kery

Jason is stunned Lana has again chosen to seek him out and convinces her to spend a night and a day with him, with the condition that she follows, "his rules". These two are "volcanic" together and the narrative is laced, but not overburdened with what I have come to know as Ms. Kery's signature emotional, sexually charged love scenes. As I mentioned, the backdrop of the beautiful lush island makes the scenes all the more special. There is an especially endearing scene as Jason helps Lana through one of her fears which enables her to enjoy snorkeling and the wonder of the lagoon's underwater life. He also sees her vulnerable side and insecurities and gradually begins to peel back her defenses. Lana, in turn, draws strength from Jason.

I also enjoyed some of the dry wit incorporated in the dialogue, both of these characters manage to slip some pretty good "shots" that had me snickering and laughing out loud.

Trouble peeks over the horizon however, when a press leak with provocative pictures of Lana and Jason "playing" on the beach in his private lagoon are broadcast all over the local television station. The news story also intimates Jace is involved in the escort service. This leads to family strife with Jason's name being tarnished and he assumes Poe has leaked the information.

Lana doesn't just see red, it is scarlet and she not only goes after Poe, but also blames Jason. It is not a pretty scene.

There are a number of great supporting characters which all have a small role in Lana and Jace's story. Especially memorable is Lily Koa, the grand matriarch of the family who lays eyes on Lana and reveals startling information about her past which leads to an emotional climax.

Melanie, who knows Lana as well as she will allow anyone to, also plays a pivotal role in the dénouement of the story.

I also want to comment that while this is a completely different story, I found the tone of "Paradise Rules" had the most in common "Wicked Burn", Ms. Kery's 2008 novel.

"Her Island, His Rules." With Jason's strength, nurturing and eventual love, Lana comes to accept both him and her island, and as a reader, I was happy she did.

Wasn't very good. Definitely does not measure up to Kery's other reads that I enjoyed: Wicked Burn and Release. While her standard sizzling chemistry is still there, none of the other things that I've liked in her books were present: well-defined and (mostly) likable hero and heroine, strong relationship development, good emotional and personality chemistry (in addition to the always physical), and interesting subplot. Explosive, another Kery book, at least had that last.

Surprisingly, if I had to choose something I liked it would be the heroine. Normally Lana is the type of heroine whom I dislike, but I thought Kery did a very good job of showing us her cold, strong exterior while letting us into all of the inner vulnerability and uncertainty she feels. To me as a reader, she never felt like a cold-hearted witch because her emotions are so clearly shown to us. I liked her verbal interactions with Jason and how he tried to break down her barriers and defenses, and she slowly increasingly let him.

I got a little sick of (read: a whole heck of a lot) hearing over and over and over again about how hot Jason was, and how in love Lana was with his body, and his beautiful bronzed skin, and his hunky muscles, and etc.

I bought this book because I'd read good reviews, but before I'd read Sweet Restraint. I didn't care too much for Sweet Restraint so this one lingered on my bookshelf for a long time. I decided to read it because I was looking for a contemporary read.

Paradise Rules surprised the hell out of me. It was really good - very, very erotic. I enjoyed it from cover to cover and there were only a few spots where I felt like"really?".

Lana Rodriguez is a famous jazz/blues singer who has come to Hawaii to hang out with her friend, who's going through an ugly divordce. Lana spent her childhood in Hawaii (we don't learn all the particulars until near the end of the book, needless to say she has a secret) and isn't thrilled about being there but wants her friend to have a good time.

Jace Koa is a local celebrity, an olympic swimmer/surfer who's come home to Hawaii and runs a surf shop and a restaurant. He first runs into Lana and her friend at his surf shop while he was getting a hand job from a client. Lana was not pleased as he was supposed to be teaching them how to surf.

Later, she hires a male escort for her friend and ends up getting one for herself too. Little does she know Jace's cousin runs the escort service and when Jace hears she's hired their services he steps in to be her "date". Hot sex ensues. Hot, angry sex. Oh, my....

The first half or more of this book is Lana and Jace's relationship, which consists mostly of sex - on a beach, on a boat, next to the boat.... Both Lana and Jace were very strong characters, so there was a lot of pushing back and forth between the two of them. Lana was kind of a bitch, and I did sort of wonder what Jace saw in her that kept him coming back, but let's be honest, I wasn't too worried about it - Ms. Kery knows her way around a sex scene!

There did turn out to be a scandal involving Lana and Jace, and Jace tries to figure out who's responsible while Lana is angry and blaming Jace. I knew who the culprit was but Jace was so sweet while he figured it out. I did wish Ms. Kery had gone into more detail at the end of the book; I kind of felt like it was too open ended, but that's just my preference.

I really enjoyed this book and I give Paradise Rules 4 out of 5 stars. A super sexy read!