Customer Reviews

Rivals in Paradise (Kimani Romance)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cicely Stevens thought things could not get any worse. First, she lost the promotion as division leader in the corporate department. Next, she walked in on her boyfriend having sex with the receptionist in her apartment. The ultimate worst thing to happen to Cicely was finding out that Chase "The Wolf" Yearwood was booked on the same flight to the Caribbean. In Rivals in Paradise, Gwyneth Bolton shows that rivals in business can also be lovers.

Cicely and Chase were rivals from the moment she set foot on the FAMU campus. He was the top jock and all around ladies man with the predatory skills of a wolf - that lands any deal or woman he wanted. But, Chase could not get close to Cicely. Cicely gave him an ultimatum that he could not pass up and she quickly regrets it. Now she finds herself, 10 years later, in a position she never wanted to be in - until now.

Bolton, once again, has given her readers a romance story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Under the bright full moon on the shores of the Caribbean, Cicely and Chase begin to build a passionate and sexy relationship that will leave readers breathless.

The book was provided by the author for review.

Priscilla C. Johnson

APOOO BookClub

So, once I picked up Rivals In Paradise...I simply DID NOT want to put it down...all I can say is AMAZING...I LOVE me some Chase Yearwood...brother laid it on Ms. Cicely REAL good...LOL...and Cicely Stevens is just as SASSY as ever...and talk about some SIZZLING encounters...WHOOSAH...I DEFINITELY want to go to Dahinda...have an island fling...eat some of that YUMMY food...and sing karaoke off-key...Chase's mama is quite a pistol...I love the close bond she has with her son...she can read him like a book...and all I can say is THANK YOU, Leonard...because if it hadn't been for his interference...who knows if/when the "rivals" would have met up AGAIN...WELL DONE, Gwyn...WELL DONE, indeed!!!

If anybody deserves a carefree vacation it's Miss Cicely Stevens. She's been passed over for a promotion despite her qualifications and caught her boyfriend cheating on her in her own bed - all in the same day! The last thing she wants is to spend time with her family over the Thanksgiving weekend. She wants some time to herself to `lick her wounds' and maybe even indulge in a holiday fling. A Caribbean holiday is exactly the thing Cicely needs to boost her foundering spirit.

Chase `The Wolf' Yearwood plays to win, both professionally and personally, and never loses. Ok, so there was that one time back in college but that's a long time ago and hardly even matters now, right? He's at the top of his game and has been handed a sweet job opportunity. Before he assumes his new position as head of the corporate development division at Mainstay Media he's decided to return to his homeland of Dahinda for a visit. What he doesn't expect is for his college rival, Cicely, to be seated next to him during the flight.

Cicely isn't interested in renewing any sort of relationship with Chase and isn't at all happy to discover that she has to put up with him during the flight. They end up rehashing their college battle for the position of student government association presidency and come to the realization that there's more to what happened than either of them realized. Their hostility toward each other hasn't faded but it's tempered by a sexual tension that they've fought hard to deny. Eventually, they agree to put aside their differences and Cicely's even magnanimous enough to take Chase up on his offer to show her around Dahinda. Of course, that's before he knows her grand plan to indulge in a fling. If Cicely is determined to have a holiday affair then he's not going to stop her, he's just going to be real sure that he's the man she chooses. They may have been college rivals but that's all over now, right?

Gwyneth Bolton's newest book RIVALS IN PARADISE pulls readers right into the storyline through Cicely's actions. I could really empathize with her over the loss of a deserved promotion and held my breath waiting for her reaction to catching her boyfriend cheating. I've got to say, she handled the situation like a pro. There was no hiding from the truth or denial - and she left absolutely no doubt that their relationship is over. Chase is cocky and at the same time loveable - which turns out to be an irresistible combination. The sexual tension between Cicely and Chase was present from the moment they started arguing and it was just a matter of time before they caved.

Ms. Bolton infuses this story with all the humor, emotion-filled drama, passion and witty dialogue readers have come to treasure in her writing. I loved the interplay between Cicely and Chase but there were secondary characters who captured my attention as well. My favorite is Chase's mother who is an absolute delight with her friendly nature - not to mention a crack shot with a dishtowel. There are other characters you'll adore and even one you'll love to hate! RIVALS IN PARADISE is a fun read but it also touches you emotionally as you begin to understand Cicely's reasons for dating men who are obviously wrong for her - and how right Chase could be if she'd just give him a chance.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Cicely Stevens has had enough of her crazy boss and can't believe she was passed over for the big promotion. Cicely knows she needs to get away so she can gather her thoughts and come back fighting. As she blows her family off and boards a flight to the Caribbean for a weekend of hot sex, she is seated next to her rival from college.

Chase "Wolf" Yearwood is a business mogul that is making great waves in the Miami community. It's been a while since he has been home for some much needed rest and relaxation. Chase can't believe who he reconnects with on the plane, Cicely, was the one that got away (well sorta). When he realizes that she wants to have a weekend of uncomplicated sex and fun, he knows they are meant to spend it together.

Bolton does it again with mixing love and music with a dreamy 4.5 star romance. Cicely and Chase are complicated characters that realize how change is necessary for love to grow. Their love/hate relationship is awe-inspiring and the music-infused island paradise makes me want to take a trip. There are a few instances where the fights are superfical and not essential to the story. RIVALS IN PARADISE is a page turning account of love that will keep you enthralled in the story.

Note: The author sent book to Real Page Turners for review.

Deltareviewer
Real Page Turners

Great story (4.5 rating). The dialogue between Cicely and Chase is first rate. I enjoyed the light yet sexually charged banter between the two. The storyline was cute and had me thinking back on my days at an HBCU. The story centers on a mis-understanding from college that carried into their adult life when they meet again. I loved that Cicely had a backbone and was not a pushover. Chase was holding it down for the men. I am glad he did not go all macho but he was not a chump either. When it came time to stand up and fight for his woman he did. I was more than happy when he "yoked up" his boy for crossing the line with his woman. His mother was extremely adorable. She allowed him to be a man but did not shy away from showing the world her love for him. In parts of the story I thought I could actually smell the island food. The author did a nice job bringing the words of the story to life. This is a nice weekend read.

All I can say was this was DEFINITELY a GREAT read!!!!! Once you pick this up you will NOT put it down...GREAT job Ms. Bolton....

I really enjoyed reading this book, I was a bit skeptical about buying this book because of some of the 3 stars review.. I am so happy that I didn't let those reviews stop me from reading this book. This was one of the best books I've read from Mrs. Bolton... I loved everything about this book. I give it a 5 star.

Cicely Stevens is having a bit of bad luck. First she is passed over for a promotion and then she goes home and catches her boyfriend having sex in her apartment. After deciding that she needs time alone, Cicely decided to go to the Caribbean Islands for a little R & R. As luck would have it her seat mate on the flight is her old college nemesis Charles "The Wolf" Yearwood. Cicely and Charles had a love-hate relationship while attending FAMU. Cicely and Charles can never forget the kiss that they shared in college. Charles also cannot forgive Cicely for winning the Student Government Presidency. What turns out to be a love-hate relationship quickly turns to steamy love. The building of the passion of this book will truly have you begging for more. I truly loved this book.

What can I say it was hot and steamy. Just the way I like them. Good from the first page to the last one.

I was a little disappointed. If Only You Knew is one of my favorite romance novels. Definitely in the top ten of the hundreds that I own. I don't think this was a strong enough follow up. IOYK grabbed me from the beginning and held on tight. I still go back and re-read my favorite parts. This was kind of predictable & corny compared to all the beautiful drama of IOYK.