☆☆➹⁀☆ 3 stars ☆➹⁀☆☆
What It’s About:
Shocked by family tragedy, Jasmine Hartwell returns home with a need to do something meaningful with her life. Romeo Moretti, the only man Jasmine has ever loved, but could never have, is now an international singing sensation, adored by millions. However, he is disillusioned with his fame and decides to use his high profile for a good purpose by hosting a benefit concert in the Maldives, which will be broadcast across the world.
It has been five years since Jasmine and Romeo have seen each other, but a heartbreaking twist of fate leads to a reunion between them. Romeo whisks Jasmine away to the Maldives, to help with the concert’s publicity, but their path to success is fraught with challenges and danger, as they battle to resist their burning desire for one another.
Guest Reviewer Frannie’s Thoughts:
Kate Ashenden’s Wanted in Paradise is a fun read. From the start, you just know that Jasmine and Romeo are destined to be together. They only have to manage their way through a minefield of antagonists and obstacles to get to their happily-ever-after.
Jasmine Hartwell is a young, troubled woman who just lost her cousin in a deadly typhoon that she was lucky to survive. But despite this tragic occurrence, she never seems to hurt or ache. The words describing her pain are there, but I didn’t really feel them, which makes her angst feel shallow. Jasmine is characterized as an interesting person, who apparently has many ambitions. She is head strong, but we never get to see what she wants, other than her desire to be with Romeo. What are her goals, her desires, her ambitions? I felt this main character should have been more richly developed.
Romeo Moretti is a successful rock star who has a humble past and a hot head. He is also troubled by the disappearance of his brother, Jasmine’s former lover. Jasmine and Romeo were friends for many years. Even though Jasmine and Romeo’s brother have been broken up for five years, the allegiance that Romeo has to his brother is steadfast. Throughout most of the story we do not know where his brother is or what has happened to him. The plot tension could have swelled with a little more information or a few red herrings regarding Romeo’s brother.
Most of the obstacles facing this couple come in the form of devious and deceitful people. The antagonists’ backgrounds and motives are varied, but they all have one thing in common–derailing Romeo and Jasmine! Through thick and thin, the reader will be highly engaged in this suspenseful thriller.
Ms. Ashenden’s story premise is great. The light character development and straightforward plot made this romantic thriller a quick, easy read. This is a great read for an afternoon at the beach, but I was hoping for a more meaty thriller.
About the Author: Kate Ashenden worked as a publicist for 12 years. She decided to use her writing skills to craft a romantic suspense novel. Based in the United Kingdom, Kate’s dream is to continue to write books that take the reader on an exciting and suspenseful journey to exotic locations across the globe.
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