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A review by itschelseaw
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The use of "Goddamn" instead of "penis", "dick" or "cock" really took me out of the story. There was one make out scene where the anatomy of what was happening was just physically impossible unless Liam had the world's longest legs and shortest torso. Anna is tall but unaware of it (somehow? as a 5'10" gal I'm reminded of my height in so many ways all the time) in a way that makes me think she was written by a short woman.
The ending felt rushed, and I got emotional whiplash. But good on Anna for cracking the code to on their sibling allegiance: money. Sometimes it takes an outsider to see the obvious truths.
Ray was such an ass, almost comical in the heights of horrible that he achieved. BUT it felt like an accurate portrayal of the uber rich (I assume, this is all based on movies and TV shows that I have seen).
The third act breakup felt super contrived, but I also understood Anna's frustrations with Liam. Miscommunication/lack of communication is one of my least favorite tropes, but it also felt appropriate here given they only knew each other for like a week.
The loophole felt... absurd. Purely included to amp up the tension and create a resolution for what happens in the third act. Just... whew.
Also, another review pointed out that there was minimal cultural influence from Singapore/the location of the island... it could've been any island.
I absolutely hated that in the end Liam did agree to become CEO without his dad; he fought against it so hard and repeatedly said he didn't want it, and never indicated the work interested him!! It felt like it went against everything that had been established before to so easily agree to step into that role. Maybe I missed something but that felt so out of character!!
The ending felt rushed, and I got emotional whiplash. But good on Anna for cracking the code to on their sibling allegiance: money. Sometimes it takes an outsider to see the obvious truths.
Ray was such an ass, almost comical in the heights of horrible that he achieved. BUT it felt like an accurate portrayal of the uber rich (I assume, this is all based on movies and TV shows that I have seen).
The third act breakup felt super contrived, but I also understood Anna's frustrations with Liam. Miscommunication/lack of communication is one of my least favorite tropes, but it also felt appropriate here given they only knew each other for like a week.
The loophole felt... absurd. Purely included to amp up the tension and create a resolution for what happens in the third act. Just... whew.
Also, another review pointed out that there was minimal cultural influence from Singapore/the location of the island... it could've been any island.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Drug use and Sexual harassment