The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

A Four-Star Book Review

The Paradise Problem needs no lengthy introduction as it is a solid Summer 2024 hit read, but this was a bit of a genre shift for me because I don’t gravitate toward contemporary romances like I used to. But, I needed an escapist read and “paradise” caught my eye on the Book of the Month picks. Christina Lauren, the author pair behind The Paradise Problem and so many other bestsellers, did not disappoint me.

The Paradise Problem Summary (No Spoilers)

Anna and West solved each other’s problems at UCLA by getting married. Their marriage-on-paper gave them access to a low-rent family housing apartment. When they say goodbye on move-out day, Anna assumed that would be the last she’d see of her faux-husband. But years later, it turns out those divorce papers weren’t official and West is back in Anna’s life asking for an out-this-world favor: If they can pull off a happily married couple ruse like he hopes, he will have access to his hundred-million-dollar trust fund and he’ll pay her for her time.

Since Anna’s artist dreams aren’t going anywhere and her bank account is next to nil, she says yes with the plan to take her share of the money and turn her life around. The newly reunited pair flies to a private Indonesian island to celebrate West’s sister’s wedding and convince the family that their own marriage is unshakable. With one bed and the surrounding paradise, Anna and West soon find themselves with undeniable chemistry despite all the barriers West’s father and brother put in their way.

What I Enjoyed about The Paradise Problem

Contemporary romance books like The Paradise Problem are hit-or-miss for me. I loathe a too-predictable romance, especially the third-act break-up. Spice is nice, but I don’t need to read chapters of it. And characters need to be nuanced with more than one motive behind their behavior.

Fortunately, The Paradise Problem was a hit for me because it meets all my criteria and more. Anna and West are complex and likable characters who see their own struggles and wins throughout the book. The side characters, like Anna’s dad David and West’s niece Reagan, add layers to the story while West’s father Ray and brother Alex are foils to his charm.

Of course, there’s spice galore because this writing duo specializes in contemporary romance, but I didn’t cringe too much at the bedroom scenes. I cheered for Anna and West throughout the book, so I was invested in the characters and the story, making it a solid read for me.

My Final Thoughts about The Paradise Problem

Overall, The Paradise Problem has a predictable plot, but it’s how Christina Lauren gets us there that matters. The characters and the luxury of a private island are just right for a summer read.