cover image Stranger in Paradise

Stranger in Paradise

Jackie Griffey. Five Star (ME), $25.95 (257pp) ISBN 978-1-59414-753-1

In this lackluster romance, 23-year-old Laura's life is turned upside down when her great aunt's will demands that she take a break from work and book a romantic vacation. As Laura experiences the splendors of Puerto Rico, she instantly falls in love with a sexy stranger. But it turns out that Laura can't speak Spanish, and Esteban can't speak English. Regardless, their flimsy romance defies the odds, and the two share their thoughts and feelings via gestures and expressions, and soon Laura is planning their future family. But when Esteban suddenly takes off, gesturing to Laura that he'll be back, Laura is consumed with doubt about their love and returns home, where she weighs the strength of their relationship against the steadfastness of her hometown suitor, a process that brings surprises about Esteban's identity. While the ending ties together all of the unknowns, the romance lacks passion, the characters are undeveloped and the plot is incredulous.