Dark Paradise

The mystery part of this book was really good, and the side-stories and suspense surrounding it were well-written. However, I was disappointed in the fact that the author fell back on the cliche of 'the male lead hates/antagonizes the female lead, but then eventually they end up having mind-blowing sex'.

I mean really, come on. I could understand why Rafferty would be suspicious of a newcomer, but the author just made JD really cardboard in this. He keeps insulting Marilee and showing hostility to her, and that only just reinforces the stereotype of 'that boy is only being mean to you because he likes you' shit. And people wonder why women go for abusive men in real life.

I would have rated this book higher if JD had been written in a show more better way. Still cautious/leery of the newcomer, but not such an asshole to a woman who didn't warrant such contempt from him. show less

Marilee is about to change her life forever she leaves all behind in California and moves to Montana to visit a girlfriend who will let her hang out to recoup. I love the comment "it started out as a bad hair day and then went downhill" most of us have had that feeling at one time or another.

She arrives to find that her friend is dead, though the case is supposed to be open/shut accident Marilee isn't buying it.

There is a lot of interesting information and side characters that are developed in this book. I particularly like the interaction between the locals and the "celebrities" and how they clash.

I have enjoyed reading Tami Hoag's novels in the past but this is the 2nd novel I have read in recent days and I have relatively the same commentary. This novel did not need to be >500 pages. It also begins in the same format as "Guilty As Sin" and I would assert that a prologue is not effective in every novel. In the span of a few chapters, I don't forget the personality and traits given to the main characters and yet the repetition for friends Marilee Jennings and Lucy MacAdam, brothers J.D. Rafferty and Will Rafferty, Uncle Del Rafferty, and Samantha Rafferty become almost unbearable.

I thought this was a good page turner. It had suspense, cursorily drawn glitterati who may or may not be suspect, and valued friendship. It takes place in Montana, and Tami also does a good job describing the beautiful scenery and gorgeous vistas and how that scenery can draw a person to find his/her comfort levels.

I wasn't sure if this was a poorly written suspense novel with absolutely no suspense, or a sleazy romance masquerading as a murder mystery. In either case, this book has no intrigue whatsoever. I almost forgot that the main character's friend was killed. It is hardly ever mentioned. However, even with this fault it was entertaining as a romance novel.

A re-issue originally written in 1994, this story has lost remarkably little of its original appeal. Take one plucky heroine, an inheritance, a stubborn cowboy determined not to fall in love, a few quirky characters, and evil and powerful man and his hangers-on, mix well with a murder, a mysterious and threatening hermit, a few plot twists for interest and a gorgeous Montana backdrop. What more could one ask?

Junk reading. Romantic Suspense.

This novel has all of the usual characters:

A woman in her late twenties, beautiful, has been hurt in the past, etc.

A man in his early thirties, strong, attractive, also hurt in the past, doesn't trust easily.

Villains with no redeeming qualities.

The basic story: Marilee Jennings travels to New Eden, Montana, ready for a fresh start after a bad love affair. She is determined to leave her old life as court reporter behind her, and even brings along her business suits to burn ritually. Her friend Lucy owned property outside New Eden, and while communication between the two had been short in the last year or so, Marilee is certain that her unexpected visit will be welcome.

When she arrives she finds that Lucy show more is dead. She was killed in an apparent hunting accident. Not only that, but her house is trashed, apparently by vandals attracted to a vacant building. It is in this house where Marilee meets J.D. Rafferty. From the start, sparks fly. Usually the reason is trivial, the two jumping at each other's throats for small things.

I am not giving anything away here. We all know how this comes out. Marilee becomes suspicious of the circumstances of Lucy's death but can find nobody who shares her concerns. Even as others are found dead she is still on her own with her suspicions.

To summarize: Marilee and J.D. have a rocky relationship, Marilee puts herself in danger, bad people are everywhere and she does not know who to trust.

One characteristic that is common to this type book is self-denigrating. Marilee is down on herself, thinks she's a failure etc etc. J. D. chastises himself. His brother Will thinks he's useless, and Will's wife Samatha can't understand what anyone sees in her. yada yada. I think if one were to pick any page at random there would be at least one paragraph of "how awful I am" on that page. I am sure that these thoughts constitute a good third of the book's volume. Of course they are the setup for the later changes in relationships. Again, I don't think I am giving anything away. It's all standard stuff. show less