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Forgotten Paradise
It’s dangerous diving for secrets.
When a megacompany threatens to take over his family-owned business, programming prodigy Adam Preston escapes the stress with a much-needed vacation in the Dominican Republic. There he meets attractive, intelligent, insightful Jonah James, a scuba dive instructor, and what starts as a holiday fling soon blossoms into much more.
But Jonah has a ten years ago he woke up on an island beach with no idea how he got there… or even who he is. Their paradise may not be as perfect as it seems. When Jonah’s memories come crashing back like waves on the sand, will it be Adam clinging to the proverbial life raft, or will the two men find a safe harbor to ride out the storm?
When a megacompany threatens to take over his family-owned business, programming prodigy Adam Preston escapes the stress with a much-needed vacation in the Dominican Republic. There he meets attractive, intelligent, insightful Jonah James, a scuba dive instructor, and what starts as a holiday fling soon blossoms into much more.
But Jonah has a ten years ago he woke up on an island beach with no idea how he got there… or even who he is. Their paradise may not be as perfect as it seems. When Jonah’s memories come crashing back like waves on the sand, will it be Adam clinging to the proverbial life raft, or will the two men find a safe harbor to ride out the storm?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2017
5 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Shira Anthony
43 books427 followersShira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 25, 2024
Lazy, sloppy, paint-by-numbers writing that manages to insult the reader's intelligence in so many ways I can't list them all. Here are a few:
- Bizarrely disjointed dialogue where a person's response seems to have nothing to do with what was just said to him.
- Clumsy attempts to manufacture angst out of thin air, without having first set the groundwork for it. ("Oh, he'll hate me if I tell him!" WTF, you just had a long conversation about it where he was completely accepting and supportive.)
- We're supposed to believe that all this happened within the span of a few hours: 1) a long-missing man's identity was confirmed; 2) the US government was persuaded to let him into the country without a passport; 3) a private jet was dispatched from LA to the Caribbean and returned with him -- a 6000 mile round trip -- and yes, this all happens in a single day.
This reads like an early draft that the author walked away from without checking for credibility, coherence, consistency or continuity.
The sheer laziness of that offends me. Sometimes when I read a bad book I can tell that the author put her heart and soul into it -- which can bring a vitality & an honesty to the pages that maybe compensate a bit for its shortcomings. This book reads like the author phoned it in. And the result is crap. No. Crap is the wrong comparison. I have a more apt one, which I'm spoilering for the sake of the squeamish. So proceed at your own risk:
If that's your thing, go for it. In lieu of a DNF I forced myself to skim the second half of the book and get it all over with as quickly as possible. I had to completely skip the sex scenes because they literally made me wince and cringe. And here's something you can take to the bank: if I'm skipping the sex scenes it means the writing is bad.
- Bizarrely disjointed dialogue where a person's response seems to have nothing to do with what was just said to him.
- Clumsy attempts to manufacture angst out of thin air, without having first set the groundwork for it. ("Oh, he'll hate me if I tell him!" WTF, you just had a long conversation about it where he was completely accepting and supportive.)
- We're supposed to believe that all this happened within the span of a few hours: 1) a long-missing man's identity was confirmed; 2) the US government was persuaded to let him into the country without a passport; 3) a private jet was dispatched from LA to the Caribbean and returned with him -- a 6000 mile round trip -- and yes, this all happens in a single day.
This reads like an early draft that the author walked away from without checking for credibility, coherence, consistency or continuity.
The sheer laziness of that offends me. Sometimes when I read a bad book I can tell that the author put her heart and soul into it -- which can bring a vitality & an honesty to the pages that maybe compensate a bit for its shortcomings. This book reads like the author phoned it in. And the result is crap. No. Crap is the wrong comparison. I have a more apt one, which I'm spoilering for the sake of the squeamish. So proceed at your own risk:
If that's your thing, go for it. In lieu of a DNF I forced myself to skim the second half of the book and get it all over with as quickly as possible. I had to completely skip the sex scenes because they literally made me wince and cringe. And here's something you can take to the bank: if I'm skipping the sex scenes it means the writing is bad.
April 17, 2017
3.75 Stars-- Amnesia trope, vacay in the DR and cracky fluff? I'm all over it!
Shira Anthony's Forgotten Paradise is all about twenty-something ginger businessman Adam and thirty-something scuba instructor Jonah. Set in the Dominican Republic (for the first half), they meet while Jonah is working and Adam is lost at the resort on a forced vacation. Adam's family business which he was instrumental in saving, is being hounded by a Silicon Valley giant. He needed to destress.
And why not with the hunky diva instructor, Jonah? Jonah and Adam circle around their obvious attraction for a week. But Jonah has a past he can't remember due to having amnesia for 10 years! Something about Adam triggers his memories and then there are twists and turns!
The story was kind of staid until 40%. A lot of diving descriptions, some Dominican food descriptions (the food is amazing I can attest) and the men aren't heating it up, though it's obvious they get one another.
Once Jonah's identity was revealed, I was invested and breezed through the 50-ish%.
Amnesia tropes are my fave of mine. I liked the author's take on it. Jonah not only learned about his past self, he also grew as a person. There is a little mystery and a second plot twist I was surprised about
This story has the max Dreamspun Desires sex scenes and it was nice, passionate.
I'm happy with the fluffy HEA and the epilogue was fitting for the fluffy feels the story gave. (It read like a Lifetime movie - comfort type of fluffy read)
Overall, a good addition to the house line.
P.S. (Anthony's first Dreamspun is in my top faves of the line: First Comes Marriage - features a GINGER billionaire!)
Shira Anthony's Forgotten Paradise is all about twenty-something ginger businessman Adam and thirty-something scuba instructor Jonah. Set in the Dominican Republic (for the first half), they meet while Jonah is working and Adam is lost at the resort on a forced vacation. Adam's family business which he was instrumental in saving, is being hounded by a Silicon Valley giant. He needed to destress.
And why not with the hunky diva instructor, Jonah? Jonah and Adam circle around their obvious attraction for a week. But Jonah has a past he can't remember due to having amnesia for 10 years! Something about Adam triggers his memories and then there are twists and turns!
The story was kind of staid until 40%. A lot of diving descriptions, some Dominican food descriptions (the food is amazing I can attest) and the men aren't heating it up, though it's obvious they get one another.
Once Jonah's identity was revealed, I was invested and breezed through the 50-ish%.
Amnesia tropes are my fave of mine. I liked the author's take on it. Jonah not only learned about his past self, he also grew as a person. There is a little mystery and a second plot twist I was surprised about
This story has the max Dreamspun Desires sex scenes and it was nice, passionate.
I'm happy with the fluffy HEA and the epilogue was fitting for the fluffy feels the story gave. (It read like a Lifetime movie - comfort type of fluffy read)
Overall, a good addition to the house line.
P.S. (Anthony's first Dreamspun is in my top faves of the line: First Comes Marriage - features a GINGER billionaire!)
July 21, 2017
2.5 Hearts
Awwwww man...
I feel like I let the team down with this one by not fulfilling my Dreamspun Cracky Fluff squealing obligations, but this one fell flat for me.
I never felt it between Jonah and Adam. I found myself more interested in figuring out who Jonah was when he had amnesia while they were in the Dominican Republic but once that was resolved... I got bored. All the corporate maneuvering left me cold and unengaged. Even Adam's family drama did nothing for me.
McFerrin did a good job with the voices though all the women and Phil sounded alike and his voice for Jonah changed as the story evolved, getting higher and less rumbly.
There were a couple of surprises in the story and I enjoyed that as well as the HEA. Unfortunately the romance that happened in the last couple of chapters wasn't enough to save my first Shira Anthony experience, but I'll try again with another one in the future.
A review copy was provided.
Awwwww man...
I feel like I let the team down with this one by not fulfilling my Dreamspun Cracky Fluff squealing obligations, but this one fell flat for me.
I never felt it between Jonah and Adam. I found myself more interested in figuring out who Jonah was when he had amnesia while they were in the Dominican Republic but once that was resolved... I got bored. All the corporate maneuvering left me cold and unengaged. Even Adam's family drama did nothing for me.
McFerrin did a good job with the voices though all the women and Phil sounded alike and his voice for Jonah changed as the story evolved, getting higher and less rumbly.
There were a couple of surprises in the story and I enjoyed that as well as the HEA. Unfortunately the romance that happened in the last couple of chapters wasn't enough to save my first Shira Anthony experience, but I'll try again with another one in the future.
A review copy was provided.
April 24, 2017
*chews lip*
I thought I was gonna love this one...
*frowns*
I'm not sure what happened?
*big sigh*
I think it was just...too tidy. The spoiler was wayyyy too coincidental.
It went beyond my unplugged reasoning and the story lost its luster.
It's a shame really because I did like both of the guys.
But it's never a good thing when you yell, 'awww, come on!? Really??' at your kindle.
Could very well just be a 'me-not-you' scenario.
*3 barely-there stars*
I thought I was gonna love this one...
*frowns*
I'm not sure what happened?
*big sigh*
I think it was just...too tidy. The spoiler was wayyyy too coincidental.
It went beyond my unplugged reasoning and the story lost its luster.
It's a shame really because I did like both of the guys.
But it's never a good thing when you yell, 'awww, come on!? Really??' at your kindle.
Could very well just be a 'me-not-you' scenario.
*3 barely-there stars*
Read
February 24, 2017My second entry in the Dreamspun Desires line of sweet, tropey, gay romances a la old-fashioned category romance books. The trope this time? Amnesia, one of my favorites.
Adam Preston is your all-round good guy. He's talented, too, and he's taken his father's moribund computer parts company and turned it into a successful endeavor. Too successful, perhaps, because now he has mega-company Entech snapping its jaws and trying to buy the company (and Adam) with it, something Adam strongly opposes. Adam's sister is in his corner. His brother, not so much, and he's not sure about his mother. Adam is stressed to the limit. His sister tells him to take a break, and Adam heads to the Dominican Republic for a week of scuba diving and fun in the sun. The last person he expected to meet at the resort was a guy he'd totally fall for: the adorable and witty Jonah James.
Jonah is charming and intelligent. He also has no idea who he really is. He washed up on a Punta Cana beach ten years before and started an entirely new life. Jonah's happy with who he is now, and he doesn't really want to know what happened before. But meeting Adam triggers memories Jonah can't avoid. When he finally realizes the truth, it may be too late to save his fledgling relationship with Adam.
I love the Dreamspun Desires line. It's fun, a little spicy, and meant to leave you with a warm fuzzy HEA. I hope you'll enjoy Adam and Jonah's story and their little piece of paradise!
Adam Preston is your all-round good guy. He's talented, too, and he's taken his father's moribund computer parts company and turned it into a successful endeavor. Too successful, perhaps, because now he has mega-company Entech snapping its jaws and trying to buy the company (and Adam) with it, something Adam strongly opposes. Adam's sister is in his corner. His brother, not so much, and he's not sure about his mother. Adam is stressed to the limit. His sister tells him to take a break, and Adam heads to the Dominican Republic for a week of scuba diving and fun in the sun. The last person he expected to meet at the resort was a guy he'd totally fall for: the adorable and witty Jonah James.
Jonah is charming and intelligent. He also has no idea who he really is. He washed up on a Punta Cana beach ten years before and started an entirely new life. Jonah's happy with who he is now, and he doesn't really want to know what happened before. But meeting Adam triggers memories Jonah can't avoid. When he finally realizes the truth, it may be too late to save his fledgling relationship with Adam.
I love the Dreamspun Desires line. It's fun, a little spicy, and meant to leave you with a warm fuzzy HEA. I hope you'll enjoy Adam and Jonah's story and their little piece of paradise!
June 26, 2017
Surprise...it's my first time reading this author...
Ok so I have to admit I was a little surprised when I realized this because truthfully I own more than a few books by this author and have somehow not managed to get to them yet...so many books, so little time...
"Forgotten Paradise" is part of Dreamspinner's Dreamspun Desires series and I enjoyed listening to the audio book. It was like being read a sweet, low angst fairytale...of the modern, adult variety, of course.
Adam Preston is enjoying a well earned vacation in the Dominican Republic before returning home to deal with what can only be considered a hostile takeover attempt by Entech a company with a reputation for less than ethical behavior in their business dealings, when he decides to do a bit of scuba diving he's surprised to discover that his instructor is the attractive, charming and somewhat mysterious Jonah, whom he met at the resort bar the night before.
It turns out that Jonah's not just a mystery to Adam but to himself as well. Since he only remembers the last 10 years of his life when he woke up on a beach one day with no idea of who he was or how he got there. He's held that secret close until Adam, who for some reason is causing long hidden memories to try and resurface in his mind.
As Adam and Jonah get to know each other during their time together, their attraction grows and with each encounter Jonah finds himself recovering parts of a past he thought gone forever and one that maybe he no longer wants.
It's a bit of a whirlwind romance between these two. Considering that they only have one week before Adam has to return to his real life. It works and I really didn't have a problem finding it believable...beautiful tropical setting, two intelligent, attractive, available people (men in this case) drawn to each other and who enjoy each others company. Honestly no stretch of the imagination required here at all.
It's when Adam returns the real world that he begins to discover that his fantasy vacation was far more firmly rooted in reality than either he or Jonah could have ever imagined.
I enjoyed the first part of this story which introduced us to Adam and Jonah. Seeing their relationship go from a simple attraction to something so much stronger in spite of the fact that they knew they only had a week before Adam would be leaving. It was fun and sexy and sweet and so easy the envision with the way that the author wove in the background information to create images of a beautiful tropical setting combined with the adventure of deep sea diving.
However, it's the second part of this book that really won me over. Seeing Adam as he came to the realization of who Jonah was while also struggling to save his company and pull his family back together. More than the company that his father started Adam valued his family and while his relationship with his mother and his sister is fairly solid (his awesome sister, Karen...just sayin' with a name like that how could she not be awesome?), it's his brother Rodger whom he misses. They use to be best friends able to talk to each other about everything. But since their father's death that's changed and Adam wants to fix this. He's willing to do just about anything to have his friend and brother back.
Ironically when Adam's vacation ends he's not the only one who needs to return to real world. As Jonah comes to remember his life before waking up on a sandy beach he also comes to the realization that he can no longer hide from who and what he was. He needs to return to the life he's only now remembering and put his own house in order.
While the first half of the book gave me a glimpse into the character of Adam and Jonah and what kind of men they are, it's the second half that really develops them and gives them depth. There are no cake walks here, both men have to fight for what they want. Proving that determination and strength of character is not in short supply where either of them are concerned.
"Forgotten Paradise" was narrated by Andrew McFerrin, who is a new to me narrator and while I have to admit I didn't fall head over heels in love with him. His voices were consistent and expressed emotion. While I can't say that any one voice was outstanding or hooked me into the story as I've had happen with other narrators. I wasn't put off by any of them either and I'm definitely willing to listen to future audiobooks by this narrator...I may even have a couple on my wishlist over at audible...the samples sound good so definite potential here for me.
When all is said and done it's 4 stars for the story and 3 for the audio portion and I'm just going to call it a day at 4 because if I take the median number as I usually do it's 3.5 and I'm just going to have to round up when I post this review in other places and I'm feeling lazy today plus truly this story deserves more than 3 stars so I'm not willing to round down...so 4 stars and I'm done here now.
********************
An audio book of "Forgotten Paradise" was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ok so I have to admit I was a little surprised when I realized this because truthfully I own more than a few books by this author and have somehow not managed to get to them yet...so many books, so little time...
"Forgotten Paradise" is part of Dreamspinner's Dreamspun Desires series and I enjoyed listening to the audio book. It was like being read a sweet, low angst fairytale...of the modern, adult variety, of course.
Adam Preston is enjoying a well earned vacation in the Dominican Republic before returning home to deal with what can only be considered a hostile takeover attempt by Entech a company with a reputation for less than ethical behavior in their business dealings, when he decides to do a bit of scuba diving he's surprised to discover that his instructor is the attractive, charming and somewhat mysterious Jonah, whom he met at the resort bar the night before.
It turns out that Jonah's not just a mystery to Adam but to himself as well. Since he only remembers the last 10 years of his life when he woke up on a beach one day with no idea of who he was or how he got there. He's held that secret close until Adam, who for some reason is causing long hidden memories to try and resurface in his mind.
As Adam and Jonah get to know each other during their time together, their attraction grows and with each encounter Jonah finds himself recovering parts of a past he thought gone forever and one that maybe he no longer wants.
It's a bit of a whirlwind romance between these two. Considering that they only have one week before Adam has to return to his real life. It works and I really didn't have a problem finding it believable...beautiful tropical setting, two intelligent, attractive, available people (men in this case) drawn to each other and who enjoy each others company. Honestly no stretch of the imagination required here at all.
It's when Adam returns the real world that he begins to discover that his fantasy vacation was far more firmly rooted in reality than either he or Jonah could have ever imagined.
I enjoyed the first part of this story which introduced us to Adam and Jonah. Seeing their relationship go from a simple attraction to something so much stronger in spite of the fact that they knew they only had a week before Adam would be leaving. It was fun and sexy and sweet and so easy the envision with the way that the author wove in the background information to create images of a beautiful tropical setting combined with the adventure of deep sea diving.
However, it's the second part of this book that really won me over. Seeing Adam as he came to the realization of who Jonah was while also struggling to save his company and pull his family back together. More than the company that his father started Adam valued his family and while his relationship with his mother and his sister is fairly solid (his awesome sister, Karen...just sayin' with a name like that how could she not be awesome?), it's his brother Rodger whom he misses. They use to be best friends able to talk to each other about everything. But since their father's death that's changed and Adam wants to fix this. He's willing to do just about anything to have his friend and brother back.
Ironically when Adam's vacation ends he's not the only one who needs to return to real world. As Jonah comes to remember his life before waking up on a sandy beach he also comes to the realization that he can no longer hide from who and what he was. He needs to return to the life he's only now remembering and put his own house in order.
While the first half of the book gave me a glimpse into the character of Adam and Jonah and what kind of men they are, it's the second half that really develops them and gives them depth. There are no cake walks here, both men have to fight for what they want. Proving that determination and strength of character is not in short supply where either of them are concerned.
"Forgotten Paradise" was narrated by Andrew McFerrin, who is a new to me narrator and while I have to admit I didn't fall head over heels in love with him. His voices were consistent and expressed emotion. While I can't say that any one voice was outstanding or hooked me into the story as I've had happen with other narrators. I wasn't put off by any of them either and I'm definitely willing to listen to future audiobooks by this narrator...I may even have a couple on my wishlist over at audible...the samples sound good so definite potential here for me.
When all is said and done it's 4 stars for the story and 3 for the audio portion and I'm just going to call it a day at 4 because if I take the median number as I usually do it's 3.5 and I'm just going to have to round up when I post this review in other places and I'm feeling lazy today plus truly this story deserves more than 3 stars so I'm not willing to round down...so 4 stars and I'm done here now.
********************
An audio book of "Forgotten Paradise" was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2017
This book made lovely use of the amnesia trope - with a twist, albeit one that was (un)intentionally revealed fairly early on.
Adam Preston is a programmer by heart and a computer business owner by trade. Having taken over the company his father built after Dad's untimely demise, he now has Entech, a giant, ruthless company, after his business and his brains. At odds with his younger brother, and stressed from having to deal with a merger he doesn't want, Adam takes his sister's advice and take a week's vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Where he meets Jonah James, who's lived on the island for the last 10 years after washing up on its shore without any memory of his former life. He's managed to become a Diving Instructor, and now leads groups of or individuals tourists on dives around the island. Any time he tries to remember his past, he's hit by massive headaches and mostly doesn't even try anymore. Except spending time with Adam seems to lift the murky veils that cover his past, and Jonah starts to get glimpses of events of who he might have been before.
The first half of the story describes what they presume is just a vacation fling - picnics on the beach, diving, spending time together as much as possible, talking to each other about whatever comes to mind, and realizing that the feelings they're developing may be more than just a fling. On Adam's last night, they finally fall into bed together and burn up the sheets.
The second half of the book deals with the fallout of Jonah regaining his memory (nothing like a night of great sex to get that clarity, amirite), and that changes the dynamic completely.
Adam finds out on the news that what they had joked about during an evening at the beach is actually true, and .
Which brings us to the second trope utilized in this book - getting a second chance. Jonah, upon regaining his memories, and reliving the event that caused him to ultimately wash up on the beach, uses this as a turning point in his life and begins to make amends, realizing that chasing success ruthlessly isn't all that life's about. There's a subplot here too with his business partner that for a while there causes Adam and Jonah's romance to fully derail.
Adam too has a chance to change - especially the relationship he has with his brother - and look at things differently. He's heartbroken, of course, thinking that he's lost Jonah, but deals with the pain as best as he can.
The author did a fabulous job realizing fully fleshed-out, three-dimensional characters in this book and allowed them to grow as well. Set against a gorgeous backdrop, the romance was absolutely believable, even if Jonah's background story is pretty unrealistic, but I expect that from the books in this series. I very much enjoyed reading this, especially as the author seamlessly weaves in fun facts about diving as well.
Obviously, this has a HEA - it wouldn't be a Dreamspun Desires title without. Recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
Adam Preston is a programmer by heart and a computer business owner by trade. Having taken over the company his father built after Dad's untimely demise, he now has Entech, a giant, ruthless company, after his business and his brains. At odds with his younger brother, and stressed from having to deal with a merger he doesn't want, Adam takes his sister's advice and take a week's vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Where he meets Jonah James, who's lived on the island for the last 10 years after washing up on its shore without any memory of his former life. He's managed to become a Diving Instructor, and now leads groups of or individuals tourists on dives around the island. Any time he tries to remember his past, he's hit by massive headaches and mostly doesn't even try anymore. Except spending time with Adam seems to lift the murky veils that cover his past, and Jonah starts to get glimpses of events of who he might have been before.
The first half of the story describes what they presume is just a vacation fling - picnics on the beach, diving, spending time together as much as possible, talking to each other about whatever comes to mind, and realizing that the feelings they're developing may be more than just a fling. On Adam's last night, they finally fall into bed together and burn up the sheets.
The second half of the book deals with the fallout of Jonah regaining his memory (nothing like a night of great sex to get that clarity, amirite), and that changes the dynamic completely.
Adam finds out on the news that what they had joked about during an evening at the beach is actually true, and .
Which brings us to the second trope utilized in this book - getting a second chance. Jonah, upon regaining his memories, and reliving the event that caused him to ultimately wash up on the beach, uses this as a turning point in his life and begins to make amends, realizing that chasing success ruthlessly isn't all that life's about. There's a subplot here too with his business partner that for a while there causes Adam and Jonah's romance to fully derail.
Adam too has a chance to change - especially the relationship he has with his brother - and look at things differently. He's heartbroken, of course, thinking that he's lost Jonah, but deals with the pain as best as he can.
The author did a fabulous job realizing fully fleshed-out, three-dimensional characters in this book and allowed them to grow as well. Set against a gorgeous backdrop, the romance was absolutely believable, even if Jonah's background story is pretty unrealistic, but I expect that from the books in this series. I very much enjoyed reading this, especially as the author seamlessly weaves in fun facts about diving as well.
Obviously, this has a HEA - it wouldn't be a Dreamspun Desires title without. Recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
April 18, 2017
“…sometimes you get more than one second chance.” ~ Jonah James
It is probably no secret, at least to those who follow my reviews, that I love second chances stories. And from the blurb of this novel – with a man suffering from amnesia - it was already obvious that a second chance would most likely be involved if this man ever recovered his memories. But as I got into the story and more and more secrets were revealed. It became obvious that Jonah had more than one second chance waiting for him. But it wasn’t just this double second chance I ended up loving. This novel has an amazing setting, lots of details about diving in tropical waters, a tension-filled business situation and devilish intrigue, an intense personal relationship that is teetering on the edge of catastrophic failure before it even really gets started, and two strong-willed characters out to succeed – almost whatever the cost.
Adam loves programming and has considerable talent developing apps. He has taken over the company his father started and made it into a great success – except now an even bigger company is interested in a takeover. Adam and his sister don’t want to sell their shares, their mother seems undecided, and Adam’s brother is keen on cashing out. The tension is almost too much, and when he meets Jonah on a much-needed one-week vacation, Adam is ready to relax and enjoy. But there is more to Jonah than meets the eye, and Adam’s problems quickly escalate to epic proportions.
Jonah is a dive instructor and he loves his job. But he has no idea who he used to be before he woke up on an island ten years ago with no memory of his name or any other details. Something about meeting Adam begins to jog his memories, and what he discovers is a total shock to him. It puts his and Adam’s budding relationship in jeopardy, it irrevocably changes Jonah’s life, and it exposes both Jonah and Adam to evil machinations they need all their intelligence, business sense and determination to deal with.
If you like stories where the developing relationship is constantly threatened, if business intrigue and evil takeover plots are your thing, and if you’re looking for a suspenseful read with a great setting, wonderful characters, and not one, but two second chances, then you will probably like this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
It is probably no secret, at least to those who follow my reviews, that I love second chances stories. And from the blurb of this novel – with a man suffering from amnesia - it was already obvious that a second chance would most likely be involved if this man ever recovered his memories. But as I got into the story and more and more secrets were revealed. It became obvious that Jonah had more than one second chance waiting for him. But it wasn’t just this double second chance I ended up loving. This novel has an amazing setting, lots of details about diving in tropical waters, a tension-filled business situation and devilish intrigue, an intense personal relationship that is teetering on the edge of catastrophic failure before it even really gets started, and two strong-willed characters out to succeed – almost whatever the cost.
Adam loves programming and has considerable talent developing apps. He has taken over the company his father started and made it into a great success – except now an even bigger company is interested in a takeover. Adam and his sister don’t want to sell their shares, their mother seems undecided, and Adam’s brother is keen on cashing out. The tension is almost too much, and when he meets Jonah on a much-needed one-week vacation, Adam is ready to relax and enjoy. But there is more to Jonah than meets the eye, and Adam’s problems quickly escalate to epic proportions.
Jonah is a dive instructor and he loves his job. But he has no idea who he used to be before he woke up on an island ten years ago with no memory of his name or any other details. Something about meeting Adam begins to jog his memories, and what he discovers is a total shock to him. It puts his and Adam’s budding relationship in jeopardy, it irrevocably changes Jonah’s life, and it exposes both Jonah and Adam to evil machinations they need all their intelligence, business sense and determination to deal with.
If you like stories where the developing relationship is constantly threatened, if business intrigue and evil takeover plots are your thing, and if you’re looking for a suspenseful read with a great setting, wonderful characters, and not one, but two second chances, then you will probably like this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 19, 2017
3.5 stars
While I must suppressed my sense of disbelief () but I thought Forgotten Paradise incorporated the amnesia and holiday romance really well. I admit that the plot I put in the spoiler is exactly the kind of plot I found when I read Harlequin M/F category romance that dealt with amnesia *smile*.
I liked the romantic progress -- but that curve-ball in the middle () was a little over-the-top; I mean the amnesia and Jonah's identity were already dramatic so I wasn't particularly enjoyed that added problem.
In overall, I thought this fit with what I wanted from a DSP Dreamspun Desires book :). Plus all of those DIVING scenes?!? I want to learn how to dive and swim with the dolphins *whine*
While I must suppressed my sense of disbelief () but I thought Forgotten Paradise incorporated the amnesia and holiday romance really well. I admit that the plot I put in the spoiler is exactly the kind of plot I found when I read Harlequin M/F category romance that dealt with amnesia *smile*.
I liked the romantic progress -- but that curve-ball in the middle () was a little over-the-top; I mean the amnesia and Jonah's identity were already dramatic so I wasn't particularly enjoyed that added problem.
In overall, I thought this fit with what I wanted from a DSP Dreamspun Desires book :). Plus all of those DIVING scenes?!? I want to learn how to dive and swim with the dolphins *whine*
Read
April 19, 20174.5 Hearts
The dedication to this book is exactly why I read and enjoy the hell out of this series. I adore romance and the ride it takes me on. This series is simply fun and romantic and I will never get enough.
Adam Preston is on vacation in the Dominican Republic by the order of his sister in an attempt to relax and unwind from the chaos that is currently his professional life. Adam is the CEO of his family's company that he took over after the passing of his father. When Adam began developing apps for Prestco Inc., the company showed profit and now a big Silicon Valley company, Entech wants to buy them out. The problem with that is Adam isn’t sure he wants to sell and he has his brother, mother and sister to consider in the offer too. It’s a good thing he’s on a beach vacation and loves to go diving. It’s also a good thing that in order to dive, he needs an instructor from the hotel to go with him.
Jonah James can’t remember anything before waking up on a beach with a life vest on some ten years ago and being rescued by a generous woman. He’s done what he can to live a life without his full memory and he has seemingly thrived being a dive instructor and working at hotels. Being at this current hotels offers him the chance to dive almost daily and help out guests when they get lost.
The meet cute with Adam and Jonah was just that, cute. I am just like Adam and lack all sense of direction but thank goodness Jonah was there to help him out. It’s a good thing Jonah was around later to have a drink with Adam and share a few secrets… the story gets going.
I loved this. I loved the connection and the chemistry between Adam and Jonah. Getting the dual POV was a blessing as I liked being front and center for the memories as they return to Jonah and what seems to trigger him.
Amnesia stories in romances are a favorite of mine. Though most tropes in romance truly are for a hopeless romantic like myself. There is the attraction to either leaving it all behind and becoming the new you or finding out who you were and blending the past with the present. It’s hard to read the reason why Jonah has lost his memories and what led to it. He was lost, so lost 10 years ago and losing who he was, allowed him to really find himself.
Adam was adorable as heck and I liked that while he had no sense of direction, he didn’t have two left feet. The men dance well with their emotions and around the physical attraction until they decide a resort romance and no fraternizing policy isn’t enough to stop what they both want.
Sigh.
The twist to Jonah’s identity was a surprise to me and it gave the story a new appeal. How would this work? How would Jonah go back to who he was and could they even have a possible future together? Gah! It was done so well and I think I fell in love with Adam and Jonah for a second time.
The supporting characters were exactly that, supporting to the men and wonderful additions to the story. Adam’s family are fantastic and even though I wanted to punch Phil a few times on behalf of Jonah and Adam, toward the end I felt a bit of empathy for him and what he went through.
Forgotten Paradise was a romantic trip down amnesia lane full of the tropey goodness only a story like this could offer. Full of romance, mystery and enough fluff that cushions your decent as you fall in love with Adam and Jonah.
The dedication to this book is exactly why I read and enjoy the hell out of this series. I adore romance and the ride it takes me on. This series is simply fun and romantic and I will never get enough.
Adam Preston is on vacation in the Dominican Republic by the order of his sister in an attempt to relax and unwind from the chaos that is currently his professional life. Adam is the CEO of his family's company that he took over after the passing of his father. When Adam began developing apps for Prestco Inc., the company showed profit and now a big Silicon Valley company, Entech wants to buy them out. The problem with that is Adam isn’t sure he wants to sell and he has his brother, mother and sister to consider in the offer too. It’s a good thing he’s on a beach vacation and loves to go diving. It’s also a good thing that in order to dive, he needs an instructor from the hotel to go with him.
Jonah James can’t remember anything before waking up on a beach with a life vest on some ten years ago and being rescued by a generous woman. He’s done what he can to live a life without his full memory and he has seemingly thrived being a dive instructor and working at hotels. Being at this current hotels offers him the chance to dive almost daily and help out guests when they get lost.
The meet cute with Adam and Jonah was just that, cute. I am just like Adam and lack all sense of direction but thank goodness Jonah was there to help him out. It’s a good thing Jonah was around later to have a drink with Adam and share a few secrets… the story gets going.
I loved this. I loved the connection and the chemistry between Adam and Jonah. Getting the dual POV was a blessing as I liked being front and center for the memories as they return to Jonah and what seems to trigger him.
Amnesia stories in romances are a favorite of mine. Though most tropes in romance truly are for a hopeless romantic like myself. There is the attraction to either leaving it all behind and becoming the new you or finding out who you were and blending the past with the present. It’s hard to read the reason why Jonah has lost his memories and what led to it. He was lost, so lost 10 years ago and losing who he was, allowed him to really find himself.
Adam was adorable as heck and I liked that while he had no sense of direction, he didn’t have two left feet. The men dance well with their emotions and around the physical attraction until they decide a resort romance and no fraternizing policy isn’t enough to stop what they both want.
Sigh.
The twist to Jonah’s identity was a surprise to me and it gave the story a new appeal. How would this work? How would Jonah go back to who he was and could they even have a possible future together? Gah! It was done so well and I think I fell in love with Adam and Jonah for a second time.
The supporting characters were exactly that, supporting to the men and wonderful additions to the story. Adam’s family are fantastic and even though I wanted to punch Phil a few times on behalf of Jonah and Adam, toward the end I felt a bit of empathy for him and what he went through.
Forgotten Paradise was a romantic trip down amnesia lane full of the tropey goodness only a story like this could offer. Full of romance, mystery and enough fluff that cushions your decent as you fall in love with Adam and Jonah.
June 16, 2017
Review to follow at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2017
3.5 stars
‘Forgotten Paradise’ by Shira Anthony is a story about second-chances in life. Many times people lose themselves in the race to reach the pinnacle of success, not considering the people who they hurt or destroy, and when they do come to their senses, the things/people which matters most are already lost. Something similar happens to our MC, Jonah, who after 10 long years gets a second chance in his life to change for the better.
Adam Preston is struggling with a huge decision regarding his father’s company which is putting a major strain on his relationship with his family. His vacation is a way to escape it all for a complete week. What makes his vacation even more enjoyable is one completely gorgeous scuba driver who not only understands him and helps him forget his worries but also generates strong feelings in him which are so much more than just a holiday fling.
Jonah James has a secret. Ten years ago he washed up on a beach with no memories of his previous life or even who he was. Remembering always brought him more pain than comfort so he has totally forgone any attempt to dig up his elusive past. His one week with Adam results in him falling in love while also triggering his long-buried memories. And when the veil finally lifts, Jonah finds himself countering his past mistakes while also being in a critical situation which can destroy what he has built with Adam in the island.
The story had a soothing feel for the first half, as the two MCs get to know each other and share their fears and burdens while enjoying the hell out of the idyllic setting of the beach and the blue ocean. Adam and Jonah explore the beautiful beaches as well as their budding feelings for each other which leads to the last night of Adam’s vacation when they finally fall in bed together.
After Jonah’s memories rushes back, the story takes a more serious tone as Jonah tries to comprehend his past life as well as battle with past mistakes and regrets. Once a ruthless businessman with no consideration for anyone, Jonah changes his life completely as he realizes that there is more to life than success.
Both Jonah and Adam’s characters are very well developed. It’s a well-written romance with a nice HEA.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
‘Forgotten Paradise’ by Shira Anthony is a story about second-chances in life. Many times people lose themselves in the race to reach the pinnacle of success, not considering the people who they hurt or destroy, and when they do come to their senses, the things/people which matters most are already lost. Something similar happens to our MC, Jonah, who after 10 long years gets a second chance in his life to change for the better.
Adam Preston is struggling with a huge decision regarding his father’s company which is putting a major strain on his relationship with his family. His vacation is a way to escape it all for a complete week. What makes his vacation even more enjoyable is one completely gorgeous scuba driver who not only understands him and helps him forget his worries but also generates strong feelings in him which are so much more than just a holiday fling.
Jonah James has a secret. Ten years ago he washed up on a beach with no memories of his previous life or even who he was. Remembering always brought him more pain than comfort so he has totally forgone any attempt to dig up his elusive past. His one week with Adam results in him falling in love while also triggering his long-buried memories. And when the veil finally lifts, Jonah finds himself countering his past mistakes while also being in a critical situation which can destroy what he has built with Adam in the island.
The story had a soothing feel for the first half, as the two MCs get to know each other and share their fears and burdens while enjoying the hell out of the idyllic setting of the beach and the blue ocean. Adam and Jonah explore the beautiful beaches as well as their budding feelings for each other which leads to the last night of Adam’s vacation when they finally fall in bed together.
After Jonah’s memories rushes back, the story takes a more serious tone as Jonah tries to comprehend his past life as well as battle with past mistakes and regrets. Once a ruthless businessman with no consideration for anyone, Jonah changes his life completely as he realizes that there is more to life than success.
Both Jonah and Adam’s characters are very well developed. It’s a well-written romance with a nice HEA.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
April 20, 2017
The Dreamspun Desires series has been a lot of fun to explore. It really can take you all over the map as far as romances go. I’ve read really light, sweet and low steam romances, to hot, heavy and erotic ones as well. One thing is always the same, and that is the author capitalizes on a classic “trope” – defined by Merriam Webster as : a common or overused theme or device: cliché. In a way that sounds like it’s a bad thing, but really, all stories rely on a basic “trope” and it’s how that gets manipulated that can make a good story good or a bad one terrible.
The trope here is “amnesia” and who doesn’t like a good amnesia story? The author also included another trope which is the “tropical fling with a stranger” - who ends up not being a stranger – trope.
To me, the amnesia trope is the height of “soap opera writing” in the sense that it feels like the most unbelievable and the most unrealistic.
In this case, Shira Anthony doesn’t shy away from that, but capitalizes on it and really exaggerates all the possible outcomes from said amnesia.
In addition to a pretty obvious link between our two MCs we also have some trouble on the home front that the amnesia helps to perpetuate.
What surprised me was the slow burn between our MCs. Despite the short time frame of the tropical vacation, they don’t jump into bed with one another right away and the low steam in this story is maintained even back on mainland.
There is some “mystery” but most of the hurdles are overcome by Jonah’s own peek at his past self and his desire to be a better man today.
I think – overall- this plays out about as you’d expect it to. It has a nice, sweet HEA and for fans of the series, the author or the trope I think you’ll be pleased.
3.5 of 5 stars
The trope here is “amnesia” and who doesn’t like a good amnesia story? The author also included another trope which is the “tropical fling with a stranger” - who ends up not being a stranger – trope.
To me, the amnesia trope is the height of “soap opera writing” in the sense that it feels like the most unbelievable and the most unrealistic.
In this case, Shira Anthony doesn’t shy away from that, but capitalizes on it and really exaggerates all the possible outcomes from said amnesia.
In addition to a pretty obvious link between our two MCs we also have some trouble on the home front that the amnesia helps to perpetuate.
What surprised me was the slow burn between our MCs. Despite the short time frame of the tropical vacation, they don’t jump into bed with one another right away and the low steam in this story is maintained even back on mainland.
There is some “mystery” but most of the hurdles are overcome by Jonah’s own peek at his past self and his desire to be a better man today.
I think – overall- this plays out about as you’d expect it to. It has a nice, sweet HEA and for fans of the series, the author or the trope I think you’ll be pleased.
3.5 of 5 stars
April 15, 2017
4.5 stars, rounded up. Loved this!
April 17, 2017
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed this book and finished it at one sitting.
I liked Jonah and I got a bit anxious there when the memories returned but I'm glad it worked out!
I enjoyed this book and finished it at one sitting.
I liked Jonah and I got a bit anxious there when the memories returned but I'm glad it worked out!
August 6, 2017
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
I may definitely be in the minority on this book, but I can barely say I liked it. I certainly didn’t love it for find it outstanding in any way. And I usually love the Dreamspun Desires stories—all based on old romance tropes. But this time? Not so much. So that’s disappointing. But to be honest, I’m not sure if that’s related to the performance of the narrator who was okay, but didn’t bring anything remarkable to the storytelling, or if it was the story itself. This one is full of angst, most of it self-inflicted, which is definitely the kind that makes me crazy—especially when it’s on a loop, the MC rehashing the same stuff over and over and over again.
But the biggest issue was that the story did not hold my interest. I wanted to fast forward—something I may have done if I was reading the e-book where I could speedread and flip ahead a few pages at a time without missing something really critical, but I couldn’t do that with the audiobook, without worrying about missing possibly important segments. The memory-loss trope was one thing, but the angst and frustration of Adam not being able to get in touch with Jackie after the memory return drove me crazy because it went on and on. And on. Honestly, I hate that in a story. It feels as if there’s a word quota for the book and this is the only way the author can reach it. I’m not saying there was—just that it felt that way.
There’s a line uttered by a secondary character about one hour before the end of the audiobook. At that point, she shouts, “It’s over! Oh, thank God!” And that pretty much summed up how I felt at that point—so much so that I made note of the quote and the time stamp. I desperately wanted the end of the complete frustration of the MISUNDERSTANDING that was making me crazy. I understand that these are resurrections of an old trope, and those old plot devices are to be expected, but the degree of repetitiveness and rehashing of the same situations and feelings in this one was just too much.
All that being said—there were parts I liked. Both MCs were sweethearts and deserved to get together, and both the first hour and the last hour of the audiobook were interesting and enjoyable. Jonah’s friend from the island was a great secondary character and the narrator did her voice so well I forgot a male was narrating her part. But the “meat” of the book? Didn’t enjoy it much for reasons already stated. I’m not going out on a limb to recommend this one to anyone, however, since there are so many more enjoyable books and audiobooks in this series.
I may definitely be in the minority on this book, but I can barely say I liked it. I certainly didn’t love it for find it outstanding in any way. And I usually love the Dreamspun Desires stories—all based on old romance tropes. But this time? Not so much. So that’s disappointing. But to be honest, I’m not sure if that’s related to the performance of the narrator who was okay, but didn’t bring anything remarkable to the storytelling, or if it was the story itself. This one is full of angst, most of it self-inflicted, which is definitely the kind that makes me crazy—especially when it’s on a loop, the MC rehashing the same stuff over and over and over again.
But the biggest issue was that the story did not hold my interest. I wanted to fast forward—something I may have done if I was reading the e-book where I could speedread and flip ahead a few pages at a time without missing something really critical, but I couldn’t do that with the audiobook, without worrying about missing possibly important segments. The memory-loss trope was one thing, but the angst and frustration of Adam not being able to get in touch with Jackie after the memory return drove me crazy because it went on and on. And on. Honestly, I hate that in a story. It feels as if there’s a word quota for the book and this is the only way the author can reach it. I’m not saying there was—just that it felt that way.
There’s a line uttered by a secondary character about one hour before the end of the audiobook. At that point, she shouts, “It’s over! Oh, thank God!” And that pretty much summed up how I felt at that point—so much so that I made note of the quote and the time stamp. I desperately wanted the end of the complete frustration of the MISUNDERSTANDING that was making me crazy. I understand that these are resurrections of an old trope, and those old plot devices are to be expected, but the degree of repetitiveness and rehashing of the same situations and feelings in this one was just too much.
All that being said—there were parts I liked. Both MCs were sweethearts and deserved to get together, and both the first hour and the last hour of the audiobook were interesting and enjoyable. Jonah’s friend from the island was a great secondary character and the narrator did her voice so well I forgot a male was narrating her part. But the “meat” of the book? Didn’t enjoy it much for reasons already stated. I’m not going out on a limb to recommend this one to anyone, however, since there are so many more enjoyable books and audiobooks in this series.
April 18, 2017
Book & Author: Forgotten Paradise by Shira Anthony
Rating: 4.5 stars
Wouldn’t we all want to get a second-chance? To make things right, to be who we felt inside, to let go of the bad letting in the good?
This is a story of not just one second-chance but two. Jonah woke up on a beach ten years prior with no memory of who he was and a sense of dread if he ever found out. Jonah made a life for himself on the beach and in the ocean, one that he was content with. Then Adam came along and somehow that contentment turned to happy. Until one night it all changes. Sometimes remembering the past isn’t such a good thing.
Adam lost his beloved father, grew the company that he had built bringing it to heights his father never could. But now a big company wants to force a sale and his brother, Roger, is standing in opposition of their father's legacy.
Things are not always what they seem on the surface. People’s actions and reasons are never as clear cut as we like them. This story had that concept locked down in so many ways. From Jonah to Adam to Roger to Phil. Each one had reasons for what they want and the actions they take to get it. I loved how the story was both sweet & sexy and intense & sad. I easily felt the connection between the two main characters, wanting them to find their happy together. I was held at the edge of my seat as to who Jonah had once been. It wasn’t a great mystery since the author had dropped clues but Jonah’s and Adam’s reactions to the news was what counted the most.
I love Karen and Katherine, Adam’s sister and mother, were fun characters that made me laugh and they really had Adam’s back even when he was faltering. I wasn’t sure how “bad” Phil was as I was reading. He was unclear but I felt that was intentional and I loved how the author used that character to help further Jonah’s storyline.
I could go on and on about the little things that really tied this story together but overall it was a great fun read with wonderful writing that sucked me into the world these men lived in.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4.5 stars
Wouldn’t we all want to get a second-chance? To make things right, to be who we felt inside, to let go of the bad letting in the good?
This is a story of not just one second-chance but two. Jonah woke up on a beach ten years prior with no memory of who he was and a sense of dread if he ever found out. Jonah made a life for himself on the beach and in the ocean, one that he was content with. Then Adam came along and somehow that contentment turned to happy. Until one night it all changes. Sometimes remembering the past isn’t such a good thing.
Adam lost his beloved father, grew the company that he had built bringing it to heights his father never could. But now a big company wants to force a sale and his brother, Roger, is standing in opposition of their father's legacy.
Things are not always what they seem on the surface. People’s actions and reasons are never as clear cut as we like them. This story had that concept locked down in so many ways. From Jonah to Adam to Roger to Phil. Each one had reasons for what they want and the actions they take to get it. I loved how the story was both sweet & sexy and intense & sad. I easily felt the connection between the two main characters, wanting them to find their happy together. I was held at the edge of my seat as to who Jonah had once been. It wasn’t a great mystery since the author had dropped clues but Jonah’s and Adam’s reactions to the news was what counted the most.
I love Karen and Katherine, Adam’s sister and mother, were fun characters that made me laugh and they really had Adam’s back even when he was faltering. I wasn’t sure how “bad” Phil was as I was reading. He was unclear but I felt that was intentional and I loved how the author used that character to help further Jonah’s storyline.
I could go on and on about the little things that really tied this story together but overall it was a great fun read with wonderful writing that sucked me into the world these men lived in.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
July 12, 2017
3.5 stars
These are the kind of coincidental stories you expect with is genre. Adam is stressing about a large company trying to buy-out the family business he has finally turned around. Doesn't help is brother wants to sell, so he goes on a vacation and goes diving. He starts a "thing" with dive master Jonah, but Jonah has no memory of who he is. He just washed up on the beach 10 years ago and got help getting a new identity. He doesn't really want to know who he is. However, all vacation romances come to and end and Adam returns to face the music, with a big unscrupulous company who will do anything to get what they want.
Meanwhile - major plot point spoilers ahead
Anyway, I liked Jonah and Adam and was glad to see Adam's family kind of get themselves back together. He had one of those super-smart capable sisters but she wasn't the obnoxious pushy kind. I appreciated that she didn't meddle much in his private life like some of those characters. So all in all a cute read if you are looking something that might remind of you of all of your aunt's Harlequin Romances you used to glom. Oh, was that just me? LOL
These are the kind of coincidental stories you expect with is genre. Adam is stressing about a large company trying to buy-out the family business he has finally turned around. Doesn't help is brother wants to sell, so he goes on a vacation and goes diving. He starts a "thing" with dive master Jonah, but Jonah has no memory of who he is. He just washed up on the beach 10 years ago and got help getting a new identity. He doesn't really want to know who he is. However, all vacation romances come to and end and Adam returns to face the music, with a big unscrupulous company who will do anything to get what they want.
Meanwhile - major plot point spoilers ahead
Anyway, I liked Jonah and Adam and was glad to see Adam's family kind of get themselves back together. He had one of those super-smart capable sisters but she wasn't the obnoxious pushy kind. I appreciated that she didn't meddle much in his private life like some of those characters. So all in all a cute read if you are looking something that might remind of you of all of your aunt's Harlequin Romances you used to glom. Oh, was that just me? LOL
May 26, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
So much tropey goodness! Just as one would expect from the Dreamspun Desires Line of books. But let me tell you, this story boasts leagues of depth, a heart of gold, and a stellar romance.
Shira Anthony is a go-to author for me, and she demonstrates precisely why in this profoundly entertaining story of an island friendship/romance that undergoes a doozy of a test once it goes mainland.
Adam has finally taken his sister’s advice to treat himself to a relaxing break in the Dominican Republic before facing the possible sale of the family corporation to a bigger contender. While he takes a bit of time to grow accustomed to the slower pace on the island, diving is something Adam loves, so he takes full advantage of the resort’s guided dives. Adam finds himself attracted to Jonah, one of the dive instructors, and wouldn’t he like to take advantage of him too! Adam was immediately likeable to me. A kind man, a smart man. He was torn between following his dreams regarding the company and honoring the wishes of the remainder of his family, in the aftermath of his father’s death. While attracted to Jonah and envisioning a vacation fling, Adam respected the friends-only distance the somewhat mysterious dive instructor initially desired. It was impossible not to like Jonah. He was bright, upbeat, caring and seemed so genuine even though he also seemed to be avoiding his past.
Jonah is happy with his job. He loves the island life he’s led for 10 years, even though he can’t remember what came before. It was impossible not to like Jonah. It’s evident he’s blocking out his past as much as he’s actually truly had amnesia. Why is he avoiding his truth? And why does he understand Adam’s work and crisis of conscience about selling his business so well? He’s not supposed to get involved with any of the resort guests, plus he figures it’s just plain smart not to, for reasons of his own. Adam gets under Jonah’s skin though; his kindness, his openness, his desire to do the right thing. Jonah and Adam end up spending a passionate interlude before Adam has to go home to face the real world and some big decisions. Adam is left feeling somewhat bereft. Due to Jonah’s interactions with Adam, his mind finally opens and reveals information that leaves him reeling.
The attraction between the two men was palpable and fairly leapt off the page. They put the attraction to the back burner though, and built a true friendship in the week Adam was on the island, before being unable to deny it any longer. I really appreciated this and found it essential to how the latter half of the story played out. One of the wonderful qualities Adam and Jonah demonstrated was the ability to truly communicate. Both on the island and afterward. There were no big misunderstanding, no avoidance, no blame games. They truly worked for and earned their happy ending by being honest with themselves and with each other. I was truly blown away by the level of character development, of knowing clearly what was driving both Jonah and Adam in their behavior and decisions. I also want to mention how wonderful it was that both Adam and Jonah had a strong woman playing an important role in their life. These women were supportive, wise and essential. So refreshing to see such depictions.
The author has created a very deep story here, with complex, appealing characters who act like real people. She wrapped all of that in a plot that consisted of elements in the trope-zone, such as amnesia, island fling, big money, and big love. It’s also worth noting that I know the author is a diver herself, so I’m sure the underwater scenes were drawn from her actual experiences, which make them all the richer to me. I’m not sure if any of these stories get a sequel, but boy, would I love one for Adam and Jonah.
4.5 stars
So much tropey goodness! Just as one would expect from the Dreamspun Desires Line of books. But let me tell you, this story boasts leagues of depth, a heart of gold, and a stellar romance.
Shira Anthony is a go-to author for me, and she demonstrates precisely why in this profoundly entertaining story of an island friendship/romance that undergoes a doozy of a test once it goes mainland.
Adam has finally taken his sister’s advice to treat himself to a relaxing break in the Dominican Republic before facing the possible sale of the family corporation to a bigger contender. While he takes a bit of time to grow accustomed to the slower pace on the island, diving is something Adam loves, so he takes full advantage of the resort’s guided dives. Adam finds himself attracted to Jonah, one of the dive instructors, and wouldn’t he like to take advantage of him too! Adam was immediately likeable to me. A kind man, a smart man. He was torn between following his dreams regarding the company and honoring the wishes of the remainder of his family, in the aftermath of his father’s death. While attracted to Jonah and envisioning a vacation fling, Adam respected the friends-only distance the somewhat mysterious dive instructor initially desired. It was impossible not to like Jonah. He was bright, upbeat, caring and seemed so genuine even though he also seemed to be avoiding his past.
Jonah is happy with his job. He loves the island life he’s led for 10 years, even though he can’t remember what came before. It was impossible not to like Jonah. It’s evident he’s blocking out his past as much as he’s actually truly had amnesia. Why is he avoiding his truth? And why does he understand Adam’s work and crisis of conscience about selling his business so well? He’s not supposed to get involved with any of the resort guests, plus he figures it’s just plain smart not to, for reasons of his own. Adam gets under Jonah’s skin though; his kindness, his openness, his desire to do the right thing. Jonah and Adam end up spending a passionate interlude before Adam has to go home to face the real world and some big decisions. Adam is left feeling somewhat bereft. Due to Jonah’s interactions with Adam, his mind finally opens and reveals information that leaves him reeling.
The attraction between the two men was palpable and fairly leapt off the page. They put the attraction to the back burner though, and built a true friendship in the week Adam was on the island, before being unable to deny it any longer. I really appreciated this and found it essential to how the latter half of the story played out. One of the wonderful qualities Adam and Jonah demonstrated was the ability to truly communicate. Both on the island and afterward. There were no big misunderstanding, no avoidance, no blame games. They truly worked for and earned their happy ending by being honest with themselves and with each other. I was truly blown away by the level of character development, of knowing clearly what was driving both Jonah and Adam in their behavior and decisions. I also want to mention how wonderful it was that both Adam and Jonah had a strong woman playing an important role in their life. These women were supportive, wise and essential. So refreshing to see such depictions.
The author has created a very deep story here, with complex, appealing characters who act like real people. She wrapped all of that in a plot that consisted of elements in the trope-zone, such as amnesia, island fling, big money, and big love. It’s also worth noting that I know the author is a diver herself, so I’m sure the underwater scenes were drawn from her actual experiences, which make them all the richer to me. I’m not sure if any of these stories get a sequel, but boy, would I love one for Adam and Jonah.
July 21, 2018
This was a really good book. You never know when life will change things. You need to do the right things and make life all the better and hold on for all it's worth. Enjoy it to the max
January 21, 2018
It's not my absolute favorite of the DSDs, but I really liked it. It was cute, with some good drama, and problems that weren't just solved by throwing money at it. Both men felt like equals and they both grew and evolved as the book went on. Great example of genre romance.
April 5, 2017
When Adam is convinced by his family to take a well earned, all-inclusive holiday, he still can’t quite escape his work stress. His brother wants to sell to another business who are putting pressure on them but Adam wants to keep the company he, and his father before him, worked so hard to build. What Adam didn’t expect to happen was that he would meet a man that would understand him and that he would be so drawn to. When he goes for a session of diving, he is more than happy to find that it is Jonah that is his guide. The more time the two spend together, the closer they grow but despite Adam being open, it takes until the end of his one week holiday for Jonah to open up and tell him how he has no idea what his real name is and that he has no memory prior to him washing up on a nearby island, ten years ago. On their last night together, Adam inadvertently manages to trigger Jonah's memory and he is shocked to discover who he used to be. What he can’t do, is tell Adam. It's a miracle that he believed his amnesia story. He'll never believe these new details.
I’d say that the first third of the book was pretty slow going and I was starting to yawn. There’s really not an awful lot happens and I didn’t get why, when the men only had one week together, they spent so much time dancing around their feelings and wasting their short period of time together. Thankfully, as soon as Jonah’s memories came flooding back, it got really interesting. The men were both likeable and there are a few unexpected twists and turns that kept me gripped and unable to stop reading. I’m pleased to say that not only is there no cliff-hanger but the pair do get a well deserved HEA.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
I’d say that the first third of the book was pretty slow going and I was starting to yawn. There’s really not an awful lot happens and I didn’t get why, when the men only had one week together, they spent so much time dancing around their feelings and wasting their short period of time together. Thankfully, as soon as Jonah’s memories came flooding back, it got really interesting. The men were both likeable and there are a few unexpected twists and turns that kept me gripped and unable to stop reading. I’m pleased to say that not only is there no cliff-hanger but the pair do get a well deserved HEA.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
April 18, 2017
Great romantic escape
This is a great beach read.
Adam is a frustrated burned out exec, forced by his family to take a beach holiday. During the holiday, he meets and is smitten with Jonah. Sparks fly, a connection is met while they diving in the beautiful waters of the Dominican Republic. But, Jonah has secrets. When Adam finds out who Jonah really is, will they still have feelings for each other?
Highly recommended if you're looking for a long escapist romantic tale set in a beautiful paradise, unfettered by the realities of modern life.
This is a great beach read.
Adam is a frustrated burned out exec, forced by his family to take a beach holiday. During the holiday, he meets and is smitten with Jonah. Sparks fly, a connection is met while they diving in the beautiful waters of the Dominican Republic. But, Jonah has secrets. When Adam finds out who Jonah really is, will they still have feelings for each other?
Highly recommended if you're looking for a long escapist romantic tale set in a beautiful paradise, unfettered by the realities of modern life.
April 30, 2017
This story starts with the idea of lost memories. Together Adam and Jonah build new memories. Both know that life isn't going to be simple and sometimes remembering isn't as pleasant as you hoped. Each man tries to give the other man space but finally communicating might be the most needed thing. This story is full of memories past, forgotten, false, and remembered.
October 18, 2017
A bit of a book in two parts, one about a vacation romance and one about the mystery of Jonah's past, but it works well in that context.
Adam is a business owner, and with a major company trying to buy him out his family convinces him to go on a vacation to regroup. Down he meets a man who he connects with and turns out to be the diving instructor for the resort. As Adam and Jonah strike up a vacation romance they find themselves falling easily for each other and enjoying their time. But with the vacation ending they need to consider if this should just stay a fling.
Jonah has amnesia and doesn't remember anything before he washed up on the island ten years ago. Yet, as he talks to Adam, it is clear that he knows something about tech companies, and his memories keep calling to him the more they see each other. When Jonah does start to remember he needs to go back and claim his life, as well as make decisions about what to do with his second chance.
Jonah and Adam has a very fast romance. Being a vacation fling at first it works out very well; after all, it is easy to have fun and enjoy a person when it is just in the glow of vacation. But while they want more, I wish we could have seen what they are like when they aren't on vacation. It was a bit of insta-love (heck that is even mentioned) but the romance was the easy part of all this, something that just flowed with how the two of them worked.
When it came to Jonah returning to his old life, the 'mystery' of who he had been and built was interesting. However, there was some drama about it all as we find out secrets and lies to the life he left behind. The drama does have a purpose in the sense of the business and the mystery, but it just felt a bit in the way from the romance at times. This was where it felt like two different book parts; once the book focused on the business, the romance was a bit pushed to the side as everything first had to get sorted out. After we returned to the romance but then it was a bit said and done. If there had been a bit more interaction between those two book parts I might have liked it even a bit more. As it was this was an quick flowing romance put a bit on hold for some business matters, but to end in a very satisfying HEA.
Adam is a business owner, and with a major company trying to buy him out his family convinces him to go on a vacation to regroup. Down he meets a man who he connects with and turns out to be the diving instructor for the resort. As Adam and Jonah strike up a vacation romance they find themselves falling easily for each other and enjoying their time. But with the vacation ending they need to consider if this should just stay a fling.
Jonah has amnesia and doesn't remember anything before he washed up on the island ten years ago. Yet, as he talks to Adam, it is clear that he knows something about tech companies, and his memories keep calling to him the more they see each other. When Jonah does start to remember he needs to go back and claim his life, as well as make decisions about what to do with his second chance.
Jonah and Adam has a very fast romance. Being a vacation fling at first it works out very well; after all, it is easy to have fun and enjoy a person when it is just in the glow of vacation. But while they want more, I wish we could have seen what they are like when they aren't on vacation. It was a bit of insta-love (heck that is even mentioned) but the romance was the easy part of all this, something that just flowed with how the two of them worked.
When it came to Jonah returning to his old life, the 'mystery' of who he had been and built was interesting. However, there was some drama about it all as we find out secrets and lies to the life he left behind. The drama does have a purpose in the sense of the business and the mystery, but it just felt a bit in the way from the romance at times. This was where it felt like two different book parts; once the book focused on the business, the romance was a bit pushed to the side as everything first had to get sorted out. After we returned to the romance but then it was a bit said and done. If there had been a bit more interaction between those two book parts I might have liked it even a bit more. As it was this was an quick flowing romance put a bit on hold for some business matters, but to end in a very satisfying HEA.
August 11, 2017
~ Narration Rating 5 Stars ~
Adam Preston is on vacation, for the first time in a very long time, after rescuing the family business from doom following the death of his beloved father. When he goes to get away from it all, Adam meets sexy, charming dive master, Jonah. Between dives, Adam finds a connection growing between himself and Jonah. Back at home, Adam’s brother is pressuring him to sell the family business; his sister, who is his partner and staunchest supporter, has just announced she’s pregnant; and his mother seems aloof and is a happily retired widow far from her family. Then, there’s the threat of a hostile takeover of the family business that may make Adam a virtual slave to the takeover company.
Jonah seems to be a man without a care or a past, which is exactly his problem—he cannot remember anything before the day he washed up on an island beach. When who he really is comes crashing back, and he and Adam return to the realities of the world, they both face challenges that neither thought they would ever face together.
Forgotten Paradise is a true romance novel: some things are totally believable and others are the stuff of sheer fantasy. In this case, both are handled well and are translated really well by Andrew McFerrin. The quiet attraction that develops between Adam and Jonah is well told. The obstacles they face are not insurmountable, nor are they so oppressive you can’t believe the outcome. Lovers of romance will enjoy this book. The narration follows the tone of the book nicely, and there are no bumps or mistakes. It is smooth, clean, and even throughout, lean and above average, and when the big reveals happen, they are well paced and well acted.
Dreamspinner has given us a nice addition to the their Dreamspun Desires series. Those who have been following the house line will find this book and this narration enjoyable and easy to follow. This is a good buy for those who enjoy romance with a tad of suspense and a bit of fun. Like all romances, the HEA is inevitable, but getting there is the point and the fun here.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
Adam Preston is on vacation, for the first time in a very long time, after rescuing the family business from doom following the death of his beloved father. When he goes to get away from it all, Adam meets sexy, charming dive master, Jonah. Between dives, Adam finds a connection growing between himself and Jonah. Back at home, Adam’s brother is pressuring him to sell the family business; his sister, who is his partner and staunchest supporter, has just announced she’s pregnant; and his mother seems aloof and is a happily retired widow far from her family. Then, there’s the threat of a hostile takeover of the family business that may make Adam a virtual slave to the takeover company.
Jonah seems to be a man without a care or a past, which is exactly his problem—he cannot remember anything before the day he washed up on an island beach. When who he really is comes crashing back, and he and Adam return to the realities of the world, they both face challenges that neither thought they would ever face together.
Forgotten Paradise is a true romance novel: some things are totally believable and others are the stuff of sheer fantasy. In this case, both are handled well and are translated really well by Andrew McFerrin. The quiet attraction that develops between Adam and Jonah is well told. The obstacles they face are not insurmountable, nor are they so oppressive you can’t believe the outcome. Lovers of romance will enjoy this book. The narration follows the tone of the book nicely, and there are no bumps or mistakes. It is smooth, clean, and even throughout, lean and above average, and when the big reveals happen, they are well paced and well acted.
Dreamspinner has given us a nice addition to the their Dreamspun Desires series. Those who have been following the house line will find this book and this narration enjoyable and easy to follow. This is a good buy for those who enjoy romance with a tad of suspense and a bit of fun. Like all romances, the HEA is inevitable, but getting there is the point and the fun here.
Reviewed by Mike for The Novel Approach
July 20, 2017
Adam Preston needs a break from all the corporate games. A mega company is trying to take over the family business. A software genius, Adam wants to keep the business while others in the family do not. A trip to the Dominican Republic is just what he needs to clear his head and regain his focus. Meeting a very intriguing scuba diving instructor is even better. Jonah is attractive and intelligent and the two find themselves acting on the spark of desire. Unfortunately, Jonah has no memories from beyond when he was found washed up on a beach ten years ago. Now his memories are crashing back and neither man knows how to handle it.
Forgotten Paradise is a wonderful book filled with many issues on the part of both our heroes. Neither one wanted their time together to end but each knew is could only do that. It seems impossible that these two will have a happily ever after. How they resolve all their issues makes for some great reading. A great MM romance, Forgotten Paradise is perfect for MM fans who enjoy thorny issues that our heroes have to work hard to resolve.
Forgotten Paradise is a wonderful book filled with many issues on the part of both our heroes. Neither one wanted their time together to end but each knew is could only do that. It seems impossible that these two will have a happily ever after. How they resolve all their issues makes for some great reading. A great MM romance, Forgotten Paradise is perfect for MM fans who enjoy thorny issues that our heroes have to work hard to resolve.
May 31, 2017
3,5 stars
I liked the story and the MC, but I think that the plot was a bit flat, not too bad but maybe too tidy. However , I enjoyed it.
I liked the story and the MC, but I think that the plot was a bit flat, not too bad but maybe too tidy. However , I enjoyed it.
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