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No Sweeter Paradise
He was a British convict, framed for murder, sentenced to rot in an Australian prison. She was a highborn lady on her way to a new life. Nathan Kincaid and Lady Mariah Downing were bound for two different worlds...until the winds of fate left them shipwrecked on a tropical island that became their own seductive Eden. Their future was filled with danger and uncertainty; their pasts held secrets neither could face. But as sun-drenched days and star-streaked nights blended together in a delicious haze of pleasure, they surrendered to a love that swept them away to the very shores of paradise!
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 19, 2014
Four MAJOR complaints about this book before I explain my high rating.
1. Poor and offensive depictions of "flat nosed" natives.
2. Extremely weak build up to a romance between the leads.
3. Too many contrived conveniences that string the plot along and create hole after hole.
4. Oddly paced.
That being said. The author, Neri, has a strong narrative voice and she writes a cut above most romance novelists. There are some mishaps beyond my aforementioned complaints (i.e. you won't find baboons outside of Africa or parts of the Middle East), but her work holds an authenticity that so many lack and she certainly has a gift for language.
The book reads as a fun castaway adventure with two feuding settlements (very different from what romance fans are most likely accustomed to reading) and the second half focuses on a the ravings of a crazed villain. It also contains a variety of interesting side characters and we join them on their own journeys. I honestly would rate it a 3.5 if I could because there are two many weak spots in this book, despite its enjoyability. But, I can gladly round it up to a four because it is unique to the romance genre and I give Neri major bonus points for crafting and deftly using a great supporting cast
1. Poor and offensive depictions of "flat nosed" natives.
2. Extremely weak build up to a romance between the leads.
3. Too many contrived conveniences that string the plot along and create hole after hole.
4. Oddly paced.
That being said. The author, Neri, has a strong narrative voice and she writes a cut above most romance novelists. There are some mishaps beyond my aforementioned complaints (i.e. you won't find baboons outside of Africa or parts of the Middle East), but her work holds an authenticity that so many lack and she certainly has a gift for language.
The book reads as a fun castaway adventure with two feuding settlements (very different from what romance fans are most likely accustomed to reading) and the second half focuses on a the ravings of a crazed villain. It also contains a variety of interesting side characters and we join them on their own journeys. I honestly would rate it a 3.5 if I could because there are two many weak spots in this book, despite its enjoyability. But, I can gladly round it up to a four because it is unique to the romance genre and I give Neri major bonus points for crafting and deftly using a great supporting cast
May 27, 2020
With the libraries closed and not possessing any type of e reader, I 've begun reading books that I've bought at rummage sales. I usually don't choose romance books, but this is just what this book is. I was surprised that it kept me occupied-love between a supposed convict and a woman who is going to Australia to chaperone her niece. Shipwrecked on an island where they were abandoned by the ship's captain, those that survive are some sailors, more convicts and those who were going to Australia to do research or start a new life. I found it easy reading. However, I did not like the ending. Left me hanging with questions unanswered.
August 22, 2021
Highkey this ruled - despite some pacing issues and an unnecessarily “redeemed” villain at the end, this was fun, campy, dramatic, in all the right ways that romance should be
December 19, 2020
Romance has never been my top genre. Historical Romance then would be worse. I decided to take a chance with his one because the cover was enticing(silly me). It was a frustrating read to be honest. I was very glad when I finished it yesterday. It was worth celebrating.
There are so many issues I have with this book to be honest. The major being that it was just too long. Unnecessarily long. According to someone, it was oddly paced and I fully agree with that statement. The pace of this novel was not really normal. It could have done pretty alright without alot of characters. I may even go as far as saying it would have alright without some chapters. It was all just too much and too long (yes I will continue to state that fact). I would have given it a star but there were moments I just could not help and some twists I appreciated. Still it dragged on too long and frustrated me, hence, becoming one of the worst reads of all time and the worst read of the year for me.
There are so many issues I have with this book to be honest. The major being that it was just too long. Unnecessarily long. According to someone, it was oddly paced and I fully agree with that statement. The pace of this novel was not really normal. It could have done pretty alright without alot of characters. I may even go as far as saying it would have alright without some chapters. It was all just too much and too long (yes I will continue to state that fact). I would have given it a star but there were moments I just could not help and some twists I appreciated. Still it dragged on too long and frustrated me, hence, becoming one of the worst reads of all time and the worst read of the year for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
If you want an unusual book try No Sweeter Paradise by Penelope Neri (1993). Hero is a convicted murderer on a convict transport ship to Australia. The heroine and her cousin are also aboard going to stay with the cousin’s father who is the acting governor. Shipwrecked on a tropical island with the sailors, convicts and a few doxies lots happens as the MCs become attracted to each other and have sex in secluded places.. behind a waterfall was nice. The story’s a bit far fetched tho a pleasant escape.
September 8, 2014
2.5 stars/C-
Too long! This book is in need of some serious cutting. Say about 100 - 200 pages. But then you have to consider that this was written in 1993. I loved the hero - not crazy about the heroine. The plot seemed to wander all over the place - needed to be tighted up - lots of holes. I think I deserve a medal for reading all 480 pages. And the ending just sort of ended abruptly like the author finally gave up the ghost but the H/h did get their story resolved.
Too long! This book is in need of some serious cutting. Say about 100 - 200 pages. But then you have to consider that this was written in 1993. I loved the hero - not crazy about the heroine. The plot seemed to wander all over the place - needed to be tighted up - lots of holes. I think I deserve a medal for reading all 480 pages. And the ending just sort of ended abruptly like the author finally gave up the ghost but the H/h did get their story resolved.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews