ONLY PARADISE

Author: Michelle Monkou ISBN: 9780373861071 2/2009 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: KIMANI

La Isla del Azur is a piece of heaven, laced with miles of white-sand beaches lapped by crystal clear turquoise water. For teacher Athena Crawford, the lush Caribbean island offers the career opportunity of a lifetime. But there's trouble in paradise: Collin Winslow, the education project's difficult, drop-dead-gorgeous administrator. When they're not locking horns over teaching methods, they're sharing mind-blowing kisses that leave her confused—and craving more. Collin was ready to dismiss Athena as an empty-headed beauty. Instead he discovers that she's smart, sexy and dedicated to helping his people. Passion erupts as the island works its sultry magic, but can their delicate relationship weather the storms about to break?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

ONLY IN PARADISE is a story that highlights the bonds between women, and shows that with enough love and support almost anything is possible.

Athena is grief-stricken over the death of her beloved grandmother. She hears her grandmother’s voice, and knows that all the woman’s advice and love are still center in her mind. She has been shaped by a strong, passionate grandmother but knows she is not living up to her grandmother’s expectations. So, almost as soon as the service is over, Athena announces she is going to take a break from her life. Despite dubious reactions from her sorority sisters, she follows through and, in doing so, meets a man. Collin snickers at Athena’s outfit and demeanor when he first meets her at the airport but before long things heat up between them and Athena’s arrival suit is quickly forgotten.

This is an amusing story that shows that sometimes advice can lead to self-discovery. Nicely done!

Kay James