Book Review - The Paradise Hook-Up by Christy McKellen - #HolidayReading Dom Rep

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Title: The Paradise Hook-Up

Author: Christy McKellen

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 11th July 2025

Rating: 5 Stars

Dee Donovan is used to living up to her reputation as the ‘wild’ twin. She finally has an opportunity to prove everyone, especially her father wrong. She just needs her sister's business partner Jem to play along with her outrageous plan. Secure a business deal by faking it as her boyfriend in Greece. The catch? Jem and Dee are not that close. In fact, Dee can’t put her finger on it, but Jem seems to really dislike her!

However, it’s just for 24 hours. Until a storm blows in trapping them, alone in Paradise! With no way of getting home, they need something to do… why not confront their tensions head on? After all, they’ve been dancing around their chemistry for years now. But Jem has a secret – he’s not quite as experienced as Dee in this particular area!

So Dee promises to teach Jem everything she knows before they return. And it’s clear that her student is a very fast learner! And all too quickly, they start wishing the storm would hang around. Because neither want to think about what will happen when they have to return to reality…

I started reading this towards the end of a long haul flight when I possibly should have been sleeping, and instead spent the last two hours of the flight completely absorbed in the first 60% or so of this book (I was absorbed in the last 40% too, but just not on the flight!)

I loved the dynamics between Dee and Jem.  They are total opposites, but Dee has a rather flirtatious nature and is determined to try to drive Jem a bit mad, and it has wonderful results. 

Especially once they are trapped on a private Greek Island together, in a storm and not much to do.  Seeing Jem grow in confidence was a bit of a turn on, and I loved the heat this book had. 

There are loads of sexy scenes, that were really good to read, and I also enjoyed getting to know our main characters and their backstories.  

Was also interested in the dynamic between Dee and twin sister Bea, especially as they are identical and Dee has persuaded Bea to do twin swap, to help try to save her job, after she damages her ankle.  I have fond memories of Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield swapping places often and with a similar sort of dynamic in all the various Sweet Valley series, so was happy to see this with Dee and Bea. 

I had a great time reading this and although it was the first book I have read from this author, it definitely won't be my last and I even have another on my kindle ready and waiting for me! 

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.