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A review by bibliophile90
My F*cked Up Paradise by J.B. Salsbury
3.0
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
J.B. Salsbury's latest book takes readers on a journey that intertwines romance and self-discovery against the backdrop of a seemingly perfect vacation. The story begins with the promise of a career-boosting trip, where our protagonist, Elsie, hopes to capture ten stunning photos for her portfolio. However, paradise quickly becomes a series of misfortunes—a lost camera bag, a subpar hotel, and a near-drowning experience that leaves her grateful for the enigmatic surfer who came to her rescue.
While initially determined to focus solely on her artistic aspirations, Elsie finds herself drawn to the gruff and heavily tattooed surfer, Mateo. Their unexpected connection ignites Elsie's imagination and sparks a desire she never anticipated. Despite her reluctance to rely on him, Elsie ultimately finds herself seeking his assistance, risking her pride in the process.
The first half of the book, which beautifully captures Elsie's exploration of Hawaii and her budding relationship with Mateo, was a solid 4-star read. J.B. Salsbury excels at creating characters that captivate readers, and the chemistry between Elsie and Mateo is palpable. The author skillfully sets the stage for a compelling romance and explores the themes of self-discovery and artistic inspiration.
However, as the story progresses, the second half—particularly the final quarter—loses some of its initial charm. The catalyst for the couple's separation ('third-act breakup') feels contrived and left me unsatisfied. From that point onward, the narrative failed to recapture its earlier magic, and I found myself skimming through the pages in search of a satisfying resolution.
Despite this disappointment, I still hold high hopes for J.B. Salsbury's future projects. Her ability to craft intriguing characters and construct engaging plots remains evident. While this particular book may not have been my favorite, I look forward to seeing what she has in store next.
J.B. Salsbury's latest book takes readers on a journey that intertwines romance and self-discovery against the backdrop of a seemingly perfect vacation. The story begins with the promise of a career-boosting trip, where our protagonist, Elsie, hopes to capture ten stunning photos for her portfolio. However, paradise quickly becomes a series of misfortunes—a lost camera bag, a subpar hotel, and a near-drowning experience that leaves her grateful for the enigmatic surfer who came to her rescue.
While initially determined to focus solely on her artistic aspirations, Elsie finds herself drawn to the gruff and heavily tattooed surfer, Mateo. Their unexpected connection ignites Elsie's imagination and sparks a desire she never anticipated. Despite her reluctance to rely on him, Elsie ultimately finds herself seeking his assistance, risking her pride in the process.
The first half of the book, which beautifully captures Elsie's exploration of Hawaii and her budding relationship with Mateo, was a solid 4-star read. J.B. Salsbury excels at creating characters that captivate readers, and the chemistry between Elsie and Mateo is palpable. The author skillfully sets the stage for a compelling romance and explores the themes of self-discovery and artistic inspiration.
However, as the story progresses, the second half—particularly the final quarter—loses some of its initial charm. The catalyst for the couple's separation ('third-act breakup') feels contrived and left me unsatisfied. From that point onward, the narrative failed to recapture its earlier magic, and I found myself skimming through the pages in search of a satisfying resolution.
Despite this disappointment, I still hold high hopes for J.B. Salsbury's future projects. Her ability to craft intriguing characters and construct engaging plots remains evident. While this particular book may not have been my favorite, I look forward to seeing what she has in store next.