If Puerto Rico sounds like paradise to you, maybe this romance will confirm your dream. Nicki Night who writes great contemporary African American characters mixes it up with a hospitality and consumer goods conference in the exotic venue. IT STARTED IN PARADISE introduces Donovan Rivers, a handsome well-built guy who is all business, and Jewel and Chloe Chandler, sisters who are in between romances at present and similarly here to represent their family business. The girls might be enthused by automated pie bakers, but Jewel, in particular, is determined to have some extra-curricular fun.

Chloe, as the eldest of her siblings, had to mature early and feels she missed out on a lot of fun and games. She knew Donovan at high school but he was a popular basketball playing kid, and they hadn't much in common. Now they relax after a day's meetings, sipping rum cocktails with music and a beautiful night, and start to get to know each other again.

After they return to work in Manhattan, the two keep in touch and fit in dates in Washington Square Park, enjoying each other's company. But the trouble is brewing as Donovan's family firm is one which Chloe's mother refuses to let them deal with due to bad feelings. Will this extend to Donovan and his whole family? Is the growing romance going to be nipped in the bud?

If you enjoy a book filled with banter between sisters and respect for hard-working parents, as well as copious detail on managing the hospitality industry, this tale of the familiar Romeo and Juliet theme will give you a good read. I like that the ladies are presented as extremely professional, and even more so that Donovan and his pals don't trash-talk about women. Another nice touch is that the well-off elders of the Chandler family have established a foundation to share their wealth. They understand what it means to be given a hand up when you are keen to better yourself. We come to realize that in top business circles, the number of people circulating is really quite a tight little group, and some executives are keen to break into that group. IT STARTED IN PARADISE, which is in a series called The Chandler Legacy, is commendable for the strength of background. Nicki Night will please her readers once more with this upbeat adult romance.

Book Summary

Two rivals. One desire.  

Stunning, sensual Puerto Rico is the perfect place to combine business with pleasure. Yet Chloe Chandler can't indulge her attraction to Donovan Rivers when they cross paths at a convention. Heir to an exclusive Long Island venue, Donovan is vying to host the same A-list gala that her parents' restaurant hopes to gain. And as events director for her family's empire, Chloe and her loyalty are being tested by an intense longing for a man who's determined to win both her…and the client. 

An in-demand bachelor who plays by his own rules, Donovan never stops until he gets what he wants. Falling for his beautiful competitor will anger their families, but Chloe has already sacrificed too much to please others. Now Donovan intends to show her everything she's been missing—including the heat of his embrace. But when the competition comes between them, will their ambitions force them to lose out on love?

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