Dark Paradise

By: Tami Hoag

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

Length: 18 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

New Eden, Montana, is a piece of heaven on earth where one woman died in her own private hell. Now it’s up to ex-court reporter Marilee Jennings to decipher the puzzle of her best friend’s death. But someone has a stake in silencing her suspicion. Someone with secrets worth killing for - and the power to turn this beautiful haven into a...dark paradise.

And as Mari digs deeper beneath New Eden’s picture-perfect exterior, finding the truth is suddenly no longer a matter of justice. It’s her only hope of staying alive.

©2012 Tami Hoag (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Loved it!

Loved it! It was suspenseful yet romantic also made me laugh at times. Definitely a good book.

Ride a Cowboy.

I believe this was written in the 90’s and the story is not too dated. As mix of romance and mystery, the story was light on both. As a mystery it is obvious who the bad guys are, and the romance is a bit chauvinistic. Story was written well, and I do enjoy a good Tami Hoag story. I’ve always enjoyed the narrator; I haven’t heard her for a while, wonder if she is still narrating books.

3.5 Stars Mixed Feelings

This is one of Tami Hoag earliest novels, before she wrote thrillers. I consider it a romantic suspense. It has all the drama of a thriller and passion for a romantic suspense novel. Mary Lee Jennings leaves California to meet her friend Lucy in New Eden, Montana. Little did she know, she discovers her friend's dead, and learn the shocking truth of her secrets, putting herself in danger on living on a ranch life, and falling in love with a stubborn cowboy.

The book was well written but a bit too long. Too much internal thoughts of the characters, same stuff over and over again. How many times does Ms Hoag have to tell me that the character is stubborn/lonely/loyal/a misfit? I get it already! I didn't lose my memory from the prior chapter. Or the one before that, either. I would have rated this book higher if not for the annoying repetition.
Having said that Tami Hoag is one of my favourite authors and she her writing has improved in future books.

Joyce Bean was ok with the delivery of the story. Some of her voices were over dramatic and that was a bit annoying

Great book

I loved this book the story line keeps you going and the narrator is very good.

moved a little slow

moved slow at the beginning and took a while to get to the point. took longer than it should have for anybody else than the heroine to get that something was going on.

Good but not the Best

ive either read or listened to a great number of books by this author. While I liked this one I felt it wa about ten chapters too long. It just seemed in a couple spots it went on and on without really adding to the story. In fact in one spot i came very close to just calling it quits. i did however finish the book and was glad i did. I thought it was a good storyline, the chatacters were relatable and the narration was good. I really enjoy this author and will continue to read all pf her various series and will recommend them to others.

Always like a good cowboy.

Pretty good. Sounds about what’s happening in in all the places that’s still ranching in the beautiful countryside. Maryann fit right in. Is a good read.

Enjoyable Story

What did you love best about Dark Paradise?

Liked the characters, especially Will and JD.

What does Joyce Bean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I always enjoy Joyce Bean narrating books. She's done several of Julie Garwood books, and does a good job.

Hoag is a chiller master!

I remember reading this book many years ago... the prologue alone- shook me up. Asked my mother to read just the prologue (she hides her emotions) but her eyes were shining when she finished and she didn't want to give it back. It was my first Hoag read and I was only through a few chapters. "Soon", I told her and watched anger build on her face. I thought I may have a fight about to ensue. It still puzzles me, but not Hoag's abilities.
This was my first Hoag audible (as well). I had to dig through boxes of paperbacks with the frustration of a reader of 3-4 books a week (so many years prior), just to get the title.
Back to the audible. I love flashbacks- the emotions, the recall of too many things to count, that struck an accord with my memories. It is, without doubt, my favorite of Tami's though that is not to say that I have not enjoyed nearly all of her books.
Tami does enjoy 'chaptering you out' (leave you hanging and move back to another 'left hanging' scene and so on.) It is a Hoag trait, so be prepared and do not let your frustration rule over the spin of her talent.
It was narrated well but, for me, the best narrations are very close to radio plays (the good old days, that have been explained to me thoroughly by my elderly friends). They are very nearly acted out and if really well done, you'd swear that you remembered sound affects, though you know there really weren't any.
Joyce Bean will get better and more polished as time moves along.
Overall: a very tense and fun trip. Well done, even with the long hours of listening, as it is complex with it's characters and twists. Well worth the package...
Opalwind.

Excellent suspense and plot twists

Who was your favorite character and why?

Marilee. An everyday woman who encountered an unbelievable situation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes because the suspense was well developed and the character, especially the central character Marilee was well developed and you wanted her to "win" - find the answers she was looking for!

Any additional comments?

Great characters and plot twists!