Jackson DeVoy grew up to be a very determined and successful attorney as a result of his single-minded focus.  His life has always been about the almighty dollar. His goal is more money, more things, more status and perhaps a wife at some point along the way.  His employer, Coyle-Wexler Pharmaceuticals, considers him to be their “go to man.”  So sending him to the South Pacific to obtain the rights to a plant that could revolutionize the diet industry is a task made for Jackson.  His mission is to locate the renowned and elusive J. T. Marchand and get the rights before their competitors get a whiff of what’s going on.

Jackson arrives on Darwin Island focused on delivering the goods to Coyle-Wexler, but instead, he meets an ebony beauty named Lina who completely mesmerizes him.  Unable to connect with the mysterious Marchand, Jackson enjoys the islands sites, which includes Lina.  He loses track of time and control of the mission.  Unfortunately, his boss decides it’s time to send in a second person and get Jackson back to the states quickly.  His abrupt departure leaves both him and Lina in a quandary over their true feelings for one another.  Will they ever find one another again?   And, if they do, will they be able to repair the damage already done and build on what they found on Darwin?  Is either of their worlds ready for them?

In BLAME IT ON PARADISE, Crystal Hubbard takes readers on an amazing journey to the South Pacific where love blossoms in a community where simplicity is a way of life.  Hubbard weaves a beautiful love story around a plant, an island and two opposing views of the world.  She throws in a bit of interracial dating and big business dealings to give the story an educational flavor as well.  Hubbard is an outstanding storyteller.  Her character development and use of imagery is very good.  When all was said and done, I felt like I’d spent a few weeks in the South Pacific, rather than a few hours on my chaise lounge.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers