I don't know whether to condemn C.J. Duggan or give her an award. Here's what happened. And it's either incredibly cheesy or so on point. 
 Chapter 1. 
 "Where's Ballentine?" That was the first time I heard his name. 
 Opening line right there. Ballentine. Strong name. Hmm. I dig it immediately. The problem is, every single page I turn I'm asking myself the same question WHERE IIIIS BALLENTINE???? because he literally is nowhere to be seen. He's sporadically mentioned and he kind of makes one or two cameo appearances, but nothing relevant. 
 So meanwhile I'm flipping pages like a crazy person, shouting in my head WHERE THE HELL IS BALLENTINE? I want to get to know this character everyone seems too crazed about. Lexie, the MC, can't stop pining for him and his abs (he's a surfer) because she's crossed one-liners with him twice and exchanged a couple eye glances. Sexual tension builds up. REALLY. The first time I actually get to appreciate Luke Ballentine and form an opinion of him, it's already chapter twenty-fucking-four and they're getting it on at the beach. Which, tbh, I was all for it. 
 Paradise City is supposed to be New Adult, but nope, no way. I was feeling oh so naughty over here in a couple of scenes. And the characters are in high school. *Gasp* 
 The quality of the writing is surprisingly good. Duggan can write. I really hated the end, and I hated that Dean even had to come into the picture, but I irrationally read the whole thing, so that in itself says a lot.