Paradise Lost

Kate Brian

Feb 2009 · Private Book 9 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

Paradise awaits....

Now that Cheyenne's murderer has been revealed and Reed knows the truth about who's been stalking her, she's ready to leave the heartache and turmoil of last semester behind. And what better way to recover than a five-star Caribbean vacation?

Reed is reunited with former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor, and she and her friends take over the exclusive island. They spend their days tanning on white-sand beaches and their nights partying on sixty-foot yachts.

It's heaven on earth.

But as they raise their champagne flutes to toast their friendship, Reed worries that it's all too good to be true. Because even in paradise, the Billings Girls are never far from trouble -- and nothing's more dangerous than the calm before the storm....

Ratings and reviews

With the debacle of Sabine finally behind her, Reed finally hopes that life at Easton will quiet down. People are starting to talk about her having a bad vibe around her. Bad luck happens to those that come close to Reed. For now, Josh is sitting beside Ivy's hospital bed. When Josh saved Reed from the bullet, it hit Ivy, instead. With Christmas break looming, Reed can't face going home to Pennsylvania. She knows she will be hounded by the news after the latest drama at school. It's Noelle who comes to Reed's rescue. She invites Reed to holiday on St. Barth's (yes, this is how it's spelled in the story) with the rest of her family and a small private group. At first Reed hesitates, knowing she can't afford to go. But Noelle insists, and Reed's spirits soar. She's accepted by the Billings girls again, and she'll get to see Kiran and Taylor at long last. Arriving on the island, Reed gets caught up in the island spirit. Kiran will not take no for an answer when she insists on outfitting Reed for the holiday. Kiran has a company account to shop and spend, so how can Reed say no? Reed quickly learns of the "Upton Game." The game is simple. Who will be the first to kiss Upton this year? Upton Giles is apparently the most gorgeous, sought after guy on the island. Even Noelle finds him attractive. Reed is intrigued but vows to avoid all boy complications on this holiday. Nothing will make her happier than lying in the sun getting a tan and hanging out with her friends. But once Reed lays eyes on the infamous Upton, she understands the infatuation with him. He is truly the most spectacular guy she's ever seen. But she still insists she wants no part of the game. The holiday gets hard for Reed though, because Upton has noticed her and also doesn't take no for an answer. Will Reed be able to resist Upton's advances? Will there be rivalries for Upton's affections? Will the introduction of some new characters (mainly Poppy) wreak more havoc in Reed's life? Ms. Brian takes a simple pleasure of a vacation holiday and turns it into a crazy, adventurous getaway. For fans of the PRIVATE series, PARADISE LOST almost feels like a holiday, as well. Removed from the boarding school setting, PARADISE LOST is a guilty pleasure that everyone will enjoy. But, if you're like me, I can't wait to have Reed return to Easton Academy and Billings and find out what happens next!

About the author

Kate Brian is the author of the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Private series and its spin-off series Privilege. She has also written many other books for teens including Sweet 16 and Megan Meade’s Guide to the McGowan Boys.