Title: Outback Affair
Author: Annie Seaton
Series: Affair novels
Genre: contemporary romance
Published: 2013
Pages: 172
Format read: ebook
Rating: B+
Outback Affair is another solid entry in Annie Seaton’s Affair novel series. Youngest brother Alex, who suffered a terrible tragedy in book two (Italian Affair), finally gets his chance at a HEA. As a bonus, we also get a (it’s brief, but it’s there!) look at what is going on with the heroes and heroines of the other two books in the series–including an adorable scene with two new additions to the family!
American journalist Jessica Trent hates her current job, and takes off to the Australian outback on a mission to get a one-of-a-kind interview with a reclusive businessman Alessandro Ricardo in the hopes that it will get her a better one. She’s woefully unprepared for what awaits her on the other side of the globe, though, and getting that interview might be more tricky than she’d ever imagined….
Alex Richards used to be an environmental lawyer, but that was before his life was turned upside down by a cruel twist of fate. Now he’s leading a double life–of sorts–part buttoned-up businessman Alessandro, and part outback fisherman and adventurer. He’s determined to leave the businessman label behind as soon as he’s done his promised two-year obligation, and he’s sworn to never again trust his heart to any woman….
(But we all know how that’s going to work out, right?)
I really liked the early interactions between the hero and heroine–there were definite sparks there, while all the time the two were pushing each other away with both hands. There were quite a few near misses throughout that kept upping the tension nicely. I could definitely feel the frustration of the two!
The descriptions of the outback in this novel are fantastic. They make me want to visit–though perhaps not in quite the same way that Jessica does. I do like camping, but maybe not quite to that degree…at the very least, I’d want air conditioning in my vehicle. The “two by eighty system” wasn’t enough for me in El Paso, so I know I’d require a better “system” there!
Most of the novel takes place while Jessica and Alex are traveling alone across the outback, so there aren’t a whole lot of secondary characters taking a big role in the novel. Alex’s dog Bowser, though, does try his canine best to steal the show–and even got his chance to be a hero–too cute! He also played a part in the resolution of the story–thankfully after he had his bath. 🙂
There were just a few minor question marks for me in the story. For one, Alex never really explains what terrible thing he learned two years ago that made him swear off relationships, though the important part–that he gets over it–naturally occurs. Secondly, the ending itself was somewhat rushed. I enjoyed the epilogue, but much of it is intentionally vague, and once it becomes clear what’s going on, boom! it’s over. Still, though, it ends in a thoroughly satisfying manner–I’d just have liked a little more time to savor it.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. It was a nice follow up to Italian Affair, and a great way to spend a cool autumn afternoon. B+ rating.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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