So much fun!
Synopsis:
Survivalist Russ Donovan is the toughest man in America, with a reality TV show to prove it. Now he’s been strong-armed into filming a new show with dainty lifestyle expert Susannah Stone. But while “At Home in the Wild” could mean millions for his family’s charity, Russ plans to put Little Susie Homemaker to the test—in the Adirondack Mountains in the dead of winter. And there’s no way she’ll be able to hack it…
Susannah is tougher than she looks. She’s had to fight her way through life, and there’s no way she’ll let a bossy mountain man show her up. When she gets him on her turf, he’s in serious trouble. But now she’s run into a bit of problem. Because no one—least of all Russ and Susannah—expects sparks to fly both on camera and off. And now everyone will see their risqué rivalry break all of the rules…
Review:
I love the idea behind this book–a survivalist/daredevil guy and Susie homemaker go head-to-head, forced to take on each other’s environment in front of an audience–so much potential! Add in fabulous characters and you’ve got a real recipe for a great story! (Pun totally intended)
Both Russ and Susannah are strong characters. They start out as rivals (such an awesome troupe!), each sure the other couldn’t possibly survive on their show and wanting to scrap the whole idea. They have some serious chemistry, though, and hidden strengths and talents that even they didn’t expect. Soon respect gives way to something more…but can it lead to something lasting?
Amanda Usen does a great job of pitting the two against each other, and then making us–and eventually them–believe that Russ and Suze have a real chance together. Suze’s fourteen-month-old son Billy adds both comic relief and some truly adorable moments (be warned–the Russ/Billy combo might cause ovary combustion!), and Russ’s use of social media had more than just Suze’s heart melting.
Toward the end things got a little fast–Russ’s resolution with his parents was fairly abrupt and almost too easy, and the real reason behind the Russ/Suze series collaboration was a bit of a stretch. Still, I couldn’t find it in me to take off more than a half a star. I had a total blast reading this one, and am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series. Bring on more men of the zodiac; I’m ready for them!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | More Buying Options
About Amanda:
Amanda Usen knows two things for certain: chocolate cheesecake is good for breakfast, and a hot chef can steal your heart. Her husband stole hers the first day of class at the Culinary Institute of America. They live in Western New York with their three children, one gerbil, four fish, a tortoise, and a beagle. Amanda spends her days teaching pastry arts classes and her nights writing sexy contemporary romance. If she isn’t baking or writing, she can usually be found reading a book and trying to get out of cooking dinner.
Connect with Amanda: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
Daily #giveaways and 1 Grand Prize up for grabs during the blitz for IMPULSE CONTROL, an Entangled Indulgence novel by Amanda Usen!
He can’t resist a challenge. She can’t resist a dare…
To celebrate IMPULSE CONTROL, there will be daily #giveaways on each day of the blitz! Each day THREE winners will receive a signed print copy of one of Amanda’s backlist titles (international winners will receive a digital copy). Daily drawings will be held at 4:00pm EST and winners will be announced on Amanda’s Facebook page and on Twitter. And wait, there’s MORE! The grand prize winner, chosen at the end of the blitz, will #win a digital copy of each new release in the Men of the Zodiac Series, as they release each month, for a total of 12 books over the year! Winner will be announced on Amanda’s Facebook and Twitter at the end of the blitz. Winners will need to contact Amanda with their preferred digital book, email address and shipping address, at amanda AT amandausen DOT com.