Love in an unexpected place

Synopsis

*** 2021 Romance Writers of America Vivian Award Finalist ***

 

Escape with this heart-warming, feel-good romance. A Romance Writers of America, Vivian Contest Finalist! 

Perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst, Shannon Stacey and Jill Shavlis.

When former Olympic champion, Michael Adams—now Canada’s hottest reality TV star—insults his fake showbiz wife on social media, he jumps on the first flight to Australia to escape the ensuing scandal. Desperate to experience ordinary life again—if only for a few weeks—he becomes “Adam”; just another tourist exploring the dusty Outback trails in a beat up truck. But with a reward out for his safe return and his fame’s nasty habit of catching up with him when he least expects, Adam needs a better disguise… and he’s just found one.

Tired of lies and liars, British Backpacker Evie Blake is taking a year out of her busy London life, looking for adventure to heal her broken heart. So when the hot Canadian she meets at the campground offers to drive her through Western Australia’s wild Kimberley region, she grabs the chance, unaware he has the world out looking for him. He’s just a down-on-his-luck traveler, right?

But when hot days turn into even hotter nights, how long does Adam have before Evie discovers who he really is?

★★★★★ REVIEWS

“A heart-warming romance, with the heat turned up!”  —Splashes into Books, Book Blogger

“A thoroughly unique and sexy debut.” —Sincerely Book Angels, Book Blogger

“An excellent debut novel… I loved it!” —NICOLA CORNICK, International Best Selling Author

“Hot and steamy, just like the Australian landscape.” —Chick Lit Central, Book Blogger

“A strong debut by a confident new author. This is no flowery, fairy tale romance, but a lusty, immediate physical attraction that grows into something emotional and mature.” —A Little Book Problem, Book Blogger

“Hot, escapist and infused with tension… I loved it!” —JULIA WILD, Award winning author of Illusions

“A sizzling romance from a sparkling new talent.” —LYNNE SHELBY, Author of There She Goes

“The perfect amount of steam to make it my kind of story.” —Lisa Loves Literature, Book Blogger

“Giulia Skye really captures the beauty and remoteness of the Australian Outback.” —Chapter & Cake, Book Blogger

My review

Evie is tired of her life, after being heartbroken by the love of her life… so she decide to leave her comfort zone in Great – Britain and goes backpacking in Australia.
There she meets Adam. He’s acting very secretive about his life and even if he claims he’s also backpacking, he seems totally unprepared!

Little does she knows that Adam is actually Olympic Swimmer Michael Adams. Being married to a showbiz wife, he is standing too much in the spotlights, what he really despises. He escapes to Australia, trying to escape all the fame. But he is afraid people will recognize him anyway. So when he meets Evie, and she doesn’t recognize him, he decides to tag along.

But how long can he keep up his charade, and how many lies can he telling? During their travel together, they realize that despite not knowing each other, the attraction between them is too hard to resist. But is it only a flirt what they are having? Or is it more? And how will Evie react when the truth comes out?

This story was the perfect getaway story in an amazing setting… I think everybody once in their life have thought about just packing your bags and leave for an adventure!
Just finding the guts to actually doing it is harder…. But Evie is determined to make this journey an experience of a lifetime and will not be stopped.

What is not to like about Evie? She is a kind, social woman, trying to see the good in everyone. She is only having trouble in letting go of the past, as she has been left by her husband, who was also her best friend for years. Somehow, she blames herself and sees herself a bit as a failure. This causes her to be very self-conscious and having a low self-esteem.

Michael/Adam wants to escape his world, as he is finding himself being pushed in a life he truly doesn’t want. For me, he is an insecure man, not knowing what he truly wants. He also is always trying to please other people.
During the story, the whole point of leaving everything behind, shows it’s meaning. He discovers, thanks to Evie, what it is what will make him happy.
He also evolves from a grumpy man, mistrusting everyone and everything, to a man who starts to open up. Michael also is feeling very guilty because of the lies he has been telling Evie and want to really come clean.

The story between Evie and Michael is really beautiful, also taking place in an amazing Australian setting. You get to know also other characters, showing you how open and kind and caring people can be.
The combination of Evie, Michael, Australia, kind people and the evolution of characters is a perfect mix!

For me, this book was a great discovery and it left me with a smile when I reached the end!