Rue Allyn
The story starts with an annual challenge between two very successful and wealthy young men. The company they run selects its’ CEO on the basis of this challenge from the current junior to the existing post holder.
This year Adam is challenged to survive without access to his money and business connection for eight weeks.
Meanwhile Dierdre is in the process of getting herself sacked from her job helping the disadvantaged.
Adam’s clunker of a loan car overheats in the Michigan wilderness. While he is searching for water, he finds a sick cat. Moved by the cat’s plight he carries in his arms as he searches for help, for the two of them.
With no job, and thanks to her ex, Paul, who had betrayed her trust and run off with her money, no savings. Dierdre needs somewhere to take stock and rebuild her life.
The two meet on the porch of Aunt Shea’s farm and animal refuge. It is a long way from love at first sight.
The story is one of disdain and dislike turning to longing and lust but where will it end?
The story is essentially about the interactions between these three characters, Adam, Dierdre and Shea. With three minor characters in support. Oh, and the cat, well sort of.
The story is well written, and it is possible to empathise with the characters as they pass from trial to tribulation. However, I found a number of unresolved threads, sub plots that appear and disappear, a little distracting. As a matter of personal taste, I found Dierdre lack of willingness to talk honestly and Adam’s determination to win the bet frustrating.
Overall, despite these nit-picks, it is an enjoyable read, great for a summer’s day in the garden or an autumnal read in the sun lounge.
I’ll give it 4 Stars for being a pleasant piece of non-taxing fluffiness.