Welcome to Paradise by Rosalind James

[leeshaas]

Welcome to Paradise is the first in a new romance series by Rosalind James focussing on the Kincaid family. This book introduces us to the two brothers, Gabe and Alex, who are about to compete in a reality TV show as a team. The show, America Alive 1885, revolves around two groups of contestants who need to live like people did in 1885, living in a basic log cabin, looking after livestock and fending for themselves and ultimately competing for 1 million dollars.

The heroine is Mira Walker who together with her disagreeable boyfriend, Danny is also competing for the grand prize. Gabe and Mira gets grouped together in the same team, Paradise, and sexual tension between the two is immediately apparent. You follow the Paradise team through their day to day tasks and challenges.

The author managed to bring together a whole bunch of stereotypical but charming characters. From the wholesome tofu-eating, no technology abiding environmentalists to narcissistic blondes and everybody in between. She tells the story so well you can actually feel the discomfort of wearing the same heavy clothes every day, having to take care of ablutions in a primitive way and doing laundry by boiling. But you can also imagine yourself right there as they get together under the stars to sing together or work as a team to make jam, bake pies and fish in order to survive.

I enjoyed the story. It was believable, charming and the characters were likable and a great way to escape. A definite recommend!