In need of the money, Lydia Smith happily signed up to ‘flee for her life’ on a survivalist reality show but finds herself contemplating running for the hills instead when her partner turns out to be her one-night-stand Tom Dereborn.

The two shared an unforgettable weekend of passion a year ago, but she hasn’t heard a word from him since. Now, trapped alone with Tom, with the show’s ‘hunters’ on their tails, suppressed emotions boil over and the past starts repeating itself. Soon it’s more than just the money that’s at stake – it’s also Lydia’s heart!

My Review:

Having made a memorable splash with her debut novel “Love Under Contract,” Cassie Connor is back with a unique take on a reality TV trope, blending a mix of second chances, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy vs. sunshine, and a dash of suspense!

A connection between strangers unlike any other. Two nights of unbridled passion. The memory burns deep in the recesses of Lydia Smith’s mind until that memory turns into reality when she lays eyes on the one man who has ruined her for any other. Tom Dereborn turned her life upside down, but just as quickly as he swooped in, he was gone. A year had passed with no contact, no reunion, nothing but memories of the best weekend of her life. Now, they are reunited as unexpected colleagues on a work trip, and he pretends not to know her or even acknowledge what they shared. Two can play that game until the stakes change. What should have been a brief encounter on a business trip has turned into a living nightmare. Hoping to save her grandmother’s house, Lydia signs up for the reality show “Fleeing for Your Life.” What she didn’t expect was to see Tom at the tryouts. Worse yet, they somehow end up partnered together. Trapped with her newfound nemesis, Lydia must decide what’s worse: not winning and watching her grandmother’s house fall into further disrepair, or being stuck with the last person on earth she wants near her heart ever again!

The reality TV aspect adds a fun twist. It introduces external challenges (weather, environment, nondescript characters) and heightens the importance of the secondary characters (the hunters, other teammates, and family members). We’re not only following Lydia and Tom, but we also get a grand tour of the countryside, complete with unpredictable obstacles from the “hunters.” As a bonus, we are introduced to Tom’s family, which reveals so much about his character and adds the missing pieces Lydia needs to create a full picture of who he is.

Cassie’s portrayal of Tom is a fascinating yet risky approach. Initially, you’re happy to accept the enemies-type connection. Tom is unpleasant, crass, and Lydia seems to have dodged a bullet. But given the luxury of a dual POV, we gradually understand that his apathetic demeanor is a defense mechanism. Whether it’s his family or his ex-girlfriend, he’s constantly made to feel like he isn’t good enough, successful enough, driven enough, or “emotionally available” enough. Despite his authentic qualities, those who should care most deem him insufficient. They dictate how he should act, dress, care, and essentially be. As we get deeper and deeper into the story, reaching a point where, under the guise of “a time out from reality,” we finally get to see the real Tom—a man who is caring, attentive, driven, determined, passionate, and deserving of Lydia, despite his beliefs to the contrary. 

His inner conflict is what makes Tom’s character fascinating; however, what makes the approach risky is the emotional whiplash he imposes on Lydia. Some may deem his erratic behavior as bordering on abusive. One moment he loves her, then it is Stockholm Syndrome, then she is everything, then she is nobody. As a reader, you are able to see what is happening, the self-doubt, and understand the sacrifice he is making for Lydia’s happiness, but from the outside (or her point of view), it’s hard to overlook the emotional detriment he is causing! The worst part is Lydia opens up to him, shares her childhood, revealing past neglect, which makes his actions even more disconcerting. While I do not believe the book in any way is attempting to normalize this type of behavior, it does cause discomfort and animosity towards his character.

The pace of the story was incredibly slow but engaging. We experience the reality show’s process in real-time, sharing every waking moment with the characters. Each day seems to be composed of two chapters, providing a dual perspective and allowing the reader to always know where the minds of the characters are at any point in the story. This choice of narrative created a 360-degree reveal that was suspenseful and engaging, with the romance taking a backseat.