MARION LENNOX’ “HER OUTBACK RESCUER”: HATE THE NAME, LOVE THE HERO

RATING GUIDE:

 

5 – A keeper!   

4 – Very good

3 –  Passable

2 –  I’d rather read a telephone book

1 – An absolute bomb.  Read at your own risk!

Romance authors usually give their heroes truly wonderful, handsome names like Cade or Taylor … so, it’s truly a shame that Marion Lennox named her hero Hugo, which I think is more a name I’d associate with a mad scientist’s hunchbacked assistant than a hunk.

However, as ugly as I think the hero’s name is, Marion Lennox’ The Outback Rescuer is a very enjoyable book to read.  The book is about Amy, a ballet dancer who gives up her career so she can take care of her sister, who is recovering from a bad marriage and the loss of her baby. 

It is on this train ride that Amy meets Hugo, a commando (AND a billionaire --- what a combination!) who’s accompanying his grandmother on the trip.  Hugo’s trained military eye can’t help but notice Amy’s strange behavior while dining on the train (slicing pieces of steak and hiding them in her table napkin).  Soon, he discovers the reason Amy has been doing just that.  It’s a BIG secret, something that could get Amy and her sister thrown out.  So, Hugo comes to Amy’s rescue by pretending to be her boyfriend. 

Hugo’s matchmaking grandmother is thrilled with Hugo and Amy’s scheme, for she wants Hugo to get married.  Hugo’s grandmother invites Amy and her sister for a short vacation at their estate.  Soon, Amy and Hugo find themselves falling hard for each other.  The problem is, they both have their responsibilities:  Amy has her sister, while Hugo has his family’s business empire to run. 

There’s a lot of humor in this book, which makes the book so fun to read.  Hugo’s meddling grandmother is so hilarious.  But the best part of this book is Hugo.  Like I said, I hate Hugo’s name, but he’s probably among the more lovable romantic heroes I’ve read about so far.  There’s just something heart-melting about a stern man who turns into a softie when it comes to his grandmother, or someone who saves a dog steak bits from his own dinner … sigh! 

RATING:  4 1/2