Cathy McDavid, X-treme Dating

X-treme Dating By Cathy McDavid

Tucson, Arizona firefighter Park Evenson fears nothing so her friends and family are not shocked when she applied for a spot as a contestant on the TV show X-treme Dating. However, surprising the beautiful first responder, the show accepts her. Producer Natasha Gorsky introduces Park to her dating companion Justin Mann, who is gorgeous and knows it. She also meets the cameraman Grant Hastings, who she finds much more attractive than her date. The rules are simple: do what you want as long as it is legal and ignore the camera even if it is your face.

Park follows the rule to a T, but what she wants has nothing to do with Justin and all to do with Grant. She has no trouble ignoring the camera, but not the man behind the lens. Grant reciprocates even after Natasha admonishes him for hitting on the contestant, but must wait in the wings until the first act ends before taking on the lead male role with the woman he admires and loves.

Chick lit goes reality TV in this fine contemporary romance starring an interesting "triangle". The story line is a lighthearted romp with two likable protagonists forced to tamper down their growing feelings for one another as that is not part of the contract. The story line is fun although Justin is too into himself to provide competition for the caring Grant. Readers will laugh with the antics of the cast as Grant takes Park from Justin in spite of the rules.

Harriet Klausner