The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My thoughts: This was a disappointing book for me. The basic story line is that Lucy is to marry the perfect man, Ted, and runs away. Conveniently, Tough Motorcycle Man who calls himself Panda (!) picks her up and they run away. He's rude, crude and inconsiderate. After a couple of weeks, he dumps her at the airport and tells her to go home. And so she does. She goes to HIS home. She has figured out at least that much. And that he has a great kisser. And that drives her to his summer home in Michigan.

Because she's a high profile figure, she reinvents herself. Those who have already read some of Phillips other novels, are already familiar with Lucy's story. For those who enjoyed the other books, I would suggest continuing with the story. Those stepping in, I suggest otherwise. There is nothing endearing about Lucy or Panda or Temple, Max, and just a little about Mike, Bree and Toby. Lucy and Panda are rude to one another, disrespectful, have lusty, carnal sex, and are drawn to one another while I have no idea why.

As a general rule, I avoid romance and erotica novels. This is neither. It's a story of two unlikable people who try to be something they are not and can't keep their hands off one another. Lucy tries out her alter ego she calls "Viper" and refers to herself in third person. It's boring and stupid. Sweet and privileged, she makes out a skanky bucket list and dresses the part. Meanwhile, Panda believes himself unworthy of this skanky character who, he believes (although there is little evidence to prove his theory) that she's really a sweet, innocent girl. I missed common sense dearly in this one. I also missed a reasonable story line.

As I said, if you are already a fan of the Jorik characters, keep reading. But I think you might be disappointed in dear, sweet Lucy. She loses credibility in this one. If you're just starting in on the family, you might just want to pass this one by. Not worth my time.

*I received a free copy of this book from publishing company in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.