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Isle of OZ -- An Accidental Adventure
**FULLY REVISED and UPDATED 09/2017** When the feisty and quick-tempered Olivia Pavarotti left her home in Ames, Iowa to meet her fiancé in the Cook Islands, she never expected she'd find herself instead that very same evening bobbing on the open sea in a life raft with a complete stranger.
When Navy Seal Commander Zackariah Steele set out on his vacation from Coronado for Aitutaki, he never expected to be suddenly trying to survive on a deserted, uncharted tropical island with a snotty, sarcastic redheaded Iowa reporter, either.
Then just when rescue seems possible, "unfriendlies" prove their island might not be so deserted after all.
Can two total strangers -- but polar opposites -- keep each other alive long enough for help to arrive? Can Olivia and Zack hide from those unfriendlies until the rescuers find them, or will they end up killing each other simply because of their own differences? Find out in this hilariously fun tale of two people thrown together by circumstance -- but brought together by fate -- in the new book by R.T. Graham, "Isle of OZ: An Accidental Adventure".
When Navy Seal Commander Zackariah Steele set out on his vacation from Coronado for Aitutaki, he never expected to be suddenly trying to survive on a deserted, uncharted tropical island with a snotty, sarcastic redheaded Iowa reporter, either.
Then just when rescue seems possible, "unfriendlies" prove their island might not be so deserted after all.
Can two total strangers -- but polar opposites -- keep each other alive long enough for help to arrive? Can Olivia and Zack hide from those unfriendlies until the rescuers find them, or will they end up killing each other simply because of their own differences? Find out in this hilariously fun tale of two people thrown together by circumstance -- but brought together by fate -- in the new book by R.T. Graham, "Isle of OZ: An Accidental Adventure".
106 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2015
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
R.T. Graham
4 books8 followersGraham is a writer of multiple genres, including romances, thrillers and adventures, most with some laughter, intrigue, happily-ever-afters and a few bad words. Readers will find her books interesting, creative and captivating. Like all fiction, her stories are written to entertain, and in that light, she excels. Having a commercial aviator father and an artist mother, she's traveled the world, and includes her knowledge of foreign cultures and artistry in her stories when appropriate. Her books will leave you "with a smile on your face, and a song in your heart".
Graham is a hopeless romantic who lives in a tiny, historic California Gold Rush town with her husband, a toy poodle and two cats, and is a mother to a grown son.
Graham is a hopeless romantic who lives in a tiny, historic California Gold Rush town with her husband, a toy poodle and two cats, and is a mother to a grown son.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 25, 2016
I enjoyed this quick read and found the story had just enough twist and turns so that it wasn't too predictable. Olivia Pavarotti is on a plane, headed to an island called Aitutaki to meet her fiance. Instead the place goes down and Livi is rescued by the only other survivor, navy seal, Zackariah Steele. Id you've seen the movie six days and seven nights, this is a bit like that. You will find adventure, romance and suspense in a well written story.
November 7, 2017
It is not often I pick up on a story which holds my attention so well that I read it straight through with no interruptions. This is such a story. It is fast paced, enjoyable, anticipatory, filled with comedic moments, and with a romance obvious to all but the main characters of the book. This story is very well written, has believable characters, likable characters, and the line of the story flows. I have no criticisms for this book. I read it in about five hours of total reading, and that is a testament to how fast paced the story is.Thanks Ms. Graham. A work very well done indeed.
September 16, 2018
If I award “Isle of Oz” with only four stars then it is because the book’s geographical setting is a bit “too unrealistic.”
“Olivia Fiammetta Pavarotti – no relation (to the singer)” is heading the Cook Islands to meet her fiancé Glen who she is supposed to marry there. Only he doesn’t know the wedding is off. Olivia wants to tell him in person. Alas, “the puddle jumper” she uses for the last leg of the journey explodes. Totally unexpectedly, “Livi” finds herself on a life raft with handsome, rugged Navy seal Zack; everybody else is dead.
The “too unrealistic” part isn’t that Navy seal Zack and Livi survive. Livi is the daughter of a pilot. Since she sits in the front of the plane she has a good view of things and she also knows to take a brace position when the plane goes down even though there is no flight attendant to announce it. Obviously, anybody else who’d survive a plane crash has to have some skills, so why not a Navy seal?
The “bit unrealistic” part is that Livi and Zack manage to get stranded on an island in the vast nothing of the South Pacific. Aside from that, “Isle of OZ” is an excellent book, a bit in the tradition of old adventure movies (African Queen, North by Northwest, Raiders of the Lost Arc). Naturally, both, Livi and Zack, are good-looking people, Livi is a red-head which plays an important part in the book, and both of them are attracted to as well as occasionally annoyed with each other.
Together they make a spirited couple, reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
(Livi) “I’m a reporter, for a piece of crap magazine in Iowa.” “They have magazines in Iowa?” he (Zack) joked.
Both of them have failed relationships that made them wiser and also more suspicious when they see an attractive person of the other sex. And, since they are also attracted to each other, they are willing to “slug it out.” Top all of this with pirates who steal multi-million dollar yachts, a tiny island with only one drinkwater well and a skeleton (named Rib Van Winkle by Zack). Naturally, the pirates and Livi and Zack are going to meet on the island. The task at hand is to survive until the cavalry (the Navy seals) come in to save the day and Livi and Zack.
Entertaining, charming, and full of cute dating maneuvers this book is an excellent read for the beach or to be devoured on a rainy day.
4 stars, Gisela Hausmann, author and blogger
“Olivia Fiammetta Pavarotti – no relation (to the singer)” is heading the Cook Islands to meet her fiancé Glen who she is supposed to marry there. Only he doesn’t know the wedding is off. Olivia wants to tell him in person. Alas, “the puddle jumper” she uses for the last leg of the journey explodes. Totally unexpectedly, “Livi” finds herself on a life raft with handsome, rugged Navy seal Zack; everybody else is dead.
The “too unrealistic” part isn’t that Navy seal Zack and Livi survive. Livi is the daughter of a pilot. Since she sits in the front of the plane she has a good view of things and she also knows to take a brace position when the plane goes down even though there is no flight attendant to announce it. Obviously, anybody else who’d survive a plane crash has to have some skills, so why not a Navy seal?
The “bit unrealistic” part is that Livi and Zack manage to get stranded on an island in the vast nothing of the South Pacific. Aside from that, “Isle of OZ” is an excellent book, a bit in the tradition of old adventure movies (African Queen, North by Northwest, Raiders of the Lost Arc). Naturally, both, Livi and Zack, are good-looking people, Livi is a red-head which plays an important part in the book, and both of them are attracted to as well as occasionally annoyed with each other.
Together they make a spirited couple, reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant.
(Livi) “I’m a reporter, for a piece of crap magazine in Iowa.” “They have magazines in Iowa?” he (Zack) joked.
Both of them have failed relationships that made them wiser and also more suspicious when they see an attractive person of the other sex. And, since they are also attracted to each other, they are willing to “slug it out.” Top all of this with pirates who steal multi-million dollar yachts, a tiny island with only one drinkwater well and a skeleton (named Rib Van Winkle by Zack). Naturally, the pirates and Livi and Zack are going to meet on the island. The task at hand is to survive until the cavalry (the Navy seals) come in to save the day and Livi and Zack.
Entertaining, charming, and full of cute dating maneuvers this book is an excellent read for the beach or to be devoured on a rainy day.
4 stars, Gisela Hausmann, author and blogger
February 27, 2018
On her way to a remote South Pacific location to inform her fiancé their wedding was off, Livi’s plane crashes and she wakes to find herself adrift in a life raft with the only other survivor. Lucky for her, Zach is a Navy SEAL Commandeer with excellent survival skills. The current takes them to a small deserted island where they must hide from a band of yacht thieves while waiting for their rescue. Thrown together, sharing intimate details of their lives, and despite their bickering, a bond develops.
If you enjoyed the movie Six Days, Seven Nights with Harrison Ford and Anne Heche, as I did, you’ll enjoy Isle of Oz. The attraction between the characters is palpable even though they are wise enough not to act on it right away. The clear and vivid descriptions put the reader comfortably into each scene, and there is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages.
I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to lovers of sweet romantic adventure stories.
If you enjoyed the movie Six Days, Seven Nights with Harrison Ford and Anne Heche, as I did, you’ll enjoy Isle of Oz. The attraction between the characters is palpable even though they are wise enough not to act on it right away. The clear and vivid descriptions put the reader comfortably into each scene, and there is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages.
I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to lovers of sweet romantic adventure stories.
July 12, 2018
Isle Of Oz is a light-hearted, quick read.
Searching for the perfect setting for her wedding, Livi's on her way to a remote island in the South Pacific to inform her fiance, "the cheater," that their engagement is off.
The plane crashes into the ocean, and she wakes to find herself adrift in a life raft with Zach, a Navy SEAL Commander.
She soon learns that Zach, the only other survivor, saved her life, and that they're also polar opposites in every way.
The ocean's current leads them to a deserted island, or so Livi thought ...
Packed with survival skills, continual barbs exchanged, nicknames given, and eventual rescue from the killer pirates and the island, leaves us with certainty about their future destiny.
Searching for the perfect setting for her wedding, Livi's on her way to a remote island in the South Pacific to inform her fiance, "the cheater," that their engagement is off.
The plane crashes into the ocean, and she wakes to find herself adrift in a life raft with Zach, a Navy SEAL Commander.
She soon learns that Zach, the only other survivor, saved her life, and that they're also polar opposites in every way.
The ocean's current leads them to a deserted island, or so Livi thought ...
Packed with survival skills, continual barbs exchanged, nicknames given, and eventual rescue from the killer pirates and the island, leaves us with certainty about their future destiny.
September 4, 2018
Stuck on an island rescued by a Navy Seal! Oh my goodness!
A definite holiday read!
The Good
The story was fun and adventurous. It was a fun laugh out loud romance with a bit of mystery.
The Bad
Olivia was a pain in the ass. I hate to say it but I just could not connect with her. She was bloody awful. I didn't like her and she didn't make herself easy to like. It made me less eager to connect with or appreciate her. However, Zach was perfect.
The Ugly
Apart from her looks, I couldn't see what Zach saw in Olivia because she just wasn't very approachable and extremely naive.
3 Stars - definitely recommend for light reading on the plane on the way to Australia
A definite holiday read!
The Good
The story was fun and adventurous. It was a fun laugh out loud romance with a bit of mystery.
The Bad
Olivia was a pain in the ass. I hate to say it but I just could not connect with her. She was bloody awful. I didn't like her and she didn't make herself easy to like. It made me less eager to connect with or appreciate her. However, Zach was perfect.
The Ugly
Apart from her looks, I couldn't see what Zach saw in Olivia because she just wasn't very approachable and extremely naive.
3 Stars - definitely recommend for light reading on the plane on the way to Australia
November 18, 2017
Graham’s “Isle of Oz” is a fun, light-hearted adventure through the south Pacific, with plane crashes, pirates, and Navy Commandos who keep the action moving and the stakes high. There’s also a little bit of teasing tension between the main characters – who mix like oil and water from the outset – but who develop a reliance and mutual respect over time. A good quick read that will make you want to take a cruise instead of flying, ever again.
December 10, 2017
This book is amazing. The writing style of this author brought me with Skippy and Sassy throughout their journey. I used their nicknames because I was better able to identify with them versus their actual character names. How Skippy was able to use his training skills in survival to keep him and Sassy alive until help arrived was amazing. This is a definite must read.
October 19, 2017
An Enjoyable Read
Despite Olivia being an ungrateful and haughty woman, an unlikely romance develops between her and Navy seal Zach while stranded on a desert island. The story flows smoothly as does the dialogue.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
Despite Olivia being an ungrateful and haughty woman, an unlikely romance develops between her and Navy seal Zach while stranded on a desert island. The story flows smoothly as does the dialogue.
All in all, an enjoyable read.
October 22, 2017
Enjoyable read
This story is light and fast-paced.
It's a combination of a fun read, suspense, and romance.
Livi is a little difficult to like at first - but I love characters like that - and she does change throughout the story.
A perfect read for a weekend.
This story is light and fast-paced.
It's a combination of a fun read, suspense, and romance.
Livi is a little difficult to like at first - but I love characters like that - and she does change throughout the story.
A perfect read for a weekend.
February 10, 2018
I flew through this one. A funny, cute, and sweet story. I could have read it in one night if not for sleep. I'm glad I gave this one a chance! Great characters!
February 12, 2018
A good quick read which made good use of foreshadowing, but it lacked the necessary tension at the end.
June 1, 2018
Really liked this story from start to finish. Livi and Zack are a perfect pairing of oil and water that make being stranded together on an island an adventure indeed. Definitely recommend.
March 26, 2019
Fun Read
This is a very enjoyable story that had me captivated by the character interaction, and very entertained by the plot twists. Well written and worth the time!
This is a very enjoyable story that had me captivated by the character interaction, and very entertained by the plot twists. Well written and worth the time!
January 14, 2016
I read this book in 3 hours after I went to bed one night—I was still smiling after I shut off my light to go to sleep.
I’m certain any male would have been tempted to throw Olivia Pavarotti back into the ocean, when he realised how snooty and downright rude she was. He had found her unconscious in the water and pulled her into his life raft after the plane they were riding in crashed.
Navy Seal Commander Zackariah Steele has dealt with many women but never one like Olivia. She does not seem to grasp the seriousness of their situation and she shows no appreciation for the fact that he saved her life. She refuses to “take orders” from him when he tells her to eat the raw tuna that he has caught, even though he impresses upon her that it will save her life. He disgust grows and he quickly begins to give back jab for jab to her sarcasm and nasty attitude.
The handsome Navy Seal and the feisty reporter from Iowa rubbed each other the wrong way for days, even after their raft finally washed up on a deserted island. She scoffs as he deflates the raft, and his lifejacket and then uses a branch to brush away all signs of their footprints as they make their way to the treeline. She is certain that help will arrive any minute and she wants to be out in the open to make sure they are found. He is well trained and totally aware of the possible dangers. Finally, he gets it through her head that all of the people on the plane died when it plunged into the ocean, and it is highly possible that when the remains are found it will be assumed that any missing bodies were carried away by the currents.
Shocking events happen that change her attitude. She begins to respect his judgement and then she begins to acknowledge how attractive he is. He has been aware of her other more desirable attributes for days—she isn’t all smart mouth: but he still knows it’s wisest to keep things hands off.
This is a clean read, filled with temptation. There is also mystery and danger- and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the impossible way they related to each other.
I wondered about the Title—the Isle of OZ—thinking of the Wizard of Oz, or something like that, but it didn’t fit. I found the reason the island was named The Isle of OZ endearing.
If you enjoy a funny romantic tale that revolves around people who are so opposite that they would be more apt to kill each other than fall in love don’t miss this read!
I’m certain any male would have been tempted to throw Olivia Pavarotti back into the ocean, when he realised how snooty and downright rude she was. He had found her unconscious in the water and pulled her into his life raft after the plane they were riding in crashed.
Navy Seal Commander Zackariah Steele has dealt with many women but never one like Olivia. She does not seem to grasp the seriousness of their situation and she shows no appreciation for the fact that he saved her life. She refuses to “take orders” from him when he tells her to eat the raw tuna that he has caught, even though he impresses upon her that it will save her life. He disgust grows and he quickly begins to give back jab for jab to her sarcasm and nasty attitude.
The handsome Navy Seal and the feisty reporter from Iowa rubbed each other the wrong way for days, even after their raft finally washed up on a deserted island. She scoffs as he deflates the raft, and his lifejacket and then uses a branch to brush away all signs of their footprints as they make their way to the treeline. She is certain that help will arrive any minute and she wants to be out in the open to make sure they are found. He is well trained and totally aware of the possible dangers. Finally, he gets it through her head that all of the people on the plane died when it plunged into the ocean, and it is highly possible that when the remains are found it will be assumed that any missing bodies were carried away by the currents.
Shocking events happen that change her attitude. She begins to respect his judgement and then she begins to acknowledge how attractive he is. He has been aware of her other more desirable attributes for days—she isn’t all smart mouth: but he still knows it’s wisest to keep things hands off.
This is a clean read, filled with temptation. There is also mystery and danger- and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the impossible way they related to each other.
I wondered about the Title—the Isle of OZ—thinking of the Wizard of Oz, or something like that, but it didn’t fit. I found the reason the island was named The Isle of OZ endearing.
If you enjoy a funny romantic tale that revolves around people who are so opposite that they would be more apt to kill each other than fall in love don’t miss this read!
October 29, 2017
I’ve enjoyed all of this author’s books, and this one is no exception. A good quick read with enjoyable characters, filled with suspense, humor and a developing romantic relationship! Stranded on a remote deserted island following a devastating plane crash, the Navy SEAL and the upscale socialite (on her way to break up with her fiancé) learn to appreciate each other’s attributes, while the pentagon brass works to rescue them from some modern-day pirates…what more could you ask? Take a break and just enjoy. I did!!!
November 15, 2016
Oh, boy, I think I would have thrown Livi overboard if she were in my life raft! Obnoxious Livi is saved from a crashed plane by Navy Seal Zack. Together they managed to survive and land on a deserted island, despite Livi's defiant and ungrateful attitude. They end up hiding from pirates and chaos ensues. A great short read for an afternoon away ... on a deserted island!
May 14, 2018
Olivia, a small-town reporter from Iowa, has made her decision: even though she and her fiancé had been searching the whole South Pacific for a perfect island for their wedding, now that he’s found it she will meet him there and tell him she’s NOT marrying him because he lied to her – if there’s anything in the world the feisty, temperamental girl can’t stand, it’s dishonesty.
So she sets out for the island – but suddenly finds herself floating in a life raft with a total stranger! The plane has crashed, and they are the only survivors. And even though Navy Seal Zack saved her life by pulling her unconscious out of the sea, she can’t stand his bossy ways – or can she? This is one straightforward guy, clever and courageous and chivalrous… Thing is just: he isn’t interested in her, because he doesn’t like troublesome, emotional girls – or does he? Anyway, when they reach a small island, he teaches her how to survive in the wilderness, and her respect for him grows. But their feelings for each other won’t remain their only problem for long: the group of little islands they’re stranded on are also the refuge of a gang of wanted and highly dangerous drug dealers…
A highly enjoyable outdoor adventure, with lots of action, twists and turns and a great sense of humour – and most of all, a lovable couple of protagonists who will leave no one indifferent as to their fate! The sassy young reporter and the cool, experienced Navy Seal are simply made for each other, even if it takes them quite a while to realise it, and new obstacles keep popping up all the time – “Isle of Oz” (a title with a meaning, as we find out throughout the story) doesn’t leave room for a moment of boredom!
So she sets out for the island – but suddenly finds herself floating in a life raft with a total stranger! The plane has crashed, and they are the only survivors. And even though Navy Seal Zack saved her life by pulling her unconscious out of the sea, she can’t stand his bossy ways – or can she? This is one straightforward guy, clever and courageous and chivalrous… Thing is just: he isn’t interested in her, because he doesn’t like troublesome, emotional girls – or does he? Anyway, when they reach a small island, he teaches her how to survive in the wilderness, and her respect for him grows. But their feelings for each other won’t remain their only problem for long: the group of little islands they’re stranded on are also the refuge of a gang of wanted and highly dangerous drug dealers…
A highly enjoyable outdoor adventure, with lots of action, twists and turns and a great sense of humour – and most of all, a lovable couple of protagonists who will leave no one indifferent as to their fate! The sassy young reporter and the cool, experienced Navy Seal are simply made for each other, even if it takes them quite a while to realise it, and new obstacles keep popping up all the time – “Isle of Oz” (a title with a meaning, as we find out throughout the story) doesn’t leave room for a moment of boredom!
January 13, 2018
I bought this book not realising that it sat in the romance genre but it would also fit nicely within the adventure category. It is a quick read and the action was well detailed – I could see myself bobbing up and down in a life raft waiting for help to arrive. The main character Olivia comes across as rather shallow. I was annoyed with her when she refused to eat the tuna because she was a vegetarian and threw the piece of fish overboard, but the story needed a character with a light touch to balance against the dependable Navy Seal with whom she was stranded. A little light romance with some comedy thrown in for good measure.
January 29, 2019
This isn't exactly what I asked for when I asked for a feel-good, emotion-driven book, but I do have it may not have been what I asked for, but it was exactly what I needed.
This is about two strangers who survive a plane crash. Olivia is from Iowa and Zackariah who is a navy seal commander. They are polar opposites, but it makes for more entertainment. The overall story was good but the characters were awesome! I really enjoyed how much these characters made me laugh. I laughed a lot throughout the book. There was also a little bit of romance and a little bit of action as well for the thrill seekers.
I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone.
This is about two strangers who survive a plane crash. Olivia is from Iowa and Zackariah who is a navy seal commander. They are polar opposites, but it makes for more entertainment. The overall story was good but the characters were awesome! I really enjoyed how much these characters made me laugh. I laughed a lot throughout the book. There was also a little bit of romance and a little bit of action as well for the thrill seekers.
I would defiantly recommend this book to anyone.
January 22, 2025
Livi is on her way to the Cook Islands to meet up with her fiancé to break up with him, but she never gets there. Instead, she wakes up find herself floating in a life raft with Navy Seal, Zach. After a day floating on the sea, they wash ashore on a deserted Island. Now they have to learn to survive the elements, pirates, and each other.
This is an interesting story and the author does a good job of telling it. But the characters lacked depth, and that made it hard to care about either of them.
While this book wasn’t for me, I will recommend it to anyone looking for a fast story with some funny bits to pass the time.
This is an interesting story and the author does a good job of telling it. But the characters lacked depth, and that made it hard to care about either of them.
While this book wasn’t for me, I will recommend it to anyone looking for a fast story with some funny bits to pass the time.
March 28, 2018
This comic romance adventure keeps you reading, as “Skippy” and “Sassy” struggle to stay alive. Hiding from pirates, scrambling for food, and trying not to kill each other, there is plenty to keep the story interesting.
I was told that this was a clean romance, but found it a little steamy for my taste. Though they actually do nothing wrong per-say in the story, they do talk about multiple past encounters glibly and there is plenty of innuendo.
I was told that this was a clean romance, but found it a little steamy for my taste. Though they actually do nothing wrong per-say in the story, they do talk about multiple past encounters glibly and there is plenty of innuendo.
January 13, 2025
Witty and funny dialogue
This is a very short book that has packed in adventure, suspense, romance and comedy. I did find it hard to understand why the hero fell in love with the heroine and why he would want to be with her above all others. However the witty dialogue captured my interest from the start and the book is well worth reading for entertainment value. I would very happily read more of this author's work.
This is a very short book that has packed in adventure, suspense, romance and comedy. I did find it hard to understand why the hero fell in love with the heroine and why he would want to be with her above all others. However the witty dialogue captured my interest from the start and the book is well worth reading for entertainment value. I would very happily read more of this author's work.
January 15, 2025
An enjoyable, easy-to-read novelette. When Livi is involved in a plane crash, who else is it better to be with than a Navy SEAL, especially when you wash up on a desert island frequented by pirates? At first, very unsuited peoples, slowly become comrades, with very entertaining dialogue along the way. A lovely book with a happy ending.
April 23, 2017
At only 120 pages, R.T. Graham’s “Isle of OZ: An Accidental Adventure” is a short but delightful read punched up by plenty of humorous dialogue between two spirited strangers but complete opposites, Olivia and Zack, who end up stranded together—first on the sea, then on a small desert isle—after their “island-hopper” suddenly goes down somewhere in the South Pacific. Fortunately for Olivia, Zack is a Navy Seal Commander whose keen survival skills keep the two of them alive, not to mention living quite comfortably, on the tiny deserted island hideaway until a gang of drug smugglers suddenly show up, putting the pair in dire peril.
Graham’s characters are perfect foils for each other as Olivia shells out few compliments and just enough putdowns to make Zack wish he had left his co-survivor floating in the ocean. Zack—or “Skippy”, as the irascible Olivia refers to him—has the patience of a saint … a very, very old saint who had to wait a long, long time before getting his heavenly reward, while the brazen and ungrateful Olivia could easily toss Kate from “Taming of the Shrew” right out of town! From the beginning moments of their initial meeting, Zack patiently tries and tries again to get Kate … I mean Olivia, to go beyond her current potential in order to survive, but she spurns him at every turn. I can’t blame Zack for feeling like he’s been kicked in the teeth every time he tries to show the least bit of kindness to his co-survivor, and I must confess that within a few hours of their initial meeting, I was growing fond of his imaginary plots to throw “Sassy”—his pet name for Olivia—overboard and dispose of her for good!
It’s amusing to watch a man and woman engage in a few adversarial contests to build up some sexual tension, however, the iceberg between Skippy and Sassy takes a little too long to melt. Graham develops Zack’s character well. His history with the Navy Seals is revealed as are his survival skills as the story moves along at a good pace. We read about his former relationship and the impact on him as it ended. But Olivia’s character is shallow and one-dimensional. Her sole purpose seems to be telling Zack that he is incompetent and boorish despite the fact that she regularly fantasizes about him, and I don’t mean as a sushi chef. In just a day or two, she appears to have about as much feeling for her awaiting fiancée as a cold fish, and when Zack finally starts to take an interest in her, I found myself praying that he would somehow come to his senses rather than fall in love with such an irritating and petulant brat. That being said, I felt Olivia’s personality could have benefitted from a major overhaul during the author’s editing process, making her more personable, likeable, and cooperative in both castaways efforts to survive.
The purpose of a story is to emotionally connect with the reader. Graham’s novel accomplishes this task well. Sure, Olivia is a stereotype of an ungrateful and haughty woman, but so was Shakespeare’s Kate whom we all grew to love by the end of the story. All in all, this tale was a good read, with plenty of comedic moments, drama, action, and adventure. And although I did not take well to Graham’s heroine in “Isle of OZ”, the author left me wondering if a prequel was being planned featuring Navy Seal Commander Zack. What more can I say than that to convince you this novel is well worth the read?!
Graham’s characters are perfect foils for each other as Olivia shells out few compliments and just enough putdowns to make Zack wish he had left his co-survivor floating in the ocean. Zack—or “Skippy”, as the irascible Olivia refers to him—has the patience of a saint … a very, very old saint who had to wait a long, long time before getting his heavenly reward, while the brazen and ungrateful Olivia could easily toss Kate from “Taming of the Shrew” right out of town! From the beginning moments of their initial meeting, Zack patiently tries and tries again to get Kate … I mean Olivia, to go beyond her current potential in order to survive, but she spurns him at every turn. I can’t blame Zack for feeling like he’s been kicked in the teeth every time he tries to show the least bit of kindness to his co-survivor, and I must confess that within a few hours of their initial meeting, I was growing fond of his imaginary plots to throw “Sassy”—his pet name for Olivia—overboard and dispose of her for good!
It’s amusing to watch a man and woman engage in a few adversarial contests to build up some sexual tension, however, the iceberg between Skippy and Sassy takes a little too long to melt. Graham develops Zack’s character well. His history with the Navy Seals is revealed as are his survival skills as the story moves along at a good pace. We read about his former relationship and the impact on him as it ended. But Olivia’s character is shallow and one-dimensional. Her sole purpose seems to be telling Zack that he is incompetent and boorish despite the fact that she regularly fantasizes about him, and I don’t mean as a sushi chef. In just a day or two, she appears to have about as much feeling for her awaiting fiancée as a cold fish, and when Zack finally starts to take an interest in her, I found myself praying that he would somehow come to his senses rather than fall in love with such an irritating and petulant brat. That being said, I felt Olivia’s personality could have benefitted from a major overhaul during the author’s editing process, making her more personable, likeable, and cooperative in both castaways efforts to survive.
The purpose of a story is to emotionally connect with the reader. Graham’s novel accomplishes this task well. Sure, Olivia is a stereotype of an ungrateful and haughty woman, but so was Shakespeare’s Kate whom we all grew to love by the end of the story. All in all, this tale was a good read, with plenty of comedic moments, drama, action, and adventure. And although I did not take well to Graham’s heroine in “Isle of OZ”, the author left me wondering if a prequel was being planned featuring Navy Seal Commander Zack. What more can I say than that to convince you this novel is well worth the read?!
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