Castaways is the first book in Lily Harlem’s new reverse harem series – The Challenge. It tells the story of Olivia Bailey, a young woman who has signed up for The Challenge – a once in a lifetime trip across the Pacific with a team of experienced mariners. Each person in the team has a speciality, and the idea is that between them, with their combined skills, they’re set up for anything that’s thrown at them. Unfortunately, this theory is tested to the extreme. When disaster strikes, Olivia quickly discovers just how valuable her fellow crew members are, each in their own way. Each of the men are very different, but they all have one thing in common – Olivia’s attracted to them, and them her. Will this unusual setup bring the crew together as they battle to survive, or threaten to tear them apart?
This was a unique and page-turning read. The plot of the book is strong, but it also lends perfectly to setting up the reverse harem element. Olivia is a strong, smart woman who knows what she wants, and it’s intriguing to discover how things progress. Each of the guys are sexy, and have their own charms, but I suspect every reader will have their favourite/s – I certainly did. The bonus being – you don’t have to root for anyone, because this is reverse harem – she gets with them all!
Overall, this is a book I’d definitely recommend for fans of reverse harem (or those open to trying something different within erotic romance) – I’m looking forward to checking out the next book in the series.