Wild Thing

When Toni Russo, an emotionally scarred and frankly whiny New York goth, heads into the rugged Idaho wilderness for a work project, an unexpected and unlikely romance springs up between her and sexy river guide Hunter Kincaid in this clumsy opposites-attract series starter. Managing the Action Models agency keeps hapless Toni’s hands full as she also battles her lust for Hunter, her fear of the wilderness, and the personal demons that keep her from seeing Hunter as more than a fling. Hunter appears to like Toni despite her attempts to push him away and a multitude of tiresome miscommunications and assumptions. Kaye (Yours for the Taking) takes a fun concept and grinds it into an overblown tale featuring an underwhelming heroine. Secondary characters, such as Hunter’s sister, Karma, provide more interest and hope that future series titles will be better. (Dec.)