Beautiful descriptions of Alaska. Really wanted to visit after I'd read this. Can I just say that I am a massive fan of Ms Albert, but for some reason this one just didn't hit the mark as far as I was concerned.

Both of the main characters are extremely broken, and their problems (from which they'd suffered for years), just seemed to be over and done with, at least in Griffin's case, in no time. I just didn't feel a connection between the two of them out of the bedroom. 

I really cannot put my finger on why, but the story left me feeling uncomfortable. One reason I can identify was that whilst Griffin made it clear that he wasn't looking for any type of connection with River, River persisted and wouldn't leave it alone On occasion there are times when they get together and it doesn't feel right, I love romance, and I just wasn't feeling it here. It all felt rushed, and somehow fake.

The story is beautifully written, but it somehow just didn't work, I'm not even sure that I liked either of the MCs, especially River. Saying that though, I usually love this lady's work so much, I will give the next book a try. Maybe it's just me 🤷

My review never posted so I wanted to make sure it was sent. I enjoy Alberts writing and this book was another great story from her. She writes characters who are fully developed and creates beautiful worlds for them.

Thank you so much to the publisher for approving me. This was a DNF for me. The story was just kind of bland and not quite up to par to what I expected from the author’s previous books.

<b>1.5⭐️</b>

Finally Finished! Took two years, but I finally finished. Putting it down, going back, hoping that I was just in the wrong headspace for this book, I finally had to accept I just did not like these two guys together. I don't mind angst, but these guys had so much baggage (on top of not getting along in the beginning because of they're completely opposite personalities), I honestly felt they were forcing a relationship.

They had decent chemistry during their fling and had moments of true rapport, but when the inevitable bumps come after a seemingly loooong journey to not hating each other, they do more than show how much each man needs to work on himself, it honestly makes me think they might be better apart. Particularly as the story does that thing where it's clear the author either has a favorite character and/or believe one person in the argument was in the wrong but the text says something different. I mean I made it to 85% when I hit my limit and thought Grumpy Griffin could do better than River; he was just so bratty both when they were BOTH melting down and when Griffin came to apologize, I had to walk away...for 2yrs.

I mean, Albert always brings complex, real characters, just this time I felt like these two just didn't fit. But for those who love a lot of angst, heavy emotional trauma and opposites attracting, this may be more your jam.

Huh. This book might not have been the best book to try and start getting back into reviewing. The book is dealing with some HEAVY HEAVY themes. Eating disorder, recovery, toxic friendships…

I’ve seen widely diverging reviews on Goodreads for this book and it has its flaws but I quite enjoyed it. The setting was unfamiliar, the guys were….COMPLICATED. The relationship itself was complicated. Griffin and River are, at this point, such different people. And River is very very persistent in his pursuit of Griffin, which, we as readers, kind of know Griffin doesn’t hate, and tends to kind of like, but it can also be read as… Too Much.

River is…well. Former model, someone with no home right now, complex past issues related to family, and toxic friends. REALLY TOXIC FRIENDS. We only briefly meet Francesca but DAMN I HATED HER. She’s very insensitive to River’s recovery and body image issues, she fetishises gay men… She’s problematic all around, and I was super glad that River realised that she is toxic.

Griffin’s mum, sisters, and the women on the photography tour that starts it all, however, were great characters so it is not like there is only one female character that is problematic.

The pacing of the book was a bit so-so but it did keep my attention and I was interested in what the characters would do. The resolution felt a bit rushed but it was quite satisfactory. I ended up quite liking it, and I am excited about reading the next book in the series. 🙂

With incredibly difficult pasts individually it's no wonder that together they had trouble. River and Griff had chemistry, that's for sure, and when they finally acted on it there was all kinds of steam and promise. It didn't stay promising, however, when insecurities and frustrations were tested by pressure and weakness.

I struggled with this story, but was also very moved. The topics were so difficult to tackle and I appreciated the way Annabeth wrote about them. Eating disorders and sobriety are tricky because the responses, triggers, and causes vary from person to person and can even vary throughout the day for some. What I appreciated most was that the necessary recovery and plans for dealing with it in the future were up to each individual and they didn't end up in a codependent mess trying to save one another from bad decisions. It took a very hurtful day together to see that things couldn't continue as they were. Only after they got themselves, mostly River, back on track with healthy habits and support did they make their way back to one another.

This story was tough to get through as it wasn't what I expected, it was better, but it had to hurt for it to be truly appreciated. Griff and River worked it out after hard work, painful adjustments, and a whole lot of honesty. A rocky beginning, a devastating middle, and a triumphant ending marked this story and I am so on board for it and the rest of the series.

I love stories about Alaska and the people who live there. I also love stories about men who find each other in improbable circumstances. This is a great romance.

This was an enjoyable read. The setting felt almost like a third character in the book. However, as much as I was invested in the main characters (both individually and in their romance), I struggled with the pacing. The book feels overly long and I found myself bored at times. While overall I did enjoy the story, the most memorable thing about a romance book should be the romance, not the location and scenery.

Griffin Barrett works for his family’s transportation and tourism business in Alaska. While the others enjoy leading the tours, Griffin much prefers the solo jobs. After losing someone he loved and battling alcoholism, Griffin likes the quiet life and relishes his privacy. However, when his mother needs him to pitch in and lead a tour, Griffin knows he can’t refuse, especially after all his mom has done for him.

After burning out on life as a high fashion model, River has made a name for himself as a writer, documenting his travels all over the world. River has faced his own demons, including his mother’s death and battling an eating disorder, but he copes by constantly moving. When he joins an Alaskan tour group, River expects nothing more than fodder for his next book, but he isn’t prepared for the sexy mountain man leading the group.

River is interested in Griffin right away, but Griffin is more hesitant to get involved. However, when the men end up unexpectedly sharing a hotel room for a few days, they finally act on the attraction between them. River and Griffin enjoy each other’s company throughout the tour, and when it ends, neither is ready to give up on the fledgling romance they are building. But with Griffin eager to return home to his quiet life, and River always wanting to keep moving, finding a way to be together won’t be easy.

Arctic Sun is the first book in Annabeth Albert’s new Frozen Hearts series and this book is most definitely a love letter to the beauty of Alaska. The setting plays such a prominent role in the story, particularly during the tour portion of the book. Albert paint such lovely pictures as she describes the vast wilderness and beautiful, off-the-beaten path locations, I could see it all so clearly in my mind. I particularly liked how we get to see more remote spots that may not be on the typical tourist destination list. This was my favorite part of the book and I just loved how Albert brought it all to life.

The story is very character driven and both Griffin and River are layered and well developed. They are men who seem quite different on the surface, but who both are haunted by demons and memories from their past. What differs is how they cope, and River keeps himself constantly moving from one adventure to the next, while Griffin has hunkered down to a quiet life he doesn’t like to leave. As the men make it through both smooth and difficult times together, we can really see how their personalities and their struggles have shaped them and their dynamic with each other. These guys do have a lot to unpack, however, and despite the quite long story, I think there is a lot that doesn’t fully get addressed. For example, we know River’s experience as a high fashion model living a fast-paced life has left him majorly burnt out, but this part of his past is barely touched on in the story, despite the set up. So there was a lot happening here and not all of it gets fully covered.

My biggest issue with the story is that I didn’t really feel the connection between Griffin and River that I wanted. Things start off a little rocky as River is definitely interested in pursuing a fling with Griffin who, while he finds River attractive, is not interested in a hookup. River is pretty darn persistent despite all the times that Griffin says no, and I found it off putting. River even notes how he would never push, and makes mention of consent, but yet he still pushes nonetheless. Here we are in River’s POV:

"Oh, he was going to get Griffin in bed before the end of the trip, and that was just a fact. But when he did, Griff would come willingly, and it wouldn’t be because River had made a pest of himself. Pushy wasn’t part of River’s MO. He did like the thrill of the hunt so to speak, but he’d give Griff plenty of space to sort himself out."

To me, the fact that he sees this as a hunt, that he has decided he will get Griffin in bed despite Griffin’s earlier refusals, doesn’t sit with me as someone who isn’t “pushy.”

Once the guys get together, there are elements that worked for me between them, but other areas where things never really settled in. They have such fundamentally different perspectives on life, differences that mean some drastic changes for them to work out as a couple long term. And we never really get to see how they make it work at that point beyond highlights in an epilogue. So the chemistry was a little off for me. I don’t think it was helped by the fact that that is a long book (about 350 pages) and the story dragged for me at times. So there wasn’t quite the spark I needed between the men to carry such a long story.

Despite my issues, I did enjoy this first installment in the series. We get some nice bits here about the MC for the upcoming book, so I am definitely intrigued. I liked the set up here of the family business and the wilds of Alaska, so I am looking forward to seeing what Albert brings us in the upcoming books.

Annabeth Albert quickly became a favorite author to read from her out Of Uniform series to this series, I can never seem to put a book down.

*~~*ARC kindly provided from the publisher/author to me for an honest review *~~*

Full review to come

5 stars

4.5 stars

I 💗 LOVED Arctic Wild by Annabeth Albert, it unfolded with literacy brilliance while being set to the backdrop of breathtaking scenery all while the reader was enveloped by the growing connection these two shared

When hot shot attorney Reuben Graham finally takes a vacation… escaping to the breathtaking landscape of Alaska his path collides with local guide Tobias “Toby” Kooly.

I adored the use of Reuben’s daughter, Amelia; her character really adds to the lesson that life is really about finding YOUR path and surrounding yourself with those who build to up and add value to your life.

I continue to be blown away by this author’s talent and her ability to pull the reader in while she creates real feel characters the reader can root for!

The life Reuben and Toby craft is so perfect for them… the closing pages of this book had my heart signing and my eyes savoring each last word!

Sometimes a book just speaks to you and this book was that for me. I love to travel and I'm very outdoorsy. Nothing settles me like being outdoors and hiking/camping. I also do photography which one of the MC's (Griffin) does. I loved the detailed descriptions of the scenery and it made me long to go to Alaska (which is already on my bucket list).

My real draw though was River. His character spoke to me for a lot of personal reasons. He was one of those characters that you see yourself in and I really felt for him in so many scenes, for so many reasons.

I love the two of them together. Their road wasn't easy and both were difficult in their own ways. Their relationship development felt realistic to me and I loved how it played out. I'm a big fan of this author in general but I think this is one of my favorites of her books. It's one I will re-read.

**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

Another win from Annabeth Albert! I really love the romance stories that she creates and totally adored grumpy Griff and River! This was a fun, fast paced book that had me smiling from start to finish. I was only sad that it was over.

This was good. My parents just went to Alaska in June and they said it might be the most beautiful place they have ever seen. I believed them and this book just adds more proof.

I loved the setting of this book. Although I am sure words just can’t do the scenery justice I feel like the author did a great job of putting the reader in Alaska and providing a great visual with just using words on the page.

Addiction scares me in my books. I don’t think I realized this was a thing in this book but I feel it was done realistically and it made the story more instead of uncomfortable. I am glad that Griff, on his own, realized what he needed.

I think my favorite part of this story aside from the setting was that it took time. This wasn’t instalove or even easy love. This was hard and at times felt impossible but it was worth it and they tried and it was such a great reward. If felt more real and what I think would have really happened.

I liked the family aspect of this story but did not like Griff’s Mother, at all. I think she was rude and although she was I guess trying to help, her making Griff feel like he couldn’t have anything but the family business was just unfair and cruel. The whole part with River’s Dad though? Yeah, I love a great reconciliation story and it felt so good.

I think we probably all have at times felt we weren’t deserving of something good in our lives. I know for me I am my hardest critic. So yeah, I find it beautiful when two people can relate to that and see that in each other but also help them believe they do deserve it and really, that is what this story was all about.

I didn’t read the excerpt from the next book at the end, but I do look forward to reading the next installment.

"You need me to do what?" is the amazing opening line that welcomes us into Arctic Sun. Griffin's uncle has asked him to lead a tour group for a week-long trip that's part scenic outdoor Alaskan adventure and part on the ground live-action photography class. Griffin would prefer to stay in the comfort of his cabin, sticking with the routines he put in place to ensure his sobriety, but he understands the need and loves his family, so he steps in to take his uncle's place as tour guide and goes to welcome the group that's just arrived. One of those guests is a beautiful blue-haired literal celeb who immediately crushes on him. And so it begins!
Fair warning: Unlike basically every other Annabeth Albert book, the military plays a very small role in Arctic Sun. Griffin's got a bit of a limp due to an injury from his time in the military, and we're told that he has surgery scars and burn scars on his back and shoulders when River notices them, but there's no discussion or conversation about it.

This story's got some really excellent overthinking; about coming out to each other, not ordering alcohol, figuring out sex with a new person, deciding on easy foods to eat, and doing all of that while you're with a group of strangers on a roadtrip where you need to look like you've got it together.

Hopefully it was just the formatting of the review copy that made the perspectives a bit tricky to keep track of --I couldn't always tell whose POV I was reading from or when it had switched. But each chapter was amazing, regardless. And bonus: Both guys are out and on-page identify as pan and bi!

River is a supermodel-turned-author who signed up for this trip as inspiration for the followup to his Eat Pray Love-esque book, which he needs to finish writing ASAP. He's highly aware of the professional pressures he's under, but he's also openly flirting with ya boi Griff. Griffin's super focused on getting through this stressful being-a-guide thing, but he's also very aware of River's hotness. Which is new, because Griffin's been unsure how / if his libido functions when he's sober, something he hasn't felt comfortable enough to experiment with yet. As Griffver (guys I'm so sorry but I just accidentally made a ship name and now it has to stay) spends time together, Griffin he finds that he enjoys the person he allows himself to be around River, and so he indulges in exploring the possibilities with him. It's a really beautiful, exciting thing to see Griffin bloom. The sexual turning point happens when there's the classic mixed-up cabin booking situation and they end up sharing a room.

"Lying here like this, I keep thinking of the hundreds of summer camp fantasies I've had over the years." Griffin was going to hate himself for this later but he couldn't stop the words from coming out. "Yeah? Like what?"

and !!! Things get HEATED! Like!!!! Wow. I did NOT truly did GET roleplaying until this very moment and wowwwww. Did Annabeth Albert just create an 'accessible roleplay' sub-genre because... I'm 1000% IN!

Arctic Sun gives us neck biting, first-time fantasy fulfilling, and trying-to-be-quiet-so-the-room-next-door-doesn't-hear-us sex. There's private-seaplane sightseeing trips, sex-toy enjoying and even a movie premiere! The couple enjoys art together, shares their food, photographs and coloring-book masterpieces; often sitting together quietly to simply enjoy their surroundings.

The sex is incredible on many levels, but the romance of Arctic Sun is very much in the idea of Love being an action. River and Griffin are sooo accommodating, generous and patient with each other! And they're never condescending or forceful or controlling. When they're scared or worried or hesitant about something, they say so. The compassion and kindness and genuine care between them; there were moments that absolutely floored me.

I found a hopeful joy in this story having two men who talk openly; saying what they feel, without pretense or ego or subtle avoidance. It’s a special, unique thing I want in more stories. And their open discussions of their coping mechanisms and what they struggle with --more of that, please! especially in men!

So, they have this amazing trip together, and then they have to go back to their lives in different parts of the world. But they find ways to see each other. They text and email, sending adventure stories and photographs, planning trips to visit. We get to enjoy some lovely 'You came to see me!' giddy airport scenes. I love that this story is about two people choosing to try, to go, to make it work and spend the time together. They do what feels good and important and special between them. and they don't fix each other. Griffver (yes, it's a thing now) makes their relationship a constant conversation, something that's continually building.This quote sums it up perfectly:

"Maybe it's not that we're perfect for each other. But that we're imperfect --this is a place where I don't have to be perfect. And you don't either. And we don't have to be perfect together."

(But they are!!)

Content warnings: I'm super happy to be able to say that this book opens with content warnings and contact numbers for anyone dealing with those issues. The opening mentions sobriety, eating disorders, substance use disorders and alcoholism. In addition to those, be aware that there is: discussion of grief and loss (Griff's best friend/unrequited love, Griff's dad, and River's mom have died), mention of Griff's past gambling debt and bad credit, mention of hospitalization (River was hospitalized for his eating disorder and speaks frankly about it), toxic friends and their on-page drug use, mention of Griffin's injury surgery and burn scars, mention of ATV fatalities from riding helmet-free.

I tried reading this when I got approved by NetGalley month ago, but I somehow wasn't in the mood for it, because I put it aside to read something else and apparently never picked it up again. I made up for that by giving it another try today.

But I still wasn't satisfied by it. The pacing was off - I never thought I would say this, but it was too slow for me -, I felt no chemistry between River and Griffin whatsoever and while I'm normally a big fan of angsty books, this one didn't do it for me. I liked that the characters weren't perfect, but they were so damn insecure. It was driving me mad.

I don't really know why I didn't like this book. I've read probably 15 books by Annabeth Albert prior to Arctic Sun and I enjoyed them all in various degrees, but most of them I rated quite high, none got a 2 star rating though. Arctic Sun is going to get that and be the first Annabeth Albert book that gets one from me. I'm not sure if I will pick up another book of this series. Probably not, maybe Annabeth Albert and I are meant to go our separate ways now, after her books slowly declined for me the more I've read. We'll see.

Rating: 2 stars

Stevie‘s review of Arctic Sun (Frozen Hearts, Book 1) by Annabeth Albert
Contemporary Bisexual Romance published by Carina Press 01 Apr 19

I’ve loved every series I’ve read by Annabeth Albert so far, with their different locations and varied professional links between the heroes. I was particularly excited to start reading her latest series, although other time pressures got in the way for a while, since I’ve previously enjoyed a range of other genres – in multiple media – set in Alaska. This time around our local hero is Griffin, a former Air Force pilot now working in his family’s tourism and air-transport business, while our hero from outside the area is River, a supermodel turned travel writer. When Griffin’s uncle has to undergo knee surgery, Griffin reluctantly takes over his next scheduled tour: taking two married couples and River on a wildlife photography trip by air and back roads for ten whole days.


When the two single guys meet, there’s a definite spark between them, but both have sworn off relationships for very different reasons. Griff has had his heart broken once, when his best friend and long-time unrequited crush died, while River never stays in one place too long for reasons beyond the fact that his agent and editor are clamouring for him to turn in a new book just as the movie adaptation of the first is about to be released. On top of that, River comes across as a bit of a party animal, while Griff finds socialising tough, especially since he’s a recovering alcoholic. Nonetheless, the trip goes ahead with the two couples – two women, and a man and a woman – joining our guys and the whole party heading out into the wilderness.

Griff soon picks up on River’s slightly odd eating habits and makes sure that every stop has River-friendly food at it, although it’s a while before he discovers that River is also in recovery – in his case from an eating disorder. The two grow close, especially when they are forced to share a room at one stop, but remain adamant that whatever develops between them is strictly for the trip – and maybe a few visits afterwards.

I found this book more difficult emotionally than I was expecting. Some of River’s habits were a little triggering for me, and I had a deep-seated response to the idea of him getting involved with someone at least as damaged as he was. On the other hand, I also felt for Griff the first time he found himself catapulted into the world of River’s old modelling crowd and could definitely sympathise with his plan to save up for a cabin at some distance from his busy and at times overprotective extended family. I also liked the relationship between Griff’s mother and his uncle, though I’d have liked to see a little more of it overall, and the married lesbians were cute.

Overall, this probably wasn’t the best book for me, but I’m still looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Grade: C

I was going through a reader’s block and I thought this book will be a light and fluffy romance, full of coziness and wintery warm hugs.

BOY WAS I WRONG!

That does not mean I did not like this book, though. I actually loved it a lot. Bonus: it got me out of my block hahah.

So...

We have Griff. A 37-38 recovering alcoholic, family-oriented and very VERY awkward in social situations (boy, can I relate). Griff is a very grumpy boy, who does not appreciate his mother guilt-tripping him into taking the leadership of the tour group that his uncle is unable to guide. You see, our Griff doesn’t like people and hates socializing, so of course he tries to get out of this situation at first (spoilers: no luck.)

Enter River, a 29 year old ex-model turned writer. River appears to be everything that Griff despises and a complete opposite of himself: a social butterfly.

We have the typical cliché of awkward attraction turning into a sex-for-fun turning into real feelings story. But WAIT A MINUTE.

They have TONS AND TONS of baggage!

Like I mentioned before, Griffin is a recuperating alcoholic and River is struggling with a eating disorder. So keep that in mind before reading this story is this is triggering for you. The author and the actual book DO warn you about this and the situations are quite descriptive.

Coming back to the story, our MC will need to figure themselves out before deciding what they want from each other. I found this very refreshing, as the author leaves quite clear that they are not the cure for each other problems.


Overall, a very nice read and I recommend it to anyone who want ma to read a cliché but with a deep twist.


Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.

FR- Alors alors…. alors j’adore la plume de Annabeth Albert et je dois dire que j’étais un peu triste à l’idée que Out Of Uniform, sa précédente série, étaient terminée.

Aussi, quand j’ai apprit qu’Annabeth Albert sortait une nouvelle série, je me suis jetée sur ce premier tome.
Et j’ai énormément adoré.
Cette série est différente de sa précédente, tout comme Out Of Uniform était différente de sa série #Gaymers.
J’ai aimé qu’on change un peu d’univers et qu’Annabeth Albert nous propose des personnages différents de ceux qu’on avait l’habitude de croiser dans Out of Uniform.
Je vais m’arrêter là pour les comparaisons entre les deux séries parce que nous avons là un tout nouvel univers et de nouveaux personnages.
Alors oui, Griffin est un ex militaire mais ça sera le seul point commun. Parce que si Griffin, est un personnage abîmé, fragile , pour une fois, ses problèmes ne sont pas directement liés à son séjour dans l’armée.

Face à lui, le personnage de River est lumineux. C’est un personnage que j’ai énormément aimé et qui cache un lourd passé. Pour autant, j’ai aimé la façon dont il va aller de l’avant et toujours voir le bon coté des choses.
La relation entre les deux personnages est très bien amenée et naturelle et on se prend très vite au jeu de leur amour et on se laisse emporter avec plaisir.

Un autre point totalement envoûtant de ce roman est le cadre. C’est le deuxième roman que je lis qui se passe en Alaska et on a qu’une envie : y aller!!! Les paysages magnifiques décrits par Annabeth Albert nous font voyager et rêver au fil des pages.

En résumé un très très bon roman . une auteure qui nous livre là encore un nouvel univers complètement dépaysant et des personnages originaux et attachants. Une très bonne série en perspective.



ENG- So well well well… I love the pen of Annabeth Albert and I must say that I was a little sad that Out Of Uniform, her previous series, was over.

Also, when I learned that Elizabeth Albert was releasing a new series, I couldn’t wait for the first volume.
And I really loved it.

This series is different from her previous one, just as Out Of Uniform was different from her #Gaymers series.
I liked that there’s a change in the universe and that Elizabeth Albert offers us new characters, different from those we used to meet in Out of Uniform.

I’ll stop there for comparisons between the two series because we have a whole new universe and new characters.

So yes, Griffin is ex-military but it will be the only thing in common. Because if Griffin is a damaged, fragile character, for once, his problems are not directly related to his stay in the army.

Facing him, River is bright. I loved him a lot and even if he hides a heavy past he is really positiv . For all that, I liked how he go ahead and always see the good side of things.

The relationship between the two characters is very well brought and natural and we quickly get caught up in their love story and we get carried away with pleasure.

Another captivating point of this novel is the setting. This is the second novel that I read that is set in Alaska and we just want to go there! The beautiful landscapes described by Annabeth Albert make us travel all alond the novel.

In summary a very very good novel. An author who gives us here again a new , exotic and original world and very endearing characters. A very good series in perspective.