This is the second in the Awakened by a Kiss series and both books have the most stunningly beautiful covers. You can't help but be drawn to them. This story is told with a wink and a nod to Peter Pan and it was impressive how many references the author was able to add to the plot.

Isobel Tinker runs Mayfair's Everland Travel Shop which sets up tours for proper women to travel abroad. Her past travel experiences and language skills help her run the shop successfully. When Jason "North" Beckett, the Duke of Northumberland seeks her out it is to help with a rescue mission. North has recently inherited his title and resigned from the Foreign Office. But a cousin of his has been kidnapped with some others and is being held for ransom in Iceland by pirates. He seeks out Isobel as from a file he knows that she has lived in that country, has contacts and speaks the language.

The set up is great but there is a lot of convincing that needs to happen to get Isobel on board. There is chemistry and attraction too but Isobel knows her position in society and doesn't see a future with North. The adventure is fun and through it we learn the truth of Isobel's past and travels with the lost boys. Isobel is a strong female character and North accepts her strengths and isn't threatened by them. The author makes use of the MCs speaking directly to the reader about inner thoughts and feelings. I really enjoyed the adventure, especially visiting Iceland, but there were parts that were slow. At times I was felt I was reading and reading waiting for something to actually happen.

I definitely will look for the next in the series and other books by the author. Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

This book was written during quarantine, and the author says that she hopes the book provides as much of an escape to her readers as it did to her when she was writing it. I would say it does. There’s betrothals made in heated natural springs under the Northern Lights, perilous sea journeys with unsteady ships and unintended embraces, and adventurous escapes made by (slightly) poisoning an entire crew of pirates. Super fun, and a great escape from reality.

In the second installment in the Awakened by a Kiss series, Michaels spins a retelling of Peter Pan that puts Tinkerbell center stage.

Miss Isobel Tinker has created a quiet, respectable life as a travel agent for upper-class women. Most people would never assume she spent her youth vagabonding around Europe or that her mother was an actress, a most disreputable career. Into Isobel’s prim and proper world steps Jason “North” Beckett, the new Duke of Northumberland, and a former asset of the Foreign Office. He requires Isobel’s help to rescue a group of misguided English farmers from Iceland, a place that holds unfortunate memories for her. She rebuffs his scheme but after some bribing Isobel agrees to accompany North.

Isobel and North have an immediate attraction. He’s full of energy and naughty ideas which she tries to dissuade at every turn. During the journey to Iceland they get to know each other more and their desire for the other grows. Isobel really shines once the rescue gets underway and I loved the bits of her that were revealed. She was lively, cunning, and adventurous. I could easily see how North immediately fell for her. Michaels does a great job of creating steamy scenes that aren’t especially graphic. I enjoy all levels of steam but I know some readers appreciate less explicit writing.

The book drags a bit after the rescue for me. However, once I got to North and Isobel’s happily ever after it was so sweet. I loved how caring he was for her and the way Michaels ties up a few different story elements in the final scenes. I also loved the interactions with some of the supporting characters — Isobel’s letters to her mother, her supportive assistant, and North’s family. Plus, if you loved Declan Shaw in A Duchess A Day, he makes an appearance as part of North’s rescue squad.

Series: Awakened by a Kiss #2
Tropes: Historical Romance - 1817 England and Iceland, Class Differences, Adventure, Saviour Hero, Independent Heroine, Fairytale Retelling
Content Warning: Sexual harassment at work, Extramarital affair, Traumatic childhood event, Unexpected pregnancy and loss of pregnancy, Depression, Childhood neglect, Past death of parent and siblings

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
From the moment this book started I knew it was going to be a great read. The beginning chapter with the exchange between Isobel and Samantha had me smiling all the way through.
The author had a way of captivating the true feelings of North and the unsure Isobel. What a great story and one I would recommend. This reminded me of a Julia Quinn novel and so glad I had the opportunity to read and review it.
I don’t often give five star reviews but this was definitely 5 stars.