This was okay, but in my opinion far less entertaining than other Samanthe Beck novels! I wanted more Alaska content and less time spent between the two leads still hating each other--it went on for too long!

If I ever travel to Alaska, Captivity is the town I want to visit!

This second chance romance gave me the warm fuzzies! Don't get me wrong, you'll feel the heat too, but I just loved Archer and Bridget and finding their way back to one another!

My fourth story by this author! She keeps me coming back!

Archer Ellison broke her heart four years ago when he chose his family obligations over their love, so when he shows up in her small Alaskan town, Bridget Shanahan is dead set against letting him back into her life or her heart. When she is injured, can’t fly, and she needs him, Archer jumps in to assist for a month while she heals. He uses the time to prove to Bridget she needs him more than just as a coworker.

Playing Dirty In Alaska is the second installment in the Captivity Alaska series, but I hadn’t read the first one yet and didn’t miss any backstory, so I believe it can be read as a stand alone as well. I enjoyed the steamy hot chemistry between Bridget and Archer, along with the sweet romantic moments they share. Both strong, independent, well developed characters, drew me into the story and kept me cheering them on to a Happily Ever After.

This is book 2 in the Captivity Alaska series, and while it could be read as a standalone-I would absolutely read the first book before reading this one! Bridget Shanahan is a bush pilot who wants nothing to do with responsibility. But when her brother leaves the family's airfield to her, she has to step up and be an adult. It's the last thing she wants, but she knows she has to do it. But of course this is when Archer Ellison III comes waltzing back into her life. She remembers that mistake and has no intentions of going there again! Archer has reached his goal of having a business outside of his father's. Now it's time for him to move onto his next one. Getting Bridget back however he has to, no matter how hard it will be. She may be pretending the chemistry between them is isn't there anymore, but he knows better. And after a bet sticks them together, he finally has his chance.

I really enjoyed this one! Bridget is just the type of heroine I like in that she is smart, snarky, and isn't afraid of hard work. She may come across as this woman who has a tough hide, but underneath is this soft heart that she keeps hidden. I loved her!! She isn't afraid to do the things that need to be done or to protect the people that she lets into her heart. Asher, I am still slightly iffy on. I am always on the fence when it comes to a man coming back and saying that he loves someone and wants them back. But then you find out that they were with other people while they were apart. And yes, I know they weren't together-but in my head, if you love someone enough to still want to be with them, then why are you being intimate with others?

That's the only reason I dropped this story down a star. I loved everything else about it. From the actual characters themselves to the side story that is happening, it just all pulled me in and kept me reading. And then you throw in the chemistry these two had along with their sexy times? It was pretty dang hot!!

I absolutely loved book one in the Captivity series and it left with enough of a sneak peak of this book that I knew I needed Bridget and Archer in my life ASAP! While they are standalones, I do feel like a lot of family basics and town basics are established in book one, and I loved them both, so I definitely recommend reading in order!

This book does have it's similarities to the Simple Wild series, but it was also way different enough that I didn't feel any deja vu while reading; I'll get that out of the way right away! The family airline is still a big part of the story, and flying is something that Bridget and Archer share together that brings them closer together, but I didn't feel like it was the whole story; not everyone that you know and meet in Captivity is tied to the airline.

I really loved watching Bridget and Archer find their way back to each other. Even though they had been forced to spend the last 4 years apart, watching how every more Archer had made since then was with the end goal of getting Bridget back and how well he still knew her after all that time apart was just swoony. I really liked getting inside of Bridget's head after watching her from her brother's perspective in Book 1 - the Shanahan's are still reeling from the lost of their brother, Bridget's twin (happens before Book 1, not on page), and I think Samanthe did a good job of keeping the book light and fun, while also balancing the very real grief Bridget is still processing through.

The steam in this one is just at the right level (in my opinion)- open door enough that steam lovers will be satisfied, but not overly steamy where steam toleraters will feel it's too much. Samanthe teased the next book at the end of this one, so I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to go back to Captivity again soon!

PLAYING DIRTY IN ALASKA is the second instalment in Samanthe Beck’s contemporary, adult CAPTIVITY ALASKA erotic, romance series. This is twenty-five year old, pilot Bridget Shanahan, and twenty-nine year old businessman/pilot Archer Ellison’s story line. PLAYING DIRTY IN ALASKA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary. There is a slight paranormal element to the story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier Bridget Shanahan’s twin brother Shay died when his plane slammed into the side of a mountain. In the ensuing months, LA business and investment firm Ellison Enterprises has struggled to purchase the family owned Shanahan Captivity Air, a struggle that brings former lovers Bridget Shanahan and Archer Ellison back together,

Told from third person perspective PLAYING DIRTY IN ALASKA follows businessman and pilot Archer Ellison as he attempts to win back the woman he loves. Four year earlier, Archer was forced out of our heroine’s life but has never stopped loving the woman whose heart he broke. With his arrival in Captivity, Alaska, Archer Ellison begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine but Bridget has built a wall around her heart, a wall that Archer is determined to tear down, one brick at a time. A bet between our couple finds Bridget injured and unable to fly, and Archer offers up his services in an effort to win back the woman he loves. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Bridget and Archer, and the potential fall-out as Bridget continues to struggle with issues of trust that are about to push our couple apart.

Meanwhile Bridget is unable to let go of the guilt about her brother’s death. In times of stress, Shay’s ‘ghost’ returns to talk to his sister, trying relieve our heroine of her broken heart.

The relationship between Bridget and Archer is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between two people torn apart by power and control, money and deception, family and duty. Bridget never knew the truth about Archer’s disappearance, and in the ensuing years, the anger continued to build until Bridget felt there was nothing and no one to tame her heart. Archer had never stopped loving our story line heroine, and was determined to make amends for sins of the past but proving he was worthy of a second chance meant breaking down barriers Bridget placed around her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Bridget’s brother and co-owner of Captivity Air Trace and his soon to be wife Izzy (Wild in Captivity 1) , Inn owner Rose Iquat, and her daughter Lilah; bar owner/ former Army special forces Ford Langley; pilots Wyatt ‘Wingnut’ Jensen and Maddox ‘Mad Dog’ Douglas. We are introduced to Archer’s sister Ainsley, and their father Archer Ellison II.

PLAYING DIRTY IN ALASKA is a story of grief and loss, family and relationships, friendships, secrets, power and control, second chances and love. The premise is emotional, tragic and compelling; the romance is spirited and fated; the characters are sassy, broken, and energetic.



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(2.5 stars)

There was a lot to enjoy about this *very* steamy romance novel, but my ultimate conclusion is that it was too unbelievable. The back and forth between Bridget and Archer drug out a bit too much, and they did not behave like partners or handle their struggles like adults anywhere in the last few chapters of the book. Secrets and not sharing feelings are never a good foundation for rebuilding a relationship.

Thankfully they were both likeable characters though, which made me want to keep reading and see how their story played out. There was plenty of humor throughout this book even as they both dealt with their baggage and tried to sort out their futures. Animals are also always a win - I loved Key! There were many lovely supporting characters that helped move this story along and added extra personality to this book. Overall, it was an okay story but was just ~off~ enough to not fully win me over.

I enjoyed Bridget and Archer so much. I hadn’t read the first book in the series but that didn’t matter at all. This story and it’s references to the first story did make me curious to go back and catch up.

I love that Bridget isn’t a stereotypical woman. She’s a pilot. Loves flying. Is really good at it. She’s tough but not in an aggressive way. Well, maybe slightly aggressive like the bet she makes Archer in the beginning. She’s a little lost sexually and still reeling years after Archer’s departure. She might not like me putting it that way but I feel like her sexual activity is all to cover the sadness and loss. She’s happily moving through the available men in their small town. Archer’s been MIA since that fateful day when he left her and she’s got no idea why or what. When he shows back up Bridget is smart enough to guard her heart. She’s not going to let him back in. However, he’s very determined. He’s quick to jump in and help when she can’t fly for a few days. He’s there to ensure she’s taken care of. He’s even offering to let her stay at his place so she can give her brother and new sister-in-law privacy when they return from their honeymoon. Bridget’s nowhere near ready for that though!

I loved watching these two. Bridget has to get out of her own way and learn to trust. Something she’s not inclined to do. But can she resist THE love of her life??? Archer is determined. His life has one path and that’s the one that includes Bridget. I love a man with that kind of heart and love in it. His sacrifices to earn her love are astounding and grow exponentially. There’s just enough back and forth resisting the inevitable to be delicious. There’s also some pretty scary tension. All of which make turning the pages fun and enjoyable.

Thanks to Entangled:Amara and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was such a fun small town, second chance story! I loved Bridget and the cast of characters in Captivity, Alaska. The way everyone supported each other was so amazing. Plus, they just seem like they would be fun to hang out with!

I loved how confident Bridget was and the pep talks she was always giving herself. But she still had real human emotions that she dealt with instead of thinking they made her weak. If she needed to cry, she cried.

The relationship between Bridget and Archer was so sweet — and steamy. I didn’t always love Archer — sometimes he felt a bit manipulative, especially in the beginning. He also pushed Bridget’s boundaries a lot — with fairly small things like a dinner date, sure, but still … it felt like too much at times.

There were definitely some sadder moments as Bridget navigates some challenges in life.

Oooh, this was so good!

Wow - Bridget is one tough cookie! This second chance romance has her college boyfriend, who broke her heart, coming to her hometown determined to win her back. Archer is patient, focused, and absolutely committed to getting what he wants. His explanation about understanding her language was simply beautiful. Their will-they-won't-they dance was perfectly choreographed and I loved every bit of it.

This author's writing style easily roped me in, with intriguing and compelling characters. The unusual pairing of Key and Wally was a stroke of genius and probably one of my favorite of such pairings I've ever read. It was such a joy to return to Captivity, and this book is every bit as good as the first one. This is a delightful small town with realistic characters and I'm really looking forward to the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Although I didn’t realize when I requested this book, it must be part of a series and I hadn’t read the previous book, so at first I felt a little lost. I caught up quickly though and got involved in Bridget and Archer’s second chance romance. Parts of this story dragged a bit for me, but the ending made up for it, and I will look forward to the next book in this series

I really, really like this series so far. This author has definitely captured me as a reader. Plus, I'm a huge fan of second chance tropes! Archer and Bridget's journey back to each other is challenging, heartwarming and full of wonderful conflict. This book was well written and tugged at my heartstrings. I loved the spicy scenes, too. I can't wait until the next one. Huge thank you to Entangled publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Beck knocks it out of the park with this second chance romance!
These two certainly made my heart swoon and the angst was everything! I love a man who knows his woman’s worth and is willing to work to get her back. The characters had a great dynamic and kept me invested in their story.
The writing flowed nicely and made this a quick and enjoyable read.

I love second chance stories! I also LOVE Samanthe Beck stories! Together it's a winning combination. This is the second book in the Captivity Alaska series and it just keeps getting better. This one just steams off the page! Bridget Shanahan is left holding down the fort while her big brother Trace and Isabelle go off and have their much deserved honeymoon. Unfortunately she breaks her tailbone the night before her brother leaves! Oh dear, what to do? She fakes being okay and waves them off. With the help of the rest of the Captivity Air crew & beloved town folks they keep things moving. But they are down TWO pilots now with Bridget grounded. Enter Archer Ellison, former college boyfriend who crushed her heart, and owner of the competing airfreight company. Oh the sparks these two throw. This is a delightful and quite delicious story that not only grows Bridget up from her past hurts, but gives Archer final independence from his domineering father.

Bridget loves to fly. She'd be a bush pilot forever if she could. Unfortunately she has to shoulder responsibility while Trace is away. She also can never back down from a bet and is driven to win at everything. Archer Ellison is in town to finally get Bridget back. They fell in love at college and upon his graduating his father demanded he come home immediately and repay him for his education by taking on his responsibilities in the family multination business. He didn't have the heart to come clean to Bridget during her finals. He ends up leaving abruptly without fully explaining why and breaks Bridget's heart completely. Her twin brother Shay brings her home to heal. Bridget hardens her heart and goes on to live a life of one night stands.

Archer spends years working to build an empire for himself and finally manages to cut all strings from his father. He walks away with his own independent company and goes back for Bridget. He knows it won't be easy but when she gets hurt trying to win a bet between the two of them he volunteers to be her fill in pilot. This allows him to work hard at breaking down her defenses to win her heart back again. This story was just delicious!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Bush pilot Bridget Shanahan and Archer Ellison III get a second chance in Playing Dirty in Alaska by Samanthe Beck, book two in the Captivity, Alaska series, is an emotional story of grief and loss, family and relationships, friendships, secrets, power and control, and love. The foundation is emotional, tragic and compelling; the romance is spirited and fated; the characters are sassy, broken, and energetic. Bridget and Archer end up going through many situations, family drama, and misunderstandings before they find their way back to each other.

Ms. Beck created a captivating story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and endearing characters giving Bridget and Archer the happily ever after that they deserved. I recommend Playing Dirty in Alaska to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

As much as I loved book one in the Captivity Alaska series…I flipping adored Playing Dirty in Alaska! Bridget is such a great character. Full of pi$$ and vinegar, this gal is definitely someone I want to hang out with. She’s bawdy, honest and funny…and a terrific friend. I love the shade she throws at Archer, her ex, when he shows up uninvited and certain that he can win her back.
I wanted to drop kick that guy back to the lower 48 when he showed up. I felt he was an arrogant rich boy, and totally undeserving of getting a second chance with this girl he basically threw away. Yeah, I held a grudge through most of the book, not gonna lie. I cheered when Bridget outsmarted him and grumble when she started to let him in. It’s a fantastic story, but I find myself less forgiving to characters, men or women, who walk away from their partners “for their own good”. Argh…save me from that twisted logic, please!
While you don’t need to have read Playing Dirty in Captivity, brother Trace and Izzy’s story, there is some continuation to secondary characters and the past tragedy in the Shanahan family. My love for Lilah continues; I really do not like her mother, Rose. Ford the bartender is yummy and Mad and Wing keep me entertained. Then there’s Shay…he devastates me. And I have a huge question that I hope is cleared up in the next book…and I’m hoping my theory on it is correct! Yup…I just vague-booked you all!
This book is simply dynamite! A standing ovation and many flowers strewn at the feet of author Samantha Beck…bravo!!

This second chance, enemies to lovers romance is one that grabs your attention all the way to its satisfying end.

Bridget Shanahan made a mistake and it wasn't not finishing college. It was falling for Archer Ellison III. So when he unexpectedly turns up in her hometown four years later, he can't have any part of her again, no matter what how convincing he's trying to be. After all, she hates him. And falling for him doesn't exactly fit in with the new, improved version of herself that she's trying to build.

Archer knows he has an uphill battle where Bridget is concerned, but he's counting on the fact that deep down, she still loves him, too. But in-between his own family drama, he has to find a way to make sure that Bridget understands how important she is to him.

"I loved you back then. I love you more now."

I enjoyed being back in Captivity, Alaska. Bridget & Archer's story is one that fascinated me all the way back in book 1. While I didn't always appreciate how much Archer manipulated events to get what he wanted, I did truly believe that he really wanted Bridget in his life as his partner. And after all, the title of the book did fit him lol. I liked that Bridget - since book 1 - was sassy, fierce and comfortable with who she was.

I really, again, liked what I 'saw' with the secondary characters, and I liked the way the author kept the books fully connected. I really am looking forward to the next read, especially after being teased with possibly Lilah's story in the epilogue. I can't wait to go back to Captivity!

I recommend this read wholeheartedly.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is my first time reading this author and I will definitely be reading more. I jumped into this series at book #2 with no problem. I love second chance romances.

It’s been four years since Archer walked away and now he’s back to win back his girl. He is going to have to work to prove himself to Bridget. She is running the family business and trying her best to make everything work. She doesn’t want to need help from Archer.

This was a fast paced fun read with lots if chemistry. I need to go back and read book one now.

I was looking forward to reading Bridget's story. I have a soft spot for strong heroines and second-chance romance, so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series!

Archer and Bridget had history in college, until he left her behind, absolutely breaking her heart. It took her a while to recover, and he was someone she never wanted to see again. She never did forget him, though, even when she resented him. He never forgot her. And now he's back in her life, making her remember their history together.
While her brother is off on his honeymoon, Bridget is taking care of their shipping company back home. Until she injures her back and is unable to fly her plane, and she needs Archer's help to keep the company going. He jumps at the opportunity to win her back.

I loved how he tears down her walls and never backs down. I loved how he keeps surprising her by doing things that she doesn't see coming. I loved how she slowly let herself go, and allowed herself to be loved. It's not an easy ride.
Bits of their time together come in the smallest things: a sweatshirt, pictures taken when they were together, memories of what they had. It's endearing, and very heartwarming.
When they're together, things heat up quite fast. Their chemistry is scorching, their moments together both hot and very intimate, while loving as well.

This was a wonderful second-chance story of two people who were meant to be together from the start, but got sidetracked in the process. They finally found their way back to each other, and life finally gave them a break and allowed them to have the happily ever after they deserve.

This is a great story. Reading just the blurb, right off the bat, I know Archer and Bridget's story is one I'm going to enjoy. And reading it, it's definitely right up my alley and not just because it's a second chance romance. I loved Archer! He knew what he was missing after losing Bridget so he returned to win her back. Let me tell you, it's so worth the read! Just seeing him trying so damn hard to show her how good they could be is such a treat. Bridget did not make it easy for him too, so that's always fun to read. I loved her! And I have never read a female heroine who's a pilot. So cool! These two gave me all the feels. Then there's their meddling family, loved it.