Member Reviews

KNOCKED UP IN ALASKA is a story of grief and loss, family and friendships, support and understanding, acceptance and love. The small-town premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, charismatic, and fun. This is the third installment in Samanthe Beck’s contemporary, adult CAPTIVITY ALASKA erotic, romance series and although can be read as a stand-alone, for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

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This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I was so excited to finally get to Lilah's story and hear how she ended up getting "knocked up" and how Shay was involved. I had to go back and reread Bridget and Archer's story again and saw a couple of hints thrown in that get explained in this book. I didn't get them when I read it the first time!

So sad that everyone has their own guilt on their last day with Shay and feel they are to blame for his death. I just felt so sad when I thought of his young life being over and missing out on his daughter's birth and life.

Yet, I loved reading about Lilah and Ford. They are kind of opposites and yet they fit together well, but do share some interesting history with young births. Ford has always felt some guilty that he was never allowed to be part of his daughter's life so what a surprise when his teen daughter shows up!

I don't want to give away anything but I really hope there will be another book as I want to know what happened with Rose! What a great hint for another book! I am so hooked on this series.

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Knocked Up in Alaska by Samanthe Beck is the third and final book in her Captivity Alaska series. I enjoyed the first two but I think this one is my favourite.

Lilah Iquat is pregnant. Young and pregnant with a dead man’s baby. When pilot Shay Shanahan died in a plane crash, Lilah had just told him that their one-night stand had resulted in an unexpected pregnancy. And now, on the night of her twenty-first birthday surprise party, she’s just told her mother Rose the news. With the resulting fiasco (not unexpected since her mother had been a teenaged single parent and had warned her daughter over and over again not to end up like her), Lilah needs a place to stay.

Ford Langley, former military man and currently the bartender and owner of The Tipsy Goose, is quick to offer Lilah a place to stay. Duty and responsibility are his trademarks and he’s determined to be there for a friend in need. Flashbacks to his own teenage years and his pregnant girlfriend who gave birth to a baby girl, Mia, but then shut him out of her life (for the good of the baby when she married someone else) make this his chance to make up for that loss. Of course, he’s also interested in Lilah romantically but has no plans to pursue that, the ten-year age difference between them meaning he’s not comfortable confessing those feelings. So he’ll be her friend, her helping hand – but definitely not her lover. When Lilah makes her attraction to Ford known, will he be able to overcome his misgivings and realize that he has a chance to have everything he’s ever wanted?

This town has really come alive over the trilogy of books centered there, with engaging characters (in particular the Shanahans, who have featured in all of them) and an interesting setting, with the airfield, Captivity Inn and Ford’s bar taking center stage. Lilah and Ford were secondary characters in the earlier books (Wild in Captivity and Playing Dirty in Alaska) and Shay’s death has been a central plot point throughout, with each of the main characters feeling some guilt over his death. In Lilah’s case, because Shay’s plane crashes on the day she tells him her news, she’s sure that it’s her fault. I’ll point out here that Shay appears as a ghost in each of the books, and he interacts a few times with Lilah (she thinks she’s dreaming, as do Shay’s siblings when it happens). This is definitely not a paranormal romance, but it’s an interesting way to get Shay’s point of view across and it doesn’t feel out of place.

Ford’s concerns over the age gap between him and Lilah are understandable. He doesn’t want to be seen as taking advantage of her. She’s lived a sheltered life in Captivity and had plans to go away to college prior to the pregnancy, and her only sexual experience is the one night she spent with Shay. Ford, on the other hand, is experienced (in sex and life) and despite his attraction to Lilah, he really feels like he should keep his hands off her. Of course, Lilah is equally attracted to Ford and they end up in bed together despite Ford’s reservations. It takes a while for Ford to understand and believe that Lilah is old enough to make her own choices, and that she’s choosing him.

When Lilah has the baby – whom she names Shayla – Ford is there for the delivery and then he gets his own surprise – his daughter Mia, who has found out about his existence, has hopped on a plane to come meet him. Past and present collide and Ford finds himself with a teenaged daughter (whom he is ecstatic to have in his life after so long without her) and helping out with a newborn baby. I really enjoyed seeing Ford get to know his daughter and come to realize that his life is so much fuller with these ladies (Lilah, Shayla and Mia) around. The ending is sweet and very satisfying, with some questions answered, problems resolved, family connections mended and Ford and Lilah getting their happy ever after. It’s been great to visit Captivity, Alaska, and it’s a place I’ll happily return to.

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Ever since we met Lilah I have been looking forward to her story. She is a beloved by everyone in Captivity and has a lot of family and people willing to help her out. However, she is a stubborn woman who wants to do things on her own. She feels guilty about Shea's death and can't accept the help that his family is willing to give her. When her mother finds out, Ford offers her a place to stay. Ford is the type of man that is willing to put his happiness on the line in order to do what is right for everyone around him, even if he is miserable in the end. Ford has had a thing for Lilah for a long time. He just feels that she is to young for him. However, with everything going on her life, she knows that she has grown up and matured, she has had to.

I absolutely enjoyed Lilah and Ford's book and seeing the other characters in this series. Captivity is a town full of family, people willing to do whatever is necessary for their neighbors, and they all work together. I love how the characters work hard for everything they have and how they also know how to have fun. I love how each character has their own back story, whether it is happy or sad, and it is written into their present story as well. I went into this series not knowing what to expect but getting to know Trace, Lizzy, Bridget, Archer, Ford, and Lilah has been an adventure, one that long to have friends and family like these characters. I highly recommend this book and this series!

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Ok so while I liked the second book in this series, I would have to say that this one is most definitely my favorite! Lilah is younger than Ford, so this is an age gap romance. And on top of that Lilah is pregnant, which was a a secret. When her mother finds out, she kicks her out of the house. I could relate to that in sooo many ways!! I was 17 when I got pregnant but had been kicked out at 16. I completely understood her feelings about her mom's actions. Ford thinks she is entirely too young for him and just doesn't have the life experiences necessary for them to be together. Not realizing how mature and put together she really is. I loved their interactions together, especially once they realized how attracted to each other that they truly are. And how much they actually compliment each other. Honestly, I loved that this story was more about their journey and coming together and not about some huge trial or tribulation. Not to say that they don't face their own hardships but it didn't seem to be the point of the book. I loved every single second of it and couldn't put it down!

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A story about 21 yo Delilah who got pregnant with her unborn baby’s father died in an air crash and 31 yo, Ford, an owner of a Bar. She ran away from home when her mother rejected her and Ford offered her a job and a place to stay. This has push them together. As they relationship develop, Ford refuse to acknowledge his attraction, push Lilah to other suitor. Lilah on the other hand, want to prove that she is capable to be independent and able to take care of her baby.

I love this story very much. Both Ford and Lilah make a great couple though the age group has been one of the main the issue in their relationship. I love reading how much Lilah has grown at the beginning of the story to a mother at the end of the story. Love reading Ford’s protectiveness over Lilah but his stupidity despite his true feeling for Lilah make me abit annoyed.

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**3.5 Stars**

Knocked Up in Alaska is book three in the series and can be read pretty much as a standalone. There were a few things I was a little confused about since I have not read the prevous books in the series, but overall I managed okay.

Lilah finds herself pregnant and somewhat alone after the father of the baby dies unexpectedly and her mother gets upset with her about being pregnant and the plans for her future thrown off course. She does have friends and a lot of other support though and is determined to make a good life for her and her baby.

Ford is the owner of a pub and gives Lilah a job waiting tables as well as a place to stay temporarily. He is really trying to be a friend to her, though he has feelings that are definitely more than of the friend variety.

This was my first book by this author and overall I did enjoy it. I did feel like there was too much happening at times (smaller parts of the story) that maybe interfered with my overall enjoyment of the story. I did also feel like I ended up skimming the pages at times as it couldn't really quite hold my interest. On the whole, I really enjoyed Lilah and Ford and Mia and when the story focused on them I was very much engaged, but when it kind of veered off, I tended to lose interest a little. I liked the setting of the story and would be interested in checking out some of the author's other work in the future.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

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I thought by the title alone this one was going to be your typical romance novel. But it wasn't it was actually a romance with a sweet story. I have to say that I was happily surprised. And I look forward to reading other books by this author.

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KNOCKED UP IN ALASKA is the third instalment in Samanthe Beck’s contemporary,adult CAPTIVITY ALASKA erotic, romance series. This is thirty-one year old, bar owner and ex-Army Special Forces Ford Langley, and twenty-one year old, Lilah Iquat’s story line. KNOCKED UP IN ALASKA can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout. There is a slight paranormal element to the story line.

SOME BACKGROUND: Several months earlier Shay Shanahan, part owner of Captivity Air and Freight, died when his plane slammed into the side of a mountain. In the ensuing months, Shay’s brother and sister found love but all that remained of Shay were memories and grief. A surprise awaits the grieving siblings as Shay will live on with our story line heroine.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from third person perspective KNOCKED UP IN ALASKA follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-one year old, bar owner and ex-Army Special Forces Ford Langley, and twenty-one year old, Lilah Iquat. The tight knit town of Captivity Alaska has always protected their own, and when twenty-one year old Lilah Iquat’s pregnancy is revealed, the town surrounds our heroine in the wake of her mother’s rejection and hurt. Witnessing the fall-out of the mother –daughter rift, bar owner Ford Langley offers Lilah a job and a place to stay, an offer that pushes the couple closer together. As the pregnancy progresses, Lilah and Ford’s relationship builds but Ford refuses to cross an invisible line, pushing Lilah towards someone else, someone who refuses to back down. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lilah and Ford, and the potential fall-out as Ford struggles with his attraction to a woman whose entire life is on the precipice of change.

Lilah Iquat needed to prove she was a woman; an adult capable of making her own decisions but an unexpected pregnancy was never a possibility and with it, the loss of family, the father, and her mother’s support. When her pregnancy is revealed, the townspeople make sure our heroine knows she is loved and protected including the love for a child they already call their own. Ford Langley never expected to fall for our story line heroine but his need to protect Lilah overrides all common sense until Lilah announces her plans for the future, plans Ford refuses to acknowledge or accept.

The relationship between Lilah and Ford is a friends to lovers. Lilah is pregnant ; the father is never coming home; and our heroine has been rejected by the only family she has ever known. Falling for Ford was easy, convincing Ford to take a chance on love may be more difficult than Lilah could have ever imagined. Ford has a secret of his own, a secret that only Lilah knows but said secrets is about to arrive in Captivity, Alaska, and with it, an unexpected change in plans for our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and endearing secondary and supporting characters including Trace and Isabelle (Wild in Captivity 1), Bridget and Archer (Play Dirty in Alaska 2), fishing boat captain Jorg Henrickson; pilots Wyatt ‘Wingnut’ Jensen and Maddox ‘Mad Dog’ Douglas; Inn owner and Lilah’s mother Rose, as well as bush pilot Ray Sandoval.

KNOCKED UP IN ALASKA is a story of grief and loss, family and friendships, support and understanding, acceptance and love. The small-town premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, charismatic and fun.



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Surprise baby is my favorite trope! Knocked up in Alaska grabbed my attention and I’m so glad it did. These types of novels are great for commuting or winding down after a long day. A quirky, interesting story and a baby to boot!

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I did something I NEVER do, which I read a book in a series without reading the previous books. I was immediately drawn to the premise of this book, however, and dived in with zero expectations.

I'm glad I did. This book is hilarious, like laugh out loud multiple times type of funny. There was one scene in particular (involving some friendly competition) that had me crying laughing. Knocked Up in Alaska is also heartwarming, sweet, sexy, and a delightful read. I loved the characters, loved the Alaska setting, and I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books.

If you're a fan of accidental pregnancy troupes, friends to lovers, or protective males, then I definitely recommend this as a future read,

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This was a very well written book. I typically go for the light romance books without "too much drama". However, since this book flowed well and captured my attention, I decided to make an exception.

I will definitely recommend this book to my friends.

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Lilah and Ford live in a small town in Alaska. He thinks she is too young for him, but when she needs him most he is there to help her out. They both have lots going on in their lives, so can they be together?

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This small town romance is wonderfully emotional, spiritual and romantic edition to the Captivity Alaska series. Samanthe Beck takes the reader on an emotional journey through a well crafted world, beautifully dimensional characters and a stunningly sensual romance. Beck's writing is engaging, quick paced and is balanced with the perfect amount of angst and longing. This novel can be read as a standalone but when read in the series there is a depth and spirituality that really drives the character growth of each of the romantic couple's throughout this trilogy.

Lilah has been keeping a secret from her mother and the entire town, but on her 21st birthday the truth is brought to life. She is pregnant (and is in her 3rd trimester) and her mother has been very strict in her wishes for Lilah around not finding herself in a similar situation that she was in her teens. When she is turned out of her house, Lilah relies on the help from her friends as well as Ford, the bar owner who. she has secretly been crushing on. Little does she know, that Ford has also been desiring her.

I fell so quickly in love with both Ford and Lilah. They are both independent characters who value friends and family. They are both extremely attracted to each other but they don't think the other person is interested in them. So this novel take on a slow burn as they both dance around each other and the tension and chemistry builds slowly to perfection before it boils over. I really love that their romance is truly built on friendship, trust and understanding. They both start to really open themselves up to the other and share secrets, wants and desires. I also love that this novel revolves around family-found family, true family, family secrets, family disappointments and learning how to build a strong family. I think that Beck uses Lilah's pregnancy and daughter is a beautiful way to build the relationship between her and Ford, as well as bringing in some humor and understanding through Ford's rediscovered 14 year old daughter. There are so many charming and delightful moments around learning how to be a new parent, not only to an infant but to a teenager. I love that Lilah and Ford love their children and the other's child so strongly. I love that both Ford and Lilah learn to hold strong to those that they love. I love that Ford and Lilah both learn to fight hard for what they want. And, I love that they both learn what forgiveness of oneself and someone else truly means.

If you love an emotional journey that will make you tear up, laugh, and smile, than this novel will resonate with you. Beck's writing is engaging in the best way, she easily draws you into this world through a wonderfully depicted town of unique and supportive characters. To truly experience the delight, romance, humor and swooniness of this novel you much pick it up! Samanthe Beck is definitely an author I am excited to continue to explore her backlist as well as watch her grow through out her career.

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This my first book by this author, but not my last! It has steamy scenes and a delicious male MC. My heart broke for Lilah and her need to spread her wings and “grow up” resonated with me.

The use of my favorite curse word-the F word in any variation-is used throughout but not overly used; it was used in perfect context of what was happening.

It did seem to drag a bit in some parts (mostly the beginning) and I felt there wasn’t much background given on Lilah’s Alaskan heritage, hence the four stars. This is merely a personal opinion so take it as that.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled for an advanced copy!

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I really came into this book kicking and screaming. Young heroine, pregnancy romances usually don't appeal to me. It's kind of icky to know hero has been there while heroine grew from minor to 21 years. There were so many ways the author probably could've taken this story. About 1/3 in, I was still kind of uncomfortable about the character set-up but eventually got on with it and agree she did an ok job taking the characters through their HEA journey.

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All time best book Samanthe has written! She tortured Ford beyond endurance and then some, lol. The poor man's plan to be a friend and be there for Lilah with no strings was doomed from the start. Can you tell I enjoyed this book? Lilah is so determined to be an independent mother and Ford is equally determined to help a friend. Unfortunately emotions are strong between these two even with the ten years age difference. The town residents give us plenty of color in this story. I especially enjoyed the way she put Trent Cane, self centered, won't take no for an answer rich boy, in his place.

Lilah finds herself in the family way, the one thing her mother told her NEVER to do. Now on her 21st birthday her mother has disowned her. Her mother Rose Iquat found herself an unwed mother and was determined her daughter Delilah would never travel that difficult path. History has repeated itself. Luckily the whole of Captivity has her back as she's beloved by the town. Ford Langley, 31 former special forces who owns the bar witnesses the whole scene since her birthday party is at his bar, and offers her his spare room to stay.

Ford has been half in love with Lilah from the first time he saw her two years ago when he moved to town. He offers her friendship and help with no strings attached. He's learned to hold people loosely as no one in life is permanent. He understands Lilah's situation because he too was an unwed father at 17. The more Ford and Lilah spend time together the harder it is for him not to touch. Lilah knows who and what she wants and is determined to use any means to get it.

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

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Rating: 3/5

“In one day you got yourself a wife, a daughter, and a future sister or brother-in-law. It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?
Mm-hmm. A lot to hold on to.”

The Plot:

Knocked Up in Alaska is the third novel in the Captivity Alaska series by Samanthe Beck. In this novel, we follow Lilah Iquat, as she goes through her unexpected pregnancy, while falling in love at the same time. I went into this story with no prior knowledge of the other characters’ stories, yet the author managed to include just enough backstory to keep me in the loop, while focusing on Lilah and Ford, which is admirable to say the least. Lilah and Ford’s love story was messy and unconventional, but such a joy to watch as they finally came together for their happily ever after.
Beck managed to create one of the most heart wrenchingly beautiful scenes I’ve read yet. The scene in referring to is Lilah’s pregnancy. The combination of Ford giving unending support to her, Shay encouraging Lilah from the grave, and Bridget being the tough-love voice of inspiration, I was sobbing, laughing, and swooning from paragraph to paragraph.

“You’re going to be the best mom,” he said in a soft, distant voice. “You already are. You’re a natural, and you’ve taken such good care of her. Wake up, now, and have our baby.”

Characters and Relationships:

Lilah & Ford

“Ford!’ She raised her head – sort of like a prairie dog- and loked back at his grinning face.
‘Hey, you said something about me biting your butt.’
‘Not my butt. I wanted to bite your butt.’
‘Well, I like this idea better.’ So saying, he leaned down and bit the other cheek.”

Ford made me swoon so many times I lost count. He was the broody, quiet guy who was absolutely and totally obsessed with Lilah. And I was here for it all. For most of their story, Lilah knew what she wanted and what her end goal was. My biggest issue with the pair was how somehow even though the communication was perfectly clear, their biggest problem was lack of communication, more specifically, Ford believing Lilah knew what she wanted.

“‘There. Face it. That’s what’s best for Lilah.’
She’d pulled up the shot she’d taken at the Urgent Care center, just after Shayla’s birth. Lilah held the baby in her arms, staring down at her little girl with all kinds of adoration literally shinning from her.
He held Lilah in his arms, staring at her with every raw, naked emotion on his face. Awe…pride. Love.”

The downfall of their relationship came after Shayla’s birth scene and Mia’s arrival. The way that Ford managed to make it on my shit list so fast, was a new record. It should not have taken this man multiple chapters to realize he was making a mistake. The problem could have been resolved in half that time, instead it got a bit repetitive as he continuously refused to acknowledge what Lilah wanted. I do have to give credit to the author for the realness of Ford- he is definitely an accurate man.

Shay & Lilah

“Well, I said it before, but if anybody could find a way to bend the rules of the afterlife, it would be him, and if anyone could give him a reason to bend them, it would be you. You and Shayla. He loved you.”

What I didn’t expect from this novel, was a paranormal aspect. But, to my surprise, it fit so well. The emotional connection that Shay and Lilah had while she went through all these difficult and traumatic experiences, was heartbreaking. Again, I didn’t know of Shay before beginning this novel, but the author made it so I didn’t need to. Shay was easily one of my favorite characters in Knocked Up in Alaska, and it was bittersweet to come to love his character, while knowing he is already dead and gone.

Mia & Ford

“‘I want you to stay more than anything, Mia.’
Next thing he knew, she was in his arms, her little sob of relief-possibly joy- breathing hope into places inside him he hadn’t realized were empty. Especially when she held tight and whispered, ‘I choose you.’”

Ford deserves a Father of the Year award for his relationship with Mia. His backstory with her is such a tragedy, but he makes up for lost time the entirety of the story. For an angsty teen, Mia was an angel. She gave Ford a hard time, but it was comparatively easy given how badly it could have gone. Their happily ever after with Lilah and Shayla made my ovaries explode. I love their found family.

Honorable Mentions:

- Jorg, the old man from the beginning and end bar scenes, was hilarious with his chastity jokes about Ford.
- Bridget seems like such a badass, I would love to read her story after finishing this one. I love a strong, independent woman who speaks her mind in any situation

The Ending:

“He couldn’t take from her. Wouldn’t. But he’d give. He’d give her anything. Everything.”

Knocked Up in Alaska will get an overall 3/5 from me mainly because of the excessive amount of time it took Ford to accept Lilah’s word as true. In my personal opinion, I love to read romance and smut novels because of their fantastical relationships, and yes while acknowledging that conflict must be present in a story to drive the plot along, the continuous problem of Ford choosing not to take Lilah’s word at face value being the only thing stopping them from being together, I found it hard to keep reading their story and drifting away from wanting to read about them.

That being said, I overly enjoyed the first half of the novel and wished it would have kept the momentum it carried, seemingly naturally, throughout the second half of the story.

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This series is so easy to love. Full of love, laughter, hope as well as awesome characters, it's one that will have you in love with it, too.

Lilah is a more than a bit mortified that everyone knows her big secret. But even worse, that she has to rely on everyone else in Captivity. While digesting that, she also realises that her attraction to Ford Langley has only intensified. And with close proximity, it's changed to a deeper, warmer feeling, but Ford is determined to put distance between them.

Ford loves Lilah's bright, open and caring personality. Convinced that he is too old to be her Mr. Right, he resolves to be her friend. But as the days go by, and Lilah opens his eyes to a life full of light and joy, he finds himself wishing for many things. However, he doesn't want to be that guy - the one that makes a girl choose him over her future. It might take a good portion of Captivity's population to make him get out of his own way.

I loved the mix of Ford's stubborness and Lilah's quiet determination. Samanthe Beck really did a great job with this book. This couple is my favourite, so far. I look forward to seeing more from Samanthe Beck with this series.

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Loved the characters and the chemistry. It was everything I was looking for in a book. I loved seeing lilah growing as a person and seeing her and Fords relationship. I love how protective he was with her. This book was so good !

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