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Stranded
Abigail Gardner is finally getting her chance to go to Alaska, traveling to the last frontier on her first assignment for an exclusive adventure magazine. Only the transport driver has an unexpected heart attack, and she never makes it to her final destination. Stranded in the wilderness, the only person she can turn to for help is Whitley Travers, an Alaskan native, experienced pilot, and complete know-it-all pain in Abigail’s ass.
Whitley has seen her great state at its best and its worst. Maybe she is a know-it-all, but experience matters as they’re forced to traverse the unrelenting Alaskan landscape and make impossible decisions to find a way out of this mess. Cold, rain-soaked perilous miles stand between them and safety, and they must put their personal hang-ups and stubbornness aside to survive. When they do, it turns out they don’t hate each other after all, and if they weren’t actively fighting for their lives, they just might find each other attractive.
But Abigail and Whitley are not alone in the wild. And being stranded far from home isn’t their biggest problem. A stalker is tracking their every move, and they’re in more danger than they know.
Whitley has seen her great state at its best and its worst. Maybe she is a know-it-all, but experience matters as they’re forced to traverse the unrelenting Alaskan landscape and make impossible decisions to find a way out of this mess. Cold, rain-soaked perilous miles stand between them and safety, and they must put their personal hang-ups and stubbornness aside to survive. When they do, it turns out they don’t hate each other after all, and if they weren’t actively fighting for their lives, they just might find each other attractive.
But Abigail and Whitley are not alone in the wild. And being stranded far from home isn’t their biggest problem. A stalker is tracking their every move, and they’re in more danger than they know.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
50 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ronica Black
41 books143 followersRonica Black is an award-winning author and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist. Her books range from romance and erotica to mystery and intrigue, and she enjoys trying her hand at all. Ronica also enjoys drawing, painting, and sculpting. She lives in Glendale, Arizona, with her partner, where she relishes a rich family life and raising a menagerie of pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 5, 2025
3.75⭐️
Stranded is a thrilling story about two strangers fighting for survival in the Alaskan wilderness after tragic circumstances. Their struggle is on several levels. Not only do they have hardly anything to eat and drink, but they are also being followed by someone.
Abby was on her last leg of the journey to the village of Cozy, assigned to write a travelogue about remote places in Alaska, when disaster struck. She has no idea how to survive in the wilderness and is completely dependent on Whitley for help. Fortunately, Whitley grew up here and knows nature and its dangers from the many treks she has made here.
I liked Abby from the beginning, she is a good egg and a fighter, she learns quickly, and doesn't complain. Whitley is impressive with all her knowledge of nature and how the two of them can survive. They harmonize amazingly well under these extremes, even though they are very different in many ways. Here, Abby the journalist, who is curious from the start and wants to find out everything about Whitley. And then there is Whitley, rather reserved and introverted, who, above all, does not want to talk about her traumatic past. Nevertheless, neither of them can deny their attraction to each other. The romance was beautiful and believable.
The thriller element, the person(s) they are both pursuing, adds tension to the story and kept me reading. What I really liked was the setting, which is wonderfully described, so that I could see the nature in front of my inner eye.
Only the ending was a bit too quick for me, and the characters of Abby and Whitley didn't have as much depth as I would have liked.
An entertaining adventure trip into the wilderness of Alaska.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC.
Stranded is a thrilling story about two strangers fighting for survival in the Alaskan wilderness after tragic circumstances. Their struggle is on several levels. Not only do they have hardly anything to eat and drink, but they are also being followed by someone.
Abby was on her last leg of the journey to the village of Cozy, assigned to write a travelogue about remote places in Alaska, when disaster struck. She has no idea how to survive in the wilderness and is completely dependent on Whitley for help. Fortunately, Whitley grew up here and knows nature and its dangers from the many treks she has made here.
I liked Abby from the beginning, she is a good egg and a fighter, she learns quickly, and doesn't complain. Whitley is impressive with all her knowledge of nature and how the two of them can survive. They harmonize amazingly well under these extremes, even though they are very different in many ways. Here, Abby the journalist, who is curious from the start and wants to find out everything about Whitley. And then there is Whitley, rather reserved and introverted, who, above all, does not want to talk about her traumatic past. Nevertheless, neither of them can deny their attraction to each other. The romance was beautiful and believable.
The thriller element, the person(s) they are both pursuing, adds tension to the story and kept me reading. What I really liked was the setting, which is wonderfully described, so that I could see the nature in front of my inner eye.
Only the ending was a bit too quick for me, and the characters of Abby and Whitley didn't have as much depth as I would have liked.
An entertaining adventure trip into the wilderness of Alaska.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC.
March 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This is a story about Abby who is on a magazine writing assignment in Alaska. She’s supposed to go to a very small town-Cozy, and write a travelogue about it.
Due to a lightning storm her small plane flight is cancelled and she ends up in an old SUV to travel. The other passenger in the car is Whitley who has grown up in Alaska and has learned survival and bushwalking skills from her dad as a child. The guide is an old man who ends up having a heart attack and crashing the vehicle in route.
Thus begins an adventure in survival through the wilderness to reach civilization. Whit was a very quiet and grumpy character. Refused to talk about her past but likeable the more you get to know her. Abby had zero survival skills but was easy going and followed Whit’s lead and tried to learn from her. While traveling they come across a strange dude and afterwards all sorts of bad things start to happen.
I enjoyed the storyline and adventure in the book. Both MCs were likable and the romance was believable. The writing style was pretty simplistic and not a lot of depth was given to the either main character. Recommend for a decent adventure story.
ARC received from Net Galley for and honest and voluntary review.
Come
Due to a lightning storm her small plane flight is cancelled and she ends up in an old SUV to travel. The other passenger in the car is Whitley who has grown up in Alaska and has learned survival and bushwalking skills from her dad as a child. The guide is an old man who ends up having a heart attack and crashing the vehicle in route.
Thus begins an adventure in survival through the wilderness to reach civilization. Whit was a very quiet and grumpy character. Refused to talk about her past but likeable the more you get to know her. Abby had zero survival skills but was easy going and followed Whit’s lead and tried to learn from her. While traveling they come across a strange dude and afterwards all sorts of bad things start to happen.
I enjoyed the storyline and adventure in the book. Both MCs were likable and the romance was believable. The writing style was pretty simplistic and not a lot of depth was given to the either main character. Recommend for a decent adventure story.
ARC received from Net Galley for and honest and voluntary review.
Come
March 31, 2025
Adventure, survival, action, terror and romance all rolled into one unrelenting novel.
I was hooked from the first chapter and did not want to put it down.
The survival methods were interesting and their struggle seemed realistic. The romance was somewhat a slow burn but they basically lusted after each other in silence. We are teased with that.
There are many times that you feel very uneasy....knowing something or someone is lurking just out of sight....but they don't know who, what or why. I was uneasy every time one of them went in the woods to pee.
Each of the characters, Whit and Abby, have secrets that all get revealed in the end.
Whit is the strong silent, Alaskan survival knowledge one. Abby is the journalist, from Arizona, that will not stop asking questions. That drove me a little nuts. But she is very stoic and not a whiner.
Overall a very entertaining story.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the first chapter and did not want to put it down.
The survival methods were interesting and their struggle seemed realistic. The romance was somewhat a slow burn but they basically lusted after each other in silence. We are teased with that.
There are many times that you feel very uneasy....knowing something or someone is lurking just out of sight....but they don't know who, what or why. I was uneasy every time one of them went in the woods to pee.
Each of the characters, Whit and Abby, have secrets that all get revealed in the end.
Whit is the strong silent, Alaskan survival knowledge one. Abby is the journalist, from Arizona, that will not stop asking questions. That drove me a little nuts. But she is very stoic and not a whiner.
Overall a very entertaining story.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2025
(3.5 Stars) Abigail Gardner is in Alaska to write an article for a travel magazine. Whitley Travers, is from Alaska and has grown up leading wilderness trips and is a pilot. Because of impending weather the two are passengers in an SUV heading to a small tourist town. It is Whit’s home and Abby’s destination. But trouble occurs when their driver crashes while taking a short cut. Now the two have to survive in the wilderness till they can reach help.
I’ve read a few stranded in Alaska romances and this is good. Whit is stoic and grumpy but has survival skills. Abby is bubbly, more open and trusting. Honestly, figuring out how to survive brought plenty of tension for me. But add in a stalker who is messing with their supplies and the creepy goes up. Both women share limited background stories but I didn’t feel I knew their characters well. I really enjoyed the time in the wilderness. But the end felt abrupt. It was more of a happy for now, but I didn’t have any expectation that this pair would be together a year later. An epilogue or something to show they had a plan on how to make their relationship work, would have been appreciated.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I’ve read a few stranded in Alaska romances and this is good. Whit is stoic and grumpy but has survival skills. Abby is bubbly, more open and trusting. Honestly, figuring out how to survive brought plenty of tension for me. But add in a stalker who is messing with their supplies and the creepy goes up. Both women share limited background stories but I didn’t feel I knew their characters well. I really enjoyed the time in the wilderness. But the end felt abrupt. It was more of a happy for now, but I didn’t have any expectation that this pair would be together a year later. An epilogue or something to show they had a plan on how to make their relationship work, would have been appreciated.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
May 14, 2025
What an adventure!
When their transport driver has an unexpected heart-attack, Abigail, who is in Alaska to do an exclusive for an adventure magazine has to rely on native, Whitley to help her survive. Whitley’s past and knowledge of the area are going to be key to their survival, but being stranded as they are and without supplies has her a bit more on edge than usual. They soon learn they are not alone out in the wild though and are racing against a danger that seems to be threatening their lives.
At the start of the story I thought we were in for an adventure that was just facing the dangers of nature with little to no supplies, and that really was enough. Ronica had levelled this story up though by introducing a danger in the form of someone stalking Abigail and Whit. From that point on my heart was in my throat with every chapter and I just couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know they would be okay. I was in complete awe of Whit, her survival skills and resourcefulness was unmatched. Without her, Abigail never would have survived. They had a companionship that was gentle and a bit stilted but the more time they spent together that did ease and they grew past tolerating one another to really caring, which I suppose an intense situation like that has a tendency to do.
The story held great mystery and many a red herring to keep us guessing whether there was someone really out to get Whit and Abigail, or if it was just someone messing with them for no real reason. That was what was so unsettling, the not knowing and not being able to be certain. It literally all could have been coincidence, but the more things happened it became clear it was a targeted attack, just neither of them knew why. Despite everything they were going through and how unequipped Abigail was for it, I also admired her for trying to keep up, and do her best to take everything she could about the experience to still want to achieve her goal of providing the exclusive for her magazine dream job. She quickly adapted and learned from Whit, even if she was scared most of the time. I would have been too.
A very immersive adventure experience and a great read! I can’t wait to read more about Abigail and Whit in a future adventure hopefully.
When their transport driver has an unexpected heart-attack, Abigail, who is in Alaska to do an exclusive for an adventure magazine has to rely on native, Whitley to help her survive. Whitley’s past and knowledge of the area are going to be key to their survival, but being stranded as they are and without supplies has her a bit more on edge than usual. They soon learn they are not alone out in the wild though and are racing against a danger that seems to be threatening their lives.
At the start of the story I thought we were in for an adventure that was just facing the dangers of nature with little to no supplies, and that really was enough. Ronica had levelled this story up though by introducing a danger in the form of someone stalking Abigail and Whit. From that point on my heart was in my throat with every chapter and I just couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know they would be okay. I was in complete awe of Whit, her survival skills and resourcefulness was unmatched. Without her, Abigail never would have survived. They had a companionship that was gentle and a bit stilted but the more time they spent together that did ease and they grew past tolerating one another to really caring, which I suppose an intense situation like that has a tendency to do.
The story held great mystery and many a red herring to keep us guessing whether there was someone really out to get Whit and Abigail, or if it was just someone messing with them for no real reason. That was what was so unsettling, the not knowing and not being able to be certain. It literally all could have been coincidence, but the more things happened it became clear it was a targeted attack, just neither of them knew why. Despite everything they were going through and how unequipped Abigail was for it, I also admired her for trying to keep up, and do her best to take everything she could about the experience to still want to achieve her goal of providing the exclusive for her magazine dream job. She quickly adapted and learned from Whit, even if she was scared most of the time. I would have been too.
A very immersive adventure experience and a great read! I can’t wait to read more about Abigail and Whit in a future adventure hopefully.
May 1, 2025
Abigail Gardner or Abby had a job assignment for a travel magazine that she has been looking forward to. Her job brings her to Alaska. But unfortunately due to some misfortune, she ended up stranded in the Alaskan wilderness. Thankfully for her, she was not alone. Whitley Travers or Whit, a local, and experienced with the wilderness also found herself stranded. Together they had to survive the wilderness. This was made harder as there was someone (or something?) out there trying to get to them.
I liked both main characters. I also liked the story of being stranded and how they had to survive. The author painted the adventure very well. There is also a bit of mystery in there. What I was hoping more for was the romance which I didn’t feel for as much. It is indeed a pity as I do like this sort of stories. The ending was also a little disappointing. Read it for the adventure.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I liked both main characters. I also liked the story of being stranded and how they had to survive. The author painted the adventure very well. There is also a bit of mystery in there. What I was hoping more for was the romance which I didn’t feel for as much. It is indeed a pity as I do like this sort of stories. The ending was also a little disappointing. Read it for the adventure.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 3, 2025
Ronica Black tells a wonderful story about survival in Alaska after being thrown from a vehicle.
This is a wonderful slow-burn with a well-done build-up. The suspense was exciting. There are not many secondary characters due to the circumstances.
This had grit between the MCs and amazing chemistry.
My one negative is the ending. There really wasn't any angst, but the separation resolution was quick, and then the book ended. No epilogue.
I look forward to more books by this author.
This is a wonderful slow-burn with a well-done build-up. The suspense was exciting. There are not many secondary characters due to the circumstances.
This had grit between the MCs and amazing chemistry.
My one negative is the ending. There really wasn't any angst, but the separation resolution was quick, and then the book ended. No epilogue.
I look forward to more books by this author.
April 6, 2025
Stranded is a great adventure story of two women fighting for survival in the Alaskan wilderness after they are left stranded following a vehicle accident that killed their driver. While Abby is a complete novice when it comes to surviving in the wild, she is fortunate that Whit has grown up exploring the region and is full of survival skills that should be able to help them find their way out. However, with Abby injured and a stalker following them every step of the way the journey is one of adventure, terror, romance and a battle to survive.
The two women are very different from each other with Whit being the grumpy, secretive type while Abby is more easy going and talkative. While this calls some tension between them during the early stages of their hike, Abby’s willingness to accept the advice and help where she can, she is gradually able to break down some Whit’s walls enabling the chemistry between them to grow. However, their growing connection is hampered by Whit’s secretiveness and unwillingness to share much about her background or current life.
Their journey to escape the wilderness is filled with drama and many strange occurrences including a creepy stalker who follows their route and torments them on regular occasions. The author does a fantastic job of showing the tension and fear felt by the two MC’s every time the stalker resurfaces with another round of terror. The bulk of the story covers their terrifying journey and I felt that the ending was a little too quick for my liking. I would have loved to see more about their relationship developing following their escape which could have brought some more depth to the characters. Maybe there is room for a short story set some time after the end of the events covered in this book and I would definitely be keen to read more about these two women.
Overall I enjoyed this wilderness survival story and would rate it a solid four star read. I am grateful to the Ronica Black, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this story and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two women are very different from each other with Whit being the grumpy, secretive type while Abby is more easy going and talkative. While this calls some tension between them during the early stages of their hike, Abby’s willingness to accept the advice and help where she can, she is gradually able to break down some Whit’s walls enabling the chemistry between them to grow. However, their growing connection is hampered by Whit’s secretiveness and unwillingness to share much about her background or current life.
Their journey to escape the wilderness is filled with drama and many strange occurrences including a creepy stalker who follows their route and torments them on regular occasions. The author does a fantastic job of showing the tension and fear felt by the two MC’s every time the stalker resurfaces with another round of terror. The bulk of the story covers their terrifying journey and I felt that the ending was a little too quick for my liking. I would have loved to see more about their relationship developing following their escape which could have brought some more depth to the characters. Maybe there is room for a short story set some time after the end of the events covered in this book and I would definitely be keen to read more about these two women.
Overall I enjoyed this wilderness survival story and would rate it a solid four star read. I am grateful to the Ronica Black, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this story and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for providing this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review
·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊
⚝ Rating ⚝: 3✩ / 5✩’s
⚝ Review ⚝: A very quick read with all the makings of a great WLW story that for me just fell a touch flat throughout most of the story. Stranded follows Abby (a journalist who is finally get her big shot) and Whit (a survivalist and pilot) who, after finding themselves stranded together in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness, are fighting for survival not only from the elements and wildlife, but a possible stalker following them through the woods.
As for the story, all the elements were right there, but the mark was never quite hit for me. While I rooted for Abby and Whit's survival, the romantic subplot felt a bit forced and lacking in chemistry. The groundwork for the story was great, and overall I did enjoy the plot, but important aspects felt too rushed while less important subjects seemed to get more focus than necessary. There were also points were the dialogue was just...off and certain phrases used that didn't match the writing style. This often left things feeling a bit disjointed. And with so much build up (the suspense was actually very well done) the ending was so rushed and abrupt that I felt I as a reader didn't actually have a ton of time to process everything that happened in the last two chapters.
⚝ Representation ⚝: Lesbian FMCs
⚝ TWs ⚝: Stalking, Murder, Animal Death, Blood
·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚＊·̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙＊
⚝ Rating ⚝: 3✩ / 5✩’s
⚝ Review ⚝: A very quick read with all the makings of a great WLW story that for me just fell a touch flat throughout most of the story. Stranded follows Abby (a journalist who is finally get her big shot) and Whit (a survivalist and pilot) who, after finding themselves stranded together in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness, are fighting for survival not only from the elements and wildlife, but a possible stalker following them through the woods.
As for the story, all the elements were right there, but the mark was never quite hit for me. While I rooted for Abby and Whit's survival, the romantic subplot felt a bit forced and lacking in chemistry. The groundwork for the story was great, and overall I did enjoy the plot, but important aspects felt too rushed while less important subjects seemed to get more focus than necessary. There were also points were the dialogue was just...off and certain phrases used that didn't match the writing style. This often left things feeling a bit disjointed. And with so much build up (the suspense was actually very well done) the ending was so rushed and abrupt that I felt I as a reader didn't actually have a ton of time to process everything that happened in the last two chapters.
⚝ Representation ⚝: Lesbian FMCs
⚝ TWs ⚝: Stalking, Murder, Animal Death, Blood
March 25, 2025
Another winner by Black. This one had me on the edge of my seat with the suspense and the will they or won't they aspect. The romance wasn't the main part of the book though, more of a background thing between Whit and Abby.
Abigail Gardner is traveling around the last frontier in Alaska for her adventure magazine in order to write an article about it. Her last stop is Cozy, Alaska, but her plans get derailed when their driver has a heart attack and they crash. She ends up having to rely on the other passenger who is cold and aloof.
Whitley Travers grew up in the wilderness of Alaska and knows it very well, but after her father's death, she ends up being closed off and resentful of everything around her, including relationships. She doesn't except to be stranded in the wilderness with a helpless tourist, but Abby proves her wrong time and time again.
The only downfall is someone or something is out there making their trek back to safety more and more perilous.
I enjoyed it, but I had a feeling on who it was pretty early on and was proved right, but it confused me a little bit. I didn't like how abruptly the story ended after they were reunited and I felt like things were left unsaid and all the suspense led into the final showdown that I felt ended too quickly and easily after all the buildup.
Overall, an enjoyable suspenseful novel. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Abigail Gardner is traveling around the last frontier in Alaska for her adventure magazine in order to write an article about it. Her last stop is Cozy, Alaska, but her plans get derailed when their driver has a heart attack and they crash. She ends up having to rely on the other passenger who is cold and aloof.
Whitley Travers grew up in the wilderness of Alaska and knows it very well, but after her father's death, she ends up being closed off and resentful of everything around her, including relationships. She doesn't except to be stranded in the wilderness with a helpless tourist, but Abby proves her wrong time and time again.
The only downfall is someone or something is out there making their trek back to safety more and more perilous.
I enjoyed it, but I had a feeling on who it was pretty early on and was proved right, but it confused me a little bit. I didn't like how abruptly the story ended after they were reunited and I felt like things were left unsaid and all the suspense led into the final showdown that I felt ended too quickly and easily after all the buildup.
Overall, an enjoyable suspenseful novel. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2025
Going or living in Alaska isn’t one of my dreams but for others it’s the one place they dream of, not me. But for Whitley Travers, an Alaskan native there was no place she’d rather be. Living in the small village of Cozy. With her father leading the way they made their living giving tours to others. People come from all over and you never know who is within your group of tourists but when Whit was twelve the group she and her dad lead, what they thought was a normal tourist but little did they know they were leading her father’s killer. IN all this time Whit figured she didn’t do enough to save him, forgetting she was only a kid.
Abigail Gardner made her living going to various places and writing an article for the magazine she worked for. Now it was time to take her readers to Alaska and she could hardly wait. She loved to travel so she thought nothing of going to Alaska but she didn’t plan on a snow storm ( it’s Alaska) and the plane she hired to take her to the little village Cozy wasn’t running so she hitched a ride with a local. Riding with them was some woman.
Now the story begins and Ms. Black gives us a story full of adventure with two main characters that keep us reading, Fast paced with a great plot makes this one a very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Abigail Gardner made her living going to various places and writing an article for the magazine she worked for. Now it was time to take her readers to Alaska and she could hardly wait. She loved to travel so she thought nothing of going to Alaska but she didn’t plan on a snow storm ( it’s Alaska) and the plane she hired to take her to the little village Cozy wasn’t running so she hitched a ride with a local. Riding with them was some woman.
Now the story begins and Ms. Black gives us a story full of adventure with two main characters that keep us reading, Fast paced with a great plot makes this one a very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
March 25, 2025
This was my first time reading a FF book and it did not disappoint. I love the suspense and almost thriller I got from this book, with a side of slow-burn romance. The spice wasn't super high, but how the characters went about getting together was respectful and situationally appropriate.
Abby and Whit get stranded in rural Alaska after an accident. While trying to survive the hike North to the nearest town, they notice they have a stalker on their trail. While Whit has all the right experience to make it, Abby is just trying her best to not complain and stay alive, while also being cautious of what could be out there.
Their romance was a background sub plot, with the main focus on the suspense and survive plot, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Who was after them was a somewhat easy guess, but it did get me a little!
I was a little disappointed over how rushed the ending was and after they were reunited with civilization, we didn't get much information of what went on with the case. Overall I thought it was a good read!
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this early in return of my review.
Abby and Whit get stranded in rural Alaska after an accident. While trying to survive the hike North to the nearest town, they notice they have a stalker on their trail. While Whit has all the right experience to make it, Abby is just trying her best to not complain and stay alive, while also being cautious of what could be out there.
Their romance was a background sub plot, with the main focus on the suspense and survive plot, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Who was after them was a somewhat easy guess, but it did get me a little!
I was a little disappointed over how rushed the ending was and after they were reunited with civilization, we didn't get much information of what went on with the case. Overall I thought it was a good read!
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this early in return of my review.
September 6, 2025
A thrilling story about Abigail and Whitley who get stranded in the woods in Alaska after their car crashed during a storm.
Abigail was supposed to go their to write for a magazine but got the full experience of actually having to survive in the woods with limited resources. Luckily she gets stranded with Whitney, a native who is very equipt to survive in the woods. Dealing with people, not so much. Due to her past she is not so keen on tourists and especially not the ones who know nothing about surviving.
So many mixed feelings reading this one. I totally get having to survive and doing that by using what nature provides but as a vegan it was very hard to see Abigail eat meat and fish. I totally get it and honestly don't know how I would react in such a situation but all the killing kept getting me out of the story.
The stalker part was well written and thought out although for me there was no element of surprise at the end.
The romantic side of this story is slim as it is mostly about survival but I did enjoy seeing their journey from strangers to partners to lovers.
An ARC was given to me in return of an honest review.
Abigail was supposed to go their to write for a magazine but got the full experience of actually having to survive in the woods with limited resources. Luckily she gets stranded with Whitney, a native who is very equipt to survive in the woods. Dealing with people, not so much. Due to her past she is not so keen on tourists and especially not the ones who know nothing about surviving.
So many mixed feelings reading this one. I totally get having to survive and doing that by using what nature provides but as a vegan it was very hard to see Abigail eat meat and fish. I totally get it and honestly don't know how I would react in such a situation but all the killing kept getting me out of the story.
The stalker part was well written and thought out although for me there was no element of surprise at the end.
The romantic side of this story is slim as it is mostly about survival but I did enjoy seeing their journey from strangers to partners to lovers.
An ARC was given to me in return of an honest review.
March 29, 2025
This was a suspenseful read. I loved to read about Abby and Whit and their challenges stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after a car accident. Fortunately, Whit knows how to survive out there and it is interesting to read about how they try to survive out in the cold, trying to get back to civilization. I thought the description about what is needed is very realistic.
Soon they no longer hate each other so much as from the start and start working together and perhaps even more than this companionship. However, when you think they may make it they also get this outside threat, someone wants to get them. A need to not only to survive out in the wilderness but also against this stalker.
A romance is woven in of course but is a minor part of the story and that is great since I cannot see that being the focus when all they try to do is to survive. Thus, I recommend this book for readers wanting more suspense than romance. I really enjoyed reading the book.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
Soon they no longer hate each other so much as from the start and start working together and perhaps even more than this companionship. However, when you think they may make it they also get this outside threat, someone wants to get them. A need to not only to survive out in the wilderness but also against this stalker.
A romance is woven in of course but is a minor part of the story and that is great since I cannot see that being the focus when all they try to do is to survive. Thus, I recommend this book for readers wanting more suspense than romance. I really enjoyed reading the book.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
March 28, 2025
Abby and Whit find themselves stranded in the Alaskan wild.
With little resources between them, their plight is to reach civilisation as soon as possible. Thankfully Whit has some survival skills and Abby, to her credit, is willing to learn and follow Whit's lead. so it's just going to be another standard survival story right? Wrong!
Stranded is a great read on many levels. Not only do you get a gripping suspense story, you also get an innate feeling of actually being part of the story, such is the strength of the author's writing. The author has taken great pains to set the scene, the descriptions of the surrounding nature and the environment are superb. The feelings each character experiences are detailed and realistic. Add a third party whose intentions appear to be malicious and the suspense rises to a level where you cannot possibly guess what will happen next.
A highly recommended read.
With little resources between them, their plight is to reach civilisation as soon as possible. Thankfully Whit has some survival skills and Abby, to her credit, is willing to learn and follow Whit's lead. so it's just going to be another standard survival story right? Wrong!
Stranded is a great read on many levels. Not only do you get a gripping suspense story, you also get an innate feeling of actually being part of the story, such is the strength of the author's writing. The author has taken great pains to set the scene, the descriptions of the surrounding nature and the environment are superb. The feelings each character experiences are detailed and realistic. Add a third party whose intentions appear to be malicious and the suspense rises to a level where you cannot possibly guess what will happen next.
A highly recommended read.
April 28, 2025
Abigail gets a commission to write about Alaska for a travel magazine and after weather problems ground her plane, she hitches a ride with the pilot and Whit, a local. The driver crashes and Whit and Abby are out in the wilderness ~ frozen and unprepared. And it seems they’re not alone…
There is some real jeopardy in this story and my heart raced more than once. Abby is naive but gutsy, Whit is an expert survivalist but very guarded. I know we can expect a HEA of some sort but I’m still thinking "oh no" while I’m reading the things that happen to these two.
This is well written, nicely paced, and I pulled my cardigan tighter round my shoulders as Ms Black described the freezing weather and the trekking through snow. I love reading books set in Alaska but no way would I ever visit it or survive if I did!
Recommended if you’re looking for a very slow burn with some scary moments.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley
There is some real jeopardy in this story and my heart raced more than once. Abby is naive but gutsy, Whit is an expert survivalist but very guarded. I know we can expect a HEA of some sort but I’m still thinking "oh no" while I’m reading the things that happen to these two.
This is well written, nicely paced, and I pulled my cardigan tighter round my shoulders as Ms Black described the freezing weather and the trekking through snow. I love reading books set in Alaska but no way would I ever visit it or survive if I did!
Recommended if you’re looking for a very slow burn with some scary moments.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley
April 9, 2025
this is NOT your average survival thriller and it is such a fantastic journey. and while this is equal parts thriller, mystery, and romance, the romance doesn’t disappoint in the end.
being stranded in any remote area is definitely one of my biggest fears, but being strangled in the wilds of Alaska as the weather is turning with an extra mystery threat to their lives was another level. the book does a great job at keeping things tense and while the mystery shouldn’t have been so hard to figure out, i do admit that i was still surprised because the red herrings in this are quite excellent.
i will say that at the beginning i felt their budding attraction was a bit sudden and awkward but realistically it was just because of their extremely stressful situation, and ultimately these MCs have fantastic chemistry. also, who knew a survival thriller could make me so hungry??
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
being stranded in any remote area is definitely one of my biggest fears, but being strangled in the wilds of Alaska as the weather is turning with an extra mystery threat to their lives was another level. the book does a great job at keeping things tense and while the mystery shouldn’t have been so hard to figure out, i do admit that i was still surprised because the red herrings in this are quite excellent.
i will say that at the beginning i felt their budding attraction was a bit sudden and awkward but realistically it was just because of their extremely stressful situation, and ultimately these MCs have fantastic chemistry. also, who knew a survival thriller could make me so hungry??
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✖️
May 11, 2025
This adventure read was interesting. Whitley Travers, an Alaskan native, experienced pilot and loves her state. Abigail Gardner, writes for a travel magazine and is excited for this Alaska adventure.
During travel to the destination, the transport driver has a heart attack. Abigail and Whitley are stranded and being stalked. As the story unfolds, they have to deal with the weather, scarce food, and ventures into the woods to relieve themselves (I was concerned every time one of them headed in the woods). Their interaction was stiff at first as Abigail continued to ask questions and Whitney is annoyed. Of course, they need each other to survive and I liked how the roles switched throughout the story. Enjoyable. An epilogue would have been nice because the ending had me wondering.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
During travel to the destination, the transport driver has a heart attack. Abigail and Whitley are stranded and being stalked. As the story unfolds, they have to deal with the weather, scarce food, and ventures into the woods to relieve themselves (I was concerned every time one of them headed in the woods). Their interaction was stiff at first as Abigail continued to ask questions and Whitney is annoyed. Of course, they need each other to survive and I liked how the roles switched throughout the story. Enjoyable. An epilogue would have been nice because the ending had me wondering.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
April 1, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4.
Some of the things I really enjoyed in this story are the author's ability to use descriptions and truly bring a place to life. I felt like I was in Alaska. The relationship between to two main characters - Abby and Whit - watching their bond grow was really sweet. The thriller element was done well but didn't dominate the entire story. I felt like it was 50% thriller 50% romance - interesting combination.
There were times within the story that the dialogue felt a little immature and could pull you out of the overall story.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would read from this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Some of the things I really enjoyed in this story are the author's ability to use descriptions and truly bring a place to life. I felt like I was in Alaska. The relationship between to two main characters - Abby and Whit - watching their bond grow was really sweet. The thriller element was done well but didn't dominate the entire story. I felt like it was 50% thriller 50% romance - interesting combination.
There were times within the story that the dialogue felt a little immature and could pull you out of the overall story.
Overall, I enjoyed it and would read from this author again.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 12, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
abbie and whit are sat together when their driver has a heart attack and rolls the vehicle they are in... but its only the start of their nightmare ....
they are miles from anywhere with a rugged terrain between them and help with hardly any supplies and though whit isnt to sure exactl;y where they are she is fairly confident she can get them to help with what little they have left as long as the weather holds off....
what they hadnt banked on was a stalker who was hunting them down....
not a bad read love a bit of adventure and this had it all....
abbie and whit are sat together when their driver has a heart attack and rolls the vehicle they are in... but its only the start of their nightmare ....
they are miles from anywhere with a rugged terrain between them and help with hardly any supplies and though whit isnt to sure exactl;y where they are she is fairly confident she can get them to help with what little they have left as long as the weather holds off....
what they hadnt banked on was a stalker who was hunting them down....
not a bad read love a bit of adventure and this had it all....
April 20, 2025
Survival in Alaska with a pinch of f/f romance
I loved the premise of this book: stranded in the wilderness of Alaska, the need for two very different people to team-up for survival, the beauty of nature. To up the ante: a stalker is added to the plot.
On the plus side of this book: there are great description of Alaskan fall and a realistic description of how difficult survival is. I loved that both main characters had there own back story: Abby as a city slicker came through, Whit had her own demons. The execution of the plot felt at times off though, the end felt rushed, sigh.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
I loved the premise of this book: stranded in the wilderness of Alaska, the need for two very different people to team-up for survival, the beauty of nature. To up the ante: a stalker is added to the plot.
On the plus side of this book: there are great description of Alaskan fall and a realistic description of how difficult survival is. I loved that both main characters had there own back story: Abby as a city slicker came through, Whit had her own demons. The execution of the plot felt at times off though, the end felt rushed, sigh.
I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.
April 1, 2025
I really enjoyed “Stranded.” It was a gripping survival thriller about two women who get stranded in Alaska after a freak accident. They have to find their way back to civilization with next to nothing in supplies while being stalked by an unknown person.
The book was fantastic right up until the very end, which unfortunately left me wanting in many ways. I wished there had been more of a climax at the conclusion. I had kind of figured out who the stalker was before it was revealed, and I wish there had been more buildup to that moment. Once they got back to civilization, the story just seemed to drop off. It felt rushed and lacked the detail that the author had provided so abundantly while they were out in the wild. I really wish she had spent more time on this part of the book.
Overall, I would rate it a 4-star book instead of a 5-star one. I would definitely recommend it; it kept me up all night reading because I just couldn't put it down. It's definitely worth the read!
I received an arc
The book was fantastic right up until the very end, which unfortunately left me wanting in many ways. I wished there had been more of a climax at the conclusion. I had kind of figured out who the stalker was before it was revealed, and I wish there had been more buildup to that moment. Once they got back to civilization, the story just seemed to drop off. It felt rushed and lacked the detail that the author had provided so abundantly while they were out in the wild. I really wish she had spent more time on this part of the book.
Overall, I would rate it a 4-star book instead of a 5-star one. I would definitely recommend it; it kept me up all night reading because I just couldn't put it down. It's definitely worth the read!
I received an arc
April 11, 2025
If you like adventures in the forest then this should be up your street!!
Whit and Abby two strangers find themselves stranded in a forest in Alaska and have to work together to survive not just the wilderness but also a stalker.
Both MC’s also have baggage they carry around with them particularly Whit which impedes their growing attraction to each other.
Will they make it out alive? Will they end up together? You just want to keep turning the pages to find out!! Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with the opportunity to give an honest opinion on this story.
Whit and Abby two strangers find themselves stranded in a forest in Alaska and have to work together to survive not just the wilderness but also a stalker.
Both MC’s also have baggage they carry around with them particularly Whit which impedes their growing attraction to each other.
Will they make it out alive? Will they end up together? You just want to keep turning the pages to find out!! Thanks to Bold Strokes Books for providing me with the opportunity to give an honest opinion on this story.
March 27, 2025
Tore through this in an afternoon, such a gripping tale of surviving lost in a forest, during a storm, whilst being tormented by a stalker. I was gripped right from the dramatic prologue until the end. The author writes cracking thrillers! There is a sub plot, trauma bond romance, which was mostly believable, escalating as fast as their circumstances become more perilous.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2025
Abby and Whit were on their way to a small Alaskan village when there was an accident. Now they’re stranded with little supplies. They soon find out they are not the only ones out there but who and why is unknown. .
The race against the weather and their stalker is nearing an end how will they.
This is a fast paced suspense with some love added and you won’t believe the ending.
I enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
The race against the weather and their stalker is nearing an end how will they.
This is a fast paced suspense with some love added and you won’t believe the ending.
I enjoyed this and highly recommend it.
May 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Abby and Whitley need to find common ground when they get stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after their driver has a heart attack. As they make there way they learn they aren’t alone as they fight to stay alive feelings start to come between them but will they be able to have a life if they can’t make it out alive. I enjoy this read it had tension suspense and romance.
Abby and Whitley need to find common ground when they get stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after their driver has a heart attack. As they make there way they learn they aren’t alone as they fight to stay alive feelings start to come between them but will they be able to have a life if they can’t make it out alive. I enjoy this read it had tension suspense and romance.
April 6, 2025
Great to have a book which has suspense, thrilling, action and the bonus of romance
.
Ronica Black has always given us readers books worth reading, and she hasn't failed with this one.
Excellent writing skills and story.
Abby and Whit are good characters and you find yourself taken in to their lives, The slow burn seems fitting for them
Once started I couldn't put down.
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Ronica Black has always given us readers books worth reading, and she hasn't failed with this one.
Excellent writing skills and story.
Abby and Whit are good characters and you find yourself taken in to their lives, The slow burn seems fitting for them
Once started I couldn't put down.
April 29, 2025
For a book set in the wilderness of Alaska it really doesn’t describe the scenery at all. The book is an action adventure with obviously a romance in it too. The main characters are thrown together into the wild, and things get a little strange from then. It’s not a bad story, and it’s very easy to read, but the writing style just wasn’t for me.
April 13, 2025
Well, the first chapter went where I didn’t expect, nor the age of the main. Chapter one jumped 20 years and I am hooked!
I was interested but not engrossed, felt tension in the jeopardy sections but as a bystander rather than immersed.
I was interested but not engrossed, felt tension in the jeopardy sections but as a bystander rather than immersed.
June 18, 2025
The survival stuff was great. I loved the main characters surviving in the wilderness. The ending just went way too fast and settled way too quickly. I also really didn’t like Whit’s actions in the end.
Overall, a quick read but the last 8 chapters or so kind of ruin it for me.
Overall, a quick read but the last 8 chapters or so kind of ruin it for me.
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