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Wounded Warrior #2
The Stranger
When a mysterious stranger is your only hope…
The scars of the past have left their mark, both physical and emotional, on former military pilot Seth Erickson. Off-grid in the far reaches of the bitter Alaskan wilderness, he wants only to be left alone with his ghosts. But he can't ignore a woman in need—beautiful, stranded and nearly frozen with fear.
Summer Silva never imagined that the search for her missing sister would leave her abandoned on a wintry back road, barely escaping with her life from a cold-blooded killer for hire. Now, hiding out in the isolated cabin of the secretive wounded warrior who saved her, Summer knows she must do what she fears most. Putting her trust in a stranger is all she has left.
All defenses are down
After a fiery first night together, Seth and Summer are bound by a need as powerful as a Bering Sea superstorm—and vulnerable to enemies just as fierce. For Seth, reawakened by desire, there is no sacrifice too great, no memory too dark, to keep Summer safe. But murder and treason lurk everywhere and Summer may not survive Alaska's ruthless winter.
Book two of the Wounded Warrior series
This book is approximately 110,000 words
The scars of the past have left their mark, both physical and emotional, on former military pilot Seth Erickson. Off-grid in the far reaches of the bitter Alaskan wilderness, he wants only to be left alone with his ghosts. But he can't ignore a woman in need—beautiful, stranded and nearly frozen with fear.
Summer Silva never imagined that the search for her missing sister would leave her abandoned on a wintry back road, barely escaping with her life from a cold-blooded killer for hire. Now, hiding out in the isolated cabin of the secretive wounded warrior who saved her, Summer knows she must do what she fears most. Putting her trust in a stranger is all she has left.
All defenses are down
After a fiery first night together, Seth and Summer are bound by a need as powerful as a Bering Sea superstorm—and vulnerable to enemies just as fierce. For Seth, reawakened by desire, there is no sacrifice too great, no memory too dark, to keep Summer safe. But murder and treason lurk everywhere and Summer may not survive Alaska's ruthless winter.
Book two of the Wounded Warrior series
This book is approximately 110,000 words
480 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2016
About the author
Anna del Mar
97 books242 followersAnna del Mar writes hot, smart romances that soothe the soul, challenge the mind, and satisfy the heart. Her stories focus on strong heroines struggling to find their place in the world and the brave, sexy, kickass, military heroes who defy the limits of their broken bodies to protect the women they love. She is the author of The Asset (Carina Press), the first novel of her Wounded Warrior series and three other novels scheduled for release during 2016.
A Georgetown University graduate, Anna enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, and the sea. Writing is her addiction, her drug of choice, and what she wants to do all the time. The extraordinary men and women she met during her years as a Navy wife inspire the fabulous heroes and heroines at the center of her stories. When she stays put—which doesn’t happen very often—she lives in Florida with her indulgent husband and two very opinionated cats.
A Georgetown University graduate, Anna enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, and the sea. Writing is her addiction, her drug of choice, and what she wants to do all the time. The extraordinary men and women she met during her years as a Navy wife inspire the fabulous heroes and heroines at the center of her stories. When she stays put—which doesn’t happen very often—she lives in Florida with her indulgent husband and two very opinionated cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 27, 2016
DNF at 35%. Quite frankly, I didn’t find it interesting. The story has definite possibilities; but the writing style was dry and impersonal, and the story slow and kind of boring. The sex with a complete stranger while sleepwalking scene was just so weird and off-putting. The fact that rich hermit Seth had Summer so thoroughly investigated by illegal means was creepy. Also, the alternating 1st person pov is something I've come to truly dislike in reading.
________________
EDIT:I decided to give this book another go in the light of a new day. I was very tired and stressed the other night when I gave up on it. Granted, the mystical woo-woo was still a bit much for me, the leads were occasionally immature, and I still had the same issues as above; but at some point the book became more readable to me and the plotline interesting enough to finish. Except for some skimmable, stupid scenes and if the first half of the book had been as good as the last half, this could have been a solid read.
Oh, and it's not advertised as NA, but it has the youngish characters, angst and over-the-top drama that is the hallmark of NA. Okay but not great read; a little odd and with some truly strange characters. I'm not likely to read another book by this author anytime soon.
________________
EDIT:I decided to give this book another go in the light of a new day. I was very tired and stressed the other night when I gave up on it. Granted, the mystical woo-woo was still a bit much for me, the leads were occasionally immature, and I still had the same issues as above; but at some point the book became more readable to me and the plotline interesting enough to finish. Except for some skimmable, stupid scenes and if the first half of the book had been as good as the last half, this could have been a solid read.
Oh, and it's not advertised as NA, but it has the youngish characters, angst and over-the-top drama that is the hallmark of NA. Okay but not great read; a little odd and with some truly strange characters. I'm not likely to read another book by this author anytime soon.
July 25, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bhVZGg
Southern girl vs Alaska. Oh dear. The Stranger was full of exhilarating action, family drama, and enough heat to keep you warm even during the coldest of Alaskan nights.
The quick of it is that Summer's younger sister has run away and she's headed to Alaska to track her down. A somewhat simple task if only Alaska would stop trying to kill her! Yeah. She's having no luck with this state at all. Thankfully a hot stranger dealing with his own demons comes to her rescue. Though he may just be a handful all on it's own. Mmhm.
So I liked a number of things about this one...
Seth and Summer were fun characters. He's growly, she's fiery. And oh they get off on the wrong foot. It's an explosive combination. While she could be naive and stubborn she was a fighter and didn't let anything get her down for long. And Seth. Just as hard headed and a bit controlling but sexy and protective. They were an entertaining match.
They were good for each other, too. They both had medical issues--PTSD and severe scarring for him and sleep walking for her--that they were sensitive about. It kept them each someone guarded and closed off from others. And the sleep walking? Yeah there were some interesting moments with that--like, say, a sexathon when you were totally asleep. Erms! I liked that they each did things to help the other heal and feel safe in regards to their issues.
The suspense added a lot of excitement--maybe a little too much sometimes. Crazy families, danger, an unknown assailant out to get Summer, hostilities at his family's corporation. There was a lot going on that kept these two on their toes and trying to figure out what really was going on. Trouble found them every where they turned. Goodness!
There's some woo-woo happening as well. It wasn't something I loved but it wasn't something I hated either. It was just there and a bit to do with her sleep walking.
Now the issues...
Summer's naivete really got to me now and again. Someone's trying to kill her and she's all oh it must be mistaken identity. Pffft! No worries. Ah! She also flew off the handle in an eye rolling way towards the end.
The word choice during sexy bits could be... iffy. There were some cringe worth euphemisms and descriptions that while they were unique and totally made me bust out laughing (though that wasn't their intent) they really didn't lend themselves to the scenes in question. Think drinking in her body's natural brew. lol I actually had a hard time deciding if I loved them or they were ergsy.
And then some things that were hopefully edited before it was released moments--like odd contractions where they really shouldn't have been.
All in all, while I did, for the most part, enjoy this one it did give me some fits. I'd be up for trying another from del Mar, I think, at the same time it's not one I would rush to pick up.
July 25, 2016
Ms. del Mar's story made me want to move to a frozen tundra (of course, it's 93 degrees and miserable right now so that may have something to do with it). Her descriptions of Alaska were so vivid and gorgeous that I was legit looking at jobs.
When Seth Erickson stumbles upon a half frozen, injured woman in the middle of nowhere in an Alaskan snowstorm, he's immediately suspicious. It would be just like his asshat cousin to set him up. Summer Silva obviously didn't think things through before dropping everything to search for her missing sister, but her luck has been nothing but bad since landing in Alaska. This brooding, angry, distrustful man who's saved her life should scare the bones out of her, but she feels strangely safe and protected in his presence.
Threats to both of them forces Seth and Summer to work together to find Summer's sister and save Seth's business reputation, and somewhere along the way, love blooms. When push comes to shove, will their new relationship survive the deviousness of those who want to harm them?
I'm obsessed with the frozen, dangerous story that Ms. del Mar has crafted about fire and ice, and it was fantastic! Seth is an Alaskan engineer, a former MILITARY pilot, injured from battle and still dealing with the horrors he faced in Afghanistan. Summer is the light to his dark, a hot tempered and fiery Florida architect who stumbled into his home and his bed and upended his life. Summer has a sleep disorder that has dictated her entire life, every choice she's made. In Seth, she finds someone she can trust with her nocturnal world, and in turn, he finds someone he can trust with his wounds and his heart. The two make an unlikely pair: hot and cold, fire and ice, but they're both passionate people who fiercely stand up for those they love.
The chemistry between them could melt the polar ice cap, and the sex scenes, while not hugely erotic, were well written and very sexy nonetheless. I liked the dual suspense plots of the deviousness of Seth's family and the attempts on Summer's life. Seth's grandma Astrid and Summer's stepmother Louise were both excellent comic relief and another unlikely pair that somehow found common ground. I'm looking forward to the next offering in this very excellent series!
Bottom Line: This second book in the Wounded Warrior series, THE STRANGER was a really great book that can be read independently of others in the series. Highly recommend! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
When Seth Erickson stumbles upon a half frozen, injured woman in the middle of nowhere in an Alaskan snowstorm, he's immediately suspicious. It would be just like his asshat cousin to set him up. Summer Silva obviously didn't think things through before dropping everything to search for her missing sister, but her luck has been nothing but bad since landing in Alaska. This brooding, angry, distrustful man who's saved her life should scare the bones out of her, but she feels strangely safe and protected in his presence.
Threats to both of them forces Seth and Summer to work together to find Summer's sister and save Seth's business reputation, and somewhere along the way, love blooms. When push comes to shove, will their new relationship survive the deviousness of those who want to harm them?
I'm obsessed with the frozen, dangerous story that Ms. del Mar has crafted about fire and ice, and it was fantastic! Seth is an Alaskan engineer, a former MILITARY pilot, injured from battle and still dealing with the horrors he faced in Afghanistan. Summer is the light to his dark, a hot tempered and fiery Florida architect who stumbled into his home and his bed and upended his life. Summer has a sleep disorder that has dictated her entire life, every choice she's made. In Seth, she finds someone she can trust with her nocturnal world, and in turn, he finds someone he can trust with his wounds and his heart. The two make an unlikely pair: hot and cold, fire and ice, but they're both passionate people who fiercely stand up for those they love.
The chemistry between them could melt the polar ice cap, and the sex scenes, while not hugely erotic, were well written and very sexy nonetheless. I liked the dual suspense plots of the deviousness of Seth's family and the attempts on Summer's life. Seth's grandma Astrid and Summer's stepmother Louise were both excellent comic relief and another unlikely pair that somehow found common ground. I'm looking forward to the next offering in this very excellent series!
Bottom Line: This second book in the Wounded Warrior series, THE STRANGER was a really great book that can be read independently of others in the series. Highly recommend! - See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
- See more at: http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
March 26, 2016
Even though “The Stranger” is the second book in the “wounded warrior” series by Anna del Mar it still feels a lot different than “The Asset” which was the first book in that series.
While in “The Asset” the focus was totally on the developing relationship between the leading characters, I felt that in “The Stranger” the focus was on the plot. This book feels more like a suspense novel at times than as a romance.
Which is not a bad thing – so please do not misunderstand this, but after reading the first book I expected something different here.
I also had a problem with the relationship between the characters, there was definitively “something” between them, but I could not feel the “sparks”. I think it was because (as I said) the focus felt different and the reader was much more into discovering the reasons for things that happened than paying attention to the leads.
From the focus of suspense, this book offers the reader much more than one would expect by its blurb. Also I suppose that if you neglect the comparison between “the Asset” and “the Stranger”, the Banter going on between Seth and Summer will keep the readers entertained for sure.
I liked the setting of the book very much and you notice that the author put a lot of thought into the writing of the surrounding and the backstory. She wrote everything with a lot of details that help the reader to “live” inside the plot – which is an admirable trait in a book.
Me personally I would still hope that with the next book in the series the focus goes back to the “wounded warrior” and not so much to the suspense. But hey, that is the reason all tastes are different so
… just go ahead and enjoy this book.
July 29, 2016
*Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
So I've got to say this was a pretty decent book. The writing, characters, plot, everything was pretty good. The mystery element was THE best but was not bad either. It was pretty stable. Yep that's the word, the whole story was stable and nothing else. Good enough to attract your attention enough to keep you reading it till the end. The characters were all likeable. Not attachable though. I most probably would forget the story line pretty quickly :/ Maybe that was a bit rude but nothing stood out except the whole supernatural element going on. The whole thing with the Northern Lights and the spirit animals excited me. Honestly, it was the bear :D
From the many reviews I saw on Goodreads, it seems a lot of people liked the first book better. But I can't compare considering I didn't even read the first book. So by any chance I get to read the first one I would gladly give it a try.
So I've got to say this was a pretty decent book. The writing, characters, plot, everything was pretty good. The mystery element was THE best but was not bad either. It was pretty stable. Yep that's the word, the whole story was stable and nothing else. Good enough to attract your attention enough to keep you reading it till the end. The characters were all likeable. Not attachable though. I most probably would forget the story line pretty quickly :/ Maybe that was a bit rude but nothing stood out except the whole supernatural element going on. The whole thing with the Northern Lights and the spirit animals excited me. Honestly, it was the bear :D
From the many reviews I saw on Goodreads, it seems a lot of people liked the first book better. But I can't compare considering I didn't even read the first book. So by any chance I get to read the first one I would gladly give it a try.
August 30, 2016
Reading ‘The Stranger’ is akin to driving along several miles of straight road interspersed with the occasional slight chicane and curve on the uphill or the downhill portion before it straightens out again. Amidst the stunning but harsh Alaskan wilderness, Summer’s and Seth’s backstories build from opposing directions, but somehow, somewhere, the plot lost its focus. It simply wasn’t tightly woven enough; Summer’s search for her sister became lost in Seth’s own company woes and for long stretches I had no idea where everything was heading to at all until the mystery and the action returned only full force towards the end.
This sense of discontinuity from the alternating first person POV and the lack of flow between chapters, made the story hard to latch onto. By the time I crossed the halfway mark, I started skimmed, tired of the banter, the seemingly inconsequential plot turns that felt like dead ends and the characters who somehow don't seem sufficiently stable to be grounded as leads. But Seth Erickson is more than just a grouchy ex-military pilot with PTSD; he’s one who looms so large that he might as well be an Avenger-type superhero, like Christian Grey with more physical scars and less kink tendencies - whose heroic deeds, lauded by all, could only be matched by Superman’s.
The contrast between the near-untouchable Seth and Summer was yet another gap that the book tried to bridge with several scenes that I thought over-inflated the plot instead. Parts of Summer’s dialogue and state of mind - don’t even get me started about that bloody weird sleepwalking and aura business - that made her seem more like a spoiled, headstrong teenager who attracts trouble than the independent, mature woman that the author wants to portray. Her decision to trust Seth’s own nemesis towards the end - then hoping that Seth would forgive her - made me wince at her at the peak of idiocy. Most other secondary characters felt like caricatures that somehow defined themselves as starched up Downton Abbey tossers, alley trash or moustache-twirling cackling villains.
I wish I could have liked this as much as I did the first in the series, which felt more raw and gutting and perhaps, closer to what I’d expect of the romantic suspense genre. Ultimately, I struggled through the pages of 'The Stranger', convinced that the first person POV and the drifting plot did the whole book a disservice, making the story more New-adultish and consequently, more juvenile than it should feel.
This sense of discontinuity from the alternating first person POV and the lack of flow between chapters, made the story hard to latch onto. By the time I crossed the halfway mark, I started skimmed, tired of the banter, the seemingly inconsequential plot turns that felt like dead ends and the characters who somehow don't seem sufficiently stable to be grounded as leads. But Seth Erickson is more than just a grouchy ex-military pilot with PTSD; he’s one who looms so large that he might as well be an Avenger-type superhero, like Christian Grey with more physical scars and less kink tendencies - whose heroic deeds, lauded by all, could only be matched by Superman’s.
The contrast between the near-untouchable Seth and Summer was yet another gap that the book tried to bridge with several scenes that I thought over-inflated the plot instead. Parts of Summer’s dialogue and state of mind - don’t even get me started about that bloody weird sleepwalking and aura business - that made her seem more like a spoiled, headstrong teenager who attracts trouble than the independent, mature woman that the author wants to portray. Her decision to trust Seth’s own nemesis towards the end - then hoping that Seth would forgive her - made me wince at her at the peak of idiocy. Most other secondary characters felt like caricatures that somehow defined themselves as starched up Downton Abbey tossers, alley trash or moustache-twirling cackling villains.
I wish I could have liked this as much as I did the first in the series, which felt more raw and gutting and perhaps, closer to what I’d expect of the romantic suspense genre. Ultimately, I struggled through the pages of 'The Stranger', convinced that the first person POV and the drifting plot did the whole book a disservice, making the story more New-adultish and consequently, more juvenile than it should feel.
August 18, 2016
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Silva is desperate to locate her sister, return her to her stepmother, and plant herself firmly back into her life in the heat of Miami. Alaska, however, has other plans. Greeting Summer with cold temperatures, wind, and snow, the only perk of being stranded is the handsome man who rescues her, if only he wasn't so surly. Seth Erickson doesn't let people in, he runs his company from afar, fields all visits from his family, and he certainly has no time to rescue a girl who doesn't belong in Alaska during the winter. Somehow she gets past his defenses and he past hers, their lives intertwining in a short time. He's a wounded warrior, a stranger, but Summer trusts him with her life and her sister's life. Seth will do whatever he can to keep her safe, but the Alaska winter brings with it treason, revenge, murder, and a cold that seeps into the bones and threatens their newly constructed relationship.
"Summer Silva," he murmured, his thumb idling over the corner of my mouth. "I've got your back. Nothing bad will happen to you under my watch. And always remember: you're way too stubborn to let Alaska kill you."
I will pick up anything written by Anna del Mar and The Stranger is a perfect example of why. Told with incredible detail, Anna del Mar weaves multiple story lines together to create a world filled with romance, suspense, and adventure. The characters, like always, are strong on their own and forces of nature when together. Summer is a hot head, to say the least, and I loved how much personality that girl had. She never gave up even when the situations allowed for it and she fought for what she believed in. She's the kind of heroine all novels should have, not in need of a knight to rescue her, but rather bettered by the one who wants to fight alongside her. Seth is a decorated, wounded hero who hasn't let go of his past, he's all hard edges and moodiness, as well as a total alpha. On paper these two don't make sense, but their unique circumstances bring them together and make for an incredible romance. There's several secondary characters with vibrant personalities that took the story to another level, bringing different relationships and scenarios into the mix. I loved how unique every character was and the dialogue that came with their interactions. Then there's the story line, consisting of several plots that only Anna del Mar could make work in one novel. There's family angst and drama, suspense by the bucket loads, and a slight mix of the supernatural. Don't let that keep you from opening this book though, think more like the movie The Proposal than anything strange. It brings a cute element to this serious story and allows for some humor. The circumstances are unusual, a little over the top, and highly entertaining to read. All of this is set in the dangerous winter only found in Alaska, with planes and helicopters, bears, freezing temperatures, and the odd traditions that come with the sheltered state. I loved that each plot was fully delved into, from start to completion, allowing the reader to understand the main character's personal plights and background, as well as see how they combine together. I never guessed what was going to happen next and I loved the feeling of being immersed in the suspense alongside the beautiful power couple.
It was obvious: he loved to fly. He belong in the sky just as much as he belong to Alaska.
Summer and Seth have the kind of chemistry that can be felt while turning the pages, their romance is real and the smut scenes only bring it even more to life. The suspense heightens every emotion, taking the reader on a ride filled with heated moments between the characters and terrifying moments that test their patience. Like many of Anna del Mar's previous novels, The Stranger has steady pacing, extensive detail, and requires a level of dedication to finish, but in the end it is always worth it. The Stranger can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it to all readers of romance and suspense, especially those that love a particular breed of strong characters. I really enjoyed this novel and cannot wait for the next to come from Anna.
She didn't understand that beyond wanting her, I wanted to consume her like the air I inhaled into my lungs and convert her into the oxygen that powered my life. She no idea that she already circulated through my bloodstream and pumped through my heart, fully integrated into my biology.
Summer Silva is desperate to locate her sister, return her to her stepmother, and plant herself firmly back into her life in the heat of Miami. Alaska, however, has other plans. Greeting Summer with cold temperatures, wind, and snow, the only perk of being stranded is the handsome man who rescues her, if only he wasn't so surly. Seth Erickson doesn't let people in, he runs his company from afar, fields all visits from his family, and he certainly has no time to rescue a girl who doesn't belong in Alaska during the winter. Somehow she gets past his defenses and he past hers, their lives intertwining in a short time. He's a wounded warrior, a stranger, but Summer trusts him with her life and her sister's life. Seth will do whatever he can to keep her safe, but the Alaska winter brings with it treason, revenge, murder, and a cold that seeps into the bones and threatens their newly constructed relationship.
"Summer Silva," he murmured, his thumb idling over the corner of my mouth. "I've got your back. Nothing bad will happen to you under my watch. And always remember: you're way too stubborn to let Alaska kill you."
I will pick up anything written by Anna del Mar and The Stranger is a perfect example of why. Told with incredible detail, Anna del Mar weaves multiple story lines together to create a world filled with romance, suspense, and adventure. The characters, like always, are strong on their own and forces of nature when together. Summer is a hot head, to say the least, and I loved how much personality that girl had. She never gave up even when the situations allowed for it and she fought for what she believed in. She's the kind of heroine all novels should have, not in need of a knight to rescue her, but rather bettered by the one who wants to fight alongside her. Seth is a decorated, wounded hero who hasn't let go of his past, he's all hard edges and moodiness, as well as a total alpha. On paper these two don't make sense, but their unique circumstances bring them together and make for an incredible romance. There's several secondary characters with vibrant personalities that took the story to another level, bringing different relationships and scenarios into the mix. I loved how unique every character was and the dialogue that came with their interactions. Then there's the story line, consisting of several plots that only Anna del Mar could make work in one novel. There's family angst and drama, suspense by the bucket loads, and a slight mix of the supernatural. Don't let that keep you from opening this book though, think more like the movie The Proposal than anything strange. It brings a cute element to this serious story and allows for some humor. The circumstances are unusual, a little over the top, and highly entertaining to read. All of this is set in the dangerous winter only found in Alaska, with planes and helicopters, bears, freezing temperatures, and the odd traditions that come with the sheltered state. I loved that each plot was fully delved into, from start to completion, allowing the reader to understand the main character's personal plights and background, as well as see how they combine together. I never guessed what was going to happen next and I loved the feeling of being immersed in the suspense alongside the beautiful power couple.
It was obvious: he loved to fly. He belong in the sky just as much as he belong to Alaska.
Summer and Seth have the kind of chemistry that can be felt while turning the pages, their romance is real and the smut scenes only bring it even more to life. The suspense heightens every emotion, taking the reader on a ride filled with heated moments between the characters and terrifying moments that test their patience. Like many of Anna del Mar's previous novels, The Stranger has steady pacing, extensive detail, and requires a level of dedication to finish, but in the end it is always worth it. The Stranger can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it to all readers of romance and suspense, especially those that love a particular breed of strong characters. I really enjoyed this novel and cannot wait for the next to come from Anna.
She didn't understand that beyond wanting her, I wanted to consume her like the air I inhaled into my lungs and convert her into the oxygen that powered my life. She no idea that she already circulated through my bloodstream and pumped through my heart, fully integrated into my biology.
August 22, 2016
Loved this book! Second in her series, Anna weaves a great story here. Suspense, love, a wounded war hero, a strong heroine and a plot that thickens by the minute. Very different from book one, I loved this one also. This is Seth and Summer's story. Seth the recluse who lives in the middle of nowhere Alaska and Summer, the accidental tourist from Miami looking for her runaway step sister at the behest of her half cracked step mother. Seth still struggle with not only some physical healing issues, but emotional ones as well as CEO of his family's billion dollar corporation. Summer arriving on the threshold of a severe Bering Strait storm, skids off the road and hits a tree, manages to crawl back up the the road where she meets the angry, agitated and very suspicious Seth. Seth so verbally alpha and Summer doesn't back down. Summer finally agrees to go with him to his "cabin" to wait out the storm. Mind you the cabin is state of the art everything complete with security system and all the bells and whistle. Seth was an engineer prior to being a pilot, Summer is an architect. Once Seth gets her home, he realizes she was indeed in an accident and not a plant as he suspects by another family member trying to shanghai the family business. Summer has one tiny little problem she neglects to tell Seth, don't blame her.. and on her first night there, it makes it's appearance. Next day enter Jer, Seth's brother who has retrieved Summer's rental car and relates her brakes have been tampered with, Summer is in total denial. Meanwhile hellbent on finding the sister she thinks ran off with someone she met on the internet and has been lured to Alaska, she's fielding calls from her boss, her late father's business partner who is nothing short of demanding and her crazy step mother. Meanwhile feelings for Seth start coming out and Seth for her... yet he is still a little distrustful. Seth bears the scars of his helo crash and Summer doesn't bat an eye at them. So the story unfolds, amid family drama's from both sides, abrasive Erikson Matriarch, Seth's grandmother and the amazing Anya, who is Russian and a shaman... Wow! What a kicker she was. I loved her. She understood Summers problem fully and feeds her little bits of folklore/ shaman story about it. Meanwhile Summer is still in denial that her life is in danger until danger presents itself fully and completely and she fights for her life. That scene is so well written and frankly it's transcendental. This book is told from dual POV's and at times third person, and it's a hell of a read. It did run a little long, but truthfully I was so sucked into the story I didn't care. The twists and turns are perfect, the suspense was well placed and you honestly didn't know who/what... neither did Seth and the fixer/problem solving man was frustrated. And to watch these two fall for each other was just too good. Anna del Mar.... score on this amazing read. I look forward to the next release in this series.
**arc from NetGalley and Carina Press** in exchange for an honest review
**arc from NetGalley and Carina Press** in exchange for an honest review
August 13, 2016
The Stranger by Anna del Mar
Wounded Warrior #2
Intrigue, suspense and a mystery to solve are just part of this story. The twist on being stranded in a cabin with a storm coming in was different than most because the main characters are not one dimensional. Seth and Summer both have people gunning for them though Summer is unaware she is in danger while Seth knows who is out to get him.
Summer left Miami in a hurry at the behest of her stepmother. She was not prepared for the bitter cold she had to face when her car crashed on a deserted Alaska road. Seth was on his way home from a tough day when he came across Summer walking down the road and though he was less than polite at first did let his need to help others take over and provide a warm place for Summer to stay the night. That first night was a doozy that brought them closer together and exposed a few of the issues both were less than eager to share with others.
I enjoyed getting to know Seth and Summer. Their stories were interesting and complex. Both had families that were capable of being a blessing or a curse. Summer’s stepmother Louise was a bit over the top and the fact that Louise and Summer were so clueless about Tammy, the runaway sister, made me question the communication between all of them. Seth’s family was a bit dynastic with generations of history, family issues to contend with and competition for the top position in the family business.
I questioned some of the behaviors of both Summer and Seth but did enjoy reading this book. It kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what would happen next. I am glad that the mystery was solved, the sister found and a happily ever after eventually transpires.
Alaska was presented in such a way that I now desire to visit although it sounds like it is both beautiful and cruel. I also want to read more of the myths and legends of the area and am off to find what websites or books might be available.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Wounded Warrior #2
Intrigue, suspense and a mystery to solve are just part of this story. The twist on being stranded in a cabin with a storm coming in was different than most because the main characters are not one dimensional. Seth and Summer both have people gunning for them though Summer is unaware she is in danger while Seth knows who is out to get him.
Summer left Miami in a hurry at the behest of her stepmother. She was not prepared for the bitter cold she had to face when her car crashed on a deserted Alaska road. Seth was on his way home from a tough day when he came across Summer walking down the road and though he was less than polite at first did let his need to help others take over and provide a warm place for Summer to stay the night. That first night was a doozy that brought them closer together and exposed a few of the issues both were less than eager to share with others.
I enjoyed getting to know Seth and Summer. Their stories were interesting and complex. Both had families that were capable of being a blessing or a curse. Summer’s stepmother Louise was a bit over the top and the fact that Louise and Summer were so clueless about Tammy, the runaway sister, made me question the communication between all of them. Seth’s family was a bit dynastic with generations of history, family issues to contend with and competition for the top position in the family business.
I questioned some of the behaviors of both Summer and Seth but did enjoy reading this book. It kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what would happen next. I am glad that the mystery was solved, the sister found and a happily ever after eventually transpires.
Alaska was presented in such a way that I now desire to visit although it sounds like it is both beautiful and cruel. I also want to read more of the myths and legends of the area and am off to find what websites or books might be available.
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 Stars
August 29, 2016
This is the second book in the Wounded Warrior series and I must say I enjoyed it. Seth is the quintessential brooding, distrusting alpha man. When he finds a half frozen, injured woman in the middle of an Alaskan snowstorm he immediately is suspicious thinking his cousin has set him up. For as un-trusting as Seth is Summer is quick to trust. She headed off to Alaska to find her sister without really thinking things through and has no problem trusting Seth when he saves her life. They are forced to work together to find Summer’s sister and save Seth’s business reputation which leads to them finding love with one another all the way.
These two are perfect for one another. Where Seth is still dealing with his injury and everything that happened in Afghanistan, Summer is dealing with her own sleeping disorder that has controlled much of her life. In each other they find the trust and caring that they both need without realizing it. While they may seem like an unlikely pair when you dig digger you see just how much they compliment each other. As always Anna de Mar has created a world where the chemistry is enough to melt the Alaskan tundra!
These two are perfect for one another. Where Seth is still dealing with his injury and everything that happened in Afghanistan, Summer is dealing with her own sleeping disorder that has controlled much of her life. In each other they find the trust and caring that they both need without realizing it. While they may seem like an unlikely pair when you dig digger you see just how much they compliment each other. As always Anna de Mar has created a world where the chemistry is enough to melt the Alaskan tundra!
This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/the-stranger....
A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
September 12, 2016
This is the third book I have read by this author and it was just as good as the others! While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone so if you haven't already read the first book you should definitely pick this one up!
This book is definitely a romance/suspense book as there is plenty going on besides the two main characters getting together. I will admit I almost put the book down after reading one part (at the very beginning) however I gave the author a chance because I liked her other books so much. Boy was I glad I didn't stop reading at that point! The issue that bothered me is explained a short time later and the story continues to move from there.
I've always been interested in Alaska and the culture there, so that was definitely something else that kept me interested in this book.
The author does a great job at connecting the characters while not taking away from the plot of the story. I wasn't surprised at the person who was behind everything, although the motive was one I hadn't guessed. It was interesting to read how the author managed to tie everything together.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
This book is definitely a romance/suspense book as there is plenty going on besides the two main characters getting together. I will admit I almost put the book down after reading one part (at the very beginning) however I gave the author a chance because I liked her other books so much. Boy was I glad I didn't stop reading at that point! The issue that bothered me is explained a short time later and the story continues to move from there.
I've always been interested in Alaska and the culture there, so that was definitely something else that kept me interested in this book.
The author does a great job at connecting the characters while not taking away from the plot of the story. I wasn't surprised at the person who was behind everything, although the motive was one I hadn't guessed. It was interesting to read how the author managed to tie everything together.
** ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review **
May 24, 2018
Seth and Summer are great together. They really heat up the pages. Look forward to reading the next in this series.
May 28, 2020
What an interesting, intriguing book! Seth is the CEO of a powerful, family Alaskan business, but he's a recluse after a military accident leaves him with more than just physical scars. When he comes across Summer on a deserted road just as a storm is about to hit, he's not ready for this stranger from Miami who's never experienced anything like an Alaskan winter. She not only also hides a secret, but has someone gunning for her. Summer is not leaving the state until she finds what she's there for, and Seth is determined to learn the identity of the person who wants her dead before they succeed.
Throw in formidable and difficult families on both sides, Summer's secret and how it ties to her mother's death, and a hot, undeniable attraction between the two leads, and you'll not only walk away with a romance you want to see through to the end, but thanks to the skills of the author, a love for Alaska itself and a desire to visit asap.
Throw in formidable and difficult families on both sides, Summer's secret and how it ties to her mother's death, and a hot, undeniable attraction between the two leads, and you'll not only walk away with a romance you want to see through to the end, but thanks to the skills of the author, a love for Alaska itself and a desire to visit asap.
August 26, 2016
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review and here it is: 5 stars
The Stranger is the second title in Anna del Mar's Wounded Warrior series, and having read, reviewed and enjoyed the previous novel in this series, as well as her novel, At The Brink, I must say that she continues to impress.
The heroine and hero in this novel are Summer Silva, a Miami native and architect, and Seth Erickson, helicopter pilot, wounded warrior with the burn scars to prove it, loner, and CEO of a vast multi-national corporation he inherited from his late father, choosing to live in seclusion in the Alaskan wilderness.
Summer arrived in Alaska totally unprepared for the weather after a frantic phone call from her stepmother, telling her that her bipolar stepsister, Tammy, had met a man on the Internet, and flown to Alaska to be with him and needed to be found immediately. When her rental car skids on some black ice and crashes down a ravine and into a tree in the middle of nowhere and with no cell coverage, an injured Summer manages to climb up to the road in her high heels and start hiking to seek help.
Help arrives in the form of a surly and suspicious Seth Erickson, who thinks she's a plant, sent by someone named Alex, and he's not easy to reason with, nor does he truly believe that she hasn't a clue what he's talking about. With a storm blowing in, Seth grudgingly convinces her to get into his truck and stay at his cabin until her car can be retrieved and repaired and the storm passes. Neither of these two trusts the other, but when Summer collapses from exhaustion and her injury, he puts her to bed in his bedroom, and starts investigating who she is, why she's really there, and whether or not the facts she gave him are true. Then, in the middle of the night, he discovers Summer wandering around naked, talking about his aura and coming on to him. It's been a long time since Seth has been with a woman, fearing rejection because of his extensive burn scars, but Summer isn't at all turned off and their night together is steamy enough to melt a glacier.
When Summer wakes the next morning, she has no memory of the previous night, and that's when Seth learns her closely guarded secret--she walks, talks and interacts with others while sleepwalking. When her rental car is retrieved, both she and Seth are surprised to learn that her accident wasn't an accident, her rental car had been tampered with and someone clearly wants her dead, and that's just for starters.
This is as complex a novel of romantic suspense as I've read in some time, filled with passion, secrets, danger, suspicion, betrayals, family loyalties and dysfunction, murder plots, and even a touch of the paranormal, all brilliantly handled and beautifully paced by the author. If you've not yet discovered Ms. del Mar's novels, this is as good a place to start as any. Although it's the second novel in a series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
The Stranger is the second title in Anna del Mar's Wounded Warrior series, and having read, reviewed and enjoyed the previous novel in this series, as well as her novel, At The Brink, I must say that she continues to impress.
The heroine and hero in this novel are Summer Silva, a Miami native and architect, and Seth Erickson, helicopter pilot, wounded warrior with the burn scars to prove it, loner, and CEO of a vast multi-national corporation he inherited from his late father, choosing to live in seclusion in the Alaskan wilderness.
Summer arrived in Alaska totally unprepared for the weather after a frantic phone call from her stepmother, telling her that her bipolar stepsister, Tammy, had met a man on the Internet, and flown to Alaska to be with him and needed to be found immediately. When her rental car skids on some black ice and crashes down a ravine and into a tree in the middle of nowhere and with no cell coverage, an injured Summer manages to climb up to the road in her high heels and start hiking to seek help.
Help arrives in the form of a surly and suspicious Seth Erickson, who thinks she's a plant, sent by someone named Alex, and he's not easy to reason with, nor does he truly believe that she hasn't a clue what he's talking about. With a storm blowing in, Seth grudgingly convinces her to get into his truck and stay at his cabin until her car can be retrieved and repaired and the storm passes. Neither of these two trusts the other, but when Summer collapses from exhaustion and her injury, he puts her to bed in his bedroom, and starts investigating who she is, why she's really there, and whether or not the facts she gave him are true. Then, in the middle of the night, he discovers Summer wandering around naked, talking about his aura and coming on to him. It's been a long time since Seth has been with a woman, fearing rejection because of his extensive burn scars, but Summer isn't at all turned off and their night together is steamy enough to melt a glacier.
When Summer wakes the next morning, she has no memory of the previous night, and that's when Seth learns her closely guarded secret--she walks, talks and interacts with others while sleepwalking. When her rental car is retrieved, both she and Seth are surprised to learn that her accident wasn't an accident, her rental car had been tampered with and someone clearly wants her dead, and that's just for starters.
This is as complex a novel of romantic suspense as I've read in some time, filled with passion, secrets, danger, suspicion, betrayals, family loyalties and dysfunction, murder plots, and even a touch of the paranormal, all brilliantly handled and beautifully paced by the author. If you've not yet discovered Ms. del Mar's novels, this is as good a place to start as any. Although it's the second novel in a series, it works perfectly as a standalone.
August 2, 2016
4.5 Stars, 3 Flames
Tropical and sun-loving Summer Silva finds herself traipsing all over Alaska looking for her wayward sister. She is lost, cold, irritable, and without a car. Luckily for her, Alaskan native Seth Erickson saves the day- albeit grudgingly. They strike a tentative truce. Seth will help her find her sister and she will prove that she isn’t part of any scheme to destroy Seth’s company. Their attraction grows suddenly and so strongly neither are prepared to say goodbye. Each learn the value of trust and to follow one’s instincts. Love was never on the agenda but in the end it was everything that they needed.
Second book in the Wounded Warriors series by Anna Del Mar that can be read alone as it does not have any of the original characters. From page one I was hooked. I connected with Summer right away as I love everything about the sun, California born and raised! So I understood her reluctance to go to Alaska where sun comes and goes as it pleases. She tried her best to just find her sister and leave but she ended up finding Seth. These two stubborn headed heroes will do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love and care about.
I loved the concept of Seth being winter and Summer being, well, summer. Fire and ice may seem like an unlikely pair but it works well in this novel! There were many unexpected turns that came about which left me wondering why I did not see that coming. But there were a few things I saw coming that I knew there was going to be a fallout. Summer finds herself always being the damsel in distress that makes the independent in her crazy. She always took care of herself, sister, and her stepmother that when she needs help she does not know how to relinquish that control. Thank goodness Seth is a bulldozer and took the reins in many situations.
I completely adored this book and the characters in it. Even if Louise, Alex and Astrid pushed my buttons! I love military romances and this had subtle references to his actual time in war. If was more of a journey of a wounded vet who is building up his family’s company while not really living. He wants ore out of life and Summer provides that for him. Summer’s journey is accepting who she is, disease and all, while learning to love herself and let herself live life without overwhelming worry. I truly hope there is more in the series because I cannot get enough!
I was gifted a copy of this novel from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
Tropical and sun-loving Summer Silva finds herself traipsing all over Alaska looking for her wayward sister. She is lost, cold, irritable, and without a car. Luckily for her, Alaskan native Seth Erickson saves the day- albeit grudgingly. They strike a tentative truce. Seth will help her find her sister and she will prove that she isn’t part of any scheme to destroy Seth’s company. Their attraction grows suddenly and so strongly neither are prepared to say goodbye. Each learn the value of trust and to follow one’s instincts. Love was never on the agenda but in the end it was everything that they needed.
Second book in the Wounded Warriors series by Anna Del Mar that can be read alone as it does not have any of the original characters. From page one I was hooked. I connected with Summer right away as I love everything about the sun, California born and raised! So I understood her reluctance to go to Alaska where sun comes and goes as it pleases. She tried her best to just find her sister and leave but she ended up finding Seth. These two stubborn headed heroes will do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love and care about.
I loved the concept of Seth being winter and Summer being, well, summer. Fire and ice may seem like an unlikely pair but it works well in this novel! There were many unexpected turns that came about which left me wondering why I did not see that coming. But there were a few things I saw coming that I knew there was going to be a fallout. Summer finds herself always being the damsel in distress that makes the independent in her crazy. She always took care of herself, sister, and her stepmother that when she needs help she does not know how to relinquish that control. Thank goodness Seth is a bulldozer and took the reins in many situations.
I completely adored this book and the characters in it. Even if Louise, Alex and Astrid pushed my buttons! I love military romances and this had subtle references to his actual time in war. If was more of a journey of a wounded vet who is building up his family’s company while not really living. He wants ore out of life and Summer provides that for him. Summer’s journey is accepting who she is, disease and all, while learning to love herself and let herself live life without overwhelming worry. I truly hope there is more in the series because I cannot get enough!
I was gifted a copy of this novel from the JeepDiva in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2016
4.25 My Dad hadn't....Stars
I've been to Alaska. I driven a snow machine up the Iditarod Trail, looked out over the Cook Inlent and used an outhouse when it was 5 degrees out. I loved it. But I was glad to get back to Dallas and in door plumbing. Of course I didn't meet a sexy stranger.
Warning: This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone. But be warned....you will want to go back and the first one after you read this one.
Summer has backbone. She has determination by the truck loads. What she doesn't have is a warm coat. Summer has left her life behind in sunny Miami to chase after her sister. Chase her all the way to Alaska. In the winter.
Seth has a big truck. In a big state. With a big chip on his shoulder. He is distrustful and guarded. But he isn't a monster. When he sees a stranded woman on the road in a snowstorm, he stops to help her. With attitude.
...pretty women were nice to look at, but a gorgeous woman with huge brains, utterly sexy tech talk? Irresistable.
Summer needs help and Seth doesn't want any. He doesn't want pity or sympathy. He wears his scars like armor. Armor Summer sees through.
She held on to me too, fingers trailing over my back's patched skin, soothing me with a soft touch that didn't discriminate against my scars, imbuing my lungs with her tropical scents, absorbing every ounce of me.
I loved The Stranger. I loved the play between Summer and Seth. Summer is strong woman who doesn't get intimidated by the wilderness or the larger than life characters that live there.
My dad hadn't fought in a revolution defied a dictator, clung to a raft and fought off sharks for three days in the Florida Straits for me to die here.
Ms deMar has given us a great story with writing that flows around you like melted snow pack. There is intrigue, danger, quirky people, jealously, sexy times, secrets, and fierce loyalty. All covered in a layer of ice and snow and star filled nights.
I've been to Alaska. I driven a snow machine up the Iditarod Trail, looked out over the Cook Inlent and used an outhouse when it was 5 degrees out. I loved it. But I was glad to get back to Dallas and in door plumbing. Of course I didn't meet a sexy stranger.
Warning: This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone. But be warned....you will want to go back and the first one after you read this one.
Summer has backbone. She has determination by the truck loads. What she doesn't have is a warm coat. Summer has left her life behind in sunny Miami to chase after her sister. Chase her all the way to Alaska. In the winter.
Seth has a big truck. In a big state. With a big chip on his shoulder. He is distrustful and guarded. But he isn't a monster. When he sees a stranded woman on the road in a snowstorm, he stops to help her. With attitude.
...pretty women were nice to look at, but a gorgeous woman with huge brains, utterly sexy tech talk? Irresistable.
Summer needs help and Seth doesn't want any. He doesn't want pity or sympathy. He wears his scars like armor. Armor Summer sees through.
She held on to me too, fingers trailing over my back's patched skin, soothing me with a soft touch that didn't discriminate against my scars, imbuing my lungs with her tropical scents, absorbing every ounce of me.
I loved The Stranger. I loved the play between Summer and Seth. Summer is strong woman who doesn't get intimidated by the wilderness or the larger than life characters that live there.
My dad hadn't fought in a revolution defied a dictator, clung to a raft and fought off sharks for three days in the Florida Straits for me to die here.
Ms deMar has given us a great story with writing that flows around you like melted snow pack. There is intrigue, danger, quirky people, jealously, sexy times, secrets, and fierce loyalty. All covered in a layer of ice and snow and star filled nights.
September 8, 2016
Summer had flown from her home Miami Florida to Alaska to find her sister. Unfortunately, she quickly finds herself in trouble. Now she’s standing stranded in the middle of Alaska country road, a stranger stops on the road, accuses her of being a hooker. Seth has already had a bad day, having lost a close friend that morning, is just trying to get home before the Alaska superstorm has him stranded. Suddenly, he comes across a women in the middle of the road. He quickly makes the assumption that his cousin Alex is up to no good again. With an important meeting just around the corner, Alex vying for Seth’s job, and a history of Alex creating drama, Seth has the right to be suspicious of this women.
But there is something off, Seth’s gut tells him that Summer has nothing to do with Alex but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t bring trouble and drama of her own. Someone is trying to murder Summer, she wasn’t even aware she was in danger before Seth and his brother discover that her brake line was cut. Now she’s got a hysterical step mother calling because of the missing sister, an angry boss because she’s not in Miami taking care of clients, an unknown killer stalking her, and this beautiful wounded man who has picked her up on the side of the road.
There’s a lot of moving pieces in this story and because of that I’m struggling with my review. Seth is a pilot in the reserves that was deployed to Afghanistan, while there is he was severely injured. Summer struggles with a sleep disorder that leaves her at risk. Trust me this all fits together in a beautiful package. It can get a little confusing to follow who’s telling the story as it changes with the chapters between Summer and Seth but ultimately this is a book of trust and healing within the context of love. Neither of them was looking for the other, in fact for Summer, Seth is truly a complication she just didn’t know how to handle.
But there is something off, Seth’s gut tells him that Summer has nothing to do with Alex but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t bring trouble and drama of her own. Someone is trying to murder Summer, she wasn’t even aware she was in danger before Seth and his brother discover that her brake line was cut. Now she’s got a hysterical step mother calling because of the missing sister, an angry boss because she’s not in Miami taking care of clients, an unknown killer stalking her, and this beautiful wounded man who has picked her up on the side of the road.
There’s a lot of moving pieces in this story and because of that I’m struggling with my review. Seth is a pilot in the reserves that was deployed to Afghanistan, while there is he was severely injured. Summer struggles with a sleep disorder that leaves her at risk. Trust me this all fits together in a beautiful package. It can get a little confusing to follow who’s telling the story as it changes with the chapters between Summer and Seth but ultimately this is a book of trust and healing within the context of love. Neither of them was looking for the other, in fact for Summer, Seth is truly a complication she just didn’t know how to handle.
October 16, 2016
The Stranger is the second book in Anna del Mar’s Wounded Warrior series. However, each book is standalone with new, different characters.
Having read the first book, The Asset, all I can say is that The Stranger is another tour de force from del Mar. Once again, she delivers an addictive romantic suspense read with a compelling, emotionally charged plot and engaging, likable characters whom you will root for—not to mention an explosive, passionate love story filled with dangerous twists and turns.
Treacherous circumstances related to the fact that her sister has gone missing bring sassy, hot-tempered architect Summer Silva to the Alaskan wilderness, only to end up freezing and stranded in the middle of a fast-approaching snowstorm.
Enters former military pilot Alaskan native Seth Erickson, who happens to be passing by in his truck on his way to his cabin when he spots Summer and comes to the rescue. However, it isn’t that easy. From the minute our alpha hero speaks with her, he becomes suspicious of her presence there, and quickly assumes she’s been sent there to spy on his family business. But he’s found a match in Summer, for she’s as quick to deliver comebacks as he is…and as quick to surprise him, too. That same night, as a result of her rare “condition,” Seth ends up having more than he bargains for. Soon after, Summer discovers that someone is trying to murder her.
The Alaskan wilderness, a cold-blooded killer on the loose, and murder bring them together, but they will need to trust each other if they want to get of this alive, something that doesn’t come easy for either of them.
This was a fabulous fast-paced read, simply addictive. Sexy, with a touch of darkness, and humor to boot! But the best are the strong, sympathetic, multi-dimensional protagonists and the way their love evolves. If you haven’t discovered Anna del Mar’s books yet, you’re missing something.
Having read the first book, The Asset, all I can say is that The Stranger is another tour de force from del Mar. Once again, she delivers an addictive romantic suspense read with a compelling, emotionally charged plot and engaging, likable characters whom you will root for—not to mention an explosive, passionate love story filled with dangerous twists and turns.
Treacherous circumstances related to the fact that her sister has gone missing bring sassy, hot-tempered architect Summer Silva to the Alaskan wilderness, only to end up freezing and stranded in the middle of a fast-approaching snowstorm.
Enters former military pilot Alaskan native Seth Erickson, who happens to be passing by in his truck on his way to his cabin when he spots Summer and comes to the rescue. However, it isn’t that easy. From the minute our alpha hero speaks with her, he becomes suspicious of her presence there, and quickly assumes she’s been sent there to spy on his family business. But he’s found a match in Summer, for she’s as quick to deliver comebacks as he is…and as quick to surprise him, too. That same night, as a result of her rare “condition,” Seth ends up having more than he bargains for. Soon after, Summer discovers that someone is trying to murder her.
The Alaskan wilderness, a cold-blooded killer on the loose, and murder bring them together, but they will need to trust each other if they want to get of this alive, something that doesn’t come easy for either of them.
This was a fabulous fast-paced read, simply addictive. Sexy, with a touch of darkness, and humor to boot! But the best are the strong, sympathetic, multi-dimensional protagonists and the way their love evolves. If you haven’t discovered Anna del Mar’s books yet, you’re missing something.
September 27, 2016
This is my first read by this author and I just want to know… Where has she been hiding? This story was funny and emotional with quirky characters in a setting that has me wanting to go to Alaska. I would like to leave now please!
Summer has left the warm climate to find her missing sister and finds Alaska packing a weather wallop from the minute she lands. Seth’s chivalrous streak knows no bounds and he knows the land better than most. When the two meet, warm city meets cold country, the snark and sparks fly immediately!
“She was fierce.”
I loved these two. Summer was smart and loving, lovable and loyal – traits that Seth couldn’t resist (though he did his best). Seth was wounded in many different ways. He had been hurt on the battlefield while serving his country but the deepest hurts came from his own family. They were both ”living impaired” but that didn’t stop them from excelling in their lives, working harder than most and garnering love and loyalty along the way… As circumstances forced them temporarily together they had the opportunity to open up to each other in a way that was insta-like, insta-admiration and insta-lust that soon became insta-love. They bonded over shared secrets, hidden hurts and danger that threatened their newfound relationship as well as their lives. They had each other’s backs in ways that felt like they were an old married couple rather than in a courtship measured in days and hours. And it worked incredibly well.
“Can we be?”
“Summer, baby… We are.”
It’s a “whodunit”, a hint of supernatural and a whole lot of love and passion. Set in Alaska I have a new appreciation for the state and the people who live in it… And if Seth is an example of what awaits, I will be leaving shortly….
September 5, 2016
The Stranger was my first time reading anything written by Anna del Mar. Although it's the second book in the Wounded Warrior Series, it can defineltly be read as a stand alone. The Stranger is Seth Erickson and Summer Silva's story. Both these characters are not only interesting, but are incredibly complex and intriguing.
Summer is an incredibly strong heroine. She's reliable and dependable the glue that holds her family together, so when her sister goes missing in Alaska she drops everything to find her. She is willfull, stubborn and has a hot temper.
Seth is a wealthy, brooding, wounded, distrutful alpha male. Seth is incredibly intelligent, an engineer, a savy businessman and a pilot. He's a loner, who craves the isolation that is afforded by living in the Alaskan wilderness. Seth was wounded in battle and struggles with his past. He's both scarred on the outside and the inside.
Summer struggles to trust others particularly males, but a series of events has her putting her trust in Seth. They work together to find her sister, outwit Seth's family and keep Summer out of harms reach.
I really enjoyed the intrigue, suspense and mystery of this story line. The chemistry between the pair was both entertaining and engaging. The loves scenes were incredibly well written much like the rest of the book. This book tends to be quite a series read, but there were a few lighthearted moments that had me laughing out loud, generally where Astrid and Louise were included in the story line. I really enjoyed The Stranger, and cannot wait to experience more of Ana's work in the future.
Summer is an incredibly strong heroine. She's reliable and dependable the glue that holds her family together, so when her sister goes missing in Alaska she drops everything to find her. She is willfull, stubborn and has a hot temper.
Seth is a wealthy, brooding, wounded, distrutful alpha male. Seth is incredibly intelligent, an engineer, a savy businessman and a pilot. He's a loner, who craves the isolation that is afforded by living in the Alaskan wilderness. Seth was wounded in battle and struggles with his past. He's both scarred on the outside and the inside.
Summer struggles to trust others particularly males, but a series of events has her putting her trust in Seth. They work together to find her sister, outwit Seth's family and keep Summer out of harms reach.
I really enjoyed the intrigue, suspense and mystery of this story line. The chemistry between the pair was both entertaining and engaging. The loves scenes were incredibly well written much like the rest of the book. This book tends to be quite a series read, but there were a few lighthearted moments that had me laughing out loud, generally where Astrid and Louise were included in the story line. I really enjoyed The Stranger, and cannot wait to experience more of Ana's work in the future.
May 10, 2016
So far this author has only written 3 books, but I have loved each of them! This is the second book in her wounded warriors series, I was expecting a continuation of the characters from that book, but I was pleasantly surprised at the locale and the characters of this one.
There was a little of the woo-woo/paranormal in this book, but I like reading across a lot of genres so it didn’t bother me one bit. I actually thought it fit in nicely with the main storyline and with Summer’s “sleep disorder.” It certainly was unique and added a touch more suspense to the story for me. Personally I loved how Seth reacted to her disorder and did all that he could to learn about it and how to help her with it. Basically it was more brownie points for Seth, lol.
I had a good idea of who the bad guy was near the beginning of the book, but I still enjoyed reading how the story unfolded and seeing how the romance dance of summer and Seth did its thing. He definitely has an interesting family and I wouldn’t mind reading another story or two about how they got along after this book.
Their relationship was a bit unconventional with them starting off with a bang and then working their way back up to having sexy times again. However, I think that everything fit nicely together and that bit of reversal added more enjoyment to the story for me.
There was a little of the woo-woo/paranormal in this book, but I like reading across a lot of genres so it didn’t bother me one bit. I actually thought it fit in nicely with the main storyline and with Summer’s “sleep disorder.” It certainly was unique and added a touch more suspense to the story for me. Personally I loved how Seth reacted to her disorder and did all that he could to learn about it and how to help her with it. Basically it was more brownie points for Seth, lol.
I had a good idea of who the bad guy was near the beginning of the book, but I still enjoyed reading how the story unfolded and seeing how the romance dance of summer and Seth did its thing. He definitely has an interesting family and I wouldn’t mind reading another story or two about how they got along after this book.
Their relationship was a bit unconventional with them starting off with a bang and then working their way back up to having sexy times again. However, I think that everything fit nicely together and that bit of reversal added more enjoyment to the story for me.
August 4, 2016
I read and loved the first book in this series, so when an opportunity to read this one became available, I grabbed it. As with the first book, this story features a serviceman, Seth, struggling with the aftereffects of his service and the deaths of his brothers in arms. On his way home, Seth encounters a young woman wandering the snow covered road a bit too close to his well fortified home. Summer has been convinced to take an ill advised and impromptu trip to Alaska in search of her flighty missing sister. When she ends up stranded, the last thing she expects is an angry and accusatory reluctant rescuer. The two make a tentative truce until they can both get to shelter from the storm on their heels. The more time the two spend together, the more they understand and like each other, but between Summer's search for her sister and Seth's concerns regarding corporate sabotage of his family's company, danger is everywhere.
I enjoyed reading Summer's spunky Miss Fix it personally and Seth's gruff affection and wounded heart. The Alaskan setting added to the story's interest as well. I will absolutely be continuing to read this series.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.
I enjoyed reading Summer's spunky Miss Fix it personally and Seth's gruff affection and wounded heart. The Alaskan setting added to the story's interest as well. I will absolutely be continuing to read this series.
I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.
September 9, 2016
There were some things that just told me to questions what I was doing. One sleep walking sex. No let me say sleep walking sex-a-thon. Repeated attempts on your life and brushing it off as mistaken identity. Family drama extraordinaire. Family setting you up, not a good thing.
Then there were others that said keep reading and don’t stop. Alaska. Cold. Sexy, hot, alpha male. Strong arms. Hot, sweaty sex-a-thons. The feeling of being protected, cherished, wanted regardless of the extras.
Both Sam and Summer had family drama going on. Mind you it was a different kind of drama for each. Both had a reason to be secluded from the world and a bit standoffish with others. Both do not trust easily. Neither wants to give in to the other. Together they make explosions happen. Both the good and the bad kind.
I received an explosive romantic suspense that hand me going on and on until I was finished and ready for the next one.
**This eBook was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
Then there were others that said keep reading and don’t stop. Alaska. Cold. Sexy, hot, alpha male. Strong arms. Hot, sweaty sex-a-thons. The feeling of being protected, cherished, wanted regardless of the extras.
Both Sam and Summer had family drama going on. Mind you it was a different kind of drama for each. Both had a reason to be secluded from the world and a bit standoffish with others. Both do not trust easily. Neither wants to give in to the other. Together they make explosions happen. Both the good and the bad kind.
I received an explosive romantic suspense that hand me going on and on until I was finished and ready for the next one.
**This eBook was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
September 24, 2016
The Stranger by Anna del Mar is a wonderful novel to read .The story starts with protagonist′s car struck in deep and dense forest in Alaska which is quiet unusual start to read as many novels do not come directly to the point and it was quiet surprising too 〈from a reviewer point of view 〉
Author Anna del Mar has gracefully penned her novel in an autocratic way . Summer Silva is in all a warrior who ventures out alone to find her way wierd sister .There she meets Seth who is an ex military official cum protector who does not trust any one than his brother /friend.The banter between Summer and Seth is a great thing to read in this book .
And for any person especially a girl to trust a stranger is difficult thing but she does it by surrendering everything to nature as her life is endangered .
The emotions of fear, wry , desire and safety in Summer and Seth are shown very well .The Stranger by Anna del Mar is the best book to read if you all love to read thriller romances then ..
A Golden 5 star rating for this book.
Author Anna del Mar has gracefully penned her novel in an autocratic way . Summer Silva is in all a warrior who ventures out alone to find her way wierd sister .There she meets Seth who is an ex military official cum protector who does not trust any one than his brother /friend.The banter between Summer and Seth is a great thing to read in this book .
And for any person especially a girl to trust a stranger is difficult thing but she does it by surrendering everything to nature as her life is endangered .
The emotions of fear, wry , desire and safety in Summer and Seth are shown very well .The Stranger by Anna del Mar is the best book to read if you all love to read thriller romances then ..
A Golden 5 star rating for this book.
August 11, 2017
Summer is in a crash in Alaska, where she is looking for her sister, when she tries to hitch hike..the first and only that stops is a surly SOB named Seth.he throws accusations at her the minute he stops..she has no idea what he is talking about...There is a storm coming and to far to a hotel so he takes her to his home...during the night he finds her naked in his kitchen where they start a wonderful night that leads to bed..but he doesn't know she is a sleepwalker....Both butt heads but they are with each other and he is protecting her but she keeps getting into trouble and almost dies a few times but Seth rescues her everytime..they fall in love...But thanks to a cousin of Seth's he thinks Summer has betrayed him til he hears horrible news and runs to the rescue..this was a great book full of love, intrigue and suspense! I loved it!
August 28, 2016
I could not put this book down.From the first paragraph I was hooked.It was at times a nail biting wild ride.The chemistry between Seth and Summer was steamy hot. I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting and the bear I want say more don't want to spoil it.JUST GET THIS BOOK you will love it!!!
September 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
full review to come
full review to come
October 5, 2016
Awesome
Makes me want to find me an Alaskan mountain man. Great suspense and even better love story. Very sexy and one of the better books I've read lately
Makes me want to find me an Alaskan mountain man. Great suspense and even better love story. Very sexy and one of the better books I've read lately
March 1, 2017
My new favorite author!
I loved this story, couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of your books! You are really a talented author!
I loved this story, couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more of your books! You are really a talented author!
October 14, 2017
Absolutely fantastic!!! I loved this book and highly recommend it. I liked the characters, the plot, the writing... romantic suspense at its best. One of my favorites of 2017.
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