Arctic Sun

Frozen Hearts #1

by Annabeth Albert

Everything’s bigger in Alaska, especially the HEAs. Annabeth Albert kicks off the brand-new Frozen Hearts series with Arctic Sun, an opposites-attract romance between a rugged outdoorsman and a smoking hot former male model.

He’s built a quiet life for himself in Alaska. But it doesn’t stand a chance against the unrelenting pull of a man who’s everything he shouldn’t want.

Ex-military mountain man Griffin Barrett likes his solitude. It keeps him from falling back into old habits. Bad habits. He’s fought too hard for his sobriety to lose control now. However, his gig as a wildlife guide presents a new kind of temptation in superhot supermodel River Vale. Nothing the Alaskan wilderness has to offer has ever called to Griffin so badly. And that can only lead to trouble…

River has his own methods for coping. Chasing adventure means always moving forward. Nobody’s ever made him want to stand still—until Griffin. The rugged bush pilot is the very best kind of distraction, but the emotions he stirs up in River feel anything but casual, and he’s in no position to stay put.

With temptation lurking in close quarters, keeping even a shred of distance is a challenge neither’s willing to meet. And the closer Griffin gets to River, the easier it is to ignore every last reason he should run.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Publisher’s Note: Arctic Sun deals with topics some readers may find difficult, including sobriety and eating disorders.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2019

About the author

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, I hate, hate, hate giving middling/bad ratings to authors I adore, and I adore Annabeth Albert. I've read 23 of her books (holy hell), and I'm a huge, huge supporter of her work. That being said, I struggled with Arctic Sun.

I'm going on vacation to Alaska this summer, so I was really excited to read a book that involved the Alaskan wilderness and romance. I spent a good portion of the story trying to convince myself that I liked it... but I didn't. I felt that the Alaska details were nice, but I didn't feel settled in the setting. I also couldn't help feeling that the romance was forced.

I think the story's main problem was the pacing. It felt suuuuuper slow, and I had to push myself to read quickly just to pass the time. I finished it rapidly, not because I loved it and couldn't put it down but because it was sort of boring and I wanted to move onto my next read.

I also think the author tried to pack too much into one story. These guys have a lot of baggage, and I didn't feel like we got enough pagetime to really explore their issues in depth. It felt like a lot thrown at us and it was hard to unpack it all and spend time getting to know these characters.

When it boils down to it, the chemistry was just not there for me. I always want to feel that romance-y romance, and with over 1500 romances under my belt, I'm super picky. Annabeth Albert usually brings me all the feels, but I didn't feel it with the one. Sad face.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~3.5~

Something about this book spoke to me. The descriptions of the setting made Alaska come alive. It wasn't all snow and ice. It was sweeping vistas, wildlife, and log cabins. There was a focus on photography and family.

Griffin has a wonderful relationship with his mom and uncle. He tries to do right by them, even as he's battling his own demons. When his injured uncle asks Griffin to do a photography tour in his place, Griffin wants to say no. He's not a people person. He likes to fly alone. But he can't say no, not when his family needs him.

Griffin misjudges River, stereotyping him as shallow and flamboyant. But River, a retired supermodel cum travel writer, is anything but. He can hold his own and loves being outdoors.

The MCs felt very real. Both had flaws and insecurities. Griffin struggles everyday to stay sober. Alcohol loosened him up, lowered his inhibitions. Without it, he doesn't think he can have fun, and he's only ever had sex when drunk.

River understands addiction. He's recovering from anorexia and eating still makes him anxious. Griffin initially assumes River doesn't eat because of the modeling thing but soon realizes that River's addiction to starving himself is as real as Griffin's addiction to drowning his emotions in booze.

The men do a slow dance of give and take. They kiss and share a tiny bunk. River has many slowburn fantasies, all of them sweet and sensual. This story isn't raunchy, but it is sexy.

I enjoyed the dual POV and the tender HEA. The men don't ride off into the sunset, but they are committed and so good together.

I also want to mention the wonderful secondary characters (particularly the two couples who were on the trip with Griffin and River).

My one complaint is that the story didn't always keep my interest, and I'm not entirely sure why. It wasn't the writing (I love this author's writing style), and I liked the characters. But there was so much push/pull, particularly on Griffin's side, that I started getting bored.

At one point, I felt like I'd been reading forever and thought I was more than halfway through the book, but when I looked I was at 30 percent. I groaned internally, never a good sign.

The atmosphere is subdued and somber. This really isn't a light and joyful story, so maybe I just wasn't in the right mood.

I will most definitely read the next book in the series. Annabeth Albert remains one of my favorite authors in the genre.

[Dia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

This book wasn't what I expected. But I ended enjoying it. It has a sadness vibe. Or at least this is how it felt to me.

It's the first book in the Frozen Hearts series by Annabeth Albert.

For some reasons I couldn't quite connect to the characters. At first I thought it had something to do with Griffin's determination to keep his distance from everyone. But after meeting the beautiful ex model River, he was even harder to approach. It's such a slow - slow burning.

We get great descriptions of Alaska, some hot scenes, but also angst.
The main characters deal with eating disorder and sobriety, as it is mentioned in the blurb.

Told in dual POV we get both their backgrounds, and even if I didn't quite understand some of their choices, I got invested into the story. But it took some time.

To be honest, I think this book could have been shorter. It kind of felt too long and at least to me it became tiring. But the ending was sweet and the next book will bring Toby's story - with a silver fox attorney. I'm looking forward to reading it. The excerpt we get at the end of this one made me curious.

This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession

[Adam · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars


I wanted to love ‘Arctic Sun’. I thought I’d love it. It’s a perfectly fine read with well-rounded characters, angst, and the beginning of a happy ever after. However, it just didn’t resonate with me.

‘Arctic Sun’ introduces readers to two complex MCs - cranky mountain man Griffin Barrett and former supermodel River Vale. The two men are very different, yet find common ground.

Both men have not-so-perfect histories. And they’ve paid their dues. Griffin’s a recovering alcoholic and River struggles with an eating disorder. But they cope very differently.

Griffin prefers to live quietly in the Alaskan mountains, helping run the family tourism and transport business. On the other hand, River jumps from one adventure to the next.

When the two first meet, it’s a shaky start. While there’s an immediate spark between them, Griffin passes quick judgement on River, who he assumes is a flaky and pampered socialite.

However, River proves Griffin wrong pretty early on. River may be a pretty boy, but he’s strong and determined.

And so begins a waiting game. River’s all for a vacation fling, but Griffin approaches things more slowly before giving in to the attraction between them.

And when I say slowly, I really do mean slow. Or at least that’s what it felt like. For me, there were waaay too many pages with not much happening.

With things moving so slowly between River and Griffin, I found myself almost detached from the book. So much so that the character and relationship development, as both men shared their histories and built a friendship, didn’t mean much to me.

I understand that the two have some serious baggage, but the hot-and-cold routine, the will-they-or-won’t-they just got old and repetitive.

It isn’t an easy romance for Griffin and River. It takes a lot of work for them to reach a point where they’re happy with themselves and their relationship. I could appreciate that hard-won happiness.

But I just wasn’t invested in the relationship. This is a “it’s not you, it’s me” situation. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for an angsty slow read. But if that’s your jam, give ‘Arctic Sun’ a try.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a nice enough read,  I am gonna be honest though and say that wasn't completely blown away. Its the first book in a new series though, so I hope that the stories will keep getting better and better... It did make me want to take a nice long vacation to Alaska ;)



Both of the MC's struggle with some serious issues, which sets a bit of a serious tone right from the beginning. 

Griffin is a bit of a lone wolf, but when his uncle needs his help he feels like he has to step up...which he does. Griffin is a military veteran and a (recovering) alcoholic. He is struggling his way through life. Staying put...is one of his ways of coping.

River is a former model still recovering from, and dealing with a very serious eating disorder. He deals with his issues in the exact opposite way...by moving from one place to another.

Now I have got to be honest here... I love a good slow burn, but this story was just a bit too slow for my tastes. There were even times I felt a tad bored. My mind started wandering off and that is never a good thing. 



That said...I did feel these two were good for each other. There was a certain sweetness about them. You know who didn't have any sweetness... Griffin's mom, I didn't care for her at all. 

All in all this was a nice read and I am curious about the next book in this series. 

 

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always found Alaska fascinating and its landscapes captivating. "Arctic Sun" is not just a romance story set over there. It's an adventure interwoven with that place. It takes place in Alaska and the setting isn't interchangeable because it's a huge part of the story. The characters are outdoor types and travel all over by any means they can. This book isn't just a story about two people finding each other, it's a story about Alaska and its wild beauty.

Griffin is a local, he served in Air Force, got a medical discharge and is now planning to build a cabin of his own in the town he was born in and where his whole family lives. He loves to fly anything he can get his hands on and he is most comfortable while he is in the air and in a pilot seat. He loves his family but at the same time he likes quiet. He's a loner, has a rough past that he is still battling with and he prefers to stay away from big cities and big crowds.

River is an ex model and a current author. He likes people and being the center of attention but in recent years he also found that hiking is therapeutic for him. He comes alive when he is surrounded by nature and its sounds. He has his own demons that he fights with everyday but he doesn't give up. He has been fighting an eating disorder for years and even though he acknowledges that he has a problem he still hasn't found a way to win it.

I think that even though River was saying that he was in recovery he was still hanging to by thread and the disorder was very powerful. He wasn't in imminent danger but it was still very present and at times it was scary to read his thoughts about food and calories. From the way he was thinking it was clear that he was battling his eating disorder day in and day out and that he hadn't yet managed to come out a winner. Closer to the end though I was very confident about his future. He had taken some positive steps, he was stronger and with the support system he had started to set in place - in stead of doing everything by himself - he was moving in the right direction and managing the disorder a million times better than he did at the beginning of the story.

River and Griffin as a couple were very fitting, I liked that the story wasn't completely taken by the week-long tour where they met. I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out that that was just one part of the story and the rest of it spanned over a few months. This way there was time for the characters to get to know each other, develop feelings, experience things together and plan for the future in a more realistic way.

My favorite part of the book were the descriptions of the places Griff took River. The scenic roots, the secret spots, the scenery as seen from a plane.... It was like I was watching a movie instead of just having to imagine the landscape. Great job over there Mrs Albert!

I liked the ending and the future that we were promised for Griffin and River. These two characters were both alone at the beginning and had decided to live their lives that way, one physically isolated from the world as much as possible and the other only forming temporary connections with people and then moving right along out of fear of staying still for too long and reliving his past hurts. In the end, both of them reevaluated their choices and came out two very different people, a lot happier, a lot stronger and a lot more in peace.




* An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. *

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Full review tomorrow when I'm at the laptop.

I am so torn over just what I think about this book because: A) Annabeth is one of my favourite authors and B) I actually loved a lot of this book.

But, for me at any rate, it seemed to take forever to actually get to the meat and bones of the story. My status update should explain a bit about how I felt, it seemed like I'd read almost a whole book but I was only at the half-way point.

Both characters are wonderfully expressed and both are dealing with serious issues in ways which felt realistic to me as an outsider never having dealt with either an eating disorder or with alcoholism.

They both had interesting quirks and backgrounds that never overtook the present, but the present itself just dragged on for a bit too long for me.

However, having said the above, I absolutely adored the final third of this book, it was everything I'd expect from an Annabeth Albert novel. It was expressive, it had trials which were overcome with some good communication, it had forgiveness and acceptance that asking for help doesn't make you weak.

Huge massive positives also for the setting. The descriptions of Alaska put me right into that landscape, I followed on the journey as they explored the hidden gems and beautiful national parks which make up this remote and stunning state (from all the images I went and looked up while reading!)

There's an interesting set of secondary characters. I didn't get Griffin's mother at all, she seemed unduly hostile to River from the out but River's old friends were perfectly portrayed as a set of vacuous people with which he no longer had anything in common.

Overall, I really enjoyed the final part of this book and firmly believed the two of them would make it into their Happy Ever After, but the first quarter dragged and that's why my rating is one star lower than it would have been otherwise.

#ARC kindly received from the publishers Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio - 4 stars
Story - 3 stars

[Sarah Meerkat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arc review: contains spoilers and discussions of consent

Content warnings

Coercive behavior/dubious consent: no means yes and not listening repeatedly when someone says no. First 30% book
Abelism
Toxic masculinity
Disordered eating
Sobriety
Intrusive thoughts
Fetishizing of queer men by heros bff. Not called out verbally at all
Threats of violence
Gaslighting
On page grief related to death of loved ones including mother

Arctic Sun was something that should have been an immediate hit out of the park for me. Except it wasn't and it is a case of characterization issues, poor word choices and many moments that could have been fixed or reworded by a good editor.

I should have liked River he his former model turned travel enthusiast who has self doubts, intrusive thoughts, family issues and still in recovery from an eating disorder.

Except.

River refuses to take no for answer from Griffin. The first 40% of the story is the set up for forced proximity trope when they are on the tour with Griffin for ten days alongside a dutch queer women couple and standard white middle america couple. Yes from the get go Griffin does find River attractive but is not in a space in his own recovery to entertain starting anything. River on the other hand doesnt give two shits about that. Griffin repeatedly says no. River ignores that. River kisses him right after Griffin says no twice. This is incredibly uncomfortable. Why should I root for a hero that doesn't actually listen to and respect the consent and bodily autonomy of the love interest.

We are treated to this incredibly weirdly worded line after the forced kiss Griffin

“The reluctant thing is kind of sexy, but we both know you want this. And I’m not a jerk. No means no unless it’s a kink for you, in which case, please, speak up now.”
“It’s not a kink.”He managed to find the strength to gently free himself from River’s embrace.

“So, why not simply say yes then? You can help me take my mind off my throbbing finger, and I can take your mind off... whatever makes you so damn serious. Just have a little fun, Griff.”

This is so utterly cringey and wrong and extremely not okay. Ever. Its just a little fun. Dont worry its only a little sexy times even though you've already said no several times and continue to say no. I am definitely not being coercive at all. He says that he will listen to Griffin but literally at the beginning of the next chapter a few pages later in Rivers pov it is the exact opposite!!

“Oh, he was going to get Griffin in bed before the end of the trip, and that was just a fact. But when he did, Griff would come willingly, and it wouldn’t be because River had made a pest of himself. Pushy wasn’t part of River’s MO. He did like the thrill of the hunt so to speak, but he’d give Griff plenty of space to sort himself out.”

He contradicts himself here when what he has been doing the past 5 chapters has been being pushy and coercive. Talking about Griffin like he something to be hunted is both poor choice of words and really creepy. Regardless if it says he will give Griffin space he doesnt give him space because they are on a bloody tour. Why should I continue to root for River when he is treating Grififn more as a conquest? When they do get to the cabin where its just the two of them everything that has come before sets up the cabin for just feeling more dubious. It doesnt feel full consensual because every other instance has been coercive. And this isn't okay. To go from saying I respect your consent verbally to internally be like lets hunt him until I can get him in my bed is textually conflicting

The wording in the previous chapters set it up as not on a level playing field. And that is something an editor could have pointed out at any point in development.

It should be great that River is helping Griffin reawaken his sex life and his sense of body again after years of trauma. But instead it feels like he is just using Griffin as a means to an end. They want to be a safe space for each other but it is not working!

The first 40% does not work as a healthy or even semi healthy relationship set up.

So when the tour ends which is really all the blurb talks about its like okay whats next.

Well whats next is a weird tailspin into a toxic relationship that is really hard to watch. Griffin likes doing photography for himself. It is not something that he feels comfortable with at this point in his life because of past friendship sharing with the world yet. He is an intensely private person whose only got so many spoons to deal with people. River repeatedly pushes him about it and isnt respectful of how his constant and pushing and what is actually gaslighting later on makes him feel. He doesnt want to upset River but he doesnt know River well enough yet at this point in the second half.

Its especially worse in the city where city River who is even more jumpy and anxious appears. Griffin doesnt do cities so this is big for him.

Once again I should love these two together but they do not mesh well. Fast forward to post Franchesa who is another whole pile of awful that I will touch on.

We get to the big fight. Now these men have known each other maybe a little over a month??? I dont expect people to have entirely settled into the relationship but what we are given is two people with vastly different sets of traumas that end up gaslighting each other.

In the beginning of the big fight where Rivers mode is to shut down and not deal and not think lets just have sex and haaaave fun Griffin. We get this line from Griffin

“you say fine again and I'm going to smash something”

Hello domestic violence red flag. Red flags all over. It is a threat of violence at the beginning of the argument. Which is both disturbing and unsettling and it dissolves from their with them both gaslighting each other but with River having the more power when he threatens to slip back to his eating disorder. Its Grififn standing up for himself and not wanting to be seen as just an object to have fun with and for his life to be played with. Its river not respecting his lifestyle. Rivers fun is destructive and Griffin calls it out. And its just a horrible mess.

River and his choices at this stage of them game which is literally 74% into the book are not Griffins responsibility. You are not responsible for what a person who is recovering from something doing something stupid because that is gaslighting.

By the end of the book even when River and Griffin get help for their issues. I still dont buy their HEA together. We are not given time to see them as a functional or semi functional in the book. We get River and his dad reconnecting and Griffin and his mom but I can't buy these two together as healthy because for 80% of the book their relationship was based on coercive sexual behavior that in a mf het romance would have been called out as problematic by any editor from the get go.

Ther are several other issues I want to address and one of those is the inclusion and characterization of Franchesa. Francesa exists to be Rivers friend from the modeling world his link to past that nearly killed him. And Franchesa fetishizes queer men. Out and out fetisizies them and is not called out verbally for it by River. It is called out internally but never externally does River call out his friend on her shit for wanting to see queer men kiss and dance so she can get her rocks off and be happy.

For this to be included is absolutely disgusting. I do not read queer romance to see people be fetishized by a cishet side character. This is a disservice to queer people especially queer men.

Ultimately in order for River and Griffin to get the proper treatment that they and their relationship deserve this should have been two books. One centered on the tour trip and the other centered on their life after. What we are given is not enough for me to buy their hea and that they would continue to be respectful of each other and their boundaries after their revelations at 85 to 90%.

Also for a series set in Alaska everyone is pretty damn white. For a tour as extensive as Griffins family I expected them to at least involve first nations peoples. Unless Griffins vague description of being tan is supposed to mean he isnt tan from being out in the sun

There are scenes that I did enjoy. River with his father and how it shows the effects of grief and how he is unreliable narrator about his father being the villain is handled well. The discussions on grief and toxic masculinity are handled well. And this book could have been so much more if it had a better editor

[Ele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Undoubtedly, the star of this book is the scenery. It’s almost like a third main character. The descriptions of Alaska and its people, and the varied, stunning landscape are breathtaking.

This book addresses serious issues like addiction and eating disorders. Griffin is an army veteran and a recovering alcoholic. River left modeling but still struggles with his body image and his eating disorder. It’s an ongoing battle for both characters but strangely, I didn’t find it overwhelming. On the contrary, it was handled very well and the characters definitely managed to bond over it.

The conflict comes not from these issues themselves, but from the way both men try to deal with them. River runs, he’s constantly in motion so he doesn’t have to face his demons. Griff stays put because roots and routine give him stability and strength to face his own troubles.

I loved the sense of family and community in this book. I loved the family that became a safety net for Griff and I loved the not so perfect family that found a way to come together for River. That said, I found that Griff’s mother was OTT. It’s one thing to be protective of your child, and a whole different thing to be rude to someone who comes near him. Her initial behavior towards River was uncalled for.

So there were things that I loved here but sadly, I didn’t love the most important thing; the romance. And since romance is the reason I read this genre, I can’t give a higher rating. I didn’t love Griff and River together, I didn’t feel their chemistry and I even got very bored at times. I pushed through and the ending was nice, but overall the romance was not something to write home about for me.

I usually like Annabeth Albert’s books, they fall into 4 star category for me so I’ll say that this was a fluke. I think I will continue with the series because the secondary characters seemed interesting enough.

[.Lili.]

DNF 38%

I can't believe I DNFed an Annabeth Albert book. :(

The pace felt really sloooow, and I wasn't feeling much chemistry between the MCs.

No rating.

++I still have crazy love for this author and remains a favorite of mine. ++

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good. My parents just went to Alaska in June and they said it might be the most beautiful place they have ever seen. I believed them and this book just adds more proof.

I loved the setting of this book. Although I am sure words just can’t do the scenery justice I feel like the author did a great job of putting the reader in Alaska and providing a great visual with just using words on the page.

Addiction scares me in my books. I don’t think I realized this was a thing in this book but I feel it was done realistically and it made the story more instead of uncomfortable. I am glad that Griff, on his own, realized what he needed.

I think my favorite part of this story aside from the setting was that it took time. This wasn’t instalove or even easy love. This was hard and at times felt impossible but it was worth it and they tried and it was such a great reward. If felt more real and what I think would have really happened.

I liked the family aspect of this story but did not like Griff’s Mother, at all. I think she was rude and although she was I guess trying to help, her making Griff feel like he couldn’t have anything but the family business was just unfair and cruel. The whole part with River’s Dad though? Yeah, I love a great reconciliation story and it felt so good.

I think we probably all have at times felt we weren’t deserving of something good in our lives. I know for me I am my hardest critic. So yeah, I find it beautiful when two people can relate to that and see that in each other but also help them believe they do deserve it and really, that is what this story was all about.

I didn’t read the excerpt from the next book at the end, but I do look forward to reading the next installment.

**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book takes places during a very special nature photography tour in Alaska, and the descriptions made me feel like I was in the heart of Alaska. River and Griff were fighting so hard to NOT be attracted to one another as both men had had problems in their past and were more than leery of inviting more even though their hearts say to go for it. It’s a beautiful story of love and healing. I love the depth that Annabeth Albert puts into her characters, and this book did not in any way disappoint in character development. It does seem to be a bit slower than her other books. That said, the story was full of deep feels and excellent plotting that made a heartwarming story in which River and Griffin learn to accept themselves and each other as they are.

[aarya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Content Notes: eating disorder, alcoholism, discussion of near death due to disorder/alcoholism

I wanted to like this book because the premise and setting seemed up my alley, but I continuously grew frustrated with one protagonist's selfish actions and that ultimately ruined my belief in their HEA.

The Premise:

Griffin Barrett is an air force veteran who has moved back to Alaska to live near his family. His family heads up an Alaskan tourist/wilderness guide business. They lead wilderness trips for interested tourists into the beautiful (but potentially dangerous) nature spots. He's struggled with severe alcohol issues and a past unrequited love. Griffin is a scowly, misanthropic, and grumpy mountain man who doesn't like outsiders and never wants to leave his house. Unfortunately for him, his uncle's injuries force Griffin to head up the next tourist/wilderness group. Much to his initial discontent, his group includes ex-model and travel writer River Vale.

River quit the model life to become a travel/memoir writer (I can't remember if he focused solely on nature/wilderness writing, or if he wrote about everything). His first book was so successful that it actually got made into a movie. He's in the Alaskan wilderness because he wants to write about this area specifically for his next book.

You can guess what happens next. They meet, they butt heads, there's an intense sexual attraction that eventually culminates into a relationship, there's a big Black Moment conflict that almost ruins everything, and finally there's a Happily Ever After. That's pretty much all you need to know before picking up this book. My favorite part of the book was the description and integration of the Alaskan wilderness into the plot/writing. I've never been to Alaska, but the storytelling was so picturesque and vivid that I could easily imagine myself hiking and admiring the glacier-topped mountains.

Unfortunately, the relationship between River and Griffin did not work for me at all:

1) River initially has zero respect for Griffin's boundaries or requests to be left alone. Griffin continuously tells him that he's not interested, and River continues to flirt and hit on Griffin. I was not amused. River's rationale is basically "of course, I *know* Griffin is sexually attracted to me and that gives me permission to not respect his privacy." Well, I disagree. I didn't find River's behavior attractive and was downright angry at some points. Here's one of many, many cringe worthy interactions:

“Bed.” River pulled away with a low groan, and all Griffin’s doubts and objections came rushing back.

“No.” He finally succeeded in forcing his legs to work, scooting back before standing and pacing away.

River followed, easily unfolding from the rocking chair to stride over to Griffin and wrap his arms around Griffin’s neck. “The reluctant thing is kind of sexy, but we both know you want this. And I’m not a jerk. No means no unless it’s a kink for you, in which case, please, speak up now.”

“It’s not a kink.” He managed to find the strength to gently free himself from River’s embrace.

“So, why not simply say yes then? You can help me take my mind off my throbbing finger, and I can take your mind off...whatever makes you so damn serious. Just have a little fun, Griff.”

Blergh. See what I mean? River has zero respect for Griffin's boundaries or explicit refusals. This quote might seem innocent by itself, but River continues to make Griffin uncomfortable with his attentions after this incident. Later on, River actually thinks about how he likes "the thrill of the hunt" in reference to his pursuit of Griffin. Yeah, no. Griffin isn't some wild animal that gets hunted in the Alaskan wilderness. River kept on harping on how it would be casual fun sex for both of them, and it's obvious that Griffin isn't in the market for that (he has extremely good reasons to not want to be in a relationship). I maybe could have forgiven this behavior from River if it happened once or twice. Unfortunately, it kept on happening over and over again. By the time they actually hooked up, I was actively rooting for their relationship to be over.

Another review on Goodreads goes into further detail about their relationship, and I highly recommend that you read it. The reviewer says everything I felt but in a much more detailed manner (spoilers ahoy): https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

2) I don't have a problem with "issue books." In general, I thought the alcoholism and eating disorder were handled well here (I have no prior experience with either of those things so don't really have the authority to discuss them). My problem is that River and Griffin have *so many other* major issues to resolve and those didn't receive enough screen time. River has an eating disorder, a tough relationship with his dad, his toxic friends from his model lifestyle, etc. Griffin has severe alcohol problems, a former unrequited love with someone who has died, difficulty in family communication, etc. All of this stuff was bundled into a 90k book, and several didn't receive enough discussion in the book. I just knew they existed, but there was no serious/satisfactory plot point to address them. As a result, the ending felt quite unsatisfactory and unfinished.

3) I don't want to spoil the ending, but what happened in the lead up and aftermath of the Black Moment made me so angry. River's lack of boundaries come up again. He fundamentally doesn't understand or respect Griffin as a person. He treats everything as a game and is selfish to the point of completely misunderstanding his partner. But wait, you ask, shouldn't protagonists be flawed so that they can make mistakes and then resolve them? That's true, but his apology/attempts to mend the relationship felt half-assed and in no way made up for his selfish behavior. I didn't get a satisfactory or remorseful character arc when he and Griffin eventually made up. I ended the book feeling furious at River, the relationship, and their future "HEA." The most important part of the romance novel is how convincing I find the HEA. Simply put, I have no faith that River and Griffin will live happily for the rest of their lives.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series for Annabeth Albert. The first half of the book takes places during a very special nature photography tour in Alaska, and the descriptions made me feel like I'd had my first visit there! The sexual chemistry between River and Griff pulls them together even though Griff fights against it, and the sexual dynamics between them were really hot! But both men are dealing with problems from their past, and they have to work through getting stronger before they can be strong enough to be together. A beautiful story of love and healing and Alaska, and I'm already dying for book two!

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** Healing hearts meet in Alaska. Griff is an Alaskan pilot/guide/photographer in a family business. He's a big mountain of a man who is a recovering alcoholic. Blue haired River is a world famous model/writer, taking a break from his world by going on this photographic hike. This lovely story is lyrical and explicit in it's words, so we get the vivid pics in our minds. We can feel their emotions, and we clearly can tell what each man is worried about, or what his desires are. Their role-play is exciting and enticing. No costumes, but they tell each other a fantasy tale they want to come true. It's erotic, powerful, and their sexy times are brought into action.
This trip includes other hikers, and their friendship is going to extend beyond the hike. We see what their "couple" would be like. So much is on the line, because each man has an established life. How will it ever blend?
Once back, there is much to still learn about themselves, and their needs. Both have baggage. They mess up, and then fix up, but we do get a happy ending and epilogue.
ENJOY !

========

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved this book because there was so much communication between the characters and it was a VERY refreshing change.

[Heike · Rating 3 out of 5]

First half 5 stars
Second half 1 star

Perpetually grumpy and reclusive Griffin gets talked into helping out his family by guiding a tourist group on a photographer trip in Alaska. One of the participants is River, a famous model-slash-author.
For Griffin it’s dislike on first sight, while River is intrigued by the gruff mountain man.

The first half of the book is awesome, how these men get to know each other, start to trust each other, fall in love.
But combining their very different lifestyles plus the demons that follow them (alcoholism and an eating disorder) seem to give the author an excuse to fill the second half with pages of inner dialogs, self-doubts, soul-finding and self-destructive drama (the Crocodile Dundee scenario was ridiculous and, unfortunately, not funny).
There was absolutely ZERO going on in the second half of the book that had any entertainment value for the reader (or for this reader, as in "me").

If I could do this again, I would quit the moment River leaves Alaska after his second visit and come back for the last chapter or epilogue. Not missing a thing!

Humor: n/a
General writing style: 4 stars
Story line idea: 4 stars
Story line execution: 2 stars
Plot: 1 star (last half was only inner dialog drama)
Annoy factors: 1 star (whole last 50% of the story)
R-rated content: several descriptive scenes – they were story building, though
Narration: 3rd person alternating POV, past tense
Main Location: mainly contemporary Alaska
Main protagonists: Griffin, 36, ex-military now Alaskan bush pilot and dry alcoholic; River, 29, former fashion model now travel book author with an eating disorder, both openly bi

[Gustaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow and beautiful. Got a bit bored in the middle so not a full 5-star read. But close.

Reread July 2021 - It was much better the second time around. Probably because even though it's slow, I knew what was about to come.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

Not my favorite Annabeth Albert book...I did like how River hid from his problems by traveling (something I could see myself doing if I allowed it) and had to recognize it for the issue it was. And I took a lot of notes for when I finally get to Alaska (next summer? *crosses fingers*) because OMG this was almost a Tourist Guide with its many excursions and trips and hikes...

Otherwise, yeah...I thought it very slooooooow going.

Even a decent Narrator couldn't keep me engaged; I kept stopping the audio to read something else. (Which put me behind in my chores!!)

I'll still probably give the second one a try, because once the relationship between River and Griffin started to develop (rather than just the sex), once there was more to "them" - I did like it. But I think the plot of the second one appeals to me more with the crash element and the forced proximity (plus recovery). Just call me Dramalama.

[Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arctic Sun by Annabeth Albert was book that grabbed my heart and would not let go!
I adored Griffin and River's journey to a happy neither ever imagine.
MUST CLICK https://amzn.to/2OefSxr

This story was so well done, attraction didn't solve anything and even love was not enough as each man needed to decide what makes them truly happy.

It made my heart happy that this story was not rushed.. the character development, the look at both sobriety and eating disorders were so well done... that I think this book will remain in my heart for sometime to come.

The author did an unbelievable job with the visual aspects around the setting for most of this story... Alaska almost became a character in the book!

I also loved how the story was not dominated by intercourse.
This story was great look at sexuality and connection and will really make the reader think.

Annabeth is now a must click author for me and I am so excited to return to the Alaskan Wildness as this series of stand alone stories releases. Book 2 Arctic Wild is on my must read list...

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook review

3,5 stars rounded up because of the audio

Annabeth Albert and a brand new and shiny series?
- I'm so there. I couldn't wait to listen to this book.

I loved the idea of this book. Two lonely and dented men, still struggling with their respective issues, addiction and disorders. Neither of them were looking for that special someone, yet couldn't stay away from each other once they met. Set in the Alaskan wilderness was a definite bonus. In theory this should have really worked for me. However, I just didn't feel it. The magic we've all come to love and expect from Albert wasn't there. It lacked depth and feeling and I wasn't able to connect to it. I didn't believe. Often a reason why I don't connect to a story that I don't connect to the narrator, that wasn't the case here. I loved Cooper North and think he did a wonderful job, but the story itself felt lacking.

Cooper North was a new narrator for me and one I will definitely keep an eye out for in the future. I loved his voice, it was just so pleasant and had me in a good mood from the start. He tried for different voices for the characters but wasn't able to maintain them throughout. I honestly didn't mind that much his voice made up for it with gusto. The voice he had for River (when maintained) was spot on. It captured his personality, and energy. It captured him.

I loved the idea and set up for this series, and while this one wasn't a major hit for me I will definitely stay with it, because there's major potential here.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+ for narration, B for content, so 4.5 stars (ish).

Annabeth Albert’s Out of Uniform series put her on my “must read/listen” list, and I’ve picked up several of her backlist titles in audio over the past few weeks while I waited for the first in her new Frozen Hearts series, set in the wilds of Alaska, to come out.  Arctic Sun is that book, and it tells the story of Griffin Barrett, who, after leaving the military, returned home to Alaska in search of peace, quiet and somewhere to put his past mistakes behind him, and River Vale, a former supermodel who has authored a hugely successful travel book, and who is now researching his next project.

Griffin works for his family’s photography/ tour-guiding business, but not usually as an actual guide; he’s not naturally outgoing and finds it difficult being the centre of attention, but when his uncle, who usually handles the tour groups, has to go into hospital, Griffin’s mother asks him to step in at the last minute to take charge of a group of five – two married couples and one solo traveller – and while his first instinct is to refuse, his family needs him and he can’t let them down.

Learning one of the group is – or was -  a supermodel, Griffin immediately jumps to conclusions, expecting a superficial, flamboyant individual with cotton-wool for brains.  Instead, River Vale confounds those expectations, clearly being an experienced traveller and a talented photographer – and while Griffin had expected him to be good-looking, he’s completely unprepared for the reality of the funny, charming and easy-going man behind the beautiful face.  It’s been a long time since Griffin has been so strongly attracted to anyone – in fact, he doesn’t even know how he really feels about sex seeing as most of the time he had it when he was wasted – but he certainly isn’t about to hook-up with a client, and very definitely rebuffs the other man’s attempts to flirt with and charm him.

But River won’t take no for an answer and continues to pursue Griffin - and I have to admit I wasn’t quite comfortable with his you’ll-give-in-eventually attitude: Oh, he was going to get Griffin in bed before the end of the trip, and that was just a fact. But when he did, Griff would come willingly, and it wouldn’t be because River had made a pest of himself. Pushy wasn’t part of River’s MO. And I’d have to say that River IS rather pushy, even though he’s right about Griffin’s interest in him.

Anyway.  It’s not a spoiler to say that the guys do eventually hook up (this is a romance after all!), and although they’re opposites and their relationship progresses quickly, I nonetheless felt that the author did a good job of exploring the things they had in common, and that they had potential as a couple in spite of their differences.  But after the trip ends, those differences become more pronounced as each man returns to his normal life and milieu.  They agree that neither of them is ready to say goodbye and that they’ll see each other again when and where they can, which results in a return visit to Alaska for River, and a trip to Vancouver for Griff… which doesn’t go particularly well, thanks to some crass behaviour from River’s rather insensitive and unsupportive friends.

Both men are battling their own demons every day.  Griff is a recovering alcoholic, who, while sober and doing fairly well, mostly deals with his addiction by completely avoiding temptation rather than learning how to live with it.  His reclusive lifestyle provides him the ideal opportunity to do this, even though he’s lonely at times, but he has no desire to live anywhere else.  River has spent a good proportion of his life being looked at and every single imperfection noticed and criticised; he has a difficult and complicated relationship with food and is recovering from an eating disorder – and his coping mechanism is the complete opposite of Griff’s – he keeps moving and doesn’t even have has his own place any longer, instead staying with friends whenever he’s not off travelling and researching for his next book.

Having never suffered either of those things, I claim no expertise whatsoever, but it seemed to me that Ms. Albert handled both of these issues very well, especially River’s eating disorder.  He’s clearly not quite as far along the road to recovery as he thinks he is, although by the end of the book, he’s taken some very positive steps – as has Griff – so I came away from the story hopeful for their future.  Griff and River are complex characters who still have a lot to work out individually and as a couple, but I liked them together, and in particular, the way they felt able to open up to one another about their problems and be vulnerable with each other.

A lot of the reviews I’ve seen have talked about the pacing of the book being too slow, but I have to say I didn’t feel that way at all, which  I suspect  may have something to do with the fact that I listened to the audiobook version  rather than reading the book.  Cooper North’s narration is very good indeed and kept me engaged from start to finish; all the characters are clearly differentiated and the different pitches and timbres he adopts to portray the principals work really well to delineate them as characters and as distinct from one another.  His pacing is good, his enunciation clear and he does a good job with the female voices and different accents (one of the couples on the trip is a lesbian couple from the Netherlands); in addition Mr. North injects the more emotional moments with just the right degree of expression and performs the love scenes confidently and without going over the top.

I can’t end this review without mentioning the other character in the book, which is Alaska itself.  The descriptions of the scenery and the wildlife are superb and incredibly vivid, and as I can’t see myself ever getting to go there, I’ll have to live vicariously through them!  I enjoyed both the story and narration in Arctic Sun and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Em]

I gave this a B- at All About Romance .

Sometimes, if I’m familiar with an author, I can overlook flaws in a story – especially if/when the author is trying something new; I’ll round up and qualify the recommendation to AAR readers with the reasons why. But that familiarity can be a problem when I can’t quite decide if the problems I have with a book are down to me or the story (or both!), and that’s what happened with Arctic Sun. Ultimately, I’ve decided it’s both – the pacing is off (the story drags), the story is dark (alcoholism and an eating disorder figure prominently), and I never connected with its principal characters. The principals are polar opposites I had a hard time believing could or would fall for each other, let alone form a lasting partnership; I just didn’t feel the chemistry between them. It’s challenging to launch a new series, especially when fans are so invested in the previous one, but unfortunately, Arctic Sun tries to do and be too much, and it’s more exhausting than entertaining.

Griffin Barrett, a recovering alcoholic who’s struggled hard for his sobriety, likes solitude and routine. After leaving the military, he’s hidden himself away at his family’s compound in Alaska, limiting himself to relationships with his tight-knit family, and the small group of employees who work for the family travel tourism business. He’s a hermit and sometimes lonely, but his reclusive lifestyle suits the person he wants to be and prevents him from falling back into the destructive habits – drinking to oblivion and hooking up with a series of forgettable men – that nearly destroyed his life. When his mom presses him to lead a photography tour into the Alaskan wilderness, Griffin’s knee-jerk response is to refuse. But with his injured uncle unable to lead the group, Griffin is best qualified to go – he’s a skilled photographer and he’s familiar with the itinerary and logistics of leading a group into the Alaskan wilderness – and he reluctantly agrees to go in his uncle’s stead.

River Vale is a world-famous supermodel fresh off the success of his first published book – a photography memoir chronicling his nomadic lifestyle. River has demons he’s trying to outrun, and unable to stay in the same place for too long, he chases adventure. No stranger to hard work or to roughing it, he’s hoping this latest undertaking – photographing the remote Alaskan wilderness – will jumpstart his stalled second book. His publisher isn’t pressuring him… yet – but River is anxious anyway. Arriving in Anchorage straight from a visit with his jet-setter friends during Italy’s fashion week, River is looking forward to a week to unwind and refocus. He isn’t expecting Garrett, his gruff and handsome mountain guide. Despite Garrett’s obvious ‘keep away’ body language, he’s just the sort of challenge River loves, and although he rebuffs all River’s attempts to charm and flirt with him, it only makes River try harder.

When the trip gets underway, Garrett is frustrated by his inconvenient and inappropriate attraction to the handsome River – and although determined to steer clear of him, traveling in close proximity makes it nearly impossible. River flirts with him whenever he can, and when River’s with the group, he fluidly transitions into buddy mode – friendly with everyone he meets. He’s a talented photographer and low maintenance client and not all what Garrett had expected. When one of the lodges mixes up their reservations and Garrett is forced to share a small cabin with River, Garrett knows he’s in trouble.

River doesn’t waste any time exploiting time alone with Garrett in close quarters. He tempts and flirts, cajoles and teases… until Garrett finally gives in. Usually I’m 100% on board with Ms. Albert’s opposites-attract pairings, but Arctic Sun is the exception. Garrett is working hard to keep away from River from almost the moment they meet. Maintaining his sobriety is a tricky and painful business, and River – despite the clear warning signs – won’t take no for an answer. Yes, they’re sexually attracted to one another, but Garrett makes it clear he thinks hooking up with River is a bad idea. He does it anyway, and from that point forward, I struggled with the story. Physical attraction almost immediately segues into a deep, meaningful emotional connection – and it’s a big leap.

Over the course of a weeklong trip – most of which Garrett spends trying to keep River at a distance – these two wildly different men with disparate lifestyles and personal demons they’re reluctant to share with each other somehow form a soul deep connection. In romance novels, an author like Ms. Albert can and does make this work. In real life, it usually doesn’t. And in Arctic Sun, when the author throws in doubtful family and friends, and a big Misunderstanding, it’s simply too much folks.

If the first half of Arctic Sun is devoted to the surprise love connection Garrett and River forge in Alaska, the second half is a painful reminder of all challenges they still need to face in order to be together. Misunderstandings, doubts and destructive behavior follow hard on the heels of the trip, and despite the tension and anxiety that Ms. Albert expertly ratchets up, I wasn’t invested in this couple, and the story drags. It’s depressing and sad, too – and friends, that combination led me to put this book down time and time again. Garrett and River are likeable – loveable – guys, but this story feels oddly hollow and I simply wasn’t rooting for them by the end of it. By contrast, a secondary romance that takes place largely off the page proved infinitely more joyful and entertaining!

As I mentioned at the beginning, I’m a big fan of Ms. Albert’s. Although this romantic pairing didn’t work for me, the framework for what’s to come in the series – more stories set in picturesque Alaska, quirky characters related to the Barrett family business, and more opposites-attract pairings – leaves me hopeful better is yet to come. Based on my history with Ms. Albert (the first books in the #gaymers (Status Update) and Out of Uniform ( Off Base) series were also my least favorite), I ...

The rest of my review is here: Arctic Sun

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did, but I am super glad I read it. It's long, with a very slow burn romance. Neither man is looking for romance. In fact, neither s even looking for a hookup.

Both have addictive disorders that are painfully difficult to discuss and even more painfully difficult to admit out loud and seek help for. I respect the way the author approached both the alcoholism and the food addiction. In my mid career (I've have had 3) I worked as an addictions counselor, and I led a group on food addiction. Body image, self-help treatments, counseling, meetings, triggers--all were covered with respect in this story. It's clear the author did some research.

Now on the other hand, there were two areas where her Alaska research fell short about being at Denali in July. One relates to the fact it never gets dark up there at that time of year, even in the middle of the night. The other was a comment on glacier water. Two minor points but, honestly, Ms. Albert, if you can get to Alaska, do so. Never mind the research, it's simply an astounding beautiful nature paradise.

I was in the mood for a nice slow read. It's funny how once in a while a book just matches my temperament and this time I truly appreciated every nuance of River's and Griff's characters, their private lives, memories, and ultimate growth--both individually and as a couple.

I'm looking forward to book two as we are promised an age gap romance featuring Toby, a secondary character in this story, and I can't wait for that one. I recommend this book to my fellow MM romance lovers, especially those who have the time to spend a few days on it and those who've been to Alaska. It's like a walk down memory lane.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a slow start, but just hang in there, because the last quarter of the book is just everything I love about Annabeth Albert's writing.

I loved the descriptive writing of Alaska and where Griff and his family live and work. I have never been to Alaska, but it was easy to imagine what they were seeing - and I'll have to bump Alaska a bit higher up on my want-to-visit list, because it does sound beautiful. Griff is a tour guide and pilot working for his family business, and trying to live a sober life after hitting rock bottom. He has to step in for his uncle on a tour unexpectedly, and that's where he meets River, once supermodel now travel writer and author.

Both of these two men have some major baggage and tragic pasts. Griff is still dealing with addiction and recovery, and his past with his unrequited love for his best friend. River still deals with the repercussions of his modeling days, of starving himself and recovering from anorexia, and is still working on his self-image post-modeling. I thought that all of these aspects of their pasts was handled so very well, so realistically, and made both of these men feel that much more real.

I also loved how they communicated with each other as far as preferences in the bedroom. This is one thing I have really loved with a lot of Annabeth's books - the characters might have different wants in a physical relationship than we usually read about, and I love getting to read that. It's not always about penetrative sex, and Griff and River find that their desires are very well matched. I loved them talking out fantasies and expressing what they wanted.

I do agree with some others - the pacing on this one felt slow, and with the subject matters that it deals with, it's a very serious story. There is romance, yes, but there's also this overwhelming somber feeling, especially when everything comes to head when Griff and River are in Vancouver together. Maybe it was because some of what would have been their lighter moments - talking on the phone, chatting via webcam - weren't in the story, it was just angst and doubts, and a bit of push/pull when neither one is willing to compromise or talk.

I look forward to more in this series! I love this author and if you haven't tried any of her books, you simply must.

I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sahitya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a 3.5.

After having read and enjoyed multiple series by Annabeth Albert, it was exciting to get into her new series with a very different location this time. I think I went into this one with not many expectations and that definitely worked in my favor.

The thing that stands out for me in this book is the setting - Alaska. As Griffin is a tour guide and River is a tourist/ travel author, we get to see this beautiful place through their eyes and it was an amazing experience. The author does a wonderful job describing the beauty of Alaska, the wilderness, their hiking, camping and flying experiences and all of this added a very soothing ambiance to the story. While Griff is a retired Air Force pilot and recovering alcoholic, River is a former model and now author who still has to deal with the remnants of his eating disorder - this makes for a very angsty, push and pull kinda dynamic between them while I really enjoyed most times, but also got frustrated in parts. They both still have a lot to deal with in their own lives, which leads to the usual miscommunication / separation that we see in so many books. However, at times it really felt like they were each other’s safe space and they could be open and vulnerable and share all their issues with each other, which was wonderful. I also thought that the author’s idea of giving importance to more intimacy than just sex, was perfect for the two characters.

This is a sometimes sweet, sometimes emotional angsty love story which is great for a one time read. And you’ll definitely fall in love with Alaska and want to visit it immediately. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Apolishedreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

My nail art for this book

I really love how Albert handles the issues she gives her MCs. There is no magic D here. A relationship, some good lovin' or a big declaration are not the things that magically solve their problems, and I really appreciate that.
That being said, these guys both have a lot of backstory and it felt like the story had a lot packed into it while somehow not enough. The romance was slow burn, maybe so much so that it was more slow than burn. Their history was packed, but I was left with gaps in Griffin's and questions that I don't think were really answered.
I would have really liked more tension or chemistry. I was distracted by Griffin's hot/cold attitude. Both of their issues seemed to creep out slowly with the reader making assumptions then all of sudden everything was in your face.
In the end, I did believe in their HEA and I think that these two ended up being so perfect for each other despite their vastly different coping mechanisms so I have high hopes for them. I always appreciate an ending that show relationships take work.
While not my favorite Annabeth book, I still have high hopes for the rest of this series. I will be tuning in for the remainder and another trip to Alaska for sure.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two broken men, each a lost soul dealing with internal struggles; what will it take to breathe new life into them? Annabeth Albert takes us on their journey to happiness with Arctic Sun, the first in her new Frozen Hearts series.

Rugged and handsome Air Force Veteran Griffin Barrett is a loner trying to tame his demons the only way he knows how. He isolates himself to his close-knit family, while diving head first into his responsibilities at their tourism and transport company.

River Vale has hit an all-time low and is embarking on a new chapter in his life, from supermodel to travel writer. Living his life on the go helps River keep his past from resurfacing. Not a stereotypical model, River embraces the wilderness and seems to thrive when cut off from civilization.

Folks come from all over to experience the knowledge of the well-known photographer, Roger Barrett. But uncle Roger’s injuries push Griffin out of his comfort zone into leading a photography tour. Here Griffin meets the devastatingly beautiful River and immediately Griffin surmises that the supermodel won’t be prepared for the wilderness, thus becoming a pain in his ass. He couldn’t be more wrong. And compounding his grievous misconception is an instant attraction to the man.

Talk about a slow-burn. Griffin and River move at a glacial pace, not for lack of wanting, but more out of fear and self-doubt. During these times we are rewarded with vivid descriptions of the Alaskan landscape and scenery that induces a longing to experience it firsthand. But what starts out as bit of role-play, morphs into something that neither man is ready to accept.

The folks in ‘Arctic Sun’ are a unique and intriguing breed. From the tour group, family members, and friends, they all add depth to the story to help reach the end goal. Both Griffin and River require substantial internal reflection before there is ever going to be a happy ending.

Some may disagree with me on this point, but… River definitely had issues with respecting Griffin’s boundaries. In this case it was needed. Griffin was in dire need of a push to let himself live again. However selfish River’s motive may have been at times, in the end it took this interaction between them to set them both free.

Unfortunately, it must be said that for this reader there are times when it felt as if I’d been reading forever and getting nowhere. Maybe this only adds to the slow-burn of the story, which ultimately ends up with some steamy role-play between two bi (or possible pan) men that morphs into something substantial and beautiful. In the finale these two broken men find the path that gives them their happy ending.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

Annabeth Albert returns with a new series sets in Alaska. The setting itself is enough to make me curious about it. And I though Albert was able to transport me into Alaska, at least for the first half of the book. I was so immersed with the description, I ended up Googling for an Alaska tour (it ended up WAY OVER my range of travel budget, coming from Indonesia *laugh*).

While the last third or so, Arctic Sun felt moving a bit too slow, but I LOVED how intimate this story felt to me. Somehow, having Griffin and River in Alaskan setting, really increased the closeness to it. It felt like it was only these two men, sharing their fears, hopes, and dreams... while also struggling with their issues. Griffin for staying too close to his roots, afraid of letting himself soar to the sky like his plane. River for always moving, unable to stay too long, for fear of losing control.

I felt these issues to be resonated deeply, and I was very much invested with them. Heck, I even read most of the sex scenes carefully, because they felt like an integral part to the story... like River said, "cathartic", "healing", for the two of them

So while I might have issue with the pace here and there, in overall, I was satisfied with the story. I think Toby, Griffin's friend, who is also another pilot, will be in the second book. I look forward to that.