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Hearts of Alaska #2
Paws & Prejudice
It's up to a trio of adorable rescue huskies to make two lonely hearts in a coastal Alaskan town realize that true love is worth too much to turn tail and run.
Glaciers have nothing on Kelsey Porter when she decides to freeze someone out. After getting burned once, she's not about to let it happen again. And right now all that icy contempt is focused on one annoyingly attractive and entitled interloper: Ian Roth. Not only is he looking to take advantage of her quaint, coastal community, tainting the small-town charm of Helen, Alaska, but he has committed the one crime she can never forgive—he doesn't like her dogs.
Unlike what Kelsey believes, Ian loves Helen's charms as much as she does. That's partly why he's determined to open a brewery there, and he's not about to let anything or anyone stop his dream from coming true. But he didn't count on the beautiful, prickly woman getting under his skin. Or having to be within hand-biting proximity of her three huge huskies.
When Kelsey's family conscripts her into helping Ian get his brewery off the ground, she finds herself caught between a rock and a hard . . . muscular . . . man who has a fear of dogs. But the longer they work together, the more she can feel herself begin to thaw. Now she'll have to choose: let sleeping dogs lie to protect her heart, or mush head-on toward love.
Glaciers have nothing on Kelsey Porter when she decides to freeze someone out. After getting burned once, she's not about to let it happen again. And right now all that icy contempt is focused on one annoyingly attractive and entitled interloper: Ian Roth. Not only is he looking to take advantage of her quaint, coastal community, tainting the small-town charm of Helen, Alaska, but he has committed the one crime she can never forgive—he doesn't like her dogs.
Unlike what Kelsey believes, Ian loves Helen's charms as much as she does. That's partly why he's determined to open a brewery there, and he's not about to let anything or anyone stop his dream from coming true. But he didn't count on the beautiful, prickly woman getting under his skin. Or having to be within hand-biting proximity of her three huge huskies.
When Kelsey's family conscripts her into helping Ian get his brewery off the ground, she finds herself caught between a rock and a hard . . . muscular . . . man who has a fear of dogs. But the longer they work together, the more she can feel herself begin to thaw. Now she'll have to choose: let sleeping dogs lie to protect her heart, or mush head-on toward love.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
25 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Alanna Martin
3 books54 followersGrowing up, Alanna Martin wanted to be an astronaut, a doctor, and an actor – possibly all at once. After nine years of studying psychology, she somehow became a writer instead. This turned out to be the best career choice of all because she can work in her pajamas while drinking wine. She firmly believes in the power of fluffy books, long walks in the woods, and that there’s no such thing as too much coffee.
If she's wasting time online, it's most likely on twitter where you can find her at @ta_martin or on instagram at @tamartinauthor. You can also check out her website for updates at alannamartin.com.
If she's wasting time online, it's most likely on twitter where you can find her at @ta_martin or on instagram at @tamartinauthor. You can also check out her website for updates at alannamartin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 30, 2021
Freezing out the newcomer seems the only solution to thwarting her dad’s plans for her life and the newbie brewer makes it easy when he snubs her dogs. I took one look at the title and cover and just had to read this adorable Alaskan romance. Total cuteness!
Paws and Prejudice is actually the second book in the Hearts of Alaska series though I had no trouble jumping in with Kelsey and Ian’s story. The first book, Heart on a Leash featured Kelsey’s cousin Josh and a certain family feud enemy for his love interest. They were present, but the storyline didn’t carry over.
Kelsey bursts onto the pages as one upset gal and she has no trouble blaming her troubles on the new guy in town. She’s a grumpy heroine, for sure. I wasn’t sure I was going to like her the way she jumped down Ian’s throat and blamed him for her anger at her dad and her hurt with her long ago ex. She even had fantasies of sabotaging his brewery. But, yes, Ian was generous and kept battering at her self-made walls so that she couldn’t help slowly trusting him.
As for Ian, he comes to Alaska both to try an adventure in starting up a business far from home to prove himself and, it is obvious, that he is hiding something about his family situation. Ian had some awkward moments when he let his dog fear and not wanting to lay out his past, but he was a great guy and took the quirky town feud and smalltown living that was very different for him, in stride.
After some initial cross and jostle from Kelsey and Ian, they were an adorable pair together fighting attraction while yearning for a chance.
All in all, it was a little over the top with the Porter-Lipin feud, but the romance and the adorable dogs let alone the smalltown Alaska setting was an easy read, slightly spicy Contemporary Romance that makes me want to come back to the series. Romance lovers who happen adore some puppy matchmakers should definitely give this a go.
Paws and Prejudice is actually the second book in the Hearts of Alaska series though I had no trouble jumping in with Kelsey and Ian’s story. The first book, Heart on a Leash featured Kelsey’s cousin Josh and a certain family feud enemy for his love interest. They were present, but the storyline didn’t carry over.
Kelsey bursts onto the pages as one upset gal and she has no trouble blaming her troubles on the new guy in town. She’s a grumpy heroine, for sure. I wasn’t sure I was going to like her the way she jumped down Ian’s throat and blamed him for her anger at her dad and her hurt with her long ago ex. She even had fantasies of sabotaging his brewery. But, yes, Ian was generous and kept battering at her self-made walls so that she couldn’t help slowly trusting him.
As for Ian, he comes to Alaska both to try an adventure in starting up a business far from home to prove himself and, it is obvious, that he is hiding something about his family situation. Ian had some awkward moments when he let his dog fear and not wanting to lay out his past, but he was a great guy and took the quirky town feud and smalltown living that was very different for him, in stride.
After some initial cross and jostle from Kelsey and Ian, they were an adorable pair together fighting attraction while yearning for a chance.
All in all, it was a little over the top with the Porter-Lipin feud, but the romance and the adorable dogs let alone the smalltown Alaska setting was an easy read, slightly spicy Contemporary Romance that makes me want to come back to the series. Romance lovers who happen adore some puppy matchmakers should definitely give this a go.
June 21, 2022
I liked book three sooooo much better than this one. The breakup and drama was just Not It for me
June 4, 2021
4 Look At Those Husky Faces Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I have a confession, we use to have Huskies years ago. When I saw this cover, the sweet Red Husky on the Right side was a spitting image of my little girl, Samantha. She was The Best. PERIOD. To this day, I miss her and her laughing face. So I clicked on this without even reading the blurb.
Surprise, Surprise, this has turned out to be a lovely read. It takes place in Helen, Alaska where there has been a feud between two families for generations. This impacts the town and all of the gossip.
This book focuses on Kelsey Porter, a family resident who rescues huskies, and Ian Roth, an "outsider" who plans on opening a brewery. Kelsey is deemed by her family to assist Ian with marketing and advancing his brewery. Normally that wouldn't be an issue but this man has committed the one cardinal sin Kelsey will not forgive, Ian seems to hate her huskies.
It turns out Ian had a bad experience with dogs as a kid and like many, it has impacted his feelings about the four-legged creatures. The real problem is both of them really have feelings for each other and the desire to make these feelings real is strong.
This is a warm, fun, and smart story.
Heart on a Leash (Hearts of Alaska #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paws and Prejudice (Hearts of Alaska #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love and Let Bark (Hearts of Alaska #3)
A gifted copy was provided by Berkley via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
I have a confession, we use to have Huskies years ago. When I saw this cover, the sweet Red Husky on the Right side was a spitting image of my little girl, Samantha. She was The Best. PERIOD. To this day, I miss her and her laughing face. So I clicked on this without even reading the blurb.
Surprise, Surprise, this has turned out to be a lovely read. It takes place in Helen, Alaska where there has been a feud between two families for generations. This impacts the town and all of the gossip.
This book focuses on Kelsey Porter, a family resident who rescues huskies, and Ian Roth, an "outsider" who plans on opening a brewery. Kelsey is deemed by her family to assist Ian with marketing and advancing his brewery. Normally that wouldn't be an issue but this man has committed the one cardinal sin Kelsey will not forgive, Ian seems to hate her huskies.
It turns out Ian had a bad experience with dogs as a kid and like many, it has impacted his feelings about the four-legged creatures. The real problem is both of them really have feelings for each other and the desire to make these feelings real is strong.
This is a warm, fun, and smart story.
Heart on a Leash (Hearts of Alaska #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Paws and Prejudice (Hearts of Alaska #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Love and Let Bark (Hearts of Alaska #3)A gifted copy was provided by Berkley via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
June 18, 2021
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
Pride and Prejudice and puppies? Should be a home run for me.
And yes, whilst I loved the love story that is woven between Kelsey and Ian, there are things (that run throughout the series so far) that just annoyed me so much I had to take half a star off.
So, here we go *takes a deep breath* the people of Helen, Alaska need to take a good, hard look at themselves and grow the eff up
There, I said it.
The fued between the two families is making all those involved look stupid, and ruining a wonderful town,
I liked that Kelsey has finally stood up to her father and told him what's what.
I liked that Ian is telling people that the fued is stupid.
I loved the puppers.
I loved Kelsey and Ian together,
Now, please, in future Heart of Alaska stories, please can we end this dumb a$$ feud.
I do want to read more of the series, but any more of these so called grown ups acting like 2 year olds might be enough to do me in,
a>
June 4, 2021
Fun, heat and good banter including library jokes (sexual innuendos and all :-D ) Mix it all together with some good huskies and you have Paws and Prejudice!
I loved Kelsey! She is such a softie inside but acts tough (much like many of us out there) it's hard not to relate and like her. She is a trooper, she shows her dad at the end what's what (I loved that scene!) and well she is a romance writer so a woman after my own heart. She hates the outsides (prejudices) but then sees Ian for what he is and cares about him, an outsider or not.
I loved her no-nonsense persona and how it evolves in accepting love for herself, bit by bit growing to build her sexual confidence.
Ian is a very lovable, perfect snark partner for her :-D He doesn't miss a beat, doesn't try to be overly polite, and keeps mum in the face of her snark. I like that a lot. what won me over is he reads and he cooks. ok, great abs too but give me a guy who reads and cooks you all!!!
They both have their family issues and the feud which Kelsey is directly part of plays a big role in disturbing their attachment to each other. I like how they both are in denial and then realize the feud is..... it is what it is. You don't want to miss the scene where Kelsey plays a beautiful manipulative, convincing argument for Ian's sake so he benefits from the feud. umm.. won't add the spoiler but that was my favorite scene I think!
Another must mention is the dox anxiety. I am myself a phobic. (childhood trauma lol) I still freeze when cute puppies come running over and jump around my feet. The plot is beautifully brought together using this theme and Ian's fear and it felt very natural to me.
Another great add on the huskies read list! Can't wait for the next one! there is a teaser for Nate and Lydia's book!
I loved Kelsey! She is such a softie inside but acts tough (much like many of us out there) it's hard not to relate and like her. She is a trooper, she shows her dad at the end what's what (I loved that scene!) and well she is a romance writer so a woman after my own heart. She hates the outsides (prejudices) but then sees Ian for what he is and cares about him, an outsider or not.
I loved her no-nonsense persona and how it evolves in accepting love for herself, bit by bit growing to build her sexual confidence.
Ian is a very lovable, perfect snark partner for her :-D He doesn't miss a beat, doesn't try to be overly polite, and keeps mum in the face of her snark. I like that a lot. what won me over is he reads and he cooks. ok, great abs too but give me a guy who reads and cooks you all!!!
They both have their family issues and the feud which Kelsey is directly part of plays a big role in disturbing their attachment to each other. I like how they both are in denial and then realize the feud is..... it is what it is. You don't want to miss the scene where Kelsey plays a beautiful manipulative, convincing argument for Ian's sake so he benefits from the feud. umm.. won't add the spoiler but that was my favorite scene I think!
Another must mention is the dox anxiety. I am myself a phobic. (childhood trauma lol) I still freeze when cute puppies come running over and jump around my feet. The plot is beautifully brought together using this theme and Ian's fear and it felt very natural to me.
Another great add on the huskies read list! Can't wait for the next one! there is a teaser for Nate and Lydia's book!
August 12, 2021
This second installment in the Hearts of Alaska series by Alanna Martin is even better than the first – and that’s saying something, because I really enjoyed the first book, Heart on a Leash.
In Paws and Prejudice, we get the story of Kelsey and Ian – and while it is not a Jane Austen retelling, it does dig even more into the age-old feud between the Lipin and Porter families and the prejudices that are carried by those invested in that feud.
Ian is a brewmaster who has moved to Helen, Alaska, to start a brewery of his own and establish a life away from memories of a difficult childhood. Kelsey is a Porter, the daughter of the Porter scion and, up until now, a willing participant in the family feud that has split Helen down the middle for decades. Although she and Ian get off on the wrong foot – or paw – at first, their romance causes Kelsey to rethink her commitment to the feud and reassess her role in the family.
I really loved the dynamic between Ian and Kelsey. Ian has a phobia about dogs, and Kelsey is dog momma to three huskies with different personalities. At first, Kelsey and Ian seem to have nothing in common aside from an inconvenient physical attraction, but as Kelsey tries to help Ian overcome his phobia of dogs by slowly introducing him to her huskies, Martin does an excellent job of peeling back the character’s defenses and opening them up to us, the readers, and to each other.
Part of Martin’s appeal to me as a romance reader is her respect for the genre and for the reader’s intelligence. She’s even made Kelsey a romance author – one who keeps it a secret from her family! I appreciate how the characters are thoughtful about consent even while the love scenes are fun and super hot. I also appreciate that Martin doesn’t rely on giant misunderstandings or far-fetched plot twists. Her characters are grown-ups with hang ups, who ultimately come to understand themselves and each other a little bit better. This series is small town romance but with a fresh outlook and perfect for contemporary romance fans who are looking for low angst and excellent writing.
In Paws and Prejudice, we get the story of Kelsey and Ian – and while it is not a Jane Austen retelling, it does dig even more into the age-old feud between the Lipin and Porter families and the prejudices that are carried by those invested in that feud.
Ian is a brewmaster who has moved to Helen, Alaska, to start a brewery of his own and establish a life away from memories of a difficult childhood. Kelsey is a Porter, the daughter of the Porter scion and, up until now, a willing participant in the family feud that has split Helen down the middle for decades. Although she and Ian get off on the wrong foot – or paw – at first, their romance causes Kelsey to rethink her commitment to the feud and reassess her role in the family.
I really loved the dynamic between Ian and Kelsey. Ian has a phobia about dogs, and Kelsey is dog momma to three huskies with different personalities. At first, Kelsey and Ian seem to have nothing in common aside from an inconvenient physical attraction, but as Kelsey tries to help Ian overcome his phobia of dogs by slowly introducing him to her huskies, Martin does an excellent job of peeling back the character’s defenses and opening them up to us, the readers, and to each other.
Part of Martin’s appeal to me as a romance reader is her respect for the genre and for the reader’s intelligence. She’s even made Kelsey a romance author – one who keeps it a secret from her family! I appreciate how the characters are thoughtful about consent even while the love scenes are fun and super hot. I also appreciate that Martin doesn’t rely on giant misunderstandings or far-fetched plot twists. Her characters are grown-ups with hang ups, who ultimately come to understand themselves and each other a little bit better. This series is small town romance but with a fresh outlook and perfect for contemporary romance fans who are looking for low angst and excellent writing.
July 1, 2021
I was completely sold by the huskies on the cover and the idea that this is a sort of P+P retelling.
I liked Kelsey and Ian well enough. They’re both good people with family issues and I did enjoy them trying to figure out how to be nice as well as navigate a relationship. There are a good amount of characters in this one and I definitely felt like I was missing a piece of the story by not reading book 1.
Plot wise, it was okay. I liked the random build up of Kelsey and Ian. They jumped into bed fairly quickly, so they did have time to grow into something a bit more tangible. The main drawback for me was all of the feud business. It got old really quickly and was the main focus of the conflict. (Also something that felt like I should have already known about.)
Overall, I was interested in reading their HEA, but I was missing the spark in this story.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Kelsey and Ian well enough. They’re both good people with family issues and I did enjoy them trying to figure out how to be nice as well as navigate a relationship. There are a good amount of characters in this one and I definitely felt like I was missing a piece of the story by not reading book 1.
Plot wise, it was okay. I liked the random build up of Kelsey and Ian. They jumped into bed fairly quickly, so they did have time to grow into something a bit more tangible. The main drawback for me was all of the feud business. It got old really quickly and was the main focus of the conflict. (Also something that felt like I should have already known about.)
Overall, I was interested in reading their HEA, but I was missing the spark in this story.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
July 1, 2021
Obviously, I picked Paws and Prejudice because of the dogs and I enjoyed it! I think any story that has animals as a major part of the story is going to be something I enjoy a great deal.
Poor Ian! I know lots of people who have a phobia of dogs due to an event in their life. Of course, dog people want everyone to love dogs, but it can be really difficult for a phobia to be addressed. I worried that Kelsey would push too hard, but it didn't play out that way. I loved Kelsey and Ian together because they were a great match.
Now, I have to say that the feud is lame. I would LOVE this book if that wasn't even part of the plot. I didn't care for it much in the 1st book, and seeing as it continues into this one, I like it even less. It seems very immature to me and sophomoric. If this subplot didn't exist, I would have adored this story. As it was, Paws and Prejudice had a great romance with a meh storyline.
POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: small town
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: standalone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Butterfly Bayou by Lexi Blake, Tangle by Adrianna Locke, Cooper's Charm by Lori Foster...then you will probably like Paws and Prejudice!
Paws and Prejudice
[image error]See full review on The Book Disciple
June 16, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars
Paws and Prejudice is the adorable follow-up to Heart on a Leash and I loved it even more. Ian and Kelsey were standout characters in the first book and I love a hate-to-love trope. Kelsey cannot stand everything that Ian represents - he is an interloper wanting to take advantage of the small-town charm of Helen, Alaska and build a huge brewery there. He also does not like dogs. When she is forced to write a story on Ian’s brewery, the two banter and maybe realize they don’t hate each other as much as they thought.
I love small-town romances and this series is one of my favorites. You can read each as a stand-alone, but I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous book and hearing more about the famous Porter/Lipin feud. Kelsey is a fun, prickly lead character and her and Ian have excellent chemistry. The romance unfolded at a good pace and I enjoyed the scenes with Ian and the dogs. If you are in the mood for a warm, funny, and entertaining small-town romance, definitely check this book out when it releases on 6/29/21!
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to be posted on release date.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5 stars
Paws and Prejudice is the adorable follow-up to Heart on a Leash and I loved it even more. Ian and Kelsey were standout characters in the first book and I love a hate-to-love trope. Kelsey cannot stand everything that Ian represents - he is an interloper wanting to take advantage of the small-town charm of Helen, Alaska and build a huge brewery there. He also does not like dogs. When she is forced to write a story on Ian’s brewery, the two banter and maybe realize they don’t hate each other as much as they thought.
I love small-town romances and this series is one of my favorites. You can read each as a stand-alone, but I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous book and hearing more about the famous Porter/Lipin feud. Kelsey is a fun, prickly lead character and her and Ian have excellent chemistry. The romance unfolded at a good pace and I enjoyed the scenes with Ian and the dogs. If you are in the mood for a warm, funny, and entertaining small-town romance, definitely check this book out when it releases on 6/29/21!
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to be posted on release date.
July 21, 2021
Kelsey Porter is undeniably attracted to someone new in the small town of Helen, Alaska, and that is Ian Roth. However, there is a deal breaker right from the moment they meet - he does not like her dogs and he makes that apparently clear. Kelsey will not even deal with a man who doesn't see how special her adorable huskies are and how they are very important in her life.
Ian has his reasons for wanting to keep his distance from Kelsey's dogs, but that is certainly not easy since he wants her from the moment he sets eyes on her. Ian may be new in town, but he is there for the long haul as he and his business partner are in the process of opening a brewery.
Kelsey is nonplussed when she finds herself working with Ian as he is getting his brewery running. Oh how attractive he is. Can she help Ian to accept her dogs, all while seeing where their attraction goes?
What's not to love in this second book in a delightful series? I loved the first book, Heart on a Leash, as well as the third book in this series, set for release in November, Love and Let Bark. Although I am unrepently a cat person, I have never been able to resist a book with dogs on the cover. This book, Paws and Prejudice, was a wonderful read.
One thing I'd love to mention about this book is Kelsey's "secret" job. As an avid reader I love when a character has a career that matches one of my interests. This part of Kelsey's life as it was written into the story made this book all that more enjoyable.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Ian has his reasons for wanting to keep his distance from Kelsey's dogs, but that is certainly not easy since he wants her from the moment he sets eyes on her. Ian may be new in town, but he is there for the long haul as he and his business partner are in the process of opening a brewery.
Kelsey is nonplussed when she finds herself working with Ian as he is getting his brewery running. Oh how attractive he is. Can she help Ian to accept her dogs, all while seeing where their attraction goes?
What's not to love in this second book in a delightful series? I loved the first book, Heart on a Leash, as well as the third book in this series, set for release in November, Love and Let Bark. Although I am unrepently a cat person, I have never been able to resist a book with dogs on the cover. This book, Paws and Prejudice, was a wonderful read.
One thing I'd love to mention about this book is Kelsey's "secret" job. As an avid reader I love when a character has a career that matches one of my interests. This part of Kelsey's life as it was written into the story made this book all that more enjoyable.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 14, 2021
Paws and Prejudice was an excellent read set in a small Alaskan town featuring a romance between a woman with a grumpy exterior and an outsider to the town.
After Kelsey Porter's father volunteers her to help the owner of the new brewery in town, Kelsey is reluctant to agree. Kelsey doesn't like outsiders coming into Helen and destroying the town, so the last thing she wants to do is help one of them do it. Even worse than that, the man doesn't like her dogs which to Kelsey is an unforgiveable sin. Despite what Kelsey thinks, Ian Roth loves the small-town charm of Helen which is why he wanted to open his business there and nothing is going to get in the way of that dream. But Ian didn't expect to fall for the irritable woman who comes to help him out. When Ian finds himself drawn into her family's feud, the pair will have to decide what is more important. Their newfound relationship or keeping the peace.
Kelsey was always an active participant in her family's feud with the Lipins and as a result she has learned to keep parts of herself hidden from everyone to avoid providing any ammunition for the enemy. Everyone thinks Kelsey is a freelance writer when she's actually a highly successful romance novelist, a detail I really loved about her character. Ian had a difficult relationship with his father growing up who he didn't see much of until after his mother died. Ian's father measured success in terms of money and when Ian didn't follow the path his father wanted, their practically non-existent relationship disappeared. Ian has a lot of issues surrounding his self worth due to his father which is something he works on in the book.
Kelsey and Ian's relationship doesn't get off to a great start as he believes she's part of a group trying to oust his business from the town while she doesn't like his outsider status and his negative reaction to her dogs. While initially disliking each other, they were both attracted to one another immediately and ultimately the pair sleep together fairly quickly. Their chemistry was fantastic and the steamy scenes are very well done. I was happy with the heat level as the book is more on the explicit side which I prefer and like the first book in the series, the cover makes you think the book will be lower heat. I enjoyed the scenes where Kelsey helped Ian work through his fear of dogs and how it brought them closer. Eventually Kelsey's family feud gets in the way of the pair's romance which I didn't love but thankfully it gets cleared up fairly quickly.
Overall Paws and Prejudice was just as fantastic as the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Love and Let Bark, when it releases later this year.
After Kelsey Porter's father volunteers her to help the owner of the new brewery in town, Kelsey is reluctant to agree. Kelsey doesn't like outsiders coming into Helen and destroying the town, so the last thing she wants to do is help one of them do it. Even worse than that, the man doesn't like her dogs which to Kelsey is an unforgiveable sin. Despite what Kelsey thinks, Ian Roth loves the small-town charm of Helen which is why he wanted to open his business there and nothing is going to get in the way of that dream. But Ian didn't expect to fall for the irritable woman who comes to help him out. When Ian finds himself drawn into her family's feud, the pair will have to decide what is more important. Their newfound relationship or keeping the peace.
Kelsey was always an active participant in her family's feud with the Lipins and as a result she has learned to keep parts of herself hidden from everyone to avoid providing any ammunition for the enemy. Everyone thinks Kelsey is a freelance writer when she's actually a highly successful romance novelist, a detail I really loved about her character. Ian had a difficult relationship with his father growing up who he didn't see much of until after his mother died. Ian's father measured success in terms of money and when Ian didn't follow the path his father wanted, their practically non-existent relationship disappeared. Ian has a lot of issues surrounding his self worth due to his father which is something he works on in the book.
Kelsey and Ian's relationship doesn't get off to a great start as he believes she's part of a group trying to oust his business from the town while she doesn't like his outsider status and his negative reaction to her dogs. While initially disliking each other, they were both attracted to one another immediately and ultimately the pair sleep together fairly quickly. Their chemistry was fantastic and the steamy scenes are very well done. I was happy with the heat level as the book is more on the explicit side which I prefer and like the first book in the series, the cover makes you think the book will be lower heat. I enjoyed the scenes where Kelsey helped Ian work through his fear of dogs and how it brought them closer. Eventually Kelsey's family feud gets in the way of the pair's romance which I didn't love but thankfully it gets cleared up fairly quickly.
Overall Paws and Prejudice was just as fantastic as the first book in the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Love and Let Bark, when it releases later this year.
June 28, 2021
Paws and Prejudice by Alanna Martin is the 2nd book in her Hearts of Alaska series. Kelsey Porter, our heroine, has been very supportive of her cousin Josh and his relationship with Taylor Lipkin. If you read the first book, you learn all about the 100-year feud between the Porters and the Lipkins of Helen, Alaska. Josh and Taylor decided to ignore the families feuding and solidify their relationship, with Kelsey’s support. Kelsey meets with the new owners of a brewery, as her father insists, she write something for website, since she writes (though no one knows she actually writes paranormal romance novels under a pen name). When she goes to meet Ian and his partner Micah, Kelsey has the door slammed on her by Ian. Unknown to her, Ian has a phobia of dogs, and Kelsey brought her three huskies, and Ian ran to throw tools and such on the floor before opening the door again, telling her she can’t bring the dogs inside, as it would be dangerous. They get off on the wrong foot, as Ian noticed Kelsey wearing a pin that is part of a group trying to stop new business to come to Helen, and he came across as a bit arrogant.
Kelsey will slowly overlook Ian’s attitude, and tries to help write something for their site. When her father forces some restaurants owned by Porters to back away from the brewery, because of one deal with the Lipkins, Kelsey realizes the unfairness of her family, and discards the pin, and decides to help Ian. In a short time, both of them feel their attractions to each other heat up, and a romance between them begins, with their chemistry sizzling. The more time they spend together, Kelsey learns of Ian’s phobia, and begins to help him overcome that, and he knows of her being a secret novelist, with both keeping those secrets private.
Kelsey, was a great heroine, as she is tough, savvy, independent, at times surly, but also very smart and loyal. I loved Kelsey and Ian together, and especially adored the time spent with the dogs, and Ian opening up to feeling safe and loving the dogs.
What follows is a fun and sexy romance between Ian and Kelsey, and the adorable huskies, who made this story even better. Just when we realize that they have fallen hard for each other, something will happen with the feuding that could cause issues. I certainly hoped they would find a way to bring them totally together, despite the family feud. Paws and Prejudice was a sweet romance, but the feuding of both families continued to bring problems. Will Kelsey and Ian despite their love for each other, walk away?
Paws and Prejudice was a wonderful steamy romance, great couple, three fantastic dogs amidst a terrible family feud that created a tense background. Alanna Martin did a great job writing this book, and continuing the family feud. I suggest you read Paws and Prejudice.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Kelsey will slowly overlook Ian’s attitude, and tries to help write something for their site. When her father forces some restaurants owned by Porters to back away from the brewery, because of one deal with the Lipkins, Kelsey realizes the unfairness of her family, and discards the pin, and decides to help Ian. In a short time, both of them feel their attractions to each other heat up, and a romance between them begins, with their chemistry sizzling. The more time they spend together, Kelsey learns of Ian’s phobia, and begins to help him overcome that, and he knows of her being a secret novelist, with both keeping those secrets private.
Kelsey, was a great heroine, as she is tough, savvy, independent, at times surly, but also very smart and loyal. I loved Kelsey and Ian together, and especially adored the time spent with the dogs, and Ian opening up to feeling safe and loving the dogs.
What follows is a fun and sexy romance between Ian and Kelsey, and the adorable huskies, who made this story even better. Just when we realize that they have fallen hard for each other, something will happen with the feuding that could cause issues. I certainly hoped they would find a way to bring them totally together, despite the family feud. Paws and Prejudice was a sweet romance, but the feuding of both families continued to bring problems. Will Kelsey and Ian despite their love for each other, walk away?
Paws and Prejudice was a wonderful steamy romance, great couple, three fantastic dogs amidst a terrible family feud that created a tense background. Alanna Martin did a great job writing this book, and continuing the family feud. I suggest you read Paws and Prejudice.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
August 31, 2022
Publisher: Forever
Date Published: June 29, 2021
ISBN# 978-0593198858
Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by Gina (myreviewbooks@aol.com)
Obtained via publisher
3 Hearts
I enjoyed the first book in Alanna Martin’s Hearts of Alaska series and was eager to dive into book two, PAWS & PREJUDICE. Sometimes you just need to escape every day life and sit with a romance and Martin delivers that escape. I visited Alaska about thirty years ago and her descriptions remind me of that amazing vacation. She brings together what I like about small town romances with a love of dogs and a couple that defies the odds. Among the aspects I enjoyed about the story is how she handled Ian’s phobia about dogs. She also touched on how it is to be Jewish in a small town.
The constant reminders of the feud go a tad old after a bit as did how often Ian and Kelsey thought the other one was hot. It was a much better read when they got past the thinking about the other’s hotness and got on with the relationship. I liked how Ian and Kelsey confronted their own issues and tried to help the other with theirs.
I’m looking forward to the next entry in this series.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
Date Published: June 29, 2021
ISBN# 978-0593198858
Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by Gina (myreviewbooks@aol.com)
Obtained via publisher
3 Hearts
I enjoyed the first book in Alanna Martin’s Hearts of Alaska series and was eager to dive into book two, PAWS & PREJUDICE. Sometimes you just need to escape every day life and sit with a romance and Martin delivers that escape. I visited Alaska about thirty years ago and her descriptions remind me of that amazing vacation. She brings together what I like about small town romances with a love of dogs and a couple that defies the odds. Among the aspects I enjoyed about the story is how she handled Ian’s phobia about dogs. She also touched on how it is to be Jewish in a small town.
The constant reminders of the feud go a tad old after a bit as did how often Ian and Kelsey thought the other one was hot. It was a much better read when they got past the thinking about the other’s hotness and got on with the relationship. I liked how Ian and Kelsey confronted their own issues and tried to help the other with theirs.
I’m looking forward to the next entry in this series.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
June 30, 2021
✦Review & Excerpt: PAWS AND PREJUDICE by Alanna Martin https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bOD
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed this romance more than I thought I would. Kelsey rubbed me the wrong way at first. Her behavior and attitude for the first quarter of the story made no sense to me and I could not understand his attraction to her. I honestly thought Ian was too good for her. I’m glad I read on. Each of them carried baggage from their pasts that clouded their perception of others, but hers was more caustic. It was lovely to watch them chip through their barriers and see the other person, then ultimately bring out the best in each other.
I did not understand nor like the town feud issue. It prevented me from picturing myself there or caring about the townspeople. Thankfully, Ian’s brother and Kelsey’s inner-circle provided a sense of camaraderie to show that the two of them were worthy of friendship and love. The witty banter was enjoyable and well written.
This is a fun and sexy romance that made me smile.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/3x5SKH6
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars
I enjoyed this romance more than I thought I would. Kelsey rubbed me the wrong way at first. Her behavior and attitude for the first quarter of the story made no sense to me and I could not understand his attraction to her. I honestly thought Ian was too good for her. I’m glad I read on. Each of them carried baggage from their pasts that clouded their perception of others, but hers was more caustic. It was lovely to watch them chip through their barriers and see the other person, then ultimately bring out the best in each other.
I did not understand nor like the town feud issue. It prevented me from picturing myself there or caring about the townspeople. Thankfully, Ian’s brother and Kelsey’s inner-circle provided a sense of camaraderie to show that the two of them were worthy of friendship and love. The witty banter was enjoyable and well written.
This is a fun and sexy romance that made me smile.
*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.
~*~*~*~
Kindle https://amzn.to/3x5SKH6
Read
January 24, 2022Kelsey Roth lives in a small Alaskan town. Ian Roth has just moved to town with his friend and business partner Micah. They are opening a craft beer brewery.
Little does Ian know there is a town feud between Kelly's family and another family in town and Ian steps right in the middle of it.
Kelsey and Ian don't seem to get along at first; she loves dogs and has three huskies, he is afraid of them.
Also, her family has volunteered her to write an article to promote the brewery.
She thinks she wants nothing to do with this guy. But somehow they both are attracted to each other.
Guess they are just going to have to deal with it!
Fun story!
Little does Ian know there is a town feud between Kelly's family and another family in town and Ian steps right in the middle of it.
Kelsey and Ian don't seem to get along at first; she loves dogs and has three huskies, he is afraid of them.
Also, her family has volunteered her to write an article to promote the brewery.
She thinks she wants nothing to do with this guy. But somehow they both are attracted to each other.
Guess they are just going to have to deal with it!
Fun story!
May 24, 2021
Let's just say...this story is so hot all of Alaska is melting. And not due to global warming. I adored Ian (swoon worthy) and Kelsley (so much fun!) Another home run for Martin!
July 29, 2021
Such witty and pointed lines and descriptions!
March 2, 2022
Paws and Prejudice picks up where Heart on a Leash ended. It follows Josh’s cousin Kelsey, and new brewery owner, Ian. As much as loved the romance, I also thoroughly enjoyed the huskies. I loved watching Romeo, Kelsey’s shy pup slowly opening up and trusting. I love when dogs are characters in books and have personalities and character progression.
March 30, 2021
Another smart, steamy, and thoroughly enjoyable book in the Hearts of Alaska series. The herione Kelsey was so wonderful and Ian was a perfect match for her. I laughed, I swooned, and I'm definitely looking to the third installment.
July 11, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/p...
Paws and Prejudice
Hearts of Alaska #2
By Alanna Martin
ISBN13: 9780593198858
Author’s Website: alannamartin.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
It’s up to a trio of adorable rescue huskies to make two lonely hearts in a coastal Alaskan town realize that true love is worth too much to turn tail and run.
Glaciers have nothing on Kelsey Porter when she decides to freeze someone out. After getting burned once, she’s not about to let it happen again. And right now all that icy contempt is focused on one annoyingly attractive and entitled interloper: Ian Roth. Not only is he looking to take advantage of her quaint, coastal community, tainting the small-town charm of Helen, Alaska, but he has committed the one crime she can never forgive—he doesn’t like her dogs.
Unlike what Kelsey believes, Ian loves Helen’s charms as much as she does. That’s partly why he’s determined to open a brewery there, and he’s not about to let anything or anyone stop his dream from coming true. But he didn’t count on the beautiful, prickly woman getting under his skin. Or having to be within hand-biting proximity of her three huge huskies.
When Kelsey’s family conscripts her into helping Ian get his brewery off the ground, she finds herself caught between a rock and a hard . . . muscular . . . man who has a fear of dogs. But the longer they work together, the more she can feel herself begin to thaw. Now she’ll have to choose: let sleeping dogs lie to protect her heart, or mush head-on toward love. (Goodreads)
Review:
Paws and Prejudice, the second book in the Hearts of Alaska series, is my first exposure to the writing of Alanna Martin. I was surprised and overjoyed with discovering this new to me author and her very easy to read, relatable, humourous and romantic story! There was just enough “heat” in this Alaskan-set story for my tastes. I did start this series with a bit of trepidation – as I was coming to it starting in book 2 – but I need not have worried. I may not have all the background of life in small town Helen, Alaska but I was provided with enough backstory so that I never felt like I was missing something (especially once I clued in about the Porter and Lipin feud, which essentially an old and ongoing feud that has torn the town apart). The story flowed effortlessly.
The story begins with Kelsey Porter being annoyed with her father for offering her writing services to help a new brewery (Ian Roth – co-owner) in town with their website and press releases in addition to an article for the local paper. I loved the three reasons she articulated internally for not wanting to do the work:
First, she wasn’t about to confess that her alleged work experience was a lie;
Second, she was already extremely busy; and
Three, and perhaps most importantly, Ian was a jerk who didn’t deserve what little free time she had. Her reasoning was that he had shown zero interest in her dogs, and that spoke of a cold, unfeeling heart in Kelsey’s mind!
From these thoughts, I quickly realized that Kelsey and Ian will most definitely be romantic participants in this story, peaking my interest as to how that would come about given Kelsey’s vehement dislike of the man. I could sense a fun-filled ride – and I was not disappointed J.
Kelsey is hiding her true profession as a writer of romance novels about a pack of husky shifters living in the Alaskan bush from the entire town, including her own family, at least until Ian inadvertently discovers her secret. So, what is a sensible gal to do? Not panic since Ian promised not to tell. But of course, you know this will weigh heavily on Kelsey’s mind from now on.
Ian also has a secret. He is deathly scared of (you guessed it) …. Dogs. This explains his brush off and avoidance when out and about in the town. When Kelsey finds out – they strike a deal whereby Kelsey will help Ian get over his phobia. Now of course, as they work together on this, feelings between the two begin to develop. It is a fun journey, which I totally enjoyed reading. The chemistry between Kelsey and Ian is palpable. I enjoyed their journey from misconceptions (re: her puppies) to friends and then some.
There are also many other wonderful characters in the town of Helen! I especially liked Nate – Kelsey’s brother who moved away from Helen to pursue his dreams as he had sage advice for Kelsey (and he is featured in book 3 of this series as it happens). Of course, I loved Romeo, Juliet and Puck – Kelsey’s huskies.
Alanna Martin’s writing style was the perfect mix between fun, with a side of frivolity and some unexpectedly delightful literary references; from Shakespeare to Austen (as can be seen by the title) as well as the names of Kelsey’s.
If you enjoy romance with a side of comedy with twists and turns to a HEA, puppies and an interesting location, then Paws to Prejudice is a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Love and Let Bark. I would like to see where this feud is headed
Paws and Prejudice
Hearts of Alaska #2
By Alanna Martin
ISBN13: 9780593198858
Author’s Website: alannamartin.com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
It’s up to a trio of adorable rescue huskies to make two lonely hearts in a coastal Alaskan town realize that true love is worth too much to turn tail and run.
Glaciers have nothing on Kelsey Porter when she decides to freeze someone out. After getting burned once, she’s not about to let it happen again. And right now all that icy contempt is focused on one annoyingly attractive and entitled interloper: Ian Roth. Not only is he looking to take advantage of her quaint, coastal community, tainting the small-town charm of Helen, Alaska, but he has committed the one crime she can never forgive—he doesn’t like her dogs.
Unlike what Kelsey believes, Ian loves Helen’s charms as much as she does. That’s partly why he’s determined to open a brewery there, and he’s not about to let anything or anyone stop his dream from coming true. But he didn’t count on the beautiful, prickly woman getting under his skin. Or having to be within hand-biting proximity of her three huge huskies.
When Kelsey’s family conscripts her into helping Ian get his brewery off the ground, she finds herself caught between a rock and a hard . . . muscular . . . man who has a fear of dogs. But the longer they work together, the more she can feel herself begin to thaw. Now she’ll have to choose: let sleeping dogs lie to protect her heart, or mush head-on toward love. (Goodreads)
Review:
Paws and Prejudice, the second book in the Hearts of Alaska series, is my first exposure to the writing of Alanna Martin. I was surprised and overjoyed with discovering this new to me author and her very easy to read, relatable, humourous and romantic story! There was just enough “heat” in this Alaskan-set story for my tastes. I did start this series with a bit of trepidation – as I was coming to it starting in book 2 – but I need not have worried. I may not have all the background of life in small town Helen, Alaska but I was provided with enough backstory so that I never felt like I was missing something (especially once I clued in about the Porter and Lipin feud, which essentially an old and ongoing feud that has torn the town apart). The story flowed effortlessly.
The story begins with Kelsey Porter being annoyed with her father for offering her writing services to help a new brewery (Ian Roth – co-owner) in town with their website and press releases in addition to an article for the local paper. I loved the three reasons she articulated internally for not wanting to do the work:
First, she wasn’t about to confess that her alleged work experience was a lie;
Second, she was already extremely busy; and
Three, and perhaps most importantly, Ian was a jerk who didn’t deserve what little free time she had. Her reasoning was that he had shown zero interest in her dogs, and that spoke of a cold, unfeeling heart in Kelsey’s mind!
From these thoughts, I quickly realized that Kelsey and Ian will most definitely be romantic participants in this story, peaking my interest as to how that would come about given Kelsey’s vehement dislike of the man. I could sense a fun-filled ride – and I was not disappointed J.
Kelsey is hiding her true profession as a writer of romance novels about a pack of husky shifters living in the Alaskan bush from the entire town, including her own family, at least until Ian inadvertently discovers her secret. So, what is a sensible gal to do? Not panic since Ian promised not to tell. But of course, you know this will weigh heavily on Kelsey’s mind from now on.
Ian also has a secret. He is deathly scared of (you guessed it) …. Dogs. This explains his brush off and avoidance when out and about in the town. When Kelsey finds out – they strike a deal whereby Kelsey will help Ian get over his phobia. Now of course, as they work together on this, feelings between the two begin to develop. It is a fun journey, which I totally enjoyed reading. The chemistry between Kelsey and Ian is palpable. I enjoyed their journey from misconceptions (re: her puppies) to friends and then some.
There are also many other wonderful characters in the town of Helen! I especially liked Nate – Kelsey’s brother who moved away from Helen to pursue his dreams as he had sage advice for Kelsey (and he is featured in book 3 of this series as it happens). Of course, I loved Romeo, Juliet and Puck – Kelsey’s huskies.
Alanna Martin’s writing style was the perfect mix between fun, with a side of frivolity and some unexpectedly delightful literary references; from Shakespeare to Austen (as can be seen by the title) as well as the names of Kelsey’s.
If you enjoy romance with a side of comedy with twists and turns to a HEA, puppies and an interesting location, then Paws to Prejudice is a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Love and Let Bark. I would like to see where this feud is headed
July 6, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/p...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Paws and Prejudice, the second book in the Hearts of Alaska series, is my first exposure to the writing of Alanna Martin. I was surprised and overjoyed with discovering this new to me author and her very easy to read, relatable, humourous and romantic story! There was just enough “heat” in this Alaskan-set story for my tastes. I did start this series with a bit of trepidation – as I was coming to it starting in book 2 – but I need not have worried. I may not have all the background of life in small town Helen, Alaska but I was provided with enough backstory so that I never felt like I was missing something (especially once I clued in about the Porter and Lipin feud, which essentially an old and ongoing feud that has torn the town apart). The story flowed effortlessly.
The story begins with Kelsey Porter being annoyed with her father for offering her writing services to help a new brewery (Ian Roth – co-owner) in town with their website and press releases in addition to an article for the local paper. I loved the three reasons she articulated internally for not wanting to do the work:
First, she wasn’t about to confess that her alleged work experience was a lie;
Second, she was already extremely busy; and
Three, and perhaps most importantly, Ian was a jerk who didn’t deserve what little free time she had. Her reasoning was that he had shown zero interest in her dogs, and that spoke of a cold, unfeeling heart in Kelsey’s mind!
From these thoughts, I quickly realized that Kelsey and Ian will most definitely be romantic participants in this story, peaking my interest as to how that would come about given Kelsey’s vehement dislike of the man. I could sense a fun-filled ride – and I was not disappointed J.
Kelsey is hiding her true profession as a writer of romance novels about a pack of husky shifters living in the Alaskan bush from the entire town, including her own family, at least until Ian inadvertently discovers her secret. So, what is a sensible gal to do? Not panic since Ian promised not to tell. But of course, you know this will weigh heavily on Kelsey’s mind from now on.
Ian also has a secret. He is deathly scared of (you guessed it) …. Dogs. This explains his brush off and avoidance when out and about in the town. When Kelsey finds out – they strike a deal whereby Kelsey will help Ian get over his phobia. Now of course, as they work together on this, feelings between the two begin to develop. It is a fun journey, which I totally enjoyed reading. The chemistry between Kelsey and Ian is palpable. I enjoyed their journey from misconceptions (re: her puppies) to friends and then some.
There are also many other wonderful characters in the town of Helen! I especially liked Nate – Kelsey’s brother who moved away from Helen to pursue his dreams as he had sage advice for Kelsey (and he is featured in book 3 of this series as it happens). Of course, I loved Romeo, Juliet and Puck – Kelsey’s huskies.
Alanna Martin’s writing style was the perfect mix between fun, with a side of frivolity and some unexpectedly delightful literary references; from Shakespeare to Austen (as can be seen by the title) as well as the names of Kelsey’s.
If you enjoy romance with a side of comedy with twists and turns to a HEA, puppies and an interesting location, then Paws to Prejudice is a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Love and Let Bark. I would like to see where this feud is headed.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Paws and Prejudice, the second book in the Hearts of Alaska series, is my first exposure to the writing of Alanna Martin. I was surprised and overjoyed with discovering this new to me author and her very easy to read, relatable, humourous and romantic story! There was just enough “heat” in this Alaskan-set story for my tastes. I did start this series with a bit of trepidation – as I was coming to it starting in book 2 – but I need not have worried. I may not have all the background of life in small town Helen, Alaska but I was provided with enough backstory so that I never felt like I was missing something (especially once I clued in about the Porter and Lipin feud, which essentially an old and ongoing feud that has torn the town apart). The story flowed effortlessly.
The story begins with Kelsey Porter being annoyed with her father for offering her writing services to help a new brewery (Ian Roth – co-owner) in town with their website and press releases in addition to an article for the local paper. I loved the three reasons she articulated internally for not wanting to do the work:
First, she wasn’t about to confess that her alleged work experience was a lie;
Second, she was already extremely busy; and
Three, and perhaps most importantly, Ian was a jerk who didn’t deserve what little free time she had. Her reasoning was that he had shown zero interest in her dogs, and that spoke of a cold, unfeeling heart in Kelsey’s mind!
From these thoughts, I quickly realized that Kelsey and Ian will most definitely be romantic participants in this story, peaking my interest as to how that would come about given Kelsey’s vehement dislike of the man. I could sense a fun-filled ride – and I was not disappointed J.
Kelsey is hiding her true profession as a writer of romance novels about a pack of husky shifters living in the Alaskan bush from the entire town, including her own family, at least until Ian inadvertently discovers her secret. So, what is a sensible gal to do? Not panic since Ian promised not to tell. But of course, you know this will weigh heavily on Kelsey’s mind from now on.
Ian also has a secret. He is deathly scared of (you guessed it) …. Dogs. This explains his brush off and avoidance when out and about in the town. When Kelsey finds out – they strike a deal whereby Kelsey will help Ian get over his phobia. Now of course, as they work together on this, feelings between the two begin to develop. It is a fun journey, which I totally enjoyed reading. The chemistry between Kelsey and Ian is palpable. I enjoyed their journey from misconceptions (re: her puppies) to friends and then some.
There are also many other wonderful characters in the town of Helen! I especially liked Nate – Kelsey’s brother who moved away from Helen to pursue his dreams as he had sage advice for Kelsey (and he is featured in book 3 of this series as it happens). Of course, I loved Romeo, Juliet and Puck – Kelsey’s huskies.
Alanna Martin’s writing style was the perfect mix between fun, with a side of frivolity and some unexpectedly delightful literary references; from Shakespeare to Austen (as can be seen by the title) as well as the names of Kelsey’s.
If you enjoy romance with a side of comedy with twists and turns to a HEA, puppies and an interesting location, then Paws to Prejudice is a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series, Love and Let Bark. I would like to see where this feud is headed.
June 29, 2021
Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Another adorable set of huskies that brought Ian out of his shell and gave Kelsey the confidence to take what she wanted.
The Hearts of Alaska series continues with Kelsey's story. We met Kelsey in book one, Heart on a Leash, as Josh's ornery cousin.
Kelsey was volunteered by her father to help Ian's brewery with writing promotional and online materials. But, let's be honest here, that was a non-starter to begin with. Ian didn't create the best first impression and Kelsey doesn't make it easy for anyone to get close to her.
Kelsey is a hard nut to crack. She presents a prickly confident image on the outside, but she is filled with insecurities on the inside. She is fairly quick to pigeonhole people. She had formed an opinion of Ian long before she actually met him. And her opposition to development in Helen didn't quite gel for me. Ah, man, I love Ian. Asking for take out instead of going out with his friend so he can continue reading. It's awesome. But on the darker side, Ian had his own ghosts to vanquish and in his quest to be different from his father, he completely missed the point. In the end, Ian and Kelsey were much more the same than they thought. And they were very sweet together.
The feud was a lot more real and serious in this book. It was more than just pulling silly pranks on each other. I have much hope for the younger generation to stamp out this nonsense.
So far it's a great series and I'd love to read more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2021
This series just keeps getting better! It was such a pleasure to revisit the town of Helen, Alaska, and the feuding Porter and Lipin families. In Paws and Prejudice, we get to watch Kelsey Porter fall for newcomer-to-town Ian Roth. Ian is in Helen to open a brewery, an enterprise which Kelsey, who is concerned about new development destroying the small-town charm of Helen, isn’t wild about. Nonetheless, her father ropes her into helping Ian write copy for his website and press releases, as well as writing an article about the new brewery for the local paper.
Things get off to a rough start when Kelsey shows up at the brewery with her three huskies to discuss their business and Ian, who is terrified of dogs, slams the door in her face. There are complications aplenty because Kelsey is hiding her true identity as a successful romance novelist from everyone and Ian, who desperately wants his business to succeed, has to walk a fine line and not anger either side of the Porter-Lipin feud. This means there’s no way he could do anything so rash as fall for a Porter.
But, of course, that won’t happen because no matter how attractive he finds the prickly Kelsey and no matter how hot she finds the new guy in town, they are both determined to keep their relationship strictly business. Well, all right, maybe they’ll just keep it a friends-with-benefits relationship. Yeah, right. We know where this is headed and I was happy to go along for the ride!
I’m already excited for the next book in the series, Live and Let Bark, which features Lydia Lipin and Nate Porter.
Things get off to a rough start when Kelsey shows up at the brewery with her three huskies to discuss their business and Ian, who is terrified of dogs, slams the door in her face. There are complications aplenty because Kelsey is hiding her true identity as a successful romance novelist from everyone and Ian, who desperately wants his business to succeed, has to walk a fine line and not anger either side of the Porter-Lipin feud. This means there’s no way he could do anything so rash as fall for a Porter.
But, of course, that won’t happen because no matter how attractive he finds the prickly Kelsey and no matter how hot she finds the new guy in town, they are both determined to keep their relationship strictly business. Well, all right, maybe they’ll just keep it a friends-with-benefits relationship. Yeah, right. We know where this is headed and I was happy to go along for the ride!
I’m already excited for the next book in the series, Live and Let Bark, which features Lydia Lipin and Nate Porter.
June 24, 2021
Paws and Prejudice is a cute second installment in the Hearts of Alaska series. It can be read as a stand-alone, although the previous book also has similar sweet vibes and I do recommend it, especially to provide context on some of the family dynamics.
Like the previous one, this book has some wonderful literary references. From Shakespeare to Austen (as the title suggests), there are fun little nods, like the names of the dogs to the general plotline of enemies-to-lovers.
I immediately liked Kelsey. She’s a writer of husky shifter romance (has anyone actually written this?! I need this!) who is caught up in her family’s feud with their rivals. She has a great balance of toughness and softness. I loved when she finally told her dad enough was enough with all the inter-family drama with the Lipins!
Ian is also great. He comes to town with the intent of starting a new brewery, something which Kelsey is opposed to at first due to her belief he doesn’t appreciate the small town of Helen. But the way they get over these perceived differences was well executed.
I also really liked the exploration of a romance between a dog lover and someone who has a phobia of dogs. That could potentially be a hard nope, if executed poorly, but Ian’s past trauma with dogs is depicted compassionately as he navigates the issue by spending time with the dogs…and Kelsey, of course.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and if you love small-town settings, adorable dogs, and fun literary references, I think you’ll like it too.
Like the previous one, this book has some wonderful literary references. From Shakespeare to Austen (as the title suggests), there are fun little nods, like the names of the dogs to the general plotline of enemies-to-lovers.
I immediately liked Kelsey. She’s a writer of husky shifter romance (has anyone actually written this?! I need this!) who is caught up in her family’s feud with their rivals. She has a great balance of toughness and softness. I loved when she finally told her dad enough was enough with all the inter-family drama with the Lipins!
Ian is also great. He comes to town with the intent of starting a new brewery, something which Kelsey is opposed to at first due to her belief he doesn’t appreciate the small town of Helen. But the way they get over these perceived differences was well executed.
I also really liked the exploration of a romance between a dog lover and someone who has a phobia of dogs. That could potentially be a hard nope, if executed poorly, but Ian’s past trauma with dogs is depicted compassionately as he navigates the issue by spending time with the dogs…and Kelsey, of course.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and if you love small-town settings, adorable dogs, and fun literary references, I think you’ll like it too.
June 29, 2021
Small-Town Romance ✔
Enemies to Lovers ✔
Pride and Prejudice Re-Telling ✔✔
Paws and Prejudice is a fun and entertaining romantic comedy that is sure to capture the heart of any romance lover!
Paws and Prejudice follows the story of Kelsey and Ian. When it comes to men, Kelsey is guarded and isn’t about to let just any guy get close. That is until Ian blows into to town and turns her world upside down. At first glance, Kelsey finds Ian to be annoyingly attractive, until he commits one fatal crime, his dislike of dogs. That’s not the only problem Kelsey runs into. Soon Kelsey will find herself stuck in an unimaginable situation. Does she continue to protect her heart or does she take a chance on love? There’s only one way to find out…
Overall, I thought this was a really cute read. I really dug the small-town vibes and loved all of the Pride and Prejudice elements. I was captivated by Kelsey and Ian instantly and really enjoyed their banter. They started off like enemies and the more time they spent together, the more their chemistry grew. However, the road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one. When you throw small-town gossip and feuding families into the mix, you’ve got yourself one recipe for disaster….
Paws and Prejudice was a quick, yet satisfying read. It checked off all my boxes and I couldn’t help falling head over heels for Kelsey and Ian. I can’t wait to check out more of the Hearts of Alaska Series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Enemies to Lovers ✔
Pride and Prejudice Re-Telling ✔✔
Paws and Prejudice is a fun and entertaining romantic comedy that is sure to capture the heart of any romance lover!
Paws and Prejudice follows the story of Kelsey and Ian. When it comes to men, Kelsey is guarded and isn’t about to let just any guy get close. That is until Ian blows into to town and turns her world upside down. At first glance, Kelsey finds Ian to be annoyingly attractive, until he commits one fatal crime, his dislike of dogs. That’s not the only problem Kelsey runs into. Soon Kelsey will find herself stuck in an unimaginable situation. Does she continue to protect her heart or does she take a chance on love? There’s only one way to find out…
Overall, I thought this was a really cute read. I really dug the small-town vibes and loved all of the Pride and Prejudice elements. I was captivated by Kelsey and Ian instantly and really enjoyed their banter. They started off like enemies and the more time they spent together, the more their chemistry grew. However, the road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one. When you throw small-town gossip and feuding families into the mix, you’ve got yourself one recipe for disaster….
Paws and Prejudice was a quick, yet satisfying read. It checked off all my boxes and I couldn’t help falling head over heels for Kelsey and Ian. I can’t wait to check out more of the Hearts of Alaska Series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
August 26, 2021
Kelsey is what many people would describe as - a tough cookie. She has a very hard shell and prefers her dogs to just about any other humans. She's been burned badly in the relationship department and a lifetime of dealing with the town's feud that surrounds her family.
Ian has moved to Helen, Alaska, with his best friend to open a brewery. His brewing skilled are real - and the brewery is definitely poised for success - except for the feuding families in town creating obstacles that are seeming more insurmountable every minute.
I really liked a lot about this book - I loved Ian and Kelsey finding each other and learning to trust each other. I also adored how Ian's religion was incorporated into the book - and how Kelsey truly made an effort to understand and respect them.
I didn't love the final drama between Ian and Kelsey. I'm just never a fan of a big wrong that requires a big grovel. I also felt like some of the themes in the book weren't as fully developed as they could have been. For example, Ian's dad was clearly a huge a$$hole and deeply effected him. The effects of this definitely resonate throughout the book - but the background we got on it felt like a throwaway - like we needed to give Ian a deeper reason for his behavior but it lacked depth. Same goes with Kelsey's ex.
I'd also say that despite the name of the book - this isn't a true pride and prejudice retelling - more loosely based on the theme.
I definitely would love to see more from this series - because the characters are very authentic and I really want to see if they can break down the feud within the town.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Ian has moved to Helen, Alaska, with his best friend to open a brewery. His brewing skilled are real - and the brewery is definitely poised for success - except for the feuding families in town creating obstacles that are seeming more insurmountable every minute.
I really liked a lot about this book - I loved Ian and Kelsey finding each other and learning to trust each other. I also adored how Ian's religion was incorporated into the book - and how Kelsey truly made an effort to understand and respect them.
I didn't love the final drama between Ian and Kelsey. I'm just never a fan of a big wrong that requires a big grovel. I also felt like some of the themes in the book weren't as fully developed as they could have been. For example, Ian's dad was clearly a huge a$$hole and deeply effected him. The effects of this definitely resonate throughout the book - but the background we got on it felt like a throwaway - like we needed to give Ian a deeper reason for his behavior but it lacked depth. Same goes with Kelsey's ex.
I'd also say that despite the name of the book - this isn't a true pride and prejudice retelling - more loosely based on the theme.
I definitely would love to see more from this series - because the characters are very authentic and I really want to see if they can break down the feud within the town.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
June 29, 2021
Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.
Alanna Martin’s Paws & Prejudice is a romance set smack in small town Alaska, where the biggest threat isn’t quite the local wildlife but instead a long-running, take-all-prisoners feud between two families.
Everyone’s expected to take sides, even new residents of Helen, like Ian Roth, hopeful brewery owner & transplant from Florida.
He’s a more laid-back type except he does get annoyed by self-described “ice queen” Kelsey Porter, who’s mastered the snarky behavior that keeps people from looking too closely.
She also doesn’t like outsiders. But when they’re made to work together, they both realize the other isn’t quite as they seem, & maybe Helen, Alaska is big enough for both of them.
There’s quite a lot going on here & on balance I found it entertaining with some enjoyable steam. The ice queen-“puppy” personality hero is a fun take, even if the heroine made me raise my eyebrows on a couple of occasions.
At the beginning of the book I had reservations about her & the feud she’s been part of for so long & it’s cool seeing her realize for herself that the feud is damaging & not necessary, that she can step out of it & achieve positive change using the power the feud has given her.
The fact that the heroine is a romance novel writer in secret—& the hero has a dog phobia & the heroine has three beloved huskies—gives them both more opportunity to grow emotionally.
I wanted more build up for their feelings before things between them really accelerate, though they do start establishing more of that intimacy—& the book has more thorough relationship development—after they sleep together the first time.
Paws & Prejudice has some sweet moments, some hot moments, & it’s 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
Alanna Martin’s Paws & Prejudice is a romance set smack in small town Alaska, where the biggest threat isn’t quite the local wildlife but instead a long-running, take-all-prisoners feud between two families.
Everyone’s expected to take sides, even new residents of Helen, like Ian Roth, hopeful brewery owner & transplant from Florida.
He’s a more laid-back type except he does get annoyed by self-described “ice queen” Kelsey Porter, who’s mastered the snarky behavior that keeps people from looking too closely.
She also doesn’t like outsiders. But when they’re made to work together, they both realize the other isn’t quite as they seem, & maybe Helen, Alaska is big enough for both of them.
There’s quite a lot going on here & on balance I found it entertaining with some enjoyable steam. The ice queen-“puppy” personality hero is a fun take, even if the heroine made me raise my eyebrows on a couple of occasions.
At the beginning of the book I had reservations about her & the feud she’s been part of for so long & it’s cool seeing her realize for herself that the feud is damaging & not necessary, that she can step out of it & achieve positive change using the power the feud has given her.
The fact that the heroine is a romance novel writer in secret—& the hero has a dog phobia & the heroine has three beloved huskies—gives them both more opportunity to grow emotionally.
I wanted more build up for their feelings before things between them really accelerate, though they do start establishing more of that intimacy—& the book has more thorough relationship development—after they sleep together the first time.
Paws & Prejudice has some sweet moments, some hot moments, & it’s 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
June 25, 2021
An enemies-to-lovers trope in a small-town romance, two of my favorites in romance. Add in the huskies because - well, huskies! - and this was a must-read. It doesn't hurt that I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it as well. That said, you can read this one as a standalone, but in small-town romance series, there's a pretty good chance you're gonna run into some characters from earlier books, and the characters in this series are a hoot. As for this couple, Kelsey and Ian have good chemistry, but there are a few things to work through. First and foremost is Ian's dislike for her huskies. Gasp! That's a pretty big dealbreaker for a dog owner. Granted, he has a reason, but Kelsey has more than that to cause her to be so crabby about things. She has a secret that she doesn't want the townspeople of Helen to know, and the job her father has volunteered her for may bring out the truth whether she likes it or not. So, like the first in the series, Paws and Prejudice is an entertaining RomCom with engaging characters and a fast-paced storyline. I'm really liking the town of Helen and its quirky inhabitants, and I'll be looking forward to whatever's next.
July 20, 2021
My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. The following is my honest review and opinion. I just started this series earlier this year and fell in love with all the dogs and the setting. I also really enjoyed the play with classic novel influences. I was really looking forward to this book and following Kelsey's story, she really intrigued me as a strong, independent woman who might have a stubborn streak a mile wide but will do anything for those she loves. This book certainly didn't disappoint, I might have loved it even more than the first book! I loved how we not only got the enemies to lovers element but also that small town mentality of us versus the outsiders, and both those elements really came into play in this book. I also enjoyed the internal growth not only did Kelsey have but so did Ian with all of his emotional baggage. All in all these are characters you really want to get behind and cheer on all the way to the end. I can't wait for more books in this series!
March 4, 2022
Kelsey Porter is enlisted by her dad to do a write-up on a new Brewery that is trying to get off the ground in Helen, Alaska. Ian Roth, one of the owners, isn’t a Porter or Lipin-the two feuding families that run the town. So you’d think there would be no trouble heading his way. He came from Florida and he had hoped to stay out of the long standing feud when he heard about it. His and Kelsey’s first meeting doesn’t go so well but of course even though they find each other very annoying, there’s immediate attraction on both sides.
Oh-and her 3 large husky dogs..? That she takes pretty much everywhere..? Ian has a problem with dogs…he’s afraid of them! Thus begins an idea that Kelsey has to get him comfortable with dogs and get him over his fear. There’s where the relationship begins….a favor for a favor as the saying goes when it’s something else that’s actually going on between them.
Nice love story. Looking forward to next in series. Other characters I can see having stories-Maggie and Micah, Nate and Lydia(I saw it coming)…! Next book!
Oh-and her 3 large husky dogs..? That she takes pretty much everywhere..? Ian has a problem with dogs…he’s afraid of them! Thus begins an idea that Kelsey has to get him comfortable with dogs and get him over his fear. There’s where the relationship begins….a favor for a favor as the saying goes when it’s something else that’s actually going on between them.
Nice love story. Looking forward to next in series. Other characters I can see having stories-Maggie and Micah, Nate and Lydia(I saw it coming)…! Next book!
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