Up in Smoke (Hotshots #4) by Annabeth Albert

 

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Three Men and a Baby meets Backdraft with explosive chemistry and heartfelt feels.

Freewheeling smoke jumper Brandt Wilder thrives on adrenaline. He’s never met a parachute he can’t repair or a dangerous situation he couldn’t wrangle his way out of. He’s popular and fun-loving and not at all looking to settle down or form lasting relationships. It’s a lifestyle that’s served him well…right up until the day he finds a baby on his doorstep.

Shane Travis is used to putting his country music career—and his own happiness—on hold after his sister rolls through his life. Like last spring when she convinced him to try skydiving for his birthday—and she walked away with the hot parachute instructor.

Now he gets to deliver the piece of news that will upend Brandt’s carefree life: he very well might be a dad.

Shane’s niece is safe in Brandt’s strong, capable hands, but too many questions remain unanswered. Co-parenting while they sort it out leads to late-night talks, and soul-bearing confessions lead to a most inconvenient attraction. Still, Shane can’t leave this makeshift family behind—even if it means playing house with the one man he can’t resist.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Up in Smoke is the fourth book in the Hotshots series by Annabeth Albert. It's easily read as a standalone. I love this series, but I struggle with this one. 

Brandt and Shane are reunited when Shane shows up with Brandt's baby in tow. With baby Jewel being abandoned by Shane's sister, suddenly the two men are left with a baby. 

There are a lot of readers who don't like siblings sleeping with the same person. If you are one who hates that, run from this book. 

Personally, I can overlook the sibling thing, but I wish they had met when Shane shows up with the baby, and not the year before. I think that would have helped me connect with them more as a couple. 

They're hot together, but it all falls a little flat for me. The baby stuff is good, both sweet and cute. I love the way they are with Jewel. I enjoy how easily their lives and priorities change. 

Family is a large aspect here, with two men who both never had their feet firmly planted in a family unit. With Jewel, and the two falling in love, they find themselves with a family for once. 

I usually love the author's writing style. Written in alternating first person pov, with a pleasant tone, and plenty of humor, it's an easy read. But this one definitely is slow and drags a bit. I found myself skimming during the middle. 

I think I found myself waiting for a scary moment for Brandt with his job, like we've seen before, but that never happens. 

Overall, Up in Smoke is a good read. This Annabeth Albert book is my least favorite in the series as far as the romance is concerned, but I still enjoy it. 

MF - True North (Compass #1) by Aria Wyatt

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
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Lena

I’m a woman in exile.

Well . . . okay, maybe that’s a little extreme. My boss called it a temporary leave of absence, right before he offered me a promotion on my way out the door.

What does one do with two weeks to kill and big life decisions to make? If you’re me, you hop a plane to Alaska for a solitary retreat.

I wanted silence and tranquility. The time and space to think. I wasn’t prepared for what I got: THE Wes Emerson.

The Australian actor is too gorgeous—and too irresistible—for his own good. An infuriating mix of cocky and charismatic, he’s made it his mission to antagonize me.

But no matter how much I want to believe his flirting is genuine, I’m not stupid. Let’s be real, Wes is way out of my league, and I’ll be an afterthought as soon as this vacation is over.

Wes

It was supposed to be a guys’ trip.

Just me and my best mates at a remote lodge in Alaska’s Far North. They promised a breather from the stifling attention. Nature. Seclusion. Two weeks with no cameras, no autographs, and definitely no women.

Tell that to the snarky New York nurse who snagged the resort’s last vacancy.
Lena Hamilton is the wildcard I never expected to be dealt.

She’s got a dirty mind and a smart mouth. She doesn’t just rattle my cage, she bites back, pushing buttons I didn’t know I had. Her soft heart and fiery spirit make me ache for things I’ve sworn off for years. Something more. Something deeper.

Lena doesn’t believe I truly want her, but when we find ourselves at the mercy of the Alaskan wilderness, she has no choice but to trust me.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

True North is the first book in Aria Wyatt's Compass series. 

Wes and Lena meet on a wilderness Alaskan trip. Lena's just looking to get away, never expecting to find herself on a trip with the famous actor Wes and his friends. 

The two have nothing in common, as well as living on opposite sides of the world. The two flirt, and are full of push and pull for a long time.  

Both have some major baggage. It takes a while for Wes's issues to be revealed, but when they are, I feel deeply in love for this man who's drowning in guilt. And then there's Lena who's suffering from PTSD and definitely needs some healing. 

With plenty of twists and turns, Lena, Wes, and his friends end up trying to survive the elements. It's a crazy and long ride, with several heart stopping moments. The deal with injuries, hunger, thirst, dangerous animals, and more.

The writing is good and the storyline is full of adventure, romance, and heat. The main characters are fabulous and the secondary characters are all intriguing.  I love the friendship between the guys and all their banter.

True North is an enjoyable wilderness romance. I'm excited to see what Aria Wyatt has in store for this series next.

A Handkerchief for Kade (Alaskan Pebble Gifters #5) by Amy Bellows

Amazon Link  - Available in KU
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All I want is a clever person to play cards with at night. No funny business. You sleep in your bed, and I’ll sleep in mine. Must be clean, quiet, sober, and willing to go to bed at a reasonable hour. A preference will be given to applicants who can play cribbage and gin rummy.

Sure, Kade wouldn’t normally consider a position as a companion for a polar bear shifter sentenced to a life in the oil fields of Alaska’s North Slope. But he’s broke. And the pay is good.

He doesn’t expect the “ornery card player” to be so handsome. Or sweet.

Before long, Kade wishes some “funny business” was an option. Especially when he goes into heat two weeks early...

A Handkerchief for Kade is an age gap romance with an omega who loves makeup, D/s, and MPreg of the penguin egg variety. It’s book five of the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, and will only make sense if you’ve read the other books.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

A Handerchief for Kade is a fabulous shifter romance by Amy Bellows. The fifth book in the Alaskan Pebble Gifters series, it is easily read as a standalone. 

I absolutely love this shifter world surrounding the Pebble Gifters series. The author adds a tremendous amount of emotion and details into the world that all add immensely to the beauty of this tale/series. 

Like the previous books, Kade's story is tender, sweet, and absolutely mesmerizing. I love it all. 

Otis and Kade. Two shifters. Both lonely and broken. Two shifters who have no reason or purpose anymore. Until they meet one another. Kade and Otis are perfect for one another. They each give the other a reason to live, fully completing each other. It is an awesome story. 

There is a lot going on that adds to the emotion. There's past pains and regrets to deal with. There's a kink and sexual preferences to explore. There's some breath play, bondage, voyeurism, and exhibitionism.

But, damn it, once again my favorite scenes are the nesting ones. I cannot get enough of the author's nesting scenes. They are amazing, written with both heart and humor. These scenes alone are worth the read.

This tale starts on the Slope, and includes all the details of life on the Slope. There's also some Anchorage scenes, with some previous characters.

Handerchief for Kade is a fantastic blend of shifters, cultures, traditions, daddy kink, and romance. I can't recommend this book and series enough! And trust me, you just can't go wrong with an Amy Bellows book.

Arctic Heat (Frozen Hearts #3) by Annabeth Albert

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Blurb

A lasting connection needs more than simply surviving a winter together—they’ll have to outsmart danger, let down their defenses and open their hearts.

Owen Han has a fresh lease on life—he’s kicked cancer’s ass and is roaring through his bucket list. The former investment banker hopes to find his next challenge in Alaska, volunteering alongside park rangers and fulfilling his childhood dreams of snowy winters and rustic life. Of course, those dreams did tend to feature big strapping mountain men in vivid detail…

Ranger Quilleran Ramsey would like to be anywhere other than dealing with newbie volunteers. And really, the only thing he needs less than a green volunteer “partner” is the flirty attentions of a buff city boy who doesn’t look ready to last a week, let alone an Alaskan winter. They’re all wrong for each other, even if Quill’s traitorous body enjoys the flirting more than it should.

As the weeks pass, the two snowbound men give in to temptation. But can their seasonal romance last until spring? For them to have a future together, each will have to trust the other…while hoping that the harsh elements and omnipresent dangers don’t destroy what happiness they’ve found in the moment.

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!

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

It took me a while to get truly invested in Arctic Heat, but I did. And in the end, I love this Annabeth Albert comfort/hurt story. The third book in the Frozen Hearts series, it is easily read as a standalone.

Quill has always had social issues, preferring to be off on his own. Stuck helping to train Owen as a park ranger, he discovers that the newbie is a social person who happens to thrive with others. This difference in their personalities is a large and wonderful aspect of this tale.

Owen's a beautiful character who's survived cancer and is enjoying his second chance at life. With Quill, he's grasping onto his second chance at love. Quill's firmly stuck in the closet, with no plans of ever coming out. But eventually he gives into the chemistry he has with Owen, leading to some hot scenes.

I love the depth of their character growth and self revelations. Quill's a man who's always been held back by fear; a man unable to be true to himself. This quote explains it all. 

"Quill might be good at keeping him alive, but Owen liked to think he was equally good at making Quill feel alive." 

In the end, they are a sweet couple who end up changing one another greatly.

The writing is wonderful, making it easy to feel the lay of the land, the feel of the elements, and the danger of their situations. My only problem was the slow start.

My favorite, however, may be the aspect of human touch in this story. It's very interesting and well explored, leading to some thoughtful moments.

Overall, Annabeth Albert's Arctic Heat is a wonderful read. It's a compelling, relationship driven, OFY romance that had me riveted by the end.

Arctic Wild (Frozen Hearts #2) by Annabeth Albert

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Blurb

When a plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness, the best place to land is in the arms of a younger man…Hotshot attorney Reuben Graham has finally agreed to take a vacation, when his plane suddenly plunges into the Alaskan wilderness.

Just his luck.

But his frustrations have only begun as he finds himself stranded with the injured, and superhot, pilot, a man who’s endearingly sociable—and much too young for Reuben to be wanting him this badly.

As the sole provider for his sisters and ailing father, Tobias Kooly is devastated to learn his injuries will prevent him from working or even making it back home. So when Reuben insists on giving him a place to recover, not even Toby’s pride can make him refuse. He’s never been tempted by a silver fox before, but something about Reuben is impossible to resist.

Recuperating in Reuben’s care is the last thing Toby expected, yet the closer they become, the more incredibly right it feels, prompting workaholic Reuben to question the life he’s been living. But when the pressure Toby’s under starts closing in, both men will have to decide if there’s room in their hearts for a love they never saw coming.

Review 

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Annabeth Albert's Artic Wild, the second book in her Frozen Hearts series, is my first read of the series. 

Reuben's a sexy silver bear who's attracted to his Alaskan tour guide, Toby. I love these two. A May to December couple, they know they shouldn't be attracted to each other, but they don't let that stop them. Take one man who doesn't do relationships and present him with a hot older man who happens to be a workaholic? Hell yes!

As the only ones on the tour, the two start to get close. Not only is the chemistry there, but the conversations are honest and real. Their relationship includes some funny moments, some scary moments, and some family issues. I love the differences between the men, not just age wise, but also personality and backgrounds. Watching them try to navigate these differences made for a fun read. In the end, it's a beautiful reminder to take some time to stop and smell the roses. 

The writing is great, with an intriguing plot and a good flowing pace. There's plenty of sweet getting to know each other moments, some action, and some steamy moments. The atmosphere of Alaska is well handled, allowing the readers to get the feel of the land naturally.

I love Artic Wild and am hoping to go back and read the first book of the series.

Copper Creek (Sawyer's Ferry #3) by Cate Ashwood

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Blurb

Frankie:
My life sucks.
After spending a year jobless and on the edge of becoming homeless, I’d officially reached a level of desperation that, even if I wasn’t completely broke, retail therapy couldn’t fix.
While Sawyer’s Ferry, Alaska, is the last place on earth I’d ever want to visit, when my best friend, Holden, begs me to fly out and plan his wedding, I can’t say no. What I didn’t expect was to stumble into the administrative chaos at Copper Creek Brewing—or its too-hot-to-be-legal owner.
Clearly the man needs my help, and I’m willing to go above and beyond.
Way beyond.

Barrett:
I am screwed.
Six months after my assistant up and quit, I’m not any closer to finding a replacement, and things at the brewery are starting to fall apart.
And then in walks Frankie. He’s not the typical guy you’d find in these parts, and he brings with him a world of confusion. Because as much as I need his help, I can’t seem to keep my eyes—or hands—off him.
He’s supposed to be getting my life in order, but instead there’s a chance he could turn everything upside down.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

There are certain books that make you feel like you're coming home. Cooper Creek is definitely one of them.

I love Sawyer's Ferry; the atmosphere and the people. I love the landscape and the picturesque outings. I immediately felt like I belonged there and was one of the townsfolk. Putting Frankie into this small Alaskan town is a phenomenal concept, making for some hysterical moments. He's a sassy and sparkly big city guy who stands out in Sawyer's Ferry.

In Alaska to plan Greg and Holden's wedding, Frankie never expects to find a man for himself. Meeting the closeted Barrett, changes everything. Frankie and Barrett are complete opposites who feel an immediate spark. They come from different worlds, have nothing in common, yet somehow they just connect. And they work so damn well together.

It's just a temporary relationship as Frankie's set to return to NYC. It's beautiful the way they start to develop feelings beyond their casual thing. Neither man fits into the other's world, and a long distance, opposite coasts relationship isn't an option for them. I love stories like this, as they happen all the time.

Their relationship is one of taking chances and chasing dreams. Their options, decisions and choices are all realistic and relatable. There's some great humor involved, as Frankie helps Barrett tackle all of his disorganization like a champ.

Damn! I love the ending, as it's just perfectly enchanting and romantic.

Cooper Creek is delightful, sweet and tender. It's a definite re-read for me. 

Defiance (Submission #3) by Jason Collins

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Blurb

CONNOR:We’re snowed in together, and he demands submission.

I manage models, so I spend all day surrounded by beautiful people. But when a sudden blizzard snows us into a luxury lodge before a photoshoot, I’m no longer in control. Our beast of a pilot takes charge of the situation—and of me. He knows what he’s doing, and what he wants.

Grayson looks strong enough to bench press these models. And when I push his buttons, he pushes me straight into bed. But we have a real problem: if this photoshoot is ruined, the trip will be a bust, and my career will be in jeopardy. Grayson has the iron will and steel grip to keep the crew together, but the clock is ticking.

And the ropes around my wrists are getting tighter.

GRAYSON:

We may be snowed in, but things are just starting to heat up.

I fly a bunch of models up to Denali for a shoot, and one little blizzard has them rattled. They’re out of their element, but their manager is trying to play it cool. He’s vulnerable. But even with all the models in the room, I can’t tear my eyes off him.

So maybe I’ll tear his clothes off instead and teach him what it means to be managed.

I’ll dial up the pressure until he begs me to stop. I’ll let him manage his models, but by night fall, I’m the one in charge. And the winter brings some long, hard nights. Alaskan blizzards are harsh, and if Connor wants this to go well, he needs to give up control.

Or I might just take it.

This is the third book in the Submission series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone with no cliffhanger. Readers can expect an extra spicy MM romance with several steamy scenes that will leave you gasping.

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jason Collins' Defiance is the third book in the Submission series and it's absolutely compelling. 

Connor and Grayson meet during a photo shoot that goes wrong, as a snow storm changes everything. One's a pilot who's big and burly, the other's an agent for the models. These two have no business being attracted to each other, let alone ending up together. 

One of the best parts of their relationship is the fact that among all the hot models, these two men choose each other. It's refreshing that they are drawn to each other, instead of one of the models. 

As for the best part of their relationship, well that has to be their D/s relationship. The reason for them to fall into these sexual roles is perfectly explained, and adds tremendously to their story. Not only are their sexual encounters steamy and hot, they are also emotional and cathartic. 

As for outside of the bedroom, their relationship is amazingly equal, as both men help one another, and contribute to the shoot's success. They compliment one another perfectly and are splendidly dynamic together.

The setting in Alaska is wonderful. It's described well and definitely becomes a character of its' own. The snow, the scenery, the lodge, all of it plays an important role. 

Defiance is definitely my favorite of this Jason Collins Submission series. Between Alaska, great men, and some scorching sex scenes, it's a lot of fun.