Up North (Compass Stars #1) by Allison Temple

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link

The last thing Jack Spencer wants to be is a fishing guide for rich tourists. But with a sister in need of help and nothing but a rusty fishing boat to his name, he takes a job at The Wild Eagle Lodge, Alaska’s newest luxury resort.

When a scandal rocks his career, movie star Damian Marshall feels like the whole world is watching his every move. That is, until he meets a gruff fishing guide who doesn’t seem to know who he is. Desperate for escape, Damian grabs at the chance for anonymity with both hands.

Away from the pressure of studios and the media, Damian and Jack grow closer. But as sparks fly and scandal follows Damian north, Jack will need to decide if he can love a man he hardly knows, or if this brush with fame is too hot to handle.

Up North is a 77k contemporary MM romance novel. It features a movie star on the run, a fishing guide who has never been anywhere, and bears of all sorts. HEA guaranteed.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

God. I love Allison Temple's Up North. The first book in the Compass Stars series, this looks like it will be a fabulous series. 

I love everything about this story. The opposites attract factor is fabulous, with Damien a famous movie star, and Jack the fisherman who doesn't even know who Damien is. 

Stories like this always warm my heart. I love when a famous person can connect with someone who doesn't know who they are. The relationship naturally develops as the two are so good together. 

Of course, Damien's identity, his whereabouts, and the fact that Jack doesn't know who he is, creates tension that looms throughout. So good! 

Both men are at a crossroads in life. One's hiding out. The other's stuck in a situation he didn't choice. Both have their futures to deal with. I enjoy the way this is similar for both, and the way everything unfolds for them. 

Up North is a fabulous comfort read. This Allison Temple read is perfect when you're in the mood to sink your teeth into a warm hearted romance. 

Off Balance (Painted Bay #1) by Jay Hogan

 

Amazon Link 
Goodreads Link

When JUDAH MADDEN flees his tiny suffocating home-town in New Zealand, for the dream of international ballet stardom, he never intends coming back. Not to Painted Bay. Not to his family’s struggling mussel farm. Not to his jerk of a brother. Not with his entire life plan in shreds. And certainly not into the tempting arms of MORGAN WIPENE, the older, ruggedly handsome fisheries officer who seems determined to screw with Judah’s intention to wallow in peace.

But dreams are fickle things. Shatter them and it’s hard to pick up the pieces. Hard to believe. Hard to start again.

But the hardest thing of all? Finding the courage to trust in love and build a new dream where you least expected it.

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Damn, this cover! Not only is the cover spectacular, but the story is wonderful too. Jay Hogan's Off Balance captured me immediately, as the first page jumps us into a mesmerizing situation. My heart broke for Judah before the story even really began. 

Judah and Morgan's romance is complex. The two men work well together, with some fun first times, as Morgan's never acted on his bisexuality before. But, it's a tale with some tough angst at the core. Morgan's life revolves around the small town of Painted Bay. And, despite enjoying his time back home, Judah can't make a living in the small town. 

This is a tale with a serious health condition. The author excels in exploring it in an impressive manner. It's a guiding factor in Judah's life and the author handles it all with care. 

The storyline also follows Morgan's job, which is something I thought might be boring. It really isn't something I am interested in, but I enjoyed the way the author handles it. Honestly, I am still shocked that these two drastically different careers can be tackled together. The difference in their careers definitely parallel the differences in their characters. 

This is a story with a slew of family issues. I found myself mesmerized with some of the scenes. Judah and his brother are proof that there are always two sides to every story. I love their interactions and how loaded they are with depth. 

Written in first person pov, I love how easily the emotions jump off the pages. As well, the author transports the reader into the setting. New Zealand is one of the most breathtaking places on earth, and I love being reminded of it's beauty. The author also includes some intrigue and mystery that keeps things on the edge. 

Off Balance is a beautiful story of healing. Jay Hogan once again delights in a stunning story of learning how to pick up the pieces when you're life dreams are ended abruptly. It's a wonderful story which I highly recommend.