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Alaska Heart
Alaska is supposed to be cold, so why is Alanna Cormac on fire? Sent on a dream assignment to Denali National Park, nature magazine writer Alanna Cormac has no intentions of falling in love with Dale Ramsden, sexy Iditarod winner. When Dale, his family, and even his eighteen sled dogs charm their way into her heart, however, Alanna’s fast-track New York instincts crumble. The Alaskan landscape and the caress of a man too good to be true ignite feelings she never had time to explore before. Feelings that have her so blissfully busy she’s unaware she’s being watched. Judged. Targeted. She’s next. Love will either save her or swallow her whole. Is there a difference?
- GenresRomance
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2010
39 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Christine DePetrillo
76 books651 followersChristine DePetrillo can often be found hugging trees, conversing with dragonflies, and walking barefoot through sun-warmed soil. She finds joy in listening to the wind, bathing in moonlight, and breathing in the fragrances of things that bloom. If she had her way, the sky would be the only roof over her head.
Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.
She lives in Vermont with her husband and cat who defend her fiercely from all evils.
Find Christine’s other titles at www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloa..., on Instagram at @christinedepetrillo, and at the Small Town Hearts Facebook Group.
Her love of nature seeps into every story she tells. As does her obsession with bearded mountain men who build, often smell like sawdust, and know how to cherish the women they love. Today she writes tales meant to make you laugh, maybe make you sweat, and definitely make you believe in the power of love.
She lives in Vermont with her husband and cat who defend her fiercely from all evils.
Find Christine’s other titles at www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com. Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/christinedepetrilloa..., on Instagram at @christinedepetrillo, and at the Small Town Hearts Facebook Group.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 27, 2013
4.5 stars, rounded up
Sweet romantic story about an Iditarod-winner (who was really too good to be true, but I liked him like that!) and a writer for a nature magazine. I loved the Alaskan setting, the fun interactions with the secondary characters, the sled-dogs, and the suspense portion at the end of the book.
Grade: A-/B+
Sweet romantic story about an Iditarod-winner (who was really too good to be true, but I liked him like that!) and a writer for a nature magazine. I loved the Alaskan setting, the fun interactions with the secondary characters, the sled-dogs, and the suspense portion at the end of the book.
Grade: A-/B+
February 10, 2013
Fantastic. Loved Kisses to Remember so I gave this book a try, too. I am now officially a big fan of this author. Romantic, not gooey, not trashy. Rich language and character development.
November 30, 2017
Fun read with charming characters (for the most part), building plot that keeps you engaged, and a satisfying ending. The sex scenes were satisfying and tastefully done. Very refreshing read for a jaded palette.
January 9, 2018
Nicely done
Enjoyed this story, even though I am not normally a fan of fall in love in two days kind of books. Suspense was predictable but well written. Dale was great hero and Allanna strong female character. Loved the family too. Would love to see Megan in Alaska story too
Enjoyed this story, even though I am not normally a fan of fall in love in two days kind of books. Suspense was predictable but well written. Dale was great hero and Allanna strong female character. Loved the family too. Would love to see Megan in Alaska story too
November 17, 2018
Great story and characters.....who doesn't want to visit Alaska after reading it:)
Loved the sassy characters,could picture all of it. The good and the bad, glad there were some twists and turns along the way.
Loved the sassy characters,could picture all of it. The good and the bad, glad there were some twists and turns along the way.
July 4, 2017
Fun read
Good story line, good characters. The scenery descriptions makes me want to pack up and head to Alaska even though I don't like the cold.
Good story line, good characters. The scenery descriptions makes me want to pack up and head to Alaska even though I don't like the cold.
September 10, 2017
Tears streaming
Having been to Alaska several times, I understood Alannas connection. There was a bit too much adult relationship but very well writtem
Having been to Alaska several times, I understood Alannas connection. There was a bit too much adult relationship but very well writtem
January 3, 2014
Review posted on Kindles & Wine
Dale Ramsden (aka sled-dog16) is an Iditarod winner from Alaska who hasn’t ever found the right woman. He is content with his life in Alaska, his quirky family and friends, and his best friends, his sled dogs. However, it becomes more difficult for him to stay satisfied when an online “friend” finds a way into his heart.
Enter Alanna Cormac (aka Gaia-girl706), a career woman from the Big Apple. She is beautiful but lacks self-confidence where men are concerned. She excels at writing about nature for Gaia magazine, and when a potential promotion requires her to write the story of her life, she is drawn to her online “friend’s” homeland of Alaska. Is it Denali or sled-dog16 that is calling her name? She isn’t quite sure.
An antagonistic email dialogue sets the stage, and you immediately want to know whether this online friendship of otherwise strangers could possibly lead to something. A work opportunity for Gaia-girl706 and two words from sled-dog16 (“Just come.”) set it in motion.
Christine DePetrillo took great care with “the meet” and had my heart pounding. Neither Dale nor Alanna had any expectations, but they were immediately comfortable in each other’s presence, and their online friendship blossoms into more in a beautiful way. These two characters have never given love a chance, yet fate had other plans for them.
Dale became Alanna’s personal tour guide of Alaska and Denali National Park. He finds a way into her heart through nature and by sharing with her his love for mushing, his dogs, and his hilarious family. DePetrillo builds a set of wonderful characters to surround Dale and Alanna. From the librarian to Dale’s father, you can expect to enjoy their contributions to the book.
As I read the book, I kept wondering how a sled-dog racer from Alaska and a writer from New York could figure out a way to make their separate lives become one. They had some soul searching to do and decisions to make that would be life changing. You’ll have to read for yourself to see if you will be crying tears of sadness or joy for this beautiful couple. No spoilers in this review!
Bottom Line
I loved this book! It was an easy read that had me captivated from the first to the last email conversation and everything in between. It was a book I wanted to read faster to find out what was going to happen, yet read slower to make it last longer! If you love nature and wildlife, you’ll love this book. If you love relationships with strong family ties, you will adore the Ramsden family. If you appreciate characters that have friends that will be a voice of reason, you will love Alanna’s friend Meg. I look forward to reading more from DePetrillo!
Rating: B+ (4 ½ stars)
Review copy courtesy of the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
Dale Ramsden (aka sled-dog16) is an Iditarod winner from Alaska who hasn’t ever found the right woman. He is content with his life in Alaska, his quirky family and friends, and his best friends, his sled dogs. However, it becomes more difficult for him to stay satisfied when an online “friend” finds a way into his heart.
Enter Alanna Cormac (aka Gaia-girl706), a career woman from the Big Apple. She is beautiful but lacks self-confidence where men are concerned. She excels at writing about nature for Gaia magazine, and when a potential promotion requires her to write the story of her life, she is drawn to her online “friend’s” homeland of Alaska. Is it Denali or sled-dog16 that is calling her name? She isn’t quite sure.
An antagonistic email dialogue sets the stage, and you immediately want to know whether this online friendship of otherwise strangers could possibly lead to something. A work opportunity for Gaia-girl706 and two words from sled-dog16 (“Just come.”) set it in motion.
Christine DePetrillo took great care with “the meet” and had my heart pounding. Neither Dale nor Alanna had any expectations, but they were immediately comfortable in each other’s presence, and their online friendship blossoms into more in a beautiful way. These two characters have never given love a chance, yet fate had other plans for them.
Dale became Alanna’s personal tour guide of Alaska and Denali National Park. He finds a way into her heart through nature and by sharing with her his love for mushing, his dogs, and his hilarious family. DePetrillo builds a set of wonderful characters to surround Dale and Alanna. From the librarian to Dale’s father, you can expect to enjoy their contributions to the book.
As I read the book, I kept wondering how a sled-dog racer from Alaska and a writer from New York could figure out a way to make their separate lives become one. They had some soul searching to do and decisions to make that would be life changing. You’ll have to read for yourself to see if you will be crying tears of sadness or joy for this beautiful couple. No spoilers in this review!
Bottom Line
I loved this book! It was an easy read that had me captivated from the first to the last email conversation and everything in between. It was a book I wanted to read faster to find out what was going to happen, yet read slower to make it last longer! If you love nature and wildlife, you’ll love this book. If you love relationships with strong family ties, you will adore the Ramsden family. If you appreciate characters that have friends that will be a voice of reason, you will love Alanna’s friend Meg. I look forward to reading more from DePetrillo!
Rating: B+ (4 ½ stars)
Review copy courtesy of the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 27, 2012
4.5stars actually -- also e-book not kindle.
Having never been to Alaska, I have no idea if the writer took liberties or not. I do have an idea about how lovingly it was described - it almost made me want to go. Not only was this soft, easy to get into romance about two people it was about romancing Alaska, nature and living in harmony with our gifts and surroundings. I don't know why I picked this up to read as it's something that shouldn't have appealed to me (snow on the cover - just looking at it made me cold).
Nature Magazine writer Alanna Cormac is semi-content in her lonely New York life which includes sharing an internet friendship with Iditarod racer Dale Ramsden. As part of a promotion trial Alanna gets assigned to write an article about Denali and a trip there to research it, while there she meets Dale and they slide into an easy romance as he shows her life in Alaska through his eyes. I loved the charming characters - including the dogs; the easy ebb and flow of the smooth writing. For me the mystery elements of the story were the weakest link - maybe because I'm a cynic or maybe because it was telegraphed, but it was an interesting side thread for the leads to be involved in. However, the characters were so engaging and diverse that it didn't matter. A far fetched climax didn't mar this enjoyable read for me.
This is a very relaxing read - perfect for a rainy day or the beach.
Having never been to Alaska, I have no idea if the writer took liberties or not. I do have an idea about how lovingly it was described - it almost made me want to go. Not only was this soft, easy to get into romance about two people it was about romancing Alaska, nature and living in harmony with our gifts and surroundings. I don't know why I picked this up to read as it's something that shouldn't have appealed to me (snow on the cover - just looking at it made me cold).
Nature Magazine writer Alanna Cormac is semi-content in her lonely New York life which includes sharing an internet friendship with Iditarod racer Dale Ramsden. As part of a promotion trial Alanna gets assigned to write an article about Denali and a trip there to research it, while there she meets Dale and they slide into an easy romance as he shows her life in Alaska through his eyes. I loved the charming characters - including the dogs; the easy ebb and flow of the smooth writing. For me the mystery elements of the story were the weakest link - maybe because I'm a cynic or maybe because it was telegraphed, but it was an interesting side thread for the leads to be involved in. However, the characters were so engaging and diverse that it didn't matter. A far fetched climax didn't mar this enjoyable read for me.
This is a very relaxing read - perfect for a rainy day or the beach.
November 21, 2010
Dodie's Review
Christine DePetrillo must have been to Denali. Her descriptions of Alaska and Denali are dead on. Alaska is a simply beautiful place. Even thought I don't want to admit it, it has been close to twenty years since I have been there, and the beauty stays with you. Although, I had the good sense to go there in the summer and not the early spring that this book is set in.
This is definitely a contemporary novel. The book opens with a string of emails between Gaia Girl and Sled Dog. Gaia Girl and Sled Dog have been internet correspondents for some time. When Gaia Girl, or Alanna Cormac, ends up on a dream trip to Alaska, and meets Sled Dog in the flesh. I really enjoyed this touch of realism to the story. People meet and fall in love, or lust, via email and chat all the time these days. The fact that they have been corresponding for so long, helps explain their instant chemistry when they meet. Alanna and Dale forge a close, relationship during her time in Alaska on assignment, and really do their part to heat up his cabin with their love scenes.
This is a great book. Christine DePetrillo really takes the readers on a trip to Alaska, and on a ride on a whirlwind romance. I recommend that you go and buy this book. You won't be disappointed.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
Christine DePetrillo must have been to Denali. Her descriptions of Alaska and Denali are dead on. Alaska is a simply beautiful place. Even thought I don't want to admit it, it has been close to twenty years since I have been there, and the beauty stays with you. Although, I had the good sense to go there in the summer and not the early spring that this book is set in.
This is definitely a contemporary novel. The book opens with a string of emails between Gaia Girl and Sled Dog. Gaia Girl and Sled Dog have been internet correspondents for some time. When Gaia Girl, or Alanna Cormac, ends up on a dream trip to Alaska, and meets Sled Dog in the flesh. I really enjoyed this touch of realism to the story. People meet and fall in love, or lust, via email and chat all the time these days. The fact that they have been corresponding for so long, helps explain their instant chemistry when they meet. Alanna and Dale forge a close, relationship during her time in Alaska on assignment, and really do their part to heat up his cabin with their love scenes.
This is a great book. Christine DePetrillo really takes the readers on a trip to Alaska, and on a ride on a whirlwind romance. I recommend that you go and buy this book. You won't be disappointed.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
January 16, 2017
Beauty, Wilderness and Love
Alanna Cormac is a nature writer in New York. Dale Ramsden is a world class dog sledder in Alaska. They have bonded over flirty & clever emails for a year. When Alanna is challenged at work to write a great article Denali and Dale become her secret weapon. On Alanna's adventure to Alaska she discovers Dale, his family, new friends, Huskies, a lurking serial killer and her future. This is a wonderful portrayal of the fresh, comfortable and friendly life in Alaska. This book beautifully describes the landscape of our geographically biggest state, it is gorgeous there and this book successfully does it justice. The Ramsden family & friends are warm, loving & funny. Dale is the epitome of a caring alpha male. Alanna is sarcastic, humorous, yet tender. Yet other characters are mysterious and worrisome. In this adventure in Alaska you will enjoy the best of times and endure the worst, but the story is tight, engrossing and life affirming.
Alanna Cormac is a nature writer in New York. Dale Ramsden is a world class dog sledder in Alaska. They have bonded over flirty & clever emails for a year. When Alanna is challenged at work to write a great article Denali and Dale become her secret weapon. On Alanna's adventure to Alaska she discovers Dale, his family, new friends, Huskies, a lurking serial killer and her future. This is a wonderful portrayal of the fresh, comfortable and friendly life in Alaska. This book beautifully describes the landscape of our geographically biggest state, it is gorgeous there and this book successfully does it justice. The Ramsden family & friends are warm, loving & funny. Dale is the epitome of a caring alpha male. Alanna is sarcastic, humorous, yet tender. Yet other characters are mysterious and worrisome. In this adventure in Alaska you will enjoy the best of times and endure the worst, but the story is tight, engrossing and life affirming.
January 11, 2015
This was a "nice" book - mainly romance with a little mystery. Alanna goes to Alaska to write an article for the nature magazine she works for. During the 2 weeks she is there, she falls in love and encounters a serial killer, and still manages to write her magazine article. While being a good story, I think it needed a little more suspense - it seemed the entire murder-mystery component was all contained in just a few pages.
April 22, 2011
I really hate giving low scores, but I had no choice. The research killed this book. Make that lack of research.
I could go on and on about the errors in geography, distance, logistics, setting... but I won't. The suspense saved it, but it is perfectly clear the author has never spent any significant amount of time in Alaska. I'm guessing none at all.
I could go on and on about the errors in geography, distance, logistics, setting... but I won't. The suspense saved it, but it is perfectly clear the author has never spent any significant amount of time in Alaska. I'm guessing none at all.
April 8, 2012
A whirlwind romance, with the added element of a serial killer in the Alaska wilderness. A contempory romance, with the aspect of two people who corresponded via email, forging a relationship, that comes to realization of meeting. I enjoyed the romance with added suspense of a mystery of who is the killer. A enjoyable book, with a HEA ending.
January 15, 2016
Great book
A little predictable, but a nice and enjoyable read altogether. This is the first book I've read by DePetrillo and I look forward to reading more from this author .
A little predictable, but a nice and enjoyable read altogether. This is the first book I've read by DePetrillo and I look forward to reading more from this author .
February 24, 2016
Awesome read
Love the book, love the story line. I felt like I was right there with them. I just want it to go on and on. Thank you
Love the book, love the story line. I felt like I was right there with them. I just want it to go on and on. Thank you
April 20, 2016
Love this story! Just reading about the scenery was amazing but that is just background to this amazing story about love, sled dogs, and a creepy stalker. Highly recommended!
June 5, 2016
Wonderful
This book had the ability to pull the reader in all the way. It is well written and I enjoyed trading it. Couldn't put it down
This book had the ability to pull the reader in all the way. It is well written and I enjoyed trading it. Couldn't put it down
August 17, 2016
Had to re-read. This is a really good book with a sweet H and a great HEA.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews