Crystal Creek

Port Promise #2

by Kelly Collins

She came to Alaska for a photo shoot. She didn’t expect to be stranded with a grumpy survival guide and no cell service.

Lena Kensington’s career is in freefall. A remote lodge in Alaska was supposed to be her comeback—a few glamorous photos, a scenic backdrop, a quick exit. Instead, she lands in the middle of a rugged reality series with one no script, no filters, and no escape.

Even worse? Her guide is Finn Hollister, the brooding lodge owner blindsided by a contract that forces him into the wilderness with the very type of woman he’s spent years avoiding.
But the wild has its own agenda.

Stripped of makeup, headlines, and the walls they’ve built around their hearts, Lena and Finn begin to see each other—and themselves—more clearly. She’s tougher than she looks. He’s not nearly as cold as he seems. And somewhere between bear warnings and blizzards, something real begins to grow.

She’s the outsider with everything to prove.
He’s the local with everything to lose.

Out here, survival isn’t the only thing at stake—so is their chance at forever.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

Kelly Collins is a bestselling, award-winning author of feel-good small-town romance filled with heart, heat, and happily-ever-afters. Her books are perfect for readers who crave heartwarming contemporary love stories, sassy heroines, and slow-burn romances with cinnamon roll heroes you’ll wish were real.

With humor, charm, and emotional depth, Kelly brings to life tight-knit towns, unforgettable characters, and the kind of love that feels like coming home. When she’s not plotting her next happily-ever-after, she’s sipping strong coffee and dreaming up heroes who are tough on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Come for the charm, stay for the swoon—and don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the whole town.

Visit www.authorkellycollins.com to grab a free book and discover your next favorite escape.

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You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.

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Reviews

[Ann-Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Kensington’s career is in freefall, her once-luminous star now dimmed by a series of public scandals and personal misfortunes. In a desperate bid for redemption, she travels to a secluded lodge nestled in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, hoping that a few glamorous photos set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains could reignite her fading career. What she doesn't anticipate, however, is being thrust into the gruelling reality of a survival-themed reality series, far removed from the staged glamour she had envisioned.

Her reluctant guide through this ordeal is Finn Hollister, the brooding, rugged owner of the lodge. With a past steeped in solitude and a conscious effort to distance himself from high-profile personalities like Lena, Finn finds himself blindsided by a contract that forces him into the wilderness with the very type of woman he has spent years keeping at arm's length. Confronted with escalating financial challenges at the lodge, he realises he has no choice but to lead a high-profile Hollywood group on an exhilarating adventure into the wilderness. He hopes this experience will help save the struggling lodge from closure. His sun-kissed skin and calloused hands tell stories of his hard work, which stand in stark contrast to Lena's polished glamor.

As Lena struggles to navigate the harsh Alaskan environment—where temperatures plunge, rainstorms rage, and wild animals roam—she begins to confront the parts of herself she had desperately tried to forget. The ruthless critics, her insecurities, her unfulfilled ambitions, and the carefully crafted façade that her celebrity status has imposed upon her all surface in moments of vulnerability.

The tension between her and Finn evolves into a complicated dance of attraction and resistance that grows more intricate with each passing day. As they explore the rugged landscape together, filled with treacherous hikes and cozy nights by the fire, they experience a palpable chemistry that neither can ignore. Their love/hate relationship becomes an engaging dynamic, marked by heated exchanges, defensive banter, and fleeting touches that evoke deeper emotions.

The narrative delves deeply into the complex emotions that both characters grapple with in their struggles. Lena’s world of flashing lights, red carpets, and superficial relationships collides with Finn’s preference for the solitude of the wilderness and his profound connection to nature. As they both confront the realities of their different lives, they must navigate the profound choices that could either bring them closer together—revealing their true selves—or tear them apart forever, leaving them to grapple with the haunting echoes of their pasts, dreams, and the unexpected bond that has begun to form between them.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Creek

What an amazing, exciting story about an adventure into the Alaskan wilderness. A Young woman who is trying to figure out how to fix her appearance to media, according to society per se'! And, the lodge owner who gets caught up in being the guide in this so called re- make/ adventure. Hold on as everyone is in for an amazing ride.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel. This book has many surprises. Lena is much more complex than first impressions. Finn hides behind his gruff behavior. The plot is complex and not the typical romance novel. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this novel to anyone who likes a fast paced romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruggedly handsome lodge owner meets Hollywood actress
This is the second book in Kelly’s Port Promise series and oh what an adventure that Finn and Lena have.
I absolutely loved the time spent with them, the editor and the cameramen trekking in the mountains.
The further Lena hiked the more danger and adventure she experienced.
Add in her growing feelings for Finn, flashbacks of her past and she had found her happy place.
Finn realises that there is more to the beautiful actress than the diva he first thought she was going to be.
With her gentle nature, eager to learn attitude and certain knowledge of her surroundings he is impressed and growing more attracted to her the more time they spend together.
Can a Hollywood actress possibly be happy with a lodge owner in the middle of nowhere?
Can they make a lasting connection?
I especially loved this storyline and all of the characters that made an appearance in this book.
I’m looking forward to the next story in this series and the next brother to fall in love.

[Katy Battisti · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!!! Crystal Creek is such a good read. I really enjoyed going back to Port Promise. Loved the storyline, Hollywood star trying to save her career and meets a grumpy mountain man. I loved the main characters in this book, they are easy to love. Some of the side characters (crew) get a little annoying but can be overlooked. Overall this was a great book and entertaining. I can’t wait to return to Port Promise for another Hollister brother!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to be back in Port Promise and what a wild ride it was with Lena (Mags) and Finn! Lena is in Alaska for what she believes will be a Luxurious 5 star lodge experience, however, she soon realizes production has other plans. Finn is trying to keep his lodge afloat and definitely not expecting to have to play guide to the starlet and film crew.

What really made me fall deep for this story was the connection to Lena’s past and her experience on the hike, digging up her roots and heritage. It was a beautiful story of learning to love who you are.

I absolutely LOVE May and all her wisdom and meddling. Can’t wait for Misty Meadows. 🥰

“𝓐𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮’𝓼 𝓪 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓪 𝓭𝓻𝓾𝓰”🤭

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞..
🏔️Rugged, Grumpy guide
✨Pampered Star with a secret
🥾Adventure
🐻Alaskan Wilderness
🏕️Only one tent
🐟Fish out of water
🌿Nature & Plant Life

[Adela Cornes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first page had me laughing & crying as Finn tosses Lena’s heel into the water & I can just image her expression, can you image exchanging Louboutin heels for rubber boots, designer clothes for flannel shirts & thermal underwear with a butt flap. During the expedition up the mountain, even though all their trails & tribulations, it’s like you’re with them, going through all their floods, encounters with bees & with Grizzletoe. You’re fighting for Mags & Finn to get together. You’re love reading this book just to read more about the Alaskan wilderness. You’ll actually want to visit, just to try Mays sourdough pancakes.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a read I couldn’t put down.
The tension between Lena and Finn
was intense right from the very beginning.
As there journey they are on Finn finds that
Lena isn’t the spoilt Hollywood princess he thought
she was her true self comes out as she remembers
things her grandmother showed her when she was a child.
Great plot with plenty of action drama romance and a few twists.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good and really picks up after a few chapters. Lena is an actress who had a decline in her popularity, and came to Alaska to be filmed in a resort to show a different side of her. She was sure led to believe one thing when another was going to happen. Finn was the resort host and guide hired by the filming group. Finn was not known for his happy disposition. The leader of the filming crew was the type who wanted to follow a strict schedule no matter what happens. I loved Lena and how this adventure showed her things about herself she had tried to forget. Lena and Finn had a love/hate relationship that was fun to watch. It was funny how they thought the other was stubborn when they both were! It was so interesting hearing about the mountains, animals, and plants. The best part was watching Lena and Finn learn about each other that was not shown to the outside world. The incidents that happened on the mountain were scary and sometimes heart wrenching. I encourage you to read the book.

[Colleen Byrnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal Creek is a forced proximity rom com. Lena is forced by her producers into the wilderness for what she thinks is a photo shoot. instead, she ends up on an adventure of a lifetime, finding love along the way.
The book is well written, but not my favorite teope..

[Juli Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy Finn meets his match with Hollywood actress Lena. He thinks he's in for a treat taking her and her film crew on a multiple days hike but Lena surprises him and her crew with her knowledge of the back country. Can they survive it? Finn needs the money to save the Lodge and Lena needs it to save her career. Neither one expected to fall in love.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn and Lea’s story takes you on a journey of finding your inner strength and in the process your true destiny. I love this story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first glance this book appears to be a typical entitled Hollywood diva meets grumpy mountain guide, but it’s not. Yes, it has romantic appeal but it’s so much more. Ms. Collins delves deeply into human emotions and lays bare the poignant choices Lena and Finn deal with while they are trying to navigate their growing feelings and the different lives they both lead. This book is the first in what looks to be another fantastic series from Ms. Collins.

[Beth Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. I always enjoy a good outdoor hiking adventure and this one fit the bill perfectly.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena’s glamorous career is circling the drain and in a desperate attempt to save it, she heads to Alaska to take on a new assignment or gig. As it turns out, the assignment is nothing like she thought it would be, nor is her host and guide. Finn is growly, terse, a tad rude and judgemental. He is also determined to keep Ms. Celebrity at a distance. He knows her type and wants nothing to do with the woman he has judged to be shallow, phony and self-absorbed. He enjoys shocking and teasing her about the wildlife, but is surprised by her grit and determination. Finn realizes that Lena has hidden depths beneath the facade she puts on in public. Lena discovers that Finn has a wealth of knowledge about the nature surrounding him and can be very approachable and funny at times. Neither expected to develop feelings for the other over the length of her stay, or to want her stay to never end. Unfortunately, trust issues, doubts and their pride cause trouble between them, making a future together seem impossible. Will they fight for a happily ever after or let it pass them by?

I loved the push/pull nature of their relationship, their intense chemistry, the gradual reveal of their multifaceted personalities and how well they complement each other. Both are stubborn, have had some hard knocks in life and struggling to save their livelihoods. They make a great team. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could have been a disaster in the making becomes a wonderful story of self-discovery. Having taken a stand against a misogynistic bully, Lena finds herself being blackballed in an industry where truth is irrelevant and image is the standard. Lena goes on a reality photo shoot in Alaska, where she is supposedly to reinvent herself. Instead, she comes to the irrevocable conclusion that she has strengths and abilities that astound the crew as she repeatedly makes snap decisions that save lives and win the respect of the media team. That their guide into the Alaska hinterland is a grumpy, and sometimes grouchy, alpha male only arouses Lena's ire, but as mutual respect grows every time she reveals another layer of the woman below the surface, Lena begins to understand why Alaska brings out the truth about a person's character. Over and over again, Finn sees a side to Lena that he does not expect, and an attraction builds between them. Finn has fought tooth and nail to make a go of the lodge he has built, but when Lena offers to give him the help he so desperately needs, he gives her the cold shoulder, thereby destroying the fragile trust that has been built between them. Fortunately, third parties offer their advice when most needed, bringing this beautiful romance to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through BookSprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Hollister has this one chance to pay off the loan for the repairs to the lodge by leading a group on a hike to the Painted Peaks. It is a grueling hike and he hopes that the group, consisting of actress Lena Kensington, her producer and camera crew, will make it to the Peaks and back safely. When she exits the plane, Lena is exactly who he expected when she arrives wearing high heels. Lena knew that there would be a photo shoot in Alaska, but not that she would be hiking for several days. She wonders if her producer had hoped that she would be totally out of her element on the hike. Finn is expecting the same, but is pleasantly surprised when she recognizes some of the local vegetation. He learns that as a young girl she spent time with her grandmother in the Appalachian Mountains. As they spend more time together, she opens up to him about her past and wonders if she has lost the person that she once was in her need to be successful. Soon, her team sees the real Lena as she proves herself to be competent on the trail. When she learns about Finn’s financial issues and offers to help, he is offended. He believes that he is the only one that can save the lodge. After facing thrilling hazards and beautiful moments together, is it over for them or will she choose a real life, a life with him? The story, the characters, the unforgiving environment…absolutely wonderful! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Book Snob Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite entertaining when the Hollywood starlet flies in 2 days late and during her flannel wearing grumpy wilderness guides brothers wedding…yeah you read that right, and yup, she sure knows how to make an entrance and an impression. What was supposed to be a photo shoot to reimage and save her career, turns into a wilderness survival documentary…surprise. Yeah, that was quite a shock for her. But reality doesn’t always hit the way we think it will, and sometimes leads to finding more than we could have ever expected, especially in a place and time that we never saw coming.

This was a fast paced action filled book, with a nice slow burn couple. I just loved it. A pampered Hollywood star that turned out to be so much more. You know the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”…lesson learned here for sure. I've also learned that no Alaska Wilderness for me without Finn as my guide....yup 2nd valuable lesson learned. It was just one thing after another after another after another, quite the Alaskan Wilderness excursion for sure, makes for a great documentary. This was definitely one of my favorite reads this year, and I loved it right from the first chapter, and it kept up that same all consuming pace clear through. An absolutely addicting read that I couldn’t get enough of…you’re welcome. An epilogue that definitely left me wanting more, and a hea.

[Curly Bibliophagist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the Port Promise series. Set in the remote village of Port Promise, Alaska, we return for Finn and Lena's story.

Lena Kensington is a Hollywood star whose career is in serious need of some rehab after an angry public outburst. Her agent tells her that she has been set up for a short reality shoot at a lodge in Alaska. She is led to believe that it will be cushy and with all the amenities. Unfortunately, she quickly realizes she has been set up and things are as far from luxury as they can get.

Finn Hollister owns the lodge Lena has been sent to. The last thing he wants to do is deal with a pampered Hollywood star but he needs the money to save his lodge and family land. Too many hard times, one after another, have put him on the edge of loss.

Finn and Lena quickly figure out what the producer really has planned. Finn helps Lena prepare for an extended outdoor trek through the dangerous frozen wilderness with him as the guide.

Along the way, they each learn a lot about themselves and each other. Finn isn't as hard and grouchy as he appears and Lena has hidden her real self, who is truly a baddy.

When tragedy strikes, can they come through the other side without losing it all?

[DJ Sakata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

He moves through the world with a quiet kind of certainty, like he’s reading a map I can’t see. Like he understands things I’ve never learned to name.

Honestly, a squirrel with a head injury could probably find north faster than this guy.

“Your voice went up about three octaves,” I point out. “You sounded like you were auditioning for a boys’ choir.


My Review:

Much like the female main character at the beginning of this engaging tale, I’m a lazy girly-girl, and not a wilderness-loving, camping, or even glamping kinda gal. I need hot and cold running water, a memory foam mattress, and a bug and varmint-free climate-controlled sleeping environment. So I cringed and flinched a bit while reading their less-than-comfortable trek across the Alaskan frontier, as Kelly Collins has the superb knack of slotting me into the scenes of her characters’ encounters... consider me a less-than-innocent bystander.

The two main characters were not immediately endearing or lovable, but they soon won me over as their prickly edges smoothed. As always, Ms. Collins’ descriptive writing style was easy to fall into, perceptively detailed, well-paced, and keenly honed for a quick and entertaining read.

[Donna Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena arrives in Port Promise right in the middle of a wedding. She is here to try and get her career back on track, once a starlet, after a few scandals she needs to gain everyone's trust.
Finn needs money to keep his lodge up and running and agrees to be Lena and the film crews guide through the beautiful mountains.
While they are on the trek Finn starts to notice that Lena knows more than she lets on about plants and remedies. She is trying to hide her real life background as it doesn't fit the "Hollywood" lifestyle.

After torrential rain and a few accidents Finn has to leave camp and escort one of the injured crew back down the mountain, is this Lena's chance to show people she can do more than play a role on screen.

I loved this story, there were a few twists and turn that you don't really see coming which made it an even better read. Thank you again Kelly for writing another great book, can't wait for the next one.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Kimhe Rockchicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hollywood star Lena signs up for a wilderness survival gig, she’s expecting camera crews, curated danger, and maybe a few bug bites — not to be stranded deep in Alaska with Finn: the grumpy, drop-dead gorgeous tour guide who looks like he belongs on the cover of Wilderness Hunks Monthly. He’s brooding, blunt, and completely uninterested in babysitting a spoiled actress… except Lena is full of surprises.
Turns out, she's no damsel in distress. With killer survival instincts, a sharp tongue, and a body that has Finn forgetting every reason he should keep his distance, Lena proves she's more than he bargained for. She matches his stride, challenges his control, and tests his patience — in and out of the tent.
Between raging rivers, hungry bears, and tension that sizzles hotter than a campfire, things heat up fast. But as sparks turn into something deeper and the wild strips them bare — emotionally and otherwise — the question isn't whether they'll survive the wilderness... it's whether their passion can survive reality.
Dirty, dangerous, and deliciously addictive — this is one adventure you won’t want to come back from.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this series, but it was the first book for me, and can definitely be read stand-alone. I will go back and read book 1 though so I get the full Port Promise joy.

The picks up pace as you get through the first few chapters which set up the characters and the location. Lena is an actress who has suffered a PR nightmare and needs to reset her reputation. She is therefore off to Alaska for a rustic outdoorsy reality tv photo shoot. Finn is the wilderness resort / guide. He is also a local renowned Grump. This starts with poor assumptions and misunderstandings, as Lena isn’t the spoilt she seems, and Finn’s grumpy demeanour is just hiding his vulnerability.

The descriptions of the floral and fauna around the mountains was an added bonus to a wonderful story. I highly recommend giving this book a read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Donna Wolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the Port Promise series. This is an opposites-attract story with an HEA. Finn and Lena begin their relationship with preconceived notions and encounter a disastrous start. Trekking through the Alaska wilderness soon shows them that they were wrong in their assumptions. Both Finn and Lena spend time contemplating their lives and find they need to grow and see things from different perspectives. I would love to visit Alaska, but I wouldn't want to deal with the challenges this crew endures. I'm up for glamping but not the rugged outdoors. If you like your romance filled with likable characters, an engaging plot, and beautiful scenery, I urge you to check out Crystal Creek. Grab the first book in the series, Timber Ridge, while you're at it.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood finding her past in Alaska

I enjoy a fish out of water situation in books. Crystal Creek finds Lena, a Hollywood actress, in Port Promise, Alaska to film herself out in the wild. However, expectations versus reality are bringing Lena to the roots she dug deep down. Finn Hollister was hired to host and show Lena and crew but due to some fine legal print finds himself as a wilderness guide. The longer Lena goes through the journey, the more pieces of her past comes back.

Crystal Creek is a cute forced proximity, fish out of water romance read. You can read it as a standalone. There is a third act breakup which personally annoyed me but did make a bit of sense. Stubbornness is real in those Hollister men.

[Mary Edwards Stagliola · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ - This book was long awaited for me and totally worth it Lena and Finn were a great story and not at all what I expected. Can't wait to keep reading about Port Promise!

Lena is sent to the middle of nowhere to hopefully work on restoring her reputation. What she didn't expect was a three week roughing it trip in the Alaskan wilderness. What was supposed to be a outdoorsy-chic photo opportunity turned into her facing her past and struggling to get through this trip.

Finn isn't sure how to feel about showing Lena and the crew up the trail, but he needs the money for his resort, and this is the only way to get it. Having to argue with the crew lead at every turn gets annoying, but getting to know the new Lena seems to be worth it. When the journey starts bringing up memories for her and showing a whole new side of her, their relationship becomes so much more.

So cute, I'm so excited to see Nash up next!

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

She arrived on a pier in Alaska in Louboutin heels that soon became jammed between planks and broke the heal. It was the strut from Hollywood that caught attention; it was the ruined shoes that broke her heart and was ridiculous to begin with. So much for a grand entrance. Humiliation set in with thermal longjohns with the drop backdoor, ugly clothes and heavy boots but she was outfitted for the mountain climbing with her photo crew. Lena the actress learned alot; Mags, the girl raised by her grandmother, grabbed my heart. The surprises on the climb and beauty of the mountains kept me reading. Thanks for a wonderful storyline.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena thought she was going to be glamping, faking her Alaskan experiences for the camera and not forced to hike for weeks in the wilderness. I didn't think she'd last a day but she surprised me toughing it out through blisters and a sprained ankle after almost falling plus those previously hidden survival skills. She surprised her guide Finn too but he lets his pride get in the way and forgets about what's important. I enjoyed reading about their experiences which would have had me turning around early on. This was a steamy opposites attract romance.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meeting Mags

Book two follows on from book one with a wedding and this time with Finn and mags (lena) taking up the pages.Both don t read the fine print, so have to take a journey together but find they are more alike then they knew. A fun read, would of like to see them watch the TV show together and make comments, but still a nice ending.

Looks like Nash is next with Dr Thorne (poor Nash is in for it, yet hunters keeps him in business what can he do poor guy, he is not cruel)

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena is an actress has came to Alaska to be filmed in a resort to show. Finn is grumpy and is the resort host and guide hired by the filming group. Lena and Finn have a on and off relationship that is full of humour. While spending time together Lena and Finn learn about each other and show each other sides of them no one else sees.

Humour, action, drama and romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.