Northern Lights

by Laurie Ryan

A Contemporary romance story about finding love in the heart of Alaska.

When New York corporate man Renzo Gallini shows up with papers saying he owns the way- station Jess Jenkins lives and breathes for, she laughs in his face. But things get tense when he's got the paperwork to prove it...and her father, who apparently signed their home away, is nowhere to be found.

Jess has lived her entire life at Last Chance Camp, a man’s world where femininity is relegated to wisps of time behind her closed apartment doors. Yet she’s proud of what they’ve built here. Last Chance is all she needs to be happy and no amber-eyed city-boy will convince her otherwise.

Renzo Gallini left New York on his mother’s foolish errand, to ferret out what could turn an Alaskan truck stop into a vacation destination. He finds little of merit in the wide spot in the road until the small community, led by a fiercely loyal tomboy, show him there’s more to Alaska than just ruts in the road. That survival depends not just on good planning, but on each other. And love can be found in places where you least expect it.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

376 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2015

About the author

Laurie Ryan writes about resilient, independent women who might stumble, but they dust themselves off and get the job done. Their men, whether commanding alpha or endearing cinnamon roll heroes, will do whatever it takes to ensure the happiness of the women they cherish.

Laurie lives in the Pacific Northwest with her “he can fix anything” hubby, but is always willing to travel to visit their children and grandchildren. Her creativity isn’t limited to writing. She also scrap books and, when she really needs to disappear, she paints rocks and shells found on the beaches she walks at the ocean—her happy place.

Laurie has always had a deep connection to nature and the outdoors, which is reflected in her writing. She is a passionate writer who brings her love for nature, animals, and creativity into her work.

An avid cruiser, Laurie has visited many places. One of her favorites was a stop in Greenland, where the strength and endurance of the people living in those beautiful but harsh surroundings became an underlying thread in her stories. Her sensual romance novels are sure to warm the hearts of readers.

Connect with Laurie on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, or her website, and join Laurie’s newsletter for up to date news and releases.

Reviews

[Gail Harkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Northern Lights lives up to its name, with the spectacular aurora borealis almost mirrored by the earth-bound chemistry between Alaskan Jess and New Yorker Ren. Jess is a small town girl running a hotel in northern Alaska that caters to sky-watchers and truckers servicing Point Barrow. Ren – Renzo Gallini – is New York through and through. These two are on a collision course that creates a very satisfying romantic and business tension throughout the book. I loved the setting and characters and thoroughly enjoyed the Jess and Ren’s journey.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very unique, and happened to posess characters that encompassed two of my favorite cultures Native American (or in this case, Alaskan) and Italian. The story is set in the Arctic Circle, where life is hard and where even angels fear to tread. However, the Native peoples and others who continuously pass through plying their trade are a very close community. All through the book I could not see how author Laurie would bring hard working Alaskan Native Jess and Ren the highly successful New York City businessman together as well as keep them together, but she did! Their romance was sweet, and I liked how they worked through their differences and painful pasts. My only gripe is that author Laurie kept having characters suddenly sneaking up on Jess, which makes me wonder if Jess is just really hard of hearing or it's just a construct the author likes to use....a lot!

[Uconner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable.

A fun read if you do not mind knowing what the end will be from the very beginning. There were a lot of cute lines embedded with humor. Some of the characters could have been fleshed out more.

[Diane Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really hate to rate this 2 stars. I’m sure this book could be enjoyed by many people…. Just not me. I don’t know if I’m just in a reading slump, if the angst/slow burn was just too long for me… not sure. But I STRUGGLED to finish this.

[Doris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and solid story. I liked the setting in Alaska, but I was missing that certain something.

[RK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story. Not the worst representation of Alaska. I wouldn't personally have written about the culture of what I assumed was the Gwitch'in people as a white author and as a Lower 48er. 

[Kit Domino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read.

[Marilee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never in my life have I wanted to visit the Artic Circle. But, after reading Northern Lights, I may have to put it on my bucket list. Although it’s a traditional romance, it is multi-layered and will keep your interest throughout. I particularly appreciated the cultural references, often absent in books of this type. Half Alaskan, Jess Jenkins is not prepared for city boy Renzo Galini who claims he is the new owner of her family business. According to Ren, the deal was brokered by Jess’s father, who has taken off on one of his mysterious walkabouts. Though the two try to fight it, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. Ryan uses a deft hand in developing Jess and Ren’s love story. There is also a delightful surprise at the end of the book. No spoiler, you’ll have to read it to find out. All in all, an enjoyable read.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with strong characterisation and a fabulous setting. Alaska is somewhere I've always wanted to visit, and Laurie Ryan has wetted my appetite even more with this story. Jess and Ren are great characters. I felt for Jess as she tried to work out what was happening to her up-to-then ordered existence, and loved Ren who was my kind of hero - tough but with a soft centre. Northern Lights was one of those stories that I never wanted to end. Highly recommended.

[Stacia Chappell]

We love the book: passing it on to us: it was a thrill to read it: can not go in details : for your other readers: but: they will no doubt love this as we have : thank you very much for a chance to read and win

[Floor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book, nicely paced.
Bit of a predictable twist at the end but I liked the read nonetheless