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Nobody says no to a Prescott.

Not even one of their own.

Holden:
Living up to expectations had never been easy, but when I went after something, I got it. Success. Money. Acclaim. I was standing on the doorstep to having it all when my father handed me an impossible ultimatum: travel to middle-of-nowhere Alaska to convince Gage Emerson to return to work or don’t bother coming back.

Gage:
Power and prosperity are overrated. Especially when they come at a price. When enough became enough, I walked away, forging a new, quieter life for myself in small-town Sawyer’s Ferry. That life was perfect, until one day Holden Prescott, son of my former business partner, showed up in my backyard. And he isn’t taking no for an answer.

Nothing had ever tempted me to look back, but now I’m not so sure I can walk away a second time.

183 pages, ebook

First published April 22, 2018

110 people are currently reading
608 people want to read

About the author

Cate Ashwood

53 books504 followers
Cate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
April 23, 2018
4 Stars!

The blurb really doesn't give you a lot to go on. It's a bit of a teaser that leaves you wanting to know more. The cover helped too. So I was pretty happy that I got an ARC for this one in my email.

This book delivered. It was sexy, funny, and low on angst. The MC's were two hot doctors who had great chemistry and banter. It was a smooth read. Not a lot of drama and back and forth going on between these men.
Holden is given an impossible task by his controlling father to try and retrieve a doctor who his father use to be partners with. They've tried contacting him by phone and letters. Now his father has decided to send his son to where the man lives and gives him two choices; Convince the doctor to come back with him or lose his job, apartment, and his trust fund. So why is this an impossible task? Because the doctor, Gage, has no intentions of ever going back to New York or working with Holden's father. To say there is bad blood between Gage and Holden's father is an understatement and seeing the mans son show up only brings that anger back to the surface. Gage doesn't give Holden the chance to spew his speech or the chance to even really get any words out once he knows who he is and why he's there. This frustrates Holden because it's obvious Gage has no desire to hear him out and there is no chance that he will be convincing this man to come back to New York with him. His father destroys his world in two words. Your fired. With no money or job he shows up at Gage's house in a last ditch effort to get the man to hear him out. Only he decides to show up during a snow storm where he finds himself stranded after his vehicle won't start. Gage is not too happy to have this man that he wants to hate but also wants in his bed stranded at his home sharing his space. Things spice up and get heated and the men come together with some steamy sex. They think it's a one off because of course Holden will be leaving. But things change. Circumstances come up that change each of the men's path they were leading. Neither could have predicted where their attraction could take them.

I really loved this story and the relationship these two men built. The only thing that left this being a 5 star read for me was the lack of background on Gage. The only real information we got of his past was his time spent in college with Logan and his partnering up with Holden's father. No mention of parents or siblings or where he grew up. Just some background info. on him would have been nice since we got to know who Holden was and how he grew up.

If your looking for a low angst sexy read then pick this one up when it becomes available dolls!

Happy reading! xx

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,576 reviews1,116 followers
April 23, 2018
I'm not a fan of winter, but I absolutely love reading books set somewhere cold and snowy. Maybe it's the whole "thank god, it's you, not me" aspect, but I've always been fascinated by Alaska. It just seems so remote and wild.

Holden means to leave Sawyer's Ferry, Alaska behind and return to New York. He did his dad's bidding and failed. Gage, the man Holden tracked down, wants nothing to do with Holden's father; he left the medical research company they formed together behind two years ago and is perfectly happy practicing surgery in Sawyer's Ferry, population 10,000.

So what if Gage is the hottest man Holden's seen in a long time? There's nothing between them.

That's what Gage tells himself too. He's used to living alone, but all of a sudden he's asking Holden to fill in for a surgeon who's been injured, and Holden's moving in with him. Temporarily, of course.

These guys are really good at denying their feelings, but despite that, there really isn't a lot of angst here; it's all about the relationship. I kept worrying there was going to be a big breakup scene, and I so hate manufactured drama and crazy fights for the sake of keeping the MCs apart; it's exhausting.

Fortunately, Gage and Holden are more mature than that, and the romance never falters. This was really refreshing, and I applaud the author for not throwing in a bunch of melodrama.

This story is super sexy, one of Cate Ashwood's steamiest books. Yes, please. I want some more of that.

I liked the secondary characters, and the way Holden finally stood up to his controlling father. I loved the gorgeous epilogue and see much potential in this series. I hope both Holden's friend Frankie and Gage's friend Logan get a story (maybe together?).
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,954 followers
April 19, 2018
3.5.png (1545×288)

The blurb for this book really peaked my curiosity. I just had to know what it was about...especially after I also salivated over the cover !! I have a thing for hands and arms...and damn, those are some very nice ones :P

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366

I would say that this story, is short, sweet, sexy and perfect for those who don't like a lot of angst in their books. To be honest, it was a bit milder than I usually prefer my books, but after reading some heavier stories lately, it was actually nice to read something a bit lighter. Just what the doctor ordered....

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366

Which is exactly what this story is about. Two very hot doctors :P

Holden Prescott is a man living under his fathers thumb.... He might be a talented surgeon, but this means nothing to his father, who basically owns him.

So when Holden's father orders him to go to Alaska, to find his old business partner and bring the man back with him... Holdens jumps.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366

Problem is, dr. Gage is not about to be told what to do. He has no intentions of ever going back to New York !!

I really enjoyed reading this one, it was nice and sweet and very drama-free. I think the next book will be about Logan, and I will definitely keep my eye out for his story.

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Profile Image for Drusilla.
1,062 reviews421 followers
July 20, 2023
This is an absolutely beautiful book with a simple story and an unexciting plot. I am surprisingly thrilled, at first I thought this would bore me and I only picked it up because I thought 'snow, yes perfect in the annoyingly hot summer to read something about Alaska'. Now I'm quite happy and relaxed.
There are a few upsets, I would have liked to strangle and cut up the father. The characters are not that great at first, so rather unapproachable. But then I could read myself into them.
And my goodness the chemistry between Holden and Gage once they put their dislike away.

He kissed me like he’d die if he didn’t, like his one true path in life was to make me insane with his mouth alone. 🔥🔥🔥

The writing is gorgeous and I am so thankful that there is no artificial melodrama. Everything just flows together perfectly.
The finish was cute but not overly cheesy, wonderful. Side characters were introduced but the focus is always on the main characters. 💜💜💜

And I decided that this book has one of the most perfect and most beloved quotes for me:

If the theories about multiple universes were true, there wasn’t a single one in which I wouldn’t love Holden with everything I had. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
May 15, 2018
It was just what I needed when I read it : a bit stressed-out at the moment, so a story angst-free with no dramalala, but hot scenes and a satisfying HEA was welcome.

Gage is a very good surgeon but decided to leave his job, fame and money to settle in a small Alaskan island to simply take care of his patients. However, his previous business associate wants him back and sends his own son, Holden, to convince him.
Holden is also a brilliant surgeon. Not that he’s aware of it. He’s too under his father’s thumb and is not really happy to be sent to this errand, especially as his job is on the line if he can’t convince Gage. And right from the start, he realizes that he’s going to fail this task. But does it matter ? After all, Gage, under his hostile attitude, is really hot. So, why not enjoying the moment ?

From frenemies to lovers, with a natural progression and a lot of steam. It’s simple in the best way and I enjoyed it. I finished happily relaxed.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,937 reviews279 followers
April 19, 2018
"I had no idea what I’d done in a previous life to deserve my current situation, but apparently, Karma wasn’t just a bitch, she was a sadistic whore."


And with that first sentence, I was hooked.

Holden Prescott was sent on an impossible mission, by his asshole of a father, to Alaska to sweet talk a former business partner into returning to said business. Alaska. Land of perpetual winter. Snow, cold, six months of darkishness. Alaska. Never mind that Holden is not an errand-boy, he's a surgeon, like his father, and has been in charge of medical trials since going to work for his father, at Westbridge. But, Phillip Prescott is a controlling jerk and he loves to hold Holden's career over his head, so off to Sawyer's Ferry, Alaska Holden goes.

Gage Emerson is the surgeon that Holden has been sent to find...and drag back to New York. There is one thing that Gage Emerson is not interested in doing and that is being in the same state as Phillip Prescott. To say that they parted on epically bad terms would be an understatement. When Gage first sees Holden in the only bar in town, attraction is triggered. Until he found out who Holden was, that is.

Attraction can't always be ignored, though, and Holden and Gage soon find out that they have more in common than their professions and an association with Westbridge and Phillip Holden.

After reading Alaska, I'm surprised there is any snow left in Sawyer's Ferry. These guys were hot together, from the start.

There wasn't a bunch of angst or unnecessary melodrama to drive the story and Holden and Gage even manage to communicate. I appreciated all of these things. The story focuses on their relationship and Holden taking a direction in his life he never once thought about. Gage, too, is in unexpected waters because the last place he figured he would even get the chance to fall in love was a small town, off the beaten path, in Alaska.

I liked this story, quite a lot, in spite of the lack of angst, and that is saying something for me. I loved both MC's and the supporting characters, as well. I suspect the next book will be Logan's (Gage's best friend) and I'm sure looking forward to that!

In short (oops a little late), if you like enemies-to-lovers stories that are super sexy, you'll love Alaska.

Recommended.


------------------
ARC of Alaska was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘.
1,314 reviews3,107 followers
May 31, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*I had kinda expected more*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

The book centers around Dr. (cardiothoracic surgeon) Holden Prescott and Dr. (trauma surgeon?) Gage Emerson. Holden has been under his father's thump all his life, and being sent by his father to Alaska Sawyer's Ferry to convince Gage to sign back on with Westbridge. If he fails he looses everything; his job, his money, his apartment... Little did he know that once he stepped foot in Sawyer's Ferry, his life changed forever. Overall, it was a fast forward read with little depth and hot sex. It's a read quickly forgotten, but it's a nice read to get the time to pass.

Other characters:
↦ Dr. Logan Baker, best friend of Gage and works at Sawyer’s Ferry Regional Hospital with him.
Philip Prescott, Holden's douche of a father.
Frankie, Philip's personal assistant and good friend of Holden.
“As you know, Westbridge Biomedical has become one of the leaders in medical research and advancements in the country.”
“It was…”
“Yes, well, that’s what I’m here to speak to you about. My father feels that the company could benefit if you were to return—”
“Your father lost the right to feel anything when it comes to my involvement with Westbridge the moment he signed the buyout papers.”
“But—”
“Nope. I’m done. I poured everything I had into starting that company, but Philip sold out, pandering to investors and board members rather than the patients who relied on us. I couldn’t change his mind then, and I’m not masochistic enough to even want to try now.”

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemorary Romance.
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Gage Emerson.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/3 stars.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,250 reviews244 followers
April 21, 2018
Come for the romance, stay for the banter.

Two years ago Dr. Gage Emerson left New York and Westbridge Biomedical (the company he'd built from the ground up with his friend and mentor, Philip Prescott) after Westbridge grew and lost sight of the causes Gage wanted to focus on and moved away from their original roots.
Somewhere among the profit reports and investors meetings, I’d lost my friend and mentor, but I’d had a long time to come to terms with it. I’d moved on, and I was happy with my decision to do so. I was content in Sawyer's Ferry.

Holden Prescott, son to Gage's ex-business partner, Philip, is given an ultimatum: Go to Sawyer's Ferry, Alaska and convince Gage Emerson to return to New York and Westbridge Biomedical, or don't return at all. If he fails everything Holden's worked for will be gone. Unfortunately, there's never a chance convincing Gage to return will work.

Gage and Holden's chemistry is instant and consuming and as they get to know one another better they both begin to fall in love.
I pulled him close and kissed him hard. He opened for me, letting me deepen the kiss without a second of hesitation. It was like his body responded to me without conscious thought, and there was a very specific part of me that loved the idea of it.

After an accident showcases just how surgically talented Holden is, Sawyer's Ferry offers Holden a place to regroup, a chance for self discovery, a deepening romance, and possibly home.

Alaska is all about what happens when you have discover who you are, what you can do, who you're meant to be with, and where you're meant to be.

I did have a few niggles. The story is told in a first person dual POV, but they sometime shift mid-chapter and it would have gone a lone way to have the character's name before their POV starts. Also, I was hoping for more romantic interaction between Holden and Gage. There's sex but I wanted to see some dating, but there are some time jumps so the dating happens off page I guess. Also, and this might be weird, but I wanted to know how old Holden and Gage were. That niggled me throughout.

Mostly though this was a fun, quick read that's smart, funny, sexy, and pretty low angst considering with lots of banter (which I love). I could absolutely see this turning into a movie.

I'm looking forward to getting to see Logan's story (and is it just me who's hoping Frankie comes for a visit and falls for him?), which will hopefully be next.

3.75 Stars

Advanced Review Galley copy of Alaska (Sawyer's Ferry #1) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.

This review will be cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,718 followers
May 16, 2018
I liked this one, but I didn't love it. It just didn't have that wow factor.

No real complaints either. It was a nice, easy read. Low angst. Likable MCs. Some good steam. A bit of enemies to lovers which resulted in some good banter, which is always a plus.

I'm definitely invested in the series. I have a feeling Logan's book will be next. And I'm kind of wondering if Frankie will be the other MC?
Profile Image for Ele.
1,319 reviews40 followers
April 23, 2018
*3.5 stars*

Disclaimer : I have no idea whatsoever if all the medical stuff in this book is accurate. I mention this because there are A LOT of detailed scenes of medical emergency here. Now I LOVE that shit (ER and Third Watch are in my top three favorite TV shows) but I have no way of knowing if it's accurate.

I had a rough start with this book and it took me a while to put my finger on why. I don't know how to explain it but sometimes it just felt...too much. Most times I like privilleged, spoiled brats that learn their place during the course of a story but Holden, his sense of humour, the way he suddenly came on to Gage, and his sudden change of heart just felt...too much.

Thankfully, I became more engaged later on. I liked the way the relationship and the feelings developed. The "I love you's", when they came, felt very natural. Plus, there were some seriously HAWT scenes. I had a brief WTH moment when Gage got so hard while watching Holden performing a thoracotomy (!!!), he had to fuck him right away in the on-call room, but I rolled with it.

The ending was very sweet and fitting for the story. Swoon worthy material!

And a personal pet peeve of mine, in spoiler tags because it did NOT affect my rating. It's just a personal thing.


All niggles aside, this was a very sweet, sexy, mostly drama/angst free story in a very interesting setting. Cate Ashwood is still an author I love to read and I'm definitely interested in more stories in Sawyer's Ferry universe. Logan and maybe Frankie?
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews196 followers
May 28, 2018
The more Ashwood stories I read, the more I confirm she has perfected the recipe for sweet and sexy! Alaska was delightful and wickedly fun. I think this might be my favorite cover of her’s too….yowza! The blurb is a bit vague but I still knew I wanted to read it. I wasn’t sure about Holden initially, but I quickly warmed to him. Gage is easy to love at first sight. Put them together and it’s a feisty good time. They begin as strangers and preconceived enemies. Holden is forced to trek to the back country in Alaska under specific orders from his father with an impossible mission. He must convince his father’s former business partner to agree to return to the hospital and company they founded together. Of course, his father knows the odds of Holden succeeding are a hundred-to-one. I have nothing nice to say about Holden’s father and was thrilled that he exited the story early. Besides him, I loved every other aspect of this story. Gage clearly ran away from his successful and sophisticated life for a reason and Holden is determined to peel away the gruff and grouchy exterior to understand why. Gage gave up the dream of having a boyfriend when he left his life behind and he certainly didn’t expect a persistent and seductive young surgeon to plant himself directly in his path. Their time is limited, they should just enjoy themselves while they can. It’ll be easy to walk away, right? Ummm…..

What's to like: I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Alaska but it’s on my bucket list. I loved exploring the frozen and quiet life through Gage. He performed a complete about-face when he left NYC and settled into the rural village of Sawyer’s Ferry. It’s the middle of winter (and cold!) when Holden is tasked with his dubious assignment. Holden is on a tight leash from his father and knows very little as to why Gage left or even why he would come back. He simply knows his own future relies on beating the flimsy odds of returning with the hot doctor. When he fails to obey his father, he loses the ground beneath his feet. His job, his home, and everything vanishes. He has…nothing. He might as well make the best of it and kissing Gage is first on his list. They combust into fiery passion but it can’t last. Holden is on the next plane out of there. Or that’s the plan.


What's to love: Holden is sassy and hilarious and I could easily see why Gage fell for him. They tentatively begin their temporary relationship with a ticking time-bomb. But they are suited so well for each other and as the weeks slip by, they recognize how well they fit. Gage realizes he was truly missing something in his life…Holden. And he’s terrified of losing him. I loved how they progressed and grew together. I loved their snarky banter. I loved their passionate yet tender romance. Holden’s bestie back in the city and Gage’s best friend were powerful secondary characters. It appears this is the first book in the series and I’m very much looking forward to the next couple…and checking in on our steamy doctors. Lots of wonderful things to love in Alaska.


Beware of: A nasty piece of work related to Holden. A mysterious back story belonging to Gage. I was a tad confused how Holden didn’t know him from his history with the hospital…Gage wasn’t gone that long? There was a bit of an age gap but I was still scratching my head on that part. And their fall was quick but I didn’t mind in the slightest.


This book is for: Enemies to lovers fans, Ashwood fans and anyone looking for a lighthearted lovely story. Not a lot of angst but certainly a lot of fun.

Book UNfunk
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,994 reviews435 followers
April 24, 2018
This book was great but I have to express my thoughts that neither the cover, or the blurb itself, really help much in explaining what it's about.

It could be a deliberate thing, but the cover especially doesn't say anything to me about the very sweet frenemies to lovers romance between two surgeons who are thrown together in the back of beyond Alaska.

I loved the dynamic between Gage and Holden, there's an element of friends to lovers and definitely some frenemy vibes when they first met.

There's no unnecessary angsty in this outside of Holden's initial reason for being sent to Alaska in the first place and oh boy I despised Holden's father so much!

The ending is super sweet and they made me smile a lot.

#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kazza.
1,551 reviews175 followers
April 25, 2018
Blog review
 photo Potential-OTDU-Banner-9-Smaller2_zpsf0878d67.png

This is Cate Ashwood's best book. The writing is so strong. It is a perfect mix of plot, need, desperation, steamy lust, romance and a genuinely passionate love blended within a story that had a hook, and the right balance of everything a good contemporary romance needs to be a super read. The pacing was on point throughout.

I loved this book. Loved. It. The MCs were perfect and fit together like no one else would ever be right for them - I can't say how much I need that feeling of connection between MCs.

The friends and people of Sawyer's Ferry were the right mix of interesting but not in your face, allowing Holden and Gage to shine. However, Logan, Gage's best friend of over twenty years, is written with such affection by Ms Ashwood that I can't wait for his book.

Here's a couple of quotes -

There was someone at my door. The knocks had sounded angry, and my heart rate kicked up a few notches. I pulled open the door to find Gage standing there, looking like a bull ready to run his horns through an unsuspecting matador. His eyes were dark, his shoulders tense, and all I could think was, please, God, let that matador be me.

I couldn’t say with words how much I’d wanted him to stay, so I tried to show him instead. I rolled him under me, smoothing his hair off his face, making out like we were back in high school. I couldn’t get enough of him, couldn’t get close enough to him. The way he tasted, the sounds he made, the way he moved under me… I was bordering on obsessive.
Profile Image for fleurette.
1,534 reviews161 followers
June 20, 2021
It is a simple but very enjoyable story.

Holden and Gage are characters that are easy to like. I was surprised by the funny side of Holden's personality. I guess I expected him to be a bit gloomier and more serious. But it was more than okay. I think he makes a good counterweight to Gage. They both have enough personality not to look totally flat.

We basically have love at first sight here, or at least lust at first sight. I don't usually like this theme, but Holden and Gage make such a lovely couple that I had no problems with it. They form a relationship very quickly and it is basically devoid of major drama except that Holden will have to leave soon.

The reason Holden goes to Alaska is a bit dramatic. Like this whole thing with his father. In my opinion, these scenes are a bit exaggerated. But that's not a big problem. I am not entirely convinced that a cardiac surgeon can simply perform a complicated life-saving operation outside his area of expertise, I mean whether he has enough knowledge and skills for this. But I am ready to turn a blind eye to it and just admit that Holden is an accomplished surgeon, as this book suggests.

It is definitely not a book that I will remember in a while, but it is quick and good entertainment. Nor do I have much to write about for this review. I had fun and I think I will try out some other books by this author.
Profile Image for Ky.
589 reviews89 followers
July 4, 2019
Age gap, kind-of-enemies to lovers and a bit of family drama.

Gage and Holden have a rocky start but a snowstorm is the reason they overcome first impressions and get to know the person behind the name.

I liked the development of their relationship, even though it was super fast. Everything was tied up with a big gorgeous bow at the end, but that didn't bother me either. I liked the MCs and I liked their friends and what citizens of Sawyer's Ferry we got to meet. I liked the setting and the small town where you know everyone at least by sight.

Recommended
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,148 reviews1,069 followers
December 17, 2018
I don’t know. 3.5? I just felt like Holden and Gage’s relationship progressed off page. They were great together, don’t get me wrong, but this felt like 75% of a book and I missed out on the other 25%.

But I’m excited for Logan’s story! Reading that first thing tomorrow.
Profile Image for Mindy.
183 reviews
May 16, 2018
What a perfect light fluffy read.
description

I really like this book, Both men are very likable. Over all it was a fun easy read. So why only 3 stars, Because I found this to be very predictable.
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2018
At first (just a second ha!) I had mixed feelings about Holden. I wondered if he had a backbone and why he was acting like he had none. But after I understood why, I could commit to him.
His father sends him to the cold arctic town of Sawyer’s Ferry in Alaska, with a mission and when he doesn't succeed, there will be no place for him anymore in New York, no nothing, no apartment, no job as a surgeon, and he will be completely cut off financially.

Gage, on the other hand, is a strong, independent, and determined, and not afraid to make big decisions.
He left New York two years before to move to Alaska and he never looked back. Now he is a surgeon in there.
When they meet there is irritation, especially when Gage knows why Holden is here, but... there is also attraction... undeniable attraction.
Now Holden has to make a big decision possibly his biggest.
This is a kind story with even kinder people in it. The journey is about discovering each other, and the amazingly good feelings of being together and knowing this is it, with no unnecessary sharp edges. They fit like a glove, at home, and at work, their physical connection is insatiable.

The dynamic between them is really great to watch. The story is written in a very appetizing way, the scenery is original and the whole story is just one you will start and won't stop until it's over. A great read it is!

Read and Reviewed for Diverse Reader
Profile Image for Lelyana's Reviews.
3,412 reviews400 followers
April 19, 2018

I had a giddy feeling when I started reading this book. I have a hot cold relationship when it comes to this author's books. So I hoped for the worst but then I've got an enjoyable, sweet, adorable fun read.
I liked this one way much better that Cate's other books, I can say this one is my favorite of this author so far.
Added a plus point, medical field that I know intimately for the past thirty years of my life.
I liked the chemistry between Holden and Gage since their first met, and the way Gage wanted Holden like he never wanted anyone before, the way Holden so stubborn pursuing Gage to come back to New York. And ended stranded in Alaska, and in Gage's bed. Ehem!
This is a light, almost no angst, but not overly sweet, just a right portion to make me aww-ing and ooh-ing for Gage and Holden.
I was glad I read this book in a first place. Whatever bothering me in the past, gone with the wind!
I'll be reading this author's next book willingly.
I hope Logan is next!

* ARC provided by the author for a fair and unbiased review on Lelyana's Book Blog.*
Profile Image for ivy.
638 reviews360 followers
Read
July 31, 2023
DNF @ 43%
Profile Image for Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ |.
459 reviews42 followers
November 30, 2018
4.5⭐
Enemies to lovers, my favourite kind of stories!❤️

I love this author and I liked a lot this story, it is funny, steamy and sweet. No drama between the mcs and a little insta-love.
I absolutely recommend it for a light and lovely reading, perfect for this time of the year 😉
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,398 reviews326 followers
April 24, 2018
Reading Alaska while living in a tropical country really did give me the chills. I can totally imagine Holden freezing his ass off while being in the godforsaken town. The beginning of the book did feel a little rough around the edges. Holden came off as a brat that reeks of privilege and when he got threaten by his dad, all I can think of is 'how can a surgeon like Holden is so dependent on his dad?' His dad is an asshole extraordinaire and I hated him on first sight, but Holden didn't really give me much to root for him.

However, as the story went on, Holden is a character that grows on you. Despite this book isn't all that long, there is a good character development for him. I can see how he was being totally lost when his dad cut him off to him having a 'winter fling?' with Gage in Alaska that subsequently make him realize what he wants out of his life. He really does man up and shows his maturity towards the end and the journey to his self-discovery is filled with romance and friendship with the people in the small town.

As for Gage, he is a bit older and more cynical about life. He enjoyed working in Alaska with his best friend, Logan, who I desperately want to read about next. His first impression on Holden isn't the best, but Holden is like an annoying puppy that you eventually succumb to his charm. I find Gage very manly and alpha, especially when he tends to manhandle Holden during sex. These two have plenty of wall-banging sex, but what I really enjoy is seeing them being all domesticated, cooking, watching TV and working together.

The last 20% really sealed the deal for me that Cate Ashwood is someone I need to stalk for every new release. I like the way both Gage and Holden handle themselves towards the end. There is no unnecessary drama, no dumb moves or any other cliche moment. These two characters show their maturity, their understanding of each other and the willingness to make things work. It would have been a perfect ending even without the epilogue. The epilogue is an extra dose of cheese, but who didn't like cheese anyway.
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,662 reviews233 followers
April 29, 2018
4.1 Stars

I said in an update that I was hoping to vicariously enjoy the cold of a book set in Alaska because it's been mid90s here in LV all week. And while there was snow, lots of it, in the story...cooling off was not a result. Because this book was HAWT. Good Gracious, the way Gage would overpower Holden, just sweep him up in those brawny arms, and take over, completely enveloping him? And those kisses, which honestly were smoking hot enough on their own to melt the ice coating everything outside that cabin? Whew! *fans self*

And it wasn't just the sex scenes that made this book. The characters were flawed and interesting (with emotional baggage that didn't weigh them down too much), the town was odd and endearing (especially the hospital employees), and the underlying plot intriguing enough that I honestly had NO IDEA what was in the works when that pivotal scene occurred. #NoSpoilers! Books like this one, every now and then, make me wish I lived in a smaller, less frenetically paced town...where people know and care about each other and life is a bit simpler. (So long as it has dependable internet because that's a non-starter for me.)

So glad this is the first of a new series, and I can only hope that the next one has Frankie (Holden's BFF) having to come to Sawyer's Ferry (since he's pretty much couch-surfing), much to his dramatic heart's & snobby taste's extreme displeasure...only to fall in love with Logan (Gage's BFF), the guy who seems dead set on remaining unattached. And if maybe, somewhere along the way we could get a new love for Bennett (even if it's a woman - although I'd love it to be a surprising life development for him to fall for a guy) I think that would be sublime.

Will definitely keep an eye out to see when the next one debuts!
Profile Image for annob [on hiatus].
574 reviews72 followers
March 28, 2019
Dnf @ 31%
I absolutely adored 'Textual Relations' by this author, but this one fell flat to me.

The setup of the story I found lacking in logic and reason, disappointing me early on. As I read on, both main characters came across as a bit shallow. Their voices also were very similar to each other, amplified by a dual POV first person narrative. My GR friends have liked this book a lot more than I did, so perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood for this fluffy romance.
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews273 followers
April 27, 2018
This book just made me happy. Sometimes the best books are the ones that just feel good and make your heart happy.

No drama and sexy as Hell.

Easy, breezy, beautiful.

I am a huge fan of small town romance and this one did not disappoint. I can’t wait for more. I am hoping we will be getting a certain doctors story next.
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,480 reviews810 followers
November 6, 2018

***3.75***

Sugar and spice and everything nice. I really enjoyed this one!

I pulled open the door to find Gage standing there, looking like a bull ready to run his horns through an unsuspecting matador.

His eyes were dark, his shoulders tense, and all I could think was, please, God, let that matador be me.


This book had the perfect combination of small town charm, endearing MC's, scorching sex, combustible chemistry, and the right helping of swoon.

I really liked Gage and Holden....even if the evolution of their feelings for each other were a little clunky. They balanced each other well, and fit easily together.

I could have done without the OTT villainous father and the hokey resolution of his plotline, but his assistant, Frankie, more than made up for any screen time Daddy Dearest got. Fingers crossed that Frankie gets a book of his own!!

Cate Ashwood continues to prove why she's my go-to when I'm looking for a book that's a great combo of sweet and sexy!

"There were parts of my life I didn't even know were missing until you showed me how good it can be. I didn't know I could be this lucky, and all I want to do is spend the rest of my life trying to make you as happy as you've made me."


Now give me Logan's book!!!

Profile Image for Stellaria.
311 reviews25 followers
November 17, 2018
4 stars!

Well, that was such a sweet story about two extremely good looking surgeons, great instant chemistry and some seriosly bad weather conditions.

Holden is forced by his father to travel to Alaska and to persuede Gage to come back working in NY. After a few unsuccessfull attempts and a real shitty storm the two of them jump right on the explosive chemistry they have and after that the sweetness of their relationship begins.

There is no angst in this book, but this story don't need any. There wasn't any over the top drama. The characters were so likable and sexy together. I liked them a lot. The banter they had in the beginning I can say I like the most. The whole denying the feelings thing just increased the steam factor.

The writing was also good and I enjoyed it a lot. There was a great HEA and a hint there would be an upcoming story for some of the secondary characters who I liked as well.
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,680 reviews96 followers
May 17, 2018
*3,75*

This is one of those book where words fail me as soon as I am trying to write a review.
It was 'nice'. (*G*) It was pleasant and cute, and feather-light.
No big dramas, no big angst, no big emotional revelations, 'just' two cute guys meeting and falling in love. I enjoyed the fluff and the medical stuff, the people in Sawyer's Ferry and the mild 'enemy to lovers' theme. But it did not rip me off my seat.
And, afaik, we never find out why Holden or did I miss this?

Great for times when you just want to relax with a piece of fluff.
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