Elijah's Hope

Alaska Dating Games #1

by S. Doyle

Four Alaskan Oil Riggers. One Contest. Four Blind Dates. Who says there are no more mail order brides…

Eli

I’m an oil rigger in Hope’s Point, Alaska and I have one option on my Tinder feed. We’re desperate but none of us are dating Gert.

So my friends and I ran a contest: submit your profile for the chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Alaska and a date with one of us.

Shelby is perfect. Gorgeous, funny, from a good family and studying to be a teacher. I came from the wrong side of every track, and Shelby is a taste of the sweet life I never had. I know she's too good for me, but now I'm starting to wonder: Is she really who I think she is?

Shelby

I was all out of choices back home and I had to get away. A free ticket to Alaska was the escape I needed. Now I'm in the middle of nowhere with a stranger - a sexy oil rigger who's everything I didn't know I wanted. I'm falling for him, but I can't let him get too close. What will happen if he finds out who I really am?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2019

Reviews

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah's Hope is a wonderful start to the Alaskan Dating Games series. Stephanie Doyle once again gives us extremely engaging and personable characters in Eli and Shelby. These two have a very interesting kind of chemistry, seemingly where opposites do indeed attract! Meeting because Eli and his oil crew decide they need a bit of female companionship in their small, remote town of Hope's Point, from the minute the southern-born Shelby gets off the plane in her weather inappropriate clothing, Eli just knew this woman would be a challenge. And he wasn't wrong.

Shelby's chatterbox ways put up against the more reserved Eli was fun to watch. A bit like oil and water, they are more alike then Eli realizes. I just knew whatever Shelby was hiding might sabotage their 2 weeks together but I was truly dying to know just what she did in her recent life that would send Eli running. But in the meantime, their slow 'getting to know you' time together was truly touching and very tender.

The Author takes her time in the reveal and when it all comes out, a ton of actions suddenly make sense. The emotions are spot on and the feelings each have for the other are clearly tested towards the end of this book.

I really like this band of brothers and look forward to Jackson's story next. I always enjoy Doyle's prose and the care she takes in crafting her stories.

4 solid stars!!

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
cute cute cute, steamy quick read.
Gives one hope on forgiveness, escaping the past and hopeful for
happily ever after no matter where you come from
no matter what bad happened in your past.

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to hand it to Stephanie Doyle. She knows how to write a great story. I went into it blind and was really pleased with how it turned out. The concept is a great one and she carries it out exceptionally well. One thing I liked about this story was the slow build, the big reveal, and everything that came after. In fact, I personally feel like some of the most important parts of the book can be found in everything that came after.

Shelby and Elijah are likable characters. Watching him woo Shelby made my heart flutter. Even though it was clear from the beginning what the other wanted, it wasn't until all truths were laid on the table, that things got real. It's not often a story makes me feel like I've been punched in the gut and had all the air knocked out of me, but Elijah's Hope did.

I loved the cameo with Zeke and Eve from S. Doyle's The Bad Assassin. You don't have to read it before, but their presence certainly made me smile! However, I really have to acknowledge how I was expecting something light and fluffy, but got something that had the perfect mix of lightness and gravitas. There's nothing like the power of love, redemption, and forgiveness.

S. Doyle has quickly become a must-read and one-click author for me. I love her writing style and am so eager to read more from her, especially her Alaska Dating Game Series!

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a group of men work in the wilds of Alaska on an oil rig with barely any female contact? Well, they decide to create a contest on Facebook to entice women to visit them for a 2-week vacation and maybe some love. Elijah is the instigator behind this scheme and finds the perfect woman to bring to Hope’s Point, Shelby. Shelby is captivating, sexy and sweet, just what Elijah wanted. Shelby can’t believe her luck when she is selected to go to Alaska. When we meet her, she seems to be the sweet, friendly woman Elijah expects but as we get to know her, we find she is running from someone and Elijah gave her the chance she needed. As they date, Elijah finds fun ways to share his love of Alaska and the outdoors with Shelby, you get a sense that there is a real chance at love for them. I loved that Shelby is reserved at first which really allowed them to get to know each other which lead naturally to a sexual connection between them. As they each reveal parts of themselves, we learn more about Elijah’s childhood and his sadness at what his mom had to do to make ends meet. Shelby knows that the person she is pretending to be is what Elijah wants, what will happen when he learns the truth about her? Will they still have a chance at love? Shelby is awesome. When I found out her true situation, I was very proud of her strength and determination to find a new path and taking a risk on Alaska. Elijah is complex. There is a desire to find love but he carries so much hurt from his childhood that he struggles with his true feelings. I loved when he finally went to see his mom after so many years apart. I had a lot of fun with the Alaska Dating Games, the group of guys are a great mix of personalities and their idea is clever. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at Red Hot Books

Elijah and the men in management at the Dyson International oil rig in Hope’s Point, Alaska are lonely. So, they concoct a plan to have women flown up to them. The men place a Facebook Ad and pick from the women who respond to it. The women fly up to Hope’s Point and get to spend two weeks of no strings attached fun experiencing the beauty of Alaska. Elijah’s pick is Shelby, a wholesome, girl next door from Baton Rouge, LA. He’s immediately taken with her and her squeaky clean persona that’s so different from the women he grew up with while his mother stripped to make ends meet. Elijah has baggage.

Shelby is on the run from a tragic past. She’s hoping that fleeing to Alaska will jump start a change of life for her and put some distance between the people who hurt and used her. She never expected to fall for Elijah, but does so heart and soul. She knows that Elijah will hate her if he finds out the truth, but wants to spend a little more time with the man who makes her feel special.

Secrets are revealed and hearts are broken, but can they be mended and long held hurts healed? In a town called Hope’s Point anything seems to be possible.

I liked the premise for this book; sexy oil riggers, all alone and desperate for female companionship, putting out a call for ladies and the adventurous ladies who answer that call. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t really for me. I had a really hard time liking the Elijah or Shelby. Elijah’s character talks a big talk about respecting women, but has so much resentment for his mother that supported him through stripping and sexwork that he just comes across as disingenuous and two-faced. Shelby, on the other hand is written as the most stereotypical of Southerners. Her dialogue is so peppered with colloquialisms and sayings that I’m pretty sure I sprained something rolling my eyes. She’s written as a backwater hick and yet the author also has her using words like “somnolent.” She is saccharine sweet in the extreme, which I get is part of her character’s ruse, but it was too much for me.

The story itself is pretty straight forward with few surprises. I found the past that Shelby’s running from to be particularly heinous, especially considering how sweet the rest of the Elijah’s Hope is and I would have liked to have seen more of Elijah and Shelby’s reconciliation. I felt like S. Doyle tried to add some depth using Elijah’s nickname Angel and Shelby’s prayer for an angel to help her out of her situation and through some discussion on the merits of forgiveness, but these attempts fell flat for me.

Elijah’s Hope isn’t awful. It’s a great premise and is likely an excellent fit for other readers. It sadly, just didn’t do it for me.

Rating: C

*I received Elijah’s Hope from the author in return for an honest review.

[Arkady_jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this, the second half much more than the first. It seemed a bit pedestrian to begin with, and I honestly didn't see why Elijah was developing feelings for Shelby - they didn't know each other. I also wasn't quite sold on the premise - they were flying these women up there for "dates", but not expecting anything permanent to happen? It just seemed a bit off.

It definitely picked up in the second half, and I was invested in them, hoping they would make it. I especially felt for Shelby, and warmed up to her much more. By contrast, Elijah was a bit of an asshole in his thinking and attitude about her past. She didn't really make him grovel for her forgiveness, but I was still happy they moved past it.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story started off strong and I liked Angel and his idea to lure women to their small Alaskan outpost. But it went down hill for me once Shelby arrived. It was too much southern sweetness with a core of lies that I didn't care for. I hate it when the 2 MC's can't be themselves with each other and the lies detonate at the end before the expected reconciliation.

It had great steam and well written but lacked that heart and fun I look for in stories (like The Grump)
that I think are great. Moving thru to Jackson's story next but looking forward to Ark and Olivia the most.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Date an Alaska oil rigger

The series is a good idea. Four men in the deep wilderness of Alaska run a “contest” to each pay the expense of a woman to come to Hope’s Point , Alaska for a blind date.

ELI and Shelby are the first couple. It was all Eli’s idea, after all. The story is a good one with Eli being the perfect gentlemen until neither can resist any longer, but with Shelby keeping some pretty big secrets.

I am intrigued enough to read the rest of the series.

[Lisa Guzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

There were so many moments where I had to remember how old Shelby was. Many times she acted like a teenager to me. Then again she was acting. Trying to live up to Eli’s perfect image of a good woman. Don’t get me started on Eli. Ugh!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2019)! 🎁

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

S Doyle is a Sub-Genre hopper who I willingly follow. Plus, this cover!!???

ELIJAH's HOPE is Bk1 in a new series. 3rd Person, Dual POV. It was SUPER Fun to realize this was set in the same world as Bad Assassin (now called Lover to Enemies).

Think "Love Island" meets "Alaskan Gold Rush".

The Premise is Four Alaskan Oil Riggers. One Contest. Four Blind Dates. It starts out almost as a lark. In order to entice some women to Hope's Point, these guys set up a dating contest for 4 women to win an all expenses paid trip to the middle of nowhere Alaska.

The men's expectation is that they'll experience some high jinx then send the ladies off on their way. As there's limited accommodations there, the 4 women will all arrive at different times, with little to no overlap. This plan runs the gammit of "well thought out" to "Really?". Like not telling the women what apparel they should bring with them for the weather...

All the guys are social mis-fits. Elijah is former army, He's broody, views himself as unlovable, has a fractured relationship with his mom and a past he doesn't talk about, but was incredibly formative in his view of women.

Elijah believes it'll be 2 weeks of fun before they both go back to their "Real Lives". Elijah's winner is Shelby from Louisiana. From the moment you start her POV you know she is running from something. You know she wants to run away from her "Real Life", It's spoilery to discuss what/why she's running from.

The first book in a series, whether it's interconnected like this one or not, always does a lot of the heavy lifting for the world building. So we meet all the 4 'bachelors' get a sense of who they are and their personalities.

This was a great read. Not as comedic as Bad Assassin/Lover to Enemies, but more nuanced. The revelations of both Elijah and Shelby's back stories is done without flashback, but via reflection.

The Squee moment for me was getting to see Zeke & Eve pop up throughout the storyline.

CW/TW discussions of rape, sex work, deployed military situations.

[Susanne Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was moved to tears by this book. I'm still new to S. Doyle having only read the Bride series. I had no idea what to expect when I delved into this book, but I certainly wasn't disappointed.

I loved the introduction of all the male characters and little nuggets of their personalities that are shown to us throughout the book. The descriptions of Alaska was beautiful and I realities I was able to answer their ad just for the destination.
I found threshold premise of the Facebook ad very interesting and whilst it was almost a given that each chosen girl is going to fall madly in love with their chosen guy, the journey along the was is great fun to read.

Right from the get go, as soon as we get Shelbys first POV we know she's hiding something and is lying, this adds to the tension as we see her real feelings for Eli as she spends time with her but we as readers can't fully trust her until we know her secret. As the story progresses and we learn more about her past as little snippets she lets us see its easy to see that she's been treated bad by a past relationship. As soon as Jackson puts her, it's a bit easier for us to put the pieces together about what happened and almost instantly forgive her. Eli takes a bit longer.
Elis story is just as heartbreaking as he opens up to Shelby about his mother and his childhood.
Reading about his talk to his mother as they finally cleared the air and he forgave her had tears in my eyed. I wanted to reach through my kindle and hug them both. It was beautifully written and allowed both a child's and adults point of view be seen.
It was an excellent book and I look forward to reading the next book to see what Jackson's story is.

I was intrigued by Zeke and Eve and have since discovered they have their own book, so I going to read it as I'm sure they will be appearing in more books in the series .

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elijah’s Hope is the first book in a new interconnected series. With a fresh take on the idea of a blind date, I really enjoyed this story. Well written, I liked the author’s writing style very much, and I found all the characters very appealing.

Elijah is large in stature but not overbearing in nature, he’s kind and considerate in a sort of rough and ready way. However, he’s not afraid to let his inner caveman loose when the situation calls for it. Shelby is an intriguing character. Definitely odd at the beginning, rather old fashioned in her habits and way of speaking and I couldn’t help wondering what was going on behind the eccentric and slightly overboard southern mannerisms. Her reactions, together with the banter and camaraderie between Elijah and his colleagues was entertaining and certainly had me laughing out loud.

Love happens fairly quickly here but I didn’t feel it was over the top, it felt natural enough under the circumstances. There was no rush to the bedroom but once they took that next step, oh boy did things heat up and the sexy times are very steamy! However, as the saying goes, the course of true love never runs smooth, and although there isn’t a great deal of drama and angst to the story overall, there’s a definite feeling that trouble will arrive at some point to knock our pair off their feet.

All in all, this book is a quick, easy and enjoyable read with a lovely feel to it. A great start to this series. There are some very intriguing side characters and from what I’ve seen of them so far, I think we’re in for a treat with their stories too.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great writing

I found this as a free read and it is a new author for me. The free books are hit and miss but also a great way to find a new author and get a taste of their writing style. I liked the story and it was an easy read, meaning there were not to many characters and a complicated plot and there was a happy ending. I did find myself guessing where the story was heading though. It was a little bit predictable but it was ok because it also has some unexpected parts too. I loved reading about Alaska. I wish the story was a little more in depth about Alaska(painting a picture on in mind of what Shelby was seeing as what they were talking about during their fishing and hiking.) I would have liked to read more about Eli's job(I think Shelby would have liked to hear about Eli's work.) I also wanted to read more conversations between Eli and Shelby and more about their getting to know each other. I did appreciate that they didn't jump into bed together immediately as is typical in many books. I wanted to feel their emotions and their chemistry a little more.

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new take on a blind date. I mean what are you to do when you live in the farthest reaches of Alaska and there are no prospects for dates? The men come up with the bright idea of having a Facebook contest of sorts where dating potentials submit their profiles and the ones selected are given a round trip ticket to Alaska for a two week "date." First up is Elijah, AKA "Angel" as he is dubbed by his coworkers since it was his idea to begin with. He selected Shelby from Louisiana. She arrives wearing a thin dress with a denim jacket and wedges. Not exactly Alaska outer wear even if it is August. Eli is charmed immediately by Shelby and her innocent wonder and excitement with the simple things. She is a breath of fresh air for a man who thinks he doesn't deserve it. Although Shelby has a few secrets of her own. What will happen when all the secrets come out? Will they be able to get past them or not? Definitely worth a read and I am absolutely looking forward to Jackson's story, especially after the tease we get when his date arrives!

**I received this ARC for review**

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a very awesome job of bringing the characters to life. When Shelby speaks you can just hear her babbling voice as she rambles along. The physical descriptions of the places and all the characters are detailed and easy to visualize without being wordy. The premise of the plot is superb. Shelby and Elijah are two lost souls looking for safe harbor. The scenes between them build up slowly from playful to hot. The dilemma that divides them comes at a great point in the story and leaves plenty of time for the happily ever after to be achieved without a rush to the ending. A very well written book.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The fun premise leads into an emotional romance. I liked both characters so much. They both had baggage that added a lot of depth to their characters. Elijah was a study in contrasts. He was a sweet, southern charmer, that could be alpha when required wrapped around a core of pain and sadness from his childhood. Shelby had secrets but was still easy to like. You just basically went in knowing that there was much more to her and her story than you were getting and that it was going to be a bombshell that rocked this couple's budding romance. I liked it and look forward to the next book in this series. This is my impartial, independent review.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up in Alaska women are a rare commodity so Eli and his friends decide to advertise for blind dates. They change their last names and create social page profiles. Shelby needs an escape from her greedy uncle and ex who will stop at nothing to make money including drugging her to make dirty films. Creating a perfect life on social media is easy and when Eli chooses her Shelby deems it a sign. But lies catch up sooner or later. It's light reading, enjoyable. Not my usual genre but I intend to read the next in the series as the characters interest me.

[Darlene Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story.. it was a great concept and I loved Eli.... I think Shelby was ok..I didn’t really like her or feel that she and Eli were a good fit... it was her personality that I didn’t like ... her story was good and fit to Eli and made the book but even her story didn’t fit who she was if that makes sense. In most books I feel that the two fit so well and can’t wait to see how they finally become a couple but with this one I felt that they just didn’t work and could wait to see them get together.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulled me in and wouldn't let me go

I was hooked from the beginning. 4 big, muscle, hot guys working in Alaska on oil rigs, hello yes please!!!!
Facebook contest for a blind date, winner gets a round trip airline ticket. 2 weeks in Alaska. Elijah picks Shelby, but not every one tells the truth. You will LOVE their chemistry, the way Shelby talks a mile a minute makes her so cute, the way Eli treats her like she is the most precious thing on earth. It's not all happiness and sunshine, but their story gets to where it needs to be.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture The Bachelor in Alaska, and we see how Eli gets a contest winning date with Shelby that becomes 2 weeks of travel and sightseeing. Each have their own agendas, so it’s hard at times to relate or believe their connection. I love books based in Alaska after visiting there myself and falling in love with the gorgeous landscapes, so the setting made this book more interesting.

Since the series is in KU, I may read more. This was a pretty quality book with a few editing errors like missing words that any decent proofreader should have caught.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elijah's Hope centers around a group of men who work in Alaska where the dating options are slim. So they hold a competition and fly one women up for each of them. This first book was about Elijah or otherwise known as Angel, and the women who he chooses. Of course she has a couple of secrets that come to light in a dramatic fashion, and in my opinion that's when the book got good. I live for the drama.
This was a quick light read, which was good because it takes the book a little bit to pick up. But if finished strong and I'll probably continue with the series.

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a clever premise for a book. I love the Alaska oil workers deciding to bring women up to visit them. The result is pretty much what you'd expect - a bit of a disaster. But this being a romance, there's a happily ever after so the disaster isn't as bad as it could have been.

Elijah is awesome. A tough childhood, the Army and working the oil rig have not made him hard or aloof. He's a good friend to his co-workers and he's capable of being a caring and sweet lover.

Shelby is bubbly and care-free....or is she? Shelby talks a lot which amuses Eli. He'd have never guessed her secrets until cracks start appearing in her story.

I liked that Eli is so good with Shelby but he's willing to give a guy a beat down when needed. A good mix of macho guy and sweetheart.

I always enjoy S. Doyle's writing and this book was another rewarding read.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t expect Alaska

While the stereotype of the Alaskan man is used this book does not accurately represent Alaska or the Alaskan oil industry.

Writing is ok but needs a good proof reading.

Story, plot, and characters have good, interesting base that make it readable & intriguing enough to get through several books in the series.

Steamy scenes are excellent. The most enjoyable part of the book!

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book, I devoured it in hours. I didn’t expect to cry. Loved how well Elijah and Shelby seemed to be getting to know each other. But I did stay on edge, what is she lying about and why’s she hiding out? Loved being so emotionally connected. Such a great ending too. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.

[One Book at a Time! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

I was a little underwhelmed with this story. I loved the dates and the unique locations but the interaction between these two is so plain and boring. The conversation is one sided and since she is lying the whole time I find everything she says hard to believe and read. The descriptions of Alaska sound beautiful in this book, cold but beautiful.

[Cindy Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska hot

This is my first time reading this author and it won't be the last. This is book one in a new series and I'm hooked. Set in northern alaska, this is the story of how the men find love. It's funny and steamy with our first couple Eli and Shelby. The cast of supporting characters are so intriguing without taking over that I can't wait for their stories.

[Kailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I wanted so much more from this book. Eli was boring and Shelby needed to get it together. She could have admitted much earlier on what happened without all the running away and drama. I also didn't feel any chemistry between these two because of her over the top fake Southern attitude. I wanted more love, more romance, and just didn't feel it.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This was a really great book. Love the story line and the intense love scenes. You have some very hot men in Alaska wanting to meet the right woman, so they come up with a plan. This is a really great story line and I will definitely check out the other books in this series.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising tenderness in this insta-love romance.

I'll admit that a group of lonely roughnecks is pure catnip for me, so I was hooked before I even started this book. It was everything I was hoping for, and more.

Eli thinks he knows exactly what he wants, and Shelby checks all his boxes. But the secret she's hiding turns out to be more than he bargained for. The clever writing draws the reader in to their intense attraction and sweet romance, and by the time the secrets are all bared, sympathies don't necessarily fall where they should. There is the requisite groveling, but not from whom you'd expect.

I enjoyed this book very much, and was quite satisfied with the HEA.