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Frozen Hearts #3
Arctic Heat
A lasting connection needs more than simply surviving a winter together—they’ll have to outsmart danger, let down their defenses and open their hearts.
Owen Han has a fresh lease on life—he’s kicked cancer’s ass and is roaring through his bucket list. The former investment banker hopes to find his next challenge in Alaska, volunteering alongside park rangers and fulfilling his childhood dreams of snowy winters and rustic life. Of course, those dreams did tend to feature big strapping mountain men in vivid detail…
Ranger Quilleran Ramsey would like to be anywhere other than dealing with newbie volunteers. And really, the only thing he needs less than a green volunteer “partner” is the flirty attentions of a buff city boy who doesn’t look ready to last a week, let alone an Alaskan winter. They’re all wrong for each other, even if Quill’s traitorous body enjoys the flirting more than it should.
As the weeks pass, the two snowbound men give in to temptation. But can their seasonal romance last until spring? For them to have a future together, each will have to trust the other…while hoping that the harsh elements and omnipresent dangers don’t destroy what happiness they’ve found in the moment.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Owen Han has a fresh lease on life—he’s kicked cancer’s ass and is roaring through his bucket list. The former investment banker hopes to find his next challenge in Alaska, volunteering alongside park rangers and fulfilling his childhood dreams of snowy winters and rustic life. Of course, those dreams did tend to feature big strapping mountain men in vivid detail…
Ranger Quilleran Ramsey would like to be anywhere other than dealing with newbie volunteers. And really, the only thing he needs less than a green volunteer “partner” is the flirty attentions of a buff city boy who doesn’t look ready to last a week, let alone an Alaskan winter. They’re all wrong for each other, even if Quill’s traitorous body enjoys the flirting more than it should.
As the weeks pass, the two snowbound men give in to temptation. But can their seasonal romance last until spring? For them to have a future together, each will have to trust the other…while hoping that the harsh elements and omnipresent dangers don’t destroy what happiness they’ve found in the moment.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2019
63 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,753 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
July 23, 2019
Arctic Heat is classic Annabeth Albert: two endearing but imperfect MCs, opposites attract theme, slow burn cultivating in something deliciously wanton, and a brilliant HEA.
This is hands down my favorite book of the series thus far. There isn't one thing I didn't love about this story.
Grumpy ranger Quill, mountain man extraordinaire, seriously underestimates the new volunteer. Owen is indeed pretty, but he's no college intern. A cancer survivor, Owen is working on his bucket list and is more than ready to tackle a winter in Alaska.
Quill does his best to ignore Owen, especially after Owen's kiss makes his knees buckle, but Owen craves human connection and is determined to win over the uptight ranger who, thanks to an asshat of an ex-boyfriend, has so many antiquated ideas about sex.
The two men are nothing alike, but they fit like puzzle pieces. Owen's outgoing nature means Quill can teach but not engage in small talk. Owen makes Quill smile, and Quill grounds Owen, making him realize that maybe he's right where he's supposed to be.
This is a quiet, relationship focused, steamy story. I loved how Quill came to realize that sex can be messy and fun and wild, that there are no rules.
An element of hurt-comfort permeates the book. Owen has some lingering post-chemo issues and is involved in an accident that shakes Quill to his very core.
Some may find the ending rushed. Even Owen was shocked by Quinn's change of heart! But I think the HEA was more than earned. There is so much relationship development on page that I never doubted Quill and Owen's love and dedication.
Three cheers for Owen's amazing parents, pumpkin pie, and, of course, the stark beauty of remote Alaska.
Even if you had doubts about the first two books in the Frozen Hearts series or never read them, don't miss this one! It is one hundred percent a standalone.
P.S. I read this book in Alaska on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and that elevated my reading experience to something holy.
This is hands down my favorite book of the series thus far. There isn't one thing I didn't love about this story.
Grumpy ranger Quill, mountain man extraordinaire, seriously underestimates the new volunteer. Owen is indeed pretty, but he's no college intern. A cancer survivor, Owen is working on his bucket list and is more than ready to tackle a winter in Alaska.
Quill does his best to ignore Owen, especially after Owen's kiss makes his knees buckle, but Owen craves human connection and is determined to win over the uptight ranger who, thanks to an asshat of an ex-boyfriend, has so many antiquated ideas about sex.
The two men are nothing alike, but they fit like puzzle pieces. Owen's outgoing nature means Quill can teach but not engage in small talk. Owen makes Quill smile, and Quill grounds Owen, making him realize that maybe he's right where he's supposed to be.
This is a quiet, relationship focused, steamy story. I loved how Quill came to realize that sex can be messy and fun and wild, that there are no rules.
An element of hurt-comfort permeates the book. Owen has some lingering post-chemo issues and is involved in an accident that shakes Quill to his very core.
Some may find the ending rushed. Even Owen was shocked by Quinn's change of heart! But I think the HEA was more than earned. There is so much relationship development on page that I never doubted Quill and Owen's love and dedication.
Three cheers for Owen's amazing parents, pumpkin pie, and, of course, the stark beauty of remote Alaska.
Even if you had doubts about the first two books in the Frozen Hearts series or never read them, don't miss this one! It is one hundred percent a standalone.
P.S. I read this book in Alaska on a balcony overlooking the ocean, and that elevated my reading experience to something holy.
September 27, 2019
Audio – 5 I love Iggy Toma Stars
Story – 4 Stars
Surprise, surprise not only to the MCs in this book communicate, there’s no lingering misunderstanding. Someone is listening to the fans. :-)
Of course, there is a “but” …But there is still the push-pull and angst. I didn’t mind it, because it made sense. Owen and Quill are truly opposites. Owen is a confidant extrovert. He was raised by a supportive and caring family. He’s also a cancer survivor who is ready to take chances. Quill is a set-in-his-way introvert with insecurities. His upbringing was not a positive one. His parents fought a lot and he was verbally abused. As a result, Quill doesn’t like confrontation and prefers to keep to himself as much as possible.
Owen gets a volunteer position along side Quill. As they get to know each other Owen pushes for a relationship and Quill pulls away. Their HEA made the frustrating times worth it.
Story – 4 Stars
Surprise, surprise not only to the MCs in this book communicate, there’s no lingering misunderstanding. Someone is listening to the fans. :-)
Of course, there is a “but” …But there is still the push-pull and angst. I didn’t mind it, because it made sense. Owen and Quill are truly opposites. Owen is a confidant extrovert. He was raised by a supportive and caring family. He’s also a cancer survivor who is ready to take chances. Quill is a set-in-his-way introvert with insecurities. His upbringing was not a positive one. His parents fought a lot and he was verbally abused. As a result, Quill doesn’t like confrontation and prefers to keep to himself as much as possible.
Owen gets a volunteer position along side Quill. As they get to know each other Owen pushes for a relationship and Quill pulls away. Their HEA made the frustrating times worth it.
July 29, 2019
Very definitely my favourite of the three in this Alaskan set series from Annabeth.
This is a story about second chances, not only at life but at finding your place and the things which are important to you no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
I felt so bad for Quill, who has had a life which challenged his very sense of self to the point which he locked it away and decided he'd be married to his job as a ranger.
That was until wonderful Owen crashed full tilt into his steady world and thoroughly shook it up.
I loved how Annabeth made this a quiet story, it's focused on and around the day to day activities of the ranger station and its tiny staff quarters where the two men oh so slowly fall in love.
They are delicious together and quite unexpected in their sexual preferences, nothing more hotter than Quill starting to let go and explore how freeing sex can be when it's with the right partner.
The tension points felt earned and completely within the drive of the narrative and I was holding my breath even with the Carina Press guarantee of a HEA!
As with the other two, Alaska is as much a character as the humans and wildlife and I'm still totally jealous of my friend Dani who got to read this book on location!
The ending is awesome and I was sad to say goodbye to Quill and Owen as they settled into their Alaskan sunset forever.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a story about second chances, not only at life but at finding your place and the things which are important to you no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
I felt so bad for Quill, who has had a life which challenged his very sense of self to the point which he locked it away and decided he'd be married to his job as a ranger.
That was until wonderful Owen crashed full tilt into his steady world and thoroughly shook it up.
I loved how Annabeth made this a quiet story, it's focused on and around the day to day activities of the ranger station and its tiny staff quarters where the two men oh so slowly fall in love.
They are delicious together and quite unexpected in their sexual preferences, nothing more hotter than Quill starting to let go and explore how freeing sex can be when it's with the right partner.
The tension points felt earned and completely within the drive of the narrative and I was holding my breath even with the Carina Press guarantee of a HEA!
As with the other two, Alaska is as much a character as the humans and wildlife and I'm still totally jealous of my friend Dani who got to read this book on location!
The ending is awesome and I was sad to say goodbye to Quill and Owen as they settled into their Alaskan sunset forever.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 22, 2019
It’s probably more of a 3.5 but I don’t feel like rounding up.
I can’t say that I’ve been a huge fan of this series since the beginning, but I’ve enjoyed the Alaskan setting enough to want to continue. And I’m glad I did because I found this book to be much better than the previous installments.
The writing in this book took me a while to get into and I was a bit bored initially. But once the winter season started in the story, it was interesting to get to know more about how the volunteers work along with rangers, what are their responsibilities and what kind of incidents should they be equipped to deal with. There was always this sense of danger, especially related to avalanches which felt real and visceral and gave me a real appreciation for the work all of them do to keep the tourists safe. On the flip side, this book doesn’t showcase the beauty of the Alaskan backcountry but concentrates on the issues travelers might face - but I didn’t mind this shift. I had enough of the picturesque locales in two books and it was nice to see the other side too. The last third of the book was also quite emotional and I ended up crying a lot (it could have just been my mood too though). It’s probably one reason I liked this book more despite not connecting with the characters a lot.
Quill wasn’t an easy person to like. Not that he is bad, but he has so many internalized issues about relationships and being out as gay that sometimes I wanted to give him a hug, but other times I wanted to give him a good shake. But he was great at his job and I really liked that he didn’t shy away from talking about all the dangers, even if his audience didn’t appreciate it. Owen on the other hand is a cancer survivor, who now has a bucket list and wants to get through it all because he doesn’t want to waste any time. He is also a very social, talkative and extroverted person which makes him an exact opposite of Quill. And I totally understood his wish that Quill be more open, but I don’t think he completely empathized with Quill’s hangups. They are so different from each other that I couldn’t understand why they liked each other in the first place, but there was a lot of friendship and relationship development which I enjoyed. It felt very domestic and adorable and I liked those quieter moments. However, there was also a lot of back and forth, especially on Quill’s part and while I could feel where he was coming from, it got frustrating after a while. When the conflict happened, it seemed inevitable but I was also so upset that I kept sobbing for quite some time. However, the ending felt a little rushed but also earned and very very sweet.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read despite some of the issues I had with the characters. I loved following the rangers and getting to know their daily life, and that’s one main reason this is probably my favorite of this trilogy. This book also has the hurt/comfort trope - so if you enjoy these themes or the setting of Alaska, you should definitely check out this book. Even if you have been disappointed by the previous books in this series, I have a feeling you might enjoy this better just like I did.
I can’t say that I’ve been a huge fan of this series since the beginning, but I’ve enjoyed the Alaskan setting enough to want to continue. And I’m glad I did because I found this book to be much better than the previous installments.
The writing in this book took me a while to get into and I was a bit bored initially. But once the winter season started in the story, it was interesting to get to know more about how the volunteers work along with rangers, what are their responsibilities and what kind of incidents should they be equipped to deal with. There was always this sense of danger, especially related to avalanches which felt real and visceral and gave me a real appreciation for the work all of them do to keep the tourists safe. On the flip side, this book doesn’t showcase the beauty of the Alaskan backcountry but concentrates on the issues travelers might face - but I didn’t mind this shift. I had enough of the picturesque locales in two books and it was nice to see the other side too. The last third of the book was also quite emotional and I ended up crying a lot (it could have just been my mood too though). It’s probably one reason I liked this book more despite not connecting with the characters a lot.
Quill wasn’t an easy person to like. Not that he is bad, but he has so many internalized issues about relationships and being out as gay that sometimes I wanted to give him a hug, but other times I wanted to give him a good shake. But he was great at his job and I really liked that he didn’t shy away from talking about all the dangers, even if his audience didn’t appreciate it. Owen on the other hand is a cancer survivor, who now has a bucket list and wants to get through it all because he doesn’t want to waste any time. He is also a very social, talkative and extroverted person which makes him an exact opposite of Quill. And I totally understood his wish that Quill be more open, but I don’t think he completely empathized with Quill’s hangups. They are so different from each other that I couldn’t understand why they liked each other in the first place, but there was a lot of friendship and relationship development which I enjoyed. It felt very domestic and adorable and I liked those quieter moments. However, there was also a lot of back and forth, especially on Quill’s part and while I could feel where he was coming from, it got frustrating after a while. When the conflict happened, it seemed inevitable but I was also so upset that I kept sobbing for quite some time. However, the ending felt a little rushed but also earned and very very sweet.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read despite some of the issues I had with the characters. I loved following the rangers and getting to know their daily life, and that’s one main reason this is probably my favorite of this trilogy. This book also has the hurt/comfort trope - so if you enjoy these themes or the setting of Alaska, you should definitely check out this book. Even if you have been disappointed by the previous books in this series, I have a feeling you might enjoy this better just like I did.
October 6, 2024
Waaaaahhhhh!!! I have so many mixed feelings about this one!
Personally, I just didn’t connect with it.
I feel like Quill, at his age, should have been in a better head space then he was. This isn’t me judging. I get pain and understand people deal with things the best way they can, I just struggled understanding where he was coming from.
Romances like this always read as convenience to me. Opportunity. I know, I know. I know they liked each other and in reality it wasn’t just because it was just them, in Alaska, in the dark, cold Winter. I know this but it was hard for me to get past that feeling. More so, because of Owen. Owen was a contradiction. I mean, he was out doing the ‘life is too short’ bucket list after beating cancer. He was so outgoing and so fun and it was very difficult for me to see Owen interested in Quill at all. Opposites attract, I get it, but I didn’t see anything that really connected them aside from the opportunity.
I also felt a little uncomfortable with Owen’s behavior. I felt he was a little relentless in his pursuit and at times I felt like he just wasn’t taking no for an answer. He was very pushy and I know that Quill wasn’t necessarily saying no, he sometimes kind of was.
Lastly, I missed Alaska. There was not as much scenery or description this go round and I missed it. I feel like in the first two books Alaska was a third character.
I hate when I write reviews like this and it comes across with such dislike. That isn’t my intention. I still liked the story and I found the danger real and I was very interested in the Ranger parts of the story. I was! And, I loved the end, it was very sweet but head spinning fast.
I still am enjoying this series, I do love the setting and the formula, and I look forward to the next one.
**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
Personally, I just didn’t connect with it.
I feel like Quill, at his age, should have been in a better head space then he was. This isn’t me judging. I get pain and understand people deal with things the best way they can, I just struggled understanding where he was coming from.
Romances like this always read as convenience to me. Opportunity. I know, I know. I know they liked each other and in reality it wasn’t just because it was just them, in Alaska, in the dark, cold Winter. I know this but it was hard for me to get past that feeling. More so, because of Owen. Owen was a contradiction. I mean, he was out doing the ‘life is too short’ bucket list after beating cancer. He was so outgoing and so fun and it was very difficult for me to see Owen interested in Quill at all. Opposites attract, I get it, but I didn’t see anything that really connected them aside from the opportunity.
I also felt a little uncomfortable with Owen’s behavior. I felt he was a little relentless in his pursuit and at times I felt like he just wasn’t taking no for an answer. He was very pushy and I know that Quill wasn’t necessarily saying no, he sometimes kind of was.
Lastly, I missed Alaska. There was not as much scenery or description this go round and I missed it. I feel like in the first two books Alaska was a third character.
I hate when I write reviews like this and it comes across with such dislike. That isn’t my intention. I still liked the story and I found the danger real and I was very interested in the Ranger parts of the story. I was! And, I loved the end, it was very sweet but head spinning fast.
I still am enjoying this series, I do love the setting and the formula, and I look forward to the next one.
**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
April 7, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot, but then again, forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes. Sometimes in "opposites attract" situations, it almost feels as though one character has had a personality transplant by the end of the book. That wasn't the case here. Quill remained somewhat taciturn and reserved and Owen remained bubbly and outgoing. They just somehow met in the middle enough to make the perfect safe space for both of them.
I'm also glad that we saw the relationship progress as they became both physically and emotionally closer. This is the #1 reason why Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors, because she shows the characters falling in love and all those special moments that make up the beginning of a relationship, things that will become traditions year after year. (Owen's longing for the song they danced to to become their song is a shining example of this.) The heat is there too, and we got a front row seat to see them go from attraction to the first kiss to spending enough time together to genuinely fall in love. I could go into more detail, but please just read this one! Books like this are the reason I read romance.
I'm also glad that we saw the relationship progress as they became both physically and emotionally closer. This is the #1 reason why Annabeth Albert is one of my favorite authors, because she shows the characters falling in love and all those special moments that make up the beginning of a relationship, things that will become traditions year after year. (Owen's longing for the song they danced to to become their song is a shining example of this.) The heat is there too, and we got a front row seat to see them go from attraction to the first kiss to spending enough time together to genuinely fall in love. I could go into more detail, but please just read this one! Books like this are the reason I read romance.
January 18, 2022
Loved this.
Grumpy sunshine. Cancer survivor. Slow burn. Forced Proximity.
Great time for everyone.
4/5 stars
Grumpy sunshine. Cancer survivor. Slow burn. Forced Proximity.
Great time for everyone.
4/5 stars
February 1, 2023
I usually spent a great deal of the cold winter months indulging in my favorites with rereads along with the new to me reads. Annabeth Albert is always an author that I find to be worthy of a reread. I have read and reread almost everything available by her. The Frozen Hearts series is a favorite of mine and they always have a happy ending. Owen and Quill were made for one another from the start, despite Quills fighting tooth and nail to ignore Owen. Owen was perfection personified and did everything in his power to just be his Quill's friend with the hopes of something more. Imagine Quill's surprise when the person he was supposed to be partnered with through the winter had to withdraw... and you guessed it...was replaced by Owen. Now what is he supposed to do now? Owen certainly had an idea or two, or three for him. Sometimes in "opposites attract" situations, it almost feels as though one character has had a personality transplant somewhere along the way and we weren't aware of it, but...not in this one. Quill remained somewhat taciturn and reserved and Owen remained bubbly and outgoing. Eventually they somehow managed to meet in the middle enough to make a perfect, safe space for both of them. In a nutshell... it's steamy! Sweet and sad but as all of Annabeth Albert's offerings...simply wonderful. It's my favorite of this short 3 book series.
September 25, 2019
Owen is easy to quickly love. An outgoing, gregarious man who has survived cancer and is out fulfilling his bucket list.
Quill pulled me in with his quiet, steadfast ways. He was someone I could see myself feeling very comfortable and secure with.
Owen and Quill had opposite personalities but they are exactly what the other needed to get past old and new hurts.
A lovely slow-burn romance that can absolutely be read as a stand-alone novel.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Quill pulled me in with his quiet, steadfast ways. He was someone I could see myself feeling very comfortable and secure with.
Owen and Quill had opposite personalities but they are exactly what the other needed to get past old and new hurts.
A lovely slow-burn romance that can absolutely be read as a stand-alone novel.
Review ARC graciously provided by the publisher via NetGalley
October 7, 2019
This series has been my absolute undoing from the start, and it only got better and better. We return to the Alaskan wilderness for one last time with the story of a grouchy, emotionally repressed ranger and the flirty, outgoing winter volunteer who manages to thaw the ice around his heart. Quill and Owen's slow-burn romance was simply perfect—angsty, perfectly paced, oh-so sexy, even suspenseful at times—and every time I went back to reading it, I did it with a huge smile on my face. The quality of her writing is what made me fall in love with Annabeth Albert's books in the first place, but it was the care with which she weaves the chemistry between her characters that made me a die-hard fan of her stories. I loved this book SO SO much!
September 22, 2019
Owen and Quill
Quill was something, closed up behind high walls, where no one can reach or hurt him.
He has the exterior of a man who has his life altogether. With Owen, as the new volunteer guy who will help him, the park ranger, in the next seven months, close by, Quill is grumpy with the purpose to hold him on arm length. Owen will leave after he scraps this from his bucket list, so no point to come out or get close even if it seems so right.
Owen is the opposite, easy talking and easy-going, positive thinking and all in for a sexy time when possible. Kicking cancer he knows life is too valuable and too short to waste. It takes a lot of work and patience to unravel Quill, but oh boy, when he’s finally unraveling, it’s a sight for the eye. Closing down is natural for Quill, how can he trust and open his sensitive heart, without being hurt.
“A resonant bass note of understanding that made his soul, not his lips, not his libido, want a piece of Owen.”
With a defect generator, they have to sleep in the only space with more warmth.
When Quill finally wants to let his heart speak, he’s afraid it is too late.
What a beautifully, widely, written journey, about opening and rising from frozen inner contained feelings. To see Quill bloom was something for the eye. He is such a precious man. Owen is the very best, open, clear and cheerful. Bit by bit we get to know both men.
Their daily life as park rangers is diversified by activities and all are captivating to experience.
I loved both men, so opposite and with their characteristics. One determined and the other not even want to give it a try. An extraordinary story, it’s beautifully layered and developed. The special rough environments were a delightful addition.
An emotional story with a lot of feelings, also some angsty moments, but overall about love, thaw, trust, and choices. I loved every word from front to back cover.
Highly recommended!
Quill was something, closed up behind high walls, where no one can reach or hurt him.
He has the exterior of a man who has his life altogether. With Owen, as the new volunteer guy who will help him, the park ranger, in the next seven months, close by, Quill is grumpy with the purpose to hold him on arm length. Owen will leave after he scraps this from his bucket list, so no point to come out or get close even if it seems so right.
Owen is the opposite, easy talking and easy-going, positive thinking and all in for a sexy time when possible. Kicking cancer he knows life is too valuable and too short to waste. It takes a lot of work and patience to unravel Quill, but oh boy, when he’s finally unraveling, it’s a sight for the eye. Closing down is natural for Quill, how can he trust and open his sensitive heart, without being hurt.
“A resonant bass note of understanding that made his soul, not his lips, not his libido, want a piece of Owen.”
With a defect generator, they have to sleep in the only space with more warmth.
When Quill finally wants to let his heart speak, he’s afraid it is too late.
What a beautifully, widely, written journey, about opening and rising from frozen inner contained feelings. To see Quill bloom was something for the eye. He is such a precious man. Owen is the very best, open, clear and cheerful. Bit by bit we get to know both men.
Their daily life as park rangers is diversified by activities and all are captivating to experience.
I loved both men, so opposite and with their characteristics. One determined and the other not even want to give it a try. An extraordinary story, it’s beautifully layered and developed. The special rough environments were a delightful addition.
An emotional story with a lot of feelings, also some angsty moments, but overall about love, thaw, trust, and choices. I loved every word from front to back cover.
Highly recommended!
August 25, 2019
I love that feeling when I start a new book, meet the main characters, and immediately like them.
Owen was volunteering for the winter at an Alaska state park to check off an item on his bucket list after having gone through a life-changing illness. He was out going and a people person. Quill was a ranger who kind of shut himself away from society after a difficult childhood and a bad relationship. The strong, silent type.
I must admit I don’t like closeted characters so Quill had me frustrated at times because he wouldn’t allow himself to be happy. And I thought Owen was a bit forward and pushy towards Quill to start a relationship but Quill needed someone to show him things he wanted were okay. His ex really did a number on him.
A hard won HEA because things were shaky there for a bit.
Owen was volunteering for the winter at an Alaska state park to check off an item on his bucket list after having gone through a life-changing illness. He was out going and a people person. Quill was a ranger who kind of shut himself away from society after a difficult childhood and a bad relationship. The strong, silent type.
I must admit I don’t like closeted characters so Quill had me frustrated at times because he wouldn’t allow himself to be happy. And I thought Owen was a bit forward and pushy towards Quill to start a relationship but Quill needed someone to show him things he wanted were okay. His ex really did a number on him.
A hard won HEA because things were shaky there for a bit.
September 21, 2019
3.5 Stars of Alaska Adventure
Arctic Heat is an opposite attract, age gap, slow burn , emotional and sexy MM Romance .
I love Annabeth Albert's detailed and vivid descriptions of Alaska , so much so that Hiking and Fly Fishing are now on my Bucket List.
I liked reading this book. It's an entertaining and easy to read , even though it deals few few heavy topics.
I just reviewed Arctic Heat by Annabeth Albert. #FrozenHearts #NetGalley
Arctic Heat is an opposite attract, age gap, slow burn , emotional and sexy MM Romance .
I love Annabeth Albert's detailed and vivid descriptions of Alaska , so much so that Hiking and Fly Fishing are now on my Bucket List.
I liked reading this book. It's an entertaining and easy to read , even though it deals few few heavy topics.
I just reviewed Arctic Heat by Annabeth Albert. #FrozenHearts #NetGalley
August 25, 2020
M/M contemporary romance, set in Alaska, with well developed primary characters. Quickly paced with a happily ever after ending.
October 23, 2019
M/M Love in the Arctic climate of Alaska !
Book #3 in Annabeth Albert’s Arctic adventures. We met Quill in the last book, as they rescued our guys in a plane crash. Quill is 40, a loner, loves being a Ranger
in this Alaska park. They meet the new batch of volunteers for the winter season.
Gregarious and chatty, Owen, 36, Korean American, has survived cancer,
and is checking off Bucket List items. He’ll be paired with Quill and help maintain the park, rescue folks and more.
In the beginning, closeted Quill ignores Owen, and each has different tasks. Owen offers Quill some food, which breaks the no communication issue, and our men start talking, eating, and learning about each other. Quill had a horrible childhood, and Owen’s been through a lot with his cancer battle, but his family is loving. We hear their stories, and we aren’t sure if they were meant to be together, they are so different. Used to being all alone, never being held or touched, Quill has a lot to learn about relationships, letting go to enjoy life, and Owen slowly shows him how.
We watch the action, rescues, and the men working together in the secluded area. All along with their attraction to the other, a bit of fooling around which leads to more sexy fun, Quill learns that he can have fun with Owen, who brightens each day.
Our guys don’t click til later, but then Quill is all in. When there is an avalanche, important perspectives are put in place.
I like this series of different settings, survival, rescues, unexpected passions, deep thoughts and hot sexiness.
Enjoy !
=====
Book #3 in Annabeth Albert’s Arctic adventures. We met Quill in the last book, as they rescued our guys in a plane crash. Quill is 40, a loner, loves being a Ranger
in this Alaska park. They meet the new batch of volunteers for the winter season.
Gregarious and chatty, Owen, 36, Korean American, has survived cancer,
and is checking off Bucket List items. He’ll be paired with Quill and help maintain the park, rescue folks and more.
In the beginning, closeted Quill ignores Owen, and each has different tasks. Owen offers Quill some food, which breaks the no communication issue, and our men start talking, eating, and learning about each other. Quill had a horrible childhood, and Owen’s been through a lot with his cancer battle, but his family is loving. We hear their stories, and we aren’t sure if they were meant to be together, they are so different. Used to being all alone, never being held or touched, Quill has a lot to learn about relationships, letting go to enjoy life, and Owen slowly shows him how.
We watch the action, rescues, and the men working together in the secluded area. All along with their attraction to the other, a bit of fooling around which leads to more sexy fun, Quill learns that he can have fun with Owen, who brightens each day.
Our guys don’t click til later, but then Quill is all in. When there is an avalanche, important perspectives are put in place.
I like this series of different settings, survival, rescues, unexpected passions, deep thoughts and hot sexiness.
Enjoy !
=====
Read
September 25, 2019DNF @20%
This series has been a miss with me. I can't stand both MCs already so I'd rather drop it now. No rating.
This series has been a miss with me. I can't stand both MCs already so I'd rather drop it now. No rating.
May 12, 2022
Wow, talk about forced proximity romances, this one should get an award. Annabeth Albert makes the most of squeezing these two men together to see how they survive.
Quill has a lot of growing to do, getting past his issues and insecurities. And Owen's patience is commendable. All the extra things Owen does to make their little life together special, it just warmed my heart. But once Quill realizes what he might lose, and how much work he's willing to do to keep it. There's a slow burn here, and it's nicely done.
There's lotsa romancin' in Arctic Heat... well they do have all that alone time, with no TV or anything to keep them busy, xo. Fans of Annabeth Albert's hot and heavy romance scenes are going to love these!
Iggy Toma delivers a wonderful performance.
Quill has a lot of growing to do, getting past his issues and insecurities. And Owen's patience is commendable. All the extra things Owen does to make their little life together special, it just warmed my heart. But once Quill realizes what he might lose, and how much work he's willing to do to keep it. There's a slow burn here, and it's nicely done.
There's lotsa romancin' in Arctic Heat... well they do have all that alone time, with no TV or anything to keep them busy, xo. Fans of Annabeth Albert's hot and heavy romance scenes are going to love these!
Iggy Toma delivers a wonderful performance.
August 7, 2019
FYI: I've read and really enjoyed the first two books in Annabeth Albert's Frozen Hearts series, and this book is my absolute favorite. FYI - we very briefly met Quill and his partner Hattie as they rescued Reuben and Tobias after their plane crashed in the Alaskan wilderness in Arctic Wild, but rest assured, even if you haven't the other books in the series, this book works very well as a stand-alone.
Ranger Quilleran Ramsey has spent 20 years telling people he is married to his job ... which he feels is safer for his job and reputation than telling anyone he's gay. Quill is the epitome of the strong silent type:
Although there are a few secondary characters, this book focuses almost exclusively on Quill and Owen in their small cabin over the winter. Annabeth Albert absolutely shines in crafting their relationship as it grows and deepens ever so slowly; although some readers may find the pace slow, I absolutely loved the depth of the character development. You really feel like you know these two men, inside and out, by the end of this novel. And while I'm not the hugest fan of disaster or tragedy to hammer home a resolution, again I love the way the author uses a life-and-death situation to really crystalize the way Quill feels about Owen.
I love almost everything about this story - the rich character development, the Alaskan backdrop, the way their sexual relationship enriches Quill and Owen, the slow and steady pace and an ending that gives our MCs their well-deserved happiness. 5 stars and a Recommended Read for "Arctic Heat."
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Ranger Quilleran Ramsey has spent 20 years telling people he is married to his job ... which he feels is safer for his job and reputation than telling anyone he's gay. Quill is the epitome of the strong silent type:
"He'd never figured out why some people enjoyed filling a perfectly good silence with inane questions. He'd had colleagues for twenty years without ever needing to have a deep chat or fill in personal details." [...] God, he hoped they didn't assign him a talker for the winter. That was the last thing he needed.Owen, a cancer survivor, is social (or as his sister says "aggressively extroverted), confident, out-and-proud and determined to experience the sort of life he dreamed about during cancer treatments. "Something about the past few years had turned him off pretension, made him value genuineness because time was really too short to deal with fake people and their fake problems." And when Owen volunteers as a seasonal park volunteer, these two very dissimilar men are assigned to spend the Alaskan winter season together maintaining a ranger station.
Although there are a few secondary characters, this book focuses almost exclusively on Quill and Owen in their small cabin over the winter. Annabeth Albert absolutely shines in crafting their relationship as it grows and deepens ever so slowly; although some readers may find the pace slow, I absolutely loved the depth of the character development. You really feel like you know these two men, inside and out, by the end of this novel. And while I'm not the hugest fan of disaster or tragedy to hammer home a resolution, again I love the way the author uses a life-and-death situation to really crystalize the way Quill feels about Owen.
I love almost everything about this story - the rich character development, the Alaskan backdrop, the way their sexual relationship enriches Quill and Owen, the slow and steady pace and an ending that gives our MCs their well-deserved happiness. 5 stars and a Recommended Read for "Arctic Heat."
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
July 28, 2019
There’s something I find compelling about Annabeth Albert’s Frozen Hearts series, but perhaps it’s the wilds of Alaska and the odd, accompanying sense of adventure and danger so far north that pull me in. Here, the urban-suave ex-investment banker and a grumpy, closet ranger come together in ‘Arctic Heat’, a pairing that is as unlikely as Owen Han and Quill Ramsey meeting under ‘normal circumstances’ had tragedy not struck in a way to make the former reevaluate his priorities.
And they couldn’t be more different, especially when the thought of such a pairing seems like a bad idea from the start. Owen is rocking what life has to offer after beating cancer, now exuberantly pursuing everything in his bucket list, Quill’s stoic, cautious and reticent in his approach to jumping into everything headlong despite Owen’s very obvious attempts in starting something between them. More so, because Owen’s place in Alaska is temporary—a pit stop in his journey towards ticking off yet one more thing in his list—while Quill is simply opposed to having his slow, steady life upended by an eager, restless puppy of a volunteer who just won’t give up.
But Albert works these kinks out slowly but surely, with action that is muted in favour of relationship development and a slow burn that’s mostly found in Owen’s small but significant inroads (literally and metaphorically) in Quill’s closeted and closed-up life and his overall bleakness on the relationship front. It’s a pairing that’s good for each other, I think, despite my finding Owen a bit too pushy for my liking, even if it’s meant to get Quill to let go of his regimented thinking a bit more.
Overall, ‘Arctic Heat’ is a gentler, more emotion-focused than adventure-driven sort of story, with an iron-clad HEA that Albert reinforces through lots of emotional affirmation. It did drag a bit and became somewhat predictable for me, but it’ll could appeal to those who like delving into head space with some adult angst.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
And they couldn’t be more different, especially when the thought of such a pairing seems like a bad idea from the start. Owen is rocking what life has to offer after beating cancer, now exuberantly pursuing everything in his bucket list, Quill’s stoic, cautious and reticent in his approach to jumping into everything headlong despite Owen’s very obvious attempts in starting something between them. More so, because Owen’s place in Alaska is temporary—a pit stop in his journey towards ticking off yet one more thing in his list—while Quill is simply opposed to having his slow, steady life upended by an eager, restless puppy of a volunteer who just won’t give up.
But Albert works these kinks out slowly but surely, with action that is muted in favour of relationship development and a slow burn that’s mostly found in Owen’s small but significant inroads (literally and metaphorically) in Quill’s closeted and closed-up life and his overall bleakness on the relationship front. It’s a pairing that’s good for each other, I think, despite my finding Owen a bit too pushy for my liking, even if it’s meant to get Quill to let go of his regimented thinking a bit more.
Overall, ‘Arctic Heat’ is a gentler, more emotion-focused than adventure-driven sort of story, with an iron-clad HEA that Albert reinforces through lots of emotional affirmation. It did drag a bit and became somewhat predictable for me, but it’ll could appeal to those who like delving into head space with some adult angst.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
October 9, 2024
I have to admit that I struggled a bit with ARCTIC HEAT which is very unusual for me when it comes to an Annabeth Albert book. I definitely found the second half of the book much better than the first and that really made up for a lot. The beginning is just very slow in pace and Quill and Owen, while together as roommates, hardly interact. Quill is introverted, reserved, and guards his privacy like it's his one and only job. For the most part I didn't mind this because I kind of liked his grumpy self bumping up against Owen's eternal optimism. However, Quill's stoicism made it hard initially to understand why Owen was pursuing him so hard for something other than friendship.
Once these two are forced to interact a bit more and Quill starts to open up about himself then I started to see how their relationship could work and enjoyed the rest of the story much more. I liked both Quill and Owen as characters but they could both drag a bit in inner despair over their situations. This isn't anything new for an Albert book but it just wasn't working for me like it usually does. That being said, I loved watching Quill begin to fall for Owen who is just so sweet and generous with his time and his affections. Once we started to see inside these characters I really enjoyed them.
My only other small complaint is that some things happen in the end that felt a bit rushed and uncharacteristic for Quill but at the same time I understand why he made those choices. Cryptic, I know, but you'll just have to read it.
ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review
Once these two are forced to interact a bit more and Quill starts to open up about himself then I started to see how their relationship could work and enjoyed the rest of the story much more. I liked both Quill and Owen as characters but they could both drag a bit in inner despair over their situations. This isn't anything new for an Albert book but it just wasn't working for me like it usually does. That being said, I loved watching Quill begin to fall for Owen who is just so sweet and generous with his time and his affections. Once we started to see inside these characters I really enjoyed them.
My only other small complaint is that some things happen in the end that felt a bit rushed and uncharacteristic for Quill but at the same time I understand why he made those choices. Cryptic, I know, but you'll just have to read it.
ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review
September 28, 2019
what to say about this book but that I really enjoyed it?
We have 2 different POVs: Owen and Quill's. The first one is a man who comes to Alaska in hopes of finding something that will scream to him that this is is home. After surviving prostate cancer, he wrote a bucket list and one of the items on it is to visit Alaska, but more than visiting, he stays for 6 months volunteering as a ranger in one the parks. This is where he meets Quill, a seasoned ranger.
Quill is a very simple man, who is not really living. He's a creature of habit and his happy to continue that way... at least he does until Owen comes into his life and shows him the real meaning of living.
The story is full of well-loved clichés (complete with avalanches), but that doesn't take from the story. The clichés actually made it more enjoyable and they left me feeling quite happy and cozy. Annabeth's descriptions are perfect, I could picture quite clearly the scenery and I only wished I was there in that winter wonderland.
While the book does have clichés, it also has something that makes it quite special, and for me, those were the backstories of the characters. I tend to shy away from books with characters with cancer as they usually end "sad" or "hopeful" (too many YA apparently), but I'm very happy with how the author managed these topics, being very transparent and matter of fact. She doesn't romanticize a horrible disease and she doesn't focus on it either. It's just a non-defining part of one of the characters. And while it is important and it is given the respect that it deserves, it's not the focus of the story of the character.
So I recommend the book to everyone who want to read a lovely story full of fluffy moments with a little bit of drama and with characters who feel very real.
I also want to mention that this is my favorite book from the trilogy by far. LOVEEED IT
We have 2 different POVs: Owen and Quill's. The first one is a man who comes to Alaska in hopes of finding something that will scream to him that this is is home. After surviving prostate cancer, he wrote a bucket list and one of the items on it is to visit Alaska, but more than visiting, he stays for 6 months volunteering as a ranger in one the parks. This is where he meets Quill, a seasoned ranger.
Quill is a very simple man, who is not really living. He's a creature of habit and his happy to continue that way... at least he does until Owen comes into his life and shows him the real meaning of living.
The story is full of well-loved clichés (complete with avalanches), but that doesn't take from the story. The clichés actually made it more enjoyable and they left me feeling quite happy and cozy. Annabeth's descriptions are perfect, I could picture quite clearly the scenery and I only wished I was there in that winter wonderland.
While the book does have clichés, it also has something that makes it quite special, and for me, those were the backstories of the characters. I tend to shy away from books with characters with cancer as they usually end "sad" or "hopeful" (too many YA apparently), but I'm very happy with how the author managed these topics, being very transparent and matter of fact. She doesn't romanticize a horrible disease and she doesn't focus on it either. It's just a non-defining part of one of the characters. And while it is important and it is given the respect that it deserves, it's not the focus of the story of the character.
So I recommend the book to everyone who want to read a lovely story full of fluffy moments with a little bit of drama and with characters who feel very real.
I also want to mention that this is my favorite book from the trilogy by far. LOVEEED IT
August 26, 2019
This is the best of the series! There’s animosity, misunderstandings, dirty sex play, sexual awakening, coming out, coworkers to lovers, a dramatic avalanche, sweet romantic gestures, a dog, and finally a HEA. Just totally wonderful.
Owen Han, thirtysomething, former investment banker and cancer survivor, is working his way through his bucket list when he’s selected as a volunteer to assist National Park Service staff in Alaska over the winter. He’s sure nothing could be more fulfilling, until…he lays eyes on Quill Ramsey, fortysomething career park ranger. Tall, muscular, rugged, the epitome of the great outdoors, Quill is sure to be straight. But when he also turns out to be quiet, deeply closeted, and set in his rigid rules, Owen starts to rethink that bucket list.
Nevertheless, flirting comes natural to Owen, and Quill isn’t unaffected. Over time, in the dark of winter, Quill starts to thaw toward the naturally effusive, warm and caring Owen. And Owen starts to see beneath the twenty-year-experience veneer Quill has managed to hide behind. The two become more friendly and ultimately find satisfaction in more than flirtation. But Quill’s sexual awakening is not typical as Owen, though smaller, has side effects from his cancer treatment and Quill, though larger, is turned on by Owen’s take-charge attitude. Add in feelings and there’s more here than either man is comfortable with. Quill, true to his reticent nature, walks away and then regrets it, creating an emotional tug of war for both characters.
Revealing how the author resolves their standoff, and what happens next, would be a spoiler I won’t list here. But let’s just say Quill has an eye-opening experience, actually two, one immediately following the other, and he’s lucky to keep Owen in his life. Adding to the pleasure of the story is the brief cameo appearance of Griffin and River from Arctic Sun. Overall, as I said above, I loved this book. Both men were realistically portrayed, and I can’t decide who I liked most—Owen with his gregarious personality—never met a stranger he didn’t know sort of guy—or Quill, totally buttoned-up rule follower, who had the heart of a lamb hidden in his stoic persona and totally melted into a puddle when Owen came into his life. No matter who it is, however, I can promise readers a treat with this one. Very highly recommended and it can most definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Owen Han, thirtysomething, former investment banker and cancer survivor, is working his way through his bucket list when he’s selected as a volunteer to assist National Park Service staff in Alaska over the winter. He’s sure nothing could be more fulfilling, until…he lays eyes on Quill Ramsey, fortysomething career park ranger. Tall, muscular, rugged, the epitome of the great outdoors, Quill is sure to be straight. But when he also turns out to be quiet, deeply closeted, and set in his rigid rules, Owen starts to rethink that bucket list.
Nevertheless, flirting comes natural to Owen, and Quill isn’t unaffected. Over time, in the dark of winter, Quill starts to thaw toward the naturally effusive, warm and caring Owen. And Owen starts to see beneath the twenty-year-experience veneer Quill has managed to hide behind. The two become more friendly and ultimately find satisfaction in more than flirtation. But Quill’s sexual awakening is not typical as Owen, though smaller, has side effects from his cancer treatment and Quill, though larger, is turned on by Owen’s take-charge attitude. Add in feelings and there’s more here than either man is comfortable with. Quill, true to his reticent nature, walks away and then regrets it, creating an emotional tug of war for both characters.
Revealing how the author resolves their standoff, and what happens next, would be a spoiler I won’t list here. But let’s just say Quill has an eye-opening experience, actually two, one immediately following the other, and he’s lucky to keep Owen in his life. Adding to the pleasure of the story is the brief cameo appearance of Griffin and River from Arctic Sun. Overall, as I said above, I loved this book. Both men were realistically portrayed, and I can’t decide who I liked most—Owen with his gregarious personality—never met a stranger he didn’t know sort of guy—or Quill, totally buttoned-up rule follower, who had the heart of a lamb hidden in his stoic persona and totally melted into a puddle when Owen came into his life. No matter who it is, however, I can promise readers a treat with this one. Very highly recommended and it can most definitely be read as a stand-alone.
September 27, 2019
I always have soft spot for age-gap couple, where the younger characters are the sunny/determined one. In Arctic Heat, I definitely got that from Owen. With his positive attitude, he takes charge of life (after getting kicked with cancer), and doesn't slow down for regrets and fear. Owen does see Quill as challenge, but he doesn't push too fast and too soon and how I LOVED him for it.
It takes longer for Quill to get there. Usually, I'm impatient when the older guys are all about "you're young, you need to sow your oats" attitude. Although, in this case, Quill is definitely the less experienced one when it comes to sex. BUT somehow, I can understand where Quill coming from. Boy, a psychiatrist could have a field day with Quill *laugh*. Because of that, I also enjoyed Quill's journey to grab his happiness.
The climax might be a little cliché () but I would be lying if I said I didn't have my eyes all glassy and teary.
So yes, I loved this one way better than the 2nd book.
It takes longer for Quill to get there. Usually, I'm impatient when the older guys are all about "you're young, you need to sow your oats" attitude. Although, in this case, Quill is definitely the less experienced one when it comes to sex. BUT somehow, I can understand where Quill coming from. Boy, a psychiatrist could have a field day with Quill *laugh*. Because of that, I also enjoyed Quill's journey to grab his happiness.
The climax might be a little cliché () but I would be lying if I said I didn't have my eyes all glassy and teary.
So yes, I loved this one way better than the 2nd book.
August 4, 2023
4.5 stars - bumped up for the narration
I reviewed the book HERE, so I won't rehash that. I enjoyed Iggy Toma's narration very much; his interpretation of the two leads fits them very well, and he does a good job when it comes to the more intimate and emotional moments in the story.
I reviewed the book HERE, so I won't rehash that. I enjoyed Iggy Toma's narration very much; his interpretation of the two leads fits them very well, and he does a good job when it comes to the more intimate and emotional moments in the story.
January 23, 2025
Perfect book to read out loud with your roommates!!
October 5, 2019
Not my favorite. Just could not get into into it. And yes, it did take almost 10 days to read.
February 2, 2020
3.5 stars
This series has been lukewarm for me so far, so I really wasn't sure what to expect.
But I can comfortably say that 'Arctic Heat' was a really enjoyable read, and the best one yet!
Owen and Quill meet when Owen volunteers with the Alaska park rangers over the winter. The attraction between the preppy volunteer and the stoic ranger is pretty immediate.
But Quill doesn't do hookups. Or friends, generally. Or people, really.
Yet through random circumstance, and after a very awkward encounter, Quill and Owen end up matched for the winter.
Now I have to admit, snowed-in love stories always get me. Sure it's a well-used trope, but it's a romantic setup!
It takes Quill and Owen a while to really get going. And it's entirely on Quill's shoulders. He a high-strung ball of closeted guilt and paranoia, the result of a very toxic family.
I felt for him, though it was frustrating.
But once Quill finally let's himself take some enjoyment in what he feels with Owen, it was a very sweet read. The two men were very cute and cozy together.
And hot! Nothing like a big rugged man letting loose with his inner bottom.
The big roadblock to a viable future for Owen and Quill is as expected. I thought Quill's change of heart was maybe a bit too quick, but understandable under the circumstances.
Overall, I liked 'Arctic Heat'. If you're looking for a slow and sexy read with a strong focus on self-acceptance, give this book a try.
Review copy provided through NetGalley
This series has been lukewarm for me so far, so I really wasn't sure what to expect.
But I can comfortably say that 'Arctic Heat' was a really enjoyable read, and the best one yet!
Owen and Quill meet when Owen volunteers with the Alaska park rangers over the winter. The attraction between the preppy volunteer and the stoic ranger is pretty immediate.
But Quill doesn't do hookups. Or friends, generally. Or people, really.
Yet through random circumstance, and after a very awkward encounter, Quill and Owen end up matched for the winter.
Now I have to admit, snowed-in love stories always get me. Sure it's a well-used trope, but it's a romantic setup!
It takes Quill and Owen a while to really get going. And it's entirely on Quill's shoulders. He a high-strung ball of closeted guilt and paranoia, the result of a very toxic family.
I felt for him, though it was frustrating.
But once Quill finally let's himself take some enjoyment in what he feels with Owen, it was a very sweet read. The two men were very cute and cozy together.
And hot! Nothing like a big rugged man letting loose with his inner bottom.
The big roadblock to a viable future for Owen and Quill is as expected. I thought Quill's change of heart was maybe a bit too quick, but understandable under the circumstances.
Overall, I liked 'Arctic Heat'. If you're looking for a slow and sexy read with a strong focus on self-acceptance, give this book a try.
Review copy provided through NetGalley
September 23, 2019
Oooh, this might be my favorite book in the Frozen Hearts series. This is just classic Annabeth Albert - delicious slow burn, amazing chemistry between the two characters, a well-written approach to sex and its role in a relationship, and a lovely HEA fairy tale ending for Owen and Quill.
Owen is volunteering in the Alaska wilderness for the winter and spring seasons and is stationed to work along side Quinn. I loved the total opposites attract scenario here, as Owen is vibrant and chatty and living life to the fullest after surviving cancer, whereas Quill is living a shell of a life, hiding from emotional connections, having gone through a rough childhood and past relationship.
I really enjoyed the slow burn here. Although the attraction is there right from the start, it takes a while for Quill to be okay with acting on it. But Owen is so great about talking Quill through things and helping Quill see that it's okay to talk about things, that sex can be messy and fun and wonderful.
This story had some great elements of working in Alaska (this series makes me want to go visit Alaska!), some great hurt/comfort from Owen getting sick and also from an avalanche, and then lots of communication and working on the relationship. The ending is pretty epic HEA and I just loved this one.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Owen is volunteering in the Alaska wilderness for the winter and spring seasons and is stationed to work along side Quinn. I loved the total opposites attract scenario here, as Owen is vibrant and chatty and living life to the fullest after surviving cancer, whereas Quill is living a shell of a life, hiding from emotional connections, having gone through a rough childhood and past relationship.
I really enjoyed the slow burn here. Although the attraction is there right from the start, it takes a while for Quill to be okay with acting on it. But Owen is so great about talking Quill through things and helping Quill see that it's okay to talk about things, that sex can be messy and fun and wonderful.
This story had some great elements of working in Alaska (this series makes me want to go visit Alaska!), some great hurt/comfort from Owen getting sick and also from an avalanche, and then lots of communication and working on the relationship. The ending is pretty epic HEA and I just loved this one.
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
4 stars
this was my favorite out of the three books, and like the other two this can be read as a total standalone. there is a small cameo of Griff and River but that is it.
I did enjoy the communication the Owen made Quill have right out of the gate, that made this so much more enjoyable than the other two for that reason!
I did think that the ending issues that arose were annoying, but eh couldn't be all sunshine and roses haha.
Also these books make me want to visit Alaska ASAP, the way that the descriptions and adventures that the characters have for the landscape is amazing. I am a little bummed there are no more of these books, Iggy Toma really did a great job narrating the last two.
this was my favorite out of the three books, and like the other two this can be read as a total standalone. there is a small cameo of Griff and River but that is it.
I did enjoy the communication the Owen made Quill have right out of the gate, that made this so much more enjoyable than the other two for that reason!
I did think that the ending issues that arose were annoying, but eh couldn't be all sunshine and roses haha.
Also these books make me want to visit Alaska ASAP, the way that the descriptions and adventures that the characters have for the landscape is amazing. I am a little bummed there are no more of these books, Iggy Toma really did a great job narrating the last two.
November 14, 2019
Received an ARC via Netgalley
I have to admit this isn't my favorite of the series. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and rooting for them. Particularly Quill. I just...his angst felt so ridiculous to me. I mean I get it, but like...meh. And I also didn't connect much with Owen much, though more than with Quill. Because I didn't connect much with them, the plot was kind of meh. I really think all of this is a me thing, and others won't have the issue I had. There's nothing really wrong. I just didn't click. That's why I'm marking it 3 stars. It was just...fine. I didn't hate anything. I just also didn't love anything. Also explained why it took me so long to finish it.
I have to admit this isn't my favorite of the series. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and rooting for them. Particularly Quill. I just...his angst felt so ridiculous to me. I mean I get it, but like...meh. And I also didn't connect much with Owen much, though more than with Quill. Because I didn't connect much with them, the plot was kind of meh. I really think all of this is a me thing, and others won't have the issue I had. There's nothing really wrong. I just didn't click. That's why I'm marking it 3 stars. It was just...fine. I didn't hate anything. I just also didn't love anything. Also explained why it took me so long to finish it.
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