Alaska for Christmas

Wild Coast #2

by Jennifer Snow

Can a hometown Christmas bring together these two polar opposites?

After traveling to all corners of the globe, Isla Wakefield has returned home to celebrate Christmas with her adoptive family. The gorgeous Alaskan wilderness is the perfect place to recharge before moving on to her next adventure—whatever that may be. Too bad that being home means once more butting heads with Chief Petty Officer Aaron Segura, Port Serenity's resident buzzkill.

Isla’s fearless spirit has always infuriated Aaron—but fascinated him, too. Having lost his sister years ago, he’s never understood how some people can live so recklessly. But after a terrifying ice-climbing accident leaves Isla with amnesia, she and Aaron both see each other in a brand-new light. Forgetting the pain of her past makes Isla fearless in a completely different way. She’s not afraid to show Aaron exactly how she feels, yet he can’t help but wonder…will this temporary change of mind lead to a permanent change of heart?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers

368 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 25, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Snow is an award-winning, USA Bestselling author. Her publishing credits include a six book small town, Brookhollow series published through Harlequin Heartwarming, her MMA sports romance series Beyond the Cage is published through Berkley/NAL Intermix, her Colorado Ice series with Grand Central and her Wild River & Wild Coast series published with HQN. She also writes thrillers under J.M. Winchester and screenplays with 13 produced rom-coms for UPTV, Hallmark, BET+, QVC+ and more. Her upcoming speculative rom-com is releasing through Canary Street Press in Sept 2024.
More information can be found at www.jennifersnowauthor.com

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is everything I want in a Christmas romance! The hero and heroine don't get along because the hero is a stickler for the rules while the heroine breaks the rules and is into extreme sports and experiences. When she decides to climb a frozen area, she's told it's too dangerous and she goes anyways. She ends up falling, hitting her head, and getting amnesia. The hero is part of a team that rescues people from dangerous situations and he's the one who saves her. She has no idea who she is, though, and feels safe when she's with the hero. She spends more time with him and the two start falling for each other. But when she gets her memory back, will she remember how much she hates him? This read just like a Hallmark movie and I loved the amnesia trope! The hero and heroine also had unique professions and hobbies, which I really enjoyed. This is definitely a Christmas romance I would recommend picking up!

[Tori - Novel Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I really loved this romance! Super cute

[Sammie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

My freaking Christmasy goodness, I thought I loved Dex, but he has NOTHING on my cinnamon roll Aaron. Heart eyes, all of them! And since I actually hated Isla in the first book, call me crazy to have loved her in this one! Of course, it has everything to do with her memory loss. Oops, let’s back up. Isla and Aaron have never gotten along, so when Isla hits her head and loses her memory, he’s shocked that she seeks him out.

He blows her off at first, not wanting to take advantage of the fact that she doesn’t remember not liking him. But then he finally caves after hurting her feelings and discovers that without her life experiences clouding her judgement and keeping her walks high, Isla is wonderful! Aaron being hurt by his parents after his sister’s death during Christmas wants nothing to do with the holiday. But along comes Isla who reintroduces him to the magic of the holiday. With no barriers left between them, they fall completely and quickly in love, shocking everyone in town along with Aaron. And then of course a wrench is thrown in things…

So yes, I loved this version of Isla and I loved how the two parts of her merged. But Aaron is the heart and soul of this book, the careful way he loves her, the soul deep connection he feels with her and how he’s unafraid to tell her how much he needs her and loves her, and how much he’s afraid to lose her. Well done and a lovely read.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska For Christmas by Jennifer Snow
11h 15m narrated by Lila Winters, 352 pages, the story ends at 9:48:22
Wild Coast #2

➕️Bonus Novella: Love in the Forecast
Wild Coast #1.5

Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Holiday > Christmas
➕️ Contemporary Romance

Featuring: Bonus Novella, Coastie LI, Alaska, Dual POVs, Search & Rescue, Adoption, Commitment Issues Trope, Small-Town, Outdoor Activities, Amnesia, Dogs, Sex - Details, Coming of Age ➕️Boating Contest, Retirement, Working Exes, Close Proximity Trope, Widower vs Divorcée, Love After 50

Rating as a movie: NC-17
➕️ PG-13

Songs for the soundtrack: "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Under the Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Mariah Carey, "Jingle Bells" by The Singing Dogs, "Let It Snow" by Boyz II Men featuring Brian McKnight

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🎄
➕️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My thoughts: 📱12% 1:23:26 Ch. 4 - Well, I wasn't expecting that; hopefully, this doesn't change the trope. Once again, she drops Mariah and doesn't name a song but the entire album. There are other Christmas albums, but I'll take it.
📱38% 4:13:40 Ch. 12 - So, this is a different trope that I'm not crazy about, but it's done nicely so far.

This was an interesting story mostly because of the trope remix, which starts with one trope, then they cheat by switching, but it's a different trope from the Love Interest's point of view so it became interesting instead of cliché, although it still was predictable. There were some issues like you can't just kick off military boots; they are long with zippers, hooks, and laces, and if you do, you'll be out of uniform. So, if you ignore how the author treats the US Coast Guard like a small business, this story is fun. I was almost turned off by this series due to the ridiculousness of the previous book, particularly the novella. Surprisingly, the sex scenes aren't graphic, so this is the first time I didn't feel like I was reading an erotica masquerading as romance. I was waiting for it to get heated for 5 pages, but it never happened. I didn't care for the MC, Isla, in the previous book, Sweet Home Alaska, so I wasn't expecting to enjoy her story as much. This is probably the best one so far. I was expecting this to go in a different direction with my least favorite secret trope and all, but I'm glad it was just a good mix of negative and positive drama. I haven't read the novella yet. These series titles are close. I had to triple-check; it was Wild Coast and not Wild River.

➕️ This story is about 90 minutes long, I couldn't find an ebook page count, but it is available on its own in that format. The MC in this story is Skyler's dad (MC of book 1), Keith. I was hoping he'd get his own novel or a sideline but the novella was a good solution. It didn't go the way I expected and that somehow made the instalove more believable.

Recommend to others?: Yes. This is my 3rd Jennifer Snow book and it's the best so far. However, if you're accustomed to her steamy scenes you may be disappointed. If you're familiar with USCG or the military in general you may want to skip this series or be prepared to do a lot of eye-rolling.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Weather Rescues, Amnesia, and Christmas Romance In Alaska! This is a solid tale with a few cold-weather rescues on both land and sea for the Port Serenity Coast Guard and our leading male... including one where he has to rescue our leading female... only to later discover she now has amnesia from her ordeal! It is at this point that the actual Christmas Romance portion of the novel sets in, and here too Snow does her usual strong romance work, including featuring some dates that seem possible only in Alaska or similarly northern locales. For those "clean" / "sweet" romance types... umm... this isn't exactly erotica, but the reader is in the room for certain situations. So if you're not a fan of such scenes... well, they're fairly standard in most romance novels and this one is included there. Overall a strong novel that fulfills all the standard RWA rules while telling a fun and at times harrowing tale. Very much recommended.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up. Alaska for Christmas is the second book in the Wild Coast series by Jennifer Snow. Although this is a self-contained story and can be read as a standalone, if you plan of reading all of the books, the this will spoil the first book for you if you read this one first. Isla Wakefield is a daredevil and often takes risks for the thrill. She has returned home to celebrate Christmas with her adoptive family, the one who owns most of the town. Isla heads out for a hike on the mountains alone and falls into a crevasse. She has a head injury and loses her memory, forgetting her identity, her family and even those who are and are not her friends. Chief Petty Officer Aaron Segura has had a love/hate relationship with Isla since they were kids, but she is attracted to him after her fall and he doesn't tell her about their past relationship. As they get to know each other, Isla falls hard for Aaron and he reciprocates her feelings. What is going to happen if and when Isla gets her memory back and feels betrayed by family and friends?

This is a fun romance with some heavier issues. Themes of adoption, abandonment, following your dreams, pleasing your parents, taking risks, survival in various situations, dangerous rescues, grief, guilt and more are all part of this story. I really liked Aaron and the purpose for his life that he has chosen. He is a hero in real life putting his life in danger numerous times to rescue others. Isla is not a very nice person before her accident, but she changes a lot and Aaron helps her do that. I felt terrible for her family, with her parents finding out that she had been looking for her birth mother. Her brother and sister-in-law, were wonderful with her while she dealt with her amnesia. They encouraged her relationship with Aaron and wanted her to be happy. All is not smooth sailing in this romance, and I found myself rooting for them to find their happily ever after. I wanted Isla to get what she wanted out of life and follow her own path. There are a lot of sweet, aha moments and even with some angst (because there has to be some turmoil) they were a very likable couple who were bound to find their way to one another. I listened to Alaska for Christmas, narrated by Lila Winters. She does a nice job performing this book with great voices and expression. Her male voices were well done and I enjoyed listening to this one.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had such a great time reading this. I totally recommend it, even if it had some things that weren't all fantastic.

I adore enemies to lovers. And when they realize they've been wrong and give the person a chance. In this case, we also get the amnesia trope. I am not a fan of having a heroine that was kinda dumb to go adventuring on her own in a super dangerous place. It irritated me that she had to be rescued by the guy who is always right.

However, I loved how the amnesia let her give him a chance. It was so much fun to see them enjoying each other and lots of winter/holiday fun. I want to go to that lodge they stayed at. It sounds amazing!

There's some OM drama. The heroine is over the OM but the OM isn't over her and causes issues. It was obnoxious and I feel like Aaron forgave the dude way too easily after he played with his life. There's a small bit of OW when Aaron has promised to go on a not-date with another woman. But it doesn't affect the main relationship badly.

There's a scene where Aaron sets the forest on fire and everyone says "good job. Fast thinking on your part" and I wanted to question what the crap happened to the forest!?

We also don't completely have everything wrapped up with his and her families but there's a hint everything is going to work out.

The epilogue doesn't seem like it's that far out. I think it's like the next week. So, also not as satisfying as I'd like.

But, we get husky puppies, dogsledding for a Christmas tree, an amazing weekend in a tree house, etc.

[Skittles Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is my favourite Jennifer Snow book right after An Alaskan Christmas (Wild River series). I have been looking forward to reading this for weeks when I read the synopsis and have painstakingly exercised self-restraint and pushed myself to read this series in order… and the wait has been worth it.

Isla is one stubborn bull-headed woman but she is admirable. She’s a daredevil, an adrenaline junkie, and her strong personality and mouthy attitude are just her shields against people getting too close to her. But once she lost her memory on a climbing accident, her defenses were down and the real vulnerable woman came out. This is why her long term archenemy, Aaron, can’t help but fall in love with her.

This is such an exhilarating read because all throughout I have been dying for the couple to get together, then once they did, I was also waiting for the shoe to fall. Aaron is such a sweetheart. Jennifer Snow has a way of weaving a tale where the heroes are absolute cinnamon rolls! The only downside here is Isla’s personality itself- but read to see how she fixed this.

4.5 stars!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Awww, I really liked this one! It was super interesting and I really enjoyed both main characters. The female MC can't remember who she was from an accident in her hometown and falls for the guy she can't stand. It's adorable and full of fuzzy feelings. Really enjoyed this one.

[Casey Hess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute and fun holiday hallmark like read 🎄

[Kim Cabanting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am now officially in love with this author and want to read all her books!

[Matilde Sousa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas romance that's needed in this time of year...

[Cristina Elena | LaaA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, lovable, great to listen to during December!

[Emilie Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute and merry, but a bit repetitive. And I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I didnt get the "why they can't be together"... seemed a bit forced

[Pj Ausdenmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by amnesia, not that I'd want to experience it in reality or have it happen to someone I love. But in fiction I find it compelling and difficult to resist. That alone would have led me to this book but combine it with the ruggedness of Alaska (my new favorite romance setting) plus an enemies-to-lovers trope, and I'm in.

Jennifer Snow is a relatively recent discovery for me but I've been enjoying the books of hers that I've read. Her characters are well developed, the stories flow smoothly, and her sense of place fully immerses me in the majesty - and danger - to be found in Alaska. I'm also enjoying the nod to a local legend (possibly true?) in this new series.

One of my favorite aspects of Alaska for Christmas is how it explores the positive effects of Isla's amnesia and the impact on her life when she's in essence presented with a clean life slate. Not that it doesn't also focus on the emotional trauma - it does - but it's a much more hopeful, positive overall focus. Without the knowledge of her life history or recognition of anyone in her life, Isla is forced to slow down enough to take a closer look at her life goals, her motivation, herself. And when that new vision turns her in the direction of Aaron, something that never would have happened before, it affords the opportunity to both of them to discard their preconceived notions about the other and open their hearts to new possibilities.

Aaron is so endearing. My heart ached for what his family endured when he was in high school and the continuing disconnect between him and his parents. I love how he chooses to commemorate his sister through his Coast Guard rescue work and how that work results in leading him onto a new path with Isla. They have sizzling chemistry but they also have a sweetness between them that develops into a solid friendship with new parameters. Maybe all that pre-amnesia animosity between them was hiding something deeper that fear kept them from acknowledging all those years? Needless to say, I was in their corner cheering them on the entire way to their HEA, which came about in a grand-gesture way that was the perfect ending for a woman who, before her amnesia, had risked her life on a daily basis and a man who had embraced safety with all that he was.

The surrounding cast of characters is solid and also well developed, giving readers insight into both main characters, both past and present. Isla's brother, Dex and his fiancée, Skylar (Sweet Home Alaska) feature prominently in this story as well as other family members, local Coast Guard teammates, and townspeople. Even with continuing characters, this book is written in such a way that readers new to Port Serenity should have no difficulty beginning the series with Alaska for Christmas. Though I recommend book one as well.

4.5 Stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review

This book also includes a bonus novella:

Blurb: In Love in the Forecast, meteorologist Monica Mallard signs up for Port Serenity’s annual navigation contest as a distraction from recent heartbreak. But when she’s paired with silver fox Captain Keith Beaumont, Monica finds the second chance she never could have predicted.

My Thoughts:

For fans of seasoned characters, this romance between Monica and Keith (Skylar's widowed father - Sweet Home Alaska) is an absolute delight, proving that there may be snow on the roof but there's still fire in the soul and you're never too old to embrace new adventures...or new love.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaska for Christmas
Wild Coast #2
Jennifer Snow

Snow gives readers a real holiday treat with Alaska for Christmas not only does her audience get to experience the natural rugged beauty of Alaska in the comfort of their warm homes, but they also get a sweet and a-bit spicy opposites attract holiday romance. The stars Isla and Aaron are really genuine characters so much that readers will at times want to smack them both upside the head for their foolishness but have no fear because all’s well that ends well. There’s also a few stories inside the story that will keep pages turning wondering how all the emotional crisis the stars are facing will turn out in the end. Then there are some important costars and stars from book 1 that help fill in the blanks and add to the story. If you love holiday romances with a bit of nice and naughty, then this is the novel for you.

Extreme sportswoman and world adventurer Isla Wakefield has returned to her home in Port Serenity Alaska for the holidays but she’s not sitting still long and the first thing on her to do list is a challenging Ice-Climbing expedition much to the chagrin of her hometown nemesis and Coast Guard officer who’s all about safety. But when she suffers a fall that leads to amnesia all she knows is that she feels a sense of safety when she’s with her Coast Guard rescuer.

Six years ago when Aaron Segura couldn’t save his sister from a preventable accident he joined the Coast Guard and devoted his life to saving all those he can. When he’s called out to rescue the extreme athlete that’s been a beautiful pain in his rump for years he doesn’t hesitate saving Isla’s bacon. But when she regains consciousness suffering from amnesia and then seems to want only his attention he doesn’t know if he can resist her. Should he worry about the consequences of what happens when she gets her memory back or just enjoy this new safer version of a woman he’s wanted for years.

[Joni Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun, fast Christmas romance. Isla is adventurous, loves to travel, and lives on the edge. Aaron is a rescue guard and is all about safety. Isla and Aaron are mortal enemies, until Aaron has to rescue Isla when she falls while ice climbing. Isla loses her memory, and completely forgets all the reasons she cannot stand Aaron. They both start to see each other in a new light.

There were some things left unanswered, which is the reason I marked it down. It is never explained why Isla is living in the hotel instead of her parents home where she grew up. Also, an explosion in the forest doesn't come to a conclusion. What happened to the bear? Did the forest catch on fire and burn? Did they have to put out the fire? I hate that this detail was just completely ignored. I also did not care for the way the memory coming back was handled. Isla got so angry, and it was almost like when her memory came back, she forgot all the good times she had with Aaron for a while. I thought that was poorly done as well.

Great read for those that enjoy Christmas romance stories.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Wild Coast series in which Isla Wakefield loses her memory in a fall into a crevasse and discovers the man she's always fought with is much nicer loving her and being loved back. But Aaron Segura, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, isn't sure what he should do about Isla. Should he tell her how they used to fight all the time, or simply enjoy the new relationship they've been enjoying for the past several weeks--particularly when her family is more welcoming than his own, still haunted by his sister's accidental death years earlier.

The decision, however, is taken out of his hands when another knock on the head results in Isla regaining her memories of who she used to be and what this might mean for Aaron. Can he change her mind? And if, so, how? But will she accept what he intends to recover for her?

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isla loves to travel, to experience things, to be wild.

Aaron loves safety, and he and Isla do not click. She likes to do crazy things, he likes to talk about how to do things safely, or not at all.

But then she has an accident while climbing a glacier and looses her memory. And she really likes the man who saved her.

You know the drama in the end will be about how no one told her that she and Aaron used to be enemies, but they get over it pretty quickly. Who needs drama when you found the love of your life.

There is also a short bonus story where the dad of a character finds a new love. I liked that one too.

A nice Alaskan romance.

Good narrating. She worked both stories well.

[Lisa Malmquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isla Wakefield is a daredevil sports girl. She travels the world seeking out new adventures and challenges.
But who is back home for the Christmas holiday. After climbing an iced waterfall and afterwards falling into a crevasse, she hits her head and loses her memory.
Oddly, this gives her a chance to see things in a new light with her family and a guy she loved to hate.
Aaron Saguaro is a coast guard rescue specialist, and a guy she grew up with. He loves to remind her of the danger of everything she loves to do in the adventure sports world.
They have been at each others throats for years.
But she doesn't remember that at all.
Hmm, shew starts to wonder why is this great guy single?
Crazy adventures and looking at life in a new unit of time. Touching story for Christmas.

[Cecilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Del 2 i en serie men inget behov av att läsa del 1 finns.
Isla kommer hem till lilla samhället för jul efter att ha rest runt på en massa äventyr.
I hemstaden finns irriterande Aaron som alltid ska hacka på hennes säkerhetstänkande.
Hon gör en utflykt själv och råkar ut för olycka som ger minnesförlust.
Isla mins inte längre irritationen utan bara dragningen till Aaron.
De inleder relation och det hettar till minst sagt.
Allt går mot lyckligt slut när hon återfår sitt minne och nästan förlorar allt.
Inser sitt misstag men inte utan att Aaron nästan dött på kuppen.
Lite för lätt och enkelt men typisk pocketkärlek.
Osympatiska föräldrar som tjatar på sin son om att vara med I sorgegrupper hit o dit. Älta inte gå vidare!

[Yana Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved this book so much! It was soooo cute! I really loved the parts about adoption and finding the birth mom! I can totally relate to that part! I also can relate to the main character since i love traveling! That book cover was soooo cute! Literally the reason i got it!

I would recommend it! It’s a easy read and so fun! I brought it with me to Arizona! Finished it in only a few days. :)


Can we talk about the ending? What a crazy place to propose?! Super creative and different! I loved it!

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good but seems it took me longer than normal to read.

Isla is a daredevil. She is always on the go climbing and on one adventure after another. She is home for Christmas when she is doing one of her climbs and she falls. Aaron, her nemesis is the one to rescue her.

She is grateful but doesn't know who he is. She has temporary memory loss.

While she is grateful they start spending time together as she sees him much differently

Will things change when she gets her memory back?

They both are awakened by their feelings as the book unfolds. There are many ups and downs..

[Brandy Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice Christmas read! My first book by Jennifer Snow, and I will probably read others based on this one. There were real life problems, the obligatory rich character (always in a romance) and a nice setting. It was interesting reading about the Coast Guard rescues and the Alaskan sports that are so foreign to most of the country. I enjoyed watching the characters change throughout the book. Happy reading!

[RK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, I'm not a fan of amnesia romances.

The Alaska details on this were a solid C+. One *extremely* glaring error was the bear-plane‐crash scene. I realize that the world is getting warmer and some urban bears are taking longer to hibernate--but a bear prowling around in mid/late December? Yeah, no.

This book was better than anything I could write, but I wasn't feeling the amnesia theme and the Alaska backdrop was very generic. Solid 3 stars.

[Mary Shreffler · Rating 4 out of 5]

After traveling the world Isla is home for the holidays. She's a risk taker, climbs rock mountains, and plans to climb a glacier while home in Alaska. She does climb and gets to the top enjoyed the view! She starts to head down the bach side when she steps in a crevice and falls down. Her safety nemesis Aaron rescues her but Isla has lost her memory. Interesting, fun story developes

[Pamela Zeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great serenity book

I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Aaron and Isla story is so touching. Letting her guard down she finds true love with the one person she fights with all the time.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The romance was good, the writing was good, and I really appreciated that third act break up was handled as well as Jennifer Snow handled it. 4.5 stars, rounding up to 5 stars.

[Erin Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off as a cozy christmasy read. I enjoyed the developing relationship between the main characters. Was not anticipating the romance to get spicy, and could have done without. I didn’t particularly enjoy the resolution for Isla, and felt somewhat frustrated by her. The ending also felt a tad grandiose.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really loved this book. I originally bought it as a table decoration for Christmas and ended up reading it in like 2 nights. It caught my attention right away, I could picture everything happening like I was watching it unfold before me, and I really was invested in the plot.