Deserving Alaska

The Refuge #1

by Susan Stoker

The Refuge is a place to heal. Where those who have experienced traumatic events can go to heal. It is run by seven former military men who’ve seen more than their fair share of the ugliness in the world.

This is Drake “Brick” Vandine and Alaska Stein’s story. At first glance no one would think they’d ever be compatible, but sometimes deep connections can be made through shared experiences. And when the horror they thought they’d left behind comes for them again, they have to band together to overcome it once again.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Suspense, Military Romance

382 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2022

About the author

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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

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Reviews

[Susan Stoker]

Alaska has loved Drake "Brick" Vandine her whole life, but never gave him any indication, setting him free to be the best Navy SEAL he could be. When a sightseeing trip to Russia goes horribly wrong, Drake is the only person Alaska can think of to help her. And he does. Without hesitation. Back at The Refuge, the two reconnect. Just when they discover how sweet a friendship turned into love is, danger from Alaska's past comes looking for her at the one place she thought she'd be safe...The Refuge.

Deserving Alaska
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In Italiano: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09YJ88RTV
Auf Detusch: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09YHNWPV8
En Francais: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09YJ85DB8

[Romancing the Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Stoker can’t write a bad book.

Honestly, I’m a little mad at myself for forgetting how much of an easy read Stoker’s books are.

📚 Trope: Military romance, romantic suspense, friends-to-lovers.

📖 Synopsis: Alaska and Drake have been friends since middle school. When he’s injured in combat, she’s at his bedside. Now four years later, Alaska is in trouble and comes to the only man she trusts for help.

✨Review: Honestly, I mean it. I have read much Susan Stoker this year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I spend some time catching up on her backlist.

Her books all have a run little suspense subplot. The men are all alpha and bossy - except with the women who bring them to their knees. And there’s always a good layer of tension and then spice.

I loved the concept of this new series. The soldiers in this jointly own a retreat aimed at helping those with PTSD. It brings in a cool narrative, but also brings in a real aspect of trauma and recovery.

I loved Alaska’s spirit and Drake’s rebound and success story. They were two characters you could tell were meant to be from the start, and it was a great read.

⭐️ Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌶️ Spice Rating: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Nicole Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! Want amazing start to a new series. I could not put this book down. All the amazing twists and turns keep me wanting more. I highly recommend these stories to others. To love someone your whole life and then get a chance to be together is a dream come true.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5/0

Liked it and it held all the yums that readers of this talented author love. I guess I just enjoyed other books by this author more.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this one, starting with a friendship between Drake and Alaska as kids. You could tell that Alaska had a crush on Drake, but he was clueless and stayed clueless for so many years. That didn't stop Alaska from coming to Drake's side when he needed someone to tether him to the world. Seeing his old friend, Alaska did so much for him. I liked that he got to see Alaska as a grown woman and that they built their relationship stronger. It made it all the easier for Alaska to call for help when she really needed it.

And boy did Alaska need the help! I loved that Drake and the guys dropped everything to do whatever it took to find her and make sure that she was safe and able to come home. It helped tons that The Refuge was the perfect place for Alaska to find her feet again. I loved seeing Drake finally see Alaska as a woman, a woman he wanted. Alaska really fit in at The Refuge, loved the environment, loved all the other guys and the animals. I loved that she jumped into help when needed and seemed to find her home.

While they may have been slow in moving their relationship to the next level, they were honest in what they wanted. It was great when things finally changed for them, everyone noticed the change and was happy for them.

I hated the drama at the end, things there went about how I thought. I wished that the guys would have listened to their instincts sooner, but when the shit hit the fan, they all knew what to do. Alaska had the hardest job, only because she had to face down her fear, but her faith in Drake gave her the resolve to do what was needed to help.

I loved seeing how this one ended, loved that Alaska and Drake can happily live their lives. I also find that I'm very intrigued by Tonka and Henley and can't wait to read about them!

[LaTonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard for me to say what trope I would place this book in. It could be friends to lovers, slow burn, or a combination of the two. What I do know is Deserving Alaska is a great beginning to Susan Stoker's, The Refuge series.

In this book we fast back to how Alaska and Drake (Brick) met, became friends, then best friends, and then saw them as adults going their separate ways. When he thought he lost everything. He lost his team, he was hurt, he was vulnerable, he was alone...there she was. Their reconnection was so fluid and comfortable. He promised he would repay the favor, but he didn't realize he would be repaying that favor so soon.

Get ready for a love story years in the making. Friendship to lovers. I just loved this story. It was so romantic to read about Alaska and Drake. But let me say this. Susan totally blew me away with the lust filled bedroom antics of Alaska and Drake. Um, I had to pause more than once while reading.

If you are ready to start a new series with this couple, oh and his team who work at the refuge (Alpha, ex-military men with a sense of loyalty and humor), you definitely want to pick this up. Enjoy!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brick & Alaska

I am never, ever disappointed with a Susan Stoker book! What a journey Brick and Alaska’s story was! Over so many years and so many places and through so many adventures to lead back to each other. I just love their love story! And this one was spicy! So good! I didn’t want to put it down!

[Beeg Panda]

Free 21/10/23

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserving Alaska (The Refuge #1) by Susan Stoker
5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Rape, murder, PTSD, human trafficking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

First off, I love most Stoker books. Stoker is a favorite author of mine and I was very excited to get to read this story.

Alaska is a shy, somewhat plain girl who befriends a more popular boy, when she first moves to the trailer park. Growing up, she had to deal with a mother who was absent or too drunk to be helpful. When the chance to leave all of that behind comes along, Alaska jumps at the job. However, she never forgot her crush, Drake (Brick). She always knew that he was going to do amazing things and even though she knew that her feelings probably weren't reciprocated, she was content to know that Drake was in the world that she lived in. When Drake is hurt during a mission, Alaska bullies and lies her way into his room just to make sure that he's OK.

Drake has been through the wringer. After losing his whole squad to a bombing, Drake isn't sure if he can move past the guilt. Sitting in his hospital room, listening to the doctors say how lucky he was isn't helping. But, when he hears that his "fiance" is waiting for him, his interest is piqued for the first time. When he sees his long time friend Alaska, he is instantly comforted.

As Drake and Alaska part ways again, Drake and Alaska vowed that they would keep in touch more frequently. When Alaska finds herself in a dangerous situation, the first and only person she thinks to call is Drake. When Drake realizes the situation, he mobilizes everyone he knows. He isn't going to lose Alaska again.

In the twists and turns of this romance and mystery, you get to see Drake and Alaska's relationship blossom from friends to lovers. In the beautiful setting of The Refuge, these two find solace in each other and their surroundings.

You won't be disappointed in DESERVING ALASKA. Stoker weaves a fantastic tale where love conquers all and the strong alpha males don't disappoint.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...I really have no words for how flipping amazing this book is. I absolutely could not put it down from the first page. This is such an incredible start to a brand new series! I've been so excited for this refugee series since it was first mentioned. This book will not disappoint!
Alaska has been in love with Drake since childhood and has gotten friend zoned! When Drake needs someone desperately Alaska is the first one there for him. Watching their relationship develop from a very beautiful friendship to so much more was incredible to read. The depth and love between them was so beautiful. All of the guys in this series are absolutely incredible and I can't wait for their stories! The one book I thought we'd have to wait for is actually the next in the series! That never happens with a Susan Stoker series for me haha I always have to wait! I'm so excited that Tonka is next!! Eeeek!
If I could give this book 10 stars I would. Mrs Stoker never disappoints at all. She is one of my go to authors, I've been a fan of hers since 2015 and the books keep getting better and better.
I received an ARC for my opinion.

[Catlou · Rating 5 out of 5]

DESERVING ALASKA is a deeply emotional tale that draws you in and keeps you thoroughly enthralled from start to finish. There’s a lot of drama, some quite terrifying and some quite exciting. Alaska and Drake have a life-long friendship that was lost for a long time but when Drake’s grievously wounded on a SEAL mission gone horribly wrong, Alaska drops everything to be by his side. Their relationship slowly grows from there, mostly via email and text message. But when Alaska’s life is placed in jeopardy, Drake rushes to rescue her. That’s when the chemistry between the two really begins to heat up. As the story continues to keep you thoroughly involved, you’ll find yourself totally captivated and at times on the edge of your seat. It’s an engrossing and suspenseful romance that is sure to have you turning pages from beginning to end, leaving you looking forward to what’s coming next!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars--DESERVING ALASKA is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult THE REFUGE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on seven former military soldiers. This is forty-year old, former US Navy SEAL Drake ‘Brick’ Vandine, and thirty-nine year old, administrative assistant Alaska Stein’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the storyline premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

SOME BACKGROUND : Upon his release from the US Navy, Drake ‘Brick’ Vandine, and six other former members of the military (Stone, Owl, Pipe, Tiny, Spike and Tonka) banded together to buy land in the mountains of New Mexico where they would build and create The Refuge, a place of peace and recovery for people struggling with PTSD.

Told from third person perspective DESERVING ALASKA follows the childhood friends to lovers relationship between forty-year old, former US Navy SEAL Drake ‘Brick’ Vandine, and thirty-nine year old, administrative assistant Alaska Stein.

From the time she turned fourteen years old, Alaska Stein has had a crush on her neighbor, friend, and schoolmate Drake Vandine but Drake was going places without our story line heroine-Drake wanted to be a US Navy SEAL, and Alaska was destroyed when he left without saying goodbye. As the years passed, Alaska kept in touch with Drake’s mother but our heroine needed to escape the trailer park in which she was raised, opting to travel and work in Europe as an administrative assistant. The day would come when Alaska got a call from Drake’s mother saying that her son had been injured while on a secret mission as a Navy SEAL, and Alaska knew the only place she wanted to be was by Drake’s side. Four more years would pass before Drake would once again hear from Alaska, this time, Drake would be the one rescuing our story line heroine when she is abducted while touring alone through Russia, and held captive by a human trafficking ring, preparing to ship Alaska overseas. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship, and romance between Drake and Alaska, and the potential fall-out when the $ex trafficker comes looking for the property he owns.

Alaska Stein considers herself plain and unattractive, having felt like the ugly duckling all of her life. With issues of low self esteem, Alaska struggled in the wake of her abduction and capture for a human trafficking ring, a capture wherein she found herself targeted as an American citizen. Drake never expected to receive a call from our story line heroine, a coded call letting him know she was in trouble and needed his help. With the assistance of the men who own and operate The Refuge, Drake would rescue our heroine, and begin a slow seduction of the woman with whom he would fall in love.

The relationship between Drake and Alaska is a friends to lovers relationship in which Alaska struggles with issues of low self esteem, believing she is unworthy of Drake’s attention and love. Having been targeted for who she is, and what she represents, Alaska can’t believe the intended abuser continues to want what he paid for in full. Watching Alaska bloom at The Refuge means protecting our heroine when the past demands her return, a demand Drake is hoping never comes to fruition. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Brick’s fellow owners at The Refuge: Stone, Owl, Pipe, Tiny, Spike and Tonka, as well as therapist Henley McClure, and chef Robert. There may be something developing between Henley and Tonka. The requisite evil has many faces.

DESERVING ALASKA is a story of obsession, power and control; betrayal and vengeance; family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing, engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are broken, struggling but trying to heal.


www.thereadingcafe.com

[Jenn Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gah I loved this. No one writes a navy seal quite like Susan Stoker does! Add in a childhood friends to lovers / second chance story and this was pure perfection.

Drake’s protection of Alaska made my heart swoon. I couldn’t get enough of their story and the development of the refuge and the beautiful way they healed each other’s emotional scars.

Cannot wait for the next one! 🤩

[Angela Simoes · Rating 1 out of 5]

“Spoiler”. I have read other books by this author and was very disappointed. If the character Alaska is so common and is almost 40 years old, something she makes a point of highlighting all the time, the reason for the kidnapping is illogical. And how come the kidnappers say they know she has no one, but then believe she is married? Did the author forget what she wrote previously? Absurd story, implausible with slow and boring narrative.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to say this but I was bored...really, really bored. Unrequited love, friends to lovers is right up my ally but this book had no heartbreak, angst or even drama that usually comes with the Unrequited Love trope.

Even her getting kidnapped and getting saved was lack luster. It was just a dud for me. 2.5 stars rounded up

[Jannreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in Susan Stokers new Refuge series. Every time I read a Susan Stoker series I think it can’t be topped but I have a feeling this series is going to be one of my favorites. The book was seriously amazing and had me reading it straight through in one day.

Drake and Alaska are childhood best friends. When Drake sets his mind on becoming a Navy Seal Alaska encourages him to live his dream. They lose touch over the years but are always in each others hearts and minds.

When Drake experiences one of the worst things possible as a Seal he is stuck recovering in the hospital with no clue how to go on. Although they haven’t seen each other for years Drakes mom asks Alaska to go check on Drake. Alaska showing up literally saves Drakes life and he is determined to move forward and live a life helping others. Along with other men in their own type of pain and healing they form the Refuge to help others suffering from PTSD and related issues.

Drake and Alaska spend the next 4 years talking every day and rekindling their friendship. Their friendship is better than ever when the unthinkable happens to Alaska. This time Drake will need to return the favor and save Alaska’s life.

Alaska ends up at the refuge to recover mentally from her traumatic experience. This experience forces Drake to finally see what has been in front of his eyes all these years. They use the foundation of their friendship and develop the most amazing relationship. Their relationship is perfect! They bring out the best in each other and have so much chemistry! The steamy scenes added in to the amazing suspense story made this book a definite 5 star read for me!

I loved all the other men who run the Refuge with Drake and can’t wait to read about them in future books. So excited for book 2 where we will get Tonka and Henley’s story!

[Tannie🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking amazing.

ARC!

Now the story is about two childhood friends, and I’m always on the fence on this types of romance as I simply don’t like them.
But what Susan did here was amazing! I loved this book so much, the characters were amazing & the plot honestly kept me in my toes.
I honestly loved how the story played out, they could’ve gotten together since they were kids but different life circumstances avoided that exact thing to happened, and it made it so much better & rewarding when they actually got together!!💜💜

Check triggers first, I don’t know if there are somewhere but I’m no usually very lightly triggered, but this book handles heavy stuff, specially Chen/Choo’s monologues. They gave me the creeps but they added to the story very well.

Honestly this book is really good, and I would recommended it as long as you take those triggers into consideration!
Their love story happended way before they actually got together , and it’s beautiful how it all started as a friendship!

Tropes: friends to lovers, heroine in danger, dark past, wounded hero, band of brothers…

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska has been alone and unloved her whole life, one friend who she really connected with and loved. He became a Seal just as she knew he would, she believed in him, but when she gets a call to say he is injured she drops everything to go to him.
Now it's her that needs help and she only has one person to call on.
This was scary at times, worrying at others and full of suspense. This friendship had endured many years, gaps in contact and mainly email when they did, both lived very different lives and in different countries. But both jump to help the other with no questions or hesitation. The Ridge sounded like an idealic place to recover and heal, learn to cope with PTSD and reconnect with each other. For Alaska it meant also finding more friends and peace, but the is still someone out to get her back for escaping. The idea of places like this for not just vets but others who have suffered trauma is perfect, just what they need to overcome. There is some action and excitement but most of this was about two friends finally recognising their love and and getting to know each other as adults, supporting and trusting each other and Drake's friends. It was gripping and beautiful.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series to sink myself into. The Refuge is where you go when your mental health is cracking. It's all wide open spaces and tranquility. That's what Drake (Aka Brick) needed when he was invalided out of the SEALs. He and his friends have made an oasis of calm to help their brothers and sisters in arms.

Drake only got as far as he did with the help/encouragement of Alaska. When she needs help when her sightseeing trip goes way wrong, Drake drops everything for her. On their return to the USA he installs her at the Refuge knowing it's just what she needs to recuperate.

Alaska and Drake are childhood friends, admittedly Alaska had a king-size crush on him. They drifted apart and reconnected when Alaska found out about his injuries. She became a one-woman cheer team and they have been close ever since. I really admired the way the author wove the back story into the prologue, gradually edging forward in time, showing how their friendship morphed over the years.

These two are just...all the things. Older, seasoned characters with a shared history and both are stubborn! I just lit up at the banter between them and when they decided to move their relationship up a notch...holy heck Drake when all dirty talking perfection! All of the Refuge owners have intriguing back stories and Henley and Tonka look to be up next. Personally, I'm waiting for a former SAS squaddie!!

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see the beginnings of an excellent series here. These men are all weary from the horrors of life, armed services, and people in general. But they took their trauma and used it for good, creating The Refuge. And there, they help others to heal. Vets, survivors, victims who can’t see past their terror to maybe finding the light…all are welcome as long as they obey the rules of the resort. So when fate brings Alaska and Drake together once more, he’s in a place to see her for exactly who she’s always been to him. And he’s not letting go this time. But someone else may want Alaska also. And that someone else has some very dark, twisted plans for her future. Luckily, these men aren’t novices, Alaska isn’t weak, and maybe justice is served in a satisfying manner this time around.

I really enjoy that this author isn’t shying away from the grit and the underbelly of survival that so many people sweep under a rug. PTSD isn’t a weakness. It’s not reserved for certain people. And she addresses it all so wonderfully that I look forward to each owner’s story. I mean, if I loved Alaska and Drake and their ability to find love alongside peace and a future, why wouldn’t I be excited for more?

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great first book in a new series. I just fell in love with all of these characters.
Drake “Brick” Vandine and Alaska Stein are childhood friends who go their separate ways after high school and their lives take very different paths.
They’ve always had a very special bond and when they each experience a life altering change, they are there for each other and find that their connection to each other is stronger than either of them knew.
I loved watching their relationship develop, their unconditional support and and love for each other was so moving. Their moments of vulnerability were so beautiful to read. Susan Stoker writes the most amazing characters and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I wish I could give this book more than five stars!

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a special kind of joy in discovering a series you know you are going to love, and I love everything about this one. The setting, the men, the way the heroine is portrayed, the suspense, all of it. I cannot wait to read the rest of these stories!

[Serial Romance Librarian]

DNF 28%… the writing style is all telling and no showing. I feel disconnected to the story. MFC has no personality and is not relatable at all.

[Alyssashelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaska loved Drake her whole life so when he moved to join the navy seals they kinda lost touch. One day she needs him and he’s there for her. This story was surprisingly so beautiful. I did not know this book was going to go this deep. I loved Alaska so much. I share a lot of the same insecurities as her and just reading it makes me feel a little normal. 5/5 this book was great

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this story of Alaska and Drake. Growing up as friends. Seeing one another through the most tragic times of their lives. Now that they have a chance to really know one another more trouble shows. Beautiful story of friendship and trust and a love that was meant to be!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Drake and Alaska a lot. I absolutely love The Refuge too. This book doesn't shy away from the hard moments and there's quite a bit of action as well. I loved how the relationship between Drake and Alaska evolved. This was a great story and I'm looking forward to the rest of the men getting their happy endings too.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Drake and Alaska

Romance trope: friends to lovers
Series: The Refuge
Length: 382 pages

Plot: Drake and Alaska have been friends since elementary school. He's always included her in everything he does but he doesn't see that she has a crush on him. She believes that she's too plain and boring for him anyways. He goes off to the military and they drift apart. When he is seriously wounded, his mom contacts Alaska and asks her to check on him. She does and is the one person who can bring him back from the brink. That's why when she needs help, she calls on him. He begins to realize that maybe she means more to him than he ever realized.

Commentary: I loved the fact that Alaska was hurt but not raped; despite the fact that she was not harmed in the way her kidnappers intended, she suffered from PTSD and the military guys did not make light of that despite having their own traumas. The story was well done and I believed the evolution of Drake's feelings for Alaska. The one thing that made the story less enjoyable was the traditional Susan Stoker heroine characteristic of being plain - Alaska is described as fat (she says about 30 lbs. overweight at one point) and plain/ugly. I don't take into account what a villain thinks about a heroine's looks; in this case, what mattered was what Drake thought and he always loved her for what was inside. But in most of this author's books, even the heroes think that their woman is plain or not enticing. It's weird and I wish there wasn't such a fixation on the heroine being ugly (because they're probably not, to be honest).

Next book in the series: Deserving Henley

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I wanted it to be and more!

Alaska has crushed on one man since she was 14 years old. No matter if they kept in touch or not, she always had a special place for him in her life. She also knew she would never have a chance with him. He was popular, well liked, smart, and everything she wasn’t. Her mom joked she should have been named Jane since she was so plain. Drake intermittently thought of his friend Alaska. It’s not until his lowest point in life that he finally sees her again since high school. She was there when he needed someone the most, he’ll be there in a heartbeat for her.

This was so beautiful and heartwarming. I really liked how much they supported each other and listened to one another no matter what. They have a beautiful friendship and you can feel that through every single page. The emotion in this book is so overwhelming and real, I enjoyed every single bit of this book. Highly recommend!!!

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a myriad of emotions! The authour has you right there with the characters, you feel their despair, the panic, the pain, and the worry. Your heart races as they scramble for safety, find their peace, and have their new normal. This found family and band of brothers have a coziness, a sharp edge, and a comfort with each other that you feel with them. When Alaska joins them, it is without question she is one of them, not just because of her connection to Drake, but because she fits with them. Drake and Alaska have always had a link, but the timing is finally right for them. In the middle of all the uncertainty around them, they find the strength to act on their attraction. While the world implodes around them, they solidify their bond. When danger surrounds them, they fight it off and make their way together. I loved these characters, and their story, and can’t wait for more <3

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read! Alaska & Drake (aka Brick) fit perfectly together! I love how this story starts out, giving us a glimpse into their past & their friendship through the years. It was great to see what they meant to each other, even when they didn't know the other was having those feelings.

The action/drama in the story was so well done! The bad guy POV is always interesting and scary.

And then we have Mutt! I love the way he's able to be a service dog but not really a service dog. Idk how to explain it other than that. He's a great supporting character! : )

I loved getting to know the other guys, too, and the story of how The Refuge came to be. It was a great introduction into the group & each of our future heroes. And as always, the preview for Deserving Henley has me excited to get their full story!!

<3 <3 <3