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Compass #1

True North

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Alaska is where they exile snarky New Yorkers whose lives are falling apart.
Well . . . okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. My boss called it a temporary leave of absence, right before he offered me a promotion on my way out the door. Now I’ve got two weeks to kill and big decisions to make. Sure, the ER can function without me, but what’s a trauma nurse to do without her hospital?

If you’re me, you hop a plane to a remote lodge for a solitary retreat. I wanted silence and tranquility. The time and space to think. Perhaps some freaking fresh air. I wasn’t prepared for what I got when I snagged the resort’s last vacancy. THE Wes Emerson.

The Australian actor is too gorgeous—and too irresistible—for his own good. And lucky me, I get to spend the next fourteen days with the cocky celebrity who makes it his mission to antagonize me for crashing his guys’ trip. It looks like the Far North may not be big enough for both of us.

Wes can push my buttons all he wants. It won’t take me a New York minute to show him Lena Hamilton doesn’t back down from anyone. Especially not panty-melting surfer dudes with insanely blue eyes.

Except, even when he riles me up, Wes is infuriatingly charismatic. Thoughtful. Attentive. All the things my ex wasn’t. No matter how much I want to believe his flirting is genuine, I’m not stupid. Let’s be real, he’s way out of my league, and I’ll be an afterthought as soon as this vacation is over.

Of course, leave it to fate—and Mother Nature—to out-drama me.

Wes and I quickly discover why Alaska is nicknamed the Last Frontier when we find ourselves stranded in the arctic wilderness.
Now I have no choice but to trust him.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2022

170 people are currently reading
869 people want to read

About the author

Aria Wyatt

13 books195 followers
Aria Wyatt is a pharmacist mom who spends the inhumane predawn hours with a cup of coffee and her laptop, gleefully indulging in her passion for romance. Her novels range in heat from steamy to scorching, and she doesn’t shy away from writing flawed characters with real life issues.

She resides with her husband and two children in New York’s picturesque Hudson Valley, near the Catskills and iconic Woodstock. The avid reader balances marriage, motherhood, her pharmacist career, and her romance author dream. When not writing, she dabbles in photography, using the natural beauty of the region to her advantage. She’s a self-proclaimed cat lady who cannot live without coffee, chocolate, music, and books.

Author of True North and the Compass Series, Aria has a soft spot for those who are searching, yearning, and ultimately, finding. Whether on a mission to find themselves, find love, find forgiveness or solace, she believes the answer is out there somewhere.

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5 stars
223 (42%)
4 stars
165 (31%)
3 stars
91 (17%)
2 stars
33 (6%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia Fosca Stahl.
176 reviews24 followers
March 19, 2021
I loved the book. It’s very well written, the story is intense and compelling, and it’s almost impossible to put it down. I loved the characters in the story. Lena and Wes have this intense attraction and explosive chemistry, and their banter is hilarious and also charged with innuendo and heat. I also loved Austin and Jake. And not only am I dying to read the next part of this story, I am dying to read Jake’s story and Garrett’s. I’m crossing my fingers they also get theirs. The story is set in Alaska and most of it in the wilderness, and the descriptions of the landscape truly transported me there. Wes and Lena just met, but their connection feels true. It is definitely enhanced by the forced proximity and the circumstances, but it feels soul deep. They both have baggage, they have scars and emotional wounds that haven’t healed, and the way they opened up to each other to show their vulnerability definitely gave this story so much depth. I seriously loved this story. I would totally recommend anyone to give it a chance.
Profile Image for book bruin.
1,526 reviews353 followers
January 6, 2023
The premise of True North was interesting, but unfortunately the execution felt too unfocused. Also, I had no idea that when I started the book that it was part of a duet. There isn’t an “everything is up in the air” type of cliffhanger, but the story between Lena and Wes is not complete.

The book started off well and I liked the forced proximity set up and the introduction to all the characters. The small bit of “enemies” felt very forced though and then the instalove hit really hard. Both characters had so much unresolved emotional trauma from events in their pasts that I’m not sure what they felt was true connection or desperation from their dire circumstances. Also, I got really tired of all the talk about Wes’s monster DD and how he was basically going to rip Lena in half during sexy times. Speaking of the sexy times, it was difficult to stay in the moment because I kept imagining how dirty everyone was after being lost in the wilderness for so long. Also, it felt gross for them to keep going at it so close to the other guys, who were literally just trying to survive. I really wanted to enjoy this one, but sadly there was just too much going on for me.

CW: mentions of work related stress and anxiety due to an accident involving mass casualties (past), scars and trauma from an injury caused by a patient attacking the FMC (past), OCD, generalized anxiety, and depression (secondary character), MMC sustains life threatening injuries while lost in the wilderness, dangerous encounters with a bear and wolves, grief, guilt, near death experiences, mentions of: autoimmune disease attacking kidneys and dialysis prior to transplant (secondary character) and a motorcycle accident that caused a life changing injury (secondary character)
Profile Image for Meg.
1,207 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2023
10 stars!!
I was totally blown away. This is the best book I have read in several years. The narration was incredible and beautifully done. The story was captivating, scary, and emotional. Their was romance and suspense. Set in Alaskan wilderness the survival story was breathtaking and the characters felt so REAL . I can hardly wait for the second part of this story. I only wish I'd know there was a second part coming. I will be anxiously awaiting it.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 6, 2021
True North is such an amazing surprise that I don't think that I want to give away a ton of detail to be honest because going in blind is absolutely your best bet in my opinion. I see that it's Aria Wyatt's debut & I'm simply blown away by it all. I'll start off saying that she's a descriptive genius as it takes place in Alaska (a place I never had the urge to visit until now) and she makes it so beautiful that I would love nothing better than to travel there immediately. Next up is Lena, oh my spirit animal Lena, the woman who is quite hilarious with a side of take no prisoners attitude. I mean that she isn't afraid to say what she means, and means what she says which makes her fantastic in my eyes. Wes, the sexy Aussie Wes, planned on chilling with his boys in Alaska but that peace was broken when the wild card Lena comes across his path, and the journey begins. This story captivated me from the jump, and didn't let go until the end leaving me dying inside for more and now it's your turn so you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 
2,616 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2021
True North was well written, has amazing characters that take you on a journey of adventure, danger, bonding and love. Each of the four characters bring something different to the storyline and the bond they share during their time being stranded in the wilderness of Alaska for three weeks. I felt so many emotions with this book. I went from laughing at the bantering to crying at the scariest part of the book. I would definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Dawn Pressel.
1,675 reviews
January 27, 2023
I had no idea this was a “buy the next book trap” I’m fine with how it ended so not gonna continue
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews138 followers
March 3, 2021
True North is the first book in Aria Wyatt's Compass series.

Wes and Lena meet on a wilderness Alaskan trip. Lena's just looking to get away, never expecting to find herself on a trip with the famous actor Wes and his friends.

The two have nothing in common, as well as living on opposite sides of the world. The two flirt, and are full of push and pull for a long time.

Both have some major baggage. It takes a while for Wes's issues to be revealed, but when they are, I feel deeply in love for this man who's drowning in guilt. And then there's Lena who's suffering from PTSD and definitely needs some healing.

With plenty of twists and turns, Lena, Wes, and his friends end up trying to survive the elements. It's a crazy and long ride, with several heart stopping moments. The deal with injuries, hunger, thirst, dangerous animals, and more.

The writing is good and the storyline is full of adventure, romance, and heat. The main characters are fabulous and the secondary characters are all intriguing. I love the friendship between the guys and all their banter.

True North is an enjoyable wilderness romance. I'm excited to see what Aria Wyatt has in store for this series next.
Profile Image for Alissa.
426 reviews77 followers
February 27, 2021
My first 5-star read of the year!!! Aria Wyatt knocked her debut out of the park. Great writing, witty/snarky banter overload, drama-free adult characters who are smart and successful - all wrapped up in the perfect escape of a story.

After stopping and starting countless books, I finally found a book that held my interest from the start and ended up blowing me away. What happens when you plan a getaway to Alaska only to find yourself on a tiny plane with 3 celebrities? You match their wit & humor with yours, find life-long friendships, fall in love with a hunky Australian and enjoy the ride. The winner of the story for me was Lena - she's a fierce, independent, self-assured woman and I loved her sass and confidence. She met Wes' snark with her own fire and together they were combustible!!

Defiant. Stubborn. Sexy as hell. She's a wild card. She doesn't fall at my feet or hang on my every word. She refuses to allow me the upper hand and won't take my sh!t. I dish it out, she gives it back harder. I laid out all my cards...and she flipped the fuc*king table.

The story took a turn I wasn't expecting at all, and while there were a few moments of some unrealistic events, it did not take away from my love of the story. True North does end on somewhat of an unresolved ending, and I'm diving into the follow up North Star to see how the story wraps up.

All in all an amazing read with fabulous characters (I need Jake to have his own book!!! *crosses fingers*). True North is escapism at its' finest!!!


Profile Image for Angelique.
320 reviews16 followers
October 8, 2021
My Rating: Solid 5 Stars.

This book was an absolute blast to read.

It’s been quite a while since I literally picked up a book and devoured it in one sitting. And for it to come from an author who’s still pretty new in the scene I find incredibly impressive.

Wes and Lena are really strong and well written characters. They are both equally gorgeously written in such a way that you cannot help but fall in love with them – flaws and all. Added an additional 2 (what I would class main) characters there are plenty of characters to get lost in.

And plenty of relationship development to get hooked on too. The chemistry between Wes and Lena is explosive to say the least. You have quite a nice heat simmering between the two of them while you also have the friendships building amongst the other characters.

I cannot wait to see them all get their own books so I can just delve deeper into them. I already miss having them around to share my afternoon with.
Profile Image for Karen.
582 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2023
5 stars

I loved Wes and Lena's story! I can't believe this is Aria's debut, and I'm so excited to continue their story in North Star!
Lena is a trauma nurse from New York and needs a much needed break from life and books a two week vacation to Alaska. Wes and his friends are well-known celebrities in the movie and music industry who need a getaway from the lights and cameras. When Lena literally falls head first into Wes' lap, an immediate connection is made.

This story is a journey of self-discovery, learning to let go, and forgiveness. The push and pull between Wes and Lena will have you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath. Lena is a strong, fierce, and fragile woman who can hold her own with the boys and pull it all together in the face of adversity. Wes is cocky and sexy rolled into a man with a heart of gold.

This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and the twists and turns will have you wondering what will happen next. I highly recommend this book if you love hot and sexy alpha males, laugh out loud banter, and heat pounding adventure.
14 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2021
AMAZING.

What else can I say about this amazing debut from an up and coming romance author? Seriously, if you haven't read True North, you really need to. Not only is the setting absolutely breathtaking (Hello? Alaska? I'm here for it.) but the characters are to die for. Lena could be my BFF - no joke, I think we would have one hell of a time on a beach with a bucket of margaritas. Let us not forget the "Aussie Hottie" Wes, either. He's definitely sharper than a thumbtack, and I can totally understand why Lena can't keep her eyes off of him. There's a nice mix of the 'feel goods' with a little suspense that made me go "oh shit" at one point. The connection between the two characters is so palpable, I needed to fan myself. The story kept me captivated the whole way, and I am super ready for Book #2!!
873 reviews6 followers
February 1, 2021
A great adventure romance read! I hadn’t realized the importance of filing a flight plan until I had read this story. Loved the sassy dialog, the camaraderie between the characters, and the heat between Wes and Lena. But given one character’s dependence on medication for his mental illness, I would have thought there would have been more side effects once the medication ran out. However, I am not knowledgeable on this topic. It is on the long side that finishes with a cliffhanger but there is action throughout to keep the pace moving. I am definitely interested in more from this debut author!

I received a free copy from Foreward PR and Marketing. This is my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
224 reviews
February 4, 2021
I just finished True North and what a wonderful read by Aria Wyatt. I enjoyed being along for the adventure of the relationship between Lena and Wes, both characters not looking for anything serious but couldn’t fight the attraction they had for each other. This book was more than I expected, it has all the feels and was easy to get lost in the story. I love the ease of Aria Wyatt’s writing style, it was easy to pick up the book and not want to put it down. I’m so happy this is book one of the Compass series as I can’t wait to read the rest.
1,497 reviews15 followers
February 2, 2021
Wow! This book was a crazy adventure. A single girl on a trip to Alaska with 3 favorite male celebrities? Sign me up! The hot and cold with Wes was a little irritating at first, but I loved that Lena could hold her own. I loved how Wes, Austin, and Jake included Lena in their cozy group. Their adventure in the wilderness was thrilling, scary, sexy, and heroic. It had me biting my nails. Passionflix better make a movie with this one!
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,942 reviews23 followers
January 26, 2021
This story had me on the edge of my seat right from the start. I was not quite sure what to expect and the author took us on an adventure filled journey between four characters that you want to get to know better. Each of them is facing their own fears and issues, yet they all come together as one to help each other. I read this in one sitting and know that many others will do the same needing to know what happens next. It’s one adventure you don’t want to miss and I cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for TheArtistReader.
257 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2021
It's been a long time since I've read a romance book with a true adventure. The story begins as an enemies to lovers romance but when Wes and his friends tag along on Lena's adventure and the pilot decides to change their destination, the two become completely isolated from society. The pilot states that he'll pick them up in 3 days in the exact location he left them at noon but when he doesn't show, fear starts to kick in. The characters develop and their fight or flight instincts begin to kick in as the couple and his best friends are forced to fight to stay alive and fight to keep each other alive. The story is both truly heart-warming and heart-breaking both at the same time and I can't wait to read the next in the series and see where their relationship takes them.
Profile Image for Clare.
216 reviews
January 31, 2021
This was a really really good book. It started as a rom com, moved to contemporary, and ended as an adventure. I ran the gamut of feelings. Laughter and nervousness being the most prominent. The heroine is strong, a great friend, and not shy about voicing her opinions. The hero is her perfect foil. Along for the ride are his too best friends. This was an incredibly quick read. I can't wait for the sequel.
Profile Image for A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog.
2,787 reviews107 followers
January 31, 2021
This was a really really good book. It started as a rom com, moved to contemporary, and ended as an adventure. I ran the gamut of feelings. Laughter and nervousness being the most prominent. The heroine is strong, a great friend, and not shy about voicing her opinions. The hero is her perfect foil. Along for the ride are his too best friends. This was an incredibly quick read. I can't wait for the sequel.

~Clare💜
Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews16 followers
January 31, 2021
This story had me on the edge of my seat right from the start. I was not quite sure what to expect and the author took us on an adventure filled journey between four characters that you want to get to know better. Each of them is facing their own fears and issues, yet they all come together as one to help each other. I read this in one sitting and know that many others will do the same needing to know what happens next. This author certainly made a splash and I cannot wait for more.
Profile Image for Danielle Robbins.
2,940 reviews12 followers
February 3, 2021
True North is the debut book by Aria Wyatt. It was a really great read. I loved Wes and Lena's story and reading about their adventure. They had great chemistry and banter. Wes was cocky and Lena was sassy. Austin and Jake were also really great characters. I am hoping they will be getting books! Cannot wait for Wes and Lena's conclusion!
Profile Image for TheBookishHen.
706 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2025
Audio reread

Maybe didn't enjoy it as much as the first time. Love that it's duet audio for sure. There are just some parts that I'm likenthese people's priorities are not it 😅 and I forgot it kinda of ends abruptly without a true HEA.
Profile Image for Stacy Curiale.
144 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2021
Wow what a debut!!

As soon as I read the blurb I knew I had to read this book. This story is absolutely amazing. I was hooked from the first chapter and just didn’t want to put it down. These characters and their story are everything!

I recommend reading this and I can’t wait to read the next book!!
Profile Image for  Sophie.
2,002 reviews
February 1, 2021
I enjoyed this a lot. The characters are wonderful. I love Lena and Wes. Their chemistry is fire crackers. I loved the storyline and the location.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.
Profile Image for Jo-Ann Forrest.
2,936 reviews23 followers
February 1, 2021
What a great debut story for Aria Wyatt! Wes and Lena's have sizzling chemistry on the pages and their funny banter makes this a feel good kind of story with a twist. I can't wait to see what's next in their story. I volunteered to review this story.
Profile Image for Micky Luciano NefariousReads.
570 reviews63 followers
June 16, 2022
True North- Aria Wyatt

This book was in a way written for me, and so this review will be a bit more personal. The main character is a curvy nurse who feels a bit under appreciated, and has to make a big decision on where she wants to take her career path. I was instantly drawn to the female heroine because I can relate to her on so many scales. This book is a lighter read than my typical romances, but I flew through the book because it was so enjoyable and easy feel good novel.

I love the banter and humor among all the characters. I enjoyed the friendship/bromance among the boys on this trip. This book is endearing and emotional. The characters feel real and relatable which is something I always enjoy in a good book. The plot was interesting, and the writing style made it an easy read. This was a fantastic way to break up some of my darker reads, and keep myself out of a reading slump. I love how relatable this book was, and I would love to continue the series.
Profile Image for Morgan.
423 reviews156 followers
Read
June 29, 2023
DNF at 33%. Feels kind of cheesy. Can't get into it.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,639 reviews
January 16, 2021
What a great debut by Aria Wyatt! I enjoyed going on Wes & Lena’s adventure and I need the rest of their story. I need to find out what happens next.

Wes & Lena had great chemistry and banter. I loved how sassy Lena was and she wouldn’t back down to Wes.

True North in no way read like a debut, but instead like a seasoned story. I can’t not only wait for the rest of Wes & Lena’s story, but all other works that Aria Wyatt will be writing in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
January 18, 2021
I was very interested in reading this book based on the blurb. And I am so glad that I did! I really enjoyed it. Great story, good characters. This book kept me engaged throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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