North Star

Compass #2

by Aria Wyatt

Alaska was a brutal hostess.
I spent three weeks lost in the wilderness with celebrity heartthrob, Wes Emerson. Sharing a tent with the Australian actor was one thing. Opening my heart? That was a totally different ballgame--and you guessed it--he won.

Wes is the embodiment of warmth, strength, and shelter. We forged a soul-deep connection in the face of peril and uncertainty.
Too bad our rescue was only the beginning.

When reality comes knocking, it hits hard. I'm an ordinary nurse from upstate New York. He's a Hollywood A-lister who lives on a different continent. Our lifestyles are worlds apart.
What happens without Mother Nature to level the playing field? Can our love withstand the noise, chaos, and media attention?

Wes and I conquered the Far North, but we discover wilderness can take on many forms . . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Stacy Curiale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to read this book. But now that I’m finished I’m mad at myself for not reading it slower.

I love Wes and Lena things aren’t easy for them. He is a super star from Australia and she is a nurse from New York. They live a world away and their lives are completely different and fame has its way of trying to ruin things.

Can the love between Wes and Lena withstand the distance? The paparazzi, and all that comes with dating a superstar? Read this to find out!!

I highly recommend this duet and I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book in this series!!

[Brittani Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of the year! Emotional and heartwarming! I loved getting to know Garrett. I'm thrilled that we see more of Isla and her funny side. I also enjoyed seeing Wes and Lena go through their roller coaster of a ride. Cannot wait for the next book!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to read books in order. This set of books were outstanding and the narration was beyond excellent. Loved the accents and the characters were amazing. I would give this 10 Stars as an amazing incredible audio experience. Lena a nurse, and Wes superstar actor, are great characters and their story was wonderful. There is emotion and drama but it doesn't ruin the story. I just LOVED the set and highly recommend it.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Po trzech tygodniach walki o przeżycie w skrajnych warunkach koła podbiegunowego na Alasce czwórka przyjaciół, czyli trzech celebrytów, Wes, Jake i Austin, oraz pielęgniarka urazowa Lena, zostaje uratowana. W drugim tomie serii pierwszoplanowymi postaciami są nadal Lena i Wes, a wiodącym tematem ich romans.

Powodem początkowych perturbacji są rodzinne obowiązki Wesa, który w trybie nagłym zostaje wezwany do Australii i nie ma głowy, aby powiadomić Lenę o tym, co się z nim dzieje. Później pojawiają się inne przeszkody, związane z nieprzystawalnością środowisk, z których oboje się wywodzą. Świat Wesa, hollywoodzkiego gwiazdora, jego popularność wśród fanek, byłych kochanek, oraz paparazzich, okazują się dla Leny trudne do zaakceptowania. Nie bez znaczenia są też cechy osobowościowe obojga. Czy zdecydowanie i życiowa odwaga Leny doprowadzą do ujarzmienia trudnego charakteru Wesa?

Miłosne przeciąganie liny, mocno nasycone potężną dawką erotyzmu, jest dość ciekawe i ładnie opisane, ale jego sceneria nie dorównuje pod względem atrakcyjności wyzwaniom dziczy na Alasce. Przynajmniej dla mnie. Ciekawe zresztą, że dla Wesa, któremu Lena uratowała tam życie, zostaje ona prawdziwą Gwiazdą Północy.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

North Star was a fantastic read that I couldn't put down to save my life (luckily it didn't come to that). Lena is a nurse in upstate New York while Wes is a Hollywood A-Lister so their two worlds couldn't be more different. However, that doesn't change the fact that things happened in Alaska to bring them across each other's path, not to mention brought on a very strong connection which definitely couldn't be ignored. Now it's time for them to go back to the real world, and there are a lot of complications standing in their way. He isn't a person who gets any sort of privacy because of his fame, while she's just a normal person, and then there's the whole opposite coasts situation. There's no doubt that they have that sort of chemistry which would burn down the world when ignited, but will they be able to keep it sustained with all of those obstacles?! You know what to do to find out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️ 2.5🌶️ 4.5🎧

This installment of Wes and Lena’s love story was unfortunately a disappointment. Outside of the first 10% or so where they admit they love each other, there was too much filler. There’s no way this needed to be 300 pages. In truth this duet should have been 1 book at about 400 pages and it would be a solid 4+ star read.

There was just way too much miscommunication, stubbornness, and unnecessary drama, especially after everything they went through in book 1. In fact Garrett and Jake were actually the highlights of the book 🙈 And I was totally pissed at Reed, Wes’s brother. I wanted to see more confrontation about the things he said about Lena and their relationship, yet we got nothing other than Wes throwing his phone out the window in a tantrum 🤷🏻‍♀️

And though there was spice I actually felt zero connection to it.

I’d say book 1 is worth reading and leave it at that knowing they love each other and get a HEA.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

North Star is the second book in Aria Wyatt's Compass series. In the first book, True North, we met the couple as the survived being stranded in the wilderness.

Now they're back to safety and dealing with injuries, paparazzi, and more. Their life certainly isn't easy just because they survived their ordeal.

Wes is a famous actor from Australia, so everyone wants his story. Meanwhile, Lena's "just" a nurse from New York. Complete opposites who fell in love during a life threatening ordeal.

Now that the press is hounding them, and they have some obstacles to face, we get to see a different side to each of them and their relationship. And I love it.

Overall, North Star is a fabulous continuation of this series. I love everything about this Aria Wyatt romance and couldn't put it down.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Solid conclusion to this story. I wasn't sure how this was going to be enough of a story to be another book considering how much had happened in the first book. Surprisingly, there was enough. In fact, some stuff seemed to be too much.

Wes and Lena, both at various times, frustrated the heck out of me because they felt immature. It seemed out of character for two successful people. However, I was invested in the story and these characters. I look forward to more from them.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

After coming back from trauma, everyone is trying to get back to normal. This book moves at a fast clip. It was enjoyable to see how the heroine's new people and experiences fit in with her existing ones. There was drama, too. But I really liked how everything fit together at the end. I can't wait to read the next one.

~Clare💜

[Danielle Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes and Lena's story was emotional and heartwarming. Their relationship was not easy and a little bit of a roller coaster but it was so beautiful! I could not get enough of these two. They were just perfect together! Looking forward to reading the next book!!

[Elizabeth Reddekopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

Your stories are amazing. They are intriguing and you can’t put the book down. I love the funny parts that make me laugh. And the suspense which always grabs me. I can’t wait to read your next book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The writing is flawless and you can’t help but love Wes and Lena.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. After coming back from trauma, everyone is trying to get back to normal. This book moves at a fast clip. It was enjoyable to see how the heroine's new people and experiences fit in with her existing ones. There was drama, too. But I really liked how everything fit together at the end. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️ (in notes)

[Katiie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Def spoilers!!!

Loved this book soo much!! I am over the moon with it!! Now this series is always goin to hold a special place in my heart. Things that they mention happens to everybody but one of the things they mention it's really close to home with me. I don't normally share this but I am borderline lupus. The main character sister suffers from it. It is nice to know that there are people out there who are bringing awareness to the disease and sharing their knowledge with others.

I was so happy to continue Wes and Lena's story. I honestly fell in love with them in the first book but my all-time favorite is Jake.

I was happy to see that these two people were from totally different universes and even though they had their ups and downs and issues like everybody else they still manage to make it where they still fight for one another. No spoilers I cannot believe the ex-boyfriend took credit for Wes's flowers. Like how shady can you be bro what is wrong with you. I did not like Marc in the first book he was a piece of shit and still is. I love that even though he had the wrong number he still tried and tried and tried to contact her to try and make things right.

The sex scenes were amazing. I loved how it all flow together and the chemistry was literally dripping off the page. And the make up sex that was 🥵🥵🥵

And I cannot believe Wes acted like he did. I understand where it was coming from but then again I was like dude you're being a total douche bag like you're the one who fucked up like you could've said something. I wasn't in agreement with him keeping the fact that him and his costar used to be fuck buddies a secret from her but I understand why he did it just because he didn't want her to feel any more uncomfortable than she already did.

I'm really liked how Lena tried for Wes and being around paparazzi and out in public outings. I'm also happy she stopped being so whiny. Lol

Overall, this book is extremely amazing and if I can read it over for the first time again I would. If you guys have not read this book I definitely recommend you check it out.

Thank you Aria for a wonderful story!! I can't wait to read Jakes and Islas story!!! Ahhhh

[Toni Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth keeping in to the end

So one of my pet peeves in reading is miscommunication due to sheer stubbornness. It’s more of an infuriating feeling but I keep reading rather than a hard limit & stop reading kind of thing.
I did love this book as an extension of Lena & Wes’s relationship. But their moment of miscommunication because of Lena’s stubbornness irked me to no end. A relationship takes trust and compromise, and while I understand Lena’s setbacks in being an afterthought, there was no benefits of anyone’s doubts happening with her. She does deserve to come first to the one she loves, but that thought process goes both ways. Now I’m not saying that Wes was completely innocent in their setbacks, he did some things wrong…but he had already proven to her that he cared, he was a good guy, & he felt she was worth every bit of his love.
In the end, I’m so glad that she has so many chosen family in her life who care for her deeply & that she & Wes were able to talk out their issues and miscommunication.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning there's a small spoiler in my review.

I really loved the first book and I was so excited to continue their story!! I really wish I had slowed down a bit with this one though but my excitement to read it won out.

This was not only a great conclusion but some parts were hilarious and made me fall in love with Wes and Lena even more.

It was not only funny but so heart wrenching at times when they both had to face reality when they came back to civilisation and I felt a bit worried at times that they weren't going to make it.

#Spoiler#

My favourite part of the book had to be their time in the hospital and I couldn't contain my laughter to Wes being high on pain killers and letting everyone know what he was thinking when it came to Lena. This was truly adorable.

Out of interest. Does anyone know if they plan do to an audiobook for this book in the series? Thankyou

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You’re my North Star. Focus on me—on us—and shine for me, love.”

North Star is the second half of this duet. Wes and Lena deal with being a couple though they live on opposite sides of the planet. There is a issues of miscommunication that takes place between the two at different points. That will make you just shake your book (or reading device) and scream, “Just talk to each other already!” Lena still has doubts of insecurity that rear its ugly head at opportune moments. There are moments of sweetness and heat also. These two do get their HEA after a third act breakup that probably wouldn’t happen if different choices were made. Overall, I enjoyed their storyand will continue reading the series. Jake’s story is next.

[Stephanie "GeekGirlReads" Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

What an ending to Wes and Lena's story! Back to their normal lives, to say things got complicated is a gross under statement. Wes was so dense at times and Lena was definitely stubborn, but kudos to her for finally standing up for herself and her worth. The angst was off the charts and I was there for it! I totally fell in love with Garrett even more. His fierce protection of Lena while keeping it real and not mincing words when she needed a wakeup call was BFF goals! We need his HEA as well as Jake's with (no spoilers 😉). Again, Rupert Channing and Desiree Ketchum were perfection together and the duet narration was 👩🏼‍🍳💋!

[M W · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a back and forth mess

Honestly, I had a gut feeling after book 1. I should maybe not go onto book 2, but I needed to see the ending between Lena and Wes. What I got was 300 pages of immature, self conscious, misscpummunication. I have never disliked two main characters more. I kept thinkly surely this would get better, and it kept getting worse. Then, the author added in a weird storyline with a robbery that was honestly stupid. This book.highlightrd Jake and Garrett, who seem like more mature people. I tried to feel for Lena and Wes again and their trauma, but honestly their a no for me.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about doing a 180. Going from being stranded together in Alaska to being back home is definitely a journey for Lena and Wes. Watching someone not in the public eye going through a relationship with someone that is famous seems to be pretty nerve wracking. Everyone is out to get you and you don't know who to trust. I love that Lena has her band of men to protect her. I loved Garrett and I loved Jake too. I can't wait to read their stories. Wes can definitely turn up the heat, but I love that Lena pushes back on his Alpha side.

[Jacki Tananis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena & Wes (part 2)

I really enjoyed this duet.

My one complaint is that I felt this book dragged on a bit. After reading both books, it is my opinion that the two books could have been cut down to one book. But I did not deduct anything from my review rating because of that opinion.

Returning to their real lives after being rescued from the Alaskan wilderness, Lena & Wes struggle to adapt. They live on different continents and are trying to fortify the connection they built while in the wilderness. Their lives are very different, and it takes a little finagling and a lot of patience to combine them. There are a lot of ups and downs, misunderstandings, and some hurt feelings before they figure everything out, but it was an enjoyable ride.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the on page characters and can not wait to see them all find their own HEAs!

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story!

Loved this continuation of Lena and Wes’s story!

It was so much fun to visit with Jake a lot and Austin a teeny bit!

Garrett is a hoot and a force to be reckoned with also! His story is going to be fun!

Jake and Isla are going to be so much fun also since she is the firecracker!

This journey of love and friendship and more love was an epic roller coaster for Wes and Lena but they found their way ❤️❤️

[Jennifer Smith nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate miscommunication and I really dislike when it OK for her to drink but not him OK whatever and her meeting Mark when she’s pissed at him for doing the same thing boggles My head! I’m starting to dislike her so much. And I really hate that she supports her fucking Dad she’s needs therapy ! The first book was so much better this is just mis -communication
Over and over and over not sure I’m gonna read the third book she’s starting to drive me nuts

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So GOOD.

Seriously, guys, Lena could still be my BFF and I was so desperate to read this. This is a whole different wilderness than the forests of Alaska - paparazzi and feelings push things into a fun steamy ride. And that phone scene 👀🔥🚒

I love Wes, Lena, and especially Isla!! I also loved the book 3 too!!

If you haven't read this duet yet, you need to. Thank me later. 😉

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this follow up story to see how they survive real life after being rescued. Wes and Lena have so much to take care of on their own but Wes isn’t ready to let Lena go like ever. Things get some what messed up and they have to relearn how to be together. I loved this story and the characters within it. I am so looking forward to Garrett’s story as well as Jake!

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did it again. A strong story that will grab your attention. The world building was strong. The description was spot on . You were able to get right into the story, the words flew easily, between the hero and heroine Lena and Wes the story takes place back home. Not in Alaska like book 1.

Can’t wait to read book 3

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the rest of the story for Lena and Wes. It keeps with the storyline from the first one and spins a tale of how these two have to work for it if they're to make it. Romance, steam, and humor are just a couple of things that I found to be enjoyable about this book. I thoroughly loved this conclusion to Wes and Lena. Another fantastic book in this series.

[Sarah Havener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good conclusion to Wes and Lena's story. Although there was a little miscommunication that annoyed me, it was kind of understandable given the situation. The plot between them was definitely sweet and spicy for the most part.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is like 3.89⭐️. I was disappointed with the ending. I hate his brother. The ups and downs kept me glued to the story however the in betweens were … extensive. Lots of spice which is great but I did find myself skimming them by the end.
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