Release Review: Arctic Sun: Annabeth Albert
Graphics credit: from Carina Press Facebook Page
Annabeth Albert
Release Date April 1, 2019
He’s built a quiet life for himself in Alaska. But it doesn’t stand a chance against the unrelenting pull of a man who’s everything he shouldn’t want.
Ex-military mountain man Griffin Barrett likes his solitude. It keeps him from falling back into old habits. Bad habits. He’s fought too hard for his sobriety to lose control now. However, his gig as a wildlife guide presents a new kind of temptation in superhot supermodel River Vale. Nothing the Alaskan wilderness has to offer has ever called to Griffin so badly. And that can only lead to trouble…
River has his own methods for coping. Chasing adventure means always moving forward. Nobody’s ever made him want to stand still—until Griffin. The rugged bush pilot is the very best kind of distraction, but the emotions he stirs up in River feel anything but casual, and he’s in no position to stay put.
With temptation lurking in close quarters, keeping even a shred of distance is a challenge neither’s willing to meet. And the closer Griffin gets to River, the easier it is to ignore every last reason he should run.
Publisher’s Note: Arctic Sun deals with topics some readers may find difficult, including sobriety and eating disorders.
One man hiding out and not looking for any attachments, the other man on an adventure and interested in maybe a fling, but something unexpected happens that takes them both by surprise.
Griffin Barrett is ex Military and has roots in Alaska with his family. But he is a loner, broody, rough around the edges, and likes to keep to himself. When his family needs him to take over more of the photography wildlife tours for their business when they are short handed, he will do it since he is loyal, but it is out of his comfort zone. Being with people in social settings is not his thing. And he has issues from his past that make him wary. He does not date. He does not do attachments. He tries not to take risks and likes his stable world.
River Vale is a vibrant, ex-model, now adventurer, photographer, author, and soon to be subject of a movie. He does not have roots and is a nomad. He has his own personal demons he needs to keep in check. He looks like he is going to be high maintenance and just too much for Griff to be around. But River usually gets what he wants and he wants Griff. So he tries to convince Griff that a fun vacation fling will be no big deal. River pushes Griff to the physical chemistry point of no return, and that starts his healing process, but the emotional one may or not be their downfall.
Both are scared of getting attached or hurt. They both have issues with self worth, self esteem, unhealthy vices, fears, and insecurities. But as the intimacy increases and the walls start coming down, they find that they share their raw edges, vulnerable hearts, and begin to trust the other. And they each make the other want more than they thought they were capable of.
But River is a runner and Griff is an avoider. Their real problems are not going to magically disappear and they come from two different worlds literally. Will they be brave enough to fight for love? And can they find the strength to accept and forgive themselves and then be able to truly accept the other's flaws and needs?
This is a heartfelt and emotional story of second chances, taking risks, living life to its fullest, and finding a true home. I liked the Alaska settings. I really liked both Griff and River, and loved how they balanced each other. In the beginning it seemed like River was this bright light illuminating Griff's dark places, but River has his own hidden needs that Griff also wants to help with. So they work despite their differences.
I liked that this book focused more on intimacy and trust during the sex scenes rather than just adding more hot scenes for filler. I will admit that it did seem long though, and it took me a bit longer to read for some reason. I think it was the fact that the guys were struggling with so many issues that there was a lot of back and forth, but with their situations, the angst made sense. This book has a more somber tone due to their self deprecation, challenges, and fear of the unknown. But overall, I felt like I went on an adventure with these two, and I felt that they were well developed characters that showed growth.
River Vale is a vibrant, ex-model, now adventurer, photographer, author, and soon to be subject of a movie. He does not have roots and is a nomad. He has his own personal demons he needs to keep in check. He looks like he is going to be high maintenance and just too much for Griff to be around. But River usually gets what he wants and he wants Griff. So he tries to convince Griff that a fun vacation fling will be no big deal. River pushes Griff to the physical chemistry point of no return, and that starts his healing process, but the emotional one may or not be their downfall.
Both are scared of getting attached or hurt. They both have issues with self worth, self esteem, unhealthy vices, fears, and insecurities. But as the intimacy increases and the walls start coming down, they find that they share their raw edges, vulnerable hearts, and begin to trust the other. And they each make the other want more than they thought they were capable of.
But River is a runner and Griff is an avoider. Their real problems are not going to magically disappear and they come from two different worlds literally. Will they be brave enough to fight for love? And can they find the strength to accept and forgive themselves and then be able to truly accept the other's flaws and needs?
This is a heartfelt and emotional story of second chances, taking risks, living life to its fullest, and finding a true home. I liked the Alaska settings. I really liked both Griff and River, and loved how they balanced each other. In the beginning it seemed like River was this bright light illuminating Griff's dark places, but River has his own hidden needs that Griff also wants to help with. So they work despite their differences.
I liked that this book focused more on intimacy and trust during the sex scenes rather than just adding more hot scenes for filler. I will admit that it did seem long though, and it took me a bit longer to read for some reason. I think it was the fact that the guys were struggling with so many issues that there was a lot of back and forth, but with their situations, the angst made sense. This book has a more somber tone due to their self deprecation, challenges, and fear of the unknown. But overall, I felt like I went on an adventure with these two, and I felt that they were well developed characters that showed growth.
I received this book for free from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Arctic Wild
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Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.
Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency
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