Arctic Sun by Annabeth Albert
Series: Frozen Hearts, #1
Publisher: Carina Press (Harlequin)
Release Date (ebook): Monday, April 1, 2019
Release Date (Print): Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Length (ebook): approx. 95,000 words
Length (Print): 384 pages
Subgenre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance, Male/Male Romance
Warnings:
Publisher’s Note: Arctic Sun deals with topics some readers may find difficult, including sobriety and eating disorders.
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Book synopsis
Everything’s bigger in Alaska, especially the HEAs. Annabeth Albert kicks off the brand-new Frozen Hearts series with Arctic Sun, an opposites-attract romance between a rugged outdoorsman and a smoking hot former male model.
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.
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Publisher’s Note: Arctic Sun deals with topics some readers may find difficult, including sobriety and eating disorders.
This book is approximately 95,000 words
Exclusive teasers
Again, Griffin seemed sheepish to be sharing something more than just the schedule. River found his discomfort adorable. Big gruff mountain man had a mushy streak, and River wanted to see more of it.
He also wouldn’t mind seeing more of the muscles Griffin displayed as he loaded the van after they were all done eating, expertly stowing luggage in the rear and roof storage compartments, turning down all offers of help.
3 of 5 Stars
So…after reading 23, now 24, books by Ms. Albert, this is the first time I’m conflicted after reading (actually listening to) the one of her books. I didn’t love this one and it makes me a bit sad. This is a VERY angsty read and for some reason I wasn’t expecting that.
I’ll start with what I loved and then move into what I didn’t love.
• I loved the setting…visiting Alaska is on my bucket list so I always love books set in this state. I also fell in love with Vancouver when I visited a couple years ago which just added to the impressive scenery.
• I loved when both men realized they needed to work on themselves first before they could fully commit to each other. They’re relationship was…not quite toxic but would have eventually landed there if they continued to ‘just deal’ with their individual challenges the way they had been until the breaking point in their relationship.
• I loved that Griffin is ex-military and a pilot.
• I loved their HFN and the direction of their life at the end of the book, but I think they still need work – possibly even couples counseling – to get to a more solid relationship.
• I didn’t love Griffin still being hung up on his unrequited crush who apparently was homophobic.
• I didn’t love Griffin’s mother, her controlling attitude toward Griffin or the guilt she placed on him to work in the family business, even though it appeared to be something he didn’t love doing.
• I didn’t love River’s friends, River’s behavior around them or his projection of his unhappiness when he’s with them onto Griffin.
• I didn’t love their initial sex scene or their major meltdown scene and their ‘apology’ scene following said meltdown scene left a lot to be desired.
• I was super confused by River’s relationship with his dad…it’s possible I fell asleep during part of the explanation of what I’m missing. He spent most of the book badmouthing his dad, so I thought their relationship was strained at best. When he retreats home, their relationship appears strong as ever.
Overall, I thought the book was a bit long and too angsty for me when there were no sweet moments to balance.
I *think* Toby may end up being a great character but didn’t get enough of him to decide fully. I see his book is next, so I guess we’ll find out soon enough! The synopsis sounds great and I adore this author so I will stick with this series.
Author Bio
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. Her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series include the #OutOfUniform, #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat, #RainbowCove and #PerfectHarmony series.
To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.
Website: http://annabethalbert.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477494.Annabeth_Albert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/annabethalbert?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbertauthor/
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Giveaway
Enter to win 1 of 2 paperback copies of Arctic Sun + a fun-filled swag pack! Must be 18 to enter and win, open internationally.