Stevie‘s review of Arctic Sun (Frozen Hearts, Book 1) by Annabeth Albert
Contemporary Bisexual Romance published by Carina Press 01 Apr 19
I’ve loved every series I’ve read by Annabeth Albert so far, with their different locations and varied professional links between the heroes. I was particularly excited to start reading her latest series, although other time pressures got in the way for a while, since I’ve previously enjoyed a range of other genres – in multiple media – set in Alaska. This time around our local hero is Griffin, a former Air Force pilot now working in his family’s tourism and air-transport business, while our hero from outside the area is River, a supermodel turned travel writer. When Griffin’s uncle has to undergo knee surgery, Griffin reluctantly takes over his next scheduled tour: taking two married couples and River on a wildlife photography trip by air and back roads for ten whole days.
When the two single guys meet, there’s a definite spark between them, but both have sworn off relationships for very different reasons. Griff has had his heart broken once, when his best friend and long-time unrequited crush died, while River never stays in one place too long for reasons beyond the fact that his agent and editor are clamouring for him to turn in a new book just as the movie adaptation of the first is about to be released. On top of that, River comes across as a bit of a party animal, while Griff finds socialising tough, especially since he’s a recovering alcoholic. Nonetheless, the trip goes ahead with the two couples – two women, and a man and a woman – joining our guys and the whole party heading out into the wilderness.
Griff soon picks up on River’s slightly odd eating habits and makes sure that every stop has River-friendly food at it, although it’s a while before he discovers that River is also in recovery – in his case from an eating disorder. The two grow close, especially when they are forced to share a room at one stop, but remain adamant that whatever develops between them is strictly for the trip – and maybe a few visits afterwards.
I found this book more difficult emotionally than I was expecting. Some of River’s habits were a little triggering for me, and I had a deep-seated response to the idea of him getting involved with someone at least as damaged as he was. On the other hand, I also felt for Griff the first time he found himself catapulted into the world of River’s old modelling crowd and could definitely sympathise with his plan to save up for a cabin at some distance from his busy and at times overprotective extended family. I also liked the relationship between Griff’s mother and his uncle, though I’d have liked to see a little more of it overall, and the married lesbians were cute.
Overall, this probably wasn’t the best book for me, but I’m still looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Grade: C
Summary:
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.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
