Review: Up All Night (Mount Hope Book 1) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 3.5🌈

Up All Night begins a new series called Mount Hope by Annabeth Albert about a small town near Portland, Oregon and a close knit group of longtime friends who have recently come back together.

Up All Night is described as a low-angst, small town romance, and it does work on that level. The small town community is nicely represented, especially through the diner’s various clientele and hospital staff.

I like the newly divorced older former fire captain, Sean Murphy, that Albert has created as a main character. He’s a very familiar figure, the sort of guy who’s recognizable around in a community. The divorced dad of now adult offspring, who is trying to make his way into a future he didn’t expect and isn’t ready for. He’s returning home to help out a recently widowed friend and father deal with the aftermath of his husband’s death. That’s a wonderfully sweet, compelling storyline.

Everything about Sean feels very real. Except for the fact that his wife, a scientist, late in their marriage, both discovers she’s asexual, and, also has a shot at a dream job in Antartica. So she ends the marriage, making Sean give up his dream of his job, sell his beloved Craftsman home, and leave the area. That’s a lot. All that fallout from the divorce and he’s not mad or even mildly irritated. He’s sad and confused. That feels like a problem.

That’s just one of the issues I’m having with the story and characters here. It’s that Albert can’t stop with the complications and drama but the story itself is supposed to be low angst and sort of low drama, sweet small town romance. The author’s words.

It’s pulls in separate directions narratively because of the consistent heavy loads the author writes onto her characters and plots. This makes several of the storylines feel under explored and understandably cut short in important elements. Not just in certain aspects of Sean’s personality.

There’s considerably more along these exact same lines.

Denver Rucker, the ex foster kid with huge abandonment issues, who is now one of the short order cooks at Honey’s Hotcake Hut. He’s the other main character and his problems with commitment run deep. There’s a small Dom/sub element here within the developing relationship between Denver and Sean’s as Sean enjoys exploring his sexuality as a gay man for the first time.

Yes, it’s also a sexual coming out, first times, sexual experience storyline. So much is packed into this book.

Foster care, foster children, giving children up for adoption, all those delicate topics are major themes here. The well defined family of their widower friend,Eric, all his four children (each one with their own well defined personality from jock to “neurospicy”) came from the foster care system. But that’s not gone into detail here.

Then there is Denver himself, whose background is painful and left him emotionally vulnerable. And there is another , lesser established thread of substance abuse, that flows through several characters as too. Sometimes it’s just a sentence about no longer using/drinking something.

But again, in a low angst story, to introduce such emotional, and potentially triggering topics in a way that’s underwhelming or not thoroughly explored, doesn’t make sense. For me as a reader, either commit fully to a more complex story and well developed narrative. Or realize that, for a contemporary low angst, low drama romance, a little less complexity/issues in the characters history and relationships journey is just fine.

I like many aspects of the story, like the characters and relationships , whether it’s romantic or the friendship between the group of men. But for each of the pluses, I get a scene that will raise a question about the character or a relationship. Such as a feeling of homophobia that comes from Sean’s son but left unanswered.

Or, smh, that Albert has the younger offspring Wren, in the story, find and put a turtle in a small tank for observation purposes, possibly adding another. That’s my button being pushed.

If you can’t write animals in a manner that is satisfying (continuity in letting main animal characters exist right up to the end of the story) or in a way that’s realistic and respectful, please don’t. It might be a small thing, but reptiles ,especially native turtles, are increasingly endangered and it’s discouraged to take them for pets or any reason. PSA over

Up All Night (Mount Hope Book 1) by Annabeth Albert was on some levels, a nice romantic story, a good start on a new series . In the other hand, it was overpacked with too many sensitive issues, potentially triggering themes and emotionally charged scenes that were, imo, not fully explored or developed for this book and it’s overall low angst storyline.

Read it because you are a fan of the author, love a new series by, or any of the many themes here.

Mount Hope:

✓ Up All Night #1

◦ Off The Clock #2

Buy link:

Up All Night (Mount Hope Book 1)

Blurb:

What happened to my predictable life?

I had a stable life as a fire captain in Seattle, married to one of my best friends and raising two awesome kids. Now, my kids are grown, and my marriage is toast. I’m solidly past forty and back in my tiny hometown of Mount Hope, Oregon, filling in as a firefighter. My future is one big question mark keeping me up at night.

Also keeping me up? The short-order cook at Honey’s Hotcake Hut.

Denver might be close to my age, but we’re total opposites. The former rock roadie runs from stability, never puts down roots, and lives for the moment. Point in case, we barely speak before he invites me into his shower.

I’ve never been with a man, but my fresh start has me trying all sorts of new things—including Denver’s shower.

Our future? Hopeless.

Denver doesn’t do repeats, but I convince him to have a fling since we’re both in Mount Hope short-term. The more time we spend together, the deeper our friendship and bond grows. Our time together outside of the bedroom, reveals a caring side to the grumpy cook. Even better, my sunshine-y optimism softens him like butter.

Should a fling give me these deep feelings? Nope.

Worse, the feelings are mutual. Big decisions loom for both our futures, and our time together grows short. I might have Denver’s heart, but his trust is far harder to win. He’s the answer to all my question marks, and I need him to believe in us. Can I convince him to give our love a chance?

UP ALL NIGHT features a grumpy/sunshine pairing for a forty-something firefighter on a path of self-discovery with an UP ALL NIGHT short-order cook. It contains loads of first-time feels with sexual awakening and exploration with a heaping helping of personal growth and deep connection for this opposites-attract couple.

• Publisher: (March 28, 2024)

• Publication date: March 28, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 282 pages

Review: Rocky Start (A-List Security Book 4) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 2.5🌈

I’m very fond of many of this author’s series from #gaymers to Portland Heat to her Out of Uniform series, all terrific.

But the men and relationships of the A-List Security have been mostly problematic for me, in multiple ways couple by couple, book by book.

It’s not that the writing has been anything but well done or that the characters haven’t been believable. For the most part, they have.

The issues have been that they aren’t either particularly likable, there’s been little discussion or groundworklaid down for them to have any kind of relationship that’s believable given the crafted personalities and histories. It’s been the odd relationship dynamics (weak, one-sided, off putting) as well as the one dimensional groundwork that’s been used.

As a formula, Albert has started to move them along a game board path and there they go, whether it makes a realistic or narrative sense.

It happens here almost immediately. This story was perilously a DNF almost at 10 percent. Just Albert’s previous books in other series kept me going.

But the character of Avery, his personality, which was at odds with his background as a SEAL and established team member of the A-List Security agency had me putting down the book several times. I have a low threshold for man-toddlers. I question how authors don’t realize they are perceived by their readers.

I can tell you how I perceived him.

By 11% I was throughly tired of Avery. And thinking why am I supposed to enjoy this character? So far his qualities are being clueless, borderline offensive about homosexuality (especially odd given the LGBTQIA agency he works for , a fact which Malik brings up and Avery has a inadequate answer for. To say nothing of the sheer naïveté he exhibits for a character that’s a veteran and a member of the A-List Security. He actually threatens the believability that it’s Malik that’s a new hire instead of an established team player.

I’m starting to zone out. Never a good thing. Only Malik is keeping me moving forward with the story.

From here we jump into a awkward “gay exploration” or worse GFY sex scene, which I abhor, because that’s what you do when you have been talking about homophobia, and laid no foundation for any relationship except a dinner. You jump into gay sex which Avery then uses to make everything awkward, miserable, pick your adjective.

It’s 14 percent and I’m about out the door.

I struggled with trying to get through the remainder of the story and did, barely. It occurred by a style I’d call “reading fidgeting”, haphazardly getting into the storyline until I had to drop it again. Repeat.

Whether it’s my reading preferences, the narrative choices made by Albert with regard to the character of Avery , his decisions with his sexuality, and their relationship, I found this book just didn’t work for me on multiple levels.

Malik was the only bright spot and he wasn’t enough to elevate the novel’s themes or romance to a well rounded storyline. I won’t go into his PTSD because that felt extraneous after the annoyance of Avery. I wanted to pull Malik out of the book and into a story he deserved.

If you’re a fan of the series or author, then I’m sure you’ll already have read or put this on your TBR list. It’s not one I’m recommending.

A-List Security series:

✓ Tough Luck #1

✓ Hard Job #2

✓ Bad Deal #3

✓ Rocky Start #4

Rocky Start: MM SEAL Bodyguard Romance (A-List Security Book 4)

Description:

I think I’m falling for my bodyguard co-worker. Now I need protection… from myself.

As a former SEAL intelligence officer, I’m supposed to be smart. Unfortunately, those smarts don’t apply to love. I did a nice thing and took my heartbroken fellow bodyguard out for a Valentine’s dinner. Just us bros. But my plan worked a little too well, and a night that ended with a scorching kiss has turned into the most awkward morning at the office ever. Now we’re working together as bodyguards on a remote mountain movie shoot. And we’re roommates.

I’ve never been attracted to a guy before, but something about Avery calls to every protective instinct I have. We’re not dating, but every night alone together, I fall a little deeper. It’s also Avery’s first time with a guy too, and while we’re both enjoying all sorts of new things together, I worry my heart will be broken when we return to civilization.

No matter how badly this may end, I can’t seem to stop wanting Avery. All of him. I want to see who he’ll become if he ever manages to get out of his own way. I want to be his biggest cheerleader, best friend, and the guy he comes home to. But going from secret hookup to forever after is a big ask. Are we both brave enough to take the leap?

ROCKY START is book four in the A-List Security series. It features TWO highly protective SEAL bodyguards, a double awakening, an exploration of the sexy, lacy kind, and all sorts of brand-new emotions. Get ready for all the high heat, big feels, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List Security for this lower-angst series featuring former SEALs and celebrity clients. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!

Review: Playing The Player (Miami Piranhas#2) by Beth Bolden

Rating 3.5🌈

This was almost a book I put down within the first quarter. I’ve just read so many of the same type of romances recently with the same themes.

Roommate/Fake boyfriend, discovers he’s actually queer because he’s has a crush/lust/affection for the fake boyfriend/roommate. Who feels the same back immediately. Within the story there’s a drama or something. HEA. Sports NFL/NHL universe. The End.

I believe Bolden has written a few herself but they are all blurring together at the moment because it’s such a familiar trope that unless the characters have exceptionally interesting or strong characters and the storyline is very different then any of the usual that’s out there, then it’s hard to pick one out from another.

Dylan Leonard, kicker, has been traded to the Miami Piranhas and instantly (just walked into the office) acquired a bestie and roommate in Logan Banks. Logan is another recent trade. Another factor ? The Miami team, a queer friendly organization, knows he’s gay, but not out to the public. Dylan? Straight at the moment he becomes a roommate in Logan’s home.

Fast forward, and I mean blink and they go from introduction to best friends, with no exposition within the book, except a few scenes of cooking and vid game playing. Nothing to give them or a relationship any depth.

Still under 35 percent.

And they’re discovering feelings and attraction towards each other. Maybe Dylan’s not so straight. A question or two answered from a queer player about sexuality and Dylan’s ok with his feelings and new status on the spectrum.

I wouldn’t have a issue with that except that there’s no foundation laid for anything that’s happening here. We and the characters are just zooming along the author’s story zip line. Foundation and depth is the stuff whizzing past us underneath.

At 40%, Logan and Dylan are moving past fake. But I’m still waiting for something other than cute. Both men are sweet but I keep waiting for something of substance.

Halfway, Bolden’s storyline and characters gets more dimensional and with the arrival of the foundation we’d been missing at the start.

These men are starting NFL players in a new team in a changeover framework, with a coach under scrutiny. There’s a team that needs to work on its dynamics and line chemistry. A team that needs to win. This is where the story energizes, as it locates back to the locker room, the playing field, and the team’s players.

This section of the book felt believable with Dylan’s search for stability and confidence in his role, Logan’s not exactly being comfortable with his public face as a out gay player after being outed by a hookup, and the player ‘s issues as they work to pull together as a team.

What fell flat was the resolution about the person who’s been creating such a huge media embarrassment and potential legal issues that all the following storyline were fabricated to counterattack him. But he’s just a nonentity that’s handled in a few paragraphs. Basically a disposable villain. SMH.

So back to what did work.

Bolden has a good grasp of the issues and stresses that press in on players at this level, and her writing conveys that emotional and physical cost to each of them.

As cute a instant couple Dylan and Logan prove to be, it’s the team and their problems and battles to win that finally kept me reading.

I believe most readers who love contemporary romance will enjoy Playing The Player (Miami Piranhas#2) by Beth Bolden. They will find the roommate/fake boyfriend/sexual awakening theme a favorite trope and grab it immediately.

For me, a small wish. That authors decide to take a new path, maybe create a whole new trope, to bring their characters to romance and whatever else is in store.

That’s a really exciting thought. I’m just casting it out there!

Meanwhile, here the Miami Piranhas series so far.

Miami Piranhas:

✓ Playing for Keeps #1

✓ Playing the Player #2

✓ Playing by the Rules #3 -Release Date: October 12,2022

PREORDER ON AMAZON

ADD TO GOODREADS

Synopsis:

Center Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend.

He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet.

But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets.

When Logan’s past rears its ugly head and threatens to destroy the freedom he’s hoped for, Dylan becomes more than just a friend. He becomes a lifeline.

But then their friendship gets incorrectly labeled as something more, and Dylan shocks Logan by suggesting they play along with a fake relationship.

Logan knows it’s off limits to fall in love with Dylan. He’s supposed to be straight, he’s his best friend, his roommate, and his teammate. But the closer they grow, and the more he and Dylan fake falling in love, the more real it feels.

The more real Logan wants it to be.

Making a play for love is the biggest risk he’s ever taken, but he wants it all and he wants it with Dylan.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Mother Parker (Mayberry Protectors #1) by Rhys Everly

Rating: 3.25🌈

Mother Parker , a new contemporary suspense romance novel and first in a new series by Rhys Everly, gave me several aspects I liked about the story and several I thought about that made me think potentially this was not going to be a series for me.

The aspects I liked about it was the multiculturalism. Hwan and his Halmeoni, grandmother in Korean, are the the more interesting and layered characters here. Every part of their interactions and relationship is flavored with the depth of their culture by way of the wonderful Korean foods and teas. They meet for lunch and Halmeoni is drinking her cup of boricha.

And it will gently be explained that it contains a sweet nuttiness of roasted barley. Bibimbap, kimchi , and other dishes make scattered appearances. It’s a delight as is Hwan’s shop, Bubble Bubble: Bubble Tea and Beverage Shop.

Bubble tea is explained in detail too for those unfamiliar with the beverage. It’s Hwan’s passion as is making his business successful.

His other companions are the crows that adopted him and his grandmother that are named after the Golden Girls. A fun element.

It’s with the other main character that drags the story. Parker Hawkins, ex SEAL, restarting his life after a divorce. That and the whole island element.

First Parker.

His almost endless litany of “woe is me, what an unlovable idiot I am” of inflicted wounds is not only tiresome but off putting. Add to that a combative, non communicative nature and a inability initially to see anyone else’s perspective, and I can say the description Officer Grumpypants wouldn’t be the first things I’d think of calling him. Although it’s the nicest, least accurate.

As one of the two narrators, I found him almost impossible to connect with, especially as he yelled, stomped, insulted, argued his way into and across his way and people who got him a fresh start in life.

The author’s intent is that we’re supposed to find Parker Hawkins attractive and think fondly of “Officer Grumpypants”? Because, at least in my case, the answer is no.

Even his “redemption “ rests in the author’s placing a sort of blame on Parker’s ex’s who in the author’s storylines withstood the same appalling behavior, had a house sold out from under one, and no communication. Only to have Hwan say in a scene obviously they didn’t love Parker enough.

That’s very misogynistic. Especially as Parker’s figured out he’s gay. I always appreciate it when a author doesn’t blame the ex, but takes another route with respect towards new sexuality and self determination.

Wish that had happened here.

Then there’s a lack of background or history about the town’s criminal elements, the background the ex SEAL s have with cleaning up the small town, and potential corrupt police force. None of that is explained here. So zero background info on The Outpost owned by former SEAL CO Wyatt Goodman, staffed by Maddox Shepherd and Asher Ford, a new couple and ex SEALs, dog Biscuit and Parker’s sister, Autumn.

Apparently one of the new couple was straight but Shep “ turned” him gay. Or comments to that effect. Several borderline offensive issues here.

◦ Then there’s a instant love factor that negates, narratively speaking, a strong character trait of Hwan’s. He’s almost obsessed with his shop and it’s success. Yet when things like , idk, clearly criminal activity happens to his shop , he acts as though it’s nothing. Totally out of character for a man who then acts as he does later on.

◦ It’s called consistency and continuity. Missing here.

Once I finished the book, there was still areas I felt were left so lacking. And I didn’t feel any real need to go further into understanding them or requiring more from these characters.

I also looked around and found a prequel for the series. It may contain some universe building but I’m not going there.

If you’re a fan of this author, I’m listing both below for your use:

Mayberry Protectors :

◦ Forever Asher #0.5

✓ Mother Parker #1

https://www.goodreads.com › seriesMayberry Protectors Series by Rhys Everly – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Divorced. Beaten down. A failure. Until a ray of sunshine comes into my life…

People call me Officer Grumpypants, but wouldn’t you be if life kept knocking you down?

My life is an endless sh*t list that I can’t even begin to unravel.

It all started when my parents died.

It continued when I was forced to sell my house.

And it all came to an epic conclusion when my wife walked out on me.

What I need is to get my mind in order and my life back on track.

So when my old commander offers me a job in Mayberry Holm, I grab the opportunity by the balls.

I’m ready to put my head down and my hands to work.

What I wasn’t planning though was becoming pet food for crows by this infuriating little man who throws seeds at my face.

Or being hired to help said man with his new store.

Or having to protect him from a bunch of criminals that prey on his softness and sweetness.

Even though he drives me insane, I can’t stop thinking of him. And even though he’s annoyingly cheerful, I can’t help but smile around him.

Or fantasize about him doing… naughty things to me.

What the hell is happening to me? Am I falling for the young, bubbly, pink-haired man? And is it too late to stop it?

Welcome to Mayberry Holm, a small island in the Atlantic full of crime, secrets and happily-ever-afters, and the ex-Navy SEALs that come to deal with them all.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer

Review: Style for Love (Gay 4 Renovations #1) by A.J. Sherwood

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Style for Love is A.J. Sherwood’s terrific first book in her new series, Gay 4 Renovations. Located in small town (real place) Plymouth, Michigan, with its Victorians, Tudors, Craftsmen, and other equally charming houses in need of renovating by their owners, the queer business owners , all friends, have their business lives full while seeking their HEA.

There’s Gage, architect and structural engineer. Cohen, their contractor. Riggs, the ultimate in CEO office manager’s and Asher.

First up is Asher, Interior designer of Gay 4 Renovations. Asher, has a toxic family that’s not accepting of his sexuality and a found family that includes everyone at his business as well as Zar, the childhood best friend, a police officer, who’s always been his biggest supporter and protector.

Both Asher and Zar have never had relationships that have worked out, each other’s friendship is their only long commitment they’ve been able to have.

Sherwood’s Style for Love is a wonderful best friends to lovers, contemporary romance. One where the entire town knows what they’ve been oblivious to for years…they were made for each other.

It’s also a sexual awakening story for Zar who, because of unexpected circumstances, becomes aware of his best friend in a way that’s surprising. This is handled in a great and touching manner. I mean Zar, his sister Adah, and Gage, talking through his thoughts and feelings on the revelations that had come about.

Sherwood doesn’t forget about the impact on Asher that this change would bring. The communication and support from his circle of friends that allows Asher to work through his issues is just one more lovely aspect of this story.

I happen to adore Thai and Korean BL stories and happily so do the characters here! Whether it’s Asher and Riggs, or Ami and Shaunice ( two more people who work at Gay 4 Renovations) fan girling over certain actors or storylines in well known BL series, I was there with them! And wanting to add my suggestions as well!

I also lost my heart to BFG , the mastiff mix. I adore him so much. You had me at giant dog! Yes, you did!

There’s a toxic family element. They are frustrating because they seem so realistic in their own phobic behavior and attitudes. It’s painful and sad.

The town itself is real. Yes, I looked it up. It’s seems as cute and lovely as Sherwood makes it out to be. Then I remember Michigan. Cold , and oh no. My desire to move is gone. I’m just going to visit in these stories.

But ,I do have a smidge of a issue here. While this has been labeled a GFY (a term I always have issues with) , Zar is open to all aspects of sexuality. He examines their relationship and realizes they’ve never been in a friendship that’s conforms to the norm for just best friends, and he’s never been exactly straight. What label isn’t clear nor should it matter. He’s never been straight. Whether it’s Pansexual or something else.

That’s not a gay for you. Sry , small peevish moment over.

Style for Love is a romance I absolutely adore. It’s the characters, the setting, the storylines, and the wonderful ending. I really sank into this universe. I expect you will do the same.

Now I need the next in the series. That’s Structure for Love. Hmmm, who could that be?

I’m highly recommending this ! Happy reading!

Gay 4 Renovations series to date:

✓ Style for Love #1

◦ Structure for Love #2 – coming soon

https://www.goodreads.com › showStyle of Love (Gay 4 Renovations, #1) by A.J. Sherwood – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Asher’s dream job: Interior design – check.

His dream boyfriend: Park Bo Gum – not check. Sadly.

Straight as a board, childhood bff Zar: check

Zar becoming his boyfriend: che–wait, what?!

Tags:

Oh look a contemporary romance, GFY, Best friends to lovers, Dumbasses to lovers, not so much slowburn as two idiots standing around on fire, emotional baggage check, HGTV meets BL, family of choice, Asher needs a better family, Zar’s will adopt him, healthy choice making (and some impulsive ones), no angst here only cuddles, best friends giving The Talk, yes that one, Gage hates -coughlovescough- them, tropey tropes a lot, yaoi fangirls as co-workers leads to interesting situations, and sexy photoshoots, best supporting character goes to the dog, small town, Asher and Zar are so obvious there is a bet riding on them, Zar uses handcuffs for not sexy reasons, at least the first time, only one sledgehammer was sacrificed in the making of this book

Trigger warning:

Toxic family members

Review: Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Alexis Hall’s regency romance, Something Fabulous is indeed totally fabulous. A rollicking tale of two men who end up falling for each other is done via a Regency road trip. Although it’s carriages and a gorgeous pair of bays instead of a car, it’s still a wild madcap road race after a runaway sister and her very close companion!

That the sister is a twin of one man and a betrothed of the other? An enriching of ingredients that only improves the more you get into the story.

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, the one seeking his runaway betrothed, is perilously straight laced. Valentine’s adherence to societies niceties and his valet’s ideas of the right clothes to wear make him overbearing and rigid, not that he sees it. Or what he’s hiding under his strictness.

His traveling companion is Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, twin to the runaway betrothed. Bonny is exuberant, sexy, highly adorable, and imaginative! The opposite of Valentine. And Bonny isn’t shy that he likes men. Something Valentine’s having a hard time understanding.

Something Valentine may just be feeling himself but never knew before.

Hall has written a clever, fast paced, at times very moving, story of a man coming to grips with who he is and how he’s to live and love going forward. That’s a lot to pack in but it all works beautifully. Especially when it includes such fascinating characters as Bonny’s twin sister, Bella, Peggy, Miss Evans and Miss Fairfax.

Such a unique and layered group of people. Bella especially, as her last speech to Valentine proves, always had so much more depth to her than anyone gave her credit for, including Bonny. That was a lovely element.

The ending was marvelous, a wonderful blend of humor and romance to the end.

Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall is a fantastic story, one I absolutely recommend. I also highly recommend this author if you’re not already familiar with his books.

Treat yourself to this and anything from his catalog today!

https://www.goodreads.com › showSomething Fabulous #1 – Goodreads

Synopsis:

From the acclaimed author of Boyfriend Material comes a delightfully witty romance featuring a reserved duke who’s betrothed to one twin and hopelessly enamoured of the other.

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally.

It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up…romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again.

Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up…romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella and prove to her that he’s not the cold-hearted cad he seems to be.

Despite copious misgivings, Valentine finds himself on a pell-mell chase to Dover with Bonny by his side. Bonny is unreasonable, overdramatic, annoying, and…beautiful? And being with him makes Valentine question everything he thought he knew. About himself. About love. Even about which Tarleton he should be pursuing.

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review:Arctic Heat (Frozen Hearts #3) by Annabeth Albert

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

This is the best of the series! There’s animosity, misunderstandings, dirty sex play, sexual awakening, coming out, coworkers to lovers, a dramatic avalanche, sweet romantic gestures, a dog, and finally a HEA. Just totally wonderful.

Owen Han, thirtysomething, former investment banker and cancer survivor, is working his way through his bucket list when he’s selected as a volunteer to assist National Park Service staff in Alaska over the winter. He’s sure nothing could be more fulfilling, until…he lays eyes on Quill Ramsey, fortysomething career park ranger. Tall, muscular, rugged, the epitome of the great outdoors, Quill is sure to be straight. But when he also turns out to be quiet, deeply closeted, and set in his rigid rules, Owen starts to rethink that bucket list.

Nevertheless, flirting comes natural to Owen, and Quill isn’t unaffected. Over time, in the dark of winter, Quill starts to thaw toward the naturally effusive, warm and caring Owen. And Owen starts to see beneath the twenty-year-experience veneer Quill has managed to hide behind. The two become more friendly and ultimately find satisfaction in more than flirtation. But Quill’s sexual awakening is not typical as Owen, though smaller, has side effects from his cancer treatment and Quill, though larger, is turned on by Owen’s take-charge attitude. Add in feelings and there’s more here than either man is comfortable with. Quill, true to his reticent nature, walks away and then regrets it, creating an emotional tug of war for both characters.

Revealing how the author resolves their standoff, and what happens next, would be a spoiler I won’t list here. But let’s just say Quill has an eye-opening experience, actually two, one immediately following the other, and he’s lucky to keep Owen in his life. Adding to the pleasure of the story is the brief cameo appearance of Griffin and River from Arctic Sun. Overall, as I said above, I loved this book. Both men were realistically portrayed, and I can’t decide who I liked most—Owen with his gregarious personality—never met a stranger he didn’t know sort of guy—or Quill, totally buttoned-up rule follower, who had the heart of a lamb hidden in his stoic persona and totally melted into a puddle when Owen came into his life. No matter who it is, however, I can promise readers a treat with this one. Very highly recommended and it can most definitely be read as a stand-alone.

Cover art by Carina Press art department is lovely and works for the characters and storyline.

Sales Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Y3KUk9

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Arctic-Heat-Audiobook/1488206864

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arctic-heat-annabeth-albert/1129779475?ean=9781488053610#/

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/arctic-heat-4

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Annabeth_Albert_Arctic_Heat?id=8o6QDwAAQBAJ

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/arctic-heat/id1458215728

Book Details:

ebook
Published September 23rd 2019 by Carina Press
ISBN 1488053618 (ISBN13: 9781488053610)
Edition Language English
Series Frozen Hearts #3

Frozen Hearts Series

Arctic Sun