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nalia_danger's review
No chemistry between romantic leads, dull plot, overall boring book. Even a great narrator couldn't save it.
bookschaosnart's review against another edition
4.0
Following a plane crash in which Toby was seriously hurt, Ruben and his daughter move to Alaska to both take care of Toby and also figure their own relationship out. Toby and Reuben negotiate their relationship while also dealing with Toby's hard head and his family as well. Definitely May/December but Toby is an old soul after having to take care of his own family An excellent story of learning and growing from everyone you meet.
eesh25's review
4.0
Arctic Wild follows Reuben, a workaholic and very successful layer. He'd finally agreed to go on a vacation in Alaska with a couple of his friends. But when they have to cancel at the last minute, he goes anyway. On the trip, it's only him and Tobias, the pilot and guide. And despite the significant age difference between the two (Reuben is 48 while Toby is 31), they slowly got along.
Then a plane crash happens, leaving Toby very injured. Reuben, who likes Toby and wants to help, offers Toby a place to stay while he recovers, since Toby's home is too cramped to be good for recovery.
And though the story starts beforehand, this was kind of the real start of the romance. Before, we saw Reuben and Toby become comfortable around each other and become friends. And yes, there was attraction between the two, but Toby didn't want to start anything with a client and their trip was more about the beautiful places they were visiting and about Reuben lifting his eyes off his cell phone and laptop to appreciate the trip.
After the accident, we see them really start to bond. And... I have no idea what to write. Somehow, I've run out of words...
*One day later*
I'm back. Let's try this again. I liked the book and that seems to be the essence of how I feel about it. Hence the lack of words. I don't have anything overwhelmingly positive or negative to say, and it's all about the story, which makes me feel like I'm just writing the plot of the novel (I do that sometimes).
The writing is good, both with describing the scenery of Alaska and when helping the reader understand what the characters are going through. We get both Reuben and Toby's perspective, though the understanding part is crucial more for Toby. Reuben, though uninterested in most things initially, soon becomes a lot more open to finding out what more there is to life. Also, he's taking the summer to reconnect with his teenage daughter, who is also a main character in the book.
There are a few side character. Reuben's daughter, Amelia, is one; there's also one of Toby's sisters and his father who are prominently featured. I liked Amelia, despite her initial bratty-ness, but Toby's family never really grew on me. They were so dismissive about Reuben and about Toby's worries and feelings, especially Toby's father. It also didn't help that the conflict was basically his fault.
Toby, though open to a fling or maybe even something more, is quite repressed in other ways. For one, he doesn't share his troubles and doesn't accept help at all. And that's because his father's raised him to think that needing help, even with a broken arm and leg, makes a person weak. Which is such utter bullshit. But it's easy to see what Toby is going through. Yes, it can be tad frustrating when Toby misinterprets Reuben's care and desire to be helpful, but the novel is pretty angst free overall.
In terms of pace, I liked it better than that of Arctic Sun, but because the events of the novel are so contained in personal feelings and conversations, it can feel long. Could've used something to liven things up. I vote humour.
And that's it. I'm hoping I did a decent job with this review. It's a very tame book that's good for when you wanna have a relaxing day, rather than if you're looking for something exciting. I'd still recommend reading it though, and while I'm not particularly eager about the future of the series, I'd definitely like to give some of the author's other books a shot. Maybe when I've made some headway with my "currently reading" list.
Then a plane crash happens, leaving Toby very injured. Reuben, who likes Toby and wants to help, offers Toby a place to stay while he recovers, since Toby's home is too cramped to be good for recovery.
And though the story starts beforehand, this was kind of the real start of the romance. Before, we saw Reuben and Toby become comfortable around each other and become friends. And yes, there was attraction between the two, but Toby didn't want to start anything with a client and their trip was more about the beautiful places they were visiting and about Reuben lifting his eyes off his cell phone and laptop to appreciate the trip.
After the accident, we see them really start to bond. And... I have no idea what to write. Somehow, I've run out of words...
*One day later*
I'm back. Let's try this again. I liked the book and that seems to be the essence of how I feel about it. Hence the lack of words. I don't have anything overwhelmingly positive or negative to say, and it's all about the story, which makes me feel like I'm just writing the plot of the novel (I do that sometimes).
The writing is good, both with describing the scenery of Alaska and when helping the reader understand what the characters are going through. We get both Reuben and Toby's perspective, though the understanding part is crucial more for Toby. Reuben, though uninterested in most things initially, soon becomes a lot more open to finding out what more there is to life. Also, he's taking the summer to reconnect with his teenage daughter, who is also a main character in the book.
There are a few side character. Reuben's daughter, Amelia, is one; there's also one of Toby's sisters and his father who are prominently featured. I liked Amelia, despite her initial bratty-ness, but Toby's family never really grew on me. They were so dismissive about Reuben and about Toby's worries and feelings, especially Toby's father. It also didn't help that the conflict was basically his fault.
Toby, though open to a fling or maybe even something more, is quite repressed in other ways. For one, he doesn't share his troubles and doesn't accept help at all. And that's because his father's raised him to think that needing help, even with a broken arm and leg, makes a person weak. Which is such utter bullshit. But it's easy to see what Toby is going through. Yes, it can be tad frustrating when Toby misinterprets Reuben's care and desire to be helpful, but the novel is pretty angst free overall.
In terms of pace, I liked it better than that of Arctic Sun, but because the events of the novel are so contained in personal feelings and conversations, it can feel long. Could've used something to liven things up. I vote humour.
And that's it. I'm hoping I did a decent job with this review. It's a very tame book that's good for when you wanna have a relaxing day, rather than if you're looking for something exciting. I'd still recommend reading it though, and while I'm not particularly eager about the future of the series, I'd definitely like to give some of the author's other books a shot. Maybe when I've made some headway with my "currently reading" list.
zaza_bdp's review
3.0
Avec ce deuxième tome de la série Frozen Hearts on retrouve la beauté sauvage et immense de l'Alaska, aux côtés du régional de l'étape, Toby, et de Reuben, le citadin accro au boulot.
Comme dans le tome 1, on part en voyage organisé au fin fond de l'Alaska, et cette fois-ci, pas de minibus, mais plutôt un avion, enfin ... selon Reuben, cela tient plus d'un coucou qu'autre chose ... Rien ne va se passer comme prévu, et les deux hommes vont assez vite se retrouver dans une situation assez dramatique, qui posera les bases du reste du roman, et les conduira à passer beaucoup de temps ensemble.
Si j'ai bien plutôt bien aimé Reuben, j'ai eu plus de mal avec Toby, qui a fini par m'agacer, même si je peux comprendre ses réticences. Et du coup, je trouve la fin bâclée, alors qu'il y a un épilogue ... La romance en elle-même n'est pas transcendante, on sait que leur relation progresse, mais nous n'y assistons pas vraiment, et je trouve cela un peu dommage.
Pour finir sur une note plus positive, j'ai apprécié les relations entre les personnages, notamment celles entre Amelia et les autres.
Comme dans le tome 1, on part en voyage organisé au fin fond de l'Alaska, et cette fois-ci, pas de minibus, mais plutôt un avion, enfin ... selon Reuben, cela tient plus d'un coucou qu'autre chose ... Rien ne va se passer comme prévu, et les deux hommes vont assez vite se retrouver dans une situation assez dramatique, qui posera les bases du reste du roman, et les conduira à passer beaucoup de temps ensemble.
Si j'ai bien plutôt bien aimé Reuben, j'ai eu plus de mal avec Toby, qui a fini par m'agacer, même si je peux comprendre ses réticences. Et du coup, je trouve la fin bâclée, alors qu'il y a un épilogue ... La romance en elle-même n'est pas transcendante, on sait que leur relation progresse, mais nous n'y assistons pas vraiment, et je trouve cela un peu dommage.
Pour finir sur une note plus positive, j'ai apprécié les relations entre les personnages, notamment celles entre Amelia et les autres.
vkelt's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
camill3's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pretty similar to the first book but i liked that the author included more about Toby's culture & heritage.
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review against another edition
4.0
As a tourist guide and a pilot, Toby has taken many travelers throughout Alaska, but it is not until he takes Reuben, a man traveling alone that things don't go as smoothly as they should. Although he fights his attraction to Reuben an unfortunate landing has them both relying on each other. But will the high powered attorney go back to NJ and forget about the friendship he made? Or will the two reconnect and hopefully have a future? With a storyline that I could not put down and characters you cannot help but fall in love with once again Annabeth Albert does not disappoint. Love this series and cannot wait for more.
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars.
A great addition to the series. I love the setting of these books.
A great addition to the series. I love the setting of these books.
kady_cordova's review against another edition
4.0
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
An interesting journey to discovering yourself and a new love you never thought you’d have!
Annabeth’s writing is incredible. Diverse, dynamic and entertaining. I enjoyed the adventure with Tody and Reuben. What starts as a surprising solo vacation turns into a summer full of discovering, connection and healing.
Both Reuben and Tody are great characters, each with their own issues and opinions. When Reuben is forced to take a previously organized group vacation solo he hopes to just get it over with and have plenty of downtime to stay on top of work and his cases. Little does he expect the charming, young, charismatic Tody to be his tour guide. As they set off on the exclusive tour, Toby tries he best to get Reuben to appreciate where he is and tries to get him off his phone and be present. As they form a friendship and flirtation, Reuben starts to disconnect from work and explore the idyllic scenery around him. Their tour continues and tragedy strikes forcing both Reuben and Toby to face a new reality and turns Reuben’s life onto a path of self-discovery and growth. He decides to take a leave of absence from work to help Toby heal and reconnect with his daughter Amelia. As they all spend more time together, bonds are formed and a new family is created. Reuben and Toby develop strong feelings for each other and with pride, ego and Toby’s family getting in the way their journey together is not easy!
I found Toby and Reuben’s connection organic and enjoyed their constant back and forth, I didn’t like how they couldn’t admit to their feelings but there has to be some angst so I get it. Other things I didn’t really like was Toby’s father and sister Nell’s instant judgment and dislike of Reuben, which seemed to be solely based on his age and bank balance. I got frustrated at Toby’s father’s pride and “a man handles his own shit” mentality and was saddened at how much this affected Toby. I wished these issues with Nell and Toby’s dad could have been explored more and discussed to find a resolution rather than, “oh, you’re happy, then okay” kind of switch later in the book. My other comment is that Reuben didn’t really express his past out load. There was a lot of talk that he started with nothing and worked damn hard to get where he is. I thought this being discussed could have softened Toby, Nell and Tony’s dad to Reuben a bit more and see what a good and generous person he was.
Either way, this was a great story of self-discovery and a once in a lifetime chance at a new life and a love both these characters deserved. I love Annabeth’s writing and look forward to Book 3 up next!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
An interesting journey to discovering yourself and a new love you never thought you’d have!
Annabeth’s writing is incredible. Diverse, dynamic and entertaining. I enjoyed the adventure with Tody and Reuben. What starts as a surprising solo vacation turns into a summer full of discovering, connection and healing.
Both Reuben and Tody are great characters, each with their own issues and opinions. When Reuben is forced to take a previously organized group vacation solo he hopes to just get it over with and have plenty of downtime to stay on top of work and his cases. Little does he expect the charming, young, charismatic Tody to be his tour guide. As they set off on the exclusive tour, Toby tries he best to get Reuben to appreciate where he is and tries to get him off his phone and be present. As they form a friendship and flirtation, Reuben starts to disconnect from work and explore the idyllic scenery around him. Their tour continues and tragedy strikes forcing both Reuben and Toby to face a new reality and turns Reuben’s life onto a path of self-discovery and growth. He decides to take a leave of absence from work to help Toby heal and reconnect with his daughter Amelia. As they all spend more time together, bonds are formed and a new family is created. Reuben and Toby develop strong feelings for each other and with pride, ego and Toby’s family getting in the way their journey together is not easy!
I found Toby and Reuben’s connection organic and enjoyed their constant back and forth, I didn’t like how they couldn’t admit to their feelings but there has to be some angst so I get it. Other things I didn’t really like was Toby’s father and sister Nell’s instant judgment and dislike of Reuben, which seemed to be solely based on his age and bank balance. I got frustrated at Toby’s father’s pride and “a man handles his own shit” mentality and was saddened at how much this affected Toby. I wished these issues with Nell and Toby’s dad could have been explored more and discussed to find a resolution rather than, “oh, you’re happy, then okay” kind of switch later in the book. My other comment is that Reuben didn’t really express his past out load. There was a lot of talk that he started with nothing and worked damn hard to get where he is. I thought this being discussed could have softened Toby, Nell and Tony’s dad to Reuben a bit more and see what a good and generous person he was.
Either way, this was a great story of self-discovery and a once in a lifetime chance at a new life and a love both these characters deserved. I love Annabeth’s writing and look forward to Book 3 up next!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚