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. “Whether making my heart melt or my head burst into flames, Annabeth Albert draws the reader in and keeps them captivated.” –Gay Book Reviews Ex-military mountain man Griffin Barrett likes his solitude. It keeps him from falling back into … 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.
Frozen Hearts
Book 1: Arctic Sun
Book 2: Arctic Wild
Book 3: Arctic Heat
Also by Annabeth Albert:
Shore Leave
Book 1: Sailor Proof
Book 2: Sink or Swim
Out of Uniform
Book 1: Off Base
Book 2: At Attention
Book 3: On Point
Book 4: Wheels Up
Book 5: Squared Away
Book 6: Tight Quarters
Book 7: Rough Terrain
more
I would rate this 4.5 stars
Griffin Barrett is ex-military and a recovering alcoholic mourning the loss of his best friend and a series of bad decisions. Griff’s dream is to have his own little cabin in the middle of nowhere. The only thing keeping him from being a lone mountain man is helping with his family’s wilderness adventures business. When his uncle’s surgery means he has to be the tour guide for a group booked for photography, he is way out of his comfort zone having to deal with the customers on a 10 day trip. His mother and uncle seem determined to use this as an excuse to meddle: make Griff be more social, more involved in the family business, and more involved in life in general. But Griff is using the isolation and routine to help manage his demons.
One of said customers is River Vale, a former supermodel and now travel writer. Known as a foodie and “professional nomad,” he doesn’t have or want a home. Or is that true? It seems he’s been on the run from one place to another since his mother died. It becomes clear right away he has an eating disorder but he’s not quite the pampered, spoiled model Griff was expecting. Griff’s antisocial behavor intrigues River, who is used to everyone liking him and doesn’t know what to make of Griff’s attitude. The author does a good job of setting up a dynamic where both of them are off balance during their interactions.
There is an instant opposites attract dynamic. It soon becomes apparent they both have enough baggage for an airport, and more in common than either would have thought. The seduction of a reluctant Griff is strangely fun to witness. River is enticing. What is supposed to be a casual fling gets complicated. The love scenes are meant to further the characters’ intimacy and it’s great to see that they match the personality of the characters–the scenes are about them, not just to tantalize the reader. Yes, they are still hot.
Unused to letting people know him, Griff gets attached to the one man he has finally let in. River starts to get attached to the one man who seems to actually take care of him. It’s easier to be the best you, when you are in an environment you can control. The best part of the book comes when Griff visits River in Vancouver and meets his friends; it really highlights all of the challenges they will face if they are going to be a couple. I still would have liked to see more interactions with both families and friends (even flashbacks), which would have added more depth.
One of things that often frustrates me in books is where a miscommunication about something not that important is the plot device that keeps the MCs apart just a little longer. This book is a perfect example of how to use the fear everyone has that if someone really gets to know you, warts and all, they won’t like you. The author gets into the psychology of the characters to show their vulnerabilities and coping mechanisms. But what helps these characters in survival mode, often doesn’t benefit them the rest of the time. There is no overnight fix, just the slow working out of things over time and actually talking about the difficult things. In the end, they are sweet building their life together and planning for new adventures.
Finally Finished! I almost took two years, but I finally finished. Putting it down, going back, hoping that I was just in the wrong headspace for this book, I finally had to accept I just did not like these two guys together. I don’t mind angst, but these guys had so much baggage (on top of not getting along in the beginning because of they’re completely opposite personalities), I honestly felt they were forcing a relationship.
They had decent chemistry during their fling and had moments of true rapport, but when the inevitable bumps come after a seemingly loooong journey to not hating each other, they do more than show how much each man needs to work on himself, it honestly makes me think they might be better apart. Particularly as the story does that thing where it’s clear the author either has a favorite character and/or believe one person in the argument was in the wrong but the text says something different. I mean I made it to 85% when I hit my limit and thought Grumpy Griffin could do better than River; he was just so bratty both when they were BOTH melting down and when Griffin came to apologize, I had to walk away…for 2yrs.
I mean, Albert always brings complex, real characters, just this time I felt like these two just didn’t fit. But for those who love a lot of angst, heavy emotional trauma and opposites attracting, this may be more your jam.
With incredibly difficult pasts individually it’s no wonder that together they had trouble. River and Griff had chemistry, that’s for sure, and when they finally acted on it there was all kinds of steam and promise. It didn’t stay promising, however, when insecurities and frustrations were tested by pressure and weakness.
I struggled with this story, but was also very moved. The topics were so difficult to tackle and I appreciated the way Annabeth wrote about them. Eating disorders and sobriety are tricky because the responses, triggers, and causes vary from person to person and can even vary throughout the day for some. What I appreciated most was that the necessary recovery and plans for dealing with it in the future were up to each individual and they didn’t end up in a codependent mess trying to save one another from bad decisions. It took a very hurtful day together to see that things couldn’t continue as they were. Only after they got themselves, mostly River, back on track with healthy habits and support did they make their way back to one another.
This story was tough to get through as it wasn’t what I expected, it was better, but it had to hurt for it to be truly appreciated. Griff and River worked it out after hard work, painful adjustments, and a whole lot of honesty. A rocky beginning, a devastating middle, and a triumphant ending marked this story and I am so on board for it and the rest of the series.
Book three in this series comes out today, so why not go back to the beginning and read them all? Albert has a gift when it comes to telling stories of love featuring flawed heroes who are irresistible! Highly recommend this series, as well as her other works.
I took my time reading this book because it needed my full attention each time I picked it up. Griffin and River both hot rock bottom and were working their way back to the top when they met on an Alaskan adventure. Griffin and his structured life didn’t see how the nomad River could ever fit into the Alaskan wilderness with him. But with a lot of work and deduction, Griffin and River got their happily ever after. Gorgeous story with a picture perfect setting.
I’m really enjoying this new series!
This book had so many emotions packed into it! I loved it. Such real life issues & characters.
An Alaskan book to read on a hot summer day!
Griff and River’s story is one filled with so much anxiety and uncertainty, within a travel adventure! River books an Alaska wildlife photography tour, and Griff is the tour guide and photography expert. Sparks fly from the very first meeting, but both men are slow to make a move. River can see having fun with Griff, but Griff is surprised he is even attracted to River. They come from polar opposite worlds. Griff lives for the serene and quiet of Alaska, running tours and cargo planes for the family business. River, a former model now travel writer, lives for the hustle and bustle of city and travel adventures. He is always on the go, not one to stay in any particular place for any extended length of time.
Both men have their own issues to deal with. Once they gave into their attraction, certain aspects of River’s life was a trigger for Griff, and vice-versa. Learning how to mitigate the triggers and their respective actions, gave them some solid footing to build upon. It was a very bumpy ride to say the least!
I really liked both characters and could easily see how well they actually complimented the other. I was hoping they found a way over the hurdles and would get their HEA I craved. I was not disappointed! Good start to the series!
I voluntarily reviewed a gifted book from the publisher through NetGalley. The rating and review are my opinion.
I think this was a nice enough read, I am gonna be honest though and say that wasn’t completely blown away. Its the first book in a new series though, so I hope that the stories will keep getting better and better… It did make me want to take a nice long vacation to Alaska 😉
Both of the MC’s struggle with some serious issues, which sets a bit of a serious tone right from the beginning.
Griffin is a bit of a lone wolf, but when his uncle needs his help he feels like he has to step up…which he does. Griffin is a military veteran and a (recovering) alcoholic. He is struggling his way through life. Staying put…is one of his ways of coping.
River is a former model still recovering from, and dealing with a very serious eating disorder. He deals with his issues in the exact opposite way…by moving from one place to another.
Now I have got to be honest here… I love a good slow burn, but this story was just a bit too slow for my tastes. There were even times I felt a tad bored. My mind started wandering off and that is never a good thing.
That said…I did feel these two were good for each other. There was a certain sweetness about them. You know who didn’t have any sweetness… Griffin’s mom, I didn’t care for her at all.
All in all this was a nice read and I am curious about the next book in this series.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I freely give my honest review.*
A wonderful, emotional romance about two people struggling with their demons and falling for each other. Can you truly love another person if you can’t love yourself?
Griff and River has sizzling chemistry, and Albert has a way of writing that pulls me in to the story so I’m on this journey with them from the beginning.
There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Dialogues are plenty and deeply emotional at times, I feel so much connection with the characters because I’m at war with my own demons.
This is not only a romance but also a soul searching story and at times I cry for the characters and their fights to live a good life.
Now it sounds like it’s all sadness in this book but it’s not, it’s also great adventures, love growing and passionate scenes that’s tastefully described when still hot as h…..
The storyline is built up nicely to a HEA.
5 stars for a mm romance that will be remembered.
This book has a great sense of place, the first half when they are on the Arctic tour is excellent and really sweet. But the boys both have issues and in the hands of a different author may have ended in a destructive co-dependant relationship. But Annabeth Albert doesn’t shy away from complicated issues and situations. Because of this the second half of the book is much harder to read and I found myself getting frustrated, especially with River. But arguably River’s issues were more deeply rooted and buried.
A lovely read. Highly recommended. And I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Delightful slow-burn romance that will touch your heart! Both MC’s have challenges and have created coping mechanisms that tend to isolate them from real emotional connections. I really found both men likable and their flaws made the story that much more compelling for me. The growth that both men experienced in communicating and learning to trust themselves and each other was good for my heart. The story took its time and their was a beautiful flow to their story. There was some angst, but these guys are a work in progress and all journeys have bumps.
River and Griffin have a connection that scared them and yet attracted them at the same time. Griffin has isolated himself and become and become almost anti-social to ensure that he stays sober. Where River has real challenges with real intimacy and a intense focus on living in the moment. Both men need each other and they really balance each other out. I was so rooting for them to find their HEA!!
The writing flowed and the story-line had me hooked and i read this book in one sitting. i absolutely loved the last chapter!! This is the first book in the series and i am looking forward to the next book!
There are triggers in this story with an alcoholism and an eating disorder. Therapy and AA are also part of these guys journey.
I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 4
A beautifully and emotional adventure!
I love Annabeth’s writing and this one is exceptional. A fun-loving premise with a deep undertone of real-life issues and struggles. River and Griff are such deep and dynamic characters, I felt for both of them!! Griff struggle with his sobriety and River fights his eating disorder. Annabeth took such care with these issues and characters while keeping them so very real. If these are issues you struggle with, be warned as Annabeth’s writing is emotionally real that it could be confronting. I was moved by the reality found in these characters and their issues and she didn’t shy away from the real world environments these issues can stem from and ‘thrive’ in. The complex dynamics of River’s eating disorder are confronting at times but injected with so much emotion and truth; it is hard to ask or seek help sometimes.
This is a story of healing and dealing with your issues. They will never go away but they can be managed with the right love and supports. I liked that this story felt more real and true. It’s not a fluffy, ride off into the sunset story. It’s a real-life struggle to heal, address and manage your issues every day while trying to live your life. If you’re lucky enough to find your person along the way then you have something else to fight for. River and Griff are lucky to have found each other and I loved the very real journey to healing and happiness!! Another fantastic story from Annabeth!!
Thanks for reading!
This is the first book in the Frozen Hearts series. It is a MM contemporary adventure romance set in Alaska. This story deals with some difficult issues and does it in a wonderful way. The main characters are opposites, yet from meeting they are attracted to one another. Mix in the problems they both have and you get a very interesting adventure. I want to go to Alaska, so having the author paint such a lovely picture of it was just a plus for me. The characters are developed and the pace of the story is fabulous. Great start to a new series.
I really enjoyed this. Griff and River were great characters, complex and engaging. They’re both dealing with their own demons and as love will do, it came at a moment when neither were looking for it nor did they think they were capable of coping with it. Theirs was journey with ups and downs but so worth the effort. All in all a very enjoyable read and a great series opener. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
Oh, my goodness. This is the first of Annabeth Albert’s books I’ve ever read, but it surely will not be the last. It’s an angst-filled, beautifully written story that examines the recovery process in each man as they struggle with their demons. Finding the strength to withstand the yearnings doesn’t mean the healing process is done, and there is no magic cure; we see River and Griffin struggle with feelings of guilt and unworthiness. I love the message that theirs isn’t, and doesn’t have to be, a perfect love – they just need the grace to be imperfect together. I was stunned at the beauty and realism of Annabeth’s writing, and became so involved in Griffin and River that I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the HEA. I was so fortunate to receive an advance copy of this lovely book in return for my honest review.
Griffin Barret has found a good place in his life, or at least one where he can live peacefully after a tour of duty that has him losing his best friend and life long crush which leads to some serious problems with alcoholism. He’s sober on and resigned to a life of near solitude with his family. He’s not looking for anyone to share his life.
River is a former model. He’s made a new life and career for himself through travel, photography and writing. He still struggles with an eating disorder and his family life isn’t all that great, or at least he doesn’t think so. When he meets Griffin on his Alaska tour, he decides to coax Griffin into his bed, although Griffin isn’t really looking for any one or any action of the sexual kind. But River doesn’t let Griffin retreat into himself, and they begin a sexual relationship during their ten day tour of Alaska’s wilderness.
When I saw this new series from Annabeth Albert, I was really excited to see that it was located in Alaska. Having been there years ago, it’s the perfect place for a romance, with lots of opportunities with conflicts with the elements. Sadly, this story did not capitilize on any of this. Artic Sun is a very quiet, low drama sort of romance that starts with physical attraction and then over the course of conversation, Griff and River do find some common ground that helps to make them both think they don’t want it to end after ten days.
After the tour of Alaska is over, the guys struggle with getting back together. I almost felt sorry for Griff at this point — River has come along and disrupted his life, making him want thing that he may not be able to have. It gets even worse when Griffin goes to Seattle to meet up with River for an absolutely disastrous weekend that really had me feeling for both of these characters.
Overall, while I liked these two characters, and I absolutely loved how their individual situations were explained, especially River’s eating disorder, I really wanted a little more in this story to help me understand why these two guys really wanted to be together for more than just a brief fling. They had so many obstacles to overcome, especially distance and understanding. Even though they had an HEA, I found myself questioning how long they would last because I just didn’t feel that spark between them outside of the bedroom. I was a bit underwhelmed with Griff and River.
An ARC was provided for review.
This was an amazing start to a new series! Alaska is one of my bucket list destinations, so I was excited to see that Annabeth Albert would be basing her new series there, making this a must-read for me. I really enjoyed River and Griffin’s story. Both characters really pulled at my heart strings and you could really feel their individual pain as they each battled their own demons and self-doubt. Griffin’s struggles of finding himself, and allowing himself to be happy was emotional. I found myself reaching for a tissue and crossing my fingers for them. They both made me want to pass out some hugs at points throughout their story. I appreciated that River didn’t always follow the supermodel stereotype, and the same went for Griffin as the typical “mountain man”. All around their story had it all: chemistry, romance, fun and a splash of angst. Their on page chemistry was palpable and their sexy times were super hot. I definitely recommend this book, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
For lovers of the Opposites Attract Trope this will quench your thirst for something new. Annabeth Albert delivers not only interesting characters with complicated backgrounds but also a stunning take on Alaska itself so much so I felt as if I was on the tour with them seeing everything as vividly as they were.
This book does move at a much slower pace then I am use to with Annabeth Albert’s books but honestly I felt the need for that, we needed to get to know both Griffin and River better to understand their struggles. Griffin is a recovering alcoholic, a loner, and a survivor. River is recovering from an eating disorder but covers it so well most wouldn’t notice if they weren’t watching…but Griffin was always watching, he is full of life and while he doesn’t need to be the center of attention he definitely doesn’t have a problem with spending time with others.
When River and Griffin meet there is an attraction but Griffin is totally against it, even though River is constantly hitting on him. At times I was thinking will this guy get the hint and let Griffin be, I did understand why he kept pursuing him, it just seemed like it was too much at times. This story deals with difficult topics which can be a hard for some to read about but I think Ms. Albert did a wonderful job staying true to the characters struggles with their addictions and disorders. She didn’t make light of the true struggles that one would have with coping with such things and I am grateful for that.
Arctic Sun is the first book in the Frozen Heart Series which for me is off to a great start. I recommend this book to lovers of MM Romance and those that enjoy the opposites attract trope. Happy Reading!!!
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blogspot.com/