From the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Thoughtless series comes a sweet, thoughtful romance set high in the Alaskan wilderness.Mallory Reynolds is a driven woman fueled by her passion for photographing wild animals in remote locations. Every year she makes a trek deep into Alaska, but this time the unthinkable happens: she crash-lands after her plane stalls out in a storm. … stalls out in a storm. Injured, vulnerable, and threatened by the very creatures she loves, Mallory fears the worst—until she’s rescued by Michael Bradley, a mysterious mountain man living in self-imposed exile.
Mallory is grateful for Michael’s help but desperate to return home to let her family know she’s alive. Unfortunately, neither of them can leave Michael’s secluded cabin until spring. Mallory’s stuck with a stranger for months.
As Mallory recovers, a deep bond begins to form between the pair. Mallory is convinced that fate brought them together, but Michael is buried in his past, unable to move forward. Undaunted, Mallory tends to Michael’s heart as tenderly as he cared for her wounds—but will her love be enough to heal him?
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The synopsis really got to me so I was interested to read it. It was an alright-okay read. I thought I would have liked it more than I did. There were some parts that I was not feeling and others I wished she would have gone more in depth to. The survivalist romance was intriguing, two people who are stuck together for an indefinite period of time. Seeing the bond developing and the relationship forming between Mallory and Michael was fascinating. They were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to things so I was interested to see how it would play out. However as I was reading I wanted a little more. I just felt like something was missing. It didn’t completely ruin the story but I wasn’t feeling it as much as I thought I would. The writing was good and the characters were okay. Overall, a satisfactory story.
Under the Northern Lights by S. C. Stephens is the story of Michael Bradley and Mallory Reynolds.
Michael has left behind the civilized world to live in a cabin in the secluded wilds of Alaska about 5 years ago. Mallory is a wildlife photographer who leaves her home in Idaho to spend a few weeks each year camping and taking pictures of the wild life in its natural life, she even flies her own plane. But on this trip she ends in a plane crash where she does survive but has of course injuries. Michael finds the Mallory and slowly helps her back to the cabin. Since Michael has chosen to cut himself off from the world, he has no way to contact anyone. So Mallory won’t be recused right away, which leads them to slowly start to learn about the other.
This was a really good easy read I thought.
A photographer. The Alaskan wilderness. A plane crash. A life and death rescue by a mysterious man. Do I have your attention yet? I was practically foaming at the mouth to read this book because it had so many elements that really appeal to me (thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC!)
I LOVED Mallory. She’s this independent, self assured heroine who knows what she wants and goes after it. Then there’s Michael, the strong but quiet type who’s shouldering enough emotional baggage and sadness for 100 people! My heart bled for him. Their journey for survival was completely engrossing but the slow burn love affair or “winter romance” as Mallory called it was what made the book for me. Surprising to me was how much faith played into the storyline as a central theme and how well it fit. I wouldn’t call myself a religious person by any means but Mallory and Michael’s discussion of faith and good and evil in the world was quite pivotal to their story.
I really enjoyed the book overall. I only wish I could have formed a quicker and stronger emotional attachment to Michael like I did Mallory. He is so closed off by his pain the pace at which we learned his background was very measured and slow. Recommended for those who love a slow burn romance!
The premise, cover, and author is what made me pick up this book. I was ready for something different by SC Stephens. The beginning was really packed with action then majority of the book it was slow for me in the content that nothing super dramatic happened. I guess I wanted a lot more. I’m glad the ending ended the way it did though. To me, this was just okay. If you’re a fan of survival books where there’s pretty much only 2 characters in the book, then try it out.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I loved this story!
Intense, suspenseful and passionate, for me this was an intriguing journey of love, and self discovery.
Well written with well developed and realistic characters, the story starts out slowly as the author meticulously detailed the scenes and what was unfolding.
Wildlife photographer Mallory encounters a horrible situation during her annual journey to Alaska. As she encounters all kinds of life/death threats, she encounters Michael who saves her and offers her help.
What develops is a passionate slow burn story that albeit predictable is well written and thought provoking.
A lot of readers have complained about the religious aspects of the story and while everyone is entitled to their opinion I have to say I didn’t interpret it that way. There was nothing preachy or fanatic religious devotion. It was Mallory resorting to faith in an attempt to be saved.
What would you do in said situation?
Michael was a savior, a godsend and a miracle given the conditions she was facing, and I totally get that.
Do you believe in miracles?
What happens between them was somewhat predictable but so worth the read as Michael was an enigma and I really if they could really have an HEA.
Why the 4 stars, I felt the way their story ended could have used a prologue.
This book was beyond amazing. It was just what I needed to read when looking for something slightly different. Mallory and Michael are fabulous. Their journey together is one you need to read. This is an adventure worth taking that you will feel for sometime. A box of tissues may be needed by the end of this beautiful journey of watching the changes in both Michael and Mallory. I really couldn’t put this one down. Learn how two souls come together while facing the elements and the dangers that can lurk when you pick up this one. This is a need to read book especially for all you outdoor lovers out there.
I am over the moon for Under the Northern Lights. Not having read a book by SC Stephens in a few years, I was excited to see how her writing has grown. And believe me it has, in the very best way. Stephens gives us a slow burn kind of romance with this latest gem of hers that gripped me from the start. It’s a beautiful story of the unexpected path that Mallory Reynolds is thrust onto as her plane goes down in a very remote area of Alaska and how being saved by one Michael Bradley might just be the most wonderful silver lining she could have ever imagined.
With the backdrop of the very stark yet very enticing Alaska wilderness, Stephens painstakingly describes the new normal that Mallory must get used to as she is most definitely stranded with her bearded savior as her guide. The way Michael tends to her injuries and makes her as comfortable as he can without any modern conveniences had me completely enraptured. His skills from his former life, the one he so determinedly left behind 5 years prior, are now what keeps both he and his new roommate alive. And I was in awe, much like Mallory was, at just how comfortable he was at being alone with no one to talk to and at being so skilled in keeping himself well-fed and safe from the many predators that occupied his woods. In fact, the way Stephens repeatedly describes just how dangerous this part of the world was, had my own blood pumping as they both encounter more than a few wild intruders.
But their rhythm that came with this new normal, knowing that any chance for Mallory to find her way back home to Idaho wouldn’t be for more than a few months, seemed to click with an ease neither thought possible. And I really enjoyed that part of the story. Mallory is no shrinking violet and as a licensed airplane pilot, I expected that once she was mostly healed, she could help with the daily, and very challenging chores since she was a very independent woman. And she proved me right! Watching as Michael starts to relinquish part of this domain was all kinds of sweet. I truly loved that they found a way to stay out of each other’s way while also being a team each would soon come to cherish.
There is a myriad of emotions that flow through this book as Mallory and Michael start to feel more for the other, not really knowing how they could have any future together as their worlds are so far apart. But maybe it’s the magic of those northern lights or perhaps it’s the faith Mallory has in her Creator, but their feelings for the other cannot be denied. And it’s a slippery slope for Michael, in particular, as his past rears its ugly head more than once to put the brakes on anything more than just a fleeting, yet very memorable kiss. But…OH MY GOODNESS. The sexual tension is beyond POWERFUL and as the pages started to fly by and the book was nearing its end, I was still hopeful that they could make some sort of bargain. Some sort of decision that they’d be better off together than apart. I was right there along with Mallory as her hopes for more would be tested time and again as she and Michael’s ‘adventure’ was coming to a close. I, too, couldn’t bare the thought of them never seeing each other again. I was a teary-eyed mess at the sheer pain and frustration that seemed to follow them around whenever a break-through from honesty and pure want was achieved. A fleeting touch. A stolen glance. These two burned for the other in a way that took them both by surprise. And yet, in the end, no matter what might eventually happen or not happen, Mallory saved Michael just as much as he saved her that cold winter day all those months ago. And I think he knew that even when he couldn’t fathom ever letting another woman into his heart. Saving each other was not in the plan but it became the very essence of this remarkable story.
Without giving any more away, I will say that I am very satisfied with the ending. Would have I loved an epilogue? Absolutely! But I am also hopeful the Author might give us just a bit more of this story in the future. It’s a well-written journey of hope, determination, trust, faith and the pure power of love. Under the Northern Lights is everything I look for in a touching romance and I simply loved it from beginning to end.
5 solid stars!
3.5 Stars
Under the Northern Lights starts off with a bang and will keep you captivated from the very first page. Under the Northern Lights follows the story of Mallory and Michael. Mallory’s passion in life is her photography. She loves seeing nature and animals in their natural habitat. Every year she journeys deep into Alaska. Everything has always gone to plan until this last trip. The unexpected happens and causes her plane to crash. Mallory suddenly finds herself injured, alone and vulnerable to the Alaskan wilderness. Just as Mallory’s worst fears come to light, Michael enters the picture. This mysterious mountain man saves her life and gives her shelter until it’s safe for Mallory to return home. Mallory and Michael are stuck together and have to make the most of their situation. Fate put these Mallory and Michael together and soon an unforgettable bond forms. When Spring comes, will Mallory be able to return to the life she once knew or will she throw it all away for the mysterious mountain man, Michael??? There’s only one way to find out….
Under the Northern Lights is an extremely well written tale of survival and hope. From the moment I met Mallory, I was hooked. Her story gripped me instantly. I felt like I was experiencing her pain and despair right along with her. I was on pins and needles, wondering how her story was going to play out. It was exciting and intense and definitely had me burning through the pages. Michael was also a very intriguing character. I wanted to know why he lived in isolation? Why did he choose to stay in Alaska? How did he learn to survive all on his own? He was complicated and guarded and I for one couldn’t wait to see his walls crumble.
I loved the slow burn and friendship between Mallory and Michael. I loved the feeling of hope despite the intense circumstances. I loved the sense of survival and seeing what you can accomplish when you really put your mind to it. My only complaint was that I felt like the ending of the story was a bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen more from Mallory’s return home and how she was adjusting to life back in civilization. I would have also enjoyed getting Michael’s point of view during the time that they were separated. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled with the way things turned out, I just wanted a little more from the last few chapters of the book.
Overall, Under the Northern Lights was an enjoyable read.
UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS by S.C. Stephens is a sweet contemporary romance set in the Alaskan wilderness. This romance is a very slow burn with a reclusive hero who rescues a heroine trapped and injured in the wilderness by her small plane crash. (Depending on your personal preferences, I believe it should be disclosed that this story has dialogue about Christian faith and values.)
Mallory Reynolds has a passion for photography. She especially loves a remote location in the Alaskan wilderness. Every year she takes off from her small home town in Idaho to spend two weeks camping and photographing the wild Alaskan animals. Even with all of her careful planning and checks, her plane stalls out and then crashes on the way to her camp site in a storm.
Surviving the crash with multiple injuries, Mallory must find a way to gather the supplies that are still useful to protect her from the elements. As she rests, the very animals she loves to photograph threaten her life. She is saved at the very last minute by a mysterious mountain man.
Michael Bradley has lived a solitary life in the Alaskan wilderness for the last five years. When he investigates the plane crash site, he is surprised to find Mallory has survived. He helps Mallory to his secluded cabin, but he has no way to communicate with the outside world until spring.
As Mallory heals, the two learn to help each other with the difficult task of surviving in the wilderness and continue to grow closer. Mallory opens her heart to Michael, but he is still unable or unwilling to move on. Can Mallory’s love and prayers be enough to help Michael heal by the time they are set to separate in the spring?
I found the author’s writing continually made me feel the edge-of-the-knife balance between survival and one small mistake being the disaster that could kill you. The description of their everyday life was very interesting to this modern city girl. For a large portion of the story the romance is one-sided. Mallory works to find the reason for Michael’s preferred isolation and then hopes to find a way to heal him. This romance emphasizes the growing trust and feelings of love between the two with no sex until almost the last chapter.
I loved the adventure and suspense in the wilderness. I was not expecting the several religious passages. I loved that these two found each other, but it took longer than I was hoping for. This is definitely one of those books that everyone will have to make up their own minds about.
4.5-4.75 STARS
For years, I have been a huge S.C. Stephens fan, having first fallen in love with her angst-filled romance series, Thoughtless. Intrigued by the premise of her latest book, “Under the Northern Lights,” I wasn’t sure what to expect, as it seemed a far cry from the type of books she’s previously written. And while that is most certainly true, it is also true that “Under the Northern Lights” is proof-positive that S.C. Stephens is truly a talented storyteller.
When the plane she’s piloting crashes in a remote area of Alaska, wildlife photographer, Mallory Reynolds, quickly goes into survival mode. But Mallory is ill-equipped to survive the harsh realities that face her—including the wild creatures that inhabit the area. Just when Mallory is about to fall prey, she is rescued by a mysterious recluse named Michael Bradley. Unfortunately, while Mallory takes refuge in Michael’s cabin, she is stranded there till spring, which is still several months away.
Disillusioned by humanity, Michael lives a life of self-imposed exile. Even with the daily dangers that living such an existence poses, Michael prefers to be left to his solitude. Still, he can’t help be drawn to Mallory, despite all the reasons he must keep his distance. With faith and determination on her side, Mallory slowly chips away at Michael’s walls. Over time, feelings grow and a pseudo-relationship develops. But as spring approaches, so does the looming reality that their time together is coming to an end.
Boasting a unique and intriguing premise with likeable, multi-dimensional characters, “Under the Northern Lights” is a perfect combination of suspense, desire, and heart. Right from the get go, I was drawn into Michael and Mallory’s uncertain world, and savored every moment of their arduous journey. And as their budding romance blossomed, my heart ached for the outcome that seemed doomed from the start. Still, I held out hope that Michael would finally grab ahold of the HEA that was well within his reach.
On another note, I feel I must address the critical comments pertaining to the religious component that underscores this book. While I understand how this might make readers feel a bit uncomfortable, it is not a prevailing theme that detracts from the story as a whole. Nor, is it preachy. It is simply one aspect of Mallory’s character, much like any other trait that a character in a book might possess. But more importantly, it showcases how Mallory’s world view is so drastically different from that of Michael’s—a man who has lost everything—including his faith in God and humanity.
“Live each day expecting the worst possible thing to happen, and you just might get to see the next day.”
Mallory Reynolds is a wildlife photographer and every year flies to remote Alaska and stays a few weeks in the wilds – just her and her trusty Nikon.
But this year happens differently. A storm appears suddenly, her plane stalls, and her plane crashes. Somehow she miraculously survives but she’s injured and lost most of her supplies in the crash.
That’s when recluse Michael Bradley finds her, takes care of her wounds, and gets her back to his cabin. And, because his plane is broken down until he receives a spare part, Mallory is stranded with this strange man.
I love stories about Alaska, especially winter tales, and this fit the bill. There is a slow-build (very slow) romance between the two. And there is another dilemma – Mallory wants to get home to let her family know she’s alive and there are reasons that Michael doesn’t want to move back to civilization.
I liked this story. I liked the main characters, the backdrop of frozen Alaska, the details of surviving in a frozen, remote area, and the romance.
I received this book from Montlake Romance (Amazon Publishing) through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
I really enjoy this author’s books, in fact, I own the Thoughtless series because I enjoyed it so much, so when I saw her new book up for review, I jumped at the chance. As with the Thoughtless series, there are things I loved about this book, and others not so much.
First, the parts I adored! This story has a lot of suspense, angst, heart stopping moments, heartwarming moments, and the fact that two people thrown together under tragic and unusual circumstances was the makings of a darn good book. Your heart goes out to Michael, someone trying to get over a tragedy that is insurmountable and just painful to even imagine, but when Mallory goes down in her plane, the caring doctor doesn’t think twice in caring for her, which is the first step in letting someone back into his empty heart. For those who travel in the skies above, one of the biggest fears is crashing, which is exactly what happens to Mallory. Wasn’t sure my heart was going to make it through when that scene played out, I just couldn’t imagine being placed in that situation, but when the Alaskan man gets to the scene days later and finds life, you can’t help but let that breath out you didn’t realize you were holding. Author did a great job writing that and other survival scenes in detail, you felt like you were right in the middle of it all, pretty incredible. The northern lights scene was probably my favorite overall, well except the ending, definitely Kleenex worthy.
Now for the parts I didn’t so much care for. As with Thoughtless, the thing that drives me nuts is characters who just keep going round and round in what they say and do. In this case it was both Michael and Mallory, if it weren’t Michael continuing to say he couldn’t give in, it was Mallory wanting to leave, then not wanting to leave. I totally get the circumstances, but I think some of the continual back and forth could have been cut out, for me, it would have made the story much more enjoyable with a solid five stars.
Overall, I loved this book. Had a lot of substance to it to keep the reader going, other than the few parts I skipped over because of the continual I can’ts, it was a book that kept me engaged throughout. Well worth the read, and definitely going on my bookshelf along with this authors other books.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
3.5 stars
She crashed into his life and decimated his normal. He saved her life and made her open her eyes. Together they created a new normal and yet it wasn’t enough.
This slow burn second chance romance in the Alaskan wilderness is just what the Doctor ordered. That and a side of chocolate! Apparently, chocolate is scarce in the Alaskan wild. (Something about not encouraging bears or maybe the unnecessary expense.) Any way stock up, you’ll want it, need it, and crave it just as much as Mal does.
Mallory took me on a heart-stopping roller coaster of a journey. As excited as I was to experience her trip in the wilds of Alaska to take nature photos, my world crashed when she did. How would she survive the winter? Would she be found? Then Michael appears, a broken man living an isolated life having lost faith in humanity and rescues her. But who really rescues who in the end? As they face a tough Alaskan winter with all the pitfalls that come from the animals and weather, will a friendship be found? Or will something more spark between them? Truly an amazing story. Just coping with Mallory needing to survive but then Michael is this layered, mysterious man. Why is he alone? How this unfolded was beautiful and natural. There is a slow build to trust and friendship as they learn to work together for survival. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Unfortunately I can only give this book 3/5 stars. I wish that I could give it more but I think I had an expectation in my head that was way above what I actually encountered while reading.
I love SC and her work. I had high expectations for this book knowing all that she is capable of from her past books and I think that’s what kind of ruined the story for me.
The slow burn romance was a bit of a let down. While I love the angst of the slow burns this one fell short and left me wanting more.
The adventurous nature of this book was outside my normal read about I gave it a shot. The descriptions of the landscape and the wild was amazing but other than that it was lacking for me.
I wish I could have given this book more but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
I always get so excited when I see a new book by S. C. Stephens, she is one of my go to authors. After reading the blurb and seeing the cover I knew I had to get my hands on this book.
Mallory is a wildlife photographer who spends a couple of weeks a year in Alaska taking pictures. She has many talents and takes lots of risks. She leads a fascinating life that can be dangerous at times. While on her latest trip to Alaska her plane crashes.
Michael left New York five years ago to live off the land in Alaska. There are things he is running from and doesn’t want to face. Living out in the middle of nowhere is just what he needs. He doesn’t want anyone around and just wants to be alone. When Mallory’s plane crashes by his cabin he is forced to spend time with someone.
This book pulled me in. There were so many things going on that were scary yet exciting.
4 Stars!
Mallory Reynolds is a woman with a lust for life. She lives in a small town in Idaho and works as a photographer. She liked to photograph animals in their natural environment and often traveled to remote landscapes untouched by man. Her job was unpredictable at times and even though she knew it could be dangerous and risky being out in the middle of nowhere alone, she craved the unknown and loved the challenge. Every year she looks forward to her annual trip to the Alaskan wilderness. This year on her way to her location she encounters a storm and her plane stalls and goes down. She barely survives the crash and is hurt and scared. She’s trying to stay optimistic when her savior arrives in the form of a beautiful mountain man named Michael who lives in a cabin near by. He’s a sad, mysterious reclusive man who shows her kindness in her time of need.
Michael Bradley has been content living alone for the last five years. He’d isolated himself and was disconnected from society living in seclusion. He lived a simple life that he thought he was okay with. Then Mallory enters his world and everything slowly begins to change as they create a friendship and strong bonds form. She makes him happy, but he has to keep her at arms length. He can’t let himself get too attached when his heart isn’t available and their situation is temporary.
Mallory goes from wondering how she’s going to survive to adjusting to living in the wilderness. Michael rescued her and she felt safe with him. As their connection grows being with him feels natural. He was such a good man, it was so easy to care about him. As they begin showing affection in small ways, she wants to open her heart to him. She never imagined how much he would mean to her, or how much she’d want him and long for his tender touch. As the temperatures outside dropped, things between them started heating up. Could she spend months with him and resist falling in love? She began to feel like he was made for her and their meeting was fate. She feared after the snow thawed she’d probably never see him again. She’d be leaving to go home, and he would stay. How could this be over when they were only just beginning. She wasn’t ready to go their separate ways and say goodbye. She knew if he’d only give them a chance they could have an amazing life together.
Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens is a slow burn survival, second chance romance with a lot of heart. It’s about healing and taking a chance on love. It’s an emotional winter love story full of sexual tension, and near death experiences involving wolves, bears, and the elements of Alaska. This couple had a pattern of pushing forward and then pulling away, but when they finally came together it was worth the wait. I really loved these characters, and enjoyed getting something completely new and different from S.C. Stephens.
This one was kinda slow for me. There’s just so much description and pages and pages of internal dialogue that I found myself skimming. I felt like it took me forever to get to the end. There are quite a few really good parts, but I was unfortunately getting bored and it was hard to enjoy it like I wanted to.
I am just “Wowed” by this new story written perfectly by S.C. Stephens. I was literally feeling chilled by the winter skies in Alaska. Under the Northern Lights had me captivated from the first few pages. Mal our heroine is set for a new adventure. She loves to visit the wilderness of Alaska and makes a living from it. The most horrifying situation happens. I am gasping and yelling “Oh No” right from the get go. My family thought I was losing it there for a moment lol. But the description the author brings makes you feel like you are right there. Then I felt helpless. I wished I could jump in the book and help Mal.
We are introduced to our damaged hero of the story, Michael. I was hooked on him from the get go. His honesty and pain had me rubbing my chest. He broke my heart for sure. You will fall for Michael and hope for his happiness.
So what happens when you have two broken souls stranded together for the winter? A lot of pent of chemistry and living with simplicity. S.C. Stephens brings it all back when it comes to survival. I was in awe of all the things these two had to endure. There were a few fall backs that had me wondering if they would make it after all.
Under the Northern Lights will chill you to the bone. It is gritty and dark. Yet you are blinded by the light these two will shine through. I could not stop reading this book. MUST READ!!!
There is more than one way to survive. This was a slowburn love story, where they both took turns rescuing each other in harsh, unforgiving Alaskan winter. Out in the middle of nowhere, with wild animals and a plane crash, and no communication from the outside world, there’s so much to do every moment that the romance can’t take center stage. Especially for Michael, who has walls upon walls built up. I mean, he’s out there for a reason. Mallory and he build an undeniable connection that isn’t enough.
I think the second half of this book was super hard to read. She was just empty and heartbroken. Neither of them were really living. This book was unique and interesting, at times had me worried with the stuff they encountered, and has a happy ever after. Plus a cool cover.