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adammm's review against another edition
4.0
Reuben is a high-powered workaholic corporate lawyer who ends up taking a trip to Alaska on his own. Toby is his tour guide/pilot. When a plane crash occurs, they are left to reconsider what they really want from life. Shenanigans ensue.
A few thoughts: first of all, I feel like I've read this before. I know I haven't, but maybe it's because there are a limited number of "takes-place-in-Alaska" plots out there? It's very similar to the first in this series, as well as Up North by Allison Temple, for what it's worth.
Second, and not to be controversial, but I think I understand why I find Annabeth Albert's output so uneven: she is really good at third-person stories but not so good at first-person ones. No shade here - personally, when I write, I tend to have a stronger first-person voice than third. Albert's output of the last few years has been primarily first-person and, I find, not very good. I wonder if she'll switch back to third-person in future books?
Finally, I find it curious that the plane crash is such an integral part of this book and yet it is barely even present. Like, the incident takes all of, what, 10 pages? The incident reverberates throughout the book, but I kind of wish it lasted a bit longer.
Overall, not a bad read. Recommended for fans of hurt/comfort (physical hurt, that is); interesting locations; and family-based plots.
A few thoughts: first of all, I feel like I've read this before. I know I haven't, but maybe it's because there are a limited number of "takes-place-in-Alaska" plots out there? It's very similar to the first in this series, as well as Up North by Allison Temple, for what it's worth.
Second, and not to be controversial, but I think I understand why I find Annabeth Albert's output so uneven: she is really good at third-person stories but not so good at first-person ones. No shade here - personally, when I write, I tend to have a stronger first-person voice than third. Albert's output of the last few years has been primarily first-person and, I find, not very good. I wonder if she'll switch back to third-person in future books?
Finally, I find it curious that the plane crash is such an integral part of this book and yet it is barely even present. Like, the incident takes all of, what, 10 pages? The incident reverberates throughout the book, but I kind of wish it lasted a bit longer.
Overall, not a bad read. Recommended for fans of hurt/comfort (physical hurt, that is); interesting locations; and family-based plots.
islandreader's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 ⭐️ listened to this book on audiobook with one of my favorite narrator Iggy Toma. But this book was just meh. Still enjoyable but almost dnf it. The beginning first like 30% of the story I liked but it kinda went downhill after that. Wish the story was a little different
iam's review against another edition
4.0
Arctic Wild is very much an Annabeth Albert book, with which I mean it's the exact same formula I've seen from this author before. If [b:Arctic Sun|42354665|Arctic Sun (Frozen Hearts, #1)|Annabeth Albert|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1549648632s/42354665.jpg|66003456] and [b:Rough Terrain|41121276|Rough Terrain (Out of Uniform #7)|Annabeth Albert|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1538585079s/41121276.jpg|64243038] had a book child, this would be it, minus the military character background.
Which isn't to say Arctic Wild was boring - I enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed those other two books - it was just predictable in how the story would be structured and when key events would occur.
Content warnings include: plane crash, stuck in wilderness, fear of flying, heavy injuries from the crash (multiple fractures, character spends rest of the book in casts and a wheelchair,) one character is a workaholic, antagonistic parent; mentions of more heavy injury leading to disability, death of parents and brief custody battle.
I enjoyed reading this for the most part. I loved corporate lawyer and workaholic Reuben's transformation from reluctance, only doing the trip to prove that he can, and wanting to constantly check his phone for emails, to genuinely enjoying himself, falling in love with Alaska, overcoming his fears and reconnecting with his daughter.
Toby, the pilot and tour guide assigned to Reuben's trip, doesn't have quite such a nice arc. He starts out pretty even keeled, and even when his life gets turned upside down he mostly keeps his cool and ability to work his charm. It's only when his family and how the accident affects them comes into play that he crumbles.
What I didn't like was the conflict (though luckily it was rather short and resolved quickly.) It's strongly connected to Toby's dad, who I disliked. He's not a hateful or malicious character, but his pride and suspiciousness of outsiders was off-putting, especially with how he tries to push these sentiments onto his son.
On the flipside I adored the rest of the plot around the protagonist's families. There's Nell, Toby's youngest sister (with a few appearances of his other sister Hannah) and especially Amelia, Reuben's daughter, was a delight. I loved Amelia both as a character (and wasn't that like looking back at parts of myself when I was a teen!) and how her relationship with both Toby and Reuben develops. I really liked how she wasn't reduced to a stereotype, like the little princess or the tough-cool-girl like protagonist's kids are often handled: instead she was a complex character with a lot of quirks, flaws and many different interests.
There was a lovely little side plot about Toby connecting with Amelia by teaching her about his Native Alaskan, specifically Athabaskan, heritage, just like his mother used to teach him.
Something that stood out to me and that I strongly disliked was how a character saying "I'm not interested in relationships" was immediately met with "I bet you'll change your mind someday." This happened two times, with the characters not wanting relationships being two different ones and the one replying the same in both scenes. In the second instance it's at least followed up with the admittance that nothing is wrong with not wanting relationships, but it still grated.
That also made it weird that Toby, who definitely says he's not interesting in a relationship, then obviously ends up in one.... while his previous disinterest is never really mentioned again.
The romance plot still works and I mostly liked it, though I wish there had been a bit more explicit conversation around it from time to time.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Which isn't to say Arctic Wild was boring - I enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed those other two books - it was just predictable in how the story would be structured and when key events would occur.
Content warnings include: plane crash, stuck in wilderness, fear of flying, heavy injuries from the crash (multiple fractures, character spends rest of the book in casts and a wheelchair,) one character is a workaholic, antagonistic parent; mentions of more heavy injury leading to disability, death of parents and brief custody battle.
I enjoyed reading this for the most part. I loved corporate lawyer and workaholic Reuben's transformation from reluctance, only doing the trip to prove that he can, and wanting to constantly check his phone for emails, to genuinely enjoying himself, falling in love with Alaska, overcoming his fears and reconnecting with his daughter.
Toby, the pilot and tour guide assigned to Reuben's trip, doesn't have quite such a nice arc. He starts out pretty even keeled, and even when his life gets turned upside down he mostly keeps his cool and ability to work his charm. It's only when his family and how the accident affects them comes into play that he crumbles.
What I didn't like was the conflict (though luckily it was rather short and resolved quickly.) It's strongly connected to Toby's dad, who I disliked. He's not a hateful or malicious character, but his pride and suspiciousness of outsiders was off-putting, especially with how he tries to push these sentiments onto his son.
On the flipside I adored the rest of the plot around the protagonist's families. There's Nell, Toby's youngest sister (with a few appearances of his other sister Hannah) and especially Amelia, Reuben's daughter, was a delight. I loved Amelia both as a character (and wasn't that like looking back at parts of myself when I was a teen!) and how her relationship with both Toby and Reuben develops. I really liked how she wasn't reduced to a stereotype, like the little princess or the tough-cool-girl like protagonist's kids are often handled: instead she was a complex character with a lot of quirks, flaws and many different interests.
There was a lovely little side plot about Toby connecting with Amelia by teaching her about his Native Alaskan, specifically Athabaskan, heritage, just like his mother used to teach him.
Something that stood out to me and that I strongly disliked was how a character saying "I'm not interested in relationships" was immediately met with "I bet you'll change your mind someday." This happened two times, with the characters not wanting relationships being two different ones and the one replying the same in both scenes. In the second instance it's at least followed up with the admittance that nothing is wrong with not wanting relationships, but it still grated.
That also made it weird that Toby, who definitely says he's not interesting in a relationship, then obviously ends up in one.... while his previous disinterest is never really mentioned again.
The romance plot still works and I mostly liked it, though I wish there had been a bit more explicit conversation around it from time to time.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
4.0
High-powered NJ attorney Reuben is going on an Alaskan wilderness adventure with 2 of his friends to celebrate his 48th birthday. When his friends have to back out at the last second, they don’t believe he will follow through and go on his own. Determined to prove them wrong, he sets off alone for Alaska - hoping for a gruff, older, silent tour guide who will leave him alone to work each night.
What he finds waiting for him instead is Toby - a hot 30ish charming guy who loves to talk. Both feel a connection right from the start but know they won’t act on it because of the circumstances. But when things happen and they end up in a forced proximity situation...who knows what will happen?
I really enjoyed this read - the characters both had opportunities to grow and evolve through the book. It also brings the steam! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
What he finds waiting for him instead is Toby - a hot 30ish charming guy who loves to talk. Both feel a connection right from the start but know they won’t act on it because of the circumstances. But when things happen and they end up in a forced proximity situation...who knows what will happen?
I really enjoyed this read - the characters both had opportunities to grow and evolve through the book. It also brings the steam! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest review.
lost_windsock's review
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story has just the right balance of excitement and emotion. I really liked both Toby and Reuben, and felt like their relationship predictably took the stereotypical turns, but that didn't lessen the enjoyment of reading about them. I really liked the addition of Toby's sister and Reuben's daughter, too. They added to the plot without totally consuming it and gave each character a lot more depth. I did appreciate that their big argument only lasted one day, as I was definitely bracing for a big break up and for Reuben to go back to his condo, which would have just been the worst. I really liked the end of the book as well, getting to see how much Amelia loved Toby and how well she was doing living with them.
litloulou's review against another edition
4.0
Rounding up. It was cute. No my fav of Albert's but I do like the setting in Alaska
piperclover's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I really wish we had seen Griffin and River more in this book. I love the universes and characters That does author create and it was really cool to get the inclusion of Amelia playingthe Space Villager game from the #gaymers series but we didnt get Griff and River which was a let down.
I appreciate how Amelia has a bit of a bit of a hero worship crush on Toby's younger sister Nell but its not romantic or sexual at all. She doesn't know if she even likes people that way and its nice to see that included in her character.
There were a couple of things that we really got on my nerves though. For most of the book Amelia is not treated as though she is old enough to be involved in certain conversations. At one point, Toby gets angry at his sister Nell and while he doesn't handle it the best, no one just tells Amelia that he is allowed to be angry at his sister and that she doesn't have a place in their argument. Ruben also never calls her out on her bad behavior even though for the first quarter or so the book she really is a brat. She is actually old enough at she's 14 to be told her behavior is not appropriate. I find that a lot of authors can't effectively write Young Teenagers because they either write them as being too young for their age or being way too old for their age and here I felt like all of the characters treated her as being a little too young.
Nobody acknowledges that Toby and Ruben have gone through a horribly traumatic experience together and they are quite literally the only 2 people who know exactly what that experience was like So I'm irritated that no character acknowledges that. Not a single character. His sister and his dad dislike Ruben but neither ask themselves why he would want to stay around Ruben. Nell's dislike is so shallow its actually meaningless.
I appreciate how Amelia has a bit of a bit of a hero worship crush on Toby's younger sister Nell but its not romantic or sexual at all. She doesn't know if she even likes people that way and its nice to see that included in her character.
There were a couple of things that we really got on my nerves though. For most of the book Amelia is not treated as though she is old enough to be involved in certain conversations. At one point, Toby gets angry at his sister Nell and while he doesn't handle it the best, no one just tells Amelia that he is allowed to be angry at his sister and that she doesn't have a place in their argument. Ruben also never calls her out on her bad behavior even though for the first quarter or so the book she really is a brat. She is actually old enough at she's 14 to be told her behavior is not appropriate. I find that a lot of authors can't effectively write Young Teenagers because they either write them as being too young for their age or being way too old for their age and here I felt like all of the characters treated her as being a little too young.
Nobody acknowledges that Toby and Ruben
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Plane crash but everyone is saved with no long lasting effectscliffordainia's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.75
elenajohansen's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The plot ended up being not quite what I felt the blurb promised, in that the crash and ensuing rescue was over so quickly, and the bulk of the book was focused on the mundane and civilized recovery. I thought the relationship was going to develop more in the wild, especially given the title of the book, but the crash is the inciting incident, not a major plot arc.
Setting that aside, this felt a smidge more formulaic than the first book in the series, especially with an age gap being one of the obstacles. Whether or not it's a "big" age gap is subjective (I feel like it's big but not creepy or insurmountable) and how well any given reader responds to the harping on it that Reuben does is going to depend on how they feel about the age gap in the first place.
I got tired of it.
But the real thing that got my blood up here was Toby and Reuben's families. Amelia, as the bratty teenage daughter, was a brat, but at least she came around and wanted her dad to be happy; Toby's family was consistently rude and awful and ungrateful. Not every minor character in a romance novel has to be likable, and I think his family members were a realistic level of awful (as opposed to being cartoon villains) but I hated the constant emotional self-flagellation Toby put himself through about how he needed to be there for his guilt-tripping, entitled family. They weren't worth it, and he doesn't really seem to get that by the end, so it was just frustrating.
Setting that aside, this felt a smidge more formulaic than the first book in the series, especially with an age gap being one of the obstacles. Whether or not it's a "big" age gap is subjective (I feel like it's big but not creepy or insurmountable) and how well any given reader responds to the harping on it that Reuben does is going to depend on how they feel about the age gap in the first place.
I got tired of it.
But the real thing that got my blood up here was Toby and Reuben's families. Amelia, as the bratty teenage daughter, was a brat, but at least she came around and wanted her dad to be happy; Toby's family was consistently rude and awful and ungrateful. Not every minor character in a romance novel has to be likable, and I think his family members were a realistic level of awful (as opposed to being cartoon villains) but I hated the constant emotional self-flagellation Toby put himself through about how he needed to be there for his guilt-tripping, entitled family. They weren't worth it, and he doesn't really seem to get that by the end, so it was just frustrating.