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thebritishbibliophile's review
5.0
'Serving up exactly what it says on the cover, Playing Dirty in Alaska served and more!
Thank you to Greys Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and review!
---------------------------------------------------------------
Last year, I had the pleasure of discovering Samanthe through the first book in this series, Wild In Captivity, venturing into the previously mentioned novel to discover the world of Captivity, Alaska, and its residents within.
Wild In Captivity earned a very generous 4 star rating from me, so I was keen to see if this read could go that one step further and push through to earn my first five star rating of the year.
Read on to find out!
Playing Dirty in Alaska is a long-ish book that is worth every second reading it. I had a fabulous introduction into the world of Captivity thanks to book one, but book two is where things happened and when things kick into extra gear and get interesting.
The dynamic between the main characters, Bridget and Archer, was just off the charts! With the two of them already having past connections with one another as outlined in the blurb, the fire between them was hardly out but had been set to a simmer. Captivity allows for that simmer to be fuelled into an inferno as the book progresses and once more, they're drawn towards one another via the forced proximity route.
After all, there's only one--of a very few things--to do when forced into a proximal space together. That's right, things get steamy!
Things were tame in comparison with the first book compared to how they are in this one and admittedly so, I like it! The chemistry, both physical and emotional between Archer and Bridget was written beyond perfectly and when we were treated to the physical coming together of the characters again and earlier than expected--which again is a good thing--, my own socks were knocked off along with their own. I love it when scenes get so intense that I have to stop, breathe, and re-read what made me stop and Samanthe certainly delivered plenty of those moments! W-to-the-oah!
All of the above aside, I genuinely enjoyed the storyline and I think I would have done even if I hadn't already been introduced to the world of Captivity thanks to the first book. This is a story so genuine and realistic, everything flows well with one another. From the plot, to the characters, to the way the book is read, I both wanted to savour the story I was reading and hurry it up to its end so I can see if I would get the HEA I knew from the beginning I wanted.
I'm beyond glad that I got to discover Samanthe last year, and this series is definitely getting better as the books go on.
5 Stars!
Thank you to Greys Promotions for sending me an ebook Advanced Readers Copy for me to read and review!
---------------------------------------------------------------
Last year, I had the pleasure of discovering Samanthe through the first book in this series, Wild In Captivity, venturing into the previously mentioned novel to discover the world of Captivity, Alaska, and its residents within.
Wild In Captivity earned a very generous 4 star rating from me, so I was keen to see if this read could go that one step further and push through to earn my first five star rating of the year.
Read on to find out!
Playing Dirty in Alaska is a long-ish book that is worth every second reading it. I had a fabulous introduction into the world of Captivity thanks to book one, but book two is where things happened and when things kick into extra gear and get interesting.
The dynamic between the main characters, Bridget and Archer, was just off the charts! With the two of them already having past connections with one another as outlined in the blurb, the fire between them was hardly out but had been set to a simmer. Captivity allows for that simmer to be fuelled into an inferno as the book progresses and once more, they're drawn towards one another via the forced proximity route.
After all, there's only one--of a very few things--to do when forced into a proximal space together. That's right, things get steamy!
Things were tame in comparison with the first book compared to how they are in this one and admittedly so, I like it! The chemistry, both physical and emotional between Archer and Bridget was written beyond perfectly and when we were treated to the physical coming together of the characters again and earlier than expected--which again is a good thing--, my own socks were knocked off along with their own. I love it when scenes get so intense that I have to stop, breathe, and re-read what made me stop and Samanthe certainly delivered plenty of those moments! W-to-the-oah!
All of the above aside, I genuinely enjoyed the storyline and I think I would have done even if I hadn't already been introduced to the world of Captivity thanks to the first book. This is a story so genuine and realistic, everything flows well with one another. From the plot, to the characters, to the way the book is read, I both wanted to savour the story I was reading and hurry it up to its end so I can see if I would get the HEA I knew from the beginning I wanted.
I'm beyond glad that I got to discover Samanthe last year, and this series is definitely getting better as the books go on.
5 Stars!
pageswithpayten's review
3.0
I went into this one not realizing that it is actually the second book in Samntha Beck’s Captivity Alaska series. I’ve accidentally skipped the first book in quite a few series, but usually I don't feel like I need to read the books in order. This was the exception. While you can read this as a stand alone, I think this book would be much more enjoyable to read as a true series. There was a really big plot point that was clearly huge in book one that I wish I hadn’t spoiled for myself.
.
I DNF’d this book simply because I want to read it in the order it was written! I didn't read very much, but I really liked what I've read so far!
.
I DNF’d this book simply because I want to read it in the order it was written! I didn't read very much, but I really liked what I've read so far!
sarareadstoomuch's review
4.0
I'm really enjoying this series!
This is the second book in the Captivity series and it's a second change between Bridget Shanahan and Archer who were in a relationship in the past until Archer broke her heart, even if he didn't want to. He's back now, 4 years later, to win her back, but Bridget isn't having it. She doesn't want to get her heart broken again, so the best thing she can do is to play hard to get, and oh does she do that! Bridget is one of the most stubborn characters I've ever read, and that's a compliment in her case! She's hard-headed, but is confident in that, and with Archer's persistence, the book becomes filled with banter and cute moments between the couple!
I'm really excited to see who is next in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the earc in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Captivity series and it's a second change between Bridget Shanahan and Archer who were in a relationship in the past until Archer broke her heart, even if he didn't want to. He's back now, 4 years later, to win her back, but Bridget isn't having it. She doesn't want to get her heart broken again, so the best thing she can do is to play hard to get, and oh does she do that! Bridget is one of the most stubborn characters I've ever read, and that's a compliment in her case! She's hard-headed, but is confident in that, and with Archer's persistence, the book becomes filled with banter and cute moments between the couple!
I'm really excited to see who is next in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the earc in return for an honest review.
shankl's review
4.0
So I am jumping into this series at Book #2 - a second-chance romance set in Alaska. SOLD
Archer walked away from his one true love, and didn't look back. Four-years later, he returns to Captivity, Alaska to win back Bridget. This sexy Yeti has a lot of groveling to do to prove he's here to stay forever. Playing Dirty in Alaska's pages sizzle with intense chemistry and steam worthy scenes.
I devoured this book in one-day, enjoying it more than I could've imagined. Is the ending a glimpse into what we can expect in the next installment?
Thank you Entangled Publishing LLC for the advance reader copy. #PlayingDirtyinAlaska #NetGalley.
Archer walked away from his one true love, and didn't look back. Four-years later, he returns to Captivity, Alaska to win back Bridget. This sexy Yeti has a lot of groveling to do to prove he's here to stay forever. Playing Dirty in Alaska's pages sizzle with intense chemistry and steam worthy scenes.
I devoured this book in one-day, enjoying it more than I could've imagined. Is the ending a glimpse into what we can expect in the next installment?
Thank you Entangled Publishing LLC for the advance reader copy. #PlayingDirtyinAlaska #NetGalley.
lauriereadsrom1's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Alaskan bush pilot Bridget Shanahan is working on being more responsible so that she can help her brother Trace with the management of their family business, Captivity Air and Freight. He's heading off on his honeymoon and leaving her in charge of the airfield, and Bridget wants Trace to know that he can trust her to handle things while he's gone. The last thing she needs is her college ex-boyfriend, Archer Ellison III, showing up four years after their breakup, determined to win her back. Bridget wants nothing to do with Archer after the way he unceremoniously dumped her in college, though it's tough to fight the chemistry that is as strong as ever between them. When a silly dare leads to Bridget being injured, she can't afford to refuse Archer's offer of help in Trace's absence. Will it be the opening Archer needs to convince Bridget to give him another chance?
For the most part, I enjoyed Archer and Bridget's second chance romance. Their banter was fun and they certainly had plenty of chemistry. However, I was sometimes a bit uncomfortable with Archer's behavior towards Bridget because it felt manipulative. She was really vulnerable after losing her twin brother, Shay, in a plane crash a few months earlier. In the previous book of the series, Archer tried to take advantage of that to purchase Trace's interest in Captivity Air and Freight so that he could force Bridget to work with him. When that failed, he decided to move to Alaska and pursue her anyway. Despite Archer's behavior, I truly believed that he loved Bridget, and nothing he did was intended maliciously; it just didn't always feel honest. He wasn't very good at communicating with her, either. Bottom line, Archer wanted Bridget to trust him but wasn't willing to fully trust her, and that was a real problem right up until the end of the book.
Overall, I did enjoy and would recommend "Playing Dirty in Alaska," though "Wild in Captivity" remains my favorite of the series so far. I look forward to the next book.
*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.
geekygraceelyse's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Let go of me.”
“Is that any way to thank a guy for saving you from a face-plant?”
“Thank you. Now, are we done here?”
He loosened his hold, then felt and heard her shaky exhale and smiled. Into her ear, he said, “We’ve never been done, Bridge. We’ll never be done.”
Playing Dirty in Alaska is the second book in Samanthe Beck’s Captivity, Alaska series and can be read as a standalone.
Filled with playful humour and fiery chemistry, Playing Dirty in Alaska was a delightful & captivating second chance romance and I loved every moment of it.
When Bridget Shanahan’s brother leaves the family’s airfield in her hand’s while he goes on his honeymoon, she knows it’s time to step up and behave like a responsible adult. So of course, that’s when her old collage boyfriend & the man who shattered her heart, Archer Ellison III shows up in her small town of Captivity, Alaska.
Archer is just as hot and just as compelling as Bridget remembers & he’s intent on winning back her trust and her heart. He knows it won’t be easy, but after an impulsive bet that would have sent Archer packing goes awry, Bridget has no choice but to rely on him for help.
“The attachment you feel? It isn’t physical. It’s something deeper. I’m not even going to need four weeks to prove it to you.”
I adored the humour in this book. Beyond being entertaining, the witty camaraderie between the characters was an excellent way of illustrating the friendships & bonds between the characters, particularly between Bridget and Archer. The easy way they fell back into their friendship and old rhythms despite Bridget’s reluctance to risk letting him back into her life was a great way to give readers a quick glimpse at what their relationship was like while they were in college, as well as capture the intensity of the lingering chemistry between them even after four years apart.
It also helped put the reader into Bridget’s shoes & imagine, if not experience, the full force of emotions she would have felt when Archer broke her heart & why she would be so reluctant to let him back into her life.
“Five years, four weeks—doesn’t matter, either way.” Using the cold metal stair rail for help, she pulled herself to her feet. “I’m not ready. I’m never going to be ready. Walk away, Archer. You know how. Find someone else.”
I loved Archer so much. There’s nothing better than a romance hero who is completely, utterly, and unapologetically besotted with the heroine, and Archer more than fulfilled that role.
“My heart breaks every day just looking at you.”
Her breath faltered. “Then don’t,” she whispered. “Don’t look at me.”
Yep. That would be her answer. As much as it killed him, he couldn’t stop himself from smiling.
“It’s no good. My heart broke worse all those days I couldn’t look at you.”
The chemistry between Bridget and Archer was off the charts. Their history added so much depth to the tension and anticipation between them & made for more than a few explosive interactions between them.
The evil smile she wore when she tipped her face to the camera again said it all. “What next?”
It took two swallows to find his voice. “I want you to touch yourself the way I tell you to—the way I would touch you if I was there to do it.”
While there was a lot of charm & humour throughout the book, there were also some sombre moments as Bridget deals with the guilt she feels around the death of her twin brother, Shay. Shay died in a plane crash prior to the start of the first book in the series, Wild in Captivity, which focuses on Bridget’s older brother, Trace. But I found that these more sombre moments didn’t take away from the overall light-hearted mood of the book.
Playing Dirty in Alaska was a wonderfully fun novel with loveable characters and an engaging plot, and I can’t wait to revisit Captivity, Alaska and all its charismatic residents when the next book comes out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death
reyesreadingreview's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
readingforamoment's review
4.0
I absolutely loved book one in the Captivity series and it left with enough of a sneak peak of this book that I knew I needed Bridget and Archer in my life ASAP! While they are standalones, I do feel like a lot of family basics and town basics are established in book one, and I loved them both, so I definitely recommend reading in order!
This book does have it's similarities to the Simple Wild series, but it was also way different enough that I didn't feel any deja vu while reading; I'll get that out of the way right away! The family airline is still a big part of the story, and flying is something that Bridget and Archer share together that brings them closer together, but I didn't feel like it was the whole story; not everyone that you know and meet in Captivity is tied to the airline.
I really loved watching Bridget and Archer find their way back to each other. Even though they had been forced to spend the last 4 years apart, watching how every more Archer had made since then was with the end goal of getting Bridget back and how well he still knew her after all that time apart was just swoony. I really liked getting inside of Bridget's head after watching her from her brother's perspective in Book 1 - the Shanahan's are still reeling from the lost of their brother, Bridget's twin (happens before Book 1, not on page), and I think Samanthe did a good job of keeping the book light and fun, while also balancing the very real grief Bridget is still processing through.
The steam in this one is just at the right level (in my opinion)- open door enough that steam lovers will be satisfied, but not overly steamy where steam toleraters will feel it's too much. Samanthe teased the next book at the end of this one, so I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to go back to Captivity again soon!
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing for my ARC of this one!
This book does have it's similarities to the Simple Wild series, but it was also way different enough that I didn't feel any deja vu while reading; I'll get that out of the way right away! The family airline is still a big part of the story, and flying is something that Bridget and Archer share together that brings them closer together, but I didn't feel like it was the whole story; not everyone that you know and meet in Captivity is tied to the airline.
I really loved watching Bridget and Archer find their way back to each other. Even though they had been forced to spend the last 4 years apart, watching how every more Archer had made since then was with the end goal of getting Bridget back and how well he still knew her after all that time apart was just swoony. I really liked getting inside of Bridget's head after watching her from her brother's perspective in Book 1 - the Shanahan's are still reeling from the lost of their brother, Bridget's twin (happens before Book 1, not on page), and I think Samanthe did a good job of keeping the book light and fun, while also balancing the very real grief Bridget is still processing through.
The steam in this one is just at the right level (in my opinion)- open door enough that steam lovers will be satisfied, but not overly steamy where steam toleraters will feel it's too much. Samanthe teased the next book at the end of this one, so I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to go back to Captivity again soon!
Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing for my ARC of this one!
courtsbooknook's review
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for an e-arc of this book!!
Okay so I read [b:Faking It in Alaska|59055492|Faking It in Alaska|Samanthe Beck|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1632504471l/59055492._SY75_.jpg|93115507] earlier this year and got so attached to Trace and Izzy, but I think I loved Bridget and Archer's story more! Archer was the perfect hero and his love and dedication to Bridget was honestly unmatched. I also loved how much Bridget had grown from the beginning to end of the story. The spice was FANTASTIC and I enjoyed coming back to the small Alaskan town of Captivity. I was so so thrilled to get my hands on this one and I think Beck did such a good job of showcasing Bridget's vulnerabilities. It was nice to see characters dealing with grief as well which was done nicely in the first book too. This book was so sweet and exciting and I was so excited for Bridget to fully let Archer love her and protect her. Definitely a great romance to close out 2021.
Okay so I read [b:Faking It in Alaska|59055492|Faking It in Alaska|Samanthe Beck|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1632504471l/59055492._SY75_.jpg|93115507] earlier this year and got so attached to Trace and Izzy, but I think I loved Bridget and Archer's story more! Archer was the perfect hero and his love and dedication to Bridget was honestly unmatched. I also loved how much Bridget had grown from the beginning to end of the story. The spice was FANTASTIC and I enjoyed coming back to the small Alaskan town of Captivity. I was so so thrilled to get my hands on this one and I think Beck did such a good job of showcasing Bridget's vulnerabilities. It was nice to see characters dealing with grief as well which was done nicely in the first book too. This book was so sweet and exciting and I was so excited for Bridget to fully let Archer love her and protect her. Definitely a great romance to close out 2021.
aplace_inthesun's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
I think this might be a second in a series so I may have missed some early details in the first book.
Playing Dirty in Alaska is a second chance romance with Archer, who is now a billionaire (well definitely rich) returning to Alaska to win back the heart of his college-sweetheart Bridget. The couple split after Archer walked away after college, leaving Bridget heartbroken. Initially Archer tried to acquire a half share of the company Bridget owns with her brother but was unsuccessful. Instead on returning to town he has a bet with Bridget and whilst he loses the bet, helps her out when she falls on her behind (broken tail bone no less). It means he has 4 weeks to convince Bridget to take him back..
One of the points of difference with this romance was Archer’s transparency on returning to town. He made it clear to Bridget he wanted to win her back, despite her continual attempts to push him away. This was a nice change seeing a male character who was up front and attempting to communicate, admitting he’d made a mistake and had regretted it. Bridget was unforgiving, impacted by trauma having lost her brother and continually trying to push Archer away. The steam was there, but it was interspersed with a lot of other going’s on in the community that took away from the story. Having picked up this book mid series I felt I could get the details of the community pretty quickly and I felt it was a bit too laden even for a series which affected the pace and I admit I skimmed a little. The contentious issue was believable and I liked Archer’s response particularly when presented with it.
One point that didn’t work for me was the paranormal plot regarding Bridget. I felt it was bit over the top and unnecessary.
Thanks to netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. It’s out on 17/1/2022.
Playing Dirty in Alaska is a second chance romance with Archer, who is now a billionaire (well definitely rich) returning to Alaska to win back the heart of his college-sweetheart Bridget. The couple split after Archer walked away after college, leaving Bridget heartbroken. Initially Archer tried to acquire a half share of the company Bridget owns with her brother but was unsuccessful. Instead on returning to town he has a bet with Bridget and whilst he loses the bet, helps her out when she falls on her behind (broken tail bone no less). It means he has 4 weeks to convince Bridget to take him back..
One of the points of difference with this romance was Archer’s transparency on returning to town. He made it clear to Bridget he wanted to win her back, despite her continual attempts to push him away. This was a nice change seeing a male character who was up front and attempting to communicate, admitting he’d made a mistake and had regretted it. Bridget was unforgiving, impacted by trauma having lost her brother and continually trying to push Archer away. The steam was there, but it was interspersed with a lot of other going’s on in the community that took away from the story. Having picked up this book mid series I felt I could get the details of the community pretty quickly and I felt it was a bit too laden even for a series which affected the pace and I admit I skimmed a little. The contentious issue was believable and I liked Archer’s response particularly when presented with it.
One point that didn’t work for me was the paranormal plot regarding Bridget. I felt it was bit over the top and unnecessary.
Thanks to netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. It’s out on 17/1/2022.