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A review by kady_cordova
Arctic Wild by Annabeth Albert
4.0
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
An interesting journey to discovering yourself and a new love you never thought you’d have!
Annabeth’s writing is incredible. Diverse, dynamic and entertaining. I enjoyed the adventure with Tody and Reuben. What starts as a surprising solo vacation turns into a summer full of discovering, connection and healing.
Both Reuben and Tody are great characters, each with their own issues and opinions. When Reuben is forced to take a previously organized group vacation solo he hopes to just get it over with and have plenty of downtime to stay on top of work and his cases. Little does he expect the charming, young, charismatic Tody to be his tour guide. As they set off on the exclusive tour, Toby tries he best to get Reuben to appreciate where he is and tries to get him off his phone and be present. As they form a friendship and flirtation, Reuben starts to disconnect from work and explore the idyllic scenery around him. Their tour continues and tragedy strikes forcing both Reuben and Toby to face a new reality and turns Reuben’s life onto a path of self-discovery and growth. He decides to take a leave of absence from work to help Toby heal and reconnect with his daughter Amelia. As they all spend more time together, bonds are formed and a new family is created. Reuben and Toby develop strong feelings for each other and with pride, ego and Toby’s family getting in the way their journey together is not easy!
I found Toby and Reuben’s connection organic and enjoyed their constant back and forth, I didn’t like how they couldn’t admit to their feelings but there has to be some angst so I get it. Other things I didn’t really like was Toby’s father and sister Nell’s instant judgment and dislike of Reuben, which seemed to be solely based on his age and bank balance. I got frustrated at Toby’s father’s pride and “a man handles his own shit” mentality and was saddened at how much this affected Toby. I wished these issues with Nell and Toby’s dad could have been explored more and discussed to find a resolution rather than, “oh, you’re happy, then okay” kind of switch later in the book. My other comment is that Reuben didn’t really express his past out load. There was a lot of talk that he started with nothing and worked damn hard to get where he is. I thought this being discussed could have softened Toby, Nell and Tony’s dad to Reuben a bit more and see what a good and generous person he was.
Either way, this was a great story of self-discovery and a once in a lifetime chance at a new life and a love both these characters deserved. I love Annabeth’s writing and look forward to Book 3 up next!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com đź“š
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
An interesting journey to discovering yourself and a new love you never thought you’d have!
Annabeth’s writing is incredible. Diverse, dynamic and entertaining. I enjoyed the adventure with Tody and Reuben. What starts as a surprising solo vacation turns into a summer full of discovering, connection and healing.
Both Reuben and Tody are great characters, each with their own issues and opinions. When Reuben is forced to take a previously organized group vacation solo he hopes to just get it over with and have plenty of downtime to stay on top of work and his cases. Little does he expect the charming, young, charismatic Tody to be his tour guide. As they set off on the exclusive tour, Toby tries he best to get Reuben to appreciate where he is and tries to get him off his phone and be present. As they form a friendship and flirtation, Reuben starts to disconnect from work and explore the idyllic scenery around him. Their tour continues and tragedy strikes forcing both Reuben and Toby to face a new reality and turns Reuben’s life onto a path of self-discovery and growth. He decides to take a leave of absence from work to help Toby heal and reconnect with his daughter Amelia. As they all spend more time together, bonds are formed and a new family is created. Reuben and Toby develop strong feelings for each other and with pride, ego and Toby’s family getting in the way their journey together is not easy!
I found Toby and Reuben’s connection organic and enjoyed their constant back and forth, I didn’t like how they couldn’t admit to their feelings but there has to be some angst so I get it. Other things I didn’t really like was Toby’s father and sister Nell’s instant judgment and dislike of Reuben, which seemed to be solely based on his age and bank balance. I got frustrated at Toby’s father’s pride and “a man handles his own shit” mentality and was saddened at how much this affected Toby. I wished these issues with Nell and Toby’s dad could have been explored more and discussed to find a resolution rather than, “oh, you’re happy, then okay” kind of switch later in the book. My other comment is that Reuben didn’t really express his past out load. There was a lot of talk that he started with nothing and worked damn hard to get where he is. I thought this being discussed could have softened Toby, Nell and Tony’s dad to Reuben a bit more and see what a good and generous person he was.
Either way, this was a great story of self-discovery and a once in a lifetime chance at a new life and a love both these characters deserved. I love Annabeth’s writing and look forward to Book 3 up next!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com đź“š