Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: Arctic Heat
SERIES: Frozen Hearts #3
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
NARRATOR: Iggy Toma
PUBLISHER: Harlequin Audio
RELEASE DATE: September 23, 2019
LENGTH: 10 hours, 27 minutes
BLURB:
A lasting connection needs more than simply surviving a winter together – they’ll have to outsmart danger, let down their defenses, and open their hearts.
Owen Han has a fresh lease on life – he’s kicked cancer’s ass and is roaring through his bucket list. The former investment banker hopes to find his next challenge in Alaska, volunteering alongside park rangers and fulfilling his childhood dreams of snowy winters and rustic life. Of course, those dreams did tend to feature big strapping mountain men in vivid detail….
Ranger Quilleran Ramsey would like to be anywhere other than dealing with newbie volunteers. And really, the only thing he needs less than a green volunteer “partner” is the flirty attentions of a buff city boy who doesn’t look ready to last a week, let alone an Alaskan winter. They’re all wrong for each other, even if Quill’s traitorous body enjoys the flirting more than it should.
As the weeks pass, the two snowbound men give in to temptation. But can their seasonal romance last until spring? For them to have a future together, each will have to trust the other…while hoping that the harsh elements and omnipresent dangers don’t destroy what happiness they’ve found in the moment.
REVIEW:
The first couple of books in this series were okay, far from what Annabeth Albert use to deliver, but not bad. I’d pretty much decided on staying with the two books. Then these glowing reviews started to show up, saying thigs were turning around and that Arctic Heat was the best in the series by far. So I had to find out for myself, and I found that I completely agree. This book was the best in the series and I’m so happy I picked it up.
I’m loving the Alaskan setting. The cold and the snow, the long, almost never-ending nights. The gentler way of life, away from the fast paced and connected life we have here. Listening to this book was a vacation of sorts, and I think the dark and cold we are having here really added to the genuine feel of the book. What made this book work for me was the time-line. Owen and Quill had time to get to know each other, let their relationship grow over time. It didn’t feel rushed or untrue. I liked how Owen made Quill come out of his shell, becoming part of the world again, wanting more, but also how Quill in turn made Owen let go of some of his issues and finding a home.
There is one thing that I’m kind of torn about, and that was the whole Quill coming out argument(s). Coming out should always be on you own terms, no one has the right to dictate how and when or add ultimatums. That’s never okay. On the other hand, I also see Owen’s point of view; more or less being restricted from mentioning Quills name in any context to anyone. Living in hiding because of someone else’s fear, especially knowing that might never change? It’s a difficult situation on both sides, no doubt about it. It also made them feel real. I imagine there are soo many couples out there going through the exact same thing, and it’s heartbreaking that they still have to, that it’s even an issue.
Iggy Toma was a good choice of narrator for this book. He clearly distinguishes between Owen and Quill, making it easy to always know who’s speaking. More than that he captures the essence of them both, the gruff and standoff-ish Quill, the cranky ranger. But also the flirty and outgoing Owen – and his bossiness. He made you feel for them both and part of both of their lives. And boy do I ever wish to experience the northern lights in more than books and images, I know it’s one thing on my bucket list.
RATING: 
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