An Alaskan Arrangement - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #3083 - Mar 2025)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book 4)
 
It was smooth sailing
Until they tied the knot.
 
When cruise ship assistant manager Kaylin Sampson is passed over for a promotion, she takes a break to regroup. And when her sexy ex offers to reignite their old fling and accompany her on an Alaskan adventure, Kaylin can't say no. Ethan Harrington knows how to get her out of her funk. Fun is the theme for the week, down to the white water rafting and their fabulous old-timey fake wedding. Except the paperwork is genuine -- and now two commitment-phobes are married. The real question is, will it be for better or for worse?
 
Good second chance story. Kaylin and Ethan met when her sister married his brother. The sparks between them were instant and intense, and they had a good time giving in to them. Neither is interested in anything permanent. Ethan isn't ready to give up his bachelor ways, and Kaylin's childhood left her determined not to depend on anyone other than herself. But when Kaylin realized Ethan occupied her thoughts more than she liked, she broke things off to protect her heart.
 
Back on the cruise ship where she works as an assistant manager, Kaylin learns that she was passed over for the promotion she wanted. Disappointed, she takes a well-deserved vacation, a cruise to Alaska. Meanwhile, back in Florida, Ethan hasn't been able to forget his time with Kaylin. When he hears about her disappointment and her cruise plans, he decides to show up on the cruise and see if they can pick up where they left off.
 
Kaylin is not exactly pleased by Ethan's arrival. She has buried herself in work, trying to drive him from her thoughts. Unexpected circumstances result in them sharing a suite on the ship, and Ethan convinces her to participate in excursions with him. One excursion results in them missing the boat and being stranded in a small town. Matters get complicated when the only available inn requires couples to be married if they share a room. (Okay, that's a bit of a stretch, but it was a cute concept). Unfortunately, the wedding they thought was pretend for appearances was legit. Now what?
 
Though they plan a quick divorce after the trip, they spend the rest of their time in Alaska playing newlyweds in all ways. After the "honeymoon" ends, they are in no rush to end things. I enjoyed seeing them grow closer and eventually admit their feelings for each other. But Kaylin's insecurities flare up over career decisions. There is trouble in paradise when her needs run into Ethan's pride. I understood Kaylin's decision and wanted to shake Ethan for being so blind. I loved the ending and seeing both realize their mistakes. Their reunion was sweet and emotional, with a nice little surprise.
 
Family is a big theme in this book. Kaylin and her sister Courtney had an awful childhood, and their bond is undeniable. They have had only one another to depend on for most of their lives. I loved how they supported each other through good and bad times. Ethan's family of seven brothers are also very close. Their interactions are terrific, whether they are teasing each other or providing support. 

 
 
 

Murder at the Alaskan Lodge - Karen Whiddon (HRS #2280 - June 2024)

In the Alaskan wilderness…
She had nowhere to hide!
 
When big-city Maddie Pierce inherits half of a remote Alaskan fishing lodge from the grandfather she never knew, there's one catch: she must manage it for one year with Dade Anson -- who clearly thinks she'll soon turn tail. Maddie discovers Dade might not be the only one who wants her gone when she starts receiving threatening text messages from an anonymous source. But he might be her only protector from a danger that lurks ever closer…
 
Maddie is at a crossroads when she inherits half of an Alaska fishing lodge property. Dumped by her boyfriend and without a job due to restructuring, Maddie heads for Alaska to fulfill the one-year residency requirement to retain ownership. The other heir is Dade, who was raised by her grandfather and is not thrilled by the conditions.
 
Maddie and Dade butt heads initially upon her arrival in Alaska. Maddie has big ideas for the property but realizes she has much to learn once she arrives. Dade resents the property going to a woman he believes ignored her grandfather for years, while Maddie is jealous of the time Dade spent with the grandfather who never tried to get in touch with her. To complicate matters, underneath the antagonism are sparks of attraction that neither wants to acknowledge.
 
Once they got past their initial antagonism, I enjoyed seeing Maddie and Dade's teamwork. Maddie is willing and eager to learn the ins and outs of managing the lodge. The sparks between them grow as they get to know each other, and each starts to dream of possibilities. But neither has spoken of their feelings, and each is wary of saying something and risking rejection. The question is, will they survive to take a chance?
 
The suspense of the story is good. Before she left Texas to claim her inheritance, Maddie began receiving texts telling her not to go to Alaska. After she arrived, more texts threatened trouble if she didn't leave. As the tone of the texts became more threatening, explosions and other attacks showed the texter was becoming more desperate. The ending was intense and satisfying, with a promising future ahead.