Alaska Wild by Helena Newbury

Category: Romantic Suspense
Publication date: 12/30/2016
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Cliffhanger: No

There were a lot of things in this book that shouldn’t have worked for me. But...I ended up not minding so much... 

Plot overview: FBI agent Kate ends up on a prisoner transport plane with Mason, former Navy Seal—now a wanted criminal. Too bad for Kate and Mason that the other prisoners stage a jailbreak that crashes the plane and strands them in the middle of the Alaskan wild.

So, there’s some stuff here that wouldn’t normally fly for me in a romantic suspense. Yes, there’s improbable sexy times while bad guys are closing in on Kate and Mason. Yes, there’s an insta-attraction and connection between Kate and Mason that borders on insta-love. (It toes the line. It never crosses totally over, in my opinion) Yes, some of the situations the couple finds themselves in are not very realistic. But you know what? I didn’t care while I was reading. Because I really liked Kate and Mason. 

Kate’s a competent, brave  heroine who is simply out of her depth. She’s good at her job, but she’s not equipped the handle a wilderness trek through Alaska. And she’s proud, but not too proud to admit that she can’t save herself from the situation she’s in. She needs Mason. I can’t tell you how much I LOATHE heroines who stubbornly insist they can do everything themselves even when it’s clear they can’t. A smart woman knows when she’s in over her head and isn’t afraid to ask for help. Kate’s a smart heroine.

Mason is a genuinely good guy. He might even qualify for my cinnamon roll hero list.  He’s been railroaded for a crime he didn’t commit, but when he has the opportunity to turn on Kate and gain his freedom, he doesn’t. He stays in potentially life-threatening situations to help her. He’s a true alpha hero who isn’t an alphahole, and I love him for it.  

And, I have to say...the old “we have to get naked and cuddle to conserve body heat” thing...yes, it’s a cliche, but I still love it. I’m not too proud to admit that. Just because something is cliche doesn’t mean it’s bad.

So, long-story-short, this isn’t a perfect read. It is a little cheesy at times. But is it an enjoyable read? I sure thought so. And who doesn’t like a little cheese every now and then?

via GIPHY

Does this book contribute to or help crush the romance stigma?
It toes the line of contributing, but overall it’s not in need of rehab.

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