Flirting with Alaska
by Belle Calhoune
Moose Falls, Alaska - Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Reviewed by PJ
Caleb Stone isn’t ready to give up his Hollywood dreams. But after a disastrous run on a reality dating show paints him as an unapologetic player, Caleb needs a little time and space to regroup. Luckily, his hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska has both, plus a job helping his brothers run Yukon Cider. Even dialed down, Caleb’s flirtatious vibes are a hit at work, except for one woman who seems completely, totally, frustratingly immune to his charms–—the gorgeous new photographer for Yukon Cider’s upcoming ad campaign.
Single mom Sophia Brand isn’t made of ice—resisting Caleb’s devilishly sexy grin is hard, especially when it’s so often directed her way. It’s just that she’s been burned by handsome smiles before. Now, she’s focused on setting a good example for her daughter, and that means not getting sidetracked by Caleb’s dazzling charisma.
But as they work together on the campaign, Caleb and Sophia begin to let their guard down. Can he prove that beneath his playboy persona, Caleb is a leading man worthy of a starring role in Sophia’s heart?
PJ's Thoughts:
I am thoroughly enjoying the Stone brothers, each different but equally compelling. When I began this second book in the trilogy, I fully expected gorgeous, charming, middle brother Caleb to be my least favorite of the three but this hero has layers I had yet to discover. Much like Sophia does throughout the course of their journey.
Sophia and Caleb both carry emotional baggage from past relationships that continue to intrude on their present lives. In Sophia's case, it's the father of her daughter who suddenly decides he wants to be a part of his child's life after ignoring her since birth while for Caleb it's not only the unresolved issues with his estranged father that have significantly impacted his life choices but also a highly edited reality television show that painted him in the worst possible light, a light that Sophia, along with most of the country, believes is true. I enjoyed watching the layers slowly peel away and reveal truths about both of them. I especially enjoyed watching the endearing relationship between Caleb and Sophia's young daughter evolve. Nothing tests the true measure of a man, nor exposes his flaws, like babysitting an active four-year-old. In young Lily's eyes, Caleb is more than worthy but what will Sophia think?
If you enjoy sweet romance set in small-town Alaska with complicated family dynamics, a close-knit community, well-developed characters, and an elderly grandmother set on bringing her grandsons home and seeing them happily settled, give Flirting with Alaska a try. It will stand on its own but I think you'll enjoy it even more if you read Falling for Alaska first. (Click to read my review)
Have you read any of Belle Calhoune's books?
Have you ever visited Alaska?
What reality TV shows (if any) do you enjoy watching?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, December 20 will receive a print copy of Flirting with Alaska.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
I love reading about small town romances. Older romances are also a nice change sometimes . 😊
ReplyDeleteIf you like older main characters, I recommend Hope Holloway too.
DeleteI shared one of my books from Belle’s Alaska series. I shared it with my 100 yo mom. She told me it was her favorite she wants more of Belle’s stories as her Christmas present.
ReplyDeleteI have not been to Alaska. One day I want to visit Denali National Park Park, Juneau and its rain forests, Ketchikan and Homer.
I do want to return to Alaska via Belle’s books
Merry Christmas!
I'm so happy your mom enjoyed her book. Was it from her inspirational series? I also enjoyed her Mistletoe, Maine books.
DeleteI haven't visited Alaska. I haven't read Belle Calhoune's books but this would be wonderful and captivating. I don't watch reality television.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I have to answer no to the first 2 questions. I have Ms Calhoun's books on my wishlist and would LOVE to visit Alaska. As far as reality TV shows go, I really only watch the cooking competition ones.
ReplyDeleteI just checked her Amazon page and I don't believe I have read any of her books. Looking over what she has written, I will have to correct that. There are some good sounding books there.
ReplyDeleteWe were lucky enough to make a long wanted trip to Alaska in 2019. We drove out to the West Coast, took the train to Vancouver, took the cruise-land tour, flew back to Seattle, picked up our RV and drove back to Alaska. We spent several more weeks traveling around the state , then drove home. It was a wonderful 2 1/2 months. We would love to go back.
We don't watch many of the reality show competitions, except The Amazing Race every once in a while. The others we watch are the shows like Dr. Pol and the Yukon Vet, which are not really in the same category as competitions.
I have read a couple of her books and have enjoyed them. Never been to Alaska and I don't watch reality TV.
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't read any of her books. I would love to go to Alaska.
ReplyDelete