4.5-4.75 STARS

For years, I have been a huge S.C. Stephens fan, having first fallen in love with her angst-filled romance series, Thoughtless. Intrigued by the premise of her latest book, "Under the Northern Lights," I wasn't sure what to expect, as it seemed a far cry from the type of books she's previously written. And while that is most certainly true, it is also true that "Under the Northern Lights" is proof-positive that S.C. Stephens is truly a talented storyteller.

When the plane she’s piloting crashes in a remote area of Alaska, wildlife photographer, Mallory Reynolds, quickly goes into survival mode. But Mallory is ill-equipped to survive the harsh realities that face her—including the wild creatures that inhabit the area. Just when Mallory is about to fall prey, she is rescued by a mysterious recluse named Michael Bradley. Unfortunately, while Mallory takes refuge in Michael’s cabin, she is stranded there till spring, which is still several months away.

Disillusioned by humanity, Michael lives a life of self-imposed exile. Even with the daily dangers that living such an existence poses, Michael prefers to be left to his solitude. Still, he can’t help be drawn to Mallory, despite all the reasons he must keep his distance. With faith and determination on her side, Mallory slowly chips away at Michael’s walls. Over time, feelings grow and a pseudo-relationship develops. But as spring approaches, so does the looming reality that their time together is coming to an end.

Boasting a unique and intriguing premise with likeable, multi-dimensional characters, “Under the Northern Lights” is a perfect combination of suspense, desire, and heart. Right from the get go, I was drawn into Michael and Mallory’s uncertain world, and savored every moment of their arduous journey. And as their budding romance blossomed, my heart ached for the outcome that seemed doomed from the start. Still, I held out hope that Michael would finally grab ahold of the HEA that was well within his reach.

On another note, I feel I must address the critical comments pertaining to the religious component that underscores this book. While I understand how this might make readers feel a bit uncomfortable, it is not a prevailing theme that detracts from the story as a whole. Nor, is it preachy. It is simply one aspect of Mallory’s character, much like any other trait that a character in a book might possess. But more importantly, it showcases how Mallory’s world view is so drastically different from that of Michael’s—a man who has lost everything, including his faith in God and humanity.

The beginning of Under the Northern Lights had me on the edge of my seat. I was completely in the moment, so much so I settled in expecting to devour the book in one sitting. The storyline was full of possibility. Sadly after the initial wow and excitement the story turned monotonous. The pace and flow went from compelling to painfully slow. I felt trapped and bored and no longer cared about what happened to Mallory and Michael. I applaud the author for making me feel the excitement and the halting pace but at some point it needed to go somewhere of interest rather than round and round and round. For me Under the Northern Lights was predictable and drawn out without substance. I wanted to love it but got left behind in the wreckage of lackluster romance, unexplained insta-love, and a fair amount of contradiction.

There are a couple of things I hate and DNFing a book is one of them.

Rarely I came across a book that just doesn't suit me but when I do, it's really hard to end it especially if I already read more than half of the book.

While once I finished it no matter what, lately I stopped doing that because there are just too many good books out there to spend my time on the ones I don't like.

First thing I don't really like is that the MCs met at around 20 %. That's one-fifth of the book. It's waaay too late for me.

But you know, I thought ''Eh, maybe it will get better''.

Ha, not really.

In the fifth chapter (after they already met) I came across a moment where they were talking and the whole conversation turned religious. Now, I am Christian but I really don't like to read about religious aspects in the books. They are not my cup of tea. I like my books simple, deep with emotions and yes, with heat between characters. When I got to this conversation, I was like ''Please, don't let it be like Return of the Song'' (book I once also requested on NetGalley and it turned out to be a Christian romance with no emotions, no heat, anything I liked in book - you can see the review here). Because if there's religion mentioned in a conversation there's a mild possibility that there will be no passion in the book, not the one I would like.

But as I did before, I continued reading because maybe it will happen just this once and not anymore.

One thing that also bothered me was too detailed descriptions of animal killing and preparing for food. I have a ''slight'' idea where food came from, I really don't need the details. It was just so hard to read about it...

Sometimes I thought that while the author mentioned a lot of things, she forgot to include the basics. For example, when she crashed and rescued herself from the plane in the forest, she mentioned that her fingers are so cold and she needs to warm them otherwise she'll need to cut them or something. But then a couple of pages later she wore warm gloves. Umm, what? Maybe she got them from her first-aid kit but it wasn't mentioned and it left me confused. Another example: In another chapter, they were making pancakes. He goes to civilization twice a year. Where does he get eggs? How did they make the pancakes if not with eggs? Why is this not mentioned if the author goes in details with animal cutting?

Her injuries were mentioned also in details, yet when they both came to his cabin, she was already up and running in a couple of days. With her injuries, I thought she would need more than a week to recover! (not an expert here though)

At around 60 % they had a big conversation about why he chose a cabin away from people. He said some things that made me think that he will not be persuaded otherwise, that the heroine can't change his opinion, can't change him no matter what she tried. His beliefs were strong, it was like watching two very different people, each on a different path, leading the different way, never coming across. I didn't see the connection between them anymore.

She realised she can't fix him (her words) and a couple pages later she thought she can. Such a contradiction.

Because I didn't see the passion between them anymore I stopped there. I can't bring myself to continue reading it.

I was curious though what other readers thought of this book and if the talk about religion continued. Apparently, it does and it goes beyond that and I was also right that there are no hot moments between them (except some kissing).

Even though I didn't finish this book, I'm gonna rate it. I'm giving it two stars. Not because I want to lower the average ratings, but because this rating is more for me. So that I know what bothered me. I know many people would say why rate it if I didn't finish it. I'll tell you why. I think it's important to have arguments on why rate it the way you rate it. I think that if I'd continue reading my rating wouldn't change. Because no matter the ending, my opinion wouldn't change. I came across so many things in this book that bothered me that those last 40 % for sure couldn't make the book better. And because also, I'm over half of the book. I already have a clue what's the author's writing style, how the characters act and such. Nothing could make my rating better, not even a HEA.

This was my first book by this author, by the way.

Good forced proximity romance with a broken hero. Visualization was key as Mallory was stranded in wilderness that most of us have never experienced before. Vivid descriptions made the story interesting.

Mallory and Michael made it all work as not only were they the main characters, they were for the most part the only characters. Nicely paced.

*ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

This was a new author for me. The story sounded interesting as Alaska, the great frontier and the Northern Lights always intrigue me.

Other reviews mention the religious tones were overwhelming, but I don't agree. We all have something to turn to in times of distress that helps us cope. Mallory 's faith is what sustains her. She discovers it once was Michael's faith that sustained him until tragedy struck.

The story was slow moving and torturous at times. Understandable that crashing in the remote Alaskan woods would be treacherous, the descriptions of Mallory's injury and subsequent injuries to Michael due to wildlife were overkill. It took so long for Michael to find Mallory after the crash. It took forever for their relationship to develop and then once it did she was headed home.. The final few chapters, from the consummation of their relationship to Mallory returning to her family and then the story's culmination, we're the best and saved the story. Stuck with it, and skimmed a lot , but overall an okay story.

I was provided a free ARC eBook by the publisher and Net Galley for my honest review.

I received this ARC in exchange for a review. The beginning of this book really captivated me and find out what happens to Mallory and then she meets Michael. Classic love story. I loved the ending!!

S.C. Stephens is a favorite author of mine. The Thoughtless series years ago was one of the reasons that fueled my love of reading and the genre of adult, contemporary and YA. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this book. But I think i fell for Michael just as quickly as Mallory. S.C. Stephens writing is always easy to follow along and you almost forget your reading a book but you feel as if you are a part of the story. Under the Northern Lights did not disappoint. The characters were well developed. The location and plot was exactly what i needed. This is the second book I've read recently that takes place in Alaska and I only want more! and a vacation to the cold outdoors. a great read a great story and a great ending. Highly will recommend to others.

Really love this author and was very much looking forward to this. It took a while to get into and I felt some of it was rather longwinded and repetitive. The last 15% made it all worthwhile though and had me hooked to the point I was still reading at 2am. Loved the ending!

I am not usually drawn to survival stories but this one caught my eye because I love Alaska and the northern lights. It did not disappoint. The gradual romance took a bit too long for my tastes but otherwise it was an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book had a little of everything. It was a slow burn but really good.
If you're a fan of The Thoughtless series don't go into this book thinking it will be similar.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. I usually love these types of tropes, but I really struggled through this one. The book was quite slow paced throughout most of it, with a few thrilling parts. I didn’t like the instalove part about this and the romance that did happen was pretty tame. But, my biggest issue was how religion was heavily present throughout. As this was my first book by the author, I don’t know how prevalent it is in her other books, but I was pretty surprised. I think I’m probably in the minority on this, but I didn’t like this one at all.

* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read the synopsis of Under the Northern Lights it reminded me a lot of the premised Melanie Harlow’s book, After We Fall. Which trust me I didn’t mind one bit since I’m a huge fan of Melanie’s but I was wondering how SC Stephens would do. This was my first experience reading anything by this author and I can tell you now it did not disappoint and I can’t wait to look into more of the authors books.

So this afternoon I decided to give this book a chance and I devoured it in one day. My family thought I was crazy because we’re on vacation at Disney World and I’d rather be reading this amazing book then go to any of the parks!

I loved Mallory and Michael’s relationship from start to finish. It was a slow build with lots of angst, drama and love. There was no insta-love which I was overjoyed with. And I loved that there were elements of survival and it wasn’t made easy for them. Our couple had to fight not only for that survival but to fight for each other.

I think my only complaint for the book was the use of religion. From glancing at other reviews it seems I’m not the only one. I’m not an overly religious person and I especially hate it when books force it down your throat. But I can at least say that never happened. The parts that had religion were justified and helped tied the story together.

This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2019 and I highly recommend everyone picking this book up once it releases in April! Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book!

Quite an unusual and well written scenario.
Mallory, a wildlife photographer sets off in her plane into the depths of the snowy country. Living through a crash in the plane she manages to crawl out and fend off wolves, slightly unlikely maybe. However, she meets a lonesome man, Michael who lives hermit like in the depths of the woods.
Their story is intertwined with different emotions. Michael has huge problems with interaction, but as the weather worsens and as he waits for plane parts, they are trapped together.
I had no problem with any of the so called 'religious' elements of the story, found it all rather refreshing.
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.

I actually really loved this book! If you are looking for something along the lines of Thoughtless, this isn't it. This book had much less angst and drama.

Mallory is a professional photographer and prides herself on her annual trips flying herself to remote areas in hopes of catching that one magic photo that will launch her career. Unfortunately, her trip turns scary when her engine dies and she crashes into the barren forest. She is hurt, stranded, and things are not looking good. That is, until Michael shows up to save her!

I loved both characters, and was really pulling for Michael to "wake up" and embrace this amazing woman who was put in his path. He has a tragic past and has lost all hope in humanity.

I, unfortunately, read a couple of the reviews for this book before writing my own. I am disappointed by all the "hate" and "anger" toward the religious aspect of this book. I mean really? I am not a religious person. I did not think this book was religious at all. So what if Mallory wore a cross which comforted her and helped her to pray and be hopeful. This is called faith in whatever form it comes. It is having that hope and looking to a higher power for strength that helps people cope with difficult situations. Fate people. How many books have you read where you were like "yeah, it was fate that they ended up together". I mean, come on guys!! Give it a break!

I highly recommend the book. Not only did I love the ending, but I think it was the first book where I actually cried during their first intimate encounter. It was just so moving and emotional. Oh, and those who like a slow burn......this would do it for you!

Under the Northern Lights has it all - adventure, survival, incredibly tense situations, slow blooming romance, and a happily ever after ending reading. I was enthralled from the very beginning. I loved the characters, and so want to know how their lives evolve.

SLOW

We're chapters in before the two main characters even meet, but I will say they were an exciting couple of chapters. However, from there, everything is just slow. We have this incredible religious debate between the characters that I personally could have done without.

I found Mallory to be pretty immature despite her independent career. She constantly wanted to change Michael, expecting him to change for her. She felt that she knew what was best for him, because her own marriage failed. I did feel she redeemed herself at the end, but it took forever to get there.

** ARC received from Netgalley **

*** 2.5 - 3 Disappointing Stars ***

Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens begins with a young woman named Mallory. She is a professional wildlife photographer and decides to take a trip to Alaska to get some nature shots. Soon her trip takes a turn for the worst. . . a disastrous storm comes out of nowhere and her plane crash lands.

Tired, scared, and injured she fears the worst. . .
Till she is saved by a handsome stranger, named Michael.

He takes care of her, tends to her wounds. And when she is better he will take her back home.
What started as friendship turns into more. One they least expected.

Michael can't feel. With a past he would rather forget he closes himself off from the world. That is until Mallory comes crashes into his life. Quite literally.

. . .

I am a fan of S.C. Stephens writing, and was excited to read Under the Northern Lights, but what bugged me about this book was the amount of religious aspect that was thrown at us readers from the very first page. It dragged the majority of the book, and was very heavy on the insta-love.

This book was not at all what I expected from SC Stephens. I had previously read the Thoughtless series and loved it! The characters were multi-dimensional and the plot was well-developed. In my opinion this book had none of that. After Mallory's plane crashes and Michael saves her from a wolf pack attack at just the right time, she finds herself stranded at his isolated cabin for the entire winter. And as predicted, they fell in insta-love. Now I get that living in close quarters and having to work to survive can facilitate that, but this happened almost immediately. And it seemed for no reason. Mallory adapted extremely well to being off the grid and fell into an easy life of chopping wood and fetching water. Aside from the occasional bear and a night lost in a snow storm, life seemed pretty easy. Michael, of course, was living in the middle of nowhere due to circumstances that had happened 5 years prior. I was mildly interested in what had happened and when revealed my thought was "THAT'S what made him move to Alaska off the grid?" All in all, it wasn't my cup of tea. This story has been done before and I knew exactly how it would end after the first couple of chapters. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

There’s something about a survival story that always piques my interest. Give me a survival story that is written by one of my favorite authors and I am over the moon.

Nature is the most unpredictable, formidable adversary. Let’s be honest, you would have to be a brave person to fly solo to a remote location to photograph wildlife, and Mallory Reynolds was definitely a brave woman. Despite her family’s concerns, she was living her life the way she wanted to and pursuing her life’s passion. Her bravery was put to the test when her plane crashed, leaving her seriously injured, cold, alone, and in an area that could be rife with animals looking for easy prey.

S.C. Stephens did a great job of describing every detail in this book. I felt as though I was right there alongside Mallory as she fought to keep herself alive. Even when doubts crept in with the gravity of her situation, her faith and her love of her family and her life kept her from just succumbing to the elements and her injuries. But luckily, she wasn’t as alone in the wilderness as she had assumed.

Michael Bradley was a man of few words, but then again, he was accustomed to living in complete isolation. He was definitely a welcome sight for Mallory. He took her back to his cabin, tended to all of her injuries, and took care of her. Mallory was more than a little curious to know more about the man who saved her life. What would make a man in his thirties want to live all by himself, essentially cut off from all human contact? I wanted to know, too.

I was settled into the book, watching the characters develop a comfortable routine and camaraderie together. It was easy to become invested in the characters and their story. They were likable, and I found myself rooting for them very early on.

Under the Northern Lights was a slow-burning romance. The author took her time to develop the relationship between the characters. I always enjoy the anticipation that comes with a slower paced romance. I prefer to witness the interactions between the characters, the push and pull that helps to build the chemistry. This book handled it just right.

Really enjoyed this book it is something a little different set in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.
Perfect read for a cold snowy day. I would recommend going in blind

I have seen some comments about the religion in this book. Putting in to perspective what happens to the lead character I think she has a right to believe in whatever she wants. It doesn’t distract from the book.