This book has some religious lead in for example the main character wears a cross and prays a lot. Sometimes it is the faith that keeps you going in life.
Mallory was brought up n a close family even though her job puts her out of contact for months at a time. She did not expect to crash her plane or to meet a man and be rescued. A burly man who moved away from civilization.

I thought the story was good, however there were sections that moved a little slow for me.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

I thought this was a sweet adventure romance. I liked that it took place over a few months of isolation. It allowed me to buy into the couple's growing attraction and eventual love affair. My only complaint was that I found some of the dialogue a little cheesy. Still this is a couple you will root for and a story I do recommend.

In this book, we follow Mallory and Michael who are thrust into a situation that is going to challenge both of them in ways they never thought possible. Its a story of survival, second chances, and finding our place in the world.

This book is very much like a roller coaster. It is slow then picks up, then slows down, then picks up, then slows down. The highs of the story are great. But when the lows hit, it does take some effort to keep reading to get back to the highs.

I have really enjoyed SC Stephens books in the past. The Thoughtless series is one of my favorites. But this one, just was hard for me to get through. I liked the point that she was trying to make and i loved seeing Michael's character develop from a recluse to seeing that there is more to life then the road that he is going down. This was probably the highlight of the whole story.

This story is not like the other books that Stephens has written so be warned when you are diving into it. It's a book that takes some time to get into and if you don't like the characters, then you may not like the book

This had such a slow long beginning, that I almost gave up. It was due to the full monologue at the start. I didn't realize how important dialogue was until the beginning of this book. I think even a memory with dialogue would have helped break up the drawn out start of this book.

" . . . I just didn't know you ... noticed. " A smile softened his face. "I always notice you."

However, I'm glad I kept reading because the moment Michael gets introduced the story truly begins. Michael's back story is so heartbreaking of why he's in the northern bush. But Mallory's faith and hope is uplifting and the balm that Michael needs to get out of his misery, but is it enough?

Goodbyes are so hard to write but I felt the goodbye scene in here was very well written.

"Don't be sorry for loving me-don't be sorry that I love you. Love is the most precious commodity we have, and . . . even if it's temporary . . . it should be cherished."

Even though I did end up quite liking this I was left with some basic questions like: Did Mallory get period. Did they use birth control? I know that is a little thing but when they are stranded up north it did leave me questioning simple basics like that.

Great story about faith, hope, love and second chances.

3.5 stars

This book was very slow for me. I read 60% of it and just couldn’t make myself go on as I’ve been trying to read it for weeks. I didn’t connect with the characters at all. I won’t be reviewing it since I did not finish it.

I was pleasantly surprised especially after reading the mixed reviews. Hence why I rarely read reviews. I prefer to make up my own mind. Ms. Stephens wastes no time jumping right into the action. UTNL was a heartbreaking love story born of the harshest conditions. I was glad to see the author have her characters “stick to their guns” when it would’ve been much easier to give most of the readers what they wanted. I was amazed that I was so enthralled in a story that 99% of the time only revolved around two characters. The author does an amazing job immersing her readers in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

I was curious about this book. I love the author and the plot sounded interesting. It fell short for me though. The character, Mallory, seemed pushy instead of driven. She wore on me. Michael had a big life moment that changed him as a person but it didn't play out well. I just didn't care about their romance. It didnt matter to me where their relationship went.
They story had its good points. The landscape was described beautifully. It felt adventurous and wild, There was enough good to it that i didn't put the book down. It just fell flat at the end.

I was really interested about the plane crash premise and the romance among survival set up. However, the female protag. was too religious for my liking and the overall writing was melodramatic.

Mallory always finds herself in strange locations , shooting pictures that others rave about. This time they just might be the end of her. When her plan crashes she finds herself fighting off the animals that she loves to take photos of. She runs into an expected complication by the name of Michael, who exactly is this man and is he there to help her or does he have secrets? Thank you NetGalley

In Under The Northern Lights, Mallory Reynolds wanted to capture images of the wilds of Alaska. Instead, it was her heart that was captured by Michael Bradley, a mysterious mountain man living in self-imposed exile.

A short fun read, Under The Northern Lights is about finding love in the most unexpected place. Both Mallory and Michael were not looking for love. They were content being single. But fate had other plans for them.

A plane crash is not the best way to meet your other half. Wolves and bears are not the ideal neighbors. Yet, against these odds, Mallory and Michael still managed to find their happily ever after.

Under the Northern Lights is Rated T for Teens.

I enjoyed this book very much.

It was not what I was expecting based off of this authors previous books but just because it was different doesn’t mean I didn’t like it.

I first fell in love with S. C. Stephens books through her Thoughtless Series and in keeping with her fantastic writing style, Under the Northern Lights is written well with beautifully descriptive scenes that put you side by side with the characters in this story.

Mallory’s plane crashes during a terrible storm and she is put to the test by having to survive her surrounding elements and animals all on her own.
As her situation starts to reach the darkest of hours, her rescue comes by way of a man who lives in the world alone by choice.

With reasons for living a life of seclusion, Michael becomes Mallory’s savior from her predicament and has all intentions of it going no further than that-despite the obvious attraction to one another.
But when the two are forced to spend the next three months together until her plane can be fixed, it starts and builds a slow burn that is intense and emotional.

This books definitely swims in the waters of an insta love denied. The broken man and the woman who can love enough for the both of them with the angst, drama and a little bit of suspense sprinkled in to keep you on your toes.

As I said before, it was not what I was expecting and that is because there is a religious aspect to it which, in my opinion, toned down the steamy factor in this book. It has more sweet romantic moments as opposed to blush worthy ones. This may be from me comparing it to previous books by this author but again, I still enjoyed it.

It is lengthy but well worth the time.

Mallory Reynolds is a part-time photographer starting her yearly trip in Alaska to capture the local wildlife.  Her usual trip takes a disastrous turn when her small aircraft loses power forcing her to make an emergency landing.  She is badly hurt in the crash but her survival skills allow her to make it until help arrives.  Help comes in the form of loner Michael Bradley.  Michael has isolated himself in the Alaskan wilderness for reasons he doesn't want to talk about.  The two must figure out how to live around each in Michael's one-room cabin until spring when they can get to the nearest town.

The characters are both strong yet vulnerable people with very strong opinions.  Mallory is a woman set to prove herself.  It shows in the Alaskan trips that she takes on her own, something that I'm sure isn't highly recommended.   She has a strong faith that she doesn't mind showing, compassionate and caring though at times those things come across as pushy or overdone. Mallory's actions beg the question that if she wasn't in such an extreme situation, would she come across as strongly as she does.  Michael, because of the secret he is keeping, is a little less fleshed out until further into the story when he opens up but his actions hint at a man who once was a caring, loving, full throttle person.

The story itself takes a bit of patience to get through.  Ms. Stephens takes the reader through not only her characters' heads via inner dialogue but paints vivid pictures of the Alaskan scenery with flowing prose.   The story goes on for several months as the two a snow-locked into their location with zero interaction for any other source except Mallory and  Michael so there are time jumps of weeks as there is a lot of monotony to be had when you are in a cabin with no electricity for months. 

The heart of the story is the two characters learning about each other and themselves in a situation so outside the norm. Under the Northern Lights is the type of read which asks you to take a look at yourself and ask how you would handle what Mallory and Michael have.  What would it take to have you just walk away from it all?  If you were faced with a do or die situation, would you make it or succumb?

I haven't read a book by S.C Stephens in a very long time, so when I read the blurb for this story, I knew I had to give it a try. It hit all my must-haves for a book - adventure, mystery, a little love, and the writing must be great. I will say without a doubt, this is one to pick up!

This author never fails to disappoint with her stories. This is an amazong read and i devoured this story. A very well done job in writing this book.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Under the Northern Lights has life threatening moments that had my heart in my mouth. From Mallory’s plane crashing at the start of the book, to encounters with wild animals, and other incidents that could easily lead to death in the wilderness of Alaska in the middle of winter, the danger is ever present. These times had me on the edge of my seat, frantically reading to see what would happen, hoping and praying that Mallory and Michael would be safe. Other parts of the story are taken up with the mundane of life and the story slowed right down.

The relationship between Michael and Mallory is a very slow burn and at times I was frustrated with Michael and it had me worried I wasn’t invested enough in the outcome of their relationship. Turns out I was I was way more invested than I realised because the closer I got to the end, the more this couple made heart bleed until I was eventually a great big sobbing mess.

Under the Northern Lights is a wonderful, emotion-filled romance dealing with issues around grief, hope, and faith. I loved it. It gets a solid four stars from me.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Mallory is a nature and wildlife photographer and she takes a trip to Alaska once a year for a few weeks. On her own and in her own plane, and she comes home with some great photos. But this year she has a problem, her plane stalls and she crash lands in who-knows-where Alaska. She is hurt, her plane is in pieces, and her stuff is scattered for what looks like miles. She has to get her tent up so she can protect herself from the frigid cold of overnight.

Michael has been alone in Alaska for five years and he likes it that way. After a terrible event in the city, Michael has moved to the wilds because he doesn't like being around humans anymore. When he heard the plane crash, he thought no one could have survived and he would make his way to it and see if he could salvage parts for his own plane. He was not expecting to find Mallory alive.

As Mallory heals and begins to trust Michael, feelings begin to grow between them both. There have been sparks between them from the beginning, but this sizzle lives just under the surface. As they grow closer, Michael seems to pull back because he is still living in parts of his past and he cannot let it go. He feels guilty for what they are feeling towards each other because he knows when it is time for Mallory to leave, they both will get hurt.

Can Mallory move on with her live when she leaves Michael? Will Michael be able to forget what started with Mallory? Will there ever be a chance for Mallory and Michael?

I was glued to this story from the beginning, it was intense and scary, but I found I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next in the wilds of Alaska. The only thing I wanted more of was the ending, but I guess it ended the way it should have.

Yes, this is the same author who wrote the Thoughtless series with Kellan Kyle but there is no Kellan here. It is a different story and Mallory is a religious person and she prays to God to keep her safe from being eaten by wolves and bears. And her faith is what helps her survive. I don't think it takes away from the story at all. So don't let that keep you from reading this great story about Mallory and Michael.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Mallory is a photographer who loves nature. While her family doesn't quite understand why she loves it, she is done explaining her job and her love of it to her family. When she's flying to her next destination, she runs into trouble. While she doesn't know her next steps, she knows that she wants to live.

Michael is living off the grid. After a traumatic experience, this ex-doctor decided that people were not to be trusted. When he finds Mallory, he knows that he can help. Michael is a tricky character to get to know. He's incredibly closed off and at times, I wanted to scream at him. He was so infuriating.

Overall, this was not like the other S.C. Stephens books that I've read. This was much more dialogue than romance. They were forced friends who became real friends. However, they lacked chemistry for me. Also, both were so timid in how they approached their relationship that it kind of dragged on.

While it was a well-developed story, it missed the mark for me. I wanted a more involved relationship between these two. More than the push and pull of what could have been, might have been, or might be.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
Mallory's a freelance photographer who spends a few weeks every winter at her remote Alaskan cabin. Only this year, the weather doesn't cooperate, and she crashes her small plane in the wilderness. Surviving the crash, now Mallory must survive the elements, which includes wolves and bears.

Michael finds Mallory and takes her back to his cabin. During the course of the winter, Michael and Mallory forge an uneasy friendship, then a true friendship. Michael can't let go of his wife's death and can't commit to anything long-term with Mallory.

Mallory knows that Michael is the one for her, but she respects his decision to live his life in seclusion while she returns to her life.

The real question is, does absence make the heart grow fonder? Or is it just something people say when they don't know what to say?

Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens was such a surprisingly sweet story. Every year Mallory Reynolds travels to Alaska to photograph in remote locations. But this time she crashes into the wilderness she loves. Afraid for her life, she is surprised to be a rescued by a man living in the mountains. Michael Bradley has chosen to live outside the world by choice and Mallory entering his life changes everything. Because of his choices, they could not get help until the Spring and now they were stuck together.

Mallory and Michael begin to get to know each other and feelings emerged, even as he tries to keep her at arm’s length. His life is in the mountain, their situation only temporary. But Mallory wants more. Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens was a slow burning romance that will charm you.

Happy reading!

The synopsis really got to me so I was interested to read it. It was an alright-okay read. I thought I would have liked it more than I did. There were some parts that I was not feeling and others I wished she would have gone more in depth to. The survivalist romance was intriguing, two people who are stuck together for an indefinite period of time. Seeing the bond developing and the relationship forming between Mallory and Michael was fascinating. They were on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to things so I was interested to see how it would play out. However as I was reading I wanted a little more. I just felt like something was missing. It didn’t completely ruin the story but I wasn't feeling it as much as I thought I would. The writing was good and the characters were okay. Overall, a satisfactory story.

Totally enjoyed this book!
The imagery that Author S. C. Stephens describes through the lens of her main character Mallory had me throughly entertained. And Michael was the cherry on top of this story.
I liked the setup of being out in the wild and learning to survive after circumstances out of their control bring these 2 characters together.
It was a good blend of emotions that soared with love, trust and heartache. This book will keep you entertained.
I liked this new book from Author S.C. Stephen.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is such a heartbreaking sweet romance with a HEA ending.
Mallory's plane crash lands in Alaska with winter all around her. She's hurt, cold and scared. On her second night the wild animals have surrounded her. She doesn't think she's going to make it until a burly beast of a man shows up out of nowhere to and saves her.
Michael has lived in solidarity for five years now. He would rather be with the wild animals than the crazy humans. When he sees a plane crash land the only thing he's thinking of is maybe it will have the part he needs to fix his plane. Getting to the crash is the easy part. Finding a beautiful woman alive from that wreckage is the hard part.
This book gave me chills and made me cry big tears. I felt for Michael and then I felt for Mallory but the ending was by far my favorite.

Under the Northern Lights by S. C. Stephens is the story of Michael Bradley and Mallory Reynolds.
Michael has left behind the civilized world to live in a cabin in the secluded wilds of Alaska about 5 years ago. Mallory is a wildlife photographer who leaves her home in Idaho to spend a few weeks each year camping and taking pictures of the wild life in its natural life, she even flies her own plane. But on this trip she ends in a plane crash where she does survive but has of course injuries. Michael finds the Mallory and slowly helps her back to the cabin. Since Michael has chosen to cut himself off from the world, he has no way to contact anyone. So Mallory won't be recused right away, which leads them to slowly start to learn about the other.
This was a really good easy read I thought.