I've read a few books from this author and enjoyed them! I then saw this book on Netgalley and the cover drew me to it, so I checked out the synopsis! It sounded exactly like my kind of read, so I requested a copy and tried to read it as soon as I could! I would have read it straightaway, but I had a few other ARCs to read first! After reading this book, I have to say that I enjoyed it! I loved the whole idea of the plot and felt like it was slightly different to other books with a similar plot! It only took me a few sittings to read as well and I thought that the plot developed at a nice pace! Religion also played a big part of this book, which I wasn't expecting, and I'm not religious in any way, so I did find this a bit distracting! That was my only issue with this book! I enjoyed the romance and it allowed for a few hot scenes! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Mallory was the main character, and in this book all she wanted was to go on her holiday and take pictures of wildlife! This definitely didn't go to plan for Mallory and she ended up stuck in the middle of nowhere, which is how she came to meet her love interest! I liked Mallory in this book and she was stuck because she wanted to stay with her love interest, but she also wanted to see her family again! I could understand Mallory's dilemma! Michael was the love interest of Mallory! I was intrigued by Michael pretty much as soon as he was introduced in this book! He did keep his cards close to his chest and it took quite a bit of the book for him to open up to Mallory and reveal more about himself! I did like Michael in this book and I had respect for him because he did everything himself and he didn't rely on any mod cons! I also understood why Michael wanted to escape people because he had lost faith in them! This book was only written from Mallory's point of view, which surprised me a little! In a way I was expecting it to be written from dual point of view, but the synopsis does give the impression that it is only going to be written from Mallory's point of view, so I probably shouldn't have been too surprised lol! I can understand why it was only written from Mallory's point of view because it kept Michael's secrets for longer and kept the mystery going for longer! I would have liked to have gotten the chance to have went inside Michael's head, but I enjoyed this book only being written through Mallory's eyes and I was still able to connect with Michael! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! I wish that it wasn't because I would have loved to have read more on Mallory and Michael, but the ending of this book was left at the perfect place and summed up the characters story beautifully! I still have a few of this author's other books to read and I can't wait to see what she's going to release next! The cover for this book is absolutely stunning! The blue really makes the cover stand out and it definitely drew me to the book! The cover also definitely suits the book and I love it a lot! Big thank you to S.C. Stephens, Montlake Romance, and Netgalley for an ARC of Under the Northern Lights!

I'm always a sucker for a good adventure story, so this one was just my style. I admired the courageous main character, Mallory Reynolds, as she headed off alone to the Alaskan wilderness for a yearly trek to photograph wildlife. The unthinkable happened, and her plane's engine stalled during a storm. Unable to avoid a crash, Mallory is hurt, but amazed that she survived. Even with her injuries and having lost almost all of her supplies, she manages to tend to her wounds as well as possible and to survive a couple of nights alone. Just as it looks like her courageousness isn't going to be able to get her out of a situation, she is suddenly rescued by a man.

After some trepidation, but no choice about being taken back to his cabin, Mallory begins to trust Michael Bradley. Soon, her feelings about him grow, but Michael is a damaged man who wants nothing more than to be alone in the wilderness.

The adventure and danger in this story were what really drew me in. The main characters were likable, and I enjoyed Mallory's family members once they were drawn into the story. There was some angst in this one, but it felt like a requisite part of the romantic adventure story. This was my first book by S.C. Stephens, and I enjoyed it enough that I'll be searching out her backlist. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this exciting book in return for an honest review.

Thought this was an okay romance. Didn't really connect with any of the characters or had a really good time enjoying it. Felt like it lacked a better building plot.

I would give this one 3.5 stars. Okay I have to be honest. I usually five star just about everything I read from S.C. Stephens. I absolutely love her writing and her characterization in her stories. However, this time, I didn't get the same feelings I usually get reading her stories. It was a little slow for me. It was a bit of a struggle to make it through and I was missing the connection with the characters and emotion that I love feeling when I read S.C.'s stories. That being said, the writing and the setting are absolutely beautiful and I think the characters are well developed, I just didn't relate with them myself. I think this one was just not my cup of tea, but I will still recommend to others as I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story and the writing and I will continue to love and read S.C. Stephens.

DNF at 42%
I rarely DNF books, but Under the Northern Lights just wasn’t for me. It sounded interesting and I normally love what S.C. Stephens writes, but I found myself bored pretty early in the novel. The first few chapters were interesting, but after that the progression of the story was to slow for me and nothing really caught my attention. I persevered with my read for a few more chapters hoping my impression would change, but sadly it didn’t. I didn’t connect with the characters like I wanted to. I had some questions that intrigued me about Michael’s past, but it wasn’t enough to keep me reading. I’m really disappointed in this book!

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.