REVIEW: Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens

Under the Northern Lights by S.C. Stephens: Mallory is passionate and determined enough to follow her dreams in spite of her family’s concerns. She loves her annual trip to Alaska where she spends weeks living in the wilderness while photographing the wild animals she loves. She’s been looking forward to this trip and can’t wait to fly her bush plane to her usual location in the remote wilderness.

Everything is off to a great start, until Mallory hits unexpected storms and then a problem with her plane. A plane crash is the last thing she wanted, but she’s lucky to even survive the crash. She’s left in the wilderness short of her planned destination, her supplies scattered, and she’s sustained injuries. Luck is on her side when Michael comes to her rescue and brings her to his cabin.

Michael has his reasons for choosing to live in a remote area of the Alaskan wilderness. He is competent and capable in seemingly all situations, no matter how dire. He’s smart, guarded, practical, and takes advantage of situations, as he needs to. He leads a basic life where he can largely avoid people, outside of trips for supplies.

Michael laughed, then shook his head. “I can’t let you do that, Mallory…but it’s a nice thought, so thank you.”
I stopped and stared at him. “You saved my life. The very least I can do is make yours a touch easier.”
He stared at me a moment, his eyes soft with warmth and compassion. “You already have,” he whispered.

With winter coming and her injuries, Mallory has no choice but to stay in Michael’s cabin until spring arrives. It’s an adjustment for both since she is quite independent yet she has to rely on a stranger for everything and he has chosen a life of solitude. They end up forming a friendship as they work together to get through the harsh conditions. There could be more as they both feel an attraction that only grows deeper throughout the winter.

“Whiskey,” I stated, standing to retrieve the emergency bottle of pain relief.
Michael shook his head. “No, I can take this sober. I’ll be fine.”
I tossed him a wry smile. “It’s not for you.” He laughed but said nothing when I grabbed the bottle and took a swig. Or two.

Under the Northern Lights is emotional, heartbreaking, tense, and sweet. S.C. Stephens provided a stunning yet stark setting where danger is around just about every corner. Ms. Stephens developed complex and stubborn characters and an endearing romance. Fans of K.A. Tucker, JB Salsbury, and Abby Jimenez will enjoy Under the Northern Lights.

Book Info:

Publication: April 30th 2019 | Montlake Romance |

From the number one New York Times bestselling author of the Thoughtless series comes a sweet, thoughtful romance set high in the Alaskan wilderness.

Mallory Reynolds is a driven woman fueled by her passion for photographing wild animals in remote locations. Every year she makes a trek deep into Alaska, but this time the unthinkable happens: she crash-lands after her plane stalls out in a storm. Injured, vulnerable, and threatened by the very creatures she loves, Mallory fears the worst—until she’s rescued by Michael Bradley, a mysterious mountain man living in self-imposed exile.

Mallory is grateful for Michael’s help but desperate to return home to let her family know she’s alive. Unfortunately, neither of them can leave Michael’s secluded cabin until spring. Mallory’s stuck with a stranger for months.

As Mallory recovers, a deep bond begins to form between the pair. Mallory is convinced that fate brought them together, but Michael is buried in his past, unable to move forward. Undaunted, Mallory tends to Michael’s heart as tenderly as he cared for her wounds—but will her love be enough to heal him?