From Alaska with Love

by Ally James

[kimbacaffeinate]

I am a sucker for military romances, romances with pets and Alaskan settings and From Alaska with Love delivered all of those elements and more. An awkward hero, an insecure heroine, an overbearing family and a dog that will melt your heart.

Sara took over watching her niece when her company downsized and slipped into handling her mother’s finances when her father passed. You might say she is the glue that hold everyone together. She is sweet, lonely, unsure of what the future holds and genuinely a good person. Which is why she sends an Easter card to a soldier stationed overseas.

Major Gabe Randall is a lifer. He has never had a serious relationship but hopes to eventually settle with his dog, Trouble in Alaska. He never takes part or takes letters sent to the troops; preferring to give them to his men. A hold up with mail created an excess he receives Sara’s letter.

Sara thinking to never meet the soldier offers him a glimpse of her life in a humorous way. Gabe responds via email. They soon begin exchanging emails. I loved these awkward exchanges and getting inside their heads. Before you know it, they move to text, and finally video chats. Gabe makes arrangements for Sara to fly out to Alaska for the holidays with him….only Sara doesn’t know how to tell her family. The tale that unfolds made me laugh even as I wanted to slap sense into a few characters.

The romance was a slow-build and low on heat. In fact, I almost wondered if that first kiss would ever happen. The story slowed and struggled before kicking into high gear and I admit to wanting to Gibbs slap (NCIS) both of them. It felt right though and fit the characters and their personalities. The drama was kept low and focused on the character growth.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer