4.5 Stars
Really enjoyed this one. Though there's a big age difference between our MCs (~17 years), it was nice seeing that they both had their own struggles and though they helped each other throughout the book, they also needed time on their own, thinking and realizing what they want and need - in life and in one another. You could say (like Toby did) that Reuben was having a "midlife crisis" but if it was or wasn't, I think it was simply everything together enabling him to step out of his regular life and routine and look closely on his previous decisions and if they are still relevant to who he is or wants to be. I really appreciated that.
We've met Tobias "Toby" Kooly in the previous installment, like Griffin he too works as a tour guide for people coming to Alaska looking for an adventure or even a simple time off. Toby is easy going, knowledgeable and fun to be around. He loves his job and mostly his clients adore him back. But though he shows a sort of "care-free" attitude he is living a very complicated life. Two sisters he does his best to support financially as well as a sick father who needs constant care. He loves his family. They mean the world to him, but they are also a HUGE constant pressure he barely manages.
Reuben Graham is a hot-shot lawyer. His best friend booked this trip to Alaska for them (and his friends' wife) but as said wife was too busy to travel, he was somehow left to go on vocation on his own. It wasn't his idea, he wasn't even involved in the planning but he won't admit "defeat" by cancelling and showing his friends he is unable to take time off.. his guide is too cheerful and nice, also annoyingly good looking.. He can already see how things are NOT going to go as (he) planned...
Toby does his best to make Reuben enjoy himself. It's not an easy task but little by little he wins him over. Reuben finds it hard to admit it even to himself but he IS having a good time. It's not what he expected but the beautiful Alaskan landscapes with a rather sweet guide makes it hard to stay grumpy or work remotely (as he originally planned...).
Yet everything crashes down when Toby LITERALLY crashes the plane when they stumble upon unexpected rain. They are both injured but Toby is in a far worse state. This is exactly what he DIDN'T need right now. Summer is the best money-making time with all the trips, not working is going to make financing his family almost impossible yet he has to somehow manage, and get well as soon as possible.
Though Reuben isn't injured badly he has his own things to deal with, mainly his daughter not wanting to go to summer camp. Wanting to be a better father to his daughter as well as a good friend to Toby (whom he realize he already sees as a friend) he decides to bring Amelia to Alaska, renting a house suitable for them + the Toby who can't stay at his house due to his leg (and hand) injury. Toby doesn't like to be a burden, but he somehow accepts with Reuben asking he stays as his and Amelia's guide - planning fun activities he his daughter can do together.
Living together makes two things happen - one expected - Reuben and Toby cross the line between friendship to lovers and the second - unexpected - sharing a home together turns to exactly that - a home. A feeling of belonging. Even a family. Only problem is - the expiration date once summer is over and Reuben (and his daughter) return home - far far away from Alaska and mostly Toby.
I'll admit at times I wanted to rush Annabeth a bit. I could see how the friendship and relationship was building but I was impatient with how slowly Toby and Reuben were progressing as a couple. Reuben was all about taking things slow but also MUCH more meaningful. Toby was trying something new to him and finding Reuben and his ways are what he wants and needs. But there were too many obstacles, mostly mental ones. It was all THERE in front of their eyes but Annabeth needed them to TRULY be ready and when the time was right they were.
While I'm not a fan of kids in books, Amelia had a very important role in the story. She was another reason for Reuben to re-think his life and his choices. In a way she was even a mirror for him. She also allowed him to grow as a person, as a father. It was beautiful to read. I really enjoyed Toby as well, though I gotta say when he was grumpy - HE WAS GRUMPY and Reuben was a LIVING SAINT dealing with him hehe I think these two were simply MADE for one another. So different yet a perfect match.
LOVED IT!
Tags: Contemporary (MM) Romance
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