Deserving Alaska by Susan Stoker

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Refuge is a place to heal. Where those who have experienced traumatic events can go to heal. It is run by seven former military men who’ve seen more than their fair share of the ugliness in the world.

This is Drake “Brick” Vandine and Alaska Stein’s story. At first glance no one would think they’d ever be compatible, but sometimes deep connections can be made through shared experiences. And when the horror they thought they’d left behind comes for them again, they have to band together to overcome it once again.

Deserving Alaska

Heart, Hope, and Healing

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚💛
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😉😎🤯
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Character Backgrounds and Plot Summary

Drake “Brick” Vandine and Alaska Stein have known each other since childhood, growing up in the same trailer park under very different circumstances. Drake was the popular, protective boy who always included Alaska, while Alaska quietly carried a crush on him for years without believing she was worthy of anything more than friendship. Her difficult upbringing and absent, unreliable mother left her with deep insecurities that shaped the way she saw herself.

After Drake suffers devastating injuries and emotional trauma during a mission that leaves him struggling with survivor’s guilt and PTSD, Alaska does the unthinkable. She lies her way into a German military hospital to be at his side. While others fail to reach him, Alaska’s steady presence helps pull him back from the edge. Their renewed friendship continues long distance as Drake and several former military teammates establish The Refuge, a retreat designed to help people heal from trauma.

The story shifts when Alaska travels to Russia for work and finds herself in a terrifying situation. Her coded plea for help sends Drake into action. The rescue brings Alaska to The Refuge, where years of friendship slowly transform into something deeper. Drake finally begins to recognize that the woman who has always been his anchor may actually be the love of his life. Unfortunately, danger follows them home, forcing both of them to confront old wounds and a threat that refuses to let Alaska go.

Highlights and Limitations

One of the strongest aspects of this audiobook is the friends to lovers romance. Susan Stoker takes her time developing Drake and Alaska’s relationship, allowing their history to give emotional weight to every interaction. Drake falling in love is not the result of instant attraction. Instead, it comes from realizing who has stood beside him through the darkest moments of his life.

I especially appreciated Alaska’s quiet strength. She never sees herself as extraordinary, yet her actions repeatedly prove otherwise. From forcing her way into Drake’s hospital room to enduring trauma without losing her compassion, Alaska demonstrates courage that feels authentic rather than overdramatic.

The Refuge itself also serves as more than a backdrop. The concept of a healing retreat operated by former military men coping with their own scars adds depth to the story and introduces several characters who will likely play important roles throughout the series.

The one thing about this story that didn’t make sense to me was the fact that Alaska was kidnapped and sold into sex trafficking and she is overweight and over 40. It seems like it would be easy enough to take younger, prettier Americans that are traveling abroad that sex traffickers wouldn’t bother with middle aged chubby women.

That said, readers sensitive to repeated discussions of Alaska’s appearance may find that aspect frustrating. Alaska frequently views herself as plain and unworthy of Drake’s attention. While this insecurity makes sense given her background, the emphasis on her self-image occasionally becomes repetitive. I also felt Drake’s realization of his romantic feelings arrived a bit later than expected considering the decades of closeness they shared.

Narration

Savannah Peachwood and Aiden Snow delivered a performance that elevated the emotional impact of the story.

Savannah Peachwood captured Alaska’s vulnerability without making her sound weak. She effectively conveyed Alaska’s uncertainty, determination, and gradual confidence as the story progressed. During Alaska’s more emotional scenes, Peachwood allowed listeners to feel the character’s fear and resilience simultaneously.

Aiden Snow’s deep, commanding voice fit Drake perfectly. He portrayed Drake’s protective instincts and military confidence while also revealing the guilt and emotional exhaustion lingering beneath the surface. His performance during Drake’s moments of realization about Alaska’s importance was particularly effective.

Together, they created believable chemistry and distinct character voices that enhanced both the suspense and the romance.

Final Opinion

is a strong start to The Refuge series. It combines Susan Stoker’s signature blend of romantic suspense, protective heroes, and found family with a genuinely touching friends to lovers storyline. The romance succeeds because it is built on years of loyalty, sacrifice, and unwavering support rather than instant attraction.

Alaska ended up being my favorite part of the story. Her strength is not flashy, but it is constant. Drake may be the rescuer by profession, but Alaska repeatedly proves that saving someone emotionally can be just as heroic.

If you enjoy military romantic suspense, childhood friends finding their way to love, and stories that acknowledge the lasting effects of trauma while still delivering hope and heart, this audiobook is well worth the listen. It left me eager to return to The Refuge and spend more time with the men and women who are learning that healing is possible when you do not have to face your battles alone.

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