Review: Under the Alaskan Ice by Karen Harper

Author: Karen Harper
Publisher: MIRA (Harlequin)
Publication Date: December 2021

The truth always surfaces. When a small bush plane smashes through the ice at Falls Lake Lodge, it's a chilling reminder of everything Megan Metzler has lost. Three years ago, Meg's pilot husband died in a similar crash, a tragedy Meg and her young son, Chip, have struggled to move on from. Still, Meg does everything she can to assist when Commander Bryce Saylor arrives to investigate, even as working alongside the handsome pilot stirs up painful memories--and an attraction that catches them both off guard.

Bryce knows time is of the essence as he plunges into the frigid water in search of clues. But when vital evidence is destroyed, it soon becomes clear this downed plane was no accident. With someone tracking them from the woods, Meg and Bryce must race to unravel a mystery as indomitable as the Alaskan wilderness, or they might be the next victims to crash and burn...

Under the Alaskan Ice is the second book in the Alaska Wild series.  This one is Megan and Bruce's story.  It can definitely be read as a stand alone book.  The characters from the first book were mentioned but didn't show up in this book.  The premise is that Megan and her son are out or a walk when they witness a plane crash.  Bryce is called in to dive down to the wreckage to see if the pilot can be saved.  Someone wants the plane left alone and Megan and Bryce soon find themselves in danger.

Out of the two books in the series, I liked the first book much more than this one.  This one wasn't bad, I mean I did ultimately enjoy the story.  I just had a hard time staying focused on it.  I did re-read a couple of parts over because I felt like I was missing context as to what was going on with the plane and treasure. The mystery was OK, I just felt like it was a bit convoluted and confusing. I also wasn't a fan of the romance.  It was definitely an insta-love romance, but there was not a lot of chemistry between the couple. I mean I was told there was, but I just didn't see it.      I would still recommend this one.  I loved the cold Alaskan feel to the story.  I look forward to the next one.