Iditarod Nights

By: Cindy Hiday

Narrated by: Desiree Wilson

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Claire Stanfield became a lawyer to make her father proud, but after a troubling case leaves her shaken, she escapes to Alaska and immerses herself in the world of dog sledding. Dillon Cord became a police officer to serve his community, but he moves to Nome in the wake of a life-altering incident.

For both, the Iditarod—the toughest sled dog race in the world—offers a chance for forgiveness, redemption, and healing. After meeting unexpectedly just ten days before the race, Claire and Dillon are drawn together by the shared challenge of surviving the merciless Alaskan wilderness out on the trail.

With the help of their strong-willed sled dogs, the two mushers navigate treacherous mountain paths, as well as their own budding relationship. If they can come to terms with their pasts and stay focused on the dangerous trail ahead, Claire and Dillon might have a chance to create something special—but only if they reach Nome in one piece.

©2020 Cindy Hiday (P)2020 Cindy Hiday

A warm story set in a cold setting

In Iditarod Nights, two strangers become lovers when they bond through completing the most strenuous event of their lives and sharing their secrets in the process. Claire and Dillon enter the Iditarod race in Alaska, and have to travel 1,000 miles with sled dogs across frozen terrain. They each have nightmares in their past that have led them to make this journey.

I found this novel most engaging from the standpoint of an “overcoming obstacles” story. Listening to how the two characters care for their dogs, make their way through (at times) practically sightless weather, and battle exhaustion was most interesting to me. I appreciated the added layer of internal obstacles in the two main character’s personal lives. The setting made the story really unique, and I loved listening to the descriptions of it. The romance element was weaved in delicately, with elements of physical attraction but no explicit sex scenes as many romance books do. As someone who doesn’t read romance much, this level was enjoyable. I felt the length was perfect for listening to on a long trip.

As for the narration, this audiobook has a narrator with a comforting voice, which makes listening a pleasant experience. There were times where the narration felt a little lacking in emotion, but I tend to be a bit nit picky when it comes to a narrator’s expression. For the most part, I enjoyed the listening experience and never felt pulled out of the story.