These steamy Alaska romance books make a cold setting feel H-O-T. I simply love Alaska for its picturesque yet brooding setting, where nature plays such a huge role in the plot. These are the type of cozy books that will warm your heart on a cold day. Fall in love with these top romance novels where the setting feels as powerful as a character!
List of the Best Alaska Romance Books
- Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine
- TOP PICK: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
- The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
- The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
- The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
Spicy Alaska Romance Novel Reviews
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine
In Any Trope But You, a “canceled” romance author who doesn’t believe in “happy ever afters” flees to Alaska to write her first murder mystery. There, she lives out an unexpected rom-com plot with the rugged resort owner, a doctor with a heart of gold, hosting her. As they navigate personal fears, family struggles, and humourous adventures like staying in “one tent,” their steamy connection forces them to reconsider their beliefs about love.
This is a sharp debut novel that spicy romance readers will eat up. First, there is an abundance of classic romance tropes to entertain you. Second, the main characters have substance and “real life issues” beyond their physical spark, from caretaking duties to grief and career setbacks. Beyond that, the Alaskan resort setting adds charm and coziness. It’s also a quick read!
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone features a developing relationship between teens Leni Allbright and Matthew Walker, set against their challenging lives in the Alaskan wilderness.
One of Kristin Hannah’s best books, The Great Alone‘s moody Alaska setting sets the stage for one extremely emotional love story. This is a book of family, love, and survival set in a harsh climate. While teen Leni’s family grapples with the PTSD of her father, Ernt, a recent POW in Vietnam, she befriends the local Matthew.
As the long and brutal winter approaches, Leni’s friendship blossoms into more. At the same time, life becomes a battle against nature in a series of dramatic and consequential events.
The Great Alone has stayed with me since I first read it. I have searched “Alaska 1970s” on numerous occasions to get a clear picture of the alluring state that became the backdrop for 13-year-old Leni’s love life.
It’s a breathtaking winter love story about love and survival in the wilderness, both beautiful and devastating.
Related Post: The Great Alone Review
The Simple Wild by K. A. Tucker
The Simple Wild follows Calla Fletcher, a city girl who reconnects with her estranged, dying father in the Alaskan wilderness. This leads to unexpected personal growth and romance.
While braving the wilderness to connect with her father, Calla meets Jonah, a quiet and brooding Alaskan pilot who operates her father’s charter plane company.
Jonah doesn’t think Calla can “handle” Alaska, but Calla becomes determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, they form a bond. But Calla’s heart is in Toronto, and Jonah’s is in Alaska. Calla knows her parents failed in these exact circumstances years ago.
The “wild” is not so simple after all! The Simple Wild is a social media favorite that begins a series of four romance books.
The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
In The Tourist Attraction, Zoey is on her dream two-week vacation in Alaska when she visits Graham’s diner. He’s a local who’s unenthused about serving food to visitors. But Zoey is so kind interacting with the locals that she may change his heart.
It’s a lighthearted story that’s romantic (but not too steamy) and keeps you entertained with humor amidst its unique Alaskan setting. There’s even a rogue moose!
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
The Unsinkable Greta James follows a struggling musician who embarks on an Alaskan cruise with her estranged father after her mother’s death, leading to healing and self-discovery amidst the scenic backdrop and unexpected romance.
Greta James falls apart on stage after her mother’s sudden death. Still, she agrees to go on an Alaskan cruise with her unsupportive father, which was supposed to be a wedding anniversary celebration.
Greta befriends a handsome historian lecturing on “The Call of the Wild” and, ultimately, she must decide how to cope with her past and move forward in her future.
Despite sounding heavy, it’s a fairly light and realistic mix of real life and romantic love that takes its Alaskan setting “on board.”
Final Thoughts
The best Alaska romance books steam things up by making the cold yet beautiful setting part of the plot. My top pick is The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, a gripping, bestselling historical fiction novel I still think about years later.
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
