When Graham Barnett named his diner The Tourist Trap, he meant it as a joke. Now he’s stuck slinging reindeer dogs to an endless string of resort visitors who couldn’t interest him less. Not even the sweet, enthusiastic tourist in the corner who blushes every time he looks her way…

Two weeks in Alaska isn’t just the top item on Zoey Caldwell’s bucket list. It’s the whole bucket. One look at the mountain town of Moose Springs and she’s smitten. But when an act of kindness brings Zoey into Graham’s world, she may just find there’s more to the man than meets the eye…and more to love in Moose Springs than just the Alaskan wilderness.

For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It’s cute and has a good little cast of characters – I especially liked the twins, Easton and Ash, even though they weren’t major characters. While reading, I got a Gilmore Girls vibe from the book in a number of ways, which is the main reason I liked the book. The main one is the setting of the book – the small town of Moose Springs, which has that close-knit feel that Stars Hollow has, only it’s in Alaska, and the townspeople aren’t too privy with newcomers. Too bad for them though, as Moose Springs is a hot tourist spot and Graham’s diner is a huge hit. 

I have to say that I didn’t hate any of the characters, really. While I didn’t care for some (Lana’s friends), I didn’t hate them either. I did, however, like Zoey and Graham. Zoey was an awkward nerd, trying to get out of her shell a bit, and therefore reminded me a lot of myself. Though she has more guts than I do as I wouldn’t spend nearly all my savings on a trip to Alaska or even venture to do the things she did on my own. I felt bad for all the mishaps she went through because really, nothing on her trip went the way she planned. The only good thing was Graham.

Speaking of Graham, the only thing I didn’t like about him was how he sounded. His use of the word “darlin'” and a few others gave me a southern vibe that didn’t fit his Alaskan background. Then again, what do I know? Maybe that’s how they talk up there. I’ve never been to Alaska so I wouldn’t know. Still, even if that is the slang there, it felt like Graham was a different person when he called Zoey “darlin’.” Otherwise, he was adorable with his blatant flirting with her right from the get-go and I loved how he felt the need to take care of her when she accidentally got drunk at his diner. 

For the last of the character talk… I again bring up the twins, Easton and Ash. They are Graham’s best friends and are characters I would love to see more of in the other Moose Springs novels (though I do know that one of them does focus on Easton). Easton was all gruff and a silent, gentle giant, while Ash seemed more like a rebel-with-a-cause, and I’d really love for her to get a story of her own.

There were a few moments that I found myself getting bored where the story just seemed to drag a bit, but overall, this was a very cute read. The best parts being Graham’s use of Ash’s helicopter piloting to win over Zoey and Graham’s jealously showing. And, of course, Graham’s lovable dog, Jake. The most disappointing part of this book though is realizing that it takes place in July, and not around Christmastime, because it really feels like it could be a holiday read. 

Overall, a cute read with a few bumps that I think most romance lovers will enjoy! 

Rating: 3.5/5 stars