The Best Books Set in Alaska for an Epic Escape

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey

If you’re drawn to atmospheric books set in Alaska with a touch of mystery and magic, Black Woods, Blue Sky is one to add to your list. This haunting Beauty and the Beast-inspired story follows Birdie, a single mom trying to build a new life in the Alaskan wilderness with her daughter and a mysterious recluse. It’s suspenseful and emotional—a story of survival, love and the price of isolation.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Call of the Wild is a powerful classic set during the Klondike Gold Rush. It follows Buck, a stolen dog forced to survive in the harsh world of Alaskan sled teams. A gripping tale of instinct and survival, it’s perfect for fans of books set in Alaska or the Yukon. As a heads up, it was written over 100 years ago, so it includes outdated views and can be tough for sensitive readers.

The Gathering by C.J. Tudor

If you’re looking for a dark and twisty thriller set in Alaska, The Gathering has you covered. When a detective is called to a remote town to investigate a brutal killing, she’s pulled into an eerie mystery involving an isolated vampire community and a town full of buried secrets. With a chilling setting, suspense and a touch of the supernatural, this one is perfect for thriller lovers.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone is one of my all-time favourite Alaska-set books. If you choose one book on this list, let it be this one! It follows Leni, a teen whose family seeks a fresh start in the Alaskan wilderness—only to face the brutal challenges of off-the-grid living. With emotional depth, survival themes, the difficulty of PTSD, and a moving mother-daughter bond, it’s a powerful story of resilience and the unforgiving beauty of Alaska.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

If you enjoy magical realism and beautifully crafted historical fiction, The Snow Child is a must-read among books set in Alaska. Set in the 1920s, it tells the story of a grieving couple who build a child out of snow—only to discover a mysterious girl living in the woods the next day. Poetic, atmospheric and enchanting, this novel blends fairy tale with frontier life, creating a haunting and hopeful story.

Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine

A newer title on this list, Any Trope But You is perfect for readers who love romantic comedies. It follows Margot, a romance author who heads to a remote Alaskan resort to write her first murder mystery—only to stumble into a real-life romance with the resort’s handsome owner, Forrest. Filled with humour, heart and snowy nights, this debut novel is ideal for anyone who enjoys an unexpected love story.

Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler

For fans of contemporary romance set in Alaska, Enjoy the View—the third standalone book in the Moose Springs series—is a great escape. It follows River, a struggling actress filming a documentary in a small town and Easton, a rugged mountaineer who saves the day when a snowstorm hits. Their chemistry proves that even the most unlikely pairings can find love in the wild.

Falling for Alaska by Belle Calhoune

This heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance is set in a charming Alaskan town. When former football star Xavier returns home, he doesn’t expect to clash with True, a determined restaurant owner chasing her dreams. As sparks fly, the two may discover love along the way. A great option if you love small-town settings and wholesome romance stories.

Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli

Set aboard an Alaskan cruise, Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat is an enemies-to-lovers romance full of family drama, second chances and unexpected sparks. When Jasmine reluctantly joins her parents on a seniors’ cruise, she’s shocked to find her nemesis, Jake, is the only other young person onboard. But their clashing personalities and hidden personalities might turn into something more.

Northern Lights by Nora Roberts

Northern Lights brings romance and suspense to a remote Alaskan town. Nate, a former Baltimore cop grieving the loss of his partner, takes a job as police chief in Alaska and finds comfort in the rugged landscape—and Meg, a bold local pilot. When a long-cold murder case resurfaces, Nate’s search for the truth may jeopardize his fresh start and his chance at love.

Match Made in Paradise by Barbara Dunlop

In this fun opposites-attract romance, supermodel Mia escapes to Alaska to avoid a scandal. Her peaceful retreat quickly turns chaotic thanks to a grumpy bush pilot, unpredictable weather, and wild moose. With witty banter, sizzling chemistry and a vivid setting, this is a charming start to a new series.

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye

In this magical romance, a heartbroken writer meets a grumpy Alaskan fisherman who looks just like the hero in her book. Their chemistry is electric, but there’s more to their story—she’s Juliet reincarnated, and he’s Romeo. It’s perfect for readers who love sweeping romance with a touch of magical realism.

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

A fan favourite for good reason, The Simple Wild follows Calla, a Toronto native who travels to rural Alaska to reconnect with her estranged father. While there, she clashes with Jonah, a rugged pilot who doubts she’ll last. But, as she adjusts to life in the wild, Calla finds strength, healing—and maybe love—in the unlikeliest place.

The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler

The Tourist Attraction is the first standalone book in the Moose Springs romance series. It follows Graham, a grumpy diner owner who wants nothing to do with tourists—until Zoey walks into his Alaskan town and life. This hilarious small-town romance is full of opposites-attract charm, with plenty of heart and humour.

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith

The Unsinkable Greta James follows indie musician Greta, who reluctantly joins her estranged father on an Alaskan cruise after a public breakdown. As they navigate grief and long-standing tension, Greta finds healing and an unexpected romance with a charming historian. This heartfelt story blends family, self-discovery, and second chances against a breathtaking backdrop.

You, Me and Forever by Laura Pavlov

Set in Alaska, this steamy enemies-to-lovers romance follows Everly, a wedding planner whose one-night stand turns complicated when her hookup turns out to be Myles—the billionaire threatening her favourite venue. As feelings grow, Everly must choose between her dreams and her heart. It’s a spicy, small-town love story full of charm and tension.

Flopping in a Winter Wonderland by Jason June

Set on a year-round Christmas island north of Alaska, this festive LGBTQ+ rom-com follows Aaron and Kris, two teens with very different holiday goals who team up for the season—only to be surprised by love. With slow-burn romance, heartfelt laughs and plenty of holiday charm, Flopping in a Winter Wonderland is a sweet story of healing, queer joy, and rediscovering the magic of the season.

Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean

This sweet rivals-to-lovers romance takes place on an Alaskan cruise. Savannah joins her mom to prove to her ex that she’s fun—only to find her longtime nemesis, Tanner, onboard. As he pushes her out of her comfort zone, she starts to question what (and who) she really wants. Hearts Overboard is a fun, feel-good story full of humour, heart, and second chances.

Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

In this thrilling survival story, Maddie is stranded in the Alaskan wilderness with the boy who broke her heart—and now she must save him from a deadly assassin. As they battle the harsh landscape and each other, old feelings resurface and buried secrets come to light. Fast-paced and full of heart, this standalone young adult adventure is perfect for readers who love action, romance and fierce female leads.

The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

Set in 1970s Alaska, this powerful debut weaves together the lives of four teens, each navigating love, loss and the realities of growing up in a remote community. With lyrical writing and intersecting storylines, The Smell of Other People’s Houses is an emotional, character-driven novel perfect for fans of quiet, thoughtful coming-of-age stories.

The Trespassers by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

In this upcoming young adult thriller, a group of friends reunite at a remote Alaskan house party—but when secrets from the past resurface, things turn deadly. As the snow falls and panic sets in, the group scrambles to cover their tracks while confronting the truths they’ve tried to bury. The Trespassers is an intense, suspenseful read for fans of twisted friendships, dark secrets, and survival under pressure.

Alaska for Christmas by Jennifer Snow

In this heartwarming romance from USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Snow, two opposites are drawn together after a dramatic coast guard rescue. Isla’s amnesia brings out a new fearlessness, and sparks fly with Aaron in unexpected ways. But as the holidays fade, they must decide if their connection can last. Perfect for readers who love emotional growth, unexpected love, and a cozy winter setting.

Christmas in Alaska by Debbie Macomber

This two-in-one holiday collection features Mail-Order Bride and The Snow Bride—festive, feel-good romances full of heart and happily-ever-afters. In Mail-Order Bride, Caroline is swept into a surprise marriage after a case of mistaken identity. In The Snow Bride, Jenna takes a leap of faith and finds unexpected love. Sweet and traditional, it’s perfect for fans of small-town charm and classic Christmas romance.

Mistletoe & Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler

The second standalone in the Moose Springs series, this holiday romance is full of laughs, charm, and festive chaos. Lana is trying to win over the quirky locals—until a rogue moose and a tranquillizer mishap put her face-to-face with Rick, a quiet local with a heart of gold. With small-town shenanigans and a swoony slow-burn romance, Mistletoe and Mr. Right is perfect for fans of feel-good Christmas reads.

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber

In Starry Night, city columnist Carrie is chasing a career-making interview with reclusive author Finn—but when she finds him in a remote Alaskan cabin, she doesn’t expect to fall for him. Set against the stunning Alaskan wilderness, this story blends second chances, holiday warmth, and unexpected romance. Perfect for fans of sweet, snowy love stories with a magical holiday touch.