I’m not usually in favour of fake relationship stories, and I would never recommend this tactic in real life. But I have to say, this trope does make for a fun romantic interlude in Alaska, the land of adventure. Set in a town called Wild River which is also the name of the series, awaits an ALASKA REUNION.

Ellie Mitchell, who owns the local bookstore, is happy unpacking boxes and giving tutelage online.  She’s settled in and accepted that life is not going to mean a high-flying career. But with her upcoming high school reunion, she starts worrying that she’ll look bad. Especially as Mr. Perfect from school will be attending.  

Callum McKendrick, one of Ellie's employees, comes from a family of hoteliers, yet he seems to be bypassing their dramas, weary from his father’s irascible treatment while he was growing up. Ellie asks Callum if he’ll pretend to be her date and boyfriend for the reunion. She explains that she wants to impress her former boyfriend Brent Lanigan, who she ‘stalks’ on social media as he swanks around with supermodels.

Callum, unknown to Ellie, is a keen volunteer member for local search and rescue. This is bound to come in handy when the party is extended to a week at a wilderness retreat, with couple's activities and group adventure sports. Something else Ellie doesn’t realise is that the obliging Callum has a giant crush on her. But why the heck doesn’t she expect him to be an aspiring writer? Just about everyone who works in a bookstore wants to write.

The McKendrick family seems to have massive communication problems, caused by Callum’s father expecting everyone to dance to his tune. I thought this seemed overdone, but then realised that there is nobody else on the same social strata in this town, so the family members don’t get much chance to socialise with others who run a large establishment. I also have found some male hoteliers or bar owners to be domineering in the past, so maybe this is a representation of this man treating his family like the staff.

What I really enjoyed in this book were the activities outdoors; from abseiling to paintball, couples yoga to boating, this great depiction of having fun while getting to know people would attract new enthusiasts. The daydreams about getting other people into bed, not so much. I skip anything in italics. Our characters get along while developing sexual tensions and for me, that’s enough. Enjoy Jennifer Snow’s contemporary romance ALASKA REUNION, and I fully expect you’ll return to Wild River for more adventures.