The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler (Book Review)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 ish Stars)

There’s just something about books set in Alaska that just make me super interested. And The Tourist Attraction definitely delivers on all the best elements of the last frontier, bringing you narwhal pods, killers whales, cute moose, and a lot of humor.

Graham Barnett is in love with his hometown, but the high-end resort at the top of the hill keeps filling it with tourists who party day and night and disrupt the small-town tranquility. When he decided to open his diner, The Tourist Trap, it was supposed to be a joke, but quickly it became THE spot in town for burgers, beers, and for Graham’s utterly regret – karaoke. No matter what he does, and how rude he is, the tourists find his local joint charming, and his grumpiness is part of the package.

But his mood gravely improves when he meets a certain shy bookworm, different than the usual customers visiting Moose Springs, there’s something about her that has Graham very intrigued. Zoey always dreamt of visiting Alaska, and she’s absolutely smitten with the town and with the rugged man behind the counter. Can their connection be stronger the locals vs tourists feud that seems to be going on?

This book was adorable. I wouldn’t call it enemies-to-lovers, per se, but the banter between Graham and Zoey was delightful. The setting is fun, and there’s a great cast of characters that bring life into the small-town.

My issue with this book is around the pacing. Although it starts on a high note, it keeps using the same mechanisms to interfere with the couple, and although it’s funny the first few times when their first kiss gets interrupted for the 7th time, you’re like – omg get on with it already.

Also, in the end, there were a few unnecessary conflicts, that did nothing to the growth of the characters and didn’t really lead anywhere. By the end of the book, I wasn’t sure if the conflict was resolved either. More like they learned to live with it? So, yes, although the first half was fantastic I feel like the second half was a tad convoluted.

I’m still very curious to read more about the captivating town of Moose Springs in the second book of this series, which will follow the flamboyant Lana.

Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for approving me for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Find the book here.