If you’re into cozy, quirky romances with a beautiful Alaskan setting and an eco-friendly vibe, you’ll love this book!

Rating: 5/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Lost Lust Publishing for the ARC

Naked in Naknek is exactly what I hoped it would be—a cozy, slightly quirky romance that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. And that’s precisely what makes it work so well.

Set in a unique, vividly drawn Alaskan backdrop, the story moves quickly, but without losing its charm or clarity. The pacing keeps things engaging from the get-go, and I appreciated how the narrative didn’t waste time dragging out tension unnecessarily—conflicts emerge when they should, and characters face them head-on.

The two main characters are refreshingly distinct in voice and personality, which makes the dual POV format genuinely enjoyable. Their dynamic feels natural, and the chemistry grows in a way that’s familiar but not stale. Sure, it leans into some romantic clichés, but it does so with intention and heart. Sometimes, you just want a story that knows what it is and leans into it—and Naked in Naknek does that beautifully.

There’s a repeated motif that might feel a little overdone early on (yes, the chai—so much chai), but it ultimately adds to the book’s voice and tone, even if it raises an eyebrow at first. And the side characters? Absolutely delightful. Each one adds something to the narrative, making the world feel warm and lived-in.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how it handles the central conflict—centered around the state of the local water and fish populations, and what should or shouldn’t be done about it. The two main characters approach this issue from very different perspectives, shaped by their backgrounds and values, and the story gives both sides the space to feel valid and emotionally grounded. There’s no simple right or wrong here, just two people trying to protect what they love in different ways. That nuance adds a thoughtful layer to the story without bogging down the light, engaging tone.

Ultimately, Naked in Naknek delivers exactly what it promises: a fast-paced, heartfelt romance with relatable characters and a strong sense of place. A perfect light read with just the right amount of emotional resonance.

This is an absolutely beautiful book, it is written really well and Lillian and Matt were just so real I could just feel all the emotions when reading through this book. From the hate of the town to the kindness of Matt it is obvious this story will be well received in the future and should be hyped appropriately. I am still thinking about it weeks later.

If you like closed door romance, Alaska, environmentalists, questionable science and chai tea this might be for you.

I didn’t love this, and was about to set it aside until it took a hard turn and I had to know how it would turn out. The super helpful white lady, Lillian, is NOT welcomed by the Alaskan town she’s sent to to study the salmon population drop. Locals don’t trust outsiders and she’s pretty much stranded unable to do her job. Matt is a local fisherman who doesn’t trust her either, but feels a little sorry for her situation and that Lillian is attractive.

Mostly what bothered me is Lillian is a doctor but seems pretty naive about the real world scenario she’s in. She nearly gets attacked by a bear, is surprised the only car rental in Alaska is a truck, the local coffee shop doesn’t have Chai and oat milk, and she’s shocked the locals don’t appreciate her investigation.

Matt’s brother really sucks. He deserves jail time.

I don’t love the AI cover art

Thank you netgalley for the eARC. I was pleasantly surprised at how much correct information about Alaska and Naknek was in this book. I've had bad experiences in the past with romances set in Alaska that are very ridiculous. For example, a different book I read has a character from Juneau say that he'll drive up to Fairbanks and pick up his friend if her flight gets canceled. If you know anything about Alaska you know why that was ridiculous!

Anyway, this was a cute romance about a scientist and a fisherman and how the community struggled to trust the scientist. I thought the issues presented were well done. There were some clichés about hot fisherman and their connection to the sea, but hey, it's a romance so that's forgivable!

I requested this book because it reminded me of one of my favorite Hallmark movies, "A Splash of Love". I am very happy to report that these vibes were definitely met. I had so much fun reading this. It's adorable and immediately draws the reader into the story.

I loved Lillian. She's an L.A. scientist sent to Alaska to study salmon. She's not exactly welcomed by the locals when she arrives, except for Matt. Matt offers to help Lillian by taking her out on his boat. Hence they end up spending a lot of time together. I really enjoyed this fish out of water (ha!) story. It felt realistic. Plus the romance was a cute slow burn. I really liked the chemistry they had and thought the romance was developed well. Their connection felt genuine. I simply just found Lillian and Matt adorable!

I also enjoyed the Alaska setting. I have never been but it was so cool to see a different world and feel immersed in it. I thought the descriptions were well written.

A great romance that will make you swoon! Highly recommend if you like small town romances.

this was a different setting for a book which i liked. so it made the plot points and situations all new and fresh too. these two are very relatable characters. both set in their ways, but in different ways. and like with all things they dont want to change. its easier not to right? often feels safer? until it doesnt. but when you start to feel closer to someone. when having them in your day feels better then not. then you realize that being with someone takes works both together and on yourself. and more than anything it take bravery to try something new that works for both of you and sometimes doesnt but even then, being together is simply better than not.

A great read, the story of Lillian and Matthew. She is in Alaska for research into dwindling fish populations and he is a fisherman that does no want her to change their way of life. I liked the setting, and the remoteness of the place. The dual point of view was also great to have.

Lillian is sent to a tiny Alaska town to study the declining salmon population. the town s not happy she s there, but she makes fiends with fisherman Matthew.

Thank you Net galley for the ARC! I'm speechless!!!! This book was soooo good.
I requested it initially because something about the cover drew me in and just felt real, And that's exactly what this story ended up being. This story follows Lillian who is a scientist in
L.A at a place called PMI ( pacific marine institute) when she gets sent on a job to a small fishing town in Alaska (Naknek) to collect samples and research why the coho salmon population is dying. From the moment she gets to town she is basically hated by everyone. Nobody wanted a scientist/ government coming in and restricting the fishing community.
Everyone is being so hateful and unhelpful except our mmc matt who immediately we can just tell he has the biggest, kindest heart. Matt offers to take Lillian around to different fishing towns and take her out on his boat and they end up spending so much time together that they develop this beautiful romance while literally fighting for the right to stay together against the whole towns wishes.
This story blew me away! It was so well written and real, it just felt like Lillian and Matt were to real people dealing with real problems. I loved it so much and definitely think this deserves to be hyped up.

4.5 stars

I liked the story. Our heroine is a climate scientist who is sent to Alaska. (Though IMO she is a bit preachy)
Our hero is part of the fishing community affected by the reduction in stocks of fish. Lillian is there to discovery why stocks are reducing. This book was down on the erotica list as well as the romance but though it could be thought as romantic any activity is behind doors.
The indigineous folk are highlighted as well as Mathew's drunken father and angry brother. It was faily obvious to me who Gwen's love interest would turn out to be...The authour is new to me, I might look for her books in the future. It was interesting to read about life in the artic circle.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own