Running Wild by K.A. Tucker Series: Wild #3
Published by Self-Published on January 25, 2022
Pages: 383
Format: ARC
Genres: Romance, Women's Fiction
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From the internationally bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes the story of a woman at a crossroads in her life, struggling between the safe route and the one that will only lead to more heartbreak.
Veterinarian Marie Lehr knows unrequited love all too well after pining for her best friend, only to watch him marry another woman. It’s a mistake she will never make again, especially not when she can practically hear the clock ticking on her childbearing years.
The trouble is, she can’t seem to find anyone who appeals to her even a fraction as much as that burly bush pilot did. Competitive musher Tyler Brady certainly doesn’t, especially not after the heated altercation with the handsome but arrogant, spiteful man.
Or so she thinks.
While volunteering at the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, Marie discovers that first impressions may have been false, and her attraction to Tyler is very real. But his heart belongs to someone else, leaving him with nothing to offer but friendship. Marie’s been down this road before and knows how that ends. Yet, no matter how hard she works to keep from falling for Tyler, it seems she’s doomed to follow her own trail once again.
Oh Alaska, how I’ve missed you! It’s been awhile since I read The Simple Wild and the two books that followed, but I discovered that my love for the remote Alaska setting and its fictional residents hasn’t diminished one bit. The previous books (all 5-star reads for me) feature the romance between Calla and Jonah. Running Wild is all about Marie, the veterinarian who secretly loved Jonah. It’s a heartwarming story that doesn’t disappoint.
Determined to never be the victim of unrequited love again, Marie has shied away from men, choosing to focus her energy on her struggling veterinary practice instead. She’s a strong woman with a soft heart—compassionate, assured, and supremely competent at her job. I admired how unwavering she is in her dedication to animals.
Although there’s animosity between Marie and Tyler when they first meet, it doesn’t take long for them to realize they share the same devotion to dogs. Tyler is a musher—a person who drives sled dogs for sport. He’s passionate about raising and training healthy and happy huskies for dog sled racing.
I’ve never given much thought to the Iditarod to be honest, but it was wonderful to be immersed in the world of dog sled racing. I was fascinated to learn just how grueling the Iditarod is and the amount of work it takes to maintain a competitive team of dogs. The dogs are basically secondary characters with individual personalities. I loved them!
Despite their magnetic attraction and ease with each other, Tyler is determined not to let his friendship with Marie turn into something more. I loved how honorable and tender he is, but Tyler has issues he’s working through. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating, and I felt bad for Marie’s already bruised heart. Between the back and forth with Tyler, financial problems, and the contentious relationship with her sister, it’s amazing Marie can hold it all together.
I know I’m a greedy reader, but I feel like the ending gets cut short right at the best part. An extended epilogue would have left me more satisfied, but I’m grateful for the big smile that lingered on my face. This book can technically stand on its own, but it’s more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books. Being reunited with Calla and Jonah was an added treat. Running Wild is a winning addition to a phenomenal series.
Recommended for fans of:
Dogs
Alaska
The Iditarod
Veterinarians
** I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read and review. **
Download your copy of Running Wild!
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About K.A. Tucker
K.A. Tucker writes captivating stories with an edge.
She is the internationally bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water series, He Will Be My Ruin, Until It Fades, Keep Her Safe, The Simple Wild, Be the Girl, and Say You Still Love Me. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, Publisher’s Weekly, Oprah Mag, and First for Women.
K.A. Tucker currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto.
5 stars? That has me even more excited to pick this one up. I hope I love it as much as you do. I’m hoping to start it later this week. Great review!
I need to start this series soon! I’ve been seeing it a lot on Goodreads and Bookstagram!
So glad this was a good read for you! I really want to read this series from K.A Tucker. I hear such good things.
I’ve enjoyed every book in the series!