Review: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Series: Wild #1
Published by Atria Books on August 7, 2018
Genres: Romance, Women's Fiction


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City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged Alaskan pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker.

Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when her father reaches out to inform her that his days are numbered, Calla knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this new subarctic environment, Jonah—the quiet, brooding, and proud Alaskan pilot who keeps her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself forming a bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago.

It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.

After the longest dry spell, I finally found the perfect book for me at just the right time. I swear the planets aligned and angels sang. I could not sleep until I finished The Simple Wild, and when I reached the end at 4:30 am I had the goofiest smile on my face.

This book checked all the boxes for a 5-star read for me and had me deep in my feels. I found myself laughing out loud and clutching my Kleenex. The story boasts a variety of vibrant main characters. They are strong, flawed, and loving in their own ways. I was drawn to each and every one, as well as the unique townspeople.

Calla is one heck of a heroine. I admired how introspective she is and her willingness to acknowledge her areas of growth and open her mind. Calla’s ability to change her outlook without compromising her fundamental personality makes her appealing and realistic. Calla’s relationship with her estranged father is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Bush pilot Jonah and city gal Calla are like oil and water, and I loved their snarky exchanges. He is unbelievably rude and downright mean to her, which made uncovering the reasons behind his behavior more rewarding. Their animosity made their romance all the sweeter. I also enjoyed seeing the remote Alaskan lifestyle and countryside through Calla’s eyes.

I needed a story to jumpstart my joy in reading, and this funny and emotional book did the trick. The Simple Wild ends on a satisfying note and I was content to imagine what comes next. However, I was surprised and delighted to find out there is a follow-up book. I can’t wait to dive into Wild at Heart. Fingers crossed that it doesn’t disappoint.

Recommended for fans of:
Flying
Enemies to lovers
Estranged families
Instagram
Lattes
Racoons

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