June 12, 2018

5 Star Review: THE SIMPLE WILD by KA Tucker #comingsoon #earc #DefiniteMustRead

Title: The Simple Wild

Author: KA Tucker

Source: Netgally ARC for honest review

Release Date: August 7th, 2018



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

Calla Fletcher wasn't even 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 Calla learns that Wren’s days may be numbered, she 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 rugged environment, Jonah—the unkempt, obnoxious, and proud Alaskan pilot who helps keep 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. Soon, she finds herself forming an unexpected 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.


My take…

This book had me in a giant bag of balled up, emotional messiness. Completely shook. Yes, honestly, I was a crybaby mess by the time I was at the end. And I ended up staying up way later after I finished it, contemplating reading it again. Hoping to experience a smidge of all those feelings once more. 

At the start I couldn’t understand why Calla didn’t go off on Jonah every time he made some mean spirited remark, which started from the moment they met. I couldn’t fathom why she would stick around when it seemed like her dad didn’t want to put the effort into actually spending time with her, getting to know her. 

But then the jabs that Calla and Jonah slung back and forth soon started being a bit more fun and not so hateful. Flirting even? The moments her father shared with her soon became softer and more comfortable. And I realized I was happy that she didn't run home when she first arrived never knowing this new world. A world she missed out on since she was nearly 2. 

Then there was the last 20% of the book where I was in a perpetual state of ugly cries. My heart couldn't take it. My mind raced back to the hurt I experienced when my own father. My feelings mirrored those that Calla felt. It was all so bittersweet. 

At first I was wanting more than that ending but quickly realized it was actually pretty perfect the longer I sat there and pondered on it. Tucker gave a darn good story, quite possibly her best story yet. And I got to say, I loved every ounce of it. It was exceptional. It was heart wrenching. It was beautiful. My heart will forever think back on it and the wide array of emotions I experienced while reading it. Definitely a re-read worthy story. 5 Wild and Risky Stars!

I was given an advanced copy from the publisher for an honest review. 


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