The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker Published by Atria Books Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Pages: 400
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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.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
K. A. Tucker is one of my favorite authors. She is a wonderful storyteller and she knows how to write an unforgettable story with remarkable characters. The Simple Wild made me laugh and cry and held me riveted from start to finish. I was taken on an emotional journey right along with the characters in the book. Even though this is a deeply layered emotional story, it is also fun and there is a lot of bantering between the characters.
Callie Fletcher is having a difficult time. She is fired from her job, she just broke up with her boyfriend and now, she is going to Alaska to see her dying father. Callie and her father have never been close and he has disappointed her on numerous occasions. Callie goes to Alaska apprehensive and not sure what to expect, never knowing how the trip will change and shape her life. Life isn’t easy for anyone living in Alaska and the people who live there are tough, simple and never complain. Callie arrives in Alaska clueless and self absorbed, but the people and the landscape change her perspective. Callie’s trip to Alaska forces her to expand her horizons and look at life differently and she grows from immature girl to insightful woman.
Jonah is a pilot working for Callie’s father in Alaska. He is a big, tough guy but he can also be funny and caring. He looks like a lumberjack and is the opposite of the type of guy Callie usually finds attractive. Jonah loves giving Callie a hard time and strives to have her look at the world differently. He is a simple man with simple needs and last thing he wants is to fall for a high maintenance woman like Callie.
I loved Jonah and Callie together. I enjoyed all their banter and practical jokes and how they help each other through a tough time. They learn about love, not only from each other, but by observing others around them. I was pulling for them to overcome their differences and somehow find a way to be together, but I was never quite sure how it would end. Their relationship slowly develops and they slowly fall for each as they go through an emotional time together. Jonah and Callie help each other grow into the people they are meant to be.
About K.A. Tucker
Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
