#buddyreadstodiefor #ATBR2020 – The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

May’s #buddyreadstodiefor selection!

THE SIMPLE WILD – K.A. Tucker (Released August 7th, 2018)

You can see our thoughts on Tucker’s other book, SAY YOU STILL LOVE ME (here) and KEEP HER SAFE (here)

Book Description:

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.

Chandra’s Thoughts: 5/5 stars

ALL THE YES!!  Ah, a contemporary romance that is so much more.  If you haven’t read K.A. Tucker by now, I kinda suggest that you start immediately.

The beginning of the book, I was in Calla’s corner, getting acquainted and feeling for her.  Then she gets to Alaska and I start seeing her in a different light and was eye rolling quite a bit and then it all melds together and well…. I LOVE HER.  I LOVE JONAH.  I LOVE ALASKA! Haha.  Ok that might be overdoing it, but it’s also true. 

Somehow Tucker brings us a love story with steam scenes that aren’t over done.  Heart tugging moments mixed with laugh out loud hilarity that brings some levity to what could otherwise be a very somber read.  I loved this mix of reconnecting, learning a different culture, being outside your comfort zone and breaking down of walls.  I got very emotional as I was reminded of my relationship with my own father.  This center story was extremely precious and truly fun to read through.

So glad we chose this as our May #BuddyReadsToDieFor group read.  Looking forward to jumping into the next book and continuing Calla’s journey.

My Thoughts: 5/5 stars

The May selection for the #buddyreadstodiefor group read and this was exactly what I needed! This is my third book by K.A. Tucker and I absolutely loved it. Picking up so many thrillers and mysteries in a row can get old and the change of pace was perfect.

Calla is leaving behind her life in the city to connect with her father in a small Alaskan town. Jonah is a pilot that works for her dad and is convinced that she won’t be able to cut it in the wilderness. Calla and Jonah just grow on you as the book progresses and I ended up absolutely loving them both! And the author drops you right into that beautiful wilderness that is Alaska. So atmospheric and some of the scenery is so vivid.

We get a mix of emotions here, some sad moments balanced with some hilarious ones, and of course, the budding romance. While this is a contemporary romance we get so much more than that. This is about family dynamics, getting out of your comfort zone, and all in the beautiful setting that is Alaska. I can’t wait to see where Calla’s journey goes from here!