The Simple Wild

This book is the first book in the Wild series which is a blend of adult romance and drama set in the rugged Alaskan landscape. It is a cute, quiet read with easy-going writing and Tucker's descriptions of the Alaskan tundra and the sense of community among its residents will, no doubt, increase tourism in that northern neck of the woods (when tourism becomes a thing again post-Covid).

First off, I loved the many Canadian references (particularly the Toronto locations that I could easily picture in my mind) and Calla's wonderful relationship with her stepdad. But based on the blurb and the rave reviews of other readers, I had expected a tearjerker. There are a couple of touching moments, but this book didn't hit me in the feels as much as I had anticipated, and I think more scenes between Calla and her father would have helped.

The main characters - Calla and Jonah - have great banter between them but their chemistry (and some of their actions) came off as immature for people in their late 20's and early 30's. Calla teetered precariously on the edge of being cliched and likable and I struggled to picture her as a 26-year-old woman because she often came off as an overly naïve, pampered teen. I get the 'fish out of water' aspect, but she lacked basic common sense and initially came off as Paris Hilton does Alaska.

Overall, this is a sweet and easy read that touches on a tender topic, gives readers some romance and leads them into the next book in the series - Wild at Heart. While I can't say I loved this book as much as other readers, it was an enjoyable, lighter read, perfect for hunkering down on a chilly Fall day.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: K.A Tucker

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Canadian

Series: #1 in Wild series

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library

Publisher: Atria Books

First Published: August 7, 2018

Opening Lines: Wren sets the two navy suitcases next to the stroller 

and then reaches for the cigarette precariously perched between 

his lips, taking a long, slow drag. He releases smoke into the frigid air.

Book Description from GoodReads: 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.