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 … 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.
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I loved the characters and the setting so much. It’s a book that will stay with you for days after.
I can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh and cry.
This was one of my top reads of 2018. I was transported to the wilds of Alaska by Tucker’s stunning writing. A poignant, authentic story about family and love. It touched me because it was so achingly real and I honestly can’t remember the last book that made me cry this hard. It also made me laugh out loud a lot! The banter and chemistry between Calla and Jonah was just so on point. I was swept up in this story. It was quietly epic.
I can’t wait for book two!
In the span of one day Calla Fletcher loses it all. The non-confrontational woman has the very embodiment of a bad freaking day. But she’s resilient and though she’s carrying around alot of pain, hurt, anger, and resentment from the absence of her father you’d never guess it from the outside looking in. Heading to Alaska, Calla never thought she’d find herself, let alone love.
Jonah thinks she’s a high maintenance little ass as soon as he sets his sights on the Barbie out in the wild, his words not mine while Calla thinks he’s a giant yeti asshole who’s got everyone fooled. Again, her words not mine. Though he is an a double s, K.A. Tucker delivers his personality in such a captivating way. He’s slick with his tongue, quick on his feet, yet he has this soul, this heart that contradicts it all. He’s a big lug and I found myself just wanting to immerse myself in all things him.
Not only did this book have Jonah, but it was banterful and filled with bickering, and it had Wren. The once estranged father and a man of few words. He broke me open, and as the story progressed he filled me to the brim with not only turmoil, but with compassion. With redemption.
The Simple Wild was simply an escape worthy novel! Full of breathtaking descriptions and immersed in culture, Tucker has depicted Alaska and the life of natives and bush pilots in such an exciting and unforgettable way.
Though a slow start, The Simple Wild hits it’s peak, delivering a feel good romance heavy on the heart! With monumental growth and character development, sacrifice and compromise—Calla and Jonah get love right in the Alaskan Wild ending a journey with endless possibilities.
Y’all, I loved The Simple Wild. I loved it so freaking hard. So much so that I’m not even sure I can put all the things it made me feel into words. At this point — days after finishing — I can barely think about it without getting all teary eyed. The book hangover from this one was so very real. It wrecked me in the most amazing way possible and I loved every single thing about… even the tears.
The Simple Wild was so much more than a romance. In fact, as much as I enjoyed the romance, I was here for Calla’s story and all the feels. And boy, were there a lot of them. I’d seen countless reviews touting this book as amazing, emotional and K.A. Tucker’s best work yet. I can’t deny any of those things. I can’t tell you the last time a book made me FEEL as much as this one did. The good, the bad and the ugly — I was here for all of it. And I felt every single bit of it. It was so easy to put myself into Calla’s shoes and live everything she was experiencing as though it was happening to me. Every emotion I felt was heightened and I’m still not entirely over all of it. I’m not sure I ever will be.
There’s no doubt this is a special book. I’m not going to waste your time talking about the plot so I don’t run the risk of giving anything away. What I am going to do is tell you that from the setting to the characters to their development to the romance, it all struck a chord with me. While Calla rubbed me slightly the wrong way initially, I loved and respected her so much by the end of the book. Her growth was amazing. And understandable, given what she was dealing with. Feels for days. Jonah was pretty great in his own right. I have a thing for the grumpy recluse-ish guys in books. I might’ve side-eyed him a bit in the beginning because he was obviously taking something out on Calla, but it wasn’t long until I was swooning.
While the romance wasn’t my favorite part of the book, I still loved how it all progressed. (I still LOVED the romance, don’t get me wrong!) There was a delicious slow burn as Calla and Jonah moved from strangers to friendship and then more. It so perfectly aligned with her character growth and the situation with her dad. Calla blossomed throughout this book. Not only did she discover who she really was, she put old regrets and hurts to rest and moved on. It really was quite beautiful, if sad at times.
The Simple Wild is a read-in-one-sitting kind of book. I’ll be adding it to my “to be reread” shelf soon. It’s one of those books I turn to when I need to FEEL, to hit the reset button. It’s gorgeous and special. If it’s not on your TBR, it should be.
FAVORITE QUOTES
What am I supposed to do with this information? How am I supposed to feel about possibly losing a person who has only ever hurt me?
These people—strangers—see a pretty, well-dressed girl embracing life. None of them know the real story—of why I’m here, of why I’m already thinking about going home. They can’t sense my loneliness, or the knot in my stomach. That’s the magic of social media, I guess. But there’s also an odd comfort to hiding behind the illusion. If I state at myself beside the orange-and-yellow toy plane long enough, and reread the effervescent caption enough times, maybe I’ll start to buy what I’m selling, too.
I’ve spent the last twelve years dwelling on all the things Wren Fletcher isn’t. I should’ve had the guts to come and find out all the things he is.
You’re going to have to give me a minute to get my emotions in check. I’m all over the board here because The Simple Wild had me laughing, sighing, aggravated, swooning, and sobbing pretty much all at the same time. And I’m not exaggerating at all.
From the first pages I was all in on this amazing tale of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Calla Fletcher knows only one life—the one she’s lived with her mother and step-father for the last twenty-four years in Toronto. She’s wanted for nothing materially, nor emotionally, except for the love of her father. A father she doesn’t remember. A father she hasn’t spoken to in twelve years. And now may never have the chance to see Wren Fletcher again unless she heads to Alaska.
Where she meets Jonah. And wow do the sparks fly! Jonah’s not exactly thrilled that it’s taken Calla all these years to make it to Alaska for a visit. Jonah is Wren’s right-hand man and is keeping Wren’s business alight. Jonah’s convinced that Calla won’t last the week she’s supposed to stay, but boy does she surprise him. Especially when they somehow manage to fall in love in between their witty barbs and practical jokes.
God, I absolutely loved the ebb and flow of the story of the relationships—yes, I mean multiple ones—in this amazing tale. There’s the father/daughter one between Wren and Calla. That there was so much that neither one knew and to see them develop their relationship was so very touching. *aw, man, here go the tears again* It was the forefront of the book for me—I knew that it would be beautifully devastating, but I was so thrilled to witness it unfold.
And then there’s the relationship between Wren and Jonah. Wren’s the father figure Jonah wished he had growing up. They’re as close as they can be, and count on each other as family does. I loved how Jonah helped Calla and Wren reconcile their differences and make their best future.
Now onto Calla and Jonah. I loved the slow-burn romance between the Yeti and the Barbie. It was smart, sexy, and fun. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their instant spark led to so much more than either of them ever anticipated—but they sure do need.
The Simple Wild is going to stick with me for a long time. It’s easily one of my top reads of 2018. I loved every minute I spent with this makeshift family in Bangor, Alaska. I’m ready to visit with them again soon.
5 ‘YETI’ STARS!
K.A. Tucker’s words will mark your soul! The Simple Wild was perfect in every sense of the word, a spiritual experience I know I’ll often reflect on.
Love deeply and wholey, for life is a precious thing…
What an amazing journey of personal growth and self discovery does Calla Fletcher embark on. She goes to Alaska after twenty-four years to see her estranged father whom she hasn’t spoken to in twelve years after finding out he’s ill. It turns into an adventure of a lifetime. Calla sees her father in a whole new light and Alaska leaves an imprint on her heart and lets be honest-mine too! It’s been a while since a book has truly captivated me and shown me parts of the world you would only dream about. Like seriously, I want to go so badly now!!
Jonah is one of Wren’s, Calla’s father’s trusty bush pilots. Beautifully rugged, the big brute makes Calla’s life a tidbit miserable, but it’s nothing she couldn’t handle. It was so much fun watching them bicker and banter while exploring the steady slow burn of their romance igniting into more.
I felt everything with this story and it quickly turned into a favorite read I won’t soon forget. The Simple Wild is a multifaceted story filled with elements of family, love, and finding your path that everyone must experience!!
Such an awesome introduction for me to K.A. Tucker’s writing. She is so humorous & witty! Looking forward to more of her work!
I LOVED IT!
This book was just amazing!
So full of all the good things a book needs!
Love and regrets and hope and grief and sadness and romance and fun and Alaska and family and friends and … so much of everything. And ALLLLL THE FEELS!
I loved how we see so much about Alaska and the life there and the airport and the nature and … ugh – everything. But not so much that it would’ve bothered me – I don’t want to feel like I’m in school when I read a romance. It was just perfect!
I cried a lot … but it was such a beautiful love story.
I wouldn’t have minded an epilogue, but it was totally ok the way it was.
(P.S. Simon the step-dad was kinda my real hero in this story. He was amazing. Poor guy! )
I loved this book. Perfect mix of romance, drama, and little adventure. About to do a second read for book club.
I don’t often read romances, but as a lover of wild places, I was drawn to this story of a young urban woman leaving her comfort zone to seek out her estranged father in the remote Alaskan bush. And it’s a winner! I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions of the very believable characters, and the ending was happy and realistic, too. I will definitely check out more books by this author.
5 Simple Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Simply astonishing! The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker is a marvelous piece of work with engaging characters and plot to the point where I read this 400 page book in ONE day! One day! It is just that spectacular.
Calla receives a phone call from a friend of her father telling her he is dying. She has not seen her father since she was almost, two nor has she spoken to him since she was eight years old. After considering all her options, she decides to go see him. Upon arriving she meets the man that will make her stay entertaining to say the least.
Jonah has worked for Calla’s father, Wren, as a pilot for years. When he meets the uppity, Calla he has no idea what he is in for.
The chemistry between Calla and Jonah is unbelievable. The way they aggravate each other is highly entertaining and you can cut the sexual tension with a knife. Of course, Calla has no intention of staying in Alaska and she does not want to fall for a ‘sky cowboy’. While reading I was so engrossed with the characters that I wanted to go inside the book and tell Calla she needed to stay with Jonah. Oh, and lets not forget the sex….holy fuck! Want to talk about hot??
You have simply got to read The Simple Wild. I laughed a ton, I cried, I yelled, everything. It is full of so many emotions that it just falls together perfectly. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Tucker’s future works.
The Simple Wild is a strong story, with characters who desperately need to make amends, and to move forward instead of looking backwards. Story: The Simple Wild starts with a day Calla thinks is the worst day of her life – losing her job, going back home to her mom and step-dad. Then, going out, seeing her boyfriend all cozy with another woman. Only, this wasn’t the worst day – that was yet to come. Because Calla’s mom didn’t enjoy living in the Alaskan wilderness, Calla grew up without a father.
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The family drama, emotions long hidden and a life in Alaska are the new themes in this amazing upcoming novel by my favorite K.A. Tucker!
Calla Fletcher has just lost her job, broke up with her boyfriend and found out that her father is sick with the c-word. Taking a brave step, she travels to Alaska where she will try to connect with her father, learn about living in the frontier and also get to know Jonah the pilot (whom I’d really want to have if he was an actual person!)
I adored the story, the setting and I’m sure that Tucker did a spectacular job in her research; knowing myself I wouldn’t be able to live there. But the story doesn’t stop there, it also covers the difficulties of life, the indigenous people living in Alaska and it’s filled with wild nature and amazing scenery. Through Calla’s eyes, we see Alaska as if it was a documentary and the emotions inflicted to her through the story are very realistic.
On the other hand, I began reading The Simple Wild after having finished “The girl and her Ren” by Pepper Winters. That book gutted me in a way of ugly crying over the phone (lots of tissues I tell you), so the ending of the “Simple Wild” found me also in the Sobbing Land. But, Calla and Jonah pulled through and the book satisfies you in the best bittersweet way.
Family drama, romance, and an adventure, the Simple Wild is a must read!
I needed a bit of Jonah in my life and besides the fact he was seriously swoon worthy I also freakin LOVED THIS BOOK! It’s very rare that I will sit down and a book will just swallow my whole day but that is exactly what The Simple Wild did. Even as I was getting to the last few pages I was wanting more time in Bangor Alaska with these characters and not wanting it to end. Another thing that doesn’t happen to me very often is that I really enjoyed all the main characters. I loved them all and what they brought to the story. The witty banter made me laugh out loud and the sad or touching parts I read through teary eyes. Was the book predictable… yes. Did that take anything away from it… heck no! I loved seeing how it all unfolded. I also really enjoyed the love story (I know I know WHO AM I). I just couldn’t help but love the whole sky cowboy Alaskan yeti thing Which brings me to another part that completely swept me away, the setting. Tucker described Alaska so vividly that I felt like it was its own character and I loved every minute of it.
Another beautiful story by K.A. Tucker that made me cry.
“What hold does Alaska have on them? What makes this place worth giving everything else up?”
Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her from Alaska and fled to Toronto. Now at twenty-six the hustle and bustle of the city is all she knows. After what seems to be seemingly the worst day of her life Calla receives a phone call from a stranger telling her that she needs to get to Alaska because her dad doesn’t have much time left. What else could she do but hop on a plane to Alaska.
Calla can’t begin to understand what life is like in Alaska with the wandering wildlife and odd daylight hours. The stories she heard from her mother are nothing like living it. As Calla struggles to adjust to this new life, she starts to care for the father she never really knew and the people around him. One in particular, Jonah his right-hand man and pilot to his small fleet of airplanes. Jonah is rugged, quiet and ready to send this city girl back to where she came from.
As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself adjusting to the subarctic environment and forming a friendship with the stubborn pilot. Calla is not in Alaska to stay and while she is learning to love not only the people of this small rural town, she finds herself falling for the rugged pilot. Starting a romance with Jonah would be foolish especially since she knows how it already ends, the same way it did with her parents years ago… The Simple Wild is not that simple, and Calla must decide if she can live this life unlike her mother or if she will follow in her footsteps and flee home.
Tucker knows how to bring you in and grip your heart. There was nothing I didn’t love about this book. The Alaskan wildlife and the way she described every aspect. It was as if I was there and could experience Alaska as Calla did. It is not often that book can bring me to tears, this one did on more than one occasion.
I loved this book from beginning to end, even if what compelled me at the start was a need to know if Calla would give up and leave Alaska (the way it was described was beautiful but also lonely and unforgiving).
Calla and Jonah were wonderful and layer characters. Calla is way tougher than first glance, and Jonah is much nicer than the first few times they met. Both were also very compassionate to each other and those around them. I truly enjoyed reading not only their story from enemies to lovers but also about Calla’s estranged father.
I’ve read so many fantastic books this year, and this one is included under that title. I highly recommend it.
“What hold does Alaska have on them? What makes this place worth giving everything else up?”
Calla lives in Toronto, Canada with her mom and step dad, and she’s used to that pampered city life. When she finds out her dad, who she hasn’t heard from in thirteen years, is sick, she makes the decision to go visit him. Her journey to Alaska is less than easy. Multiple flights, lost luggage, and a broody bearded yeti of a man as her pilot. Once she arrives, she’s not expecting anything that this small Alaskan town has to offer, which isn’t much. Things between her and her dad are awkward to say the least, and she begins to question coming at all.
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, and I am so glad I did. This is my first read by this author, and I really loved her writing. I love Calla and Jonah. The two have great banter and chemistry right from the start. This book had me basking in their slow burn, loving every minute of it. There were some funny scenes between the two, and Jonah was SO swoony, even if he didn’t outright show how he felt towards Calla in the beginning. It was fun seeing a city girl adapt to the secluded Alaska life. My heart hurt for Calla, and everything she went through with her dad. She had so many questions, underlying resentment, anger, and hurt towards her father, she didn’t know what to do about it. This book was different from some of the other romance books I’ve read, but it absolutely stole all my time, and I’m perfectly okay with that. This story was about forgiveness, and love, and it definitely brought tears to my eyes.
I listened to this on audio, and Rebekkah Ross who did the narration was the perfect voice for Calla. She did such a great job!!
I loved the light enemies-to-lovers trope going on in this book. Calla & Jonah have some fun banter that all culminates in a bit of steam.
I loved that Calla & Jonah weren’t the only storyline of this book, her father Wren, Agnes, and Mabel all played a key roll and I grew to love them each individually. Growing up in Alaska myself, I really appreciated how many little tibbits the author put in about living in more remote areas of Alaska. It was normal to me to FLY to a town for a sports game, but it’s so unheard of in “the lower 48”.
This book pulled at my heartstrings and had me crying by the end. It was a great mix of emotions, from the beginning until the end.