Cover Image: Wild at Heart: A Novel

Wild at Heart: A Novel

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The simple wild is one of the best books I’ve ever read and connected too. KA Tucker is an incredible author and I was honestly a little nervous for the sequel but only because it’s a sequel to one of my favorite books ❤️
But this book had so much growth in it. I loved watching Calla change and grow. I loved seeing how real she was and watching her and Jonah’s relationship go through hurdles, but only strengthen with time and dedication. This couple is so in love and truly meant for one another. This truly was the kind of sequel we never knew we needed.

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I absolutely love everything that KA Tucker writes. Wild at Heart is the follow up to her amazing novel The Simple Wild. Calla makes the decision to move thousands of miles away from everything she knows to start a life with Jonah. She is struggling to adjust to her new life and things get worse when she pushes Jonah to keep doing what he loves. He is gone for days at a time and she isn't sure she can handle being alone in the wilderness. Jonah wants her to be happy and pushes her to try new things and meet new people. They struggle to find a balance in their new life together but true loves always wins. 

I loved the connection between Jonah and Calla. The secondary characters added lots of depth to the storyline. It was fun catching up with characters from The Simple Wild. I wish the story would have continued as I have so many questions but I am happy with the way it ended. I can't wait to see what KA is working on next!

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~ I received this as an early e-arc thanks to the lovely people over at Social Butterfly PR and of course, the wonderful K.A Tucker ~
Wild at Heart takes place directly after the events of The Simple Wild, with Jonah spontaneously showing up at Callas' door and Calla deciding to give their relationship her all and move to Alaska with her sky cowboy.
They find a place to call their own and begin their journey of finding themselves and how they fit as individuals as well as, as a relationship.
There are critters galore in Wild at Heart if like me, you loved and missed Bandit and wanted to see more of the wildlife aspect of Alaska.
Overall, an emotional, wonderful story that is without a doubt my favourite read of the year so far!

~ Spoilerish section (honestly there's not really any spoilers but if you would rather go into the story as fresh as possible then don't read this section) ~
It was incredible to see Calla giving the Alaskan life a shot, even going so far as to grow her own vegetables which I never saw Calla doing, let alone, enjoying.
The main draw of this story is definitely the characters and critters of Trappers Crossing.
Everyone has their own quirk and bring so much realness and really well and truly tie your heart to the story.
That's another thing, the relationship in this story is so REAL. They have problems every couple has or will face, and they persevere and communicate concerns away. I can not get over how addicted I am to Jonah and Calla's story and really crossing my fingers on the chance of a 3rd instalment to their story.

Thank you so much Social Butterfly PR and K.A Tucker for this early edition, I loved it beyond measure.

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This books was so good! I loved the simple Wild in 2019 and it made it to my top 5 of 2019. After reading Wild at Heart I definitely have to say it’s another favorite. I really enjoyed getting to see more of Calla and Jonah become a couple and learn how to be together. They definitely had struggles and had to learn to communicate but I loved that about this story. It’s was really realistic and had a very real scenarios that would happen in their situation. It was also great seeing old characters, new characters, and exploring more of Alaska! 5/5 stars!

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This is a true sequel (you must read The Simple Wild before reading Wild at Heart) and it picks up right where The Simple Wild ended. I am always nervous about sequels and I had high expectations for this book. I’m happy to say it was everything I wanted and more!

What makes this book so special? It brings me so much joy! Both The Simple Wild and Wild at Heart are books that I want go hug when I’m done reading them. That is the kind of feeling I like to get when I read a book. I believe this book was written with the Calla and Jonah fans in mind and I appreciate that so much!

Calla and Johan are one of my favorite fictional couples. There is something about them that is very genuine and real. K.A Tuker has the ability to write these amazing characters that you identify with and root for. These characters grow throughout the story, not only their romantic relationship but also personal growth and their relationships with others.

This book is set in Alaska, which really made me want to go visit! The descriptions of the scenery are on point and I really felt like I was there. I’m going to need another book in this series.

Thank you so much to Social Butterfly PR for the Advance Review copy. All opinions are my own.

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Did you read The Simple Wild? Not only was it a great book - Wild at Heart is the sequel. I was so excited when KA Tucker announced it!

It was good to be with Jonah and Calla again. Calla decides to uproot her life and move to Alaska to be with the man she loves. Not to the town they both know and love - somewhere more populated for Calla and their own property for Jonah. They both make compromises to build their own business and a future together.

Let's not forget, Jonah's BFF Marie who is desperate to be more than his friend. You can already imagine where this is going. Relationship, a businesses, a house, and a new town it's ALOT! And the whole time both grieving Calla's father, Wren.

In The Simple Wild - Alaska - felt like a character in the story. Here the love between these two people IS the central theme. As you get further into their struggle to normalize, you sympathize because we've all been there! Want it all to work out but how far do you bend? How much do you give? Is this for the long haul?

The new cast of supporting characters is a treat. That I care so much about this couple is a tribute to KA Tucker's writing. You won't find heavily detailed sex scenes here and honestly, I didn't miss them. The flow and evolution of this relationship is everything. I loved it!

Netflix should call KA Tucker quick!

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The first book in this series, The Simple Wild, was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Having lost my dad in late 2014, it brought up a lot of feelings I’d experienced since then. I found the book beautifully written and handled with care, and it meant a lot to me.

The ending of the book was pretty open, though, and of course I wanted to see how Calla and Jonah end up. I was hopeful, but it’s always nice to get a continuation when we want more from a plotline. While I liked Wild At Heart, I don’t think it’s as strong as the first book in the series.

I think what I really struggled with in this book is the fact that Calla’s grief isn’t mentioned very much. And, sadly, that’s just not realistic. Especially when a loss is so fresh, it’s something you’re going to be dealing with daily. Even 5 years later, I deal with the grief of losing my dad every day. It was disappointing to see loss and illness handled well in the first book, but become sidelined in the sequel. When it is mentioned, however, I think it’s done well. I just wish it didn’t become a thin subplot dragged out of a dusty cupboard to add drama to the story.

The romance and steam took the front seat in this book. Calla and Jonah are now a more established couple, transitioning from the ‘honeymoon phase’ and figuring out how to build a life together. They have so much chemistry and love, it’s palpable. I loved seeing them together, as they discover what they want for the future not only as a couple but also as individuals. Don’t take that to mean there isn’t plenty of steamy scenes, because what Tucker’s fans want in that regard, she delivers.

But the fun and mishaps and conflict in this book make the plot drag more than I was expecting. The minor characters we meet don’t feel fully fleshed out, and it’s a shame because otherwise there isn’t much that happens in this book (despite its length). I really wanted to love this one, but for me it wasn’t as good as the first book.

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Sometimes you don’t even realize you want a book until its release it’s announced. That’s how I felt when WILD AT HEART was announced. Jonah was one of my favorite grumpy heroes and quickly became a book boyfriend the year THE SIMPLE WILD was released. It was a great story to stand alone but if we could get any more Jonah, my heart was jumping with excitement. This was one of my most anticipated books of this month for sure.

Now I’m a little conflicted about my feelings with this book. Things about it that I really enjoyed, and others that I wished would’ve been different. On one side, I loved being back in Alaska. The setting is such an important part of these two novels and this one somehow gave us a glimpse of the issues with Alaska that Calla’s mother experienced while Calla herself was trying to navigate living there. It also introduced us to a new set of people and that introduction was probably my favorite thing about this story. It’s all about Calla’s growth and the bonds she forms with her new neighbors. I actually grew to love Sam and how these two connected and helped each other.

But aside from the character journey we see, I also felt like there were too many things about both Calla and Jonah that were lost. I won’t get into details to keep any spoilers at bay, but I didn’t love how either acted at times (maybe Jonah more than Calla). But it was sweet to see them get to their more settled HEA.

Sometimes it can be interesting to read about day to day life, but it often bores me. Maybe I would’ve felt different about this story if it had just been a novella? A lot of the mundane details could’ve been cut while still giving us the message the author wanted to convey I think. But probably that’s just me. I’m never big on detailed books.

Overall, I liked some things about this one and others turned me off. I can’t hold both characters in the same light anymore and I don’t know that I can continue thinking of Jonah as a book boyfriend. Even if he still made me swoon in this book at first.

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“I need you in my life like I need to fly. Like I need this Alaskan air. More than I need this air.” — Jonah, Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart by K.A. Tucker is the sequel to The Simple Wild, which is a sweet, contemporary novel with family-centered themes, friendships, and romance.

A simple synopsis of The Simple Wild:

Calla Fletcher was born in Alaska, but moved to Toronto with her mother when they left Calla’s father, Wren. Her mother felt dissatisfied with her life in Alaska, and felt that Wren was putting his flight business above his family.

Years later, when Wren reaches out to share that he is very ill, Calla decides to go and visit him and learn about the life she knew very little about since she moved away. When she arrives, she realizes that her “city girl” lifestyle is not very compatible with the adventurous Alaskan life.

When Calla meets Jonah, one of Wren’s employees, she begins to despise him as he teases her for hopping off the plane wearing wedges and dragging along many suitcases worth of clothes and make-up. Their bitter relationship eventually leads to something more, and Calla must decide whether she should listen to her mother’s warnings of never to fall in love with a pilot.

In the continuation of Calla’s story in Wild at Heart, there’s a focus on her and Jonah’s relationship as she decides to move to Alaska. Calla’s mind focuses on not turning into her mother as she deals with the struggles of life in Alaska. As Jonah becomes wrapped up in his flight jobs, Calla is left to fend for herself most days, which takes a toll on her emotionally. Instead of communicating with Jonah, she bottles it up, convincing herself over and over that she will have a different life from her mother.

Calla finds comfort in her new friendships who bring wisdom into her Alaskan life. From neighbors who teach her to garden, to neighbors who Calla must learn to work alongside, she is challenged day by day with new situations and adventures that, in the end, bring her hope.

The overall writing style of Wild at Heart is atmospheric and descriptive, leaving the reader in awe of the beauty of Alaska, just as it did in The Simple Wild. Tucker introduces new characters, ones that are built well, with personalities and details that are a wonderful addition into the lives of Calla and Jonah.

The building of Calla and Jonah’s relationship becomes more realistic and brings new aspects of their personalities to the forefront of the novel. The reader begins to see and decipher new parts of who they are at a deeper level than The Simple Wild was able to achieve. Their relationship becomes even more committed in the sequel, which definitely adds a lot more dimension to the story.

While there are many details about Wild at Heart that I loved, there were quite a few details that I felt could have been improved on. The plot was loose as the reader follows Calla through the winding roads of her emotional process of moving to Alaska, and I felt that there could have been more depth to the story as a whole. While I was entertained by the “everyday life” situations and problems that occurred in the novel, I would have been more invested in the story if there was more profound elements to the plot. It was definitely well-written and a good book overall, but I wouldn’t say Wild at Heart was as memorable as The Simple Wild.

By introducing Roy, Calla and Jonah’s rude and inconsiderate neighbor, as well as Muriel, who teaches Calla to garden, the reader begins to have something more to delve into besides Calla and Jonah adapting to life together. I appreciated seeing Calla and Roy’s neighborly relationship build as Roy’s emotional walls came down, and especially enjoyed seeing how he developed throughout the later chapters of the novel. However, I felt that the entire story built up to a realization in Roy, but the reader never experiences it.

My favorite character in Wild at Heart was definitely Muriel. She had this dominant, tomboy characteristic that was so intriguing when put together with Calla. Her shameless demanding and lively nature made me laugh out loud during parts of the story, and I definitely feel her character was built up so well.

The reader sees Calla grow more into herself, and she even begins to question who she is and if she belongs in Alaska. In many ways, she struggled with going back and forth with her feelings about living there and about her relationship with Jonah, which are definitely realistic feelings. However, her feelings seems to overwhelm and envelope the story, leaving little room for much else. Even up to the ending there was a lack of closure and discernment that would solidify Calla’s choice about living in Alaska.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as a sequel to The Simple Wild — I felt that it introduced well-rounded characters and showed the reality of Jonah and Calla’s life. While there are definitely some improvements that could have been made: a focused and structured plot and faster pace, the novel did really well with navigating the lifestyle changes and personal journey for Calla.

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I NEED MORE!! I finished this book weeks ago and I am still in a book hangover!
KA could write about these two and i would read them for years!!!
I loved being back in the world of Jonah and Calla again. Watching them navigate through the next stage of their relationship is real, raw and captivating. Not only do you love the main characters, but their world is filled intriguing and betwiching neighbours and community members.
The way KA writes about Alaska makes you feel like you are really there. She creates this world that is so enveloping. (Makes me want to visit Alaska badly)
KA has proven that a sequel can be just as spectacular and intoxicating as the original.

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I am so disappointed by Wild at Heart.

I completely and utterly loved the first book, A Simple Wild, because how genuine the characters were and how it was so much more than a typical romance style book of girl meets boy, they fall in love, the end. In the first book, Calla has her own interests, goals and life. She didn’t fall for Jonah right away, which I appreciated. Insta love gets to be too much at times.

Well, I might as well have been reading a totally different series with Wild at Heart. Calla has changed into that girl that bothers me - she can’t do ANYTHING with out her boyfriend.

The first half of the book is how she decides to move to Alaska to be with him (believable) and then they immediately BUY a massive property complete with an airplane hangar and acres and acres of property far away from the town they met at (not believable).

They have barely been dating, but sure not only move in together, but buy this massive property. I’m glad that at least her mother advised them against it- she’s the only character I felt had any wits about her.

The story continues as Calla and Jonah try to spruce up the cabin they bought. Yet, Calla decides to just dump not loads of money into the cabin by buying expensive furniture and a hot tub that cost 7 grand if I recall correctly.

Inheritance or not, that’s crazy. For a moment I thought I just have accidentally switched to Crazy Rich Asians, but no. Just reading about a hot tub being installed in western Alaska that an unemployed 26 year old purchased.

While I did think this was too much, I thought it was worse how Jonah was acting about her purchases. He came off as too controlling for me.

Other than buying things just so they’d look nice for Instagram, she constantly is chasing after Jonah and complaining about how he isn’t home. She makes him promise that he won’t ever leave her for more than a day. As in, he is a bush pilot in rural Alaska but she is forcing him to only do day trips. I’m not an expert of Alaskan geography, but the first book taught me that her proposal won’t leave him with many profitable gigs.

Something that really upset me was how when they fight he just jumps her bones (or vice versa) and everything is magically ok. The “steamy” scenes seemed cheap and forced into the storyline as a way to entice the reader. But really it just made me feel like these characters were nothing like those I was so invested in from the first book. Im in no way against steamy scenes, but not when it means making the woman seem like that is the only reason why she’s there.

The pregnancy scare / attempt of a proposal? Yawn, saw that coming.

I was more interested when Calla was getting more involved with the community and how Toby and Murial became biggest players in the story. They had heart and were interesting.

But as soon as I feel like we are going somewhere good, an earth quake happens and Calla flips out (again) about not knowing this was a regular occurrence there. How do you make such a massive move to a new location and not google it at all? I’m convinced I do more research on which appetizer I’m going to order at a new restaurant than Calla did for such a monumental decision such as moving and buying a house.

Also the reoccurring theme of how she complained that no one will visit her was so annoying. She moved very far away, no one is obligated to travel that far to visit. She just kept coming off as very selfish.

Jonah was also incredibly disappointing. He didn’t do much in way of helping Calla settle into her new life. He acted like every decision should only be his and his alone. And that going to bed with her was the way to end all conversations and that she should be willing to sleep with him whenever he wanted. Gag me.

In the middle of a man gasping for breath while underneath a pile of logs with a broken arm and broken ribs, she has the Audi story to be upset that there is a BEAR POTENTIALLY on the loose. And is asking said man to explain the presence of the bear and make her feel better. My eyes almost got stuck because I rolled them so hard.

The predictability continued as the story progressed. It got a little better, but only because now it was following a predictable pattern: help the old crotchet neighbor and watch as he softens, best friend comes in for a surprise visit, etc.

The last 25% of the book picked up and there was character development for the supporting characters but not enough to carry the book that late in the game.

I’m glad that Calla showed a glimpse of who she used to be and stopped being a bystander in her own life.

The author is such a talented writer, I just wish it was executed differently.

Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and Netgalley for the advance copy.

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The Simple Wild is one of my favorite romance books. When KA Tucker announced there would be a sequel, I nearly fainted from excitement. More time with Calla and Jonah? Count me in!

Wild at Heart picks right up where The Simple Wild left off. Calla is still deciding what to do with Jonah’s proposition. Of course, she agrees to move back to Alaska to give their relationship and Jonah’s new business a chance. If she didn’t, we would all riot haha.

KA Tucker wrote this book extremely well. It’s incredibly believable. Calla and Jonah’s relationship is 100% real and authentic. They have their struggles, their fair share of arguments. But, what is always at the heart of their relationship is the love they share. Their love for each other is beautiful. I loved seeing them sit down and talk out their issues. It was refreshing. In a lot of books, relationships are full of miscommunications and people holding in all of their feelings until it's far too late. It was great to see Calla and Jonah handle their issues maturely.

To me, the core message of this story is that when you find the right person for you, you should take a chance on them, but you should also never lose yourself in them. A lot of this book showed Calla trying to find things she liked and wanted to do. She had to find her own place in Alaska, simply being with Jonah wasn't enough.

Honestly, I could read a million books about Calla and Jonah and their adventures. But, I’ll settle for these two amazing books--especially since there was no promise of a sequel when The Simple Wild was published. If you haven’t read The Simple Wild yet, I encourage you to do so. If you have read The Simple Wild, then you HAVE to read Wild at Heart. You won’t regret it.

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I loved The Simple Wild so I was ecstatic to her we would get more of Alaska and this unique love story. I had hoped that wasn't the end of Calla and Jonah's story. This was a perfect Valentine's read for me. I was worried that sequels are hard to match a great original but this was a good one. You simply must read the first book to get this one. It starts where it left off. Calla's start in Alaska, it's true life there isn't easy for some unused to it. The wild can be harsh and isolated. I've seen various shows on Alaska living and while the scenery is gorgeous and untamed it can be rough.

Calla was idealistic when she and Jonah started out. Their love was a good thing that made her take the leap. I love the jokes and teasing Jonah does at the start it was cute. I can relate to how Calla feels about her dad that still gets me. A lot of adjusting and new things for Calla in Alaska. Life isn't what she's used to. But she's resilient, smart and still snappy. Jonah as grumpy and one mindedness as he is is still all in and swoony.

Like the first book, Wild at Heart captures the feelings of living in a new place for a city girl. Calla and Jonah go through the struggles of a new relationship and then some. I like that they deal with it and talk it out even if it wrings out emotions and feels with the ups and downs. I would say Wild at Heart is as much Calla's story as Jonah's. It's them growing together learning. I loved it, just wonderfully done.

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K.A. Tucker introduced readers to Calla, a city girl if there ever was one, and Jonah, an Alaskan bush pilot and very much not a city boy, almost two years ago. Some people didn't like Calla. They thought she was stuck up or clueless or rude - or all of the above and more. Those people tended not to like The Simple Wild. Me? I loved the book. It was one of my favourites of 2018 and one I still recommend to many people. Calla isn't perfect because no one is. But the story Tucker created? Well, that was close to perfection. It's no surprise I am beyond thrilled that she chose to self-publish Wild at Heart so readers can continue on Calla and Jonah's journey and remember why and how we all fell in love with them and their story.

Here's the synopsis:
Calla Fletcher returns to Toronto a different person, struggling to find direction and still very much in love with the rugged bush pilot she left behind. When Jonah arrives on her doorstep with a proposition she can’t dismiss, she takes the leap and rushes back to Alaska to begin their exciting future together.
But Calla soon learns that even the best intentions can lead to broken promises, and that compromise comes with a hefty price—a log cabin in interior rural Alaska that feels as isolating as the western tundra.
With Jonah gone more than he’s home, one neighbor who insists on transforming her into a true Alaskan, and another who seems more likely to shoot her than come to her aid, Calla grapples with forging her own path. In a world with roaming wildlife that has her constantly watching over her shoulder and harsh conditions that stretch far beyond the cold, dark, winter months, just stepping outside her front door can be daunting.
This is not the future Calla had in mind, leaving her to fear that perhaps she is doomed to follow in her mother’s fleeing footsteps after all.
Sequels can be tricky. Especially when they weren't exactly planned. I'm speaking as a reader and I imagine it's even harder for the author. When I finished The Simple Wild I figured that was it. I loved it and of course didn't want it to end but I thought that was all I was going to get. I was excited, and a bit nervous, when I found out Tucker would be writing a sequel. I couldn't wait to get back to these characters and find out what they were up to and where their lives would go next. But what if I didn't like this one as much? What if I realize I didn't like the first one as much as I thought I did? These are thoughts of a reader who thinks too much, yes, I know. I didn't need to worry though. Tucker's sequel is wonderful and angsty and emotional, just as I'd hoped it would be.

A delayed warning regarding spoilers: if you have not read The Simple Wild but want to and do not like spoilers, I would suggest you go read the book and then come back here. I won't give spoilers for Wild at Heart but as it comes directly after another book, well, I'm sure something could get spoiled for someone.

Calla and Jonah both have personalities that are not for everyone. What I love about both characters though is the other side of them that's kind of deeply buried and only shown to those closest to them. It takes time for them to trust others, I think, and that makes them both come across as prickly or stubborn or just plain rude. I liked that this book allowed the reader to really see the softer, if you want to call it that, side of them both. They're way more vulnerable in this book because they've made a massive life choice after an equally massive life change, with Wren, Calla's father and Jonah's father figure, dying at the end of the first book. That would be hard enough to get through when you're not uprooting your life and moving to the other side of the country and, in fact, to another country, as Calla does.

This book is emotional in all the right ways. I mean, yes, I was close to tears at some points but that's just because Tucker is such a damn good writer that I was feeling as anxious, lonely, frustrated, and scared as Calla was (Jonah was feeling some of those things too but Calla is the focus of the book). But even with all of those feelings, Calla still knew she was in the right place. She had to figure out how to make the best of the situation - and needed some harsh words to see that - but being with Jonah was ultimately the most important thing.

This is a romance, sure, but it's so much more than that. It's about what makes these two people tick and how they work as a couple. So, I really liked how much family played a part in this story and how family can be different than traditionally assumed. Family was important in The Simple Wild too but both Calla and Jonah realize throughout the second novel that family is integral to their happiness so I really hoped they could figure out a way to work that into their lives by the end of the book.

This isn't just a emotional, angst-filled story. There are lots of light-hearted moments (and some steamy ones too!) that really give a well-rounded look at Calla and Jonah's lives. There's a fainting goat and his raccoon sidekick, as well as an incident involving a truck and a moose that gets compared to an episode of Schitt's Creek by one of the new characters introduced in this book. I think great novels include the good, the bad, and the ugly and Tucker always comes through with all the best and messiest parts of life in her stories.

The setting is a character as well. I've never been to Alaska (though my sister has, including to the North Pole, one of the towns Jonah flies Calla over) but I feel like Tucker was able to really capture the setting and how it would feel to live there. I grew up in a small town, not like Toronto where Calla grew up, so I might have a better transition but I know I would struggle, even with the views they had from their house (oh, to live on a lake...).




I don't know how much of this rambling review tells you about Wild at Heart but know this: K.A. Tucker has written yet another stunning novel that you're going to be completely obsessed with while you're reading it (and probably awhile after too...the book hangover is real with this one). I highly recommend you read this book, and The Simple Wild too if you haven't yet.

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*An egalley of this novel was provided via NetGalley by Social Butterfly PR in exchange for a review for the purpose of a blog tour. All opinions are honest and my own.*

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“I can’t remember what it feels like not being in love with you, Calla.” - Wild at Heart, K.A. Tucker -
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Sequels can be tricky! The Simple Wild introduced readers to Calla and Jonah, and for me it was love at first read. So when I heard a sequel was coming I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Would this sequel compare to The Simple Wild? Let me tell you K.A Tucker delivered! -
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In Wild at Heart, we catch up with Calla and Jonah as they tackle if love is enough to keep them together or is this a repeat of the past. This story brings readers back to the beautiful Alaska setting. We are introduced to new characters (and goats too!) and get to catch up with some old favourites. The only criticism I have is that I wanted more! I actually think it would be really neat to get more of Mabel’s story. Wild at Heart is a beautiful look at how sometimes love isn’t easy and importance of perspective.

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The sequel to The Simple Wild- which is probably one of my favorite books ever. This is everything I ever wanted for this couple. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I just finished reading the other night and I already want to binge re read The Simple Wild and Wild At Heart liiiike right now. I really, really adore these characters. Jonah is the perfect grumpy-on-the-outside, sweet-on-the-inside guy. And Calla. My girl, Calla. She is easily one of the most relatable heroines I’ve ever read. And their relationship is REAL. Real life problems, real life disagreements, real life resolution. Calla and Jonah both show such growth and maturity throughout their journey. I really could relate to Calla and her feeling of isolation in an unfamiliar place. Her need to find something that makes her happy felt palpable to me. The quirky characters that she meets and bonds with along the way were so interesting and funny. Except for Maria- I just wanted to smack her for the majority of the book! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Also- who is coming to Alaska with me? The descriptive writing of the beautiful Alaskan wilderness makes you feel like you are right there. There is a tiny town with quirky inhabitants, lots of wild animals and beautiful scenery. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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This is truly a sequel but it is just as magnificent as the first book. I’m going to need a few more books in this series though, please. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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Calla Fletcher returns to Toronto a different person, struggling to find direction and still very much in love with the rugged bush pilot she left behind. When Jonah arrives on her doorstep with a proposition she can’t dismiss, she takes the leap and rushes back to Alaska to begin their exciting future together. But Calla soon learns that even the best intentions can lead to broken promises, and that compromise comes with a hefty price—a log cabin in interior rural Alaska that feels as isolating as the western tundra. Calla struggles to find herself as she navigates her new normal. But will this ever feel normal to her? review: This is the sequel to the much adored book The Simple Wild & I rarely say this, but I think the sequel is just as good as the first one! I really loved the growth of Calla and Jonah in this sequel. I appreciated that their relationship had flaws and issues, making them even more relatable. The story line of this book is fantastic and the sideline cast of characters were just as wonderful! The author does such a great job of transporting you to remote Alaska and really gives you a feel for just how different life in Alaska truly is. I particularly enjoyed that you got a deeper glimpse of each character in this book and how they each found a way to thrive. This is certainly a feel good book that will leave you smiling, laughing & definitely wanting more of Alaska! rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐️

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I think I loved this one more than I loved a Simple Wild. The continuation of Jonah and Calla's love story really pulled at my heartstrings. I also loved how Calla really grew up in this book.

Calla's begrudging friendship with her neighbor was a favorite aspect of this book for me. I love how grumpy Roy, the neighbor, is. I also love how both Calla and Roy grow to trust each other and become true friends.

This book is a sexy, sweet continuation of A Simple Wild. If you have not read Simple Wild do so first and then come back for more of Jonah and Calla's love story. K.A. Tucker knocked it out of the park with both of these books.

Thank you K.A. Tucker and Social Butterfly PR for this gifted book. All opinions are my own.

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If you haven’t read The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, stop reading this and go grab a copy IMMEDIATELY. First, you need to read that book before this one. Second, you need The Simple Wild in your life. There will also be spoilers below regarding book one and now is your chance to turn back.

If you’ve read The Simple Wild, I can’t wait for you to read Wild at Heart. I didn’t realize I needed more of Jonah and Calla, but apparently I did. Jonah and Calla uproot their lives and move together to another part of Alaska to put down some roots, or at least Jonah hopes they will.

Calla’s always seems to have a bit more growing up to do and finding herself and I found her development believable. She feels like a real and flawed person, and sometimes I just want to shake her, but also give her a hug. She’s once again out of her element and I truly think she blossoms into her own here. She isn’t defined by her relationship with Jonah and she has a lot of time to herself to figure out if she can fit in this new life they are trying to build.

I LOVED the new characters introduced in this one. Each one kind of pushed Calla in a different way, but also had to adapt to a very different person being in their world and also impacting their lives in this small and close-knit community.

SPOILER below




I felt the loss of Wren so deeply in book one having lost a loved one to lung cancer not too long before reading it, and I ended up reading this one at the one year anniversary mark of that loss and it hit just as hard. I wasn’t sure if this could measure up to how book one made me feel, but it did in many ways.

Calla would never claim to be a small town girl, but I think she finds more ways to love herself in this book and that’s an important skill to develop. It’s hard to find yourself and it can be really difficult to love yourself, but it’s so vital to do, and I think Calla would agree.

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Wow. I think I loved this one just as much as I loved The Simple Wild.

This is the continuation of Calla and Jonah's story and it was perfect. I loved reading about Calla trying to come to terms with her life in Alaska. We get the same kind of quirky, honest, raw characters that we get in Simple, but we also get a man named Roy. Roy is one of those characters that's going to stick with you for a long time because there is so much depth to him. I loved his and Calla's friendship. It was probably one of my favorite parts of this whole book.

It was really interesting reading about Calla's transition from city slicker to country girl. It was pretty gradual so you ALMOST miss it. I really loved that she struggled. Some of her feelings towards her life have mirrored my own as a military spouse. There were parts where I kept thinking, "Me too, Calla...me too" and so it really hit me in the feels. Especially the parts where she struggled with her identity and finding her footing in a new place where she knew no one.

I loved her and Jonah. I loved the way they were navigating life together. It was never perfect, but it was real and honest. Calla and Jonah were bringing out different sides of each other and it was great to see their compromises.

The reason why I knocked a star off was because I think an epilogue would have really rounded this book out. I wanted a little more future story from Calla and Jonah. I don't think there's enough r to warrant another book, but I felt mildly incomplete towards the end.

Overall, if you loved Simple, you will 100% love this one, too. It's such a well written book as all of K.A. Tucker's books are and the story had me entranced from the very first chapter.

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