“I might take risks, but they’re always worth it.”
I've had The Simple Wild series sitting on my shelf since joining bookstagram last year, but with the release of the new book, Running Wild, I decided to binge the entire series in a weekend. I am so mad that I waited so long, because I absolutely fell in love with these characters, the setting and the emotional journey is took me on along the way.
The Simple Wild series features super privileged Calla who jets off to Canada to make amends with her dying, absentee father in Alaska. What is supposed to be a weekend trip turns into an extended stay, as Calla is swept away into the allure of the Alaskan wilderness and into the arms of the grumpy neighbor next door, Jonah.
All three books in the series are incredibly emotional. They had me swooning, crying, and smiling all at the same time. There is something so magical about the Alaskan wilderness and I loved getting a glimpse into a life that is so far different from my own. The characters have a way of pulling you in and making you fall in love with them, page after page.
Between the three books in the series, The Simple Wild was definitely my favorite, followed by the novella, Forever Wild. However, Running Wild is a close tie with Forever Wild if you look at all four books on the spectrum.
THE SIMPLE WILD
The Simple Wild is an enemies to lovers romance, packed in the slow burn sexual tension between Jonah and Calla. Calla reminds me a lot of Alexis from Schitts Creek, figuring out how to shed her privileged past in order to find her true path in life. While Jonah comes off gruff, he is super misunderstood. He cares deeply, but just has a funny way of showing it. I loved the banter between the pair and how Jonah forces Calla to see life differently.
I'm a sucker for character driven plots and The Simple Wild was chalked full of emotional depth and growth for both Calla and Jonah. There were unexpected moments that continually pulled me in. I devoured the book in one sitting, because I simply could not put the book down.
Grief and regret was a heavy theme throughout the book, but it was handled with care. Having recently lost my mom to cancer, this book spoke to me on so many levels. Faced with the impending death of a loved one, it puts life into perspective. While you have to watch them slowly fade before your eyes, you learn to take nothing for granted, and ultimately this is what shook Calla out of her bratty ways. It was incredibly heartwarming the way her relationship with her dad slowly grows and the last 25% of the book had me sobbing through most of it. This was an incredibly cathartic read for me, yet I am glad I waited to read it until I was more removed from my own grief journey.
WILD AT HEART
Wild at Heart was my least favorite of the series, but I still enjoyed it. I think it's important to know going into the book that it's more of a women's fiction book, where The Simple Wild treaded more in the romance department.
After Calla moves to Alaska with hopes of starting a company with Jonah, things start to fall apart for the couple. This book delves into just how hard it is after you find your happily ever after. Being in a relationship takes work and compromise, but at times, I felt like Calla compromised more than Jonah and sometimes at the detriment of her own future. Eventually, Calla found her way and I loved where her story ended up and how she finally found what sets her soul on fire apart from Jonah.
I was hoping for more interaction and romance with Jonah, but he spent most of his time off page. However, I also understand why this had to be the case. This book was about Calla's journey and her way of finding herself. We still have those big grand gestures that Jonah is famous for, but the big redeeming part of the book was Calla's relationship with Roy. That old man was stubborn, hard headed, yet exactly the person to help Calla realize what she wants (and needs) out of her life in Alaska. I loved their friendship and how each pushed each other in their own ways.
FOREVER WILD
I just adored this Christmas novella, that brought out the perfect ending for Calla and Jonah. Normally I don't care for novellas, but Forever Wild did a fantastic job moving their story along, while still featuring old characters and new ones. This series has some of my favorite quirky characters and I loved seeing everything come together. There was action and emotion, and the epilogue was true perfection. Forever Wild gave me the closure with this couple that I really needed and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy.
RUNNING WILD
With the first three books, I honestly hated Marie. She was a thorn in my side and I wanted her to back off of Jonah. I was a little apprehensive going into the book, since I had such strong feelings toward her character. I'm happy to say Marie proved me wrong!
Like Jonah in the first book, Marie is misunderstood and honestly does mean well. She wants nothing more in her life than to settle down and have a family, but the poor girl keeps picking the wrong guys to pine after. I felt for Marie as she not only struggled in her love life, but also in her personal life with the pressures of her job and her family. I enjoyed her character arc and how she finally found her voice.
Centered Alaska's famous Iditarod race, Marie soon meets hot-shot musher, Tyler, who quickly puts Marie in the friend zone again. Widowed and focused on his career, Tyler isn't looking for a relationship. Despite the back and forth he gave Marie throughout the book, I really loved Tyler's character. The reasons behind his apprehension were honorable and he had such a tender heart. And the way he cared for those dogs?!?! Swoon...
Like the previous books, Running Wild is emotional, a tear-jerker and I could not put it down. I loved being able to see some of my favorite characters from the previous books. While it can be read as a standalone, I think you will appreciate Marie's journey more if you read the series in order.
