Set against the backdrop of Alaska, I’ve been loving the Simple Wild series by K. A. Tucker and Running Wild shares Marie Lehr’s story. The tale delivered a slow-burning romance with plenty of roadblocks before it curls your toes.
by K.A. Tucker
Series: Wild #3
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
From the internationally bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes the story of a woman at a crossroads in her life, struggling between the safe route and the one that will only lead to more heartbreak.
Veterinarian Marie Lehr knows unrequited love all too well after pining for her best friend, only to watch him marry another woman. It’s a mistake she will never make again, especially not when she can practically hear the clock ticking on her childbearing years.
The trouble is, she can’t seem to find anyone who appeals to her even a fraction as much as that burly bush pilot did. Competitive musher Tyler Brady certainly doesn’t, especially not after the heated altercation with the handsome but arrogant, spiteful man.
Or so she thinks.
While volunteering at the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, Marie discovers that first impressions may have been false, and her attraction to Tyler is very real. But his heart belongs to someone else, leaving him with nothing to offer but friendship. Marie’s been down this road before and knows how that ends. Yet, no matter how hard she works to keep from falling for Tyler, it seems she’s doomed to follow her own trail once again.
Coffee Dates With Running Wild
While the previous three books all shared the romance between Jonah and Calla, we watched Marie in the background as she realized she had feeling for her best friend Jonah and then helped him catch the girl. Needless to say, I was delighted to get Marie’s story and Tucker helped readers warm up to her.
- First Date: The first meet between competitive musher Tyler Brady and Veterinarian Marie Lehr wasn’t under the best of circumstances but when a dog is neglected, Marie doesn’t care how handsome you are. No worries, Tyler treats his animals well. I loved getting to know Marie and seeing her life at the clinic. Her office manager is a hoot and I hope you end up loving her as much as I did.
- Second Date: This was a slow burning romance. I loved the banter and their encounters during the Iditarod Sled Race. We learn how Tyler came to race and his story will tug at your heartstrings. As for Marie, she wants it all, her career, a man of her own and to start a family. I loved time spent with her family and, of course, moments with beloved characters from the series.
- Third Date: A few bumps, two steps back and acceptance make way for a deeper relationship. I enjoyed the buildup, the realizations and the smoking hot kisses. Secondary characters, and news about Jonah and Calla, added to the tale. Despite the romance, the series has a women’s fiction feel to it and is one of my favorites. Our date left me grinning from ear to ear with the hopes that Tucker finds more stories in this idyllic wilderness.
While you could technically read this as a standalone, I strongly encourage you to read the series in the order of its release. This contains spoilers for the previous books and you’re just gonna go back and read them, anyway.
Running Wild by K.A. Tucker brings us veterinarian Marie Lehr's story. You'll experience the Iditarod Sled Races, and meet sexy, brooding musher Tyler Brady. #womensfictionromance #SimpleWild #bookreview Share on XAbout K.A. Tucker
Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jen Ryland
I am really behind on this series! I have only read book #1, which I did like!
Kathryn Trask
I’ve read the previous books and enjoyed them but thought I’d leave this one out. But now…. reading your thoughts have changed my mind! And well I am a K. A. Tucker fan.
Barbara Strickland
want not what. I am so annoyed at myself.
Barbara Strickland
I liked this review. I like the things you picked out. It makes me what to read the book.
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read it but it does sound really good.
Lorna
I loved it all as I have every one of these. She could write these for the next ten years and I would be first in line.
Debbie Haupt
Oh how did I miss seeing this series. Thanks for the review Kim
Melliane
I heard so much about this author and I know I need to try her books.
Wendy
I love the idea of a musher as a hero, and I enjoy books set in Alaska! Terrific review, Kimberly
Felicity Grace Terry
I love books set in this part of the world {probably something to do with its beautiful starkness}. Alas that you mention the neglect of an animal this most definitely is not the series for me. A shame really as otherwise this sounds like a book that though not my typical choice I might have enjoyed
Angela
I’ve loved this series, so I’m glad to hear Marie’s story is so good!
Carla
I’ve only read the first book, so need to get caught up. I like that we get Marie’s story and am looking forward to that. Great review, Kiimberly.