Title: Forever Wild (The Simple Wild, #2.5)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Genre: Romance, Holiday
Published On: December 1, 2020
Publisher: K.A. Tucker
Source: digital
Pages: 156
Synopsis:
From the international bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes Forever Wild, a novella that continues the story of Calla’s journey to the Alaskan wild and a life she never imagined for herself.
The holiday season is upon Calla and Jonah, and with the mistletoe and gingerbread comes plenty of family drama. Jonah is bracing himself for two weeks with a stepfather he loathes, and while Calla is looking forward to her mother and Simon’s arrival, she dreads the continued pressure to set a date for their wedding … in Toronto. Add in one bullheaded neighbor’s unintentional meddling and another cantankerous neighbor’s own family strife, and Christmas in Trapper’s Crossing will be anything but simple.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
Forever Wild seemed the appropriate way to round out the year since I read the first two in the series, The Simple Wild and Wild at Heart, earlier in the year. Forever Wild read like the perfect continuation of Calla and Jonah’s story. It didn’t take any time to settle in. I was immediately lost in their story again.
While I would have loved it to be longer—honestly, Calla and Jonah could be sitting on the porch watching the snow fall and I’d want to read about it—I was satisfied with what I got. With one exception. More on that later.*
“Now, it’s Jonah’s fearless confidence that makes my blood race. His unwavering loyalty that makes me search for him in every room. His untamed passion that makes me weak at the knees. It’s everything—inside and out, good and bad—that makes up this wild man’s heart.”
K.A. Tucker, Forever Wild
All our favorite supporting characters are back, as well… and bonus—it’s Christmastime in Alaska! I enjoyed reading about Calla and Jonah preparing for the arrival of their families, decorating the house, worrying about the weather, and if everyone will get along. And, of course, the setting is always one of my favorite things about revisiting these characters. Who hasn’t fantasized about living (or at least visiting) somewhere remote and snowy at Christmas?
Since this is a novella, there’s not much that can be said without giving away spoilers, but if you’re a fan of the first two books, you should enjoy this one, as well. I read it in a few hours, and it left me misty-eyed at the end. This is a series I will definitely be rereading, and I would love to own all of them in physical form to display on my shelf.
The author mentioned in the Acknowledgements that it’s time for her to move on from Calla and Jonah. She hinted that they’ll show up in the spin-off she’s writing for Marie, the vet who crushed hard for Jonah, but I wish she’d write more for Calla and Jonah. They’re young! They have plenty of more adventures ahead! Maybe another novella someday?? One can hope.
*The one exception to the novella I didn’t love was a bit of a minor thing, but still left me with my mouth hanging open. It’ll be a spoiler, so read at your own risk!
Spoiler
It drove me crazy that it faded to black at the very beginning of the wedding, just after Calla and Jonah see each other before she walks down the aisle. No vows?! No kiss?! No reception?! No first dance?! Maybe we’ll get it some other time–or maybe the author wanted to leave that to our imagination. But I was sad that it was abruptly over.
Rating: [usr 5]
About the Author
A Song For A Book
On Bookstagram I created a hashtag for when I include a song that reminds me of the book I’m sharing, #ASongForABook, I thought I’d make it a regular feature on my reviews, too.
I mentioned in my last review that I’ve been listening to Praytell’s It’s Almost Christmas Volume II album, and their version of “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” is perfect for Calla and Jonah!
The snow is snowing and the wind it is blowing
But I can weather the storm
What do I care how much it may storm
I’ve got my love to keep me warm
Have you read Forever Wild? Did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
I have only read the first one, but hope to read the others. Nice review Dedra and you really have me curious.
Oh, I hope you get to continue it soon! <3
I do love this couple even if Calla frustrated me a bit in the last book. I would love characters in this world to get their own books. It’s packed with characters, who I think could carry their own stories.
Yes! While I would happily read more about Calla and Jonah, there are plenty of other characters to explore. I just love being in Alaska, too. 😉
Oh man, I will never get enough of this couple ?
~ Corina | TheBrownEyedBookworm.com
Yes! Happy I’m not alone. <3
I just picked up the first book in this series! I didn’t realize there’s a Christmas novella too, so maybe I’ll pick it up next and see if I can read the series this season.
Oh, this would be an excellent series to binge right now! Especially if you like to get lost in a story. I hope you love it as much as I did! <3
It’s been a really long time since I’ve read a K.A. Tucker book… This one sounds great!
I love this series so much! And I’ve read a few of her other books, as well, but this one is my favorite. <3
Great review, Dedra! I ordered a signed set from Tucker’s website and its on its way to me (although I have no idea how long it’s going to take to get to me LOL) but I’m so excited to add these to my shelves. I still need to read Wild at Heart and then of course Forever Wild, and I can’t wait for more Calla and Jonah ?
Oooh, a signed set!! Hmm. I may have to keep that in mind as something to buy if I get some Christmas money. 😉