Review: Running Wild by K.A. Tucker

RUNNING WILD

K.A. Tucker

Series: Wild #3

Pub Date: January 25, 2022

Format: eARC

Source: Valentine PR

4.5 stars

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. 

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Marie spent several years secretly (or not so secretly, depending on who you asked) in love with her best friend, Jonah, going so far as ending her engagement to another man. With Jonah now married, Marie has moved beyond those feelings and is thankful that their friendship remains strong and intact. When she meets Tyler, an Alaska transplant from Finland by way of Montana, they get off to a rocky start when she falsely accuses him of abusing his dogs, but that quickly morphs into a mutual attraction and a friendship of sorts. The flirtation comes to an abrupt halt when she realizes that Tyler cannot return her feelings. Yet again, a one-sided relationship that was over before it began.

Tucker has described Running Wild as a subtle, soft, slow burn romance and I couldn’t agree more. Marie was a woman nearing forty and coming to terms with her life’s choices and where they had led her. She wanted a relationship, she wanted children, but at this stage in her life she wondered if any of that was in the cards for her. I loved the delicious push and pull between she and Tyler. He ran hot and cold with Marie, which was frustrating at times, but also understandable considering his past.

The sport of dogsledding played a strong role in Running Wild and it was obvious Tucker did her research. She was able to share aspects of a sport that I knew next to nothing about and present in it a way that had me interested and invested, highlighting the love and care that mushers have for their dogs, while still recognizing the concerns and controversy that surrounds the industry.

Running Wild is very much a character driven story, one that includes real-life topics like financial issues, family dynamics, aging parents, and facing that your future may not hold what you had hoped and expected. I loved the sense of community and the way those who lived in the harsh environs of Alaska looked out for one another. Those who have read the previous books in the Wild series will revel in the inclusion of all the beloved characters, while readers new to the series can easily enjoy Running Wild as a standalone.

Marie and Tyler truly captured my heart and I ached for the hurdles they faced – personally, professionally, and as a would-be couple. Marie was strong yet vulnerable, no-nonsense and pragmatic, with an unwavering sense of right and wrong. I love how Tucker portrayed these oh so flawed characters and had me completely invested in their lives. With Running Wild, Tucker delivered a top-notch addition to the Wild series and I loved every minute of it. 4.5 stars