"What am I supposed to do, Briggs? What do I do with all that pain?"
"You can always give it to me. Before it drags you under"
"I'll go through with this until you've got your exemption. It's not like I've got other men lined up to marry me. I'm just a woman hung up on the death of her dad and struggling to cope. Oh, yes, I can see the lines for miles."
"Good," he says dragging his thumb back and forth. "I'm not the kind of man who waits behind others."
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book ever since the author announced its surprise release! KP Haven’s writing is truly remarkable. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book she’s written, and each one has gotten better and better. I can sense the time and effort she invests in each book, as the plots are meticulously crafted and compelling. The plot takes center stage, propelling the story forward with a ton of momentum. Additionally, I appreciate that the main characters are not flawless, making them incredibly relatable and genuine. They face challenges and possess flaws, but their character development by the book’s conclusion is truly satisfying.
A Wilder Wild takes us on an emotional, thrilling, and enchanting journey in a remote small town of Alaska. The setting itself plays a crucial role in the plot, and I can easily visualize it. Jay, a wildlife photographer, had her big break with a photo of a fox, but now she’s questioning her identity as life and work don’t go as planned. The death of her father six months prior has left her hurting and searching for her next step. Determined to find her next big break, she visits a remote town in Alaska and rents from Briggs, a sawmill lumberjack struggling to keep his family sawmill afloat amidst financial strain. Briggs is the typical grumpy and broody MMC, but beneath his tough exterior lies a heart full of sweetness, protection, and kindness. Despite his many responsibilities, he’s always there for Jay and his family, offering help and listening to her struggles. It takes time for him to open up, but he eventually does, and I was captivated by their relationship’s transformation from friendship to love.
When Jay arrives in Alaska, she’s truly struggling. However, as she befriends the townspeople and grows closer to Briggs, she begins to heal. I deeply resonated with her journey, recognizing her imperfections and her determination to improve. Chapter 23 gave me chills, I could genuinely feel Jay’s emotions throughout that entire chapter. They’re both opposites, and their banter is hilarious, yet there’s a deeper connection between them. They’re truly soulmates, and I loved witnessing their growth and healing together.
A Wilder Wild is an incredible story with so much to say. It has a detailed and enriching plot, a beautiful setting, a surprising marriage of convenience, forced proximity that builds slowly, and a hint of suspense when Jay captures something other than wildlife, putting her life and others in danger. I wish I could revisit this story again just because I enjoyed it so much! Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.