River Wild by Samantha Towle is a heartwarming story about two broken individuals, Carrie and River, who find solace and healing in each other's company. The plot follows their journey from being neighbors to friends to lovers, as they navigate through their past traumas and slowly build a deep and meaningful connection. The writing style of the book beautifully captures the raw emotions, struggles, and growth of the characters, making the reader feel every moment of their story.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Carrie depicted as resilient and strong, while River evolves from a grumpy recluse to a supportive partner.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by dual perspectives, emotional depth, and a balance of dark and light moments, enhancing the reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Carrie, who flees from her abusive husband while pregnant, and develops a profound bond with her reclusive neighbor, River, as they navigate their troubled pasts.

Setting:

The story is set in a small town, which serves as both a refuge for Carrie and a contrasting backdrop to her traumatic past.

Pacing:

The pacing is primarily slow-burn, facilitating deep character development, but some felt that the conclusion felt rushed compared to earlier buildup.

The real Carrie Ford died five years ago in an automobile accident. She was twenty-five. The age that I am now. We look similar—same pale skin, same blue eyes—but she had gorgeous long red hair, where...

Notes:

Carrie is a foster child who escapes from her abusive husband.

She leaves her husband when she discovers she's pregnant.

Carrie starts a new life in Texas under a false name.

River, her neighbor, is initially a guarded recluse but has a hidden depth.

The book features a strong theme of overcoming past trauma and finding connection.

There is a significant focus on the developing friendship between Carrie and River.

The story has dark themes but balances them with humor and light moments.

Readers appreciated the slow-burn romance and character development.

The ending felt rushed for some readers, despite the strong build-up throughout the story.

Carrie and River both come from troubled pasts, leading to their deep understanding of each other's pain.

The book addresses sensitive topics such as child abuse and marital violence.

Carrie's character embodies resilience and positivity despite her circumstances.

The dual POV style provides insight into both main characters' experiences.

The narrative includes a memorable "tomato scene" that resonated with many readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for River Wild include child abuse, violence in marriage, sexual assault, and attempted murder.

Has Romance?

Romance is a significant aspect of River Wild, focusing on the evolving relationship between the main characters.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Samantha Towle comes an unexpected love story between two unlikeliest of people...

A new town. A new identity. Pregnant and alone.

And far away from a past that can never find me.

River Wild.

Moody. Sullen. Jerk.

And my new neighbor.

I have no interest in befriending River. And he definitely doesn't want to be befriended by me.

Then, he helps me rescue an abandoned dog. And, that day, I see something in his eyes that reflects back in my own. Sadness. Pain. Loneliness.

I know all of those things well.

An unwanted and unexpected friendship that somehow works. Then, without warning, it turns into something more.

River and I both have our secrets, and that's okay. Because I understand him. And he understands me.

For the first time in my life, I have something I never thought I would have-happiness.

But happiness isn't forever. Not for people like me.

Especially not when my past is waiting just around the corner, ready to come and take it all away.

Ratings (15)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (4)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (16)
Want To Read (17)
Not Interested (4)

1 comment(s)

coutup315

Loved It

2 months

this epilogue stopped my heart for a quick minute

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River Wild

Samantha Towle