Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly

Something Wild and Wonderful by Anita Kelly

Happy June! Happy Pride Month!

I found this book in my library’s ebook collection, and I don’t remember my impulse for borrowing it. The two heroes are through-hikers on a months long hike, which, **cough** is not exactly my milieu. I’m the kind of girl who can’t start the day without a hot shower and a latte. Furthermore, the Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge across from my front windows, so I meet a lot of grubby (but cheerful!) hikers during the summer months.

Kids, there’s a lot about through-hiking that isn’t super sexy.

But who cares! The writing in Something Wild and Wonderful IS OMIGOD SO GOOD. The sorcery of this book is that it’s a slow burn but you can’t stop turning pages. The character development for Alexei and Ben is exquisitely rendered. It’s just so lovely. You just want to know them a little better with each new chapter.

The author uses the wild country setting to bring excitement to the narrative and to help us understand these guys. There is peril. There is deep bonding. And there is also a naked visit to the hot springs.

Both Alexei and Ben have to earn their HEA. They’re both going through a lot. I finished this book and let out a sigh. You know how it is.

And then? A day later I saw my first through-hiker of the season walking through town. He gave me a smile and a wave.

Want to see the whole list of Sarina’s LGBTQ recommendations? Click here.