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Showing posts with label K.A. Tucker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K.A. Tucker. Show all posts

Monday, 28 September 2015

{Review} Surviving Ice (Burying Water #4) by K.A. Tucker

25300275Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 27th, 2015
Finished Date: September 13th, 2015
Publishers: Atria Books
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon UK Amazon US / Book Depo

The USA TODAY bestselling author of the Ten Tiny Breaths series and Burying Water—which Kirkus Reviews called “a sexy, romantic, gangster-tinged page-turner”—returns with a new novel packed with romance, plot twists, and psychological suspense.

Ivy, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is finally looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have found it in San Francisco, but all that changes when she witnesses a terrible crime. She’s ready to pack up her things yet again, when a random encounter with a stranger keeps her in the city, giving her reason to stay after all.

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter wasn’t random. Not at all…

The Review: Surviving Ice is the final book in the Burying Water series by K.A. Tucker and I have to admit, it’s a sad moment seeing this series end.

Surviving Ice is Ivy’s book. Since the start Ivy has always been an interesting secondary character who seems to pops up in each book so I’m glad she’s finally had her story told because I’ve always wanted to get to know her better. We last saw her in Ireland but now she’s back in San Francisco working at her Uncle tattoo shop and finally feel like she’s home and that’s all down to her Uncle. But when Ivy witnesses her Uncle’s murder everything changes – she can’t get out of San Francisco quick enough but first she has to settle her Uncle’s affairs. But as she does, she discovers her Uncle was tied up in something that someone is wanting keeping quiet – no matter the cost.

Ivy and Sebastian’s story is similar to the other stories in regards to the romantic suspense. Their story brings romance, danger, mystery, suspense all rolled into one and provides an entertaining read. I was really looking forward to reading Ivy’s story and I have to say while I did enjoy it, it wasn’t my favourite out of the series, I didn’t feel as connected to her as the other previous characters or even the love interest, but don’t let that put you off as it’s still definitely worth a read and I’m glad I’ve read it.

Ivy has always been a strong character and her strength definitely shows throughout her story. She’s always been independent and never relies on anyone but herself. She’s trust few little people and is always looking for her next place to call home, but it’s not until Sebastian comes along that she starts to realise what she was really looking for - someone to share the happy times with and it does take her a while to realise this. But once she does, the moments between her and Sebastian are touching and sometimes very intense. As a love interest, Sebastian was okay. Again, I didn't feel that pull to him as much as the other guys from this series but I felt he fit with Ivy perfectly. 

In all, I'm sad to see this series go but I'm excited to see what comes next from K.A. Tucker! 

3.5 Stars!

Thank you to Arita Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review

Monday, 22 June 2015

{Review} Chasing River (Burying Water #3) by K.A. Tucker

23522253Posted by Donna
Release Date: July 7th, 2015
Finished Date: June 1st, 2015
Publishers: Atria Books
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Suspense, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon UK Amazon US / The Book Depo

Armed with two years' worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin. Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude. 

Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn't let her die, but he also couldn't risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub. Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him. And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move. 

Maybe it's because he saved her life, or maybe it's because he's completely different from everything she's left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone. 

And River isn't the kind of guy she'd want to catch.


The Review: Another fantastic instalment from K.A. Tucker! 

Amber Welles has wanted nothing more than to leave her home-town of Sisters, Oregon to go and travel the world and so, after a bad break-up and with two years worth of saving tucked away, she takes the leap and decides to go travelling. It's in Ireland that Amber is nearly killed by a bomb except she's saved by a stranger who runs off before she gets the chance to thank him. 

River Delaney does everything he can to keep his older brother out of trouble but Aengus loves getting himself involved in dangerous things and so when River finds out Aengus is planting a bomb in a park, River follows him and in the end, ends up saving a young American tourist - Amber. River knows he needs to lay low but when Amber discovers where he works, it's somewhat hard to stay away from her and soon he finds himself seeking out Amber's company. 

But with the secrets River is hiding, will he ever be able to be truthful to her? And with Amber leaving Dublin soon, is there any point of starting something they know will come to an end?

What a great read! K.A Tucker has definitely became one of my favourite new adult authors as I find myself always looking forward to her stories and they never fail to disappoint and Chasing River was no different. A very heart-warming but thrilling read with a steamy romance story - just what everyone wants right? 

I loved that this story was set in Ireland. I've visited the country once before and I loved it but, reading about Ireland in Chasing River definitely makes me want to head back to see all the sights that I missed out on the first time around. The first two books in the series are set in Oregon and so with this being Ireland, it was a refreshing change. K.A. Tucker does a fantastic job describing the country, writing everything which such detail and with all the back information into Ireland's past, that it definitely feels as though you were right their with Amber and River. 

Amber has always been a character I've liked since we first saw her in Burying Water. Amber is Jesse's brother so if you've been following the series you should be quiet familiar with her. She's such a likable and kind character. I love that she finally decided to to follow her dreams. It proves how much of strong character she is. I think she was quiet sheltered in Oregon and by travelling it opens her eyes to the world and also to the secrets that her family have been hiding to. When Amber meets River to me it felt like fate. They are great characters on their own but even better when their together. So there were many lovable and touching scenes between them. With River being the new character the series, along with his family is always a wary thing because you never know how you'll feel about them. But there's simply nothing to worry about. River is amazing! He hasn't always made the right choices in the past but he's never been a bad guy. He's always looking out for his family and now of course Amber too. It was also great to see the return of Ivy. Ivy is a non-friend of Amber's. They went to school together but hated each other. And Ivy just happens to be in Ireland when Amber so I was glad to see Amber reaching out to her. And of course the next book in the series is about Ivy and she's in San Francisco. Aah! I can't wait to read that.

In all, Chasing River is another great read from K.A. Tucker and I can't wait to read Ivy's story next!

Thank you to Atria Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Thursday, 26 February 2015

{Review} Becoming Rain (Burying Water #2) by K.A. Tucker

22609610Posted by Donna
Release Date: March 3rd, 2015
Finished Date: February 25th, 2015
Publishers: Atria Books
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: 384
Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to. 

The Review: Is it just me or are there simply not enough books out by K.A. Tucker? Every time I finish one of her books I left want more and that’s because her stories are so addictive and, Becoming Rain is just as addictive as the rest!

Luke Boone knows his Uncle Rust’s business isn’t legal but he doesn’t care, whatever Rust is up to he wants in on it because he wants the lifestyle that comes with it – fast cars, fast girls and fast money. 

Clara Bertelli has just been given the opportunity of her career and that’s to take down the people who are running car theft rings within the west coast. Now undercover and posing as Rain Martines, she is ready for her assignment and that’s to get close to Luke Boone. But as Clara gets more involved with Luke, it’s hard to keep her two lives separate especially when she starts falling for her target when she discovers that Luke isn’t what he seems…..

Another fantastic read by K.A. Tucker! Although I do prefer her Ten Tiny Breaths series just because I find them lighter reads than this series, this is still another amazing read and a series that you can really get hooked into. 

Becoming Rain was definitely a faster paced book than Burying Water and I really enjoyed it. I loved that I was able to get stuck right into the story and root for the characters from the moment I started and there wasn’t too much of a back story. Maybe this was because I was already familiar with Luke’s character because he stared in Burying Water and Clara was an easy character to like as well as a strong role model. But either way, I definitely enjoyed reading their story more. 

It was great watching Luke and Clara's relationship develop. Luke isn't a very trusting person and seeing how he opens up to Clara bit by bit just made me love him all the more. Even though Clara was keeping a lot of secrets, you could tell how much she started to fall for Luke too. She sees that he is not what the FBI seem to think and because of that, she puts a lot of fate in him. They were a great couple to read about! And of course it was great seeing how Alex and Jesse were doing too.

In all, Becoming Rain is a fast-paced and romance filled book and I loved every minute of it. I'm eager to see who book three will be about though, I thought maybe Elmira or even Warren? Either way, I can't wait! 

Thank you to Artia Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, 3 November 2014

{Review} Burying Water (Burying Water #1) by K.A Tucker

18687114Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 7th, 2014
Finished Date: October 18th, 2014
Publishers: Atria 
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Bought
Format: eBook
Pages: 368
The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away.

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

The Review: K.A Tucker has fast become a favourite author of mine. Her Ten Tiny Breath series is absolutely fantastic and so when I heard she was writing a new series, I was over the moon and Burying Water is a great way to start the new series! 

All Jane Doe knows is what she’s been told. She was beaten and left for dead in the middle of nowhere and she survived – but now she has no memories. She doesn’t remember anything from before and she doesn’t remember who did this to her. After spending three months in hospital, it’s time to leave to start a new life and with a new name – Water - after a tattoo on her body becomes the only thing she can remember. Now living with Ginny Fitzgerald, the old lady who makes quilts, Water starts to slowly rebuild her life and her attempts at remembering her past are slow coming. But the more time she spends with Jesse - the next door neighbour’s son, the more she feels at home with him. But who is Jesse really? 

Jesse knows how much pain it will cause Water if she ever gets her memories back because Jesse's a big part of Water's past and he'll do anything from keeping her getting hurt again - even if that means staying away. But how can he stay away from the one girl he's ever loved? 

I had a rocky start with Burying Water; I honestly thought I was going to have to give up. I was 40% through the story and not much had happened but I'm glad I stuck with it because the best was yet to come. Once I hit that 40% mark, the story moved along quickly and K.A Tucker really turned the story around and pulled off a great read!

The story is told from alternative narratives. We have Jesse telling the story from the past and Water telling the story from the present day. With Jesse's point of view we see the back story of Jesse and Water and we discover how their stories are tied to one another. It's not hard from the moment you read the first few chapters that you unravel the plot of the story. And while it did take that element of surprise from the story, it didn't take away the enjoyment of reading the story and the true meaning behind it - that true love will always come out on top. 

Water's story is dark and quite disturbing. Her situation isn't one I'd wish on anyone but I felt as though Water handled it the best she could. I think deep down, it was the fresh start she needed and wanted. Jesse is like Water's light. With him she feels whole and loved. He treats her right and really cares for her, but with Water not remembering that Jesse is tied into her past, it's was a really intense time because even though she doesn't remember - she feels things for him she can't explain. I was a ball of nerves waiting for her to discover her past. It was explosive when she did but it was done in a great way. I really enjoyed Jesse and Water as characters. They had a lot to offer the story and their points of view worked well together. I really loved Ginny and Jesse's family too. They had a huge presence in the story making them fantastic secondary characters - ones that you became to really care about. 

In all, Burying Water did have a slow start but stick with it and you'll discover that K.A Tucker can deliver another great start to a new series and I'm really interested to read more in Luke's story Becoming Rain.
 

Saturday, 5 April 2014

A Review for Four Seconds to Lose (Ten Tiny Breaths #3) by K.A Tucker

18246337Posted by Donna
Release Date: November 3rd, 2013
Finished Date: April 2nd, 2014
Publishers: Simon and Schuster Audio
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Bought
Format: Audiobook
Listening Time: 12 hours and 41 minutes
When a gorgeous young dancer walks through his door, a strip club owner must decide whether to follow his rules or his heart in the third novel by the author of One Tiny Lie and Ten Tiny Breaths.

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine-year-old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that. 

Twenty-two-year-old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her can't get distracted by romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, and that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

The Review: I’ve been a huge fan of T.A Tuckers since I first read Ten Tiny Breaths, so when I found out she was writing another story this time involving Cain, I was majorly excited. Cain has always been a favourite of mine!

Four Seconds to Lose is told in dual points of view from Charlie and Cain. Both of the other books in the series have been told from just the girl’s point of view, but adding Cain’s point of view was fantastic, and I think this is why it has to be my favourite so far.  

Charlie Rourke needs money fast, so she does the only thing she can think of and that’s by joining one of the most well respected strip club bars in town – Penny’s. Cain doesn’t like to hire new girls, but seems as Charlie comes recommended by one of his best friends, he decides to give her a chance. He, of course, is hesitant, mainly because Charlie reminds him of the one woman he’s only ever loved and lost. Together Charlie and Cain try to re-build their lives with each other, but no sooner than they try, Charlie’s world comes tumbling down and she knows maybe she’s told too many lies, because soon, them lies are catching up to her.

I loved Four Seconds to Lose. Like I said, adding Cain’s point of view really added to the story. I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator did an amazing job. I actually looked forward to Cain’s point of view more than Charlie’s. He had a deep and sexy voice and it’s a voice that’s unforgettable. The narrator for Charlie did a good job too. At first it took me a while to listen to the voice as Charlie, because she was previously Livie in One Tiny Lie, but once I got over recognizing her voice as now Charlie, it slipped into the audio perfectly fine.

I really enjoyed the story that Charlie was tied up in. It was darker than the previous books – more dangerous. At one point I didn’t know if there would be a happy ever after for her, but I thought the way K.A Tucker handled it was good and kept me guessing throughout. But it’s really Cain who stole the show. He’s such a noble guy, always trying to do the right thing even though sometimes bad situations fall into his lap. He tries to take care of all the girlies working for him, because he wants to give them all a chance second that he knows they deserve. Nate – Cain’s personal friend too, was another awesome character. I’d love for him to get his own story but I’m not sure that could happen because he’s character is so tied up with Cain’s. But still, I can wish.

I’m so pleased there is going to be a fourth book. I’m excited to get Ben’s story. He’s another character I’ve grown to love throughout this series, so I really can’t wait for more and I’m going to purchase it on audio as soon as it become available.

Favourite Quote: “She’s the woman who stole my heart right out from me before I even realized she had her hands on it.”

Friday, 8 March 2013

A Joint Review for Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths
Posted by Donna & Jess
Release Date: February 12th, 2013
Publishers: Atria Books
Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages:  262
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Just breathe, Kacey. Ten tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them.

Four years ago Kacey Cleary’s life imploded when her car was hit by a drunk driver, killing her parents, boyfriend, and best friend. Still haunted by memories of being trapped inside, holding her boyfriend’s lifeless hand and listening to her mother take her last breath, Kacey wants to leave her past behind. Armed with two bus tickets, twenty-year-old Kacey and her fifteen-year-old sister, Livie, escape Grand Rapids, Michigan, to start over in Miami. Struggling to make ends meet, Kacey needs to figure out how to get by. But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle anything—anything but her mysterious neighbour in apartment 1D.

Trent Emerson has smouldering blue eyes, deep dimples, and he perfectly skates that irresistible line between nice guy and bad boy. Hardened by her tragic past, Kacey is determined to keep everyone at a distance, but their mutual attraction is undeniable and Trent is determined to find a way into Kacey’s guarded heart—even if it means that an explosive secret could shatter both their worlds.

General Thoughts: 
Donna: I loved Ten Tiny Breaths! I honestly wasn't sure what I was expecting before I went into this book but I certainly wasn't prepared for what I read. Wow! Talk about mind-blowing. 
I read pretty much most of the book on train and it was so hard to keep a straight face. I was either trying to stop myself from blushing or grinning like an idiot! just loved it, loved everything about it. It was so intense and emotional and it certainly ticked all the right boxes for me in a new adult story. 

Kacey and Trent were fantastic characters, both who have so many struggles to over come but together they really find the peace they need. Their stronger together than apart. 

And the ending..I guess you could say I was prepared for the twist at the end. I knew something was coming but I didn't know what and I did work it out before hand, however, when it came it was still just as shocking and emotional as EVER! 

Jess: Absolutely ADORED this book. I was pretty much sucked in from the moment I started this book. It had me laughing  and blushing and nearly tearing up. So deeply emotional in so many areas in such a short space of time as books go.

First book I've read by this author and it most certainly didn't disappoint at all. The writing style, and the way the story evolves and delves deep is simply wonderful

Every part of this book was pretty intense, and it really grips you. You just can't stop reading and trying to piece together all the details. 

The ending was pretty fricken epic. I had figured out the twist a little earlier on based on piecing together certain aspects of the Kacey and Trent and the way they interacted, so I wasn't totally surprised when all was revealed. I actually smirked and internally 'Whooped' for figuring it out. It made me seem smart.

Favourite character:
Donna: This was a hard one because while I want to pick Trent - for obvious reasons, I'm going to with Storm. She was so kind and genuine. She's a fantastic mother who works hard to provide for her daughter and I think she was a fantastic role model for Kacey. 

Jess: This is really hard! I honestly can't choose. I pretty much loved all the characters in the book. They all stood out in their own way. I honestly can't choose, all the characters were great and really bought the story to life.

Favourite quotes:
Donna: "I want to make you smile. For real. Always. We're going to go for dinners, and see movies, and walk on the beach. We'll go hand gliding, or bungee jumping, or whatever you want to do. Whatever makes you smile and laugh more." His fingers toy with my bottom lip. "Let me make you smile." 

Jess: “I don't hate you. I could never hate you. Give me your heart, Kacey. I'll take everything that comes with it.”

After thoughts and final rating:
Donna: Ten Tiny Breaths is an emotional and captivating read, one that I certainly won't forget for a long time. K.A Tucker creates the perfect new adult read, full of intense passion and I want more of her work. 5 stars! 

Jess: Ten Tiny Breaths is a gripping roller coaster of emotions, that will leave you reeling and it make you just keep turning page after page. It's the most captivating and intense read I've read for a long time. I've found a new author and I intend to read more from her. 5 stars!!
 
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