Book Review: Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

K.A. Tucker is quickly becoming on of my favorite authors. Ten Tiny Breaths was easily one of my favorite NA books this year. And Four Seconds to Lose didn't disappoint me in the least. Another 5 Star Read!


Characters
Tucker writes an amazing set of characters. And of course, seeing all of our old favorites throughout was amazing. The characters are so complex, different, and well developed. I am excited for Ben's story and crossing my fingers that Nate gets a book too.

In TTB, Cain was the Strip Club owner who wasn't a total ass, but seemed to actual be a decent guy. And in Four Seconds to Lose we see more into Cain's character. And I loved it! Total Swoon Alert ladies! He was the perfect mix of intense and caring. Breaking the stereotype for sleazy night club owners, he actually cares for his girls and wants to protect them. And even though he's sweet, he still has his alpha male moment.

Charlie is running. She is trying to start a new life for herself. And what better way to do that, then make some quick cash at the local strip club. I enjoyed being inside of her head for her inner battles -- from struggling with stripping to even bigger life choices. She is smart and has a backbone, yet still has her innocent moments. A great character with strengths and flaws equally displayed.

My Thoughts
This is an angst filled, emotional journey. The plot picks up speed quickly. And even as we were getting to know the characters -- as it switches back and forth between Charlie and Cain POV -- the plot throws us straight into emotional moments, past skeletons, and twists. From the start, I was drawn into the plot and curious "what is going to happen next." Another common thought was, "I love Tucker's writing style" or "gah, this is so good!"

Cain and Charlie are on of my favorite couples. Their love story has a beautiful build, that has you routing for them from the start. From their flirtatious moments and playful moments to the steamy ones, they have a lot of spark.

I loved, loved Four Seconds to Lose. And cannot wait to pick up another book by Tucker. If you loved TTB then you have to pick this up ASAP. I dare say, you'll fall for Cain even quicker than Trent. If you are looking for an well written read, some angst and spark, and genuine likable cast of characters, then pick this book quick!

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing this copy in exchange for a honest review.

My 5 Star Review of Ten Tiny Breaths.

 

Book Review: Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1) by K.A. Tucker

 

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

 

“Just breathe. Ten tiny breaths … Seize them. Feel them. Love them.”

 

Meet one of my new favorite books. This book is amazing. And powerful. And moving.

And a must read.

And if you've not picked it up yet, trust me on this, give it a chance. It delivers an impacting read that will definitely make you feel, think, laugh, hurt -- and yes -- breathe.

The Plot.
This book is fast paced. The chapters are broken down into different sections, like: numb, acceptance, or denial. And it was an amazing to slowly journey through each of these categories with the main character, Kasey.

Kacey is suffering from some major PTSD, but she blocks out all of her issues, and tries to focus on caring for her sister, Livie. She's numb and callous, but also as tough as nails. Now enter Trent -- the one person that is able to see the real Kasey and break through her outer shell. And together, they slowly start finding happiness. But Trent is dealing with some serious issues of his own.

The Romance.
Trent is an awesome male lead. He is strong, sweet, and has a hot bike. And even though he comes off a little overbearing at times, I still really liked him. I love that kickboxing, say what she is thinking, Kasey can't think straight around Trent. It is realistic and relatable -- I know I turn into a blubber fool around the guy I like. Plus, I could see myself asking my date if he was going to feed me to the crocodiles at the marsh. I'm just quirky like that and apparently so is Kasey, and it cracked me up.

The Characters.
The characters in this book break stereotypes. And I love how the author shows a character and describes them pretty honestly, but then zooms in on their actual personality. This changes the way you see them. It is actually pretty phenomenal and leaves a cast of memorable characters.

Favorite?
I couldn't decide. So many stood out to me and I loved almost all of them. Storm. Kacey. Livie. Trent. Dan. Such an outstanding group of characters.

Seriously, I went on vacation for a week to the beach (and since this is a kindle book and I didn't want to get my reader full of sand and ocean water) and didn't get to read very much. It was like I was missing my friends -- cliche, I know -- but I kept thinking back to the book and wondering what was held next for the characters.

The Last Half Crushed Me.
The whole book is emotional. Heck, even the blurb on goodreads is emotional. But something about the last few chapters really, really gutted me. (I blame the full moon). Tucker has a way of describing anger and pain and regret and guilt. It captured me and moved me.


Summary

Ten Tiny Breaths is a quick read that will restore your faith in the power of love, and maybe even leave you speechless.

Need more? Recommend For?

Fan of Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry or Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles will love Ten Tiny Breaths. They are not exactly a like, but feature from similar aspects.

 

Also, the cover is fabulous.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the chance to review this book.

 

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