Book Review : Surviving Ice (Burying Water, #4) by K.A. Tucker

SURVIVING ICE 

Burying Water, #4

by K.A Tucker

Release Date: October 27th, 2015

Publisher: Atria

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

eARC received in exchange of honest review

   

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

SURVIVING ICE Synopsis: 

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 Lee, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have finally found it working in her uncle’s tattoo shop in San Francisco. But all that changes when a robbery turns deadly, compelling her to pack up her things yet again. 

When they need the best, they call him. That’s why Sebastian Riker is back in California, cleaning up the mess made after a tattoo shop owner with a penchant for blackmail got himself shot. But it’s impossible to get the answers he needs from a dead body, leaving him to look elsewhere. Namely, to the twenty-something-year-old niece who believes this was a random attack. Who needs to keep believing that until Sebastian finds what he’s searching for. 

Ivy has one foot out of San Francisco when a chance encounter with a stranger stalls her departure. She’s always been drawn to intense men, so it’s no wonder that she now finds a reason to stay after all, quickly intoxicated by his dark smile, his intimidating strength, and his quiet control. 

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter was no accident—and that their attraction could be her undoing. 

Add to Goodreads

And don’t miss the previous titles in the Burying Water Series!

 

BURYING WATER

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

 

BECOMING RAIN

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

CHASING RIVER

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

Lindy's Thoughts:

The Burying Water Series by K.A. Tucker has been addictive, suspenseful, complex, and thrilling.  These stories have extremely well developed characters, plot lines, and surprising twists and turns, that keep the reader hooked!

In Surviving Ice, we get Ivy and Sebastian's story.  Ivy is an independent, self-sufficient woman.  She is strong-willed, masks her emotions, and doesn't like to ask others for help.  Ivy is a talented artist, who is currently working in her Uncle Ned's tattoo parlor.  She has decided to settle down in San Francisco, after wondering all over the world.  However, Ivy's life is turned upside down when her uncle, and one of his clients is brutally murdered.  Ivy is working closely with a detective, but they don't have any leads on who could have murdered Ned, and what their motivation was.

Sebastian was discharged from the Navy Seals years ago, and now works for his good friend and fellow former Seal, Bentley.  He is given an assignment to retrieve a VHS tape that recorded a former employee's horrifying allegations.  If this tape surfaces, it can tank Bentley's business, and get him in a ton of trouble.  

Bentley claims that the allegations made by this employee are untrue.  In order to locate the missing VHS, Sebastian must get close to Ivy.  He flawlessly places himself into Ivy's life, and begins to develop feelings for her.  Sebastian does his own recon, where he begins to discover that all of the pieces of the story that he's been told by his friend, are not adding up.  As danger begins to follow Ivy, Sebastian will have to make difficult decisions, and suffer the consequences for those decisions.

I love when a story has a suspenseful and complex plot.  I like using my brain to try and figure out all of the puzzle pieces, before everything is revealed in the story.  Surviving Ice did a great job of hooking me, and had me rapidly turning pages!  I enjoyed how well developed the character's were, and learning about their personalities, vulnerabilities, and various layers.  This was a very intense story.  Ivy and Sebastian were sizzling hot together, and added another great component to the story.  Surviving Ice was a wonderful addition to the Burying Water Series.       

Rating:

I give, Surviving Ice, by K.A. Tucker, 4 Intriguing, Scorching Hot, Suspenseful, Conspiracy Filled Stars!

A Person Never Truly Knows Another

I am a very big fan of Tucker’s books Surviving Ice was a lovely addition to that statement. I was excited to hear Ivy’s story and perhaps get to know her better. As always the reader is drawn into a world of mystery with no possible happy conclusion in sight. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Ivy but with Sebastian and Dakota this was a delight. 

The Story, Ivy has always been a bit of a nomad the only place she’s ever called home is behind her ink needle. Returning home for a while with her uncle gives her a sense of putting down some roots. Just when she is getting into the swing of being back home he is murdered in her presence. Suddenly life seems very real full of obstacles and responsibilities she doesn’t want. While she’s trying to figure out a way to run yet again she meets Sebastian. Soon these two start a dance of flirtation and their story begins to meld and mix into their plans. While unknowingly their paths were meant to cross but the outcome should have had different results. The chemistry they share is off the charts and when truths get revealed their passion blossoms into an impossible love. 

The Characters, Sebastian has a lot of dark skeletons in his closet but something about Ivy makes him want to open up again. He is very guarded and his feelings for Ivy surprise him deeply. I enjoyed his willingness to help her and be there for her while still doing his job and completing his mission. He really is the best at what he does because when faced with a difficult decision he still does the right thing and he manages to satisfy all parties involved. Ivy was always different and though she thinks she’s felt love its nothing compared to what Sebastian awakens in her. The only thing that has ever made sense to Ivy is being behind a needle and watching her art come to life. She should run she knows she wants to run but something about Sebastian grounds her. Although her inner goddess screams don’t trust her heart and soul feel safe in his arms. Its these emotions that help her decide to fight. 

The Ending, its true that people lead lives unknown to anyone else. As Ivy soon finds out nothing is as it seemed. The one person she thought she knew very well surprised her. The trust Sebastian earned was almost obliterated but those feelings of safety are what saves their fledgeling romance. I did not expect things to go the way they did but that is what makes Tucker such a talented author. Get ready for an unexpected thrilling roller coaster of emotions and events that are sure to leave you reeling. This series has been a wonderful addition to my collection of highly recommended! I can’t wait to see what Tucker has in store for her readers! Old and New alike I’m sure she’s going to thrill us all! 

My Rating

4.0 Job, Murder, Sketch, Tattoo, Cousin, Video, Dakota, Bikers, Case, House, Club, Plumbing, Exposed, Album, Trailer, Deal, Father, House, Unpredictable Love Filled Stars!!

Mikki's Review:

Surviving Ice is the last installment in K.A. Tucker's Burying Water Series. If you are looking for a romantic suspense series that delivers all the feels, look no further! This series is what you are looking for. K.A. Tucker's writing style is so powerful that not only will you read the story, you will feel it as well. All the books in this series can be read as standalone, but I highly suggest you add them all to your TBR list. They are amazing!

Ivy Lee's world is turned upside down when she witnesses her uncle's murder. She taught that she could call San Francisco her home, but running away from it all is what she wants to do. Ivy is left speechless from what she discovers from her uncle's past. He's been keeping secrets that could put her life in danger. Sebastian Riker has one mission. That mission becomes impossible to focus on when he meets Ivy. He has never felt so out of control. Their connection is something that he can't deny and lying to her is the last thing he wants to do. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means to lose her in the process. Will Ivy be able to forgive Sebastian's lies when the truth comes out?

I really liked Ivy and Sebastian's story. It was intriguing, sexy, fast-paced and it included a few twists that I did not see coming. While I was reading, I felt like I was watching a romantic suspense unfold on the big screen. K.A. Tucker brought to life a fantastic story that will keep you at the edge of your seat! Their chemistry was hot and I loved how Sebastian took care of Ivy. He protected her and even if he was lying about who he really was, you always felt that he cared for her. Ivy was a strong heroine. It was not easy for her to witness the murder of her uncle. It created an emptiness in her that she has never felt before. She was really close to him and she loved her job his tattoo shop

What I really liked about these characters is that they were different. Both of them did not see themselves in a long-term relationship. It was a surprise to both of them to fall that hard for each other. With every moment that they spent together, you could see their connection and chemistry growing. It was not insta-love and I think that is what I liked the most about their relationship. Their chemistry was instant, but the way they fell in love is what made me happy. It was slow, but all-consuming.

Like always, K.A. Tucker delivered an unputdownable book. The story and the characters made my reading journey an unforgettable one. I'm sad to see this series end, but on the positive side it means that this author is working on something new. I am very excited to find out what is next on her list.

Rating:

I give Surviving Ice, by K.A. Tucker, 4 thrilling, suspenseful, captivating, page-turning stars!

About the Author:

Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.          

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Release Week Blitz & Giveaway : Surviving Ice (Burying Water #4) by K.A. Tucker

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for K.A. Tucker's SURVIVING ICE! SURVIVING ICE is a standalone romantic suspense novel and is the fourth book in K.A. Tucker's Burying Water Series, published by Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Grab your copy today!

   

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

SURVIVING ICE Synopsis: 

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 Lee, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have finally found it working in her uncle’s tattoo shop in San Francisco. But all that changes when a robbery turns deadly, compelling her to pack up her things yet again. 

When they need the best, they call him. That’s why Sebastian Riker is back in California, cleaning up the mess made after a tattoo shop owner with a penchant for blackmail got himself shot. But it’s impossible to get the answers he needs from a dead body, leaving him to look elsewhere. Namely, to the twenty-something-year-old niece who believes this was a random attack. Who needs to keep believing that until Sebastian finds what he’s searching for. 

Ivy has one foot out of San Francisco when a chance encounter with a stranger stalls her departure. She’s always been drawn to intense men, so it’s no wonder that she now finds a reason to stay after all, quickly intoxicated by his dark smile, his intimidating strength, and his quiet control. 

That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter was no accident—and that their attraction could be her undoing.

Add to Goodreads

And don’t miss the previous titles in the Burying Water Series!

 

BURYING WATER

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

 

BECOMING RAIN

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

CHASING RIVER

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound

Excerpt:

It’s just a regular ringtone. For me, though, it’s the wail of a war siren, and I’m immediately alert. There is only one person who has this number, and I didn’t expect him to use it again so soon. 

The tile is cool against my bare feet as I roll out of bed. I collect the phone from the nightstand with one fluid movement, unhindered by sheets or the morning sluggishness that an average person might face. Stepping through the propped-open patio doors and onto the balcony, I answer with a low, curt “Yeah.” The sky is just beginning to lighten over the quiet bay. Dozens of boats sit moored below, their passengers lulled into deep sleep by the ocean air and rhythmic waves. I’m high enough up that I’m not likely to offend anyone with my lack of clothing, especially at this hour. Not that I’m truly concerned by it. 

“Ice.” 

The code name is a sharp contrast to the warm breeze skating across my bare skin. My adrenaline begins to spike, all the same. Hearing it means that I will be forced to leave this haven soon. Sooner than I had hoped. 

“How is recovery going?” 

I instinctively peer down at the angry red scar on the outside of my thigh, where a bullet drilled into my flesh and muscle just three weeks ago, outside of Kabul. I nearly bled out before I made it to the doc. He patched me up on a makeshift operating table, buried deep in a maze of rooms, and charged me a hefty price. 

“Like new,” I lie. 

“Good.” Bentley’s voice is rich and smooth, a welcome sound in a sea of strangers. “Where are you now?” 

I peer out over the beautiful vista of crystal blue water and whitewashed stone buildings, the volcanic rock cliffs in the distance, reluctant to divulge my location. I sank a good chunk of my last payout on renting this one-bedroom villa for the month. It’s my private sanctuary, where I can revel in anonymity and peace for a while, before finding somewhere else to drift to. 

Bentley has never asked before. 

But he also has the technical capabilities to trace this call. If he really wants to find out, then he will. In fact, the second I picked up, he probably already had his answer. “Where do I need to be?” I say instead. 

“San Francisco.”

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About the Author:

Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.          

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads **

YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

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Book Review: Chasing River (Burying Water #3) by K.A. Tucker

Chasing River

Burying Water, #3
by K.A. Tucker

Release Date:
July 7th, 2015

Publisher:
Atria Books

Source:
Publisher via NetGalley

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Synopsis:

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.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

Burying Water Series on Goodreads:

Our Review of Burying Water HERE

Our Review of Becoming Rain HERE

Lindy's Thoughts:

Chasing River was an epic adventure!  It tells us the story of twenty-five year old Amber Welles, Jesse's younger sister from Burying Water.  Amber has been living in a small town in Oregon her whole life.  She longs to travel and see the world.  Therefore, she has worked extremely long hours as a nurse, and diligently saved every penny for her adventure abroad.

Soon after Amber gets to Dublin Ireland she is saved by a handsome Irish stranger, when he pushes her to the ground, and shields her from an exploding bomb.  He disappears before Amber has the opportunity to thank him for saving her life.  The next day, Amber remembers a clue about the stranger, that ends up leading her to Delaney's Pub, and meeting her gorgeous rescuer, River Delaney.  Amber and River share a strong attraction and a deep connection.  They begin spending a lot of time with one another.  However, there are secrets that River is keeping from Amber, and she is suppose to leave for England in a week.  What happens when these secrets come to light?  How can Amber and River say goodbye when they've never felt such strong feelings for another person?

Ms. Tucker takes us to Dublin Ireland.  I felt like I was right beside Amber as River shared the country's vast history, politics, sights, culture, and lingo.  I learned about the rich treasure of storytelling, which is passed down from generation to generation.  The setting had a life all it's own, and I feel like I can add Ireland to my passport!

The characters were richly crafted, relatable, and very likeable.  Amber had a really good heart.  She was naive in the ways of the world, and to a certain extent saw things in black and white.  However, by the end of the story, she matured a lot with experience, and was able to look at life and people differently.  River was sexy with his light Irish accent, flirty banter, loyal, and all around good guy ways.  He too grew as a character, and learned about sacrificing for the greater good.  I also enjoyed secondary characters Rowan, River's younger brother, and Ivy, Amber's acquaintance/ eventual friend.  Rowan was sweet, charming, funny, and a huge flirt.  Ivy had a hard shell, but was vulnerable too.  I could tell that she's been hurt a lot, and am looking forward to her story, Surviving Ice!

The sweet romance, and steamy chemistry between Amber and River gave me a constant case of the swoons.  There was also an element of danger and suspense that added to the entertaining plot.  Chasing River was a pretty long story, that was told at a steady pace.  I was completely drawn in to the setting, plot, and characters.  It was not a light read.  It was unique, passionate, full of depth, and moving.  Yet, at the same time, it had moments of fun, humor, and adventure.   

Rating:

I give, Chasing River, by K.A. Tucker, 4 Unique, Richly Crafted, Passionate, and Adventurous Stars!

Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Irish Story

Eeeeeeep another amazing hit by K.A. Tucker! if there is an author to put on your auto-purchase list it's her. Amber and River were amazing together the chemistry was there, their connection instant and raw. Everything Amber has ever known about life changes so suddenly but in a remarkable way. This can be read as a stand alone but I don't recommend that. This whole series needs to be read from the very beginning to know all of the intricate details that make each connection so wonderfully put together. Amber is related to a main character from the first book and their appearances and references to characters from other books is absolutely one of my most favorite things ever!!

The Story, Amber is on a sabbatical trip sans the sabbatical part...Lol she is off to see the world and find her place in it. Second stop is Ireland cue the not so perfect but perfectly sexy River. Sacrificing himself to do the right thing he risks his life for Amber and that is the start of an addictive wonderful love story. There was definitely a lot of learning that took place from all of the characters. Not knowing the danger, these two embark on a journey of discovering themselves and what matters most. 

The Characters, watch out this one may be long. Amber is Very smart and assertive we see how beautifully her character grows into someone who is willing to take risks for love. Even if those risks are out of character she embodies what it means to love freely and fiercely. River is kind and hardworking his character holds family and tradition above everything. His passion for family and willingness to provide and protect are traits that Amber falls in love with straight away. Though by societies standards these two are complete opposites their connection and their hearts scream otherwise. Nothing was forced between these two. Amber is so used to everything being planned out that what she feels for River scares her in the beginning. River has never felt a pull towards a woman the way he does towards Amber. He knows he isn't good enough for her but he will spend the rest of his life trying to be. Once Amber is willing to let go of the strict rules things begin to fall into place for these two. River goes through so much turmoil but by the end he knows  what matters most and he is once again willing to sacrifice his life in order to do the right  thing. The side characters were a joy! Rowen and Ivy have something going on so I hope we get to find out soon what that is!! The bad guys are absolutely insufferable and get their just desserts. I will admit that there were a few times my heart went out to River's awful brother. Alas, that discussion is for another day. I look forward to more from this wonderful cast!

The End, this one was a little different than most. Typically Tucker gives us a look at the after...ya know? Not necessarily this time. I will say there is a lot of leading to where our lovelies stand but there is no concrete "the end". This is very much a to each is own type of thing so I won't push my opinion but I will say I love knowing what everyone is wearing at the wedding. I'm 100% with Ma in this epilogue I want to hear church bells and see a baby bump! There were a couple of open story lines that I hope continue in the next installment. I cant wait to see what is next in the Burying Water Series. This has been a roller coaster of emotion that I recommend everyone reads!

My Rating

4.5 Dublin, Park, Stag, Pub, Wallet, Skype, Ivy, Rowen, Two Hundred Years, History, Love, Story Telling, Perfect Guinness, Extortion, Wall, Anger, Torrid, Hit, Neighbor, Police, Da, Hospital, Humor, Father, Remains, Discovery, Knowing how to follow the heart when the odds are against the choice, Wonderfully Moving Connection, Love filled stars!!

Mikki's Review:

When I pick up a book by K.A. Tucker, I know it’s going to be a wonderful reading escape. Her Burying Water series has been such a captivating reading journey. Even if all the books can be read as standalones, I highly suggest you read all of them. K.A. Tucker’s writing style is phenomenal!!! Each time I read one of her books I feel like I’m not only reading the story, but I feel like I’m living it. 

In Chasing River we follow Amber Welles and River Delaney. Amber is travelling the world with a bucket list that is out of this world!!! I’m so jelly of the things she has crossed off that list!! She has visited some spectacular places and Ireland is one of them. When she arrives in Ireland, she has it all planned out until a mysterious stranger saves her from an explosion that could have been fatal. She is determined to find him so she can say thank your for saving her life. A man wearing a t-shirt with a familiar logo brings her straight to the doors of Delaney’s Pub. As days go by, Amber and River grow closer and their chemistry is undeniable. River can’t deny that the beautiful American girl has gotten under his skin. He has never met anybody like Amber and the more time he spends with her, the more he wants her to stay in Ireland. Getting close to her means letting her know about his past and the secrets he’s been keeping. What will happen when Amber finds out about River’s past and his secrets? Will she continue her once in a lifetime trip or will she stay behind with River? 

I really enjoyed this story! Amber and River are such an adorable couple that made my heart happy and their incredible journey left me with a smile on my face. K.A. Tucker’s characters are always strong, confident and fascinating. They all have that little something that makes them unique. I connected with Amber and River from the very beginning. I could feel the chemistry between them and River made me swoon so many times I lost count!!! 

I don’t want to reveal the details surrounding River’s family, but what I will tell you is that I was at the edge of my seat to see what was going to happen next! River had some difficult decisions to make. I loved how he confided in Amber. I don’t think he was expecting her to understand his life journey, but she did. The conversations they had about their lives made me connect with them event more. By the end of this book, I felt like I knew these characters all my life. It was fascinating to read about Ireland. It makes me want to pack my bags and leave on a long trip just like Amber did! 

The supporting cast of characters was amazing!! Each character had a role to play in Amber and River’s journey. From River’s family to Amber’s friend, Ivy, I really enjoyed what they brought to the story. It’s always a pleasure to read about the people that are surrounding the main characters. This was a fantastic reading journey that I highly recommend. Pick up this book and embark on an amazing reading escape that will leave your heart happy! 

Rating:

I give Chasing River, by K.A. Tucker, 4 fascinating, swoony, page-turning, pack your bags and escape to beautiful Ireland stars!

About the Author:

K.A. Tucker is the USA Today bestselling author of 11 books, including Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water. 

Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader, and currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

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