Author: K.A. Tucker
Published: June 24th 2014
Read: June 26 to 30, 2014
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository
Purple-haired, sharp-tongued Reese MacKay knows all about making the wrong choice; she’s made plenty of them in her twenty-odd-years. So when her impulsive, short-lived marriage ends in heartbreak, she decides it’s time for a change. She moves to Miami with the intention of hitting reset on her irresponsible life, and she does quite well…aside from an epically humiliating one-night stand in Cancun with a hot blond bouncer named Ben. Thank God she can get on a plane and leave that mistake behind her.
Football scholarship and frat parties with hot chicks? Part of charmer Ben Morris’s plan. Blown knee that kills any hope of a professional football career? So not part of the plan. Luckily Ben has brains to go with his knockout looks and magnetism. After three long years of balancing law school with his job as a bouncer at Penny’s Palace, he’s ready to lead a more mature life—until his first day of work, when he finds himself in the office of that crazy, hot chick he met in Cancun. The one he hasn’t stopped thinking about.
If Ben truly were a smart guy, he’d stay clear of Reese. She’s the boss’s stepdaughter and it’s been made very clear that office romances are grounds for dismissal. Plus, rumor has it she’s trouble. The only problem is, he likes trouble, especially when it’s so good-looking…
Ten Tiny Breaths was one of my first New Adult novels and I really, really liked it. Then I had the worst luck with One Tiny Lie and Four Seconds to Lose (Hey, we cannot all love the same books! I’m glad that almost all of you loved FStL.), so I was legit scared to read Five Ways to Fall. I’m going to be really, really honest with you right now. Five Ways to Fall is K.A. Tucker’s best work to date and was also the best book I had read since Hothouse Flower in March! I absolutely loved loved loooooved it and you need to read it ASAP. Don’t believe me? Let me convince you a little more :)
Two words: BEN. MORRIS. OH GOODNESS. I didn't like Ben in Ten Tiny Breaths as a love interest for obvious reasons, but I've always loved him as a character and hoped that one day he'd have his own book. Boy was I ever glad it happened. His POV was brilliant! He has a sweet side and is super funny and bantery, but he doesn't turn a 180 simply because he feels an attraction towards Reese and is so very intrigued by her. Nope! He still notices every gorgeous woman and appreciates them in every way possible, including Reese. He is still very much a guy and I appreciated that aspect a ton! Made the story all the more realistic. I mean.. how realistic do you guys think it is that a guy who has spent time with a girl for a week and barely knows her is now a saint and doesn't look at other women? Not a sweet guy, but a well-known player? *shrug* I don't think it's very realistic, so moi applauds for a realistic and awesome guy POV.
Since Reese is out for revenge when it comes to that ex husband of hers and Ben is the fake-boyfriend, her co-worker and new-found friend, we get LOTS and LOTS of Reese & Ben time. They have magnificent chemistry and their banter is just everything. EVERYTHING!!! I loved both of the backstories too which added great depth to an otherwise fun and adventurous story. There are so many hilarious moments and I had to contain my grin and LOL moments while reading this out in public. Obviously didn’t do a very good job since people kept giving me weird glances. Awkward.
There are two minor complaints: Reese was a tad too obsessive over her ex-husband, but it’s still understandable. Reese's POV was a little troublesome for me simply because she's so full of hurt from Jared's betrayal and cheating. She's so caught up in revenge and making him pay, and still somewhat in love with him, that I just wanted to shake her and tell her that "Look! You have a good thing next to you! Notice him the way he deserves to be noticed, please." Of course, that happened as the novel progressed, but Reese chatting it up with Jared on Facebook and playing games was a little bit annoying. At the end of the day, the slow burn with Ben was totally worth feeling a little annoyed by Reese's obsession with revenge. The other complaint I have is the way the thing with Reese’s dad was dropped on us at the very end. Didn’t really like how info-dump the whole thing was, but even though a bit extreme, it felt like it could happen IRL.
You guys!!! *shakes you* So freakin' glad I tried this one. Especialy after how mediocre I felt about OTL and FStL, but not this one. Adored the fiery persoanality of Reese and the evercharming Ben Morris with his handsome looks. It was the perfect blend of slow-burn and fantastic chemistry. The book moves on very nicely and the pacing was spot on! I loved it so much that I finally caved and got a paperback copy too so I can re-read it all day everyday in physical form when the mood strikes :) (I have a feeling that it'll happen a lot.) A definite recommend, my lovelies!
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
Stars: ★★★★★
Great review!! I scored a free signed copy from KA Tucker at Book Bash 2014 so I'm really excited to read it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything from K.A. Tucker yet. You know me and NA. Anyway, it's good to know that even though you didn't like some of her(his?) books, you still tried and it paid off. I love it that Ben Morris seems like a real person. I think growth is always essential for good characterization but having a complete transformation in just one book is not really that realistic. So I applause with you, Siiri. Banter is one of my very favorites as well so I'm glaaaad they were amazing. Slow-burn is also my cup of tea soooo..*scampers to Goodreads*
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Siiri! :)
You know what sold me to this book that I might not have given a second glance? The fact that Ben doesn't do a complete 180 once he meets a girl (that we know will be 'the' girl). I do mind players but my main problem with players is how quickly they change. It just never seems realistic to me, ya know?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Banter is awesome so DOUBLE yay for that.
You know what makes me sad though? The fact that I am pretty sure she's not going to end up getting revenge on her cheating ex. Sorry, you know I hate cheaters like crazy .-.
Anyway I am SUPER glad you decided to give this a chance in spite of you know enjoying this because it means I might end up giving it a chance and falling in love with a certain someone (let's not start the boyfriend wars just yet).
Lovely review as ALWAYS, hon! :)
Rashika @ The Social Potato
Oh I was curious about this one as soon as I saw the book but I confess that I haven't read it but now I'm so intrigued. I'm glad you had such a great time with it and now I want to discover it as well. Great review!
ReplyDeleteWhaaaaat!? You got the paperback so you can reread it? I know I know, I said I was going to stay away from your reviews for a while because my list keeps growing. But I thought it was safe since this one is already on my list :) I've had these books in my tbr for a while now. Sounds like I need to move them up the list. I love a great story with great dialogue :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous review, Siiri. Thanks so much for recommending it because I would have missed out on a fabulous read otherwise.
ReplyDeleteBen is undoubtedly the highlight of this book. I loved the guy. I agree that it was great that he didn't suddenly change his ways because of his attraction to Reese.
Those two were so much fun together! I adored their banter. I also loved how once they were a couple, there was absolutely no drama in the form of a huge misunderstanding.
Reese was definitely obsessive over her ex-husband, but it wasn't as annoying as I initially thought it would be. I mean her obsession kind of disappeared somewhere in the middle and I'm actually not complaining at all!
And yes, I could have done without that bombshell about Reese's dad. That sort of came out of nowhere. Nevertheless, I really liked this one too! :)
Lovely review!
Awww, lovely that you found another book to love, Siiri! I still need to check out Hothouse Flower :P Especially since you so highly recommend it ^_^ and there's Addicted To You, too... GAH! Too many good books! Can we please have more than 24 hours ina day? *cries*
ReplyDeleteIn any case, glad to know as well that this book redeems this series! I was iffy about the previous installments because the reviews were not very positive generally, but this one... you're the second I know who has absolutely LOVED it. That counts for something, methinks ;)
Faye at The Social Potato
WOO HOO! I'm so glad you didn't give up on this author after having less than stellar experiences with two of the books and that your loyalty was rewarded with this book of awesome. It's the best feeling to have your previous love for an author's work validated when you fall in love all over again isn't it? This is yet another author I haven't read (how much do I fail?). I need there to be more hours in the day Siiri! I have so many books I want to read:) Glad this is destined for your favorites' shelf!
ReplyDeleteYes, Ben Morris! Enough said. I loved this book! Their chemistry and dialogue had me laughing and grinning the entire time, especially the paintball scene haha. Awesome review, as always!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really cute!! I'm glad you enjoyed this! I'm happy they have great chemistry and hilarious moments as well :) Lovely review, Siiri!
ReplyDeleteWell girl surprise surprise I didn't like the first one in this series so I gave up on it long time ago. Still this one sounds so good and finally a guy who still sees other girls even though he liked Reese. I mean somehow in book as soon as guy is in relationship he suddenly loses sight. Like really. Chemistry here sounds the best. Great review, hon! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your review, and yes Ben was swoon-worthy and I loved the chemistry.oh and Ben's Mom..adored her! Yep this was a fav in the series!
ReplyDeleteLove your review, Siiri! <3 <3 <3 !! Ben Morris was so freaking awesome and so was Reece even though the whole ex-husband thing did get on my nerves. Although, I could relate to her actions because after someone dumps and humiliates you can't help but be a little hung up even if you know they're a complete ass. I laughed my way through this story and it was my favorite in the series, too! I wish we'd get a story centering on Ben's brothers! I hope, I hope, I hope! :)
ReplyDeleteWow Siiri, it sounds like everyone loves Five Ways to Fall! I really liked Ben in the first book, as a best friend, and it'd be interesting reading his perspective here. The fake relationship and everything sounds like a lot of fun, and Reese sounds like a really feisty character with her revenge and everything. I think I'm going to really enjoy this book and I can't wait! It just means I need to read Four Seconds quicker now :D
ReplyDelete“If you have to fight over a guy, he’s not worth it. Go for the one who’s waiting for you.” <---This is so, so important! It's something I personally believe and wish friends and book characters believed in more.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the FWtF audio on Friday. It's personally my favorite KA Tucker book yet! Great review, Siiri!
Oooh, I can't wait to read this book. Unlike you I loved both One Tiny Lie and Four Seconds to Lose more than Ten Tiny Breaths, and I felt like the author wrote better and better in each book. So, it's not a surprise that I've been planning to read this book ever since I've heard of it but unfortunately I still haven't gotten around it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked this book! Great review. :))
I love that quote, so true!
ReplyDeleteI loved this one, my favorite of the series. I loved Ben and Reese!
I love how much you loved this book!!! Unfortunately, it didn't work for me :(. I just don't think this author and I are a good match. As much as Ben was, I didn't feel like I could trust him relationship wise for most of the book, and I got frustrated with Reese's obsession with her awful ex. I loved Ben's mom however. By the end, I liked this. But for some reason I couldn't grasp the right feels. I know I'm the odd girl out, though because all my trusted read friends adored this one. Boo for me.
ReplyDelete