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.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website