by K.A. Tucker
Series: Ten Tiny Breaths #4
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
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…
I have been enjoying the Ten Tiny Breaths series by K.A. Tucker and excited to read bouncer Ben’s story. Admittedly the synopsis of Five Ways to Fall made me a tad nervous but I should not have been. This turned out to be one of my favorite books in the series. Filled with emotion, humor and family I quickly became caught-up in Ben and Reese’s story.
Clicking the series link in the book description above will take you to my reviews of the previous three novels. Each works as a standalone and deals with one couple.
Five reasons to grab your swimsuit, towel, iced coffee and Five Ways to Fall for an afternoon at the beach:
1. Two people who become friends, and are attracted to each other. Who want absolutely nothing to do with a committed relationship and suddenly find someone who turns all their plans upside down! Wicked banter, pretend boyfriends, office politics, revenge and passionate kisses. I love when couples discover the exact opposite of what they think they want in life and find out it is exactly what they needed.
2. The characters in Five Ways to Fall have depth, humor and flaws. We met commitment phobe Ben Morris when he worked at Penny’s Palace as a bouncer. We know he is an outrageous flirt and has never been in a serious relationship. Now he has graduated and lands a job at a prestigious Florida firm. When we meet Reese MaKay, she is sitting in jail waiting to be released to one of her Mom’s ex-husbands. Purple hair, piercings and anger paint her face. Her short-lived marriage is over, and she needs time to lick her wounds and change her ways. I thought I would dislike her, but the more Tucker revealed, the more I adored this snarky woman. Tucker allows both characters to grow throughout the novel, and it strengthens my relationship with them. Each is flawed by their past and watching them grow, heal and love was delicious.
3. The romance is fresh and slow-paced despite the great chemistry and heated stolen kisses. I laughed as much as I sighed. While we get some action, it is heavier on the emotional experience then bedroom details. Tucker made it hot, as she built the sexual tension; I swear I could see the sparks flying.
4. Mama Morris, the citrus farm, and secondary characters added an additional layer. Ooo I adored Ben’s Mom. The storyline involving her was warm, and heartbreaking. We get a second storyline romance with Reese’s geeky brother, and it gave the book a warm, small-town feel as we witnessed relationships transform.
5. While the romance is predictable, Tucker added twists and side stories that kept me fully immersed within its pages. I laughed, swooned and rooted for these folks. I closed the book with a tear as this wonderful series came to an end.
Five Ways to Fall was delicious, heartwarming, and laced with humor.. While I am sadden that Ten Tiny Breaths has ended I am equally excited to see where she takes us next.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Laura Plus Books
Your review has made me feel like this book was made to be in my life! I’ve been loving the series so far as well so I’m really excited to read Ben’s story. Lovely review Kimba! I’m so glad you loved it!
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad Laura. I hope you love Ben’s story as much as I did 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I loved the first book in this series but I need to play catch up, the characters and romance sound wonderful.
A great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes you do Sharon. I love this series.
Ellen
Awesome review. I really loved this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear you loved it too Ellen!
Red Iza
How on earth do you manage to find contemporary romances that look so good ? I’ve almost given up on the genre, but you might convince me to give it another try 😉
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I read a little of this, a little of that and stumble into these things.
Lindy
What a wonderful review! I didn’t realize these books could be read as a standalone! That makes me so happy to hear! It’s easier to sneak in a book here and there, as opposed to a whole series. Five Ways to Fall sounds like such an excellent story. I love when a book has emotional depth, and not just sex. The emotion and the chemistry are more important to me!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes in fact each one will, although reading them in order helps with the side characters
Lisa
I loved this book so, so much. Ben’s mama was probably my favorite character overall. She really kept me giggling! 🙂 I’m sad this series has ended as I love it so, so much. Glad to see you enjoyed it too. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you loved this one too, and yes everyone adored Ben’s mom
Sandy
I just loved this book. And well the entire series really. You did a great job with your review–covering everything I thought about the book as well. I didn’t say it in my review, but Mama Morris was awesome! LOVED her. And I loved her dedication to her marriage vows even if her relationship was awful. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I love Ben’s mom and I am so glad you loved this too Sandy!
Paij Slater
This sounds like a fantastic book
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Paij it was a good one!
Lauren
Wow I’m impressed that this was one of your favorites in the series! I love when friends become lovers and I love when humor is worked into a story as much as possible. I need to get my hands on this one! Lovely review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was, and I suppose that is a good way to end a series ..on a high note!
Cyn
Lovely review, Kim! I’ve always heard such great things about K.A Tucker’s Ten Tiny Breaths series, I just haven’t gotten around to checking them out yet. This one sounds like a fun read, I love the friends-to-lover trope! Also, awesome secondary characters are always just a nice bonus!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cyn, I hope they make their way onto your tbr pile one day 🙂
Mary
Aw, I love when friends become lovers. However, I wasn’t a fan of the third book (the only one I’ve read). Possibly I should give this a chance?
kimbacaffeinate
In my caffeinated opinion, without reading the previous books Cage could come off wrong, if that was your issue. Having said that, this has a totally different vibe, especially with Ben’s family involved.
Stacy (StacyHgg)
I keep hearing AMAZING things about this series and it’s on my TOP TBR list but I can’t seem to get to it, grrr. Lol
The blurb for this one was not very enticing like you mentioned but it sounds great despite this. Fabulous review! I like the “5 reasons” format 🙂
And I’m going to make sure to get to it Very soon – you have me sold, lol
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Stacy. I was so glad my apprehension gave way to a wonderful story.
Amir
I’ve seen this series around but I have never tried it, although I do hear good things ever since the first book! I enjoy slow-build romances and I like that there’s more relationship development than sex. The characters sound different and wicked banter is def a plus! I’m going to check if I can borrow the first books in the library. Awesome review Kimba! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have truly enjoyed this series and hope you try them Amir
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kimba, this is my very favorite kind of romance and it’s so going on my pile
thanks for bringing it to my attention
deb
kimbacaffeinate
This series is wonderful and works well as standalone..so read on!
Braine Talk Supe
Y’all are loving this i’m “this” close to grabbing this book! It sounds so grown up, intense but not super angst.
kimbacaffeinate
These are NA, but the characters are just started out in the work force making them slightly older 24-30.
Lily
Ahhh i’m so happy you enjoyed this one Kimba! I love K.A Tucker and her aten Tiny Breaths series and i’m super sad to let it go but i’m so thrilled this one may be your favourite in the entire series. Love that the characters have depth and i can’t wait to read more about Ben!
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I was sad to say good-bye but this being my favorite made it easier.
Candace
I didn’t love the first book, it was a bit too dramatic and angsty for me, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about the other books and maybe I’d like them more. Glad you enjoyed this!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed book one, but this was my favorite and the lightest of them all as far as issues.
Andrea
I’ve gotten seriously behind on this series, my last was One Little Lie. This one is really calling to me, though. So glad you loved it!
kimbacaffeinate
I think book two was my least fav, but overall I have adored the series.
Katherine
Another series I have to pick up! You’re killing me here! I can’t resist a well written friends turned more with a kick like this one sounds like it is.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, your tbr pile must look like mine!
kindlemom1
One day I really will start this series.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I have series like that in my tbr pile Ali 🙂
Nick
The characters in this book sound so great and the romance seems swoony! I love it when couples who don’t really want anything beyond friendship end up falling for each other. It sounds like a lot of fun! 🙂
Great review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too Nick and their feelings felt genuine
Michelle
It’s out! It’s out! I need to grab a copy! So excited to be reading it after reading your review.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, enjoy Michelle!
Lupdilup
How exciting! I can’t wait to get my hands in this one Kimba, I was downloading the book when I saw your review, so I came real quick…And yes! I love the five reason to grab it 😉
Thanks Kimba, great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Loupe! I imagine if done right the audio is powerful
Laurel-Rain Snow
This one does sound really good…I guess you had me at “purple-haired, sharp-tongued,” but I especially like how each book in the series can be a stand-alone. Must check it out!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I was so afraid I would not like her, but I got her and adored her snark. It was fantastic seeing her grow and figure life out.
Rita
Good review! I don’t read many romance books, though I do read chick-lit, but with the slow build-up to love, and less emphasis on the physical details it sounds interesting to me. I am not prudish, it’s just I like the bulk of a story to deal with plot and not bedroom scenes 🙂 Thanks for sharing this book.
kimbacaffeinate
Rita, these novels would cross-over into chick-lit.
Christa
I initially didn’t pay much attention to Ten Tiny Breaths because I didn’t think it was my kind of book. But everyone seems to love this series so much I think I may need to read it and see what I was missing.
kimbacaffeinate
I really have enjoyed these, to me they are a cross-between chick-lit and NA.
Jessica
I am going to start this series any day now. Any. Day. Now. Glad you loved it 😉
kimbacaffeinate
hehehe
Jenny
I’ve read a couple reviews now that have all said this was their favorite of the series which has me curious for sure. Do you think I’d be missing out on important build up if I started with this one Kim, or do you think I’d be able to settle in with these characters? They sound like my kind of characters – bring on the snark and the romantic chemistry!
kimbacaffeinate
Not at all Jenny. Each truly works as a standalone, although I imagine after reading this you will feel the urge to go back 🙂
Stephanie
I’m going to need to go back and pick up the first one because Reese sounds like just the kind of girl I can root for. Plus I’m wanting to read more new adult books. The Ten Tiny Breaths series seems like a great place to start.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Stephanie, Tucker weaves a great tale, keeps the drama and angst realistic and adds in the support of family and friends which I love.
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I so can’t wait to read this one! Love this series! Great review…you’ve reminded me to add this to my wishlist!
kimbacaffeinate
My job is done *grins*
blodeuedd
That’s sure a lot of purple in her hair…
Jenea
I am really looking forward to catching up with this series. Ben and Reese sounds amazing. Wonderful review.
Stephanie Faris
Friendship-to-romance stories can be the sweetest. This sounds like an interesting series.
kimbacaffeinate
It has been one heck of a ride, and I adored getting to know the characters and their stories.
Kristin
That’s what I love about Tucker – her romance has a lot of “almost” moments that build up to the big TA-DA!!! And I love her supporting characters!!! Wouldn’t you say the side stories got bigger this time around??? I’m heartbroken this is the last one!!!!! She’ll just have to write something else great, that’s all!!!
I love your review! So much better than mine!!
kimbacaffeinate
No way, your review was delightful. I love the slow build and almost moments..perfect!
Rashika
I actually haven’t read this series even though there is a good deal of hype surrounding it. I am generally vary of NA but a slow paced romance and witty banter will always tempt me! 😀
Fabulous review, Kimba!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
These are standout and could as easily fall in the adult genre as the NA.
Trish
Love the review! I’m convinced. I need to pick up more of this series soon. And I plan to as I will see KA Tucker at an author signing soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh how exciting Trish, no one ever comes here.
Jeann
Oh I just love the way you reviewed this and described the romance within, I just love a good friendship developed into a romance. From what I’ve heard, this one is a lot better than the 2nd book in the series (which I’m about to read). Lovely review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I think for many book two was their least favorite. I enjoyed it though, so keep reading! Enjoy Jeann!