by K.A. Tucker
Series: Burying Water #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away. Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him? Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried. The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.
Burying Water is the first novel in the Burying Water series by K. A. Tucker and fans of her Ten Tiny Breathes series, will not be disappointed. Tucker weaves in a little mystery, memory loss, and romance then drops them in a rural Oregon countryside with horses, and an ornery old woman who will steal your heart.
Tucker is fantastic at plotting out her stories and fleshing out characters. Even secondary characters have a unique voice and enhance the story. The tale is broken into “then” and “now” chapters that allowed us to experience our Jane Doe and important characters before her accident and after. Each chapter is powerful and reveals clues. I never felt pulled between the two timelines, and each ended in such a way that kept me as the reader flipping the pages.
Our characters are flawed, sweet, and vulnerable. Jane Doe has lost her memory, and her only clues consist of the clothes she was wearing the night of the accident. Through her, we learn of her past, present, and experience her regaining her memories even as she creates new ones. I enjoyed getting to know Jane and her inner thoughts as she struggles to decide who she is. Jessie Welles is her new next-door neighbor, a sexy mechanic who is always willing to lend a helping hand. Jessie has made a few mistakes, and he is genuinely a good guy, who loves hard. Ginny is the ornery old woman who weaves quilts and befriends Jane. I adored this woman, and her backstory was fascinating. She made me laugh aloud and had me hugging myself tight as I thought about her past.
The romance threaded between the two timelines is a beautiful one, and yet tainted. I worried Tucker would not be able to make me see past some concerns and issues that I first experienced, but I was safe in her care. Both relationships felt genuine, and I loved how they entwined. This is mild on sexual content and high on sweet moments.
Jane’s memory loss created a little mystery, suspense and tension as the reader slowly pieces things together and begins to worry how it will unfold. Will we get our HEA? Since this is a series, I am hoping that Tucker delivers some of the secondary characters in future novels. Burying Water hooked me from page one and the hours slipped away from me. When I wasn’t reading Burying Water, I was thinking about it. I love when a book holds me captive like that. The title ties into Jane’s tale; it is so appropriate and made me smile.
Burying Water and the characters in this new series will thrill fans of Tucker. The story gave me all the “feels”, and I look forward to heading back to Oregon.
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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Jess
This book sounds fabulous. I haven’t read anything by this author, but I am so glad to hear about this one. The memory loss aspect sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
It was, I really enjoy Tucker, she weaves great stories.
Jennifer
I have this one coming to me in audio, can’t wait to listen to it!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Jennifer, I look forward to your review of the audio
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I really like the Ten Tiny Breaths series so I am keen to read this as well, the romance, mystery and the then/now format sounds like it was all done very well.
kimbacaffeinate
This was really good Sharon, and I cannot wait to hear what you think!
Lorna
I really loved this book too 🙂 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I am so delighted to hear you enjoyed it as well Lorna 🙂
Paij Slater
what a fantastic review. I have added it to my ever growing TBR pile 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Paij!
Jeann
Yay, I’m so glad this was as brilliant as the rest of her books, as I really enjoy the Ten Tiny Breaths series! It sounds like this has an intriguing mystery angle with different timelines, that is totally up my alley. Great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
It does have a mystery/suspense/thriller feel to it and of course the characters were brilly.
Laura Plus Books
I need this book in my life! I’ve loved every singe K.A. Tucker book I’ve read before and I’m sure this one will be no exception. Adorableness mixed with mystery sounds perfect! Thank you for sharing! Lovely review Kimba. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..another Tucker fan..woot! Enjoy I am sure you will love it 🙂
Katherine
I love a good amnesia story! When done well all the mysteries and secrets get me every time. I’ll definitely have to get this one!
kimbacaffeinate
That is exactly how this was and this is an adult novel Katherine 🙂
Angela Adams
Sounds like a great mystery, and you gave it 4 1/2 cups! Thanks for the post. Have a great weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
I did, it was quite good:) Enjoy your weekend!
Nereyda
I love Elizabeth Louise so I’m gonna wait for the audio for this one. Five Ways to Fall is my favorite so far.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Nereyda..I bet it is awesome!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I still want to try her other series, but I might try this one first. I really love the sound of the romance here. Yep, added another one to the wishlist. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh yes, go for it Melissa!
blodeuedd
The cover and font looks more thriller
kimbacaffeinate
This does have a thriller aspect to it..good eye 🙂
braine
Is the theme of this series relationship in crisis? I read another review that mentioned cheating
kimbacaffeinate
To me, that is a spoiler, and too complex to touch. The story deals with memory loss, and of forgotten plans and serious danger, etc. If there was cheating..it is not the kind that will piss you off. That’s all I am saying.
Debbie Haupt
Hi Kimba, this is a new to me author. Thanks and by the sound of your review I think I need to pick her up 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try her Debbie, she writes a captivating tale.
ShootingStarsMag
I haven’t read a review of this one yet, but it sounds really well done. I’m glad you loved it so much.
kimbacaffeinate
It is all over the sphere right now Lauren, and thankfully everyone seems to love it.
laura thomas
I must read this book! Your review has me excited about it. And I like that you got all of the ‘feels’ for it. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review.
Sorry I haven’t been by in a bit. Work and life have been crazy. Have a lovely weekend:)
kimbacaffeinate
Squee..enjoy Laura!
Heidi
Gosh this book is a regular blog whore this week. I have read countless reviews, okay at least half a dozen in the last two days. I am not the biggest fan of NA these days as I am so tired of the drama, but this one has caught my attention and I am willing to give it a go and heck it is set here in Oregon 🙂 Happy weekend, get some well deserved rest.
kimbacaffeinate
To me this is an adult novel Heidi. No one is in school etc.
Nick
I loved this one too, Kim! I’m excited to see you enjoyed it as much as I did. I thought the romance was really well-done. The only complaint I had was I wanted to know what happened to the douchey ex at the end. I wanted him to be punished, but we never find out. But still, this was beautifully written and I’m excited that it’s a series. 🙂
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Wait…we know what happen to him. At least I do..LOL Um, he was punished..yep.
Nick
Really? Did I miss it then? I thought after what happened to Water, we never heard about him!! What exactly happened?
kimbacaffeinate
emailed you darling :spoilers:
Lauren
All the feels you say? Sign me up! I am so behind on KA Tucker’s list of books, and they keep coming so highly recommended by trusted bloggers. If only there were more reading hours in the day!
kimbacaffeinate
Hope you love it Lauren 🙂
Amber Elise
I’ve heard great things about this author but haven’t picked up her Tiny Breaths series yet. It sounds really sweet and I LOVE onerous old ladies! 🙂 Can’t wait to travel to Oregon via books!
Amber Elise @Du Livre
kimbacaffeinate
This was a good one and the tale was well crafted.
Rita
I’m under the assumption that Ten Tiny Breaths was YA, but this doesn’t sound like it is. It sounds really interesting! Haven’t read anything by this author but I will be checking her out further, thanks.
kimbacaffeinate
No, Ten Tiny to me was adult, but some classified them as NA, but since these peeps hold jobs, and do not attend college..it is adult.
Rita
Thanks for clarification. I am confusing the author with someone else. I’m still getting used to NA category, was always YA into adult when I worked in bookstore years ago 🙂
Lupdilup
I’m so excited Kimba! I heard it was good, and now to have it confirmed makes me jump with anticipation!! Yay!
Thank you, wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
Woot..cannot wait to hear what you think of the audio
kindlemom1
Yay! So happy you loved this and much as I did Kim, it really was a rather interesting read wasn’t it?
Have a lovely weekend!
kimbacaffeinate
*dances* I did:) Totally agree it was rather clever.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
The romance sounds very sweet here and I am glad that you enjoyed Tucker’s latest work! I still have yet to read Ten Tiny Breaths, definitely getting to that in December!
Fantastic review, Kimba <33
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Melanie, I try to stay on top of her releases 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
You don’t even know how much I love memory loss books. And from Tucker? I am in heaven.
kimbacaffeinate
Squee…enjoy!!!!
Melliane
I haven’t tried a book by the author but it’s great to see she is wonderful with plots and I confess you make me want to discover more about these characters and their flaws. Thanks for the great review
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Melliane. I enjoy her novels and she has a way with characters.