by K.A. Tucker
Series: Burying Water #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain. Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps. As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.
Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker is the second book in the Burying Water series and while this is dubbed new adult it could very easily fall in the adult romantic suspense genre. Undercover FBI, romance, fancy cars and swoon-worthy moments had me quickly lost myself within its pages.
Clara Bertelli is twenty-six and currently one of the top undercover detectives in the Washington D.C, major crime units. She has been assigned a high profile case that may land her the FBI job she has been coveting. The job takes her to Seattle where she poses as Rain Martines. Her job is to gain the trust of twenty-four year old Luke Boone. Fans of Burying Water will remember this yummy mechanic. Luke works for his Uncle Rust. Rust owns several legitimate businesses, in particular the auto shop that Luke works at. It is believed that Luke is being groomed to run the shop and the illegal businesses as well.
Tucker shared the tale in dual perspectives letting us inside the minds of both Clara (Rain) and Luke. I think it worked perfectly and allowed me to understand where they were coming from as well as experience their emotions. The romance felt genuine and progressed slow. The forbidden romance trope added additional suspense to the tale and balanced out the investigation. I love that Tucker took things slowly, kept the angst low and did not rush things. We spent a little bit of time with Water and Jessie and I enjoyed how their story was threaded into the tale.
“I don’t care about any of it. All I want to do is lean forward and kiss him. Steal him away from the bad stuff, convince him to start over because I believe he isn’t beyond saving yet.”
“You’re perfect. Almost too perfect … Sometimes I wonder if you’re even real.”
I close my eyes with his words, as his mouth finds my collarbone. I am real. At least, parts of who he’s seen are. And this is real, what’s happening between us right now.”
The criminal case, wire-taps, and high profile players created suspense as Clara weaved her way into Luke’s life. Fast cars, boats, guns and secrets had me flipping the pages. I love the slightly darker romantic suspense that Tucker delivers leaving the angst of your typical new adult books behind.
Fans of Burying Water, Tucker and romantic suspense from new adult to adult will enjoy Becoming Rain and its well-developed characters and nail-biting case.
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
Lorna
I loved this one and Burying Water so much! I also liked her Ten Tiny Breaths series and her paranormal one as well. I am glad you loved it too. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved her previous books but these are by far my favorite.
Tyler H Jolley
I really enjoy undercover, PI, FBI crime stories right now. I’m so excited to start Becoming Rain. There were actually two reviews of it in my Bloglovin’ feed today!
kimbacaffeinate
This series has been quite good Tyler. I adore Tucker but this series is by far her strongest.
Candace
The FBI bit isn’t my favorite but the whole romantic suspense bit does appeal to me. I love the covers on this series too!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love the FBI bit.
Blessie (Mischievous Reads)
This sounds so good! I haven’t read the first book yet though! I’m hoping they’re standalones though… are they? 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Yes total standalone but we do see character cross-over
Benish
I think her writing is much better now, the slow burn romance was one of my favorite parts of this novel, lovely review x
kimbacaffeinate
I agree this series is stronger.
Christy
Word, home skillet. I enjoyed this one quite a bit!
kimbacaffeinate
Yea, I like this series.
Ro
This sounds like a really good book! Thanks for the review. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
welcome Ro!
Angela Adams
Your review definitely has me intrigued. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
then my job here is done. Enjoy your weekend Angela!
Sharon
I’ve heard so many good things about this author’s work. I need to give her a try. This book sounds good, so glad you enjoyed it.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do Sharon 🙂 this series is the perfect place to start
Sophia Rose
Yep, exactly! I adored Burying Water as a nice mature leap in her writing, but this one was even better with the subtleties and thrillerish qualities. Can’t wait for more.
kimbacaffeinate
Totally agree..I have read all of her books and love the strengthen of her skills
Katherine
I wanted to read Burying Water so I’m glad to know the 2nd in the series is strong as well. I like that she’s able to take such a complicated romance and make it seem real. My TBR is going to start crying soon!
kimbacaffeinate
She develops her characters and keeps it realistic. Plus I love the suspense angle
Stormi
Not normally a fan of new adult romance but I think it’s cause I got a few flops, but this sounds like something I might enjoy. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I hate that this is classified NA it really reads like an adult romantic suspense even though the male character is 24.
ShootingStarsMag
I just love the titles and covers of these books. That’s great you get both of their perspectives; sounds good!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I liked that aspect too and agree the covers are good
Grace MyBookSnack
I had no idea this was romantic suspense! I love that. The premise sounds really good. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
It is Grace and I love romantic suspense..it looks like the whole series will be 🙂
Lauren
I’ve been reading fantastic reviews of this and can’t wait to try it! I’m glad that the romance was given time to develop, I hate when it’s rushed. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lauren. I enjoy Tucker and this romantic suspense series has been exceptionally good.
Braine Talk Supe
This is why I’d read this>> criminal case, wire-taps, and high profile players<< you and I love our suspense thrillers.
kimbacaffeinate
Heck yes Braine..I love those them too
Heidi
Everyone is loving this one. I am finally tackling Burying Water hopefully this weekend.
kimbacaffeinate
Squee..it was good and suspenseful but this one was stronger.
Sarah
I think this book has been circulating on a few blogger friends blogs because this sounds familiar. I do enjoy a good forbidden romance troupe, especially if it’s done well! Adding to my tbr 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Tucker is a favorite of mine here at the blog and I’ve read most all of her books.
Debbie Haupt
Ok Kim, sign me up girlfriend because this hits all my musts in a read 🙂
thanks
kimbacaffeinate
This was a fun one..enjoy!
Lauren Marion
This sounds really interesting. I’d never actually heard of these books before so I’m definitely going to look them up when I get the chance. It’s different to what I usually go for but I think I might enjoy them.
kimbacaffeinate
Sometimes it fun to explore outside of your typical genres and Tucker is a wonderful place to start.
Nick
I loved this one so much too! I agree it should probably be classified as adult suspense, but I’m okay with it being classified as NA because we need more creativity in that genre.
Luke and Rain were so good together!! Who do you think the next book is about? 😀
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, yes we do. I have no idea about the next book but cannot wait 🙂
Jenny
” I love the slightly darker romantic suspense that Tucker is delivers leaving the angst of your typical new adult books behind.”
That line right there has me sold Kim! I’ve come to fear NA books for the over the top angst they consistently deliver, so I’m always wary when I see the NA label. I’m so glad this story is dramatic and emotionally intense without the unnecessary angst. Must read!
kimbacaffeinate
well I am glad despite the extra word “is” in that sentence. Lord. This is one of the reasons it feels like adult romantic suspense to me..I hope you enjoy it!
Laurel-Rain Snow
I haven’t read the first one, but Becoming Rain sounds like one I’d love. And a Seattle setting makes it a winner! Thanks….
kimbacaffeinate
It isn’t necessary to read book one, but I do love her books and this series has delivered
Aurian
Sounds very good, thanks for the review Kim, I will put it on my wishlist!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Aurian 🙂
kindlemom1
I decided not to pick this up because I wasn’t sure if I would like it even though I loved the first. I am sort of regretting that decision now!
kimbacaffeinate
oh bad move my friend 😉
Red Iza
Oh yes, i can remember book #1, reading your review and adding it to my Mt Everest to-read list ! OK, I’m upgrading it to the “next” shelf 😉
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha..yes upgrade them!
Silvia
I knew about this book because a friend of mine mentioned it and was really excited to read it. I must say, it’s surely intriguing and, although I don’t read much of romantic suspense, I think I’m going to make a note about this one.
kimbacaffeinate
romantic suspense is one of my favorite in the genre
Ramona
Holy scrumptiousness, this sounds REALLY good. I love that she’s so tempted that she almost forgets everything else – that’s the sign of an interesting romance. I haven’t read the first book, but I’ll put it on my list for books to read on holidays. Truth be told, I’ve always had a weak spot for yummy mechanics, lol 🙂 Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Hmm, yeah I like a man who is good with his hands *winks*
Faye
I’ve seen this book on blogs at least five times now, and each time, there were nothing but praising words for this one! I just love the idea of an undercover female. Totally reading this series… I kinda even prefer it to her Ten Tiny Breaths XD
kimbacaffeinate
Yes I would agree with that, these to me are stronger
blodeuedd
Now I can’t remember book 1..must check
kimbacaffeinate
Burying Water was the first one
Melliane
Oh I didn’t realize it was a book 2, I was so sure it was a new series so thank you for the info. In any case it’s great that the sequel is that good and that you had a great time with it. I confess that it’s making me curious. I’ll have to check out book 1. thanks for the review.
kimbacaffeinate
Each book totally works as a standalone..but each focuses on different characters.
Lupdilup
I really, really enjoyed this one Kimba!! Yes to everything you said, I can’t believe how suspenseful I found the plot! I enjoyed Burying Water, but I enjoyed this one a lot more!
Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Each book of hers is stronger then its predecessor.