*I received a free copy of Chasing River from Atria Books via Netgalley. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Chasing River by K. A. Tucker Series: Burying Water #3
Published by Atria Books on 7 July 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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.
Chasing River took me on a beautiful and dangerous trip to Ireland, with good-girl Amber and bad-boy River, filled my heart with adventure, romance and love.
My Chasing River review:
I loved everything about Chasing River so much! It was about time Amber got her own story, and to see it unfold mostly in Dublin, Ireland was a real treat. I sadly haven’t been to Ireland yet, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit. While her time in Ireland definitely didn’t end up being at all as she had planned, Amber did try to make the best of it. If what happened to her on her first day there had happened to me, I’m pretty sure I’d have just packed my bags and gone back home never to leave for another trip again. Like ever!
I don’t know why, or how it happened, but I think I fell for River even quicker than Amber did! He put his life on the line for a stranger, both to make sure his own brother wouldn’t become a killer, and because it was the right thing to do. Because of that, though, he ended up with shrapnel in his back, and difficulties getting around for a few days. Chasing River had everything I love in a contemporary romance, there was suspense, adventure, travel to a beautiful country, courage, romance and heartache.
Tucker’s writing never ceases to amaze me! She just brings her characters to the forefront, flaws and all, and I just love them! Questioning their beliefs and traditions was hard for both Amber and River, but they did it when they realized what could come of that. Chasing River is written in dual point of views from Amber and Rivers perspectives, and in first person present tense. I really felt as if I was in danger when Amber was, amused when River was flirting, and happy when they had some sweet moments together.
Some of my favorite Chasing River quotes:
The keys to Simon’s black VW Golf sit in a dish by the front door, at my disposal. I think it’ll take me a few more days to work up the courage to drive it, though. I’m not sure I trust myself to stay on the wrong side of the road. And the roundabouts? They scare the hell out of me!
Do I abide by the black-and-white limits I’ve set for myself because that’s who I truly am or because that’s who I am while being judged?
“Carpe diem, miss. Foolish youth is a strange and wondrous time that vanishes too quickly.” He shuffles over to the next painting with slow, easy movements, sparking conversation with a young couple.
Seize the day.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
I’m so glad this series is working so well for you, Lexxie! I happen to have the second instalment at home, do you think I can go for it even though I haven’t read the first book? Can they work as stand-alones?
Silvia, these can definitely work as stand-alones, there are some characters who are present in more than one book, but you don’t really have to know who they are in order to get the story.
Got it! Thanks, Lexxie, I’ll definitely give the one I have a go 🙂
We’ve probably all dreamed of traveling to faraway places by saving money, but if we can’t, it’s always neat to experience the beauty of other countries via the pages of a book, so this one sounds cool. I also like the catchiness of the title and characters. Your review is awesome and definitely makes me want to check it out! Hugs…Ro
I agree, and when a story is well done like this one is, you really feel like you’re walking around in a foreign country along with the characters, too. I hope you’ll enjoy Chasing River, Ro 🙂
I really need to look into K.A. Tucker’s books. I just keep hearing positive things about all her books. So glad you enjoyed this one.
I have really enjoyed most of her books Quinn, and I’m almost a little envious of you because you can discover her now 🙂
I enjoyed this one too, great characters and liked their romance
I completely agree, Brandi, it was very well done.
I love that the setting of this story takes place in Ireland! I don’t get to travel that much in real life, so I love it when a story takes me to another place. River sounds like he is going to make me swoon. I love a story with flawed characters, suspense, adventure, courage, heartbreak, and romance. I can tell you loved this one! I have it for review as well, but it’s a bit further down on my TBR 🙂 Wonderful Review Lexx! Happy Reading 🙂
This one would definitely take you on a beautiful trip to Ireland, Lindy! You will find everything you love in a story, too 🙂
I want to read that series so much but some bloggers were disappointed with book #2, so I was wary. You relieve me ! I hope you’ll finally visit Ireland one day, it’s such a beautiful, beautiful country and the people are so nice 🙂
I heard so many good things about this series that I eventually added the first book to my to-read list. And that sounds fun they make a trip to Ireland I always have wanted to visit Ireland one day. Like Lindy I don’t travel a lot in real life, so I love it when books can take me to other places. The characters sound wel done and I like how it sounds like there is a good romance and a bit suspense. Great review!
I really enjoyed this too!! I loved Amber and was so happy to see her get her story. I’m even more excited for Ivy’s story! Love her!!