Name: Five Ways to Fall
ISBN: 9781476740515

K.A. Tucker

Young divorcée Reese MacKay gets more than she bargained for when a former college football star—and the man whom she had a hot one-night stand with in Cancun—begins working at the very company where she is employed. Original.

A Novel

Five Ways to Fall

Sometimes you can’t change—and sometimes you just don’t want to. Read Ben’s side of the Ten Tiny Breaths story in this romantic coming of age novel by the beloved, top-selling indie author praised for her “likeable characters, steamy liaisons, and surprising plot twists” (Kirkus Reviews). 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…

Sonia Grgas

Got up to page 165 - didn't go on because, while I liked the characters and plot, I just wasn't interested in what was going to happen.

Anna Ureta

Kate B-L

** spoiler alert **
           *spoilers*
Dammit, i wanted to like this book, and i would have if it wasn't for the bashing of sex workers. 

Every other book of this series is pro-sex work, but this one felt like it took three steps back. Throughout the series, all the main characters have either been strippers themselves, or have been in close relationships with them, and i really appreciated how the author had represented sex work.
But noooo, in the final book of the series, they decided to backtrack that progress by allowing Ben, a man who put himself through law school by being a bouncer at a strip club, literally making money off of the strippers, to mistreat and allow his romantic interest to disrespect them. Throughout the book Reese calls Mercy (a friend, former coworker and sometimes lover of Ben) a twinkie, and shows her nothing but disrespect and disdain, all because Reese refuses to take inventory of her true feelings towards Ben. And Ben allows it, not once sticking up for Mercy. The most infuriating thing was that the author made it seem like Mercy, a sex worker, was somehow to blame for Ben's promiscuity, and painted her the villain when in fact, it's Ben's fault that he was too much of a coward to tell her that the feelings she had for him weren't mutual. It's not like he didn't know how she felt about him, he just wanted to use her, and then lets Reese treat her poorly.

Camila 

3.75 
Me entretuvo bastante pero siento que le falto algo mas

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K.A. Tucker's Ten Tiny Breaths series has introduced us to a myriad of interesting characters who are all a little broken in their own way. I've been hopelessly hooked on the characters, their relationships and Kathleen's writing since I first picked up Ten Tiny Breaths last year. With each new book, I love this series more and more. Ben has been one of those characters who has floated in the background since the beginning and I was ridiculously excited to find the last book in this series would be his. I always knew there was more to him than met the eye.

Ben and Reese meet during Spring Break and it's a rather unforgettable night, but for all the wrong reasons. She's mortified and hopes to never see him again. He can't help but be intrigued by the purple haired girl who ran out on him in Cancun. He's more than a little surprised to see her more serious and buttoned up, but still as spunky as ever, working as a paralegal at the law firm he's just begun working for. As they work closely with each other, neither are able to hide the attraction they feel. What begins as physical attraction and sexual tension explodes into something more, something real and while it's far from easy, it was right.

I absolutely adored both Reese and Ben. I mean, I've had a soft spot for Ben from the time he first appeared in Ten Tiny Breaths. He played such a minor part, I always wanted to know more about this cocky, complicated guy. He really was the total package. He was hot, sexy, witty as hell, protective and sweet. He also had a troubled past and more than his share of family issues. Reese was a strong heroine. She was spunky, strong, smart and likable, even under the tough exterior. Both of these characters had a past and more baggage than they knew what to do with, but they didn't let that get them down. As much as I enjoyed them each separately, they were twice as good together. I loved their banter and the chemistry between them.

This book gave me a ton of feels in the way that K.A.'s books usually do. I connected with the characters and cheered them through the good and the bad. I laughed, smiled and cried as I devoured Five Ways to Fall in one sitting. K.A. has a way with characters. They're all a little damaged and a lot lovable. I've loved this series from the start and now that we're on the last book, it's safe to say I'll miss them quite a bit. I see many rereads of this series in my future.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Lisa ✩ @lifeinlit

This book was jointly reviewed by myself and my co-blogger, Becca!


  “If you have to fight over a guy, he’s not worth it. Go for the one who’s waiting for you.” 


 THE STORY: 

  Becca
: WOW! This book was amazing! The characters were amazing! K.A. Tucker is amazing! I loved absolutely everything about this story...it was... well... AMAZING!! Without giving too much away I will say...this is not your typical romance. Lisa said it best when she said to me "finally reading a book with a slow burn romance is awesome!" The initial dislike, then friendship and finally build up of Reese and Ben's romance was absolutely perfect! My favorite part of the whole book? The farm! It was so well written that I could actually see the beauty and feel the peace and relaxation when Ben and Reese were there. This story also tackles some real life issues that I do not want to give away and spoil the story, but Tucker handles them brilliantly in the genius way only she can!


  Lisa
: GAH! K.A. Tucker never ceases to amaze me. This is probably one of my favorites in the series, though I've loved them all honestly. The slow burn romance was so refreshing after reading so many romances lately that border on insta-love. And I definitely agree with Becca... the setting for this story was fantastic! The farm was so much fun, and so unique compared to other books in this genre. People tend to be scared off by the NA genre lately, but trust me, there are some pretty fantastic books out there if you look... and this is one of those books. I can't say one bad thing about it.


  “Have you always loved yourself this much?”
“I had an awkward year in ‘ninety-nine, but I got over it quick.” 



 THE CHARACTERS: 

  Lisa
: If you're anything like me, you fell in love with Ben long ago. He's the super-sweet, rough and tough bouncer with a heart of gold. A heart that he's terrified to give away to anyone. He strictly forbids any type of commitment and insists that feelings do not find a place in any of his "relationships." One night in Cancun he stumbles across Reese, the purple-haired spunky girl that's looking for one fun night. Score! That one night (which is hilarious and had me rolling around in hysterics!) is just the beginning of this wonderful story. 

I loved that characters from the prior books, such as Casey and Trent, make a cameo appearance as well. My favorite series have companion novels like this, where each story is unique and separate to different characters, but here and there we get a little blast from the past to make us smile. Ben's group of friends is so much fun! Getting to meet his family in this story made it so much better. Trust me, you will LOVE Ben's mama! She was flat-out hilarious and easily my favorite character in this book. Becca and I went back and forth several times about how awesome she was. There are also characters you will despise and want to smack across the face, over and over again. But mixed in with those duds are quite a few gems that will steal your heart. What a group!



  Becca
: I could not agree with Lisa more on all counts! This group of characters stole my heart! I honestly do not know who I loved more, from the giant, dimpled teddy bear Ben, to his Mama the tough lovin' sweetheart who I wish I could have as my own Mom :) and then finally Reese... OK she is probably my favorite! I absolutely loved her! Her purple hair, her harley, her love of pecan pie and her minion cell phone ringtone :) She was so fierce and loyal and totally bad ass! I just loved her! I loved to hate the villains in this story and will just say that when Reese seeks revenge... you better watch out! I was laughing so hard at so many moments in this book, from Reese and Ben's witty banter, to the moments in Cancun and finally those sweet, sweet revenge moments. K.A. Tucker amazes me again with the strength of her character building, and I agree with Lisa I loved the cameo's from characters in the past :)


  “No way a guy who’s been in there wouldn’t be bothered watching someone else stick his tongue in your mouth.”
“I think you should send that straight to Hallmark.” 



 OVERALL: 

  Becca
: So shall I GUSH some more... I mean I have not one negative to say about this story. It was perfect from start to finish! *excited squeal* maybe I've had too much coffee today :) but seriously, K.A Tucker has done it again! amazing characters, breath taking settings, humor and a slow burn romance to die for! When you are finished checking out our review please put this on your MUST read list!!


  Lisa
: Ha! Well said, Becca! As you can tell, we have massive crushes on K.A. Tucker and she can do no wrong in our eyes. We're completely in sync with that fact. :)
 
Five Ways to Fall, just like the other books in this series, was flawless and pure enjoyment. Becca and I both like our characters flawed, prefer our romances on the slow-burn side, and absolutely adore Tucker's writing style. So if you're anything like us, this is a series you won't want to miss. And a book that's worth the read even if you haven't read this series. Though some characters from the past make an appearance, it's not necessary to read all of the prior books before this one. Another A+ MUST read book from K.A. Tucker!

(Thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for the review copy!)


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