Tacker: An Arizona Vengeance Novel

Sawyer Bennett

Nov 2019 · Arizona Vengeance Book 5 · Big Dog Books, LLC

About this ebook

I am not okay.

Fifteen months ago, my life was turned upside down when the plane I was piloting went down. Injured and trapped in the wreckage, I had to watch my fiancée die a painfully slow death, which is something that can really mess with your head.

Since that day, I’ve had little desire to do much of anything. Except play hockey, that is. Because that is the one place where the bad memories are banished and I can escape my pain.

But off the ice, I’m spiraling out of control. Losing the grip on my life and putting myself and my career in danger. Now, thanks to a string of bad decisions, I’ve been ordered to complete therapy in order to stay on the team.

The problem? Nora Wayne, my beautiful and somewhat unconventional therapist. I can’t buy into the brand of happy clappy crap this woman is feeding me. What could she possibly understand about the type of loss that I’ve suffered? How does she know anything about finding happiness after losing the most important person in your life?

Turns out, I’ve got a lot to learn, and she’s just the person I need to break through those walls I’ve erected.

I am not okay.

But for the first time in a long time, I know that I will be.

Ratings and reviews

Incredibly satisfying book that does not carry through to the end. Last 10 pages might be the most annoying ending since I can't remember when. Read it anyways. Someone grant this author a 350 page limit or what it really takes to end this book properly. Well-written on that Susan Elizabeth Phillips level where it fully crosses into literature because it forces you to confront our human existence.

This story was a heart-squeezer with both main characters having suffered devastating losses, and also dealt with heavy issues and concerns with thoughtful insights and perception. While the emotional tone was often angsty and melancholy, clever hits of humor and bone-melting sensual steam restored the balance and kept the story from being maudlin. Written in my favorite dual POV, the storylines were relevant, well-paced, observantly detailed, and featured likable and endearing characters. I appreciated the comradery, compassion, and the considerate and supportive nature of the relationships between all the characters.

I have been waiting for Tacker's story since meeting him at the start of the Arizona Vengeance series. His heartbreaking story and downward spiral after MJ's death had me anxiously awaiting the day when he would finally get his own happy ever after. Sawyer Bennett did not disappoint and Tacker was just as emotional as I knew it would be. Though this is book 5 in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Characters from the previous books do appear, however, and the book would be best enjoyed if read in order. Death of a spouse or loved one is always a difficult trope for me to get behind. I often have a hard time believing in the new love connection since had that not happened, our character would be happily married/in love. Sawyer Bennett did a wonderful job of making this work in Tacker, however, and it was easy to root for Tacker to find love again. Tacker and Nora's evolving relationship isn't without its issues and ethical concerns, but I did feel that they made a genuine connection that healed both of them. There isn't any unnecessary OW/OM drama and I loved that the story focused on healing and learning to live again. The tension and build up was amazing and the sexy times were off the charts HOT! I lost count of all the times Tacker made me swoon. Even when a deflating air mattress tries to create an obstacle, Tacker makes it clear (in the sexiest way) that he doesn't need any of that to get the job done. I loved catching up with all the previous couples in the series and there were two awesome updates that left me smiling ear to ear for Erik, Blue, Legend, and Pepper. The book adds more fuel to the fire for team owner Dominik and Willow's book and also introduces us to Tacker's BFF, Aaron Wylde, who will also be getting his own book. Tacker is sure to be a hit with fans of the Arizona Vengeance series! *I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

About the author

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, "Off Sides" in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has written more than thirty books and has been featured on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. A reformed trial lawyer, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that range from New Adult to erotic contemporary romance. Sawyer also writes general and women¿s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.