Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Terrific book. This is the story of the second McBride cousin, Tucker. Though he originally planned to make the military his career, his most recent posting convinced him otherwise. Pushing papers was a pain, but what got to him most was the backstabbing, political vipers he had to deal with. So he pulled the plug but is now feeling a bit lost and unsure of what comes next. So he heads for Redemption and the land that he and his cousins own, looking for peace and inspiration. He did not expect to come across a damsel in distress along the way.
Gillian is having a bad day. After an argument with her fiancé over wedding plans, she compounds her problems by wrecking her car in the middle of nowhere. Undeterred, she hikes off in the direction of town, high heels and all. She doesn't expect a knight on his trusty steed to come to her rescue.
I loved the first meeting between Gillian and Tucker. There are sparks, but Tucker doesn't act on them because he's an honorable guy, and she's engaged. However, there is plenty of banter between them, and he pours on the flirty charm. Several months pass with Gillian and Tucker seeing each other occasionally, including on New Year's Eve. The cracks in her relationship with Jeremy become more pronounced. The final betrayal comes when Jeremy, as the bank representative, sells a property that Gillian had plans for without telling her. I ached for Gillian but was happy that she finally saw Jeremy for the snake he was. What was most eye-opening for Gillian was the realization that she was less upset over the loss of Jeremy than she was the loss of the property and her dreams for it. To find out that it was Tucker who bought the property was an additional blow. I liked her face-off with him. Her enthusiasm for her plans made Tucker want her all the more. Now that she is no longer engaged, he is ready to go into pursuit mode.
I loved the development of the relationship between Tucker and Gillian. It was smooth, and it wasn't easy, but it was beautiful. Tucker has a good understanding of Gillian from the beginning. When Gillian went into a deep funk over the end of her dreams, Tucker conspired with her mother to pull her out of it. I loved what they came up with, and it certainly did the trick. Gillian regained a bit of her spark, and Tucker makes sure she knows of his interest. But Gillian's confidence in herself and her judgment is shot, and she is afraid to jump into a new relationship. I loved Tucker's patience as he agrees to be friends while she works through it. They spend some time together over the next few weeks, growing closer, but with Gillian always keeping that bit of distance between them. I thoroughly enjoyed it when Tucker introduced Gillian to the joys of hiking. Her resistance was funny, and his cajoling was sweet. It's so apparent that Tucker is head over heels for her, but Gillian can't let go of her fears.
Things take a turn when the proof of Jeremy's betrayal blindsides Gillian. I loved that she ran to Tucker, knowing in her heart that she could trust him. I loved how he took control of everything and gave Gillian the perfect escape experience. There ended up being more to the trip than planned, and though she was all-in at first, she freaked out the next day. I ached for Tucker, who thought that he had finally won his fair lady. His patience was incredible as he gave Gillian the time she wanted. I was frustrated with Gillian because she coasted along, not really giving the issue the time it deserved. I loved what finally opened her eyes and gave Gillian her confidence back. There were still some things to work out between them, but they talked them out with the result of coming out stronger on the other side. I loved that discussion and how it showed the changes they both experienced.
There was also a lead-in to the next book with Boone. I can't wait to read it and see how he handles that unexpected complication to his life.
Gillian is having a bad day. After an argument with her fiancé over wedding plans, she compounds her problems by wrecking her car in the middle of nowhere. Undeterred, she hikes off in the direction of town, high heels and all. She doesn't expect a knight on his trusty steed to come to her rescue.
I loved the first meeting between Gillian and Tucker. There are sparks, but Tucker doesn't act on them because he's an honorable guy, and she's engaged. However, there is plenty of banter between them, and he pours on the flirty charm. Several months pass with Gillian and Tucker seeing each other occasionally, including on New Year's Eve. The cracks in her relationship with Jeremy become more pronounced. The final betrayal comes when Jeremy, as the bank representative, sells a property that Gillian had plans for without telling her. I ached for Gillian but was happy that she finally saw Jeremy for the snake he was. What was most eye-opening for Gillian was the realization that she was less upset over the loss of Jeremy than she was the loss of the property and her dreams for it. To find out that it was Tucker who bought the property was an additional blow. I liked her face-off with him. Her enthusiasm for her plans made Tucker want her all the more. Now that she is no longer engaged, he is ready to go into pursuit mode.
I loved the development of the relationship between Tucker and Gillian. It was smooth, and it wasn't easy, but it was beautiful. Tucker has a good understanding of Gillian from the beginning. When Gillian went into a deep funk over the end of her dreams, Tucker conspired with her mother to pull her out of it. I loved what they came up with, and it certainly did the trick. Gillian regained a bit of her spark, and Tucker makes sure she knows of his interest. But Gillian's confidence in herself and her judgment is shot, and she is afraid to jump into a new relationship. I loved Tucker's patience as he agrees to be friends while she works through it. They spend some time together over the next few weeks, growing closer, but with Gillian always keeping that bit of distance between them. I thoroughly enjoyed it when Tucker introduced Gillian to the joys of hiking. Her resistance was funny, and his cajoling was sweet. It's so apparent that Tucker is head over heels for her, but Gillian can't let go of her fears.
Things take a turn when the proof of Jeremy's betrayal blindsides Gillian. I loved that she ran to Tucker, knowing in her heart that she could trust him. I loved how he took control of everything and gave Gillian the perfect escape experience. There ended up being more to the trip than planned, and though she was all-in at first, she freaked out the next day. I ached for Tucker, who thought that he had finally won his fair lady. His patience was incredible as he gave Gillian the time she wanted. I was frustrated with Gillian because she coasted along, not really giving the issue the time it deserved. I loved what finally opened her eyes and gave Gillian her confidence back. There were still some things to work out between them, but they talked them out with the result of coming out stronger on the other side. I loved that discussion and how it showed the changes they both experienced.
There was also a lead-in to the next book with Boone. I can't wait to read it and see how he handles that unexpected complication to his life.
Eternity Springs: McBrides of Texas: Tucker by Emily March has Tucker McBride leaving the army. He is heading to Redemption, Texas for a time of healing and decide what he wants to do with his future. Along the way, he encounters Gillian Thacker walking along a back road. Gillian had a fight with her fiancé, Jeremy and took off without thinking. The pair share an intense moment before Gillian returns to Jeremy. Three months later, Tucker is opening wilderness skills training school in the building next to Bliss Bridal owned by Gillian and her mother, Barbara. It turns out it was the building Gillian intended to buy for her new venture, Bliss Events. Sparks fly between the pair much to Tucker's delight. He has his sights set on Gillian, now he just needs to convince her. Tucker is a cute story. I liked the characters (well, most of themâJeremy and an old frenemy of Gillian's leave a lot to be desired) and the lovely setting of Redemption, Texas. Tucker McBride is handsome, kind, good hearted man who is a keeper. I like how he helps his niece, Haley who is going through a tough time. Gillian did get on my nerves a few times, but that made her real. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Enchanted Canyon. I can understand why it is a place to unwind, get peace and heal. There were definite sparks between Gillian and Tucker (it is a wonder they did not set paper on fire). I like the survival skills fit into the story as well as the color red. I do want to let readers know that there is foul language in the story along with intimate situations (and thoughts). Those who read Jackson's tale will be happy to know that him and his fiancé, Caroline are in the book. Gillian is one of Caroline's bridesmaids. I enjoyed the humor in the story, and I had to laugh at the dress Tucker had Barbara create for the display window. Tucker can be on as a standalone. I had no trouble following the story. Tucker is a relaxing story to read and it will delight those who love romance tales.
