Tucker She’s beautiful. She’s young. She’s driving me out of my mind. I’ve always done my best to avoid Leah Bolt. I have enough problems without having to deal with a young woman with a crush. My life has been a disaster since I was court-martialed and dishonorably discharged from the military. After spending a year living on the streets, I’m finally starting to pull things together. Now, I’m stuck with her, living side by side in my house with my complete opposite. If spending every day with this peppy, optimistic, energetic woman doesn’t kill me, her brother will. Dare is a friend and a member of In Safe Hands, a group that tracks down sexual predators and brings them to justice. He has also done time and is the size of a mountain. I’ve survived combat, but I may be taken down by a perky blond.
Leah He’s gorgeous. He’s older. He’s a stubborn, broody jerk. Tucker Long is every woman’s dream…until you talk to him. He may be sexy when he’s out sweating in the sun with sawdust clinging to him as he hammers and saws, but try to hold a conversation and all you get are grunts and nods. He was the one who wanted a house sitter and just because his plans fell through doesn’t mean I’m changing mine. My future is up in the air while I try to decide who I want to be, and Tucker’s farm is the perfect place for me to do it. He calls me kid, but the way he looks at me doesn’t lie. I may be ten years younger, but I can still handle him.
S.M. Shade writes spicy romantic comedies and steamy contemporary romances with relatable characters. Whether it's a good laugh or a good cry, she likes to grab you by your emotions and make you feel. An unashamed Croc enthusiast and poetry nerd, she can usually be found listening to Indie Rock on repeat and watching birds.
I think this may be my favourite book in this series so far.
We saw bit and pieces of Tucker in the first few books but didn't really know too much about his past. Of course that changes in this book and we get to know more about him. Let me just say it has made me absolutely love him.
Tucker mostly keeps to himself and his extremely guarded not letting anyone get to close to him.
Leah is unsure if what she wants to do with her life but knows that living with her brother Dare and his wife Ayda just isn't going to work anymore.
Leah eventually moves to Tucker's house to house watch and due to circumstances Tucker returns home as a result these two are now roomies.
This book is about being able to move forward when your past is hard to let go of. To move past your fears and to let your guard down. I loved Leah and Tucker together. There were some awkward moments, a lot of cute and sweet moments and some chemistry that is hot AF.
There is a hell of a plot twist that will have you reeling. I'm talking something you don't see coming and it will hit you like a bomb which adds to this already amazing book.
I'm already salivating for the next book in this series.
Holy crap!!! This was one hell of a book😍🤓 It had so many different elements to it. Sexual Assault, murder, sadness, comedy and many more
Whatever Ayda said to convince Derek to be cool with my moving out has faded by morning. “It’s almost winter,” he argues. “What are you going to do if it snows and the power goes out?” With a snort, I shake my head. “I’ll run out and play in it until I get frostbite.” Derek shoots Ayda a look when she giggles. “It’s not funny.” Ayda throws her arms around him and drops a kiss on his lips. I’m kind of fascinated by the way my huge, scary brother just melts at her actions. I hope I find someone to love me like that someday. “She’s a grown woman, babe. I’m sure she could start a fire in the fireplace.
Leah: Confession time. I’m in your tub. I couldn’t resist. It has jets.
Fuck. Why did she tell me that? My cock responds instantly to the picture in my head of her slim, naked body lying in my bathtub. I can’t think that way. It’s wrong for too many reasons, the least of which is that she’s Dare’s baby sister. That doesn’t keep me from picturing her bent over the edge of my tub, though, wet and slick while I plunge inside her. When I fail to answer, she texts again.
Leah: You’re picturing me naked aren’t you?
. I have to stop drooling over this man. He’ll always see me as Dare’s little sister. He calls me kid for hell’s sake. Although I haven’t forgotten that kiss. Drunk or not, he didn’t think I was too little that night.
Raw childhood with abuse from one family member Dark past with no information Second chance at love, at life, at being alive, be loved and love someone.
A lot of drama Age diference (10 years) Hero pushing away
Tucker is a great must read addition to the In Safe Hands series.
Leah, considering all she went through as a child, is so together & level headed, optimistic & full of light. Tucker, however, is broody & seems pulled down by things in his past that he hasn't opened up about. When Leah agrees to live on his farm for 6 months whilst he's away. She's relieved to escape from her big brothers overprotective tendencies. She adores Dare, respects & loves him but she has plans to write about her abuse to help others & thinks the quiet of living on the farm will be perfect rather than going back into education like he wants!! Tucker is moving away for unknown reasons, it's all setup, he leaves but then it all falls through within days & he needs his home back, unfortunately for him Leah isn't going to give up her chance of some independence easily!!
This sets up the book for Tucker & Leah to become friends & see one another as more than the obvious surface traits that they initially knew. Their 10 Year age gap disappears, certainly for Leah. Tucker has secrets though & as they make strides forward he always pulls back which continues to hurt her!!
Be warned, there is a big reveal & losses in this book, Kleenex may be needed!!! I thoroughly enjoyed Tucker. It was beautifully written, touching, parts were dark & heartbreaking but on the whole it's romantic & they are one hot couple!!!Lol
I love the In Safe Hands series by this author! The group of characters is so fun but also so serious when it comes to things that matters, you can't help but want to keep reading.
Tucker was as amazing as I knew he would be! He was gruff but funny. I don't want to spoil but I love him!
Leah is so bubbly! That's the best way to describe her. I love that she was down to earth but also understanding of Tucker's past.
I loved seeing Tucker fight his attraction. That's what this book entails, along with finding out about his past. Things happen in this book that makes him finally get his head out of his butt and while as a reader they will break our heart, the author did what she had to for the story.
I loved the age gap. It's not something that is too noticeable but since it's known, you realize that even with that gap; they are perfect for each other.
I loved seeing the characters from the other books! We see an outside look with them and it's different then in their own personal books.
Overall, I want to scream at the author for things that happened in this book but I will give the benefit of the doubt that it needed to be that way. The writing was awesome, like all of this author's book. I'm scared to see what's to come in this series, but also super excited. 5 stars #2OCCJD
I guess because I started on book 4 I missed some of the secondary characters connections. I wasn't into Tucker and Leah as much as I wanted to be. I love the whole older brothers friend scenario so it kind of sucks that I didn't enjoy it the way I thought I would.
Leah and Tucker are OK? Some of the dots in both their back stories don't really connect, and are unnecessarily violent/graphic for the sake of being graphic and traumatic.
Speaking of unnecessary violence, which is low key the star of the book, there's a mass shooting, which yes, was an extreme way to get Leah and Tucker back together.
Why have your characters talk when you can slaughter 22 characters with 3 guys with body armor and assault rifles? Again, there's trauma- as drama. It's so frustrating.
ISH has basically been dropped as a plot point, because it was an unworkable concept(at least the way it was described in the first book). So now that we let go of the serial killer angle, everyone is faced with some other form of violence/abuse.
It uses serious topics(sexual assault, human trafficking, drug use, stalking, abuse, and murder) like they're rainbow sprinkles to add color. So if you can roll your eyes and read through the unrealistic borderline callous way it handles trauma- it's ok.
Speaking of callous, I had idly noted that I've never read a book with a main character named Frannie. Looks like it's staying that way
Tucker's situation was looking up. The In Safe Hands guys got him off the streets and gave him a place to stay when they needed his help. He lives a solitary life, he doesn't attend any social occasions unless he has to and pretty much lives on his own out in the woods. He has some personal business to attend to and needs someone to house sit for him.
Leah is back from college and staying with her brother Dare. She loves him dearly but he's suffocating her. He wants her back in school but it's not something she wants anymore. After hearing that Tucker needs a house sitter it's a perfect opportunity for her to have some space and time to think and for her to pursue a dream of writing a book about her experiences.
Tuckers trip is cut short and he returns unexpectedly after a few days. Leah refuses to move out and go back to her brothers so Tucker finds himself with a housemate.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Tuckers story. I knew he must have gone through a trauma but i wasn't sure what. What his secret was really surprised me! I love it when a book can do that! I like the unexpected and this delivered.
Tuckers story was always going to be angsty even just from knowing he was on the streets it gave you a clue in but reality was much worse. The poor guy did nothing but try to do the right thing and at every turn something has happened to try and break him. It nearly did but thankfully Ayda and the guys got him off the streets. He's so grumpy i sometimes had a little laugh at his expense. But the more the book goes on the more he opens up and the more i loved him.
Leah, even after everything that girl went through, too was like a little ray of sunshine. Her constant optimism really made me smile. I think because of her past she had an old head on young shoulders and i never even noticed the age difference to be honest. At times she was more mature than he was lol
I loved the back and forth between them and this made an excellent build up in the story. The tension was getting to me when they finally gave in! lol phewwwww and what a give in it was! Yum!!
The writing and story-line was fluent and gripping and i kept on turning those pages.
It's always great to see all the other guys in here and the addition of the weddings in the last few books is fab! I'm wondering how the next wedding is gonna outdo the last!
Really amazing series that takes you on a journey in each and every book.
Love this series and I think this is my favourite one so far. This is book 4 in the series and whilst it can be read as a standalone you will want to read the other books in the series as you will love all the Safe Hands boys and their lucky ladies.
Tucker is totally swoon-worthy! you just want hug this beautifully broken man. He keeps himself to himself and its only when Leah throws herself into his life that you finally start learning about the man and he starts living again. He just needs to let go of the past and the pain he is holding onto.
I loved Leah, she has had a traumatic childhood but she has moved past her ordeal and is looking towards her future, she just wants to be independent from her over protective brother. You can tell from the start she has a soft spot for Tucker, she just needs to break down his barriers.
The interactions and banter between Leah and Tucker was gripping, feisty and full of sexual tension. My heart broke for them when secrets were revealed and after a horrifically terrifying event that rocks the teams worlds. Kleenex and a stiff drink will be required.
This a great story of being able to move forward when you are finding it hard to let go of the past, to let people in and to allow yourself to be loved.
I voluntarily reviewed and Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the Author and BookSmacked Blog
OMG I have a new book boyfriend. Tucker is a HOT, damaged bad boy and Leah is sweet girl whose known history demonstrates her amazing strength. I absolutely love all the characters in this book. All of them were unique and wonderfully entertaining. The story between Tucker and Leah was a bumpy ride that took you on a wild journey of emotions. This book beautifully addresses issues on loss, sexual abuse, violence but most importantly love and recovery. Also intertwined throughout the story you see amazing friendships and a strong sense of family. This author has a real gift writing witty dialogue, laced heavily with sarcasm which can frequently cause bursts of laughter. What mades that so remarkable is that this storyline also touched my heart, made me cry, and caused my heart race with anxiousness. Yes this is the fourth book In the Safe Hands Series. Do you have the other books to understand this story, NO. Having said that, I loved revisiting the lives of the other characters from the other books. This only increased my love of this book. So my recommendation, read them all (wink wink nudge nudge). Happy Reading!!!
For those of you who are S.M Shade fans will know and understand the long awaited release of this book. I highly recommend you start if you haven't yet. Tucker is the 4th book in the 'In safe hands' series and an absolute treat! Besides for the cover that is just fabulous and hot as hell, Tucker has totally lived up to the expectations we had for him. Tucker has a few skeletons in his closet, as most alphas do, with a rugged personality to match. Leah plays the strong, stubborn little sister of one of the members of The safe Hands team whom also happen to have a few skeletons in her closet, but she brings a lot of humour to light her way. There are so many twists and turns in this story with one major shocker! Life isn't always fair and this books illustrates that so well. The friends in this book have become a family and once you start this series you become part of their family too, experiencing all the anxiety, heartache, love, excitement, turmoil and kinship. Well done on delivering another amazing book with all the feels! I can not wait to read more and possibly experience another winning wedding!
She’s young, she’s beautiful, she’s his best friends sister and she’s out of bounds. Added to that his life is a complicated mess, He needs to ignore his growing feelings and his attraction to her.
He’s a little older, he’s her brother’s friend, he should be out of bounds, but she doesn’t want or intend to hold back on her feelings. Tucker is one of those strong silent men, his life is complicated and he keeps himself and his secrets mostly to himself. Easier said than done when she’s staying in his home with him. I really enjoyed this book and i loved how we got to know Tucker little bit by little bit. Leah was definitely a girl intent on getting her man. The push and pull of them both had me mentally swearing on numerous occasions. But their more romantic moments had me melting. At times i got a little frustrated as it was obvious they were both falling in love. I feel its a testament to the author that i was feeling so many different emotions. Finally the twists to come would make Tucker’s actions so clear and my heart broke for him, but it also made me fear for a future for this couple. But Love can conquer all Right ?
I love this series. We first meet Tucker in Dare's book (Book 2). Homeless and haggard, beat down from his time in the military and life in general, he finds his home and brothers in ISH. While he has a family in ISH, he is the keeper of many secrets that haunt and isolate him. Dare's younger sister, Leah has faced more pain in her life than any young woman should, yet she is a force of light and energy that completely baffles Tucker. Thee chemistry between these two is almost too much. They fight, they push one another, and the resulting steamy scenes are hot.
SM Shade's 4th book in this series did not disappoint. This is more than a simple grumpy/sunshine trope. Both characters experienced trauma, faced demons and lost much in their lifetimes. How they faced them not only is what keeps them apart but brings them both growth and ultimately peace. Former ISH family members are prevalent throughout the story. As such, it is definitely best appreciated if read in order. At times my emotions were completely bouncing around - happy, sad, mad, annoyed, giddy. Overall great read.
Note - I have read/re-read this series multiple times.
Loved, loved, loved Tucker! This is my first read in the In Safe Hands series (I know "what is wrong with me", hush!!) And I should kick myself for not starting at the beginning. However, I am glad the author wrote this story in a way it stands on it own and a newbie reader, like myself, doesn't get lost.
This book pulled every single, EVERY SINGLE emotion out of me. Leah's happiness and bubbly nature was contagious, I couldn't help but smile. Tucker the man was sex on a legs but ffs did he frustrates me. Of course I understood where he was coming from but AAAHHHHH! Anyways... The rest of the supporting characters were amazing. I laughed and I cried. This book was amazing, now I must go back to the beginning (I know, I know as s backwards). These two together reminded me of that Katy Perry's song "Hot and Cold", and just when I thought they're finally gonna get it together BAM I'm proven wrong... Or am I?
Kudos to you S.M. Shade for a great book. I cannot wait to see more of Jeremy, poor guy broke my heart.
This is my first book in this series, so I was unaware of this awesome crowd from ISH (In Safe Hands). Tucker is a loner and lives his life all alone in a farm. He has friends but never found his place in the crew. Leah is a young girl, 10 years his junior who wants to step out of her brother's shadow and find her place in the world. Their worlds collide when she comes to live with him for six months and its slow burn at its best. Both have turbulent pasts but while Leah has come out of it bright as sunshine, Tucker chose to live in the dark. They become friends, then lovers for a night and then drift apart. It was beautiful, emotional and soulful. Their connection is so strong, she is his strength when he needs her the most. I loved Leah's strength and maturity. Tucker is also a dirty talker and they were scorching hot together. I did not expect that and absolutely loved it. I will have to go back and read the previous stories in this series becoz i fell in love with these men for sure.
In any story you need to have some twists and turns and some bomb drops. I totally get that and I understand that pretty much every scenario has been used so it must be hard to write a unique story. Having said that, this story is so over the top and cliche it is pathetic. These two character’s backstories are so over the top shitty that it is a miracle they haven’t been committed or haven’t killer themselves. I’m serious! And the plot is based in some small town yet it’s big enough to have a private “security for battered women”, a mass shooting in their 3 story mall, a crazy environmentalist and a category 100 winter storm! All in 200 pages! And the secondary characters appear to be just as extreme (I’m not reading another story to find out).
I love this series. Its my favorite. Tucker had me all on my feelings. You knew there was a story behind the hints she gave you in the other books. The homeless military had me because you dont realize how many there truly are out there. The stuff they go through, the stuff they bring back or have to deal with here. So he had my attention when she first introduced him. He's got to be one of the most tender hearted, loyal characters Ive ever read and I just simply fell in love with him. Leah is perfect because she has been through some stuff herself but she so strong and chooses not to let it overcome her. He needed someone like her and they fit together perfectly. There was only one thing that had me screaming no but I'm not into spoilers so you'll just have to read it for yourself.
I loved this book! It has everything you could want in a romance. Laughter, love, tragedy and a fantastic HEA. It's about Tucker, a loner who does wood working and helps In Safe Hands on occasion and Leah, the younger sister of one of Tuckers coworkers who is also a past abuse victim. Leah is living with her brother and feels like she needs a change and it comes at the perfect time as Tucker needs someone to watch his house for 6 months. However plans change and he comes home early and she refuses to leave. From there it spirals and they end up falling for each other and he pushes her away. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a great love story with a twist thrown in for good measure!
S.M. Shade has done it again!! Her writing style always sucks you in making you want more. I couldn't wait for his story and now that I've read it, I know Tucker was worth the wait!! He is one moody fallen man and he has good reason to be. You feel his sadness and ache to give him his HEA. His dark past makes him the strong man he is today. His future is full of the love surrounding him that he tries to keep at bay by staying secluded. But can one bubbly and annoying but lovable woman sneak past that hard outer shell and break all those walls? Who knows? You'll have to read to find out. You can read this as a standalone but I highly suggest reading the 3 books before Tucker. He is a part of the In Safe Hands series!! Happy reading!
I absolutely love this series and could not wait for Tucker to get his story! Tucker is a brooding silent man that has had his share of heartbreak. We finally realize the extent of his losses and what has made him the man he is today. Leah is our young beautiful full of life girl and also Dare's little sister. She has always been intrigued by Tucker but he is so hard to read that she never knows where she stands. Well she is a gal who knows what she wants and will find a way to get it. She is a breath of fresh air in Tucker's life that he is not sure he deserves ...so he fights her subtle advances every step of the way. I loved how her refreshing personality would always attempt to break down his walls! This a rollercoaster ride but so worth it!!! ~~Michele McMullen ~~
I have read the other books of the series until now, but Tucker won me over them all! It was a very emotional reading, I love the story and the hero and heroine’s background. I loved to see the other guys and girls’ relationships getting stronger and how all of them supported each other no matter what.
I am pretty sure Jeremy’s story is going to break me, I had not expected what happened in In Safe Hand 4, and I am pretty much dying to see how the next book will turn out to be.
I gave all the other books 4 stars, because even when the plot was different, they all seemed to turn the same, so I’m gonna give this one 5 stars because it was unique and the story very captivating!
Hands down this was my favourite book in the IN SAFE HANDS series. I had no idea what to expect from Tucker and Leah's story other than persistence and resistance but I loved their story.
From both of their strength and vulnerability you read a story of growing and healing. You learn with Leah what Tuckers secret is and it pulls on your heart strings but the love and maturity she shows is awe inspiring.
I hope SM Shade keeps giving us insights into their lives as her stories progress and we see more of these lovable, eccentric couples.
This book has a happily ever after but also a heartbreak. Have your tissues ready people!
Tucker Long is happy living in the country. He took over the farm from In Safe Hands when they decided to stop using the pigs to dispose of the bodies. He's been happy at the farm for a while. He brings up he needs someone to spend 6 months at the farm for him because he has something he needs to do. Leah volunteers to do it so she can live on her own and write her book. What no one expects is that Tucker comes home 2 days later and Leah refuses to leave. Tucker likes her, but doesn't want her there because of the age difference and he hates fighting his feelings for her, but Leah doesn't want to give up, age be damned. This book is awesome and is a MUST READ!!!
I have just read the 4th book in this series and loved it. I love the ISH series. We met Tucker in the previous book. He is an ex milatry man who ends up homeless. Leah is Dare's (book 2) little sister. She needs to get away from Dare's over possesivness.
Tucker needs someone to look after the farm for a while whilst he goes way and Leah sees this as an opportunity for a bit of freedom. But why happens when Tucker's plans change and Leah refuses to leave?
Will their pasts stop them from getting together or will it be the one thing that will bring them closer?
If you loved the other books in the series then get stuck into this book. You will not be disappointed.
This is my favorite out of the ISH series so far. Tucker is the quiet brooding ex military guy. Leah is bubbly, happy, energetic, the opposite of Tucker. She is also Dare's sister. She had been through a lot of trauma in her life. The end up being roommates for about few months, he fights his attraction to her, but when they finally get together, WOW. This was very different from the first 3 of this series. He is the opposite of Landon, Dare and Justus. He's had so much happen in his life, and he was ok living his life by himself. I loved Tucker! Leah and Tucker went so well with each other. Would recommend to anyone.
It was not as good as the other books but it was okay
The book was a little bit of a disappointment compared to the rest of the series because it didn’t have the same impact of romantic touches or the same kind of emotional impact as the other books but it included some of the characters and went in depth with Tuckers character which was very much a little disappointing and sad to read about. Leah was also very much a sappy character in this story so it made it feel like a bit like an episode of the same kind of soap opera where everyone gets a happy ending with no drama. But it was just an okay book.