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 … 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.
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After purposely getting drunk and driving himself into a concrete barrier, Tacker is given an ultimatum. He has to attend counseling, pay a fine, and not drink alcohol or he’s off the team. Not sure he can ever make himself whole again, Tacker waivers on whether to accept the offer. In the end, it’s his teammates and his love of hockey that push him into a decision that will forever change his life.
Nora has suffered greatly as a child, teen. But she was adopted by a loving woman who loved her enough to help her overcome the evil she experienced. Nora’s outlook on life was nothing short of remarkable. She lived to help others, while being an exceptional listener. When a broken Tacker shows up at her ranch, she KNOWS she can help him, but only if he’ll let her. Shared experiences finally allow Tacker to “see” things differently. Now it’s up to him to mend broken fences so he can live a happy life.
Powerful. Cathartic. Emotional. Moving. Loving. Real. There aren’t enough words to express how Awesomely wonderful this novel is! A truly remarkable story. Sawyer Bennett could not have written Tacker and Nora’s story any more perfectly….except to indulge us with MORE Tacker and Nora! Tacker’s self destructive behavior made me want to reach into my ebook and shake him! He was so broken and devastated that he pushed away the people who meant the most to him. Nora’s ability to SEE Tacker and get him to open up about his feelings, was awe-inspiring. I loved how Nora wasn’t jealous of MJ and her memories. I laughed, cried, and cried some more. I highly recommend this novel! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and so worth the wait. It was so emotional, sweet, sexy and beautiful that I was not ready for it to end.
Tacker’s story is one I’ve been dreading and craving in equal measure since we first met his character and heard a little of his backstory. Dreading because I knew it would put my heart through the wringer and craving because I knew it would be one I wouldn’t forget. The author did not disappoint!!
You can feel the passion that Tacker exudes and getting to know him and seeing that passion flicker back to life was a beautiful journey. Then there is Nora. Brave, beautiful, tough as nails Nora. She’s experienced things that no human ever should but she doesn’t let that stop her. She lives life fully and wants to help others do the same. She is just what/who Tacker needs to crawl from the darkness. The author did an incredible job with this story and the characters in it. You will most definitely cry, but you’ll also laugh, swoon, and jump for joy and Tacker finds his way. An absolute must read!!
Heartwarmingly beautiful.
So it takes a very talented author to have this book live up to your expectations. For those of us who have been with the Vengeance from the beginning – we’ve been dying for Tacker’s story. He is such a tortured soul that you desperately want him to find his happily ever after.
Nora is wonderful. Her past is just as tragic (really even more so) than his and their bond is true! Watching Tacker grow and the way Nora seamlessly gets him there – it was such a sight to see.
Although I expected to bawl throughout this story – it was just so beautiful and full of depth that I just became engrossed in the story. The interactions with his teammates, Dominick’s continued pursuit of Willow, Tacker’s realization that life really does go on.
All of it was beautiful, wonderful, and full of love. This book had a LOT to live up to and it went so far beyond my expectations. Absolutely loved it and probably my favorite of this series!! What a beautiful couple together and Raul was an extra special treat.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
It’s finally time. It’s time for Tacker’a book! Have your tissues at the ready. It’s definitely emotional, but a perfect level of emotion.
Tacker is lost, heartbroken and dealing with the trauma of the plane crash he was in. He needs help to heal and his hockey team knows it. They give him an ultimatum: go to therapy or there is no more hockey. And since that’s the only thing he cares about these days he goes. When the first therapist is a disaster some strings are pulled and he starts going to a therapist who is more his speed. And beautiful to boot.
Nora loves her ranch, she loves her horses, and she loves being a therapist. The ranch she worked so hard to it, is the same one that saved her when she was young and witnessed atrocities no child should experience. When Tacker walks into her world, she feels a
connection to him. This is going to be interesting as his therapist.
Can two broken souls find happiness with each other? Sit back and enjoy Tacker because he does find his HEA in the end and it’s beautiful to watch bloom.
I Loved This Book! Outstanding Story & Narration
Tacker
An Arizona Vengeance Novel
By: Sawyer Bennett
Narrated by: Stephen Dexter, Lucy Rivers
I loved everything about this book, it captivated me from start to end and the story just blew me away. Sawyer Bennett, is a phenomenal author and she has outdone herself with Tacker’s story. I’ve listened and loved the first three books of this series, Tacker appeared briefly in each book, we were given a glimpse of what he was going thru and he earned a special place in my heart. HIs fiancé had died after the plane he was piloting crashed, he blamed himself for the crash and her death, buried in guilt his life was spinning out of control. His teammates tried to reach out to him but he refused help. After he hit rock bottom he was given an ultimatum, get help or she’d be off the team. Hockey was his life so he chose getting help. His 1st therapist does not work out, loved the nickname he gave him, LOL! So Dominick, the owner of the team, suggested another type of therapy. Nora Wayne is not an ordinary therapist, she runs a ranch and provides a hands on type of therapy for people with physical, mental and emotional needs. Tacker arrives a broken man but Nora was just what he needed, she was able to reach him and get him to open up. It was heartbreaking to hear what he went thru, even more heartbreaking to hear Nora’s story and the atrocities she suffered through when she was a young girl. Nora is an admirable character, I adored her, she has a heart of gold and is a picture of strength, you would never know she has been to hell and back. She was so good for Tacker and he for her. There is so much heart in this story, Tacker learns how let go and rid that ugly monster called guilt and start to live again. He falls in love again, not only with himself and his life but with Nora as well. It was great to see him interact with his teammates, loved that they came and helped out on the ranch too. Sawyer Bennett, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Stephen Dexter and Lucy Rivers are wonderfully talented narrators and voice artists. They bring the characters to life, give each their own unique voice and personality. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they project the emotions of the characters into their performance. I loved Stephen’s portrayal of Tacker was spot on, you could hear his sorrow and then his determination and strength. He did a great job with Raul’s accent too. Lucy Rivers’ Nora was perfection too. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen
Tacker is a standalone book however he was introduced in other books in the series. For the readers of the series Taxker has been the most anticipated. He is a tormented soul. He feels guilt and lots of it. He also feels as if he is the only one in the world to feel so much pain. Until he meets Nora and discovers her past is just as painful if not more so than his. Can she help him become whole again and become a better teammate to the other member of the Arizona Vengence? You’ll have to read it to find out what happens.
I’ve been waiting for Tacker’s story since this series started and I will have to tell you that although it wasn’t quite what I was expecting, it was still worth the wait!
This story is filled with many emotions – heartbreak, anger, sadness, grief, hope, joy and finally love and peace. It was a great journey and I totally loved the match for Tacker – it was just perfect.
This book might make you shed a few tears but it was a beautiful journey and well worth it. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up!
We have been waiting for Tacker’s story since first meeting him earlier in the series and it was well worth the wait. You cannot read this story without falling in love with the characters and their heartbreaking pasts. Great characters, an emotional but heartwarming story and a well deserved HEA. It doesn’t get much better than that. Another fantastic story delivered by Sawyer Bennett.
I waited a really long time for this book. Bennett took the storyline in a bit of an unexpected direction. I highly suggest that readers pick up the previous books in this series. This can be read as a stand-alone, however the glimpses into Tacker’s story makes all of the difference in this book. Seeing the interactions change within the story compared to other books in this series makes the difference. Can’t wait until January to see what Sawyer comes up with next!
I have been waiting for this book for so long. If you’ve read the Arizona Vengeance series, then you should be familiar with Tacker. He’s an amazing hockey player who’s fiancé was killed in a plane that he was flying. He definitely suffers from survivor’s guilt. We learn that he watched his fiancé die as she wasn’t killed immediately and they were able to talk while waiting to be found and rescued. This is so crushing to read and you feel for Tacker. You see how he’s still reeling out of control from this on the anniversary of her death. And now he’s losing the one thing he loves, hockey if he doesn’t get help. Enter Nora.
She’s a therapist but not a lie down on a couch kind of therapist. She uses horses to help people through their pain. When Tacker meets Nora, he doesn’t understand how someone can be so happy and help him but Nora explains her gut wrenching background and gains his respect and understanding.
This was such a heart wrenching story and you feel the pain that both Nora and Tacker went through but watching them come out the other side is so wonderful. This is the best one yet!
Tacker’s story is a sweet and wonderful story of battling through the darkness to find the light.
I enjoyed Nora and Tacker both as a couple and as individuals who overcame tragic pasts to inspire and embolden.
With strong writing, careful telling of horrors some face, playful moments with past characters and a lot of love, Ms Bennett and Tacker shine.
**ARC provided for an honest review.**
5 Stars
Book: Tacker
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Series: Arizona Vengeance #5
Omgggggg!!! Tacker was EVERYTHING I’d thought it would be but it also was so much more!!! My heart was put through the wringer with this story. You know how sometimes you build something up so much in your mind that when you get it, you’re a little disappointed? I was hoping and praying that this story would not be like that and I am SO HAPPY to say that Ms. Bennett brought her a-game!
I won’t give any details about the plot but I will say that while yes we knew what had happened to Tacker, we didn’t know everything. Let me just say this now-you will be crying when you learn the rest. Tacker has so many layers and watching them all unfold was amazing. And Nora…her background was just as rough.
Together their journey was so beautiful and heart wrenching all at the same time. I was rooting for them-hoping and praying that they would get their HEA. Ms. Bennett did a fantastic job with this book. It is definitely one story you do not want to miss!
I knew Tacker was going to be an emotional read for me but omg!! It was great and I couldn’t have found a better partner for him if I searched the world over! Can’t wait for Dominic!!
4 Stars!
Tacker Hall plays professional hockey for the expansion team the Arizona Vengeance in Phoenix, Arizona. Fifteen months ago his entire life was thrown upside down when he was in a plane crash, and lost his fiancé. Now he’s just struggling to get by, and doesn’t really care about anything other than hockey. Being on the ice was the only thing that momentarily cleared his head. Tired of suffering from nightmares, and drowning in pain, he makes a mistake that could cost him his career. He’s considered a risk, and was temporarily suspended. As one of the league’s star players, they need him back on the ice. He’s given an ultimatum, and to keep his job, he has to do grief counseling. If he didn’t work on his emotional healing, he would be let go. It was time to confront his demons, or his hockey career was over.
He doesn’t want to let his teammates down, and wants to stay on the team. He has problems opening up, and this will be extremely difficult for him, but he has to try. He meets Nora Wayne, a therapist who is genuine and takes her job healing people seriously. She’s compassionate, and just what he needs. Soon she gives him hope that he can maybe one day be okay. Her unconventional techniques work for him, and soon he wonders if he will get another chance at happiness?
Tacker, an Arizona Vengeance novel by Sawyer Bennett is a beautiful, emotional story about pain, healing, loss, self discovery, and second chances. I have been looking forward to Tacker’s book for a while, and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to more in this series!
That opening! I’m also not okay and it was great to read that intro.
Tacker & Nora are an excellent addition to the Arizona Vengeance! I’ve been curious about Tacker since the expansion team began and Sawyer Bennett definitely delivered! His tortured hero was an appropriate compliment to Nora’s caring, understanding nature. The rest of the team was great as tertiary characters, too!
Gawwww Sawyer really brought the effing feels in this story. I was so excited for Tacker to get his HEA and this did not disappoint! Tacker is so broken and dead inside, his team mates have tired to help him but he just pushes them away. Nora has her own very heavy issues but has adjusted well and even helps others deal with their issues. She is kind and bright and caring…she is just the ray of sunshine that Tacker doesn’t know he needs. This is a great story of strength, determination, and what can happen when you have an amazing support system. I love this series! Also the sex is pretty hot! #HippieDippie #Snickers
4.5 I’ve been waiting for Tacker for what feels like forever and Sawyer did not let me down. Tacker was a wonderful book filled with so much emotion. Tacker’s tragic past has turned him into a cold and distant man. He has a lot of demons that he needs to face to get back to the man he used to be. I’ve always felt for Tacker and wanted to know more about him and see him get to a place where he can be happy, and I got that in this book. He goes on a journey to find his old self with the help of Nora. Nora is a total sweetheart who has overcome obstacles I can’t even begin to imagine having to face. She’s been through so much yet she still somehow sees the good in everything and everyone. She knows just what Tacker needs and when. They form such a strong bond over their pasts and it just grows from there. They’re unbelievably cute and definitely made for one another. I loved seeing how they progressed in their relationship as time went on. I didn’t want the book to end, I just wanted it to keep going and get more of Nora and Tacker.
Tacker can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you read the other books in the series, then you will be able to truly appreciate his suffering and his struggles with guilt and anger.
I have been waiting for his story and Sawyer did not disappoint. Forced into counseling, he will finally have to conquer his demons. In Nora, he finds a soulmate, someone who truly understands his pain and misery while simultaneously giving him the opportunity to heal and move past his grief. Tacker and Nora’s story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, it will make you cry, smile and sigh. Also, intertwined in the story is a varied cast of supporting characters who really enhance the story. I really loved this book, so if you are looking for a well written, scintillating read this is the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so in love with Tacker, I don’t even know where to begin.
This man. Once you break down those walls of anger and guilt, you knew were going to find a good man with a good heart underneath, and Tacker didn’t disappoint. My heart breaks for him for all he’s been through, but watching him become his old self again is beautiful. Who knew he could be so charming, so funny, and so unbelievably sweet (we already knew he was brooding and sexy)?
Nora is just what Tacker needed. She’s easy to talk to and very understanding, but she knows when to be hard on him so he can face his true demons. I hate the kind of connection they share, but I love that they share it. It’s good for both of them and you can see it from the beginning.
I hardcore love this story. It may not be all about the romance in this book in the beginning, but watching Tacker change before our eyes made it completely worth the slow-burn torture. Tacker’s story was everything I could have hoped for. It’s packed full of the feels and will take you on a roller coaster emotional journey. And somehow he’s going to make you love him even more. This one gets all the stars!