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.
more
I have been dying to read Tacker’s story since the beginning of the series. We get bits and pieces of his tragic accident he survived and his guilty, sad soul but never really figured what went down exactly. If you are a fan of the series and was waiting to read Tacker’s story since the beginning just like me, the only thing I can say to you is, you definitely won’t be disappointed with it. It feels like whatever I would say won’t be enough to convey my feelings
Tacker Hall plays hockey for Arizona Vengeance. The plane he was piloting crashed two weeks prior to his wedding and he watched the death of his fiancé. Even though, he survived the crashed, he never gets back to living because of the anger, sadness and guilt. Hockey is the only thing he finds comfort in. However, because of his lack of judgment and poor decisions, now his career is in danger. The ultimatum he gets from the team is either he gets professional help or he gets kicked out of the team. Even though, he seems he doesn’t really care about the team or hockey, deep down he is shattered about what he did. At the end he decides to get professional help, so that he doesn’t have to give up the only thing that connects him to life. When Tacker struggles to find a therapist that fits him, as always Dominik, owner of Arizona Vengeance, is there to support and help. Dominik recommends Nora Wayne, who uses not so traditional methods for therapy. Nora is beautiful, optimistic, a ray of sunshine and with time you see how strong she is. With each session Tacker trusts her more and starts confiding in her. She first becomes his friend and with time Nora becomes the light that will help Tacker’s beautiful, tortured soul to heal. Even though, I am dying to write more about Nora and Tacker’s relationship, I will stop myself because I don’t want to ruin the story for you guys. But for me Nora is one of the few heroines that inspired me. Let’s just say she is like a Phoenix, arising from its ashes.
Also, it was amazing to see how Tacker’s teammates and their significant others stepped up to help and support him. They are just like a big, loud family, who is always there to pick you up when you fall. It was great to see all the characters from the previous books and I am really curious about Aaron Wylde, new addition to Vengeance Family. We will get his book soon enough but first we get to read Dominik’s story, which is the next book of the series.
‘Tacker’ is a heartbreaking, sweet and inspiring. It’s an emotional read in the sense that you will literally feel all the emotions at one point or another.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Definitely
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
***5 Stars***
I’ve been wanting Tacker’s story since meeting him and as each book has dropped and a little more about Tacker was revealed that want turned to need, so I was all kinds of excited when his book was announced, as well as a little apprehensive because..what if??, but I didn’t have to worry at all. I adored this book. It gave me everything I wanted and more ~ in every way possible ~ and I was quite unhappy when there were no more words to read.
I adored Nora and Tacker. Nora is all kinds of sweet, soft compassionate determination. Nora is one of those people who may not push hard, but she also doesn’t just let things go, she just finds another way to achieve her initial goal. Tacker. This is a man I wanted to hug and Gibbs smack all at once. It’s hard not to hurt for him and empathize with his pain, but the need to find a way to pull him out of his grief was strong too. So watching as he started to truly address all that had happened to him and work through it was kind of everything, especially as his true personality started to come through and I could see just how amazing he truly was.
Their journey to their HEA is a rough one emotionally as Tacker starts to work through all the feelings he’s had bottled up, but outside of that, it was a fun, slow burn read. I loved watching as they grew closer and truly got to know each other even if it was in a professional capacity. They went from therapist/client to becoming friends and then more. There isn’t a lot of angst in their journey, they both have enough demons to contend with, and I really appreciated that as well as how they handled things after both admitting their feelings were veering into the romantic realm for each other and I loved where they were at when the book ended.
This was a great addition to the series and I loved how well balanced it was as far as the drama was concerned. Both Tacker and Nora’s histories were quite emotionally charged and I enjoyed how the author balanced that out with some really great moments with the Vengeance crew. And speaking of the Vengeance crew…I loved how they all rallied around Tacker and eventually Nora and Raul. They were all amazing and I love how they’ve all become like a true family and at the head of that family is Dominik and I cannot wait to get my hands on his book!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
This book was not easy – i was crying through out reading it. What happened to both MC’s was unthinkable and I loved the strength Nora had, to overcome what happened to her. Her strength and compassion made Tacker open up slowly and finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This is an emotional, heartfelt story that lets you see that there is always sunshine at the end of the rainbow if only you allow yourself to see it.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Tacker was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it was completely worth the wait! This beautiful tormented man deserved to find a happy future and Nora is a wonderful partner for him in so many ways.
After being helpless to stop his fiancee’s death and forced to watch it happen right before his eyes when their plane crashed, Tacker stopped living his life. A serious case of survivor’s guilt grips him, and his self destructive behavior has reached a breaking point. Hockey is the one last thing that he cares about in his life, and if he doesn’t get some professional help he will have that taken away from him too. Despite his behavior and attempts to push away anyone who cares about him, his teammates rally around him to give him that extra push he needs to take the lifeline being extended by team owner Dominik Carlson.
Nora has suffered extreme loss in her life too, and it eventually led her to her current profession. Her form of therapy involves working on a ranch with horses and other animals, and the shift from a traditional therapist’s office is exactly what Tacker needs to finally face his demons. At first he can’t believe anyone can possibly be that upbeat and sunny all the time, but once he learns her backstory and the amount of adversity she has overcome, he is convinced to open his mind- and heart.
Of course personal relationships between a client and therapist are a breach of ethics so once they start to realize feelings have moved out of professional territory, decisions have to be made. Do they take a chance on finding happiness together, and are they each ready to risk their heart after all they have been through?
The evolution of Tacker and Nora’s relationship felt oh so right based on their individual histories, and I loved every moment of it! Every heartbreaking and frustrating moment was wonderfully offset by heartwarming, hopeful and at times amusing moments. The Vengeance family once again demonstrated why they are so special and why I count this series among one of my all time favorites! I will be eagerly anticipating Dominik’s story given what I have seen of the man so far, and I am betting it is going to be a whole lot of fun to see Willow put him through hoops in order to win her over.
ARC received via author
I expected this one to have all the feels but I didn’t expect it to come from Nora’s story! Oh my goodness, I knew this one was going to have me spinning, especially since I lost my husband of 30 years just a month ago, but Tacker and Nora’s story of healing and redemption actually helped release some of my tears and cleanse some. We all know Tacker’s story from reading the previous books in this series but this one really gives us the punch and reality but we also get Nora’s story which is heartbreaking. Watching Tacker find his way back to his life, his team, and even find his way back to love was just joyous. This one, as all in this series, can be read as a standalone but why oh why would you want to.
Edited 11/11/19
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 4 stars
Listening to the audiobook of Tacker definitely heightened the emotions and experience for me. Stephen Dexter was wonderful as gruff and closed off Tacker. His deep voice was a great fit and I found both his male and female voices enjoyable. Lucy Rivers complemented Stephen Dexter’s narration well, but I did find her a little monotone/robotic at times. Overall, a terrific listen and a fantastic way to enjoy Tacker’s story.
*****
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*
Tacker’s story has been my most anticipated book of the Arizona Vengeance Series since his character was first introduced and it does not disappoint!
If you’ve read any of the previous books in the series you have gotten some bits and pieces of Tacker’s history and the events that led up to where we are now. If you haven’t read the others, no problem because this can be read as a standalone and the past events will be explained.
Tacker’s story is beautiful, emotional, and about overcoming guilt and loss. I knew this one would be rough, but it was so much more than I expected. Tacker’s story broke my heart and I felt for him. I was rooting for him to overcome his loss and pain from the start and to be able to open up to his teammates and to get back on the ice again. Nora was unexpected in the best way possible. I loved her. She was caring and giving and despite all the tragedies in her life she has managed to overcome them and to have a positive outlook on life.
Tacker and Nora’s chemistry is beautiful. They connected on a different level, they opened up to each other about their pasts and the loss. They brought new light to each other’s lives and helped each other find themselves again.
Tacker is a an emotional MUST READ!
4.5 stars
When I think hockey books, rarely do I think “emotional” and “tugs on the heart strings,” but that is exactly what Ms Bennett has given us with Tacker.
If you have followed the Vengeance series, you’ve met Tacker and know a lot of his back story. Here we get to see what happens when he his forced to face his issues head on.
Given Tacker’s past and issues, I was curious as to how he was going to be a romantic hero. Ms Bennett handled this with grace and honored the grieving/healing process while also letting light and joy into a potentially difficult story arc. The choice of Nora for a leading lady made a huge difference. She is the the type of character everyone should have has a friend and she is the perfect pair for Tacker.
One facet of the story that I appreciated was that his healing process was just focused on one part of his life. We also saw Tacker repair relationships with friends, teammates, and people he considers family.
I don’t want to say too much more about the well written and engaging book because I don’t want to give anything away. I will say that if you are new to the Vengeance, you can start here – this is a stand-alone. But, Tacker is a secondary character in almost every book leading to this one, so reading the series in order would only make the experience better.
I think we’ve all been dying, waiting for Tacker’s story. Here is a man in need of some happy. Every time you read his name in someone else’s book, your heart breaks a little. Well, leave it to the meddlesome owner of the team to know just what might help- a woman named Nora who runs a healing horse retreat.
These two both share in their grief, and it’s so wonderful seeing Tacker blossom and be the man he deserves to be. Nora fits right in with the team family, as well, and I feel like this story healed a little part of me that has been breaking for the hurting hockey player.
I was surprised, as the ending felt kind of abrupt to me. Maybe that just means the next book will pick up right where this one ends? I hope so, even if it focuses on the next man to fall in love.
First of all, I was a bit scared to start reading Tacker’s story. We all get glimpses of his life or let’s say of his shell. Because he’s hurt. So much. You could probably say devastated! As everyone can understand.
In the first chapter we get to know what happens on the plane, and my tears were already running freely down my face
Tacker is required to go to a psychologist to get help. That how he meets Nora. She has her ranch, where she also works with horses with her patients. She has a way to get through to Tacker, so he starts to open up with her. And Nora has a story of her own.
Damn, this book is fantastic. How Sawyer brought these two fractured souls together. It’s great to see their way, how they heal each other, how they slowly fall in love.
All I can say is, this book knocked me off my feet. Tacker totally got the story he deserved, like ‘I’ wished for him
I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review
4.5 stars- TACKER is the fifth instalment in Sawyer Bennett’s contemporary, adult ARIZONA VENGEANCE hockey romance series focusing on the Arizona Vengeance hockey team. This is team captain Tacker Hall, and thirty-two year old, counsellor Nora Wayne’s story line. TACKER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as Tacker’s story slowly develops throughout the series.
NOTE: Some of the events in TACKER cross over with, and run parallel to some of the events in book four DAX.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Tacker and Nora) TACKER follows the building but forbidden relationship between Arizona Vengeance team captain Tacker Hall, and counsellor Nora Wayne. Fifteen months earlier Tacker Hall’s fiancé was killed in a plane crash, a plane in which Tacker was the pilot. Fast forward to present day wherein Tacker’s life is spiralling out of control, a spiral of which he may never recover. Forced into mandatory counselling or consider himself no longer a member of the team Tacker Hall comes face to face with his future in the guise of Nora Wayne, a counsellor who owns and runs a healing ranch where human and horses learn to get along. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Nora and Tacker as our couple learn to let go of the past, a past that is equally traumatic for our story line heroine.
Tacker Hall suffers with the remorse of survivor’s guilt, and the ongoing belief he was responsible for the death of his beloved fiance. Unable to let go, Tacker’s remorse continues to affect his life both on and off of the ice, so much so that Tacker considers ending it all. Meeting Nora Wayne sparks something deep within our story line hero something he hasn’t felt for a very long time. Nora Wayne knows the heart break of survivor’s remorse more so than anyone could have imagined but our heroine uses her experience to empathize with those who are struggling with their own hurt and unimaginable shame. Meeting Tacker Hall pulls Nora out of her comfort zone, allowing her to consider a future with the man with whom she will fall in love.
The relationship between Tacker and Nora is one of immediate attraction but Nora was hired by the Arizona Vengeance in an effort to pull Tacker out of his depression otherwise Tacker’s career was on the blocks. Nora knows to cross the line with Tacker could mean professional misconduct but Tacker takes the extra step in an effort to protect Nora from their palpable sexual attraction. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are reintroduced to the teammates, significant and staff of the Arizona Vengeance: Bishop and Brooke, Erik and Blue, Legend and Pepper, Dax and Regan Coach Claude, and team owner Dominik Carlson, newest team member and Tacker’s best friend Aaron Wylde, as well as ranch hand Raul Vargas. The team dynamic is changing with the influx of significant others, a dynamic that brings the teammates closer together.
TACKER is a story of heartache, grief, tragedy and recovery; second chances and letting go. The premise is emotional, inviting and engaging; the characters are broken, colorful, energetic but on the mend; the romance is seductive and intimate. TACKER is a raw and gritty look at the power of guilt, and the steps to bring grievers back into the light.
This is not going to be a heart and flowers book, this is going to be a raw and open story with struggling characters, but have an open mind when you read because its really deep!
Perfection they name is Tacker. Honestly I’m thrown for a loop at what a masterpiece this beautiful story was. I just am struggling to put into words at how monumental it was….
Sawyer has written a story that epitomizes who Tacker is and what defines him. I went into this story not really knowing what to think. Prepared for emotions but I was so overwhelmed whilst reading…due to tears and some laughs, I can honestly say this is the authors best work to date.
The support network Tacker has is amazing and not knowing how things would go for him, I’m incredibly happy after reading this story. Nora is absolutely amazing at her job and the way she is with people! I really admired both of them so much!
This is a story that will stay in my mind forever, of that I have no doubt and I truly believe this book is perfection. I am feeling rather emotional and fell in love with the whole book.
This is a book that just has to be read! It should definitely be high on your TBR list for sure.
A perfect addition to an incredible series.
#Tacker&NoraForever!
Audiobook review:
WOW!! Where do I even begin.
Tacker’s story brought to life by Stephen and Lucy was the most amazing audiobook to listen to. I felt all the emotions as the characters did. This audio put me through the ringer tho especially in the heartbreaking parts.
In certain parts the voices gave me chills. But hearing Tacker and Nora and the way they go about life and their past really put forward how Sawyer wrote such an amazing masterpiece of writing!!
Outstanding effort from the narrators as well as the author!. If there is one audio you should listen to. THIS is it!!!
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.
Wow! I have been a huge fan of this series and let me just say this has been my absolute favorite! As we have followed Tracker’s wreckless behavior in the past books I was anxious to see what would happen with him in this book. The writing was flawless and heartfelt. Both Nora and Tacker have heartbreaking things they have experienced. I there just arent adequate words to describe how amazing this book is. I loved every page of this book and was heartbroken when I finished it. This is a must read!
I knew Tacker’s story was going to be a rough one with a glimpse of his past in the other Vengeance books. I could not wait for it and loved every word.
Tacker Hall is a very good hockey player, a first-line member for the Arizona Vengeance. But his past is taking him down fast. So when he runs his truck into a barrier outside of the arena, he is put on probation and mandatory therapy. The first therapist was not helpful, Tacker was done before the first visit was even over. When he told the team owner that, Dominik Carlson sends him to Nora Wayne.
Nora is a therapist and owns a ranch where she helps lots of people with all sorts of problems and she even gives horse riding lessons. When she meets Tacker she doesn’t think she can help him. But in order to help him, she must share her past tragedy.
Can Tacker learn to open up to Nora? Will he be able to live again? Can Nora help Tacker learn to live and move past the guilt he is feeling? Will they be able to act on the feeling between them?
This is a story that will rip your heart out and have you crying for the past pain of both characters. But author Sawyer Bennett will put your heart back together and leave you smiling in the end. If you haven’t read anything from this author yet, I recommend this series. But you can start with any of her books, you will not be disappointed.
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review and this is my honest opinion**
The perfect way to describe this story for me, would be to just say- this book is food for the healing soul. Normally you have characters that click with chemistry and desire. But Nora and Tacker go beyond. They make a strong bond. A deep and unbreakable one. One that also introduces Nora to a new type of family. A bigger family that with Nora’s care, Tacker starts to enjoy and appreciate. Wile you read every chapter, there is no doubt of how perfect they are for the other. There is no lack of support from her or from teammates and friends. She awakens an eagerness to try in Tacker. And what you find in abundance is love and a willingness to grow while being vulnerable. It’s simply beautiful.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting Tackers story since I first met him in the earlier books. I knew his story was going to be an emotional one and I wasn’t wrong. Tacker has experienced a devastating loss and has made some poor decisions as the result. He is ordered to undergo therapy to be able to get back on the team. Since hockey is all he has left in his life, it’s a no brainer. Nora is his newest therapist who runs a farm. Nora has experienced a lot of heartache and is still a happy, upbeat person. Tacker knows he can learn from her. Nora and Tacker start off as friends. Their relationship felt real and progressed at a realistic rate. I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, emotional love story. I will definitely be recommending it to all of my reading buddies.
Finally Tacker got his story and happy ending. I’ve been waiting for his story and dreading it too, because it’s tragic and emotional but oh so rewarding when he finds his way out of the shadows. I find it very fitting that Nora has her own struggles from the past, I think she has a better understanding of Tacker’s mind than any one else can.
There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues that gives the story the extra emotional touch that has me crying (see Tacker’s apology to some of the people he’s shut out of his life)
Sweet love building slowly between Nora and Tacker is so endearing to read. I want to know more……..
All the secondary characters is a joy to meet again and they all feel like family.
If you like a emotional journey that ends with happiness I recommend this one very much. It’s part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
5 stars
*A copy of this book was gifted to me from the author and I freely give my honest review*
Woot! Another Sawyer Bennett hockey hottie to add to my collection!
This book right here is the one I have been waiting for since the start of the Arizona Vengeance series. Tacker Hall stole my heart back in Bishop, and I have been impatiently awaiting his book since.
With what we have learned of him so far, I was expecting this book to completely rip my heart out and have it stomped on.
I was wonderfully surprised that this wasn’t the case. Sure, this book is heavy on the emotions, however we were not lead down the ugly cry road. My heart was heavy, sure, I shed a few tears, however this story was filled with so much hope and lightness that I found myself smiling a lot too.
Nora is just adorable. I couldn’t help but like her from the first time we meet her. Sparky and sassy and funny, but with her own demons to tackle.
I did keep waiting for the OMG big thing moment, however we didn’t get one of those. Tacker isn’t that kind of man anyway so it makes sense not to get one.
I so, so loved when Dominik was in this story. I cannot wait for his story – Dax is going to lose his mind!
Please don’t make me wait too long for more.
*ARC received for an honest review*
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Tacker is one of those books that any of us that have been reading the Arizona Vengeance series has been waiting for. Tacker grabbed our attention because of how bruised and broken he was and there is no doubt that Sawyer Bennett had a big job to deliver and boy did she!
Tacker Hall has been in a downward spiral for over a year. It all started two weeks before his wedding when he and his fiancee were involved in a plane crash; one that unfortunately MJ didn’t survive. The folded into himself and was basically mad at the world. He didn’t accept help and love from his friends and family and the one outlet he did have – hockey – he started making poor decisions that led to him being traded. A night of reckless drinking and driving has now presented him not only with a broken wrist, but an ultimatum and a list of requirements from the team. One of the biggest requirements is that he get therapy, which is the last thing he wants.
Nora Wayne is an equine therapist. Certainly not all of her therapy centers around her horses, but they are definitely a big part of her life and her ranch. When Nora ends up taking Tacker on as a client, she really doesn’t have the time, but a generous donation helps to sway her. What she doesn’t realize is that by meeting the hockey player, she might actually be meeting the one person who can help her as much as she can help him.
Will Tacker be able to be vulnerable enough to share his feelings and realize that his life is truly a gift or will he give up everything he’s worked for in his career?
This was an emotional story all the way around. I was not expecting the backstory of Nora to be as emotional as it was, but when I reflect upon it, it was the perfect way for it to happen. The connection between Nora and Tacker was genuine and trusting from early on because she was willing to be vulnerable with him as well. I loved these two characters and I also adored not only Raul, but also how Tacker’s teammates supported and encouraged him.
Kudos to Sawyer Bennett for a fantastic story and for living up to what so many of us were clamoring for!