We previously and briefly met Tucker and Gillian in the opening story of this trilogy within the series, Jackson. Now we’ll get their full romance in their own book, Tucker, and it’s going to be a rocky, laughter and tears filled journey for us all. While this is the seventeenth story in the overall Eternity Springs series, for the full dynamics of this trilogy of The McBrides of Texas set within that series I’d still recommend starting at the beginning (Jackson) because of little snippets like this – of meeting a couple before and maybe having a different view of them that changes in their book. Simply my own thoughts, and of course, you do what works for you.

I’ll freely admit that I was totally on Tucker’s side in this romance. He’s a solid man, one who doesn’t have an agenda, he is truly kind and just a nice guy living life after his Army Ranger discharge. His attraction to Gillian is strong from their first encounter but he won’t act on that feeling since she’s already spoken for, even if the guy whose ring she’s wearing is a complete jerk. But when that changes, all bets are off as Tucker can see a happy ever after future with this woman – if she would get past some things messing with her head.

I wish I had liked Gillian more, she often gave off such mixed signals, didn’t seem to want to marry for love but more for the wedding. I just, I don’t know, couldn’t like her enough to really care if she got a happy ending even though she leveled out by the story’s ending – by that time I was not a huge fan. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Tucker, I simply wasn’t a huge fan of one of the main characters – it happens as times but doesn’t change the enjoyment of the overall story for me. So, if you’re in the mood for a romance with some rough spots, a hero to swoon over and a community that takes on a life of its own, then you’ll want to check out this story soon.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

"Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas – Tucker" by Emily March was a sweet, enjoyable story that reads as a complete standalone despite being the seventeenth book in the Eternity Springs series, as well as the second book of a spinoff trilogy featuring the three McBride cousins of Texas, who are distant relations of the Callahan family featured in a number of Ms. March's previous novels. Longtime fans of the series will enjoy the opportunity to check in with a few of their favorite characters from past stories, but new readers will not feel lost at all by starting here.

I found the lead characters of this novel, Gillian Thacker and Tucker McBride, to be very likeable and relatable. At first, Tucker seemed a bit rough around the edges after so many years spent in the military, but he had a good heart and always tried to do the right thing. He was a good friend to Gillian when her engagement to Jeremy ended, and I appreciated how patient he was with her while she mourned the loss of the life she thought she'd have. Gillian was not at all an outdoorsy person, but it was fun to watch her step outside her comfort zone and learn survival skills in Tucker's class. I particularly enjoyed the way she applied those lessons to her daily life and used them to overcome her fear of starting a new romance with Tucker.

Overall, "Tucker" was excellent addition to the Eternity Springs series, and I look forward to the next book featuring Tucker's cousin Boone. I've liked Boone since he was first introduced several books ago, and the secrets he shared with Tucker in this story only made me more excited to get to know him better!

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second book but they can be read as stand alone. I haven’t read the first book but I am going to because I very much enjoyed this one .

If you are looking for a quick heart warming story I suggest you grab this one .

I really loved Tucker's character. He was the perfect hero, and I loved his playful, fun side that led to entertaining banter with Gillian. I just wish Gillian's self-doubt hadn't lasted throughout the entire story and that she would have treated Tucker better. This is the first book that I've read by Emily March and I look forward to reading Boone's story next.

Tucker McBride rescues a beautiful damsel in distress. After all he's a good guy. He finds it hard to forget Gillian Thacker. She knows his cousins and owns Bliss Bridal Salon in Redemption Texas. Unfortunately she's engaged to be married. Tucker decides to stay in Redemption and start a survival school. By coincidence it's next door to Gillian's business. When her wedding is canceled, Tucker decides to mount his campaign to win Gillian's love. It's a wild ride. Tucker is ex-military and comfortable in the wild. I like that he's honorable and patient. He won't pressure Gillian. I know that she's hurting after her ex-fiancée cheats on her. With her confidence in her judgement shattered I understood her reluctance to jump into another relationship, but seeing these two together I knew that they were destined for a future. I laughed at her outdoor experiences. Their romance was a wild, wonderful ride. I couldn't put this book down. Emily March wrote a great story. The characters are interesting with their passion and snarky dialogue. I can't wait for more stories about this extended family.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

Eternity Springs-The McBrides-Tucker by Emily March
Book 2

Walking down the road in red with sky-high-high-heels without a clue to location or how to get home, Gillian Thacker keeps moving forward. Tucker McBride, recently free from military commitment is on that road, sees the woman in red, realizes she needs help and stops to...help.

And thinking that was the hook, and it was, I had to WAIT because the two were not destined to move on from rescued maiden to happily ever after immediately. Nope, they had to deal with a pesky fiance that was a no good low down rather useless waste of space guy that should have been dropped by Gillian MUCH earlier. Again...Nope...I had to wait. I think Tucker knew he was attracted but he was still dealing with a bit of detritus from his past and being a good guy that did not poach, well, the moving on together thing had to wait.

What I liked:
* Tucker: what a wonderful man this one was! Smart, rugged, focused, ready to settle down, opening up a new business, a great friend, wonderful with family, all that a woman could ask for...and so much more
* Gillian: a bit of an emotional mess but working to improve. Her sense of trust (of self and others) shaken and unwilling to believe in herself. I liked her but at times wanted to shake her and say...”wake up”...glad she did...eventually.
* Hints of previous characters in book in this and related series. Made me want to find those books and reread them again
* The S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L. and L.I.V.I.N.G. acronym portions and how they helped Gillian cope and grow
* Haley’s porti.on with Tucker
* The cave...what fun and what an impact it made on the story...along with the whole survival thing
* Boone’s situation – kind of curious how that will work out for him as he deals with whether or not to be the guardian of a child and how that will impact his life and how he will find hit partner.
* The play on words that cropped up here and there and mad me think while also making me smile
*The significance and power of red
* Just about everything except..

What I did not like:
* Jeremy: bottom feeder, user, cheater, etc – not worthy of licking Gillian’s boots
* Gillian’s dithering, insecurity and inability to trust her ability to truly know her feelings
* The bridezillas

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to Net Gally and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

I really like Emily March's Eternity Springs series with the sexy McBride cousins of Texas and this book about Tucker did not disappoint me. I loved reading about Tucker and how he was trying to find a new life for himself outside of the army that had been his career. I also really enjoyed how Tucker first met Gillian Thacker in her red dress. It was funny, although not for Gillian.
I enjoyed the wedding of Caroline and Jackson who were featured in the previous book and I was so glad that Angelica and Celeste showed up in this book with their words of wisdom which were much needed by Tucker and Gillian. I was so glad that Gillian could finally move on from her ex-fiance, Jeremy too. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

For anyone who is looking for a good old-fashioned romance that will leave you swooning, then look no further than ETERNITY SPRINGS: THE MCBRIDES OF TEXAS and TUCKER in particular.

Gillian Thacker is a successful businesswoman with a great relationship with her family, and a wonderful fiancé, Jeremy, who is soon to become her husband. But when cracks begin to show in her relationship and the wedding gets called off, Gillian has to face up to the reality that something was wrong between them for a long time and that maybe she cannot trust her judgement and decisions as well as she thought. So when she becomes friends with Tucker McBride, a retired U.S. Army Ranger who is setting up his own business and figuring out his own future, Gillian knows that she cannot let herself have feelings for him - after all, look at her track record. But Tucker is a McBride and the McBrides are determined to go after what they want. But when Gillian's ex drops another bombshell on her, and a hasty decision in an exciting city leaves Gillian with even more things to figure out, will Tucker be able to convince Gillian that what they have between them is unlike anything either of them have had before and that a love like that is worth fighting for?

Throw in some wonderful friendships, a few laughs, and some misunderstandings along the way, and this romance has simply got it all. The characters are so loveable, except the ones that obviously aren't, and the setting is as beautiful as it always is in Emily March's stories. I smiled, I blushed, I swooned, and I got mad alongside Gillian and I desperately wanted her to remember who she really is underneath all of her hurt and to go after what she wants in her heart. Tucker is a wonderful main character - strong and upfront but with a gentler side that makes your heart flip - and I would definitely sign up to a wilderness class with someone like him as a teacher!

ETERNITY SPRINGS: THE MCBRIDES OF TEXAS - TUCKER by Emily March is everything you could want in a romance novel and more and I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Tucker  is #2 in the McBrides of Texas, although Tucker and his cousins are closely related to the people of Eternity Springs and the angel cousins - Celeste and Angelica, who foster the romance and healing that Emily March brings to her stories.

Tucker has arrived in Redemption - having just left the army after a stint in Washington that left him with a distinct dislike of the political falsehoods of the place. He feels at a loose end as once upon a time he thought the army would be his life. He is a good guy, not perfect, but very good hearted and worthy of the best in life.

Gillian works with her mother in a bridal shop - a business they both love. Gillian is engaged to be married and the event is not far away. However it is rather telling that neither her mother or father are that pleased with the would be groom. I really liked how she goes up and down, until eventually she finds her whole hearted choice.

Tucker finds his business feet and soon his skills are to the fore. I really liked his survival teachings and it could be applied to any challenging situation.

I thought after so many books in this genre I'd be a little tired of them, however Emily March reeled me in with this story and I really enjoyed it. I loved meeting up with Caroline and Jackson from the first Texas book and I could have had even more of Haley, Jackson's daughter, than we were given.

Its romance, family, challenge, angelic intervention, a beautiful setting and characters who worm their way into a reader's heart.

3.5 stars
In this 2nd installment of the McBride books (related to Ms March’s Eternity Springs series) we spend more time with Tucker and Gillian.

Tucker is former Army officer looking for his new path and Gillian is dealing with her own life changes when they become friends. I enjoyed getting to know these two and seeing them form the relationships that would be important to both of them.

This is very much in the vein of the Eternity Springs books, meaning that both characters have their own growth to go through before romance can bloom.

As expected, this is well written and sweet. One word of caution to people who are new to Ms March - I would suggest ready Jackson’s story (at least) before diving into this one. The secondary cast is very interconnected and having that back story would be helpful.

An enjoyable, feel-good book. This is a nice book to curl up with on a rainy day. We have a hunky ex-Army Ranger hero, Tucker, and a list making, bridal shop owner heroine, Gillian. Their ‘meet-cute’ at the side of the road was fun and amusing, setting the stage for their continued encounters. I liked the way the characters grew during the story, especially Tucker. Gillian took longer and worked harder to get there. The plot had some unforeseen twists, which kept it moving and interesting. As part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone, but it was fun to reconnect with old friends. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my freely given, honest review

Fantastic Read! Emily got her groove going with this gem, I absolutely loved Tucker and Gillian and their story. Great to revisit the town of Redemption and its cast of characters, which are a story unto themselves.
Tucker is a recently discharged Vet who is trying to make his way and figure out what he's doing and where he's going. Which is how he ends up in Redemption stopping to visit his cousin Jackson. He decides to stay a while. Gillian owns the Bridal shop in town with her mother. She's engaged and has doubts (to say the least) about the relationship and Tucker and Gillian meet in a most unusual way.
I've got to hand it to Gillian walking on a deserted road in high heels, then getting on the back of Tucker's motorcycle.... yep. It was delicious.
There's a lot of character development and depth to this book. The plot could not have been better, the side characters are written so well and will give you a good chuckle and even Jackson seems to have settled down from book one. It's a great story that hooked me from the first page and kept me flipping the pages to the very end. Tucker was amazing, I was totally enamored with that man.
Well done Emily! Can't wait for the next book in this series! A total 5 star read for me.

arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review.

Gillian Thacker owns Bliss Bridal Salon, and works with wedding parties in Redemption, Texas. Her own wedding plans are a bust, so she decided to try learning survival skills. Tucker McBride, former military, decided to open a wilderness training school. It happens to be right next to the Bliss Bridal Salon, and suddenly he couldn't help but start thinking of weddings himself.

Emily March wrote a series of novels taking place in Eternity Springs, and this offshoot trilogy features the McBride cousins in Texas. The first one, Jackson, isn't necessary to read to be fully versed in that book or in any of the Eternity Springs novels. (They're really cute contemporary romances, so if you like that kind of novel, definitely check them out.) References are made to characters from past novels, but we're told the important pieces that are necessary to know for this one.

The novel begins a little slowly, because Gillian is still in her relationship with Jeremy, though there are warning signs that it isn't as solid as she thought it was. I do like the fact that they had made attempts at premarital counseling because it is always a good idea to work on communication. Jeremy missed that memo, lying to Gillian about several very important things. Tucker, who was isolating himself until he could find a direction, is infatuated from the start, but willing to give her the space she needs. As a result, the real romantic connection between the two of them doesn't even start until nearly halfway through the book. They get along well and both enjoy the notion of family, but Gillian is a planner at heart and Tucker is more spontaneous. Of course, that means they fit perfectly, and all it takes is time for Gillian to realize it. The novel ends on a sweet note, with everyone together right where they should be.

My Review: When I originally read the first book in this series, Jackson, my favorite of the cousins was Tucker, so I was glad I didn't have to wait long for his book! Clearly Tucker had a history and a story to tell, but we don't dive much into his backstory, we get more of his outlook for the future. This view from him helped to keep the book pretty upbeat without the darkness that can follow retired military characters. I really liked his sense of humor and his tenacity, he was great blend of fun and serious. From the brief look we got in the previous book, I expected something a little different from Gillian. Granted we kick off the book with her not in a great place and it takes her a while to get things back on track. She may not be my favorite heroine in a book, but I did really love the journey she was on and the development of her character throughout the book. This was a very engrossing book, I read it in 2 days and picked it up every chance I could get, I couldn't wait to see each new twist in their relationship.

My Rating: I was really looking forward to Tucker's story, and this did not disappoint. I really enjoy the variety of characters in this book, from the main characters to the side characters, they each have such unique personalities. I really couldn't put this book down and give it a rating of Four Paws!

I read an advanced reader’s copy of Tucker by Emily March.

Tucker is a great hero. He wants to be with Gillian and is not afraid to reveal his feelings for her. He also gives her the space she needs to decide things with regards to their relationship. Gillian is a bit frustrating as a character. At times, I wasn’t certain she was over her previous relationship since certain events that happened to her upset her so much. She does do the necessary emotional work to come to terms with her feelings and whether she can trust herself.

I’ve read the previous books in the series and really enjoyed revisiting the characters and the town of Redemption.

I have loved all of the Eternity Springs books & this one doesn’t disappoint at all. Tucker is an all American sexy man that is about to run into an all American sexy woman that’s going to rock his world. Gillian starts the story engaged to Jeremy, a weak annoying man, & they get into a fight while out of town together. She ends up storming off in her car but wrecks it b/c she’s so mad. Then she’s walking down the road which leads to Tucker finding her as he drives by on a motorcycle (yummy). This leads to an interesting interaction & he gives her a ride back to a gas station to meet back up with Jeremy. As you can imagine, this is only the beginning of what’s going to happen to these characters. I highly recommend reading this story, even if you haven’t read the other Eternity Springs novels (but if you haven’t, you should go back & read those as they are fantastic).

Title: Tucker (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas #2)
Author: Emily March
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Gillian Thacker owns the bridal salon in Redemption, Texas. She lives for weddings—and her own is coming up soon, so she should be blissfully happy, right? But she and her fiancé can’t seem to see eye-to-eye, and a chance encounter with a handsome stranger only highlights those differences…differences Gillian intends to put firmly out of her mind, along with the stranger.

Tucker McBride just left the military and was on his way to family in Redemption when he encountered damsel in distress Gillian. Now the fiery bridal salon owner is all he can think about, but she’s happily engaged, so he keeps a respectful distance. Until Gillian finds herself single and hurting—then it’s every man for himself as Tucker steps in to try to convince Gillian to take a leap of faith—for just once in her life—with him.

I do enjoy a good series romance set in a small town, and I’m enjoying these books set in Redemption, Texas. (I’m Texas-born and raised, so I loved all the culturally accurate references and setting-details…I miss Dublin Dr. Pepper, too!) Gillian has two sides to her personality: the independent, take-charge wedding guru, and the indecisive, unsure jilted woman, so I found myself wishing she’d just make up her mind already…but that indecision felt spot-on for her. And Tucker…well, don’t we all wish we had a Tucker?

Emily March is an award-winning author. Tucker (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas #2) is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

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 them—Jeremy 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.

What an amazing story set in the beautiful state of Texas. Great story with wonderful secondary characters. While I have not read the other books in this series I was not lost and I could not put the book down.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review

While I enjoyed this sweet romance, I wasn't blown away by it. I really adored Tucker -- he was a great, romantic hero -- but I felt that Gillian was kind of a stick in the mud. This is a spin-off of another Emily March series, but I had not read any of those books and didn't feel like I was missing out on backstory. If anything, there were an abundance of secondary characters, whom I'm guessing are from those other books.

Tucker and Gillian literally meet at the side of the road as he's returning to Redemption (Ha!) and she's stormed off after a fight with her fiance. Tucker is immediately smitten. and even though there is a ton of chemistry between them, Gillian is spoken for. She's unhappy in her relationship, but she's spoken for. Their paths cross again when he opens up his survival-training shop next to her bridal salon. When her relationship implodes, Tucker decides that he's the one she's supposed to be with, and goes all-out in convincing Gillian to give him a chance. The guy who never imagined himself settling down now wants exactly that.

Like I said, this was an okay book. I thought that their relationship stalled at points and felt too rushed at others. Gillian was too often a damsel in distress for my taste, and I didn't really like her all that much as a heroine. She also doesn't break up with her fiance until nearly halfway through the book, so I had a hard time shipping her and Tucker as the couple I was supposed to be rooting for when she was still (even unhappily) attached.

I received an advanced copy via the publisher and NetGalley and voluntarily left a review.