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Finding Focus #4

Taming Trouble

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The day Tucker Benoit left his father's farm in French Settlement to pursue his love of music was the best day of his life.

Or so he thought...

After years of booze, girls, drugs, and gigs, Tucker finds himself back where he started. Only this time, he finds solace on the farm that once isolated him from the world.

Now, the only thing hindering his much-needed R and R is the smart and sassy Piper Grey. The fire between them is palpable and lands them between the sheets more often than not.

But when a blast from Tucker's past shows up out of nowhere, he's forced to re-evaluate his life. The future never looked more uncertain and his heart never felt more torn apart.

Suddenly, staying on the road doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all...

278 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2017

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About the author

Jiffy Kate

41 books1,876 followers
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Jiffy Kate is the joint pen name for Jiff Simpson and Jenny Kate Altman. They're co-writing besties who share a brain and a love of cute boys, good coffee, and fun times.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiffykate
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Alecia (The Staircase Reader).
1,036 reviews71 followers
February 23, 2018
4.5 stars

wow! I honestly was not expecting to love this novel as much as I did! I was up all night reading, I couldn't put it down!

Taming Trouble is a sweet and endearing, brutal and raw, honest and true novel about a man who must change his troublesome ways in order to be the father his 'newly found' daughter deserves.

One of my favorite tropes is the 'Surprise! you're a daddy' trope. so when I saw that this novel included that, I was all in.

I love the angst that comes along with this trope and the fragility that comes with having the ability to forgive and deciding whether or not to forget.

On the outside Tucker symbolizes what a manwhore should be. But with each page turned you come to realize that's an act and this man, who's been dealt a rough hand, is just trying to survive.

Now onto my favorite part of this novel...SAMMY! Sammy is the strongest 4 year old I've encountered in novels. I loved her 'wise before her times' vibe. She's a tough cookie which is just the antidote Tucker needs in his life.

My heart broke for her throughout this novel. No four year old should have to endure what she went through as she slowly watched her mother fade away.

Tucker's ability to stand up and be the father Sammy and the friend her mother needed was not only heart warming but also heart breaking. In the back of my mind I knew the ending would bring me tears and I was not disappointed.

Then we have Piper.... honesty with all the angst surrounding Tucker and Sammy, Piper's role in this novel was a little insignificant. I understand why she had a role, but I felt like this novel could have been told in just Tucker's point of view.

Jiffy Kate is a new to me author and after reading my first novel by this author duo I can honestly say this definitely won't be my last!

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Profile Image for Clara Martinez Turco.
653 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2017
I've loved every single book of the Finding Focus series, but I was not prepared for this story. It is, by far, my favorite book. We get to see the Landry's again (and let's be honest... who doesn't love that family?) and to have more insight into their lives.
But the true revelation is getting to know Tucker Benoit, which we met in Finding Focus as a no-strings-attached musician who has a on-and-off fling with Piper Grey. Their chemistry is off the charts until life gets into their way. And no, you will not see many things coming!
The book is full of twists and turns, which I won't tell you because I don't want to spoil the story. So you should go and read it because it's that good!
Tucker's story is filled with emotion and I found myself tearing in more than one occasion. Best Jiffy Kate book to date. Simply perfect.
Profile Image for Rhiannon St. Clair.
387 reviews11 followers
December 1, 2017
***I received an ebook copy at no cost from the author***

My favorite author duo is back at it again, bringing readers a sexy and oh-so-sassy story. 

Tucker has made appearances in the previous books in the Finding Focus series, but readers never really got to know him very well, because he was there one minute and gone the next. Taming Trouble focuses entirely on him, and the "unofficial thing" (as I call it) he has going on with Piper. 

I'm going to do this without giving away any spoilers, so there will be minimal talk about the two characters together, but I will say that I loved how Jiffy Kate gave readers bits and pieces of both Tucker and Piper in the previous books, and then greatly expanded on both of these characters in Taming Trouble. The character development was fantastic, and though there were qualities in each character that I wasn't expecting, I was so happy to see the way in which each of them grew and changed over time. 

Tucker is your typical sexy, bad ass musician. He's never really been the commitment kind of guy, and on the exterior he could even seem like a bit of a manwhore, but inside, he's a total softy. And he has a heart that's spun from pure gold, which really shines through in Taming Trouble. He's a genuinely good guy, one who really strives to make the lives of people better, and who cares immensely for others.  

I was happy we got to see more of Piper in this book too. She's so sassy and I absolutely adore that about her. 

The Landry family is back again in Taming Trouble, and for those who haven't seen me gush about this family yet, let me once again say how amazing they are. Jiffy Kate did such an amazing job with this cast of characters. I often wish I could somehow get picked up and dropped right in the middle of one of their Sunday dinners, because there's so much spirit and love and laughter. As with the other books in the Finding Focus series, Taming Trouble brings that good ol' southern feeling, showcasing all the best parts about living life south of the Mason Dixon. 

Taming Trouble has a great plot that's full of twists when you least expect them, is very well-written, and moves at the perfect pace. And, as always, can we say, "hello, gorgeous cover!?" 

Every time I pick up a novel from Jiffy Kate I know I can expect a few things: a sinful but sweet romance, a cast of characters that make me jealous of all those living in the book world with them, and a story that sweeps me entirely off my feet. I would recommend Taming Trouble to anyone looking for a good contemporary romance to start their December with. 

Taming Trouble gets the Wordaholic Must Read seal of approval.

5 stars to this book!
Profile Image for Megan | A Page to Turn.
558 reviews20 followers
November 28, 2017
I honestly can't even process what just happened! This book grabbed hold of my mind from one of the early chapters and wouldn't let me go. I got up at 530am to keep reading after going to bed just mere hours prior. Talk about pulling on my heart strings! This book is the best yet from this power duo!

I've been reading Jiffy Kate books for a while now, and the Finding Focus series is very dear to me. I wasn't sure how I would feel about Tucker Benoit getting his own book. I had very little expectations, but knew I would read it either way. I just didn't understand him, and the hate relationship he has with Piper. I was BLOWN AWAY by how much I loved this book.

Guys, this book just became my best read of the YEAR!

I can't even begin to explain how happy I am for Tucker, Piper and the whole Landry Clan. This book is real life. It's emotional, and beautiful, and heart breaking (I cried TWICE), and astounding, and surprising. I don't think I can say enough good things about this book. Go get it. Read it. You don't even have to have read the whole series first! Sure, some things might not make 100% sense, but it stands on it own two feet, for sure. I am so stoked on Tucker right now. He has a heart of gold, a demon d*ck, and a head of hair prettier than mine! Ha!
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,061 reviews66 followers
December 4, 2017
I have loved this entire series. This one has to be my absolute favorite in the series.

We've met Tucker previously. Brother to Cami. Best friend of Deacon & Micah. Enjoyed him as the "supporting cast", but SO glad Jiffy Kate decided to devote a whole book to him.

We already knew Tucker was a musician. And a free spirit. We already knew from prior books that he and Piper often hooked up (secretly, because the others don't know it, although *we* do). He's a "no strings attached" kind of guy and she is career focused and not looking for commitment. And most of the time they appear to hate each other, except when they are loving on each other!

Then they wake up engaged with no real memory of what happened (*cue a Carrie Underwood song right here*). A video and some others help put the pieces together, and they nip that in the bud and move on with life.

We seen then both developing feelings for the other, and fighting it tooth and nail. It's not what either of them wants. Or is it?

Tucker ends up getting a curveball of a surprise, although a sweet surprise in a small package, and this could mean the end of Tucker & Piper. We watch them navigate through life and see their love story unfold.

This book had everything - humor, love, heartbreak, loss, love. The total package! Sad to see the end of this series and will miss the Benoits & the Landrys

Profile Image for Shannon.
759 reviews7 followers
November 30, 2017
Oh my!!! I liked Tucker as a supporting character in the previous three books, but having him as the lead male this time was ah-maze-ing.

He is so strong yet very insecure. He’s led this dream of a life yet there was something missing.

The trials and tribulations he had to endure would stress even the strongest person to the breaking point. I love how he thought he had to do everything on his own.

Jiffy Kate write really relatable characters and if you’ve talked with them at all, you’ll find their personalities in a bit of the conversations had by the characters.

I love reading their works because they are always engaging and leave you wanting more. Taming Trouble is no different! I’ve gotten to know Dani, Micah, Cami, Deacon, Carter, Piper, Tucker, Sammy, Annie, Sam, Clay, and Kay pretty well and they feel like family. I would love to be able to meet them one day, you know if they weren’t fictional characters.

Grab a copy! Even though it can be read as a stand-alone, I don’t recommend it! It’ll feel more personal if you get to know everyone before reading about Tucker’s life. Trust me, you won’t regret it one bit (unless you don’t read the others!).
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,507 reviews12 followers
December 14, 2017
I will admit upfront, I bought this book because of the cover. I mean LOOK at him, didn't care what it was about at the time, I figured I just stare at it at worst case scenario. Luckily, not only is the cover beautiful, so is this story. I was not aware Taming Trouble was the fourth book in a series (I know, it says so right on the cover-didn't care) but you don't have to read them to get introduced to this amazing man and his family. That's what this book is about at the core, family. Everyone of my emotional buttons was pushed reading about the rocker who went home to re-group his out of control life that just felt empty. His family and friends have no problem grounding him again, but when he is confronted with his past, that is when he finds his true purpose. Throw in a secret/not so secret relationship and you have a man at a crossroads trying to do the right thing. I loved this book and highly recommend it for even more than just the cover ;)
Profile Image for Angelique.
274 reviews19 followers
May 1, 2020
Wow

None of the previous books prepared me for this wonderful story. It wasn't just the story of Tucker and Piper, but of Tucker and Sammy, too. I loved reading about his journey from reckless jokester to a devoted father and the way his relationship with Piper changed plus I loved the songs he wrote for her, such a beautiful story. I've been interested in this couple since Finding Focus and this finale did not disappoint at all. It's been awhile since my last one day read, but this was worth it. Now what am I gonna read next?
Profile Image for Leslie Carson.
Author 5 books36 followers
December 1, 2017
From the delicious cover that you could stare at for hours, to every twist and turn this incredible journey took, I devoured the brilliant Taming Trouble by Jiffy Kate. You will love Tucker and Piper, and the supporting characters of the amazing Southern Landry family. Jiff Kate has mastered combining scorching chemistry with well-developed characters that will have you wanting to read more. Definitely in my top 5 reads of the year! Go. Run. Download. 5 Big Stars!
Profile Image for Stefanie.
958 reviews
November 30, 2017
Obsessed!!

First of all this cover!!! Gah!! The Finding Focus Series makes you feel a part of the family. Part of the south. I was hooked from the first line of this book. So excited to finally be reading about the mysterious Tucker. Tucker and Piper have a red hot love hate relationship that has you craving more. Emotions are high all throughout this book. There is a sweet tender surprise that is perfect. Can not say enough good things about this book!!
November 30, 2017
It was great to go back into the Landry's world and hear from Tucker. The dynamic between Tucker & Piper is hot and feisty!

Like their other books, Taming Trouble is a page turner. You can't put it down because you want to find out what is going to happen next and get to know all of the characters...including the new ones.
This is a must read!
5 reviews
December 1, 2017
Be still my heart!

Oh Tucker Benoit...how can you not love this guy? So, many emotions in this book. The Landry/Benoit clan are now one of my favorite book families!
Profile Image for Judi .
106 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2017
Taming Trouble by Jiffy Kate was just as I expected it to be from these two ladies. This book has it all, heartbreak, suspense, humor, romance, sex and lots of drama. I loved all the characters and Jiffy Kate did an excellent job with character development, not only with Tucker and Piper but, also with a few of the behind the scenes players from other books in this series. This sweet story will melt your heart and make you want more. I loved reading each and every second of this book. The ending just gives you this goofy smile. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Reading to Escape.
1,050 reviews
November 22, 2017
I fell in love with Tucker and his story from the very beginning. This may be my very favorite Jiffy Kate book to date. Tucker and Pipers chemistry was off the charts and their love/hate relationship kept things both interesting and steamy. The book took a serious turn with the introduction of someone from Tucker's past, as well as someone who would change his whole future. The book was angsty at times and extremely emotional and sad at others, but there was also a lot of sunshine. Jiffy Kate has written the ultimate family with all of these characters. I love love loved this book!!!
Profile Image for Beth Miller.
15 reviews
April 3, 2019
Loved this book. I will say that I started a while ago and stopped reading but picked it back up and couldn't put it down. The love story is amazing. Spoiler: get your tissues.
Profile Image for TeriD.
414 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2018
There's stubborn, then there's STUBBORN!

I was intrigued by the blurb, but it was the cover that got me. Um, hello!! Did you see that cover?!?! That was Tucker in my mind. And Tucker was definitely something! He was so yummy, hot, funny, frustratingly stubborn....but he was also very uncomfortable showing any kind of vulnerability, especially with Piper. And Piper was strong, loyal, funny, not afraid to call Tucker out on his crap, but she was also frustratingly stubborn and hated to show her vulnerability. I loved reading about them together, which kinda lead to me skimming some in the early part of the book. The romance seemed like a sub-plot for a bit and I got impatient. I felt bad for what Tucker was dealing with, I really did, but the Piper thread was MIA for a little too long for my liking. Once we got past that little angsty detour, then I was fully committed to the story. Don't get me wrong, the writing is really well done, and I understood the story arc but it went on a little too long. I wanted more interactions between Piper and Tucker to be able to understand and believe there was something more between them other than the occasional hook-up. Luckily, the feelings are there and you want to smack both of them at times to get it together, but you can understand why they are both hesitant. All in all, a really good read and I enjoyed the characters immensely. This is my first read by Jiffy Kate and I look forward to reading more by these two ladies!
173 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2018
They need to make this a movie....

This family! Each and every character is warm, funny, loving and bigger than their individual stories.
This was about Tucker, a rock and roll star who turns insta-daddy when he finds he fathered a child 4 years earlier and the child’s mother is dying of cancer. And his secret pleasure, Piper who we met as Dani’s best friend.
This story must have been so hard to write, almost as if someone close had a similar experience. It was heartfelt, warm and loving. Impressive job.
What makes me sad is, there are no more Landrys to write about! I loved this “family” with its banter, playfulness, warmth and strong family values.
Thank you for the reading pleasure!
January 24, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was probably my favorite book of this series! It was full of humor, heartbreak, and love! Tucker definitely had my heart in this book! His journey of growing up and finding himself and his purpose was a beautiful story. The never ending and unconditional love of the Landry family makes you yearn to be part of their family! If this was the last book in this series it was a great ending, if not, I could definitely read more about these amazing characters!
Profile Image for Ami Kincade.
145 reviews
January 20, 2019
Beautiful...Amazing!

The Jiffy Kate team doesn't know how to write a bad book, but this one is extra special. This story broke my heart and then put it back together again. I loved these characters and I couldn't put the book down!
185 reviews
December 7, 2018
Wonderful

Such a heartfelt story. I laughed and cried. Such great friends.we should all be so lucky. I'd of rather not so much back and forth.but it was good
12 reviews
January 6, 2019
Blurry

Such a great book, for 2/3rds of the book I’m not sure how I read it as my eyes were in a constant state of being teary.
2 reviews
December 8, 2017
I think that this review is different from the others. This is because I read Finding Focus and then Taming Trouble, and haven't read Chasing Castles and Fighting Fire yet.
*SPOILER ALERT*
So, keeping that in mind, here are a few points from my notes( yup, being a big fan of Jiffy Kate, I had to show dedication!) :
•Chapter 1 starts with a bang, literally! Finding Focus had only one possible hint about Tucker×Piper. It was so subtle that I was left amazed at its beautiful placement. The reference is in chapter 26.
•Chapter 2: OMG! Dani and Micah getting married was the pleasantest surprise. It's nice that we get to know Tucker's family history. Twilight reference💜. From the excerpt from Fighting Fire given at the end of book 1, I understand that Micah's restaurant finally came to be. So, reading book 4 first definitely spoiled the previous ones destination for me. But, definitely not the journey, so it's not a demerit. Actually, I'm even more excited to read the previous two books now. OMG, Deacon and Cami are having a baby! I'm so glad that worked out well!
Chapter 3 basically had the last of the spoilers; we move forward from that point forward.
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Now that that's accomplished, let's move to Taming Trouble.
This is such a wonderful book!
It's filled with drama to the brim, with MAJOR twists and an ocean of emotions.
The pacing was so comfy. Though I have to admit, towards the end, I struggled to pen down notes.
The end was so perfect!
I am glad that I still have 2 more awesome works of the TALENTED duo left and those will be one of my most accomplished days.
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The font is classy as usual. The cover is perfect to the very last detail. The model is well recognized and loved, and rightly so, but let's take some time to appreciate the field on the back cover as well.
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The only thing I missed was the changing perspectives format. But I understand that it was not needed.
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All in all, the writing quality is brilliant making the reader enjoy every bit. Everyone do read this epic final book of the legendary FINDING FOCUS series. It's definitely worth it!
(PS I guess you can read it as a standalone, but that experience is not mine to savor. Perhaps, it's yours!)
Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Amber Ford.
292 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2017
I was quite fortunate to be granted an ARC copy of this wonderful story - here is my review.

This is the 4th book by authoring team Jiffy Kate which features the Landry's and their extended family. I fell in love with Micah Landry in Finding Focus and eagerly read the other related titles to catch a glimpse of him further.

In the earlier stories, I was introduced to Tucker Benoit. Tucker is one of Micah and Deacon Landry's best friends, as well as being Deacon's brother-in-law. The reader has had occasional interaction with Tucker in the previous books - hints of his life; his antics. Taming Trouble is Tucker's story.

This time around though, I think that Jiffy Kate have really outdone themselves. Previously, Tucker was just the pal, the friend. This time around though, he is incredibly deep. Tucker has returned home from his life on the road - making music with his band. It's obvious that he's a bit burned out with all constant change and movement in his life and he needs time to get rebalanced and settled.

While trying to figure out what he wants from his life, Tucker is faced with the reality that he's a father. That he has a child. One that he didn't know about until now. One who's mother is terminally ill and now he's forced to step up into the role of father; protector.

This is a beautiful story. The way in which Tucker changes and adapts to his new role is amazing. My favorite quote from the story, "You don't even know you can love someone that much... until you do."
Profile Image for Joy Novel Thoughts.
573 reviews68 followers
December 6, 2017
Taming Trouble is one of those books that I knew going to was going to be one of my favorite tropes, I had two separate reader friends message me and tell me, Joy... you *need* to read this book you are going to love it! So, I of course grabbed Taming Trouble by Jiffy Kate and I was not let down one single bit!

Please note, this is the 4th book in a series of interconnected standalones and the first I read in the series and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. This book can be read as a standalone.

"I’m the same person I always was, just a tamed, less troubled version, and it’s all thanks to them."

Taming Trouble follows Tucker Benoit and I fell hard and fast for Tucker. He is at a crossroad in his life and not really sure where to go from there. The story is told primarily from Tucker's POV and it ripped my heart out at times. When he struggled I was right there struggling with him. He had a lot of growing up to do, and I enjoyed seeing the transformation in him.

“Why are you cryin’?” “Because I don’t want our song to end.”

The love story in Taming Trouble is a little more complicated for me to explain due to the fact that there is a plot twist I'd rather not reveal to you. Although, their relationship status on Facebook would probably be 'it's complicated'. They were enemies to lovers to friends, to where do we go from here. It was an authentic relationship that dealt with real life problems.

Taming Trouble is a must read novel that deals with heartbreak, (yes I cried), growth and triumph. If you are searching for a story that will break you and warm your heart all in one fell swoop, stop the hunt and pick this one up.

Profile Image for Get Booked Up.
63 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2020
My favorite kind of story

If you’ve been following my reviews you’ll know I’m a big fan of novels about single parents. I think I love these types of stories because I feel like there are different connections amongst the characters and there is always room for a lot more drama, a lot more sweet moments and a lot more love to go around. This novel Taming Trouble, was no different.
This is the first Jiffy Kate novel that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I really enjoyed. This story is about Tucker Benoit and various changes that he has going on in his life. He has carried casual relationships but with Piper things are different. They start of a tumultuous hate sex relationship which both eventually realize that they may have deeper feelings for one another. In trying to figure out that relationship, Tucker finds out that he has a daughter.
I don’t want to go much further because I feel like any other details would be giving away this story. I will say this. Grab your tissues because I cried like 5 different times. I found myself very angry for some of the story and then slowly along with the characters my heart began to heal. This story was incredibly emotional. I definitely recommend it.
Profile Image for HappyKT.
837 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2021
Wrapping up the Landry family love stories is Tucker and Piper's unique love story. I appreciate the author laying down the foundation for this story and then turning it into so much more.

Tucker, a professional singer, has decided he needs to reevaluate some things in his life. His two best friends are in committed relationships and having growing families. His relationship with his best friend's girlfriend's best friend, Piper, has been a secret from the family group and only about one thing. Somewhere along the way the two of them develop feelings for each other they'd promise they'd never have. Just when their relationship is at a turning point, Tucker's life is turned upside down with shocking news. As much as he wants to be with Piper, his need to do the right thing is stronger. With the Landry family supporting him, in addition to his own family, Tucker is about to take a life path he never thought he would have.

Tucker and Piper may have started out as something casual, but their chemistry lead to something more easily transitioning into the meaningful. The Epilogue and Bonus story of this book are brilliant and a wonderful way to wrap up this easy to enjoy series.
Profile Image for katherine.
345 reviews8 followers
December 9, 2017
Tucker Benoit thought he had the world at his feet. He loved his music, being where he can sing and have people like his stuff too but after doing it for so long he felt something missing. He no long felt like he wanted the booze, drugs and lifestyle where he could get any woman he wanted. Going to a wedding he hooked up with the brides friend. Not your normal hook-up though because they seemed to hate each other but their sex was great. So they became each other's go to person. Then one day while back at his father's farm, a woman shows up with news that will send his world in a tail spin. He is going to have to decide how he wants to take this news but he has to wonder where that leaves Piper. He will have to let her go, things in his life now need to be taken more seriously. Sometimes things are easier said then done. This was a great story with a guy and a girl and a surprise. Plus a crazy big family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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