Cover Reveal: Surviving Ice by K.A. Tucker

 

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you  the Cover Reveal for K.A. Tucker’s SURVIVING ICE!! SURVIVING ICE is a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel, and the fourth novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. SURVIVING ICE is set to be released October 13, 2015!

 

SURVIVING ICE (US)

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SURVIVING ICE (UK)

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SURVIVING ICE (AUS)

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About SURVIVING ICE: Ivy Lee, a talented tattoo artist who spent the early part of her twenties on the move, is looking for a place to call home. She thinks she might have finally found it working in her uncle’s tattoo shop in San Francisco. But all that changes when a robbery turns deadly, compelling her to pack up her things yet again. When they need the best, they call him. That’s why Sebastian Riker is back in California, cleaning up the mess made after a tattoo shop owner with a penchant for blackmail got himself shot. But it’s impossible to get the answers he needs from a dead body, leaving him to look elsewhere. Namely, to the twenty-something-year-old niece who believes this was a random attack. Who needs to keep believing that until Sebastian finds what he’s searching for. Ivy has one foot out of San Francisco when a chance encounter with a stranger stalls her departure. She’s always been drawn to intense men, so it’s no wonder that she now finds a reason to stay after all, quickly intoxicated by his dark smile, his intimidating strength, and his quiet control. That is, until Ivy discovers that their encounter was no accident—and that their attraction could be her undoing.  

And don’t forget BURYING WATER, BECOMING RAIN and CHASING RIVER, the first three books in this thrilling series…

 

BURYING WATER (US)

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 BURYING WATER (UK)

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 BURYING WATER (AUS)

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  About BURYING WATER: The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away. Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him? Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried. The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.  

BECOMING RAIN (US)

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 BECOMING RAIN (UK)

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 BECOMING RAIN (AUS)

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About BECOMING RAIN: Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it—the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set—one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain. Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game—at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington, DC, major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the West coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year-old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps. As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to. ​  

CHASING RIVER (US Preorder)

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 CHASING RIVER (UK Preorder)

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 CHASING RIVER (AUS Preorder)

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About CHASING RIVER: Armed with two years' worth of savings and the need to experience life outside the bubble of her Oregon small town, twenty-five-year old Amber Welles is prepared for anything. Except dying in Dublin.  Had it not been for the bravery of a stranger, she might have. But he takes off before she has the chance to offer her gratitude. Twenty-four-year-old River Delaney is rattled. No one was supposed to get hurt. But then that American tourist showed up. He couldn't let her die, but he also couldn’t risk being identified at the scene—so, he ran. Back to his everyday life of running his family’s pub.  Only, everyday life is getting more and more complicated, thanks to his brother, Aengus, and his criminal associations. When the American girl tracks River down, he quickly realizes how much he likes her, how wrong she is for him.  And how dangerous it is to have her around. Chasing her off would be the smart move. Maybe it's because he saved her life, or maybe it's because he's completely different from everything she's left behind, but Amber finds herself chasing after River Delaney. Amber isn’t the kind of girl to chase after anyone. And River isn't the kind of guy she'd want to catch.    

About K.A. Tucker: Born in small-town Ontario, K.A. Tucker published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.          

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Review: Ghost Trapper by J.L. Bryan

Title: Ghost Trapper
Author: J.L. Bryan
Series: Book One in the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series
Published: August 27, 2014
Source: Purchased
Genre: Paranormal
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:
Ellie Jordan’s job is to catch and remove unwanted ghosts. Part detective, part paranormal exterminator, Ellie operates out of Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest and most haunted cities in North America.

When a family contacts her to deal with a disturbing presence in the old mansion they’ve recently purchased, Ellie first believes it to be a typical, by-the-book specter, a residual haunting by a restless spirit. Instead, she finds herself confronting an evil older and more powerful than she’d ever expected, rooted in the house’s long and sordid history of luxury, sin, and murder. The dangerous entity seems particularly interested in her clients’ ten-year-old daughter.

Soon her own life is in danger, and Ellie must find a way to exorcise the darkness of the house before it can kill her, her clients, or their frightened young child. 

*Amazon*B&N*

I went into this read super leery. Ghosts are one of my most favorite paranormal beings to read about because quite simply, what if?

Having read something else by this author in the past and not loving it, I was worried this would turn into another failed read for me and I just didn't want that. I wanted something fun and creepy. Different and lovable. I guess you could say, I wanted a lot but was expecting very little.

With a setting set in Georgia and ghosts galore, I opened this with trepidation but excitement as well. I was so in the mood for a good ghost story.

I have always admired those authors that can write from the point of view of a gender other than their own. It must be hard, challenging even, to be in the head of someone completely different from your own norm and yet, Bryan pulled it off beautifully. Ellie was fierce, strong, brave and tough and you could even say a tomboy at heart but she was still soft heartened and kind as well. In fact, the thing I loved about her most, was that she was so normal. An average every day person doing a very dangerous job that is anything but average or normal. 

There were times while reading this that I had to stop and look around me to make sure no one (i.e. read “ghost” here) was in the room with me. I was so thankful I started this during the bright sunny day. I think if I would have started this at night, I would have been in trouble. I'm not sure I would have been able to sleep at all. Certain scenes in this book were down right creepy (hello scary dark asylum!) and I loved it.

Overall this was a fabulous start to what promises to be a very action packed, creepy series. I loved every single minute of this book and I can't wait to read more. I can finally see what all the fuss is about. 

WoW Pick of the Week!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.


I loved Colleen's Tiger Saga so I am super excited that she has a new series out and while I really don't love the cover on this (it kind of gives me the creeps!), the synopsis sounds amazing!

Release Date: August 25, 2015 (Delacorte)

Book Description:
When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.


From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself. 

Review: The Cage by Megan Shepherd

Title: The Cage
Author: Megan Shepherd
Series: Stand Alone (open ending for a second)
Published By: Balzer & Bray (May 26, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 3 Stars

Book Description:
The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in this gripping new series about teens held captive in a human zoo by an otherworldly race. From Megan Shepherd, the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughter trilogy.

When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.

As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage? 

*Amazon*B&N*

This a cover that is sure to catch the eye and draw you in, The Cage truly has a unique premises.

To say I liked this would be, well it wouldn't quite be enough and maybe more than enough all at the same time.

This was oddly alluring and I don't even know why exactly other than I was intrigued by the gorgeous cover and the promise of an original read that would keep me on my toes. 

 Constantly wondering if their captures were telling the truth or not about Earth and of course wondering whether the captees were all they seemed to be, The Cage truly did deliver in the are of unique and the strange.

Told in multiple point of views this book was interesting to say the least. While riddled with strife, forbidden romance, questions, danger, and always filled with the unknown, it was quite the read. Never quite believable but always on the verge of leaving you scratching your head and wondering, what if?

This is one of those stories that is hard to either like or dislike simply because it leaves you feeling unsure of how you feel after finishing it. 

It won't be one I will forget reading but it won't be one I will ever remember in great detail having read either. 

Overall, this was an okay read with an interesting premises, an open ending, and one that left me unsure of everything. 

Fans of the genre and those looking for something out there will want to pick this one up simple so they can say that now, they have seen and read, it all. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Blog Tour Book Review: Prodigal and Riven by Sherry Ficklin and Tyler H. Joley

Welcome to my stop on the Prodigal and Riven blog tour! 


For those of you that may not remember Extracted,  the first book in the series, was one of my top reads in 2013, I just loved it and I have been dying to get my hands on these two books and let me tell you, they were worth the wait! I'm so excited to be able to tell you all about them. Tyler and Sherry are a dynamic writing team and I just love their work, they truly should write more together because they flow together effortlessly. 

But, enough gushing, on to the good stuff, the reviews!

Two journeys. One inescapable outcome. No time to lose.


Book Two and Book Three in The Lost Imperials Series

Released: May 5, 2015 by Clean Teen Publishing.


Prodigal Description:

In a battle for control of the time stream, the past and the future will collide, either saving mankind—or destroying it.

Stein has been with the Hollows for as long as she can remember, taken as a child she has no memories of her past—and that’s always been fine by her. Until the day she stumbles across a hidden journal containing the devastating truth about her paternity. Now everything she thought she knew—and everyone she thought she could trust—has changed. The truth about who she is and where she came from is a secret so deep, it will rock the Hollows and the Tesla Institute alike. 

During a test to verify her bloodlines, Stein makes a terrible discovery. She is carrying a rare genetic mutation that is slowly killing her. Unsure who to turn to and running out of time, she has no choice but to turn to Tesla--her most hated enemy--for help. But can she trust the man who she's been fighting against her whole life, or will she end up another piece in his deadly game of cat and mouse with the people who betrayed her so long ago?

*Amazon*B&N*Amazon UK*


Riven Description:

In a battle for control of the time stream, the past and the future will collide, either saving mankind—or destroying it.

What should be a routine mission leaves Ethan with a serious problem. He’s fractured, a break between mind and body that leaves him at the mercy of his Rifter abilities, which are quickly tearing him apart. He will have to trust the only person who might know how to fix him, a mysterious Rifter named Stewart Stills, who seems to have a special connection with the time stream. 

Forced to face his dark past and a decision he may never forgive himself for, he will be trained unlike any of the others, to become a true guardian of time. If he accepts, it will mean leaving everyone he loves behind, if he refuses, time itself could unravel. After a glimpse of the dark future awaiting them all, he will have to choose between destiny and desire. Will he rise up and take his place as a defender of the natural order, or will he watch as all of time burns at the hands of the girl he loves? 

*Amazon*


About the Authors:

Tyler H. Jolley is a sci-fi/fantasy author and full-time orthodontist, periodontist (see: Overachiever). He divides his spare time between writing, reading, mountain biking, and camping with his family. 
Sherry D. Ficklin is a full-time writer and internet radio show host with more mouth then good sense. She has a serious book addiction, but continually refuses treatment, much to her husband’s chagrin. 
Tyler and Sherry met one fateful day and bonded over their love for books, science fiction, and donuts. Their first co-written novel came shortly after. Now, they still do all those other things, but also go to various steampunk conventions and events under the guise of ‘research’. They can often be found lurking on the Lost Imperials Facebook page or over on the official website, www.thelostimperials.com.

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Prodigal:

I absolutely adored Extracted when it was released in 2013 and was eager to get my hands on the sequel. When I realized I had a long wait until that sequel, I was pretty bummed but still excited about what book two, and consequently book three, would hold.

I wasn't disappointed. Not. At. All.

Once again Ficklin and Jolley came together and created something unique and wonderful. Something that works and flows so nicely together and is so much fun, so engaging, that it is hard to put down.

I loved feisty fierce Stein from Extracted so I couldn't wait to delve deeper into her mind and she was every bit as fun and dark and sarcastic as I thought she would be.

Once again we are thrown into the world that Ficklin and Jolley created, a world that is both modern,, futuristic, historic, and steampunkish all in one.

Where time travel is possible along with almost anything else.

I absolutely adored this second book and by the end, was so very thankful I had the third. I won't lie, this ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger but such a good one at that! And even though I know book three coincides with book two, I'm hoping there's more info in there that will hold me over until book four gets here.

Riven:

With craziness that was book two, I had to pick this third installment up immediately after finishing it. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on and happening next. The way the second book ended was almost cruel, or at least would have been if not for book three sitting right next to me demanding to be opened and devoured. And even though I knew this wouldn't necessarily give me the answers I was looking for since this really in just an extension of book two but told through Ethan's eyes and experience, I was hoping it would be enough to hold me over and ease some of the questions I had after the end of Prodigal. 

I loved learning about Ethan's past since really, we know very little about him from the previous books. His background was fascinating and I loved the historic side to it. The history nerd in me couldn't help it.

This was so good, I loved book two and getting Stein's story but I think I might just have loved Ethan's more. So much to do with the time stream and the future as well as the past, it was just fascinating!

There is so much I want to tell you and say but I can't because it would give too much away but I will say this, I absolutely love Lex, Stein, Nobel, Ethan, Stills (although admittedly, he is a little creepy!), Sisson and Ember. You can tell how much they like each other and love each other. I love big groups of friends in stories, they really do add so much depth and fun to them. It was nice seeing them work together, argue, joke around, and care about one another.

Once again though we were left with a doozy of a cliffhanger but it was okay because I didn't mind. In fact I kind of liked being in suspense about it all. Being able to think about it long after I put the book down and trying to imagine what in the world is going to happen next.

This was a great addition to the series and while I did get some of my answers from book two, I still got a whole lot of questions too, but again, I loved every stinking minute of it and can't praise this series enough. 

If you are looking for something that involves time travel, romance, friendships, historic detail, futuristic detail, and a whole lot of steampunk goodness, this is the story for you!

*ARC Copies of these books were given to me in exchange for an honest review. It is no way hindered or affected my honest opinion or thoughts about the books.*

Review: The Whisperer By Fiona McIntosh

Title: The Whisperer
Author: Fiona McIntosh
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Knopf Book For Young Readers (April 14, 2015)
Source: Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 3.5 Stars


Book Description:
In this adventurous retelling of The Prince and the Pauper, the lives of a runaway royal and a carnival worker become intertwined as each is compelled to fight for his life and family. Fans of The Sixty-Eight Rooms and Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy won’t want to miss this.

Lute is a prince, next in line to the throne. Griff is a poor carnival worker who does the heavy lifting while the malevolent ringmaster orders him about. But there’s something special about Griff: he can hear the thoughts of everyone around him. And one day, he begins to connect with Lute’s mind, even though they’ve never met and are miles apart.

When Lute must run for his very life, Griff may be the only one who can help him. In a journey over land and sea, these heroes battle deadly foes and make unlikely allies, including a host of magical creatures and their caretaker, a bitter old dwarf, and a mysterious lady pirate. When the boys finally come together, they will learn they are connected in ways they could never have imagined, ways that may save them—or cost them both their lives.

*Amazon*B&N*

This had a very Prince and the Pauper type feel but with a  paranormal aspect to it which was a fun addition to the story, it made it its own without being a complete retelling.

Told in multiple point of views this was an interesting take with the circus background and all the magical creatures added to the story. With the boys lives intertwining all along the way with secrets, deception, and with a common goal in mind as the boys both fight for their freedom in different ways.

I think a younger audience will really enjoy this read and find it hard to put down. While this was an interesting story it however dragged in places and it took a very long time before Lute and Griff ever met, which I think was a bit disappointing. I think it would have helped the story so much if the boys could have been together more throughout instead of Griff just hearing Lute's thoughts through most of the story but having said that, I really don't think that will detour very many people from liking the story and continuing it. 

This was a fun retelling with a twist and deception and secrets around every corner.

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

Title: Crimson Bound
Author: Rosamund Hodge
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Balzer + Bray (May 5, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!


Book Description:
When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

*Amazon*B&N*

Although this is set in a different world from Cruel Beauty, it is every bit as hauntingly beautiful and deliciously dark as its predecessor. 

Once again the pages are filled with wonderfully descriptive writing that transports you right into the very heart of the story and makes you feel as if you are a part of it. Breathing in the same air and seeing the same frightening yet beautiful woods. 

The slight red riding hood comparison along with the unique ability to create a world unlike any others, Hodges really did come up with something original while having just a hint of a taste of a childhood classic. 

Rashelle was an interesting character, one that both fascinated me and frustrated me. I didn't always agree with her choices, especially towards the end but that is what also made her feel more real instead of just a part of a fantasy world.

Engaging dialogue, almost lyrical prose, and a world you can't help but get sucked into this truly was another master piece.

Twists and turns, darkness and despair, love and friendship. This novel is sure to keep you on your toes and turning the pages. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*