Bout of Books 13 Sign up and goals.

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 11th and runs through Sunday, May 17th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 13 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Bout of Books is back, I absolutely love taking part in this read-a-thon, not only is it a way to tackle my big pile of books I've been neglecting, but it's also a fun way to get to know other book enthusiasts. The last couple of times I took part in Bout of Books, I've started off really well, but then got a bit off track, but hopefully this time I'll be able to achieve my goal. Once again I couldn't decide on which books to go with, and of course it all depends on my mood, which book I normally go for, but here's the handful of great books I'm going to be choosing from and from here I want to read at least three (I've been slacking reading books lately, so if I complete this goal, this would be an achievement for me!). 



I'll be posting my updates on this post here, my Instagram profile here and my Twitter profile. I'm planning on reading Every Last Word with Emma from Never Judge a Book, so I'm really looking forward to that! If you're taking part in Bout of Books, link me up with what you're reading below. Good luck everyone!

Cover Reveal: Surviving Ice by K.A. Tucker

 

I'm 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)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Google | Kobo

SURVIVING ICE (UK)

Amazon | Waterstones | Foyles | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

SURVIVING ICE (AUS)

Apple | Amazon

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)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Google | Kobo

BURYING WATER (UK)

Amazon | Google | Kobo | Blinkbox | Apple | Waterstones | Foyles | WHSmith

BURYING WATER (AUS)

Apple | Amazon | Kobo | Booktopia | Bookworld

  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)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Books-a-Million | Google

BECOMING RAIN (UK)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Google | Waterstones | Foyles

BECOMING RAIN (AUS)

Amazon | Apple | Booktopia | Boomerang Books

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)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Google | Kobo

CHASING RIVER (UK Preorder)

Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Waterstones | Foyles

CHASING RIVER (AUS Preorder)

Amazon | Apple | Booktopia

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.          

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads ** YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

 

 

 

Blog Tour: Swept Away by Michelle Dalton

Hi all, today I get to share with you my review of Swept Away by Michelle Dalton as part of the blog tour hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club. But first here's a bit about the book. 

Swept Away by Michelle Dalton
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: May 5th 2015 

Beachfront love blossoms in this refreshing summer romance, in the tradition of Sixteenth Summer and Seventeenth Summer. Mandy Sullivan isn’t exactly looking forward to the summer months as tourists invade her seaside hometown on the coast of Maine. Her best friend, Cynthia, has abandoned her for camp and her older brother just announced he’ll be staying at college taking classes for the summer, leaving Mandy with nothing to do and no one to hang out with. Hoping to keep herself busy, Mandy takes a volunteer job at the Rocky Pointe Lighthouse. On her very first day, Oliver Farmingham asks for a private tour. A new—and incredibly cute—face in Rocky Pointe, Oliver seems more interested in Mandy than the lighthouse and its history. Without her best friend at her side, Mandy is scrambling to act the right way and say the right things when Oliver is around. Cynthia—not Mandy—has always been the confident, flirtatious girl that everyone wanted to be around. As Mandy and Oliver spend more time together exploring the coast, biking through the woods, and attending the local summer festivals, their budding friendship becomes much more. But with Mandy’s insecurities creeping to the surface, can she open her heart to someone who will only be in town for three months?

Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository

I love diving into my Summer reads just before the Summer is with us, I am very much a mood reader, so definitely need my Summery type of reads to get me in the mood for Summer and Dalton’s Swept Away very much did that.

Mandy isn’t expecting much from this Summer, she’s stuck helping out her mum at Candy Cane, her best friend Cynthia is off away at musical-theatre camp and her brother doesn’t even come home this Summer, so Mandy’s just expecting to wallow her Summer away. But she doesn’t expect cute boy Oliver to turn up and actually show an interest in her, maybe this Summer will turn out to be one that she won’t forget. I didn’t realise just how quick Mandy was to judge or be easily swayed until Oliver made an appearance in Mandy’s life. Mandy was one of those girls, who sort of overlooked where she lived, she thought of it mostly as dull or boring (but this also could have been because, this was exactly her best friend Cynthia’s opinion too) But Oliver came along and actually made Mandy want to make the most out of her Summer and actually experience some of the beauty around her. Oliver did come across as a bit dorky at first, he was particular about everything and wanted things done a certain way, these tendencies certainly made more of an appearance during the boat parade. But despite this Oliver was the sweetest guy, he just wanted Mandy to be herself and enjoy the time he had left with her. I was hoping that Mandy would find some guy to spend the Summer break with and I’m glad that guy was Oliver, he made her days fly by without Mandy even realising it and actually made her want to appreciate and experience things that she wouldn’t have considered. I’m glad that Oliver made Mandy come out of her shell a bit more and not always listen to the ideas that her best friend had instilled upon her. I had the feeling that things would resort back to the way they way when Cynthia returned, but I’m glad that despite some minor bumps along the way, Oliver and Mandy’s relationship grew stronger.

Swept Away was the perfect book to pick up in preparation for the Summer, it was a light hearted fun read about letting yourself go and just making the most of things. It definitely made me want to get away to the beach and just experience the sort of blissful sweet Summer that Dalton created in this book. 

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh

I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh because I adored this romance! For my stop I have my review as well as a giveaway of Tessa Ever After & Caged in Winter provided by the wonderful people of Berkley!

Tessa Ever After by Brighton Walsh
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: May 5th 2015
My rating:  4 stars 
Amazon | B & N | Books A Million | iBooks | Kobo

 

In this grippingly emotional New Adult novel from the author of Caged in Winter, what you want isn’t always what you need…

Jason’s been living (and loving) the rich playboy lifestyle for five years, but now his parents are pressuring him to get involved in the family business. The last thing he wants is another obligation, but when his best friend moves out of state and asks Jason to look after his sister, he can’t just say no.

Tessa had to grow up way too soon. After dealing with the aftermath of her parents’ deaths, then becoming a teenage mom, she knows the meaning of responsibility. Which is why, at twenty-two, she’s looking for so much more than a party boy. She’s looking for someone who can stand by her and her daughter…forever.

A relationship between them is doomed from the start, but who says they can’t have a little fun? But as Jason gets closer to Tessa—and her daughter—fun starts to turn into something else… Something Jason’s not sure he’s ready for.

My Thoughts:

Tessa had to grow up quick when she became pregnant at seventeen, but she wouldn’t change things, because it brought Haley into her life.  Her little four year-old lights up her life, but lately Tessa feels a little lonely for a man to share it with.

Tessa won’t just settle on anyone. She has her daughter to consider, and she’s definitely not looking for someone like her brother’s best friend, Jason.  He’s been a big-time player since high school, never serious about any girl.  But lately, since her brother moved, Jason has been coming around and helping, and Haley loves him. Doesn’t hurt that Jason dotes on Haley, giving into her every whim, whether it be dressing up for a tea party or making snow angels in the bitter cold. Tessa had a teenage crush on Jason, but moved on when it became apparent he never thought of her as anything but his best friend’s little sister.  Now it seems Jason’s finally taking notice.  Does it matter, though, with his track record?  Tessa can’t afford to take a chance on anyone who isn’t serious.

Jason has tried to tamp down his attraction for Tessa, but it’s no use.  If his best friend, Cade, knew he had those thoughts and feelings he would’ve never asked Jason to look out for Tessa.  That doesn’t matter because not even the thought of pissing off his best friend can keep him from Tessa or little Haley.  While Tessa conjures up all kinds of lusty thoughts, it’s not just the physical that draws him.  Both Tessa and Haley have somehow wiggled deep into his heart.

Naturally, Tessa would have reservations about getting involved with Jason in light of his history. I was a little worried we have some playboy antics as well, but Jason was a complete sweetheart, especially with Haley! It was evident he was wrapped around that little girl’s finger. He did have some issues with his parents and I wish he would’ve stood his ground with them a little sooner.  But after their lifelong influence, it was understandable that Jason needed someone to help boil the situation down, and make the right decision.  

Tessa was a very level headed, woman, mature beyond her years, and I liked that in spite of her struggles, she never let her problems completely overwhelm her.  Tessa had a great support group, and she wasn’t above asking for help, whether it be emotional or practical. 

Tessa Ever After was a friends-to-lovers romance with a slow build, giving a foundation to Jason and Tessa’s relationship that made it so very hot when they finally gave in! Brighton Walsh did an amazing job building chemistry and tension, and then delivered with fiery hot follow through! While there was some of the usual conflict you find at the end, nothing felt contrived or over-the-top frustrating.  Tessa Ever After was my first Brighton Walsh story, and I was pleased to discover her take on New Adult was a cut above the rest!

 

About the author:

Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before deciding to take her storytelling in a different direction and reconnect with writing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children.

Connect with Brighton Walsh:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

The lovely people at Berkley generously provided this wonderful giveaway: A copy of Caged in Winter (the 1st book in the series) and Tessa Ever After!  Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win!

Monthly Recap: April

Hi all, we're back with our recap for the month, I (Jasprit) was hoping to binge read my way through books last month, but this didn't happen :( but hopefully once I've got through some more Arcs, I can finally get to those books on the tbr I've been neglecting, I actually can't wait! So here's how April was for us.

Number of Books read:

Jasprit: 8

Rachel: 13

Highest Rated Book(s): 
Jasprit: 
Two four star reads

Rachel:

Lowest Rated Book(s):

Jasprit: 

One DNF 

Rachel: 
3 stars
 




Books reviewed:

Jasprit: 
(click on titles for review link)





 

Rachel:

(click on titles for review link)

 
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Best read of last month:

Jasprit: I think I have a tie between either Something Real or A Court of Thorns and Roses, both were totally different books, but I ended up loving them both, as they were books which I couldn't put down, they certainly bought the swoon too!

Rachel: 

Night Broken by Patricia Briggs. Love how strong Adam and Mercy's marriage is and how Mercy expertly maneuvers through sticky situations!

Book which surprised me the most: 
Jasprit: Something Real by Heather Demetrios, I don't know why I assumed that this book wouldn't be for me when I first heard about it, but it was certainly a book I thoroughly enjoyed, I was easily able to connect with the MC Chloe and Demetrios bought in such charming characters.

Rachel: 

Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs. Didn't count on having so much in a 61 page book, but I was definitely hooked on the series after readin!

Fictional crush of the month:

Jasprit: Patrick from Something Real, this guy is like the guy that I would love to meet in real life, he's super sweet, always looking out for our MC, and doesn't take no for an answer, so of course is easily able to cheer you up and is just there for you when you need him the most. 

Rachel:

It's a toss between Adam and Charles from Alpha & Omega series, to the  Mercy Thompson series even with all their passion!

Three books I'm most looking forward to this month:

Jasprit:
(Click on titles for Goodreads link)

It feels like I've been waiting forever for the release of End of Days, and now the wait is finally over, I have absolutely loved this series so far, so I'm hoping that I will end up loving this one too. I haven't heard much about The Fill-in Boyfriend so far, but it's a book by Kasie West and look how adorable it sounds! I so need some fluffy fun, books in my life, so can't wait for this one. And An Ember in the Ashes is a book which I haven't paid much attention to before, but I couldn't resist getting my hands on a copy, after reading so many praising reviews.

Rachel:

(Click on titles for Goodreads link)

      
  

How was your month of April? And which books are you most excited about?