#ArcAugust announcement and sign up link! @readsleeprepeat

It’s that time of the year! ARC August sign ups are now open at Read. Sleep. Repeat!

As always here are the rules:

• Any Advanced Reading Copy counts as part of this reading challenge; your backlist books count
• No blog necessary to participate, but you’ll need to include some form of social media as part of your sign up
• Use the #ARCAugust on social media to check-in

Twitter Chat

RSR will be hosting TWO twitter chats one on August 7th and one August 28th. Both chats will start at 8pm EST and of course we’ll be using our #ARCAugust tag.

Interviews/Giveaways

We will be hosting a few authors for interviews and giveaways so make sure to check back our blog regularly for that! Of course, we’ll be tweeting about all of it so make sure to follow the #ARCAugust tag.

Special Note From Octavia

Remember, ARC August has always been about having fun first and finishing ARCs second. Remember this as you tackle your piles, and use the tag to keep each other motivated. Unlike most years, this ARC August I’ll be sitting on the sidelines for the most part. I haven’t requested or received an ARC in ages! But this just means I’ll have more time this year to focus on YOU! So be prepared for lots of caps in your timelines and an unrelenting amount of cheering.

Mama Says:
I’ll post my goals tomorrow, since, you know, that’s when August starts!   Stick around because there will also be a special giveaway from me, and you can enter to win RSR giveaway by participating too!

Before the Dawn by Cynthia Eden

About Before the Dawn

Print Length: 384 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (August 1, 2017)

The Killer Instinct series from New York Timesbestselling author Cynthia Eden continues as an FBI profiler tracks a case that resurrects ghosts from his past 

Ex-SEAL Tucker Frost knows that the world is full of evil. He saw it in the face of his own brother, Jason Frost, a cold, methodical, sadistic killer. A killer Tucker put down with his own hands in order to save Jason’s final victim—Dawn Alexander, the only girl who got away from the infamous “Iceman.”

It’s Tucker’s up close and personal experience with evil that’s made him perfect for Samantha Dark’s experimental profiling division in the FBI. And when women start turning up murdered with the same MO used by the Iceman, Tucker is sent back to Louisiana to investigate.

Ten full years have passed since the night that Tucker faced down his brother…and since he last saw Dawn, his one-time lover. But as Tucker and Dawn grapple with a desire that never died, they must also face the shared shadow from their pasts. Both have the same question—has Jason Frost come back from the dead to hunt again? And this time, will he succeed in killing the victim who got away?

“Suspenseful, sexy fare that keeps you turning pages until you reach the story’s conclusion.” –RT Book Reviews: on AFTER THE DARK

“Eden expertly twines terror and true love in her second Killer Instinct contemporary romantic thriller…. Eden employs countless red herrings, making it impossible to tell who the real killer is until the book’s end. This winning tale is a tightly plotted, expertly characterized adrenaline rush from start to finish.” –Publishers Weekly STARRED review on Before the Dawn by Cynthia Eden

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Mama Says:
Fair warning, there is some very dark material right from the beginning of this book, so if that’s not your bag, skip this intense to read.
That being said, I think if you read a serial killer/FBI book, you probably expect this sort of thing to come up, really.
While there was a fair bit of formulaic writing and predictability, overall the plot wasn’t entirely laid out from the beginning, and things were kept rather interesting with the main character and her pursuits.
I wasn’t too keen on some of the ways another character felt entitled to being with the mc, but that’s more of a personal issue than any trouble with the writing technique itself.
With brisk pacing and enjoyable dialogue, this would be a good thriller to read on the deck if you happen to take a weekend on the lake, or in your own backyard with your favorite cold drink.
Just don’t forget to leave a light on!
3.5 stars and my sincere thanks to the publisher and tour host for the review opportunity!

 

Excerpt:

Second chances didn’t come around often. If a man was lucky enough to have one, then he should grab on to that opportunity and hold tight to it with every bit of strength that he had.
It was a good thing Tucker Frost was strong.

He hurried into the conference room at the FBI’s Washington, DC, office. It was early June and the sun glinted through the window, shining right through the blinds. The other agents were already inside, seated at the round table. Their laptops were out. Their manila files were open. Their phones were on the tabletop, probably already turned to mute.

He took the last seat, had his laptop out and open in seconds and was adjusting the volume on his phone when Samantha Dark delicately cleared her throat.

“I want to thank all of you for joining me on such short notice.”

The meeting had been called ten minutes ago. He’d been outside the building, already anticipating just how he’d be spending the weekend.

“I know that our unit is still in the development phase, but you were all handpicked to join this team because I know that you bring a unique set of skills and a perspective for targeting killers that others just can’t imitate.”

Her voice was low, calm, and she turned her golden stare on all of the agents at the table.

Samantha Dark.

He was damn glad she’d come back to the FBI. He’d always respected Agent Dark. From the very first moment that they’d met at Quantico, he’d known just how sharp she was. Samantha had been the profiler to watch, but when her ex-lover had turned out to be a vicious serial killer, she’d retreated, pulling away from everyone close to her. He’d hated that.

But Samantha was back now. She’d stopped not just one serial killer on her last case, but two, and since she’d also managed to save the life of the FBI’s executive assistant director, Justin Bass, she’d been given carte blanche to try her experimental unit.

“Some folks would say,” Samantha began as her stare turned pensive, “that we aren’t the best ones to profile killers. They’d say our personal connections to murderers are weaknesses.”

His jaw locked.

“But those people would be dead wrong.” She gave a grim nod. “The fact that we’ve had serial killers intimately involved in our lives means that we understand them like no other person can.” She paused. “They were friends. They were lovers.”

She’d taken down the lover who’d tried to hurt her and who had hurt so many others.

“They were family.” Now her golden stare came back to him.

Beneath the table, his hands fisted. Blood always comes first.

Then her stare tracked to the red-haired agent on his left, Macey Night. “They have been our tormenters.”

From the corner of his eye, he saw Macey stiffen.

But then Samantha’s focus was on the last agent at that little table as she stared at Bowen Murphy and said, “And they have been our prey.”

Bowen inclined his head toward her.

About Cynthia Eden

Cynthia Eden is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller.

Cynthia writes dark tales of romantic suspense and sexy paranormal romance novels. She is a three-time finalist for the RITA® award (she was a finalist both in the romantic suspense category and in the paranormal romance category). Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over seventy novels and novellas.

Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate. Her favorite hobbies including hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

Never miss a release from Cynthia Eden! Sign up for her newsletter HERE. You can also visit her Facebook page for her latest updates.

Be sure to enter the tour-wide Rafflecopter giveaway
and then follow the tour:

Summer favorites from #OneBrokenDay author @melissamacvicar

One Broken Day
by Melissa MacVicar
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: May 18th 2017

Buy on Amazon!

Summary:

After a notorious school shooting leaves her a shadow of the girl she once was, seventeen-year-old Lizzie Beringer moves to Nantucket Island. There, Lizzie vows to hide her identity as the shooter’s sister. All her efforts to fly under the radar, however, are complicated by her P.T.S.D. and the attention she receives from two competing boys. While fending off the not-so-subtle advances of popular athlete Michael Wickersham, she must also deal with her growing feelings for her shy lab partner Gage Pike. Gage may act like he’s all wrong for her, but the pull between them is undeniable. 

Under the threat of discovery and the possibility of testifying in a televised trial, Lizzie fights to keep her secrets and start her life over.

One Broken Day is a brilliantly imagined story exploring the ways we are all broken and at the same time, offered redemption in the most unexpected of places.

Top 4 Things I Love about Summer by Melissa MacVicar

I know everyone is going to be jealous when I tell you about my summer life because it really is almost too good to be true. No, this blog is not going to educate you, judge you, or tell you my political views. This post is simply going to share with you what I love about summer

As a teacher, I have two very different life routines. I have my school year life and my summer life, and my summer life is better than the average summer life because I live on the beautiful island of Nantucket. The other thing that is amazing about my summer life is that I get to write full time.

Here are four other things I love about Summer. Mind you, these are only the top 4 as of right now. I have a million little things I love about summer and the top four could change. But for now, here they are, in no particular order.  

1. Flowers. They’re everywhere! At least here on Nantucket they are. I have a few shots of the glorious blooms I see around town and more, check out my Instagram. The air is quite literally scented with flowers in Nantucket.

1. Morning Walks- In the summer, I get to take walks whenever I desire. They can be as long or as short as I want them to be, and they can be beachy or woodsy or downtown. I’m not really sure why I love walking so much, but it always clears my head, gives me ideas, and makes me happier than when I set out.

2. Fires at the beach- I don’t get to do this nearly as much as I want, but digging out a small pit in the sand and throwing in a few logs at sunset is amazing. I especially love when we scour the beach for sticks to use for kindling and bring the makings of s’mores. Then, we sit around in the dark in beach chairs and watch the embers glow and crackle. Ahh, I feel like I’m there right now.

3. Thrift shopping- During the school year, I don’t have time to poke around the thrift shops for treasures, but in the summer I can visit as many yard sales and shops as I want. I collect vintage pottery as well as jewelry and anything else that catches my eye (think Country Living magazine). Having the time to treasure hunt is one of the many awesome things about my summers.

So there you have it: my summer, in a nutshell. I hope wherever you live, you get to enjoy the best summer has to offer to you. And if you want a little taste of summer here in Nantucket, check out my books at http://melissamacvicar.com

About the Author

Melissa was born and mostly raised on Nantucket Island, and she currently lives there with her husband and two teenage children. When not being a wife and mother and teaching writing to seventh graders, she enjoys binge watching shows like Big Little Lies, House of Cards, and Outlander. Despite the rumors to the contrary, she does not actually wish she was a teenager again, nor does she see ghosts like the main character in her first novel, Ever Near. She does, however, love to hear from readers so send her a message on social media or at her email: melissa.macvicar@gmail.com

Author Links:

    

@Booksparks presents #Alphonse popup tour with 4 star #review

Add Alphonse on Goodreads
Published June 2017 on Sparkpress

Alphonse isn’t a hobo with a heart of gold, but in twenty years of riding the rails, he’s earned a reputation as a kindhearted soul always ready to help. When he helped the Sadlers, a young couple seeking a better life in small-town 1950s Indiana, he never meant to stay. But stay he did, keeping a close eye on the Sadlers and their two young sons—and an even closer eye on the town’s new priest, Father Brennon.

On the surface, Brennon seemed perfect for the job, but Alphonse had crossed paths with Brennon in the railyard jungle and knew better. Brennon didn’t recognize the old hobo, but Alphonse never forgot Brennon or his crimes.

The summer the Sadler’s son, Francis, turns 13, the death of a prominent member of the congregation is blamed on decades of accumulated pigeon droppings in the church’s bell tower. Brennon assigns Francis the thankless task of cleaning and maintaining the tower, work that often continues into the night. When Alphonse’s worst fears are confirmed, he discovers that Francis has blocked out the terrible details of Brennon’s abuse. Alphonse must find a way to protect Francis while revealing the truth to the Sadler family, ultimately driving Brennon to leave town in shame.

AMAZON   BARNES & NOBLE   INDIEBOUND

Mama Says:
Thanks to Booksparks media relations for the review opportunity!
I knew going into Alphonse that it had some pretty dark subject matter, however, the author was sensitive to the fact that some material is better when not described in excruciating detail, which I greatly appreciated.  Although there are certainly some intense scenes, they were handled well.
I grew to care deeply for the kids and the parents, and even by the end Alphonse himself, and he’s not your most likeable character, which speaks to the author’s power of persuasion.  Human empathy is a powerful motivator.  And we see great results from its power in this novel.
I’m not one to shy away from deep reads, and felt this one towed the line between heavy and heartwarming, never venturing into sticky sweet or anything.  IF you want to read something different, not quite contemporary and not quite mystery, this would be a great weekend pick!

About the Author:

Carl Sever began writing fiction in part because of his interest in the 1930s dustbowl, hobo culture and lore, and small-town Midwestern life, especially in areas dominated by the Roman Catholic Church. His writing has also been an important part of recovery from a traumatic brain injury he suffered in a car accident in 1990.

Carl’s been a teacher (Ohio and Colorado, in English composition, literature, journalism, and photography), a journalist, and nature photographer. He’s been a businessman and co-owner of an exclusive wholesale photo lab. He’s an avid outdoorsman, passionate fly-fisherman, and adventurer who has explored the mountains of Colorado, Montana, Canada, and Alaska, including summiting Mount Denali when he was 42 years old. His travels have taken him to Costa Rica and Panama, reinforcing his study of Spanish as a second language. He’s a lifelong learner, with studies ranging from screenwriting and sculpture to nature photography. Alphonse is his first novel.

Dragons of Nova is on fire! Read our #review and enter to #win your own copy! @elisekova @chapterxchapter #loomsaga

The Dragons of Nova (Loom Saga #2)

by Elise Kova

Publication Date:  July 11, 2017

Publisher:  Keymaster Press

Synopsis (beware spoilers for book 1):

Cvareh returns home to his sky world of Nova with the genius crafter Arianna as his temperamental guest. The mercurial inventor possesses all the Xin family needs to turn the tides of a centuries-old power struggle, but the secrets she harbors must be earned with trust — hard to come by for Ari, especially when it comes to Dragons. On Nova, Ari finds herself closer to exacting vengeance against the traitor who killed everything — and everyone – she once loved. But before Ari can complete her campaign of revenge, the Crimson Court exposes her shadowed past and reveals something even more dangerous sparking between her and Cvareh.

While Nova is embroiled in blood sport and political games, the rebels on Loom prepare for an all-out assault on their Dragon oppressors. Florence unexpectedly finds herself at the forefront of change, as her unique blend of skills — and quick-shooting accuracy — makes her a force to be reckoned with. For the future of her world, she vows vengeance against the Dragons.

Before the rebellion can rise, though, the Guilds must fall.

Purchase Links:
Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks     

Mama Says:

Let it be known that before I ever read any of Elise Kova’s books I was already a fan of her through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram because she’s hella clever and responds to questions in a way that I really appreciate.
Then I read Alchemists of Loom and realized, holy mother of pearl this gal can write.  Not that I doubted that fact, but you just never know.
Usually Steampunk books are too heavy handed, without much attention to character growth and plot, but that is not an issue with the Loom saga books thus far.  I felt that I could completely picture the world and the people which populated it, and I honestly cared what happened to them!
By the time we get to Dragons of Nova, we’re fully invested in the story, like waiting on the edge of your seat to find out what happens invested.  I was definitely surprised by a couple revelations, and appreciated that Kova managed to keep me guessing in most cases.  Plus Cvareh, I mean, come on dudes.  He’s my new book boyfriend.  Sorry Rhys.
I like Ari ok too I guess.  Even though she’s sorta in the way.  Ahem.  Yeah.
Anyway, I am so hooked on these books I need an intervention! (But please, don’t actually intervene, just read them with me and become hooked too!)
If you enjoy action, adventure, a touch of romantic entanglements and human drama, you’ll love the Loom saga!
Books 1 and 2 are currently available and 3 has yet to have a release date but hopefully we’ll get that soon!
Thanks again to Chapter by Chapter and the author for the review opportunity! I purchased book 1 on my own and won an ARC from the author in person but will buy book 2 as well.

Book 1:

AUTHOR INFO:
Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the Loom Saga.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Enter to win a hardcover copy of Dragons of Nova!

Click the image to follow the tour!

Some things fizzle before they burn. Read our #review of #TheSweetestBurn by @jeaniene_frost for #tlcbooktours

About The Sweetest Burn

Series: A Broken Destiny Novel (Book 2)

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (June 27, 2017)

The breathtaking second novel in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost’s Broken Destiny series finds Ivy and Adrian rekindling their alliance—and passion—as the struggle for the fate of the world begins…

Conquering a supernatural realm turned out to be easier than getting over a broken heart. But her initial victory has made Ivy a target for revenge, forcing her to reunite with the dangerous—and dangerously sexy—Adrian. Ivy isn’t sure which will be harder: finding the hallowed weapon that will repair the crumbling walls between the demon and human realms, or resisting Adrian, who’s decided that come hell or high water, he will make Ivy his.

At first, Adrian tried to resist his feelings for Ivy. Now, determined to break the curse that dooms their love, he’s vowed to save her and to have her. If only he can persuade her to forgive his past sins. But defying destiny—and surrendering to the smoldering desire between them—will bring consequences and sacrifices they never imagined…

 “Frost scores another win with the mesmerizing second Broken Destiny supernatural contemporary… The novel thrums with energy, its pacing breakneck from the very start, and piles on the sexual tension. Frost provides a much-needed inventive boost to the tired angel/demon subset of supernatural fantasy.” –Publishers Weekly

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Mama Says:
I’m actually new to this author (I know, I’m a terrible paranormal fangirl right now.) So this is my first series of her, thus I have nothing to compare it to in her body of work.  I also tried reading the second book without picking up the first, but was a little confused so I went ahead and read the first book.  Both of these were provided for review by the publisher and tour host.
The Sweetest Burn had very little tension, something that’s usually used to drive readers to get engrossed in a paranormal romance, but I think that’s because there was so much tension in the first book that essentially gets some resolution, the author didn’t want to drag that out, and I appreciate this tactic, however, I also enjoy the tension so I hoped for more of it.
I did like the chemistry between the characters, and their banter became playful at times, risque at others, and just the right blend of witty and flirty.
There were some fast paced action scenes sprinkled generously throughout the story, so the pacing was pretty well done and I never really got bored, which is always a plus.
I’m certainly interested in reading the final book in the trilogy, so of course I’d recommend picking up the books if you enjoy paranormal stories of the hunter/huntress variety with a bit of cop drama for good measure, but if you’re like me and hate waiting then I understand, so add these to your goodreads and binge the series when the final book is out in the Fall!
Thanks again to TLC Book tours and Harlequin for the review opportunity!

About Jeaniene Frost

Jeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress and Night Prince series for Avon and the Broken Destiny series for Harlequin HQN. Jeaniene’s books have sold in twenty different countries to date. She lives in North Carolina and Florida with her husband.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

ICYMI: #CoverReveal from @clarakensie for #DeceptionSoDeadly Add to your TBR now!

It’s cover reveal day for Deception So Deadly by Clara Kensie! This super-romantic psychic thriller will be released on August 15th by Snowy Wings Publishing. The cover was designed by Key of Heart Designs.

Title: Deception So Deadly
Author: Clara Kensie
Release Date: August 15, 2017
Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book One in Clara Kensie’s YA paranormal thriller Deception So series, Deception So Deadly was originally published as the Run to You serial parts 1 – 3, and is the winner of the prestigious RITA© Award for Best First Book.

RUN. It’s all sixteen-year-old Tessa Carson has ever known. Hunted by a telepathic killer, Tessa and her family have fled home after home, hiding behind aliases to survive. Her scars are more than just physical, and as the only one in her family without a psychic ability, she lives a life of secrets, lies, and fear.

After the Carsons flee to a new hideout and take on new identities yet again, Tessa meets confident, carefree Tristan Walker. Their attraction burns fierce, but she runs from him too, knowing their love can never be true when she can’t even tell him her real name.

But Tristan has secrets as well—secrets that will either save Tessa, or destroy her. The only way Tessa can save her family—and uncover the real reason they’ve been hunted all these years—is to forget everything she’s learned from a lifetime of running away, and run straight into danger head-on.

Danger. Deception. Betrayal. It must be first love.

“A dark, suspenseful, and romantic ride!” – USA Today

“The perfect blend of mystery, romance, paranormal thrills, and danger.” – Mundie Moms

“A well-written YA paranormal read, with welcome dashes of thrills and plot twists, Kensie has written a gripping and engaging series that features great family dynamics and the enormity of first love.” – RT Book Reviews

“A thrilling story, packed with twists, secrets, and swoon-worthy romance. I couldn’t read it fast enough!” ~Erica O’Rourke, author of the Torn trilogy (Kensington) and the Dissonance series (S&S BFYR)

PRE-ORDER

**Special ebook pre-order price of only 99¢**
Pre-order Deception So Deadly now:

Amazon (Kindle)
Everywhere else*
(*new retailers added daily)

Add it on Goodreads

Paperbacks available for purchase on August 15th

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Clara Kensie, author of dark fiction for young adults
…don’t forget to breathe…

Clara Kensie grew up near Chicago, reading every book she could find and using her diary to write stories about a girl with psychic powers who solved mysteries. She purposely did not hide her diary, hoping someone would read it and assume she was writing about herself. Since then, she’s swapped her diary for a computer and admits her characters are fictional, but otherwise she hasn’t changed one bit.

Today Clara is a RITA© Award-winning author of dark fiction for young adults. Her debut, the super-romantic psychic thriller Deception So series, was named an RT Book Review Editors Pick for Best Books of 2014, and Deception So Book One: Deception So Deadly, is the winner of the prestigious 2015 RITA© Award for Best First Book. The first two books in the series, originally released as the six-part Run to You digital serial in 2014, are being released in print with new Deception So titles and gorgeous new covers, starting with Deception So Deadly in August 2017 and Deception So Dark in February 2018. The series continues with Deception So Dangerous in August 2018.

Clara’s critically-acclaimed novel Aftermath (Simon and Schuster/Simon Pulse), a dark, ripped-from-the-headlines drama about hope, healing, and triumph over tragedy in the tradition of Room and The Lovely Bones, is on Goodreads’ list of Most Popular Books Published in November 2016, and Young Adult Books Central declared it a Top Ten Book of 2016.

Clara’s favorite foods are guacamole and cookie dough. But not together. That would be gross.

Find Clara online:

Subscribe to her newsletter
http://eepurl.com/DUlYz

Hang out with her Facebook group, The Insiders
https://www.facebook.com/groups/clarakensieinsiders/

Like her Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorClaraKensie

Follow her on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/clarakensie/

Follow her on Twitter
https://twitter.com/ClaraKensie

Friend her on Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/ClaraKensie

Visit her website
clarakensie.com

#Soulmates by @JessGrose is just the strange sort of creepy #beachread I needed this summer, and you do too! #tlcbooktours #williammorrowpaperbacks

About Soulmates

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (June 13, 2017)

“For anyone who has ever suspected something sinister lurking behind the craze of new-age spirituality, Jessica Grose has crafted just the tale for you. With the delicious bite of satire and the page-turning satisfaction of a thriller, Soulmates is a deeply compelling, funny and sharply observed look at just how far we will go to achieve inner peace.”—Lena Dunham

A clever, timely novel about a marriage, and infidelity, the meaning of true spirituality, perception and reality from the author of Sad Desk Salad, in which a scorned ex-wife tries to puzzle out the pieces of her husband’s mysterious death at a yoga retreat and their life together.

It’s been two years since the divorce, and Dana has moved on. She’s killing it at her law firm, she’s never looked better, thanks to all those healthy meals she cooks, and she’s thrown away Ethan’s ratty old plaid recliner. She hardly thinks about her husband—ex-husband—anymore, or about how the man she’d known since college ran away to the Southwest with a yoga instructor, spouting spiritual claptrap that Dana still can’t comprehend.

But when she sees Ethan’s picture splashed across the front page of the New York Post—”Nama-Slay: Yoga Couple Found Dead in New Mexico Cave”—Dana discovers she hasn’t fully let go of Ethan or the past. The article implies that it was a murder-suicide, and Ethan’s to blame. How could the man she once loved so deeply be a killer? Restless to find answers that might help her finally to let go, Dana begins to dig into the mystery surrounding Ethan’s death. Sifting through the clues of his life, Dana finds herself back in the last years of their marriage . . . and discovers that their relationship—like Ethan’s death—wasn’t what it appeared to be.

A novel of marriage, meditation, and all the spaces in between, Soulmates is a page-turning mystery, a delicious satire of our feel-good spiritual culture, and a nuanced look at contemporary relationships by one of the sharpest writers working today.

Purchase Links

HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Mama Says:
When I tell you this book is strange, I feel I need to clarify that I mean this is the best way.  Like Stephen King is strange and Phillip Pullman is strange, and Phyllis Naylor Reynolds strange.  It’s the creepy beach read I can definitely dig into a few hours and then realize it’s time to go home and I feel so chilled and just utterly gobsmacked.
It hit me in the lady nuts and then some.
You think you know what’s going to happen, and maybe a detail or two you do, but honestly things get so convoluted and whacked out by the end I literally stared at the wall for a few minutes after I finished reading this one.
These are the kinds of books I tend to recommend to my friends, the ones that weird me out and leave me unsure of how to feel about life, humanity and the universe.
I may not be the kind of girl who thinks she knows everything about everything, but I kept finding myself more similar to Dana than I would have liked, or more similar to Ethan even.  It’s jarring when an author can create such complex and compelling characters in so few pages, and to ask such stirring questions in the guise of what seems to be your typical thriller.  Spoiler alert- it’s not.
If you like your reads with a creep factor up in the King/Barker range without the gore, grab this sucker and sit tight for a wicked ride!

Thanks again to TLC Book tours and William Morrow paperbacks for the review opportunity!

About Jessica Grose

Photo by Judith Ebenstein

Jessica Grose is a writer and editor. She was previously a senior editor at Slate and an editor at Jezebel. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Glamour, Marie Claire, Spin, and several other publications, and on Salon.com. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.

Find out more about Jessica at her website, and connect with her on Twitter.

#Enigma tour with #review and #giveaway for all you geeky fangirls/boys! @tonyakuyper @chapterxchapter @entangledteen

Enigma (Schrodinger’s Consortium #2) by Tonya Kuper

Publication Date:  July 3, 2017

Publisher:  Entangled Teen

Worst. Road Trip. Ever.

Escaping with Reid Wentworth should have been fun, but how can I enjoy it when I just (accidentally) killed someone, my mom and brother are in danger, and the Consortium is trying to enslave humanity? (Yeah, they aren’t fooling around.) So feeling something for Reid Wentworth was not part of the plan. Trying to help unite the Resistance against the Consortium means I can’t be distracted by hot boys.

The Resistance secret hideout isn’t exactly the rebel base of my dreams. A traitor there wants me dead, but we have no idea who it is. And with both the Resistance and the Consortium trying to control me, the only one I can trust is Reid. If we’re going to have any chance of protecting my family, controlling my unstable powers, and surviving the clash between the Oculi factions, I’m going to have to catch this traitor. By using myself as bait.

 

Purchase Links:

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Mama Says:

Expounding upon the world and characters which were first introduced in Anomaly, Kuyper’s latest has us following Josie and Reid once again as they navigate the ups and downs of teenage life- with a few extra bumps thrown in due to them being Oculi.
Oh and you know, just the whole, running for their lives thing.  NO big deal.
Although it wasn’t really much different as far as technique or style, sometimes I just felt less engrossed in this second part of the story.  I don’t know if it’s because of the momentum that was constantly built up in  book 1, or if it was just me.
I did enjoy meeting new characters and seeing more growth in Josie, who by the way has a lot on her plate and tends to deal with things after the fact like so many real teens do.  Impulse control is nearly nonexistent, so it makes sense that she would just jump into things without thinking one minute, then hesitate the next.  She’s learning as she goes and that, to me, is pretty realistic.
Reid was never my favorite to begin with, but I almost want to say I liked him more in this book.  I don’t want to give too much away, so you’ll just have to read it to decide why I’ve said this.  Or message me if you’re a spoiler hound.
Enigma wraps up Josie’s journey in such a way that almost all the questions are answered, but there is definitely room for the author to further explore this world and build on what we’ve learned about Oculi and the Consortium vs. the Resistance, so I’m intrigued and wondering if there’s more to come.
With both books in the duology, we get this awesome geeky fangirl sense of having a character we can relate to, even if we aren’t exactly great at Chemistry or Calculus.  I really appreciated the author’s delving into the topics of anxiety and physical limitations with a sensitive hand, and an eye for what it might be like to actually suffer from such.
If you want a fast read with action, a bit of romance, and lots of Star Wars references, make this your next binge read!

First book in the series:

About Tanya:

Tonya Kuper is the author of ANOMALY, the first in the Schrodinger’s Consortium Series, a young adult science fiction trilogy, released November 4, 2014 by Entangled Teen, and it’s recently released sequel, ENIGMA. She fell for Young Adult lit while earning her Masters degree in Reading Education. She’s a mom to two awesome boys, an alt music junkie, a Star Wars nerd, and in love with Sherlock.

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