A Taste of IceAuthor: Hanna Martine
Release Date: Dec. 31, 2012
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Elementals #2
ISBN: # 978-0425257258
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book: |
There is an untapped world of magic that any man would covet…
Five years ago, Xavier escaped from the Ofarian Plant. Today he calls a Colorado mountain town home. It’s there he buries himself in his work, swearing off magic and relationships—until a woman threatens every promise he’s made to himself.
Cat has always known she is different. Water speaks to her on an uncanny level, and she channels this gift into beautiful painted waterscapes. Now, a gallery is debuting her work in Colorado—and it’ll reveal far more about her than she imagined.
The spark between Cat and Xavier is enough to throw both of them off balance. Every tantalizing moment sends them dangerously close to a rising flood of desire. Dangerous because Xavier comes to suspect that Cat is an Ofarian—his people’s enemy. But they’re both about to discover a far greater, more malicious power at play…
What G & U are talking about: |
A Taste of Ice is the second novel in the fascinating Elementals series by Hannah Martine. As exciting as the first book in the series, Liquid Lies, was, this second edition is just as mesmerizing.
Due to the fact that A Taste of Ice begins shortly after the end of Liquid Lies, we recommend starting with the first book. The main character, Xavier has suffered greatly, and much of his story is told in Liquid Lies. Therefore, A Taste of Ice is a much richer and fuller story if you have that previous background.
Gikany and Una were captivated by Xavier’s story in A Taste of Ice, although it is difficult to read. He is the last one of his kind left behind on Earth due to his selfless sacrifice to save his people, the Tedrans. Xavier is a person who suffered greatly at the hands of the Ofarians, who desires nothing but a normal new life. He finds what he believes to be that normal existence only to have that peace obliterated by an instant connection to a woman.
Cat, however, is not a normal woman. She is a talented new artist who displays her obsession with water through her paintings. Cat sees Xavier in a chance encounter and is compelled to follow him. What transpires between them is passionate, heart wrenching and sensual. Xavier is flawed, haunted by the torments of his past, and yet Cat’s compassion and desire allow her to keep within the harsh boundaries Xavier sets. Just as they seem to start moving together and Xavier begins to heal, they are cruelly torn apart by obstacle after obstacle and challenge after challenge.
It is Xavier’s “facing of his fears” that is so emotionally wrenching. Due to the shear emotional turmoil we experienced while reading A Taste of Ice, we had a hard time rating the story. However, we feel this is truly a compliment to Ms. Martine in how well she communicated Xavier’s inner struggle.
A Taste of Ice is a roller coaster ride of emotions, action and surprisingly, politics. We are introduced to other elementals, which allows for so many new possibilities in this world. Luckily the story alludes to whom the next book will feature; Gikany and Una are anxious to read it. If you haven’t picked up The Elementals series yet, please do. This is a fascinating new world that Ms. Martine has shared with us.
Their Rating: |
Liked it – recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
I saw this cover a few weeks ago and was like YUMMY then I saw it was a 2nd in a series.
I’ve been thinking about reading the 1st book especially since the author will be at AADSAV.
thanks for the review on both.
This sounds like a series worth giving a try. I like a lot of action in this sort of read and it is always interesting to see a bit of political gaming too. Thanks for your great review. I will have to try the first in series.