Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Waiting On Wednesday ...... Never Ever


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Never Ever by Sara Saedi


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Wylie Dalton didn’t believe in fairy tales or love at first sight. 

Then she met a real-life Peter Pan.

When Wylie encounters Phinn—confident, mature, and devastatingly handsome—at a party the night before her brother goes to juvie, she can’t believe how fast she falls for him. And that’s before he shows her how to fly.

Soon Wylie and her brothers find themselves whisked away to a mysterious tropical island off the coast of New York City where nobody ages beyond seventeen and life is a constant party. Wylie’s in heaven: now her brother won’t go to jail and she can escape her over-scheduled life with all its woes and responsibilities—permanently.

But the deeper Wylie falls for Phinn, the more she begins to discover has been kept from her and her brothers. Somebody on the island has been lying to her, but the truth can’t stay hidden forever.
Its no secret that I adore Peter Pan and all these Peter Pan retellings are making my life right now. This one sounds incredibly and I am very excited to meet Wylie and Phinn.

This novel's June release means it'll be a fun poolside read with a tropical drink to remind you of Neverland. Looking forward to seeing what kind of Peter lurks within these pages, and I cannot wait to see Sara's version of Tink, Hook, and the rest.

Expected release date - June 21, 2016

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

2016 Wishlist


As the year comes to a close I am eagerly looking forward to all the amazing things we have coming up in 2016. Here are a few of my hopes and wishes for the year ahead in entertainment (books, movies, etc).

Bookish

1 - For the Bonnie and Clyde inspired stories coming out to be amazing. I have been dying to fall in love with a story based on them and with three (that I know of so far) coming out next year I have high hopes that one will be my newest obsession.

2 - More obscure retellings. If we're going to have fairytale and other retellings let's not have a millionth Romeo and Juliet, or Snow White book. I want something different. More Macbeth retellings would be awesome, and Snow Queen tales are sure to be hot with Frozen being all the rage this past year.

3 - Announcement of new books from these authors: Alissa Nutting, Gillian Flynn, Stephanie Perkins, Jodi Lynn Anderson, Katherine Longshore, and Bethany Griffin. Each of them have nothing 'official' announced, but I am hoping 2016 changes that. I need new books from them as soon as possible.

4 - A Hollywood set crime drama inspired by The Black Dahlia. If Gillian Flynn wants to write this I would not object. I need this book like I need air and it doesn't even exist yet but here is hoping it eventually will.

5 - Less triangles, and more complex connections between characters a la Throne Of Glass. Sarah J Maas has mastered the art of writing multiple ships and making each of them seem plausible.

6- Keep the Peter Pan retellings coming. We've had a wealth of them pop up and a lot of them are to be published in 2016. I am perfectly fine with this trend and if one of them were a Tink/Peter romance I think I would die of happiness!

7- Number 7 is a little spoilery for Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas so peek at your own risk



8- For Caraval by Stephanie Garber to be as magical, engrossing and stunning as I anticipate it to be. I am totally prepared for it to be my next obsession after reading it.

9- To be delightfully surprised with how much I fall in love with a book. The unexpected ones usually stay with you the longest.

10- To be entirely bewitched by Marissa Meyer's Heartless. I need this book so much!

11- For Dawn Ius' Overdrive to make me swoon and immediately want to head to Las Vegas. 

Non Bookish

1 - For the second season of Mr Robot to be as impressive as the first. I want them to keep the focus on Elliott and his continuing spiral. Let's not expand the world too much and take away what made this show brilliant.

2 - For Finn Wittrock to be cast in a huge book to movie/TV adaptation. The guy is insanely talented and I want him to be cast in something BIG... like cover of Entertainment Weekly big. If Gillian Flynn were to write a novel inspired by the Black Dahlia and Finn Wittrock were to be cast... I wouldn't be mad is all I am saying. 

3 - Details about the Throne of Glass TV series to be revealed. I would also be delighted if I loved the casting and if they decided to go the Game of Thrones route with it (meaning a network like Showtime, HBO, etc) and not compromise what makes this series so amazing. I want the brutal, gritty feel the novels have, especially early in the series. I am also hoping it lasts long enough for us to meet Manon when it premieres.

4 - For the next season of American Horror Story to be just as amazing as Hotel was. I loved the campy, almost tongue in cheek vibe this season had and it was so much FUN. Give that to me again with a fantastic setting and I'll happily return for another season.

5 - For iZombie to keep it's current stride. The show is hitting all the right notes and the writing could not be smarter or sharper. Also, more Ravi please. Always.

6 - For the Me Before You movie adaptation to be brilliant, and beautiful and heart crushing. Also, Sam Claflin KILLING it and getting a ton of recognition for being a pitch perfect Will. 

7 - Jacob Trembaly winning the Best Supporting Actor Screen Actor's Guild Award would thrill me immensely. That kid is insanely talented. Seriously. Watch Room and tell me I am wrong. I dare you.

8 - For the next season of Penny Dreadful to have all the kissing. I need the kissing. Particularly between Ethan and Vanessa. Oh, and Eva Green finally needs to have the awards she deserves for practically giving blood in every single frame of her performance as Miss Ives.

I am sure there are many more things I could add to this wishlist. What are some of the things you're wishing/hoping for in 2016 entertainment wise? Let me know in the comments.

Monday, December 28, 2015

2015 Bookish Questionnaire



2015 is coming to a close and Jamie from the Perpetual Page Turner has a very fun end of year survey that I try to complete every year. Here are my answers for 2015. As you can see a few books dominated the categories. Be sure to link me to your own in the comments so I can stop by if you've done it (and visit Jamie's blog too because she is awesome).

2015 Reading Stats

Number Of Books You Read: 120
Number of Re-Reads: Zero, sadly. Haven't re-read any this year.
Genre You Read The Most From: It looks like a mix but with a slight emphasis on contemporary


Best in Books

1. Best Book You Read In 2015? (If you have to cheat — you can break it down by genre if you want or 2013 release vs. backlist)

This is the hardest question. I did a post all about my best of 2015 picks. I would say Me Before You was my absolute fave this year but A Court of Thorns and Roses, Red Queen, and Six of Crows are a close second.

2. Book You Were Excited About and Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff. I thought I was going to love it and just didn't end up loving it anywhere near as much as I expected to.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?

The Summer of Chasing Mermaids. I was surprised at how much I loved this book. It was quiet, magical, and simply wonderful.

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Me Before You, and yes. I've given it to so many people as a gift, or simply lent them a copy. Most have loved it as much as I do.

5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015? Best Series Ender of 2015?

Best start up - A three way tie between Red Queen, A Court of Thorns and Roses and Six of Crows. All are stunning starts to fantastic series.

Best Sequel of 2015 - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas (that counts, right?)

Best Series Ender of 2015 - Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle.

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?

Goldy Moldavsky and Dawn Ius. Cannot wait for each of their next books.

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

Devoted by Jennifer Mathieu. I am not normally drawn to religious books but this one was surprising and simply wonderful.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

Six of Crows and Queen of Shadows. Flew through both of these.

9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Me Before You right before the movie version comes into theatres. 

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?

Red Queen. Stunning and amazing.

11. Most memorable character of 2015?

Vivi from When We Collided, and the fangirls from Kill The Boy Band, Will and Lou from Me Before You and Anne from Anne and Henry. Also, the group of six from Six of Crows. Too many good characters this year.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015?

When We Collided by Emery Lord or My Diary From The Edge Of The World by Jodi Lynn Anderson

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and When We Collided by Emery Lord

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read?

Me Before You. It was all over the place but I only finally got to it this year.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015?

I love so many. SO MANY. I am going to share my top 5 because, honestly, I cannot pick.

1: 

The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

2:

It isn’t one of those lonelygirl Tumblr fantasies about meeting your biggest celebrity crush. This is the story of me and my friends and the time we met The Ruperts.
Kill The Boy Band by Gold Moldavsky

3:

This is where I am, somewhere between the night's total darkness and the light's utter brilliance and I grin as I dance and the night wind kicks up Jonah's hair. The glow of my birthday candles and the fairy lights would have been more than enough. But Jonah Daniels? He lit up my whole world. Even the constellations can see us now: we are seventeen and shattered and still dancing. We have messy throbbing hearts, and we are stronger than anyone could ever know.
When We Collided by Emery Lord 

4:

My new world is etched in diamonds and sealed in gold, drowning in pretension.
Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius

5:

You are scored on my heart, Clark. You were from the first day you walked in,with your ridiculous clothes and your complete inability to ever hide a single thing you felt.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

16.Shortest and Longest Book You Read In 2015?

Shortest Book - When Everything Feels Like The Movies by Raziel Reid 
Longest Book - Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas

17. Book That Shocked You The Most (Because of a plot twist, character death, left you hanging with your mouth wide open, etc.)

Red Queen. That ending?! Insane.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!) (OTP = one true pairing if you aren’t familiar)

Um... Kaz and Inej from Six of Crows or Lou and Will from Me Before You.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

Dorian and Chaol from Queen of Shadows. Bromance for the win.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas.

21. Best Book You Read In 2015 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

Hello? by Liza Wiemer. It was recommended to me by a few people (most notably Kelly)

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015?

New? Kaz from Six of Crows. Not new? Dorian from the Throne of Glass series.

23. Best 2015 debut you read?

Tie between Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius.

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Dumplin' by Julie Murphy or Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. We're talking full on ugly crying. 

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

Hmm... I think this means underrated book that more people should have read. My Diary From The Edge Of The World by Jodi Lynn Anderson. It's a charming, whimsical middle grade that I loved so much.

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Still not over this book and I doubt I ever will be. Closely followed by When We Collided by Emery Lord. 

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?

The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

Anne and Henry but in the BEST way. You get angry on Anne's behalf. You want things to turn out differently even though history tells you otherwise. It was amazing and wonderful because it created those emotions (it also had THE BEST ending of any book I read in 2015).


Your Blogging/Bookish Life

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2015?

Thanks to #otspsecretsister I have discovered a lot of new blogs this year, so it's impossible to select just one but I will say that it's been lovely getting to visit Amanda over at Brains, Books, and Brawn

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2015?

I have a few but I would say Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross.

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

I had zero discussion posts this year but non book review posts... my fave would be my American Horror Story: Hotel recap series. I had so much fun writing them.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

BEA. Getting to meet so many authors is incredible.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015?

Going to BEA as always. I love getting to see bloggers that I normally do not get to see and just getting to socialize with everyone. That is my favourite part of BEA.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

Finding the time to comment and be involved more in the community. That may have to take priority over a few other blogging aspects in 2016.

7. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Has to be society6. So many fantastic shops that are bookish related and I want so much from there.

8.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

The only one I took part in is the Goodreads challenge and I completed it.


Looking Ahead

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016?

Winter by Marissa Meyer. It is inexcusable that I have not read it yet. I blame life, and the holidays.

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)?

Non debut? Heartless by Marissa Meyer or Overdrive by Dawn Ius

3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

Caraval by Stephanie Garber

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016?

Sequel for 2016 - A tie between Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard and  Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas. I need them both. 

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2016?

Comment more. I am seriously the worst at this and I need to be involved in the community. I love the community and the people I've met. I just need to make it a priority for 2016 to be more involved.

6. A 2016 Release You’ve Already Read And Recommend To Everyone:

This is easy! Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky. Seriously, read it. So good. Darkly funny and filled with a pitch perfect voice. 

Sunday, December 27, 2015

New To My Book Closet


It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Busy week in the mailbox but filled with so many amazing things that it's a fantastic ending to 2015. I feel EXTREMELY lucky and I cannot wait to read all of these books.


Keep Calm and Color On by Meredith Mennitt (goodreads)
A Gathering of Shadows by VE Schwab (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Raincoast books for A Gathering of Shadows and my first ever 'adult' colouring book. I am going to need to get some pencil crayons and try it out very soon!

This next arrival was a complete surprise and I was really excited to receive it.


It's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick (goodreads)
The Secret Language of Sisters by Luane Rice (goodreads)
Unbecoming by Jenny Downham (goodreads)
The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork (goodreads)

Thank you so much, Scholastic. It was a lovely Christmas surprise and I am really excited about the new Jenny Downham (but am looking forward to all of them).

The next package definitely caused me to make some inhuman noises while I fangirled. I got this Christmas Eve and it was seriously THE BEST Christmas gift.



Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

This glass box of emotions is seriously the BEST THING ever and it's so pretty in person. I am excited to read the ARC and to share my review as part of the tour! It may be my New Year's Eve read. Thank you a million times to Epic Reads, the Scarlet Guard, and Harper Collins USA for this incredible package.

I also received these adorable Throne of Glass bookmarks from the lovely Christy (The Reader Bee). How cute is Dorian?! I love that I have a bunch of adorable bookmarks now. Thank you so much, Christy. You seriously spoil me and you are simply the best.


These bookmarks can be purchased from the Magicbookmarks Etsy shop. She has a lot of amazing things (and she does fantastic custom orders, too).

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Weekly Obsessions


The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A very small Weekly Obsessions this week due to the holidays (and with them no news being announced). However, I am very excited about the cover I am featuring this week!

BOOK

Cover for Overdrive by Dawn Ius (goodreads)

I was fortunate to reveal the cover for this exciting upcoming title. It sounds amazing and the cover is incredible. It's eye catching and perfect.


Fantastic, right? I love it and cannot wait to read this when it's released next Sept. You can enter to win an ARC of it over on the 2016 Most Anticipated post featuring this title.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Friday, December 25, 2015

Merry Christmas


Taking today to spend time with my family. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and hoping that there were plenty of bookish goodies under the tree for you.


Enjoy today with your family and friends and here is hoping you'll sneak in an little bit of reading time!


Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Best of 2015


The end of the year is upon us and that means Best Of lists. Today I am going to talk about my favouite books of 2015. They may not be released in 2015 so a more accurate title might be "The Best I Read In 2015". From now until the end of the year I'll have a bunch of fun 2015 round up posts, as well a post or 2 looking forward to 2016.

In no particular order, here are my fave books of 2015. I kept it as short as I could and will only list the top 20 from the year. This was hard! They each link to my review (where posted, some will be up in early 2016) if you want to know what I thought on more detail.

1 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I will be forever thankful for Will and Lou's story. It's a story that left me a sobbing mess but so thankful for the life I get to live. It's breathtakingly beautiful, and incredibly sad all at once. You'll fall in love with not just Lou and Will but their love story as well.

2 A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas

A surprising, sexy, and deliciously decadent twist on the Beauty and the Beast story that proves Sarah J Maas is a force in the YA fantasy genre. The wait for the next instalment will be torture but one that is certainly going to be worth the wait.

3 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard's stunning debut was certainly buzz worthy this year. An attention grabbing cover, and plenty of pre-release chatter made it impossible to not be curious about this one. The book inside that beautiful cover showed that it deserved all of the hype. A novel whose heartbeat is betrayal, and a world that is only just being to be fleshed out will ensure that you're desperate to get your hands on it's sequel.

4 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

This is a book that leaves your heart ten times fuller than when you started reading. A novel that embraces the differences in all of us as something to be cheered. A novel that reminds you everyone has those moments of insecurity, even if it doesn't seem like it from the outside looking in. It's such a positive, smile inducing read that you'll immediately want to read it again (and eat some red cherry suckers).

5 Truly, Madly, Famously by Rebecca Serle

Rebecca ends her romantic, sexy, Hollywood set series in a way that is prefect. It's perfect for the world these characters live in, and the characters themselves. She also paints this Hollywood set novel with more than a dose of reality and adds a depth to Paige that makes this story deeper and more complex than it appears at first glance. 

6 Simon Vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

This novel leaves you wanting to be a little kinder to those around you, and blissfully sighing as you devour Oreo cookies. This feel good read is perfect for those looking for a sweet, romantic read that also has a heavy dose of insight. Filled with quote worthy lines, Becky is a bright new talent that I cannot wait to read more from.

7 Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

A fast paced thrill ride that also includes some unforgettable characters? No wonder this series is quickly being an obsession for a lot of readers. Romance, action, intrigue, and high stakes all ensure that you're glued to the pages and immediately begging for more once you've turned that final page. I dare say it's shows even more promise than her previous Grisha series.

8 Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

Since this one doesn't come out until next year, I won't say much about it. My review will go up closer to release but believe me when I say you need this book! A darkly funny novel that is a twisted love letter to the power of fangirls and a strong message to never underestimate them. It's highly reminiscent of Heathers and is completely unforgettable. Goldy is a new auto buy author, and I cannot wait for everyone to see why.

9 Anne and Henry by Dawn Ius

This modern twist on Anne and Henry is sexy, intense and addictive. Bold, and unforgettable it comes complete with a lightening bolt of an ending that is filled with cinematic flair. It's the type of book that makes you NEED to talk about it. Dawn's writing is sharp and has me eager to read whatever she writes next. 

10 I Was Here by Gayle Forman

A story of grief, love, death, and most importantly life. This novel is classic Gayle Forman in that she makes you feel all of the emotions, and sometimes all of them at once. It's a surprisingly hopeful story and one that resonates deeply. 

11 Tear You Apart by Sarah Cross

A darkly seductive twist on the Snow White tale that will leave you as entranced as it leaves you unsettled. The world Sarah Cross has created is one I could return to again and again. She blends these fairytales together flawlessly and gives us a dark look at some of our favourites.

12 My Diary From The Edge Of The World by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson has some of the most beautiful writing I've ever read (seriously, read Tiger Lily) and this middle grade novel is exactly what younger me would have been obsessed with. A novel filled with fantasy elements that twist together with a more contemporary feel. This is a story of a family at it's heart - it's just one that happens to be dealing with dragons, Dark Clouds, and more. It's whimsical and will break your heart.

13 A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

If A Darker Shade of Magic showed me anything it's that Victoria Schwab is capable of moving between middle grade, YA, and Adult with appeared ease. This showcases what an immense talent she is, and each of her books are better than the last. A Darker Shade of Magic is spellbinding and will leave you eager to take another journey through the many Londons that are the setting for this exceptional fantasy novel.

14 The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

A fun, frothy, romantic story that is perfect for anyone obsessed with the British royal family. This story was obviously inspired by Will and Kate's love story and you will be obsessed. It's got the right balance of humour, characterization, heart, and romance to keep you enthralled. You'll be begging for a companion novel starring Freddie by the end, and let's hope 2016 grants us that wish.

15 When We Collided by Emery Lord

Another 2016 book that will be reviewed closer to release. For now all I will say is that you will love this book. You'll love Jonah. You'll love Vivi. You'll love Emery for writing it. Vivi is a complicated girl and that makes her all the more special. This story is filled with heart, so much so that it feels raw at times. Emery put everything into this novel, and it shows. Do not miss it in 2016.

16 Blood and Salt by Kim Liggett

A sexy, unsettling read that is filled with a rich back story and the kind of mythology that takes your breath away. The ending twists also set up one heck of a sequel that you'll be needing to get your hands on. This novel is perfect for those fall evenings near Halloween that make you believe, even if just for a second, that ghosts, ghouls and other beings aren't so impossible.

17 Fans Of The Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa

A novel that brings forth comparisons to Perks of Being A Wallflower. It's filled with complex, complicated characters who make mistakes. They're messy and achingly realistic. You can feel the heartbeat of this story and it's beautiful writing only adds the flourish to an already fantastic read.

18 Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas

I have not gotten a review for this one up yet (look for it in early 2016) but Sarah is the only author to have TWO books on my list. Sarah continues to surprise me with this series. She peels another layer back on the world, the characters and the plot with each novel she writes. She manages to rip your heart out and make you like it at the same time. If you haven't started this series, do so immediately. 

19 The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler

A quiet, but powerful novel that managed to sneak up on me. It's beautifully written and filled with a beautiful message. This story of a girl finding her (metaphorical) voice will resonate deeply for anyone who has struggled to be heard. Fans of The Little Mermaid will love the nods to the classic tale (especially the Disney version) but this stands on it's own as a worthy, more contemporary retelling (that has just a little bit of magic itself).

20 Hello? by Liza Wiemer

A novel that shows what can come from a simple hello, and how human connections can be the most powerful thing of all. Liza weaves together multiple narration types to create something truly special. This uniquely written story is perfect for fans of contemporary YA and should be on your list if you're a fan of that genre.

What book is your favourite of 2015? Any of mine make your list, too? Let me know in the comments.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

2016 Most Anticipated - Giveaway



Now that you've heard all about the amazing titles I cannot wait to read I am offering up the chance foe you to win one (and some other goodies).

The winner will receive:

- ARC of A Criminal Magic, along with a note book and swag from Lee Kelly
- various swag from some of the other authors on the list
- their choice of one of the books featured which will be ordered from Book Depository
- a set of postcards I will make featuring the covers of the novels included in the feature

The ARC of Criminal Magic and swag that I have will be sent right away so that the winner can enjoy the book immediately. The postcards and choice of book featured will be sent as soon as they are available (the postcards will be ordered in late Feb/early March when all the covers are revealed). I am still waiting on some swag that will come in the new year from various authors so that will be sent when available as well.

The books featured are:

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker
Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky
Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake
American Girls by Alison Umminger
26 Kisses by Anna Michels
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
The Land of 10,000 Madonnas by Kate Hattemer
The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly
As I Descended by Robin Talley
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Traitor Angels by Anne Blankman
Never Ever by Sara Saedi
Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten
And I Darken by Kiersten White
Overdrive by Dawn Ius
When We Collided by Emery Lord
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Enter using the Rafflecopter below and the winner will be noticed shortly after the contest closes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for stopping by during the event! I hope you've enjoyed learning about these exciting new titles. Let me know in the comments which book you'd select if you win this giveaway.

Monday, December 21, 2015

2016 Most Anticipated - Heartless, Caraval and Glass Sword



As an end to the Most Anticipated of 2016 feature I am offering a round up of a few titles that are on my radar and should really be on yours, too.

These are titles that make me feel extremely lucky for the wealth of amazing books that are about to come our way in the new year.

I have chosen three to highlight and will provide a few reasons I am looking forward to each of them!

Heartless by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)

This one seems like an obvious pick. Pretty sure everyone is anticipating this. Here are my reasons for needing to get my hands on this magical retelling!

1 This is Alice in Wonderland before Alice drops in. It's al about how the Queen of Hearts becomes the Queen of Hearts that we know from the classic tale.

2 There is a character named Jest whom I have heard is very swoon worthy!

3 Some beloved Alice in Wonderland characters are said to make an appearance. Here is hoping we see Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and more!

4 It's Marissa Meyer. We know she'll deliver a fantastic retelling and completely make us fall in love with the characters.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber (goodreads)

1 The Hollywood Reporter deal announcement. Hype is already strong for this one!

2 The focus being on a sibling relationship. I love that two sisters are the main focus.

3 Everything about Roshani Chokshi's Goodreads review has me VERY excited to read it.

4 Caraval itself. It's being compared to The Night Circus and that setting was so vivid. The idea of a setting just as magical has me really excited AND the game itself has my curiosity piqued. 

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

1 The ending to Red Queen. That ending pretty much ensures you'll NEED to get your hands on Glass Sword. I need to know what happens next.

2 The continued expansion of the incredible world Victoria Aveyard has crafted. The hint that there are more people like Mare possibly out there, and that they may try to find them has me really excited.

3 Without spoilers for Red Queen.. one of the things that make me MOST excited to read this is finding out more about the characters and their motivations after certain events that happened. Are things what they seem, or does that betrayal have other layers to it? Cannot wait to find out.

4 This video! Victoria basically gives us three reasons to get Glass Sword and I agree with all of them! I cannot wait to meet these new characters she mentions!


This officially closes the 2016 Most Anticipated event on the blog! However, be sure to stop by tomorrow to see how you can win one of the books I've featured, an ARC of A Criminal Magic, and some fun swag!

What is your own most anticipated novel of 2016? Let me know in the comments!

Sunday, December 20, 2015

New To My Book Closet


It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I have had some amazing goodies make their way into my mailbox this week!

First up is my Christmas gift from the lovely Christy (The Reader Bee)


My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier (goodreads)
The Start Of Me And You by Emery Lord (goodreads)

I love Emery Lord's books and did not have this one in hardcover so I was thrilled to get it. She also sent me one of our Sisterhood of the Travelling Bookclub selection - My Cousin Rachel. We totally selected My Cousin Rachel because Sam Claflin is set to star in the movie adaptation.

I had received the next item quite a bit ago but since I was giving Christy a set for her Christmas gift I had to wait until she had gotten and opened her package. She has, and so I can share these amazing bookmarks!


They are Lou and Will from Me Before You and were made by the talented Nickysea at Magicbookmarks over on Etsy. She was a pleasure to deal with and really quick to complete a custom order. I love that Lou is wearing the bumblebee tights!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

American Horror Story: Hotel - She Gets Revenge



This week's episode had the storylines spiral quickly with everything rushing to it's finish line, and included plenty of jaw dropping moments. I'll start this recap with the usual warnings that.... there will be spoilers. Now let's talk She Gets Revenge.

Liz kicks off our episode via sad voice over. She lists of all the ways forgotten hotels can still be useful - drug deals, sexual indiscretions, and suicide to name a few. An elderly couple checks in and Liz notices that they seem happy and content. It's their wedding anniversary. They've been married 60 years, have children and grandchildren. The wife, sadly, has cancer and the husband cannot picture his life without her. It's obvious they have a suicide pact. Liz lingers by the door after leaving, almost wistfully. Denis O'Hare does so much with so little. That moment perfectly captures what Liz is feeling. She understands why they would do what they are about to do. Someone (Liz I expect) has given them champagne and the couple toasts themselves before saying goodbye and shooting each other.

Liz and Iris enter to clean up the mess and Liz asks if she's ever seen anything more beautiful. Iris, however, only sees the mess she'll have to clean up. Doesn't see why it has to be her problem. Liz starts crying and mentions that it's been more difficult than she imagined living in a world without Tristan. Plus, it's only a matter of time before Countess slits her throat so what's the point? Liz grabs the gun and goes to shoot herself, but Iris stops her. Iris reminds Liz of the consequences of acting rashly. Mainly being stuck in the hotel forever as a ghost because of unfinished business. Liz admits that she does feel that there is some unresolved issues with her son that would haunt her. Iris tells her to get her affairs in order before killing herself. If Liz does, Iris will happily join her in a suicide pact. Iris has realized that Donovan doesn't love her, and that he never will (way to go, Donovan) so she's okay with dying. Liz agrees that they can do it together. I honestly love these two as BFFs and I will be very sad if they don't end this whole thing alive, happy, and with all the purple eye shadow they could need.

Liz enlists Miss Evers' help in contacting her son in order to try to make amends. Miss Evers calls up Liz's son and invites him to the Cortez on Liz's dime. The son agrees to come. Miss Evers, however, decides to be an awful human being and inquire if Liz is really sure she wants him to come. She thinks Liz is asking her son to be very understanding and accepting since he hasn't seen Liz in over 30 years. She's rather insulting but makes a good point that he may feel abandoned. Liz is not having it though and tells Miss Evers to get out. Before she goes, she asks for her payment which turns out to be laundry detergent. Only Miss Evers could go from insulting someone to gushing over laundry detergent. She's rather adorable about cleaning supplies.

Meanwhile, John has struck another of the Ten Commandments off his list. He killed some people who worshipped false prophets and took their ears as a trophy. Yup, ears. Gross, John. Honestly. That means only Thou Shalt Not Kill remains and I am pretty sure that John is going to use himself for that one. Now that we know John is the murderer we get to see him commit the crime and it's brutal. Sally, however, is happy because it only means one more and John is free. Does she think he'll just stop being a serial killer when he's done? Pretty sure it doesn't work that way, Sally. At all.

This next scene is shot rather cleverly. It's Donovan and Countess each confronting the people they see as rivals for the objects of their affection. It's powerful, dizzying, and rapidly paced as they intertwine the two storylines together. It also shows how similar Donovan and Countess actually are.

Donovan wastes no time in rushing into the motel room after Natacha leaves. He sneaks in a window and Valentino immediately asks him who he is. Donovan replies 'I'm you, asshole' and tells Valentino that he loves 'her'. Valentino's reply to this is amazing and so perfect for this character.


Donovan taunts that Valentino wouldn't last two days with the Countess out in the real world, once she realizes he's scared of everything outside the motel. Valentino takes insult and grabs a sword which causes Donovan to laugh.


I see why though, especially when Donovan has a gun. Valentino literally brought a knife to a gun fight. My poor, sheltered, naive Valentino did not stand a chance. That's right, Ryan Murphy took away my Christmas present and had Donovan kill off Valentino (even uttering a line that Countess used with Tristan as he did so). So that's twice this season that they've killed off Finn Wittrock and it is very much not a trend I want to see continue in future seasons.

Back at the Cortez,  Countess welcomes Natacha and the two immediately start making out. However, Natacha is smart and immediately calls her out. She tells her that she's not interested in any of her cast-offs (as Countess got her there under the pretence of looking at clothes) but she muses that Countess is sure interested in her cast-offs (meaning Valentino, I imagine). She taunts Countess by saying that what Countess feels for Valentino isn't real. Countess loves an image on a screen and that he sees her as little more than a fangirl. There is still something sexual about their interaction as the whole scene is basically them climbing on top of each other while on a bed. Countess reacts to Natacha's insults by calling her cheap. She says that Natacha has always been cheap. Turns out that 1920's vampires did not get the memo that knives are pretty much useless against guns because Natacha pulls one on Countess and this is how that works out for her...


I went from laughing to screaming f*@k over and over to laughing again when Countess threw down that "who's the little mouse now?" taunt after shooting Natacha in the head. You can almost hear the bitch after it, especially the way Lady Gaga tilts her head.

However, my only concern was that Valentino was dead. That beautiful face had been shot. Donovan was also very obsessed with Valentino's face (which, fair). He wanted to make sure Countess mourned that beautiful face so he shot it a few more times for good measure. He also decided to kick a man while he's dead by taunting him after. This part was so in character (and a great throw back to earlier episodes) that it almost made me not mad any more (almost, but let's be real here).



Also, it's jawline, Donovan. JAWLINE FOR DAYS. Geesh, get it right. Matt Bomer killed this scene though (and as a fan it was fun to see Matt get Finn back for the brutal death scene in Freakshow).

Elsewhere, Mr March has restrained the contractor. Turns out the modifications done to the chamber were not to Mr March's liking so he decides to SET THE GUY ON FIRE. I get that Mr March is straight up psycho but this still managed to make my jaw drop. I think because of the humour you forget that he is a raving lunatic. John comes in and Mr March is very excited to tell him all about the plans he has for them. John is only interested in finding Alex though. Mr March is basically all "Pffft. Wives ruin everything" and goes back to talking about the dreams he has for them (all of which involve murder, naturally). John threatens to walk away unless Mr March helps him find Alex so James relents. He even has Miss Evers set up coffee for them. John immediately tells Alex that he knows she kept Holden from him and that she tried to make him think he was crazy. Alex admits that she did both of these things but only did so because Holden has changed and she had to make a choice. She chose Holden. John suddenly recalls that they have another child (poor Scarlet) and that he and Alex are the worst parents in the world. Alex agrees with him on that fact. Turns out that only Alex has seen Scarlet recently and it's only been twice during this whole time. Literally, THE WORST PARENTS EVER. Alex muses that perhaps it'll be better for Scarlet when she's dead. Turns out that Countess knows about the child vampires Alex created and has given her a chance to fix the situation or she'll kill Alex and Holden. Alex asks John for help and he agrees. He also seems to be very much back in love with her (and Alex seems into him, too).

With everything going on I almost forgot that Liz's son was arriving. Miss Evers tells her that he's arrived and Liz gets sweetly nervous. When her son arrives she only introduces herself has the bartender. They have a pretty good conversation and Liz even offers up some life advice to him. She tells her son to take the risk and follow his dream of opening a kayak company in Boulder, Colorado. It's a great start to what is hopefully a mended relationship. I really want this for Liz, and that feeling is something this show has managed to create effortlessly. You care about Liz, therefore you care about the outcome of this.

John and Alex go back to the house that Alex had seen the kids in previously. They are still there, and some of them are dying (guessing it's the ones who are refusing to eat). The kids are less than thrilled to see Alex again, until one of them convulses and dies. John manges to convince the kids to come back to the Cortez with them (by brandishing a gun in their face). They bring the kids back to the Cortez and trick them into getting in the chamber with Ramona. This may just be the smartest thing they've ever done. She might actually be the only person capable of turning these kids into functioning vampires (if they ever get out of captivity). She's the authority figure they need. 

Again, with all the excitement of this episode (and me being in mourning, again) I forgot Will Drake is now dead. After killing Natacha Countess decides to report Will missing to the police so that people will not ask questions or suspect her when he doesn't turn back up. However, while she's speaking with the police Will walks in. Turns out he's a ghost now, but obviously the police do not know this. Will tells them that he got lost up on the seventh floor in the hallways for two days. He offers to show it to the police, but Countess quickly rushes them out apologizing for wasting their time. After they leave Will calls her a bitch for killing him. Countess tells him to get over it. He deserved it for what he said about Bartholomew. Will calls her out on the fact that his death was the plan the entire time. Will reminds her that she's not in the will, so she'll get nothing. Countess, however, reminds him that his son gets everything and she is now Lachlan's legal guardian. She taunts that she could turn Lachlan in to a 'blood relative' so that she'll always control his money since he'll never age (and therefore never get to be 21). She tells him to go see Lachlan and put his mind at ease. As Will rushes off, Mr March shows up to have his I told you so moment. He reminds her that he told her not to kill Will on the property. He has a point. Now she's going to have to deal with him all the time, or move so that he can't follow (but good luck getting Lachlan to go without his dad).

After locking up the child vamps, Alex and John go back to his room and end up having sex (because nothing brings a couple back together like solving problems together). John wants to give their marriage another try. He wants to be a family again. Alex admits that John seems different, and that she likes this new and improved John (so she's totally into him when he's a self aware serial killer). A very pissed off Sally shows up when Alex goes to check on Holden and the vamp kids. She yells at John for reuniting with Alex. He tells her that while he cares for her, it's an addicts high. Sally attempts to make him see that only she can love him because she accepts that he's a serial killer. She doesn't think Alex ever would. They have this intense back and forth where they go between making out and wanting to kill each other. It's all rough kisses, choking, pushing, scratching. They are totally toxic and dysfunctional. John tells her that he wants to try to make things work for Holden and Scarlet. He owes that to them. She calls him a liar, and says it's for him. He agrees that it is if he's being honest. Sally reminds him that she's the one who supported him the last five years, not Alex. John finally leaves while apologizing to her for how he's hurt her. Sally, however, goes to stab him in the hallway (because she's crazy). John disarms her, and tells her to stay away from him. Sally threatens to kill Alex as a parting shot though, and I do not think it's just an idle threat of a woman scorned. Alex should probably be scared.

Iris and Liz are still getting things in order for their suicide. They have given Miss Evers one last gift. A high tech washer and dryer set that sends her into fits of bliss. She's seriously adorable about anything to do with laundry. Megan Winningham is delightful in this role, and she walks that balance between the various sides of Miss Evers beautifully. Liz thanks her for being nice to his son and helping them reconnect. She and Iris head off to kill themselves but Miss Evers stops them to tell Liz that her son is down at the bar. Liz goes down to see him and they have another amazing talk. One where her son reveals that not only is he taking Liz's advice, but he knows Liz is his father. He tells Liz that he has more than enough room for another woman in his life, and is all together a sweet, kind person. Seriously, my heart swelled. Dennis O'Hare is brilliant in this scene. This show is unique in that it can balance the outlandish with the high calibre drama and make both feel true.

Countess needs to ask Donovan a favour so she invites him to dinner. She wants him to go retrieve Will's body and put Ramona back in her cage. Donovan decides to instead share that he killed Valentino. He relishes inflecting this wound on her and even makes some taunts about Valentino being unable to communicate via FaceTime. Countess has to rush over and see for herself and completely breaks down upon finding her love's body. I feel you, Countess. *cries* 

Meanwhile, Iris is ready to die. She's made her own tribute video (for her 3 Instagram followers) and has provided an abundance of methods for them to kill themselves with. Liz, however, has a new appreciation for life. She has her son to live for now and isn't sure she wants to die any more. She wants to be a grandmother. Iris says that Liz is just another person who abandoned her so what's the difference. Liz gives an inspiring speech of how they should inherit the earth, but she'll settle for the hotel. They should take things into their own hands and forge their own happiness. It's a rallying cry and one that sways Iris. Kathy Bates is phenomenal here. She shows Iris going through a million different emotions during this brief scene and it just reminds you why she's so revered. She's freaking Kathy Bates. Seriously, the range in this brief scene is mind blowing. 

John and Alex have decided to leave the hotel with Holden. They are going to give being a family another try. She warns John that there is no going back once they do this. This is the first time that a TV show has made me cry over a serial killer but Wes Bentley destroys the scene where John sees Holden again. The way his face just expresses the hope for the future, the sadness for all that's been lost, and the relief to be holding his baby boy again. It's powerful and just showcases the talent that is on this show. This episode alone is filled with fantastic performance from so many of the cast.


Seriously, he does this laugh/cry thing that is just impressive. He deserves all the award nominations he's gotten for this role. John's had quite the journey and it seems that his journey is now taking him home. He walks out of the Cortez hand in hand with both his wife and son. Sally decides to send him off with a promise to kill him, however, so I doubt happiness is in his future.

Countess is obviously going to be pissed that the love of her life is dead. I would be. So what do you think the first thing Donovan did after telling Countess was? If you said go into hiding, you would be wrong. Donovan did not go into hiding. Donovan instead decided to have a dance party to Drake's Hotline Bling and get drunk (because obviously). 



It goes without saying that this moment stole the show. I mean... how could it not?! Matt Bomer killed it.

Countess comes back and interrupts the party though and asks why he didn't run. Donovan says that she'd have found him anyway so what would have been the point. Countess tearfully tells him that he's wrong. 


She reminds him that she couldn't find Valentino for almost a century. She says that during this time she didn't know if Valentino was dead or if he'd abandoned her. Instead it turned out he was trapped in the hotel the whole time. Donovan reminds her that Valentino wasn't the only one who was trapped. They all were. At least now Valentino is free. Countess asks if that is why Donovan killed Valentino, so she'd free him in return. Donovan says he knew what killing Valentino would mean because he knew instantly what he meant to her. He knew that she had moulded him after Valentino. Countess bites back that he was never Valentino, and that he could never be him so he destroyed him instead. Countess realizes that Donovan doesn't care if she kills him. He tells her that he's accepted it as the price he has to pay to love her. He tells her that dying is the only way she'll let him love her, and that he doesn't know how else to do it. Countess gets all soft and gooey as Donovan kneels in front of her and puts her glove blade to his throat. She seems enthralled that he is willing to sacrifice everything for her love. She calls him a beautiful creation and they are seconds away from making out when Iris and Liz storm in with TWO guns each shooting like crazy (while Hotline Bling plays in the background). It is so over the top and outlandish that you're stunned. Part of you is fist pumping because HECK YES! You want Liz and Iris to get their revenge, and the other part cannot stop laughing because WHAT THE HECK DID I JUST WATCH?! It's insane and only American Horror Story could get away with it.

We leave the last episode of 2015 on a cliffhanger of sorts and with me in mourning again. Did they seriously just kill off all the major vamps? Are we honestly just left with Ramona and Alex? It is unlikely that Donovan or Countess survived but will we see them as ghosts? If so, we better also see Tristan is all I am saying. 

I think John will be dealing with a very 'Fatal Attraction' like Sally, and that things are not going to end well for the Lowe family by the time the season is done.

Until 2016..... enjoy your stay (just don't piss off Sally) 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

2016 Most Anticipated - When We Collided



I saved one of the final spots in my 2016 Most Anticipated event for this book. I've had the chance to read it, and every single thing about it will linger after you've finished. It's a book that breaks your heart and mends it. It's a book that leaves you devastated, but also leaves you soaring. It has nabbed the spot of favourite book by this particular author by a landslide.



The  Goodreads synopsis should be enough to entice you to pick up this incredible book.
Meet Vivi and Jonah: A girl and a boy whose love has the power save or destroy them.

Vivi and Jonah couldn't be more different. Vivi craves anything joyful or beautiful that life can offer. Jonah has been burdened by responsibility for his family ever since his father died. As summer begins, Jonah resigns himself to another season of getting by. Then Vivi arrives, and suddenly life seems brighter and better. Jonah is the perfect project for Vivi, and things finally feel right for Jonah. Their love is the answer to everything. But soon Vivi's zest for life falters, as her adventurousness becomes true danger-seeking. Jonah tries to keep her safe, but there's something important Vivi hasn't told him.

Perfect for fans of E. Lockhart and Jandy Nelson, When We Collided is a powerful story of two teens whose love is put to the test by forces beyond their control.
It really is everything that blurb promises and more. It's beautiful, and important. It's the type of book that will make you want to push it on everyone after you've finished.

Emery kindly took some time to answer a few of my questions and share what drink she thinks pairs nicely with When We Collided (among other things).

1 Twitter pitch When We Collided (140 characters or less) 

A boy who had to grow up too soon, a girl who refuses to, and what happens when they collide.

2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included? 

I think sparkling basil lemonade. Sunny tart lemonade for Viv- earthy, versatile basil for Jonah.

3 Your blog post about what inspired this book was incredible. You mentioned wanting to drive back stereotypes, shame and silence by using words. What do you feel makes words the best way to fight these? 

Thanks! There's a lot of private suffering with mental illness- not just those who are trying to navigate it, but their loved ones too. It's like a different language that you speak only with family, closest friends. But the truth is that SO MANY people speak it. To find out who, sometimes you have to say a word in that language first- "depression" or "lithium" or "manic episode." When you realize how many people deeply understand- or have experienced- what you've been through, you feel less alone. And for people who don't know the language? Seeing how many people speak it gives them a sense of how diverse the population of mental illness is.

4 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters. 

It's not really a SECRET, but...in my mind, my characters all live in the same universe, so they could conceivably meet. And a few do, in the bonus material I wrote for The Start of Me & You paperback!

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

ANYWHERE? Frell, to hang out with Ella and Prince Char :)

6 What three things do you need while revising? 

playlists, kettle corn & Diet Coke

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating? 

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson!

IS ANYONE ELSE FLAILING ABOUT THIS BONUS MATERIAL CHARACTER MEET UP?! OMG!

Her answer to question 3 should be flashing and starred but just go back and read it again if you skimmed. This is why this novel is so important. On a different note - how can you not love her answer of Frell?! Emery's also the only author to choose a literary place to go to (and I did say anywhere).

When We Collided releases April 5, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.


You can also follow Emery on Twitter, visit her website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by Monday where I showcase a few other books to add to your 2016 lists (along with reasons I am anticipating them).

Have you read an Emery Lord book before? If not, fix that immediately. Let me know in the comments what your favourite part of reading contemporary novels is.

You Might Also Like

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...