Waiting On Wednesday .... The Wife Upstairs

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

This week's pick is The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie­ Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?

With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending? 

Fans of Jane Eyre will want to get their hands on this upcoming book from Rachel Hawkins. This twist on the classic novel sounds really captivating and I cannot wait to have a Gothic suspense novel to read this winter.

Be sure to add it to your Goodreads so you can join the wait with me. I hope it is as fun and twisty as I am expecting.

Expected release date - January 5, 2021

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
Release Date - May 7, 2019
Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages -  304 pages
My Rating - 5/5

**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. And because Millie cannot stand the thought of confronting her ex every day, she decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools . . . the farther from Houston the better.

Millie can't believe her luck when she's accepted into one of the world's most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Everything about Scotland is different: the country is misty and green; the school is gorgeous, and the students think Americans are cute.

The only problem: Mille's roommate Flora is a total princess.

She's also an actual princess. Of Scotland.

At first, the girls can barely stand each other--Flora is both high-class and high-key--but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Even though Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, Millie knows the chances of happily ever afters are slim . . . after all, real life isn't a fairy tale . . . or is it? 

Royal themed novels are a weakness of mine. It immediately gets me to add a book to my ever growing reading pile. It is always a nice bonus when they turn out to be a thoroughly enjoyable read that is everything a young adult contemporary fan could want.

Fans of the hate-to-love trope will delight in the dynamic between Millie and Flora. The sparks are there even when it seems like they would rather fight with each other than make out. Those hoping for a super romantic, light, and all around fun relationship between two female characters will absolutely find that within these pages.

The Scotland boarding school setting is the perfect backdrop to this story. Forcing Millie and Flora to be roommates makes great use of that classic trope and gives a wanderlust vibe to the story as we see the school (and Scotland) through Millie's eyes.  I loved everything about the school but especially the fun inclusion of it being the first group of female students to attend.

Millie is super smart and unapologetically into her interests. She is fascinated by geology and that fact is present throughout the entire book. Millie embraces who she is so fiercely that it is inspiring. I predict many readers will love her and Fiora quite a bit by the end of the novel.

The fun part of companion style novels is the cameos it allows and this book is no except. It has got some great cameos for those who have read Royals (retitled Prince Charming). It is, however, a better example of my other favourite thing about companion novels - they allow us to get to know characters we already know better. My opinion of Flora, and who she is as a character, changed so much as a result of reading this book. She is more layered and less frivolous than I expected. She also has a much bigger heart than I anticipated. Seeing this other side of her made me want a book about Seb because I can only imagine what is underneath that hot mess of a Prince.

This is a true rom-com with all of the cliche moments and required happy ending. Any reader who sees themselves reflected in Millie and Flora's story will be thrilled that they are finally getting a story usually told about a girl falling for a Prince. I highly urge you to seek out reviews from those people because this book is going to speak to them in a completely different way than it did me.

Her Royal Highness is a pure delight of a book. A romance filled with grand gestures, just enough angst, and plenty of swoon worthy moments. It will leave you with more than a dash of royal fever and wondering when you'll be able to watch the, hopefully, inevitable Netflix movie.

Waiting On Wednesday ... Her Royal Highness

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

This week's pick is Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Regal romance abounds in this flirty, laugh-out-loud companion novel Royals, by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins.

Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. And because Millie cannot stand the thought of confronting her ex every day, she decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools . . . the farther from Houston the better.

Millie can't believe her luck when she's accepted into one of the world's most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Everything about Scotland is different: the country is misty and green; the school is gorgeous, and the students think Americans are cute.

The only problem: Mille's roommate Flora is a total princess.

She's also an actual princess. Of Scotland.

At first, the girls can barely stand each other--Flora is both high-class and high-key--but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Even though Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, Millie knows the chances of happily ever afters are slim . . . after all, real life isn't a fairy tale . . . or is it?

This second book in Rachel Hawkins' fun, flirty Royals series brings a proud perspective to a classic romance.

I loved the first book, Prince Charming (previously titled Royals), and was excited to hear that there would be a companion novel featuring a character I loved in the first book.

The book is set in a boarding school which automatically makes it a must read for me. It also sounds pretty funny and romantic. I am excited to read all about Mille and Flora's love story and see how they go from hate to love!

It's May release date ensures that it'll be a perfect pool side summer read.

Expected release date - May 7, 2019

Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Royals by Rachel Hawkins
Release Date - May 1, 2018
Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  296 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.

Thanks to the recent royal wedding the fascination with all things royal is at a fever pitch. If you're anything like me you'll be wanting to get your hands on any book that has any sort of royal family connection in it. Rachel Hawkins' Royals was already on my radar, but it was exactly the book I was looking for when I picked it up. It is a book that more than lives up to what its synopsis promises and will leave you instantly wanting more.

This story focuses on a unique perspective by having it be told primarily through the lens of Daisy instead of her sister Ellie. It's like having a secondary view of what a royal wedding would be like, and this novel is all the better for it. I've never thought about the family of the person marrying into royalty. Through Daisy we see the spotlight that would come along with this. We see how invasive it would be to have that spotlight thrust upon you. It's this invasion of privacy, and a set of expectations, that you never directly signed up for. It's an interesting dynamic because you get that Daisy wants her sister to be happy and marry the guy she loves, but there is also this frustration that her life is now impacted by the choices her sister has made. The tension that is created from this really worked for me. I am a sucker for family dynamics and this has a lot of family focus.

Daisy is a typical teen. She's a fangirl who likes to read. She's a bit of a mess sometimes, but is also funny, snarky, and loyal. She isn't what anyone would consider regal or polished. She is not perfect and that imperfection shows itself on the outside. I loved the connections she had to those she surrounded herself with. Her family bonds, and friendships felt natural to me because I was invested in Daisy.

Sebastian, the younger brother of the prince Daisy's sister is marrying, is also a fascinating character. He's the more scandalous brother. He's the one who breaks hearts and finds his way into the tabloids. He's easily one of the more interesting characters and pretty unforgettable (especially when compared to his brother).

Part of Daisy's journey is realizing that the members of the royal family are not as perfect as they appear to be. This also applies to those they surround themselves with. It was refreshing to have them seem like human beings instead of these bland, characterless personas.

The romance within this one is enchanting. It's the stuff of fairytales, just a much more realistic feeling one. It's not all castles, tiaras, and grand gestures and that is exactly what makes it work. Daisy isn't looking for her prince charming. She isn't interested in the life her sister is living and wants to create her own path. All of this makes the ending of the novel all the sweeter.

The wide cast of characters ensures that this could easily be extended with a series of companion novels focusing on other characters. There are so many fascinating characters that grace these pages that it would be a travesty if we didn't see them again in some format. It's a world that is built to be expanded upon and I cannot wait to see that happen.

A book whose humour and charm sparkles as bright as any tiara. It's a perfect blend of fun, spit your beverage out  humour, and romance. It's the sot of book that is able to break you out of a reading slump. If you're a fan of contemporary young adult novels that seem made for a happily ever after I would highly recommend spending some time devouring this one.

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)

 Super late posting this today, but I wanted to make sure it got up today.

I got an amazing package from Penguin this past week and I am so excited to read all of these! A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the chance to review these!

Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl (goodreads)
Royals by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
The Lost Kids by Sara Saedi (goodreads)
The Strange Fascinations Of Noah Hypnotik by David Arnold (goodreads)

What bookish goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday ..... Royals

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

This week's pick is Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. 

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself. 

With the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to happen in 2018 this book could not be more timely. I have always loved books about  royalty and this one sounds especially perfect. I anticipate a bunch of cuteness and at least one swoon worthy romance from this book.

This one comes with a bit of a wait as it doesn't release until May of next year, but it'll be a perfect fit with the nicer weather, and some delicious ice cream. 

Expected release date - May 1, 2018

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.

BOOK

cover of Royals by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)

With a royal wedding happening next year I predict that books featuring royalty will be in high demand. Rachel Hawkins newest features a girl whose sister is marrying a prince and it sounds amazing.

It also happens to have a pretty fun cover.  

 

I am really excited to get my hands on this one! I hope it's as cute and fluffy as I am expecting.

TV/MOVIE  

Ocean's 8 Movie Poster

I am so excited about this all female heist team movie! It also has Sarah Paulson, one of my favourite actresses, as part of the cast!

I am so excited to see a trailer and find out more about this movie as the release date gets closer.

What are you obsessed with this week?

2018 Most Anticipated - A Few More

Today is the last book post for this event and I thought I would share three more books that I am excited about in a slightly different format. I am capping it at three simply because it could get out of control otherwise. There are some VERY exciting books coming out in 2018.

Royals by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.

Why I am so excited for this title:

This book was already on my radar before the whole "royal wedding' fever hit but now I am extra excited to read about an American girl marrying a Prince (and the younger sister along for the ride). It sounds adorable and like a fun summer read.

Release date: 

May 1, 2018

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (goodreads)

What If It’s Us opens as Arthur and Ben meet at the post office as Ben is shipping his ex-boyfriend’s things back to him. They subsequently endure the frustration of knowing there was a missed connection, before the universe pushes them back together again in a series of failed “first” dates.

Why I am so excited for this title:

It's Beck and Adam! Enough said. I cannot wait to see how their writing styles compliment each other. The only question is whether this will be more Becky and provide us with a cute, uplifting ending or if it'll be more Adam and rip our hearts out instead.

Release date: 

Fall, 2018

Save This Date by Morgan Matson (goodreads)

Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait—for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster—all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster.

There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo.

Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephew is unexpectedly, distractingly…cute.

Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she’ll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future. 

Why I am so excited for this title:

A new Morgan Matson book screams summer to me, so I am super excited to have a new one to read by the pool next summer. It also sounds adorable and I love the thought of Morgan writing a family dynamic book. Her friendships are amazing so I am expecting good things from her family connections.

Release date:

June 5, 2018

What books are you most excited for in 2018? Let me know in the comments. 

Check back tomorrow for a giveaway that will run through the holidays!

Waiting on Wednesday..... Rebel Belle

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 Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

I've seen this compared to Buffy, which immediately made me want it. I can't wait to read this one. It sounds like it'll have action, humour, and romance which is a perfect combination. 

Expected release date - April 8, 2014

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).

This week is a big one for bookish goodness. I met with some of the Ottawa blogettes this week and borrowed books from them, and also got a package of awesome from Raincoast Books.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)

Thanks Katie (from Bookishly Yours) for lending these!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)

I got this one from the library after hearing how amazing it is.

Package of awesome from Raincoast included

Unremembered by Jessica Brody (goodreads)
Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington (goodreads)
Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally (goodreads) *not pictured as it was promptly borrowed by another blogger*

Thank you so much to the people at Raincoast. I was so excited to get these.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Release Date – March 2, 2012
Publisher Website –  Hyperion
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**Borrowed from another blogger**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.  

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. 

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

After a love spell that goes WAY wrong (think obsession instead of smitten) Sophie is dragged off to a super exclusive reform school for all naughty witches, faeries, and the like. I was instantly pulled into the world of Hex Hall and it's secrets.

The plot for Hex Hall is not overly unique. It’s rather a mash up of other stories,  however, the delightfully enjoyable characters, and tone of the story make it feel fresh. The back story of the Prodigium and their connection to angels was a intriguing twist. The history of the school, and the Prodigium is fascinating and was one of my favourite parts of the story.

This story really is all about the characters, and your enjoyment of them will impact how you feel about the novel. Luckily, these characters are mostly funny, endearing and interesting.

Sophie is a lot of fun. An awkward teen witch, who is a little clueless when it comes to her ancestry and background, finds herself a little over her head at Hex Hall. Dealing with classic mean girls, a crush on the hottest boy in school, and unfair teachers made Sophie’s high school experience instantly recognizable to many readers.

I enjoyed Jenna a lot. Hex Hall’s resident vampire who is more Pretty in Pink than Gothic Dracula. I loved the friendship that develops between her and Sophie. Unlikely friends and roommates, their friendship some how works, and they were actually good friends to each other.

I liked the 'getting to know each other' aspect of Archer and Sophie’s budding relationship. I found myself wishing that I knew more about Archer. I hope his back story and more character traits are delved into during the next novel. He is presented as a good looking, funny, self assured guy, but otherwise he is a mystery. I do, however, like his banter with Sophie and found them cute together. Cal, a warlock with a healing touch, has already grabbed my interest as well. I expect both these boys to have a much bigger presence in the subsequent novels.

The ending is a bit of a twist, but one that isn't completely unexpected. The consequences of the reveal and how it impacts the characters is what interests me. I expect it is going to wide reaching repercussions.

A fun, almost light, read that took me by surprise. A little predictable, but it’s the characters that shine in this quick, breezy read.