Favourite Books Since I've Started Blogging

I was recently asked about my favourite books. The books I would make everyone read if given the chance. The books that stayed with me years after I've finished reading them (or will stay with me).

Since I am out of town, I figured this would be a perfect chance to create a list of those titles (at least so far). I am keeping it to ones that I have reviewed on the blog. They'll all link to my review if you wish to check them out.

1 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

My first review, and I still love this one more than words can express. It's literally become a joke with the ladies of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Club because I mention it so often during our chats. Incredibly written, emotionally draining, and it's a book that plays with your head. In the most beautiful way possible, of course. This one is making it's way to the big screen with Ryan Kwanten as Ty.

2 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's beautiful writing reduced me to tears as Tiger Lily ended. This retelling of Peter Pan not only feels fresh and different, but is one of my favourite adaptations of all time. An unforgettable story about the girl with the crow feather in her hair, and the lost boy she fell in love with. It gets bonus points for being narrated by everyone's favourite pixie.

3 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

One of the best twists, EVER. I didn't see it coming, and (for me) it was brilliantly executed. Gillian Flynn's sharp, smart writing combined with a wrenching story of a couple falling in, and out of love serves to add a depth to this anything but typical mystery.

4 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Pretty sure Katherine's next book Brazen will be added to the list (I am halfway through and it's beautiful) but it's her portrayal of Anne Boleyn that stunned me. A novel that focuses on Anne's life, rather than her death. It shows that everyone deserves, and should fight for, their voice to be heard. A surprisingly uplifting and hopeful message that adds a bitter-sweetness to Anne's fate.

5 Vicious by V.E. Schwab

A deliciously dark look at what it means to be a hero, and villain. Unforgettable characters combined with Victoria's brilliant writing, and a rich, complex plot to create what is basically a perfect book. I ache to go back to this world and these characters. This one surprised me in the best way possible, and made me a Victoria Schwab fan for life. Apparently this one is also on it's way to the big screen. #DaneDehaanForVictorVale

6 Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Cute and fluffy is what most people probably think when they read the titles for these books. WRONG. They are adorable, but they are also filled with humour, heart, and a realness that seeps from the pages. The characters are so completely developed they feel like friends, and it quickly became one that I want to read over and over again. Both of them. There are plenty of swoon worthy passages throughout the novel. The stand out in both is Stephanie's attention to the little details that go into a romance. The inside jokes, the little gestures, and the moments that make everything stop. She captures that falling in love moment effortlessly.

7 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

A duology that when combined tell the romantic, and engrossing story of two people's journey to each other. Often romance is about the couple, but Gayle shines a light on the two individuals inside that couple. We get to know them each so well, and this is a case where each novel is dependent on the other. Allyson's story isn't complete without Willem's and vice versa. It's the kind of novel that inspires wanderlust, and might just inspire you to take a few chances.

8 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The less I say about this one the better. E Lockhart's gorgeous writing will pull you into the dreamy, summer vibe, but the mystery will keep you burning through the pages. Read it. Lie about it. Just make sure you experience it unspoiled as it's one that is meant to be experienced along with the characters.

9 Love Letters To the Dead by Ava Dellaira

A novel that is both heartbreaking and healing. It's letter style narration was done impressively well, and the emotions and character development impressive for this style as well. Ava's work reads gut-wrenchingly real that it feels like you're reading someone's personal letters at times, rather than a work of fiction. The celebrity angle works for the character and the story in a charming way. They become characters themselves. This was another surprise for me, but I was happy to fall under it's spell.

10 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I hugged this book when I was done. It's that adorable, and fun. It's one of those books that makes you feel good. The journey you take with the characters comes complete with a musical playlist which only adds to it's charm. The characters, the writing, and the depth this novel has is wonderful. It's one to pick up this summer and enjoy by the beach.

This is my no means a full listing, but these are the books I would want to make everyone read if I could.

What books make your EVERYONE MUST READ list?

Best of 2013

Top Ten Books of 2013!

We're getting close to the end of the year, and I am officially taking it easy on the blog for the rest of 2013. Kicking off Christmas week I am going to put up my list of the top ten books I read in 2013. This was hard, really hard.

There is a mix of YA, and adult on here. It was a good year for both genres. I've indicated which titles are adult. Each of the books link to my review (if posted).

1 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Katherine Longshore brings Anne Boleyn to life effortlessly. Her voice stayed in my head long after I had finished the novel, and Katherine's brilliant writing only improves with each novel. She creates a sympathetic, yet still driven portrait of the doomed queen. Fans of Anne Boleyn will relish this one, and newcomers to the Tudor court will find much to enjoy as well. It's sexy, scandalous, and heart pulling.

2 Night Film by Marisha Pessl (adult novel)

A mind warp at it's finest. You'll feel like you're in one of Cordova's 'night films yourself as you question everything. This novel dares to question belief, perception, and reality. Does believing in something make it reality? It's thought provoking ending will make you want to read the novel again.

3 Vicious by V.E. Schwab (adult novel)

Victoria Schwab blurs the lines between good, evil and creates something in between. Vicious wants to make you question mortality, and your definition of the 'anti-hero'. Needless to say, she succeeds. Vicious is not only thrilling, taunt, and addictive, but it's brilliantly written. I, personally, was left wanting to beg her for more. You won't soon forget Victor or Eli after reading this one.

4 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

An intoxicating duology that ends with a fantastic finale. Bethany has created a world that is rich, characters that will immediately grab you, and has ended the series in the most fitting way. It's decadent, dangerous, and yet there is a little light of hope, which is exactly the message of her story. Araby grows leaps and bounds and remains one of my favourite female protagonists. 

5 Tampa by Alissa Nutting (adult novel)

After finishing Tampa I felt two things - shock and disbelief. A provocative, controversial novel whose main character, Celeste, is someone you will never forget. Alissa takes what could have been a disaster, and creates something thought provoking, and brilliantly written. It made me want to discuss it with everyone, but it also made me want to warn them (and I think that's exactly what Alissa was going for).

** Tampa is REALLY adult. It is not intended for the younger readers**

6 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (adult with cross-over appeal)

Another debut novelist who impressed me with her writing. The world building is fantastic, and Paige is a character I am going to love seeing evolve and change throughout the novel. An impressive set up to what appears to be an amazing series. If you're looking for the next series to get obsessed with, this just might be it.

7 Cress by Marissa Meyer

I don't want to say to much, as this one is not on shelves yet. I will say that I fell in love with Cress (both the book and the character). Marissa Meyer's third novel has set up what is going to be one spectacular finale. The writing is just as engaging as the previous novels, and the plot is tight. This is a series where you can tell the author has planned, and plotted and is weaving everything together. I am so excited to watch everyone fall in love with Cress once it's released, she's truly wonderful.

8 Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Willem may just be my favourite male voice. He's exactly what I imagined while reading Just One Day, except even more so. He's just as swoony, just as complicated, and just as infuriating as you would anticipate after reading Allyson's story. This novel completes her story in a way that you won't be able to imagine one without the other. They are two sides of the same coin, and Gayle's writing shines as she brings Willem to life.

9 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

I loved Born Wicked. It was everything I wanted out of a witch novel. Star Cursed only improved on an already fantastic story. Jessica Spotswood's writing is impressive, and her characters are rich. The stage is set for the installment to this series, and the stakes just keep getting higher. A heart ripping ending, mixed with delightful characters, made this one an easy choice for this life. If you haven't checked out this series - do it immediately.

10 Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

I cried my way through a large portion of this novel. Leonard Peacock's head is not a pleasant place to be, but there is no denying that Leonard's story MUST be told. Matthew Quick creates sympathy in a character who, at first, may seem undeserving. As you unravel Leonard's secret you quickly come to feel his pain. Matthew Quick has creates a timeless story that will crush your heart, and yet give you a little ray of hope as well.

Any of these titles make your top ten this year? Will you be adding any to your reading list in 2014? Let me know in the comments (link me your top ten if you've posted yours!).

Best of 2013.... so far

Hard to believe it's already 6 months until 2013. It's officially the half way point to the end of the year and time to check in and see what the best books I've read this year... so far at least. I've linked to my reviews if you want to know more about what I thought of each of these novels (or have indicated when a review is forthcoming in cases where reviews are not yet posted).

The top 10 in no particular order...

1 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

A book that reads more like an autobiography than fiction. Anne Boleyn's voice leaps off the page, and creates one of the best characters I've read this year. A different approach as this novel focuses on her life rather than her untimely death.

2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Lush descriptions, hot romance, and flaw characters come together to create one of my favourite of the year. A perfect ending to Araby's story that leaves you with just enough light in the darkness to say goodbye to these characters who are all too easy to become attached to.

3 Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Hands down one of the most well written novels I've read. The mystery of Ashley Cordova's death will haunt you, as will Stanislas Cordova himself. The question 'Who is Cordova' haunted me as much as it plagues our main character. This novel is sovereign, deadly and almost perfect. *review to come in the Autumn*

4 Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin

A novel that is beautiful and heart wrenching. It questions gender, and it's relevance to who we are. It's characters are ones that you'll remember long after you've finished this brilliant debut novel. Wonderfully written, and executed, this novel is one I urge everyone to pick it. It surprised me in the best possible way.

5 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Jessica Spotswood delivered a sequel that more that lives up to the first installment of the series. Filled with sibling rivalry, magic, romance, and ending in a heart crushing climax that will leave you breathless for the final novel. It's avoids the normal hindrances found in sequels and delivers something magical.

6 Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson

Thrilling, scary and disjointing. A novel told from the perspective of a character who is the definition of an unreliable narrator. SJ Watson has taken an already alarming premise and made it as sinister as possible. A novel that doesn't let go until all the secrets have been unraveled in the shocking ending.

7 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

An emotional ending to a trilogy that may just be superior to the author's Mortal Instruments. Saying goodbye to beloved characters is never easy but this ending provides everything I could have wanted. Closure, emotional payoff, and brilliant connecting between the two already interconnected series.

8 Reboot by Amy Tintera

A novel that surprised me with how much I fell in love with it. It's a fascinating look at what makes us human. Sweet romance, mixed with incredible action scenes, it's a novel that is as dark as it is beautiful. If this one flew under your radar, be sure to pick it up. It'll surprise you.

9 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

A novel filled with brilliant world building. Paige's world is complex, and so fully fleshed out that my excitement over what is to come is almost as great as my love for the first installment to this series. A captivating character in Paige, and some intriguing plot developments make me think this is a series, and writer, to watch. *review to come in the August*

10 Game by Barry Lyga

The follow up to I Hunt Killers is everything it's predecessor was, and more. Jazz remains as chilling as he is charming. The stakes are as high as ever, and Barry Lyga's twisted story unfolds at a perfect pace, making the novel impossible to put down.

I can't wait to see which of these will make it to the final list of top ten books of the year come the end of December. What is the best book you've read so far this year? Let me know in the comments.

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). 

My mailbox was awesome again this week! I have some borrowed books, some gifted, and a book I got for a launch event held here in Ottawa.

Borrowed

Sloppy First by Megan McCafferty (Goodreads)
Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout (Goodreads)
If I Should Die by Amy Plum (Goodreads)

Gifted

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore (Goodreads)

Purchased

The Oathbreaker's Shadow by Amy McCulloch (Goodreads)

I will be posting an event recap for the Oathbreaker's Shadow launch Monday so look for that. It was nice to have an event here in Ottawa for once, and I had so much fun with the other Ottawa blogettes.

A huge thank you to Katherine Longshore for sending me a copy of Tarnish that was signed. She also included a little card. I cried because of her kind words, and consider myself very lucky to work with amazing authors like her.

A big thank you to Ciara and Katie for lending me the other books. Looking forward to some summer reading.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
Release Date – June 18, 2013
Publisher Website -  Penguin
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  448 pages
My Rating- ALL THE STARS
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history.

History is unyielding. It's concrete. There is no escaping it. Anne Boleyn's fate is known before you even open the first page of Tarnish. What I loved most about this novel is that it took the unique premise of focusing not on her death, but instead her life.

Katherine Longshore brings Anne Boleyn effortlessly to life. Her voice is so clear, and it resonates so deeply, if almost read as an autobiography. This Anne is human, flawed, and most of importantly, REAL. This Anne is driven, and just wants her voice to be heard. She has opinions and think that they matter. Her voice is one of my favourites of the year, because you can see how richly layered she is. Katherine Longshore took great care in bringing an iconic queen to life within her pages, and it shows.

Katherine's novels always, even though they are historical, are relevant and current. Anne's desire to share her opinions, have her voice count are still struggles that women face today. It ties in nicely with the entire notion of equality and shows that while we've come along way, it's still an important issue worth talking about.

Tarnish doesn't shy away from Anne's ambition. It is evident, and prominently so. She wants to be seen and heard. Throughout history she's been portrayed as having high goals and opinions. It's often shown as playing a part in her downfall. In Tarnish, however,  it's shown as a part of her like any other trait. For this she's neither vilified of martyred, it simply is.

The romance in Tarnish was rather delicious. The fun, flirty banter between Anne and Thomas Wyatt provided humour, sexual tension, and a fascinating 'what if'. I couldn't stop myself from wondering 'what if' the entire novel. The tantalizing part of historical novels are the moments where the people involved might have escaped their fate by taking another path, and this is full explored in Tarnish. The interactions between Anne and Henry are also laced with flirty banter. I found myself enthralled with both Wyatt and Henry for different reasons.

Even as I wished for Anne to escape history and run away with Thomas Wyatt, I could see the allure of Henry whenever he was on the page. His powerful presence, and the way he made Anne feel were incredibly intoxicating. Mix this with Anne's desire for something more and it's easy to see how history caught up with her. I could see how she would take the risk, and strive for the King's heart. He was fascinated with her not just for her looks, but her intelligence, and wit. As someone who wanted to be taken seriously, this would have enthralled and captivated her.

The ending is both joyous, and drenched in sadness. The Anne we leave is full of hope, and optimism about her future and love. As a reader we are all too aware that the steps she is taking will eventually lead to her death. Anne's fate, one of the most compelling aspects of her story, is beautiful foreshadowed and captured. It's woven throughout the story, and the ending brings it into stark reality.

A stunningly vivid portrayal of one of the most fascinating of Henry's wives. A sensuous, and at time bitter sweet, novel that made me admire Anne more than I already did. Fans of historical fiction will not want to miss this, and those who normally shy away from historical will find much to love between these pages as well.

Interview with Katherine Longshore

Today I have the lovely Katherine Longshore stopping by for an interview. We discuss her new book, Anne Boleyn, and wanting to change history.

Huge thank you to Katherine for taking the time to answer these questions. Be sure to check back tomorrow for my review of Tarnish.
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1 Anne has been written about, and studied in depth. While doing your own research was there anything you discovered that surprised you about her or her life?

Two things, really.  One was that she inspires such strong—and often diametrically opposed—opinions.  Of course, I knew this already, but in trying to form my own ideas and in trying to build my own version of her character, it was sometimes difficult to get past the emotional language often used to describe her and her life.

The other thing that struck me was how much time she spent away from England as a young person.  Anne’s birthdate was unmarked, so it’s debatable how old she was when her father sent her to live with Margaret of Austria in the Low Countries (now the Netherlands).  Because I chose a later possible birthdate to work with, she would have been seven when she left home.  And she was gone for almost eight years.  How can that not affect a little girl?

2 The voice you've given the character is so distinct. It defines the character and allows her to leap off the page. How did you come up with the tone and voice for Anne's character?

It may sound a bit mad, but the voice just came to me.  I was only playing with the idea of writing a young Anne Boleyn—in the very early stages of creation.  I wasn’t even sure I wanted to write about her—as you mentioned, so much has already been said, and so well.  But I was brainstorming, doing a little research, wondering how and where to set the stage.  I had a long car journey over one Thanksgiving and as I was driving, my mind started writing.  Broken paragraphs, ideas, images.  Judgments on the differences between the French and English courts.  This voice was brash and opinionated, but also vulnerable and genuine.  And it was so strong, and so wonderful to work with, I couldn’t deny it.  So really, I didn’t come up with the voice, it came up with me.

3 Your Anne is different than most people might expect. What do you think will surprise people the most about your version of this iconic character?

It’s very difficult for me to say.  Some may be surprised by her compassion, others by her occasional lack of it.  Certain readers might wonder why I gave her strong feelings for the men in her life and others might question who she has them for.  And perhaps some will be surprised by her youth.  At fifteen, Anne would have been considered an “adult” by Tudor standards, but I think that doesn’t make a difference.  She was still a teenager, and emotionally, psychologically and physically would have been going through very similar experiences to those of teenagers today.

4 Henry made monumental changes in order to be with Anne. What do you think it was that drew him to her, and made him so intent on making her his wife?

Henry had a passion for things that were new and different.  He collected maps and studied the stars, took interest in reading and science and ethics and alchemy.  Anne was different.  She had her own opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them.  She was vivacious and graceful and unusual and probably quite brilliant.  She wouldn’t give him exactly what he wanted when he wanted it—and he wasn’t used to that.  He had to work for it, which made her even more enticing.

5 Anne is a well known historical figure. Did you have any concerns or fears when giving her a voice as a result?

Constantly! Not only are there many people out there who know much more about Anne Boleyn than I do, there are almost as many opinions about her as there are readers.  I think most people would agree that she had a strong personality and strong opinions and wasn’t shy about vocalizing them.  So I tried to create a character who has all these traits, but also sensitivity and warmth.  And I discovered that the longer I wrote, and the harder I tried to find a voice that was real, the more I wanted to do her justice.  My concerns became less about what others would think of my interpretation and more about getting it right.


6.Historically Anne married Henry before Catherine Howard did. However, you wrote about Catherine first. If Catherine could have provided any advice to Anne what do you think she might have said to her?

I hate to say it, but I think my version of Cat Howard would have sat by and smirked without saying a word.  But Kitty Tylney—by the end of GILT—knew enough not to stand by while someone ruined her life, and would have warned Anne of the man Henry was to become.  I’m just not sure if Anne would have listened.

7 We sadly know Anne's fate, and yet this story focuses on an earlier time in her life. What drew you to this moment of her life to write about? 

Hope and possibility.  We are so lucky that we can’t see where exactly our lives are leading.  We don’t know what tragedy or lucky strike will be around the next corner.  Neither could Anne.  I didn’t want to write the story of a doomed queen.  I wanted to write the story of a confident, hopeful girl who couldn’t help but become the woman Henry would marry and then cease to love.

8 Are you able to tease anything that you are working on that is upcoming? Any new projects in the works?

I’m working on a third book about Henry’s court.  It’s set during the years in between TARNISH and GILT and is quite possibly the hardest book I’ve ever had to write.  It’s difficult to keep the world-building fresh and bring new characters to life while mourning the loss of others.  But I also love the characters I’m working with—a group of girls and boys who believe in love and dreams and independence.

I’m also writing a story set in a completely different time period with completely fictional characters—so I’m branching out and having fun with it!

Tudor Tuesdays Tarnish Edition Kick Off Annoucement

You may remember Tudor Tuesdays from last year around this time to celebrate the release of Gilt by Katherine Longshore. Once again I am hosting, along with some other amazing bloggers, a weekly lead up to  the release of Katherine's newest Tudor novel, Tarnish.

You can expect giveaways, teasers, and some behind the scenes inspiration from Katherine.

The full list of blog tour stops can be found below

May 7th - Emilie @ Emilie's Book World **Paperback of Gilt kick off**
May 14th - Katie @ BlookGirl
May 21st - Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf
May 28th - My tour stop
June 4th - Kelly @ Belle of the Literati
June 11th - Jessica @ Read My Breath Away 

I hope you'll stop by and get excited about Anne Boleyn's story. I've read Tarnish and it's simply amazing. Those of you who love historical fiction are in a treat come June!

Weekly Obsession

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.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

I was extremely lucky to get an ARC of this. I immediately had to devour it. It's everything I hoped it would be and more. Anne Boleyn is such an iconic figure, and Katherine Longshore captures her the way I invision she was - intelligent, quick witted and progressive.

It also has a shiny new cover

While I miss Anne on the cover, this is one just so pretty. There is something about it's simple elegance that stands out. I hear that Gilt's paperback is also getting a new cover to match, so I can't wait to see it! Be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf.

ARCs for The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The people behind the Bloomsbury twitter tweeted the following picture

Causing me to freak out! This means it is that much closer to me actually reading this. Very excited. I love the simple look of the ARCs too, but do wish they had that awesome cover that was revealed recently. If you haven't checked out the synopsis yet, be sure to check out Goodreads.

The cover of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Not sure what exactly draws me to this cover. It's certainly eye catching, and I love faint vein like lines that can be seen around the title. I don't know a whole lot other than the Goodreads synopsis but it sounds awesome. Very much looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.

TV

Once Upon A Time

It's back!!! I get to watch a new episode this Sunday. I am really looking forward to the following Sunday's episode titled 'Manhattan' but am just glad to have it back. Hiatus are not fun, especially when you are eagerly awaiting some EPIC reveals. Sigh...hurry up next Sunday.

OTHER

Book Expo America (Children's Author Breakfast)

I immediately purchased a ticket to this when I heard Veronica Roth would be one of the guest speakers. I am looking forward to finding out who the Master of Ceremonies is. May seems both so close and so far away. I am beyond excited.

Ottawa Book Blogger Meet Up

SUNDAY! It is this Sunday! I am pretty excited and can't wait to share my recap on Monday. Everything is almost ready and

So what are you obsessed with this week?

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).

There was much fangirling and squealing at the mailbox when my one book of the week showed up.

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore (goodreads)

I will be reading this immediately. I can't wait until closer to the release date, and nor do I want to. Review will be posted during a special week (details coming soon) but expect fangirling once finished. I kind of LOVE Anne Boleyn and I have a feeling that Katherine's portrayal of her is going to be breathtaking.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

2013 Must Reads

With 2012 coming to it's rapidly approaching end my thoughts are beginning to turn to the amazing 2013 releases. There are so many novels I am looking forward to. I decided to share my top 15, because selecting just 10 was not happening.

My Top 15 2013 Must Reads

1 The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
4 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
5 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon 
6 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
7 Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
8 The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
9 Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
10 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
11 Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
12 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
13 Night Film by Marisha Pessl
14 Just One Day by Gayle Forman
15 Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

There are more, but these are my top 15 right now. 2013 is shaping up to be a fantastic reading year already!

What 2013 releases are you most looking forward to?

Waiting on Wednesday...Tarnish

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 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history

I loved the first this "series" (really more companion novels) and I fangirl just a little bit over Anne Boleyn. I think this is going to be AMAZING! I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Expected release date June 18, 2013

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.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover of Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

I unveiled this earlier this week and can't wait to read it! Anne Boleyn has always captivated me and I am looking forward to see what Katherine does with her story.

Penguin Summer catalog

Much squealing was had while flipping though this catalog. First, I squealed over the fact that Isla and the Happily Ever After was in it. This means we get it this summer. THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY! Seeing the cover for Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood was also happy making. I am beyond excited for some of these summer titles.

TV

The Following 'All Audience' Trailer



I am slightly obsessed with the thought of this show. I think it's going to be awesome. They just released two trailers. One that is 'all audiences" and one they are calling "rated intense". Sadly, because I do not live in the USA I am blocked from viewing said "intense" trailer, but the "all audiences" one is pretty insane. Side note - I love that Edgar Alan Poe's works are woven into this story too.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

*Exclusive* Tarnish by Katherine Longshore cover reveal

I have the great honour of releasing the cover to Katherine Longshore's Tarnish. The second installment in the Royal Circle series.

There is also a fantastic giveaway up for grabs. You can win a pre-order of Tarnish and a signed copy of the first novel, Gilt.

The synopsis of Tarnish was also released and I am so excited to share it!

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to teach her how to shine at court—and to convince everyone they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history.

Now, let's unveil the pretty!

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Stunning right? This cover really is quite pretty and I love the green background. It really makes everything stand out. I am beyond excited that it's Anne's story. She's always been my favourite of Henry's Queens and her story is fascinating.

You can add Tarnish to your Goodreads if you haven't already and it is available to pre-order on Amazon.

Be sure to enter the giveaway and spread the news.
 a Rafflecopter giveaway