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

When We Wake by Elle Cosimano (goodread)

This synopsis immediately caught my attention when the deal was announced. I love the idea of the seasons as actual characters and especially love the idea of 'spring' and 'winter' falling in love.

a group of teens who, on the brink of death, are turned into immortal Seasons. Trapped in a vicious cycle of killing each other year after year, Winter and Spring—Jack and Fleur—fall in love, and must find a way to unite against nature and reclaim their free will.

I am really looking forward to finding out more about this book and for its release in 2019! 


TV/MOVIE

Avengers: Infinity War Trailer

My initial reaction to this trailer was a bunch of nonsensical flailing with "BUCKY IS BACK" thrown in for good measure. I am so excited to see Winter Soldier is awake again and fighting by Steve's side again

In non Steve and Bucky reactions I love the glimpse of Thor meeting the Guardians of the Galaxy. I am terrified we're going to lose characters we love (Thanks, Thanos). Oh, and I love the brief glimpse we get at Peter's spidey sense. This movie is HIGH on my list for 2018 releses and I am already counting down the days until I get to see it.

Stranger Things renewed for Season 3

I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that Netflix has renewed Stranger Things for a third season. No details on a release date or when filming will start but I am excited to return to Hawkins again. I am hoping for an October release date as Halloween was the perfect time to binge watch this show.

Mindhunter renewed for Season 2

I loved the first season of Mindhunter and was beyond excited when the official annoucement of it being renewed for a second season was posted by the show's Twitter account.

We need to talk to more subjects. pic.twitter.com/7pTnxAhM0G

— MINDHUNTER (@MINDHUNTER_) November 30, 2017

The casting on this show is perfect, and I hope they continue that with season two. Here is hoping that it releases Oct of 2018 so we don't have to wait too long.

What are you obsessed with this week?

2018 Most Anticipated - Ashley From Harper Collins Canada

Today I have  Ashley from Harper Collins Canada stopping by with her list of Harper Collins books that should be on your radar for 2018. I love having guest posts as it ensures even more  books are spotlighted during this event.

Ashley has some pretty amazing ones on her list, and a few that I am personally very excited about.

Each title links to more information about the book (including a synopsis where available).

Here is Ashley's Most Anticipated Of 2018:

Everless by Sara Holland (January 2, 2018)

Definitely one of the best YA fantasy books you’ll read in 2018. It’s essentially Red Queen meets Downton Abbey (so, amazing) and the first in a duology!

The Defiant by Lesley Livingston (January 23, 2018)

The sequel to Lesley Livingston’s The Valiant is almost here. In this one, Fallon and her warrior sisters are thrust into a conflict with a rival gladiator academy.

The Queens Rising by Rebecca Ross (February 6, 2018)

Another fantasy to keep your eye on in 2018! Brianna is an outcast and finds herself bound to a disgraced lord. She gets tangled up in the lord’s plot to overthrow the current king, and has to choose between passion and blood.

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston (February 27, 2018)

This smart and funny sci-fi adventure is inspired by the story of Anastasia! Also perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi (March 6, 2018)

A new book from Tahereh Mafi!!!!!! Enough said.

Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer (March 20, 2018)

I just adored this book! This heartwarming—and heartbreaking—novel will pull you in and keep you there until you reach the very last page. George (real name: Frances Warren) is a down-to-earth, witty, and unique character which makes this book such an honest and refreshing read.

Sleight by Jennifer Sommersby (April 3, 2018)

This thrilling and mysterious novel is set in a circus—the one that Genevieve Flannery grew up in. Genevieve is accustomed to this life… until the evening that she and her mother are performing an aerial routine they’ve done hundreds of times, and her mother falls to her death.

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli (April 24, 2018)

A sequel to one of my favourite books of all time? Yes, please! Leah on the Offbeat follows Simon’s (as in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, as in Love, Simon, as in SOON TO BE IN THEATRES!) BFF Leah. You’ll love her just as much, trust me.

9 Days & 9 Nights by Katie Cotugno (May 1, 2018)

The perfect summer read AKA the sequel to 99 Days is here (and it’s Katie Cotugno)!! Molly Barlow sets off on a romantic European vacation with her new boyfriend… only to run into her ex, Gabe. Will Molly finally get her happy ending?! Find out!

Puddin'  by Julie Murphy (May 8, 2018)

This feel-good, badass sequel to the beloved Dumplin’ is full of friendship, love and chasing your dreams. It can be read as a standalone, but realistically, why wouldn’t you want to read them both? Julie Murphy is the best.

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (May 15, 2018)

The Red Queen series is coming to an end!!! I can’t wait to find out what happens to Mare, and OMG to have this beautiful series on my shelf.

Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton (July 31, 2018)

After years of training to hunt witches, Mia Rose discovers that she possesses magic. This is the feminist fantasy (to-be trilogy) that you NEED in your life.

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (October 9, 2018)

I know next-to-nothing about this book, but what more do we need to know than that it’s written by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera?

I want to read SO many of these! I am especially excited about What If It's Us! I cannot wait to see what a book by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is like. Becky is known for cute romance stories with a lot of heart. Adam is known for books that rip out your heart so it'll be interesting to see how the two mix.

Any of these on your own 2018 Most Anticipated List? Let me know in the comments.

Also be sure to follow all things Harper Collins Canada by following their Twitter, @HCCFrenzy. 

Come back Monday to find out what the next book on my list is!

2018 Most Anticipated - I Stop Somewhere

The next book on my list deals with the incredibly timely topic of rape culture and violence against women. I have been hearing amazing things about this one and I am excited for it to start discussions and be read by book clubs so that conversations that are so necessary can be had.

The Goodreads synopsis for TE Carters I Stop Somewhere ensures that you know the serious topic this book will tackle, as well as offering up a sense of the tone the story is going to take.

Ellie Frias disappeared long before she vanished.

Tormented throughout middle school, Ellie begins her freshman year with a new look: she doesn't need to be popular; she just needs to blend in with the wallpaper.

But when the unthinkable happens, Ellie finds herself trapped after a brutal assault. She wasn't the first victim, and now she watches it happen again and again. She tries to hold on to her happier memories in order to get past the cold days, waiting for someone to find her.

The problem is, no one searches for a girl they never noticed in the first place.

TE Carter's stirring and visceral debut not only discusses and dismantles rape culture, but it also reminds us what it is to be human. 

This synopsis immediately grabs your attention. It grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. You can sense the loneliness of the 'cold days' Ellie spends waiting for someone to find her. It paints a stark picture, but one that only highlights how important this novel is.

TE Carter was kind enough to answer some questions about the book. It's even more evident after reading this how this book is going to leave a lasting impact after you've read it.

1 Describe I Stop Somewhere in three words.

Rape culture exists. 

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

I'm not sure it would be very appropriate given the content of the book, but I'd say peppermint stick just because I like that!

3 Your novel tackles rape culture, and other heavy topics. What was one thing that surprised you during your research for this novel?

To be totally honest, I didn't do a great deal of research. Because so much of the book came from personal experience, I unfortunately already have some insight into the legal process and experiences featured in the book. I did do a little bit of research into state laws in New York, just to confirm a few things, and beyond that, I had to fill out some specifics related to the criminal justice system and mortgage industry. Otherwise, I guess the biggest surprise was simply that it was so common to hear stories like this that it inspired the book in the first place - because it just doesn't seem to change and that frustrates me. I'm not pretending I'm the only voice to tackle these issues or that I'm even the best advocate for them, but I did need to get this out there. It's just another perspective on something that's way too prevalent. Also, the number (and even existence) of zombie homes and the negligence and greed of the banking industry is disgusting. It's just unacceptable how corrupt some things are.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

"Obstacles" by Syd Matters (which is amazing!). It's from the game Life is Strange, which I was also playing while writing. Well, not while writing but while I was working on the book in the time I wasn't actually doing the writing!

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

Probably Victorian London, because I adore London and I also have a real fascination with that era. It's both creepy and awful, and also full of so many interesting historical moments.

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

Full disclosure, since she's my critique partner, but I already read ART OF ESCAPING by Erin Callahan and loved it!

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of I Stop Somewhere

There are kind of two first lines, because there's a little part of the book before the actual chapters. The first line of that little bit is "They call the houses 'zombies,' and our town is full of them." The first line from Chapter 1 is "She came in here with her brand-new shoes."

I Stop Somewhere releases Feburary 27, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about TE Carter by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

What do you think of books that tackle important topics like rape culture? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for a special guest post from Ashley at Harper Collins Canada!

2018 Most Anticipated - Ace Of Shades

The next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated list is a book that has so many of the things I like to read about in one book. A Las Vegas like setting, magic, star crossed lovers (I am guessing), and rival mafia like crime families. All of that plus it has illicit cabarets! I immediately wanted to read this the second I read the deal announcement.

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody sounds like the type of book you can get lost in. A rich world and engaging characters. I love the idea of magic existing in a Las Vegas like setting. It's a natural fit and one I cannot wait to see explored.

The Goodreads synopsis does nothing to lessen my excitement for this novel. All of this, plus Amanda's amazing writing, should have you instantly adding it to your own list for books to read in 2018!

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

The last line of the synopsis is what really grabs me. It sets up the tone of the book without you even having to pick it up.

Amanda was kind enough to tease a little about Ace of Shades in this Q and A!

1 Describe Ace Of Shades in three words

Cons, corruption, cabarets

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

It's funny you ask this because there are original cocktails in the book, with their own names and recipes. I won't give out their recipes (yet), but here are their names: Gambler's Ruin, Snake Eyes, and Walk of Shame. Considering the Belle Epoque glamour of the world, there is no shortage of alcoholic beverages in this story! I'm a big fan of drunken shenanigans.

3 The Ace of Shades setting has a Las Vegas feel to it. Is there anything else you can tease about this incredible sounding setting?

So the original concept for this novel came from the idea of magic as currency. Once I had that, it was easy to formulate my vision: an entire city ruled by greed. New Reynes has a complicated history and political landscape: it was the first location of the world-wide revolutions to overthrow their tyrant kings, and now is the capital of the very sprawling Republic. However, the kings might be dead, but corruption still wears the crown. If you could combine post-Revolution Paris with Gilded Age/progressive era New York, you'd have something like New Reynes.

On top of this, only a few years after the Revolution, there was another war...this one in the criminal underground. It was called the Great Street War. Since then, the mafias and street gangs retain a tumultuous power over the North Side of the city, but despite all the violence in the eighteen years since this War, no one has complete control.

The story takes place twenty-five years after the Revolution, eighteen years after the War, yet all of this history is incredibly important to the central plot. The two characters, Enne Salta and Levi Glaisyer, might've teamed up to find a woman missing in this city, but they will end up caught in the center of this stormy political landscape. It's been fun for me to write, because you THINK all the history I'm throwing in is simply history...until it isn't.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

"Wicked Ones" by Dorothy has always been associated with this novel for me and a lot of my early readers. If there was a movie trailer for this book, I'd imagine this song in the background.

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

To be honest, I'm not very interested in time travel. I am too attached to the rights and freedoms I have today. I'm very content to read about the past in books or twist period elements (like this one, roughly 1915) into my own worlds.

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

I'm very excited for THE GILDED WOLVES by Roshani Chokshi!

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Ace Of Shades?

Sure thing! It hasn't changed much since the first draft :P

If I'm not home in two months, I'm dead.

I cannot wait for those drink recipes to be released! I fully intend to try out a couple while reading this book. I am intrigued by the Walk Of Shame one in particular.

Ace Of Shades releases April 10, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Amanda by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love novels with magic, mafia like families, and secrets? Are Las Vegas like settings as intriguing to you as they are to me? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated List!

2018 Most Anticipated - These Rebel Waves

I've always been fascinated by pirates. I am pretty sure my love of Peter Pan was influenced not just by the boy who wouldn't grow up but the pirates he fought as well. There is something about pirates that is alluring and dangerous at the same time.

As a result of this fascination, I was thrilled to discover Sara Raasch was writing a novel that included 'a well-mannered lady, a tortured pirate, and an ambitious prince' I knew I needed to read it (and obviously I am firmly #TeamTorturedPirate).

The Goodreads synopsis offers up a tease for the amazingness to come. It appears we have a soldier (who may or may not be the 'well behaved lady'), the tortured pirate that I have already decided I am going to love, and a crown prince in a very precarious position. 

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

I love that this is going to have some magic in it, along with some characters that already stand out just from the synopsis. I am curious about so much that was revealed and it only makes me want to read the novel more than I already do.

Sara kindly took some time to let me in on some These Rebel Waves details and I am pretty sure you'll be rushing to add it to your own 'to be read' list (if you haven't already) after reading this fun interview I did with her!

1 What gif do you think best describes These Rebel Waves.

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

Jackfruit and basil in a coconut ice cream.

3 Pirates being included in a novel are often something that will make me automatically want to read it. What about pirates inspired you to write These Rebel Waves?

I love what pirates represent -- a group calling out something inherently wrong in a system/government by the very lives they lead.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

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

I think every write would choose to see the library of Alexandria!

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

PACIFICA by Kristen Simmons! I read an early version and OMG so intense. Kristen is amazing at reflecting our society's ills in bleak, absorbing dystopic worlds.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of These Rebel Waves.

"Benat Gallego was thirteen when he watched his uncle and cousin burn to death."

I need that ice cream. It sounds delicious. I love how Sara describes why she loves pirates. It makes me think her book is going to have EXACTLY my kind of pirates.

These Rebel Waves releases August 7, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble //

You can find out more about Sarah by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love novels that have pirates in them? If so, let me know what you love about them in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated List!

2018 Most Anticipate - Lizzie

Anyone who has followed my blog knows that I am a huge fan of Dawn Ius' books. You'll also know that I have been super into all things true crime recently. It should come as no surprise that when it was announced that Dawn was writing a book inspired by a very infamous true crime case that I was immediately dying to get my hands on a copy.

Lizzie offers an modern take on the Borden Murders and, naturally, focuses on Lizzie Borden (who was the main suspect in the murder of her parents). The modern slant, I feel, gives this book a unique feel as this story has been told via books, movies, and television many times before.

The Goodreads synopsis offers up plenty to ponder, including revealing the lesbian love story that seems to be at the centre of this novel. 

Seventeen-year-old Lizzie Borden has never been kissed. Polite but painfully shy, Lizzie prefers to stay in the kitchen, where she can dream of becoming a chef and escape her reality. With tyrannical parents who force her to work at the family’s B&B and her blackout episodes—a medical condition that has plagued her since her first menstrual cycle—Lizzie longs for a life of freedom, the time and space to just figure out who she is and what she wants.

Enter the effervescent, unpredictable Bridget Sullivan. Bridget has joined the B&B’s staff as the new maid, and Lizzie is instantly drawn to her artistic style and free spirit—even her Star Wars obsession is kind of cute. The two of them forge bonds that quickly turn into something that’s maybe more than friendship.

But when her parents try to restrain Lizzie from living the life she wants, it sparks something in her that she can’t quite figure out. Her blackout episodes start getting worse, her instincts less and less reliable. Lizzie is angry, certainly, but she also feels like she’s going mad…

This makes it seem very dark, which is exactly what I want (and expect) from this kind of novel. I can imagine that being inside Lizzie's head will be unsettling but a rewarding reading experience.

Dawn was kind enough to take some time and share some more details about Lizzie, and it only served to make me more desperate to sit down and read it.

1. What gif do you feel describes Lizzie?​ 

Either this one:

or this one:

2. What part of Lizzie Borden's story inspired you to write LIzzie?​ 

I've always been fascinated by true crime, particularly unsolved mysteries, and Lizzie's story is perhaps one of the most infamous in U.S. history. My gut suggests that she was guilty, but I loved following the trail of evidence—or perhaps lack of evidence—that led to her acquittal, and exploring some of the theories that have emerged over the years. Many of these theories are explored in the book in varying depth and fictionalization.

3. Did you feel any pressure adapting a historical figure that is so infamous? 

Ironically, I felt less pressure writing about Lizzie Borden than I did when writing the story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII in Anne & Henry. Maybe because while writing Anne & Henry, I fell in love with the process of weaving historical facts into fiction. For some reason, Lizzie's story was easier to translate to young adult. The biggest challenge for me was creating a sympathetic character who was, in all probability, guilty of a heinous crime.

4. If a signature cocktail were to made for Lizzie, what would be included in it?​ 

Lizzie loves to cook with spices, so I think it might be something like a Ginger Pear Snap—spiced pear vodka, ginger, rosemary, lemon juice, Rhubarb bitters and ginger liqueur. Though Lizzie would likely add extra lemon juice because she loves to use her neon citrus peeler.

5 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel? 

For some reason, I listened to a lot of Lorde while writing this book, but the song that resonates most is Sia's Alive, which was on constant loop during the scenes between Lizzie and Bridget.  ​

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?​ 

So tough to narrow it down to just one, but I am super excited for T.E. Carter's, I STOP SOMEWHERE.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Lizzie​. 

I'm dying. ​

That is a simple, but effective opening line! It is interesting that there is no resolution to the case. Going into this novel the reader is aware that nobody was ever convicted of these murders. This immediately makes me wonder what ending this novel has in store for us and I cannot wait to find out. I am also curious to see how much sympathy readers are able to have for Dawn's Lizzie as they follow her story. I am also excited to see Dawn's take on the 'media circus' that this case ingnited and what that might look like under a modern lense.

Lizzie releases April 10, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Dawn by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Are you into true crime? Do you like books that are 'inspired' by true events? Let me know in the comments. 

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated List!

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.

This was supposed to actually post last week and I did not notice until way too late that it didn't. I am going to post it this week and do a catch up post next week with anything that has caught my eye since.

BOOK

Cover for Becky Albertalli's Leigh On The Offbeat (goodreads)

I love this cover. So much. It's eye catching and everything I wanted it to be.

I am even more excited for this book to be released next year!

TV/MOVIE 

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace Trailer

The full length trailer for the upcoming season of American Crime Story is here and I love it. Darren Criss is giving me chills and the trailer has me very excited for what is to come!

I am excited to see everyone in this. I predict that some of the performances are going to be amazing. The only question is if it'll be as high caliber as the previous season. I hope so.

What are you obsessed with this week?