Waiting On Wednesday .... Love, Life and the List

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 Love, Life and the List by Kasie West.

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Abby Turner’s summer isn’t going the way she’d planned. She has a not-so-secret but definitely unrequited crush on her best friend, Cooper. She hasn’t been able to manage her mother’s growing issues with anxiety. And now she’s been rejected from an art show because her work “has no heart.” So when she gets another opportunity to show her paintings Abby isn’t going to take any chances.

Which is where the list comes in.

Abby gives herself one month to do ten things, ranging from face a fear (#3) to learn a stranger’s story (#5) to fall in love (#8). She knows that if she can complete the list she’ll become the kind of artist she’s always dreamed of being. But as the deadline approaches, Abby realizes that getting through the list isn’t as straightforward as it seems… and that maybe—just maybe—she can’t change her art if she isn’t first willing to change herself.

I adore Kasie West's novels and I am so excited that she has another book coming out! Her books are always so cute and fluffy and it'll be a great read for after the holidays!

Not too long to wait for this one, and it'll be an excellent use of those holiday gift cards.

Expected release date - December 26, 2017

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt              
Release Date - August 28, 2017

Publisher Website - Everafter Romance
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 300 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THIS SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall. 

Lies. Murder, Secrets. Seduction. These are just some of the debaucherous things found within Erin Watt's Royals series. Pair this with a cast of characters that instantly intrigue you and you have the makings of an addictive read. Fallen Heir starts Easton's chapter of the Royal's story, and just in case you thought Erin Watt couldn't ruin you any further, this book does exactly that.

Easton's character is exactly who I anticipated he would be. There is something comforting to discovering that the voice you imagined a character's point of view having is exactly right. It makes you feel a connection with the character immediately because you feel, as a reader, that you already know them. Easton definitely gives Reed competition for the title of Most Badly Behaved Royal but it just makes his journey all the more rewarding. I feel like we've gotten to know this character a lot more thanks to this continuation of the story. I can only hope that the other Royal brothers get a series of their own as I am not nearly done with this world or these characters.

Character growth is important. This is especially true if the character is a hot mess the way that Easton Royal is. Character growth really only works for me when it feels natural to the character, and makes sense within the story arc being told. My favourite part of Easton's progression is that even when the growth he experiences he never stops feeling like Easton. His character doesn't magically morph into something he is not. He may be making better choices, but he's still Easton. There are also multiple backslides that felt organic to who Easton is. There is always a chance of his reverting to his old ways, or making a decision that has lethal consequences. He has the potential for goodness, but can also spiral into darkness. This duality is why I think he's so fascinating. I cannot wait to see the rest of the journey his character takes, and the direction he continues in.

The girl who is to tame Easton Royal could have easily been a retread of Ella. I was worried about her being another Ella and was thrilled to see that this is not he case. Hartley is broken in her own way. She has a different kind of strength to her than Ella's fierce streak, but she is no less interesting. Her connection with Easton is fun to see develop as he realizes his feelings, and she slowly lowers the walls she has built around herself.

The stakes in this installment of the Royals story feel even higher than they have previously. The ending, to nobody's surprise, packs multiple punches that left me reeling. I am entirely invested in the outcome of Easton's chapter of this story. My need for the next book is only matched by my concern over the outcome of the events that unfolded in the closing chapters of this book. It's a rare occurrence that an author can manage to amp up the tension with each installment and leave you breathless at the end of each book for different reasons, but Erin Watt nails it.

This series continues to be a scandalous, decadent, twist filled treat that keeps on delivering. It's a must read for those wanting something compulsively readable, and entirely addictive. You'll be left screaming by this torturous, jaw dropping ending and immediately bemoan the agonizing wait for all your answers. 

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 received my first package for this round of #otspsecretsister and am so excited to get to know 'Buffy' over the next 6 months!

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo (goodreads)

I am excited to read The Snowman before going to see the movie. The trailer was super creepy.

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

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 a few things that I found exciting this week!

BOOK

The Map From Here To There by Emery Lord (goodreads)

Emery Lord recently announced that The Start Of Me and You will have a sequel! I am very much here for this and cannot wait to continue Paige's story. It doesn't come out until 2019 but I am already excited to pre-order it!

TV/MOVIE
  
Stranger Things Character Posters

Season two of Stranger Things is getting closer, and we're finally starting to get a bunch of promo stuff to tease the upcoming season. The most recent reveal is a batch of character posters that are perfect. I love all of them, but I especially am into the Mike and Eleven ones!

 
You can view the rest over at the Stranger Things Twitter account. They are all worth a look but it also offers our first look at some new cast members. Why is not October already?!


MUSIC

Taylor Swift's Look What You Made Me Do

I know feelings on the new Taylor Swift song are mixed, but I happen to love it. I have had this song on repeat since it dropped Thursday night. It lauchnes a bit of a different sound for Taylor, but I am totally here for it.

This single only makes me more excited for the full album to be released in November.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Dear Reader by Mary O'Connell

Dear Reader by Mary O'Connell
Release Date -  June 13, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  295 pages
My Rating - unable to rate
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Gilmore Girls with magical realism! Dear Reader is an original, poignant modern-day take on Wuthering Heights, as a high school senior searches for her teacher and meets a boy who may just be Heathcliff come to life

For seventeen-year-old Flannery Fields, the only respite from the plaid-skirted mean girls at Sacred Heart High School at is her beloved teacher Miss Sweeney’s AP English class. But when Miss Sweeney doesn't show up to teach Flannery's favorite book, Wuthering Heights, leaving behind her purse, Flannery knows something is wrong.

The police are called, and Flannery gives them everything—except Miss Sweeney's copy of Wuthering Heights. This she holds onto. And good thing she does, because when she opens it, it has somehow transformed into Miss Sweeney's real-time diary. It seems Miss Sweeney is in New York City—and she's in trouble.

So Flannery does something very unFlannery-like: she skips school and sets out for Manhattan, with the book as her guide. But as soon as she arrives, she meets a boy named Heath. Heath is British, on a gap year, incredibly smart—yet he's never heard of Albert Einstein or Anne Frank. In fact, Flannery can't help thinking that he seems to have stepped from the pages of Brontë's novel. Could it be?

With inimitable wit and heart, Mary O'Connell has crafted a love letter to reading, to the books that make us who we are. Dear Reader, charming and heartbreaking, is a novel about finding your people, on the page in the world.

You may have noticed the lack of rating on this review. It was a choice I made so I am not even sure what I would rate this book. Dear Reader, for me, ended up being a mixed read for me, but one where the elements I liked were outweighed by the elements I didn't.

This is perhaps one of the most unique books I have read. I immediately was invested in the magical elements to the story. This magical book that allowed Flannery to follow her teacher's journey. The cute boy who bares more than a passing resemblance to Wuthering Height's Heathcliff. It's charming and the romance is equally charming. I would have liked the book more if it had focused on this part of the story. It really is the most readable part of the novel, and I even enjoyed the ambiguous end to the Heath mystery. It worked within the confines of the story being created and, in my opinion, should have been the main mystery of the story.

The character of Flannery has a very distinct voice and way of thinking and talking. The writing strongly captures that voice, and is perhaps the strongest element of the story. Flannery as a character is great. She is dealing with a lot of the worries teens deal with and is immediately recognizable as someone you might know. The idea of blossoming in college, and finding how you are and 'your people' is a clear theme and one that I think would clearly resonate with readers. I just wish it had been more of a presence overall.

I had a major issue with the ending of the book, and how it dealt with the mental health issues that were present in the narrative of the novel. It, sadly, is what stuck with me the most after finishing this book. If you are curious, you can read the VERY SPOILERY information within the spoiler tags. It details the ending of the novel, so be forewarned.

I didn't feel that Miss Sweeney's mental health issues were handled appropriately. She goes off her medication after receiving news that an ex-boyfriend she is still in love with had died while serving in the Marines. She spirals, and the novel ends with her overdosing on her medication. The reader never finds out if she survives this suicide attempt. Flannery hides from it and seeks solace in some college students she meets who she quickly befriends. The entire thing feels brushed aside in favour of focusing on Flannery's newly found friends that Miss Sweeney promised Flannery would make in college. I feel that by not addressing the important topic of suicide properly, and not unpacking that in the text of novel, does a disservice to the novel itself, and those who read it. It was simply a case of attempting to deal with a serious issue and not following through properly.

There were plenty of interesting elements to this story but for me they were, sadly, overshadowed by the other no so good elements. It's a story that I feel tried to do too much and didn't expand on elements that needed it. I, sadly, think I might be weary to try another book by this author unless I had heard great things. It is a shame, because the writing style itself appealed to me, but the story choices didn't. 

Waiting On Wednesday ... Still Me

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 Jojo Moyes

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

From the sensational #1 New York Times bestselling author Jojo Moyes, a new book featuring her iconic heroine of Me Before You and After You, Louisa Clark

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She is thrown into the world of the superrich Gopniks: Leonard and his much younger second wife, Agnes, and a never-ending array of household staff and hangers-on. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her job and New York life within this privileged world.

Before she knows what's happening, Lou is mixing in New York high society, where she meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. In Still Me, as Lou tries to keep the two sides of her world together, she finds herself carrying secrets--not all her own--that cause a catastrophic change in her circumstances. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

I did not expect a third book about Louisa Clark, but it makes sense to end her story on a different note than the one After You left her on. I had issues connecting with After You, and wonder if those same issues will present themselves in Still Me, but I am excited to see what is next for Louisa.

The wait for this one is not too long as it comes out in late Jan. It'll be a perfect way to spend those holiday gift cards!

Expected release date - January 23, 2018

Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess

Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess
Release Date -  July 2, 2013

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  294 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Fantastically funny, fresh and utterly relatable, Brooklyn Girls by Gemma Burgess is the first novel in her brand new series about five twenty-something friends—Pia, Angie, Julia, Coco and Madeleine—sharing a brownstone in hip, downtown Brooklyn, and discovering the ups and downs and ins and outs of their “semi-adult” lives. The first story belongs to sophisticated, spoiled, and stylish Pia, who finds herself completely unemployed, unemployable, and broke. So what is a recent grad with an art history degree and an unfortunate history of Facebook topless photos to do? Start a food truck business of course! Pia takes on the surprisingly cutthroat Brooklyn world of hybrid lettuce growers, artisanal yogurt makers and homemade butter producers to start SkinnyWheels—all while dealing with hipster bees, one-night-stands, heartbreak, parental fury, wild parties, revenge, jail, loan sharks, playboys, karaoke, true love, and one adorable pink food truck. And that's without counting her roommates' problems, too. Gemma Burgess has captured the confusion, hilarity and excitement of the post-graduate years against a backdrop of the pressures and chaos of New York City life, with heartfelt empathy, fast humor and sharp honesty.


A charming debut series about five twenty-something girls and the humor, heartbreak, and drama that bring them together.

I was immediately drawn to this thanks to the Sex and the City vibe I got upon reading the synopsis. A group of single women in New York City figuring out life and looking for love was exactly what I wanted from this book. It did deliver on that promise but it, sadly, did not connect the way I wanted it to.

The start of the novel was a little hard for me to get through. I had to adjust to the writing style of the author at first. It just wasn't connecting with me. I got into the story a lot more once I did adjust. It is a fairly quick read once you get used to the writing, and the chapters are fairly short so it feels like an even quicker read.

This novel reads like a quirky rom-com movie. It even has an adorable meet cute that made me swoon. It has an adorable pink food truck, and some great friend bonding moments. These are the parts of the story that really work. It's these moments that grabbed me as a reader.

The growth that Pia's character goes through was the redeeming aspect of the novel for me. I went from not really like her very much, to understanding who she was as a character, and appreciating the changes she made along her journey. She comes from such a place of inexperience at the beginning of the novel due to her parents always bailing her out, and her never really having to stand on her own. She has zero faith in herself, and seeing her character blossom was my favourite part of this book.

I wish the romance had been expanded a little. I am guessing we'll get to see the continuation of Pia's journey in the subsequent novels, but it felt like the most underdeveloped part of the novel. Those looking for a book that has a lot of romance will be slightly disappointed, but I liked the other parts of the story to keep going. I just wish it had been given more time to resonate with me, as I didn't feel connected to the romance.

The complex friendship between the five women is the strongest relationship in the novel. Much like Sex and the City, it is the friendship that is the focus. It isn't always perfect, and they fight with each other at times, but that makes it all the more believable. They care about each other, and they also, at times, hurt each other. It just added a rich layer to the story that I felt was lacking in other aspects. It showcases how family can be the people you choose, not just those you are related to by blood.

My leave favourite part of the story arc was the addition of a loan shark. This element really served as a convenient way for Pia to get money and add some drama to the story. It, sadly, really ends up being anticlimactic and adds a ludicrous element that pulled me out of the story. I didn't fell it was used effectively and it felt off with the more lighthearted tone of the rest of the story.

The beginning of the novel is not as strong as the middle section. I also felt the end was a little rushed with the pacing feeling off at various points. The situations that these characters find themselves in should have deeper consequences, but it is instead written more like a rom-com.  The humour just didn't work for me in the more 'intense' parts of the story being presented.

 A story that ultimately was a bit of a mixed read for me. The parts I enjoyed I really loved, but there were some parts that didn't work as well for me. I tentatively recommend it if you're looking for something light and breezy to end your summer reading with. It was enjoyable enough to make me want to pick up the second book, but also a read that I wanted a little more from.

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)

Only one book made its way into my mailbox this week. A huge thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for this book!

Wonder Woman :Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo (goodreads)

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

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 a few things that I found exciting this week!

BOOK

Cover of Jojo Moyes' Still Me (goodreads)

I have mixed feelings about another book in the Me Before You series. I loved Me Before You so much, but did not love After You as much. What made Me Before You special for me was missing from After You and it was noticeable. Still Me's synopsis has me hopeful, but I am also prepared for it to be missing some of the spark. I am excited to see what is next for Lou in her journey, and will totally pre-order this one as soon as I can though.

TV/MOVIE

Shameless

I started watching this because a podcast I listen to mentions it quite a bit. I am hooked after just a few episodes and already love some of the chracters. Fiona and Steve are super cute right now, and I love Ian. I have a feeling I am going to love Ian and Mickey together (I just meet Mickey and his sister in the last episode I watched). I am not sure why I resisted this show for so long, but I am glad to be watching it now.

Mr Mercedes

I have gotten to watch the first two episodes of this series and am hooked. It's darker than I anticiapted, and at times hard to watch (especially the opening sequence). The acting in it is incredible with Harry Treadaway impressing me once again. I cannot wait to watch the rest of the episodes and wish I didn't have to watch week to week. 

What are you obsessed with this week?

Waiting On Wednesday ... Say You'll Remember Me

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 Say You'll Remember Me by Katie McGarry

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

When Drix was convicted of a crime--one he didn't commit--he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the new Second Chance Program, the governor's newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor's daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn't may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle's parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix's messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can't imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves--Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence--and each other to finally get what they deserve.

I love Katie McGarry books and I am thrilled that she has another coming out! This one sounds like her earlier books which were a mix of romance and gritty contemporary that I enjoyed a lot.

This one comes out early next year so not too long to wait now.

Expected release date - January 30, 2018

The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee

The Dazzling Heights by Katharine McGee
Release Date - August 29, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 432 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR THE THOUSANDTH FLOOR**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

New York City, 2118. A glittering vision of the future, where anything is possible – if you want it enough.

Manhattan is home to a thousand-story supertower, a beacon of futuristic glamour and high-tech luxury… and to millions of people living scandalous, secretive lives.

Leda is haunted by nightmares of what happened on the worst night of her life. She’s afraid the truth will get out – which is why she hires Watt, her very own hacker, to keep an eye on all of the witnesses for her. But what happens when their business relationship turns personal?

When Rylin receives a scholarship to an elite upper-floor school, her life transforms overnight. But being here also means seeing the boy she loves: the one whose heart she broke, and who broke hers in return.

Avery is grappling with the reality of her forbidden romance – is there anywhere in the world that’s safe for them to be together?

And then there’s Calliope, the mysterious, bohemian beauty who’s arrived in New York with a devious goal in mind – and too many secrets to count.

Here in the Tower, no one is safe – because someone is watching their every move, someone with revenge in mind. After all, in a world of such dazzling heights, you’re always only one step away from a devastating fall…. 

I've always been a fan of teen drama television shows. They're often debauchery filled fun and provide some great entertainment. I was delighted to find this in book format when I read The Thousandth Floor. I had high expectations going into the sequel, and was pleasantly surprised to find a solid follow up that packed a twist filled punch all its own.

The Thousandth Floor begins with an unknown female character falling to her death. The Dazzling Heights also opens with another dead body being discovered, and twists another mystery that keeps each chapter a compelling read. Knowing an event is going to occur creates an intense ticking clock of sorts. It serves to increase the stakes of the novel, and ensures that you want to keep reading to unravel the truth. Katharine McGee is also a master at crafting the story in such a way that by the time the book is nearing its conclusion there are multiple possibilities for who will die. She sets it up in such a way where it is not instantly apparent who dies, or even how they died. It's one of the strongest elements in the book and it creates a fevered pace for the reader.

The cast are all still making ill advised choices. It makes the dynamics between the character sizzle with tension. It is intriguing to have a scenario where almost all the characters have treated the others horribly at some point. It creates this morally skewed world for these characters to inhabit and makes it easier to fall into the story and their connections to each other. It makes this story arc work when it sometimes feels like it shouldn't. It is very reminiscent of Gossip Girl in that respect. No matter what these characters do to each other, you want them to continue to clash into each other again and again. You want them to fall in love. You want them to break up and make up. It's their connections that make you interested in the characters, and it really works because of the word they exist in.

Leda and Watt had, at times, almost a toxic nature to their potential romance. They each want to both destroy and make out with the other depending on their mood. It had some Chuck and Blair vibes, but never reaches the level of toxicity that they had. It's an interesting dynamic, and one that is used to great impact in my opinion.

Avery's plot line was one I was fascinated by. It's one of the few cases where this particular type of forbidden romance sort of works for me. Her and Atlas' relationship is certainly taboo, but also feels entirely reasonable that they would feel the way they do. It's written in a way that makes you feel for the situation they find themselves in. They are one couple I do not see a happy ending for, but I feel that is probably realistic based on the story so far. It's one of the more gripping relationships in the novel, and one I hope is continued to be explored in the final novel.

Rylin's story is the one that I found surprised me the most. I thought I knew which way her arc would go, and it ended up going in a completely different direction. It was refreshing because I suspect that a love of novels, particularly those of this genre, would go there. It's the easiest way to create some pretty juicy drama, but was actually the more restrained choice which felt more in line with the character. It also served to allow for the other story arcs to be a little more over the top in some ways since this one was a little more reigned in. It offered a nice balance, and allowed us to get to know the character more.

The ending, once again, ensure that readers will be clamoring for the next novel. It leaves the story in a place that has a lot of potential. I cannot wait to find out answers to all the questions I have to be answered. Those looking for a more self contained story will be disappointed as this is very much a story that progresses over the three novels that will be in this series. If you detest waiting for answers, this may be a binge read series for you. I, personally, enjoy getting to theorize and discuss with fellow readers and this book offers plenty of opportunity for that.

This offers another frothy, drama filled installment in this series. It is perfect for those who are missing Gossip Girl, and love their CW television shows as much as they love reading. It is, in my opinion, a fun way to end your summer reading as it offers a little bit of everything - romance, murder, secrets, glitz, and lush settings.

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)

The only new addition this week is an ebook I purchased!

Nova by Rebecca Yarros (goodreads)

I have this first book in this series, which I have not read yet, but decided to pick up the sequel just in case. 

 

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

My Top Ten TV Ships

I have been super into podcasts recently, and had my friend Kelly (from Kellyvision) tell me about this podcast that talks about television and the couple we ship on our favourite shows. It's called The Shipping Room Podcast and if you are a fan of CW shows, shipping, and lots more I recommend you give it a try.

Listening to the podcast gave me the idea to list my own top ten ships from television. I have been teased that I am the Patron Saint Of Doomed Ships and this list makes the moniker seem pretty accurate.

*POTENTIAL SPOILERS*

1. Buffy and Angel from Buffy The Vampire Slayer 

One of my first ships, and one of the firsts that showed me just how brutal shipping can be. There are so many memorable moments between them but the "You still my girl?" "Always" exchange remains one of my favourites.

I loved every bitter sweet moment between these two and love that they were willing to sacrifice for each other at various times in their relationship. The entirety of season two was basically like cat nip to teen me, and I doubt those nostalgic feelings for this couple will ever go away.

2. Emma and Neal from Once Upon A Time

Their story was epic. Two people magically whisked away from their home at a young age end up finding their way to each other. It was basically fate. He was totally supposed to be her true love.

Neal made mistakes that he was atoning for but he never stopped loving Emma, and she never stopped loving him. It could have been a very sweet second chance romance. There was so much that Neal taught Emma, but the most important thing he instilled in her was her idea of home. He also gave her the greatest love of her life - their son Henry. This ship was filled with potential and cuteness. It still breaks my heart how this one ended. 

3. Coach and Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights

A couple that was always a couple during the entirety of the show. They basically are the definition of #marriagegoals. My favourite part of their relationship was how realistic it felt. They had issues, but their love for one another made them work at their marriage and not take each other for granted.

This gif pretty much sums up their relationship. There was a lot of respect between the two of them, and it showed in everything they did. 

4. Emma and Dylan from Bates Motel

Emma and Dylan were a light in the darkness that was Bates Motel. Their relationship took me by surprise, but ended up being one of my favourite elements of the show.

Dylan calling Emma a 'frickin' warrior' is one of my favourite moments and one of the most romantic. It showed how much he supported her, and that he saw how strong she was. Emma brought out the best in Dylan simply because he wanted to be someone worthy of her.

5. Liv and Lowell

A ship that, sadly, ended before it really began. Lowell easily won Liv (and myself) over with his charm, British accent and good looks. He also happened to be kind, and was the first guy her zombie self felt comfortable around romantically. He made her see that love after being zombified was possible. 

While it is rather obvious who her end game romance will be, I definitely wished for Lowell to stick around a little longer than he did. It was cute while it lasted. 

Bonus Izombie Ship - Ravi and Peyton

iZombie is filled with amazing ship potential, so I had to include a bonus one from this show. 

I love the potential this ship has, and while they've already had their ups and downs, I predict it'll sail again soon. 

6. Lucifer and Chloe from Lucifer

My favourite part of this ship is the banter between the two of them. They get each other, and keep each other on the toes. While the creators/writers may be playing the 'will they/won't they' trope with these two, I am hoping they continue to get closer as the show continues.

I love that each of them brings out something in the other. They make each other the best versions of themselves. Lucifer brings out a more fun side in Chloe, while Chloe inspires Lucifer to strive to be better. I love that this ship went from Chloe not really liking Lucifer, to this friendship that formed, to deeper feelings between them. 

7. Daryl and Beth from Walking Dead

Beth may have been young, but she understood and got Daryl in a way that I really appreciated. This is another ship that sort of took me by surprise because I never would have put them together until the characters ended up spending time separated from the rest of the group.

Some confessions, and moonshine later and I was fully on board with them getting together. Sadly, as is the nature of this show, we never got to see what this ship could really be and I am still not over it. #You'llMissMeWhenI'mGone

Bonus Walking Dead ship - Glenn and Maggie

One of the most stable couples on The Walking Dead, and one of the cutest. They are so sweet and awkward together when they first meet, and quickly become a pair that is based on mutual respect and love. They loved each other fiercely in a world where it didn't seem possible. 

I loved getting to see this relationship grow and blossom. They were a beacon of light and hope in this show that is usually all too brutal (and even they didn't get a happy ending).

8. Ethan and Vanessa from Penny Dreadful

This ship screamed heartbreak right from the start, so I (naturally) decided it would be wise to fall completely in love with them. The tragic and haunted Vanessa and the equally broken Ethan were a natural fit. They got each other. Add in a bit of fate and destiny to their relationship and I was sold.

The tragic ending of this one still angers me (for many reasons) but it was darkly beautiful and haunting while it (and the show) lasted. 

9. Connor and Oliver from How To Get Away With Murder

This relationship is amazing when it works. Sadly, things (like murder and secrets) keep getting in the way of them being happy together.

I love what Oliver brings out in Connor. His character has grown so much and it is largely due to this relationship. Sadly, the changes to Oliver since Connor has come into his life have not all been positive ones. He is turning into someone that he may not even like and it could ruin this couple's chance at happiness. I did mention I liked the doomed ones.

10. Jamie and Claire from Outlander

Jamie and Claire certainly have a lot of things working against them - mainly that Claire is from a completely different time than he is. Their relationship however is filled with lots of sexiness, trust, and genuine love.

I love how much they've supported each other through everything that has happened to them. This couple's greatest obstacle is outside forces and that makes them all the more heartbreaking.

Baby Ships

I wanted to mention these two ships between younger characters on shows that I am enjoying. These are not full fledged ships yet but there is something adorable about the innocence they share.

Bruce and Selina from Gotham

Selina was certainly obsessed with kissing the young Master Wayne in season one. She often taunted and teased him about wanting to kiss her to my great amusement. She finally kisses a surprised Bruce and their adorable relationship has been up and down ever since.

We all know who Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle become so I doubt there is a happily ever after in their future but there is something about first love, and the innocence of their kiss that I cannot help but root for anyway. 

Eleven and Mike from Stranger Things

First love and crushes are perfect television show fodder.  Most people can relate to having a crush for the first time. Mike and Eleven's very tentative and sweet relationship was only beginning to build before the events of the final episode happened. They were supposed to go to the Snow Ball!

My favourite moment is perhaps when Mike sees her after they give her a 'make over' so she can go to school with them and is obviously a little in awe of how pretty she looks. It's adorable, and so perfect for their ages.

I could list so many other ships, but these are the ten (or more) that have stayed with me. I have added a lot of shows to my watch list thanks to this podcast such as Shameless (for Ian and Mickey) and Parks and Rec (for Ben and Leslie). Are there other shows I should be watching? What ships make your top ten list? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday ... Fallen Heir

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 Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall. 

It is no secret that I love The Royals series by Erin Watt. I devoured the first three books in this series and cannot wait to continue with Easton's story! These books are wickedly fun and filled with things that would make even the Gossip Girl characters blush.

The first part of Easton's story comes out in just a couple weeks, so there is barely any wait at all for this one! 

Expected release date - August 28, 2017

Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor

Sparks of Light by Janet B. Taylor
Release Date -  August 1, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  448 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

** SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES **

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For the first time in her life, Hope Walton has friends . . . and a (maybe) boyfriend. She's a Viator, a member of a long line of time-traveling ancestors. When the Viators learn of a plan to steal a dangerous device from the inventor Nikola Tesla, only a race into the past can save the natural timeline from utter destruction. Navigating the glitterati of The Gilded Age in 1895 New York City, Hope and her crew will discover that high society can be as deadly as it is beautiful.

In this sequel to the dazzling time-travel romance Into the Dim, sacrifice takes on a whole new meaning as Hope and Bran struggle to determine where-or when-they truly belong.

I have thought about time travel, and what time period I might like to visit. I have this romanticized version of what it would be like. After reading both Into The Dim, and Sparks Of Light, I would think twice before going if presented with the opportunity. Janet B Taylor offers up a memorable series that weaves in historical events with the fiction elements of this novel perfectly. It's one of those books that is entertaining to read, and has weight behind the story that surprised me.

The historical events that inspired this story are used as a great backdrop to the story. The fire that destroyed Tesla's laboratory is used a ticking clock and offers a setting that is inherently risk filled. It made the novel have a sense of urgency which really works for this time travel based plot. It ensures that the reader is invested in the story, and allows for danger to be inherent within the premise. It is part of what this series does so well, and makes them so readable.

This novel showcases Hope embracing being a Viator. She's eager to take her place and prove herself. I also appreciated that she was instantly good at everything. Those around her have many years more training and experience and it shows. Hope is allowed to not be perfect and make mistakes. She is allowed to be the 'chosen one' and still be the heroine of her own story. It was refreshing to see her have to work hard, and it not payoff right away. It felt more realistic which grounded the more fantastical elements of this novel.

The danger of time travel, and the impact it can have is a vital part of the story being told within this series. It's always clear to the reader the risk being taken, and the potential for disastrous (and fatal) consequences. The slightest misstep could alter the course of history. It shows how both physically and mentally taxing it would be to time travel. It addresses how hard it would be to stand by and not prevent something horrible from happening when you know you could prevent it. It's a burden that these characters feel along with the shock of being in a time period where customs, rights, and freedoms are so different from what they would be used to.

The romance between Bran and Hope is quickly becoming one of my favourite parts of this series. It is made all the more swoon worthy by their backstory and shared connection. It's 'Romeo and Juliet' star crossed aspect also ensures plenty of angst between them, and make all their stolen moments more delicious.

The family dynamic is, more than anything else, the core of the novel. Hope did not just gain insight into who she is when her mother's secret was revealed, she gained a family who loves her (and each other) fiercely. It adds a warmth to the story that is a nice balance to all the action that is happening. It also makes the stakes feel higher, because you come to care about all the characters, and believe that they genuinely care for each other. Spunky Phoebe is my favourite, and her bond with Hope is a joy to see progress. Two young ladies supporting and uplifting each other is something I am always excited to read about.

If you're looking for something to read while waiting for the next season of Outlander to begin, I would recommend checking this series out. It's a fun, romantic read that has just the right amount of danger and excitement thrown in. It's quickly becoming one of my favourite time travel based reads and I look forward to continuing Hope and Bran's story.