Thursday, December 31, 2020

Happy New Year

 

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy new year. I won't be sad to see 2020 go.

How ever you celebrate I hope you ring in the new year doing something you love and that 2021 is a vast improvement to 2020

Here is to new beginnings, new friends, and new experiences. 

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday ... Isn't It Bromantic

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 Isn't It Bromantic by Lyssa Kay Adams


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad took up the pen to write a novel the Bromance Book Club would swoon over.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared after speaking out against government corruption, she escaped danger the only way she knew how. She agreed to marry her childhood friend, Vladimir, and move to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.

Vlad, aka The Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But after four years, it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance–both on and off the page.

The Bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love–and this time they’re not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad’s senior citizen neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves The Loners. Just when things finally look promising, the danger from Elena’s past life intrudes, and the book club will face their first-ever life-or-death grand gesture as they race to a happy ever after.

Anyone who has read the previous Bromance Book Club books knows that Vlad (aka The Russian) is a fan favourite who provides a ton of humour to these adorable reads.

He is (finally) getting his own book and I am sure that nobody is surprised that he wants to write a romance novel of his own. It makes a lot of sense for him to be the character that would do it.

This comes out in July so we have quite a wait but if you haven't read the previous books in this series I highly recommend getting started so you can join me in (im) patiently waiting. 

Expected release date - July 20, 2021

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Bonnie and Clyde by Karen Blumenthal

 



Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend by Karen Blumenthal
Release Date - August 1, 2018
Publisher Website - Penguin Random House 
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 256 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**obtained at Book Expo America**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Bonnie and Clyde may be the most notorious--and celebrated--outlaw couple America has ever known. This is the true story of how they got that way.

Bonnie and Clyde: we've been on a first name basis with them for almost a hundred years. Immortalized in movies, songs, and pop culture references, they are remembered mostly for their storied romance and tragic deaths. But what was life really like for Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in the early 1930s? How did two dirt-poor teens from west Texas morph from vicious outlaws to legendary couple? And why? 

A book that is telling a well known story has to ask itself what it is bringing that is new. I've read quite a few books about Bonnie and Clyde both fiction and non fiction and the ones that stand out are the ones that manage to make the tale their own. Karen Blumenthal's Bonnie and Clyde does not add anything new to their story but still manages to be a worthy read.

This novel shines as a condensed overview of who Bonnie and Clyde were. It gives a broad enough overview to ensure the reader has an overall understanding of the big events in their lives but doesn't go much deeper than that. Those looking for a deep dive filled with little details will not find that within these pages. It is, therefore, especially perfect for younger teen readers who may just be beginning to find out about the duo. It works best as an introduction and jumping off point.

Karen Blumenthal presents just the facts in a straightforward manner. There is very little personal reflection or feelings that make their way into the book. We certainly get an indication of horror at some of the crimes committed by the pair but not much beyond that. This book also doesn't glamourize their life, particularly when they are on the road. Many times their time on the run is romanticized when it was in fact pretty horrible and horrific.

The people who went along for the ride with Bonnie and Clyde (in particular Clyde's brother and his wife) are only given a brief mentions in this. The accomplice (and his family) who assist with the downfall of the famous couple is also just lightly touched upon. I understand why, as this is the story of Bonnie and Clyde, but these people are important to telling their story and I feel need to be fleshed out just a little bit more.

The inclusion of little facts that expand upon details given in the novel are a highlight and one that makes this book well worth the read. You get a spotlight of many of their victims in a way that other novels don't often take the time to do. The care taken with the victims is one of the standout elements of the story and one that elevates this book in my opinion. It allows the loss of those lives to hit a little harder and makes their crime spree feel a little more gritty than most Hollywoodized versions.

I highly recommend this one for people who do not know a lot about Bonnie and Clyde. It's a great way to get the basics but should be used as just a starting point. It's well researched enough but doesn't quite hold, or capture, why this pair has fascinated people for so long after their deaths.

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Merry Christmas


Happy Holidays, everyone! I hope that no matter how you are celebrating this year that you have a wonderful holiday and you get to enjoy some reading time. Hopefully you found some books underneath the tree this year

I wish you all a safe holiday season. I'll be back next week with regular posts.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Waiting On Wednesday ... Ace of Spades

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 Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé


Here is the Goodreads synopsis
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully.

When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, are selected to be part of the elite school’s senior class prefects, it looks like their year is off to an amazing start. After all, not only does it look great on college applications, but it officially puts each of them in the running for valedictorian, too.

Shortly after the announcement is made, though, someone who goes by Aces begins using anonymous text messages to reveal secrets about the two of them that turn their lives upside down and threaten every aspect of their carefully planned futures.

As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?

With heart-pounding suspense and relevant social commentary comes a high-octane thriller from debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. 

I was immediately sold by the Gossip Girl meets Get Out description for this one. It sounds like it will be a fantastic thriller. This sounds like the characters go to a private prep school (very similar to Gossip Girl) which is a setting I know a lot of people enjoy. I cannot wait to meet all of the characters and get more details about the mysterious Aces and the fallout it'll all cause.

This one comes out just in time for summer reading and I predict it'll be a popular one.

Expected release date - June 1, 2021

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

#2020PopCultureResolution - It's A Wonderful Life



It's A Wonderful Life 

Director: Frank Capra

Length:
  131 minutes

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore

Release Date: January 7, 1946

Synopsis: After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.

***********************************************

The last movie selected for my #2020PopCultureResolution has been watched. The event is over (for this year at least). It was a holiday classic that I was very against watching as a kid but turned out to really enjoy.

I am, of course, talking about It's A Wonderful Life. It was nominated for multiple Oscars the year it was eligible and has landed a spot on many people's must watch list for the holiday season. 


The story is a surprisingly bleak one for a Christmas movie. George Bailey (played by James Stewart) has had his life spiral to the point he is contemplating suicide and is given the opportunity to see what his town (and the people in it) would be like if he had never been born. It is a movie that my younger self could never have appreciated and it explains why I had never seen it up until now.


James Stewart, who has become a favourite of mine thanks to this whole thing, shines in this. He elevates the material in places and makes the role of George not just sympathetic but relatable. He really was one of the best actors of his time and I am looking forward to watching more of his movies.

The chemistry between his character and that of Donna Reed's Mary is sweet and especially stands out in the scene where he walks her home after a dance. You believe that they are each smitten with the other and their teasing banter is perfect.

Another cast stand out is Henry Travers as Clarence, the guardian angel sent to help George by showing him what his life really added to those around him.  He is both humourous and kind. It is exactly what that role needs.

The alternate version of George's town is a bleak and unhappy one. It might be a bit too dark for those not in the right headspace even though it ends on an uplifting and positive note.


Even if you have never seen the movie you will be familiar with the infamous scene about angels getting their wings and bells. That scene, from the perspective of a new watcher, does not disappoint. It is famous for a reason and it nails the tone of the movie perfectly. If, by some chance, there are others who have yet to see this holiday classic I highly recommend it. It may have its sickenly sweet and cheesy moments but they are balanced by its heart and more serious beats in the story arc. It was exactly the holiday movie I needed this year.

This may be the last movie for 2020 but stay tuned for my post announcing what movies and books I'll be reading and watching for #2020PopCultureResolution.

Friday, December 18, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - Giveaway



I hope you have enjoyed hearing about some of the 2021 books I am excited about and that you have added a few to your own reading lists for next year.

I figured I would end the event with a chance for one of you to win your choice of one of the books I featured on my list.

So that you remember here are the books I featured this year:

















You can enter using the Rafflecopter link below. I am so excited to hear what 2021 books everyone is excited about 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 17, 2020

2021 Most Anticpated - If This Gets Out


The final book on my 2021 most anticipated list is here and I can think of no better way to end this event off than with this next book. It's one for anyone who has ever loved a boy band.


Cale Dietrich and Sophine Gonzales are giving us the amazing sounding If This Gets Out next year in which two boy band members fall in love. 


The Goodreads synopsis is pretty much just a brief teaser for now (as more details are still to come) but it definitely made me want to pick this one up immediately.
Two boys in America's biggest boy band who fall for each other while on their first sold-out European tour, and are forced to keep their relationship a secret by their record label, but slowly realize those in charge have no intention of letting them announce their relationship to the world—ever.
This sounds like it is going to be so much fun!

Cale has kindly taken the time to answer a few questions about the book, and all things boy bands.

1 What gif do you feel best represents If This Gets Out?
 
That one of Jeremy Renner swooning!

 
2 If someone were to make a signature drink in honour of your book, what might be included?
 
OOH good question! If someone were to make a drink about OTR I think it would involve some rainbow branded Absolout Vodka because it’s the gayest alcohol I can think of.
 
3 This story revolves around a boy band. Which boy band is your favourite (and who is your favourite member)?
 
I like pretty much all boy-bands, but my favourite would be Backstreet Boys! Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) is such a fun song, and the music video is one of my all-time favourites! They are also super nostalgic, and my favourite member would be Nick. More recent boy bands I really like are One Direction, The Wanted and BTS.
 
4 Music is a huge part of this story (obviously). What is your favourite song that is sung by a boy band?
 
This is such a great question! There are so many that I love so much that it’s hard to pick just one, but off the top of my head: I Want it That Way, Everybody (Backstreet’s Back). Glad You Came, It’s Gonna be Me, No Control (why was this not a single???) and Boy with Luv.
 
5 What is one song that made your playlist while writing If This Gets Out?
 
So, really early on in the process before we had a title, I was calling it The Two of Us in my head, after the *NYSNC song! So I listened to that song a lot, and it will remind me of OTR, even though the song has changed. I also listened to Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World a lot, as it’s my character’s favorite song.
 
6 What 2021 release are you most anticipating?
 
There are so many, but I can’t wait for KATE IN WAITING! I’ve loved all of Becky’s other books and I’m sure I will love this one just as much!
 
7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Off The Record. 
 
Sure! It’s: Almost plummeting to my death before a stadium full of screaming people is a warning sign, in an endless parade of warning signs lately, that I need more sleep.

I may have immediately put on some of these songs after reading Cale's answers. This sounds like it'll be such a fun read. I think it's going to be a popular young adult read in the latter part of 2021 (especially with boy band fandoms) when it releases. 


If This Gets Out does not have an official release date yet, but it will be sometime in the back end of 2021. There are no preorder links available just yet BUT you can add it to your Goodreads and get your boy band playlists ready in the meantime. 

You can find out more about Cale and Sophie by following them on Twitter.  You can also visit Sophie's website and Cale's publisher page

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for one last post wrapping up the event! Be sure to share what books you're excited about in the comments below.


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - Kate In Waiting


The next book on my 2021 most anticipated list revolves around best friends who share everything including a love of theatre and crushes.


Becky Albertalli is known for writing amazing books and I was thrilled when I ready the synopsis of her newest book titled Kate in Waiting.


The Goodreads synopsis definitely made me want to get my hands on this book immediately. 
Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.

But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.

Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.
Here are the top three reasons I cannot wait to read this:

1. The fact that it is written by Becky Albertalli is enough. After Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda I will read anything Becky writes. 

2. A friendship is at the heart of this story. I trust Becky to write a complex friendship that will bring out a whole lot of feelings as we read. It already seems like it might be a bit heartbreaking but hopefully uplifting too.

3. A unique romantic plot seems to be the focus of the novel. Both Kate and Anderson like the same guy but nobody knows Matt's sexuality or if he is even interested in either of our main characters. It could get messy, but hopefully it also makes for a surprising read. 


Kate In Waiting releases April 20, 2021. Be sure to preorder your copy today so that you get your copy as soon as it is released. 

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

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the last book on my 2021 Most Anticipated list.


Tuesday, December 15, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - The Coldest Touch


My next selection is one that continues the awesome vampire trend that is happening.


This one focuses on a female vampire falling for a mortal girl which is complicated for many reasons. The book is The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling.


The Goodreads synopsis has not been added yet so I will share the deal announcement instead.


Here are the top three reasons I cannot wait to get my hands on this:

1. Vampire love story! I never get bored with vampire books and love when they blend it with romance.

2. Two words - paranormal killer. This doesn't spell out what exactly this killer is. All we know is paranormal and that is intriguing.

3. The character of Elise. She feels the death of anyone she touches. It makes me curious to know if she experiences this with the undead or if it makes touching them easier (see the vampire romance mentioned above).


The Coldest Touch is currently set to release in autumn of 2021. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads and preorder when available

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

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the next book on my 2021 Most Anticipated list.

Monday, December 14, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - Reader, I Murdered Him

 



My next selection is one that sounds amazing, has very little details released, and is historical. 


Its Victorian Era London setting has me very excited for Reader, I Murdered Him by Betsy Cornwell.


The Goodreads synopsis is mostly just the deal announcement which was more than enough to get me excited. 
In this daring tale of female agency and revenge from a New York Times bestselling author, a girl becomes a teenage vigilante who roams Victorian England using her privilege and power to punish her friends’ abusive suitors and keep other young women safe. 
Here are the top three reasons I cannot wait to get my hands on this:

1. This historical aspect of the story intrigues me quite a bit. This feels like it could literally be set in any time period and work so I am excited to see how it is shaped by this specific time period.

2. I have read one of Betsy Cornwell's other books and enjoyed it quite a bit. I am excited to see what her writing style adds to this book.

3. It sort of reminds me of the premise for Promising Young Woman in that it is a woman out for revenge against men who have wronged women. I am entirely on board with having more murderous, dangerous female characters.



Reader, I Murdered Him released September 21, 2021. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads and preorder where available (not all preorder links are available at this time).

You can find out more about Taylor and her books by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the next book on my 2021 Most Anticipated list.

Thursday, December 10, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - Malibu Rising


The next book on my 2021 most anticipated list is the author of one of my most favourite books. She wrote Daisy Jones and the Six and I am so excited to be able to read a new book from her.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the next book on my 2021 most anticipated list. 


The Goodreads synopsis definitely has me excited to pick this one up. It's got everything you would want in a summer beach read. 
From the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six . . . Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever.

Malibu: August 1983. It's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over--especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud--because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he's been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can't stop thinking about promised she'll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own--including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family's generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind.
Here are the top three reasons I cannot wait to get my hands on this:

1. It takes place all in one day based of the synopsis. It appears to hyper focus on the 24 hours of this party that the main characters are throwing. 

2. The fact that this is about siblings and family dynamics really appeals to me. I cannot wait for some of the mentioned secrets to be revealed (like the mystery guest) and  see how they all impact the relationships between the siblings.

3. Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote it. Enough said. 


Malibu Rising releases May 25, 2021. Be sure to preorder your copy today so that you get your copy as soon as it is released. 

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

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the next book on my 2021 Most Anticipated list.

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - Roman and Jewel


The next book on my 2021 most anticipated list asks the question of what if Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment. This romantic sounding story is told against the backdrop of New York City which instantly made me want to read it.


Romeo and Jewel by Dana L Davis is the next book on my 2021 most anticipated list.


The Goodreads synopsis makes this sound incredible and I am intrigued by what seems like a backstage look at making a hit Broadway play. 
If Romeo and Juliet got the Hamilton treatment...who would play the leads? This vividly funny, honest, and charming romantic novel by Dana L. Davis is the story of a girl who thinks she has what it takes...and the world thinks so, too.

Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway's hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead...and Jerzie is her understudy.

Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea--especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless.
I love absolutely everything about the synopsis and cannot wait to see how this romance unfolds.

Dana has kindly taken the time to answer a few questions about the book, her inspirations, and some tasty sounding drinks.

1. What gif do you feel best represents Roman and Jewel?


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

Hmm. Definitely something sweet for Jerzie, sour for Cinny and a little spicy for Zeppelin. Like a super sour lemonade in a glass with a sugared rim and like a Thai Chile to garnish. Yum!

3 Romeo and Juliet is probably the play from Shakespeare that has inspired the most retellings/adaptations. What about Romeo and Juliet inspired you to write Roman and Jewel?

I wanted to explore a deeper meaning of insta-love! We judge it. We sometimes roll our eyes at it. But the truth is…it happens! We oftentimes see someone and feel this…thing. This connection that makes no sense. I wanted to create a story behind that overwhelming connection some of us are lucky enough to experience.

4 Your book references a performance of Romeo and Juliet that has been given the Hamilton treatment. What song from Hamilton is your favourite?

I was in this bubble of really hard work and had barely watched TV or listened to music or anything really. I was so burned out. That’s when my mom said she’d babysit for me and urged me to go see a show so I could have a break. Hamilton was playing—literally never even heard of it. So I go and see this show and had the privilege of not knowing what it was about. Not knowing anything about it to be honest. That all being said, my favorite song has to be “Here Comes the General.” Because when George Washington came out onto the stage and he was Black, I was in awe. I started crying! It was such a special moment to realize this actor was playing George Washington. To see such a surprise representation of color on stage. I’ll never forget it.

5 What is one song that made your playlist while writing Roman and Jewel?

A Couple of Forevers by Chrisette Michele. It’s such a sweet song. It’s perfect for Jerzie and Zeppelin. A close runner-up is Best Part by HER and Daniel Caesar. These songs just make you feel like falling in love.

6 What 2021 release are you most anticipating?

The Golem and the Jinni book two by Helene Wecker! It’s called The Hidden Palace. I’ve been waiting years for this book.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Roman and Jewel?

What’s in a name? 😊

Anyone else smile at that first line? It's obviously perfect for the story and it makes me excited to see what other Romeo and Juliet teases are woven into the story.


Roman and Jewel releases January 5, 2021 so it is definitely one to spend your holiday gift cards on.

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

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2021 most anticipated list. 

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - Crossbones

The next book on my 2021 most anticipated list is another one that has very few details about it released.


Crossbones by Kimberly Vale promises to be a must read for those who love pirate lore and action.


Currently Goodreads only has a brief description as the official synopsis has not yet been revealed.
When the pirate king dies without an heir, captains compete for the island throne in a deadly treasure hunt that draws together a stowaway with a vengeful plan, an honourable captain, and a young pirate with something to prove.
Here are the top three reasons I cannot wait to get my hands on this:

1. Pirate lore! I love the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie so much and I hope this captures that same feeling of immersing myself into a brilliant pirate adventure.

2. A competition via a deadly treasure hunt. Yes, please. I hope we get to visit many locations and that there are plenty of stakes beyond just the throne.

3. The potential for brilliantly created characters. Pirate characters can be a lot of fun and they most certainly can be memorable. I see a lot of potential just in the characters teased in the description we do have so far.


Crossbones is currently scheduled for a autumn 2021 release (I see October as the month but that is subject to change). It sounds like a perfect fall read and I am very excited for it to be one of that season's splashy releases. 

As release details are still forthcoming there are no preorder links currently available. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads so that you remember to preorder as soon as it is available. 

You can stay up to date on details about this book by following Kimberly on Twitter, and by visiting her website

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the next book on my 2021 most anticipated list.

Monday, December 7, 2020

2021 Most Anticipated - The Right Kind of Wrong


The next book on my 2021 only has the barest of information available about it at this point. It doesn't have a cover or a full synopsis yet but I predict many will want to read it just based on the briefest tease.


The Right Kind of Wrong by Vanessa King is set to release in 2021 from Penguin Random House (Putnam Books to be exact) and I am so excited to be able to share a little more about it.


The deal announcement will have to suffice as an introduction until an official synopsis is revealed. 
 
 
I was immediately sold by the idea of Pride and Prejudice set in a burlesque scene in modern times. The New York City setting just sweetened an already amazing sounding premise.

Vanessa has kindly agreed to answer a few questions to tease this book a little bit more. I am even more excited about it after reading her answers.

1 What gif do you feel best represents The Right Kind of Wrong?


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

Something with mezcal, for sure. It’s a great, smoky spirit that can be sweetened up in a cocktail or enjoyed on its own. You have to pace yourself to enjoy it properly, otherwise it’ll knock you on your butt. Kind of like my Lizzy, actually.

3 This is pitched as Pride and Prejudice in a modern New York burlesque scene. What inspired you to blend these two things together?

I spent a year working as a stage kitten at a burlesque show in NYC, picking up the peelings of the best performers in the scene. I knew it would be a great setting for a story, but never could figure out how to get started. Four years, three moves, and one kiddo later, I was texting with a friend about ideas for a new writing project (Hi, Erin!). She mentioned she was working on a Wizard of Oz retelling set at a music festival, and the idea of using a pre-existing plot clicked with me.

I knew I’d use Pride and Prejudice— I didn’t even consider an alternative—and got started that same evening. The Bennet sisters became the performers at the show, their suitors, a potential investor and his grumpily appealing best friend, and the writing took off! 

4 What is one song that made your playlist while writing this book?

Gah! I’m so torn. My playlist* for this project is 82 songs long. Which is…a lot. Several of the songs are mentioned by name in the book, as either accompaniments to burlesque routines or being sung by one of the show’s vocalists. 

That said, Nina Simone’s Feeling Good was one of the first songs I put on the list. It’s performed in the book as well, and that moment is the catalyst for bulk of the story’s action, so credit where it’s due.


5 What 2021 release are you most anticipating?

Kate Clayborn’s Love At First. I adored her debut, Love Lettering, and was so excited to see her follow-up was just around the corner!

6 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of The Right Kind of Wrong.

With my apologies to Ms. Austen and English teachers worldwide, I present the first line (+) of The Right Kind of Wrong: a dirty and, frankly, nonsensical, take on the celebrated opening to Pride and Prejudice

“It is a redacted universally acknowledged, that a throbbing redacted in possession of a thick redacted must be in want of a redacted.” Andrea bites out each “redacted" with a distaste that grows more resigned with every repetition, the final utterance leaving her on little more than a throaty, British sigh. A Mad Libs sheet hangs limply between the tips of her thumb and forefinger, the page held away from herself, as though to keep the vulgarity she so thoughtfully “redacted” from staining her white blouse.


The Right Kind of Wrong will release sometime in 2021 and I will certainly keep you all updated with a date as soon as one is official. 

Preorders, sadly, have not gone live just yet (I am very early in my excitement for this one) but make sure to keep note of this title so that you can preorder when it is available to do so. 

In the meantime be sure to follow Vanessa on Twitter so you can be kept updated on everything about this upcoming release (including when the cover is revealed).

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2021 most anticipated list. 

Friday, December 4, 2020

Month TBR and Wrap Up

It's finally December and this year is almost over with. I am definitely excited to see 2020 leave.

I am trying to read a lot this month because I have a few books to catch up on if I am going to make my Goodreads goal. It's totally doable especially since I have some time off for the holidays.

Before I can look forward to this month I have to recap what happened in November first.

The books that were on my list are:

Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger (goodreads)
The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian (goodreads)
The Cousins by Karen M McManus (goodreads)
Mind the Gap, Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (goodreads)
Bonnie by Christina Schwarz (goodreads)

Plus I had some ebooks on my list:

None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney (goodreads)
Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (goodreads)
In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

Here is what I managed to read in October:

None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney (goodreads)
Mind the Gap, Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (goodreads)
Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (goodreads)
Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger (goodreads)

My #2020PopCultureResolution book for November was Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt and the movie was Pillow Talk. My review of the movie is up and the book will be up soon (delayed thanks to the 2021 Most Anticipated event).

Here is what I hope to read in December:


Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade (goodreads)
The Project by Courtney Summers (goodreads)
Bonnie by Christina Schwarz (goodreads)

I also have some ebooks I am hoping to get to:



In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren (goodreads)
The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)
Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend by Karen Blumenthal (goodreads)
Vampires Never Get Old by Various Authors (goodreads)

My December #2020PopCultureResolution choices are Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend by Karen Blumenthal and It's A Wonderful Life. 

What books are you reading this month? Have you read any of the ones on my list? If so, let me know what you thought in the comments.

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