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 weekend.

BOOKS

Cover for Hot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce (goodreads)

Illustrated covers are all the rage right now and this one is particularly cute. I love the colour scheme and the adorable characters! The tea cup just seals the deal.

I feel like this cover lets you know EXACTLY what this book is going to be. It's perfect.

TV/MOVIES

The poster for The Broken Hearts Gallery

I love a good rom-com and this one looks particularly adorable. I love the poster so much!

I feel like it captures the vibe of the movie perfectly. I certainly matches the trailer (see below).

Posters for Hamilton on Disney+

Disney+ will be releasing Hamilton on July 3rd and they released some cast posters in the lead up. I love these posters so MUCH!

I decided to share just two of my favourites, but you can find the entire set on the Disney+ Twitter account.

First up is Jonathan Groff's poster!

And of course Lin Manuel Miranda's had to be included as well.

I wanted my first time seeing this to be in person at the theatre but Covid19 had other plans. I am just glad I get to see the original cast (and here is hoping I can keep my December date to see it in person).

The Broken Hearts Gallery Trailer

The above poster gives you an indication of what you are in for, and the trailer just confirms those suspicions. It's a very cute trailer and I personally cannot wait to see this.

I am sadly pretty sure that it will not be making it's July 17th release date though. I just don't think movie enough movie theatres will be open for studios to release new movies before that date.

The Baby-Sitters Club Trailer

Netflix is bring back The Baby-Sitter's Club and this trailer is a whole lot of fun.

The cast actually looks the age they are supposed to be, and it is filled with nostalgic goodness that makes this very appealing. I cannot wait to check it out. 

Trailer for Hamilton

I do not think it is possible to watch this trailer and not get goosebumps. There is a reason Hamilton is a cultural phenomenon. 

I cannot wait to sit and watch this with the original cast. It's going to be pretty magical.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano

Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano
Release Date - June 23, 2020

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 480 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**arc received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

One cold, crisp night, Jack Sommers was faced with a choice—live forever according to the ancient, magical rules of Gaia, or die.

Jack chose to live, and in exchange, he became a Winter—an immortal physical embodiment of the season on Earth. Every year, he must hunt the Season who comes before him. Summer kills Spring. Autumn kills Summer. Winter kills Autumn. And Spring kills Winter.

Jack and Fleur, a Winter and a Spring, fall for each other against all odds. To be together, they’ll have to escape the cycle that’s been forcing them apart. But their creator won’t let them go without a fight.

Ever since watching Rise of the Guardians with my nieces I have wanted someone to write a book that incorporated similar elements to the story arc of Jack Frost in that movie. His origin story is heartbreaking and resonated with me along with the fun, soaring feeling of his new found powers. Seasons of the Storm does exactly this and more. It manages to capture some of that magic, even if other elements were not quite as strong.

This book is very plot focused. The story is propelled forward because of actions and not necessarily because of the characters themselves. I don't feel that we get to really know these characters other than the basic stuff. They feel very surface level but it works in this action driven sort of story. I liked the characters well enough though, and that also fits with the type of story this is.

The romance was one of the things that I thought was well done. We meet Fleur and Jack when they are already falling for each other. We jump right into their story and the connection is evident immediately. The history they share is part of why this element works. I bought that they had grown to feel things for each other and that it would cause them to question everything. It is exactly what I hoped I would get from this romance. Lots of angst, longing, and emotion. It is very Romeo and Juliet. There is also another romance in this that I predict many readers will love even more as it feels more like it is being built on the page.

The magic aspect is, sadly, not as developed as I would have hoped. There is plenty foundation here but I still only feel like we know the basic of the powers these characters have. We get to see some of what they can do but it is under extreme circumstances. I wanted a bit more detail about what they typically do with their powers. What does it mean to be a winter, spring, summer, or autumn? I never felt like I had a clear understanding of what they did while it was their season. I hope this is expanded upon in future books because the whole premise is intriguing. I just wish the world building had gone a little deeper. I did appreciate that we got to find out how a someone becomes a season and the choices they have to make as a result are explored in detail. These origin stories are, as you can guess, heartbreaking in various ways and I feel that weight is given the appropriate heft in both the plot and characterization.

The stakes and consequences for actions are something else I feel was handled well within the story. There are lasting repercussions for their actions that felt earned. The characters have to get their hands a little messy and that comes back to haunt them in a way that worked for me.

As I got to the last few chapters I was hit with two distinct thoughts. First was that the book was heading for a cliffhanger ending. It just did not seem possible to wrap the story up in the amount of pages left. The second was disappointment that some of the major point points would not be dealt with within this one book. I was, mostly, wrong. The book does end in a satisfying way even if it felt a bit rushed. There are elements that I wished has been expanded upon, particularly those introduced towards the end. It ends with just enough being teased for sequels while providing a full intact story.

This might be the book for you if you like books filled with romance, action, and bit of magic. It is more plot driven than anything else so it offers a fast paced read that has some fun action sequences. It is the kind of story that you will breeze through and that will leave you entertained.

Recommendations Needed

I have been having a lot of fun working my way through the books and movies I selected for my #2020PopCultureResolution experiment. So much fun that I have decided to do it again next year.

I've decided that I have not read nearly enough mysteries/thrillers and will use this as a means to rectify this.

I am hoping to get a bunch of recommendations so I can make a make a list of possibilities to narrow down before the end of the year.

Please recommend your fave thrillers/mysteries  in the comments (or reach out on Twitter). I am looking for both older classics and new can't miss titles so feel free to suggest as many as you like.

I cannot wait to hear what some of your favourites are and to share the final list with you towards the end of the year.

Waiting on Wednesday ... Hot British Boyfriend

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 Hot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

After a horrifying public rejection by her crush, Ellie Nichols does what any girl would do: she flees the country. To be more precise, she joins her high school’s study abroad trip to England. While most of her classmates are there to take honors courses and pad their college applications, Ellie is on a quest to rebuild her reputation and self-confidence. And nothing is more of a confidence booster than getting a hot British boyfriend.

When Ellie meets Will, a gorgeous and charming Brit, she vows to avoid making the same mistakes as she did with the last guy she liked. Which is why she strikes up a bargain with Dev, an overachieving classmate who she’s never clicked with, but who does seem to know a lot about the things Will is interested in—if he helps her win over her crush, then she’ll help him win over his.

But even as Ellie embarks on a whirlwind romance, one that takes her on adventures to some of England’s most beautiful places, she still needs to figure out if this is actually the answer to all her problems…and whether the perfect boyfriend is actually the perfect boy for her.

The first thing I want to flail about is the cuteness of this cover. I feel like it captures exactly what this book is going to be.

I also think, just from the synopsis, that perhaps Ellie might up end feeling a little something for Dev by the end of this (even if Will is perfectly charming).

It feels like this might be a perfect choice for a Valentine's Day read  with that February release date. Pretty sure it's going to be fluffy, cute, and ignite a lot of wanderlust.

Expected release date - February 9, 2021

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner
Release Date - May 26, 2020

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A showrunner and her assistant give the world something to talk about when they accidentally fuel a ridiculous rumor in this debut romance.

Hollywood powerhouse Jo is photographed making her assistant Emma laugh on the red carpet, and just like that, the tabloids declare them a couple. The so-called scandal couldn't come at a worse time--threatening Emma's promotion and Jo's new movie.

As the gossip spreads, it starts to affect all areas of their lives. Paparazzi are following them outside the office, coworkers are treating them differently, and a "source" is feeding information to the media. But their only comment is "no comment".

With the launch of Jo's film project fast approaching, the two women begin to spend even more time together, getting along famously. Emma seems to have a sixth sense for knowing what Jo needs. And Jo, known for being aloof and outwardly cold, opens up to Emma in a way neither of them expects. They begin to realize the rumor might not be so off base after all...but is acting on the spark between them worth fanning the gossip flames? 

There are books that reward a reader's patience. You know the books that I am talking about. The ones who are extra satisfying at the end because the destination of the plot feels earned. Something To Talk About is one of these books.

Meryl Wilsner's debut is the slowest of slow burns. It is a delicious sort of torture because you will be yelling at the main characters to just kiss already and it will happen much too soon. This romance takes the scenic route and it is well worth the journey. It makes everything so much more satisfying as a result and builds a foundation that feels realistic to the characters.

The power dynamic between the two main characters could have been an issue. Jo is Emma's boss and that can be a messy dynamic if not handled correctly. Luckily, the element of the story is well handled. The author not only addresses that concern but makes sure to tackle it in such a way that it is no longer an issue. Sexual harassment in the workplace is directly dealt with in the plot and I felt it tackled the serious issues within the pages incredibly well. These elements are given space and time to breathe in a way that other books do not allow for.

The romance is, of course, the heart of the novel. The relationship is such a joy to see develop. Jo and Emma are so supportive of one another and so kind and patient with each other. They may not always communicate as effectively as the reader would like but that is pretty much the basis of every romance book in history.

I love that there was time taken to explore and flesh out the other relationships in both Jo and Emma's lives. There is Jo's best friend and Emma's sister who immediately come to mind as stand outs. The support they offer is a contrast to the more romantic support on display and it makes that aspect even richer. A lot of the humour is supplied from their friends and family teasing that they can see the connection between Emma and Jo even before they have admitted it to themselves. A good romance always ensures that the couple have plot points outside of the relationship being formed and this one manages that really well.

There is a saying that it is not the destination but the journey. I think in this case it is both. The journey makes the destination mean more in this case and it would not be the same without out it. If you like slow burn romances, wonderfully written characters, and feel good reads I would highly recommend picking this one up. 

Waiting On Wednesday ..... Roman + Jewel

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 Roman + Jewel by Dana L Davis

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

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 that this isn't technically a Romeo and Juliet retelling even though it is based around one. I love the idea of taking a Shakespeare play creating something new and different out of it. It sounds awesome and I love stories that are set in the entertainment world. It is about time we got more books set in the theater world specifically.

This doesn't come out until the winter, but you can add it to your holiday wishlist as a pre-order item or save those gift cards to purchase it after.

Expected release date - January 5, 2021

Returning To Forks, WA

With the announcement that Midnight Sun would be released in August I decided to revisit the Twilight Saga in order to prepare.

I have not read any of these books in years and despite owning it I have not read Life and Death when it released.

I am both excited and nervous to read this series again. I have such specific memories about how I felt about the series that I am sure will change once I have reread the books. I have grown and changed as a reader and (I hope) as a person.

I have decided to post some blog posts along the way during this journey. It might be one per book or it could be just one in general. I thought it might be interesting to talk about my experiences with this series in comparison to when I first read them.

I am actually doing this reread with some friends and I am pretty excited for our chats about the series and how differently (or not) we view it.

I have a feeling this is going to lead to me rewatching all of the movies as well.

Have you ever reread a book after a long time? If so, did your feelings about the book change? Are you planning on rereading the Twilight Saga before Midnight Sun comes out? Let me know in the comments.

#2020PopCultureResolution - Rear Window

Rear Window

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Length:  115 minutes

Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma  Ritter

Release Date:  September 1, 1954

Synopsis: Professional photographer Jeff is stuck in his apartment, recuperating from a broken leg. Out of boredom, he begins to spy on his neighbours and comes across a shocking revelation.

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

When asked about Alfred Hitchcock movies most people will immediately name Psycho as their favourite of his movies. I predict that for many it might be the only one of his films that they have seen.

My knowledge of Hitchcock movies is limited and I have more than a few that I still need to watch. I started closing that gap in my classic Hollywood education with Rear Window. It's a movie about voyeurism, and how curiosity can often lead us into danger.

There is a tension that is palpable almost immediately. The plot is rather simple but is used to great effect. James Stewart's Jeff is confined to his home due to an accident that has rendered him immobile for the time being. He passes the time peering into his neighbour's apartment through their windows. It is a pastime that turns dangerous when he suspects one of his neightbours may have killed his wife.

It goes without saying that this is masterfully directed film. There is a reason that Hitchcock's work has influenced so much of modern cinema. I was riveted from pretty much the first frame.

James Stewart has quickly become one of my favourite leading men from Hollywood's golden age. He's as fascinating to watch in this as he is in any other movie I have seen him in. He exudes a certain charm and that makes his chemistry with his costars shine all the brighter.

This movie marks the first time I have seen Grace Kelly in anything. Her wardrobe is incredible. It is probably one of the things that will stand out for most people about her performance in this film. She makes the most out of the role of Lisa that she can. Sadly, many of the women in this are used as a means to prop up the male character or objectified via his voyeurism. I may not be clamoring to see all the rest of her movies but I can see why she would have been the Hollywood Blonde for a moment. She also seems perfect for the role of Hitchcock's muse. There is a sophistication and a coldness to her that works especially well here.

One of my favourite elements of the movie is that we, the viewer, become complicit in Jeff's crimes of voyerism. We also peep into the lives of his neighbours and get our just desserts along with Jeff when he is forced to watch his actions potentially lead to horrific (and personal) consequences. A movie impacting the audience this way and making them feel a bit of that discomfort in their own participation is always something that resonates with me. I find it causes you to think about what you are consuming in a new way.

Hitchcock's use of the 'less is more' style of horror and scares is always so unsettling to me. The camera flashes that come towards the end of the movie sent my heart racing because of the precipice it leaves you on. It is like a rollercoaster and you are waiting for the drop. Anything could happen in those moments in between and that is what Hitchcock is so good at. He doesn't need gore because he trusts the audience's brain to fill in something worse anyway.

I can definitely see why many refer to this movie as Hitchcock's masterpiece. This is one of, and perhaps will be, my favourite movies from this whole experiment. It may even be my favourite Hitchcock movie. Sorry, Psycho.

Bookish Podcast Recommendations Wanted

I noticed something missing from my podcast feed recently. It is something that may seem strange due to the amount of reading I do but bookish podcasts are definitely something I have not been listening to.

I have a lot of true crime podcasts, and even a few fun movie ones that I really enjoy. I, however, want a good book driven podcast to add into the mix.

I am enjoying one bookish podcast. It is called What You Should Read.

Kelly, Julia, and Rachael are the hosts and I am enjoying getting their recommendations on what to read and just their conversations in general.

It has made me want to add a few more to my podcast rotation so tell me your absolute favourite bookish podcasts. I want to get a few to try out so the more suggestions the better.

Let me know what I should be listening to either in the comments or on Twitter (@kathycoe). Thanks, and I cannot wait to see what you all recommend.

Waiting On Wednesday ...... How We Fall Apart

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 How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In a YA thriller that is Crazy Rich Asians meets One of Us is Lying, students at an elite prep school are forced to confront their secrets when their ex-best friend turns up dead and they're the prime suspects in her murder.

When Nancy Luo's former best friend Jamie Ruan, the top ranked junior at Sinclair Prep, goes missing, Nancy is shocked. She's even more shocked when Jamie is found dead.

The police suspect murder, and Nancy and her three friends become the prime suspects-thanks to The Proctor, someone set on publicly incriminating them via the school's social media app. The quartet used to be Jamie's closest friends - and she knew dangerous secrets about each of them that could ruin their reputations as the other top- ranking students. For Nancy, the stakes are even higher, because unlike her wealthy friends, she could lose her full ride scholarship, too.

As the group struggles to clear their names while maintaining their perfect GPAS, they race to uncover Jamie's true killer-before the Proctor exposes all of their darkest secrets. But Nancy can't help but suspect that one of her friends is lying. Or is there a missing piece in her own memory that could expose the truth-not just about Jamie's fate, but also about herself?

I immediately wanted to read this book that was teased as Crazy Rich Asians meets One of Us is Lying. A murder mystery set against the backdrop of a prep school is a must read for me.

I also happen to love the cover. It's perfect for this genre and will be eye catching on shelves.

I cannot wait to unravel this mystery when it releases in early January of next year.

Expected release date - January 5, 2021

The Chase by Elle Kennedy

The Chase by Elle Kennedy
Release Date - August 4, 2018

Publisher Website - Elle Kennedy Inc
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  374 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**Purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A sexy standalone novel from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.

The Chase kicks off a new series from Elle Kennedy set in Briar University. It is tied to the Off-Campus series by more than just its location. It shares characters we've met previously and offers up a similar flirty and fun tone.

We've met both Summer and Fitz before so it feels a little like you know them when diving in. I appreciated the extra attachment as it definitely made it feel like I was returning to something known rather that starting a whole new series. The setting and characters immediately pulled me in because they felt familiar.

A lot of this story is about perceptions. Summer and Fitz both have assumptions about how others see them and about themselves. These assumptions get challenged as the story progresses but it was interesting to see the usual romance plot device of miscommunication (or complete lack of communication) used the way it is here. It doesn't feel new but it still manages to feel unique to these specific circumstances. Summer's doubts about herself will resonate with everyone in different ways. I found it made her really relatable and easy to root for as she works her way through her problems.

The romance between her and Fitz is complicated and filled with doubt and second guessing. They are pretty much opposites in every way. Summer is outgoing and bubbly (think Elle Woods) and Fitz is more reserved and quiet. He wants to be invisible mostly and Summer is a ray day sunlight that blinds you. Their relationship takes a long and winding road to its destination but that is part of what made it work for me. There is no easy path for these two to come together and that seems obvious from the beginning. Neither of the characters are perfect and people are hurt as collateral damage but I found I loved them and their romance because of their messiness.

The side characters are, as usual, just as interesting as the main characters. My favourite is the hockey coach's daughter, Brenna, who becomes best friends with Summer. I already cannot wait for Brenna's eventual turn in the spotlight. The teases of who her love interest might be were delicious and I am here for all of it.

The biggest highlight for any fan of the Off-Campus series is getting to have a bit of a reunion with some of the characters we fell in love with while devouring those books. It is the perfect check in with them and only cemented the ties between the two series.

If you like college set reads that are both sexy and addictively readable I would highly recommend picking up The Chase (or the Off-Campus series). These books always deliver exactly what I expect them to and I predict romance fans will love them.

Waiting On Wednesday .... Grown

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  Grown by Tiffany D Jackson

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Korey Fields is dead.

When Enchanted Jones wakes with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night, no one—the police and Korey’s fans included—has more questions than she does. All she really knows is that this isn't how things are supposed to be. Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom.

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her tight knit family’s recent move to the suburbs while trying to find her place as the lone Black girl in high school. But then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition. And suddenly her dream of being a professional singer takes flight.

Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious life but soon her dream turns into a nightmare. Behind Korey’s charm and star power hides a dark side, one that wants to control her every move, with rage and consequences. Except now he’s dead and the police are at the door. Who killed Korey Fields?

All signs point to Enchanted.

This immediately caught my eye because of the striking cover. I love how bright and vibrant the colour scheme is.

I immediately needed to get my hands on this book the second I read the synopsis. I love the idea of a bit of a murder mystery mixed with some social commentary. I believe it may even have some real world inspiration (the Surviving R Kelly documentary).

I am definitely looking forward to curling up with this one in the fall when it releases! Join me in waiting by preordering and adding it your Goodreads if you haven't done so already.

Expected release date - September 15. 2020

Monthly Wrap Up and TBR

How is it already June? March felt like it lasted the entire year but the rest of these months have gone by much quicker.

Before I get into what I am hoping to read in June I have to wrap up May. I actually managed to read quite a bit more than usual this month which surprised me.

The books that were on my list are:

Crave by Tracy Wolff (goodreads)
Something To Talk About by Meryl Wilsner (goodreads)

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (goodreads)
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell (goodreads)
Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre (goodreads)

Plus I had some ebooks on my list:

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (goodreads)
The Chase by Elle Kennedy (goodreads)

She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin (goodreads)

I managed to read six books this month and they are a mixture of books from the list and books that I randomly selected.

Here is what I managed to read in May:

The Betrothed by Kiera Cass (goodreads)

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (goodreads)
The Chase by Elle Kennedy (goodreads)
Crave by Tracy Wolff (goodreads)
Something To Talk About by Meryl Wilsner (goodreads)
Docile by K.M Szpara (goodreads)

My #2020PopCultureResolution book for May was In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. My review was already posted if you were interested in checking that out.

Here is what I hope to read in June:

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (goodreads)
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell (goodreads)
Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre (goodreads)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (goodreads)

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

She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin (goodreads)
All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin (goodreads)
The Falling In Love Montage by Ciara Smyth (goodreads)
Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano (goodreads)
You Say It First by Katie Cotugno (goodreads)

My June #2020PopCultureResolution choices are All That Heaven Allows by Mark Griffin for the book, and Rear Window for the movie! The book is one that I am looking forward to reading even more now that I have seen Hollywood. I am curious to learn more about Rock Hudson. The movie has been on my watch list for years and I am excited to finally get to it.

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.