We're gearing up for 2023 by wrapping up 2022! Yesterday I shared my top five reads of 2022 and today I am sharing my favourite movies and television.
These are in no particular order (as that would be impossible).
This is going to be a mix of newer releases and old as the only criteria I had for making this list was that it was a new watch for me this year.
Here are my favourite movies of 2022:
1. The Godfather
2. Elvis
3. The Fabelmans
4. The Inspection
5. Bones and All
6. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
7. Tar
8. Women Talking
9. Bros
10. The Lost City
My television list is going to be much shorter compared to my movie list. It's only going to consist of five shows. There is A LOT of TV that I have not watched so many if your faves may be missing. Please let me recommendations in the comments for ones I have to catch up on.
Here are my television shows of 2022:
1. Stranger Things (season 4)
2. The Bear
3. Heartstopper
4. Only Murders In The Building
5. Ted Lasso
What movies and television make your Best of 2020 list? Let me know which ones I need to check out in the comments below.
A new year is upon us and that means time for reflection. It also means looking forward to what the new year may bring. This week will be filled with both as I talk about what I loved in books, movies, and TV this year and talk about what I am anticipating next year. Today, I am going to detail my top reads five of 2022 before moving on to what I can not wait for in 2023.
I'll also have a post going up tomorrow with my favourite in movies and television for the year.
My reading definitely suffered in 2022. The year, on the whole, was not a great one for me in any sense. My lack of reading is why there are only five choices this year. I can not wait to dive into 2023 and all it has to offer.
These are not in any particular order as that would have been a even harder choice to make.
My Top Five Books of 2022:
1. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
2. I'm The Girl by Courtney Summers
3. A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
4. Fable by Adrienne Young
5. She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey
What books did you love this year? Any on my list make your list as well? What books did I miss this year that I absolutely have to make time for in 2023? Let me know in the comments.
My #2023MostAnticipated event continues with a book that sounds magical and also happens to be the adult debut of a beloved young adult author.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi is next to be featured from my list and it is certainly an intriguing sounding read. It sort of have elements that kind of make it sound like it was inspired by Bluebird (except gender bent)
This is one where I hightly recommend reading the Goodreads synopsis. It's vague enough but gives you plenty of details to get excited about.
A sumptuous, gothic-infused story about a marriage that is unraveled by dark secrets, a friendship cursed to end in tragedy, and the danger of believing in fairy tales--the breathtaking adult debut from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi.
Once upon a time, a man who believed in fairy tales married a beautiful, mysterious woman named Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada. He was a scholar of myths. She was heiress to a fortune. They exchanged gifts and stories and believed they would live happily ever after--and in exchange for her love, Indigo extracted a promise: that her bridegroom would never pry into her past.
But when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is dying and the couple is forced to return to her childhood home, the House of Dreams, the bridegroom will soon find himself unable to resist. For within the crumbling manor's extravagant rooms and musty halls, there lurks the shadow of another girl: Azure, Indigo's dearest childhood friend who suddenly disappeared. As the house slowly reveals his wife's secrets, the bridegroom will be forced to choose between reality and fantasy, even if doing so threatens to destroy their marriage . . . or their lives.
Combining the lush, haunting atmosphere of Mexican Gothic with the dreamy enchantment of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a spellbinding and darkly romantic page-turner about love and lies, secrets and betrayal, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride releases February 14, 2023 and preorder links are available wherever you like to preorder your books.
You can find out more by following Roshani's Instagram or visiting her website. You can also find out more about her books by visiting the publisher website.
Are you a fan of books that are inspired by other novels? If so let me know your favourite in the comments below. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my next pick.
My #2023MostAnticipated event continues with a book that is a retelling of Anthony and Cleopatra. It also happens to be the adult debut from a much loved young adult author.
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong is next to be featured from my list.
There is a Goodreads synopsis definitely has me intrigued
#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.
Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.
Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him.
Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning.
Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom.
Immortal Longings releases July 25, 2023 and preorder links are available wherever you like to preorder your books.
You can find out more by following Chloe's Twitter or visiting her website. You can also find out more about her books by visiting the publisher website.
Are you a fan of books that are retellings? If so let me know your favourite in the comments below. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my next pick.
My #2023MostAnticipated event continues with a book that is a sequel to a book I really enjoyed. It is perfect for those who loved Mindhunter and Silence of the Lambs.
.
Some Shall Break by Ellie Marney is next on my list.
There is a Goodreads synopsis makes me want to read it even more. Spoilers for None Shall Sleep (the first book in the series).
This sequel to the New York Times bestselling None Shall Sleep is an equally electrifying, chilling thriller that brings us back into the lives of junior FBI consultants Travis Bell and Emma Lewis with a new case that may unravel everything they’ve been working for.
After a harrowingly close contact with juvenile sociopath Simon Gutmunsson, junior FBI consultants Emma Lewis and Travis Bell went their separate ways: Emma rejected her Quantico offer and Travis stayed to train within a new unit of the FBI Behavioral Science division. But the unit’s latest case is feeling eerily familiar and Kristin Gutmunsson—Simon Gutmunsson’s eccentric twin—reaches out to Travis to send a warning: Emma is in peril.
When Travis and Kristin turn up evidence that points back to Daniel Huxton, the serial killer that Emma had escaped, things become more complicated. With a copycat on the loose, Emma returns to Quantico and is thrown back into her past traumas. Compelled to prevent more tragedy—even if it means putting herself in danger—Emma turns to Simon for help once again. But Simon is keeping secrets that could impact their entire investigation. Will the team be able to stop the Huxton copycat before time runs out for his next victims?
Some Shall Break releases June 6 2023 and preorder links are available wherever you like to preorder your books.
You can find out more by following Ellie's Twitter or visiting her website. You can also find out more about her books by visiting the publisher website.
Are you a fan of true crime inspired books? If so let me know your favourite in the comments below. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my next pick.
Welcome to a brand new post on my blog. It'll be a monthly post and focus on the new movies I most want to see that month. I am excited to see what movies you are excited for as well.
Here is what I am excited for in December:
1.Spoiler Alert
Release Date: December 9
This is the movie adaptation of the memoir by Michael Ausiello. It looks incredibly sad - definitely going to need tissues as the trailer made me cry.
I have heard good things from early screenings and it has only made me more excited.
2. Babylon
Release Date: December 23
I tend to like Damien Chazelle's movies and am fascinated by 1920s Hollywood. I was pretty much obsessed with the idea of Babylon since it was announced.
It has a star filled cast and, while it has mixed reviews, I personally think I will love it.
3. I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Release Date: December 23
Biopic tend to do well with the Oscars. This one looks like a worthy watch there is no denying it will have great music.
Naomi Ackie is playing Whitney and she looks fantastic. She may not be singing (not many have that voice) but it seems everything else is there.
Those are the movies I am most excited to see. I am going to include one other movie that I have already seen and that I cannot wait for everyone else to see.
1. Women Talking
Release Date: December 25
This is based on a book and it is such a good adaptation. The plot revolves around a group of women discussing the ramifications of sexual abuse in their community.
The cast is incredible and it feels both timeless and timely. I cannot recommend it enough.
What are you most excited to see this month? Let me know in the comments.
My #2023MostAnticipated event continues with a book that mixes vampires with family drama. Morgan Rhodes kicks off her newest series with Bad Blood.
This book doesn't even have a cover yet but it already is near the top of my must read list for next year.
There also isn't a Goodreads synopsis but we do have the deal announcement which was enough to make me want it immediately.
Bad Blood releases in fall 2023 and preorder links are not currently available but be sure to add it to your Goodreads so you know when it can be purchased.
You can find out more by following Morgan's Twitter or visiting her website. You can also find out more about her books by visiting the publisher website.
Are you a fan of books about vampires? If so let me know your favourite in the comments below. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my next pick.
Day two of my #2023MostAnticipated event brings a book that features boybands, a pop starlet, a love triangle, and a second chance romance.
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman's next book has all of this and more. It sounds angsty and exactly like the kind of book you want want to read in the summer by the pool.
The Goodreads synopsis makes it sound like it'll appeal to those of us who grew up loving boybands and always hoped for some juicy drama to leak.
A former pop star finds herself back in the spotlight--along with an old flame from her past--in this "friends to lovers" meets "enemies to lovers" romance from the bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, the sensational Tik Tok romance!
Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America's number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that's why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who's always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee's relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life...
Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams--a starring role in the Broadway show he's directing and a chance to perform the way she's always wanted. The two haven't spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can't deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you've been burned in the past?
Once More with Feeling releases May 30, 2023. You can, of course, pre-order wherever you like to purchase books.
You can find out more by following Elissa's Instagram or visiting her website. You can also find out more about her books by visiting the publisher website.
Are you a fan of books that feature singers? If so let me know your favourite in the comments below. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my next pick.
It's officially the most wonderful time of the year and that means looking ahead to next year and the books we can look forward to reading. This annual event is one of my favourites and I am thrilled to be featuring it again this year.
The first post of this event is a novel that fictionalizes the Hollywood romance between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb.
I don't know much about them and I have only seen a few movies featuring either of them but I am definitely looking forward to this making me want to discover more.
The Goodreads synopsis sets up what this novel is going to deliver perfectly in my opinion:
It was the tumultuous romance that scandalized the world: Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner fought, loved, and lived life to the hilt. Now their unbridled story is brought vividly to life by Heather Webb, the bestselling author of Meet Me in Monaco and The Next Ship Home.
In the golden age of Hollywood, two of the brightest stars would define--and defy--an era...
She was the small-town southern beauty transformed into a Hollywood love goddess. He was the legendary crooner whose voice transfixed the world. They were Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra. Separately they were irresistible; together they were an explosive combination.
Ava's star is rising just as Frank's career--and public image as a family man--is taking a hit. Gone are the days of the screaming bobbysoxers and chart-topping hits. Ava, however, finds herself gracing the front page of every tabloid in America. Jealousy and cheating abound, and when the two succumb to their temperaments and their vices, their happiness is threatened at every turn.
As the pair ride the rollercoaster of success and failure, passion and anger, they both wonder if the next turn will be the end of their careers, and most devastating of all--the end of all they've shared.
A captivating novel with a star-studded cast spanning continents and decades, Strangers in the Night brings to life the most riveting love story of the twentieth century.
How great does this sound? It makes me want to dive into some of their classic films and learn more about them before reading this one.
Strangers in the Night releases March 21, 2023. You can, of course, pre-order wherever you like to purchase books.
You can find out more by following Heather's Twitter or visiting her website. You can also find out more about her books by visiting the publisher website.
Do you like Hollywood set reads? If so let me know your favourite in the comments below. Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my next pick.
It's almost the most wonderful time of the year and with that comes my annual most anticipated event. I am going to highlight the books I am most looking forward to in 2023 and I am going to switch up the format a bit!
I am looking forward to sharing the books that already have me hyped and hearing back from you all about what books you're super excited for.
The event will begin Monday November 28th. Be sure to stop by to see what is included and hear all about the books I think we'll be talking about next year!
A few teases of books that are included:
- a novel focusing on an infamous Hollywood couple
- a novel about second chances and boy bands
- a novel about a murder at a prom
- a novel that continues the vampires are back trend.
I hope some of these have piqued your interest and that you'll check out the event launching soon!
Let me know what books you are excited for in the comments!
Welcome to a brand new post on my blog. It'll be a monthly post and focus on the three movies I most want to see that month. I am going to be posting it much earlier in the month going forward and I am excited to see what movies you are excited for as well.
1.Bones and All
Release Date: November 18 (limited), November 23 (wide)
This is based on a young adult novel that mixes horror with romantic elements. It's a coming of age story that revolves around two cannibals taking a road trip through the backroads of America.
Early buzz is that this movie is incredibly good that the performances are outstanding. I am super curious about it, even if I expect some moments will be a little stomach turning.
2. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Release Date: November 23 (theatres), December 23 (Netflix)
I, like almost everyone else, loved Knives Out. It all worked for me - the clever script, Chris Evans in that sweater, the stacked cast. It probably is no surprise that I was thrilled to hear that Rian Johnson was writing a sequel.
This has another amazing cast and if the buzz is to believed it is even better than the first one. The trailer certainly looks promising and I am excited to discover the mystery.
3. She Said
Release Date: November 18
I read the book this is based on and am definitely intrigued to see how they handle this. It revolves around the investigation that revealed the sexual abuse/harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
It served as one of the launching pads for the #MeToo movement and resulted in bright light being shone on other abuses in the entertainment industry. I am curious to see how they end this movie as that is going to be what defines this movie for me.
Those are the movies I am most excited to see. I am going to include three other movies that I have already seen and that I cannot wait for everyone else to see.
1. The Fabelmans
Release Date: November 11 (limited), November 23 (wide)
This will very likely end up being one of my favourite movies of the year. It's a love letter to the cinema along with being a semi autobiographical story of Steven Spielberg's childhood.
I fully expect this one to be in a lot of Oscar conversations and it won't surprise me if it ends up winning Best Picture.
2. The Menu
Release Date: November 18
Don't let the trailer fool you - it's not a horror movie in the way you are thinking. It's a dark comedy with a lot of social commentary.
It boasts some great performances and it is one I definitely enjoyed seeing with a crowd. The ending may have left me a little unsatisfied but I enjoyed it over all.
3. The Inspection
Release Date: November 18
Jeremy Pope's performance was the stand out in this for me. He delivers a performance that instantly makes you want to see whatever he does next.
It's also a promising debut by the director (Elegance Bratton) who is telling a story based on personal experiences.
What are you most excited to see this month? Let me know in the comments.
I had my first film festival experience in September when I traveled to Toronto to attend TIFF and I am definitely a fan.
There is nothing like being surrounded by people who love the same thing you do. I experienced this high every time I took part in Book Expo America and it turns out movie festivals are no different. There is an electric buzz in the air from the moment you arrive and it is palpable.
There is something magical about going to the cinema. The smell of popcorn that fills the air as you enter. The thrill of the unknown as the movie lights dim and the possibilities are endless. The tantalizing feeling that you might just be about to experience your next favourite movie. Movies have the ability to transport us and I can think of no greater magic.
The pandemic forced many cinemas to close and the communal experience of watching a movie together was something we were not able to do. Connecting with others is part of what it means to be human as is storytelling and this combines both. Ever see a horror movie and have everyone react to a jump scare followed by a relieved little chuckle or be moved to tears by a movie only to realize you are not the only one? It is its own kind of serotonin.
I may have been rediscovering my love of not just movies but the cinema experience in general but I also got to see some pretty amazing movies.
I was absolutely charmed by Stephen Spielberg's The Fabelmans. A fable about a family told by one of the master storytellers. This is obviously the story of Spielberg's childhood and is filled with great performances and a memorable final few frames.
Jeremy Pope wowed me with his incredible performance in The Inspection. It left me excited to see whatever he might do next.
Women Talking made me walk around Toronto in the golden sunshine of the afternoon thinking about the movie I had just seen. I was so impressed with Ben Whishaw's performance and left in awe of this female ensemble. It is a thought provoking movie that leaves you wanting to start some conversations of you own.
Another highlight was getting to listen to Damien Chazelle discuss his career and his thoughts on his previous films. Part of the appeal of TIFF is getting to hear the directors and actors discuss what goes in to creative process and that is something that can only make you love movies more.
Those are just a small number of the movies I got to see and I left Toronto in a satisfied movies induced stupor and with my heart very, very full. I also got to experience so many other incredible things while there but nothing quite compares to the feeling of the lights dimming as the movie starts to play.
It was the tumultuous romance that scandalized the world: Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner fought, loved, and lived life to the hilt. Now their unbridled story is brought vividly to life by Heather Webb, the bestselling author of Meet Me in Monaco and The Next Ship Home.
In the golden age of Hollywood, two of the brightest stars would define--and defy--an era...
She was the small-town southern beauty transformed into a Hollywood love goddess. He was the legendary crooner whose voice transfixed the world. They were Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra. Separately they were irresistible; together they were an explosive combination.
Ava's star is rising just as Frank's career--and public image as a family man--is taking a hit. Gone are the days of the screaming bobbysoxers and chart-topping hits. Ava, however, finds herself gracing the front page of every tabloid in America. Jealousy and cheating abound, and when the two succumb to their temperaments and their vices, their happiness is threatened at every turn.
As the pair ride the rollercoaster of success and failure, passion and anger, they both wonder if the next turn will be the end of their careers, and most devastating of all--the end of all they've shared.
A captivating novel with a star-studded cast spanning continents and decades, Strangers in the Night brings to life the most riveting love story of the twentieth century.
I have been watching a lot of older Hollywood movies since starting to listen to the You Must Remember This podcast. It has lead to me wanting to check out some books set in this time period. This, naturally, caught my eye as soon as I saw it announced.
Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner are Hollywood legends, but I don't know much about their romance so I am anticipating that this may make me want to do a deep dive into their relationship.
I am hoping this is a read that is not only fun but inspires me to watch more classic movies. It certainly sounds like it is going to be a great spring read.
I will be headed to Toronto very soon to attend TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival). I am excited to see so many movies and attend the festival for the first time.
I have secured tickets and, while I did not.get everything I wanted, I am looking forward to what I did manage to get tickets to.
Here are the movies I managed to get tickets to in no particular order:
1. The Menu
2. The Fabelmans
3. My Policeman
4. In Conversation with Damien Chazelle
5. Empire of Light
6. The Son
7. The Greatest Beer Run Ever
8. Triangle of Sadness
9. Women Talking
I really wanted to get a ticket to Glass Onion and the Taylor Swift event but I am happy with what I am going to see.
Are you heading to TIFF? What movies are you most excited to see from the festival line up? Let me know in the comments.
Your next stay-up-all-night thriller, about identical triplets who have a nasty habit of killing their boyfriends, and what happens when the youngest commits their worst crime yet: falling in love with her mark.
Make him want you.
Make him love you.
Make him dead.
Sissy has an...interesting family. Always the careful one, always the cautious one, she has handled the cleanup while her serial killer sisters have carved a path of carnage across the U.S. Now, as they arrive in the Arizona heat, Sissy must step up and embrace the family pastime of making a man fall in love and then murdering him. Her first target? A young widower named Edison--and their mutual attraction is instant. While their relationship progresses, and most couples would be thinking about picking out china patterns and moving in together, Sissy's family is reminding her to think about picking out burial sites and moving on.
But then something happens that Sissy never anticipated: She begins to feel protective of Edison, and then, before she can help it, she's fallen in love. But the clock is ticking, and her sisters are growing restless. It becomes clear that the gravesite she chooses will hide a body no matter what happens; but if she betrays her family, will it be hers?
This book just recently came on to my radar and I instantly was sold thanks to the synopsis. A group of serial killer sisters? Yes, please. Add in one of the sisters falling in love with the guy she is supposed to kill and I am already obsessed.
I am looking forward to reading this when it releases in March. I can see it being a popular one for next beach season.
Witness what the gods do after dark in the second volume of a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology from creator Rachel Smythe.
Persephone was ready to start a new life when she left the mortal realm for Olympus. However, she quickly discovered the dark side of her glamorous new home—from the relatively minor gossip threatening her reputation to a realm-shattering violation of her safety by the conceited Apollo—and she’s struggling to find her footing in the fast-moving realm of the gods. Hades is also off-balance, fighting against his burgeoning feelings for the young goddess of spring while maintaining his lonely rule of the Underworld. As the pair are drawn ever closer, they must untangle the twisted webs of their past and present to build toward a new future.
This full-color edition of Smythe’s original Eisner-nominated webcomic Lore Olympus features a brand-new, exclusive short story, and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
This volume collects episodes 26–49 of the #1 WEBTOON comic Lore Olympus.
I have always been fascinated by Greek mythology and was intrigued when I heard about Lore Olympus. I devoured the first volume and immediately became obsessed. I am happy to say that the second volume is just as engrossing as the first. It is everything you loved about the first volume and more.
I absolutely love all of the characters in this (even the ones I love to hate) except Apollo. I genuinely hate that guy and want to scream whenever he appears on the page. Otherwise these characters are the stand out of the story with all of them sparking something in the reader. It creates a compulsion to continue the story as you are invested in the characters and the story.
The amount of character building is rather awe inspiring. These characters have been given space to grow and the plot beats are given room to breathe. I sometimes feel like this development is missing from graphic novels but that is not the case here. It's a rich, layered story that flourishes in this medium.
There are choices made by certain characters that will make you desperate to get the next volume. They will also make you want to force some of the characters to talk to each other. A lot of the angst in this could be resolved with some communication. It makes it a little excruciating in the best possible way.
The tension between Hades and Persephone is absolutely delicious. I ship them so much and part of the enjoyment of this series is tied to the exquisite torture of waiting for them to get together.
This volume continues to expand and develop the world it takes place in. It feels like each volume opens a door we haven't walked through yet. The artwork is essential to crafting the world and the reader is given another entry point in to the story. The colours are so rich, and vivid. The artwork is arresting as you will stop to inspect each image. A successful graphic novel uses the artwork as an extension of the story and that is masterfully done here.
I am absolutely hooked on this breathtaking and nuanced take on the Greek myths. The story has expanded on the first volume in a way that ensures that readers are desperate for the subsequent volumes that will be released.
In the quaint town of Nightfall, Oregon, it isn't the dark you should be afraid of—it's the girls. The Lost Boys meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this propulsive novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Treatment.
Theo and her brother, Marco, threw the biggest party of the year. And got caught. Their punishment? Leave Arizona to spend the summer with their grandmother in the rainy beachside town of Nightfall, Oregon—population 846 souls.
The small town is cute, when it’s not raining, but their grandmother is superstitious and strangely antisocial. Upon their arrival she lays out the one house rule: always be home before dark. But Theo and Marco are determined to make the most of their summer, and on their first day they meet the enigmatic Minnow and her friends. Beautiful and charismatic, the girls have a magnetic pull that Theo and her brother can't resist.
But Minnow and her friends are far from what they appear.
And that one rule? Theo quickly realizes she should have listened to her grandmother. Because after dark, something emerges in Nightfall. And it doesn’t plan to let her leave.
I love both The Lost Boys and Buffy so I was immediately excited to learn about this book. It definitely sounds like a fun read and I love that vampires are back.
This does not come out until March so there is a bit of a wait. I expect it will be worth it though.
I am officially back. I've had a lot going on with a new position at work, some traveling, and just adjusting to everything. It's impacted my reading and my blogging.
There may be a lot of changes coming to the blog as I decide what I want this to be going forward and you can definitely expect some more movie posts as I head to Toronto to experience the Toronto International Film Festival.
I think I am just going to start this with a clean slate since I didn't post one of these for July.
Before I talk about what August will bring for me reading wise I am going to share what I read since my last wrap up post.
I am going to get back on track with my #PopCultureResolution reading. The books for June and July are Nimona by Noelle Stevenson and The Prince and The Dressmaker by Jen Wag. I have read Nimona and will review it shortly. The August pick is V for Vendetta by Alan Moore. The movies are Sing Street, Cabaret, and Dreamgirls. Expect some posts playing catch up in the next little bit.
Next up is an update on my two reading challenges:
I am not doing any new reading challenges this year. My goal is to finish the one from last year so I am posting what I have left to read here. I have made no progress, but hopefully I can scratch these off this summer.
Jan - The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Kelly)
Feb - The Birthday List by Deveny Perry (Emilie)
Mar - Mouthful of Forevers by Clementine Von Radics (Ciara)
April - Marriage for One by Ella Maise (Katie)
May - Written In The Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur (Christy)
June - The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M Danforth (Christa)
July - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Jess)
August - The Grace Year by Kim Leggitt (Christa)
Sept - Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (Meaghan)
Oct - Among the Beasts and Briars by Ashley Poston (Katrina)
Nov - Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott(Kim)
Dec - Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney (Julia)
As for the reading challenge inspired by The Bachelor. No progress to report this month, but i am hoping to sneak in one this month. We'll see how it goes.
1. Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
2. If The Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
3. Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
4. Further to Fall by Catherine Cowles
5. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
6. Isn't it Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams
7. My Favorite Souvenir by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland
8. Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
9. Marriage for One by Ella Maise
10. Exit Plans for Teenage Freaks by Nathan Burgoine
11. Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
12. Open Book by Jessica Simpson
13. Isn't it Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams
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.
From the critically acclaimed author of Something To Talk About comes a sharp and sexy rom-com about a college senior who accidentally hooks up with her best friend’s mom.
When Cassie Klein goes to an off-campus bar to escape her school’s Family Weekend, she isn’t looking for a hookup—it just happens. Buying a drink for a stranger turns into what should be an uncomplicated, amazing one-night stand. But then the next morning rolls around and her friend drags her along to meet her mom—the hot, older woman Cassie slept with.
Erin Bennett came to Family Weekend to get closer to her daughter, not have a one-night stand with a college senior. In her defense, she hadn’t known Cassie was a student when they'd met. To make things worse, Erin’s daughter brings Cassie to breakfast the next morning. And despite Erin's better judgement—how could sleeping with your daughter’s friend be anything but bad?—she and Cassie get along in the day just as well as they did last night.
What should have been a one-time fling quickly proves impossible to ignore, and soon Cassie and Erin are sneaking around. Worst of all, they start to realize they have something real. But is being honest about the love between them worth the cost?
I loved Something To Talk About so naturally I am very excited about Meryl's next book. This one isn't a slow burn, and I hear it is very good (and very sexy).
This one releases in October, but it is the kind of read that seems like it'll remind you summer. If you are wanting something to read while you wait for this amazing sounding book and haven't already picked up Something To Talk About I recommend you do that immediately.
It's August and for most people that means the beginning of the end of summer. It means getting in those last summer reads and a few more trips to the beach. As someone who loves fall it means the beginning of the countdown to my favourite season. It means that pumpkin spice, sweater weather, and some of the best books of the year are on their way.
The turn of the season always make me excited to plan my reading list and I have five books that I hope to read this fall and one that I hope you will all add to your own reading list.
The five books I hope to read this fall are:
1.Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (goodreads)
This holiday set raunch-com has been high up on my must read list for this year and I am so excited that it is finally almost here. This sounds like a cute, funny, sexy read that will be the perfect way to switch from spooky to merry!
2.The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D Jackson (goodreads)
A Carrie inspired horror by one of my must read authors? Yes, please. It's a perfect fit for October as we devour everything scary.
3.How To Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine (goodreads)
This sounds like a great way to kick off the fall season and even has some inspiration from one of my favourite horror movies. It's a unique premise and one that I hope lives up to its potential.
4. The Prince of Song and Sea by Linsey Miller (goodreads)
This sounds like great counter programming to all of the horror/mystery/suspense reads coming out in the fall. This is the first in a season that focuses on the Disney Princes and it begins with Price Eric's story. I love The Little Mermaid so this should be a fun read.
5.Each Night Was Illuminated by Jodi Lynn Anderson (goodreads)
Jodi Lynn Anderson is one of my all time favourite authors and I rejoice every time a new book from her is released. I don't even have to know what the book is about. This one sounds a little sad, a little hopeful and I cannot wait to devour it while enjoying a pumpkin spice latte.
The one book I hope you all add your own reading lists:
This is one of my favourite Courtney Summers books. It has everything you've come to expect from a Courtney Summers novel and it also has some things that you may not expect. It is devastating in a way that all her books are and in a way that feels very now. I don't want to say too much about this one now (my review will post closer to the release date) but it's one I am highly recommending for your fall reading.
