2018 Most Anticipated - These Rebel Waves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jackfruit and basil in a coconut ice cream.

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

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

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

Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

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

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

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

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

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

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

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

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

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble //

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

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

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

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a safe and fun start to 2016 and that the rest of the year is filled with family, friends and amazing books! I cannot wait for all the great books coming our way!

Thanks for following my blog this past year. I look forward to all that 2016 will bring to the bookish community and I look forward to sharing it with all of you!

2016 Most Anticipated - Giveaway

Now that you've heard all about the amazing titles I cannot wait to read I am offering up the chance foe you to win one (and some other goodies).

The winner will receive:

- ARC of A Criminal Magic, along with a note book and swag from Lee Kelly
- various swag from some of the other authors on the list
- their choice of one of the books featured which will be ordered from Book Depository
- a set of postcards I will make featuring the covers of the novels included in the feature

The ARC of Criminal Magic and swag that I have will be sent right away so that the winner can enjoy the book immediately. The postcards and choice of book featured will be sent as soon as they are available (the postcards will be ordered in late Feb/early March when all the covers are revealed). I am still waiting on some swag that will come in the new year from various authors so that will be sent when available as well.

The books featured are:

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury
Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker
Kill The Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky
Suffer Love by Ashley Herring Blake
American Girls by Alison Umminger
26 Kisses by Anna Michels
Unhooked by Lisa Maxwell
The Land of 10,000 Madonnas by Kate Hattemer
The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
A Criminal Magic by Lee Kelly
As I Descended by Robin Talley
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Traitor Angels by Anne Blankman
Never Ever by Sara Saedi
Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten
And I Darken by Kiersten White
Overdrive by Dawn Ius
When We Collided by Emery Lord
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

Enter using the Rafflecopter below and the winner will be noticed shortly after the contest closes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for stopping by during the event! I hope you've enjoyed learning about these exciting new titles. Let me know in the comments which book you'd select if you win this giveaway.

2016 Most Anticipated - Heartless, Caraval and Glass Sword

As an end to the Most Anticipated of 2016 feature I am offering a round up of a few titles that are on my radar and should really be on yours, too.

These are titles that make me feel extremely lucky for the wealth of amazing books that are about to come our way in the new year.

I have chosen three to highlight and will provide a few reasons I am looking forward to each of them!

Heartless by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)

This one seems like an obvious pick. Pretty sure everyone is anticipating this. Here are my reasons for needing to get my hands on this magical retelling!

1 This is Alice in Wonderland before Alice drops in. It's al about how the Queen of Hearts becomes the Queen of Hearts that we know from the classic tale.

2 There is a character named Jest whom I have heard is very swoon worthy!

3 Some beloved Alice in Wonderland characters are said to make an appearance. Here is hoping we see Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, and more!

4 It's Marissa Meyer. We know she'll deliver a fantastic retelling and completely make us fall in love with the characters.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber (goodreads)

1 The Hollywood Reporter deal announcement. Hype is already strong for this one!

2 The focus being on a sibling relationship. I love that two sisters are the main focus.

3 Everything about Roshani Chokshi's Goodreads review has me VERY excited to read it.

4 Caraval itself. It's being compared to The Night Circus and that setting was so vivid. The idea of a setting just as magical has me really excited AND the game itself has my curiosity piqued. 

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

1 The ending to Red Queen. That ending pretty much ensures you'll NEED to get your hands on Glass Sword. I need to know what happens next.

2 The continued expansion of the incredible world Victoria Aveyard has crafted. The hint that there are more people like Mare possibly out there, and that they may try to find them has me really excited.

3 Without spoilers for Red Queen.. one of the things that make me MOST excited to read this is finding out more about the characters and their motivations after certain events that happened. Are things what they seem, or does that betrayal have other layers to it? Cannot wait to find out.

4 This video! Victoria basically gives us three reasons to get Glass Sword and I agree with all of them! I cannot wait to meet these new characters she mentions!

This officially closes the 2016 Most Anticipated event on the blog! However, be sure to stop by tomorrow to see how you can win one of the books I've featured, an ARC of A Criminal Magic, and some fun swag!

What is your own most anticipated novel of 2016? Let me know in the comments!

2016 Most Anticipated - When We Collided

I saved one of the final spots in my 2016 Most Anticipated event for this book. I've had the chance to read it, and every single thing about it will linger after you've finished. It's a book that breaks your heart and mends it. It's a book that leaves you devastated, but also leaves you soaring. It has nabbed the spot of favourite book by this particular author by a landslide.

The  Goodreads synopsis should be enough to entice you to pick up this incredible book.

Meet Vivi and Jonah: A girl and a boy whose love has the power save or destroy them.

Vivi and Jonah couldn't be more different. Vivi craves anything joyful or beautiful that life can offer. Jonah has been burdened by responsibility for his family ever since his father died. As summer begins, Jonah resigns himself to another season of getting by. Then Vivi arrives, and suddenly life seems brighter and better. Jonah is the perfect project for Vivi, and things finally feel right for Jonah. Their love is the answer to everything. But soon Vivi's zest for life falters, as her adventurousness becomes true danger-seeking. Jonah tries to keep her safe, but there's something important Vivi hasn't told him.

Perfect for fans of E. Lockhart and Jandy Nelson, When We Collided is a powerful story of two teens whose love is put to the test by forces beyond their control.

It really is everything that blurb promises and more. It's beautiful, and important. It's the type of book that will make you want to push it on everyone after you've finished.

Emery kindly took some time to answer a few of my questions and share what drink she thinks pairs nicely with When We Collided (among other things).

1 Twitter pitch When We Collided (140 characters or less) 

A boy who had to grow up too soon, a girl who refuses to, and what happens when they collide.

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

I think sparkling basil lemonade. Sunny tart lemonade for Viv- earthy, versatile basil for Jonah.

3 Your blog post about what inspired this book was incredible. You mentioned wanting to drive back stereotypes, shame and silence by using words. What do you feel makes words the best way to fight these? 

Thanks! There's a lot of private suffering with mental illness- not just those who are trying to navigate it, but their loved ones too. It's like a different language that you speak only with family, closest friends. But the truth is that SO MANY people speak it. To find out who, sometimes you have to say a word in that language first- "depression" or "lithium" or "manic episode." When you realize how many people deeply understand- or have experienced- what you've been through, you feel less alone. And for people who don't know the language? Seeing how many people speak it gives them a sense of how diverse the population of mental illness is.

4 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters. 

It's not really a SECRET, but...in my mind, my characters all live in the same universe, so they could conceivably meet. And a few do, in the bonus material I wrote for The Start of Me & You paperback!

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

ANYWHERE? Frell, to hang out with Ella and Prince Char :)

6 What three things do you need while revising? 

playlists, kettle corn & Diet Coke

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating? 

The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson!

IS ANYONE ELSE FLAILING ABOUT THIS BONUS MATERIAL CHARACTER MEET UP?! OMG!

Her answer to question 3 should be flashing and starred but just go back and read it again if you skimmed. This is why this novel is so important. On a different note - how can you not love her answer of Frell?! Emery's also the only author to choose a literary place to go to (and I did say anywhere).

When We Collided releases April 5, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Emery on Twitter, visit her website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by Monday where I showcase a few other books to add to your 2016 lists (along with reasons I am anticipating them).

Have you read an Emery Lord book before? If not, fix that immediately. Let me know in the comments what your favourite part of reading contemporary novels is.

2016 Most Anticipated - Overdrive (COVER REVEAL + GIVEAWAY)

Today's Most Anticipated of 2016 post is a little different. I have the honour of revealing the cover for one of my selections and I could not be happier to share it with you today. The cover is prefect, and really eye catching. I think you're going to love it.

This Goodreads synopsis also sets up the cover perfectly. This is a book that is all about speed. Fast cars, adrenaline spikes, and high stakes.

Jules Parish has screwed up.

After three years of boosting cars, she got caught. She's too good to get caught, but she let her (ex)-boyfriend talk her into a questionable job. And now, she and her little sister, Emma, will be kicked out of their foster home, left to survive on the unforgiving streets of Las Vegas alone.

Unless.

Eccentric, wealthy Roger Montgomery wants to open up his mansion to Jules and Emma. The only catch? Jules must steal seven of the rarest, most valuable muscle cars in the world—in seven weeks. Even worse, she’s forced to put her trust in three complete strangers to help her do it.

First there’s Chelsea, the gorgeous redhead with a sharp tongue and love for picking locks. Then there’s Mat, who hasn’t met a system he couldn’t hack. And finally there’s the impossibly sexy car thief Nick, whose bad attitude and mysterious past drive Jules crazy.

With nothing in common and everything to lose, can Jules and her amateur crew pull off what could be the biggest car heist in history? Or will things spin out of control faster than a Nevada dust devil?

And now to reveal the cover. It's perfect and amazing and totally eye catching. I am REALLY into this cover. I pretty much gasped when I saw it because it's perfect for the blurb and sucks you in.

The blurred Vegas sign, the clever placement of the tagline, and the cover scheme really all come together to create something unique. It certainly will stand out on shelves (and look fabulous on them)!

Since this is still part of my 2016 Most Anticipated feature, Dawn also took the time to answer a few questions about the book for me.

1 Describe OVERDRIVE in three words.

Sexy. Adrenaline. Rush.

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

OVERDRIVE is set in Las Vegas, so I’m thinking something refreshing, but sinful. Maybe sweet peach, tart lemon, and a dash of cinnamon for extra spice. I’d say cayenne, but that would probably taste awful. Part of me thinks a whiskey on the rocks might be sufficient—powerful, yet effective. Ha.

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

When Julia Parish realizes that none of her previous foster parents have the ability—or inclination—to take care of her and her little sister, Emma, she starts stealing cars to bring in extra cash. The trouble is, she’s damn good at it. With her white-hair, pale skin, and super stealthy moves, it’s no wonder this former ballerina has earned a reputation among her peers. The Las Vegas Police Department knows her as “The Ghost.” But when she meets sexy Nick Barker, Julia isn’t sosure she wants to be “invisible” anymore.

4 What do you think makes a swoon worthy book boyfriend, and will we find him in this book?

My very first book boyfriend was Jamie from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series—he was this perfect mix of bad boy made vulnerable by his love for his Sassenach. Obviously I’ve had crushes on many more book boys since then, but when I write, I always remember what drew me to Jamie (and frankly, what keeps me in love with him even today.) An intriguing (and often heartbreaking) backstory, coupled with a great mix of strength and vulnerability certainly set the stage. I think Nick and Matias are both swoon worthy—Nick, the brooding bad boy with a troubled past, Matias, the Mexican boy-next-door with a heart wrenching story of loss. Not to worry though, this isn’t a love triangle. Julia only has eyes for one of these kindred spirits—I’m excited to see which one YOU fall for.

5 This novel seems like it's going to have fast cars. Did you do any fun research to capture the feeling of driving one of them? 

I could write a whole book about my love of fast vehicles—particularly muscle cars. (Wait, I kind of did!) My dream car is a 1967 Shelby GT 500 (like the one featured in the book and the movie Gone in 60 Seconds), but I had fun with my Toyota Celica back in the early 2000s, and now, my 2009 RX-8, affectionately called Anne. (Yes, my husband has a black truck I have nicknamed Henry—ANNE & HENRY was my debut so my world pretty much revolved around it last year…) I like to drive fast. Probably too fast. Someday, I’d love to take a car racing course, but for now, I’m happy with Anne. I took my driver’s test on a stick shift because my parents had a silver Camaro I was desperate to drive. That car… *swoon*

OVERDRIVE involves several very cool, very fast cars (including an old Camaro), and I LOVED doing the research for all of them—I’m like a walking encyclopaedia of muscle cars now. My husband tries to stump me. The tough part was figuring out how to realistically steal these cars…for the book, of course!

6 Name three songs that were on your writing playlist while writing this novel.

I create playlists for each new project, but OVERDRIVE has, by far, the most eclectic. Here’s the link to the Soundcloud: 

https://soundcloud.com/dawnius/sets/overdrive

My top three songs for this book:

Wonderland — Natalia Kills

Delirious — Susanne Sundfor

Patient Zero — Zomboy

I also listened to a lot of music not on my Soundcloud like Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani, as well as the soundtracks for each of the Fast and Furious movies. During revisions, Sia’s ALIVE kind of took over.

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

Ack! So hard to choose just one, and my TBR pile for 2016 is already ridiculously high. If I HAVE to choose, I’ll admit I am really intrigued by HEARTLESS by Melissa Meyer. Alice in Wonderland is a book of my heart, the Queen my favorite character, and re-tellings a weakness. This book checks off a LOT of boxes, including “Damn, wish I’d written that!” 

8 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of OVERDRIVE.

Kevin jabs his tongue in my ear.

I am also so very excited about Heartless and obviously Jamie from Outlander is VERY swoon worthy! This interview has me every more excited for Overdrive. I cannot wait for the Las Vegas setting, swoony boys, and fast cars. It sounds like the perfect read if you're looking for something fast paced, filled with high stakes and sexy (and bonus of no love triangle)!

No pre-order links for Overdrive are available right now but do add it to your Goodreads so you don't forget when they do become available.

You can also follow Dawn on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

And enter the contest below to win an ARC. ARCs will be ready in FEBRUARY OR MARCH and the prize will be shipped when available. Open Internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway Las Vegas is one of my favourite settings for a book to have. What is your favourite real life setting for a book? And do let me know know what you think of the cover in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - And I Darken

The next selection for my 2016 Most Anticipated event is one that made me immediately want to get my hands on it after reading the synopsis. This book sounds absolutely incredible, and promises to be dark and deadly!

This Goodreads synopsis will immediately suck you in because it hits everything. Fantastic sounding characters, an incredible setting, action, romance, all wrapped in the most tantalizing of teases (and wrapped in very pretty packaging, too).

NO ONE EXPECTS A PRINCESS TO BE BRUTAL. And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, who’s expected to rule a nation, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point. 

I mean... the main character is being called a female Vlad the Impaler. My curiosity is immediately piqued. I cannot wait to see what Kiersten does with this character and I hope she's as wonderfully complex as I am anticipating her to be.

Kiersten was kind enough to answer a few questions about her book. She showcases her humour (that drink... PERFECT), and definitely teases some fantastic things about And I Darken.

1 Describe And I Darken using only three words.

Buy . . . this . . . book? I kid, I kid. Actually, the title is the perfect three word descriptor. Only maybe "And we darken," for the two main characters.

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

The blood of your enemies, the tears of your broken dreams, the poison of your ambitions, and some club soda for that nice, bubbly touch.

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

The two main characters, Lada and Radu, are sister and brother that seem like they couldn't be more different. But their hearts end up pointing in the same direction . . . which might end up breaking both of them.

4 Vlad the Impaler is mentioned as inspiring this novel, and the main character in particular. What about his story resonated with you and made you want to write this one?

Vlad is a fascinating historical figure. In a very brutal age, he still managed to be notorious. He engaged in guerrilla warfare, germ warfare, scorched earth tactics, you name it. I often wondered what it must have taken for him to get to the point where he could justify atrocities in the name of his country (and, at times, against his country for what he saw as its own good). When I decided to make him a her, everything fell into place. Even today in order to compete on the same level, women have to be smarter, work harder, be better than everyone around them. Any perceived weakness is immediately attributed to gender. So making Vlad into Lada upped the stakes. (Stake puns will never get old when talking about a series about Lada the Impaler. You've been warned.) It also shifted the dynamic between Lada and the brilliant young sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in some very fun, juicy ways...

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

I'd love to go to Istanbul during the height of the Ottoman Empire. The fountains, the palaces, the sights and smells and sounds--I can just imagine what it must have been like. (Literally, I have to imagine it, I'm contractually obligated right now.)

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

My editor told me I was required to say my own. And that's true! I'm so excited for And I Darken to be out in the world. But aside from that, I can't wait for The Raven King, the finale to Maggie Stiefvater's Raven Cycle. I also love The Cresswell Plot, by Eliza Wass, an intense family drama about faith and blood, and As I Descended, by Robin Talley, a boarding school retelling of Macbeth.

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of And I Darken

Vlad Dracul's heavy brow descended like a storm when the doctor informed him that his wife had given birth to a girl.

I am also excited about As I Descended (and it was one of my previous picks for this event this year), and this interview has only increased my need to read this book. The characters, especially Lada sound so fascinating and everything she mentions about how changing the character's gender changed everything makes me really curious to see what direction she'll take the story (the hints of some sexy romance also has me really excited, too).

And I Darken  releases June 28, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Kiersten on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

This novel twists true historical events and characters. Why do you think history continues to inspire years later? What draws us to it? Let me know what you think in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - Beware That Girl

The next book on my 2016 Most Anticipated list appeals to the Gone Girl fan in me. I love a good twisty mystery and this one seems to have that and more!

The  Goodreads synopsis is definitely intriguing and will leave you eager to unravel the mysteries within this book's pages.

From Governor General award-winner Teresa Toten comes a powerful and twisted psychological thriller that will rightly draw comparisons to We Were Liars and Gone Girl. Beware That Girl will keep readers guessing until the very last line.

The Haves. The Have Nots. Kate O'Brien appears to be a Have Not. Her whole life has been a series of setbacks she's had to snake her way out of--some more sinister than others. But she's determined to change that. She's book smart. She's street-smart. And she's also a masterful liar.
     As the scholarship student at the elite Waverly School in NYC, Kate has her work cut out for her: her plan is to climb the social ranks and land a spot at Yale. She's already found her "people" among the senior class "it" girls--specifically in the cosseted, mega-wealthy yet deeply damaged Olivia Sumner. As for Olivia, she considers Kate the best friend she's always needed, the sister she never had.
     When the handsome and whip-smart Mark Redkin joins the Waverly administration as head of fundraising, he immediately charms his way into the faculty and students' lives--especially Olivia's, although she doesn't share what's going on. It becomes increasingly obvious that Redkin poses a threat to Kate, too, in a way she can't reveal and can't afford to ignore. Mark has his own plan for a bright future and never doubts that he can pull it off. How close can Kate and Olivia get with Mark without having to share their dark pasts?

Mixing a New York setting with some incredible sounding characters always gets my attention and this synopsis sounds deliciously twisted.

Teresa kindly took some time to dish on her novel, design a drink, and talk about what she thinks a good thriller should have.

1 Describe Beware That Girl using only three words.

So many secrets.

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

Champagne and Kir Royale.

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

A penthouse view of Central Park.

4 Beware The Girl sounds like a twisty thrill ride. What do you think makes a good thriller?

A disquieting, constant low level dread.

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

Nothing could be better than right now, right here, this minute!

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Beware That Girl..

“Neither girl moved."

A penthouse view of Central Park is the stuff of dreams. This seems to be mixing Gossip Girl with Gone Girl which has the potential to be amazing.

Beware That Girl releases May 31, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Teresa on Twitter, visit her website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Are you a fan of thrillers and mysteries? What do you think a good thriller needs within it's pages? Let me know in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - Never Ever

My love for Peter Pan is widely known. It's my go to Disney movie, and one of my favourite stories as a kid. Peter has long been a literary fascination and I am thrilled that there are so many amazing sounding retellings being released in 2016. This is the SECOND Peter Pan inspired novel to make my list.

This Goodreads synopsis has me VERY excited. It sounds exactly like the perfect Peter Pan retelling for me. A mix of a modern setting, magic, and romance.

Wylie Dalton didn't believe in fairy tales or love at first sight.

Then she met a real-life Peter Pan.

When Wylie encounters Phinn—confident, mature, and devastatingly handsome—at a party the night before her brother goes to juvie, she can’t believe how fast she falls for him. And that’s before he shows her how to fly.

Soon Wylie and her brothers find themselves whisked away to a mysterious tropical island off the coast of New York City where nobody ages beyond seventeen and life is a constant party. Wylie’s in heaven: now her brother won’t go to jail and she can escape her over-scheduled life with all its woes and responsibilities—permanently.

But the deeper Wylie falls for Phinn, the more she begins to discover has been kept from her and her brothers. Somebody on the island has been lying to her, but the truth can’t stay hidden forever. 

I am basically prepared to be obsessed with this once I get to read it. I am really excited to meet Phinn. I also love that the Wendy-ish character is called Wylie Dalton! Clever and cute!

Sara was kind enough to answer a few questions about her book, and hopefully this little interview gets you as excited for this title as I am!

1 Describe Never Ever in three words or less.

Magical. Romance. Paradise.

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

That's easy. Freshly squeezed sugar root and pineapple juice, with a splash of champagne. Ground woodmeg to line the glass and a garnish of parvaz flowers. You'll have to read the book to find out what a few of those things are...

3 Your book draws inspiration from Peter Pan. Is there something that particularly inspired you from the classic tale?

I've always loved the wish-fulfillment aspect of Peter Pan. Who wouldn't want to live on an island where you never grow up? But I was interested in aging up the story and exploring some of the same themes with teenagers. The relationship between Peter and Wendy has always been child-like and innocent and I was intrigued by the notion of making it a little edgier, true to life, and complex. Plus, most Peter Pan stories focus on Peter and his journey and I really wanted this book to be told from a young girl's perspective. This story is told from the point of view of Wylie Dalton who's a feistier and more sophisticated version of Wendy Darling.

4 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters.

Tinka, the character inspired by Tinker Bell, suffers from co-dependency and addiction. And she's not afraid to cut a bitch.

5 If possible, please share the first line of Never Ever

Wylie Dalton didn't know it yet, but in precisely two hours, sixteen minutes, and thirty-two seconds, her life would change forever.

6 What three things do you need while revising?

Music, Iced latte, inspirational cafe setting

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

I can't wait to read Shuffle Repeat by Jen Klein. It's described as When Harry Met Sally for YA readers. It's about a guy (Oliver) and a girl (June) who probably wouldn't cross paths at their high school if Oliver didn't have to drive June to school every day. I have a feeling it's going to resurrect all of my nostalgia for high school romance and unrequited love. I'm a huge fan of Jen Klein's debut novel, so I'm really excited for this one.  Also, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. That kind of says it all.

I may love Tinka already. She sounds amazing. I am just so excited to meet these characters and see what secrets lurk in this version of Neverland.

Never Ever releases June 21, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

To find out more about Sara or her books be sure to visit the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Why do you think retellings are so popular? What do you think keeps people coming back to Peter Pan again and again? Let me know in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - Traitor Angels

The next book on my list should come as no surprise. I loved this author's previous novels, and she nails her historical settings flawlessly! I cannot wait to see what she does with this setting, and the mystery that is set to unravel with it's pages.

This Goodreads synopsis is definitely intriguing. It's pretty much impossible not to immediately want to get your hands on this once you're read it.

Six years have passed since England’s King Charles II returned from exile to reclaim the throne, ushering in a new era of stability for his subjects.

Except for Elizabeth Milton. The daughter of notorious poet John Milton, Elizabeth has never known her place in this shifting world—except by her father’s side. By day she helps transcribe his latest masterpiece, the epic poem Paradise Lost, and by night she learns languages and sword fighting. Although she does not dare object, she suspects that he’s training her for a mission whose purpose she cannot fathom.

Until one night the reason becomes clear: the king’s man arrive at her family’s country home to arrest her father. Determined to save him, Elizabeth follows his one cryptic clue and journeys to Oxford, accompanied by her father’s mysterious young houseguest, Antonio Vivani, a darkly handsome Italian scientist who surprises her at every turn. Funny, brilliant, and passionate, Antonio seems just as determined to protect her father as she is—but can she trust him with her heart?

When the two discover that Milton has planted an explosive secret in the half-finished Paradise Lost—a secret the king and his aristocratic supporters are desperate to conceal—Elizabeth is faced with a devastating choice: cling to the shelter of her old life or risk cracking the code, unleashing a secret that could save her father…and tear apart the very fabric of society. 

How can you resist a delicious sounding mystery, a romance and explosive consequences? It's basically impossible. Add to this the meticulous research Anne does, and I am sure the novel is going to every bit as good as that synopsis makes it sound.

Anne graciously took the time to share a little more about her book, told us what drink will pair perfectly with it, and talked about writing novels with historical settings.

1 Twitter pitch Traitor Angels (140 characters or less).

YA romantic historical adventure with multiple puzzles and a scavenger hunt across Restoration Era England

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

Oooh, I love this! Something dark, mysterious, and sweet, like hot chocolate (which people in Restoration Era England really did drink, but only with water, not milk). Yum!

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

Antonio Viviani, Elizabeth’s sexy and mysterious companion, has as secret about his childhood that he’s keeping from her. And before I give away too much, I’d better stop!

4 It sounds like this book required a lot of research (just like your previous two). What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching this novel?

John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost is about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but there’s one character in Milton’s masterpiece who shouldn't be there at all: Galileo. Milton never mentions him by name, but he alludes to him three times, calling him a “Tuscan artist.” I stumbled across this detail while studying Milton in a college class, and I couldn't stop wondering if Milton had included Galileo as some sort of secret message to his readers. My daydreams eventually grew into Traitor Angels.

5 What, for you, is the hardest part of writing a historical novel? 

Figuring out when to stop researching and start writing! Seriously, I'm a huge history nerd and I could research forever.

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

My answer varies from week to week (see, I told you I'm a huge history nerd!) Right now I’d have to say ancient Egypt so I could meet Cleopatra. She’s evolved into such an icon, and I’d love to get to know the woman behind the legend.

7 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

How can I pick only one?! There are so many great books coming out in 2016. I’m really looking forward to Blackhearts by my agency sister Nicole Castroman. It’s an origin story about the teenage boy who would grow up to be the pirate Blackbeard.

8 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Traitor Angels.

“In this earthy life,” my father often said to me, “we move with real or willful blindness. But only one way leads to true darkness.”

Hot Chocolate is the obvious drink of choice while reading this now, and the amount of research done for this novel only inspires more confidence in how epic it's going to be. Oh, and  how amazing would seeing Cleopatra be?! (Oh, and Anne... please write a Cleopatra book! I need it.)

Traitor Angels releases May 3, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Anne on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Historical set novels can transport you. Where in history would you like to travel? Let me know in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - The Female of the Species

This next book only has minimal details available at the moment, but those details are certainly enough to make me desperate to get my hands on this as soon as possible.

The Goodreads link is up for this one, but without an official synopsis attached. This one was mentioned in passing by Mindy on her blog and that is the only description we have. She's described it as ...

a rape-revenge vigilante justice contemporary

That was enough to make me want to include it in this event, and Mindy kindly agreed to answer a few questions in which she shares a little bit more about the book!

1 Describe The Female Of The Species using only three words. 

rape revenge contemporary 

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

Oh man, that's a hard one. It's set in a very rural, poor town so I would think any cheap beer you can name off the top of your head is a good fit.

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit. 

Each of my characters has a very different lifestyle, and each of them really believes that what they are doing is not necessarily wrong, yet they can be at odds with each other. 

4 You've described this novel as a 'rape-revenge vigilante justice contemporary'. Did you do any research for this novel and if so what was the most surprising thing you discovered. 

I did a lot of disturbing research for this book, mostly about body decomposition, destruction of evidence, etc. I have a friend who has been in law enforcement for years and now teaches criminology, and he was a huge help to me a in a lot of ways. The most surprising thing I discovered? How easy it would be to commit a crime and get away with it.

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

I would want to be in my own backyard one thousand years ago. There were mastodons In Ohio at one time, which is an amazing thought. There were also native cultures here that we know virtually nothing about, like the Hopewell - a name we arbitrarily assigned to them because we don't even know what they were called. 

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating? 

I haven't read the first one yet, but I can tell you for sure that I'm already dying for the sequel to Rae Carson's WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER.

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of The Female Of The Species.

This is how I kill someone.

The Female Of The Species will release in Fall 2016. Pre-order links are not currently available, so be sure to add it to your Goodreads so you remember to snag a copy when it becomes available.

You can also follow Mindy on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

A you a fan of darker contemporary novels? Are there authors whose books you'll immediately add to your list because you've enjoyed their previous books? Let me know in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - As I Descended

I've always loved Shakespeare retellings. The most often adapted is, of course, Romeo and Juliet. I love Romeo and Juliet retellings, but I have been dying for someone to write a novel inspired by one of Shakespeare's other works. I've always loved Macbeth so this next novel immediately caught my attention.

The Goodreads synopsis for Robin Talley's newest will immediately make you want to read it. The twist on the Macbeth story and the promise of a female Macbeth ensure it's a can't miss.

Robin Talley's As I Descended, a retelling of Macbeth set at a contemporary Virginia boarding school. It centers around a lesbian couple who set out to dethrone the school's resident Mean Girl, only to find themselves struggling to hang onto their sanity and their lives when they accidentally summon a trio of brutal, manipulative ghosts. 

I cannot wait to see what Robin does with the incredibly promising premise. I also cannot wait to see the gorgeous cover that is revealed for this amazing sounding novel.

Robin was kind enough to share some details about the book, design an ice cream, and share why Macbeth was such an inspiration.

1 Describe As I Descended using only three words.

Rivalries. Hauntings. Secrets. 

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

Black licorice, raspberry puree, and lots of lemon.

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

The boarding school the characters attend used to be a 17th century Virginia plantation house - and not all of its original inhabitants have left.

4 Your novel is inspired by Macbeth. What about the classic tale inspired you to write this particular story?

I've always loved Macbeth. It’s a fascinating character study. Plus, who doesn't get a thrill out of prophetic witches? When I first started thinking about how to translate the story to high school, I immediately pictured a scheming lesbian couple trying to unseat the most popular girl in school. Right away, I knew this was a book I had to write. 

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

I’d want to travel 50 years in the future to my current city of Washington, D.C., to see how far society will have evolved on social justice and equality. 

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

This is cheating because I've already read it, but Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin is an incredible story about a genderfluid teenager. 

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of As I Descended.

“The Ouija board was Lily’s idea.”


As I Descended will release in Fall 2016. Pre-order links are not available, so be sure to add it to your Goodreads so you remember to snag a copy when it becomes available.

You can also follow Robin on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Are you a fan of Shakespeare? What about retellings? Are you happy that we'll have something from Shakespeare other than Romeo and Juliet inspire a new novel? What about books that involved magic? Let me know in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - A Criminal Magic

The 1920's have always fascinated me. When I heard about this book, with it's mix of 1920's setting and magic, I knew it was going to make this year's list.

This Goodreads synopsis will immediately pique your interest. I mean Peaky Blinders meets The Night Circus. Both of these things are awesome on their own, never mind mixing them together!

THE NIGHT CIRCUS meets PEAKY BLINDERS in Lee Kelly's new magical realism, crossover novel.

Magic is powerful, dangerous and addictive - and after passage of the 18th Amendment, it is finally illegal.

It's 1926 in Washington, DC, and while Anti-Sorcery activists have achieved the Prohibition of sorcery, the city's magic underworld is booming. Sorcerers cast illusions to aid mobsters' crime sprees. Smugglers funnel magic contraband in from overseas. Gangs have established secret performance venues where patrons can lose themselves in magic, and take a mind-bending, intoxicating elixir known as the sorcerer's shine.

Joan Kendrick, a young sorcerer from Norfolk County, Virginia accepts an offer to work for DC's most notorious crime syndicate, the Shaw Gang, when her family's home is repossessed. Alex Danfrey, a first-year Federal Prohibition Unit trainee with a complicated past and talents of his own, becomes tapped to go undercover and infiltrate the Shaws.

Through different paths, Joan and Alex tread deep into the violent, dangerous world of criminal magic - and when their paths cross at the Shaws' performance venue, despite their orders, and despite themselves, Joan and Alex become enchanted with one another. But when gang alliances begin to shift, the two sorcerers are forced to question their ultimate allegiances and motivations. And soon, Joan and Alex find themselves pitted against each other in a treacherous, heady game of cat-and-mouse.

A CRIMINAL MAGIC casts a spell of magic, high stakes and intrigue against the backdrop of a very different Roaring Twenties.

This seriously has EVERYTHING I want to read in a book - a historical setting with a twist, forbidden romance, and magic!

Lee kindly took the time to answer a few questions. She shares some research she did, talks about what a drink inspired by the book might be like, and much more.

1 Describe A Criminal Magic using only three words.

Prohibition, gangsters, magic.

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

I thought you’d never ask ?.  Since the book takes place in a fictional version of the 1920s where magic has been prohibited, naturally there is “magic contraband” (i.e., otherworldly elixirs and drugs that are sold on the black market).  And one of the most sought-after, dangerous, euphoric elixirs out there is called “the sorcerer’s shine” – which is water turned into pure magic by a sorcerer’s magic touch.  The elixir is bright red, and almost looks carbonated due to the jolt of magic used to make the elixir.  So a drink like an alcoholic Shirley Temple would probably make a good stand-in “sorcerer’s shine.”

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit.

I guess one of the major things about the world of A CRIMINAL MAGIC is that a lot of the criminal underworld and black market magic in the novel have true historical roots.  In the real Twenties, gangsters had all kinds of tricks for transporting and selling illegal alcohol during Prohibition – for example, savvy smugglers would find ways to avoid the coast guard, drive out to a place called Rum Row (a spot in the Atlantic Ocean right behind U.S. water borders where international boats would park with their goods), and then purchase these goods outside of the reach of the law.  In A CRIMINAL MAGIC, sorcerers manipulate coast guard radio signals with magic, cloak deals with protective shields, and aid their gangster counterparts on their way out to a similar spot in the water called Magic Row, where international magic contraband (like a Bahamian death-brew called “obi” and an Irish hallucinogen called “fae dust”) are traded.  

4 Your novel is set in the 1920's. What sort of research did you do for that time period? 

A bunch, actually!  Even though my story is obviously fictional (and “my Twenties” involves prohibited magic instead of alcohol), I wanted the story to “feel” like the real Jazz Age.  So I must have spent months researching before even brainstorming my alternative world – watching documentaries, reading books, taking library trips, scouring microfiche, websites…. I even splurged and bought a 1926 Sears, Roebuck catalogue to make sure clothing and household items that I was referencing were appropriate.  My two most helpful resources were probably the multi-part documentary called PROHIBITION, directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, and the book, LAST CALL: THE RISE AND FALL OF PROHIBITION, by Daniel Okrent.

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

Naturally, 1920s America would have to be up there (and maybe in New York, as the clubs and speakeasies there were supposed to be amazing)!  But I’d also love to travel to California during the Gold Rush, and Europe during the Renaissance Period.

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating?

There are so many, but at the top of my list are HEARTS MADE OF BLACK by Stephanie Garber, which got me hooked on synopsis alone (sisters, The Night Circus, Sleep No More?  count me in!) and Kim Liggett’s THE LAST HARVEST (I had the pleasure of reading her first draft which was amazingly creepy).  Both are due out in Fall 2016.

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of A Criminal Magic.

“Magic can achieve a lot of things, but it can’t undo the past.”

The launch party has to feature a non alcoholic version of that drink served in glasses that look like the one on the cover, right?! It sounds perfect. If anyone invents a time machine, I totally volunteer to go back to the 1920's with you, Lee (as long as we can go to a speakeasy)! I, also, am very excited for CARAVAL (used to be titled HEARTS MADE OF BLACK) and loved that it made her list, too.

A Criminal Magic releases February 2, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Lee on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

** Lee is also having a pre-order campaign for some AMAZING notebooks (seriously, they are fantastic). Find out all the details on how to claim one by visiting the ICEY BOOKS website.**

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

Are you a fan of books that incorporate a historical setting? If so what is your favourite time period? What about books that involved magic? Let me know in the comments.

2016 Most Anticipated - Suman from HCC Frenzy

Today I love the lovely Suman from Harper Collins Canada stopping by with a guest post about her own Most Anticipated of 2016 list. There are so many books on this list that I am really excited about!

Suman’s Most Anticipated Books of 2016

Posts like this are so, so, so difficult. How does one pick just a few titles out of all the great books coming out next year? It was a pretty stressful process, honestly. Anywho, below are six books that I’m so excited for you all to read, in order of their on sale date:

1. Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley (1/5/16)

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in the middle of nowhere. In their spare time they use their vivid imaginations to write pages and pages of stories set in two created worlds: Verdopolis and Gondal. The twist? They’re able to transport themselves into these worlds and interact with the characters they’ve written. As Branwell begins to descend into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they will have to weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations as the characters they’ve created refuse to let them go. 

What I love most about Worlds of Ink and Shadow is that it has something for every reader. If you enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, world-building, feminism, writing, classic literature and, well, books, you should absolutely add this to your TBR.

2. Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (2/9/16)

This is the sequel to Red Queen. Do I even need to say anything else? I probably should: Glass Sword follows Mare as she sets out to find and recruit other hybrid Red-and-Silver fighters and attempts to stay one step ahead of a Maven (ugh, that traitor!). I was lucky enough to get an ARC (I might have, maybe stolen it from our sales director), but haven’t started it yet because I want to wait until you all read it so that we can talk about all the twists that I’m sure Victoria’s written. I already know we’re going to love this book as much as Red Queen.

3. The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight (5/3/16)

The Outliers kept surprising me in the best possible way. It all starts with a text: “Please, Wylie, I need your help”. Wylie hasn’t heard from Cassie in over a week, not since their last fight. But that doesn’t matter. Cassie’s in trouble, so Wylie decides to do what she has done so many times before: save her best friend from herself. From the bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia this is the first book in a fast-paced teen series where one girl learns that in a world of intrigue, betrayal, and deeply buried secrets, it’s vital to trust your instincts. Fans of thrillers, mysteries, and stories that explore the dynamic between friends will love this one. Also: The Outliers has already been optioned for film!

4. Unrivaled by Alyson Noel (5/10/16)

Unrivaled is the latest book from internationally bestselling author Alyson Noel! It’s also the first book in a suspenseful trilogy where the high-stakes competition of The Selection meets the seductive world of L.A.’s nightlife.  Every character in Unrivaled has a secret and something to lose, especially Madison Brooks, Hollywood’s hottest starlet. When Layla, Aster, and Tommy find themselves with a VIP invite to the glamorous and gritty world of Los Angeles’s elite, they’re lured into a competition where Madison is the target. This is a must-read for fans of Pretty Little Lairs, L.A. Candy, and Gossip Girl.

5. Sing by Vivi Greene (6/7/16)

This book is going to be the perfect summer read (Lauren Conrad meets Katie Cotugno? YES PLEASE, THANK YOU). In Sing, America’s biggest pop star flees the spotlight and heads to Maine to recover from her latest breakup, only to fall head-over-heels for a local boy and be faced with an impossible decision: her new guy, or her music. If you love contemporary fiction, you’re definitely going to want to read this. Plus, look at that cover! I’m absolutely obsessed with it.

6. This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab (6/7/16)

Victoria Schwab’s latest book is a fast-paced adventure that looks at the monsters we face every day—including the monster within. As the heirs to opposing sides in the warring city of Verity, Kate Harker and Augustus Flynn should never have met. However, when Kate discovers August’s secret, the pair find themselves running for their lives and battling the monsters that have overrun their city. As Verity dissolves into chaos, it’s up to them to foster a peace between monsters and humans. This Savage Song is a beautifully written Romeo and Juliet-esque fantasy about the difference between good and evil and the blurry gray area in between. I promise that you won’t be able to put this book down. I certainly couldn’t!

What books are you excited to read in 2016?? Let me know on Twitter at @HCCFrenzy!

A huge thank you to Suman for taking the time to put this together. What book from this list makes your own Most Anticipated of 2016 list? Let me know in the comments!

2016 Most Anticipated - The Unexpected Everything

The 2016 Most Anticipated Event continues with a novel that promises summertime feelings, and a delightful sounding premise by one of my favourite authors. Interviewing her made me flail more than a little.

This Goodreads synopsis will immediately make Morgan Matson fans *NEED* this book, while those who have never read her will be just as eager to get their hands on it.

Andie had it all planned out.

When you are a politician’s daughter who’s pretty much raised yourself, you learn everything can be planned or spun, or both. Especially your future.

Important internship? Check.

Amazing friends? Check.

Guys? Check (as long as we’re talking no more than three weeks)

But that was before the scandal. Before having to be in the same house with her dad. Before walking an insane number of dogs. That was before Clark and those few months that might change her whole life.

Because here’s the thing - if everything's planned out, you can never find the unexpected.

And where’s the fun in that? 

How cute is that cover?! I am not sure what I love more - the ice cream or the puppies! It's a cover that fits with the synopsis and immediately makes you smile.

Morgan kindly answered some questions and in the process made me fangirl the heck out, and has made me even more desperate to get my hands on this one.

1 Twitter pitch The Unexpected Everything (140 characters or less). 

Andie’s summer plans are turned upside-down when her congressman father is caught up in a scandal. But she soon learns that amazing adventures - and love - can come from embracing the unexpected. 

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

Cookie dough, rainbow sprinkles, and peanut brittle. 

3 Let us in on one secret about one of your characters, or the world they inhabit. 

Andie’s the first super-confident girl I’ve written. It was a challenge - but also a nice change of pace - to write a girl who didn’t need to be brought out of her shell, one who thought she knew all the answers already….and then everything she learns when she finds out she doesn’t.

4 Your novels invoke the feeling of summer. Road trips, long summer days and time at the beach. Will The Unexpected Everything continue this tradition? 

You bet! It takes place over a summer, in the same town as Since You’ve Been Gone…and you might notice characters from past books making an appearance. 

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

That’s such a great question.  Either Hollywood during the studio system, the Riviera in the 20s, or England in the 30s. 

6 What 2016 release are you most anticipating? 

I cannot WAIT to get my hands on Siobhan Vivian’s The Last Boy and Girl in the World.

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of The Unexpected Everything. 

Oh I WISH I could! But I can’t quite yet! I’m sorry!!!

Um.... anyone else just fangirl over the tease that we may see PREVIOUS characters in this book?! *hopes for a Frank Porter cameo*. I volunteer to travel back to studio system Hollywood with you, Morgan (side note - can you please write a novel set in studio system Hollywood?! PLEASE!).

The Unexpected Everything releases May 3, 2016 and can be pre-ordered right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble

You can also follow Morgan on Twitter, visit her official website, and find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book that made this year's list!

What's your favourite Morgan Matson book? If you haven't read any yet (FIX THIS IMMEDIATELY) what is your favourite part of books that remind you of summertime? Let me know in the comments.