2018 Most Anticipated - The Giveaway

Today wraps up the 2018 Most Anticipated event with a giveaway that I am excited about.

There are THREE prize packs to win that will ship internationally.

The items up for grabs are:

- a set of Bonnie and Clyde bookmarks (that I had custom made)
- Lizzie swag donated by Dawn Ius AND a custom art print I had made
- a tea blend that reminded me of Indecent by Corinne Sullivan.

Each of the winners will get a prize pack consisting of all of these goodies BUT the main prize winner will also get a copy of any book featured during the event (winner's choice).

*The non book items will ship as soon as available based on printing and delivery times*

*The book will be ordered via Book Depository and will ship when released*

If you want a chance to win, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. The contest runs until after the holidays as I want to give people a chance to enter during this busy time of year (and I myself am super busy).

Be sure to visit the previous posts for this event to learn all about the great books that were featured. Here is a list in case you needed easy access to it:

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Heart Of Thorns by Bree Barton
Indecent by Corinne Sullivan
A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
Lizzie by Dawn Ius
These Rebel Waves by Sara Raasch
Ace Of Shades by Amanda Foody
I Stop Somewhere by TE Carter
Side by Side by Jenni L Walsh
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
Royals by Rachel Hawkins
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Save The Date by Morgan Matson

Good luck and I look forward to emailing the winners in 2018!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2018 Most Anticipated - A Few More

Today is the last book post for this event and I thought I would share three more books that I am excited about in a slightly different format. I am capping it at three simply because it could get out of control otherwise. There are some VERY exciting books coming out in 2018.

Royals by Rachel Hawkins (goodreads)

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself.

Why I am so excited for this title:

This book was already on my radar before the whole "royal wedding' fever hit but now I am extra excited to read about an American girl marrying a Prince (and the younger sister along for the ride). It sounds adorable and like a fun summer read.

Release date: 

May 1, 2018

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (goodreads)

What If It’s Us opens as Arthur and Ben meet at the post office as Ben is shipping his ex-boyfriend’s things back to him. They subsequently endure the frustration of knowing there was a missed connection, before the universe pushes them back together again in a series of failed “first” dates.

Why I am so excited for this title:

It's Beck and Adam! Enough said. I cannot wait to see how their writing styles compliment each other. The only question is whether this will be more Becky and provide us with a cute, uplifting ending or if it'll be more Adam and rip our hearts out instead.

Release date: 

Fall, 2018

Save This Date by Morgan Matson (goodreads)

Charlie Grant’s older sister is getting married this weekend at their family home, and Charlie can’t wait—for the first time in years, all four of her older siblings will be under one roof. Charlie is desperate for one last perfect weekend, before the house is sold and everything changes. The house will be filled with jokes and games and laughs again. Making decisions about things like what college to attend and reuniting with longstanding crush Jesse Foster—all that can wait. She wants to focus on making the weekend perfect.

The only problem? The weekend is shaping up to be an absolute disaster.

There’s the unexpected dog with a penchant for howling, house alarm that won’t stop going off, and a papergirl with a grudge.

There are the relatives who aren’t speaking, the (awful) girl her favorite brother brought home unannounced, and a missing tuxedo.

Not to mention the neighbor who seems to be bent on sabotage and a storm that is bent on drenching everything. The justice of the peace is missing. The band will only play covers. The guests are all crazy. And the wedding planner’s nephew is unexpectedly, distractingly…cute.

Over the course of three ridiculously chaotic days, Charlie will learn more than she ever expected about the family she thought she knew by heart. And she’ll realize that sometimes, trying to keep everything like it was in the past means missing out on the future. 

Why I am so excited for this title:

A new Morgan Matson book screams summer to me, so I am super excited to have a new one to read by the pool next summer. It also sounds adorable and I love the thought of Morgan writing a family dynamic book. Her friendships are amazing so I am expecting good things from her family connections.

Release date:

June 5, 2018

What books are you most excited for in 2018? Let me know in the comments. 

Check back tomorrow for a giveaway that will run through the holidays!

2018 Most Anticipated - Melissa From Raincoast

Today I have the awesome Melissa from Raincoast Books stopping by to share her list of books that should be on your radar for 2018! There are some pretty amazing sounding ones that I predict people are already excited about.

There are some amazing books being released in 2018 that it’s almost impossible to choose (my TBR pile is teetering!), but below are 5 highlights to look forward to in the new year:

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert (goodreads)

I don’t even know where to start with this one except to say READ. THIS. BOOK! Alice and her mother have had terrible luck. When Alice’s grandmother—the author of a cult-classic book of dark fairytales called Tales of the Hinterland—dies on her estate, The Hazel Wood, their luck gets worse. Alice’s mother is taken by someone claiming to be from the Hinterland and Alice, with the help of Hinterland superfan Ellery Finch, must try to find her. If that’s not enough to hook you, the film rights for The Hazel Wood have already been bought by Columbia Pictures/Sony and the book has received 4 starred reviews. A creepy, engaging and compelling read that will keep you turning pages, The Hazel Wood is a debut that you won’t want to miss! 

Nice Try, Jane Sinner by Lianne Oelke (goodreads)

After being expelled from her high school, Jane Sinner signs up for a Big Brother-esque reality show called House of Orange while attending high school completion classes at a community college. Written by a fellow Vancouver-ite and set in Alberta, Nice Try, Jane Sinner is a funny and engaging debut. In the words of Becky Albertalli: “Jane Sinner snarked her way into my heart, and she's never leaving. Prepare to fall hard for this hilarious, heartfelt gem of a book." Nice Try, Jane Sinner is definitely one to watch for in 2018.

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena (goodreads)

Since Kathy featured Tanaz Bhathena and A Girl Like That in her Most Anticipated event already, I won’t go in to too much more detail! I just have to say that A Girl Like That is a stunning debut by Canadian author Tanaz Bhathena with beautiful writing and a gripping plot, and it also brings attention to race and religion and the crucial discussions we need to have about equality.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (goodreads)

Children of Blood and Bone is a highly anticipated West-African inspired fantasy novel by debut author Tomi Adeyemi that has already generated a ton of buzz in the community! The vivid storytelling in this book will immediately make it clear why Children of Blood and Bone has been optioned for a movie by Fox 2000 Pictures before the book has even released. An original, captivating fantasy, Children of Blood and Bone is definitely one you’ll want to read in 2018!

Furyborn by Claire Legrand (goodreads)

This is a must-read high fantasy of 2018! Furyborn follows two young women—Rielle and Eliana—who are 1,000 years apart but whose stories are ultimately connected. The book alternates between the two perspectives and will keep you engrossed until the very end. Furyborn is a remarkable start to this new trilogy, and one to check out next year!

A huge thank you to Melissa for stopping by! I hope you've added a few more books to your 'to be read' list.

Come back tomorrow for the next book on my #2018MostAnticipated list.  

2018 Most Anticipated - The Dinner List

When I first heard that Rebecca Serle was releasing a new book I was immediately excited. I was even more excited to discover that it was going to involve a dinner party, and Audrey Hepburn! The Dinner List was instantly on my must read of 2018 and left me feeling like this:

It's very easy to be excited about a book when it is by an author whose previous novels you have loved, and when the premise is pretty much tailor made to appeal to you.

As this book doesn't release until Fall 2018 the official synopsis has not yet been released. What we do know comes from the deal announcement. The Deadline announcement described The Dinner List as: 

set in New York City, and mixes the kind of magical realism and wish fulfillment seen in films like Midnight in Paris. It takes place in one evening when a woman arrives at her birthday dinner party to mysteriously find everyone on her dream “dinner list” waiting at the table, the answer to the proverbial question if you could have dinner with a group consisting of anyone who would it be? 

Give. Me. It Immediately. I want to know everyone on Sabrina's dream dinner list. I want to know what she is eventually going to learn from this journey and, because it is Rebecca Serle, what kind of romance will be at the heart of this book.

Rebecca was awesome enough to answer a few questions about the book (even though it is super early for any kind of promo). This interview definitely makes me even more excited for more details to come out, and for this to eventually release.

1: what gif do you feel best describes The Dinner List

Probably any gif of Olivia Pope drinking wine?

*Kathy's note* I found this one that I personally like even though she's not drinking the wine. It mimics the excitement that I feel for this book.

2: If someone were to make a signature drink for your book what would be included?

It's not a cocktail-- but a really good glass of Merlot or Barolo. Or a scotch on the rocks. Like: Sit down, we're gonna be here awhile.

3: Who is someone on your own person 'dinner list'?

Jon Lovett from Pod Save America. To be honest my dream dinner would probably just be all the Crooked Media guys. I'm obsessed.

4. You've teased that we're going to meet your version of Audrey Hepburn. Are you able to tease someone else who is on Sabrina's dinner list?

I can tell you that everyone who is at the table is there for a reason--- but I'm not going to share more than that just yet!

5. What are some things (ie movies, tv shows, etc) you used to research this novel?

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M by Sam Watson was a great Audrey resource, and a book I love very much.

6. What 2018 book are you most anticipating?

I'm a huge Curtis Sittenfeld fan and she has a short story collection "You Think It, I'll Say It," out in 2018. I'll definitely be picking that up! 

I am so excited to meet Rebecca's Audrey. I have also added Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M to my personal 'to be read' list. Here is hoping we get more details about this one early in the new year as I cannot wait to see what cover they come up with, and read an official synopsis.

The Dinner List releases Fall 2018 and it not currently up for pre-order, but be sure to follow Rebecca on Twitter so that you know as soon as it is available. You can also check out her website for more information. The most up to date information can also be obtained on her publisher website. Also be sure to add it your Goodreads in the meantime. 

Who would be on your own dream dinner list? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a guest post from Melissa at Raincoast Books.

2018 Most Anticipate - Side By Side

The next book is on my list is actually a companion novel to a book that was featured last year. Jenni L Walsh's Becoming Bonnie was a highly anticipated read of mine from last year and the follow up, Side By Side, was instantly added to my list after reading the first one.

I was so excited to return to these characters, and this version of Bonnie and Clyde that Jenni has created. I fell in love with her characters, particularly her Bonnie, and was eager to continue their story even knowing the tragic ending that awaits them. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel immediately sets up the crime spree as the focus for this companion novel, where Becoming Bonnie was more of a look at the woman who would become the infamous Bonnie Parker. 

How do two poor Texas kids become notorious outlaws? Bonnie Parker tells the story of America's most infamous crime spree in her own words​

"Someday they'll go down together / they'll bury them side by side. / To few it’ll be grief / To the law a relief / But it’s death for Bonnie and Clyde.”

The story of America’s most infamous crime spree told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker.

Texas: 1931. Bonnie Parker’s dreams of the limelight and a white picket fence are on hold. She’s a waitress in Dallas, endlessly writing letters to the governor pleading for the release of the man she loves: a reckless, quick-smiling boy named Clyde Barrow, sentenced to fourteen years at the notorious Eastham prison farm.

When Clyde is paroled early, Bonnie thinks their life is about to really begin. But Clyde has changed in prison. Distant, damaged, and dogged by the cops, he knows it’s only a matter of time before the law tries to lock him up again. That’s not something he or Bonnie can bear. When he’s fired from his job—and now breaking parole—he decides to make a run for it. Leave Texas. Get enough cash to make a fresh start in a new state. And, of course, he wants his beloved Bonnie to come with him.

It’s just one stolen car. One robbed bank. Then, they can have the life they always wanted. Or so they think, as they set out.

Unflinching and yet deeply empathetic, Jenni L. Walsh’s Side by Side tells the story of America's most iconic outlaws.

This sounds amazing, right? The good news is that Side by Side can be read as a stand alone novel. You can dive in without having read Becoming Bonnie. I do, however, urge you to read Becoming Bonnie. It's wonderful, and a great read for the upcoming holiday season.

Jenni, very kindly, agreed to take part in my event again this year and the result is the very fun interview where I get her to spill some Bonnie secrets.

1. What gif do you think describes Side by Side?

Well, we've got the obvious Bonnie and Clyde gif...

And then, as I'm a Disney fan, here's one from Aladdin, where he's got to stay "one jump ahead" (and may get a little cocky as he does it).  

 

2 If a signature cocktail were to be made in honour of Side by Side what do you think would be included?

How 'bout the "Hot N Sassy" for Bonnie Parker, as this namesake seems to fit her character well!

1 oz. Pucker Vodka Sour Apple Sass
3 slices jalapeños
2 slices clementine
Splash of lime juice
1 oz lemon-lime soda

Muddle jalapeños and clementines in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka and ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Add lime juice and soda. Stir.

Source: Pucker Vodka

3 How would you describe Bonnie and Clyde's relationship at the beginning of the novel?
Painfully distant, as Clyde's in jail! Their only communication is through letters. Though, Bonnie is writing to more than Clyde. She's also writing to the governor, hoping for an early parole for Clyde.

4 Those who are familiar with the story can assume that history catches up to your Bonnie and Clyde. Was it difficult to write their ending?

Yes, in fact, there were many elements of the story that were difficult to write, like when Bonnie wakes up from a coma...

The 1967 film is entertaining and well done (hello numerous Academy Awards!), but leaves out some MAJOR elements of Bonnie and Clyde's crime spree, along with fictionalizing quite a bit. I wanted to include as much as I could, and do it as factually as I could, in Side by Side.

5 Did you feel any pressure writing about people who actually existed?

Yes and no. "Bonnie and Clyde" is well-document, but through various sometimes contradictory sources. This allowed me to pull from LOTS of information and also perspectives, giving me a bit of wiggle room to tell my story. More so than writing about historical figures, I felt more pressure writing about polarizing figures from history. Being the story is told through Bonnie's eyes, I sometimes had to remind myself to let Bonnie be Bonnie.

6 What 2018 book are you most excited about?

These books are across various age groups, but... My Dear Hamilton, I Was Anastasia, Nothing But Sky, Blood and Sand, and The Inventors at No. 8. They all may be historical :)

7 If not too spoilery, please share the first line of Side by Side.

I’m a fool for busting Clyde out of McClelland County jail.

That opening line has me all kinds of intrigued and excited! The "Hot N Sassy" certainly sounds like it'll fit this Bonnie Parker perfectly and I am very tempted to give it a try while reading this. Seems like it would pair nicely.

The amount of research that Jenni did was quite evident in Becoming Bonnie and I cannot wait to see that attention to detail carry over to the rest of their story.

Side by Side releases June 5, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

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

Are you a fan of books that are inspired by real events? Are you as excited as I am that Becoming Bonnie has a sequel? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2018 most anticipated list. 

2018 Most Anticipated - Ashley From Harper Collins Canada

Today I have  Ashley from Harper Collins Canada stopping by with her list of Harper Collins books that should be on your radar for 2018. I love having guest posts as it ensures even more  books are spotlighted during this event.

Ashley has some pretty amazing ones on her list, and a few that I am personally very excited about.

Each title links to more information about the book (including a synopsis where available).

Here is Ashley's Most Anticipated Of 2018:

Everless by Sara Holland (January 2, 2018)

Definitely one of the best YA fantasy books you’ll read in 2018. It’s essentially Red Queen meets Downton Abbey (so, amazing) and the first in a duology!

The Defiant by Lesley Livingston (January 23, 2018)

The sequel to Lesley Livingston’s The Valiant is almost here. In this one, Fallon and her warrior sisters are thrust into a conflict with a rival gladiator academy.

The Queens Rising by Rebecca Ross (February 6, 2018)

Another fantasy to keep your eye on in 2018! Brianna is an outcast and finds herself bound to a disgraced lord. She gets tangled up in the lord’s plot to overthrow the current king, and has to choose between passion and blood.

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston (February 27, 2018)

This smart and funny sci-fi adventure is inspired by the story of Anastasia! Also perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi (March 6, 2018)

A new book from Tahereh Mafi!!!!!! Enough said.

Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer (March 20, 2018)

I just adored this book! This heartwarming—and heartbreaking—novel will pull you in and keep you there until you reach the very last page. George (real name: Frances Warren) is a down-to-earth, witty, and unique character which makes this book such an honest and refreshing read.

Sleight by Jennifer Sommersby (April 3, 2018)

This thrilling and mysterious novel is set in a circus—the one that Genevieve Flannery grew up in. Genevieve is accustomed to this life… until the evening that she and her mother are performing an aerial routine they’ve done hundreds of times, and her mother falls to her death.

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli (April 24, 2018)

A sequel to one of my favourite books of all time? Yes, please! Leah on the Offbeat follows Simon’s (as in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, as in Love, Simon, as in SOON TO BE IN THEATRES!) BFF Leah. You’ll love her just as much, trust me.

9 Days & 9 Nights by Katie Cotugno (May 1, 2018)

The perfect summer read AKA the sequel to 99 Days is here (and it’s Katie Cotugno)!! Molly Barlow sets off on a romantic European vacation with her new boyfriend… only to run into her ex, Gabe. Will Molly finally get her happy ending?! Find out!

Puddin'  by Julie Murphy (May 8, 2018)

This feel-good, badass sequel to the beloved Dumplin’ is full of friendship, love and chasing your dreams. It can be read as a standalone, but realistically, why wouldn’t you want to read them both? Julie Murphy is the best.

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (May 15, 2018)

The Red Queen series is coming to an end!!! I can’t wait to find out what happens to Mare, and OMG to have this beautiful series on my shelf.

Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton (July 31, 2018)

After years of training to hunt witches, Mia Rose discovers that she possesses magic. This is the feminist fantasy (to-be trilogy) that you NEED in your life.

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (October 9, 2018)

I know next-to-nothing about this book, but what more do we need to know than that it’s written by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera?

I want to read SO many of these! I am especially excited about What If It's Us! I cannot wait to see what a book by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is like. Becky is known for cute romance stories with a lot of heart. Adam is known for books that rip out your heart so it'll be interesting to see how the two mix.

Any of these on your own 2018 Most Anticipated List? Let me know in the comments.

Also be sure to follow all things Harper Collins Canada by following their Twitter, @HCCFrenzy. 

Come back Monday to find out what the next book on my list is!

2018 Most Anticipated - I Stop Somewhere

The next book on my list deals with the incredibly timely topic of rape culture and violence against women. I have been hearing amazing things about this one and I am excited for it to start discussions and be read by book clubs so that conversations that are so necessary can be had.

The Goodreads synopsis for TE Carters I Stop Somewhere ensures that you know the serious topic this book will tackle, as well as offering up a sense of the tone the story is going to take.

Ellie Frias disappeared long before she vanished.

Tormented throughout middle school, Ellie begins her freshman year with a new look: she doesn't need to be popular; she just needs to blend in with the wallpaper.

But when the unthinkable happens, Ellie finds herself trapped after a brutal assault. She wasn't the first victim, and now she watches it happen again and again. She tries to hold on to her happier memories in order to get past the cold days, waiting for someone to find her.

The problem is, no one searches for a girl they never noticed in the first place.

TE Carter's stirring and visceral debut not only discusses and dismantles rape culture, but it also reminds us what it is to be human. 

This synopsis immediately grabs your attention. It grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. You can sense the loneliness of the 'cold days' Ellie spends waiting for someone to find her. It paints a stark picture, but one that only highlights how important this novel is.

TE Carter was kind enough to answer some questions about the book. It's even more evident after reading this how this book is going to leave a lasting impact after you've read it.

1 Describe I Stop Somewhere in three words.

Rape culture exists. 

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

I'm not sure it would be very appropriate given the content of the book, but I'd say peppermint stick just because I like that!

3 Your novel tackles rape culture, and other heavy topics. What was one thing that surprised you during your research for this novel?

To be totally honest, I didn't do a great deal of research. Because so much of the book came from personal experience, I unfortunately already have some insight into the legal process and experiences featured in the book. I did do a little bit of research into state laws in New York, just to confirm a few things, and beyond that, I had to fill out some specifics related to the criminal justice system and mortgage industry. Otherwise, I guess the biggest surprise was simply that it was so common to hear stories like this that it inspired the book in the first place - because it just doesn't seem to change and that frustrates me. I'm not pretending I'm the only voice to tackle these issues or that I'm even the best advocate for them, but I did need to get this out there. It's just another perspective on something that's way too prevalent. Also, the number (and even existence) of zombie homes and the negligence and greed of the banking industry is disgusting. It's just unacceptable how corrupt some things are.

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)

"Obstacles" by Syd Matters (which is amazing!). It's from the game Life is Strange, which I was also playing while writing. Well, not while writing but while I was working on the book in the time I wasn't actually doing the writing!

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

Probably Victorian London, because I adore London and I also have a real fascination with that era. It's both creepy and awful, and also full of so many interesting historical moments.

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

Full disclosure, since she's my critique partner, but I already read ART OF ESCAPING by Erin Callahan and loved it!

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of I Stop Somewhere

There are kind of two first lines, because there's a little part of the book before the actual chapters. The first line of that little bit is "They call the houses 'zombies,' and our town is full of them." The first line from Chapter 1 is "She came in here with her brand-new shoes."

I Stop Somewhere releases Feburary 27, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

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

What do you think of books that tackle important topics like rape culture? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for a special guest post from Ashley at Harper Collins Canada!

2018 Most Anticipated - Ace Of Shades

The next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated list is a book that has so many of the things I like to read about in one book. A Las Vegas like setting, magic, star crossed lovers (I am guessing), and rival mafia like crime families. All of that plus it has illicit cabarets! I immediately wanted to read this the second I read the deal announcement.

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody sounds like the type of book you can get lost in. A rich world and engaging characters. I love the idea of magic existing in a Las Vegas like setting. It's a natural fit and one I cannot wait to see explored.

The Goodreads synopsis does nothing to lessen my excitement for this novel. All of this, plus Amanda's amazing writing, should have you instantly adding it to your own list for books to read in 2018!

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

The last line of the synopsis is what really grabs me. It sets up the tone of the book without you even having to pick it up.

Amanda was kind enough to tease a little about Ace of Shades in this Q and A!

1 Describe Ace Of Shades in three words

Cons, corruption, cabarets

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

It's funny you ask this because there are original cocktails in the book, with their own names and recipes. I won't give out their recipes (yet), but here are their names: Gambler's Ruin, Snake Eyes, and Walk of Shame. Considering the Belle Epoque glamour of the world, there is no shortage of alcoholic beverages in this story! I'm a big fan of drunken shenanigans.

3 The Ace of Shades setting has a Las Vegas feel to it. Is there anything else you can tease about this incredible sounding setting?

So the original concept for this novel came from the idea of magic as currency. Once I had that, it was easy to formulate my vision: an entire city ruled by greed. New Reynes has a complicated history and political landscape: it was the first location of the world-wide revolutions to overthrow their tyrant kings, and now is the capital of the very sprawling Republic. However, the kings might be dead, but corruption still wears the crown. If you could combine post-Revolution Paris with Gilded Age/progressive era New York, you'd have something like New Reynes.

On top of this, only a few years after the Revolution, there was another war...this one in the criminal underground. It was called the Great Street War. Since then, the mafias and street gangs retain a tumultuous power over the North Side of the city, but despite all the violence in the eighteen years since this War, no one has complete control.

The story takes place twenty-five years after the Revolution, eighteen years after the War, yet all of this history is incredibly important to the central plot. The two characters, Enne Salta and Levi Glaisyer, might've teamed up to find a woman missing in this city, but they will end up caught in the center of this stormy political landscape. It's been fun for me to write, because you THINK all the history I'm throwing in is simply history...until it isn't.

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)

"Wicked Ones" by Dorothy has always been associated with this novel for me and a lot of my early readers. If there was a movie trailer for this book, I'd imagine this song in the background.

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

To be honest, I'm not very interested in time travel. I am too attached to the rights and freedoms I have today. I'm very content to read about the past in books or twist period elements (like this one, roughly 1915) into my own worlds.

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

I'm very excited for THE GILDED WOLVES by Roshani Chokshi!

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Ace Of Shades?

Sure thing! It hasn't changed much since the first draft :P

If I'm not home in two months, I'm dead.

I cannot wait for those drink recipes to be released! I fully intend to try out a couple while reading this book. I am intrigued by the Walk Of Shame one in particular.

Ace Of Shades releases April 10, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Amanda 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 with magic, mafia like families, and secrets? Are Las Vegas like settings as intriguing to you as they are to me? Let me know in the comments.

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