2019 Most Anticipated - Mayhem

The next, and last, book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is another one that doesn't have a whole lot of information revealed about it just yet but the premise is so good that I immediately became obsessed with it. It combines The Lost Boys with the Craft and throws in a bit of Manson Family.

Estelle Laure's Mayhem is also set in the 1980's which basically means I have to read it. I love pretty much everything that was included in its deal announcement. 

The deal announcement synopsis for this novel does not reveal a lot but it was enough for me to immediately run and add it to my 'to be read' list on Goodreads.

The Lost Boys meets The Craft with a splash of Manson family for good measure. Set in the 1980s.

I cannot wait to see how this all comes together. It is such an intriguing mix of things that I have incredibly high hopes for this one.

As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!

1 The potential for vampires! Everyone who has seen The Lost Boys knows it is about vampires so the fact that this book is compared to it has me hopeful it might include some. The comparison to The Craft has me pretty convinced it will have some paranormal elements at the very least. 

2 The 1980's setting. I am a sucker for any book set in the 1980's. I love different time periods being explored in novels and since I was influenced by so much 80's culture I have a particular fondness for the 80s.

3 Estelle's website mentions she is 'obsessed with all things 80s, serial killers, and magic'. This book sounds like it could include all three of those and I am honestly here for it. 

Mayhem releases sometime in 2019 and is currently not up for pre-order but be sure to keep an eye out for when it does come available from your favourite retailer.

You can find out more about Estelle by following her on Twitter, visiting her website, and by visiting her publisher website.

Do you love the sound of this mashup as much as I do? What about books set in the 80's? Let me know what you think in the comments.

That also wraps up my 2019 Most Anticipated Event! Let me know what books you are most looking forward to in the comments.

2019 Most Anticipated - Waking Romeo

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is one that doesn't have a whole lot of information revealed about it just yet but the premise immediately caught my attention so I had to include it.

It's a book that combines Romeo and Juliet with Wuthering Heights! Kathryn Barker's Waking Romeo immediately got my attention because of how amazing it sounds for anyone who loves the classics. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel sets a futuristic Romeo and Juliet where Heathcliff happens to drop into the story.

Pitched as Romeo and Juliet meets Wuthering Heights, the YA novel follows Jules Capulet who, in a future world, is reeling from the end of her romance with a classmate called Romeo; it has left him in a coma and her as a social outcast. Enter Heathcliff Ellis, a time traveler sent on a mission to wake Romeo.

I wonder how this is going to come together. It's ambitious and I cannot wait to find out more details as they are revealed. The official synopsis won't be released until the book is officially scheduled a publication date but I am happy to speculate in the meantime.

As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!

1 Vampires!! I have been wanting paranormal to make a comeback and vampires are a particular fave of mine. They are sexy and these vampires sound vicious which is just a bonus. 

2 The New Orleans setting immediately drew me to this one. I fell in love with New Orleans when I visited and cannot wait to read a story set in this city. The vampires element only adds something extra to the setting because of the vibe New Orleans has. 

3 The murder mystery is another reason I cannot wait to get my hands on this one! I cannot wait to follow Celine as she gets further and further pulled into the sinister events happening in the city. I also love that this is a series and that not all the answers may not be giving in this first installment! 

Waking Romeo releases sometime in 2019 and is currently not up for pre-order but be sure to keep an eye out for when it does come available from your favourite retailer.

I also was not able to find any social media for Kathryn, but be sure to check out her profile on Goodreads. The book will be publishers by Flatiron (a Macmillan imprint) so you can follow them for more info.

Do you love the sound of this mashup as much as I do? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the last book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - The Evil Queen

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is a villain origin story and a twist on a classic fairytale. Villain origin stories, particularly those from classic stories, are hugely popular. I am immediately drawn to them so when Gena Showalter revealed she was writing about the Evil Queen's origins I was instantly intrigued.

I have wanted the Evil Queen to get a well done origin story for as long as I can remember so I am hoping this one is a good as I think it'll be. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel certainly helps set high expectations. A conflicted woman who could be tempted to the dark side, a doomed romance, and more await!

Welcome to the Forest of Good and Evil. A dream come true, and a living nightmare.

“Evil isn’t born, it’s made.
One thought and action at a time.
Take a good look at what you’ve made.”

Far, far away, in the realm of Enchantia, creatures of legend still exist, magic is the norm and fairy tales are real. Except, fairy tales aren’t based on myths and legends of the past—they are prophecies of the future.

Raised in the mortal realm, Everly Morrow has no idea she’s a real life fairy tale princess—until she manifests an ability to commune with mirrors.

Look. See… What will one peek hurt?

Soon, a horrifying truth is revealed. She is fated to be Snow White’s greatest enemy, the Evil Queen.

With powers beyond her imagination or control—and determined to change Fate itself—Everly returns to the land of her birth. There, she meets Roth Charmaine, the supposed Prince Charming. Their attraction is undeniable, but their relationship is doomed.

As bits and pieces of the prophecy unfold, Everly faces one betrayal after another, and giving in to her dark side proves more tempting every day. Can she resist, or will she become the queen—and villain—she was born to be?

Snow White retellings (or reimagings) have begun to give Snow (and the Evil Queen) more complex relationships and more agency so I hope this one continues that trend. I am curious to see if this story's Prince, Roth Charmaine, is more textured as well.

As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!

1 The romance between Roth and Everly is high on my reasons to read this. A doomed romance usually works on me and I am curious to see how this one will be developed. I am guessing this book's version of Snow will factor in some how (but would be pleasantly surprised if she didn't). 

2 This is the first book in what seems to be a series! If this means other fairytale retellings are on the way I am even more excited. I loved Once Upon A Time when it was good (so seasons 1 and 2) and would love another richly developed fairytale world to fall in love with.

3 As previously mentioned these origin stories of infamous villains are hot right now. These stories allow for the reader to see a character they are used to looking at one way in an entirely new light. It, usually, adds some sympathy for the villain (even if short lived) and makes a case that from a different point of view the villain may not be such a villain after all. 

The Evil Queen releases June 25, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).

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

You can find out more about Gena 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 fairytale retellings like I do? Are you a fan of villain origin stories? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - You'd Be Mine

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is one that blends romance, country music, and a road trip of sorts. Erin Hahn's You'd Be Mine is pretty much made to catch my attention and so it only natural it would end up on this list.

A bad boy musician meets a girl with a lot of family baggage? Yes, please. I have a feeling I am going to love this one. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel will make you immediately want to go add it to your 'to be read' list! 

Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.

But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.

Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.

This synopsis sounds like a great blend of plot and romance I am so looking forward to reading all about how Clay and Annie fall in love. I am also here for them going on tour together. This road trip-esque aspect of the story has me so excited.

Erin took the some time to reveal some details about her new book and made me want to re-watch Walk The Line in the process.

1 What gif do you feel represents You'd Be Mine? 

I love the gif of Johnny and June twirling and kissing in each other’s arms on stage from Walk the Line. It’s always felt close to Annie and Clay!

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

At one point, Annie and Clay do shots of tequila… complete with a shake of salt and lime slices to chase the taste away. It’s such a key scene for my two main characters that I’d have to emulate it, despite the fact that it’s not technically a cocktail!

3 Your book has a road trip in it. What do you think makes the perfect road trip? 

Music! Road trip playlists are ESSENTIAL. I like mine to have themes that match our destination.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel.

Gah. So many. I have multiple playlists that I used and I’ve even compiled the top tracks on to one list you can access via my website (www.erinphahn.com). But if I had to choose one song that really spoke to me for this story, I’d say “Burning House” by Cam.

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

The American wild, Wild West! I am in love with the adventurous pioneer spirit. Obviously that time period was tumultuous but so is today, isn’t it?

6 What 2019 release are you most anticipating? 

So, so many. I feel like choosing just one would be a betrayal. I’d check out the #novel19s on twitter for a full list of what’s to come! I’m so proud to be a part of this debut class.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of You'd Be Mine? 

Of course! I’ll even share the first paragraph. It’s from Clay Coolidge’s POV.

"If I die, it's Trina Hamilton's fault. She's hard to miss; statuesque blonde with angry eyes and tiny nostrils wearing top-of-the-line Tony Lamas so she can kick my ass at a moment's notice. When the early morning sun finally burns through my irises and kills me dead, she's the one you want."

I love how simple her 'cocktail' of choice is. It seems to fit the book in a lot of ways. That opening paragraph already has me DYING to pick this up. It's a great opening.

You'd Be Mine releases April 2, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).

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

You can find out more about Erin by following her on Twitter, visiting her website,  and by visiting her publisher website.

Are you a fan of books set in the music world? What about books that have a road trip within them? Let me know in the comments!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - Melissa from Raincoast Books

Today I have Melissa from Raincoast Books stopping by to fill us in on the titles she feels should be on your radar for 2019. Some amazing choices here! A huge thank you to Melissa for taking the time and agreeing to stop by!

2019 Most Anticipated

2019 is going to be another incredible year for books with highly anticipated sequels, debuts, and new series starters to look forward to! Check out a selection of 5 YA books that should be on your radar in the new year below!

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Goodreads

You guys. If you haven’t read Leigh Bardugo or Six of Crows yet, what are you waiting for?! King of Scars takes us back into the world of the Grisha and tells fan favourite Nikolai’s story. If you’ve read the Grisha series and Six of Crows duology, you’ll also be reunited with some familiar characters. This is without a doubt one of my most anticipated books of the year, and I can’t wait to dive back into the Grishaverse!

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

Goodreads

Children of Blood and Bone was one of the most talked about YA fantasy novels of 2018. It has a movie deal in the works, and it was even chosen as the inaugural Tonight Show Summer Reads pick! Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the highly-anticipated sequel to Children of Blood and Bone. Mark your calendars for March 5, 2019!

Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith

Goodreads

Hailed as “the hottest YA fantasy of 2019” by Entertainment Weekly, Bloodleaf is the start of a new fantasy series by debut author Crystal Smith. A retelling of The Goose Girl, Bloodleaf features magic, romance, betrayal, and intrigue, and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Check out an excerpt from the book here, and watch for Bloodleaf in 2019!

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand

Goodreads

You all need to go read Furyborn right now! Claire Legrand has crafted an immersive fantasy world, characters you’ll root for, and a page-turning series starter. After that ending in Furyborn, I have been desperately waiting for Kingsbane and can’t wait to be swept back into the story. If you’re looking for a brand new fantasy series, this is one for you!

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Goodreads

Bestselling author Rainbow Rowell and Eisner award-winning Canadian artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create the autumnal-themed graphic novel of our dreams! It’s Deja and Josiah’s senior year and final shift at the pumpkin patch where they’ve worked together for years, so they decide to make it an adventure and go out with a bang. This is sure to be a delightful read, and I am so excited for this book out in August 2019!

2019 Most Anticipated - The Beautiful

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is set in one of my favourites cities. I absolutely fell in love when I had the pleasure to visit and cannot wait to go back.

Yup, New Orleans!  Renee Ahdieh's The Beautiful combines a New Orleans setting, a murder mystery and VAMPIRES! Yup, vampires are (hopefully) coming back to young adult books and I could not be more excited for it to happen.

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel sets up our heroine Celine, probable vampire hottie Sèbastien, and a historical setting that is perfect for the story being told.

In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans provides her a refuge after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent along with six other girls, Celine quickly becomes enamored with the vibrant city from the music to the food to the soirées and--especially--to the danger. She soon becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's leader, the enigmatic Sèbastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in the lair of La Cour des Lions, Celine battles her attraction to him and suspicions about Sèbastien's guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.

When more bodies are discovered, each crime more gruesome than the last, Celine and New Orleans become gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose--one Celine is sure has set her in his sights . . . and who may even be the young man who has stolen her heart. As the murders continue to go unsolved, Celine takes matters into her own hands and soon uncovers something even more shocking: an age-old feud from the darkest creatures of the underworld reveals a truth about Celine she always suspected simmered just beneath the surface.

At once a sultry romance and a thrilling murder mystery, master storyteller Renée Ahdieh embarks on her most potent fantasy series yet: The Beautiful. And these vampires don’t sparkle. They slay.

This already sounds spooky, sexy, and is the book I am hoping will be at Book Expo America in 2019. It's got everything I love in a book premise so I am pretty much obsessed.

As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!

1 Vampires!! I have been wanting paranormal to make a comeback and vampires are a particular fave of mine. They are sexy and these vampires sound vicious which is just a bonus. 

2 The New Orleans setting immediately drew me to this one. I fell in love with New Orleans when I visited and cannot wait to read a story set in this city. The vampires element only adds something extra to the setting because of the vibe New Orleans has. 

3 The murder mystery is another reason I cannot wait to get my hands on this one! I cannot wait to follow Celine as she gets further and further pulled into the sinister events happening in the city. I also love that this is a series and that not all the answers may not be giving in this first installment! 

The Beautiful releases October 8, 2019 and is currently not up for pre-order but be sure to keep an eye out for when it does come available from your favourite retailer and pre-order. If you're anything like me you'll be itching to get your hands on this one!

You can find out more about Renee 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 miss the paranormal genre as much as I do? Are you excited to see it have a comeback? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - Ashley from Harper Collins Canada

Today I have Ashley from Harper Collins Canada stopping by to take part in my 2019 Most Anticipated Event. Ashley shares the books coming from Harper Collins next year that she thinks should be on your radar! There are some incredible titles on this list so be prepared to add a bunch to your own 'to be read' lists. A huge thank you to Ashley for taking the time to write this post. You can talk about all of these books with the Harper Collins Canada team on Twitter at @hccfrenzy!

Black Enough by Ibi Zoboi (January 8, 2019)
I had the pleasure of meeting Ibi Zoboi at Epic Reads Day this past summer. She is LOVELY to say the least and after hearing her talk about Black Enough and the work that went into making this incredible collection of stories, I couldn’t be more excited! These are stories about what it’s like to be young and black in America. So. Important.

Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe (January 8, 2019)
Everyone in my office and I adored this novel from debut author Ben Philippe. It’s going to be the perfect pick me-up in the middle of the dreary winter! Main character Norris is just so likable and lovely and this novel explores the joys and clichés of the high school experience (of course including falling in love!). I hope you all love it as much as I do!

The Cerulean (January 29, 2019)
New YA duology alert! Not only do I adore the cover of this epic YA fantasy, but the magical world is just brilliant! It follows Sera, a girl who has always felt that she doesn’t belong among her people (the Cerulean) but ultimately ends up having to find the magic within herself to survive. So good you guys, so good.

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne (January 29, 2019)
We ALL loved The Hating Game and we’ve been anxiously waiting for Sally Thorne’s next novel. Well, she’s finally back with an unforgettable romantic comedy about a twin sister and brother struggling over an inheritance from their late grandmother, and the sexy best friend (/renovation guru) who comes between them…

The Last Romantics by Tara Conklin (February 5, 2019)
Okay. So. Please read this book. If you’re a fan of Commonwealth or The Nest (which if you haven’t read either of those, they are must-reads!), you’ll love this new book from Tara Conklin. It’s a story of four siblings dealing with the loss of their father (to a heart-attack) and their absent mother (to paralyzing depression). It does the perfect job at describing complex or imperfect families and defining love.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas (February 5, 2019)
HELLO! I JUST FINISHED READING THIS BOOK AND I AM SO EXCITED FOR EVERYONE TO READ IT! Angie Thomas has seriously done it again. Her books and writing are perfection. While this story is different from The Hate U Give, it touches on so many important themes and has an amazing main character, Bri, who is impossible not to fall in love with. It’s an ode to hip hop and a story about following your dreams.

Fame, Fate and the First Kiss (February 5, 2019)
Who doesn’t love Kasie West?! Chase your dreams and follow your heart with Lacey Barnes in this new story from Kasie West, perfect for fans of Jenny Han!

If You’re Out There by Katy Loutzenhiser (March 5, 2019)
I loved this part-mystery part-friendship story so much and am so excited for more from this author. When Zan’s BFF Priya moves away and fails to stay in touch (other than posting on social media), everyone tells Zan to just let Priya do her reinvention thing and move on. But Zan can’t, so she takes the investigation into her own hands.

Opposite of Always (March 5, 2019)
A new one for rom-com lovers in the vein of Before I Fall and Everything, Everything! This #ownvoices romance sends Jack back to the moment him and Kate first met again and again, forcing him to figure out what he’s willing to do to save the people he loves most.

Heroine (March 12, 2019)
This new story from the beloved Mindy McGinnis is set during the opioid crisis. Mickey is a college-bound baseball star, but then she suffers an injury that sends her down a path she never imagined (involving a little white pill). This is a dark but necessary story about addiction, family, and friendship.

Girl, Stop Apologizing (March 12, 2019)
By now we all must know (and love!) Rachel Hollis, am I right? I met her last year and found her so inspiring and just so real! In her new book, Girl, Stop Apologizing she encourages women everywhere to live to their full potential and to stop talking themselves out of their dreams.

The Meaning of Birds by Jaye Robin Brown (April 16, 2019)
Jaye Robin Brown is the author of Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit. I found her new novel, The Meaning of Birds, to be such a touching story about love and loss. Jess and Vivi fall in love, but then Vivi suddenly dies and Jess’s perfect world is erased. For anyone who has experienced grief, this story is about how to become whole again when it seems like you’ve lost the most important part of yourself.

Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi (April 2, 2019)
The fifth book in Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series is coming, and we are so excited! Are you ready for more from Juliette & Warner because I sure am!!!!!

The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala (April 23, 2019)
So, so excited for this other debut fantasy novel from Swati Teerdhala! This South Indian-inspired story follows one rebel girl, Esha, on the mission to assassinate a ruthless general… but then she meets Kunal, a soldier who captures her heart.

Nocturna by Maya Montayne (May 7, 2019)
I’ve only read the first few chapters of this one so far, but I already know I’m going to love this book. It’s the first in an #ownvoices fantasy trilogy about a face-changing thief and risk-taking prince who team up to fefeat a powerful evil that they accidentally unleashed. So. Much. Fun!

The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna (May 7, 2019)
Another adult title for you that I am super, super excited about!

Sarah Dessen’s The Rest of the Story (June 4, 2019)
Confession: I know very, very little about this book right now because I haven’t read it (everything I know is HERE) but I love Sarah Dessen so much, this one is already VERY HIGH on my TBR.

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai (July 2, 2019)
Alisha Rai offers a sizzling romance story just in time for the hot days of summer! In The Right Swipe (which our in-office book club is reading and LOVING right now), two rival dating app creators find themselves at odds in the boardroom, but in sync in the bedroom… I’ll say no more.

Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane (July 2, 2019)
Words can’t express just HOW MUCH I love, love, love this book! And so did Marian Keyes, just saying. In Don’t You Forget About Me (yes, that’s a music reference and there are plenty more within the book, too!) Georgina finds herself hired at a bar where her new boss, Lucas McCarthy (AKA best book boyfriend ever) turns out to be the boy who she had a relationship with twelve years ago. The only problem? He doesn’t seem to remember Georgina… at all.

Clearly, I could go on forever and ever about all of the great books, but I’ll stop now so that there are a few surprises as the year continues! I can’t wait to hear what books YOU’RE excited for! Tell me on Twitter @ashleyposluns ☺!

Ashley 

2019 Most Anticipated - The Kingdom

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is being teased as Westworld meets Serial (the podcast). I read this synopsis and this book immediately became my must read of 2019.

The description brings to mind a true crime inspired story set in a theme park where humans interact with life like artificial intelligence. It has all the makings of a book that will have everyone completely obsessed. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel only cemented my need to read this book. There is the potential for a lot of heartbreak as Ana is accused of killing the boy she loved. 

Welcome to the Kingdom… where ‘Happily Ever After’ isn’t just a promise, but a rule.

Glimmering like a jewel behind its gateway, The Kingdom™ is an immersive fantasy theme park where guests soar on virtual dragons, castles loom like giants, and bioengineered species—formerly extinct—roam free.

Ana is one of seven Fantasists, beautiful “princesses” engineered to make dreams come true. When she meets park employee Owen, Ana begins to experience emotions beyond her programming including, for the first time… love.

But the fairytale becomes a nightmare when Ana is accused of murdering Owen, igniting the trial of the century. Through courtroom testimony, interviews, and Ana’s memories of Owen, emerges a tale of love, lies, and cruelty—and what it truly means to be human.

I love the role reversal. It could have easily been gendered swapped with the artificial intelligence 'robot' being male. It would have fit most of the true crime stories out there where a woman gets murdered and it is the male in her life that is responsible. There could have been some great social commentary there. The decision to flip it makes it a much more interesting story in my opinion.

As part of offering up a variety of posts this year, I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!

1 Westworld meets Serial. Enough said. That premise alone should excite you.

2 The Kingdom as a setting has me really intrigued. The potential for world building and creating something really unique has me excited. Getting to play with what is real and what is part of the 'experience' could also make things really interesting and offer up a unreliable perspective. 

3 The part of me that loves mysteries cannot wait to unravel what really happened to Owen. The romance, for me, is going to be such a huge part of this story and its emotional impact so I hope that aspect is well done and that the mystery is satisfying because all of the other elements are there. 

The Kingdom releases May 28, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).

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

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

Does this not sound incredibly unique? Are you a fan of mysteries that also have another strong hook to them? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - Last Things

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is one that pairs music with the supernatural (which seems like a natural pairing to be honest).  Jacqueline West's Last Things immediately piqued my interest because I love books that feature music in some way and I love the paranormal genre.

This book has a young hot guitar player whose skills may not be the result of natural talent alone. This premise basically gave me goosebumps because who hasn't heard of the notion of selling your soul to the devil for your talents. It gives this story so much potential. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel will be enough to sell you on it and have you rushing to add it to your to be read list!

When strange things start happening to local music idol Anders Thorson, everyone blames his number-one-fan, Thea. But is she out to hurt him? Or protect him?

High school senior Anders Thorson is unusually gifted. His band, Last Things, is legendary in their northern Minnesota hometown. With guitar skills that would amaze even if he weren’t only eighteen, Anders is the focus of head-turning admiration. And Thea Malcom, a newcomer to the insular town, is one of his admirers. Thea seems to turn up everywhere Anders goes: gigs at the local coffeehouse, guitar lessons, even in the woods near Anders’s home. When strange things start happening to Anders—including the disappearance of his beloved cat, then his sort-of girlfriend, and, somehow, his musical talent—blame immediately falls on Thea. But is she trying to hurt him? Or save him? Can he trust a girl who doesn’t seem to know the difference between dreams and reality? And how much are they both willing to compromise to get what they want?  

I cannot wait to uncover what Thea knows and what she is really there for! Her part of the story intrigues me even more than Anders to be honest.

 Jacqueline took the some time to share a bit about Last Things and discusses why she thinks music and the paranormal are a natural fit together.

1 What gif do you feel best represents Last Things?

Ooh, probably this one:

But also—I hope—this one (it’s got some twists!):

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

This book is totally coffee-saturated. A bunch of it is set in a coffee house/concert venue called the Crow’s Nest, which is my fantasy ideal of what a coffee house should be. A signature drink for Last Things would have to include coffee, plus something a little weird and unexpected -- maybe a very dark chocolate mocha with clove or lavender thrown in, or a cappuccino with a shot of strong bourbon.

3 I love books that feature music. I also love paranormal books. Last Things, if I am correct, seems to blend elements of the two. What inspired you to combine music with the paranormal?

Well, I too love music and the paranormal/supernatural, so combining the two in my fiction was probably going to happen eventually!

Music has a lot of supernatural qualities of its own—it’s this invisible, extremely powerful thing that connects directly to our emotions, and it’s got deep ties to religion and spirituality. It can take us out of the ordinary world into something much more raw and real. And Last Things is my modern-day, Minnesotan, metal re-imagining of the legend of the guitarist who sells his soul to the devil—so I’ve got your supernatural music story right here!

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel 

I usually can’t listen to music that has lyrics while I’m writing, but this book was a HUGE exception. I listened to a bunch of my favorite metal artists on a loop—In Flames, Trivium, Alaya, Mastodon, Chelsea Wolfe, Opeth. They’re so much a part of the book, they all get thanked in the acknowledgments.

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

Gah – so many places! I would love to watch Shakespeare onstage at the Globe Theatre in Renaissance London, playing the ghost in Hamlet. I would love to be in the audience to see Beethoven debut his Ninth Symphony in Vienna in 1824 (and then go out for fancy Viennese torte afterward).  I would love to hide in the Bronte parsonage on the Yorkshire moors in the 1840s and eavesdrop on Charlotte and Emily and Anne. But I would want to come back to our own era pretty quickly, because I really like modern dentistry. And indoor plumbing.

6 What 2019 release are you most anticipating?

I’ve been waiting to see what awesome thing Angie Thomas will do next ever since I read The Hate U Give, so I’m looking forward her second book, On the Come Up. Jeff Zentner’s stuff is always great, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Rayne and Delilah’s Midnite Matinee. I’m also keeping an eye out for an anthology called His Hideous Heart, because I’m a sucker for anything involving Edgar Allan Poe.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Last Things?

I like the edges.

That first line is so teasingly short, I feel like I should give you the whole first paragraph:

I like the edges. Places where things end. Fade out. Disappear. Where two things eat away at each other until neither of them really exists anymore. Sharp edges. Frayed edges. Places that are more than one thing, or nothing. It’s more comfortable at the edge. No one really pays attention to you if that’s where you live, or stand, or eat your lunch. Most people don’t even notice that you’re watching them.                                            

I love  Jacqueline's thoughts that music is so powerful thing that resonates with people and that it creates a little magic of it's own and that is part of what makes it blend into a supernatural story so well. Think of all the music you love and how it can emotionally impact you. It's not hard to see where a story like this could be created from those emotions.

Last Things releases May 7, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble //

You can find out more about  Jacqueline by visiting her website and you can learn more about her books on her publisher website.

Do you love books that feature musicians? What about paranormal elements? Let me know in the comments!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - Red, White and Royal Blue

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is one that offers up a romance between the son of the President of the United States and the Prince of England. Casey McQuiston's Red, White and Royal Blue is pretty much the rom-com I have been waiting for!

This book, as per the synopsis, includes a female president. I am entirely sold just based on that alone, but throw in the adorable sounding romance and I instantly needed this book.

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel will make you immediately want to go add it to your 'to be read' list! 

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.

The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Amazing right? I am also looking forward to the inevitable Netflix movie that gets adapted from this book.

Casey took the some time to answer a few questions about her book and let us know what inspired her to write it, and what ice cream she would make in honour of Red, White and Royal Blue.

1 What gif do you feel represents Red, White and Royal Blue?

Oh, that's hard! But I'd say this one from Friday Night Lights: 

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

A mix of earl grey (for Henry) and cinnamon sugar (for Alex) with a swirl of cajeta. 

3 What inspired you to write a romance between the son of the United States President and the Prince of Wales?

In early 2016, I was following the presidential campaign super closely (weren't we all?) while simultaneously reading Carl Bernstein's Hillary Clinton biography and THE ROYAL WE. These things had left me with the desire to write two characters: a rebellious, Kennedy-esque, ambitious First Kid, and a quiet, misunderstood Prince Charming. I was literally driving to work one day when suddenly I realized—I could make them fall in love with each other and do it all in one story! I loved the idea of a royal romance that is on level footing in terms of fame and political power, and I really wanted to write something that captures what I love about Parks & Rec and Veep. So here we are!

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel

"Texas Reznikoff" by Mitski. My protag, Alex, is from Austin, Texas, so this one came up a lot when I was drafting to help me get into his headspace. Like, so much so that I thanked it in the acknowledgements.

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

Would it be silly to say I'd go back to 2015? So many other time periods seem nice aesthetically but in practice would be a nightmare. But I'd love to go back to the comfort of an Obama administration for a day. Maybe the day of the Obergefell ruling, even? Rainbow White House or bust. 

6 What 2019 release are you most anticipating?

So many! Tons of my friends and incredibly talented authors have books coming out in 2019 so it's hard to pick just one, but Hafsah Faizal's WE HUNT THE FLAME is definitely up there. 

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Red, White and Royal Blue

Here's the first line!

On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there’s a bit of loose paneling

right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a

message etched underneath, with the tip of a key or maybe a stolen West Wing letter opener.

I am very excited about everything to do with this book. A little heads up that this one is not Young Adult and will be in the romance section for those looking for it (and I believe there will be a lot of cross over appeal).

Red, White and Royal Blue releases June 4, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).

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

You can find out more about Casey by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her publisher website.

Are you a fan of books that include royalty? What about romance novels? Let me know in the comments!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list. 

2019 Most Anticipated - Somewhere Only We Know

The next book in my 2019 Most Anticipated event is who takes its inspiration from one of my favourite movies. It mixes Kpop with the Hollywood classic ...

I have often tweeted how much I wanted a YA novel inspired by Roman Holiday and this one sounds incredibly fun and like it'll offer a fresh take on the story as well.

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel sets the tone of lighthearted fun and a late night hamburger hunt is always a bonus.

Sparks fly between a K pop starlet and a tabloid reporter in this heartwarming rom-com from Maurene Goo.

10 00 p.m.: Lucky is the biggest K-pop star on the scene, and she's just performed her hit song "Heartbeat" in Hong Kong to thousands of adoring fans. She's about to debut on The Tonight Show in America, hopefully a breakout performance for her career. But right now? She's in her fancy hotel, trying to fall asleep but dying for a hamburger.
11 00 p.m.: Jack is sneaking into a fancy hotel, on assignment for his tabloid job that he keeps secret from his parents. On his way out of the hotel, he runs into a girl wearing slippers, a girl who is single-mindedly determined to find a hamburger. She looks kind of familiar. She's very cute. He's maybe curious.
12:00 a.m.: Nothing will ever be the same.

With her trademark humor and voice, Maurene Goo delivers a sparkling story of taking a chance on love--and finding yourself along the way.

The teen with a tabloid job could work well within this type of story and it sounds like Maurene has modernized this story quite a bit as well.

As mentioned, this year's event was going to offer up some different posts than usual and this is one of them. I am going to share my personal top three reasons to be excited about this book!

1 Maurene Goo's previous novels are excellent. I see her writing style pairing nicely with this story type and cannot wait to see what she does with the character of Lucky

2 The setting! Based on the synopsis alone I am guessing it is set in Hong Kong (since it mentions her JUST performing her hit song there) and I am totally excited about a late night hamburger hunt in Hong Kong! I can see it being a great city for a Roman Holiday style romance.

3 Did I mention it was inspired by Roman Holiday? One of the most delightful rom-coms out there? Somewhere Only We Know is going to be all kinds of adorable!

Somewhere Only We Know releases May 7, 2019 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (or snag it with those holiday gift cards).

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

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

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2019 most anticipated list.