Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

A few fun things were announced this week.

OTHER


Funko's San Diego Comic Con exclusive Pops

Pretty sure everyone is aware of my Funko addiction. This time of year is especially exciting as the San Diego Comic Con exclusives are announced. Plenty of them are shared with retailers such as EB Games and Hot Topic and will be obtainable for those not attending the convention.

Funko has announced a few waves at this point, and their television wave was the first that had a few Pops I was interested in pick up.

First up, in order to complete my Stranger Things collection ...

Steve! I love that they captured his hair perfectly. haha. If you've seen Stranger Things you'll recognize the scene this Pop is modeled after and I cannot wait to add him to my collection.

Next is probably the Mr Robot Pop I am MOST excited for ... 

It has the iconic mask, and Elliott's trademark black hoodie. This is a must get for my collection.

Funko will continue to announce exclusives for the rest of June (every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and  into early July. I am sure there will be others I want as well, especially when the Disney wave is announced.

My Favorite Murder bracelets from ilove2stamp's Etsy Shop (link)

I have be binge listening to the My Favorite Murder podcast. I have mentioned it before as part of my weekly roundup, but I have become so obsessed that I now want merchandise. I discovered this bracelet and I NEED it.

SSDGM (Stay Sexy Don't Get Murdered) is a motto and sign off that the hosts use and is something fans of the podcast have really embraced. This bracelet also has 'f*@k politeness' written on the inside which is another saying fans have embraced. I seriously LOVE this bracelet. It's something I would actually wear as well as it being a great piece of fandom swag.

Anna and the French Kiss inspired tea from The Tea Spot (link)

I discovered this tea at Book Expo and now really want to try some! The people behind Owlcrate were at Book Expo with a wheel full of prizes. One of the prizes on the wheel was this tea. I, sadly, did not win the tea but I did Google it as soon as I left and discovered that it is for sale on The Tea Spot's website. I have heard it is delicious and tastes like chocolate cherry goodness. Hoping to be able to try some in the near future and will report back.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week.

BOOK 

Jessica Khoury's Aladdin retelling

We don't have a title, or many other details other than what's in the blog post announcement from Jessica's site, but I WANT IT! It had me at female genie (and that she's in love with Aladdin). I already love this premise and cannot wait to read it. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a 2016 release since she already has a 2015 book coming out.

TV/MOVIE

If I Stay advance screening

As part of the BEA fun this year they were giving out The Fault In Our Stars posters and inside there were instructions about getting some advance passes to a screening of If I Stay. I just got my confirmation this week that I will be going to the one in Ottawa! I can't wait to see this movie.

OTHER

Anna and the French Kiss Mug

I stumbled upon this mug on Tumblr. I have no clue if you can buy this mug, or if someone creative just made one for themselves, but *wants*

It says English Accent, French Name, American School. Any Anna fan knows this is one of the ways Anna describes Etienne and I would like nothing more than to drink out of this mug while reading. If you happen to know if there is an Etsy shop, or something selling this please let me know in the comments.

Bookish Tote Bags

Becca from Pivot Book Reviews recently opened an Etsy store for her AMAZING tote bags. They are awesome, and if you are book nerd, you're going to want one to tote around your books.

Here is one she did for Anna and the French Kiss that is adorable.

Bag designed by Becca from Pivot Book Totes on Etsy

Check out her Etsy store for more, and to order your very own! I believe she does custom orders as well, so you can design your own.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Favourite Books Since I've Started Blogging

I was recently asked about my favourite books. The books I would make everyone read if given the chance. The books that stayed with me years after I've finished reading them (or will stay with me).

Since I am out of town, I figured this would be a perfect chance to create a list of those titles (at least so far). I am keeping it to ones that I have reviewed on the blog. They'll all link to my review if you wish to check them out.

1 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

My first review, and I still love this one more than words can express. It's literally become a joke with the ladies of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Club because I mention it so often during our chats. Incredibly written, emotionally draining, and it's a book that plays with your head. In the most beautiful way possible, of course. This one is making it's way to the big screen with Ryan Kwanten as Ty.

2 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's beautiful writing reduced me to tears as Tiger Lily ended. This retelling of Peter Pan not only feels fresh and different, but is one of my favourite adaptations of all time. An unforgettable story about the girl with the crow feather in her hair, and the lost boy she fell in love with. It gets bonus points for being narrated by everyone's favourite pixie.

3 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

One of the best twists, EVER. I didn't see it coming, and (for me) it was brilliantly executed. Gillian Flynn's sharp, smart writing combined with a wrenching story of a couple falling in, and out of love serves to add a depth to this anything but typical mystery.

4 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Pretty sure Katherine's next book Brazen will be added to the list (I am halfway through and it's beautiful) but it's her portrayal of Anne Boleyn that stunned me. A novel that focuses on Anne's life, rather than her death. It shows that everyone deserves, and should fight for, their voice to be heard. A surprisingly uplifting and hopeful message that adds a bitter-sweetness to Anne's fate.

5 Vicious by V.E. Schwab

A deliciously dark look at what it means to be a hero, and villain. Unforgettable characters combined with Victoria's brilliant writing, and a rich, complex plot to create what is basically a perfect book. I ache to go back to this world and these characters. This one surprised me in the best way possible, and made me a Victoria Schwab fan for life. Apparently this one is also on it's way to the big screen. #DaneDehaanForVictorVale

6 Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Cute and fluffy is what most people probably think when they read the titles for these books. WRONG. They are adorable, but they are also filled with humour, heart, and a realness that seeps from the pages. The characters are so completely developed they feel like friends, and it quickly became one that I want to read over and over again. Both of them. There are plenty of swoon worthy passages throughout the novel. The stand out in both is Stephanie's attention to the little details that go into a romance. The inside jokes, the little gestures, and the moments that make everything stop. She captures that falling in love moment effortlessly.

7 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

A duology that when combined tell the romantic, and engrossing story of two people's journey to each other. Often romance is about the couple, but Gayle shines a light on the two individuals inside that couple. We get to know them each so well, and this is a case where each novel is dependent on the other. Allyson's story isn't complete without Willem's and vice versa. It's the kind of novel that inspires wanderlust, and might just inspire you to take a few chances.

8 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The less I say about this one the better. E Lockhart's gorgeous writing will pull you into the dreamy, summer vibe, but the mystery will keep you burning through the pages. Read it. Lie about it. Just make sure you experience it unspoiled as it's one that is meant to be experienced along with the characters.

9 Love Letters To the Dead by Ava Dellaira

A novel that is both heartbreaking and healing. It's letter style narration was done impressively well, and the emotions and character development impressive for this style as well. Ava's work reads gut-wrenchingly real that it feels like you're reading someone's personal letters at times, rather than a work of fiction. The celebrity angle works for the character and the story in a charming way. They become characters themselves. This was another surprise for me, but I was happy to fall under it's spell.

10 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I hugged this book when I was done. It's that adorable, and fun. It's one of those books that makes you feel good. The journey you take with the characters comes complete with a musical playlist which only adds to it's charm. The characters, the writing, and the depth this novel has is wonderful. It's one to pick up this summer and enjoy by the beach.

This is my no means a full listing, but these are the books I would want to make everyone read if I could.

What books make your EVERYONE MUST READ list?

Book Boyfriends!

                              

It's time for another post highlighting some of those delicious boys in books that make us swoon. Here are six that I am swooning over now.

Noah Shaw 

Where you can find him - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Why he is swoon worthy - His British accent comes to mind. Oh, and the fact that he's gorgeous, has a 'bad boy' attitude, and enough charm to captivate ANYONE.

Favourite Quote -

“What would you do if I kissed you right now?"

I stared at his beautiful face and his beautiful mouth and I wanted nothing more than to taste it. "I would kiss you back.”

Cricket Bell

Where you can find him - Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Why he is swoon worthy - He's sweet, caring, and adorakably cute. He's the type of guy that will give his girl the stars and the moon. His willingness to wait for Lola makes everyone swoon.

Favourite Quote -

“Once upon a time, there was a girl who talked to the moon. And she was mysterious and she was perfect, in that way that girls who talk to moons are. In the house next door, there lived a boy. And the boy watched the girl grow more and more perfect, more and more beautiful with each passing year. He watched her watch the moon. And he began to wonder if the moon would help him unravel the mystery of the beautiful girl. So the boy looked into the sky. But he couldn't concentrate on the moon. He was too distracted by the stars. And it didn't matter how many songs or poems had already been written about them, because whenever he thought about the girl, the stars shone brighter. As if she were the one keeping them illuminated.

One day, the boy had to move away. He couldn't bring the girl with him, so he brought the stars. When he'd look out his window at night, he would start with one. One star. And the boy would make a wish on it, and the wish would be her name.

At the sound of her name, a second star would appear. And then he'd wish her name again, and the stars would double into four. And four became eight, and eight became sixteen, and so on, in the greatest mathematical equation the universe had ever seen. And by the time an hour had passed, the sky would be filled with so many stars that it would wake the neighbors. People wondered who'd turned on the floodlights.

The boy did. By thinking about the girl.”

Four

Where you can find him - Divergent by Veronica Roth

Why he is swoon worthy - A little rough and capable of taking care of himself. The hottest thing about him is that he doesn't handle Tris with kid gloves. He wants to push her and have her take care of herself, yet he can be protective too.

Favourite Quote -

"My first instinct is to push you until you break, just to see how hard I have to press." he says, his fingers squeezing at the word break. My body tenses at the edge in his voice, so I am coiled as tight as a spring, and I forget to breathe.

His dark eyes lifting to mine, he adds, "But I resist it."

"Why..." I swallow hard. "Why is that your first instinct?"

"Fear doesn't shut you down; it wakes you up. I've seen it. It's fascinating." He releases me but doesn't pull away, his hand grazing my jaw, my neck. "Sometimes I just want to see it again. Want to see you awake.”

Vincent Delacroix

Where you can find him - Die For Me by Amy Plum

Why he is swoon worthy - He speaks French. Enough said right? If that didn't tempt you he also happens to be incredibly romantic, and protective.

Favourite Quote-

“I have to warn you that my bedroom isn't the best place to stage an assault on me. It's where I'm at my weakest, with my bed a mere twenty feet away.”

Bram Griswold

Where you can find him - Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Why he is swoon worthy - He's a true gentleman, and happens to be a soldier too! He's caring, patient and incredibly sweet with Nora.

Favourite Quote-

"The fact that she made this beeline for me both warmed my soul and made me want to turn around, walk out the door, and find a cliff to fling myself off of.”




Etienne St Clair

Where you can find him - Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Why he is swoon worthy - His sense of humour, the accent, his ability to be both adorable and frustrating at the same time. There's also his willingness to overcome his fears for the one he loves.

Favourite Quote -

“I'm a little distracted by this English French American Boy Masterpiece.”  *Ok, so he doesn't say it, but it's about him.*

I am looking forward to meeting a whole new batch of sexy book hotties with the 2012 releases, and meeting back up with some favourites as well. 

Who are your book hotties? Leave it in the comments!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Release Date – Dec 2, 2010
Publisher – Dutton
Pages - 372
My Rating- 10/10

Here is the GoodReads synopsis -

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Have you ever finished a book and wanted to hug it? That’s what happened after I read Anna and the French Kiss. This is a book that will leave you giddy. Stephanie Perkins has created a world that I would gladly live in. The school Anna goes to, and Paris itself seem like an ideal place to be…especially if it comes with cute boys that have sexy accents.

All of the characters seemed real. They were well developed, complex and drew you in. Anna is someone I would hang out with. She is someone I would want to be friends with. I liked that she was quirky, a little shy, and had some family issues. She was very relatable. Étienne St Clair is my new book boyfriend. I kept picturing Jonathan Groff while I was reading. I liked that he was funny, and sweet. I also liked that he had issues too. It is what drew him and Anna together.

The other characters in the book were also great. I really liked Josh and Rashmi a lot. A certain girl named Isla also makes a brief appearance but she seems like someone we will love when we read Isla and the Happily Ever After.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did while reading this book. I think I spent most of the book either laughing, smiling, or swooning. The humour is perfectly timed and you will find yourself laughing out loud. There is a scene with Étienne talking to Anna while drunk. The reason he is drunk is definitely not funny but him as a drunk mess actually is. It just one example of how Stephanie Perkins is able to fuse a little humour into some sad situations.

I really loved that Étienne and Anna became friends first. Yes, there was an immediate attraction but they really did get to know each other and become friends before anything. The emails they exchange over Christmas was one of my favourite parts of the book. It showed how close they had gotten as friends. I have read so many novels where the two main characters fall in love right away. This seemed gradual and real.

As anyone who has ever had a crush knows there is nothing more excruciating or thrilling as that period of “he likes me, he likes me not”. We’ve all been there. Stephanie Perkins captures that feeling perfectly in this novel. Anna is confused and spends most of the novel trying to figure out what Étienne’s actions/words/etc might mean. It was adorable and brought me back to many late night conversations with my best friends.

I was expecting the end chapter or so to take place at the Eiffel Tower (for reasons you will discover by reading the book) but was pleasantly surprised when it actually happened at another location. I love that it was able to surprise me and not go with what one would normally expect.

This novel was the perfect mix of romance, humour and sweetness. If you haven’t read it, do so immediately. You will be swept way by the cute boy with the accent, and Paris itself.