The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

Release Date - March 29, 2016
Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 496 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for honest review from the publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

I fully expected to have my heart broken while reading The Winner's Kiss. Marie Rutkoski's subtly beautiful series has shown that there is beauty in unexpected places, but heartbreak too. The previous novels have offered an exquisite heartbreak while leaving you entirely captivated. This finale offered up plenty to mourn as we see the cost of war, but also plenty to find solace in as we see the resilience within people.

Kestrel, right from the moment we meet her in The Winner's Curse, quickly become one of my favourite characters. She is, to borrow from Taylor Swift, the definition of a 'nightmare dressed like a daydream'. She's a strategist who will out maneuver you. She's the knife you never see coming. She's not a warrior or even a fighter really, and that is what I love most about her. She uses her intelligence and political skill to get things done. This is what sets Kestrel apart from other literary heroines, and also what makes her such a welcome inclusion to the Badass YA Ladies list. She uses the skills she does possess and I can think of no better message for readers than that of owning what you're good at and feeling pride in it.

The ending of The Winner's Crime left us with Kestrel being branded a traitor, and her future uncertain. We quickly see what the consequences of her actions are. She proves herself just as resourceful, and as resilient as I hoped. Kestrel truly is a character to admire for her complexity, and tenacity. This final chapter in her story only proves her willingness to remain steadfast in her beliefs, even if she sometimes doubts herself.

The romance in this series has a lot in common with Pride and Prejudice even if the novels have nothing in common at first glance. There is a pride in both Kestrel and Arin that prevents them from fully communicating with each other, and their own prejudices and self doubt prevent them from moving towards the happiness they both deserve. This novel is a quieter, slower burn romance but is all the better for it. I won't spoil if Arin and Kestrel have a happy ending, only that their story continues in this installment and is as brilliantly written as the previous chapters in their romance.

There is plenty said about war, and the costs of war within these pages. Even the 'winners' are left with uncertainty and casualties. This novel balances the injustices done, and the need for freedom, with the brutal truth of war. It may be necessary to fight for what you believe in, but Marie Rutkoski shows that it always comes at a cost.

Surprisingly, forgiveness is a reoccurring theme within these pages. Particularly the strength it takes to offer forgiveness to those who may not truly deserve it. Forgiveness can heal and is a vital part of the healing process for a lot of our characters. It's tied together beautifully with the war storyline in a way that is effortless. It makes the story richer, and touching. Marie Rutkoski shines most in the character motivated moments that are rich with emotion and that is evident as this story comes to close.

Marie Rukoski ends The Winner's Trilogy with a stunning, romantic finale that offers up the most fitting ending to Kestrel and Arin's story. This has been a series of war, love, and miscommunication and that remains true in the finale. The beautiful writing may draw you in, but this finale proves it's the characters that make the series shine.

Blog Tour - The Winner's Kiss

When I was offered a chance to send a series I love off in style I jumped at the chance to get involved. When I found out it also included me getting to share one of my favourite literary kisses, while I was even more excited to participate.

In order to celebrate The Winner's Kiss, which is the ending to the fantastic Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski, a whole bunch of bloggers are talking kissing. Specifically the kissing that happens in our favourite books! If you've missed any of the previous stops along the tour, be sure to visit the main tour page on the Fierce Reads website.

Before I share what literary kiss I selected, here is a little about The Winner's Kiss (spoilers for those who may not have read the first two books in the series in the synopsis.

The Winner's Kiss

by Marie Rutkoski

On Sale March 29th, 2016

War has begun. Arin is in the thick of it with untrustworthy new allies and the empire as his enemy. Though he has convinced himself that he no longer loves Kestrel, Arin hasn’t forgotten her, or how she became exactly the kind of person he has always despised. She cared more for the empire than she did for the lives of innocent people—and certainly more than she did for him.

At least, that’s what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is a prisoner in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for a way to escape, she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they’ve done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

As the war intensifies, both Kestrel and Arin discover that the world is changing. The East is pitted against the West, and they are caught in between. With so much to lose, can anybody really win?

This series is incredible! If you haven't read the first books be sure to do so before the end of March when the finale releases. I've read it and it's a fantastic ending to an already amazing series. Be sure to add them to your Goodreads as well.

The Winner's Curse // The Winner's Crime // The Winner's Kiss

Now I get to share one of my most favourite literary kisses. I anticipate it may be a few other people's as well! This book is still one of my all time favourites.

What book is your favorite literary kiss in? Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Who is kissing? Anna Oliphant and Étienne St. Clair 

Why is it your favorite? You know how when you're reading a book and every single part of you just wishes you could make the characters kiss already? The author has built up this tension that you feel as desperate for the kiss to happen as the characters do? That moment that it happens? That dizzying, heart swelling moment? This scene is that. The lead up to this kiss is pure delicious torture but the kiss is so worth it.

Bonus Question: what kiss do you hope will occur in Marie Rutkoski's The Winner's Kiss? The only obvious answer to that is Kestrel and Arin.

Etienne's dark eyes search mine. "What are we doing?" His voice is strained.
He's so beautiful, so perfect. I'm dizzy. My heart pounds, my pulse races. I tilt my face toward his, and he answers with an identical slow tilt toward mine. He closes his eyes. Our lips brush lightly.
"If you ask me to kiss you, I will," he says.
His fingers stroke the inside of my wrists, and I burst into flames.
"Kiss me," I say.
He does.

I love, love, love, love this scene, and this kiss. If you've read Anna and the French Kiss let me know if this is one of your favourites as well in the comments.

The people at Macmillan were also kind enough to allow us to...

I've chosen Emilie from Emilie's Book World to be introduced to this incredible series. I know she'll love the romance between Kestrel and Arin and I cannot wait to discuss it with her.

Marie Rutkoski is the author of The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders and The Celestial Globe. The Cabinet of Wonders, her debut novel, was named an Indie Next Kids’ List Great Read and a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, among other honors. Rutkoski grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children. She attended the University of Iowa, where she took Writers’ Workshop classes and studied with Pulitzer Prize-winner James Alan McPherson. After graduating, she lived in Moscow and Prague. Upon receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard University, she held dual appointments as a lecturer there in both English and American Literature and Language, and History and Literature. Rutkoski is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and creative writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and cat.



Be sure to let me know in the comments what your own pick for best kiss would be! Have you read The Winner's Curse? If so let me know who you hope gets to kiss in the thrilling finale! Look out for my review of The Winner's Kiss this week on the blog!

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Lots of fun goodies made their way into my mailbox this week! Super excited for everything.

Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

First up I received my pre-order goodies for Winter. The gloves are super cute and I intend to put some of the tattoos on my nieces.

I also purchased Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard which is a bind up of two short stories that take place in the Red Queen world. Very excited to read them.

I also was approved for some egalleys from the publishers.

Leave Me by Gayle Forman (goodreads)
26 Kisses by Anna Michels (goodreads)
The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)
Walk The Edge by Katie McGarry (goodreads)

A huge thank you to all the publishers for the chance to review these amazing sounding titles.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski
Release Date - March 3, 2015
Publisher Website - Raincoast/Macmillan
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

**SPOILERS FOR THE WINNER'S CURSE**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For unknown to Arin Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

The end of The Winner's Curse found Kestrel risking everything for the person she loves and engaged to someone else as a result. It left Arin professing that the god of lies loved her and me dying to read the next novel immediately. The Winner's Crime once again has Kestrel risking everything for love. There is more than enough heartbreak to leave you both crushed and desperate for the, sure to be, stunning finale.

Marie Rutkoski's subtle and skilled writing weaves a magical spell. She's created a world that feels entirely fantasy like without it really being fantasy. She weaves together the romance, betrayal, and danger to create a tension filled, unputdownable read. This series is one that immediately draws you into it's world, and it's characters and that is because of Marie's writing.

This story's heart is it's love story. There are different kinds of love stories within these pages. The love of your country, the love between a parent and child, the love of friendship and the romantic kind. Arin and Kestrel's love story is both beautiful and aching. The teasing, just out of reach nature of their relationship leads to a deliciously torturous 'will they-won't they' dynamic to their interactions. The stakes of their love are real and severe and all of this adds up to an unforgettable romance that is breathtaking. This particular chapter of their story is remarkable as it is a love story without actually being a love story. The all too brief moments they share in this book will not be enough for those who fell in love with them in The Winner's Curse, but the moments that are included felt more meaningful as a result.

The engagement at the end of The Winner's Curse left me torn. I expected a love triangle to plague the pages of this novel, and I was eager to dislike the crown prince upon introduction. Prince Verex however is the exact opposite from what I was expecting. That triangle I feared? Not even an issue. This story has way more going on than needing to create more drama with a flimsy love triangle. There is the potential for Kestrel and Verex to be happy together, and perhaps under different circumstances they could be. I, personally however, think it's obvious where her heart lies at this moment.

This particular chapter of the story is a study in communication and perception. In particular how perception and lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings. There were so many times I wanted to just force these characters to talk and communicate. Our self doubts lead to our viewpoints and often prevent us from considering other views than our own. We don't consider other explanations than the one we've convinced ourselves of. This novel is fraught with scenarios where misunderstandings lead to rash decisions and angst. As all of this unravels Marie crafts a stunning story of rebellion, and secrets that is equally as impressive as this series' first novel.

As much as the love story captivates, it's the other elements that are allowed to shine in this sequel. Seeing Kestrel live with the consequences of her actions, and having it actually impact her and form her character. Seeing the ever building tension that will undoubtedly lead to war. The characters are like chess pieces in an elaborate and brutal chess game. The giving and taking of hope and faith that each of these characters experiences only adds to the brutality and heartache that you feel. This is a story that doesn't offer any reassurances and I appreciate that.

A romantic, compelling, and complex story that reminds you of the importance of trust and communication and how they cannot thrive in an environment of tension and rebellion. Marie Rutkoski once again leaves you desperate to continue Kestrel's journey with her and wishing upon all the gods that this romance has a happily ever after, even as a war and rebellion are brewing that make the promise of such an ending exceedingly unlikely.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Some amazing books made their way into my mailbox this week! 

After by Anna Todd (goodreads)

All The Rage by Courtney Summers (goodreads)

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)

I loved The Winner's Curse. Beyond loved. It was amazing. I was insanely excited to get The Winner's Crime. I need to read it immediately.

I've never read a Courtney Summers book. All The Rage will be my first one, and I am VERY excited to start reading her work.

Lastly, a book that has been getting a lot of buzz. After, by Anna Todd. It's a hugely successful fanfiction that has been repackaged by Simon and Schuster.

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books, and Simon and Schuster Canada for these books.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Best Of 2014.... So Far

The halfway point of 2014 is quickly approaching and with it many best of (so far at least) lists. Since I typically do one, I figured now was as good a time as any.

Here are the ten books that I would consider my best of 2014...so far. These are in no particular order and are not ranked in any way.

We Were Liars by E Lockheart

The less said about this one the better. Just read it. Become a liar. You'll thank me after you've recovered.

Brazen by Katherine Longshore

Fans of Reign are being told to pick this one up. I completely agree. It's got scandalous Tudor drama, some rather adorable flirting, and some of my favourite friendships portrayed in a novel. Katherine also happens to be a fantastic writer, so the overall book is amazing.

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Taking a beloved character and putting a deliciously sinful twist on her? Perfection. Danielle Paige's precision style writing, and attention to detail made this an intricate read. It left me dying for book two, and pretty sure I would never look at Dorothy the same way again.

Half Bad by Sally Green

A beautifully written book that puts a twist on the whole nature vs nurture question. A boy witch who has been ostracized his whole life for being 'half bad' offers heartbreaking moments, and a fascinating look at society in general.

Love Letters To The Dead by Ava Dellaria

This will leave you weepy, and may inspire you to write your own love letter to the dead. An impact debut novel that uses a letter style format to tell it's heartbreaking yet hopeful story. I easily got swept away.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

A fun novel that has depth and layers. This one is perfect for the summer, and will leave you wanting to touch base with your own best friend...and maybe write them a list or two.

The Winner's Cure by Marie Rutkoski

Beautifully written, and some amazing world building mixed with incredible characters made Marie's novel a fantastic start to a new series. It's sneaks up on you and leaves you breathless as you feel it's full impact. Book two now, please!

Famous In Love by Rebecca Serle

Fun! Fun! Fun! If Hollywood love triangles, CW television shows, and novels that explore more than just the romance are your thing, YOU NEED TO PICK UP THIS BOOK. The characters, the setting, and the romance all won me over. My review will come closer to the date, but Rebecca had me hooked from the first paragraph. I basically need book two immediately.

Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrois

Intricate world building, a driven and determined female lead character, and some scorchingly sexy scenes made this a favourite. The interweaving of the all too real issue of the slave trade made this one resonate a little deeper. Full review to come soon (along with some other fun things) but this one easily charmed me.

The Blonde by Anna Godbersen

Marilyn Monroe as a spy is the premise for this tightly woven novel. Surprisingly this works much better than perhaps thought at first glance, and the author makes it seem entirely all to plausible. The romance between Marilyn and John F Kennedy provided a romantic backdrop that raised the stakes. A fantastic beach thriller for this summer!

Each of these links to my review (where available) if you wish to check it out.

What books made your list? Did you read any that are on mine? If so, what did you think?

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Release Date - March 4, 2014
Publisher Website - Raincoast/Macmillan
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 355 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction.

Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

What is the true cost of something you've purchased? What if you discovered later that the price you paid was much steeper than anticipated? That is the crux of The Winner's Curse. A painful, beautifully written look at the cost of war, and a delicious star crossed love.

War is a complex thing. This novel showcases that there are always two sides, and perhaps neither side is the villain. Both the Valorians, and Herrani have motivations to their actions. Each side is presented as having faults, and each of them is shown to be ruthless in order to achieve what they want. It was fascinating to see it from this perspective, and see that war can drive anyone to drastic measures for what they believe is right.

These two groups both fascinated me. Getting to read about their cultures, and how each of them progressed, and came to the position we find them in at the beginning of The Winner's Curse immersed me into the story. I fell for the slow paced, detailed plot, and characterization, and the well plotted background to these groups was a big part of that.

The quiet, sweeping way the story unfolds allows us to get to know the characters. It gives them a chance to breathe, and gives the reader a chance to fall in love with them. Marie Rutkoski's writing is beautiful, elegant, and all the more so for it's simplicity. It's the perfect sort of writing for a novel that feels like a fantasy but doesn't have any fantasy elements in it. It captures the essence, and feel this story needs effortlessly.

This novel is filled with wanting. Kestrel and Arin both so desperately want something more that they ache with it. Kestrel wants to believe there is something more than being either a soldier or a wife. Arin wants to believe there is something more for his future than being a slave. They share the desire to strive for more, and are much more similar than perhaps it appears at first glance. It's this commonality that leads to what could be delicious forbidden romance.

The romance is done fantastically. Both Arin and Kestrel are drawn to each other, even though they know it can never happen. They do not want to admit their feelings, and scarcely know what to make of it themselves. It is fraught with secrets, lies, and always the question of loyalty. Each of them is loyal to their people, so it begs the question of how they could ever be loyal to each other.

The last few pages, and especially the last few sentences are as captivating as they are heart crushing. They set up what I anticipated to be a painful sequel for our characters, but also one that more than lives up to this stellar first novel. There is much to build on, and a clear direction for the story to move in, and this has me hopeful that this series will only improve as it continues.

A striking start to a sweeping, epic series. I eagerly anticipate the next installments, and hope that they are just as beautiful, just as crushing, and romantic as this one.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Another week of awesome books! My mailbox was packed on filled with awesome books!

Unforgotten by Jessica Brody (goodreads)

Perfect Lies by Kiersten White (goodreads)

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkosi (goodreads)
Starling by Fiona Paul (goodreads)

Huge thank you to Raincoast Books and Harper Collins Canada for the lovely books I received this week. I was beyond thrilled to see The Winner's Curse in my package. The ARC of The Winner's Curse is beautiful. I can only image how pretty the hardcover is going to be.

Huge thank you Jessica for lending me Starling! I can not wait to see how this series ends.

Cress by Marissa Meyer (goodreads) forgot to include this one before! Thanks Katherine!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (goodreads) 

Four Seconds To Lose by K.A. Tucker (goodreads)

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige *CHAPTER SAMPLER* (goodreads)

Huge thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for Four Seconds To Lose! Excited to start reading it!

Cress is amazing! It's everything I wanted it to be, and I can't wait to post my review! A big thank you to Katherine for lending me her copy. The Dorothy Must Die chapter sampler was something I read almost right away and I am curious as to where this story is going to go. I like what I've read so far!

Before I Fall is signed! Lauren Oliver came to Ottawa and she is super lovely in person. I hadn't read this one yet so I purchased a copy to have her sign. It'll get read/reviewed sometime in January (hopefully).

Hope you had a fantastic book haul this week too!

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

2014 Most Anticipated.... The Winner's Curse

The next book I've selected for the 2014 Most Anticipated Event is one that has been building buzz for awhile. I first heard about it at Book Expo America and knew it was going to be one I pined for. The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski.

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the tradition of Kristin Cashore and Cassandra Clare comes this brilliant, unputdownable, star-crossed romance about the curse of winning.

Seventeen-year-old Kestrel is an aristocratic citizen of Valoria, a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers. Here, a girl like Kestrel has two choices: join the military or get married. Despite her skills in military strategy, Kestrel’s real passion is music.Which is why she feels compelled to buy Arin, a slave with a talent for singing, at auction. It’s not long before she finds herself falling in love with Arin, and he seems to feel the same for her. But Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for Arin is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a new world, The Winner’s Curse is a story of wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart

It sounds amazing, and that cover is one of the prettiest I've seen for the 2014 line up! Marie was kind enough to answer a few questions about The Winner's Curse and I think you'll want to read it as much as I do after you've checked out her answers.

1 Describe The Winner's Curse in three words

Manipulative. Brave. Vulnerable.

2 It sounds like your book's world might be a dangerous one to live in. How long do you think you would last if transported into your book's setting?

I think that answer would depend on what kind of social status I'd have in the world and at which point in time I'd be dropped into it. The Winner's Curse is a world of masters and slaves, tea parties and war, ball gowns and dueling daggers. If I were part of the ruling class (the Valorians), I'd be able to navigate the dangers within that class-- gossip, gambling, romantic liaisons, the occasional duel (so long as it's for honor's sake only, and not to the death). A lot of that part of The Winner's Curse reminds me of Jane Austen-- except with weapons-- because, I suppose, in an Austen novel someone's fate can hinge upon a few choice words, and the characters' lives revolve around dances, dinners, tea, and excursions to town for shopping or flirting with soldiers. I can do all of that very well, and I love to wear a pretty dress.

This is all assuming that I wouldn't be a soldier, since a great deal of Valorians are in the military and always at war. I wouldn't survive long on the battlefield.

The Valorians conquered the territory of Herran ten years ago and enslaved its people. If I were transported into this world as a slave (i.e., one of the Herrani), I think I would also be able to survive, if only because I can keep my head down, plot, and bide my time (necessary skills for a writer).

But-- without giving too much away-- this world is about to be thrown into chaos, and I'm not sure how long I'd last then, as either a Valorian or Herrani, since so much of survival will mean keeping your wits in very scary situations. I've never been in a life-or-death situation, so I can't say whether I'd be able to think through my fear. My guess is that I wouldn't be able to do that very well.

3 What three things do you need while revising?

Good friends willing to read the manuscript. Trustworthy babysitters (I have two small children and a job as an English professor, so finding time to write and revise is key). A room with a door that shuts (Stephen King said that this was crucial for any writer. He wrote Carrie in the laundry room of his doublewide trailer-- and he could shut himself inside. The space itself doesn't matter-- just the privacy).

4 Are you able to share a secret about one of the characters, the world, something that inspired something about the world/characters?

 The book begins when Kestrel (a Valorian) buys Arin (a Herrani). A friend of mine from a long time ago, in another country, was named Arin-- pronounced like Aaron but spelled as an anagram of the word "rain," because it was raining when he was born. I've always loved this name and also its story, and although I didn't think about it too much when I was writing the book, I now feel that the quality and nature of rain influenced how I developed Arin's character. Rain can come in such different forms-- violent and driving, warm and soft, gray or backlit with sun-- and all of them could suit Arin at different points in the novel.

5 What 2014 release are you most looking forward to?

Very tough question! I'm not actually sure of what all is coming out in 2014...from what I do know, I'm most looking forward to Laini Taylor's Dreams of Gods and Monsters and Leigh Bardugo's Ruin and Rising.

A huge thank you to Marie for taking the time to answer these. The Winner's Curse will be in stores March 4, 2014. If you haven't read the excerpt DO IT IMMEDIATELY and you'll be pining right along with me.

If you want to learn more you can visit the author's website, or the publishers website.

You can pre-order at the following retailers

Chapters
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

You'll have a chance to win one of these titles soon, as I will be hosting a giveaway that these interviews may help you win!

Be sure to let me know what you think of The Winner Curse's cover, the synopsis, or anything else in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday... The Winner's Curse

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

In the tradition of Kristin Cashore and Cassandra Clare comes this brilliant, unputdownable, star-crossed romance about the curse of winning.

Seventeen-year-old Kestrel is an aristocratic citizen of Valoria, a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers. Here, a girl like Kestrel has two choices: join the military or get married. Despite her skills in military strategy, Kestrel’s real passion is music.Which is why she feels compelled to buy Arin, a slave with a talent for singing, at auction. It’s not long before she finds herself falling in love with Arin, and he seems to feel the same for her. But Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for Arin is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a new world, The Winner’s Curse is a story of wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

That pretty cover, the amazing synopsis, and that WHERE ARE THE REST OF THE WORDS inducing first chapter have made this one of my MUST READS of 2014. Can not wait to get my hands on it.

Expected release date - March 4, 2014

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:

BOOKS

The Winner's Curse cover

STUNNING! I love this cover. I love the subtle knife she's holding, and the way she's holding the R in curse. It's eye catching, and a serious contender for best cover of 2014. I am dying to get my hands on this one since I've only heard amazing things from those who have read early copies. You may see this one pop up during my 2014 Most Anticipated event at the end of the year *wink*

MOVIE/TV

Ariel comes to Once Upon A Time

In news that made me fangirl and freak out... ARIEL IS COMING! Joanna Garcia Swisher will portray the mermaid we all know and love. She's a perfect casting choice (and the fan favourite choice) so I am thrilled. Now all I need is for Killian Jones to be the 'Eric' in her story. I am excited to see what twist they'll put on her tale, and wonder if they'll skew closer the original (and darker) Hans Christian Andersen tale.

So what are you obsessed with this week?