Summer Reading!

Summer reading is going to look different for a lot of us this year. We may read in our backyards instead of crowded beaches. We may bring our favourite ice cream to have at home instead of enjoying at the shop. We may opt to take our book and favourite and find a quiet spot in a park where we can socially distance. While the ways in which we enjoy our summer reads may look different there are plenty of books eager to offer up an escape.

I am going to share the ten books that I personally cannot wait to read this summer. I've linked them all to their Goodreads page so you can find out more about each of them. Some will be titles that are not released just yet (but are coming out during the summer months) and other will be ones I just haven't gotten to yet.

1. The Comeback by Ella Berman (goodreads)

The fact that this novel deals with a timely subject matter will certainly boost its visibility. It also has the Hollywood angle which will appeal to many. It seems like a great book club pick for your Zoom meetings because I think it is going to be one everyone is talking about.

2. The Heir Affair by Jennifer Cocks and Heather Morgan (goodreads)

The much anticipated sequel to The Royal We is almost here! If you haven't read the first book please do so immediately so that you can be ready when this one releases. It is basically made for summer reading with it revolving around a royal family, and family secrets.

3. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix (goodreads)

Vampires are back! This won't be the only vampire book on my list (more on that later) and this one sounds especially fun. A book club slaying vampires! I think it'll be a great book club choice, and one that certainly will fit the summer reading vibe for those wanting something on the darker side.

4. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St James (goodreads)

This book sounds perfect for those looking for a mystery. This has the added bonus of already being released and it being one that people are definitely talking about.

5. Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer (goodreads)

The book that most Twilight fans never expected would get released is finally coming out in August. This is Twilight retold from Edward's perspective and I am predicting it'll be one of the most talked about books of the summer.

6. Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin (goodreads)

This has a true crime element to it as it feels like it could potentially be based off a real story. The premise is certainly interesting and this one had a lot of buzz. It seems like a perfect book to end up with a sun burn reading.

7. Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory (goodreads)

I love the light, fun feel of all of Jasmine's books. This new one sounds adorable and perfect for the summer. If you haven't read her previous books I highly recommend diving in!

8. Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles (goodreads)

This has been pitched as Moulin Rouge meets The Phantom of the Opera and I was immediately sold. It comes out later in the summer so it'll be a fantastic way to say goodbye to summer and hello to the autumn season.

9. Vengeful by VE Schwab (goodreads)

This is a sequel to Vicious which was excellent. It's a darker take on the superhero/super villain story and how thin the line between the two actually is depending on whose point of view you're using.

10. Empire High Untouchables by Ivy Smoak (goodreads)

This sounds like a CW television show on steroids and I cannot wait! It's bound to be fun, frothy and exactly what I want to read while sipping a glass of wine. 

What books are you hoping to read this summer? Let me know in the comments.

Summer Reading

Winter does not seem to want to leave and as a result I have been daydreaming more and more of summer and all of the poolside reading I am going to get to do. This has, of course, lead to thinking about what books I'll toss into my beach bag this summer.

I am going to share the books I hope to get to this summer and one that I think everyone should have in their own beach bag this year!

Here are the books I hope to get through before the end of summer. There is a bit of everything with a heavier focus on romance/lighter reads as those tend to be what I am drawn to in the summer months.

1. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

I always love anything Christina Lauren writes and this one that seems like it has the enemies to lovers trope is high on my must read list.

2. Waiting For Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey (goodreads)

This delightful sounding rom-com inspired read basically seems made for summer.

3. The Evil Queen by Gena Showalter (goodreads)

A Snow White retelling from the Evil Queen's point of view that also promises a lot of romance? Yes, please!

4. The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory (goodreads)

This is the finale of the Wedding Date series and I cannot wait to devour what is sure to be a fun, sexy read that will be perfect with some decadent ice cream.

5. The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg (goodreads)

This is described as Serial meets Westworld and that alone is enough to make this a perfect summer read (and that hasn't even taken into account its Disney-ish sounding setting).

6. Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (goodreads)

This #metoo era book sounds like a timely, and important read that focuses on a group of women who take a stand when their boss (who has always been surrounded by whispers about how he treats women) is promoted to CEO.

7. The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel That Scandalized the World by Sarah Weinman (goodreads)

A true crime book had to make this list, and since I'll be reading Stay Sexy and Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How To Guide way before summer, this is the one I picked. I have heard good things and I'll break up the rom-coms nicely.

8. Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson (goodreads)

Another cute sounding read that features a pop culture reporter falling for a Scottish internet star.

9. City Of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert (goodreads)

A love story set in the 1940's theatre world of New York City. I am very intrigued by the description and the time period this is set in.

10. The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher (goodreads)

An older title than the others on this list, but it is one that I have been meaning to get to. A novel about the behind the scenes of one of the biggest movie franchises in history sounds like a great summer read.

All the listed books have links to their Goodreads pages if you want to learn more.

Now, my own personal recommendation for a book that everyone should toss into their own beach bag is one that I absolutely loved. It is also one that I saw everywhere so I anticipate there will not be many of you who haven't read it.

It's Daisy Jones and the Six! I encourage anyone who has not read it to add it to your own summer reading lists. You'll thank me later.

What books are you hoping to read this summer? Do you have any suggestions for books that I should add to me list? Let me know in the comments.

Summer Reading Suggestions (& what I am up to this summer)

This may be a little early this year, but that's because I am so looking forward to summer and all the reading time it brings.

It's a proven fact that summer and reading are meant for each other. There's nothing better than a great mystery while by the pool, spending a lazy day lost in a fantastic contemporary or devouring a fantasy while also devouring ice cream.

I am going to let you know what will be in my beach tote this summer, and offer up a few suggestions if you're looking for books to stash in yours.

MY PICKS FOR YOUR SUMMER READS

1. When We Collided by Emery Lord

A story about a boy and girl and their summer romance. A realistic look at mental illness, grief and all that it entails. This novel is not only set during the summer, it may just give you a few fun ideas for your own summer. It also pairs nicely with ice cream, just saying.

2. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson

Her books are summer. Whenever I think of summer reads I immediately think of Morgan's books. You can honestly read any of them, but The Unexpected Everything is her most current. I haven't read it myself (but that is changing VERY soon) but I know it's going to be great. If you haven't read Morgan before, I suggest you start with Since You've Been Gone! I am pretty sure it's illegal to not eat ice cream while reading one of her books so be sure to grab some before reading.

3. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

The last post I did like this I had recommended Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. If you haven't read that yet, do that first. If you have and are looking for another great mystery, you need to pick up The Girl On The Train. It'll soon be a movie so you can read it before you see it. Just be careful though - you'll be so engrossed that it could cause a sunburn.

4. Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

If you're wanting something a little hotter from your beach read I recommend this one. It was on my own summer reading last last year and I really enjoyed it. I haven't read the rest of the series (yet) but I have heard they are just as good, if not better, than Sweet Filthy Boy. This book not only offers plenty of sexy, but has great friendships and plot as well.

** I recommended it last time, but if you haven't read Jojo Moynes' Me Before You - GET ON THAT **

WHAT I AM READING THIS SUMMER

1. Paper Princess by Erin Watt

I have seen this described as Cruel Intentions meets Gossip Girl and I am so in! I cannot wait to dive into this series and hope to love it as much as I think I am going to.

2. Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

This book has been sitting on my shelf long enough! I have heard that this is going to (most likely) be my favourite of the series and I am really excited to read it by the pool this summer.

3. A Night In With Audrey Hepburn by Lucy Holliday

I am obsessed with Classic Hollywood. Obsessed. I heard about this series of books and knew I was going to need to read them. The first novel focuses on Audrey Hepburn, the second Marilyn Monroe and the last Grace Kelly. I predict I'll be watching a movie starring each lady after finishing their respective books.

4 Finding Fraser by KC Dyer

I have become obsessed with the TV show Outlander, and when my friend Emilie pointed out this book to me I was immediately intrigued. This story revolves around a woman going to Scotland to find her own Jamie Fraser! I predict lots of funny, and hopefully sweet, moments from this rom-com sounding read. Sound be perfect with some slushie drinks.

5 Glitter by Aprilynne Pike

This one might be a little bit of wishing on my part. This will only come true if I manage to snag an ARC of this amazing sounding read at BEA or ALA. This has been called Breaking Bad meets Marie Antoinette and that is all I needed to know to be 100% obsessed.

** I would have also included Stephanie Garber's Caraval, which again would be possible only if I snag an ARC at BEA or ALA, but this one would not last until summer. If I am lucky enough to get an ARC I am going to devour it immediately **

OTHER SUMMER FUN

Here are some other fun things I intend to get up to this summer

1. seeing the Me Before You movie 

I am going to take my tissues, and prepare to sob my way through most of this movie. The trailer gets me crying so I am pretty sure I have zero hope of making it through the movie dry eyed. Sam Claflin and Emila Clarke have already sold me on their performances and I cannot wait to see them as Will and Lou.

2. Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill in Ottawa

I've lived in Ottawa for a whole lot of years now and have never gone to see this summer show. This is the year that changes. I figure a dinner with some friends followed by this show is the perfect way to spend a summer evening!

3. seeing the Suicide Squad movie

The trailers for this are AMAZING! I am so excited to see Jared Leto's take on the Joker, and to see Margot Robbie slay as Harley Quinn. It is going to be a fun movie experience and I have high hopes for everything about this.

4 Disney Fun

I am headed to Orlando for ALA and while I am there I intend to spend a day at Disney. This is going to be SO MUCH FUN and I cannot wait to go back and experience the magic of Disney World again.

5. Travelling Book Club

I've always wanted to try to have a sort of travelling bookclub. I would send a book and a notebook to a friend and have them read it. They can make any notes in the book and notebook they want. After they are done they would send it to one of their friends and so on until eventually it would make it's way back to me. I think this summer is the perfect time to try this experiment. Now I just have to select the perfect book ...

What do you have planned this summer? Let me know in the comments!

Summer Reading

It's a proven fact that summer and reading are meant for each other. There's nothing better than a great mystery while by the pool, spending a lazy day lost in a fantastic contemporary or devouring a fantasy while also devouring ice cream.

I am going to let you know what will be in my beach tote this summer, and offer up a few suggestions if you're looking for books to stash in yours!

MY PICKS FOR SUMMER READS

Here are some books you should check out if you haven't already read them! I loved all of them and any of them would make great summer reads.

1 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This is a perfect mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing. It's totally the type of book that is pretty much a sunburn waiting to happen. You'll becomes obsessed with Nick, Amy, and what really happened. Afterwards, be sure to check out the movie! One of my favourite book to movie adaptations ever.

2 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

A sweet, fun read that has a lot of depth. This one will make you want to create some lists of your own for your friends. I totally made a "How To Have The Best Summer Ever" list for one of my friends after reading this one. You'll fall for the characters, the soundtrack (that can totally be the music of your summer) and Morgan's writing. Her other novels are just as amazing if you're looking for more after finishing this one.

3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

The entire Royal Circle 'series' should be on this list. Tarnish just happens to be my favourite as I adore Anne Boleyn and Katherine's portrayal of Anne is one of my favourites (EVER). Her writing is beautiful, and fans of Reign will love the Tudor court drama and romance that graces these pages.

4 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

This book will never not be on a list like this from me. It's one of my most favourite books, and one I tell everyone to read. The letter style format works wonderfully for this story of a girl writing to her kidnapper. It's a clever, well written look at what might be Stockholm Syndrome (or what could be something else entirely). One thing is for sure however, you'll never forget Gemma and Ty's story.

5 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I feel like this should come with a warning - you will need tissues to make it through this one. The beautiful story of Will and Lou. A young man who feels he has nothing left to live for after an accident leaves him paralysed and the young woman hired to help him. It's a story that poses many thought provoking questions and is the perfect book for when you're looking for something a little different than the usual beach read.

6 The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan 

If you're obsessed with all things relating to the royal family, you'll want to devour this book. It's fun, charming, and has just the right amount of romance and drama. An often funny, but touching, love story filled with some unforgettable characters. You'll close this one praying for a companion novel that focuses on Freddie as you'll be dying to enter this world again.

7 The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

I could easily also recommend Open Road Summer by Emery Lord (so totally read both). The Start Of Me And You earns bonus points for it's clever nod to Pride and Prejudice, and the most adorable romance I've read in a while. It's a feel good read that will leave you feeling happy, and ready to try a few new things yourself.

8 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

This will make you want to pack your bags and head to Europe on a summer vacation. It's a lighter read mixed in with some pretty deep topics and all with the classic Gayle Forman romance. A story of a girl who agrees to spend one day in Paris with a cute guy she just meets ends up being about much more than the romance. Fall in love with Europe, and these characters as you follow first Allyson and then Willem on their journeys to where they are supposed to be.

9 Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

This novel is seriously on fire. It is the next big thing in YA as evident by it's impressive debut on the New York Time's bestseller lists at number one. It's got a movie in the works, and it honestly could be the next big YA series adaptations. A novel that promises that anyone can betray anyone will leave you turning the pages (and most likely sunburned in the process) as you become engrossed in Mare's world.

10 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Another novel that will always be on these kinds of list for me. A beautifully written take on the Peter Pan tale that asks what if before Wendy entered the picture, Peter was in love with the girl with the crow feathers in her hair (that would be Tiger Lily). An often heartbreaking story that touched me, and remains one of my favourite Peter Pan retellings ever.


WHAT I AM READING

Here are the books I am going to be enjoying in the summer sun! So excited about all of these!

1 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Pretty much every person I know that has read this has gushed. Not just a little, but A LOT. I am hoping to get to it ASAP because I am not sure I can wait much longer.

2 Tonight The Streets Are Ours by Leila Sales

I am extremely curious about this one, and I am a sucker for the whole 'one magical night' aspect of the storyline, and am even more intrigued that this one seems to have a twist that perhaps it's not what it first appears. I am sure it'll be fantastic as I've heard nothing by raves about her first novel.

3 The Rest Of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness

Described as Buffy The Vampire Slayer but from the perspective of the 'non chosen' students. It's basically the story of the kids who just want to go to prom without their school being attacked by vampires (or similar) and I think it sounds hilarious. I've never read anything by Patrick Ness before but he made me want to bump this one up during his panel at Book Con this year.

4 The Young Elites by Marie Lu

I have had this one on my list for a long time now, and I keep hearing how amazing it is. I am finally going to read it this summer. I've been told to have wine ready (and possibly chocolate) so I am going to be sure to stock up before diving in.

5 Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

I've been told I have to read this from Emilie and Katie. It sounds sexy, fun and a great beach book. I am considering binging all the books that are out right now in time for the next one.

Have you read any of the books I've mentioned? What is on your summer reading list? Read something that I simply must make time to read this summer? Let me know in the comments! I would love some suggestions.

My Summer Reading List

I saw a little while back that people were listing their summer reading lists. Now that summer is officially here I thought I would share my own list.

I tend to plan well in advance and have review books schedule in a calendar. It doesn't mean I don't sneak a few books in when I can though.

Here are the books I am most anticipating reading this summer -

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

This will be a re-read for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Bookclub discussion. I am pretty much forcing this on people at this point and am looking forward to reading it and falling in love all over again.

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The lovely Harper Canada girls (Suman and Kaiti) have been gushing about this one, and once Emma Watson signed on for the movie, I was sold. I am really excited as I get to start this one VERY soon.

Veronica Mars : The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Now that I have watched the entire series, and the movie I am ready to dive into this one. I am seriously missing Neptune, Veronica, and the rest of the gang. I'll be insanely happy if Deputy Leo makes a cameo. Oh, and Logan and Veronica should make out. 

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Counting down the days until I have this book in my hands. It's going to be reading material for the train ride back from my Toronto trip. I loved Stephanie Perkins' previous novels, and feel safe saying that I will adore this one too. It's possibly my most anticipated of the summer.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

A Taylor Swift-ish character, a swoon worthy boy and a whole lot of buzz has made this a must read for me. I'll be devouring it soon, preferably with ice cream while at a park.

I also have a few fall releases that I am hoping to sneak in this summer!

Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang

I've been hearing nothing but amazing things about this one. Jamie (The Perpetual Page Turner/Broke and Bookish) raved about it, and the Harper Collins Canada ladies have also spoken highly of it. It may have to sneak it's way up the 'to be read' pile.

I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

Another one of those books that the buzz has made me stop and pay attention. I am hoping to sneak this one in because it not only sounds wonderful, but I hear the writing is utterly beautiful.

What books will you be reading this summer? Any of my selections also on your reading list?

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

Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

I loved the first book so much. I had high expectations going in for the sequel. Beautifully written, and just as dark and sexy as the first one. It was everything I wanted as the end of the series. I can't wait to share my review, and for Dance of the Red Death week to happen close to the date of release.

Summer Reading

It's finally starting to feel like spring here. I am hoping the trend continues and we get some gorgeous weather because I WANT TO READ OUTSIDE! Nothing beats reading a really addictive book while laying out by the pool, or in a beautiful park.

TV

NBC's Dracula



Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a vampire? YES PLEASE. Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Dracula? *dies*. Luckily this trailer more than lives up to my expectations. I will be obsessed with this for the entire season if it delivers on what this trailer promises.

 ABC's The Betrayal and Resurrection 




Resurrection is based on the novel The Returned that is being released this Autumn. The trailer makes it look full of emotion, and it's beautifully shot. The little kid is the cutest and I am cautiously optimistic that it will be a decent show.

Betrayal looks like a twisty, soapy, dramatic filled guilty pleasure. I see similarities to the movie Unfaithful. I hope it's as good as the trailer makes it seem. These types of shows can either be really good, or laughably awful, so here's hoping.

So what are you obsessed with this week?