Raincoast Books Winter/Spring 2020 Blogger Preview

This post is a little late, but I wanted to share some of the amazing books that Raincoast Books recently highlighted at their annual book blogger preview. These events are always a fun, informative way to find out about their upcoming books. I always finish these events wanting to read so many of the books spotlighted and eager to discuss them with my fellow bloggers.

I am not going to discuss all of the titles that were shared, but instead figured I would do my own top ten list of the books I most want to read from the ones presented at the preview. There are so many amazing sound reads that this was hard and it is by no means an exhaustive list. Plenty of my fellow Canadian bloggers had recaps up before mine and they probably have a different mix of books that you can check out for a fuller picture of what Raincoast has to offer for the winter and spring seasons of 2020.

These books are in no particular order (because that would be even more difficult) and all of them link to Goodreads for easy addition to your to-be-read piles.

1. The Map From Here To There by Emery Lord

I love Emery Lord books and am especially excited to continue Paige and Max's story. Emery Lord's novels are always filled with a lot of heart and this one seems to be no exception.

2. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

Inspired by You've Got Mail, Tweet Cute seems to be offering up a fun, cute rom-com in book format.

3. Anna K by Jenny Lee

A modern take on Anna Karenina that is set in New York. It seems to be filled with first love, first heartbreak, and some memorable characters.

4. Crave by Tracy Wolff

I love paranormal romance so it should be no surprise that this book being compared to Twilight intrigued me. Not too much is revealed in the synopsis but that only makes me more curious to read it.

5. Where Dreams Descend by Janella Angeles

Moulin Rouge meets Phantom of the Opera is all I need to know in order to be obsessed with this book. It sounds lush, romantic, and decadent.

6. A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

I loved the first book in this Beauty and the Beast retelling. I was blown away by this take on a well retold tale. I cannot wait to see what comes next for these characters and for the romance between Harper and Rhen to, hopefully, continue.

7. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas

Sarah J Maas' first adult novel has plenty of buzz already but it sounds amazing. It seems to fit a more paranormal vibe and I think there may be a form of vampires within it. I already love the fallen angel 'detective' and cannot wait to learn more about the world of Crescent City.

8. Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth is another author branching out from young adult to adult. Her book looks at what happens after the Chosen one (or ones) have saved the day. It seems like it will dive into the emotional elements to being the chisen one and how it could impact the rest of your life, even after fulfilling your destiny.

9. Reverie by Ryan La Sala

The Magicians meets Inception is how I was sold on this one. It also, from what I understand, features a gay main character and other characters who are part of the LGBTQ community. I think the world building in this is going to be amazing.

10. Foul Is Fair by Hannah Capin

I have heard so much about this but all I really needed was to know it is inspired by Macbeth (and in particular the witches). It is also a very timely book for the #metoo movement from what I have been told.

A huge thank you to Rauncoast Books for the invite and for such a great afternoon.

What book from the above list are you most excited to read? Let me know in the comments.

Frenzy Presents Fall 2017/ Winter 2018

The lovely people from Harper Collins Canada invited me to their annual #FrenzyPresents event. It's a blogger event in which we get to learn about all of Harper Collins' upcoming titles and mingle with fellow book lovers. It's one of my most anticipated events because it is always such a fun afternoon. I always feel incredibly thankful to be able to attend, and this year was no exception.

This event focused on the Fall 2017 (and a few Winter 2018) titles that Harper was excited to present to us. There are plenty of books that were already on my radar, and a few that I left wanting to take a closer look at.

I am going to include the entire list, and offer up a few comments on each of the titles.

They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera (goodreads)

Having already read this one I was excited to see it included. It's a wonderful read and I urge you to check out my review that I posted yesterday if you are curious about my thoughts. 

Top Ten by Katie Cotugno (goodreads)

I adore Katie Cotugno's novels and I am extra excited about this one! It's premise of two friends looking back at the top ten defining moments of their friendship immediately intrigues me, and the hint of possible romance only sweetens the deal. 

If There's No Tomorrow by Jennifer L Armentrout (goodreads)

This was pitched as Jennifer L Armentrout moving away from the romance and more into straight contemporary novels that deal with issues. There is, from what I believe, romance within the story but the issues the characters are facing is the primary story arc. 

Kat and Meg Conquer the World by Anna Primaza (goodreads)

This sounded a super cute novel that has a friendship focus. It's also seems like a humourous read that tackles some fandom culture at the same time.

Release by Patrick Ness (goodreads)

This was already a title with a lot of buzz, and the bloggers were very excited about this one. Patrick Ness always delivers for his fans and I predict this will be no exception. It sounds like a novel that will pull at your heart but I suspect it'll be worth it. 

Here We Are Now by Jasmine Warga (goodreads)

This is one I didn't know much about going into the event. There was an audible reaction in the room with it was revealed that the rock star who shows up at the main character's door was not a love interest, bur rather the father who isn't in her life.

Three Sides Of A Heart by Various (goodreads)

Fans of love triangles will want to pick up this anthology filled with stories that feature different kinds of love triangles. The selling point for me was that I adore so many of the authors who are contributing, along with the fact that it includes different genres (paranormal, contemporary, science fiction, etc). Add in the fact that it is diverse and it easily became one of my most anticipated reads. I cannot wait to see what these authors have in store.

Love, Life, and the List by Kasie West (goodreads)

Kasie West always has incredibly cute, fluffy, feel good reads. This one sounds especially cute, and offers up the perfect novel for those looking for a little contemporary romance to brighten up their winter. 

This Darkness Mine by Minday McGinnis (goodreads)

Mindy McGinnis writes dark, and twisty reads that you devour. This Darkness Mine is no exception. It offers up a unique premise - a girl who was supposed to be a twin discovers that her twin may be insider he all along. There is a little hint of multiple personality disorder that could entire be me reading into things, but I am so excited to unravel this mystery. 

Before She Ignites by Jodie Meadows (goodreads)

Dragons! That was the main takeaway from this one. I have read it and enjoyed it. It's a fantasy read that was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to checking out the sequel.

One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake (goodreads)

After the cliffhanger of Three Dark Crowns this one was high up on my list. Not much can be said without giving spoilers but it continues the story of three sisters who are destined to fight to the death to determine who will be Queen. I love the first one so I urge you to pick it up if you haven't already. 

The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano (goodreads)

Not too many details about this one was given other than that the main character can turn living things into gem stones. This, of course, makes her a target for those who want to use her. It certainly is unique, and Lauren DeStefano has a rather pretty writing style so I predict it'll be an interesting read. 

Zenith by Lindsay Cummings and Sasha Alsberg (goodreads)

Bad ass ladies in space is how this one was sold. I've seen this one all of the place recently and think it'll catch a lot of readers attention. 

Ace Of Shades by Amanda Foody (goodreads)

I was already excited about Amanda Foody's next book, but I left this event desperate to get my hands on it. It's got everything I love - romance, gangsters, magic and lots more. It's set in what I believe is a sort of Las Vegas type setting and warring crime families seem to be at the heart of the story. 

After we heard about these amazing titles we all got a pick a "Blind Date With A Book" book. Wrapped books that had a description on them that teased what was inside. I instantly recognized the symbols on this one from The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue so I quickly snagged it!

They also had some delicious cookies made for the event. They featured The Upside of Unrequited, The Hate U Give, and Ramona Blue because ......

Julie Murphy, Angie Thomas, and Becky Albertalli were the special guests! We all were so excited to meet them. Julie is hilarious, Angie is so engaging and smart, and Becky is pure sunshine. They all incredible ladies and I was thrilled at the chance to get to hear them speak. I even got to ask a question about having their books turned into movies which lead to Becky revealing a very funny story about one of her days on set. Each of these movies sound like they are going to be incredible and I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend this event with these inspiring authors.

Harper also gifted each of us a swag bag filled with random ARCs, and other goodies. The Wonder Woman candle made me squeal with happiness. It smells AMAZING and is my new obsession. I need more of them. It's such a great scent. 

I would like to thank Harper Collins Canada for the invite and all the bloggers who made the afternoon so much fun. A huge thank you to Angie Thomas, Julie Murphy, and Becky Albertalli for being amazing and spending time with all of us bloggers. I cannot wait to attend the next one!

What books from this event piqued your interest? Any that you're dying to read? Let me know in the comments!

#FrenzyPresents Fall 2016/Winter 2017 Blogger Preview Recap

I was once again invited the annual Frenzy Presents event at Harper Collins Canada. My fellow Ottawa bloggers and I made the trip to Toronto to meet up with the lovely people at Harper Collins Canada and some fellow Toronto area bloggers.

To say I was excited to be invited would be an understatement. There was definately some fangirling that happened when I opened the email (and embarrassed myself at work ... again).

I was so excited in fact that I did not take as many photos as I wanted, BUT I am going to recap the titles discussed and share the photos I did manage to take.

In no particular order here are the upcoming titles that were presented at the event (with a link to their Goodreads page and my thoughts).

Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard (goodreads)

M-E Girard was there to discuss (and sign) her upcoming book, Girl Mans up. I was sold by M-E's description of her main character. It sounds like something totally unique in YA and an important addition to the young adult contemporary genre. Very excited to pick this one up. 

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee (goodreads)

This one is easily summed up by comparing it to a futuristic Gossip Girl. I am currently reading it and it is filled with all the juicy drama you could hope for, and I have been impressed with Katharine McGee's writing so far. This starts with a young woman falling off the thousandth floor of this high-rise tower, and the secrets just unravel from there. Prepare for this to become your latest CW (or similar) addiction as well because it basically begs to be turned into a television show.

As I Descended by Robin Talley (goodreads)

A Macbeth retelling where Macbeth is female?! Yes, please. This contemporary twist on the classic tale promises to be just as creepy as the original and filled with some great modern twists. I am excited to see what a female version of Macbeth would look like and am hoping for some complex and fascinating characters. 

Replica by Lauren Oliver (goodreads)

This uniquely formatted novel can be read three different ways and is actually two stories in one. One half of the novel is Lyra's story, and the other half is Gemma's story. You can read them each straight through (in either order) or alternate between the two. I am curious how the reading experience changes depending on how you decide to read the novel (or if it changes at all). It's a fun concept and one I am intrigued to try out. 

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (goodreads)

Three sisters who each have magic abilities are reunited on the 16th birthday to fight for the right to be the rightful Queen of their kingdom. This fight just happens to be to the death with the victor being the last lady standing. It sounds dark, and amazing! It is high up on my must read list and I cannot wait to meet these three sisters.

Fireworks by Katie Cotugno (goodreads)

This is a story of friendship back dropped against the boy/girl band craze of the 90's. Two girls audition to be part of a new pop group that is forming and this novel examines the impact this has on them and their friendship. All of this basically translates into my needing it immediately. It is very high on my must read list for winter 2017. 

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (goodreads)

Pretty sure everyone fell in love with Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda when it released and that everyone is impatiently waiting for Becky's newest. This has been called a love letter to those who don't get love letters and that is all I needed to hear for me to desperately need it. 

The End of Our Story by Meg Haston (goodreads)

A contemporary read that sounds completely heartbreaking and amazing. It is the story of a star crossed couple and the secrets that could tear them apart. Even thought she wouldn't tell us much, Suman sold the heck out of this one during her presentation and I am really looking forward to checking it out. 

Every Hidden Thing by Kenneth Oppel (goodreads)

Kenneth Oppel talking Every Hidden Thing

Kenneth Oppel also happened to be there to present his own book and sign copies for everyone. This is being called Romeo and Juliet with dinosaurs and I am already fangirling. This is the story of two teens who fall in love despite being on opposing excavating teams that are hunting the same dinosaur fossil. It sounds amazing and so different. You'll definitely be seeing this one on the blog pretty soon!

Valiant by Lesley Livingston (goodreads)

If the fact that this features female gladiators doesn't sell you, perhaps the inclusion of Julius Caesar will. A young woman whose only hope may be the man who destroyed her family and invaded her country. This one caused quite the reaction with the bloggers in attendance. 

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads)

It is no secret that I LOVE this series and should surprise nobody that I was VERY excited when this was presented. Not much was said as they cannot reveal much (and didn't want to spoil the first two books for those who had not read them yet) but I am very much looking forward to this one being released. 

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth (goodreads)

This title also caused quite the reaction with audible gasps and excited chatter happening as soon as it appeared on the screen. Again, not many details could be shared but pretty much everyone is excited to read Veronica Roth's newest. The synopsis hints at two characters having to put aside their differences to help each other and is set in space. There has been mention of a Star Wars like feel. That alone is enough for me to want to get my hands on it.

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst (goodreads)

A girl who is betrothed to the Prince falls in love with his sister instead is how this one was introduced. The budding relationship between the two girls was mentioned as being a more realistic journey with no instalove in sight. This one also caused quite the commotion as it seemed a lot of the bloggers were interested in reading this one (and it does sound great).

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge  (goodreads)

 A Romeo and Juliet retelling that I am dying to get my hands on. This version of Juliet is compelled to get revenge on those who have wronged her people and her beloved Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. I love the mixing of fantasy elements with the classic Romeo and Juliet tale.

Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch (goodreads)

The third book in this series was  only touched on briefly as they did not want to spoil anything for anyone who hadn't read the previous two novels in the series. The Harper Collins ladies raved about this one and it is a fantasy novel so I really should check them out.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis (goodreads)

They touched upon the fact that Mindy doesn't write on genre. Her books are all quite different from each other and this one is no exception. It sounds amazing and while not a whole lot of details are available it tells the story of a girl whose sister has been killed and the aftermath of those events.

Leave Me by Gayle Forman (goodreads)

This is Gayle Forman's first adult novel but has cross-over appeal. This is the story of a woman who after having a heart attack decides to pack up her suitcase and leave her family behind. I already have this one in my stack of books to read soon and I am really looking forward to it. Gayle Forman's books are always incredible and I hope this one is just as amazing as I anticipate.

The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst (goodreads)

An adult fantasy novel that again holds cross-over appeal for YA readers. It has a complex sounding plot that sound really interesting. It is easier to just read the synopsis but the novel revolves around these women who have the ability to protect humankind from the spirits that wish to kill them. 

I left very excited to read many of these titles and Harper Collins Canada kindly provided each of us with a swag bag filled with amazing goodies and two ARCs of titles discussed during the event.

My favourite part of the event (other than hearing about the upcoming books) is getting a change to talk with fellow bloggers. I got to see old friends, meet some new bloggers, and gush over books I am enjoying and hear what everyone thought of the books that were presented. I also got to chat with my two favourite Harper ladies which is always fun.

A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for a fantastic afternoon of bookish fun!

Thank you to M-E Giard and Kenneth Oppel for attending and signing everyone's books. Lastly, thank you to all the lovely bloggers I chatted with. You all made it an even more fun afternoon. It was great to get to see everyone and I cannot wait to do it again soon!

Until next year ...

Raincoast Winter/Spring Blogger Preview

The lovely people at Raincoast Books recently held their annual winter/spring blogger preview and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend virtually via a special Google Hangout that they created for bloggers not in the Vancouver area.

They filled us in on a bunch of fantastic sounding releases but I am going to highlight just my top five that should be on your radar.

1 - Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (goodreads)

I feel everyone pretty much knows about this one already. The buzz it created at BEA was intense, and it's only rising! A unique twist on 'witches' and magic along with the potential for much swooning and shipping, all make this one a sure bet to be a huge release this winter.

2 - Tell The Wind And Fire by Sarah Rees Brennan (goodreads)

All I needed to be sold on this one was the description that described it as A Tale Of Two Cities with magic. The synopsis sounds amazing, the cover is stunning, and there is the potential for much heartbreak. I am eagerly anticipating getting my hands on this one.

3- Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn (goodreads)

This has been compared to the delightful movie Easy A. It sounds like this novel will have a lot to say about perception, rumours, and sex. It also is a bonus that the author is Canadian!

4- In Real Life by Jessica Love (goodreads)

A road trip to Vegas, the potential of friends turning into romance, and  the promise of DRAMA that comes along with meeting someone you met online pushed this book onto my wishlist.

5- Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker  (goodreads)

This was only mentioned in passing but it is one of my most anticipated books of 2016 so I had to include it. A girl accidentally kills the most popular boy in school, so she decides to bring him back to life! Love the sounds of this Frankenstein reimagining. 

BONUS! - The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski (goodreads)

All I am going to say about this one is if you haven't heard The Winner's Curse, and The Winner's Crime you are missing out on an amazing series. Stunning writing, heartbreaking storylines, and a swoon worthy romance have made this one series ender I cannot wait to devour.

At the end there was plenty of talk of Marissa Meyer and how #WinterIsComing as well as a bit regarding the short story collection Stars Above. There was also a brief mention of Heartless which caused me to fangirl and squeal. I cannot wait for this book.

They also gave me a sweet shout out as I had asked Melissa to provide some details about Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker. I am VERY curious about this start to a new series and was thrilled to have them mention it because I had asked.

A huge thank you to all the lovely people at Raincoast for putting on the event!

What book from the five I highlighted are you most curious about/excited for? Let me know in the comments.