Waiting On Wednesday .... A Girl Like That

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

This week's pick is A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

A timeless exploration of high-stakes romance, self-discovery, and the lengths we go to love and be loved. 

Sixteen-year-old Zarin Wadia is many things: a bright and vivacious student, an orphan, a risk taker. She’s also the kind of girl that parents warn their kids to stay away from: a troublemaker whose many romances are the subject of endless gossip at school.  You don't want to get involved with a girl like that, they say. So how is it that eighteen-year-old Porus Dumasia has only ever had eyes for her? And how did Zarin and Porus end up dead in a car together, crashed on the side of a highway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia? When the religious police arrive on the scene, everything everyone thought they knew about Zarin is questioned. And as her story is pieced together, told through multiple perspectives, it becomes clear that she was far more than just a girl like that. 

This beautifully written debut novel from Tanaz Bhathena reveals a rich and wonderful new world to readers. It tackles complicated issues of race, identity, class, and religion, and paints a portrait of teenage ambition, angst, and alienation that feels both inventive and universal.

This first caught my eye with that INCREDIBLE cover but the synopsis quickly caught my eye too. It sounds like it is going to be a great read.

The wait for this one is going to be lengthy as it not out until 2018.

Expected release date - February 27, 2018

Becoming Bonnie Release Day Feature!

I am super excited that today is the release day for Jenni L Walsh's Becoming Bonnie!

It's no secret that I have been excited about this release, and that I loved the book. I posted my gushy review for it yesterday and you can finally snag your own copy in stores today!

In case you somehow missed it, here are the details about the book:

From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh, Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo!

The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc’s.

Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, and embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—Bonnie tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. What she doesn't know is that her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.

She’s about to meet Clyde Barrow.

Few details are known about Bonnie's life prior to meeting her infamous partner. In Becoming Bonnie, Jenni L. Walsh shows a young woman promised the American dream and given the Great Depression, and offers a compelling account of why she fell so hard for a convicted felon—and turned to crime herself.

If all the buzz hasn't already sold you on picking up a copy, perhaps this excerpt will. It's the first chapter, and it'll definitely make you want more immediately.

Now you probably want to run out and get your own copy. It is all available at all major book retails.

AMAZON // BARNES AND NOBLE // INDIEBOUND // CHAPTERS

Jenni has also provided this AMAZING giveaway consisting of the coolest mug ever!

Amazing, right? Along with this envy inducing mug, Jenni is giving away a $25.00 Amazon gift card! Be sure to enter using the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Lastly, here is a little about the author, and where you find her online to share your Becoming Bonnie release day excitement and love!

Jenni L. Walsh spent her early years chasing around cats, dogs, and chickens in Philadelphia's countryside, before dividing time between a soccer field and a classroom at Villanova University. She put her marketing degree to good use as an advertising copywriter, zip-code hopping with her husband to DC, NYC, NJ, and not surprisingly, back to Philly. There, Jenni's passion for words continued, adding author to her resume.

Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Blog

Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh

Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh
Release Date -  May 9, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  320 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From debut historical novelist Jenni L. Walsh, Becoming Bonnie is the untold story of how wholesome Bonnelyn Parker became half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo!

The summer of 1927 might be the height of the Roaring Twenties, but Bonnelyn Parker is more likely to belt out a church hymn than sling drinks at an illicit juice joint. She’s a sharp girl with plans to overcome her family's poverty, provide for herself, and maybe someday marry her boyfriend, Roy Thornton. But when Roy springs a proposal on her and financial woes jeopardize her ambitions, Bonnelyn finds salvation in an unlikely place: Dallas's newest speakeasy, Doc’s.

Living the life of a moll at night, Bonnie remains a wholesome girl by day, engaged to Roy, attending school and working toward a steady future. When Roy discovers her secret life, and embraces it—perhaps too much, especially when it comes to booze and gambling—Bonnie tries to make the pieces fit. Maybe she can have it all: the American Dream, the husband, and the intoxicating allure of jazz music. What she doesn't know is that her life—like her country—is headed for a crash.

She’s about to meet Clyde Barrow.

Few details are known about Bonnie's life prior to meeting her infamous partner. In Becoming Bonnie, Jenni L. Walsh shows a young woman promised the American dream and given the Great Depression, and offers a compelling account of why she fell so hard for a convicted felon—and turned to crime herself.

Everyone knows the story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. It is one that has inspired countness other stories to be told. The fact that their story has been told many times before makes finding a unique one a bit of a magical occurrence. Not only is Becoming Bonnie unique, but Jenni L Walsh has crafted a spellbinding read that transports you to the 1920s with ease. It also introduces an unforgettable young woman whose story becomes her own, and not just as part of a duo.

The hook may be the Bonnie and Clyde inspiration but make no mistake, this is Bonnie's story. She isn't merely sharing the spotlight with Clyde, and that made all the difference. Anything inspired by this infamous duo typically focuses on them as a pair, or even centers Clyde as the focus and I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel was not going to do this. This novel allowed Bonnie to be her own person and as a result I feel the reader really gets to know her and understand her motivations. Her journey from the 'good girl' who is scandalized at the thought of a speakeasy to the woman who will eventually join Clyde in their infamous crime spree is gradual. This ensures that the transformation is believable. Her characterization is the main reason her story works, and great care is put into crafting Bonnelyn as someone you'll connect with and understand. Her character development stands out in this gem of a novel and she felt like a friend by the time I turned the last page.

Clyde's introduction to Bonnie's story starts out with a bang, but is actually more muted than you might anticipate. This Clyde is someone this Bonnie can relate to, and someone that would believably turn her head. He's not as flashy as some of men she firsts meets at the speakeasy but there is something magnetic about him and an underlying confidence. They share a desire to help their families and the want for a simple life. Jenni L Walsh makes you instantly believe their attraction, and shows how the wholesome young woman we meet in the beginning of the novel becomes the kind of woman who could fall for a man like Clyde Barrow.

The setting, and essence of the 1920s is brilliantly captured within these pages. The imagery is so vivid and descriptive that you feel transported. The detailing and care that went into capturing the day of the stock market crash was especially noteworthy. You felt the desperation, panic, and fear. It's a harrowing scene that backdrops the latter half of the novel perfectly. I could easily see this as a limited series on television and that is, in large part, due to the vibrancy Jenni L Walsh's writing has.

While I won't spoil where Jenni ends this chapter of her Bonnie and Clyde tale, I will say that it is the perfect ending for this part of their story. There is a bittersweetness to knowing a sequel is coming. You want more time with these characters, and you're left on the cusp of what is going to be an incredible part of their story. At the same time, you've been made to care about these characters and fate is going to catch up to them. We know how their story ends, and that thought is never far from your mind as you are reading. It tinges every element of this story with a bittersweetness even as you fall deeply in book love with this world and the characters.

A story that dares to look at the well known story of Bonnie and Clyde from a different perspective. It, for me, was the perfect blend of commercial and literary with this becoming a fast paced, well written read. It's a must for your beach bag this summer and I predict many sunburns as people become engrossed in Bonnie's story. This is a must read for anyone who saw photos of Bonnie Parker and immediately wanted to know more about her, and wondered what her story was. 

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)

This week is filled with a bunch of amazing arrivals into my mailbox including my Ottawa Blogger Meet Up haul and a few of my new favourite Funko Pops.

First up is my haul from the #YOWOttawaBloggerMeetUp haul. I had such a fun time at the event and want to thank all the publishers and attendees for making it such a great afternoon.

Songs About A Girl by Chris Russell (goodreads)
Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts (goodreads)
No Good Deed by Goldy Moldavsky  (goodreads)
The Way Back Home by Allan Stratton (goodreads)
The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell (goodreads)
The Glass Town Game by Catherynne M. Valente (goodreads)

Next is a highly anticipated read from Simon and Schuster Canada! A huge thank you to them for the chance to read and review this! I am so excited to see how Lara Jean's story end.

Always And Forever Lara Jean by Jenny Han (goodreads)

Next up are two Funko Pops that I have recently added to my collection. 

Visitors to the blog will not be surprised that I have added Peter Pan to my collection. He is one of my most favourite Pops currently. I love that it looks like he is flying! I was so thrilled to find this one at my local Hot Topic! I may have to have a Peter Pan movie marathon!

Lastly, I have another Pop, this time from Twin Peaks. This is Laura Palmer and she's as cool looking as she is creepy. Twin Peaks starts with Laura's body washing ashore in plastic wrap and this Pop perfectly captures the creepy tone of the show. 

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

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.

BOOK

Cover for Roomies by Christina Lauren

You probably saw this with my Waiting On Wednesday post this week BUT I had to share it again. I love everything about this cover!

I love that it is a romance novel without any people on the cover. I love the New York skyline, and the use of the wedding rings in the title. It's charming and reminds me of a rom-com movie which I am sure is the entire point. I cannot wait for this book!

TV/MOVIE

iZombie

I have sang this show's praises before, and I am sure I will do it again. The latest episode slayed me. It delivered phenomenal performances from all of the cast, and left me a crying mess by the time the hour was through. This show, for me, is one of the most criminally underrated shows on television right now. If you're not watching, please do. You won't regret it.

Baby Groot

I went to see Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 2 on Friday and was charmed. It's funny, and filled with a surprising amount of heart. Baby Groot, in particular, will steal your heart. He's even more adorable than you're expecting him to be (and that is pretty adorable)

He is seriously the cutest. I anticipate that most people who loved the first move will enjoy this one as well as it has everything you loved about the first one in abundance.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren

Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren (Wild Seasons #2)
Release Date -  November 14, 2014

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  326 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**borrowed from a friend**

**SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It doesn't get better than ex sex... unless you fall in love.

Unlike her best friends Mia and Lola, Harlow Vega has a reputation for always being up for a fling. Twelve drunk and wild hours in Sin City married to the ridiculously hot and rugged Canadian fisherman Finn Roberts, who (no surprise) is amazing with his muscular hands–and his lips and the rest of his body–was just her speed.

But it was just a thing: dirty, rowdy, and easy... until Finn turns up in her hometown on business. Harlow's not ready to be tied down, but when the whole crew is hanging out together, there's just something about him. It may not be love (hell, it may not even be like), but their exciting, tension-filled hookups provide the perfect distraction from the scary life changes they're both facing–challenges neither is sure how to handle, let alone fix. One night together turns into two, and soon Finn's mysterious business trip has gone on for weeks. They agreed on the sex–wild, wet, kinky–but now their border-crossing booty call is starting to feel like the real deal. And for two people used to being in control, taking the ultimate plunge by falling in love feels a lot more like flat-out falling.

Christina Lauren is quickly becoming my go to author for romance reads. They offer up books that are fun and yet offer a seriously aspect to them as well. The Wild Seasons series was pretty much my introduction to this author, and I loved Sweet Filthy Boy, and was eager to read the second book in this companion style series. I ended up loving Dirty Rowdy Thing even more, and predict it'll be my favourite of the series.

Having told Mia and Ansel's story, the next novel in this 'series' focuses on Harlow and Finn. Harlow may be looked at as a party girl with a bubbly personality and not much smarts, but she is anything but that. Harlow is fiercely loyal, smart, and just so happens to also enjoy shopping. I loved how she defied expectations (especially Finn's) at every turn. It showed that you can be fun and bubbly but that doesn't mean you're an airhead. Finn is the stoic, rugged fisherman who hides a sweet side underneath his quiet demeanor. He's the kind of guy who likes to be in control, and is protective of those he loves. I love each of them as individual characters, and loved them even more together.

While the first novel dealt with a lot of sexy role play, this novel focuses on light BDSM elements. It is one of the few novels I have read that included BDSM where I felt it was handled correctly. They include the importance of aftercare which many novels don't bother to discuss or acknowledge most of the time. It was a small addition that made all the difference in how these scenes were handled. These scenes also played into Finn's personality perfectly, which his quiet, take charge demeanor adding something extra to these steamy scenes.

The romance is one of my favourites. Harlow and Finn really bond and the author's allow the relationship to be built slowly. The lust they feel for each other is the stuff of instant gratification but once they scratch that surface stuff, the real love story begins and it is perfect. They are each complicated people, who are both very strong willed and this makes they perfectly matched. Their love story, from lust to friendship, to something deeper and real, is the heart of this novel and is a love story I would read again and again.

The relationship Harlow has with her family was really sweet. It is not often in a novel like this that they parents are such a focus, and when they are the relationship tends to be one of conflict. Harlow and her father's bond is especially shone in this book. Finn's relationship with his family was also great. Neither were a source of tension in the novel and it was a nice change.

If you're looking for a sexier read to spice up your to be read pile, I highly recommend this series (and this book in particular). This series is the perfect addition to your beach bag this summer as they offer up some seriously sexy reads with some endearing characters. These books offer the perfect mix of storyline and steamy scenes so you end up getting the best of both. You'll immediately be charmed by these books and want to grab the next installment (along with any other books this written) as soon as possible.

Waiting On Wednesday ... Roomies

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

This week's pick is Roomies by Christina Lauren

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

From subway to Broadway to happily ever after. Modern love in all its thrill, hilarity, and uncertainty has never been so compulsively readable as in New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Christina Lauren’s (Beautiful Bastard, Dating You / Hating You) new romance.

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient. 

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a bigtime musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realize that they both stopped pretending a long time ago? 

Christina Lauren is quickly becoming one of my favourite romance authors and I cannot wait for their next one to be released.

The love interest is an Irish musician. This is basically like cat nip for me in the worst way. Combine this fact with an adorably rom-com sounding premise and I am completely sold.

It's a bit of a wait for this one, luckily we have Dating You/ Hating You coming out in June to make the wait less painful.

Expected release date - October 10, 2017