2018 Most Anticipate - Side By Side

The next book is on my list is actually a companion novel to a book that was featured last year. Jenni L Walsh's Becoming Bonnie was a highly anticipated read of mine from last year and the follow up, Side By Side, was instantly added to my list after reading the first one.

I was so excited to return to these characters, and this version of Bonnie and Clyde that Jenni has created. I fell in love with her characters, particularly her Bonnie, and was eager to continue their story even knowing the tragic ending that awaits them. 

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel immediately sets up the crime spree as the focus for this companion novel, where Becoming Bonnie was more of a look at the woman who would become the infamous Bonnie Parker. 

How do two poor Texas kids become notorious outlaws? Bonnie Parker tells the story of America's most infamous crime spree in her own words​

"Someday they'll go down together / they'll bury them side by side. / To few it’ll be grief / To the law a relief / But it’s death for Bonnie and Clyde.”

The story of America’s most infamous crime spree told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker.

Texas: 1931. Bonnie Parker’s dreams of the limelight and a white picket fence are on hold. She’s a waitress in Dallas, endlessly writing letters to the governor pleading for the release of the man she loves: a reckless, quick-smiling boy named Clyde Barrow, sentenced to fourteen years at the notorious Eastham prison farm.

When Clyde is paroled early, Bonnie thinks their life is about to really begin. But Clyde has changed in prison. Distant, damaged, and dogged by the cops, he knows it’s only a matter of time before the law tries to lock him up again. That’s not something he or Bonnie can bear. When he’s fired from his job—and now breaking parole—he decides to make a run for it. Leave Texas. Get enough cash to make a fresh start in a new state. And, of course, he wants his beloved Bonnie to come with him.

It’s just one stolen car. One robbed bank. Then, they can have the life they always wanted. Or so they think, as they set out.

Unflinching and yet deeply empathetic, Jenni L. Walsh’s Side by Side tells the story of America's most iconic outlaws.

This sounds amazing, right? The good news is that Side by Side can be read as a stand alone novel. You can dive in without having read Becoming Bonnie. I do, however, urge you to read Becoming Bonnie. It's wonderful, and a great read for the upcoming holiday season.

Jenni, very kindly, agreed to take part in my event again this year and the result is the very fun interview where I get her to spill some Bonnie secrets.

1. What gif do you think describes Side by Side?

Well, we've got the obvious Bonnie and Clyde gif...

And then, as I'm a Disney fan, here's one from Aladdin, where he's got to stay "one jump ahead" (and may get a little cocky as he does it).  

 

2 If a signature cocktail were to be made in honour of Side by Side what do you think would be included?

How 'bout the "Hot N Sassy" for Bonnie Parker, as this namesake seems to fit her character well!

1 oz. Pucker Vodka Sour Apple Sass
3 slices jalapeños
2 slices clementine
Splash of lime juice
1 oz lemon-lime soda

Muddle jalapeños and clementines in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka and ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Add lime juice and soda. Stir.

Source: Pucker Vodka

3 How would you describe Bonnie and Clyde's relationship at the beginning of the novel?
Painfully distant, as Clyde's in jail! Their only communication is through letters. Though, Bonnie is writing to more than Clyde. She's also writing to the governor, hoping for an early parole for Clyde.

4 Those who are familiar with the story can assume that history catches up to your Bonnie and Clyde. Was it difficult to write their ending?

Yes, in fact, there were many elements of the story that were difficult to write, like when Bonnie wakes up from a coma...

The 1967 film is entertaining and well done (hello numerous Academy Awards!), but leaves out some MAJOR elements of Bonnie and Clyde's crime spree, along with fictionalizing quite a bit. I wanted to include as much as I could, and do it as factually as I could, in Side by Side.

5 Did you feel any pressure writing about people who actually existed?

Yes and no. "Bonnie and Clyde" is well-document, but through various sometimes contradictory sources. This allowed me to pull from LOTS of information and also perspectives, giving me a bit of wiggle room to tell my story. More so than writing about historical figures, I felt more pressure writing about polarizing figures from history. Being the story is told through Bonnie's eyes, I sometimes had to remind myself to let Bonnie be Bonnie.

6 What 2018 book are you most excited about?

These books are across various age groups, but... My Dear Hamilton, I Was Anastasia, Nothing But Sky, Blood and Sand, and The Inventors at No. 8. They all may be historical :)

7 If not too spoilery, please share the first line of Side by Side.

I’m a fool for busting Clyde out of McClelland County jail.

That opening line has me all kinds of intrigued and excited! The "Hot N Sassy" certainly sounds like it'll fit this Bonnie Parker perfectly and I am very tempted to give it a try while reading this. Seems like it would pair nicely.

The amount of research that Jenni did was quite evident in Becoming Bonnie and I cannot wait to see that attention to detail carry over to the rest of their story.

Side by Side releases June 5, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Jenni by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Are you a fan of books that are inspired by real events? Are you as excited as I am that Becoming Bonnie has a sequel? Let me know what you think in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2018 most anticipated list. 

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)

I have a lot of things to share this week as my mail was pretty busy! It is the time of year where things tend to busier than normal in terms of mail deliveries and this past week certainly was.

First up I have some books from Simon and Schuster that arrived this week. A huge thank you to both of them for the change to read and review these amazing sounding titles.

 

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw (goodreads) 

Indecent by Corinne Sullivan (goodreads)

To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo (goodreads)

I Stop Somewhere by TE Carter (goodreads)

Winner Take All by Laurie Devore (goodreads)

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena (goodreads)

Next up is my #TBTBSanta package. Jackie sent me an amazing package with a bunch of wonderful goodies including some amazing smelling bath bombs, and a cute tea infuser.

 

The two books that were in the package as they are not super clear in the first photo:

 

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand (goodreads)

Red Queen (Collector Edition) by Victoria Aveyard (goodreads) 

Lastly, I got my November package for #otspsecretsister!

Like It Never Happened by Emily Adrian (goodreads)

Thank you, 'Buffy', for another wonderful package! 

What books/bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

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

When We Wake by Elle Cosimano (goodread)

This synopsis immediately caught my attention when the deal was announced. I love the idea of the seasons as actual characters and especially love the idea of 'spring' and 'winter' falling in love.

a group of teens who, on the brink of death, are turned into immortal Seasons. Trapped in a vicious cycle of killing each other year after year, Winter and Spring—Jack and Fleur—fall in love, and must find a way to unite against nature and reclaim their free will.

I am really looking forward to finding out more about this book and for its release in 2019! 


TV/MOVIE

Avengers: Infinity War Trailer

My initial reaction to this trailer was a bunch of nonsensical flailing with "BUCKY IS BACK" thrown in for good measure. I am so excited to see Winter Soldier is awake again and fighting by Steve's side again

In non Steve and Bucky reactions I love the glimpse of Thor meeting the Guardians of the Galaxy. I am terrified we're going to lose characters we love (Thanks, Thanos). Oh, and I love the brief glimpse we get at Peter's spidey sense. This movie is HIGH on my list for 2018 releses and I am already counting down the days until I get to see it.

Stranger Things renewed for Season 3

I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that Netflix has renewed Stranger Things for a third season. No details on a release date or when filming will start but I am excited to return to Hawkins again. I am hoping for an October release date as Halloween was the perfect time to binge watch this show.

Mindhunter renewed for Season 2

I loved the first season of Mindhunter and was beyond excited when the official annoucement of it being renewed for a second season was posted by the show's Twitter account.

We need to talk to more subjects. pic.twitter.com/7pTnxAhM0G

— MINDHUNTER (@MINDHUNTER_) November 30, 2017

The casting on this show is perfect, and I hope they continue that with season two. Here is hoping that it releases Oct of 2018 so we don't have to wait too long.

What are you obsessed with this week?

2018 Most Anticipated - Ashley From Harper Collins Canada

Today I have  Ashley from Harper Collins Canada stopping by with her list of Harper Collins books that should be on your radar for 2018. I love having guest posts as it ensures even more  books are spotlighted during this event.

Ashley has some pretty amazing ones on her list, and a few that I am personally very excited about.

Each title links to more information about the book (including a synopsis where available).

Here is Ashley's Most Anticipated Of 2018:

Everless by Sara Holland (January 2, 2018)

Definitely one of the best YA fantasy books you’ll read in 2018. It’s essentially Red Queen meets Downton Abbey (so, amazing) and the first in a duology!

The Defiant by Lesley Livingston (January 23, 2018)

The sequel to Lesley Livingston’s The Valiant is almost here. In this one, Fallon and her warrior sisters are thrust into a conflict with a rival gladiator academy.

The Queens Rising by Rebecca Ross (February 6, 2018)

Another fantasy to keep your eye on in 2018! Brianna is an outcast and finds herself bound to a disgraced lord. She gets tangled up in the lord’s plot to overthrow the current king, and has to choose between passion and blood.

Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston (February 27, 2018)

This smart and funny sci-fi adventure is inspired by the story of Anastasia! Also perfect for fans of Six of Crows.

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi (March 6, 2018)

A new book from Tahereh Mafi!!!!!! Enough said.

Here So Far Away by Hadley Dyer (March 20, 2018)

I just adored this book! This heartwarming—and heartbreaking—novel will pull you in and keep you there until you reach the very last page. George (real name: Frances Warren) is a down-to-earth, witty, and unique character which makes this book such an honest and refreshing read.

Sleight by Jennifer Sommersby (April 3, 2018)

This thrilling and mysterious novel is set in a circus—the one that Genevieve Flannery grew up in. Genevieve is accustomed to this life… until the evening that she and her mother are performing an aerial routine they’ve done hundreds of times, and her mother falls to her death.

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli (April 24, 2018)

A sequel to one of my favourite books of all time? Yes, please! Leah on the Offbeat follows Simon’s (as in Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, as in Love, Simon, as in SOON TO BE IN THEATRES!) BFF Leah. You’ll love her just as much, trust me.

9 Days & 9 Nights by Katie Cotugno (May 1, 2018)

The perfect summer read AKA the sequel to 99 Days is here (and it’s Katie Cotugno)!! Molly Barlow sets off on a romantic European vacation with her new boyfriend… only to run into her ex, Gabe. Will Molly finally get her happy ending?! Find out!

Puddin'  by Julie Murphy (May 8, 2018)

This feel-good, badass sequel to the beloved Dumplin’ is full of friendship, love and chasing your dreams. It can be read as a standalone, but realistically, why wouldn’t you want to read them both? Julie Murphy is the best.

War Storm by Victoria Aveyard (May 15, 2018)

The Red Queen series is coming to an end!!! I can’t wait to find out what happens to Mare, and OMG to have this beautiful series on my shelf.

Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton (July 31, 2018)

After years of training to hunt witches, Mia Rose discovers that she possesses magic. This is the feminist fantasy (to-be trilogy) that you NEED in your life.

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (October 9, 2018)

I know next-to-nothing about this book, but what more do we need to know than that it’s written by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera?

I want to read SO many of these! I am especially excited about What If It's Us! I cannot wait to see what a book by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is like. Becky is known for cute romance stories with a lot of heart. Adam is known for books that rip out your heart so it'll be interesting to see how the two mix.

Any of these on your own 2018 Most Anticipated List? Let me know in the comments.

Also be sure to follow all things Harper Collins Canada by following their Twitter, @HCCFrenzy. 

Come back Monday to find out what the next book on my list is!

2018 Most Anticipated - I Stop Somewhere

The next book on my list deals with the incredibly timely topic of rape culture and violence against women. I have been hearing amazing things about this one and I am excited for it to start discussions and be read by book clubs so that conversations that are so necessary can be had.

The Goodreads synopsis for TE Carters I Stop Somewhere ensures that you know the serious topic this book will tackle, as well as offering up a sense of the tone the story is going to take.

Ellie Frias disappeared long before she vanished.

Tormented throughout middle school, Ellie begins her freshman year with a new look: she doesn't need to be popular; she just needs to blend in with the wallpaper.

But when the unthinkable happens, Ellie finds herself trapped after a brutal assault. She wasn't the first victim, and now she watches it happen again and again. She tries to hold on to her happier memories in order to get past the cold days, waiting for someone to find her.

The problem is, no one searches for a girl they never noticed in the first place.

TE Carter's stirring and visceral debut not only discusses and dismantles rape culture, but it also reminds us what it is to be human. 

This synopsis immediately grabs your attention. It grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. You can sense the loneliness of the 'cold days' Ellie spends waiting for someone to find her. It paints a stark picture, but one that only highlights how important this novel is.

TE Carter was kind enough to answer some questions about the book. It's even more evident after reading this how this book is going to leave a lasting impact after you've read it.

1 Describe I Stop Somewhere in three words.

Rape culture exists. 

2 If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

I'm not sure it would be very appropriate given the content of the book, but I'd say peppermint stick just because I like that!

3 Your novel tackles rape culture, and other heavy topics. What was one thing that surprised you during your research for this novel?

To be totally honest, I didn't do a great deal of research. Because so much of the book came from personal experience, I unfortunately already have some insight into the legal process and experiences featured in the book. I did do a little bit of research into state laws in New York, just to confirm a few things, and beyond that, I had to fill out some specifics related to the criminal justice system and mortgage industry. Otherwise, I guess the biggest surprise was simply that it was so common to hear stories like this that it inspired the book in the first place - because it just doesn't seem to change and that frustrates me. I'm not pretending I'm the only voice to tackle these issues or that I'm even the best advocate for them, but I did need to get this out there. It's just another perspective on something that's way too prevalent. Also, the number (and even existence) of zombie homes and the negligence and greed of the banking industry is disgusting. It's just unacceptable how corrupt some things are.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

"Obstacles" by Syd Matters (which is amazing!). It's from the game Life is Strange, which I was also playing while writing. Well, not while writing but while I was working on the book in the time I wasn't actually doing the writing!

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

Probably Victorian London, because I adore London and I also have a real fascination with that era. It's both creepy and awful, and also full of so many interesting historical moments.

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

Full disclosure, since she's my critique partner, but I already read ART OF ESCAPING by Erin Callahan and loved it!

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of I Stop Somewhere

There are kind of two first lines, because there's a little part of the book before the actual chapters. The first line of that little bit is "They call the houses 'zombies,' and our town is full of them." The first line from Chapter 1 is "She came in here with her brand-new shoes."

I Stop Somewhere releases Feburary 27, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about TE Carter by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

What do you think of books that tackle important topics like rape culture? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for a special guest post from Ashley at Harper Collins Canada!

2018 Most Anticipated - Ace Of Shades

The next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated list is a book that has so many of the things I like to read about in one book. A Las Vegas like setting, magic, star crossed lovers (I am guessing), and rival mafia like crime families. All of that plus it has illicit cabarets! I immediately wanted to read this the second I read the deal announcement.

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody sounds like the type of book you can get lost in. A rich world and engaging characters. I love the idea of magic existing in a Las Vegas like setting. It's a natural fit and one I cannot wait to see explored.

The Goodreads synopsis does nothing to lessen my excitement for this novel. All of this, plus Amanda's amazing writing, should have you instantly adding it to your own list for books to read in 2018!

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

The last line of the synopsis is what really grabs me. It sets up the tone of the book without you even having to pick it up.

Amanda was kind enough to tease a little about Ace of Shades in this Q and A!

1 Describe Ace Of Shades in three words

Cons, corruption, cabarets

2 If someone were to make a signature cocktail  in honour of your book, what might be included?

It's funny you ask this because there are original cocktails in the book, with their own names and recipes. I won't give out their recipes (yet), but here are their names: Gambler's Ruin, Snake Eyes, and Walk of Shame. Considering the Belle Epoque glamour of the world, there is no shortage of alcoholic beverages in this story! I'm a big fan of drunken shenanigans.

3 The Ace of Shades setting has a Las Vegas feel to it. Is there anything else you can tease about this incredible sounding setting?

So the original concept for this novel came from the idea of magic as currency. Once I had that, it was easy to formulate my vision: an entire city ruled by greed. New Reynes has a complicated history and political landscape: it was the first location of the world-wide revolutions to overthrow their tyrant kings, and now is the capital of the very sprawling Republic. However, the kings might be dead, but corruption still wears the crown. If you could combine post-Revolution Paris with Gilded Age/progressive era New York, you'd have something like New Reynes.

On top of this, only a few years after the Revolution, there was another war...this one in the criminal underground. It was called the Great Street War. Since then, the mafias and street gangs retain a tumultuous power over the North Side of the city, but despite all the violence in the eighteen years since this War, no one has complete control.

The story takes place twenty-five years after the Revolution, eighteen years after the War, yet all of this history is incredibly important to the central plot. The two characters, Enne Salta and Levi Glaisyer, might've teamed up to find a woman missing in this city, but they will end up caught in the center of this stormy political landscape. It's been fun for me to write, because you THINK all the history I'm throwing in is simply history...until it isn't.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

"Wicked Ones" by Dorothy has always been associated with this novel for me and a lot of my early readers. If there was a movie trailer for this book, I'd imagine this song in the background.

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

To be honest, I'm not very interested in time travel. I am too attached to the rights and freedoms I have today. I'm very content to read about the past in books or twist period elements (like this one, roughly 1915) into my own worlds.

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

I'm very excited for THE GILDED WOLVES by Roshani Chokshi!

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Ace Of Shades?

Sure thing! It hasn't changed much since the first draft :P

If I'm not home in two months, I'm dead.

I cannot wait for those drink recipes to be released! I fully intend to try out a couple while reading this book. I am intrigued by the Walk Of Shame one in particular.

Ace Of Shades releases April 10, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Amanda by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love novels with magic, mafia like families, and secrets? Are Las Vegas like settings as intriguing to you as they are to me? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated List!

2018 Most Anticipated - These Rebel Waves

I've always been fascinated by pirates. I am pretty sure my love of Peter Pan was influenced not just by the boy who wouldn't grow up but the pirates he fought as well. There is something about pirates that is alluring and dangerous at the same time.

As a result of this fascination, I was thrilled to discover Sara Raasch was writing a novel that included 'a well-mannered lady, a tortured pirate, and an ambitious prince' I knew I needed to read it (and obviously I am firmly #TeamTorturedPirate).

The Goodreads synopsis offers up a tease for the amazingness to come. It appears we have a soldier (who may or may not be the 'well behaved lady'), the tortured pirate that I have already decided I am going to love, and a crown prince in a very precarious position. 

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

I love that this is going to have some magic in it, along with some characters that already stand out just from the synopsis. I am curious about so much that was revealed and it only makes me want to read the novel more than I already do.

Sara kindly took some time to let me in on some These Rebel Waves details and I am pretty sure you'll be rushing to add it to your own 'to be read' list (if you haven't already) after reading this fun interview I did with her!

1 What gif do you think best describes These Rebel Waves.

2 If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

Jackfruit and basil in a coconut ice cream.

3 Pirates being included in a novel are often something that will make me automatically want to read it. What about pirates inspired you to write These Rebel Waves?

I love what pirates represent -- a group calling out something inherently wrong in a system/government by the very lives they lead.

4 Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

5 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

I think every write would choose to see the library of Alexandria!

6 What 2018 release are you most anticipating?

PACIFICA by Kristen Simmons! I read an early version and OMG so intense. Kristen is amazing at reflecting our society's ills in bleak, absorbing dystopic worlds.

7 If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of These Rebel Waves.

"Benat Gallego was thirteen when he watched his uncle and cousin burn to death."

I need that ice cream. It sounds delicious. I love how Sara describes why she loves pirates. It makes me think her book is going to have EXACTLY my kind of pirates.

These Rebel Waves releases August 7, 2018 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer.

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble //

You can find out more about Sarah by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love novels that have pirates in them? If so, let me know what you love about them in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to find out the next book on my 2018 Most Anticipated List!