What I Am Excited About For 2018

Happy New Year everyone! With the start of a new year comes a lot of things to look forward to. Many of those are upcoming book and movie releases. I have shared which 2018 books are on the top of my must read list so I thought I would also share what else I am excited about that will release in 2018.

MOVIES

Avengers: Infinity War

It should be no surprise to anyone following this blog that Avengers: Infinity War is on the list. I am excited to see what Marvel has been building up to since Iron Man was released in 2008. If the trailer is any indication it is going to be incredible. I am just preparing myself for, what I assume, are the multiple deaths that are going to happen to close out this chapter of the Marvel Universe. This one comes out May 4th.

Extremely Wicked Shockingly Evil and Vile

I hope this movie gets a new title at some point during production, however, my excitement for this one is pretty high. Zac Efron is going to be playing Ted Bundy in a movie told from the perspective of the girl he was dating at the time of his arrest. The script made the Blacklist and I have heard good things about it. The rumoured release is Fall 2018, which puts it out right around award show contention time.

Black Panther

See my above mentioned love of all the previous Marvel movies and this jaw dropping trailer and it should be obvious why this one is on my list. I am excited that this one is releasing February 16th because that doesn't seem so far off this side of the new year.

Ocean's 8

Ladies being badass is always exciting and this trailer just looks like so much fun! I am looking forward to seeing all of these ladies interact and pulling off a heist! It's the type of movie you want to go with a group of female friends with to see and just bask in the awesomeness. It releases June 8th.

Love, Simon

This trailer won my heart with the entire 'I like your boots' scene. How charming is Nick Robinson?! This is going to be a fun rom-com like movie that I cannot wait to see on March 16th.

Crazy Rich Asians

I've heard incredible things about this book series (and they are on my list of books to read this year). The cast looks amazing (did you see the Entertainment Weekly photos?!) and it looks like a glitzy, decadent, drama filled good time. The trailer should be releasing in the next few months as it hits theatres August 17th.

TELEVISION

Jessica Jones Season Two

I LOVED the first season of Jessica Jones. LOVED! I loved Jessica as a character and have been eagerly awaiting the second season of the show. It's finally here (or will be on March 8th)! This trailer is everything I wanted and the Spiderman reference made me laugh out loud.

American Crime Story: Versace

It is no secret that I have been on a true crime kick as of late. It is also no secret that I love Ryan Murphy's shows. I especially loved the first season of American Crime Story. The second season will look at the murders committed by Andrew Cunanan, but most specifically the assassination of Gianni Versace. This trailer looks great, and Darren Criss is CHILLING. I'll be watching on January 17th when it premieres.

Waco

Cults are part of the whole true crime fascination and this show looks like it has some amazing performances. Taylor Kitsch seems to almost disappear into the role of David Koresh who was the leader of this particular cult. It premieres on January 24th and I am looking forward to watching this as I expect it might be talked about around awards season.

Mosaic: Miniseries 

According to the press release Mosaic is going to a VERY different form of storytelling. Through the official website/app viewers will have the chance to select which character's perspective they view the story through and that dictates the story experience they get. In order to get the full picture the audience will have to watch each of the perspectives. It'll also have extra content such as voicemails, emails, and etc for you to view or listen to. It certainly sounds ambitious and the fact that there is a mystery at the centre only makes me more curious to check it out.

The official press release states:

MOSAIC lets viewers experience the story from multiple perspectives, going deeper to see the big picture:
– Film view: Watch the film in full-screen, immersive mode.

– Choice moments: Select which character’s perspective you want to adopt to continue your journey.

– Discoveries: Dive deeper into the story through additional content, including voicemails and emails between the characters, police reports, news clippings, and more.

– Look again: Go back and view the perspectives you missed to get the full picture.

Sounds intriguing right? I am super excited to check this out on January 22nd.

What are you looking forward to in 2018? I am always eager to find new movies, and shows (and etc) so let me know in the comments.

Happy New Year

It is officially 2018! Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a wonderful start to 2018!

Cheers to what is hopefully going to be a great year ahead!

Do you make any resolutions for the new year? Let me know in the comments. I, personally, tend to skip that because I always end up breaking them but I think my motto for 2018 is going to be to find more happiness.

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)

Last one of these before 2018! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their family!

Here are a few items that have made their way into my house in the last little bit. I am so excited about all of these and cannot wait to read these books in the new year.

First up is my gift from our Ottawa Blogette Secret Santa. Katie had me this year and she basically got me the most perfect gift ever. Love the My Favorite Murder bracelet so much!

The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule (goodreads)

Next is a book from Raincoast Books and one that I got at our Blogette Christmas. I am excited for both of these. Thank you to Raincoast Books for sending the new Brigid Kemmerer book!

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer (goodreads)

Wilder by Rebecca Yarros (goodreads)

Lastly, I have a new Funko Pop that has joined my rapidly growing collection. This one is Jughead Jones from Riverdale (who happens to be my favourite character). I love that they included the pins on his beanie and the 'S' shirt! 

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

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Best Of ... Every Else

Yesterday I shared the books that were the best I read in 2017. Today I wanted to highlight some other things I thought were standouts of  2017.

TELEVISION

Stranger Things Season Two

It was no secret that I was eagerly anticipating season two of this amazing show, and luckily season two delivered in so many ways.

Who would have guessed we'd all love Steve by the end of season two? Or that the final ten minutes of the second season would be so perfect? I am already eagerly awaiting my return to Hawkins and cannot wait for season three.

Mindhunter Season One

I was excited about this right from the moment I knew David Fincher would be directing. They added Jonathan Groff to the cast and I was even more intrigued.

Mindhunter turned out to be an incredibly cast and addicting season of television. It also helped feed my true crime obsession this year. Cameron Britton, who plays Ed Kemper, gave one of the best performances of the year in this.

Big Little Lies Season One

I wasn't sure how much I was going to like Big Little Lies going in. I knew that I was excited abiut the actresses involved and that was enough for me to give it a chance. 

It ended up being an incredible series that showcased so many amazing performances from the women involved. The female characters in this were complex and given so much development. I also appreciated the beautiful final few moments of this series. 

Bates Motel Final Season

Saying goodbye is hard to do, and even harder when the show has a stellar final season like Bates Motel did. It was everything I wanted it to be and more.

From the brilliant (and poignant) twist on the shower scene to the strangely beautiful final moments this show gave us stunning performances and the best ending we could have hoped for.

MOVIES

Get Out

This is of those movies that I feel a list like this would be incomplete without. Get Out is a smart and innovative take on the horror genre that boasts some great performances.

This is one of those movies that captured the attention of everyone and defined pop culture this year. I expect it will be part of the discussion for years to come as people are inspired by it and new art is created from that inspiration. 

Call Me By Your Name

There is a lot of awards season buzz surrounding this movie, and it is justified. This is a beautifully shot movie that is filled with incredible performances from not just Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer but the supporting cast as well.

My review will be up on the blog soon so I don't want to say too much, but this is a vivid exploration of love, lust, longing, and loss and how deeply each of these is felt. 

My Friend Dahmer

Ross Lynch gives an unforgettable performance as a young Jeffrey Dahmer in this adaptation of Derf Backderf's graphic novel. The movie was a showcase of his stunning performance and that alone makes it with the watch. 

This movie also fed into my true crime addiction this year and for that I am thankful.

Wonder Woman

This female superhero movie that boasts a female director was one of my favourite things about 2017. I love how well received it was and that it was celebrated for what it is. I hope it continues to open doors and that this is just the beginning of female directed movies.

The action sequences in this movie made plenty of women and girls cry from joy because of the gaze in which they were shot. It is not something we are used to seeing on movie screens and it was a beautiful thing to behold.

OTHER

My Favorite Murder Podcast

This podcast is mainly responsible for bringing my true crime obsession back to the forefront. I am now completely hooked and eagerly anticipate each new episode.

Karen and Georgia have created a podcast that has resulted in a pretty awesome community. It may sound funny but this podcast helps my mental well being and I love that it exists.

#Gallavich (aka Ian and Mickey from Shameless)

While I couldn't include the show on my list (because I do feel that the later seasons are just not as strong) I have to include one of my new ship obsessions - Ian and Mickey.

I'll fully admit they were probably not the most healthy for each other, but everything about them made me ship them. There relationship, particularly in the later seasons, just had so many good moments that you couldn't help but fall in love with them.

What are some of the things that would make your own best of 2017 lists? Let me know in the comments.

Best I Read in 2017

As the year comes to end it is once again time to reflect on what I've read this year and attempt to pick out my favourites. It's hard every year, and this year is no exception.

I am going to do a Top Fifteen because narrowing it any further was just too hard. I've linked to my reviews where possible (except for books that have not been reviewed yet on the blog). These are in no particular order because that would also be impossible.

1. The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

This is the type of book that makes you cry but in a cathartic way. It makes you cry the kind of cry you didn't know you needed. This is a book filled with so much hope. It's a must read for YA contemporary fans.

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

A fun, sexy, and enjoyable romance novel that was a delight to read. It's a banter filled escape that should be on your list for 2018 if you haven't read it already.

3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I feel no list of this nature would be complete with this title on it. If you only read one book published in 2017 I would recommend this one. It's an important, well written read. It's an impressive debut that ensures people will want to read whatever Angie Thomas writes next.

4. Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L Walsh

I was immediately excited when this book was announced and even more delighted when I got to read the novel and loved it. This well crafted story of how a girl like Bonnelyn Parker becomes half of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo. You'll instantly be awaiting the follow up novel, Side By Side, after devouring this one.

5. Midnight At The Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's writing always blows me away. It's magical and captivating. This story of three very different women in three different time periods interconnects in beautiful ways and leaves a lasting impression.

6. Roomies by Christina Lauren

This charming romance read has as smoking hot Irish musician as the love interest, and plenty of witty banter to spare. Christina Lauren's novels are always a delight to read, but this one felt special to me. I felt the story more, and it's a great read for those looking for something lighter in tone.

7. The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

I was so excited when Michelle announced that she would be writing a companion series to her Mara Dyer trilogy and that it would be from Noah's point of view. The first book in this series is dark, and Noah's head is not the more comfortable place to be, but Michelle's writing brings this broken character to life in a way that is breathtaking.

8. Lizzie by Dawn Ius

This doesn't come out until 2018, and I am going to review it closer to release, but I had to include it on this life. This novel follows Lizzie as she spirals into madness and ultimately ends with the death of her parents (it is, after all, inspired by the infamous Lizzie Borden). The twists and turns it takes to get there make the story feel new.

9. The Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee gives us both the ridiculously fun romp through Europe that you are expecting going into this novel and so much more. This book has a depth that you may not expect, and a wonderful cast of characters that will remain with you long after the book is finished.

10. The Afterlife Of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

This book surprised me with how much I ended up loving it. The heart and emotion that A Christmas Carol has within it is definitely found within this modern take. It's one that I feel will become part of my Christmas tradition as I continue to read it again every December.

11. Renegades by Marissa Meyer

A fun superhero story that follows some recognizable tropes, but uses them to their best advantage. It's a book that is simply fun to read, and the ending sets up what is sure to be an explosive sequel.

12. There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Stephanie Perkins writing horror may seem like a surprising combination but only if you haven't followed on her any of her social media. She's a horror movie fan and this is her love letter to the genre. It's also got the classic Stephanie Perkins romance to satisfy fans of her other books.

13. The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

Becky Albertalli is two for two when it comes to writing books I adore. This book is a joy to read and only cements my desire to read anything she writes. This is a book for all the late bloomers out there, and I loved every minute of reading this one.

14. Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy

This novel features a bisexual main character discovering her bisexuality. I cannot speak to the depiction of bisexuality within it's pages, but others have praised the representation. I can speak to the emotions I felt while reading it, and the way in which I felt this story while reading it. Julie Murphy creates these amazing characters and Ramona is no exception.

15. The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

This book defies and twists all the tropes you would expect from this genre. It's an action packed novel that also has a wonderful love story within it.

What books made your own end of year list? Anything I missed reading this year that I should make a priority in 2018? Let me know in the comments.

Waiting On Wednesday ..... Royals

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 Royals by Rachel Hawkins

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Meet Daisy Winters. She’s an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who’s nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond. 

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince’s roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes, and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown–and the intriguing Miles–might be trying to make Daisy into a lady . . . but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself. 

With the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set to happen in 2018 this book could not be more timely. I have always loved books about  royalty and this one sounds especially perfect. I anticipate a bunch of cuteness and at least one swoon worthy romance from this book.

This one comes with a bit of a wait as it doesn't release until May of next year, but it'll be a perfect fit with the nicer weather, and some delicious ice cream. 

Expected release date - May 1, 2018

Three Sides of a Heart: Stories about Love Triangles by Various

Three Sides of a Heart: Stories about Love Triangles by Various
Release Date - December 19, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages -  448 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

You may think you know the love triangle, but you've never seen love triangles like these.

These top YA authors tackle the much-debated trope of the love triangle, and the result is sixteen fresh, diverse, and romantic stories you don’t want to miss.

This collection, edited by Natalie C. Parker, contains stories written by Renee Ahdieh, Rae Carson, Brandy Colbert, Katie Cotugno, Lamar Giles, Tessa Gratton, Bethany Hagan, Justina Ireland, Alaya Dawn Johnson, EK Johnston, Julie Murphy, Garth Nix, Natalie C. Parker, Veronica Roth, Sabaa Tahir, and Brenna Yovanoff.

A teen girl who offers kissing lessons. Zombies in the Civil War South. The girl next door, the boy who loves her, and the girl who loves them both. Vampires at a boarding school. Three teens fighting monsters in an abandoned video rental store. Literally the last three people on the planet.

What do all these stories have in common?

The love triangle.

Triangles are one of those tropes that ignite strong reactions no matter what side you fall on. Those who love the idea of a good love triangle are just as passionate as those who think a love triangle is the quickest way to destroy a series (or standalone).

This short story collection offers different types of love triangles than readers have experienced before. It offers different ways of looking what love triangles are, and how varied and unique they can be. It's an anthology designed to make love triangle supporters rejoice and turn even the most jaded skeptic into someone who can see the potential in a well crafted love triangle.

I liked all of the stories to varying degrees. I appreciated that each of them had a different tone and feel. They all examined love triangles in their own way, and none of them felt repetitious. They all felt distinctly their own, and even the spin the author put on the triangle felt fresh.

I am going to highlight a few of my personal favourites from the collection, but I think everyone will find something they love within this collection.

Riddles in Mathematics by Katie Cotugno

I was apprehensive at first when I discovered that this triangle features a brother and a sister in love with the same girl. Trust me and stick with it because it is not at all what you first think it is. There are different kinds of love triangles portrayed and this one is anything but typical. Fans of Katie Cotugno will, perhaps, find this one a little lighter in tone than her other works, but it really works.

Dread South by Justina Ireland 

This one defies a lot of the expected tropes of love triangles in so many ways. It also made me very curious about Justina's Dread Nation. The setting is imaginative and the zombies are this looming background presence that are a catalyst for a lot of the decisions characters are making. The action scenes were well done, and I appreciated the slower burn of one of the romances (as slow as a short story allows).

Lessons for Beginners by Julie Murphy

A cute read about a girl who gives kissing lessons for people who are bad kissers and the couple she attempts to help. It is typical Julie Murphy in that you're going to have a ton of fun reading it, and it'll pack more emotions into it than you might expect from the light subject matter. It's also a love triangle that features a girl and boy who are interested in the same girl.

Vega by Brenna Yovanoff 

This is one of the most unique triangles I've ever had the pleasure to read. It's between a girl, the boy she's loved for as long as she can remember, and the city that she loves just as fiercely. It left me in awe that an author could create a triangle that pushed your emotions even where the third point wasn't a person. It's a gritty look at some of the darker sides of Las Vegas, and one I definitely recommend reading.

Unus, Duo, Tres by Bethany Hagen 

This is perhaps my favourite story out of all those included in this collection. It's a vampire story set in a boarding school with a polyamorous relationship at its core. It's beautifully written, the characters are impressively fleshed out in the short time we spend with them. If I could have a full length series featuring these characters I would happily read it and still beg for more. It's an achingly beautiful story that had me sobbing by the time I finished. I immediately went back and read it again which is a huge testament to how much I loved it.

A collection that proves the love triangle still has a lot left to explore as a trope. This anthology only scratched the surface of what authors could do to rejuvenate and redefine what the term 'love triangle' means.