Waiting On Wednesday .... The Husbands

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 The Husbands by Chandler Baker

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From the New York Times bestselling author of Whisper Network comes a novel that asks: to what lengths will a woman go for a little more help from her husband?

Nora Spangler is a successful attorney, but when it comes to domestic life, she finds she’s always the one doing more. She packs the lunches, schedules the doctor appointments, knows where the extra paper towel rolls are, and designs and orders the holiday cards. Her husband works hard, too…but why does it seem like she is always working so much harder?

The Spanglers go house hunting in Dynasty Ranch, a nice suburban neighborhood where Nora meets a group of high-powered women—a tech CEO, a neurosurgeon, an award-winning therapist, a bestselling author—with enviably supportive husbands. When she agrees to help with a resident’s gruesome wrongful death case, she delves into the lives of the women there. She finds the air is different in Dynasty Ranch. The women aren’t hanging on by a thread.

They swear by an unorthodox method of couples’ therapy that has transformed their relationships. Even as she fears digging up the secrets at the heart of her own marriage, Nora is tantalized by the possibility of a life that’s under control. The men seem strange. But maybe they’re just evolved. Soon Nora is relishing that her husband now shoulders half the load at home. But something is deeply wrong in Dynasty Ranch. As the case unravels, Nora uncovers a plot that may explain the secret to having-it-all. One that’s worth killing for.

Smart, sharp, and timely, this novel imagines a world where the burden of the “second shift” is equally shared – and what it might take to get there.

I enjoyed the pervious books by Chandler Baker that I have read so I was intrigued when I read the synopsis for this. It seems like a worthy follow up to the Whisper Network and a sure fire hit come next beach read season.

This doesn't come out until next summer but it'll be something to look forward as we spend what is sure to be a very strange winter.

Expected release date - June 29, 2021

Grown by Tiffany D Jackson

Grown by Tiffany D Jackson

Release Date - September 15, 2020

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Korey Fields is dead.

When Enchanted Jones wakes with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night, no one—the police and Korey’s fans included—has more questions than she does. All she really knows is that this isn't how things are supposed to be. Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom.

Before there was a dead body, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her tight knit family’s recent move to the suburbs while trying to find her place as the lone Black girl in high school. But then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition. And suddenly her dream of being a professional singer takes flight.

Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious life but soon her dream turns into a nightmare. Behind Korey’s charm and star power hides a dark side, one that wants to control her every move, with rage and consequences. Except now he’s dead and the police are at the door. Who killed Korey Fields?

All signs point to Enchanted. 

I knew I wanted to read Grown the instant I read the synopsis. A murder mystery always piques my interest and even more so when it has something else folded into it. This combines a harrowing story of an abusive relationship with a very satisfying mystery to create a compulsively readable book.

The first thing that I need to discuss is the writing. It is executed in such a way that makes the pacing flow really smoothly. The reader is invested in the story from the beginning because of the way everything is set up. Tiffany D Jackson makes it look effortless and that is all just a testament to her talent.

Enchanted has big dreams. She wants to be a professional singer. She has the voice to back up these dreams. I appreciated the care that was taken to make Enchanted feel her age. She always reads like a kid. A fifteen year old but a kid nonetheless. This ensures that the reader never for one second forgets the dynamics of what is happening between her and Korey. Her regular teen worries and hopes are just another element that works to hammer home thr message of this book.

There is a fine line to be walked in books like this. Ws see everything through Enchanted's eyes and as a result the reader has to see how easy it is to fall into this kind of relationship. They have to see the side of Korey that Enchanted sees. This also has to be contrasted with showing that this is an abusive relationship right from the beginning. This book does this perfectly. There are so many red flags but it is entirely believable that Enchanted would not see them until it is much too late. As an adult I can see the power imbalance due to both the ages of the characters and the difference in status. I am not sure I would have seen those red flags as clearly as a teen which is the entire point of the novel. No matter what he knew better. 

The content warning in the beginning is not to be taken lightly. This is an abusive relationship in many different ways and the book shows many different kinds of abuse. It tackles verbal, physical, and sexual just to name a few. It is a tough, but important read. We hear stories like this too often. Young girls are sexualized and preyed upon and yet they sometimes are not even seen as victim thanks to society wanting to make excuses that often blame them for what happened. It all fits into rape culture and it was refreshing to see it presented in such a clear cut way.

The other element of the book is the mystery of what happened the night Korey Fields was murdered. The mystery is taunt and written in such a way that makes putting down this book almost impossible. I was pleasantly surprised that the answer to the question of what happened was not as straight forward as I was anticipating and that the ending packed a satisfying punch when it landed. A book like this needs to nail the ending and that is more than accomplished here.

Grown may have been the first book I've read by Tiffany Jackson but it will definitely not be the last. I had no clue that Tiffany's books would hit my true crime loving sweet spot but now that I do I will be making my way through her back catalog. I highly recommend this one if you like a good murder mystery and books that deal with tough but important topics.

Ten Books I Am Hoping To Read This Fall

The fall reading season is upon us. This would usually mean sitting in Starbucks with a pumpkin spice chai latte and a good book. This year may have to look a little different but there are still some amazing books to be released and I can always get that pumpkin spice chai latte to go and enjoy it at home while curled up with a cozy blanket.

There are so many amazing sounding books coming out that I decided to keep it to the ten books I personally hope to read this fall. They are books that will have released very recently or will release in the upcoming weeks (and through the end of the year).

1. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab - October 6

2. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade - October 6

3. When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole - September 1

4. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M Danforth - October 20

5. Vampires Never Get Old by Various - September 22

6. Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams - October 27

7. The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R Sloan - September 1

8. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco - October 27

9. In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren - October 6

10. Mind the Gap, Dash and Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - November 3

What books do you hope to read this fall? What books have you already read? I highly recommend Grown by Tiffany D Jackson which would have been on this list if I hadn't already read it.

Waiting On Wednesday .... Kate In Waiting

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 Kate In Waiting by Becky Albertalli

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life, and, yes, theater.

Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theater rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway.

But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson.

Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.

Becky Albertalli writes super cute contemporary reads. They are filled with loveable characters and swoon worthy romances. 

Her newest involves theatre, crushes, and friendship which means I am already obsessed. All of her books have great friendships but this one seems to focus on that element even more than usual which has me excited.

There is a long wait for this one as it doesn't come out until April of 2021, but the good news is that Becky has a lot of books that are out already for you to read while we wait.

Expected release date - April 20, 2021

Q and A with Kara McDowell

Anyone else having difficulties making decisions recently? It's been a real struggle thanks to pretty much everything that is going on right now. That is why I could really relate to the premise of Kara McDowell's upcoming book One Way or Another. Today I am excited to have Kara stop by to share a little about the upcoming release. It sounds perfectly suited for the holiday season and perfectly adorable. 

Here is the Goodreads synopsis:

The average person makes 35,000 decisions every single day. That's about 34,999 too many for Paige Collins, who lives in debilitating fear of making the wrong choice. The simple act of picking an art elective is enough to send her into a spiral of what-ifs. What if she's destined to be a famous ceramicist but wastes her talent in drama club? What if there's a carbon monoxide leak in the ceramics studio and everyone drops dead? (Grim, but possible!)

That's why when Paige is presented with two last-minute options for Christmas vacation, she's paralyzed by indecision. Should she go with her best friend (and longtime crush) Fitz to his family's romantic mountain cabin? Or should she accompany her mom to New York, a city Paige has spent her whole life dreaming about?

Just when it seems like Paige will crack from the pressure of choosing, fate steps in -- in the form of a slippery grocery store floor -- and Paige's life splits into two very different parallel paths. One path leads to New York where Paige falls for the city . . . and the charms of her unexpected tour guide. The other leads to the mountains where Paige might finally get her chance with Fitz . . . until her anxiety threatens to ruin everything.

However, before Paige gets her happy ending in either destiny, she'll have to face the truth about her struggle with anxiety -- and learn that you don't have to be "perfect" to deserve true love.

I was fortunate enough to have Kara answer a few questions about One Way or Another. She dishes on ice cream, her main character and more!

 1. What gif best describes One Way or Another? 

There’s a gif of Phoebe Buffay from Friends running back and forth in a wedding dress store yelling “WHAT DO I DO?” That frantic, anxious, confused energy is 100% my main character in the beginning of the ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. She can’t decide between spending Christmas break at a snowy mountain cabin with the boy she secretly loves or exploring New York for the first time. Fortunately, we get to see what happens in each scenario! 😉

2. If someone were to design a signature ice cream for your book what would be included? 

Oooh, I love this idea. It would be Frozen Hot Chocolate with White Chocolate Peppermint chunks. Sweet, indulgent, and perfect for the holidays. 

3. Describe your main character in three words. 

Paige Collins is ANXIOUS, filled with WANDERLUST, and IN LOVE. (Sorry, I cheated a little!)

4. Is there a particular song you listened to while writing this book

Yes! I have a whole ONE WAY OR ANOTHER playlist that can be found on Spotify. One song from it that really captures the spirit of the book is “You Are in Love,” by Taylor Swift. It’s about falling in love with your best friend, which is extremely relevant to Paige’s story. There’s also a line that says, “you two are dancing in a snow globe round and round,” which inspired one of the final scenes in the book. It’s cozy and romantic, just like ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!

I love how it sounds so cozy and romantic and perfect for a snowy day read. It releases October 6th so it'll be out in time for hot chocolate season! Side note, how amazing does that ice cream sound?!

Kara is running an amazing preorder campaign that will get you some fun goodies if you submit your receipt. Here are the details directly from Kara herself:

I am running a pre-order campaign for ONE WAY OR ANOTHER! Email your proof of purchase to karajmcdowell@gmail.com by October 6, 2020, and you’ll receive ONE WAY OR ANOTHER bookmark, a signed bookplate, and two character inspired temporary tattoos! The options are: pine trees, world map, black and white mistletoe, and a glitter snowflake. Let me know which ones you want or it will be random! I will also be signing all pre-orders through my local indie, Changing Hands Bookstore. 

She also offered up a peek at what those goodies look like!

 So cute, right? Be sure to add it your Goodreads and preorder from the retailer of your choice!

Amazon // Chapters // Indiebound // Barnes and Noble 

I love book that reminding me of the movie Sliding Doors and this one is definitely giving me those vibes. It is on my radar for my holiday reading.

Will you be reading One Way or Another? Let me know what you think in the comments.

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 weekend.

This is a very trailer heavy post because Netflix has released so many trailers for the autumn movies. Lots of excellent stuff is coming up!

TV/MOVIES

A Teacher trailer

FX and FX on Hulu have been announcing some intriguing projects and we have a trailer for one of those projects.

This is a story of a teacher who gets involved with one of her students but from what I understand it is not going to be romanticizing this type of situation but will address how the student comes to realize he was a victim.

We cannot tell much from this trailer, but I am intrigued by that cast and will check it out to see how they handle everything.

Rebecca trailer

I wasn't sure about the casting of Armie Hammer in this but this trailer changed my mind. I think what he is doing here definitely works.

Lily James looks lovely and the costumes are gorgeous. I am excited to check this one out when it premieres on Netflix.

Freaky trailer

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this trailer. Horror movies are not usually my thing (and I hear this one is a solid R for really graphic violence) but I may have to check this one out.

I burst out laughing every time Vince Vaughn breaks out into that cheer. So fun. It looks fun and scary which worked really well for Happy Death Day so I hope it works just as well here.

The Haunting Of Bly Manor trailer

Everyone who watched and loved The Haunting of Hill House was excited when it was announced that a second season would be coming and that it would be an anthology style show with many of the cast coming back to play new characters.

This season focuses on another classic, The Turning of the Screw, and the trailer looks especially creepy.

The Boys in the Band trailer

Ryan Murphy has turned a few Broadway plays into Netflix movies and we just got the trailer for the first one. The Boys in the Band looks really good.

I know almost nothing about this play, so I am definitely looking forward to discovering it when this releases on Netflix.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

Release Date - September 15, 2020

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

House Rules:

Do your own dishes

Knock before entering the bathroom

Never look up your roommate online

The Wheatons are infamous among the east coast elite for their lack of impulse control, except for their daughter Clara. She’s the consummate socialite: over-achieving, well-mannered, predictable. But every Wheaton has their weakness. When Clara’s childhood crush invites her to move cross-country, the offer is too much to resist. Unfortunately, it’s also too good to be true.

After a bait-and-switch, Clara finds herself sharing a lease with a charming stranger. Josh might be a bit too perceptive—not to mention handsome—for comfort, but there’s a good chance he and Clara could have survived sharing a summer sublet if she hadn’t looked him up on the Internet...

Once she learns how Josh has made a name for himself, Clara realizes living with him might make her the Wheaton’s most scandalous story yet. His professional prowess inspires her to take tackling the stigma against female desire into her own hands. They may not agree on much, but Josh and Clara both believe women deserve better sex. What they decide to do about it will change both of their lives, and if they’re lucky, they’ll help everyone else get lucky too. 

The Roommate has been making a big splash with early buzz being a cascade of enthusiastic praise. As a result of this I had fairly high expectations picking up this one. Luckily this book not only met those expectations but surpassed them.

I've seen this referred to as a raunch-com in various write ups about the book. I think that's a clever description that is worthy of the characters in the book for a few reasons. This book is funny and sexy (with a heavy emphasis on the sexy). It is seriously fan yourself steamy but also manages to pack in a lot of heart and humour. It balances everything perfectly and keeps the pace going so that the pages seem to fly by.

Sex positivity and female sexual pleasure are a huge focus of this book. It is all about being both shameless in asking for what you want in bed and for shaming less those who do. It advocates a healthy, consensual sex life that is enjoyable for both partners. It gives a female gaze to an industry that normally is strictly focused on the male gaze. 

The opposites attract style romance works especially well here. Sheltered and more reserved Clara and more outgoing and social Josh are surprisingly perfect for each other. The road bumps they face along the way feel organic to who these characters are and blend in with the character growth they both have to go through. They each have issues outside the relationship that have to be overcome in order to move forward and I think both of them have very satisfying arcs. 

Josh is going to be a favourite among romance readers. He is confident, charming, and easily likeable. I think he may end up being one of my favourite romantic heroes. Clara is fantastic heroine as well that I predict many will love.

Another way this book circumvented my expectations was with the inclusion of Josh's ex Naomi. It went in a direction I was not anticipating but should have expected from the rest of this book. The female support and empowerment was woven in seamlessly with the rest of this book's message.

Rosie Danan has quickly launched herself on to my list of must read romance authors. She has given us a delightful debut that will instantly leave you craving more. I definitely will have no shame in wanting to get my hands on her next book as soon as possible.