Waiting on Wednesday (166) The Love Interest

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. Click the link to see the original post plus a whole slew of links to other blogs. After you read this one, of course.

The Love Interest

Author: Cale Dietrich
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: May 16, 2017

Goodreads:

There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.

Caden is a Nice: The boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: The brooding, dark-souled guy, and dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will pursue her. Will she choose a Nice or the Bad?

Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have to be – whoever the girl doesn’t choose will die.

What the boys don’t expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.

Why I'm Excited:
Ok, so this sounds amazing. I love that it is taking your typical YA tropes and flipping them. Because if I am reading this synopsis correctly (and I'm confident that I am), the two boys are going to fall for each other. Also, spies. I will always, always pick up a book if it is about spies. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for this one. 

What are you waiting for on this Wednesday? Link me up!

Read More

TTT: Fall TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme/original feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click the link to go to their site to see the original list for today, plus links to a whole slew of other blogs...After you read mine, of course.

TTT: Fall TBR

Two weeks in a row. I love posting seasonal TBR. I can never keep these at 10. Sorry, not sorry. 

   

    

    

The Boy is Back by Meg Cabot

I LOVE the "boy series" by Meg Cabot and am beyond excited for the fourth book (each book is completely stand-alone if you haven't read them). 

Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King

Despite always thinking her books sound intriguing, I have actually never read an A.S. King book. I do plan on reading this one, though.

Darkly Beating Heart by Lindsay Smith

Per GR: "A time-travel story that alternates between modern day and 19th century Japan as one girl confronts the darkness lurking in her soul."

Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I'm finally reading Illuminae and know that I'll be ready to pick up the sequel once I'm done. 

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

WANT!

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

One of my all time favorite shows was Dead Like Me (sadly cancelled after just two seasons), and the synopsis of this book about a futuristic society where natural death no longer occurs and so certain members of society are scythes remind me of it. 

Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I really enjoy the Naturals series and am excited for this (unfortunately last book, from what I understand). 

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer

This is about an ex-agent on the run from the government/agency she worked for...so female Borne? I'm definitely interested. 

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

I don't know if it is supposed to, but the synopsis of this gives me girl-powered Robin Hood vibes. 

Forever, Again by Victoria Laurie

A girl becomes intrigued by a girl who murdered her boyfriend 30 years previously. I'm really excited for this one. 

You in Five Acts by Una La Marche

The setting for this book is a perfoming arts school. That's all I need to know about this book. 

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

I love celebrity memoirs of funny women and cannot wait for Kendrick's.

Well that's it for me. What is topping your fall TBR? Link me up!

Hey lovely readers! I love meeting and connecting with new bloggers. If you decide to follow, my preferred method is Bloglovin'. Let me know if you are a new follower as I like to follow back. Thank you!

Read More

Weekly Rewind 9.24.16

Weekly Rewind
The new books on my shelves and my week in a nutshell.

Throughout my student teaching semester I was using my weekend post as a way to let people know what's going on in my life, so I'v decided to rename my weekend post because this feature is more personal than just what books I've received. The Weekly Rewind will be about what's going on with me and my blog, as well as about the books I've added to my shelves. This post is linked to Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga's Reviews and the Sunday Post over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 

My Life and Blog

Life: I'm writing this on Thursday because I'm going home tomorrow. I haven't seen my honey in three weeks, so I'm so excited to go home this weekend. This week was incredibly long. I don't have anything much to report this week. It is still hot af. I cannot wait for the weather to start cooling off. Fall in the east is so gorgeous.

Blog and reading: I couldn't resist the audio freebie TTT this week, and I also posted a WoW (despite the host site not posting a link-up for a solid month now. Does anybody know if she is ok? Not to sound callous but has anybody else picked up the meme linky?). I'm still slumping hardcore. I finished my audio reread of Girl on the Train, which I highly recommend if you like audiobooks. It is narrated by three women who each have lovely English accents. I started an audio reread of Carry On today. I like the audio so far. I'm kind of reading Six of Crows, but not really. I've started several e-arcs that I have, but nothing is holding my interest. Hopefully I'll snap out of it soon.

New Books: I have some gorgeous titles to share with you this week. So without further ado, I hope you're all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

    

   

Holding up the Universe by Jennifer Niven

I know this is about a (former?) extremely fat girl and a boy who cannot see faces who fall in love. I know that this synopsis caused a huge amount of backlash last year (backlash I stayed out of completely--like I stay out of really any book community outrage). A couple of people I trust have read and enjoyed this, and I am excited to read it. 

Replica by Lauren Oliver

Definitely interested in this much-buzzed about book told from the perspective of two girls. I like Lauren Oliver's writing, although I've only read her contemporary work. 

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

This is a magical realism story with a transgender protagonist. Sounds interesting and the cover is quite charming. 

Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Marie Griffin

Speaking of charming covers, I LOVE this one. I don't really understand what this one is about, but, oh so charming. 

Disruption by Jessica Shirvington 

This sound like a typical dystopian novel about a future society where a microchip tells people who their soulmate is. 

We Know it Was You by Maggie Thrash

This says Twin Peaks meets Pretty Little Liars. That sounds a little too good to be true, but I'm willing to give it a try. 

Crosstalk by Connie Willis

This is an adult SF romance. I adore this cover and it sounds so intrigued. 

Wrecked  by Maria Padian

This is about a college sexual assault from the perspective of two people not involved. I used to shy away from super serious subject books but after reading books like Tease and The Truth About Alice, I don't automatically turn around from it now. 

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, etc). I love to see what books people have recently snagged and especially enjoy hearing about my fellow bloggers' weeks. I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Read More

Waiting on Wednesday (165) Spellbook of the Lost and Found

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. Click the link to see the original post plus a whole slew of links to other blogs. After you read this one, of course.

Spellbook of the Lost and Found

Author: Moira Fowley-Doyle 
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Release Date: Aug 8, 2017

Goodreads:

The highly anticipated second book from the acclaimed author of The Accident Season is a gorgeous, twisty story about things gone missing, things returned from the past, and a group of friends who might need to give up more than they bargained for—unless they already have. 

Olive, Rose, Laurel, Ivy, Hazel, Rowan.
Six teenagers, connected in ways they could never have imagined.

After the town’s summer bonfire party, Olive and her best friend, Rose, begin to lose things. It starts with simple items like hairclips and jewelry, but soon it’s clear that Rose has lost something much bigger, something she won’t talk about, and Olive can’t stop feeling that her best friend is slipping away.

Then lost things start appearing. Fields are filled with odd treasures; the lake sparkles with trinkets; seductive diary pages written by a girl named Laurel show up all over town. And Olive finds Ivy, Hazel, and her brother, Rowan, secretly squatting in the nearby abandoned housing development. Hazel and Rowan are wild and alluring, but they seem lost too, and like Rose, are holding tight to their secrets. 

It’s the damp, tattered spellbook that changes everything. Full of mysterious hand-inked charms to make things go missing and to conjure back others, it might be their chance to find what they need to set everything back to rights. Unless it’s leading them toward secrets that were never meant to be found . . .

Why I'm Excited:
Man does this sound awesome. I know I just shared a witch-y story last week, but I am dying to get my hands on this one. That cover is gorgeous to boot. Next August feels like a lifetime away, so you know I'll be keeping my eyes open for this one. 

What are you waiting for on this Wednesday? Link me up!

Read More

TTT: Audio Freebie

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme/original feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Click the link to go to their site to see the original list for today, plus links to a whole slew of other blogs...After you read mine, of course.

TTT: Audio Freebie

I don't post that many TTT these days, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk audio. I was so torn between doing top audiobook vs top favorite songs, that I decided to split it up and do six and six. So without further ado, here are my top six audiobooks, and my top six all-time favorite songs.

Audiobooks:

  
  

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

I've listened to the whole series three times over the years (maybe even four--I've been trying to remember). I love Jim Dale's narration and love listening to these books more than reading them. 

Bossypantsby Tina Fey

Tina Fey is my spirit animal. I have listening to this audio no less than five times and it just never, ever gets old. I adore this audiobook.

Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

I'm currently listening to this (for the second time). I love the three narrators and their English accents. 

Shit My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Oh, this book, it cracks me up. I don't plan on ever being a parent, but this is definitely the kind I would be if I was. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I never would have gotten through this book if it wasn't for the audio. I love the Aussie accent of the narrator.

Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

While I don't love this one as much as Bossypants, it is also a great audiobook read by the incomparable Amy Poehler. 

Songs:

 

Into the Mystic by Van Morrison

"I want to rock your gypsy soul." LOVE.

Lost Cause by Beck

"I'm tired of fighting. Tired of fighting. Fighting for a lost cause."

Halah by Mazzy Star

I could listen to Hope Sandoval sing the phone book. "Before I close the door, I need to, hear you say good-bye. Baby, won't you change your mind." I can clearly remember the first time I heard this song. I was driving back to town after the senior camp-out the day before graduation. The sun was coming up and I was hangover and exhausted, but oh-so-content with life, and after spending the entirety of my high school career in love with a boy who was sometimes my boyfriend (but most often not), this song spoke to me in a way I cannot even explain. 

Some Devil by Dave Matthews

"I wish I was dead and you were breathing, just so that you could know. You said always and forever. And I believed you, Baby. You said always and forever. It's such a long and lonely time." This song will be played at my funeral. 

Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac

Dude. Stevie Nicks's voice is incomparable. "Did she make you cry? Make you break down. Shatter your illusion of love. And is it over now? Do you know how to pick up the pieces and go home" 

Please, Please, Please by The Smiths

This is probably on every mixed CD I've ever made (it's the perfect filler song at 2 mins long). "Please, please, please. Let me, let me, let me. Let me get what I want this time." So much need. I adore his voice so much. 

That's it for me. What did you do for your audio freebie? Link me up!

Hey lovely readers! I love meeting and connecting with new bloggers. If you decide to follow, my preferred method is Bloglovin'. Let me know if you are a new follower as I like to follow back. Thank you!

Read More

Weekly Rewind 9.17.16

Weekly Rewind
The new books on my shelves and my week in a nutshell.

Throughout my student teaching semester I was using my weekend post as a way to let people know what's going on in my life, so I've decided to rename my weekend post because this feature is more personal than just what books I've received. The Weekly Rewind will be about what's going on with me and my blog, as well as about the books I've added to my shelves. This post is linked to Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga's Reviews and the Sunday Post over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

My Life and Blog

Life: I'm staying in VA again this weekend as my husband is still on vacation. The taco excursion last week was successful. I don't know if the restaurant was worth the hour drive on a regular basis, but the tacos really were pretty good and it was fun hanging out with a friend. I haven't had a decent night's sleep all week because of reasons, so I'm very much looking forward to a weekend full of sleep and relaxation. 

Blog and reading: A WoW this week. I'm still going through a hardcore slump right now. I just cannot find anything that is holding my interest. I know it will pass and that it's tied to just being exhausted and brain-fried, but it is frustrating regardless. I am still re-listening to Girl on a Train during my commute, which I'm enjoying (again). 

New books: I have a handful of pretties to share with you this week. So without further ado, I hope you're all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

   

Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

A retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I absolutely love this cover and am always intrigued by Shakespeare retellings, but this is getting some pretty middling reviews that has me worried (especially in my current slumped-out state). 

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

I still need to read the first book, but I do have it and hope to get into this week.

Interference by Kay Honeyman

It's my understanding that this is a retelling of Emma and it sound pretty cute, but I am so distracted by this cover. Doesn't that this look like bad photoshop?

The Vanishing Year by Kate Moretti

This is an adult thriller about a woman who has given herself a new identity has her past come back to haunt her. 

What I snagged from the library

 

Audiobook:

Inferno by Dan Brown

I read Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code years ago and enjoyed both, but wasn't enthralled with either. I'm curious about this because of the movie, of course, but also because I'm fascinated by Dante. 

Movie:

The Jungle Book

 I have to admit that I don't watch very many movies aimed at children, but I am excited and curious about this one. 

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, etc). I love to see what books people have recently snagged and especially enjoy hearing about my fellow bloggers' weeks. I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Read More

Waiting on Wednesday (164) The Best Kind of Magic

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. Click the link to see the original post plus a whole slew of links to other blogs. After you read this one, of course.

The Best Kind of Magic

Author: Crystal Cestari
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Release Date: May 16, 2017

Goodreads:

Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family Wicca gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific magical talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.

Amber works at her mother's magic shop--Windy City Magic--in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one--her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match?

The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings.

Why I'm Excited:
So this sounds adorable. I'll be honest, while witch book rarely work for me, I am always--always--intrigued by them. I love that her power is being able to see true love, and I'm already rooting for her and the dude she likes. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open for this one. 

What are you waiting for on this Wednesday? Link me up!

Read More

Weekly Rewind 9.10.16

Weekly Rewind
The new books on my shelves and my week in a nutshell.

Throughout my student teaching semester I was using my weekend post as a way to let people know what's going on in my life, so I've decided to rename my weekend post because this feature is more personal than just what books I've received. The Weekly Rewind will be about what's going on with me and my blog, as well as about the books I've added to my shelves. This post is linked to Stacking the Shelves over at Tynga's Reviews and the Sunday Post over at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

My Life and Blog

Life: Holy moly, I'm tired. I'm starting to get back into the swing of school, but I am seriously drained. I'm going to stop there because my very muddled mind can see myself going down a very boring train of thought. So, yeah, teacher problems. I'm staying in VA this weekend because my husband is on his annual boy vacation with old friends. I came across this article about the best taco places in each state, so me and a friend from work are going to head to the one right across the border in Maryland. I'm excited because I love tacos, but I'm more excited to hang out with a girl. It's so hard to make new friends the older you get! I was so close with some awesome women in college and my early 20s (and my best friend is one of my best friends from high school), but especially after being in different states these past couple of years, I just haven't had close girlfriends. It's something I miss a lot because other women are awesome. And tacos. Yummy, yummy tacos. (I let you know if it is worthy of being called best in the state.)

Blog and reading: This week I posted a release day review of As I Descended. I really enjoyed this book and read it back in early June at the end of the last school year. It is a creepy YA retelling of Macbeth that stars a lesbian couple in the roles of Macbeth and Lady MB. It is set at a boarding school. What more could you want in a book? I also posted a WoW. I'm currently going through a major reading slump, which is the worst. I seriously hate slumping, but nothing is holding my interest. I'm currently re-listening to Girl on a Train in preparation for the movie. It is a great audio if you ever go that route. With three women reading the different parts. I love the narrator for Rachel who has a gorgeous British accent. 

New Books: I do have some gorgeous titles to share with you this week. Maybe one of these lovelies will help pull me out of my slump. So without further ado, I hope you are all having fabulous weekends!

For Review

 

   

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Though I don't really enjoy many fantasy novels, this book about triplet queens who are each powerful in their own way (or who at least supposed to be) have to fight for power. 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

I can't help but be intrigued by Jack the Ripper. I have high hopes for this one. 

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

Despite owning the first book, I never got into the Dorothy Must Die series (it is on the never ending TBR), but I'm still very curious about this Snow Queen retelling. 

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess

This is also a sorceress in a kingdom book, but I've heard good things.  

The Tao of Bill Murray by Gavin Edwards

Bill Murray is perfection. 

What I snagged from the library

 

Book:

Leave Me by Gayle Forman

I'm curious about Forman's adult work. I've enjoyed books by her, but she isn't one of my favorites. I usually find her work readable, but never really love her work. 

DVD:

The Affair Season 2

I enjoyed the first season of The Affair (you can see my review and discussion post here--this is honestly probably one of the favorite posts I've written), but I did wish that it was a single season show. That said, I'm certainly curious to see how the show continues after the cliffhanger at the end of the first season. (Also, so sad about Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger. They seemed like they had what it took to make it.)

Well that's it for me this week. Feel free to leave a link to whatever weekend post you do (Stacking the Shelves, The Sunday Post, etc). I love to see what books people have recently snagged and especially enjoy hearing about my fellow bloggers' weeks. I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend!

Read More