My Thoughts: We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

We Free the Stars
(Sands of Arawiya #2)
by Hafsah Faizal

Publication Date: January 19th 2021
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Pages: 592
ISBN: 9780374311575
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
Source: Netgalley Review Copy / Own

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The battle on Sharr is over. The dark forest has fallen. Altair may be captive, but Zafira, Nasir, and Kifah are bound for Sultan’s Keep, determined to finish the plan he set in motion: restoring the hearts of the Sisters of Old to the minarets of each caliphate, and finally returning magic to all of Arawiya. But they are low on resources and allies alike, and the kingdom teems with fear of the Lion of the Night’s return.

As the zumra plots to overthrow the kingdom’s darkest threat, Nasir fights to command the magic in his blood. He must learn to hone his power into a weapon, to wield not only against the Lion but against his father, trapped under the Lion’s control. Zafira battles a very different darkness festering in her through her bond with the Jawarat—a darkness that hums with voices, pushing her to the brink of her sanity and to the edge of a chaos she dare not unleash. In spite of the darkness enclosing ever faster, Nasir and Zafira find themselves falling into a love they can’t stand to lose…but time is running out to achieve their ends, and if order is to be restored, drastic sacrifices will have to be made.

Lush and striking, hopeful and devastating, We Free the Stars is the masterful conclusion to the Sands of Arawiya duology by New York Times–bestselling author Hafsah Faizal. (Goodreads)

We Free the Stars, the much-anticipated sequel to We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal, was very high on my list of most anticipated reads for 2021, and I am beyond thrilled, and a little sad, to have finally read the book! It was well worth the wait.

If you’ve read my review for We Hunt the Flame, then you probably know that the book and I got off to an … interesting start. I tried four separate times to read the book, but couldn’t get into it the first three. (It was definitely an *it’s me, not the book* situation.) I was determined that my fourth try was going to be my last, and I don’t what happened, but SOMETHING CLICKED, and I devoured the book! It quickly became one of my favorite reads of 2019, and is also on my favorite series list as well.

Before starting We Free the Stars, I decided to read We Hunt the Flame again to refresh the story in my brain. I am so glad that I did! I loved the story even more the second time around, and I had somehow forgotten, (or blocked, lol), the ending of the book. HOW could I have forgotten it?? (I’m so sorry, Altair!) I’m very glad that I decided to re-read.

We Free the Stars picks up right where We Hunt the Flame leaves off, and takes you on another great adventure that will have you hooked as you turn the pages. I don’t want to say too much about the story here, because I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but WOW. What a story! I loved it so much, and all the characters as well. They are all so great! Especially Zafira. She’s so awesome!

This series really is such a great read, and I am so sad to see it end. If I had any complaint about the books, it would be that this is just a duology and not a trilogy. I would love more! I’m not at all ready to let these characters and this story go. Sigh.

I also want to add that while I have finished copies of the books, I decided to listen to the audiobooks for them, and they are fantastic! The narrators, Fiona Hardingham and Steve West are two of my most favorite narrators, and I loved listening to them in yet another series!

Overall; I really, really enjoyed We Free the Stars SO much! It was a great ending to a fantastic series. This will definitely be a series that I read again and again in the future, and I already can’t wait to start the story over. I'm also excited to check out more books by Hafsah in the future, including her upcoming series, A Tempest of Tea, which is expected to release sometime in 2022! If you haven't already checked out the Sands of Arawiya series, I highly recommend it! And the audiobooks as well!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Vow So Bold and Deadly & We Free the Stars

A Vow So Bold and Deadly
(Cursebreakers #3)
by Brigid Kemmerer
(website)

Release Date: January 26th 2021
by Bloomsbury YA

Face your fears, fight the battle.
Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone—even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace.

Fight the battle, save the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series.

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We Free the Stars
(Sands of Arawiya #2)
by Hafsah Faizal
(website)

Release Date: January 19th 2021
by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

The sequel to the New York Times–bestselling We Hunt the Flame, Zafira and Nasir must conquer the darkness around—and inside of—them.

The battle on Sharr is over. The dark forest has fallen. Altair may be captive, but Zafira, Nasir, and Kifah are bound for Sultan’s Keep, determined to finish the plan he set in motion: restoring the hearts of the Sisters of Old to the minarets of each caliphate, and finally returning magic to all of Arawiya. But they are low on resources and allies alike, and the kingdom teems with fear of the Lion of the Night’s return.

As the zumra plots to overthrow the kingdom’s darkest threat, Nasir fights to command the magic in his blood. He must learn to hone his power into a weapon, to wield not only against the Lion but against his father, trapped under the Lion’s control. Zafira battles a very different darkness festering in her through her bond with the Jawarat—a darkness that hums with voices, pushing her to the brink of her sanity and to the edge of a chaos she dare not unleash. In spite of the darkness enclosing ever faster, Nasir and Zafira find themselves falling into a love they can’t stand to lose…but time is running out to achieve their ends, and if order is to be restored, drastic sacrifices will have to be made.

Lush and striking, hopeful and devastating, We Free the Stars is the masterful conclusion to the Sands of Arawiya duology by New York Times–bestselling author Hafsah Faizal.

Add to Goodreads

•     •     •

2021 is already looking great with these two upcoming January releases that I am SO excited for! I feel like I've been waiting for both books for FOREVER, and I'm thrilled that I will soon have them in my hands. But first, I have to do re-reads of the first books! Yay!

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

My Thoughts: We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

We Hunt the Flame
(Sands of Arawiya #1)
by Hafsah Faizal
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: May 14th 2019
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Pages: 472
ISBN: 9780374311544
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Review Copy / Own

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People lived because she killed.
People died because he lived.

Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.

Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands. (Goodreads)

To be completely honest, I tried multiple times over the last half of 2019 to read We Hunt the Flame, and for some reason I never could quite click with the book. I was very disappointed by this, as I had heard SO many great things about how much everyone wanted to love the book, and I really wanted to read it so I could form my own opinion.

LUCKILY FOR ME… I was determined to give the book One More Try before the year ended, and the best thing happened… THE BOOK and I TOTALLY CLICKED! I don’t know how, or why, but I started the book, and I DEVOURED it. And, it was so great!

What did I like about this book, you ask? Everything. The characters were awesome. I loved Zafira, and Nasir, and the whole crew that we meet along the way. They were all so great, and I really enjoyed watching the relationships between them all grow.

What else did I like? The storyline. It was a pretty awesome journey that this random crew took over the course of the story, and I loved every minute of it. And yes, I even liked the cliffhanger ending, which will definitely keep me pining away until the next book, We Free the Stars, is released. (I can’t wait!)

Overall; I am SO glad that I decided to give We Hunt the Flame one more shot, as I ended up really, really enjoying the book! I can’t wait to get my hands on We Free the Stars, which is currently set to release in July of this year! (And I will definitely be re-reading this book again before the sequel is released!)

My Thoughts: Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

Somewhere Only We Know
by Maurene Goo
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: May 7th 2019
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Pages: 328
ISBN: 9780374310578
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Netgalley Review Copy

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10 00 p.m.: Lucky is the biggest K-pop star on the scene, and she's just performed her hit song "Heartbeat" in Hong Kong to thousands of adoring fans. She's about to debut on The Tonight Show in America, hopefully a breakout performance for her career. But right now? She's in her fancy hotel, trying to fall asleep but dying for a hamburger.

11 00 p.m.: Jack is sneaking into a fancy hotel, on assignment for his tabloid job that he keeps secret from his parents. On his way out of the hotel, he runs into a girl wearing slippers, a girl who is single-mindedly determined to find a hamburger. She looks kind of familiar. She's very cute. He's maybe curious.

12:00 a.m.: Nothing will ever be the same. (Goodreads)

Somewhere Only We Know is the very first book that I’ve read by Maurene Goo, (though I’ve had a copy of her book The Way You Make Me Feel sitting on my shelf for the longest time), and I’m super thrilled to have finally read something by her! I saw a lot of hype for this book before I ever started it, and I was definitely curious to read it. I know very little about K-Pop, so I was definitely curious about that, but also the story just sounded really cute. I was excited to get started on it!

There were a lot of things that I really liked about this book, one thing being the interesting characters. Lucky is a K-Pop star who is taking a much needed day to herself her big debut in America, and Jake is working as a tabloid photographer while on a gap year before figuring out college. The story is told through their alternate viewpoints, and it was really fun to experience this adventure through them both.

I also really enjoyed the storyline for this book. It was fun and addictive, but also with a lot of meaningful moments as well. I absolutely LOVED the setting for the book as well! Maurene did a very good job with the descriptions, and I imagine Hong Kong would be an amazing place to visit. (And maybe I can someday!)

Overall; Somewhere Only We Know was a quick, fun read, and I am so glad to have finally read something by Maurene Goo. I am now even more excited to read Maurene’s other books, including The Way You Make Me Feel and I Believe in a Thing Called Love. I hope to read them both, and Maurene’s other books, soon!

Waiting on Wednesday: There's Something About Sweetie & Somewhere Only We Know

There's Something About Sweetie
(Dimple and Rishi #2)
by Sandhya Menon
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Publication Date: May 14th 2019
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9781534416789

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The irresistible companion novel to the New York Times bestseller When Dimple Met Rishi, which follows Rishi’s brother, Ashish, and a confident fat athlete named Sweetie as they both discover what love means to them.

Ashish Patel didn’t know love could be so…sucky. After he’s dumped by his ex-girlfriend, his mojo goes AWOL. Even worse, his parents are annoyingly, smugly confident they could find him a better match. So, in a moment of weakness, Ash challenges them to set him up.

The Patels insist that Ashish date an Indian-American girl—under contract. Per subclause 1(a), he’ll be taking his date on “fun” excursions like visiting the Hindu temple and his eccentric Gita Auntie. Kill him now. How is this ever going to work?

Sweetie Nair is many things: a formidable track athlete who can outrun most people in California, a loyal friend, a shower-singing champion. Oh, and she’s also fat. To Sweetie’s traditional parents, this last detail is the kiss of death.

Sweetie loves her parents, but she’s so tired of being told she’s lacking because she’s fat. She decides it’s time to kick off the Sassy Sweetie Project, where she’ll show the world (and herself) what she’s really made of.

Ashish and Sweetie both have something to prove. But with each date they realize there’s an unexpected magic growing between them. Can they find their true selves without losing each other? (Goodreads)

Ohhhh!
Are you, like me, SO EXCITED for this book??
I absolutely loved When Dimple Met Rishi, and I'm super excited for Ashish's story!!
I can't wait to get started on it, and hopefully soon!

Somewhere Only We Know
by Maurene Goo
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: May 7th 2019
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 9780374310578

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Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

10 00 p.m.: Lucky is the biggest K-pop star on the scene, and she's just performed her hit song "Heartbeat" in Hong Kong to thousands of adoring fans. She's about to debut on The Tonight Show in America, hopefully a breakout performance for her career. But right now? She's in her fancy hotel, trying to fall asleep but dying for a hamburger.

11 00 p.m.: Jack is sneaking into a fancy hotel, on assignment for his tabloid job that he keeps secret from his parents. On his way out of the hotel, he runs into a girl wearing slippers, a girl who is single-mindedly determined to find a hamburger. She looks kind of familiar. She's very cute. He's maybe curious.

12:00 a.m.: Nothing will ever be the same. (Goodreads)

Confession: I have never read a book by Maurene Goo before!
(Even though I have quite a few of her books on my TBR, and even have one book sitting on my shelf!)
This book sounds really cute, and the perfect book for my first Maurene read.
I'm super excited to start it!

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

Waiting on Wednesday: Finale & We Hunt the Flame

Finale
(Caraval #3)
by Stephanie Garber
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Publication Date: May 7th 2019
Publisher: Flatiron Books
ISBN: 9781250157669

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Welcome, welcome to Finale, the third and final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Caraval series!

Welcome, welcome to Caraval...all games must come to an end.

It’s been two months since the last Caraval concluded, two months since the Fates have been freed from an enchanted deck of cards, two months since Tella has seen Legend, and two months since Legend claimed the empire’s throne as his own. Now, Legend is preparing for his official coronation and Tella is determined to stop it. She believes her own mother, who still remains in an enchanted sleep, is the rightful heir to the throne.

Meanwhile, Scarlett has started a game of her own. She’s challenged Julian and her former fiancé, Count Nicolas d’Arcy, to a competition where the winner will receive her hand in marriage. Finaly, Scarlett feels as if she is in complete control over her life and future. She is unaware that her mother’s past has put her in the greatest danger of all.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun―with lives, empires, and hearts all at stake. There are no spectators this time: only those who will win...and those who will lose everything. . . (Goodreads)

Whooo! Is anyone else super curious for this book?
I'm dying to know how the series is going to end.
I can't wait to get started on this!!

We Hunt the Flame
(Sands of Arawiya #1)
by Hafsah Faizal
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publisher: May 14th 2019
ISBN: 9780374311544

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Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

People lived because she killed.
People died because he lived.

Zafira is the Hunter, disguising herself as a man when she braves the cursed forest of the Arz to feed her people. Nasir is the Prince of Death, assassinating those foolish enough to defy his autocratic father, the king. If Zafira was exposed as a girl, all of her achievements would be rejected; if Nasir displayed his compassion, his father would punish him in the most brutal of ways.

Both are legends in the kingdom of Arawiya—but neither wants to be.

War is brewing, and the Arz sweeps closer with each passing day, engulfing the land in shadow. When Zafira embarks on a quest to uncover a lost artifact that can restore magic to her suffering world and stop the Arz, Nasir is sent by the king on a similar mission: retrieve the artifact and kill the Hunter. But an ancient evil stirs as their journey unfolds—and the prize they seek may pose a threat greater than either can imagine.

Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, We Hunt the Flame is a gripping debut of discovery, conquering fear, and taking identity into your own hands. (Goodreads)

Does this sound really awesome, or what??
I've heard nothing but good things from people who have read it so far,

and I absolutely can't wait to read it myself!
(And soon!)

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

Waiting on Wednesday #332 - Kingdom of Ash & The Boneless Mercies

Kingdom of Ash
(Throne of Glass #7)
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Publication Date: October 23rd 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
ISBN: 9781619636101

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Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series. (Goodreads)

Who else can't wait to get their hands on Kingdom of Ash??
I *just* started reading this series this year, and I'm actually all caught up,

and completely ready for Kingdom if Ash to be released!
I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next,
especially after that ending of Empire of Storms!!

The Boneless Mercies
by April Genevieve Tucholke
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Publication Date: October 2nd 2018
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 9780374307066

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A dark standalone YA fantasy about a band of mercenary girls in search of female glory.

Frey, Ovie, Juniper, and Runa are the Boneless Mercies—girls hired to kill quickly, quietly, and mercifully. But Frey is weary of the death trade and, having been raised on the heroic sagas of her people, dreams of a bigger life.

When she hears of an unstoppable monster ravaging a nearby town, Frey decides this is the Mercies' one chance out. The fame and fortune of bringing down such a beast would ensure a new future for all the Mercies. In fact, her actions may change the story arc of women everywhere. (Goodreads)

Confession: I've only read one book by April Genevieve Tucholke so far.
*gasp* I know, right?!
I have a lot of her books on my TBR, I just haven't read them yet.
The Boneless Mercies sounds really, really awesome though,

and I can't wait to check it out!! (Hopefully soon!)

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

Waiting on Wednesday #314 - Always Never Yours & The Way You Make Me Feel

Always Never Yours
by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
Website | Twitter | Instagram  •  Website | Twitter

Publication Date: May 22nd 2018
Publisher: Speak
ISBN: 9780451479846

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Megan Harper is the girl before. All her exes find their one true love right after dating her. It’s not a curse or anything, it’s just the way things are, and Megan refuses to waste time feeling sorry for herself. Instead, she focuses on pursuing her next fling, directing theatre, and fulfilling her dream school’s acting requirement in the smallest role possible.

But her plans quickly crumble when she’s cast as none other than Juliet–yes, that Juliet–in her high school’s production. It’s a nightmare. No–a disaster. Megan’s not an actress and she’s certainly not a Juliet. Then she meets Owen Okita, an aspiring playwright who agrees to help Megan catch the eye of a sexy stagehand in exchange for help writing his new script.

Between rehearsals and contending with her divided family, Megan begins to notice Owen–thoughtful, unconventional, and utterly unlike her exes, and wonders: shouldn’t a girl get to play the lead in her own love story? (Goodreads)

Guuuuuuys! Does this book sound so cute, or what?
and I LOOOOOVE the cover as well.
I am super excited to check this book out. :)

The Way You Make Me Feel
by Maurene Goo
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: May 8th 2018
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
ISBN: 9780374304096

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From the author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, a laugh-out-loud story of love, new friendships, and one unique food truck.

Clara Shin lives for pranks and disruption. When she takes one joke too far, her dad sentences her to a summer working on his food truck, the KoBra, alongside her uptight classmate Rose Carver. Not the carefree summer Clara had imagined. But maybe Rose isn't so bad. Maybe the boy named Hamlet (yes, Hamlet) crushing on her is pretty cute. Maybe Clara actually feels invested in her dad’s business. What if taking this summer seriously means that Clara has to leave her old self behind?

With Maurene Goo's signature warmth and humor, The Way You Make Me Feel is a relatable story of falling in love and finding yourself in the places you’d never thought to look. (Goodreads)

The summary for this book won me over with Summer and Food Truck!
I love the cover for this book as well, and it also sounds like a super cute read!
I can't wait to check it out this May!!

There you have it, Bookworms! My awesome WOW picks for this now.
Now I'm wondering... What books are YOU excited for this week??

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

My Thoughts: Beautiful Broken Girls by Kim Savage

Beautiful Broken Girls
by Kim Savage
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: February 21st 2017
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780374300593
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Mystery
Source: Review Copy

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Remember the places you touched me.

The parts of Mira Cillo that Ben touched are etched on his soul.

Palm. Hair. Chest. Cheek. Lips. Throat. Heart.

It was the last one that broke her. After her death, Mira sends Ben on a quest for notes she left in the seven places where they touched—notes that explain why she and her sister, Francesca, drowned themselves in the quarry. How Ben interprets those notes has everything to do with the way he was touched by a bad coach years before. But the truth behind the girls’ suicides is far more complicated, involving a dangerous infatuation, a deadly miracle, and a crushing lie. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The first thing that drew me to Beautiful Broken Girls was the stunning cover. If you know me at all, you know that I can't resist a gorgeous cover! Then there's also the fact that this was written by Kim Savage, who also wrote After the Woods, which I read last year and really enjoyed. I was super curious to start this to see what adventure she would take us on next.

The storyline for the book reminded me a little of Jay Asher's 13 Reasons Why, mostly in that the storyline revolves around a main character, Ben, who is looking for clues that his girlfriend left for him to explain her death. We read the story not only from Ben's point of view, but through the girl's point of view as well, which was really interesting to have both sides of the story. I always love this, as I feel we get so much more information when an author writes this way.

This book was a really quick read; I read it in just a day's time, which doesn't happen often lately. I was hooked as I turned the pages, and while I had a couple of questions as I closed the last page, I felt that it all wrapped up nicely in the end. I definitely want people to check this book out, so that they can come and discuss it with me!

Overall; the beautiful cover for Beautiful Broken Girls may have drew me in, but it was the mysterious and intriguing story that made me stay. I really enjoyed this book, and I'm now even more curious to check out Kim's next book, In Her Skin, which is due to release early next year!

Blog Tour: A Week of Mondays by Jessica Brody

A Week of Mondays
by Jessica Brody
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: August 2nd 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Pages: 464
ISBN: 9780374382704
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Review Copy

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When I made the wish, I just wanted a do-over. Another chance to make things right. I never, in a million years, thought it might actually come true...

Sixteen-year-old Ellison Sparks is having a serious case of the Mondays. She gets a ticket for running a red light, she manages to take the world’s worst school picture, she bombs softball try-outs and her class election speech (note to self: never trust a cheerleader when she swears there are no nuts in her bake-sale banana bread), and to top it all off, Tristan, her gorgeous rocker boyfriend suddenly dumps her. For no good reason!

As far as Mondays go, it doesn’t get much worse than this. And Ellie is positive that if she could just do it all over again, she would get it right. So when she wakes up the next morning to find she’s reliving the exact same day, she knows what she has to do: stop her boyfriend from breaking up with her. But it seems no matter how many do-overs she gets or how hard Ellie tries to repair her relationship, Tristan always seems bent set on ending it. Will Ellie ever figure out how to fix this broken day? Or will she be stuck in this nightmare of a Monday forever?

From the author 52 Reasons to Hate My Father and The Unremembered trilogy comes a hilarious and heartwarming story about second (and third and fourth and fifth) chances. Because sometimes it takes a whole week of Mondays to figure out what you really want. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I was super excited to finally start A Week of Mondays, as it is the first book I've ever read by Jessica Brody! I've had her Unremembered series on my TBR for way too long, and I was really excited to finally read something by her. I love a good contemporary novel, and I really, really enjoyed A Week of Mondays more than I expected to!

I really, really liked the main character in the story, Ellie. After a really horrible day, she asks for a do-over, because she just knows if she had another chance, she could do everything differently. And that's exactly what she got, a chance to make things right, and chance to find her real self along the way. I really enjoyed going on the journey with Ellie to find herself. So much that she went through in this book reminded me of my time at high school, both the good and the bad, and it was interesting to see it through someone else's eyes.

The storyline for this book was a lot of fun, even though it did have some emotional moments, and it made for a perfect summer read! I adore contemporary novels, so it only took just a few pages for me to become completely engrossed in the story. The more I read, the more I loved the book, and at 464 pages, I did not expect to finish this book as quickly as I did. One of the things I loved most about the storyline was how much it reminded me of the movie Groundhog Day, which just happens to be one of my favorite movies. That alone had me in love with the story before I even started it!

Overall; A Week of Mondays is the first book I've read by Jessica Brody, but it definitely won't be the last! I enjoyed this book SO much more than I expected to, and I'm really, really looking forward to reading more of her books as soon as possible, starting with her Unremembered series!

Review: After the Woods by Kim Savage

After the Woods
by Kim Savage
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Publication Date: February 23rd 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780374300555
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Mystery
Source: For Review

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Would you risk your life to save your best friend?

Julia did. When a paroled predator attacked Liv in the woods, Julia fought back and got caught. Liv ran, leaving Julia in the woods for a terrifying 48 hours that she remembers only in flashbacks. One year later, Liv seems bent on self-destruction, starving herself, doing drugs, and hooking up with a violent new boyfriend. A dead girl turns up in those same woods, and Julia’s memories resurface alongside clues unearthed by an ambitious reporter that link the girl to Julia’s abductor. As the devastating truth becomes clear, Julia realizes that after the woods was just the beginning. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
The first thing that drew me to After the Woods by Kim Savage was the gorgeous cover. I'll admit it, I just can't resist a gorgeous cover. The book was a very mysterious read that kept me guessing throughout!

After the Woods is a story about a girl named Julia who risked her life to save her best friend Liv from a abductor in the woods one day. While Liv got away, Julia was caught, and spent a cold 48 hours alone in the woods with her abductor. One year later, she's starting to remember things that she had forgotten that happened during those miserable hours, and soon she realizes that things aren't exactly what they seem.

Julia was a really interesting main character. I totally appreciated her determination throughout the story to try to remember what had happened during her time in the woods, although there were a few times I worried about her safety with some of the choices she made. I love that she was so willing to do whatever it took to save her friend, even when her friend wasn't willing to do the same. Julia was definitely a good friend.

Her best friend Liv was not the same person that she was before the woods. I knew that something weird was going on with her, and figured she had to be keeping a pretty massive secret, but I never expected the secret to be what it was. I felt bad for Liz, for the life that she had.

The storyline for the book was very mysterious, and while I had an inkling of what had actually happened, it still kept me guessing throughout the story. It was also pretty fast paced, and I read this book in just a short amount of time.

Overall; I really enjoyed the mystery in After the Woods! I always enjoy a book that keeps me guessing, and this book definitely did that. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by Kim in the future!!

Review: Underwater by Marisa Reichardt

Underwater
by Marisa Reichardt
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Publication Date: January 12th 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780374368869
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Realistic Fiction
Source: For Review

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“Forgiving you will allow me to forgive myself.”

Morgan didn’t mean to do anything wrong that day. Actually, she meant to do something right. But her kind act inadvertently played a role in a deadly tragedy. In order to move on, Morgan must learn to forgive—first someone who did something that might be unforgivable, and then herself.

But Morgan can’t move on. She can’t even move beyond the front door of the apartment she shares with her mother and little brother. Morgan feels like she’s underwater, unable to surface. Unable to see her friends. Unable to go to school.

When it seems Morgan can’t hold her breath any longer, a new boy moves in next door. Evan reminds her of the salty ocean air and the rush she used to get from swimming. He might be just what she needs to help her reconnect with the world outside.

Underwater is a powerful, hopeful debut novel about redemption, recovery, and finding the strength it takes to face your past and move on. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
When I first discovered Underwater by Marisa Reichardt, I knew this was a book I would have to read. I purposely avoided any reviews of the book before I started it, as I wanted to go into the book with a completely clear mind. I'm glad I did. I had an inkling of what happened throughout the story, but the mystery as of what happened kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed this book.

When we first meet Morgan in the story, she is confined to her house, not on purpose, but by her choice alone. After the horrible events that took place on October 15th, she finds that she can no longer safely be outside her house, and chooses to stay in her apartment at all times, where she knows she can be safe. From there she attends online school and generally avoids the world. Until Evan moves in next door, and reminds her of the life she used to have.

It was really easy to relate to Morgan throughout the story, and to be honest, I probably would have reacted the same way to the events that she experienced. I think a lot of people would. But eventually, you would miss being in the world, and would want to get back to it. In order for Morgan to do that, she not only needed to learn to forgive, not only herself, but others as well. And doing this was not an easy experience for her.

There were so many great secondary characters in the story, all of them great supporters of Morgan's.  Her mom, while she was having a rough time of it as well, was always there when Morgan needed her. Also, her therapist, Brenda, was pretty awesome. Her brother, Ben, completely stole my heart, and had to be the best little brother of all time. And then there's Evan, who shows up and changes Morgan's world forever. So many great characters.

I'm not going to go into many details about the storyline for the book, because it would totally give the story away, but the event that happened that made Morgan the way she was, was completely horrific, and unfortunately, all to realistic.  That being said, while this event took place, it doesn't overwhelm the novel. The novel is more about what happens after. It was really interesting to read it all through Morgan's eyes.

Overall; I do believe Marisa Reichardt has a winner on her hands with this debut novel! I enjoyed reading Morgan's story, and I'm really, really looking forward to reading more by this author in the future! Add this to your TBR today!

Waiting on Wednesday #213 - The Killing Jar by Jennifer Bosworth

The Killing Jar
by Jennifer Bosworth
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Publication Date: January 12th 2016
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 9780374341374



Available for Pre-Order:
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“I try not to think about it, what I did to that boy.”

Seventeen-year-old Kenna Marsden has a secret.

She’s haunted by a violent tragedy she can’t explain. Kenna’s past has kept people—even her own mother—at a distance for years. Just when she finds a friend who loves her and life begins to improve, she’s plunged into a new nightmare. Her mom and twin sister are attacked, and the dark powers Kenna has struggled to suppress awaken with a vengeance.

On the heels of the assault, Kenna is exiled to a nearby commune, known as Eclipse, to live with a relative she never knew she had. There, she discovers an extraordinary new way of life as she learns who she really is, and the wonders she’s capable of. For the first time, she starts to feel like she belongs somewhere. That her terrible secret makes her beautiful and strong, not dangerous. But the longer she stays at Eclipse, the more she senses there is something malignant lurking underneath it all. And she begins to suspect that her new family has sinister plans for her… (Goodreads)

Oh! A new book by Jennifer Bosworth!
I'm super excited to check this out, as I really enjoyed her last book, Struck!
Does this summary sound awesome, or what??
And, this cover is pretty gorgeous.
I can't wait to check this out!!

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