Waiting on Wednesday: Float Plan & With You All The Way

Float Plan
by Trish Doller

Expected publication: March 2nd 2021
by St. Martin's Griffin

Critically acclaimed author Trish Doller's unforgettable and romantic adult debut about setting sail, starting over, and finding yourself...

Since the loss of her fiancé, Anna has been shipwrecked by grief—until a reminder goes off about a trip they were supposed to take together. Impulsively, Anna goes to sea in their sailboat, intending to complete the voyage alone.

But after a treacherous night’s sail, she realizes she can’t do it by herself and hires Keane, a professional sailor, to help. Much like Anna, Keane is struggling with a very different future than the one he had planned. As romance rises with the tide, they discover that it’s never too late to chart a new course.

In Trish Doller’s unforgettable Float Plan, starting over doesn't mean letting go of your past, it means making room for your future.

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With You All The Way
by Cynthia Hand

Expected publication: March 30th 2021
by HarperTeen

Ada’s life is a mess. She just caught her boyfriend cheating on her after a humiliating attempt at losing her virginity, and she’s had it up to here with her gorgeous older sister’s unsolicited advice.

But things really hit the fan during a family vacation in Hawaii, where Ada discovers her own mother is having an affair. Apparently, everyone is falling into bed with people they shouldn’t. Everyone except Ada. But when Ada decides she’s going to stop trying and start doing—sex, that is—her best laid plan overlooks an inconvenient truth:

Feelings, romantic or not, always get in the way.

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•     •     •

Both of these books sound so good, right?! I can't wait to check them out.

**"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: Concrete Rose & Cast in Firelight

 Concrete Rose
(The Hate U Give #0)
by Angie Thomas

Release Date: January 12th 2021
by Balzer + Bray

International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.

If there’s one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it’s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad’s in prison.

Life’s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav’s got everything under control.

Until, that is, Maverick finds out he’s a father.

Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it’s not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he’s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he’s expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he’s different.

When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can't just walk away. Loyalty, revenge, and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He’ll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.

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Cast in Firelight
(Wickery #1)
by Dana Swift

Release Date: January 19th 2021
by Delacorte Press

The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh.

Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, a talented witch on the cusp of taking her royal ceremony test, and a girl who just wants to prove her worth to her people.

Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, a competitive wizard who's mastered all nine colors of magic, and a boy anxious to return home for the first time since he was a child.

Together, their arranged marriage will unite two of Wickery's most powerful kingdoms. But after years of rivalry from afar, Adraa and Jatin only agree on one thing: their reunion will be anything but sweet.

Only, destiny has other plans and with the criminal underbelly of Belwar suddenly making a move for control, their paths cross...and neither realizes who the other is, adopting separate secret identities instead.

Between dodging deathly spells and keeping their true selves hidden, the pair must learn to put their trust in the other if either is to uncover the real threat. Now Wickery's fate is in the hands of rivals..? Fiancées..? Partners..? Whatever they are, it's complicated and bound for greatness or destruction.

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•     •     •

Two more awesome upcoming January releases for my WOW picks this week!
I am super excited for both.
Hurry January!!

**"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: A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown (Audiobook)

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
(A Song of Wraiths and Ruin #1)
by Roseanne A. Brown
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Publication Date: June 2nd 2020
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 480
ISBN: 9780062891495
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Narrated By: Jordan Cobb & A. J. Beckles
Audiobook Length: 12hrs 4min
Audio ASIN: B07XM8PJ9B
Source: Own, Library Borrow

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Audible | Libro FM | Scribd

The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death? (Goodreads)

I ran across A Song of Wraiths and Ruin one day while scrolling through Twitter, and while that absolutely stunning book cover drew me in, the summary sold the book! This is the first book in brand new duology by debut author Roseanne A. Brown, and it was an absolutely fantastic read!

To be quite honest, I don’t read nearly as much fantasy as I used to. The few fantasy novels that I have tried to read have failed to really capture my attention, and it’s not usually the book's fault, as much as it is mine. (I’m seriously having the hardest time reading lately.  Thanks 2020.) But this book... well, this book was different. It was absolutely fantastic!

I loved so much about this book. The characters were awesome, I absolutely adore both Malik and Karina! I love how their paths started off so differently, yet intertwined over the course of the book in a way that will have you completely hooked. (It’s the best kind of enemies-to-lovers trope, you guys!) I am super curious to see what’s in store next for Karina and Malik.

I also l really loved the magic and fantasy aspects of the book. And the setting was fantastic as well, especially the festival! I definitely am in the mood to read more fantasy now, and if I could get my hands on more fantasy books like this one, I would definitely pick up the genre more.

Also, Jordan Cobb and A. J. Beckles did an amazing job of narrating the audio for this book! I borrowed the audiobook from my library and read along with the book, and these narrators made it such a good read. I hope they will be in the narrators in the second book as well!

Overall; A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was such a great read! The story was unique, and the characters were fantastic, and the book just left me wanting more. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the duology, A Psalm of Storms and Silence, which is set to release in 2021 by Balzer + Bray!

My Thoughts: Love, Creekwood by Becky Albertalli (Audiobook)

Love, Creekwood
(Simonverse #3.5)
by Becky Albertalli
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: June 30th 2020
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 111
ISBN: 9780063048126
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary

Narrated By: Adam Crouch, Bahni Turpin, Kate Rudd, James Fouhey
Audiobook Length: 2 hours 47 minutes
Audio ISBN: 9780063048157
Source: Own / Audio from Library

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Audible | Libro FM

Fall in love all over again with the characters from the bestselling Simonverse novels in this highly anticipated epilogue novella. Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, the movie Love, Simon, and the new Hulu series spin-off, Love, Victor!

It’s been more than a year since Simon and Blue turned their anonymous online flirtation into an IRL relationship, and just a few months since Abby and Leah’s unforgettable night at senior prom.

Now the Creekwood High crew are first years at different colleges, navigating friendship and romance the way their story began—on email. (Goodreads)

Love, Creekwood is a brand new novella in the Simonverse world by Becky Albertalli, and I’m so thrilled to have this book in my collection! It’s no secret that I’m a pretty big fan of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat, so I was very much looking forward to reading the story.

What can I say about this novella?? It was SO nice to get a little check-in with Simon, Blue, Abby, Leah, and all of the rest of the Creekwood High Crew. They have all graduated, and we get to see a little of what their lives are like now that they are in college. It was so nice to get to spend a little time with these characters again! My only complaint was that it was way too short. I was enjoying it so much, and I totally didn’t want it to end.

Also, while I had a physical copy of the book, I opted to listen to the audiobook instead. One reason was totally because of the narrators. Michael Crouch narrated Simon Vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, and he was the perfect *voice* for Simon. (He also narrated the Magnus Chase books, which I also adore, and SO many other great audiobooks as well.) Bahni Turpin, (who I LOVE), is also a narrator in the book, along with Kate Rudd and James Fouhey. SO many great voices! I am definitely glad that I decided to listen to the audio.

Overall; Love, Creekwood was way too short, but I loved it so much. Catching up with all of the characters in the Simonverse was awesome, and the story left me with a smile on my face. (And wishing that I had more!) This definitely makes me want to re-read the original books and watch the movie, and TV show, again as well!

Waiting on Wednesday: 10 Things I Hate About Pinky & You Say It First

10 Things I Hate About Pinky
(Dimple and Rishi #3)
by Sandhya Menon
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publication Date: July 21st 2020
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9781534416819

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The follow-up to When Dimple Met Rishi and There’s Something about Sweetie follows Pinky and Samir as they pretend to date—with disastrous and hilarious results.

Pinky Kumar wears the social justice warrior badge with pride. From raccoon hospitals to persecuted rock stars, no cause is too esoteric for her to champion. But a teeny-tiny part of her also really enjoys making her conservative, buttoned-up corporate lawyer parents cringe.

Samir Jha might have a few . . . quirks remaining from the time he had to take care of his sick mother, like the endless lists he makes in his planner and the way he schedules every minute of every day, but those are good things. They make life predictable and steady.

Pinky loves lazy summers at her parents’ Cape Cod lake house, but after listening to them harangue her about the poor decisions (aka boyfriends) she’s made, she hatches a plan. Get her sorta-friend-sorta-enemy, Samir—who is a total Harvard-bound Mama’s boy—to pose as her perfect boyfriend for the summer. As they bicker their way through lighthouses and butterfly habitats, sparks fly, and they both realize this will be a summer they'll never forget. (Goodreads)

I absolutely LOVE the Dimple & Rishi series, and I am SO excited for this third book!
I still need to read the novellas as well, so I'm hoping to read all of these together!

You Say It First
by Katie Cotugno
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Publication Date: June 16th 2020
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062674128

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Meg has her entire life set up perfectly: her boyfriend Mason is sweet and supportive, she and her best friend Emily plan to head to Cornell together in the fall, and she even finds time to clock shifts phonebanking at a voter registration call center in her Philadelphia suburb. But everything changes when one of those calls connects her to a stranger from small-town Ohio, who gets under her skin from the moment he picks up the phone.

Colby is stuck in a rut, reeling from a family tragedy and working a dead-end job—unsure what his future holds, or if he even cares. The last thing he has time for is some privileged rich girl preaching the sanctity of the political process. So he says the worst thing he can think of and hangs up.

But things don’t end there.…

That night on the phone winds up being the first in a series of candid, sometimes heated, always surprising conversations that lead to a long-distance friendship and then—slowly—to something more. Across state lines and phone lines, Meg and Colby form a once-in-a-lifetime connection. But in the end, are they just too different to make it work?
You Say It First is a propulsive, layered novel about how sometimes the person who has the least in common with us can be the one who changes us most. (Goodreads)

I think it has been a while since I read a book by Katie, so I'm super excited to check this new book out. It sounds like it's going to be a very interesting read, so I'm super curious to check it out.

**"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: My Calamity Jane & Truel1f3

My Calamity Jane
(The Lady Janies #3)
by Cynthia Hand
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Jodi Meadows
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Brodi Ashton
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Publication Date: June 2nd 2020
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062652812

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Welcome ​to 1876 and a rootin’-tootin’ America bursting with gunslingers, outlaws, and garou.

JANE (a genuine hero-eene)

Calamity’s her name, and garou hunting’s her game—when she’s not starring in Wild Bill’s Traveling Show, that is. She reckons that if a girl wants to be a legend, she should just go ahead and be one.

FRANK (*wolf whistle*)
Frank “the Pistol Prince” Butler is the Wild West’s #1 bachelor. He’s also the best sharpshooter on both sides of the Mississippi, but he’s about to meet his match. . . .

ANNIE (get your gun!)
Annie Oakley (yep, that Annie) is lookin’ for a job, not a romance, but she can’t deny there’s something about Frank she likes. Really likes. Still, she’s pretty sure that anything he can do, she can do better.

A HAIRY SITUATION
After a garou hunt goes south and Jane finds a suspicious-like bite on her arm, she turns tail for Deadwood, where there’s been talk of a garou cure. But things ain’t always what they seem—meaning the gang better hightail it after her before they’re a day late and a Jane short. (Goodreads)

I am so excited to get my hands on this book! I have read both My Lady Jane and My Plain Jane, so I'm very excited to see what's next in the Lady Janie's series!

TRUEL1f3
(Lifelike #3)
by Jay Kristoff
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Publication Date: June 30th 2020
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781524714017

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From the bestselling co-author of the Illuminae Files comes the thrilling finale in the LIFEL1K3 trilogy--hailed by Marie Lu as "a breathless, action-packed exploration of what humanity really means."

Best friends have become enemies. Lovers have become strangers. And deciding whose side you're on could be the difference between life and death. For Eve and Lemon, discovering the truth about themselves--and each other--was too much for their friendship to take. But with the country on the brink of a new world war--this time between the BioMaas swarm at CityHive and Daedalus's army at Megopolis, loyalties will be pushed to the brink, unlikely alliances will form and with them, betrayals. But the threat doesn't stop there, because the lifelikes are determined to access the program that will set every robot free, a task requiring both Eve and Ana, the girl she was created to replace. In the end, violent clashes and heartbreaking choices reveal the true heroes . . . and they may not be who you think they are. (Goodreads)

So I'm definitely going to have to do a refresher course on this series before this next book is released, but I am super curious to see what's going to happen next in this series!

•     •     •

Those are my WOW picks for this week! What about you??

**"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: Aurora Burning & The Betrothed

Aurora Burning
(The Aurora Cycle #2)
by Amie Kaufman
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& Jay Kristoff
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Publication Date: May 5th 2020
Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers
ISBN: 9781524720926

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Our heroes are back… kind of. From the bestselling co-authors of the Illuminae Files comes the second book in the epic series about a squad of misfits, losers, and discipline cases who just might be the galaxy’s best hope for survival.

First, the bad news: an ancient evil—you know, your standard consume-all-life-in-the-galaxy deal—is about to be unleashed. The good news? Squad 312 is standing by to save the day. They’ve just got to take care of a few small distractions first.

Like the clan of gremps who’d like to rearrange their favorite faces.

And the cadre of illegit GIA agents with creepy flowers where their eyes used to be, who’ll stop at nothing to get their hands on Auri.

Then there’s Kal’s long-lost sister, who’s not exactly happy to see her baby brother, and has a Syldrathi army at her back. With half the known galaxy on their tails, Squad 312 has never felt so wanted.

When they learn the Hadfield has been found, it’s time to come out of hiding. Two centuries ago, the colony ship vanished, leaving Auri as its sole survivor. Now, its black box might be what saves them. But time is short, and if Auri can’t learn to master her powers as a Trigger, the squad and all their admirers are going to be deader than the Great Ultrasaur of Abraaxis IV.

Shocking revelations, bank heists, mysterious gifts, inappropriately tight bodysuits, and an epic firefight will determine the fate of the Aurora Legion’s most unforgettable heroes—and maybe the rest of the galaxy as well. (Goodreads)

Is anyone else super curious for this book??
I read Aurora Rising last year, and really enjoyed the book.
I'm super curious to see what's going to happen next in this series.

The Betrothed
(The Betrothed #1)
by Kiera Cass
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Publication Date: May 5th 2020
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
ISBN: 9780008158828

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When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine. (Goodreads)

Sooo, I was a little late to the party when it came to reading The Selection series,
but I finally read ALL of the books last year.
I'm curious to see what kind of world Kiera creates in this new book.

•   •   •

Those are my WOW picks for this week! What are yours??

**"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: The End and Other Beginnings by Veronica Roth (Audiobook)

The End and Other Beginnings
by Veronica Roth
Website | Instagram

Publication Date: October 1st 2019
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 272
ISBN: 9780062796523
Genre: YA | Sci-Fi | Short Stories
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy

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Bestselling Divergent and Carve the Mark author Veronica Roth delivers a stunning collection of novella-length stories set in the future, illustrated with startling black-and-white artwork.

No world is like the other. Within this masterful collection, each setting is more strange and wonderful than the last, brimming with new technologies and beings. And yet, for all the advances in these futuristic lands, the people still must confront deeply human problems.

In these six stories, Veronica Roth reaches into the unknown and draws forth something startlingly familiar and profoundly beautiful.

With tales of friendship and revenge, plus two new stories from the Carve the Mark universe, this collection has something for new and old fans alike. Each story begins with a hope for a better end, but always end with a better understanding of the beginning.

With beautifully intricate black-and-white interior illustrations and a uniquely designed package, this is the perfect gift for book lovers. (Goodreads)

It’s been too long since I last read a book by Veronica Roth, so when I discovered The End and Other Beginnings, a collection of short, futuristic stories, I knew I would have to check it out.

The End and Other Beginnings has six stories, all with different characters, and interesting futuristic storylines. Two of the stories are set in the Carve the Mark universe, which is a series I have not yet tackled, yet I am now super curious to check out. All of the stories were interesting, and definitely futuristic, which was pretty cool. (I think the first story in the book was definitely my favorite.)

Though I had an e-arc of the book, I decided to listen to the audiobook, which is narrated by Emily Rankin and MacLeod Andrews, who did a fantastic job telling the story. Though I definitely will be going back to check out the book soon, as I hear it has some pretty awesome illustrations as well.

Overall; reading The End and Other Beginnings was a really interesting read, and has definitely made me curious to pick up more by Veronica soon! As I mentioned above I have yet to tackle the Carve the Mark series, so I definitely plan to read that soon. I am also excited to check out her newest book, Chosen Ones, which just recently released, as well!

Waiting on Wednesday: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes & The Empire of Dreams

Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes
(Pandava Quartet #3)
by Roshani Chokshi
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Publication Date: April 7th 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
ISBN: 9781368013857

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War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission. The captives, a pair of twins, turn out to be the newest Pandava sisters, though, according to a prophecy, one sister is not true.

During the celebration of Holi, the heavenly attendants stage a massage PR rebranding campaign to convince everyone that the Pandavas are to be trusted. As much as Aru relishes the attention, she fears that she is destined to bring destruction to her sisters, as the Sleeper has predicted. Aru believes that the only way to prove her reputation is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.

Careful what you wish for, Aru . . . (Goodreads)

Guys... I LOVE THIS SERIES!
And I'm super excited to see what's going to happen next in this much anticipated third book!
I know it's going to be awesome.

The Empire of Dreams
by Rae Carson
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Publication Date: April 7th 2020
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
ISBN: 9780062691903

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New York Times-bestselling author Rae Carson makes a triumphant return to the world of her award-winning Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy in this extraordinary stand-alone novel. With action, adventure, and a heroine set on destroying the patriarchal limits meant to keep her in her place, The Empire of Dreams once again proves that Rae Carson is a master of epic fantasy.

Even though Red Sparkle Stone is a foundling orphan with an odd name and a veiled past, she's about to be adopted into the royal family—by Empress Elisa herself. Sixteen-year-old Red can hardly believe her luck. Then, in a stunning political masterstroke, the empress's greatest rival blocks the adoption, and Red is left with no family and no future.

Grieving and lost, but determined to find her place, Red hatches a daring plan: she will prove herself as a recruit for the world's most elite fighting force, the legendary Royal Guard—something no woman has done before. But it's no coincidence that someone wanted her to fail as a princess, someone whose shadowy agenda puts everything she loves at risk. As danger closes in, it will be up to Red and her new friends—and maybe some new enemies—to save the empire. If they can survive recruitment year. (Goodreads)

Ah! It has been SO long since I read the Fire and Thorns series,

but I am SOOOO excited to get back to this world!
I wish I had time re-read the books before starting this one,
but I'm too impatient to wait. lol!

•     •     •

**"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: Cloak of Night & King of Crows

Cloak of Night
(Circle of Shadows #2)
by Evelyn Skye
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Publication Date: February 11th 2020
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062643759

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After the devastating Ceremony of Two Hundred Hearts, Sora, Daemon, Fairy, and Broomstick are truly alone in the fight to save their kingdom. Empress Aki is missing, and everyone else who could help them is a prisoner to the Dragon Prince’s mind control.

At least Sora understands what they’re up against. Or so she believes, until she overhears the Dragon Prince bargaining with the god of war for immortality and learns that ryuu magic may be a more insidious danger than she realized.

Suddenly, the stakes are higher and even more personal for Sora—not only must she stop a seemingly indestructible Prince Gin, but she must also unravel the secrets of ryuu magic before it is too late for nearly everyone she loves.

And as Sora, Daemon, Fairy, and Broomstick face dangerous obstacles at every turn, the greatest challenge may be discovering who they truly are, and what, if anything, they are capable of. (Goodreads)

Last year I read, (aka devoured), Circle of Shadows, and I enjoyed it SO much!
I am very much looking forward to reading this sequel as soon as it is released.

Ps. If you love YA fantasy and have not yet started this series, you totally should.)

The King of Crows
(The Diviners #4)
by Libba Bray
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Publication Date: February 4th 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316126090

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The breath-taking finale to the epic New York Times bestseller, The Diviners, from Printz winner and beloved author, Libba Bray.

After the horrifying explosion that claimed one of their own, the Diviners find themselves wanted by the US government, and on the brink of war with the King of Crows.

While Memphis and Isaiah run for their lives from the mysterious Shadow Men, Isaiah receives a startling vision of a girl, Sarah Beth Olson, who could shift the balance in their struggle for peace. Sarah Beth says she knows how to stop the King of Crows-but, she will need the Diviners' help to do it.

Elsewhere, Jericho has returned after his escape from Jake Marlowe's estate, where he has learned the shocking truth behind the King of Crow's plans. Now, the Diviners must travel to Bountiful, Nebraska, in hopes of joining forces with Sarah Beth and to stop the King of Crows and his army of the dead forever.

But as rumors of towns becoming ghost towns and the dead developing unprecedented powers begin to surface, all hope seems to be lost.

In this sweeping finale, The Diviners will be forced to confront their greatest fears and learn to rely on one another if they hope to save the nation, and world from catastrophe... (Goodreads)

Those this series has been out for a while now, I only started reading it a few months ago.

I... am... HOOKED!!
I am in the process of reading the third book, Before the Devil Breaks You,

and I already can't wait to get my hands on this fourth book!


•     •     •     •     •


Those are my WOW picks for this week! What upcoming books are you super excited for??

**"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: The How & The Why by Cynthia Hand

The How & the Why
by Cynthia Hand
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Publication Date: November 5th 2019
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 464
ISBN: 9780062693167
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Edelweiss Review Copy | Finished Copy from Publisher

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A poignant exploration of family and the ties that bind, perfect for fans of Far From the Tree, from New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand.

Today Melly had us writing letters to our babies…

Cassandra McMurtrey has the best parents a girl could ask for. They’ve given Cass a life she wouldn’t trade for the world. She has everything she needs—except maybe the one thing she wants. Like, to know who she is. Where she came from. Questions her adoptive parents can’t answer, no matter how much they love her.

But eighteen years ago, someone wrote Cass a series of letters. And they may just hold the answers Cass has been searching for.

Alternating between Cass’s search for answers and letters from the pregnant teen who gave her up for adoption, this voice-driven narrative is the perfect read for fans of Nina LaCour and Jandy Nelson. (Goodreads)

I am always on the lookout for a new book by Cynthia Hand, so of course I had to add The How & the Why to my TBR as soon as I discovered it!

I knew just from reading the synopsis of this book that it was going to be an emotional read, but I really didn’t know quite how emotional it would make me. Going on this journey with Cass throughout the book -- from turning 18 and trying to find out who her birth mom is, while also trying to spend as much time as she can with her adoptive mom who is very ill, and trying to find the college that fits her – it was quite a roller coaster ride of emotions. I felt like I was experiencing everything right along with Cass, and what a ride it was. The storyline for this book was really great, and yes, very emotional.

And not only does this book have an interesting storyline, it also has some pretty great characters as well. Cass has a great support system around her, including her awesome parents, (the ones who adopted her, and raised her with so much love), and her best friend, Nyla, who also happens to be adopted, but has a completely different story. We also get to see a bit of the birth moms story told in letters that she wrote to Cass before she was even born. Reading some of those letters were my most favorite part of the book, and I enjoyed getting to know more about this woman right along with Cass. She was definitely fascinating!

Overall; As you can probably tell from my thoughts above, I really, really enjoyed The How & the Why! Cynthia Hand always manages to WOW me with her books, and I am always happy after I finish one of her reads. (They are all great!) I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next awesome read that Cynthia has coming our way, which I do believe will be the third book in the My Lady Janie’s series, and after that, the first book in the Mary series, My Contrary Mary! I can’t wait for all of these!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Heart so Fierce and Broken & Infinity Son

A Heart So Fierce and Broken
(Cursebreakers #2)
by Brigid Kemmerer
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Publication Date: January 7th, 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
ISBN: 9781681195117

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In the sequel to New York Times bestselling A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer returns to the world of Emberfall in a lush fantasy where friends become foes and love blooms in the darkest of places.

Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.

Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?

The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war. (Goodreads)

Sooo, I was a little late to the party when it came to reading *A Curse So Dark and Lonely* by Brigid Kemmerer, but I am SO thrilled that I finally read the book a few months ago. I do not plan to be late to the party with *A Heart So Fierce and Broken*! I actually have an arc of it already, and have been slowly working my way through it. (SO good, you guys!) I can't wait for my finished copy to arrive!

Infinity Son
(Infinity Cycle #1)
by Adam Silvera
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Publication Date: January14th, 2020
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062457820

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Balancing epic and intensely personal stakes, bestselling author Adam Silvera’s Infinity Son is a gritty, fast-paced adventure about two brothers caught up in a magical war generations in the making.

Growing up in New York, brothers Emil and Brighton always idolized the Spell Walkers—a vigilante group sworn to rid the world of specters. While the Spell Walkers and other celestials are born with powers, specters take them, violently stealing the essence of endangered magical creatures.

Brighton wishes he had a power so he could join the fray. Emil just wants the fighting to stop. The cycle of violence has taken a toll, making it harder for anyone with a power to live peacefully and openly. In this climate of fear, a gang of specters has been growing bolder by the day.

Then, in a brawl after a protest, Emil manifests a power of his own—one that puts him right at the heart of the conflict and sets him up to be the heroic Spell Walker Brighton always wanted to be.

Brotherhood, love, and loyalty will be put to the test, and no one will escape the fight unscathed. (Goodreads)

Confession Time: The only book that I have read by Adam Silvera so far is What If It's Us, which he co-wrote with Becky Albertalli. Though, I do have quite a few of his books on my tbr, and I have no idea WHY I haven't read them yet! *doh!* This new book sounds pretty awesome though, and since I was able to snag a review copy from Edelweiss, I'm excited to hopefully start it soon!

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