Waiting on Wednesday: Chasing Lucky & These Voilent Delights

Chasing Lucky
by Jenn Bennett
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Publication Date: November 10th 2020
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9781534425170

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Budding photographer Josie Saint-Martin has spent half her life with her single mother, moving from city to city. When they return to her historical New England hometown years later to run the family bookstore, Josie knows it’s not forever. Her dreams are on the opposite coast, and she has a plan to get there.

What she doesn’t plan for is a run-in with the town bad boy, Lucky Karras. Outsider, rebel…and her former childhood best friend. Lucky makes it clear he wants nothing to do with the newly returned Josie. But everything changes after a disastrous pool party, and a poorly executed act of revenge lands Josie in some big-time trouble—with Lucky unexpectedly taking the blame.

Determined to understand why Lucky was so quick to cover for her, Josie discovers that both of them have changed, and that the good boy she once knew now has a dark sense of humor and a smile that makes her heart race. And maybe, just maybe, he’s not quite the brooding bad boy everyone thinks he is… (Goodreads)

A new Jenn Bennett novel, you guys!
I love her books and I'm SO very excited for this one!

These Violent Delights
by Chloe Gong
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Publication Date: November 17th 2020
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 9781534457690

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Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule. (Goodreads)

Does this book sound fantastic, or what?
I've had my eye on it for a while now, and I can't wait to finally read it!

**"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 Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

The Lady Rogue
by Jenn Bennett
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Publication Date: September 3rd 2019
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 372
ISBN: 9781534431997
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Historical Fiction
Source: Netgalley Review Copy | Own

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The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it. (Goodreads)

I am a huge fan of Jenn Bennett’s contemporary novels, so of course I was excited to check out this new historical fantasy by her, The Lady Rogue! At first, I was intrigued by the books cover, and then I read the summary, and KNEW I would have to check out the book. I am so glad that I did!!

There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book, and one of my MOST favorite things were the characters! The main character, Theodora, is pretty great, and is obviously more than capable of taking care of herself during a time when women normally aren’t allowed to do so. I love her curiosity and ambition. When her father goes missing and she’s reunited with his long-lost protégé, Huck, adventures ensue.

Theodora and Huck are probably my most favorite part of this book. They are SO cute together, and their relationship is so well written. I love them both! There are a few interesting secondary characters in the story as well, but, Theodora and Huck are my favorites, obviously!

I very much enjoyed the storyline for the book, especially the journey to find Theodora’s father. While I’m not the biggest fan of Vlad the Impaler, or reading anything about him, (so cruel), it did make for an interesting story. And if there’s one thing that I’m pretty bummed about with this book is that it’s a standalone novel. Normally this doesn’t bother me, but I would love to follow Theodora and Huck on even more adventures. Who knows, maybe a sequel will pop up one day in the future. (We can hope, right?!)

Overall; The Lady Rogue is the first fantasy book that I’ve read so far by Jenn Bennett, but it definitely wont be the last! I enjoyed both the storyline and the characters, (the characters were seriously the best), and I wish this book had a sequel so I could read more! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more books by Jenn in the future, and I will most definitely be checking out the books that I haven’t yet read by her!

My Thoughts: Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

Serious Moonlight
by Jenn Bennett
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Publication Date: April 16th 2019
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781534425149
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Review Copy From Publisher / Own

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After an awkward first encounter, Birdie and Daniel are forced to work together in a Seattle hotel where a famous author leads a mysterious and secluded life in this romantic contemporary novel from the author of Alex, Approximately.

Mystery-book aficionado Birdie Lindberg has an overactive imagination. Raised in isolation and homeschooled by strict grandparents, she’s cultivated a whimsical fantasy life in which she plays the heroic detective and every stranger is a suspect. But her solitary world expands when she takes a job the summer before college, working the graveyard shift at a historic Seattle hotel.

In her new job, Birdie hopes to blossom from introverted dreamer to brave pioneer, and gregarious Daniel Aoki volunteers to be her guide. The hotel’s charismatic young van driver shares the same nocturnal shift and patronizes the waterfront Moonlight Diner where she waits for the early morning ferry after work. Daniel also shares her appetite for intrigue, and he’s stumbled upon a real-life mystery: a famous reclusive writer—never before seen in public—might be secretly meeting someone at the hotel.

To uncover the writer’s puzzling identity, Birdie must come out of her shell…discovering that most confounding mystery of all may be her growing feelings for the elusive riddle that is Daniel. (Goodreads)

I was super excited to get started on Serious Moonlight, as I have read both of Jenn Bennett’s previous books, Alex, Approximately and Starry Eyes, and really enjoyed them both. I couldn’t wait to get started on this newest book journey from Jenn with Serious Moonlight!

There are so many things that I enjoyed about this book, with one being the characters. There are a lot of characters in this book to like, including the main character, Birdie. I really enjoyed Birdie’s love of mysteries, and she’s pretty awesome at detective work. She didn’t have the best childhood growing up, but she’s doing the best she can for herself. Daniel definitely helps her out along the way, and I really enjoyed watching the relationship grow between the two of them. (Also, Daniel is seriously the best.)

Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was the setting. I can’t say that I’ve read many books that are set in Seattle, and I thought Jenn did a great job of describing all of the places Birdie and Daniel visited throughout the story. It totally made me want to visit there sometime!

And I also really enjoyed the storyline for the book. I am a sucker for a good contemporary story, and this book definitely fit the bill. This book discusses a wide range of things including sex and health, as well as death and suicide, and I know a lot of people will find things in the story to relate to. (I know I did.) I love that there is even a little mystery in the story as well, even if it went in a direction I didn’t really expect, but that definitely added to the story.

Overall; I think Jenn Bennett definitely has another hit on her hands with Serious Moonlight! This story has a little bit of everything, and it was just what I needed to read at the moment. I’m beyond thrilled to have a copy sitting on my shelf alongside Alex, Approximately and Starry Eyes, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Jenn in the future!

My Thoughts: Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Starry Eyes
by Jenn Bennett
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Publication Date: April 3rd 2018
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9781481478809
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Netgalley | Own

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Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars? (Goodreads)

Last year I read and enjoyed Jenn Bennett's Alex, Approximately, so of course when I discovered Starry Eyes, I couldn't wait to check it out! I was even more excited when I read the summary for the book and it was described as a modern day Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets. As if I wasn't curious enough before, I was even more so after reading that!

As you all probably know, I love a good contemporary novel, and I'm always on the lookout for new ones. Starry Eyes has everything I look for in a contemporary novel and more. The storyline was super cute, and I really enjoyed the friends-turned-enemies-turned-friends again relationship. It definitely brought to mind the Montagues and Capulets. I also really loved the setting for the book as well. It totally makes me want to go hiking and camping! (Yeah, that probably won't happen, but still!)

I also really liked the characters in the book.  I found the main character, Zorie, to be really relatable. She's a little on the nerdy side, which is so like me, AND, she looooves stars! (I, too, love looking at the stars and planets, and one day I hope to have a super awesome telescope just like hers.) Ahem, moving on. Lennon was super sweet as well. Their families were interesting as well, expect for one person, who definitely seemed to enjoy making everyone else pretty miserable. Ugh. Those people are the worst.

Overall; I think Jenn Bennett has another hit on her hands with Starry Eyes! I really enjoyed both the fun storyline and the interesting characters. They made for a really fun read, and I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more books by her in the future! If you're a fan of contemporary novels, and haven't yet checked out a book by Jenn, you should totally do so!

Waiting on Wednesday #305 - Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli & Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett

Leah on the Offbeat
by Becky Albertalli
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Publication Date: April 24th 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062643803

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Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love and senior-year angst.

When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.

So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended. (Goodreads)

So, I just recently finished my re-read of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda,

and now I want nothing more than to read Leah on the Offbeat!!
Her story sounds like it's going to be a great read,

and I really can't wait to check it out! I already have my copy preordered,
and I can't wait for it to release! I love Leah!

______________________________________________________________________

Starry Eyes
by Jenn Bennett
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Publication Date: April 3rd 2018
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9781481478809

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

Ever since last year’s homecoming dance, best friends-turned-best enemies Zorie and Lennon have made an art of avoiding each other. It doesn’t hurt that their families are the modern day, Californian version of the Montagues and Capulets.

But when a group camping trip goes south, Zorie and Lennon find themselves stranded in the wilderness. Alone. Together.

What could go wrong?

With no one but each other for company, Zorie and Lennon have no choice but to hash out their issues via witty jabs and insults as they try to make their way to safety. But fighting each other while also fighting off the forces of nature makes getting out of the woods in one piece less and less likely.

And as the two travel deeper into Northern California’s rugged backcountry, secrets and hidden feelings surface. But can Zorie and Lennon’s rekindled connection survive out in the real world? Or was it just a result of the fresh forest air and the magic of the twinkling stars? (Goodreads)

(I know what you're probably thinking... *Why in the world are there two WOW picks this week??* Well, that's because I've already started a list that includes *most* of the WOW picks that I want to use this year, and in order to use them all, I have to do a double post every week. *grin*)

Anyway... I read Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett last year,
and really enjoyed the story!
Starry Eyes sounds really great as well,
and I can't wait 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.**

My Thoughts: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Alex, Approximately
by Jenn Bennett
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Publication Date: April 4th 2017
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9781481478779
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary
Source: Netgalley

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In this delightfully charming teen spin on You’ve Got Mail, the one guy Bailey Rydell can’t stand is actually the boy of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

Classic movie buff Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online by “Alex.” Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush.

Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new arch-nemesis. But life is whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever-it-is she’s starting to feel for Porter.

And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex…Approximately. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
When I first discovered Alex, Approximately, I knew it was a book that I would HAVE to read, especially since it's a spin on the movie You've Got Mail, which happens to be my most favorite movie ever. (Seriously, most favorite movie EVER.) I was super excited to get my hands on a review copy of the book, as I just couldn't wait to get started on it. Unfortunately my life did not let me read it right away, but once it hit the top of my TBR I dove right into it, and I loved every minute of it.

There are a lot of really great characters in the novel. I found the main character Bailey to be extremely relatable in so many ways, but mostly as an evader. Yep, that's me. Her dad is pretty awesome also, as is Grace, the new friend she meets in California. Then there's Porter. Ah, Porter... are you real? Because he's seriously a great guy, and I love the relationship and the romance between him and Bailey. Sigh. Also, he has a pretty great family as well.

The setting for the book was wonderfully described, and totally made me want to visit California. The beach. The fog. The surfers. Yes, please! I really enjoyed the storyline as well. It makes me want to watch movies in the backyard! And while it has its own spin to it, I could definitely see the influences from You've Got Mail, and that just made me like the book even more. I read the book in about 2 days time, and I would have finished it sooner had I not been so busy, but I really enjoyed it all.

As I mentioned above, I love that Bailey is such a movie buff. I, admittedly, am not... but it's something that I'm in the process of working on! There are a lot of great movies mentioned in the book, and I made as list as I was reading, and I'm hoping to watch them all soon! Is that the coolest idea ever, or what??

Overall; I really, really enjoyed Alex, Approximately, and it will definitely be a welcome addition to my bookshelf! This is a book that I will probably read and reread over and over again, just like I do the movie You've Got Mail. And, of course, I'm now even more curious to check out books by Jenn Bennett!!

Waiting on Wednesday #265 - Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Alex, Approximately
by Jenn Bennett
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: April 4th 2017
Publisher: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 9781481478779


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

In this delightfully charming teen spin on You’ve Got Mail, the one guy Bailey Rydell can’t stand is actually the boy of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

Classic movie buff Bailey “Mink” Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online by “Alex.” Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush.

Faced with doubts (what if he’s a creep in real life—or worse?), Bailey doesn’t tell Alex she’s moved to his hometown. Or that she’s landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she’s being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth—a.k.a. her new arch-nemesis. But life is whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever-it-is she’s starting to feel for Porter.

And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex…Approximately. (Goodreads)

Ah ha! My first WOW pick of 2017!!
Ok, this book just recently crossed my radar,
but it totally had me at "delightfully charming teen spin on You’ve Got Mail."
Ummmm, HELLO??
Did you know that my most favorite movie ever is You've Got Mail??
I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!
So, of course I want to read a book inspired by it!
Sigh. Can it be April already?? I seriously. can't. wait!!

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