My Thoughts: The Silvered Serpents by Roshani Chokshi

The Silvered Serpents
(The Gilded Wolves #2)
by Roshani Chokshi

Publication Date: September 22nd 2020
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9781250144577
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Historical
Source: Netgalley Review Copy / Own

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They are each other's fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.

Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost -- one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long lost artifact rumoured to grant its possessor the power of God.

Their hunt lures them far from Paris, and into the icy heart of Russia where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all.

As hidden secrets come to the light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.

A tale of love and betrayal as the crew risks their lives for one last job. (Goodreads)

I cannot believe that I waited so long to read The Gilded Wolves series by Roshani Chokshi! The first book, The Gilded Wolves, had been on my TBR for a while before I finally started it, and once I did so, I was kicking myself for not having started it sooner! Once I finished the first book, I immediately made plans to start The Silvered Serpents right away, and I’m so glad I did!

I always enjoy Roshani’s books whenever I read them. The first series I read by her was The Star-Touched Queen series, and then after that, The Pandava Quartet, which happens to be one of my most favorite middle-grade series. I will definitely be adding The Gilded Wolves to my list of favorites as well!

Since I didn’t write a review for the first book, let me assure you that I did enjoy it. The characters and the storyline were really great, and while the ending was a bit of a shock, it was still an all-around great read. I very much enjoyed it.

The Silvered Serpents picks up not long after where The Gilded Wolves leaves off and takes you on another great adventure full of twists that you probably won’t see coming, and so much going on that you won’t know what to expect next ... at least I didn’t! The book ends in a way that will leave you dying to get your hands on the third book, The Bronzed Beast, and I will be patiently waiting for it to release in September!

Oh, can I also say that I love so many of the characters in this series? They are all so great, and all for different reasons, and I adore them all. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them in the next book!

Overall;  The Silvered Serpents was a fantastic sequel to The Gilded Wolves! I really wish that I had started this series sooner, but I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on the next book coming soon … it’s going to be a most anticipated read for me for sure!

My Thoughts: Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

Rule of Wolves
(King of Scars #2)
by Leigh Bardugo

Publication Date: March 30th 2021
Publisher: Imprint
Pages: 592
ISBN: 9781250142306
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
Source: Own

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The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series!

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall. (Goodreads)

Rule of Wolves, the second and final book in the King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo, was one of my top 3 most anticipated reads for 2021. I am so thrilled to have read the book, but let me tell you, it was bittersweet.

I loved King of Scars when I read it last year for so many reasons... One being that Nikolai is probably my most favorite character in the Grishaverse... and also because I really like Zoya Nazyalensky... AND also because I just really enjoy the story and the Grishaverse world! I can't seem to get enough of these books, so if Leigh wanted to write more, I would totally be down with reading them.

So we get the final book in Nikolai’s story with Rule of Wolves, (seriously, why can’t there be more?!), and this book was just great. It did not take the route that I expected it to take, but the ride was fun nonetheless. The book picks up where King of Scars leaves off, and takes you for another great adventure as you turn the pages. I loved it. I also loved getting to see a few characters from the previous books again! (Cameo appearances are my favorite!) I’m not going to mention who, so read the book for yourself to find out.

I do have to say that finishing the book left me with more than a few questions that I would love to have answers for. Things wrapped up nicely, but it also felt like there might be more to come in the future. I have SO Many Questions about this! Maybe I am just reading what I want to read, but it feels like we might see more, and I really hope we do.

Overall; I very, very much enjoyed reading Rule of Wolves, but I am also SO sad to see this series come to an end. I definitely want more from these characters, and I hope that we will see another spin-off or some kind of continuation with them in the future from Leigh. I would definitely read whatever she writes about them! If you haven’t yet read this book, but love the Grishaverse series, then do check this, (and King of Scars), out if you haven’t already!

My Thoughts: You Have a Match by Emma Lord

You Have a Match
by Emma Lord

Publication Date: January 12th 2021
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781250237309
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Source: Own, Netgalley Review Copy

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A new love, a secret sister, and a summer she'll never forget.

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents — especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones. (Goodreads)

You Have a Match is the second book that I have had the pleasure of reading by author Emma Lord, and I’m so thrilled to have read the book! I read Tweet Cute, also by this author, last year, and enjoyed the book SO much. (Especially considering that it was a You’ve Got Mail retelling!) I couldn’t wait to see how this new novel would compare, and I definitely was not disappointed!

Let’s start with the storyline for the book… I don’t think I have read many, (if any), books where a character has learned of a sibling from taking a DNA test. It was definitely interesting to read the story of how Abby discovered the sister that she never knew she had, and I really wanted to know everything happened to begin with. This storyline made the book a really quick read for me. I was hooked as I turned the pages because I just needed to know what happened in the past that kept these girls apart. (It’s a really good story, by the way, so if you’re curious, check it out.)

The book also has some really great characters as well. I love Abby, especially her love for photography. (I love it as well, and this book definitely made me want to get out with my camera ASAP.) I love her relationship with her friends and her family, including her grandfather who had recently passed away. And I loved watching her relationship grow with her long lost sister as well.

Overall; You Have a Match was such a cute read, and I’m so glad that I decided to check out the book. Emma Lord has once again managed to make me fall in love with her books, and I absolutely can’t wait to read more of them in the future. If you like a cute contemporary read, do check out You Have a Match!

Waiting on Wednesday: Bridge of Souls & Lost in the Never Woods

Bridge of Souls
(Cassidy Blake #3)
by Victoria Schwab

Expected publication: March 2nd 2021
by Scholastic Press

Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows ... unless it's the other way around?

Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while travelling for her parents' TV show.

But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colourful, grisly local legends. And the city's biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.

Cass takes on her most dangerous challenge yet...

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Lost in the Never Woods
by Aiden Thomas

Expected publication: March 23rd 2021
by Swoon Reads

When children go missing, people want answers. When children go missing in the small coastal town of Astoria, people look to Wendy for answers.

It's been five years since Wendy and her two brothers went missing in the woods, but when the town’s children start to disappear, the questions surrounding her brothers’ mysterious circumstances are brought back into light. Attempting to flee her past, Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy lying in the middle of the road, and gets pulled into the mystery haunting the town.

Peter, a boy she thought lived only in her stories, claims that if they don't do something, the missing children will meet the same fate as her brothers. In order to find them and rescue the missing kids, Wendy must confront what's waiting for her in the woods.

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•     •     •

Two more awesome upcoming releases this week!

I absolutely adore Victoria Schwab's Cassidy Blake series, and I feel like I have been waiting forever for this third book to release! I am very excited to check it out!

And Lost in the Never Woods sounds absolutely fantastic as well! I can't wait to 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.**

Waiting on Wednesday: Chain of Iron and Rule of Wolves

Chain of Iron
(The Last Hours #2)
by Cassandra Clare

Expected publication: March 2nd 2021
by Margaret K. McElderry Books

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

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Rule of Wolves
(King of Scars #2)
by Leigh Bardugo

Expected publication: March 30th 2021
by Imprint

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.

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•     •     •

My WOW picks this week are two upcoming sequels that I can't wait to finally read! I loved the first books in both series, and I can't wait to see where the stories are going to go next!

(Though I am a little bummed that Rule of Wolves is the last book in the King of Scars series. Sigh.)

**"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: You Have a Match & The Wife Upstairs

You Have a Match
by Emma Lord

Release Date: January 12th 2021
by Wednesday Books

From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord's You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…

When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents—especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones.

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The Wife Upstairs
by Rachel Hawkins

Release Date: January 5th 2021
by St. Martin's Press

A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins's The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

Meet Jane. Newly arrived to Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates––a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side tables of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask if Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates’ most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can’t help but see an opportunity in Eddie––not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she’s always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie’s heart before her past––or his––catches up to her?

With delicious suspense, incisive wit, and a fresh, feminist sensibility, The Wife Upstairs flips the script on a timeless tale of forbidden romance, ill-advised attraction, and a wife who just won’t stay buried. In this vivid reimagining of one of literature’s most twisted love triangles, which Mrs. Rochester will get her happy ending?

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•     •     •

Both of my WOW picks for this week sound fantastic!
I am really excited to read both of them.

**"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 Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
by V.E. Schwab

Publication Date: October 6th 2020
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 442
ISBN: 08414280252-00001
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Historical
Source: Own

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A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. (Goodreads)

I think The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab was at the top of everyone’s reading list for this year, and it was definitely one of my most anticipated reads for 2020. I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Victoria’s books over the years, I couldn’t wait to meet Addie LaRue. I am thrilled to tell you that I very much enjoyed this book, so, so, so much more than I expected to.

Let me warn you ahead of time that this will probably be a super ramble-y review. You’ve been warned. (I’m also going to try to write this without giving any spoilers away, so bear with me if I am super vague.)

Let’s start with the characters from the book since I loved them so much. The main character, Addie LaRue, obviously, is my favorite. What a fascinating life Addie lived. Can you imagine making a bargain that curse you so that no one remembered who you were? How lonely that would be. And it was, for Addie. You could read that plainly on the pages.

The storyline for the book was like nothing I have ever read before. To say I was hooked would be an understatement. The journey over time from the beginning of the curse to over 300 years later was both fascinating and painful, at times, to read. But I loved every minute of it.

The ending of the book was both satisfying and frustrating. It was satisfying because it was a damn good ending, but it was frustrating because I didn’t want the book to end at all. (Especially the way it did.) I’m not saying that I would love to see a sequel for this book, (I would), but I want to know more about Addie’s future, especially after the long life she has lived. I mean, of course her future was implied, or at least what she planned to do, but I really just wanted to keep reading more and more of this wonderful story.

I also really loved the settings for the book. And by settings, I mean multiple places. Addie went everywhere, and we get to go along with her throughout the book. Victoria was so detailed with her descriptions; I could visualize everything perfectly in my mind. I loved both the past and present time periods!

I should also mention that I listened to this book in audio format, and I am SO glad that I did. I’m sure the story is magical all on its own, but the narrator, Julia Whelan, brought her own brand of magic to it with her wonderful voice. I will definitely be checking out more books narrated by her in the future!

Overall; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was not at all what I expected, but it was just the book I didn’t know I needed. I very much enjoyed the story, and I know it will be one that I remember for a long, long time. I would love to have more books like this from Victoria in the future, because it definitely left me wanting more.

Waiting on Wednesday: Skyhunter & Among the Beasts & Briars

Skyhunter
(Skyhunter #1)
by Marie Lu
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Publication Date: September 29th 2020
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
ISBN: 9781250221681

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A broken world.
An overwhelming evil.
A team of warriors ready to strike back.

Talin is a Striker, a member of an elite fighting force that stands as the last defense for the only free nation in the world: Mara.

A refugee, Talin knows firsthand the horrors of the Federation, a world-dominating war machine responsible for destroying nation after nation with its terrifying army of mutant beasts known only as Ghosts.

But when a mysterious prisoner is brought from the front to Mara's capital, Talin senses there’s more to him than meets the eye. Is he a spy from the Federation? What secrets is he hiding?

Only one thing is clear: Talin is ready to fight to the death alongside her fellow Strikers for the only homeland she has left . . . with or without the boy who might just be the weapon to save—or destroy—them all.

Loyalty is life.

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Marie Lu is back with an adrenaline-laced novel about the lengths one warrior will go to fight for freedom and those she loves. (Goodreads)

Ahhhh, a new book by Marie Lu?!
Count me in! This one sounds fantastic!
I'm definitely enjoying fantasy books at the moment, so I'm excited to check this out.

Among The Beasts & Briars
by Ashley Poston
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Publication Date: October 20th 2020
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
ISBN: 9780062847362

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Cerys is safe in the kingdom of Aloriya.

Here there are no droughts, disease, or famine, and peace is everlasting. It has been this way for hundreds of years, since the first king made a bargain with the Lady who ruled the forest that borders the kingdom. But as Aloriya prospered, the woods grew dark, cursed, and forbidden. Cerys knows this all too well: when she was young, she barely escaped as the woods killed her friends and her mother. Now Cerys carries a small bit of the curse—the magic—in her blood, a reminder of the day she lost everything. The most danger she faces now, as a gardener’s daughter, is the annoying fox who stalks the royal gardens and won’t leave her alone.

As a new queen is crowned, however, things long hidden in the woods descend on the kingdom itself. Cerys is forced on the run, her only companions the small fox from the garden, a strange and powerful bear, and the magic in her veins. It’s up to her to find the legendary Lady of the Wilds and beg for a way to save her home. But the road is darker and more dangerous than she knows, and as secrets from the past are uncovered amid the teeth and roots of the forest, it’s going to take everything she has just to survive. (Goodreads)

And here is yet another book that sounds fantastic!
I have only read one of Ashley's books so far,

but I am really excited to read something new by her!

**"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: Tweet Cute by Emma Lord (Audiobook)

Tweet Cute
by Emma Lord
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Publication Date: January 21st 2020
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781250237323
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Netgalley Review Copy | Own

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A fresh, irresistible rom-com from debut author Emma Lord about the chances we take, the paths life can lead us on, and how love can be found in the opposite place you expected.

Meet Pepper, swim team captain, chronic overachiever, and all-around perfectionist. Her family may be falling apart, but their massive fast-food chain is booming ― mainly thanks to Pepper, who is barely managing to juggle real life while secretly running Big League Burger’s massive Twitter account.

Enter Jack, class clown and constant thorn in Pepper’s side. When he isn’t trying to duck out of his obscenely popular twin’s shadow, he’s busy working in his family’s deli. His relationship with the business that holds his future might be love/hate, but when Big League Burger steals his grandma’s iconic grilled cheese recipe, he’ll do whatever it takes to take them down, one tweet at a time.

All’s fair in love and cheese ― that is, until Pepper and Jack’s spat turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they’re publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they’re also falling for each other in real life ― on an anonymous chat app Jack built.

As their relationship deepens and their online shenanigans escalate ― people on the internet are shipping them?? ― their battle gets more and more personal, until even these two rivals can’t ignore they were destined for the most unexpected, awkward, all-the-feels romance that neither of them expected. (Goodreads)

I picked up Tweet Cute by Emma Lord because it sounded super cute, and I’m ALL about cute reads with happily ever after’s right now. After reading the summary for the book, I knew I need to check it out, and I’m so glad that I did!

There are SO many things that I loved about Tweet Cute, with the main thing being the characters. Pepper and Jack are SO cute, and I very much enjoyed following their story and interactions over the course of the novel. They were so cute, and I love that if you put their names together, it’s PEPPER JACK. How cute is that??

I also really enjoyed the storyline for the book. It very much reminded me of the movie You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, which just happens to be one of my most favorite movies, which I have watched at least 200 times. (Which is probably why the story for Tweet Cute seemed so familiar!) I was completely fascinated by the story, and it didn’t take me long to become absolutely hooked. I loved it!

And while I have the printed version of this book, I opted to listen to the audiobook instead, and I’m so glad that I did! Dan Bittner & Emily Shaffer did such great jobs with the voices for Pepper and Jack, and it took the story to a whole new level for me. It was great! If you have the opportunity to check out the audiobook, I highly recommend it!

Overall; Tweet Cute was absolutely adorable, and was exactly the book I needed to read at the moment. I am definitely fascinated by Emma’s writing, and I can’t wait to read more by her in the future! If you don’t already have this book on your TBR, do add it today!

Audiobook Spotlight: The Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi (Audiobook)

Audiobooks Spotlight is a new weekly feature that I am starting to share my thoughts on all the awesome audiobooks I have listened to! Do you love audiobooks as much as I do?? Check out what audiobooks I've enjoyed recently!

•     •     •

Children of Virtue and Vengeance
(Legacy of Orïsha #2) by Tomi Adeyemi

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Publication Date: December 3rd 2019
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrated By: Bahni Turpin
Audio Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
ASIN: B07DF6NZYK
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Audio Source: Library Borrow

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Audiobooks.com |  Audible | Libro.fm

After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too.

Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful as they are. But when the monarchy and military unite to keep control of Orïsha, Zélie must fight to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath.

With civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi's New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. (Goodreads)

Back in early 2018 I discovered The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, and I completely devoured the story. I absolutely couldn’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, The Children of Virtue and Vengeance, and when I finally got started on it, I devoured it as well!

The storyline for this sequel picks up right where the first book leaves off, and will once again leave you hooked as you fly through the pages. If at all possible, I think that I liked this book more than the first book, and that’s saying a lot, because the first book is really great! Lots of action and fantasy, and you will be hooked right up to the end.

While I have print copies of both of the books in this series, I opted to listen to the audiobooks for each. Why, you ask? That would be because they are both narrated by Bahni Turpin! I have listened to quite a few books narrated by Bahni since I have discovered audiobooks, and she does an absolutely fantastic job of narrating the story.  She has a way of making the characters stand out, and I love that! I was definitely hooked, and I am very much looking forward to listening to more audiobooks narrated by Bahni in the future.

Overall; If you were a fan of Children of Blood and Bone, then you will most definitely want to check out this sequel! Children of Virtue and Vengeance was everything I didn’t know I needed in this sequel, and now I’m super anxious to get my hands on the next book, which is currently untitled and without a release date. (I will definitely be keeping my eye out for more information on it!)

My Thoughts: We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

We Hunt the Flame
(Sands of Arawiya #1)
by Hafsah Faizal
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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!)

Waiting on Wednesday: One of Us is Next & Children of Virtue and Vengeance

One of Us is Next
(One of Us is Lying #2)
by Karen M. McManus
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Publication Date: January 7th 2020
Publisher: Delacorte Press for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780525707967

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The highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling thriller everyone is talking about, One of Us Is Lying! There's a new mystery to solve at Bayview High, and there's a whole new set of rules.

Come on, Bayview, you know you've missed this.

A ton of copycat gossip apps have popped up since Simon died, but in the year since the Bayview four were cleared of his shocking death, no one's been able to fill the gossip void quite like he could. The problem is no one has the facts.

Until now.

This time it's not an app, though—it's a game.

Truth or Dare.

Phoebe's the first target. If you choose not to play, it's a truth. And hers is dark.

Then comes Maeve and she should know better—always choose the dare.

But by the time Knox is about to be tagged, things have gotten dangerous. The dares have become deadly, and if Maeve learned anything from Bronwyn last year, it's that they can't count on the police for help. Or protection.

Simon's gone, but someone's determined to keep his legacy at Bayview High alive. And this time, there's a whole new set of rules. (Goodreads)

You guys! Not only are we getting a TV show for One of Us is Lying...

we are ALSO getting a Sequel!!

I, for one, am SUPER excited about this book.
I loved the first one, and I can't wait to see what's in store for us next.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance
(Legacy of Orïsha #2)
by Tomi Adeyemi
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Publication Date: December 3rd 2019
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ISBN: 9781250170996

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After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too.

Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful as they are. But when the monarchy and military unite to keep control of Orïsha, Zélie must fight to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath.

With civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

Children of Virtue and Vengeance is the stunning sequel to Tomi Adeyemi's New York Times bestselling debut Children of Blood and Bone, the first title in her Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. (Goodreads)

This is another sequel that I'm SUPER excited for!
I read Children of Blood and Bone last year,

and really enjoyed it. I am excited to see what happens next in this sequel!
(Also, that cover is gorgeous!)

•     •     •

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

**"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: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell & Faith Erin Hicks

Pumpkinheads
by Rainbow Rowell
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& Faith Erin Hicks
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Publication Date: August 27th 2019
Publisher: First Second
Pages: 209
ISBN: 9781250312853
Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary
Source: Library Book

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Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends.

Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if—instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years . . .

What if their last shift was an adventure? (Goodreads)

Have you heard about Pumpkinheads, the brand new graphic novel by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks! A graphic novel?! Count me in, please! I have seen this book all over social media lately, so when I found it at our local library, I knew I would have to check it out. It was such a fun read!

I have only read a handful of graphic novels so far, and I have no idea why I’ve not read more, because I really, really like them. They are so different than the normal book, BUT, you still feel like you’re getting a good story as you turn the pages, AND awesome graphics as well. I really do enjoy them.

One of the things that I loved most about Pumpkinheads is that it’s set during fall, (my most favorite time of year), AND at a pumpkin patch! Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick read to get you in the fall mood, this is your book. Not only did the book make me want to go to the nearest pumpkin patch, but it also made me super hungry for all the yummy food that is mentioned. (YUM!)

Also, the characters in the book are super cute. While we don’t really get to learn much about them, (but seriously, it’s just a graphic novel), I still felt like I got to know them a bit, and I definitely enjoyed their story. Deja was definitely my favorite character in the book!

Overall; Pumpkinheads is the perfect book to add to your fall TBR! It’s a quick, fun read, that will make you hungry for kettlecorn and caramel apples. It’s got a cute storyline, and cute characters as well, and you should definitely check it out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!