Waiting on Wednesday #172 - The Good Girls by Sara Shepard

The Good Girls
(The Perfectionists #2)
by Sara Shepard
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Publication Date: June 2nd 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780062074522



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

From Sara Shepard, author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, comes the shocking sequel to The Perfectionists—with an ending you'll have to read to believe!

Mackenzie, Ava, Caitlin, Julie, and Parker have done some not-so-perfect things. Even though they all talked about killing rich bully Nolan Hotchkiss, they didn't actually go through with it. It's just a coincidence that Nolan died in exactly the way they planned . . . right? Except Nolan wasn't the only one they fantasized about killing. When someone else they named dies, the girls wonder if they're being framed. Or are they about to become the killer's next targets? (Goodreads)

The Perfectionists was my very first experience with a Sara Shepard book,
and I REALLY enjoyed it!
I cannot wait to get my hands on The Good Girls.
It's going to be awesome!

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

Cover Reveal: Anne & Henry by Dawn Ius

ANNE & HENRY

A love worth losing your head over

ANNE

Wild, brazen, mischievous, bewitching

HENRY

Driven, haunted, charming, magnetic

ANNE & HENRY

Apart they are bound to destroy themselves. Together, they are bound to destroy each other.

HENRY TUDOR’S LIFE HAS BEEN mapped out since the day he was born: student president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s.

But ever since the death of Henry’s brother—perfect, high-achieving Arthur—his family has been twice as demanding. And now Henry’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who’s not Tudor-approved.

Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.

Anne is wild, brash, and outspoken. She is everything Henry is not allowed to be—or to want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, yet his desire for Anne consumes him. Henry is willing to do anything to be with her. But once he has her, their romance could destroy them both.

Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, ANNE & HENRY reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.

Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22453734-anne-henry

About the Author

DAWN IUS is a short-story author, novelist, screenwriter, professional editor, and communications specialist. She is an active member of the International Thriller Writers association, co-founder and senior editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, and the author of nine educational graphic novels published by the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. When she’s not slaying fictional monsters, she’s geeking out over fairy tales, Jack Bauer, Halloween, sports cars, and all things that go bump in the night. Dawn lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Jeff, and their giant English Mastiff, Roarke.

Connect with Dawn:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordawnius

Twitter: @dawnmius

Blog: www.dawn-ius.blogspot.com

Email: dawnmius@gmail.com

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Review: Find Me I'm Yours by Hillary Carlip

Find Me I'm Yours
by Hillary Carlip
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Publication Date: November 3rd 2014
Publisher: Rosetta Books
Pages: 356
ASIN: B00MYDII8W
Genre: New Adult | Contemporary | Interactive
Source: For Review

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“If you believe in destiny like I do, and you think there’s even a remote possibility we’re meant to be together, then find me I’m yours.” —Mr. WTF

In one sentence — one serendipitous moment — everything Mags Marclay, an offbeat, wry, 24-year-old struggling artist living in L.A., has ever known is forever changed as she is led on a treasure hunt to find her soul mate.

Find Me I’m Yours is a highly entertaining, unconventional virtual page-turner. Become immersed in Mags’s world through original artwork, hand-written lists, graphics, and Instagram photos within the book. You can go even deeper into the Find Me I’m Yours universe by clicking on embedded links leading to interactive content that’s expertly woven through the novel, including:

• Original rom-com style VIDEOS that star the handsome stranger Mags dubs “Mr. WTF,” who gives clues to the hunt.
• Thirty-three unique, custom-designed WEBSITES that further the narrative, blur the lines between fiction and reality, and offer endless ways for you to enjoy additional original content, including reality and comedy series featuring A-list talent.
• OPPORTUNITIES for you to share your own content (artwork, stories, songs, apologies, wishes, etc.), interact, connect, and personally engage with the story.

This revolutionary CLICK LIT® novel was conceived from the get-go as an ever-expanding, multi-platform entertainment experience. Created, written, and designed by Hillary Carlip, and co-created, directed, and produced by Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-nominated TV comedy writer/producer/director Maxine Lapiduss, Find Me I’m Yours is a game changer in the way that stories are told and experienced.  (Goodreads)

Find Me I’m Yours is the story of Mags Marclay, a struggling artist living in LA, who wants nothing more than to find her soul mate and fall in love. When Mags discovers a video tape from a man who is also looking for his soul mate, she embarks on a treasure hunt that he sets up in hopes of finding him.

Through the novel we follow Mags on her journey to find the man who may very well be her forever. The novel includes interactive websites, videos and Instagram photos to aid Mags and the readers along the journey with clues to find this mystery man.

But not only is the story about Mags finding her soul mate via the treasure hunt, but it’s also a story about Mags finding herself. She discovers so many things about herself on this journey, and it was interesting to see the changes that she went through. You had to feel for Mags for all the things that she was going through, but that didn’t stop me from cheering her on.

The storyline for the book was really creative. I really enjoyed the interactive parts of the novel; the pictures, videos and website links really made the story stand out even more. I especially liked seeing the pictures for all the things Mags saw along the way.  Everything wraps up pretty nicely at the end of the book, although I was left wondering about a few things that happened in the book. The book was also a really quick read; I read it in just a few hours time.

Overall; Fans of romance and chick-lit novels will definitely enjoy this interactive story. Not only was the story interesting in itself, but the interactive parts definitely made it even more fun to read.

Happy Reading!

Find Me I'm Yours
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Waiting on Wednesday #171 - A Court of Thorns and Roses By Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
by Sarah J. Maas
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Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
ISBN: 9781619634442



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

When 19-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it ... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever. (Goodreads)

Confession: I've never read anything by Sarah J. Maas before.
GASP!
I know, right?!
I must remedy this soon.

A Court of Thorns and Roses has the most stunning cover.
And the story sounds pretty 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.**

Pre-Order Giveaway: Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little

On November 4th, HarperCollins unveils Forbidden, a seductive YA debut from award-winning middle grade author Kimberley Griffiths Little. Forbidden transports readers back in time to the deadly deserts and sweltering heat of Ancient Mesopotamia for a tale of danger, duty, and forbidden love. Jayden is on the brink of womanhood and betrothed to her tribe’s prince, cold-hearted Horeb. But when tragedy strikes, Jayden meets Kadesh, a mysterious visitor from the south who makes Jayden doubt everything she knows. Torn between loyalty to her tribe and the chance to escape her fate, Jayden must make a choice that will change her life forever.

Kimberley is also offering a HUGE preorder giveaway from October 6th to November 4th (release day!) to celebrate. See below for full details on how to enter. TO ENTER:

• You must preorder Forbidden through an online retailer or your local bookstore, then email a photo of your receipt to forbiddengiveaway@gmail.com.
• Fill out the rafflecopter below
• US/Canada Only
• Ends at midnight EST on November 3, 2014
• Optional entries: share the trailer on your own site or social media, follow Kimberley on twitter, and tweet about the giveaway (can be repeated daily for extra entries!)
• Winners will be announced and contacted November 4th (release day!)
• If the winner does not respond with their mailing address within one week, a new winner will be chosen.

PRIZES:

(1) GRAND PRIZE WINNER: 1. NEWLY RELEASED Kindle Fire HD6 Tablet with 6" HD Display, Wi-Fi, Front and Rear Cameras, 8 GB -- choose your color! (Black, Magenta, White, Citron, or Cobalt) 2. GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson 3. CHAOS OF STARS by Kiersten White 4. Satin Belly Dance Skirt 5. Belly Dance 150-Coin Hip Scarf 6. Red Silk Veil (not pictured) 7. Red Middle Eastern Earrings 8. Belly dance DVD: Sensual Belly Dance with Blanca, a professional dancer (technique, choreography, and performances) 9. "Will YOU risk it all?" button (not pictured) 10. Set of 10 Book Club Cards 11. Jeweled bookmark (not pictured)

(1) SECOND PLACE WINNER:

1. GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson

2. Red Middle Eastern Earrings

3. Red Silk Veil (not pictured)

4. Belly dance DVD: Sensual Belly Dance with Blanca, a professional dancer (technique, choreography, and performances)

5. "Will YOU risk it all?" button (not pictured)

6. Set of 10 Book Club Cards

7. Jeweled bookmark (not pictured)

(13) RUNNERS-UP WINNERS:

1. Red Middle Eastern Earrings

2. "Will YOU risk it all?" button (not pictured)

3. Set of 10 Book Club Cards

4. Jeweled bookmark (not pictured)

Good luck!

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Preorder: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

About Forbidden: In the unforgiving Mesopotamian desert where Jayden’s tribe lives, betrothal celebrations abound, and tonight it is Jayden’s turn to be honored. But while this union with Horeb, the son of her tribe’s leader, will bring a life of riches and restore her family’s position within the tribe, it will come at the price of Jayden’s heart.

Then a shadowy boy from the Southern Lands appears. Handsome and mysterious, Kadesh fills Jayden’s heart with a passion she never knew possible. But with Horeb’s increasingly violent threats haunting Jayden’s every move, she knows she must find a way to escape—or die trying.

With a forbidden romance blossoming in her heart and her family’s survival on the line, Jayden must embark on a deadly journey to save the ones she loves—and find a true love for herself.

Set against the brilliant backdrop of the sprawling desert, the story of Jayden and Kadesh will leave readers absolutely breathless as they defy the odds and risk it all to be together.

Follow Kimberley:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About Kimberley: Award-winning author Kimberley Griffiths Little was born in San Francisco, but now lives in New Mexico on the banks of the Rio Grande with her husband and their three sons. Her middle-grade novels, When the Butterflies Came, The Last Snake Runner, The Healing Spell, and Circle of Secrets, have been praised as “fast-paced and dramatic,” with “beautifully realized settings.” Kimberley adores anything old and musty with a secret story to tell. She’s stayed in the haunted tower room at Borthwick Castle in Scotland; sailed the Seine in Paris; ridden a camel in Petra, Jordan; shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul; and spent the night in an old Communist hotel in Bulgaria. You can visit her online at www.kimberleygriffithslittle.com.

Share your thoughts on the trailer in the comments!

Review: Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Lily, Lily Blue
(The Raven Cycle #3)
by Maggie Stiefvater
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Publication Date: October 21st 2014
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 391
ISBN: 9780545424967
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Netgalley | Own

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There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

Friends can betray.
Mothers can disappear.
Visions can mislead.
Certainties can unravel. (Goodreads)

I absolutely could not wait to get my hands on Blue Lily, Lily Blue. I’ve been anxiously waiting to read this since I finished reading The Dream Thieves last fall. Of course, now that I have read the book, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!

Blue Lily, Lily Blue picks up right where The Dream Thieves leaves off, with the Raven Boys and Blue still searching for the elusive Glendower. While they still have a way to go, they are closer than ever to finally finding him. Despite everyone having issues of their own to have to deal with, they must work together and help one another to reach their final goal.

One of the things that I love most in this book, and in the whole series, is the relationship between these boys. They have one of those super strong bonds that prove to be durable even when you wonder if it is at its breaking point. And they’ve pulled Blue in on this bond as well, and now she is like one of their own, and I love so much that they have included her in their little group. These characters, these boys and Blue, are so great and I love reading their stories.

While we’ve already met most of the characters from the previous novel, we are also introduced to a few new interesting characters as well, including the Greenmantle’s, a couple that took disturbing to a whole new level, and Jesse Dittley, who quickly became another of my most favorite characters in the series. There are even more interesting characters in the novel as well, but I will let you ‘meet’ them for yourself when you read the book.

The storyline for the book follows the same plot as the two previous novels in the series, although this book seemed to go at a bit slower pace than the two previous books. The book ends with a bit of a cliffhanger which left me wondering what the heck had just happened. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series, which comes out in 2015, to see what’s going to happen next!

Can I also mention how much I enjoy Stiefvater’s writing style? Even when writing the littlest things, the writing seems almost lyrical. It’s beautiful, and I love the feel of it when you are reading her novels.

My only complaint with the book is between Blue and Gansey. For those of you that have read the previous books, you know why these two can’t be together, and it’s driving me CRAZY. This is the most frustrating relationship that I’ve read so far. I need these two to be together. It’s such a tease!

Overall; Blue Lily, Lily Blue was a great addition to this ‘The Raven Cycle’ series. I’m really excited to get my hands on the next book in the series in 2015 to see where this storyline is going to go, and how the story will end. If you’ve not picked up this series yet, I implore you to do so!

Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #170 - Get Dirty by Gretchen McNeil

Get Dirty
(Don't Get Mad #2)
by Gretchen McNeil
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Publication Date:
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN: 9780062260871



Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The members of Don’t Get Mad aren’t just mad anymore . . . they’re afraid. And with Margot in a coma and Bree stuck in juvie, it’s up to Olivia and Kitty to try to catch their deadly tormentor. But just as the girls are about to go on the offensive, Ed the Head reveals a shocking secret that turns all their theories upside down. The killer could be anyone, and this time he—or she—is out for more than just revenge.

The girls desperately try to discover the killer’s identity as their personal lives are falling apart: Donté is pulling away from Kitty and seems to be hiding a secret of his own, Bree is under house arrest, and Olivia’s mother is on an emotional downward spiral. The killer is closing in, the threats are becoming more personal, and when the police refuse to listen, the girls have no choice but to confront their anonymous friend . . . or die trying. (Goodreads)

Have you read Get Even? (Don't Get Mad #1)
Because if you did, (especially if you read the end of the book),
you'll know EXACTLY why I need this sequel in my hands.
Get Even was SO good. I can't wait to get back into this story.

HURRY JUNE!!

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

Review: Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis

Stitching Snow
by R. C. Lewis
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Publication Date: October 14th 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9781423185079
Genre: Young Adult | Retelling | Sci-Fi
Source: Netgalley

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Princess Snow is missing.

Her home planet is filled with violence and corruption at the hands of King Matthias and his wife as they attempt to punish her captors. The king will stop at nothing to get his beloved daughter back-but that's assuming she wants to return at all.

Essie has grown used to being cold. Temperatures on the planet Thanda are always sub-zero, and she fills her days with coding and repairs for the seven loyal drones that run the local mines.

When a mysterious young man named Dane crash-lands near her home, Essie agrees to help the pilot repair his ship. But soon she realizes that Dane's arrival was far from accidental, and she's pulled into the heart of a war she's risked everything to avoid.

In her enthralling debut, R.C. Lewis weaves the tale of a princess on the run from painful secrets . . . and a poisonous queen. With the galaxy's future-and her own-in jeopardy, Essie must choose who to trust in a fiery fight for survival. (Goodreads)

I was really looking forward to reading Stitching Snow as I’ve really enjoyed most of the fairy-tale retellings that I’ve read lately, and I couldn’t wait to see how this story went. The book definitely did not disappoint!

Essie, also known as Princess Snow, is the missing daughter of King Matthias, who will stop at nothing to get Essie back. But that’s proving to be a bit impossible because she’s well hidden on the freezing planet Thanda, where she spends her days coding and repairing drones that work in the local mines, making life a whole lot easier, and safer, for the miners on the planet. But all that changes when newcomer Dane crash-lands near her home, and changes her world completely.

Essie was a really interesting character. I was definitely able to relate to her being a bit of a loner, for the most part. She was also super smart when it came to coding and building her drones and working on computers. I love the work that she did on the drones, and these drones in particular were really awesome as well. She was a very strong-willed, determined and very stubborn, which made me like her a whole lot.

Dane was a really interesting character as well. I appreciated his determination to keep Essie safe, despite the fact that he felt he had to kidnap her to get what he wanted out of her in the beginning. (I know, I know… without this happening, it would have impacted the story differently, but still.) I also appreciated that their relationship wasn’t insta-love in any way. The relationship had a very rocky start and grew over time, but in the end was really cute.

The storyline for the book was very interesting and kept me intrigued as I turned the pages. I enjoyed that while this was a retelling of Snow White, it also had a sci-fi theme to it. It definitely kept me turning the pages.

Overall, I found Stitching Snow to be an enjoyable read. I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!

Waiting on Wednesday #169 - The Devil You Know by Trish Doller

The Devil You Know
by Trish Doller
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Publication Date: June 2nd 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
ISBN: 9781619634169
Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary



Available for Pre-Order: Amazon | The Book Depository

Eighteen-year-old Arcadia Wells just wants to live up to her namesake. She wants adventure.

Cadie, as everyone calls her, is a recent high school graduate, who lives in a tiny Florida town with her dad and four-year-old brother. Since her mom died three years ago, Cadie's spent most of her time working in her dad's grocery store, going to school, taking care of the household, and raising her little brother. Then, one night, Cadie goes to a campfire party at the state park where she meets a couple of cute guys who are on a road trip. They invite her to accompany them—just the adventure she's been craving. But what starts out as a fun, sexy trip turns frightening when she discovers that one of the boys is not at all the wholesome boy she fell for. (Goodreads)

Ummm... Does this book sound intense, or what?
I read Trish Doller's Where the Stars Still Shine last year,
and totally fell in love with the story.
I am super excited to read this book to see what Trish has come up with for us!

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

Review: My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

My True Love Gave To Me
Twelve Holiday Stories
by Stephanie Perkins and More

Publication Date: October 14th 2014
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781250059307
Genre: Young Adult | Holiday Stories
Source: Netgalley

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If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME: TWELVE HOLIDAY STORIES by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. (Goodreads)

I was super excited to read My True Love Gave To Me not only because it was edited by Stephanie Perkins, but also because the book of full of really awesome writers, and I couldn’t wait to read their holiday themed short stories.

A few of my favorite stories from the book came from Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, Gayle Forman and Ally Carter. It’s hard to pick between them all, because they were all great stories. Even though these were just short stories, they all would have been wonderful as whole books. The characters were well written and likeable, and I really wanted to keep reading long after the stories ended. (Luckily I was distracted by the next story!) I really enjoyed reading all of these stories.

I also really loved the holiday feel to the book. It put me in the Christmas spirit, and that usually doesn’t happen this early in the year. Now I am itching to read even more Christmas stories!

My only complaint about the book is that the stories weren’t long enough! Yes, I know that these are just short stories, but with each story I started to get attached to the character and storyline, and I didn’t want it to end. But they did. As I mentioned before, all of these stories were well written, and would have made excellent books.

Overall; If you want to read a book of Christmas stories by some really great authors, definitely check out My True Love Gave To Me. It is well worth the read, and will put you in the Christmas Spirit!