Top Ten Tuesday (#85) (03/31/15) Ten Books You Recently Added To Your To-Be-Read List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Ten Books You Recently Added To Your To-Be-Read List

I have been on a roll lately adding new books to my TBR list.  I view a TBR list as being different from my TBR pile.  The pile indicates books that I actually own v. books I want to read, which end up on my list.  Most of the books I've been adding don't get published until 2016, so most don't have covers yet, and the descriptions are very sparse, so that would be a really boring list.  Here are some of the more recent ones though.

 The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle

 Expected publication: August 18th 2015 by Kathy Dawson Books

This looks like an intriguing debut that I want to check out if I have time.  I don't know if I've ever read anything like it, even though it says it has shades of We Were Liars.
 

All We Have Is Now by Lisa Schroeder

 Expected publication: July 28th 2015 by Scholastic Inc.

I like Lisa Schroeder.  I haven't read all of her books, but those I have read, I've really enjoyed.  I think this one looks like it will also be very good and memorable.

 Awake by Natasha Preston

 Expected publication: August 4th 2015 by Sourcebooks Fire

This one looks particularly interesting.  A cult, a girl with amnesia, a possible kidnapping.  I am very intrigued. 

 The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

 Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This looks like it will be super creepy and good.  I think this is one that I should be sure to read when I'm around other people.  I think the publishers did a great job of coming up with a blurb about this book, because it makes me want to read it right now.

 Lock & Mori (Lock & Mori #1) by Heather W. Petty

 Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

This ended up on my list because I was approved for the ARC.  I love the idea of setting the Sherlock Holmes books in high school. 

Hollywood Witch Hunter by Valerie Tejeda

Expected publication: July 20th 2015 by Bloomsbury Spark

This looks like it will be a fun quick read.  I do enjoy a book that doesn't take itself too seriously every once in a while.  Now I could be completely wrong with my impression about this book, but I am intrigued anyway.

 Other Broken Things by Christa Desir

 Expected publication: January 12th 2016 by Simon Pulse

I love this cover and I really hope they don't decide to change it in the next couple of months.  The story itself looks like it may be very uncomfortable, and could be awesome.  But really, that cover.

The Shadow Behind the Stars by Rebecca Hahn

Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers 

The story of the Fates was always my favorite in mythology.  I am a sucker for books that tell their story.  I can't wait to dig into this one.

Sweet Madness by Trisha Leaver & Lindsay Currie

Expected publication: September 18th 2015 by Merit Press 

A retelling of the Lizzie Borden murders as told from the POV of a maid?  Sign me up!  I hope this book is as good as it looks like it will be.

Zero Day by Jan Gangsei

Expected publication: January 12th 2016 by Disney-Hyperion

I am a sucker for political books.  They are usually a double edge sword for me though.  They have to be really well done because I know a lot about the inner workings (or not) of the government, and the facts better check out, or my attention goes.  Either way, it's one that I will definitely have to read.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#83) First & Then by Emma Mills

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking: 

First & Then by Emma Mills
Expected publication: October 13th 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

From Goodreads: 

First impressions can be deceiving . . .

Devon has life pretty much figured out: she’s got her best friend Cas, her secret crush (also Cas), and her comfortable routine (mostly spent with Cas). New experiences: not welcome here. But as she enters her senior year, her parents take in her cousin Foster, an undersized weirdo who shows an unexpected talent for football, and star running back Ezra takes Foster under his wing. Devon can't figure out how she feels about Ezra. He's obviously stuck-up, but Foster adores him. Ezra has nothing to say to her, but he keeps seeking her out. And... Devon might actually like him. If only she can admit it to herself.

Funny, fresh, and layered, First and Then proves that change doesn't always tear things apart—sometimes, it brings them together.


Why I'm Waiting:

This sounds like my favorite type of book. I am curious about what happens with her relationships with both Ezra and Cas. Add in that this a debut author, and this looks like a winner to me.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#82) Faking Perfect by Rebecca Phillips

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

Faking Perfect by Rebecca Phillips
Expected publication: June 30th 2015 by K-Teen

From Goodreads: 

“Edgy and honest, Faking Perfect is the real thing.” –Huntley Fitzpatrick

When Lexi Shaw seduced Oakfield High's resident bad boy Tyler Flynn at the beginning of senior year, he seemed perfectly okay with her rules:

1. Avoid her at school.
2. Keep his mouth shut about what they do together.
3. Never tease her about her friend (and unrequited crush) Ben.

Because with his integrity and values and golden boy looks, Ben can never find out about what she’s been doing behind closed doors with Tyler. Or that her mom’s too busy drinking and chasing losers to pay the bills. Or that Lexi’s dad hasn’t been a part of her life for the last thirteen years. But with Tyler suddenly breaking the rules, Ben asking her out, and her dad back in the picture, how long will she be able to go on faking perfect?


Why I'm Waiting:

I love a good contemporary and this looks like it will be wonderful. I love the idea of the female main character seducing the bad boy and wanting to keep it secret. It's a nice change of pace.

Top Ten Tuesday (#84) (3/17/15) Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Top Ten Books On My Spring TBR List

These four Top Tens are my favorites of the year.  I love making a plan for what I would like to read in those months.  Some quarters I am more successful and getting through my list than others, I hope this list is one that I can get to all of them.  As always, these are books that have will be published during the spring equinox which runs from March 20th - June 20th.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Expected publication: May 5th 2015 by Viking Juvenile 

How could I have this list and NOT include Sarah Dessen's next novel?  I can't wait to dig into this one. This was one of my most anticipated books of 2015.

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

Expected publication: March 31st 2015 by Bloomsbury

By time the 20th rolls around, there is a good chance I will have already finished reading this, but I am including it anyway.  I loved Lord's debut book last year, and I can't wait to see how she follows it up.

Royal Wedding: A Princess Diaries Novel (The Princess Diaries #11) by Meg Cabot

Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by William Morrow & Company 

I know this is technically an adult book, but I am including it, because of its YA roots.  It was such a pleasant surprise to find out a new book was coming out in the series.  This is probably my second most anticipated books of 2015.

Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins

 Expected publication: April 7th 2015 by Putnam Juvenile

 I can't wait to read the second installment of this kick butt heroine. I feel like I've been waiting for this one forever.

The Heir (The Selection #4) by Kiera Cass

Expected publication: May 5th 2015 by HarperTeen

 I have mixed emotions about this book since I have had such a love/hate relationship with the series.  I honestly was glad it was over, and to now find out there is a 4th book, make me cringe a little.  Even so, I kind of want to see what happens next.

All the Rage by Courtney Summers

Expected publication: April 14th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin 

Courtney Summers' books always surprise me with how much I enjoy them. Supposedly this book follows in the vein of Speak, which is one of my all time favorites.

Cold Burn of Magic (Black Blade #1) by Jennifer Estep

Expected publication: April 28th 2015 by K-Teen 

I really enjoyed Jennifer Estep's last YA series, so I can't wait to dig into this one. I actually don't know a lot about it, but I will get to the ARC soon.

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by Dutton Books for Young Readers 

I can't wait to see what Carrie Ryan can do outside of zombies.  The Forest of Hands and Teeth series was so memorable, that I am hoping this book can live up to the standard that it set.

The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh

Expected publication: May 12th 2015 by Putnam Juvenile 

My most anticipated debut of this year.  I have the ARC waiting for me on the shelf, and I plan to dig in soon.

P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han

Expected publication: May 26th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

The ending of the first book was a bit of a killer, but I was still happy with it being a stand alone.  It was just so awesome, I was willing to use my imagination to finish the story for myself.  However, when I found out there was going to be a second one, I was trilled.  I can't wait to see what happens

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#81) The Escape by Hannah Jayne

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

The Escape by Hannah Jayne
Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by Sourcebooks Fire

From Goodreads: 

When two boys walk into the woods, and one comes out covered in blood, what would you believe?
 
Fletcher and Adam venture into the woods for an afternoon hike, but when day turns into night and neither boy returns, their town is thrown into turmoil. Avery, the detective's daughter, is the one to find Fletcher—dishelved, disoriented, and covered in blood. He has no memory of what happened, but Avery can't shake the feeling that something's off. When Adam's body is finally found, Avery is determined to uncover the truth. But if she stands by her gut, and Fletcher, is she standing by a friend, or a murderer? The answer might cost her her life.


Why I'm Waiting:

This looks like it will be a great mystery.  Plus once again, I try to support small publishers, and the people at Sourcebooks couldn't be more awesome. 

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#80) Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator by Jen Klein

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator by Jen Klein
Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by Soho Teen

From Goodreads: 

Ally Carter’s megabestselling Gallagher Girls series meets Veronica Mars with a paranormal twist when Jillian Cade’s (fake!) private eye service unearths far more than she bargained for.
Jillian Cade doesn’t believe in the paranormal. But her famous professor father does, and now that he’s gone, she decides to milk his reputation—and all the suckers who believe in the stuff—to open a private investigation firm. After all, a high school junior has to take care of herself, especially if she’s on her own.

Ironically, it’s when she takes on a case that might involve a totally non-paranormal missing person that things get strange. Particularly when Sky Ramsey—a new boy at school and an avid fan of her father’s—forces his way into becoming her partner and won’t shut up about succubi, of all things.


Before Jillian knows it, she finds herself navigating both her growing feelings for Sky and a sneaking suspicion that the poor saps she’s been scamming know something she doesn’t. Yet.


Why I'm Waiting:

I'm not sure that this is the final cover, and I don't know if the publication date is correct.  Amazon's listing looks totally different.  Either way, this book looks adorable. It looks like it combines a bunch of things I adore, Veronica Mars, Ally Carter, and the t.v. show Supernatural.  Sign me up.  Plus it's from a small publisher, and I am huge fan of them.

Top Ten Tuesday (#83) (3/3/15) Top Ten Favorite Books from the Past 3 years

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

 

Top Ten Favorite Books from the Past 3 years

This is where I'm really glad I keep good records about what I've read.  It was a bit hard to narrow it down, so I decided to limit it to books that were also PUBLISHED in the last three + years.  So January 1, 2012 - March 3, 2015.  These are NOT in order.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I absolutely adore this book, even years later I have such a fondness for it.  I can't really think of anything I didn't love.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

So beautiful both the writing and the story.  This one has stuck with me in the years since I read it. At the time, I don't think I appreciated it as much as I do now.

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

I had to include a Sarah Dessen book on this list. Granted it wasn't my absolute favorite by her, but it still was excellent.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

This one took me by surprise.  I knew it was my favorite type of book, but I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. 

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater

I love Maggie Stiefvater, and this book was so interesting.  I love the characters and the surprises in this one.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

This was actually the first Jennifer E. Smith book I read, and I loved it.  It was the start of me consuming almost everything she's written.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Even though I kind of ruined the book for myself by reading the end, I still absolutely loved this book.  It was so beautifully written and completely unexpected.

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

I have talked a lot about how much I adore this book, so it absolutely had to go on this list.  It just really hit close to home for me, and I try to push it on everyone I know.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I understand why it won the Printz, and it deserved it.  Jandy Nelson's first book The Sky is Everywhere is one of my all time favorite books, so I was totally looking forward to this one.  It was worth the wait.

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers

Another book that took me a bit by surprise.  I don't normally love historical fiction, but this one had enough other stuff going on that I absolutely loved it.