Waiting For Wentworth: 11/01/2014

Sunday Updates

I'm having a SALE in my Etsy Shop.

This weekend is my only sale of the year, so I made sure I had my store stocked up.

Everything is made and ready to ship!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

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All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Expected publication: January 6th 2015 by Knopf

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this compelling, exhilarating, and beautiful story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.

Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister's recent death.

When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.

This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Gayle Forman, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.

This sounds so good! I just hope it doesn't make me cry too much!

What are you waiting on this week? Be sure to leave a link to your WoW post so I can visit you back.

For those who celebrate, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Page Count: 272
Published by: Swoon Reads
Source: Borrowed from the Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The distinctive new crowdsourced publishing imprint Swoon Reads proudly presents its first published novel — an irresistibly sweet romance between two college students told from 14 different viewpoints.

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.

But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship.

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

A Little Something Different was a lot different, and that's a really good thing! Delightful and charming, this book easily put a smile on my face.

This lovely story is told from 14 POVs, none of which are the 2 main characters, and yet it totally works! And it's so freakin' cute and adorable it's almost painful to read. The interesting thing is that all of these POVs are from characters that are close enough to view this couple possibly falling in love, and they offer a really unique perspective. My favorite POV was the Squirrel! He was just too funny and had some great observations about Gabe and Lea (and life!)

Gabe and Lea's relationship was nice and slow in developing because the story was more about 'will they or won't they' get together. I enjoyed seeing their romance blossom while they struggled to figure things out for themselves. Everyone around them was so encouraging that I couldn't help rooting for them to get their crap together and work it out.

I really enjoyed the various characters throughout this book. Gabe and Lea were both shy, quiet, and awkward, and that made them so likable to me. Both Gabe and Lea had a terrific group of friends looking out for their happiness. My favorite character was Gabe's big brother, Sam, and I loved the relationship that they had. Sam was awesome, and I thought he showed the perfect amount of brotherly love, caring, and affection.

Overall, A Little Something Different was a highly entertaining story, with just the right amount of sweetness and fluff that I enjoyed. This book is full of heartwarming awesomeness, and it's a definite must read if you are a fan of contemporary romance like I am.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

Expected publication: January 13th 2015 by Putnam Juvenile

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle—beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family--but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with.

I added this to my tbr after seeing it on someone else's WoW post. It's not something I would normally choose to read, but it does sound pretty awesome! I really hope this is a standalone, and so far I see no information about it being a series. Yay standalones!!

What are you waiting on this week? Be sure to leave a link to your WoW post so I can visit you back!

Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Lyla Payne

Publication Date: November 20, 2014
Page Count: 150
Published by: Bloomsbury Spark
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…but lust refused to settle in for a long winter's nap.
She might be all nestled, snug in her bed, by why, oh why, do visions of the wrong guy dance in her head?

Jessica, (not Jessie), figures that nothing could be better than a trip to the Emerald Isle for Christmas break. So she takes a flying leap and follows her boyfriend home for the holidays, not only sure that he will finally agree they're destined for each other, but also that Ireland will provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of their happily-ever-after.

But it turns out his family--and his gorgeous ex-girlfriend--don't feel the same way, and even the family goat seems to be conspiring against her well-laid plans. The only person making the trip worthwhile is the very last one she should be thinking about, but Grady, the local farmhand, has a way of showing up when Jessica needs him most...and least.

I really enjoyed this sweet and fun holiday romance. Short and very easy to read, with likable characters and a lovely setting, Mistletoe and Mr. Right was a great Christmas novella with a wonderful and satisfying conclusion.

The protagonist, Jessica, was a bit clueless about relationships. She tried way too hard to make things go according to her 10 year life plan. We all know that life doesn't work according to plans, and Jessica finds this out the hard way when she chases after her boyfriend, Brennan, when he returns home for Christmas. Brennan seemed a bit reserved and not really invested in their relationship, and I never really felt drawn to him. Grady was cute and attentive and had a great sense of humor. He was also very understanding and patient, and I really liked him.

The plot was predictable, but that was okay with me because the writing was wonderful and I really enjoyed the story. This is one of those squeaky clean new adult romances that would work well as a Hallmark channel movie. I would recommend Mistletoe and Mr. Right to anyone looking for a quick and easy read for the holiday season.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

October Wrap Up and November TBR

Oh, look how late I am with this post! I've been putting this off because I'm almost embarrassed by how few books I have read recently. I suck so much that I even updated my Goodreads Challenge by removing, yes removing, 10 books from my total for the year. I really suck, but I think I'm okay with not reaching my goal this year.

I take comfort in the fact that I haven't been wasting my time. I have been busy working and sewing up a ton of new items for my Etsy shop. You should check out the cute Christmas zipper pouches that I have. I list new items daily, and I have more Christmas items going up this week.

The month is halfway over and it is snowing here today. We've been listening to Christmas music because one of the local radio stations has switched over to all Christmas music already. GAH. Last Monday was really warm and nice, so we put up our outdoor holiday lights, but they won't be turned on until Thanksgiving night. Our neighbors put their lights up on Monday also, but they have them turned on!! And their Christmas tree is up and is turned on! That's just silly and way too early.

Books Read in October

Stitching Snow by R.C. Lewis (My Review)
Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island #1) by Martina Boone (My Review)

November TBR:

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Killer Instinct (The Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (My Review)
Mistletoe and Mr. Right by Lyla Payne
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
Stone Cove Island by Suzanne Myers
Very Bad Things by Susan McBride

I also have some Christmas novellas that I will be reading this month to get in the holiday mood.

That's another month for me! What are you planning on reading?

Compulsion (The Heirs of Watson Island #1) by Martina Boone

Publication Date: October 28, 2014
Page Count: 448
Published by: Simon Pulse
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Three plantations. Two wishes. One ancient curse.

All her life, Barrie Watson has been a virtual prisoner in the house where she lives with her shut-in mother. When her mother dies, Barrie promises to put some mileage on her stiletto heels. But she finds a new kind of prison at her aunt’s South Carolina plantation instead--a prison guarded by an ancient spirit who long ago cursed one of the three founding families of Watson Island and gave the others magical gifts that became compulsions.

Stuck with the ghosts of a generations-old feud and hunted by forces she cannot see, Barrie must find a way to break free of the family legacy. With the help of sun-kissed Eight Beaufort, who knows what Barrie wants before she knows herself, the last Watson heir starts to unravel her family's twisted secrets. What she finds is dangerous: a love she never expected, a river that turns to fire at midnight, a gorgeous cousin who isn’t what she seems, and very real enemies who want both Eight and Barrie dead.

Compulsion was a beautifully written Southern Gothic with tons of charm. I really enjoyed reading it, but there were a few things that held it back from being one of those really great books. The story was perfectly nice and at points I really did enjoy it, but it just wasn't as creepy as I was expecting it to be. There was also a kind of overdone feel that bogged the story down at times.

The story revolves around Barrie's arrival in Watson's Landing. She sets out not only to discover her own family's long and sordid history, but also to uncover the truth about the other 2 families who share a past with the Watsons. The set up of ALL of the different characters and their curse / gift took up a lot of the pages. While interesting to read, it was also quite confusing. It felt more like a whole lot of description and background, and not nearly enough substance with the present day story. I was mostly okay with this, but every once in a while I'd realize that I was still a little lost with the story, and I didn't know the characters well enough to feel a strong connection to them.

The author managed to create more than a few interesting characters. I loved some of them, and I thought some were downright nasty and awful. I ended up liking Barrie a lot. She was tough, headstrong, and had such a huge heart. And I couldn't help but feel sympathy for what she was going through. She was a bit too accepting at times, but I was glad that she didn't freak out over some of her discoveries like I would have.

It was SO easy to like Eight because he was sort of perfect, even though he could be completely frustrating at times. Of course, once you read the story you'll realize there was a definite reason that he was so charming and easy to take. Whatever the reason, and despite my being too old for him, I couldn't help but think he was a bit swoony.

Barrie and Eight didn't have what I would call insta-love, but more like an instant connection and easy friendship. Is it wrong that I liked them together? Because I will totally admit that I was a fan of them skipping the awkward getting to know you phase and moving right into being comfortable together. Their relationship really worked for me in this story, and I found it to be sweet, charming, and romantic. I thought they worked really well together while trying to figure out their families' mysteries.

I really enjoyed this story and found it to be historically fascinating. There was enough mystery and intrigue to keep the story interesting and to keep me reading, but I really wish it had been creepier. Overall, I thought this was a wonderful debut and an excellent start to this series, and I can't wait to read the next book.

I have to point out that the title for the second book in this series is Persuasion. I'm on the fence about the title because I'm such a huge fan of Jane Austen's Persuasion, so that is what I immediately think of. I know the title really relates to the curse / gift aspect of the story, so I'll just have to get over it.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Breaking the Rules (Pushing the Limits #1.5) by Katie McGarry

Expected publication: December 8th 2014 by Harlequin Teen

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A summer road trip changes everything in this unforgettable new tale from acclaimed author Katie McGarry

For new high school graduate Echo Emerson, a summer road trip out west with her boyfriend means getting away and forgetting what makes her so... different. It means seeing cool sights while selling her art at galleries along the way. And most of all, it means almost three months alone with Noah Hutchins, the hot, smart, soul-battered guy who’s never judged her. Echo and Noah share everything — except the one thing Echo’s just not ready for.

But when the source of Echo’s constant nightmares comes back into her life, she has to make some tough decisions about what she really wants — even as foster kid Noah’s search for his last remaining relatives forces them both to confront some serious truths about life, love, and themselves.

Now, with one week left before college orientation, jobs and real life, Echo must decide if Noah's more than the bad-boy fling everyone warned her he'd be. And the last leg of an amazing road trip will turn... seriously epic.

Is it bad that I read the first book, Pushing The Limits, but I haven't kept up with the rest of this series? I'm interested in reading this one since it features the characters from the first book.

What are you waiting on this week? Be sure to leave a link to your WoW so I can visit you back!

YA Books With A Military Theme in Honor of Veteran's Day

Since today is Veteran's Day, I thought I would take the opportunity to share some of the books I have read that feature a military theme. Some of these were 5 star reads for me!

Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley
This might be the best book I have read in 2014!

Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie
I really loved this one! After his brother dies in Iraq, Matt realizes he doesn't know his brother as well as he thought he did.

If I Lie by Corrine Jackson
This was such an emotional read with lots of great characters.

Something like Normal by Trish Doller
All around great read. Travis is awesome, even if he is a bit flawed.

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

While He Was Away by Karen Halvorsen Schreck

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Military school. Jonah Griggs. Enough said.

Adrenaline Crush by Laurie Boyle Crompton

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The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry

Coming in February:

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
I can't wait to read this one!

Killer Instinct (The Naturals, #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Page Count: 386
Published by: Disney-Hyperion
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Cassie Hobbes has a gift for profiling people. Her talent has landed her a spot in an elite FBI program for teens with innate crime-solving abilities, and into some harrowing situations. After barely escaping a confrontation with an unbalanced killer obsessed with her mother’s murder, Cassie hopes she and the rest of the team can stick to solving cold cases from a distance.

But when victims of a brutal new serial killer start turning up, the Naturals are pulled into an active case that strikes too close to home: the killer is a perfect copycat of Dean’s incarcerated father—a man he’d do anything to forget. Forced deeper into a murderer’s psyche than ever before, will the Naturals be able to outsmart the enigmatic killer’s brutal mind games before this copycat twists them into his web for good?

With her trademark wit, brilliant plotting, and twists that no one will see coming, Jennifer Lynn Barnes will keep readers on the edge of their seats (and looking over their shoulders) as they race through the pages of this thrilling novel.

Even though this is only the second book, I'm finding this series to be quite enjoyable!

Killer Instinct picked up shortly after the first book ended. The 5 teen 'Naturals' were still dealing with the aftermath of events from the first book when a new agent comes in and takes over. She's not impressed with the program and makes her displeasure known to all. Since the kids are only supposed to work cold cases, they quickly become bored and look for ways to break the rules. The 5 secretly involved themselves when a new FBI case comes to their attention - a serial killer who may be copycatting Dean's father.

Things are stepped up from the first book, and when the kids officially become more involved in the investigation the drama and intensity gets ramped up. Once again, the killings take a personal turn and the kids must lean on each other for support.

This time the focus of the story has shifted somewhat onto Dean. Since the story is told from Cassie's POV, I had a hard time figuring out what the other characters were thinking and feeling. I felt this really limited my ability to understand and connect with them at times.

For the most part, I enjoyed the characters and their continued development, but the rampant teenage hormones in this house almost got to be too much for me. I actually didn't like Sloane or Lia this time around. Sloane was too petty and Lia was way too catty for my taste. As much as I loved moody and broody Dean in the first book, for some reason I was enjoying Michael more in this book. Maybe it was because he seemed to be so much more open and honest with his thoughts and feelings than Dean was. As more of his past came to light, I could understand why Dean was so closed off and reserved, especially towards Cassie.

Then there is Cassie, who is just a wonderful character. But I would love to tell her that she doesn't have to 'choose' anyone - it's okay to have 2 boys that you like, but it's not okay to continuously pit them against each other and then feel bad about it afterwards. Just say NO to the 'love' triangle! I felt the triangle could have gone either way, and by the end of the book it appears to be resolved (at least for now.) I must admit that I am a bit torn over Cassie's choice. Is it wrong that I am just as confused about Michael and Dean as Cassie is?

I opened up this book on my Kindle before bed one night and I couldn't put it down. Before I knew it I was at 50% and was forced to stop only because I needed to sleep. I couldn't wait to pick it back up the next day! It had the right amount suspense, mystery, and action to keep it very entertaining, and quite a few twists that I didn't see coming. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

Expected publication: February 3rd 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Synopsis from Goodreads:

If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.

Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper.

I've really been looking forward to reading I'll Meet You There ever since I read Heather's debut book, Something Real.

What are you waiting on this week? Be sure to leave a link to your WoW so I can visit you back!

Anomaly by Tonya Kuper

Releasing November 25, 2014

Add to Goodreads

Book Trailer Release

Book Synopsis:

Reality is only an illusion.

Except for those who can control it…

Worst. Birthday. Ever.

My first boyfriend dumped me—happy birthday, Josie!—my dad is who knows where, I have some weird virus that makes me want to hurl, and now my ex is licking another girl’s tonsils. Oh, and I’m officially the same age as my brother was when he died. Yeah, today is about as fun-filled as the swamps of Dagobah. But then weird things start happening…

Like I make something materialize just by thinking about it.

When hottily-hot badass Reid Wentworth shows up on a motorcycle, everything changes. Like, everything. Who I am. My family. What really happened to my brother. Existence. I am Oculi, and I have the ability to change reality with my thoughts. Now Reid, in all his hotness, is charged with guiding and protecting me as I begin learning how to bend reality. And he’s the only thing standing between me and the secret organization that wants me dead…

Buy links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

About Tonya Kuper:

Tonya Kuper is the author of ANOMALY, the first in the Schrodinger’s Consortium Series, a young adult science fiction trilogy, releasing November 25, 2014 by Entangled Teen. She fell for Young Adult lit while earning her Master’s degree in Reading Education. She's a mom to two awesome boys, an alt music junkie, a Star Wars nerd, and in love with Sherlock.

Find Tonya online: Website / Twitter @TonyaKuper