Waiting On Wednesday (202) Wild Crush (Wild Cards #2) by Simone Elkeles

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

Wednesday has become my 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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Published September 22nd 2015 by NLA Digital LLC

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When the only girl you want is the one you can't have...

Bad boy Vic Salazar breaks all the rules except one: Don't make a move on your best friend's girl. It’s a Guy Code that Vic lives by. It doesn't matter that he's had a crush on her for years. Monika Fox is off limits.

Monika has a secret of her own and when a tragedy throws her and Vic together, the only boy she trusts is the one she shouldn’t confide in. Vic.

As Vic struggles to keep his distance, and Monika struggles with her secrets, will their wild connection violate every rule both vowed never to break—about relationships, about friendship, about love?

Wait. What? I 'accidentally' discovered this book has been released already. Quietly, and with no fanfare. Huh. I'm surprised really, especially after the hoopla and excitement when this series was first announced. Then the first book was kinda crap, and the excitement faded away. That's so sad really. When I first came on the scene, she was all the rage with her Perfect Chemistry series. And she's supposed to come out with the 4th Perfect Chemistry book in 2015 also. Does anyone know what happened to this author and why she's not 'hot' anymore?

What are you waiting on this week?
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Review: Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith

Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in BetweenHello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between by Jennifer E. Smith

Publication Date: September 1, 2015
Page Count: 246
Published by: Poppy
Source: Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

On the night before they leave for college, Clare and Aidan only have one thing left to do: figure out whether they should stay together or break up. Over the course of twelve hours, they'll retrace the steps of their relationship, trying to find something in their past that might help them decide what their future should be. The night will lead them to friends and family, familiar landmarks and unexpected places, hard truths and surprising revelations. But as the clock winds down and morning approaches, so does their inevitable goodbye. The question is, will it be goodbye for now or goodbye forever?

This new must-read novel from Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, explores the difficult choices that must be made when life and love lead in different directions.

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It's really a shame that I didn't like this book very much. I was excited when I started reading, but I only finished it because it was so short and I wanted to see what happened. The synopsis is spot on, but I guess I was just expecting more somehow. So yeah, over the course of 12 hours, Clare and Aidan rehash the important (and not so important) moments in their 2 year relationship. All of this talking is so they can decide whether to break up or stay together when they go to colleges on opposite coasts. Sure it's sad, but it's also boring.

I didn't get to see Clare and Aidan fall in love, so I felt no connection to them. I didn't even get to decide if I liked them together as a couple! In the end, it was just too hard for me to sympathize with the obvious heartbreak they were feeling.

I didn't like Clare's selfish behavior and her indecisiveness. It made her come across as cruel and insensitive. I also didn't understand Aidan's lack of conviction. He seemed resigned to move forward with whatever Clare decided.

One bright spot I can't fail to mention is Clare and Aidan's friends, Scotty and Stella. They were the best part of this book. They were definitely very interesting, had great personalities, and would make a really cute couple.

Overall, I'm just disappointed with this book. Maybe it's my age, the fact that my kids just turned 18 and 21, and my own life experiences, but I thought the 'breakup or stay together' theme was petty and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Maybe if I hadn't been dropped right into the ending of their relationship I could have cared more. Who knows.

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2 stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (201) Hotel Ruby by Suzanne Young @suzanne_young

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

Wednesday has become my 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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Expected publication: November 3rd 2015 by Simon Pulse

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Stay Tonight. Stay Forever.

When Audrey Casella arrives for an unplanned stay at the grand Hotel Ruby, she’s grateful for the detour. Just months after their mother’s death, Audrey and her brother, Daniel, are on their way to live with their grandmother, dumped on the doorstep of a DNA-matched stranger because their father is drowning in his grief.

Audrey and her family only plan to stay the night, but life in the Ruby can be intoxicating, extending their stay as it provides endless distractions—including handsome guest Elias Lange, who sends Audrey’s pulse racing. However, the hotel proves to be as strange as it is beautiful. Nightly fancy affairs in the ballroom are invitation only, and Audrey seems to be the one guest who doesn't have an invite. Instead, she joins the hotel staff on the rooftop, catching whispers about the hotel’s dark past.

The more Audrey learns about the new people she's met, the more her curiosity grows. She’s torn in different directions—the pull of her past with its overwhelming loss, the promise of a future that holds little joy, and an in-between life in a place that is so much more than it seems…

Welcome to the Ruby.

I've only ever read The Program series by Suzanne Young, so I'm looking forward to reading something different from her.

Today is my daughter's 18th birthday. My son will be 21 in 5 days. Even though I don't feel old, I can't believe how old my kids are! It seems like they were just born yesterday.
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Review: The Fixer (The Fixer #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Fixer (The Fixer, #1)The Fixer (The Fixer #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Page Count: 384
Published by: Bloomsbury Children's
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When sixteen-year-old Tess Kendrick is sent to live with her older sister, Ivy, she has no idea that the infamous Ivy Kendrick is Washington D.C.'s #1 “fixer,” known for making politicians' scandals go away for a price. No sooner does Tess enroll at Hardwicke Academy than she unwittingly follows in her sister's footsteps and becomes D.C.'s premier high school fixer, solving problems for elite teens.

Secrets pile up as each sister lives a double life. . . . until their worlds come crashing together and Tess finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy with one of her classmates and a client of Ivy's. Suddenly, there is much more on the line than good grades, money, or politics, and the price for this fix might be more than Tess is willing to pay.

Perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Heist Society, readers will be clamoring for more in this exciting new series.


This was a really great book. The pacing was pretty fast, and a lot happened, especially towards the end. It was a little hard to keep up with all of the characters, and at times I had to stop and really think about who someone was. So there was a bit of confusion on my part at times, but I was able to straighten it all out in my head.

I can't express how surprised I was that there was no romance. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I thought the story was being set up for a triangle with Tess, but that didn't pan out and I am so glad! I thought there was enough going on without the added interference a romance would bring. So yay for that.

The one thing that really bothered me was that I had a hard time believing that teenagers would have the ability and wherewithal to solve the problems they were presented with. The plausibility of a bunch of kids being involved in and solving a murder mystery, especially right under the noses of the secret service, was a little far-fetched. I know it's just a story, but still.

The Fixer had a lovely group of characters. Tess was likable right away, but I had a hard time finding anything worthwhile about her sister, Ivy. Vivvie was just delightful. And Tess's 2 non love interests - Asher was so cute and charming, and Henry was strong and silent. If I were 17 (again) I could totally see myself having a hard time choosing between them! I never felt comfortable with Ivy's friend, Adam. Something about him just seemed off to me. Even after some of the truth came out, I still didn't know what to think of him. Hopefully I will get a better grip on him in the rest of the series. I have to admit that I liked Bodie the most of all. Seriously, he's barely in this book, but he was the one character that I really wanted to know more about. Call me intrigued! (Dear author: Give me more Bodie in the rest of the series. Or else. That is all.)

The Fixer had an entertaining plot that was a perfect mix of murder mystery and political intrigue that isn't usually found in YA books. This turned out to be a very enjoyable read, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

4 stars
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Review: Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Emmy & OliverEmmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Publication Date: June 23, 2015
Page Count: 352
Published by: HarperTeen
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.


I really, really loved this book. It was such a beautiful story and I enjoyed the wonderful relationships between the characters. The long term effects of Oliver's kidnapping were still being dealt with when Oliver returned home. His family and friends just wanted a happy ending, but real life isn't always that simple.

All of the characters are extremely likable. I'd even say they are lovable. Yes, definitely lovable. Childhood friends Emmy, Caro, Drew and now Oliver are together again and their friendships felt so real. I just really, really loved all of them.

Emmy is smart, caring, and makes a good sounding board and support system for Oliver. There was a small moment that I was disappointed in her behavior because she was insensitive to the feelings of Caro and Drew after she became so wrapped up in Oliver's return. I could understand her devotion to Oliver, and she ended up realizing she was hurting her longtime friendships before it was too late.

Oliver was such a great guy, and I really liked him despite how messed up he was after returning home. He was confused and carried a lot of guilt over what happened with his dad, and he also felt out of place in his childhood home. He attempted to pick up the pieces of his old life, trying so hard to be the little boy they all remembered, all while needing to move on and live in the present.

The pace of Emmy & Oliver's friendship and gradual transition to a romantic relationship was just about perfect. I liked them together so much, and I really wanted things to work out for them.

Despite the heavy subject matter, this turned out to be a really cute and sweet book. The author really managed to create a great balance between the seriousness of the kidnapping and the normal, everyday teenage stuff, so this ended up being a feel good book overall.

The first time I read the synopsis for Emmy & Oliver I added it to my Goodreads tbr because I just HAD to read it. That was on July 24, 2012. This is such a lovely book and definitely well worth the 3 year wait!

4 stars
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Waiting On Wednesday (200) Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1) by Rae Carson @raecarson

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

Wednesday has become my 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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Expected publication: September 22nd 2015 by Greenwillow Books

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety?

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research.

I can't believe this is my 200th Waiting On Wednesday post!!!!

This book was totally not on my radar. I've never even read anything by this author before. But I just finished reading Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman and I went looking for something similar. I've already pre-ordered this, so I hope I like it!

What are you waiting on this week?
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Waiting On Wednesday (199) Persuasion (The Heirs of Watson Island #2) by Martina Boone

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

Wednesday has become my 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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Expected publication: October 27th 2015 by Simon Pulse

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Grieving the death of her godfather and haunted by her cousin Cassie’s betrayal, Barrie returns from a trip to San Francisco to find the Watson plantation besieged by reporters and ghost-hunters. Some are hoping to see the ancient spirit who sets the river on fire each night, while others are chasing rumors of a stolen shipment of Civil War gold that may be hidden at Colesworth Place. Chaos descends as Cassie hires a team of archeologists to excavate beneath the mansion ruins. But more is buried there than treasure.

A mysterious, magical man appears at Watson’s Landing, claiming the key to the Watson and Beaufort gifts and the Colesworth curse also lies beneath the mansion. With a mix of threats and promises, he engages Barrie and Cassie in a midnight visit, but the spell he conjurs has potentially deadly consequences.

While Barrie and dreamy Eight Beaufort struggle to make sense of the escalating danger and their growing feelings for each other, Barrie has to figure out not only whom to trust, but which gift is more reliable—Eight’s or her own. With millions of dollars and the fate of the founding families at stake, she must choose between what she feels deep in her heart and what will keep her loved ones safe.

I can't wait to read Persuasion! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Compulsion, so I hope I enjoy this one just as much!

What are you waiting on this week?
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Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Titans by Victoria Scott

I am thrilled to be a part of Victoria Scott’s Titan’s Jockeys! As a part of the team, I get to share this wonderful giveaway to celebrate the cover reveal of her new book, Titans!

Be sure to check out the gorgeous cover and read the summary, then enter below to win a stack of YA books and a SIGNED titans poster!

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Expected Publication: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: Young Adult

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Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

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Giveaway!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Waiting On Wednesday (198) Lock & Mori (Lock & Mori #1) by Heather W. Petty @heatherwpetty

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

Wednesday has become my 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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Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students, one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James "Mori" Moriarty, meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.

Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more.

FACT: Someone has been murdered in London's Regent's Park. The police have no leads.

FACT: Miss James "Mori"Moriarty and Sherlock "Lock" Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene.

FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted.

FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock's one rule--they must share every clue with each other--Mori is keeping secrets.

OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can't trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.

I'm not any type of Sherlock fan, but I really want to read this book!

What are you waiting on this week?
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