waiting on wednesday | 8 - Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get in our hands.
	Dreams of Gods & Monsters by: Laini Taylor | Website | Twitter Publication Date: April 2014 Publisher: Little, Brown & Company Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone #3
No official cover or summary, but the title and the following Q&A were released on EW's Shelf Life last week. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What can fans expect from Dreams of Gods & Monsters? LAINI TAYLOR: Dreams of Gods & Monsters picks up where Days of Blood & Starlight leaves off, and you can expect to see: seraphim in the human world (which will never be the same again), scientific excavation of “the pit”, enemy armies trying to fight side by side, the possibility of love rekindling, and … new threats that make Jael seem but a minor nuisance. At the barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? Q&A and cover image from EW.com.
Why the WOW: While I was slightly indifferent about Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Days of Blood & Starlight completely owned me, in the best way possible. From my review, I finally got hooked when Karou's backstory and other life were brought to the forefront, turning the slightly paranormal story into one that had more of a fantasy feel (right up my alley). Now I can't wait to read the epic conclusion.
What are you waiting for?

review - Wait for You

	Wait for You by: J. Lynn | Website | Twitter Publication Date: February 26, 2013 Publisher: Self-published Series: Wait for You #1 Format: eBook Page Count: 332 Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance Get your copy: Amazon | B&N
Summary: Some things are worth waiting for… Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself. Some things are worth experiencing… Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed. Some things should never be kept quiet… But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her? And some things are worth fighting for… Summary and cover image from goodreads.
I meant for this to be a mini-review, but I starting writing and couldn't stop! So prepare yourself, this review might contain a lot of gushing over this amazing, hot, and slightly angsty story. It starts by introducing Avery, who is more or less running away from her hometown and all the bad memories and relationships (or really the lack of any true friendships). On her first day of class, she literally runs into the rock-hard body of Cameron Hamilton. Already late, she refuses to walk into class and once again runs away, leaving Cam alone in the hallway and beginning their habit of running into each other. Avery is very skittish and closed-off; we know something awful has happened in her past. Her past is slowly revealed in reverse, in that we see all the consequences of this awful event. That her parents have basically abandoned her, simply to keep up social appearances. These revelations build throughout the story, which in the world of NA stories/tropes that can be overused added a great twist. Back to Cam, BMOC; he stole the show being the ever-swoonworthy gentleman. It was the little details that made me love him; like his always present cap, worn backwards if he's really listening to Avery. Cam's story is not free from some angst. I loved his protective big brother side and his family in general. I totally see why Avery felt comfortable when she visited. Emotions were running high in a certain scene with Cam's mom and Avery, ohh feelings! Due to Avery's refusal to go on a date with him, Cam approaches her with the "let's be friends," while I make plans to become more. I was a sucker for this method. This actually reminded me of Beautiful Disaster, but much more believable and sweeter. My one concern with the romance was WHY was Cam so infatuated with Avery in the first place? Was it the challenge? A one-chapter POV from Cam could shed some much needed light on his reasoning. Its just that their first interaction was so short, and while it grows into something beautiful, I wouldn't want this rooted in some insta-love moment. [Just saw on goodreads that Trust in Me (#1.5 novella) will be release in Oct 2013 and is in Cam's POV. Wish granted!] After that initial attraction, the romance is fairly gradual; the way lasting relationships truly are. The kind where things always remind you of the other person and you miss their general presence in your life. Cue the cliched fall-break scene where this realization hits Avery. Did I see this coming from a mile away? Yeah, but I loved reading it. Avery finally sees the potential of a relationship with Cam. There was one small issue that the pragmatic me couldn't let go. There was no way an incoming freshman is allowed to live off campus. I understand its need for the story to work, but most universities require that all first-year freshmen live in the dorms on campus. Sidekick-wise, Brittany was a grounding force for the story. When Avery is about to lose it or needs a friend, Brit is always there. Her straight-forward, tell/ask it like it is attitude made me very happy. I loved that she kicked fellow side-kick, Jacob, out of the room, when there was real issued to discuss. She wasn't just an outgoing (read: partying co-ed) friend, meant only to bring Avery out of her shell. No, Brit actually cared about Avery's well-being. The pacing was perfect and realistic, allowing Avery to grow and adapt to her and Cam's relationship. The ending provided poignant closure for Avery and leaves readers with a giddy sense of hope for her and her future with Cam. So much to fan-girl over, but I'll stop and let you discover how awesome Wait for You is. Extremely excited to continue this series with Cam's sister, Teresa, coming Feb 2014.

waiting on wednesday | 7 - Rebel Spring

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get in our hands.
	Rebel Spring by: Morgan Rhodes | Website | Twitter Publication Date: December 3, 2013 Publisher: Razorbill Series: Falling Kingdoms #2
Summary: Love, power, and magic collide with war in the second book of the Falling Kingdoms series Auranos has fallen and the three kingdoms—Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia—are now united as one country called Mytica. But still, magic beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world… When the evil King Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land, forcing Cleo the dethroned princess, Magnus the reluctant heir, Lucia the haunted sorceress, and Jonas the desperate rebel to take steps they never could have imagined. Summary and cover image from goodreads.
Why the WOW: I've been on a fantasy kick lately, and Falling Kingdoms stood out in this genre. Morgan Rhodes has no fear of killing characters and killing often. Her and Beth Revis probably get right along. Haha! Things were definitely left up in the air with the end of Falling Kingdoms. Not necessarily cliff-hangers, but I felt like I wanted to pop the next DVD in. What? I have to wait a year?
What are you waiting for?

mini-reviews | Hopeless, Beautiful Bastard, Word and Deed

	Hopeless by: Colleen Hoover | Website | Twitter Publication Date: December 19, 2012 Series: Hopeless #1 Format: Kindle I LIVE this book, no make that Love this book! Colleen Hoover has had three slam dunks this year, Slammed, Point of Retreat, and Hopeless. Each one was utterly all-consuming. The writing is very real and easy to lose yourself in the story. Hopeless, while heartbreaking and emotional, still manages to put a huge smile on your face when reading it. (A lot of that has to do with one Dean Holder) Colleen Hoover has a certain chapter written from Holder's POV; it's free over on her website. Oh, Holder, sigh. Be still my heart! Get insight into Holder's head and see everything that he is thinking during this toe-curling scene.
	Beautiful Bastard by: Christina Lauren | Website Publication Date: February 12, 2013 Series: Beautiful Bastard #1 Format: PB from the Biblioteca This was a quick and steamy read. The hate/love (really more like "I love how you infuriate me") relationship between Chloe and Bennett was smokin'. But beyond that the story was kind of flat. There was some good angst about how or it their relationship would work, with her being his intern. But it felt like the story was just skimming the surface. I connected more with Bennett, probably because he was the first to commit to the relationship, in whatever form he could have. Chloe was the one fighting it. That role reversal (or that the reader gets Bennett's POV, fully displaying his emotions) was refreshing and interesting to read. This is what I wish the story as a whole had more of, some deeper emotion. Still planning on picking up the sequel. Funny note, despite all the passion in this book the following was my favorite line. "Would you have gone back to the room?" I asked into her ear as she carefully read an undergraduate poster on a rebranding idea for some small cellular company. Graphs were taped to the poster board, for crying out loud. - page 227
	Word and Deed by: Susannah Noel | Website | Twitter Publication Date: December 15, 2012 Series: Wordless Chronicles #2 Format: Kindle Earlier this year, I picked up Word and Breath. I absolutely loved it. I guess it came as a breath (haha) of fresh air in the genre of books I had been reading. A lot of YA that fell into the same old story lines. Word and Breath reminded me how much I loved reading thriller/crime books, while throwing in some paranormal, dystopian, and romance. While I loved Word and Breath, I felt that Word and Deed fell a little short. Probably just the dreaded middle book drag, where story lines have to be moved forward and setup for that final book. All the same characters are back, more Connor! Definitely a fan of the Librarian!!! Look forward to future Wordless books and anything by Susannah Noel!
Have you read any of them? Let me know what you thought!

stacking the shelves | 3

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to share the books added to the ever-growing TBR pile.

Purchased - BN.com Quintana of Charyn (Lumatere Chronicles #3) by: Melina Marchetta Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by: R.L. LaFevers Purchased - Amazon Callum & Harper (The Sleepless Series #1) by: Fisher Amelie Thomas & January (The Sleepless Series #2) by: Fisher Amelie Bookstore Trade Blood Bound (Unbound #1) by: Rachel Vincent Shadow Bound (Unbound #2) by: Rachel Vincent

What's new: Headed out to Utah to see the Arches National Park. So, I've got my kindle loaded and a backup paperback for the flight. Pictures when I get back, or follow my Instagram on the top right margin. Can't wait to read the last installment of the Finnikin Series; it'll be bittersweet. Grave Mercy was one of my favorites last year, ready to read Sybella's story.

consider it covered | 2 - Allegiant

Allegiant by: Veronica Roth | Website | Twitter Publication Date: October 22, 2013 Publisher: HarperCollins Series: Divergent #3

Who got a crazy smile, checking instagram at work this morning? Me! This just means we're that much closer to the actual release! Thank you Epicreads instagram! I wasn't sure about it with with the blue background, but on white it looks good. The first thing I noticed was the airport. It's Chicago, how could we not venture to O'Hare? The water keeps the classic elements going, with fire (Divergent) and earth (Insurgent).

waiting on wednesday | 6 - Siege and Storm

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get in our hands.
	Siege and Storm by: Leigh Bardugo | Website | Twitter Publication Date: June 4, 2013 Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Series: The Grisha #2
Summary: Darkness never dies. Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long. The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm. Summary and cover image from goodreads.
Why the WOW: With a little less than a month until this bad-boy hits the shelves, I thought I could use this week's WOW to fangirl about this series. I was blown away by Shadow and Bone last year; what wasn't to love, Russian high-fantasy, the Darkling, and a best-friend that could be more (best trope ever). So ready to get back into this world with Alina and Mal. The summary sets us up for one heck of a high-risk adventure. What are you waiting for?

review - Through the Ever Night

	Through the Ever Night by: Veronica Rossi | Website | Twitter Publication Date: January 8, 2013 Publisher: Harper Collins Series: Under the Never Sky #2 Format: Hardcover Page Count: 352 Genre: YA, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic Get your copy: Amazon | B&N
Summary: It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both. Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder,Can their love survive through the ever night? In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable. Summary and cover image from goodreads.
Fighting against a clock, with ever mounting Aether strikes, and the perilous conditions of whole in general; Aria and Perry struggle to protect and provide for the ones they love in this daring sequel to Under the Never Sky. Aria's made a deal with Hess to find the Still Blue, a supposed safe-land free of Aether, in return of Talon. Perry is stepping into his new role as the Blood Lord of the Tides and finding a lot of push back from his people. They fail to see him as a capable leader and protector in these tough and troubled times. So when Aria journeys to Tides land with Perry, they keep their relationship on the down-low. Nothing like fraternizing with the enemy to lose what few points Perry has with his people. Getting the Tides to warm-up to Aria is tough going, furthering her feeling of isolation and not belonging. To show their support and acceptance of her, Perry and Roar try to help Aria by having a marking ceremony (where she gets tattoos to designate her as an Audile). But her life is threatened with poisoned tattoo ink. This leaves Aria with a mess of a half-finished marking. My heart broke for her; she feels that she'll never be fully accepted, not with the Dwellers or the Outsiders, not anywhere. People only see the foreign-half of her heritage. Now the this uneasy feeling is physically and permanently on display. Once Aria's life is threatened, Perry wants to stay with her and protect her on the journey to find the Still Blue. But Aria knows how his leaving with her would look to his people. That he would abandon them for a Dweller. So Aria flees in the middle of the night with Roar; he in search of his lost-love and Perry's sister, Liv. Perry left on his own begins to seriously doubt his ability to lead (stay and fight for their land; or follow his plan b and squirrel away in a protected cave) and whether Aria's intentions toward him are true. Cue the jealous boyfriend; his girl is off gallivanting with Roar, a fellow Audile, thus providing a deep connection between the two. I just wanted to shake Perry and yell, "Fear not Perry, you're rendered to Aria. Stay strong. You guys belong together. Plus, would Roar do that to you?" Aria and Roar make their way to the city of Rim, only to find Liv alive and well and set to marry Sable in a few short days. Aria can't believe this is the same Liv that Roar has described to her. She questions Liv's intentions; while sizing each other up, Aria describes her and Perry's relationship with a Carmen opera lyric, "Love is a rebellious bird that nobody can tame." "Are you the bird, or is my brother?" "I think the bird is the connection between us…I'd do anything for him." Love it! Sable's emissary, Kirra, visits Perry, bringing much needed food and man-power. But she quickly becomes all kinds of overbearing and assuming, sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. I knew this wouldn't bode well for Perry, especially after she takes it upon herself to fix his roof, removing his nighttime view of the stars and Aether. I kept thinking, "Not cool lady!" whenever she was around. Soren's character arc from UtNS to TtEN is interesting; to see how even in the "perfect" virtual world, Soren can be made an outcast and to feel unwanted. The theater scene, where he was reintroduced, was written brilliantly, with the dark theater and the use of shadows and lights. In closing, TtEN was a solid follow-up to UtNS; bold moves were made and risky actions taken. The characters' growth throughout TtEN highlight their journeys searching for safety (physical, mental, and emotional) and perfectly positions the pieces for the finale.

consider it covered | 1 - Champion

Champion by: Marie Lu | Website | Twitter Publication Date: November 5, 2013 Publisher: Putnam Juvenile Series: Legend #3

Shut the front door! When did this happen? I just saw this while browsing through my TBR list on Goodreads. Thought I share my love for the newly released cover and my general love for this series! The white is what caught my eye; makes the red and orange hints really pop. The stencil and sand/dirt/powder design continues with a half-rose/half-flame. And is that a bullet hole?!? Great gritty cover for the series finale!

swoon thursday | 1 - Through the Ever Night

Swoon Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by YA Bound to share your swoon-inducing bookish moments. Also, shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound.
	Through the Ever Night by: Veronica Rossi | Website | Twitter Series: For Darkness Shows the Stars #2 Page: 336 Perry's hand settled on her hip, his grip firm. She felt their kiss shift into something deeper as his mouth moved with more urgency over hers. Suddenly there was real heat between them, and she had to force herself to draw away. When she did, a soft curse slipped through Perry's lips. His eyes were half-lidded, unfocused. He looked as overcome as she felt. Aria leaned by his ear. "We'll pick that up when we're alone." He laughed. "That better be soon."
Oh Peregrine! Too bad this is in the last pages of the book. I see what you did there Mrs. Rossi. Have you read a great swoony scene lately? Let me know!