Happy Holidays!!!

Happy holidays!!!

Photo credit

I hope all of you are having a wonderful and blessed holiday season :)

Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will be on hiatus until January 2nd, 2015.

I had many, many posts planned, but alas, no time/energy, lol!

BUT, stay tuned!!! 

December 27th is Bumbles and Fairy-Tales 3rd blogoversary!!!

And there is going to be a giveaway celebration in January :)

Thank you again, for all of your support this past year!

Have a wonderful and safe New Year!!! xoxo

Stacking the Shelves #80: December Book Haul Part 3 and Comic Book Haul #4

Hello bookish friends!

I hope you are all doing very well and are enjoying some tasty holiday treats along with good books...

CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE :)

I am not ready!!! 
There is so much to do! And I haven't started wrapping... 

I've also run out of steam... I'm in a reading slump. It's not the book(s) I'm reading, it's me. I am just too tired, stressed and distracted to concentrate right now. As much as I love the holidays, I am really looking forward to the day after Christmas - that is when everything comes to a full stop and from then on, until the kidlets go back to school, we are on hiatus and I can go melt into my couch with a good book and/or movie! Can't wait :) 

The most amazing books came in the mail this week!!!
*skips around merrily*

(Please note, that the majority of my haul is Young Adult. Otherwise, books that aren't will be noted with either (A) for Adult, (NA) for New Adult, (MG) for Middle Grade, and (C) for Childrens books.)

I am participating in Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews!!!

*What I received for review...

- SEEKER (ARC) by Arwen Elys Dayton from Random House

- KISSING TED CALLAHAN (AND OTHER GUYS) (ARC) by Amy Spalding from The Novl
- THE FRIENDSHIP RIDDLE (ARC) by Megan Frazer Blakemore (MG) from Bloomsbury

- A MOM FOR UMANDE (signed HB) by Maria Faulconer, Illustrated by Kathleen Hartung (C) from the author for blog tour.
- ARIANNA AND THE STRAWBERRY TEA (signed HB) by Maria Faulconer, Illustrated by Katy Keck Arnsteen (C) from the author for blog tour.

*My Christmas gifts from my #TBTBSanta... 

- THE SCORPIO RACES (PB) by Maggie Stiefvater

- WHITE HOT KISS (The Dark Elements #1) (PB) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

*My comic book haul...

by Marvel:

- THOR #3 by Jason Aaron, Illustrated by Russell Dauterman

by DC Comics: 

- BATGIRL #37 by Cameron Stuart, Illustrated by Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr
by BOOM! BOX:

- LUMBERJANES #7 &8 by Noelle Stevensen and Grace Ellis, Illustrated by Brooke Allen

* * * 

A few pics from this week :)

My oldest baby boy turned 11 this past week!!!

* * * 

Thank you SO much for stopping by today!!!

Don't forget to leave a comment with your link so I can visit you too, please!!!

xoxo

Waiting On Wednesdsay #113: FINDING PARIS by Joy Preble (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!

The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

FINDING PARIS

by Joy Preble 

Expected release date: April 21st, 2015

Published by: Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

A page-turning, evocative novel for fans of THIRTEEN REASONS WHY and SPEAK, about a girl who must follow a trail of mysterious clues to discover what happened to her sister.

Sisters Leo and Paris Hollings have only ever had each other to rely on. They can’t trust their mother, who hops from city to city and from guy to guy, or their gambler stepfather, who’s moved them all to Las Vegas. It’s just the two of them: Paris, who’s always been the dreamer, and Leo, who has a real future in mind — going to Stanford, becoming a doctor, falling in love.

But Leo isn’t going anywhere yet… 
until Paris ditches her at the Heartbreak Hotel Diner, where moments before they had been talking with physics student Max Sullivan. Outside, Leo finds a cryptic note from Paris — a clue. 

Is it some kind of game? Where is Paris, and why has she disappeared?

When Leo reluctantly accepts Max’s offer of help, the two find themselves following a string of clues through Vegas and beyond. But the search for the truth is a not a straight line. And neither is the path to secrets Leo and Max hold tightly.

Why I'm waiting on FINDING PARIS...

First... let's all take a moment to gaze at this awesome bookcover!

Next... sounds like a good Vegas scavenger hunt is going to happen!
Leo the responsible sister has to go find Paris, the seemingly partier, and then what?

Lastly... I really, really enjoyed Joy Preble's SWEET DEAD LIFE books!
A new twist to angel lore, family life, relationships and heartbreak - if you haven't read them yet, you should get them first!!!

SO!!! What are your waiting for?!?!?!

Blog Tour (Review and GIVEAWAY): LITTLE WHITE LIES by Katie Dale (YA)

LITTLE WHITE LIES

by Katie Dale

Release date: December 9th, 2014

Published by: Delacorte Press (Random House)

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Suspense/Drama

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: Hardcover book from the publisher.

SUMMARY

Fans of Pretty Little Liars will be ensnared in this tale of deceit. 

The first time Lou meets mysterious Christian, she knows he is The One. 

But Christian is hiding a terrible secret. 

Why does he clam up every time Lou asks about his past? Why doesn’t he have any family photos, and why does he dye his blond hair black?

When Christian’s house goes up in flames, his tires are slashed, and he flees for his life, Lou insists on going with him. But as Christian’s secret is unveiled in front of the whole world, it seems everything he’s ever told Lou is a lie. 

Can what the media are saying about him really be true? Should Lou trust him? Or is she in grave danger? 

And what if their accidental meeting wasn’t an accident at all...?

MY REVIEW

Full of deception and intense emotions, LITTLE WHITE LIES doesn't hold back once the truth starts unfolding - it will knock you down, over and over again. Once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down... murder, love, lies, and complicated relationships...

Our dear sweet Lou has moved to start at a new school, with a new alias, to escape a tragedy that happened the year before. She doesn't want anyone to know who she is, not even her roommate. It seems that Lou is determined to start over - new haircolor, new town, new friends. Perhaps even a new crush?
Our aloof and dapper Christian is in no hurry to get to know Lou. Overly cautious, Christian keeps his distance and continues to make excuses, and pushes Lou away. But the girl is adamant. Where another girl would have given in to rejection, Lou is determined to figure out what Christian's story is, and how to help him. She needs to get to know him. And more importantly, she needs to know what his secrets are...
Little do we know that Lou is more than what she seems. Christian's life starts to unravel right before our eyes. And Lou is anxious to help him. But at what cost? And what are Lou's secrets? Is she running away from something? Or hiding? And what do they have to do with Christian?

LITTLE WHITE LIES is more than just its title - it is a huge web of lies! And everyone that discovers even the smallest bit of truth is thrust into the web and stuck in for good, until the very end!  The suspense and thrill of every fact was believable and eventful! I was second guessing every character on every page... all the characters are engaging and amazing too! It's hard to choose a favorite, they all fit in so well!

There aren't enough words to describe how well Lou and Christian's story unravels... 

Katie Dale's writing is captivating, intriguing and spellbinding! There is no way to predict the outcome of this story - everything just happens! If you're like me, too eager to know where the story is going, you will miss tiny little hints here and there. By the time I started to make any sort of prediction about any of the characters, things were unfurling right before me and taking a twist and turn for the worst... This is definitely a book for PRETTY LITTLE LIAR fans! A good mystery, drama and outcome! Read it now!!!

*A hardcover copy was sent to me from the publisher for the blog tour for an honest review.

All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

TWO winners will win a copy of LITTLE WHITE LIES from the publisher!
Giveaway ends 12/30/2014.
(U.S. only!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Katie Dale

I love nothing more than creating characters - both on page and on-stage! 

I studied English Literature at Sheffield University, spent a year at UNC-Chapel Hill, followed by a crazy year at Mountview drama school, a national Shakespeare tour, and back-packing through South-East Asia. 

I love all genres, and am busily working on a variety of projects from novels to picture-books - whilst playing the odd princess/assassin/zombie in-between! 

Website/Blog - Goodreads - Twitter

Release Day Excerpt, Teasers and Giveaway: INSPIRE by Cora Carmack

INSPIRE

The Muse #1

by Cora Carmack

Release date: December 15th, 2014

Published by: Self-published

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Formats: eBook

SUMMARY

Kalliope lives with one purpose.

To inspire.

As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.

Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.

Her presence may inspire genius.

But it breeds madness, too.

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / Kobo

EXCERPT

I can feel Wilder’s breath against my lips. More than that, I can see it. The sun has set and the temperature has dropped, and air fogs between us. There’s something about actually seeing it, like our lips are touching, we are touching, despite the distance between. And as we sway from side to side, my heart gradually begins to pick up speed.

The strains of guitar music flowing out from the restaurant are nearly indecipherable over the heavy heartbeat in my ears. But Wilder must hear it. His hands are strong on my body, guiding my movements, and I’m practically clay in his palms.

We dance, eyes on eyes, lips nearly on lips, and there is lightning beneath my skin each time his body brushes against mine in a new way. His touch is firm, but gentle, never pushing or pressuring, though I can tell from the dark look in his eyes that he’s just as affected as I am. The music shifts, building to a crescendo, and he spins us. My chest pushes tight against his, and I bite back a gasp. I don’t know if it’s the cold or him or some combination of both, but the tips of my breasts are painfully tight. Just the pressure of my bra is enough to rub them raw.

I remember the night at his apartment, the way he’d taken his time learning my body. I think of the heat of his mouth on my skin, and the memory alone is enough to make me shiver and clench.

He’s back to being business, grown-up Wilder tonight in his button down and glasses. Only now that I know him, it doesn’t seem like such a stark difference. He is neither the straight-laced man nor the tattooed bad boy. Or perhaps he’s both. Regardless of what he’s wearing, Wilder is caring and loyal and strong and so sexy that I’m having trouble remembering why I shouldn’t push him into the backseat of his SUV and crawl on top of him.

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Cora Carmack

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life - boring jobs (like working retail), fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. 

Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Author Goodreads

Review: DARK DAYS by Kate Ormand (YA)

DARK DAYS

by Kate Ormand

Release date: June 3rd, 2014

Published by: Sky Pony Press

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Sci-Fi

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: An annotated hardcover.

SUMMARY

The future world has been divided into sectors--each the same as the other. Surrounded by thick steel fences, there is no way in and no way out. Yet a cyborg army penetrates each sector, picking off its citizens one by one, until no one is left. Behind the sectors' thick walls, the citizens wait to die. Few will be chosen to survive what's coming; the rest will be left behind to suffer. A new world has been created, and its rulers are incredibly selective on who will become a citizen. They want only those with important roles in society to help create a more perfect future.

Sixteen-year-old Sia lives in one of the sectors as part of a family that is far too ordinary to be picked to live. According to the digital clock that towers high above her sector, she has only fifteen days to live. Sia has seen the reports and knows a horrific death is in store for her, but she is determined to make the most of her final days. Sia refuses to mourn her short life, instead promising herself that she'll stay strong, despite being suffocated by her depressed mother and her frightened best friend. Just when Sia feels more alone than ever, she meets Mace, a mysterious boy. There is something that draws Sia to him, despite his dangerousness, and together, they join a group of rebels and embark on an epic journey to destroy the new world and its machines, and to put an end to the slaughter of innocent people. 

DARK DAYS' BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

One of the most creepy dystopian/sci-fis I have read! This book kept me on the edge of my seat; made my heart race, palms sweat; and kept me up all night...

Sia has lived her entire life holed up in her sector having never stepped foot past the iron walls that surround it. Their world is gray and bleak. Having never seen flowers, trees or stepped on grass, Sia is trying to keep herself distracted by creating the most mundane bucket list anyone has ever seen. But when you only have 15 days left to live, what else is there to do? There is no sense in panicking, rioting or anything else. It would only cause death to come to your door that much faster.
Sia has shut down her feelings and deals with the most heartbreaking moments by suppressing all of her emotions. At times it was hard for me to understand her detachment to such life changing events. But then again, I am not the one who is facing death in just a few short days. No one can predict how they would react to anything when they're faced with knowing that everyone around them, including themselves, will no longer exist because they were not deemed worthy to bring anything to the "new world".

No one will survive the cyborgs that are coming...

There are a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns, action pact moments. What really kept me captivated was that the chapters were numbered to countdown to the day that Sia's sector was going to be destroyed. It was really stressful to read through the chapters as the numbers went down and it got closer and closer to the inevitable.

I am really hanging on to the hope that there will be a book two! This book was an amazing introduction to an intriguing new world and has given me hope for these memorable and genuine characters. The ending was a really well done cliffhanger; I usually despise cliffhangers. But, the author gave me all I needed to get by for now. But every time I think of this book, or see it, or anything - I crave to know more!!! What is happening right now? How did the world get to be like this? Why is this government so twisted? Why send these killing machines in to destroy innocent lives? Why not just let them starve, or let them die of something else... less morbid? There are a whole lot of other questions that I have too and I'm hoping that ANOTHER BOOK will help answer them!

If you love dystopian books with a sci-fi twist, add this to the top of your TBR. And if you don't, then you really need to go out of your comfort zone... it will blow your mind!

*An annotated hardcover was won in a giveaway from the author.
The annotations or the author herself have not influenced my review.
All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Kate Ormand

Kate Ormand is YA author of DARK DAYS and THE WANDERERS. 

She lives in the UK with her family, her partner, and a cocker spaniel called Freddie. She recently graduated from university with a first class degree in Fine Art Painting. It was during this course that she discovered her love of reading YA books, prompting her to try a new creative angle and experiment with writing. 

Kate is also a member of an online group of published writers and illustrators called Author Allsorts. 

And she writes children’s picture books under the name Kate Louise. 

Kate is represented by Isabel Atherton at Creative Authors Ltd.

Website / Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube / Pinterest

Stacking the Shelves #79: December Book Haul Part 2 and Comic Book Haul #3

Hello bookish friends!

I hope you are all doing well and are all enjoying some really good reads...

It's been a wonderful, wonderful week! I am one lucky girl!!!
I celebrated my birthday this week - twice!!! Like I said, I'm a lucky girl ;) 
AND!!! I got some really awesome books and bookish things this week too!!!
I am also one very, very happy girl :) 

Here's part of my haul for the second half of December :)
Although I'm not expecting any other books to come in, I'm pretty sure I'll have one more haul after Christmas ;) hee, hee!

OH! and did you notice today's date???
12... 13... 14

(Please note, that the majority of my haul is Young Adult. Otherwise, books that aren't will be noted with either (A) for Adult, (NA) for New Adult, (MG) for Middle Grade, and (C) for Childrens books.)

I am participating in Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews!!!

*What I received for review...

- PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA (PB) by Andi Watson from First Second (Macmillan) for review and blog tour.

- THERE WILL BE LIES (ARC) by Nick Lake from Bloomsbury for review and blog tour.

- A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES (ARC) by Sarah J. Maas from Bloomsbury for review; with a beautiful feathered mask too!

*What I won in a giveaway...

- CHARMED (The Witch Hunter aka Hexed #2) (ARC) by Michelle Krys from Brittany of Brittany's Book Rambles (Thank you!)

*A birthday gift from my sweet #OTSPSecretSister, Daphne of Gone Pecan :) Thankyou!!!
- MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME (HB) edited by Stephanie Perkins

*My comic book haul...

by DC Comics: 

- GOTHAM ACADEMY #2 and GOTHAM ACADEMY #3 by Becky Cloonan and Brenden Fletcher, Illustrated by Karl Kerschl
by kaboom!:

- STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 and STEVEN UNIVERSE #2 by Jeremy Sorese, Illustrated by Coleman Engle
by BOOM! BOX:
- LUMBERJANES #1-6 by Noelle Stevensen and Grace Ellis, Illustrated by Brooke Allen

* * * 

A few pics from my surprise birthday party :)

Plus, my bee-ish cake! Yummy!!!

* * * 

Thank you SO much for stopping by today!!!

Don't forget to leave a comment with your link so I can visit you too, please!!!

xoxo

Blog Tour (Guest Post, Review and Giveaway): FRAGILE REIGN (Mortal Enchantment #3) by Stacey O'Neale (YA)

http://jenhalliganpr.com/tour/fragile-reign

FRAGILE REIGN

Mortal Enchantment #3

by Stacey O'Neale

Release date: November 25th, 2014

Published by: Phoenix Reign Publishing

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

It’s been a week since all hell broke loose…

Rumors of King Taron’s weakened powers have left the air court vulnerable. Kalin is desperate to awaken her akasha powers, except she doesn’t know how. Tension within the court is at an all-time high. Pressure is mounting for her to ascend to the throne, but a halfling has never ruled over any court. To solidify her position, the council has advised her to marry Sebastian—a high ranking air elemental she’s never met and her betrothed. 

Will Kalin sacrifice her relationship with Rowan to strengthen her court?

Rowan and Marcus return to a fire court in turmoil. Liana’s death has fueled the fire elementals’ distrust against the air and woodland courts. The unbalanced elements have set off natural disasters all over the mortal world. Rowan takes the throne to restore balance, promising to unite the fire court. But not all elementals are happy with his leadership. Many are secretly loyal to Valac, which means Rowan needs to find allies for his cause.

Can Rowan unify the court of fire before the elements destroy the world?

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Mortal Enchantment Series

GUEST POST

5 things we don't know about Rowan

1. Rowan was originally the lead in a different series. In that series, he was an archangel.

2. Rowan was the first character I ever created.

3. I only planned to have Rowan's POV in THE SHADOW PRINCE. But once I read readers response to him, I reworked the series. Half of FRAGILE REIGN and ETERNAL SACRIFICE are now told in his POV.

4. Rowan gets compared to Ash from the IRON FEY series a lot. I consider that a HUGE compliment because I am a big Julie Kagawa fan.

5. Rowan is fascinated with the mortal lifestyle. He's into rock music, loves pizza, prefers to wear mortal clothes, and has his eyebrow pierced. The fact that Kalin is half mortal is part of the reason he was initially attracted to her. If Prisma had been a good queen and he was never called back to Avalon, I doubt he would have ever returned. He would've given up immortality to stay in the mortal world.

Thanks for the great topic! 

If you haven't read Stacey's Mortal Enchantment series, 

you can get the first book for FREE on Amazon and Barnes &Noble!!! 

The Shadow Prince won GOLD at the 2014 Readers' Favorite Book Awards in the Short Story/Novella category!!!

Read my review of THE SHADOW PRINCE here!!!

Read my review of MORTAL ENCHANTMENT here!!!

MY REVIEW

FRAGILE REIGN picks up right where we left off...

Just when Kalin thinks that things are going to settle down and she will have time to take in everything that has happened and begins to accept what her immediate future may hold, things start to fall apart again. Kalin is needed now more than ever.
Rowan is out in the mortal world trying to control the chaos that Valac's followers are causing. Luckily for him, Marcus is right by his side, and they make a great team. However, things are far worse then he anticipated. His kingdom has no ruler. And he must decide how to claim it in a way that will stop the war and diminish Valac and Valac's followers.

Oh my, so many things happen in this book!

Kalin and Rowan are both struggling with what they have to do versus what they want to do. It is hard to choose between what is best for their kingdoms and what is best for themselves, their hearts. They have both been through so much and have matured so quickly. Their relationship is just starting to bloom, and yet, there are so many obstacles, will it really be worth the trouble?
And now, with Taron struggling regain his powers, he is heavily relying on Kalin to follow their false plans to buy her time to come into her true powers before becoming queen.
In the meantime, we get acquainted with much loved characters and are introduced to new ones - new faces that will have a huge impact on on Kalin's fate.
We also learn more about Avalon and the elemental's history - very intriguing. I'm sure if the author decided to right a book just on this I would definitely pick it up and enjoy it.

I don't want to divulge into any other details in fear of slipping a few spoilers...

I have to say, Stacey O'Neale really knows how to create characters that I love to hate; she gives her antagonists more depth than just being the enemy with an agenda. There's always more to them, with a deeper meaning - a reason for them to be the way that they are, like it's not their fault, they have to be this way and there's no other way around it. And these characters stick with me! I rarely give a second thought to the bad guys - hardly remember them. Of course I remember their name and their main purpose to the story. But not MORTAL ENCHANTMENT's characters - these make me want to reach into the book and put up a fight right along with the protagonists! They stay with me and completely stress me out... so annoying!

And just when I think that the author couldn't possibly come up with more, she does! And delivers it all beautifully. She has kept me in awe from the very beginning. With a very strong cast of characters, realistic world-building and incredible story development - I cannot wait to see how everything will unfold in the next book!

Those who love fantasy must add this series to their TBR now!

*A paperback copy was sent to me by the author for an honest review.

All thoughts are my own

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Stacey O'Neale

Stacey O'Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.

Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

Goodreads / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

FRAGILE REIGN BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, November 24th - Book-Marks The Spot

Tuesday, November 25th - Release Day Launch!

Wednesday, November 26th - Lost in Ever After

Thursday, November 27th - Happy Thanksgiving! 

Friday, November 28th - A Backwards Story

Monday, December 1st - GenGen's Book Blog

Tuesday, December 2nd - In Between The Pages

Wednesday, December 3rd - The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club

Thursday, December 4th - The Caffeinated Booknerd

Friday, December 5th - Stuck In Books

Monday, December 8th - LuLo Fangirl

Tuesday, December 9th - Nocturnal Predators Reviews

Wednesday, December 10th - Bumbles and Fairy-Tales

Thursday, December 11th - One Guy's Guide to Good Reads

Friday, December 12th - Her Book Thoughts

Waiting On Wednesdsay #112: My Birthday Wishlist!!!

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!

The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

Today is my birthday! 
Since it is my birthday, I can do what I want to!!! 
So, I thought I'd have a little fun and decide to create a short wishlist for today's post :)

These are only a few of my most highly anticipated books for 2015!!!

Oh, how I wish they were all releasing today!!!

I AM PRINCESS X
by Cherie Priest
Expected release date: May 26th, 2015
Published by: Arthur A. Levine Books
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Once upon a time, two best friends created a princess together. Libby drew the pictures, May wrote the tales, and their heroine, Princess X, slayed all the dragons and scaled all the mountains their imaginations could conjure.

Once upon a few years later, Libby was in the car with her mom, driving across the Ballard Bridge on a rainy night. When the car went over the side, Libby passed away, and Princess X died with her.

Once upon a now: May is sixteen and lonely, wandering the streets of Seattle, when she sees a sticker slapped in a corner window.

Princess X?

When May looks around, she sees the Princess everywhere: Stickers. Patches. Graffiti. There's an entire underground culture, focused around a webcomic at IAmPrincessX.com. The more May explores the webcomic, the more she sees disturbing similarities between Libby's story and Princess X online. And that means that only one person could have started this phenomenon - her best friend, Libby, who lives.


Why I'm waiting for I AM PRINCESS X...

Everything about this book makes my nerdgirl/comic book loving heart pitter-patter!!!

The story sounds like a great contemporary mystery...
and I love that bookcover!!!

Definitely sounds like promising read :)


*  *  *  *  *


ROGUE
Talon #2
by Julie Kagawa
Expected release date: April 28th, 2015
Published by: HarlequinTeen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary/Paranormal 
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Ember Hill left the dragon organization Talon to take her chances with rebel dragon Cobalt and his crew of rogues. But Ember can't forget the sacrifice made for her by the human boy who could have killed her—Garret Xavier Sebastian, a soldier of the dragonslaying Order of St. George, the boy who saved her from a Talon assassin, knowing that by doing so, he'd signed his own death warrant.

Determined to save Garret from execution, Ember must convince Cobalt to help her break into the Order's headquarters. With assassins after them and Ember's own brother helping Talon with the hunt, the rogues find an unexpected ally in Garret and a new perspective on the underground battle between Talon and St. George.

A reckoning is brewing and the secrets hidden by both sides are shocking and deadly. Soon Ember must decide: Should she retreat to fight another day…or start an all-out war? 

Why I'm waiting for ROGUE...

SOOO!!! Did you read TALON?!?!?!
Because if you did, then you know why this is on my list!!!

Cliff-hanger much?! Geesh!!!

And I'm usually not a fan of love-triangles, BUT, I really can't decide who to choose! Nor, can I see where this story is going to go! Which is such a GOOD thing!

Plus, cool dragon bookcovers :)

*  *  *  *  *

SILVER IN THE BLOOD

by Jessica Day George

Expected release date: July 7th, 2015
Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Historical Fiction

Format: Hardcover

SUMMARY

A New York Times bestselling author brings dark secrets to life in a lush new YA perfect for fans of Libba Bray or Cassandra Clare.

Society girls from New York City circa 1890, Dacia and Lou never desired to know more about their lineage, instead preferring to gossip about the mysterious Romanian family that they barely knew.

But upon turning seventeen, the girls must return to their homeland to meet their relatives, find proper husbands, and — most terrifyingly —learn the deep family secrets of The Claw, The Wing, and The Smoke. The Florescus, after all, are shape-shifters, and it is time for Dacia and Lou to fulfill the prophecy that demands their acceptance of this fate...

or fight against this cruel inheritance with all their might.

With a gorgeous Romanian setting, stunning Parisian gowns, and dark brooding young men, readers will be swept up by this epic adventure of two girls in a battle for their lives.

Why I'm waiting on SILVER IN THE BLOOD...

This author has been recommended to me many times for her Princess trilogy, which is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Sadly, I have yet to pick it up... however...

This one sounds epic!
I love everything about this summary - 1890 NYC, mysterious Romanian family, shape-shifters!!!
It's been SO long since I have read a really good supernatural book!

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CRIMSON BOUND

by Rosamund Hodge

Expected release date: May 5th, 2015

Published by: Balzer + Bray (Harper Collins) 

Genre: Young Adult Fairytale Retelling/Fantasy

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

When Rachelle was fifteen she was good — apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless — straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand — the man she hates most — Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. 

In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.

Why I'm waiting on CRIMSON BOUND...

No, I haven't read Cruel Beauty yet - it's on my TBR for later this month ;)

BUT!!!

You all know that I am all about the fairytale retellings!!!
AND, this one is about LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD!!!
My all-time favorite!!!

I love the bookcover!!!... it's got an Alice and Wonderland sort of feelt to it too :)

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NNEWTS

by Doug Tennapel

Expected release date: January 6th, 2015

Published by: GRAPHIX (Scholastic)

Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

A little hero faces big challenges in the first book of this totally unique fantasy-adventure series.

The first book in the Nnewts series follows the story of Herk, a lovable Nnewt who longs for stronger legs, something his mother and father wish they could give him. 

When his quaint village is attacked by the reptile Lizzarks, he's forced to flee his home and leave behind the only life he's ever known. 

Now, all alone and on the run, Herk navigates a dangerous world filled with strange creatures and mysterious wonders, where friends are few and an evil lord is in hot pursuit.

Why I'm waiting on NNEWTS...

I am really, really into graphic novels and the like right now...

First! This is Graphix's (Scholastic's) first graphic novel SERIES!!!

It's important to know...
- Graphic novels are usually standalones.
- Trade paperbacks are comic book bindups of approximately 5-6 comic book issues. These are not considered graphic novels. (A huge pet-peeve of mine when people keep referring to these trades as graphic novels. Huge!!! lol!)

Second! The illustrations/art look amazingly cute!!!

Lastly, but not least! The story sounds like a good one. One that I can definitely share with my boys and hopefully get into together :) 

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THANK YOU so much for stopping by today!!!

SO, what are you waiting for this week?!?!?!?!?!