[Waiting...] The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: The Winner's Crime

Series: The Winner's Trilogy #2

Author: Marie Rutkoski

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Release Date: March 3, 2015

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy, Romance

Summary via Goodreads:

Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Why I'm Waiting...

I really loved the first book in the series. I read it every second I could without getting fired. It was the first book I had ever read from start to finish on my phone! Plus, that cover... THE COVER!

[Waiting...] Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Liars, Inc.

Author: Paula Stokes

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Release Date: March 24, 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Contemporary Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

It all starts with one little lie…

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit? In a story that Kirkus Reviews called "Captivating to the very end," Paula Stokes starts with one single white lie and weaves a twisted tale that will have readers guessing until the explosive final chapters.

Why I'm Waiting...

I LOVE a good mystery...

with an unreliable main character...

and making great fiction out of something that could realistically be a headline. I can't wait!

[Waiting...] The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: The Orphan Queen

Series: The Orphan Queen #1

Author: Jodi Meadows

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Release Date: March 10, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy

Summary via Goodreads:

Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

Why I'm Waiting...

Because those cover shimmers remind me of the best magic ever...

I've just begun to explore fantasy/high fantasy series. Previously they weren't really my thing because they remind me of historical fiction. However I got over my beef with both genres. Needless to say I'm excited about kicking off this series!! 

There suppressed magic, wraiths, secret spies.... *squeals*

All of this sends me into major geek out mode!!!!

[Waiting...] My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: My Heart and Other Black Holes

Author: Jasmine Warga

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Release Date: February 10, 2015

Publisher: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Contemporary, Social Issues, Romance

Summary via Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.

There’s only one problem: she’s not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel’s convinced she’s found her solution: a teen boy with the username FrozenRobot (aka Roman) who’s haunted by a family tragedy is looking for a partner.

Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other’s broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together. Except that Roman may not be so easy to convince.

Why I'm Waiting...

I'm a glutton for punishment and crying...

Because it's winter and winter is for feels. Sad feels that become hopeful feels... maybe? 

Here's to hoping Roman isn't an island...

[Waiting...] Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Red Queen #1

Author: Victoria Aveyard

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Release Date: February 10, 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy

Summary via Goodreads:

A thrilling new fantasy trilogy for fans of DIVERGENT and THE HUNGER GAMES.

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.

To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.

Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

Why I'm Waiting...

Because it sounds positively wicked! I'm always down for superpowers. I've even heard this one compared to X-Men in a fantasy world!

[Waiting...] There Will Be Lies by Nick Lake

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: There Will Be Lies

Author: Nick Lake

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Release Date: January 6, 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Thriller, Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

In four hours, Shelby Jane Cooper will be struck by a car.

Shortly after, she and her mother will leave the hospital and set out on a winding journey toward the Grand Canyon.

All Shelby knows is that they're running from dangers only her mother understands. And the further they travel, the more Shelby questions everything about her past—and her current reality. Forced to take advantage of the kindness of unsuspecting travelers, Shelby grapples with what’s real, what isn't, and who she can trust . . . if anybody.

Award-winning author Nick Lake proves his skills as a master storyteller in this heart-pounding new novel. This emotionally charged thrill ride leads to a shocking ending that will have readers flipping back to the beginning.

Why I'm Waiting...

Car chases. Well possible car chases. Dishonest parents make for a bonus. Very curious to see what the plot is since the synopsis is very vague. 

I read Lake's Hostage Three earlier this year and loved it from beginning to end. A mixture of action, villain sympathy and mystery has resulted Lake's books being added to my TBR the moment they're announced. 

[Waiting...] Love, Lucy by April Lindner

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Love, Lucy

Author: April Lindner

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Release Date: January 27, 2015

Publisher: Poppy/Little Brown Teen, an imprint of Hachette Book Group

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Contemporary Romance

Summary via Goodreads:

While backpacking through Florence, Italy, during the summer before she heads off to college, 17-year-old Lucy Sommersworth finds herself falling in love with the culture, the architecture, the food...and Jesse Palladino, a handsome street musician. After a whirlwind romance, Lucy returns home, determined to move on from her "vacation flirtation." But just because summer is over doesn't mean Lucy and Jesse are over, too.

Inspired by E.M. Forster's A Room with a View.

Why I'm Waiting...

Because Italy is involved! I never had a summer romance in Italy but it has never fallen short of good times. Firenze in particular was an amazing visit. I'm expecting some massive swoons with a side of  nostalgia. This is also a retelling of sorts of "A Room with a View" which makes me wonder about a potential triangle...hmmm.... 

What are you waiting on this week?

---

Don't forget to check out the Secret Santa Book Exchange!

[Waiting...] Twisted Fate by Norah Olson

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Twisted Fate

Author: Norah Olson

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Release Date: January 20, 2015

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Thriller, Mystery

Summary via Goodreads:

When Alyson meets Graham Copeland, the new boy next door, she instantly feels like he’s a kindred spirit—shy and awkward like her, someone who has trouble making friends. It’s impossible to resist having a crush on him.

As usual, her sister, Sydney, sees things differently. In Sydney's mind, Graham's odd personality and secretive past scream psychopath, not sweetheart. Her gut is telling her to stay away from him, and to protect a love-struck Alyson from her own naïveté. But despite her instincts, Sydney is surprised to realize that a part of her is drawn to Graham, too.

And the more Sydney gets to know him, the more she realizes just how right—and wrong—she is about everything.

Why I'm Waiting...

This has been suggested for fans of Michelle Hodkin and E. Lockhart's We Were Liars, both of which I heart so I'm looking forward to this debut. Thrillers are also really in right now so I'm curious to see how Twisted Fate sets itself apart in a crowded field. 

Don't forget to check out the Secret Santa Book Exchange!

[Waiting...] Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: Darkest Part of the Forest

Author: Holly Black

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Release Date: January 13, 2015

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Fantasy

Summary via Goodreads:

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Why I'm Waiting...

There are FAE involved!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's what. FAE!!!

I love all things fae so I'm really wanting/waiting on a beautiful fantasy world and some feels. I'm curious if we get this world in combination with the contemporary world or if it's more contemporary paranormal. I guess we'll see!

I've never read Holly Black so I'm looking forward to that as well since I know she has some pretty loyal readers. 

[Waiting...] I Was Here by Gayle Forman

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This Week's Pick: 

Title: I Was Here

Author: Gayle Forman

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Release Date: January 27, 2015

Publisher: Viking Juvenile, an imprint of Penguin Random House

Genre: Young Adult Fiction – Contemporary, Realistic Fiction

Summary via Goodreads:

When her best friend Meg drinks a bottle of industrial-strength cleaner alone in a motel room, Cody is understandably shocked and devastated. She and Meg shared everything—so how was there no warning? But when Cody travels to Meg’s college town to pack up the belongings left behind, she discovers that there’s a lot that Meg never told her. About her old roommates, the sort of people Cody never would have met in her dead-end small town in Washington. About Ben McAllister, the boy with a guitar and a sneer, who broke Meg’s heart. And about an encrypted computer file that Cody can’t open—until she does, and suddenly everything Cody thought she knew about her best friend’s death gets thrown into question.

I Was Here is Gayle Forman at her finest, a taut, emotional, and ultimately redemptive story about redefining the meaning of family and finding a way to move forward even in the face of unspeakable loss.

Why I'm Waiting...

It's already on pre-order. Since I'm a newbie blogger getting an ARC of Gayle's newest release is a fairytale dream. 

This really doesn't require an explanation but there are only two authors where after reading one book I had to have ALL the books. Gayle is one of them. As an author she throws down beautiful prose that makes your heart hurt, eyes water and you willingly go back in for more. 

Bonus, there's a sad girl (or is there) named Meg. So I'm probably biased. 

Grab your tissues and hold your friend tight!