Waiting on Wednesdays #9: Ice Like Fire

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Title: Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes #2)
Author: Sara Raasch
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: October 13th

"It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.
Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?
Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?
As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world."

What are you looking forward to?

Waiting on Wednesdays #8: Truly, Madly, Famously

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Title: Truly, Madly, Famously (Famous in Love #2)
Author: Rebecca Serle
Genre: YA
Release Date: October 13th

"In this romantic sequel to Famous in Love, new Hollywood "It Girl" Paige must navigate love with her co-stars, both on and off screen and all in the public eye.
Lights, camera, love!
After being plucked from obscurity, Hollywood's newest starlet, Paige Townsen, has a hit film to her name and Rainer Devon on her arm. But being half of the world's most famous couple comes with a price, and soon Paige finds herself dodging photographers; hiding her feelings for her other costar, Jordan Wilder; and navigating tabloid scandals that threaten to tear her and Rainer apart-and end her career as quickly as it began.
Rebecca Serle's sequel to Famous in Love is filled with the kind of celebrity drama and swoon-worthy romance fit for the silver screen."

Now, you may have noticed that I *slightly* fangirled over Famous in Love, and, truth be told, I'm still not over that ending. Which is why I'm ticking down the days until I can get my hands on this beauty.

Waiting on Wednesdays #7: Very Good Lives

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.


Title: Very Good Lives
Author: J. K. Rowling
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: April 14th

"J.K. Rowling, one of the world's most inspiring writers, shares her wisdom and advice. 
In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. Now published for the first time in book form, VERY GOOD LIVES presents J.K. Rowling's words of wisdom for anyone at a turning point in life. How can we embrace failure? And how can we use our imagination to better both ourselves and others?
Drawing from stories of her own post-graduate years, the world famous author addresses some of life's most important questions with acuity and emotional force.
Sales of VERY GOOD LIVES will benefit both Lumos, a charity organization founded by J.K. Rowling, which works to transform the lives of disadvantaged children, and university-wide financial aid at Harvard University."

I knew this was coming out, and I had a vague idea that it would be this year, but I didn't realise until the other day how soon it was! I'm very excited to read it; I don't usually do nonfiction, but this woman's story is such an inspiring one, and the fruits of it have been such a huge part of my life, that reading up on her past never ceases to fill me with awe and respect. There's a real-life fairytale if ever there was one.

Waiting on Wednesdays #6: Broken Juliet

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Title: Broken Juliet (Starcrossed #2)
Author: Leisa Rayven
Genre: NA
Release Date: April 28th

"How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair?
For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Claiming to be a changed man, he’s finally able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago, but can she believe him? What makes this time different from all his other broken promises?
Ethan knows he can’t change their tumultuous past, but if he’s going to have any chance of being with the woman he loves, he’ll need to convince Cassie that her future belongs with him. 
Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to the unforgettable love story that captivated over two million fans online."

I loved, loved Broken Romeo, so I can't wait for this one! And look at the gorgeousness that is that cover!

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesdays #5: Royal Wedding

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Title: Royal Wedding (The Princess Diaries #11)
Author: Meg Cabot
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Release Date: June 2nd

"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding--but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.
For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.
But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone--especially herself--that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?"

I don't know about you guys, but I spent my tweens with my head stuck firmly between Meg's books, and Mia's story was a personal favourite that could always make me laugh, no matter what drama was going on; so I'm actually really excited about reading about her all grown up and getting married.

Are you looking forward to read another chapter of Mia's story?

Waiting on Wednesdays #4: Firewalker

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

There's still no cover for #2, so let's
stare are this pretty instead.

Title: Firewalker (Worldwalker #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Genre: YA
Publication Date: September 1st

"Worlds divide, magic slays, and love lies in the second book of Josephine Angelini’s The Worldwalker Trilogy.

You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified.

Lily is back in her own universe, and she's ready to relax with Rowan. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape, and must hide her magic for the safety of the world, but compared to fighting the monstrous Woven and leading armies in the alternate Salem, life is looking good.

Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she’ll have to find a way to make her come back.

Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off, Firewalker is another sexy, fast-paced, heartbreaking thrill ride from internationally bestselling author Josephine Angelini!"

I mentioned last year that I made the (wonderful) mistake of reading Trial by Fire directly after reading Heir of Fire, resulting in me being overwhelmed by Rowan feelings (and creating the Unofficial Rowan Fire Fan Club. It's made up by, well, me). Well, looks like this is going to be a pattern; Queen of Shadows, the book spotlighted in last week's WOW is the proud owner of fae prince Rowan Whitethorn, Husband #1, and Trail of Tears has Rowan #2. So I guess it'll be another happy day for the fan club!

What books are you looking forward to this year?

Waiting on Wednesdays #3: Queen of Shadows

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Title: Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: September 1st

"Sarah J. Maas's New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series reaches new heights in this sweeping fourth volume.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world."

We don't even have a cover yet, and I'm already desperate for it. In all honesty, I challenge you to find one person who finished Heir of Fire, and wasn't already crazy for the next one! At least I managed to wait until we had an actual title before doing this. There are so many questions, and I need more Rowan in my life!

What books are you looking forward to?

Waiting on Wednesday #2: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.


Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1)
Author: Sarah J Maas
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Publication Date: May 5th

"A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!"

The buzz about ACOTAR is already starting, with people getting ARCs, and personally I cannot wait to meet Rhys myself!

What book are you looking forward to reading this year?

Waiting on Wednesdays #1: The Orphan Queen

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Title: The Orphan Queen
Author: Jodi Meadows
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: March 10th, 2015

"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 want this? It's quite simple, really. I read the first part on Edelweiss, and fell head over heels in love with the characters, the world and - of course - Black Knife.
Ever since then, waiting until March has become an exercise in patience. So I'm here to share some of my suffering with you guys. Because sharing is caring, after all.
Here's the deal: Wil is the rightful Queen of her land. Then this evil King invaded, and she became a rebel, stealing to survive. She and her friends have a little band of thieves, kind of like a Robin Hood sort of get-up. The thing is, the entire kingdom is threatened by the Wraith, which is said to originate from people using magic.
So Wil and Melanie infiltrate the castle to try to figure out what they can do to get their land back, but Melanie is acting weird, and now the Black Knife, the crazy vigilante that abducts anyone using magic, has noticed Wil, so she has to be extra careful if she wants to survive to reclaim her kingdom.
I have a very strong hunch about who the Black Knife is (the excerpt didn't actually reveal his identity), and it makes me so excited about the potential directions it could lead to.

Have you preordered it yet? ;)