Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the pic.

I just love Dean in this outfit. His costume perfectly suits him. Now, if only the show could have him in crazy outfits all the time. (*wink* gym shorts *wink*)

Upcoming and Desired Book to Movie and TV Adaptations

Let’s be honest, we book nerds love when our favorite books are made into television shows or even put on the big screen. Why? Well, not only do we get to see the world we invested so much time in come to life, but we also get to bring our fellow non-book nerds to the dark side. (Think Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter. How many non-bookish people were converted because of those films?)

Thankfully, the entertainment-making gods have decided that this phenomenon of adapting books into visual form is an easy way to make a decent buck.

In just this year, we’ve got Everything, Everything; Before I Fall; Fifty Shades Darker; among many others. As for TV, the recently-ended Vampire Diaries has been a pretty big hit. And, of course, Game of Thrones is a worldwide phenomenon. (I’m currently obsessed with GoT, and I seriously need season seven to get here ASAP!) We won’t talk about some of the less successful shows. *cough* Shadowhunters and Delirium *cough*

Oh, and Kendare Blake recently released the news that Three Dark Crowns has a movie deal. The same has happened with Alexandra Bracken’s The Darkest Minds, Sophie Jordan’s Firelight, T.A. Barron’s Lost Years of Merlin series, Taherah’s Mafi’s Shatter Me, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen (#TeamCalftw), Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass, and Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda. There’s still a ton more I’m forgetting right now.

However, even though there are quite a few adaptations being made, there’s always more author fodder out there. For example, The Chronicles of Prydain from Lloyd Alexander have great odds to be adapted into a movie or TV series.

Some books that I personally would love to see make it to the big screen include:

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

I think this one could be a huge hit. It’s a 1001 Arabian Nights retelling, so it’d be a little bit like Aladdin mixed with the attitude of Daenerys from Game of Thrones (minus the dragons, of course).

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

This would be a cute contemporary movie as long as they didn’t make the sequel. I’m not sure if I’d go see it in theaters, but I’d definitely watch it on Netflix.

**

As for the small screen, I think these series would work:

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

Ward has so many awesome, gritty and raw characters in this series. I would love if something like a cross between True Blood and Netflix’s Daredevil could happen to these characters. I’d love a movie version too, but there are just too many characters and plots for this to really do well as a film.

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Heck yes! A TV show with teenagers fighting zombies that no one else can see all while taking on an evil, underground organization? I’m in. Plus, seeing Cole on the small screen wouldn’t hurt either. ;)

Obsidian OR White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Honestly, any of JLA’s books could be put on the small screen and I’d be ridiculously happy. I just love these two series more than her others. Although, I think Obsidian was optioned for a movie deal once upon a time, and Half-Blood was supposed to be a TV show. I hope that happens…

Avalon by Mindee Arnett

This would make a great Syfy TV show. It’d be a cross between Firefly and Dark Matter.

**

Alright, there you have it. Those are some of the books that I think would make great TV or film adaptations, along with some news about which books have already been put on the list of adaptations to come.

If you have any additions to make to either of these categories, let me know in the comments below!

*Note: This post was sponsored by Z5 Media.

Waiting on Wednesday: Avenged by Amy Tintera

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Avenged

Amy Tintera

(Ruined #2)

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

Hardcover, 416 pages, HarperTeen

Genres: YA, Fantasy

Book Depository | Amazon | Goodreads

In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory.

But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

My Thoughts

Ruined was one of my top reads of 2016, so of course I’m excited to get my hands on the sequel. The first book was a fast and fun read, so let’s hope that continues in Avenged.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

I'm Going to Publishing School in NYC! ... HELP! Please?

Okay, ya'll, this is going to be a quick update post with a plea for help thrown in for good measure.

Recently, I was accepted to New York University's Summer Publishing Institute (SPI). SPI is a six-week intensive program that basically teaches its students the ins and outs of magazine and book publishing. Because my dream goal is to be an editor for a major publishing company, this is huge! I'm going to learn how to work at a job I really want!

Now, SPI only accepts roughly 100 students, so, once again, this is huge. However, there is the small problem of finances. Aka, I have very little. Okay, okay. That's somewhat of a lie. I have enough to actually pay the $5,600 for the tuition and most of the $1,800 or so for the housing. What I don't have is enough money to eat and buy plane tickets and a subway metro card and a taxi trip to my residence hall and new professional clothes and on and on the list goes.

All of that being said, I would be EXTREMELY grateful to anyone who is willing to donate even the itty-bittiest amount to my cause. I even set up a GoFundMe page for awesome people like you to do just that. You can check it out here: https://funds.gofundme.com/dashboard/publishing-school-in-new-york

The link is also in the right-hand sidebar of my blog, just in case the widget isn't working in the post.

I've dreamed of working in publishing for a very long time, and I don't want anything to hold me back from killing it in NYC, especially finances.

If you're thinking about donating but you have some questions, definitely leave a comment below and I'll get to them. You can also contact me through Twitter or email if you need a more private messaging system.

Also, I'm going to try to post periodically, but things are getting really busy right now. March and April are very hectic times for graduate students, so blogging isn't at the top of my to-do list. Just know that if I disappear for a while, I'm not dead (unless grad school killed me).

Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the gif.

It’s spring break after today! Hallelujah! I am so ready for my last semester of grad school to be over! To celebrate, here’s a dancing Dean.

Waiting on Wednesday: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Always and Forever, Lara Jean

Jenny Han

(To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #3)

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

Hardcover, 320 pages, Simon & Schuster

Genres: YA, Contemporary

Book Depository | Amazon | Goodreads

Lara Jean’s letter-writing days aren’t over in this surprise follow-up to the New York Times bestselling To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You.

Lara Jean is having the best senior year a girl could ever hope for. She is head over heels in love with her boyfriend, Peter; her dad’s finally getting remarried to their next door neighbor, Ms. Rothschild; and Margot’s coming home for the summer just in time for the wedding.

But change is looming on the horizon. And while Lara Jean is having fun and keeping busy helping plan her father’s wedding, she can’t ignore the big life decisions she has to make. Most pressingly, where she wants to go to college and what that means for her relationship with Peter. She watched her sister Margot go through these growing pains. Now Lara Jean’s the one who’ll be graduating high school and leaving for college and leaving her family—and possibly the boy she loves—behind.

When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

My Thoughts

Many mixed feelings about this book. I did not like book two at all, but the first book was amazing! While in book two, Lara Jean ended up with the guy I wanted her to, there were just so many problems and slut-shaming in P.S. I Still Love You that it ruined To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before for me. Hopefully this book fixes the issues but doesn’t change who Lara Jean ends up with. I might die a little inside if she falls in love with someone else.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Review: King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

King’s Cage

Victoria Aveyard

(Red Queen #3)

Publication Date: February 7, 2017

Hardcover, 528 pages, HarperTeen

Genres: YA, Dystopian/Fantasy

Book Depository | Amazon | Goodreads

In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard’s bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down.

My Review

I was finally able to read the next portion of Mare’s story. I’ve been waiting for this sequel for what seems like forever.

There are some SPOILERS ahead. Nothing major, but this is the third book in a series of which I have some pretty big feels that I have to get off my chest.

The beginning of King’s Cage doesn’t quite leave off right where Glass Sword left off, but it’s still pretty close. Readers get to immediately know where Mare is in terms of her whole Mal situation. And boy, was that situation ugly.

Let me start out by saying that I am most definitely not Team Mal. I loathe Mal. Loathe. So having Mare in a slow, political battle with his character—during which she basically just rotted away as his “prisoner” the entire time—for the first half of the book was supremely unsatisfying. I just wanted something to actually happen.

Despite Mare’s scenes being rather dry, the other point of view we got from Cameron really kept me going throughout the book. I looked forward to reading her scenes. I’m not ashamed to admit that 95% of this anticipation was because of Cal. #TeamCal

Even though I may have enjoyed Cameron’s chapters more at first, it still didn’t change the fact that not a lot really happened in the beginning half of the book. I also noticed there was also a lot of heavy description scenes bogging down some of the first chapters.

Alright, so there’s my nit-picking bit. Now, I’m going to get into the good stuff. This includes how Mare finally managed to make up her gosh-darned mind. She also stopped being so aloof and sinister. In Glass Sword, I’d begun to dislike her character a little, but, thankfully, she managed to humanize herself in this book.

Once what I’m going to call Part 1 of King’s Cage was over, the real action began. This is where I couldn’t stop reading. Characters were finally using their powers, and the plot was moving. Oh, and there was more Cal. ;)

Speaking of Cal, one of my favorite quotes in the book is about him. I won’t share it for fear of major spoilage, but just know that it’s awesome.

The ending of this book gave me some mixed feelings. On one hand, I know book four will be epic. On the other hand, I really wanted the characters to be happy, and I don’t know if that’s going to happen now!

All in all, I really just don’t want to wait for the last book in this awesome series. While this book isn’t my favorite of the three out right now, I know that it’s building up to a monstrous conclusion that will in the end have me either a) in tears, b) rampaging and cursing the world, or c) supremely satisfied. There will be no in-between.

*Note: I purchased a copy of this book for myself. This in no way affected my opinion/review.

Stacking the Shelves: The My Dad Took the Pictures Edition

"Stacking the Shelves" is a weekly haul meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. It allows book buyers to share their accumulation of books with the online book-loving community.

I said last week that I probably wouldn’t have any books to haul, well, I lied. Unintentionally. I don’t know how/why it happened, but HarperTeen and Epic Reads sent me two books this week. I don’t receive unsolicited (or even solicited) physical review copies all that often, so this was a happy surprise. Thanks, HarperCollins!

Before I show the pics, I have to put a disclaimer in here that these are not my photographs. My dad took them, as the books were sent to my parents’ house. 

My dad opened the packages for me because I was too curious to wait. His phone is terrible, so the images aren’t pretty.

Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes

I think both of these are finished copies. Across a Star-Swept Sea looks like a finished paperback copy, while the barely-visible Queen of Hearts is a finished hardcover. I don’t know if AaSSS is a true sequel or just a companion book, so I’m not sure when I’ll be able to pick up book one. However, I would like to get to Queen of Hearts as soon as I’m able to (i.e. after grad school).

What books have you bought/received lately?

Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the pic.

Dean Smith and Sam Wesson to the rescue. Haha. If you don’t get it, you should watch the show. ;)

My Most Anticipated 2017 Releases

The title says it all! It’s time for me to list my most anticipated releases of 2017. Yes, I realize 2017 is already two months underway, but I’m behind. So very behind.

Because I’m a little late, I do have one most anticipated book that won’t be on this list, as I’ve already read it. That is King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyard, which was probably my #1 most anticipated book for this year.

Now, none of these releases are in any particular order. I couldn’t decide between the seven (technically nine) which ones I coveted more.

Shadow’s Seduction

Kresley Cole

(The Dacians #2)

Publication Date: February 28, 2017

Paperback, 160 pages, Valkyrie Press

Genres: Adult, Romance, Paranormal, LGBT

Goodreads

In this scorching Immortals After Dark/Dacian novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole brings together a wicked vampire prince used to getting everything he desires and a demon warrior who always felt like an outcast.

A night of debauchery

Prince Mirceo Daciano and his new friend Caspion the Tracker comb the streets of Dacia, drunkenly seeking out pleasures of the flesh. In what should have been a typical night, they coax a bevy of nymphs to bed. To impress their females, the demon and the vampire kiss on a dare.

Changes them forever

Once they finally break away from their soul-searing kiss, they find themselves alone—and shaken. Had they imagined their explosive chemistry? Obstacles—ranging from a death sentence, to exile on a war-torn dimension—threaten to destroy their lives, much less the vulnerable promise in that one kiss.

How long can they resist the fire that blazes between them?

Even if Mirceo can accept Caspion as his fated mate, the sensual vampire still must convince the stubborn demon that their bond is forever. And any royal Dacian union must receive the blessing of King Lothaire, an unpredictable and savage killer...

My Thoughts

I’m a very big fan of Kresley’s books. I’ve enjoyed her YA series and her adult romances, so when I heard she was writing a M/M story set in her Immortals After Dark world, I desperately hoped an early review copy would show up on NetGalley. It didn’t.

I’ve already pre-ordered this one, though, so by the time this post comes out, I’ve probably started reading it.

**

The Chosen

J.R. Ward

(Black Dagger Brotherhood #15)

Publication Date: April 4, 2017

Hardcover, 432 pages, Ballantine Books

Genres: Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Goodreads

A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J. R. Ward’s newest novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.

Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.

As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

My Thoughts

Another adult paranormal romance book. It won’t be the last on this list either.

J.R. Ward’s BDB series is flipping fantastic! Yes, there’s been a book or two that’s left me a little unsatisfied, but this one’s about a couple I really enjoy. Layla and Xcor are mwah! Plus, Ward said we’ll get to see more Blay and Quinn in this book. I’m all for that.

**

Avenged

Amy Tintera

(Ruined #2)

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

Hardcover, 416 pages, HarperTeen

Genres: YA, Fantasy

Goodreads

In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory.

But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

My Thoughts

Ruined was one of my best reads of 2016. I didn’t actually make a top ten list, but if I had, this one would have been on it.

The tagline for this book was completely accurate. It’s like Red Queen meets The Selection, and I love me some Red Queen. Thus, this book was perfect for me. Now, I just have to patiently wait for all of the sequels to release. *sigh*

**

Flame in the Mist

Renee Ahdieh

(Flame in the Mist #1)

Publication Date: May 16, 2017

Hardcover, 368 pages, G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Genres: YA, Fantasy

Goodreads

The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place—she may be an accomplished alchemist, whose cunning rivals that of her brother Kenshin, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands. At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor's favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family's standing. But en route to the imperial city of Inako, Mariko narrowly escapes a bloody ambush by a dangerous gang of bandits known as the Black Clan, who she learns has been hired to kill her before she reaches the palace.

Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the ranks of the Black Clan, determined to track down the person responsible for the target on her back. But she's quickly captured and taken to the Black Clan’s secret hideout, where she meets their leader, the rebel ronin Takeda Ranmaru, and his second-in-command, his best friend Okami. Still believing her to be a boy, Ranmaru and Okami eventually warm to Mariko, impressed by her intellect and ingenuity. As Mariko gets closer to the Black Clan, she uncovers a dark history of secrets, of betrayal and murder, which will force her to question everything she's ever known.

My Thoughts

This book is supposed to be a sort of Mulan retelling. MULAN! Coupled with the fact this this book was written by the author of the absolutely fantastic The Wrath and the Dawn duology, and I am 100% sold!

I said I wasn’t going to be buying a lot of books this year, and that’s true. This one, though, is an exception. (As are most of the books on this list…)

**

The Love Interest

Cale Dietrich

Publication Date: May 16, 2017

Hardcover, 384 pages, Feiwel & Friends

Genres: YA, Contemporary, LGBT

Goodreads

There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.

Caden is a Nice: The boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: The brooding, dark-souled guy, and dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will pursue her. Will she choose a Nice or the Bad?

Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have to be – whoever the girl doesn’t choose will die.

What the boys don’t expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.

My Thoughts

Okay, this might be my most anticipated book of the year, not counting King’s Cage of course. It’s basically a young adult gay romance version of the movie This Means War. Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes! I want it soooo badly.

This is another book that I’ve been constantly checking for on NetGalley. It’s on there, but it’s not available for review yet.

**

The Darkest Promise

Gena Showalter

(Lords of the Underworld #13)

Publication Date: June 13, 2017

Hardcover, 384 pages, Harlequin Books

Genres: Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Goodreads

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a sizzling Lords of the Underworld story about an iron-willed sovereign and the somber beauty who melts him with a glance

Possessed by the demon of Misery, Cameo isn't allowed to experience joy. If she dares, her memory is wiped clean. With no other recourse, she sneaks into a land more fantastical than any fairy tale, determined to find the one man with the key to her redemption.

Lazarus the Cruel and Unusual rules his kingdom with a single unwavering focus: to build his army and annihilate his enemies. Nothing distracts himuntil Cameo. He is relentless in his quest to make her smileand seduce her into his bed.

As dark forces conspire against them, threatening to destroy the fragile bond they've forged, the once-calm Lazarus grows crazed. Every heart-stopping kiss and wicked touch causes Cameo to teeter on the brink of happiness. But if she falls, she risks forgetting him forever.

My Thoughts

Told you there’d be more adult romance books on this list.

So Gena Showalter’s books are like crack to me. Even if I read a not-so-good one, there’s always another two or three that really suck me back into her various worlds. And, since I’ve been waiting for Cameo’s book for FOREVER, I’m ridiculously excited that this thing is finally coming out.

**

Untitled Chaol Novel

Sarah J. Maas

(Throne of Glass #5.5)

Publication Date: September 5, 2017

Hardcover, 432 pages, Bloomsbury

Genres: YA, Fantasy

Goodreads

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica-the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both-and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

My Thoughts

This book has no cover or title, but I still want it. I love Chaol Westfall, and I have been very upset at Maas for her treatment of him in past Throne of Glass books. Hopefully, I like where this book takes his storyline. Plus, I really want to see that cover. How do you think it will look with a guy on the cover instead of the typical Aelin we’ve had on the other books in the series?

**

There you have it. Those are my most anticipated 2017 releases.

Oh, I did leave out one, though. Immortal Reign by Morgan Rhodes, the sixth and final book in the Falling Kingdoms series, is set to release in December. However, there’s no description or cover for it, so I thought I’d just mention it briefly.

Let me know some of your most anticipated releases of the year!