Can't Wait Wednesday (243)

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

So the public has spoken - Cass is now a full-time contributor to Can't Wait Wednesday.  That means each week you'll see two books here. Of course Cass is already lobbying for an increase in salary (at least he works for treats - and bandanas).

FROM GOODREADS: Quinn Maybrook just wants to make it until graduation. She might not make it to morning.

Quinn and her father moved to tiny, boring Kettle Springs to find a fresh start. But ever since the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down, Kettle Springs has cracked in half. On one side are the adults, who are desperate to make Kettle Springs great again, and on the other are the kids, who want to have fun, make prank videos, and get out of Kettle Springs as quick as they can.

Kettle Springs is caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress. It’s a fight that looks like it will destroy the town. Until Frendo, the Baypen mascot, a creepy clown in a pork-pie hat, goes homicidal and decides that the only way for Kettle Springs to grow back is to cull the rotten crop of kids who live there now. 

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I've been seeing this book pop up different places and I'd love to get my hands on a review copy.  Clowns have always scared me since I was a kid so I think that will make this one even more chilling to read.  Plus, I wanna hear about Frendo clearing the town of bratty kids.  Sounds like a great slasher!

CASSIUS'S PICK:

 FROM GOODREADS:  Zeus comes from a long line of heroic dogs, and he dreams of glory as a K9 commander. But he receives a much more dangerous assignment—middle school! And as all good service dogs know, the only way to get through hostile territory is by being invisible.

Zeus’s new human, Madden, is diabetic, and he wants to be invisible, too. That’s hard to do with a huge German Shepherd at his side to alert him when his blood sugar drops. And it’s even harder because Madden makes this noise called music that draws attention. Zeus’s mission becomes clear: he must destroy music.

While Zeus’s training prepared him for his most important job—keeping Madden safe—he discovers the human world is complicated. As Madden dreams of winning the state band competition and tries to reconnect with his mom, the lieutenant, Zeus must learn that, sometimes, you need to stand out to fulfill your duty. 

WHY CASSIUS CAN'T WAIT:  First of all, Zeus sounds awesome.  And I love to read about dogs who become heroes (I personally think we all are).  I know this is a kid's book but Mom is making an effort to spend one on one time with me since my twerp brother came along and I think this would be perfect for us to read together.

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK????

TTT - Most Anticipated Releases for 2020: January - June

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading.

This week we are looking at our most anticipated books of 2020.  There's no way I could do only ten so I'm provided you with three for each month.

Here we go!

JANUARY

So I love Seanan McGuire and got a late ARC of this one so I hope to read it soon.  I already have A Longer Fall and Me & Mr. Cigar on hold with my local libraries.

FEBRUARY

2 horror and a dog 😀

MARCH

Please please please let me like The Deep.  And I've only read one Sarah J. Maas book but I am VERY curious about her upcoming adult urban fantasy.

APRIL

Just for the record, I'm already having a hard time nailing it down to three per month!

MAY

Of course there is a Stephen King on the list and who can resist a book with mercenary librarians!

JUNE

So I don't even want to think about how many books I'll be adding after blog hopping this week!

Forget Good Girls, EVERYBODY Lies!

Today I'm thrilled to be taking part of the Harlequin Trade Publishing Winter 2020 Mystery Tour with my review of Good Girls Lie.  This book seems to be everywhere so read on for my thoughts!

TITLE: Good Girls Lie

AUTHOR: J.T. Ellison

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLISHING DATE: December 31, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: 

Goode girls don’t lie… 

Perched atop a hill in the tiny town of Marchburg, Virginia, The Goode School is a prestigious prep school known as a Silent Ivy. The boarding school of choice for daughters of the rich and influential, it accepts only the best and the brightest. Its elite status, long-held traditions and honor code are ideal for preparing exceptional young women for brilliant futures at Ivy League universities and beyond. But a stranger has come to Goode, and this ivy has turned poisonous. 

In a world where appearances are everything, as long as students pretend to follow the rules, no one questions the cruelties of the secret societies or the dubious behavior of the privileged young women who expect to get away with murder. But when a popular student is found dead, the truth cannot be ignored. Rumors suggest she was struggling with a secret that drove her to suicide. 

But look closely…because there are truths and there are lies, and then there is everything that really happened.  

MY THOUGHTS: After reading the synopsis, I was quite anxious to give this book a try.  Like a lot of people, I like boarding school settings and the mystery seemed...well, quite mysterious.  The Goode School is located in a small Virginia town. It has been run by family members for many years, even though the current Dean isn't really thrilled with her duties.

In the beginning we are introduced to Ash, a teen from England.  Both of her parents recently died and she is coming to the States for a new start.  Yet something doesn't seem quite right about Ash.  She has a lot of secrets, ones which the Dean is willing to help her keep, and in the beginning, she isn't quite fitting in. However, when she begins a tumultuous relationship with Becca, a senior (and I mean TUMULTUOUS), things start to change.

While I kind of guessed a few of the plot twists early on, I still found it enjoyable.  In fact, I think I enjoyed it a tad bit more than my friend Stormi, who read it earlier than me.  The characters aren't really likable, but I don't know that they are supposed to be and I'm not kidding when I say EVERYONE in this book is lying about one thing or another.  I kind of enjoyed the secret society aspect of the book but felt like it was a tad over the top for a high school boarding school.

The ending did have a few shocks and overall I'm glad I read it.  I can see people who like boarding schools or closed circle mysteries really loving Good Girls Lie.  This is the first thing I've read from this author but it definitely won't be the last.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Also, check out Stormi's review HERE.  Even though we didn't buddy read, you might enjoy reading her thoughts as well. 

RATING: 3 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J.T. Ellison began her career as a presidential appointee in the White House, where a nuclear physicist taught her how to obsess over travel itineraries and make a seriously good pot of Earl Grey, spawning both her love of loose leaf and a desire for control of her own destiny. Jaded by the political climate in D.C., she made her way back to her first love, creative writing. More than 20 novels later, she is an award-winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with thrillers published in 27 countries and 15 languages. She is also the EMMY-award winning cohost of A WORD ON WORDS, a literary interview TV show. She lives in Nashville with her husband and two small gray minions, known as cats in some cultures. She thinks they’re furry aliens.

Visit JTEllison.com for more insight into her wicked imagination, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter @thrillerchick, and Instagram @thrillerchick.

Husband Material

TITLE: The Husband Material
AUTHOR: Emily Belden
PUBLISHER: HARLEQUIN-Graydon House Books
PUBLISHING DATE: December 30, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: 

Sometimes love is unpredictable… 

Twenty-nine-year-old Charlotte Rosen has a secret: she’s a widow. Ever since the fateful day that leveled her world, Charlotte has worked hard to move forward. Great job at a hot social media analytics company? Check. Roommate with no knowledge of her past? Check. Adorable dog? Check. All the while, she’s faithfully data-crunched her way through life, calculating the probability of risk—so she can avoid it.

Yet Charlotte’s algorithms could never have predicted that her late husband’s ashes would land squarely on her doorstep five years later. Stunned but determined, Charlotte sets out to find meaning in this sudden twist of fate, even if that includes facing her perfectly coiffed, and perfectly difficult, ex-mother-in-law—and her husband’s best friend, who seems to become a fixture at her side whether she likes it or not. 

But soon a shocking secret surfaces, forcing Charlotte to answer questions she never knew to ask and to consider the possibility of forgiveness. And when a chance at new love arises, she’ll have to decide once and for all whether to follow the numbers or trust her heart.  

MY THOUGHTS:  Romance isn't my usual go-to genre however I do like it as a palette cleanser from time to time and find it a really fun read around the holidays.  When the publisher offered me a chance to read and review The Husband Material, I didn't put much thought into it and took a chance.  Well, I can firmly say it was a chance that paid off.

Charlotte Rosen is nearing 30 and her career is really taking off.  She loves numbers and analyzing things and just happens to have a job at one of the biggest social media firms in California.  However, she also has a big secret - she has been a widow for the past five years.  Charlotte is trying to find the perfect man using her pilot dating app when her husband's ashes show up on her doorstep. This new development sends Char reeling and she finds herself turning to people she shut out of her life years ago.  But who knows what she will discover along the way.

I really loved the fact that this book was not all about insta-love.  In fact, Char has been celibate since her husband's death.  Yet she is still looking for her happily ever after.  The Husband Material has a wonderful cast of side characters.  Char's Gothic roommate is a treat and forces Char to do things outside of her comfort zone.  Her boss Zareen is a typical boss with a soft side and Brian,  Char's husband's best friend and new doctor, is cute and complicated.

So basically The Husband Material contained a lot more plot than I anticipated when I began.  Char shows some great character development and I never found the plot predictable.  It also contains the cutest flashback marriage proposal ever!  Hint, it involves an adorable dog named Leno.  If you are looking for a romance with more, then give The Husband Material a go!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 4 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Emily Belden is a food journalist, social media marketer, and storyteller. She is the author of the novels Hot Mess and Husband Material, and of Eightysixed: A Memoir about Unforgettable Men, Mistakes, and Meals. After she tiled her bedroom floor in over 60,000 pennies – all heads up for good luck – she was a guest on The Today Show and her story was covered by media outlets across the country. A Chicago native, Emily lives with her rescue dog in the West Loop, conveniently close to many of the city’s best restaurants.

What's Happening (01-04-19)...

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out. 

I blogged more this week than last week but an still not on my normal routine.  Here's hoping one more week will have it down pat.  Sorry if I own you replies - they are coming!  

This last week of vacation has been spent reading, watching and pup maintenance.  I managed to finish watching The Witcher which I enjoyed but which also confused me.  I heard season 2 isn't due until 2021 so that will give me plenty of time to read a few of the books and rewatch season 1 in hopes I understand more.  We also started watching Lost in Space Season 2.  We're 3 episodes in and so far I'm liking season 1 better.  However, the 3rd episode picked up soon.  I started watching season 2 of YOU when Mr. Barb was at work Friday and once again, I find myself rooting for Joe.  I must be sick and twisted.  And finally we have watched the first 3 episodes of The Mandalorian.  All I can say is Baby Yoda rocks!  Oh and I almost forgot, I've watched the entire season 1 of Virgin River on Netflix and liked it much more than anticipated.

I managed to finish 2 books already in 2020 and strange enough, they are romance.  With Apollo all over the place they have required less attention than my favorite genres but I am craving thrillers and horror so soon!  I plan on reading Good Girls Lie over the weekend.  Need to get it done quickly for a tour spot.  I'm also starting the first book in the series Stormi and I have picked next but I'm keeping it for a surprise. 

I did get a few books for Christmas this year and wanted to share.  Stormi got me a gift card and I purchased a ebook I've wanted since it came out - Laughter at the Academy.  Thanks Stormi!  Mr. Barb got me a few books as well.  First up is the newest Harry Potter illustrated edition, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, as well Aurora Rising, Stevie Nicks: Visions, Dreams, & Rumors, and Darkdawn so now I can read the whole trilogy.

So last but not least, Apollo is doing fine.  We've been trying to crate train which is going okay but the real test is Tuesday.  He doesn't have to be alone all day until then.  Luckily Mr. Barb and I can both come home and check on him during our lunches.  So here's a few pictures before I turn things over to Cassius.

 Here is Apollo the only time he is quiet - when he's asleep.  The cap is very fitting.

 This is Apollo on Christmas morning.  He isn't actually asleep, he's just figuring out what toy to massacre yet.

And finally, he does send to have a thing for electronics and here he is watching TV with Dad.  

CRAZY S**T MY BROTHER DOES 

1. Remember last week I told you he touches me?  Well he STILL touches me.  Except every once in a while it's now okay.  I mean, when he's sleeping and not trying to chew on me, he's not completely bad.

2.  The boy can throw a tantrum!  If he doesn't get what he wants when he wants, he starts making all kinds of questionable noises - grunts, growls, barks, whimpers and whines.  He's EXTREMELY vocal.

3.  He still thinks MOM is a chew toy.  Never Dad, just Mom.  He needs to get a clue.  I may not tolerate it much longer.

4.  He might not be that dumb because he took to walking around the neighborhood on a leash pretty easy.  Of course I taught him how :)

5.  Mom says that while she loves Apollo, she's loved ME forever so I think I'm still pretty special.  

So how was your week????

2019 Favorite Reads

Okay so I'm running a tad late but hey, better late than never.  I will lay the blame on the new pup - he's very time consuming.  Anyway, I did want to get up a favorites post for 2019 so read on to see what made the list!  Also, some of these may not have necessarily gotten 5/5 ratings but rather they are the ones that stand out.  Also, there is no real order except for my very favorite, which I'll save to the end.  You can click on the title for my review if you missed any.

What's Bred in the Bone - Who knew science fiction and dogs would be such a stellar hit?  Well of course, me :)  Can't wait for the next one in this series.

The All Soul's Trilogy - So glad Stormi convinced me to pick this series up.  I totally became enamored with Diana and Matthew.  

Magic Triumphs - Basically I could have included the entire Kate Daniels series.  It's no secret how much I enjoyed them all.

The Remaking - Definitely one of my favorite horror books of the year.  If you haven't read it yet and like horror, you should.

Slash - Another favorite horror read and it's no surprise it's from one of my favorite authors - Hunter Shea.

Violet - Hands down one of the best thrillers I've read all year.

The Puppy Who Knew Too Much - I found another cozy series to add to my favorites this year.  I'm highly anticipating the next installment.

A Dog Called Jack - no surprise Jack made it to the list.

AND MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE....

Hollow Kingdom - I can't recommend this book enough!

So there you have it.  Are any of these your faves as well???

Can't Wait Wednesday (242) - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

So the public has spoken - Cass is now a full-time contributor to Can't Wait Wednesday.  That means each week you'll see two books here. Of course Cass is already lobbying for an increase in salary (at least he works for treats - and bandanas).

FROM GOODREADS: Reality and dream collide in Amy Bonnaffons's dazzling, darkly playful debut novel about a love affair between the living and the dead.

For weeks, Rachel has been noticing the same golden-haired young man sitting at her Brooklyn bus stop, staring off with a melancholy air. When, one day, she finally musters the courage to introduce herself, the chemistry between them is undeniable: Thomas is wise, witty, handsome, mysterious, clearly a kindred spirit. There's just one tiny problem: He's dead.

Stuck in a surreal limbo governed by bureaucracy, Thomas is unable to "cross over" to the afterlife until he completes a 90-day stint on earth, during which time he is forbidden to get involved with a member of the living -- lest he incur "regrets." When Thomas and Rachel break this rule, they unleash a cascade of bizarre, troubling consequences.

Set in the hallucinatory borderland between life and death, The Regrets is a gloriously strange and breathtakingly sexy exploration of love, the cataclysmic power of fantasies, and the painful, exhilarating work of waking up to reality, told with uncommon grace and humor by a visionary artist at the height of her imaginative power.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Most people know I like an odd read here and there and this sounds pretty darn odd.  It sounds like it may be literary horror which doesn't always work well for me but I'm willing to give it a try.

CASSIUS'S PICK:

FROM GOODREADS: Rex Dexter is itching to have a dog. He was practically born to have one. His name is Rex, for crying out loud. It's a dog's name. Any pooch is preferable, but a chocolate Labrador is the pinnacle. The best of the best. The dream of all dreams.

When Rex's B-Day for Me-Day finally arrives, his parents surprise him with a box. A box with holes. A box with holes and adorable scratchy noises coming from inside. Could it be? Yes! It has to be! A . . . a . . .

Chicken?

Pet poultry?

How clucky.

One hour and fourteen minutes later, the chicken is dead (by a steamroller), Rex is cursed (by the Grim Reaper), and wild animals are haunting Rex's room (hounding him for answers). Even his best friend Darvish is not going to believe this, and that kid believes everything.

Rex's uninvited ghostly guests are a chatty, messy bunch. And they need Rex to solve their mysterious deadly departures from the Middling Falls Zoo before it happens again.

But how?

New York Times best-selling author Aaron Reynolds delivers a wickedly funny debut title in The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter series. 

WHY CASSIUS CAN'T WAIT:  For the love of God, someone get this boy a dog!  No child should have to play with ghost pets!

WHAT BOOK CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK???