BIG NEWS!

Alright. Let's just get to it, shall we??

KATE TRIUMPH, the first in a series, will be released this fall!!

Normal is so overrated. At least that's what seventeen-year-old Kate Triumph tells herself everyday. But the truth is she lives in constant fear that someone will discover how not normal she really is. With her startling speed and her unusual ability to heal, Kate believes she's something of a freak. 

Then Andrew Shore arrives. 

He claims he's her father, sticks around for a few days and leaves her a plane ticket. “Come to Mercer Island,” he says. “Give me a chance to get to know you.” Soon Kate is floundering in a world of new: new address, new car, new high school and, of course, new father. Not to mention Zack, her intriguing new neighbor, who makes her want to abandon her steadfast rule of never allowing anyone to get too close. But when she discovers someone is trying to kill her, life for Kate gets a bit more complicated. 

And a lot less normal.

I'm so excited to share this news with you!! And most importantly, I'm crazy excited for all of you to read it!!

Please find it on Goodreads and check back here SOON for more news on KATE TRIUMPH.

Exciting news is coming!!

Hey there!

How was your summer? Mine was over too soon.

It involved a lot of this:

This:













And this:














But now that fall is here it's time for book reviews, lots and lots of book love AND...

some very exciting news!!


All I have to say is this...


Meet me back here tomorrow. =)

I promise it's exciting.

BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: THE THOUSAND-DOLLAR TAN LINE (Veronica Mars #1) by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

Veronica!

Yeah. I’m a fan. I’ve watched all three seasons more than a few times and when the movie came out I paid to watch it at my house not once but TWICE! I was a tad bit skeptical about the book but, yeah, I loved that too.

Here's what Goodreads has to say:

Ten years after graduating from high school in Neptune, California, Veronica Mars is back in the land of sun, sand, crime, and corruption. She’s traded in her law degree for her old private investigating license, struggling to keep Mars Investigations afloat on the scant cash earned by catching cheating spouses until she can score her first big case.

Now it’s spring break, and college students descend on Neptune, transforming the beaches and boardwalks into a frenzied, week-long rave. When a girl disappears from a party, Veronica is called in to investigate. But this is no simple missing person’s case; the house the girl vanished from belongs to a man with serious criminal ties, and soon Veronica is plunged into a dangerous underworld of drugs and organized crime. And when a major break in the investigation has a shocking connection to Veronica’s past, the case hits closer to home than she ever imagined.

For those of you who need the full Veronica-authentic-effect I suggest you download the audio version where — YES IT'S TRUE — Kristen Bell is the narrator. And she does an awesome job seeing as she has all those years of Gossip Girl under her belt.

This book was just as fun and intense and suspenseful as the show and the movie. But if you’re a true marshmallow you will notice there is something missing: Veronica’s personal soliloquies. This book is written in third person, which feels a bit odd in the beginning for those of us who are used to the first person aspect of the show, but ultimately it didn't keep me from loving it. Nope. Not one bit.

I was still completely caught up in the story. I’m still thinking about it weeks later. And for those of us who have seen Mars Investigations for years on our TV screens it was a fun treat to read about it.  I’ve never really thought about what it smells like when you walk down the hallway or how it feels being there. Books make everything so much more personal. Don't you think?

Even though the book is written in third person I still feel like Veronica’s voice was present as well as her witty dialogue.

I’m totally committed to this series. I can’t wait for the next one.

~ See what other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Jessica Love adores BREAKFAST SERVED ANYTIME by Sarah Combs

Rebecca Behrens raves about THE SECRET SIDE OF EMPTY by Maria E. Andreu

Katy Upperman praises THE EIGHTH GUARDIAN by Meredith McCardle (with a giveaway!)

Lenore Appelhans is beside herself for BURN OUT by Kristi Helvig

BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: LADY THIEF (SCARLET #2) by A. C. Gaughen

Lady Thief is finally here!! I've been waiting months to share this review with you!

So... in a very un-Shari-like move the other day I organized my Kindle. Did you know you can do that? Well, you can. I went through ALL my books and put them in categories by genre. Or in the case of LADY THEIF and SCARLET I created a special folder named FAVORITES. Because they are.


Here's what Goodreads has to say:

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Let's talk about Lord Gisbourne. Being a true Robin Hood fan I've seen the BBC TV series so I know what he looks like. He looks like him.  ---->
And if you're like me, and you've seen every episode, then you know that Gisbourne is very evil and mean and intense. But here's the thing. Gaughen's version of Lord Gisbourne is far more evil and hate-able than you can ever imagine, and yet... you just might find yourself strangely drawn to him as well. The relationship between Scarlet and Gisbourne alone should get you to read this book. It nearly took my breath away.

But then there's Robin. And John Little. And don't forget about Much.

LADY THIEF goes beyond what a sequel should be. The adventure and danger is amplified allowing the opportunity for each and every character to grow and exceed our expectations.

The worst part of this series is that I just don't think I can wait for book 3.

Everyone should read this book. No, seriously. EVERYONE.

~ See what other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

• Rebecca Behrens is captivated by NIGHTINGALE'S NEST by Nikki Loftin
• Katy Upperman is pulsating for HEARTBEAT by Elizabeth Scott
• Jessica Love is over the moon for THE LOST PLANET by Rachel Searles
• Tracy Banghart is spellbound by CAPTIVATE by Vanessa Garden 
• Christine Fonseca is intrigued by VENGEANCE by Megan Miranda
• Kimberly Sabatini is riveted by PUSH by Corrine Jackson
• Tracey Neithercott is hypnotized by THESE BROKEN STARS by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: GOING ROGUE (Also Known As #2) by Robin Benway

I don't know what it is lately, but the universe is really trying to get me to Paris. The last few books I've loved have all been set in Paris, (including this one, hint hint) and now I JUST NEED TO BE! PARIS TODAY!

Anyway. Yes. It's time for some more fun with safecracker Maggie and her entire gang.

Here's what Goodreads has to say about it:

Being permanently based in a local New York City high school as an undercover operative has its moments, good and bad, for 16-year-old safecracker Maggie Silver. Pros: More quality time with her former mark-turned-boyfriend Jesse Oliver and insanely cool best friend, Roux. Getting to spend quality time with her semi-retired and international spy honorary uncle, Angelo. 
Cons: High school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations. But when Maggie's parents are falsely accused of stealing priceless gold coins, Maggie uses her safecracking skills to try and clear their names. 
Too bad it only serves to put her and everyone she loves in danger. Maggie and her "new team" flee to Paris where they must come up with a plan to defeat their former allies.


SO... yes, I loved it. For those of you who've read ALSO KNOWN AS you will remember how adorable and fun the first one was. Maggie and Oliver's burgeoning relationship was sweet and real in a way that only a secret spy and her mark could be. And we all love Roux. How could you not? But this next chapter in Maggie's life is a bit more serious. And dangerous. 
And we get to go to Paris!! Now I may be a little bit obsessed with Paris right now but I promise you might find it's contagious once you meet Maggie's new spy friends and hear about their adventures in the underground tunnels. OH! And just in case you need more info into the workings of this book, and Robin Benway's mind, she posted this awesome behind the scenes link to GOING ROGUE. You must check it out!  

I simply can't wait to read the next book in this series. It's fun, exciting and it will definitely keep you reading! 

~ See what other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Katy Upperman is swooning for WHEN AUDRY MET ALICE by Bookanista Rebecca Behrens

Jessica Love is dishing love for UNTOLD by Sarah Rees Brennan

Christine Fonseca is shivering over SEVERED by Dax Varley

Kimberly Sabatini is fangirling for RELEASED by SJ Pajonas

BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: CROWN OF MIDNIGHT (Throne of Glass #2) By Sarah J. Maas

Need a gift idea? Or two? This series by Sarah J. Maas is definitely one you should read and then tell all your friends about. I know I've mentioned before how I'm a little over the whole series thing — waiting a year is really no fun — but this series is so worth it.

Here's what Goodreads has to say:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

This book is beyond intense. It has romance, magic, fighting scenes that will get your heart pumping, and one serious kick-ass heroine. Sarah J. Maas kept me guessing as the story unfolded. She pulled me in with the relationships between Celaena, Chaol and Dorian in book one and then turned the energy and intensity up in book two. And we all know how difficult it is to love the book #2 in a series. But this one didn't feel like a book two, it felt... well... kinda epic.

It has been a few weeks since I finished it, and yet it's still very much inside my head.

Love.Love.LOVE this series. 

It will keep you reading.


~ See what other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

Lenore Appelhans is sharing her love for CONTROL by Lydia Kang

Christine Fonseca is enthralled with DRAGONFLY by Leigh Talbert Moore

Tracy Banghart is transforming with BECOME by Ali Cross 

Kimberly Sabatini is intrigued by SPLIT SECOND by Kasie West

BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: SCARLET by A.C. Gaughen

There are only a few books I have finished reading and then immediately started reading again, and this is one of them. I have always been a huge fan of Robin Hood, but this book was so good I've become a bit obsessed.

Here's what Goodreads has to say:


Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.


I was lucky enough to get an early copy of LADY THIEF (SCARLET #2)  from Netgalley and I will post my review of LADY THIEF when we get closer to February, but in case you're wondering... the second book is just as good as the first!
These books are full of everything you'd expect from a Robin Hood story, and then some. You will fall in love with Robin and Much and Little John. You may even feel a little something for the evil and cruel Guy Gisbourne. A.C. Gaughen has taken these timeless characters we've read before and made them real and vulnerable and satisfying. 

Basically what I'm trying to tell you is: GO READ SCARLET NOW SO YOU WILL BE READY FOR LADY THIEF!! 

And if you're anything like me you will read them again and again.


~~ See what other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

• Lenore Appelhans is loving being on the edge with DANGEROUS GIRLS by Abagail Haas
• Christine Fonseca is making a happy noise for THE INVISIBLE BOY by Trudy Ludwig
• Tracy Banghart is revealing the cover for her upcoming book, SHATTERED VEIL 
• Tracey Neithercott is crushing on SOLVING FOR EX by LeighAnne Kopans
• Kimberly Sabatini is reveling in YOU LOOK DIFFERENT IN REAL LIFE by Jennifer Castle

BOOKANISTAS REVIEW: THE BITTER KINGDOM (FIRE AND THORNS #3) by Rae Carson

At last!! A satisfying trilogy!! Lately I've been losing my enthusiasm for trilogies. To be fair I think I lost it right around the time the last HUNGER GAMES book came out. Waiting out that year between books can be rather annoying. And when the final book ends in a way that leaves you feeling defeated you sometimes wish you hadn't even bothered in the first place. I get that an author may see things differently than the reader — believe me, I get it —as a reader I live for the ride (even when that ride takes me in a totally different direction than I expect) but when the main character is strong and tough, giving off an air of hope, I'd like to leave the series with a bit of that hope still intact. You know? Alright. Enough said. So, let's talk about Elisa. 

Here's what Goodreads has to say about THE BITTER KINGDOM: 

The epic conclusion to Rae Carson's Fire and Thorns trilogy. The seventeen-year-old sorcerer-queen will travel into the unknown realm of the enemy to win back her true love, save her country, and uncover the final secrets of her destiny. Elisa is a fugitive in her own country. Her enemies have stolen the man she loves in order to lure her to the gate of darkness. As she and her daring companions take one last quest into unknown enemy territory to save Hector, Elisa will face hardships she's never imagined. And she will discover secrets about herself and her world that could change the course of history. She must rise up as champion-a champion to those who have hated her most.

I walked into this series with some hesitation. It didn't really sound like something I would like but the reviews were amazing and I figured I would give it a shot. I LOVED this series. Really. That's pretty much all I have to say. The writing is that perfect mix of intuitive and visual, the characters are strong and real and the story moves along so quickly you will tear through these books before you know it. And did I mention that all three books are currently available for e-readers or at your local bookstore? Cause that's magic if you ask me. 

If you are in the mood for a series that has Indiana Jones-like adventure, love, a strong female character that is tested every step of the way, and is so worth the three-book time investment than I highly recommend you check it out. I PROMISE it will keep you reading.


       ~~

       See what the other Bookanistas are raving about this week!

• Katy Upperman is loving HOW TO LOVE by Katie Cotugno
• Christine Fonseca is nostalgic with ROOMIES by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando
• Jessica Love is wild for WINGER by Andrew Smith