Waiting on Wednesday (49): Illuminated

Time for the"Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 

 Illuminated by Erica Orloff

To Be Published: December 8th 2011 by Speak 

 

An epic romance full of mysteries that transcend time—fans of Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler’s Wife will rejoice!

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story—and hers—takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary—and that of Heloise and Abelard’s ancient romance—their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can’t last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?

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I am not going to lie - the first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover. But that is what awesome covers are supposed to do, right?! I love it - with the close up views and the shimmer! But then I read the synopsis and thought - hey I like Rome and Juliet (despite the tragedy) and I loved The Time Travelers Wife (tear-jerker much?!) so I just might love this one too!  It sounds like a good YA romance with some twists. I just can't resist star-crossed lovers

 

Also, did you know that Penguin is giving away a copy of this book right now on Goodreads?  Go here for more details! The giveaway ends on  Dec 20th.

 

Top Ten Books on Scoot's TBR List for Winter

First up - what exactly counts as winter?? Growing up in Texas has given me a sketchy idea on seasons, so I had to google it.Winter is supposedly from December 22 - March 20th this year. So let's go with any books released before or during that window of time.  Out of almost 600 books on my TBR list it is a little tough to choose a top ten... but here is my best effort (in no particular order)!

1. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini - I really need to finish off this series!! I have this book sitting on my shelves at home, but I can't remember much of the back story because it is has been so long since the last book came out. I might have to start the series over to appreciate this last novel. I just don't know if I am up for that...

2. The Savage Grace by Bree Despain (published March 13, 2012) - Cliffhanger ending much??!! I have been waiting for this one since I turned the last page on The Lost Saint. These books are just absorbing and I can't wait!

3. Forgiven by Jana Oliver (published February 28, 2012) - I REALLY want this one now, but I can be patient. Sort of. The Demon Trappers series has been such a pleasant surprise.  I really love it and can't wait for this conclusion to the trilogy. Unless it turns out to be more... *crossingfingersforafourthbook*

4. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows - I have an eArc of this one now! Wahoo! I just go it and can't wait to start.  It has been a long time since I have read any reincarnation plots and think this one sounds great. I have heard nothing but good things so far.

5. A Million Suns by Beth Revis (published January 10, 2012) - Duh! Who isn't waiting for this one. I need more Amy and Elder! I am really curious to know how they deal with all of the big reveals from the last novel.  January isn't too far off..

6. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand - I have an eArc of this one now too! TUCKER. Need I say more? I will be starting this one TONIGHT.

7. The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima (no release date - just 2012) - Ok this one might not come out during "winter", but I couldn't resist including it just in case.  I love the Seven Reals series and can't wait for this one!! I want to know how it all turns out. Here's hoping for "happily ever after" and not "death and demise".

8. Forever by Maggie Stiefvater - I know, I know. This book has been out since early summer. I own it. It is taunting me, but yet I still can't get myself to read it. I think cuddling up in front of the fireplace, on my squishy couch, with a mug of hot cocoa sounds like the perfect way to read this book. I think I will save this one for the winter break.

9. Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews (out today!) - Yes, please! I love love love Ilona Andrew's edge series. They are tough to classify in a genre, but if you like your stories to have magic, lots of action, strong family bonds, romance, and well developed characters then you will love these books.  So good!

10. The Death Cure by James Dashner - Another ending to a series I have been squatting on.  I need to read this book just so I can save Thomas from the not so pleasant ending of the last book.  I know this book will have me hooked as soon as I start it, so I better leave myself lots of reading time. Here's hoping the gladers don't all die! *crossingfingersandtoes*

Ok - I couldn't do it!! I have a bonus pick.  If I can ever manage to find a reasonably priced copy of this book (local library doesn't have it, Amazon has it for $40+ used, etc..) then I really want to read this book! I finished the first one a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. So my #11 is...

11. Silksinger (Dreamdark #2) by Laini Taylor (I find myself loving all things Laini Taylor. Have you read Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet? If not, GO DO IT.)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where they post a weekly list of Top Tens.  Go here for more details!

11/29/11 Book Birthdays & Deals!

Book Birthdays!

Legend by Marie Lu
"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills."

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
"Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help..."

I haven't had a chance to read either of these books yet, but they are both at the top of my wish-list! Can't wait to get copies and start reading. Any other books coming out today that you can't wait to get your hands on?

Book Bargains!

You can get the entire River of Time trilogy by Lisa Tawn Bergren for $7 for Kindle right now?! This series is fabulous and at this price it is a steal. I am not sure how long the deal will last, so if you are interested act now!
Waterfall  for 99c on Kindle
Cascade  for $2.99 on Kindle
Torrent for $2.99 on Kindle

If you enjoyed reading Beastly by Alex Flinn you might enjoy this 144 page addition/novella (?) called Beastly: Lindy's Diary!  It is just $3.99 on your Nook or Kindle.

Winner!

We have a winner for my Halloween Flash Giveaway!

Congrats to Dizneeee!!

Diznee will get to choose from The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver, Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl.

How was everyone's Halloween?  Mine was fun as usual!