May TBR

Spring is in full bloom, and I could not be more excited to finally get out and enjoy the weather!  We have the windows open while I'm writing this, and the cats enjoy chattering at the birds that stop by.

My TBR for May is quite short.  I have a lot of wedding stuff to do (almost three months to go!).  All three books have a release date of May 2, and I've preordered all of them!  I love that all of my favorite authors have books coming out!

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan 

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

I'm not including audiobooks in my TBR this month.  I'm still working on the Throne of Glass audios, and I've got a lot imported from the library.  I have plenty to choose from when I'm finally done with ToG.

What are you reading in May?

Leave me a link or list in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Names They Gave Us

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Date: May 16, 2017

"Lucy Hansson was ready for a perfect summer with her boyfriend, working at her childhood Bible camp on the lake. But when her mom’s cancer reappears, Lucy falters—in faith, in love, and in her ability to cope. When her boyfriend “pauses” their relationship and her summer job switches to a different camp—one for troubled kids—Lucy isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Attempting to accept a new normal, Lucy slowly regains footing among her vibrant, diverse coworkers, Sundays with her mom, and a crush on a fellow counselor. But when long-hidden family secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside her problems and discover what grace really means?"- From Goodreads

I love love love Emery Lord!  Her characters are always so rich and complex.  I can't wait to read her newest book.

TTT: Things That Will Make Me Instantly NOT Want To Read A Book

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme is things that will instantly make me NOT want to read a book.

1. Vampires
I read Twilight before it got super hyped.  But the vampire craze that followed?  No thank you.

2. Anything that is super hyped.
50 Shades of Grey and Girl on the Train come to mind.  I like to read my own things, not to follow the crowd.

3. Horror.
I hate anything that is super gruesome and bloody.  Some blood and gore is fine, but not if that is the entire point of the book.

I have a short list this week!  I give pretty much anything a chance.
What's on your list?
Leave me a list or link in the comments!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Published by Bloomsbury USA Childrens in May 2016

Another review from the Cassie's Babblings archives!  I re-read this series in anticipation of book 3 coming out May 2.  I forgot how much this book tore my heart out.  I may have had something in my eye at the end of this book... I hope you enjoy!

"Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
There are no words to describe all 626 pages of this book. It left me quivering like a pool of jelly on the floor. Sarah J. Maas really knows how to dig into the reader's chest and rip out their heart.

When I first started seeing the #TeamRhys hashtag, I thought "Oh noo. That is not going to happen to me."  Well. It did. I am 100% #TeamRhys. Especially while I'm over here in the corner bawling my eyes out. The next book cannot come fast enough.  If you like kick ass female characters with amazing world building, this series is for you.

Disclosure: I purchased my own copy.

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in November 2010
Bride Quartet #4
All Time Favorite

"As the public face of Vows wedding planning company, Parker Brown has an uncanny knack for fulfilling every bride's vision. She just can't see where her own life is headed. Mechanic Malcomb Kavanaugh loves figuring out how things work, and Parker is no exception. Both know that moving from minor flirtation to major hook-up is a serious step. Parker's business risks have always paid off, but now she'll have to take the chance of a lifetime with her heart..." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I really think Parker's story is my favorite.  Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I love my planner and carry it around with me everywhere I go.  She seems the most unwilling to open herself to love, and when she finally does it's a beautiful thing.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Waiting on Wednesday: Windfall

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date: May 2, 2017

"Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes.

At first, it seems like a dream come true, especially since the two of them are no strangers to misfortune. As a kid, Alice won the worst kind of lottery possible when her parents died just over a year apart from each other. And Teddy’s father abandoned his family not long after that, leaving them to grapple with his gambling debts. Through it all, Teddy and Alice have leaned on each other. But now, as they negotiate the ripple effects of Teddy’s newfound wealth, a gulf opens between them. And soon, the money starts to feel like more of a curse than a windfall.

As they try to find their way back to each other, Alice learns more about herself than she ever could have imagined . . . and about the unexpected ways in which luck and love sometimes intersect."- From Goodreads

This premise sounds so fascinating to me!  Plus, I love Jennifer E. Smith.  Definitely a win-win for me!

TTT: Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly Want To Read A Book

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme is things that will make me instantly want to read a book.

1. Fantasy or light Science Fiction
I will read pretty much any fantasy that I can get my hands on.  I think my favorites are Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and Cinder by Marissa Meyer.

2. Magic
While this is a part of fantasy, I am a total goner if there is magic.  Double points if the MC needs to learn how to wield their magic.  Harry Potter comes to mind.

3. Spies
I love books that feature spies as MCs.  Especially when they have to infiltrate enemy lines.  My favorite spy novels are the Gallagher Girls series by Ally Carter.

4. Summer Romances
I am such a sucker for summer romances.  Everything is so free in the summer.  Sarah Dessen's books are must-reads in this genre.

5. Princesses
I love kick-ass female characters who are going to run their own countries someday.  Throne of Glass definitely falls into this category again.

6. Road Trips or Quests
I love the idea of road trips to find something or someone.  It also plays into the whole quest thing too.  I love when a MC comes out of their quest a better person.  In every single one of Rick Riordan's books, there is a quest.  And I love it.

7. Set in Europe
I love books set in Europe, especially England.  Stephanie Perkins' Anna and the French Kiss is the perfect example.

8. Alternate timelines
I love when the MC is being mean and horrible, and then they hit their head and experience a different future or go back in time?  Yes!  Sign me up!  Jessica Brody's A Week of the Mondays fits perfectly!  The MC experiences the same Monday seven times before she makes the right decisions.

I'm probably forgetting things, of course.  But what about you?
What things will make a book an instant read for you?
Leave me a comment!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Published by Bloomsbury Children's in May 2015
A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

Another review from the archives!  I'm rereading this series in anticipation for book 3 coming out May 2.  It's also very interesting to go back and reread after reading book 2.  Such a different take on Tamlin after that.  Enjoy!

"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."

Will you like it?

I wish I could give this book more than five stars.  I loved the premise of the book even before I read it (Sarah J. Maas wrote it, how could it be bad?!), and I was not disappointed.  There are too many things to gush about.  I love Feyre.  She's not willing to be run over by some arrogant faerie.  She also takes care of her family, and puts her own needs and wants second.  

Tamlin.  There were several times I needed to fan myself after reading certain passages.  He is gorgeous, brooding, and powerful.  Everything a High Lord should be.  (*Disclaimer: I definitely feel different about him after reading book 2, but decided not to change that on here.)

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in April 2010
Bride Quartet #3
All Time Favorite

"With the support of her friends, Laurel McBane’s dream of attending culinary school came true. Now, she’s repaying their kindness by creating extravagantly luscious tiers of cakes and other confectionary delights that add the perfect touch to their clients’ weddings.

As for romance, the low-key Laurel has had a mega crush on Parker’s older brother, Delaney Brown, since childhood. But she’s convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. When Laurel’s quicksilver moods get the better of her—leading to an angry, hot, altogether mind-blowing kiss with Del—she’ll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever…"- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I love how feisty Laurel is in her own book.  She knows what she wants and doesn't take any crap doing it.  If you love weddings or romance, then this series is definitely for you.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Dark Prophecy

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date: May 2, 2017
The Trials of Apollo #2

"Zeus has punished his son Apollo—god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more—by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo do anything about them without his powers?

After experiencing a series of dangerous—and frankly, humiliating—trials at Camp Half-Blood, Apollo must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he's gaining in new friendships—with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . ."

I read pretty much anything and everything Rick Riordan publishes.  I love how he takes the myths and creates stories in and around them.  I learn so much, and I enjoy myself at the same time.

TTT: Unique Sounding Books on my TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme features the most unique sounding books on my TBR.

There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

Release Date: September 12, 2017

This sounds like a mashup of Scream with YA.  I can't wait to read another Stephanie Perkins book.

Before She Ignites by Jodi Meadows

Release Date: September 27, 2017

This is a fantasy in which the main character has OCD, and has to overcome it to save her world.  You definitely don't see that in every book.

Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco

Release Date: September 19, 2017

I loved the first book in this series, and I can't wait to read about Dracula in the second one.

What books sound unique on your TBR?

Leave me a list or link in the comments!

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
Published by Berkley Books in October 2009
Bride Quartet #2
All Time Favorite

Another review from the Cassie's Babblings archives!  Planning my own wedding made me really want to read this series again, and I'm glad I did!

"In Bed of Roses, florist Emma Grant is finding career success with her friends at Vows wedding planning company, and her love life appears to be thriving. Though men swarm around her, she still hasn’t found Mr. Right. And the last place she’s looking is right under her nose.

But that’s just where Jack Cooke is. He’s so close to the women of Vows that he’s practically family, but the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. When Emma returns his passion—kiss for blistering kiss—they must trust in their history…and in their hearts." -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
If you love weddings and romance this series is for you.  The audiobook is great!  When I don't know what else to listen to, I know I can always pull one book from this series and I will enjoy it.

Disclosure: I own the physical book, but I borrowed the audiobook from my local library.

Waiting on Wednesday: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, which shines a light on eagerly anticipated upcoming releases.  This week, my pick is:

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books
Date: May 2, 2017
A Court of Thorns and Roses #3

"Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all."- From Goodreads

Anything Sarah J. Maas publishes, I automatically pre-order.  I am so excited to continue with this series!

April TBR

After a slight reading slump in March, I'm really excited for all of the new releases being published in April!  Without further ado, here are the books I'm really hoping to read in April.

I'm currently listening to Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas.  I'm going to try to listen to as much of this series in April as I can. 

I'm also going to reread A Court of Thorns and Roses & A Court of Mist and Fury in anticipation of A Court of Wings and Ruin getting released in May.  To say that I'm excited is an understatement.

If I have time this month (and depending on when I can get them from the library), I'd also like to read Fireworks by Katie Cotugno and Blacksouls by Nicole Castroman.

What is on your list to read in April?

Let me know in the comments!