Novella Review: Pretty in Pearls by Tera Lynn Childs

Rating: 3 stars

Pub Date: January 7, 2014
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Genre: young adult paranormal romance (mermaids)
Format/Source: ebook, bought from Amazon
Status: novella, book #3.5 of Forgive My Fins series

Summary:

As Princess Lily’s emissary, Peri works hard to make sure her best friend knows all the goings on in the underwater kingdom of Thalassinia. The upcoming Sea Harvest Dance means plenty of fun for them, too, including shopping for jewels, trims, and dress making supplies. Peri especially loves the pearls she finds at Thalassinia’s marketplace—and she might be falling head over fins for Riatus, the thoughtful pearl trader who looks like a dashing pirate.

When Lily realizes her friend has a crush, she is determined to help them get together in time for the dance—except her matchmaking efforts backfire, sweeping Peri into dangerous depths and tangled in confusing tides. Should Peri give up on Riatus and find a different date to the Sea Harvest Dance, or will they finally find a way to float along the same current?

 

Review:

Almost exactly one year ago, Tera posted a bonus Forgive My Fins story on her blog. It was a tiny story, less than 1000 words, that had been written for a mermaid magazine. The magazine ended up not materializing so Tera posted it to her blog instead. This story told of the meeting of Peri, Lily's best friend, meeting a charming Captain Jack-esque merboy at the pearl stall of the Thalassinian market. Tera asked readers if they liked the story and wanted to see more of Peri and Riatus. I remember responding with a resounding YES. Peri was always one of my favorites in the FMF series, and I loved the slightly roguish Riatus. When I met Tera and her editor Sarah at TLA a couple months later, I admit I all but begged them to write the entire story. Now, nine months later, I finally have my wish: a full "Pretty in Pearls" novella!

There are just a couple slight differences between the original story posted and the newly published "Pretty in Pearls," namely that Peri and Riatus knew each other as kids, whereas before, they were newly met strangers. I think I prefer the original version because it makes for more drama, but I'm okay with the update because it makes more sense that they'd be comfortable...ish with each other more quickly. One reason I really enjoy this novella is because Peri is a wonderful main character. Lily is passionate and a bit impulsive, while Peri is more reserved and thoughtful. That doesn't mean she's a pushover, though! Peri may be quiet, but she's no doormat. She doesn't allow people to push her around.

Riatus is really interesting. I love his physical appearance, the way he is a little pirate-y. He's kind and clearly a loving big brother while simultaneously just mysterious and a little bit dangerous enough to make things interesting. That being said, Riatus is still a teenage boy (of the mer variety, yes, but still), and he makes some seriously stupid mistakes. I was so disappointed that he pulled the old give-you-distance-to-protect-you routine. That's honestly a terrible and far too common device, and thus, it has become a tired cliché. I much prefer the actual saving from an immediate threat. There's one scene where Peri has a really bad panic attack at a very dangerous and terrible time to do so. Riatus's response to her is so gentle, so unbearably kind. I definitely squeed a bit.

The actual plot of the story is straightforward, very simple. Riatus promises to message Peri about the Sea Harvest Dance, then doesn't. She spends the rest of the novella alternately attempting to figure out why or trying to slech the attraction she feels toward him. It's very cute and definitely matches the tone of the rest of the series, which is equally adorable and fun. I hope that if Tera decides to write any more stories set in the Forgive My Fins world, Peri and Riatus will be major characters because I'd love to see more of them.

Book Links:

   

About the Author:

Tera Lynn Childs is the award-winning author of the mythology-based OH. MY. GODS. and GODDESS BOOT CAMP, the mermaid tales FORGIVE MY FINS, FINS ARE FOREVER, and JUST FOR FINS (July 3rd, 2012), and a new trilogy about monster-hunting descendants of Medusa beginning with SWEET VENOM and SWEET SHADOWS (September 4, 2012). Tera lives nowhere in particular and spends her time writing wherever she can find a comfy chair and a steady stream of caffeinated beverages.

Author Links:

   

Giveaway:

I've been holding on to signed copies of Forgive My Fins and Fins Are Forever since TLA last year, just waiting for a good opportunity to use them for a giveaway. Now is as good a chance as ever. This giveaway is open to the US & Canada and will end at 12 AM February 14. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ironically, as I was typing this, I noticed that Tera is celebrating her 7000th Twitter follower and is giving away seven signed copies of Just for Fins, the third book of the Forgive My Fins series. One of the questions on her Rafflecopter is which characters we readers want more Fins stories for, which is something I'm way excited about. More Fins stories? Bring it, Tera! So please, go check out her giveaway. You may end up with the entire trilogy!

Top Ten Tuesday #23: Covers I Want to Redesign

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week the girls at B&B think up a fun theme, and participating bloggers post their favorite 10 books in that category. This week's theme is

Top Ten Covers I Want to Redesign

Sooooo....I know some of my picks this week are going to be shredded by fellow fans. Please know that just because a book is on here doesn't mean I don't like the series or even the cover. I just don't think it's a perfect fit for the story. Because of the shocking nature of my picks, I'm going to ease you into it with my less-disputed choices first and the ones that are likely to have me murdered will be at the bottom of the post. Please don't kill me. *hides*

1. Shades of Earth by Beth Revis. I have a feeling I am NOT alone in posting this cover today. After the absolute GORGEOUSNESS that was Across the Universe and A Million Suns, this was a major disappointment. I get wanting to masculine-ize a series to interest a different audience than the typical ya-loving teenage (or teenage-at-heart) fangirl, but the redesign could have come with the release of the paperback. Now, it's like Shades of Earth is the runt of the litter, the unloved proverbial redheaded stepchild (no offense to Amy!). THIS was pretty much my reaction when I saw it, especially at 0:14. Just substitue "this cover" for "shunshine."

2. Synchrony by Cindy Ray Hale. I think the cover of Destiny is really lovely and very well done for a self-published novel. However, this has the look of a self-pub. It's amateur, and I cannot abide by the male models posture/shirt. He looks oddly slumped. I think this pose is forced and awkward. If this were a photo of a real couple, I might put it on Awkward Family Photos. The distance between them fits the chaste nature of Destiny and Isaac's relationship, but I don't feel the passion between these two models. I really think Cindy should have attempted to use the same cover designer as the first book because it was sweet and definitely presented a more professional look.

3. Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs. I like Forgive My Fins and Just for Fins, but this one doesn't fit. If you start off with the cover model looking away from the camera, you should stick with that. FMF and JFF are ethereal and mysterious, but this one just falls flat for me. I'm not opposed to the punk look, but I don't think that feel gels with the story or the other two covers.

4. The Grass Is Always Greener by Jen Calonita. Um, who is this supposed to be? Zoe, maybe? Because Izzy is on the cover of Belles, and Mira is on Winter White...but there are only two girls so WHO IS THIS?! I think it should have been a cover with both girls on it. Also, there should be a fourth book in the series because three just didn't do it for me.

5. Iron Legends by Julie Kagawa. I like the covers for The Iron Fey and Call of the Forgotten okay, but I can't STAND this cover. It's SO amateur. I saw all of the pictures from this photoshoot, and I honestly hate them all. 1. I can't stand Puck. He's not mischievous-looking enough for me, and, to be extraordinarily shallow, his eyebrows freak me out. 2. Ash is too human. I could have used more photoshop for him to look more fey-like. 3. I just don't feel the intensity from these models. Zero chemistry and zero emotion at all, really. My apologies to Julie and Harlequin Teen, but I really think you guys can do much better.

6. Evertrue by Brodi Ashton. I love this series, and the covers are lovely. Everneath is definitely a favorite of mine because of the dress (Elie Saab 2011, which is the same line of that lovely purple gown that Mila Kunis wore to the Oscars). I like Evertrue, especially the way the skirt swirls into the mist, but I don't care for the dress. I'm just not wild about the red rushing around the middle. *shrugs* Call me shallow, but if there was a different dress on this cover, I'd adore it 100%.

7. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor. This is a cool cover, but it's a bit creepy. Also, I'm not wild about the photograph. It looks somewhat fake, particularly the mask, which seems stuck on. I prefer the vibe of Days of Blood & Starlight with the intense paint/makeup. It's easier to see the model's emotions in her eyes. However, I do like that on this one, the title doesn't obscure the model's face.

8. Earthbound by Aprilynne Pike. Don't get me wrong. I think both covers are lovely. However, the first is a too photoshop-heavy for my liking, what with the boys faces in the bubbles and the kaleidoscope effect. LOVE the font, though. I'm really sad that won't carry over. As for the second, it's not...pretty enough. I mean, I like it, but I think it should be, I don't know, just prettier, like the first. Also, I can't tell you the utter RAGE I feel when covers change mid-series. STAHP IT!

9. Through the Ever Night & Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi. I actually really like the cover of Under the Never Sky because Aria looks like a BAMF. However, I actually think TTEN and ITSB look a bit cheap as far as the photoshop goes. C'mon, HC, I know you guys have better artists than putting out a vague background with people plopped right in front. Perry is hot, of course, but I think the models lack any chemistry on ITSB. These aren't bad, but they aren't great. I kind of prefer the British covers.

10. Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. Ah, yes, the one that's most likely to get me shot by rabid fans. Although both covers are lovely, I don't feel like either one really showcases this series the way a spectacular cover can. I love the effect behind Juliette on the first and the way the words are broken, but please. Pretty girl in a prom dress has NOTHING to do with the story. And as for the second, despite being lovely and despite Tahereh's AH-MAZING explanation behind the open/shut cover treatments for the full-length novels vs novellas, I feel like eyes are overdone. And again, don't have a lot to do with the series as a whole.

So that's my list. What are your picks for your less-than-favorite covers? Share your TTT links if you've got 'em!

And, because I started participating in TTT after this topic was done and I love finding loopholes that allow me to do WAY more than ten books a week, I will present you with some of my favorite book covers.

I do like covers with people on them, but I generally (not always) like it when the face is cropped out a little. I think it gives readers the opportunity to use the image of the characters in their own minds. Burning is just stunning. The Gallagher Girls have great covers as an entire series, each book unique but a great overall theme. Wither has lovely details that are oh-so-helpfully pointed out, but there's still so much to look for on these covers, and the model has a lovely broken pose that perfectly embodies the despair and hopelessness most of the characters portray in the series. The Art of Lainey is totally adorable and darling. LOVE the tear on The Immortal Rules. I was so sad when this cover got redone for the paperback.

LOVE the photoshoot S&S used for the Mara Dyer series. So much passion and chemistry between the models. Dare You To also exhibits a steamy couple with amazing chemistry. I spent so much time staring at the actual cover of the book as well (under the dust jacket), which shows another picture from this photoshoot. My sister and I were in fits over Ryan's arm muscles. Biggest Flirts is so fun and flirty. Love how it shows off an actual senior superlative shoot. Just Like Fate's cover perfectly matches the split plot of the novel. Winger cracks me up, and I love how the model looks like (to me) Neil Patrick Harris.

Matched may have been disappointing plot-wise, but these covers are amazing and fit the series so well. The photographer/model did a lovely job. Fangirl is darling. I love the cartoony feel. The Grisha series covers are pretty simple upon first glance, but I realized they tell quite the story with those few details. Can't wait to see Ruin and Rising's cover! Love and Other Uses for Duct Tape is perfect for the story. Love the duct tape rose. I want to cry every time I look at the cover for Twenty Boy Summer. The heart made out of sea glass...with the one red piece...I just can't!

Chaos of Stars is one of my favorite covers EVER. Love the emphasis on the title, but the background is so lovely too! Revenge also focuses on the title, and I love the added detail of the lipstick font. The broken pearl necklace is a great metaphor for the drama in She's So Dead to Us. LOVE Side Effects May Vary's cover. I love this new trend of really emphasizing the title while simultaneously giving little details about the plot. I love models and all, but there are only so many poses available to real people. Text and font can be limitless. And finally, I love how the Secrets of My Hollywood Life series has different diary covers that portray Kaitlin's, well, life in Hollywood. Princess Diaries and Artemis Fowl also used this successfully, but I love how SOMHL changes the pattern every time.

More Lustable New Covers

Our first cover is for "The Guard," which is an upcoming Selection novella. The cover was actually released last week, but not in time for me to include it in the other cover post I wrote.

"The Guard"

Kiera Cass

February 4, 2014

HarperTeen Impulse

Summary:

Before America Singer met Prince Maxon . . .
Before she entered the Selection . . .
She was in love with a boy named Aspen Leger.

Don't miss this digital original novella set in the captivating world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection trilogy. This brand new 64-page story begins just after the group of Selected girls is narrowed down to the Elite and is told from Aspen's point of view. The Guard also features a teaser to The One, the thrilling conclusion to The Selection trilogy.

These next two books are very special to me as I have been a fan of each series for a while, and when I had the opportunity to meet the editor of these series, I told her how much the previously written extras meant to me and how much I looked forward to more of these novellas. I'm not saying I had anything at all to do with the actual creation of these stories, but as a fan, I'm glad that I had that opportunity to thank the editor personally and let her know that people ARE reading them.

"Goddess In Time"

Tera Lynn Childs

November 5, 2013

HarperTeen Impulse

Summary:

As a descendant of Greek gods, Nicole has attended the Academy alongside other students with magical powers on a Greek island. Life is pretty perfect—except for the fact that she was sentenced to stay there because of a childhood prank that also resulted in her parents' banishment. When Nicole discovers a book that teaches the forbidden magic of time travel, she knows she must take a chance to right her wrong. With the help of her friends Troy and Phoebe, Nicole sets off on a quest that will take her from the heights of Mt. Olympus to the ocean depths of Poseidon's home and to the bowels of Hades. Can she mend her mistakes? And is changing the past, what she really wants? The past and future combine in thrilling, unpredictable ways—especially when Greek gods are involved!

"Pretty in Pearls"

Tera Lynn Childs

February 4, 2014

HarperTeen Impulse

Summary:

As Princess Lily's emissary, Peri works hard to make sure her best friend knows all the goings-on in the underwater kingdom of Thalassinia. The upcoming Sea Harvest Dance means plenty of fun for them, too, including shopping for jewels, trims, and dress-making supplies. Peri especially loves the pearls she finds at Thalassinia's marketplace—and she might be falling head over fins for Riatus, the thoughtful pearl trader who looks like a dashing pirate. 

When Lily realizes her friend has a crush, she is determined to help them get together in time for the dance—except her matchmaking efforts backfire, sweeping Peri into dangerous depths and leaving her tangled in confusing tides. Should Peri give up on Riatus and find a different date to the Sea Harvest Dance, or will they finally find a way to float along in the same current?

This one has been out for a couple weeks (the cover, I mean), but I just noticed it AND the title change (originally this was called "Elizabeth) so I wanted to share. Dangit, it's so pretty!

"The First Midnight Spell"

Claudia Gray

November 5, 2013

HarperTeen Impulse

Summary:

It's 1695, and Elizabeth Cooper is a young witch in Fortune's Sound, Rhode Island. She spends her days perfecting spells with the local coven and dreaming about one day marrying Nat Porter. But Nat is the son of Widow Porter, another witch and the leader of their coven. According to the First Laws of the Craft, Elizabeth is strictly forbidden to marry him.

Elizabeth never imagined dabbling in the dark arts, bringing herself close to serving the One Beneath. But as she feels Nat slipping away from her, she will do anything to secure his love. How much harm could she do with one single spell, even if it is black magic?

Well, I was going to make this a novella-only cover post, but then the cover came out for a long-anticipated sequel, and I felt irresponsible not including it.

 Hollow City

Ransom Riggs

January 14, 2014

Qwirk Books

Summary:

In 1940 after the first book ends, Jacob and his new Welsh island friends flee to London, the Peculiar capital of the world. Caul, a dangerous madman, is Miss Peregrine’s brother, and can steal Peculiar abilities for himself. The Peculiars must fight for survival, again.

And this morning, two more covers came in so I had to share them.

The Art of Lainey

Paula Stokes

May 20, 2014

HarperTeen

Summary:

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is used to getting what she wants, and when her boyfriend Jayson breaks up with her for no reason, what she wants is to win him back before the start of their senior year. Lainey and her friend Bianca check the interwebz for tips and tricks, but the online dating advice is all pretty lame.

Then the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. Didn't someone once say that love is a battlefield? Jayson isn't going to stand a chance once Lainey and Bee go all Zhou Dynasty on him...

Old school strategy and subterfuge meet modern-day dramarama in the story of a girl who sets out to win at all costs and ends up discovering what's really worth fighting for.

Push
The Game #2

Eve Silver

June 10, 2014

Katherine Tegen Books

Summary:

It’s either break the rules or die.

Miki Jones lives her life by her own strict set of rules, to keep control, to keep the gray fog of grief at bay. Then she’s pulled into the Game, where she—and her team—will die unless she follows a new set of rules: those set by the mysterious Committee.

But rules don’t mean answers, and without answers, it’s hard to trust. People are dying. The rules are unraveling. And Miki knows she’s being watched, uncertain if it’s the Drau or someone—something—else. Forced to make impossible choices and battling to save those she loves, Miki begins to see the Committee in a glaring new light.

And then the Game crosses a new boundary, pushes harder into Miki’s and her friends’ lives, and there’s nothing in the rules that can save them now. 

Sweet Legacy Blitz

Rating: 4/5 stars
Pub Date: September 3, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (Harper Collins imprint)
Genre: young adult, mythology, paranormal romance, action/adventure
Format/Source: ARC obtained at TLA

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: 

Greer has always known she was privileged, though she had no idea how special her second sight made her, even among her triplet monster-fighting sisters. But when a god starts playing with her mind, can Greer step up in her pretty high heels to prevent anything from stopping her sisters’ mission?

Grace loves her adopted brother, Thane, but now that he’s back and has joined her sisters’ team, it’s clear his past is full of dark mysteries. She wants to trust him, but will Thane’s secret put the girls in even more danger?

Gretchen knows she can rely on her sisters to help her stop the monsters. But after getting to know some of the beasties in the abyss, she finds her role as a huntress comes with more responsibility than she ever imagined. How can she know what her birthright demands of her now?

The girls cannot hesitate as they seek the location of the lost door between the realms, even as monsters and gods descend on San Francisco in battle-ready droves. In this exciting conclusion to the Sweet Venom trilogy, these teenage heirs of Medusa must seek the truth, answer the ancient riddles, and claim their immortal legacy.

Waiting on Wednesday: Sweet Legacy + giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Sweet Legacy (Medusa Girls #3)

by Tera Lynn Childs

Coming September 3, 2013

Katherine Tegen Books

Summary:

The stunning conclusion of Tera Lynn Childs's Greek mythology–based Sweet Venom trilogy is perfect for teen fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series.

The girls cannot hesitate as they seek the location of the lost door between the realms, even as monsters and the gods of Olympus descend on San Francisco in battle-ready droves.

Greer must use her second sight to step up and prevent anything from stopping her sisters' mission, even though a god is playing with her mind. Grace wants to trust her adopted brother, Thane; but will his secret put the girls in even more danger? And Gretchen has trained her sisters to stop the monsters, but her role as a huntress comes with more responsibility than she ever imagined.What will the girls' immortal legacy be? Three teenage descendants of Medusa must unite to restore balance to the world in this action-packed series with plenty of romance.

Why I want it:

Basically, I love Tera Lynn Childs. Her writing is fun and sassy, with tons of awesome mythology thrown in. Wins on all sides. Plus, she is crazy nice so I'm really happy to support her in any way possible.

Why I think you should want it:

See above. If you need more reasons, see below!

Bonus Giveaway:
RULES: Please see my giveaway policies in the Site Policies tab above. The rules are your responsibility. I reserve the right to disqualify any entries/entrants not in accordance with these policies.
Open to US/Canada.
Ends 12 AM August 28

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday #9: Sequel Wish List

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and The Bookish. Each week the girls at B&B think up a fun theme, and participating bloggers post their favorite 10 books in that category. This week's theme is

Top Standalone Novels I Wish Had Sequels

 No explanation needed.

1. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitpatrick. Ohhhh, man. This was quite possibly The Book of 2012. Everyone was talking about it, and for such good reasons. If not #1, it was absolutely without-a-doubt Top Ten for sure. I just feel like there are more stories to be told about the Garretts. If not with Samantha and Jase, then definitely his host of siblings, preferably George. Can you see it? A companion novel about Teenage!George with guest stars Sam & Jase? I can see it, and it is marvelous.

2. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols. Jennifer actually wrote a fantastically hilarious and educational blog post about her opinion of sequels, and I totally respect her opinion to choose to leave her characters alone after they get together. That being said, I very selfishly want more Johnafter in my life. I think that there is a story to be found about Meg and John in the post-policeman days as they head off to college together. I would also take a companion about Tiffany and Will. And this same request applies to Forget You because Doug and Zoey had a heck of a time, and I'd love to see them later on as well.

3. Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. Sarah has repeatedly stated that TBS was meant to be a standalone. That being said, she has also said that she has considered ideas for a possible sequel some day in the future. It could happen. I loved the story. It broke my heart, but it also showed that their are so many positives that can come from a tragedy. If Sarah ever does write a sequel, I will totally buy it and read it in three hours.

4. The Belles series by Jen Calonita. I really enjoyed this southern Cinderella story about half-sisters Izzy and Mira and their exploits in hoity-toity NC town Emerald Cove. Cute boys and plenty of drama = good times to be had by all. I just don't really feel like The Grass Is Always Greener was a very conclusive conclusion. Mira lost a boyfriend in #1, found a new one, then lost him in #3 and picked up another new one! Not enough time for swoonage. Also, there were some side plots that lacked completion. I felt like I was left hanging between a third and fourth novel. I really feel that if Jen wrote another novel for Belles, the whole story would wrap itself up quite nicely. Hey, she's doing another Sleepaway Girls novel so maybe this will happen sometime too!

5. Motocross Me by Cheyanne Young.  It takes until the very end of the novel for the Girl and Boy to Finally Get Together, which is like most romance novels, but I guess I just feel, once again, like there's more story to be told.

6. The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I met her. She said it's really happening. I need it to happen. I've been needing it to happen for FIVE WHOLE YEARS OF MY LIFE. Guys, seriously, I have spent 20% of my ENTIRE LIFE waiting for the sequel. I NEED THIS NOW. Ugh. So this is how Game of Thrones fans feel. I hate it.

7. The Supernaturalist by Eoin Colfer. I'm a huge fan of Eoin's work. I mean, Artemis Fowl. How could you NOT be a fan? The Supernaturalist is a lesser-known Eoin novel about a band of teenage kids who take it upon themselves to see to the safety of their city from the evil clutches of invisible parasites. Well, by the end of the novel, they discover some things and decide to change their plans. I want to see those plans and the adventures that come from them. This was a really cool, albeit super dirty and dingy futuristic world, and I'd love to see more of it!

8. The Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke. I had the supreme pleasure of participating in the blog tour for TNP, and I found out that yes, there is a sequel...but Disney-Hyperion hasn't bought it yet. Polly's British publisher is on the ball and is moving forward, but D-H hasn't yet for some reason. TNP tells the story of how a bunch of genetically modified kids make it from their hostile homeland to a colony created just for them. I feel like even though their physical journey is finished (for now), their emotional/psychological journey has just begun. I'd really like #2 to be published in the US, but if not, I swear I'll find a way to snag the UK version.

9. The Revenants series by Amy Plum. I understand that the Kate-Vincent-Jules story presented in the series is finished. One of the boys won, and one of them lost. Also, the Parisian revenants have had their epic tale told. I would LOVE for Amy Plum to write some companion novels about some of the other revenants introduced in the series like the crazy German kids, or, oh, I don't know, THE AMERICAN REVENANTS WITH WHOME THE LOVE TRIANGLE "LOSER" IS STAYING. *coughs* Ahem. Sorry. I have strong feelings for that boy, and I want him to get his Happily Ever After. Make it happen, Amy! Pretty, pretty please? *bats eyelashes*

10. "Double Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Story" by Ally Carter. This is one of those stories where I didn't know I wanted it until I found out about it and then I wondered where it had been all my life and why the heck hadn't I thought of it before. This is the Gallagher Girls/Heist Society crossover novella, and, simply put, it is marvelous. There was a moment at the end where it was kind of left open for the possiblity of another story. Yes, Cammie's story is coming to a close in about a month with the publication of United We Spy, but Kat's story is on-going, and I feel like even though she wasn't one of the main two characters in the novella, she stands as the character with the most to gain from the fusion of the two worlds of GG & HS. Maybe (I hope) after Ally finishes up her work on the first book for Embassy Row, she'll be hit with another stroke of crossover genius because that would be lovely.

Bonus: 11 & 12. Tera Lynn Child's series Forgive My Fins and Oh. My. Gods. both could use at least one more book, imo. I know she's working on at least one more novella for each, but I think they could do with full novels.

Which novels/series do you want sequels for? Got a TTT post of your own? Leave the link in the comments; I'd love to hear from you!