Waiting on Wednesday: Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

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

Dread Nation

by Justina Ireland

Coming April 3, 2018

Balzer & Bray

Summary:

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

Why I Want It:

BADASS GIRLS TRAINING TO KILL ZOMBIES. THAT IS ALL.

Why I think you should want it:

See above! Seriously, that summary is killer, if you'll excuse the pun.

Waiting on Wednesday: Puddin' by Julie Murphy

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

Puddin'
Dumplin' #2

by Julie Murphy

Coming May 8, 2018

Balzer & Bray

Summary:

Millie Michalchuk has gone to fat camp every year since she was a girl. Not this year. This year she has new plans to chase her secret dream—and to kiss her crush. Callie Reyes is the pretty girl who is next in line for dance team captain and has the popular boyfriend. But when it comes to other girls, she’s more frenemy than friend. When circumstances bring the girls together over the course of a semester, they will surprise everyone (especially themselves) by realizing they might have more in common than they ever imagined.

Filled with heart-stirring romance, friendship, and serious Texas-size girl power—this is another winner from Julie Murphy.

Why I Want It:

Julie is another of my auto-read, auto-buy authors so I'll always read everything she publishes, but I'm specifically looking forward to Puddin' because Dumplin' was one of the most meaningful books I've ever read. 

Why I think you should want it:

Julie is a powerhouse, and she writes powerhouse girls, but she writes them in different ways. I love that Julie is writing about so many different experiences. Everyone talks about Dumplin' being a great representation of a fat girl, and it absolutely is. But there's more than one fat girl in the world so there should be more than one story featuring fat girls, and from what we can see of Millie in Dumplin', her experience is vastly different than Willowdean's. So I'm excited to discover Millie's story. And Callie, who was pretty bratty in Dumplin', kind of reminds me of Alice from Julie's first novel Side Effects May Vary. Julie gives a voice to so many different girls, and I know Puddin' will keep that glorious tradition going. Also, Dumplin' movie is releasing this year so who wouldn't be super excited to have another story in that world??

Waiting on Wednesday: Allied by Amy Tintera

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

Allied
Ruined #3

by Amy Tintera

Coming May 1, 2018

HarperTeen

Summary:

In the final book in the New York Times bestselling Ruined series, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores and her sister, Olivia, were determined to bring peace to the people of Ruina. But as the war for liberation raged on, what triumph and freedom meant to Em and Olivia slowly changed. As Olivia’s violence and thirst for vengeance became her only ambition, Em was left to pick up the pieces.

But it’s not only Em who is upset by Olivia’s increased violence. Other members of the Ruined army are beginning to see the cracks, and soon a small group of them defects from Olivia’s army and joins Em instead. The two sisters are soon pitted against each other in an epic battle for the kingdom and the future, and only one will win.

Why I want it:

So Avenged really destroyed my feels, and I need the final book immediately, please and thank you.

Why I think you should want it:

Since this is the last book in a series, I'll say why I think you should read the Ruined trilogy as a whole. First of all, Ruined is filled with all these really powerful women. Powerful queens (as in plural) and badass princesses (as in plural) literally rule this series. Sure, there's kings and princes, but DANG, the girls are boss. Secondly, along that vein, Amy created a world where sexual assault is just not a thing! Sure, people might try to behead you, but there's no sexual violence, and I love that. Third, tons of amazing action and lots of cool magic. Fourth, KISSING. Fifth, political twisty-ness! And it's easy to see how the action changes the political landscape. Each move the main characters makes directly affects the world of Ruined, the story isn't removed from each country's history and culture, which I like. Finally, the series is just really face-paced and fun. You'll get sucked in super fast, and you won't be able to catch your breath until you finish each book, and even then, you'll only catch it long enough to yell, "WHYYYYYYY" before diving into the next installment.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, & Michelle Schusterman

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

The Pros of Cons

by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar,
& Michelle Schusterman

Coming March 27, 2018

Scholastic

Summary:

Drummer Phoebe Byrd prides herself on being one of the guys, and she's ready to prove it by kicking all their butts in the snare solo competition at the Indoor Percussion Association Convention.

Writer Vanessa Montoya-O'Callaghan has been looking forward to the WTFcon for months. Not just because of the panels and fanfiction readings but because WTFcon is where she'll finally meet Soleil, her internet girlfriend, for the first time.

Taxidermy assistant Callie Buchannan might be good at scooping brains out of deer skulls, but that doesn't mean it's her passion. Since her parents' divorce, her taxidermist father only cares about his work, and assisting him at the World Taxidermy and Fish-Carving Championships is the only way Callie knows to connect with him.

When a crazy mix-up in the hotel lobby brings the three girls together, they form an unlikely friendship against a chaotic background of cosplay, competition, and carcasses!

Why I want it:

Any book set at a con immediately gets my attention because I am HERE for the nerd stuff. But I also really loved Alison Cherry's For Real so I want to read ALL the books. Plus, I was in the marching band in high school, and my senior year, I joined the indoor percussion line. 

Why I think you should want it:

Honestly, this book just seems like a lot of fun! Writing duos are old-hat in YA at this point, but the Lady Janies proved that three is just as good as if not better than two. Also, the taxidermy thing is odd, but unique to YA so that's going to be interesting. And anytime the words "crazy mix-up" are included in a book's summary, you KNOW the book is going to be full of some exciting shenanigans!

Waiting on Wednesday: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

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

Not If I Save You First

by Ally Carter

Coming March 27, 2018

Scholastic

Summary:

Maddie thought she and Logan would be friends forever. But when your dad is a Secret Service agent and your best friend is the president's son, sometimes life has other plans. Before she knows it, Maddie's dad is dragging her to a cabin in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

No phone.
No Internet.
And not a single word from Logan.

Maddie tells herself it's okay. After all, she's the most popular girl for twenty miles in any direction. (She’s also the only girl for twenty miles in any direction.) She has wood to cut and weapons to bedazzle. Her life is full.
Until Logan shows up six years later . . .
And Maddie wants to kill him.

But before that can happen, an assailant appears out of nowhere, knocking Maddie off a cliff and dragging Logan to some unknown fate. Maddie knows she could turn back- and get help. But the weather is turning and the terrain will only get more treacherous, the animals more deadly.

Maddie still really wants to kill Logan.
But she has to save him first.

Why I Want It:

I have adored Ally Carter's work for more than a decade. I immediately wanted to read I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You when my mom took me to a teachers only scholastic sale and I stumbled upon it because, c'mon, that title is pretty great. But the book inside that clever cover had me hooked! Ally's books are fun, adventurous tales populated with badass girls who are badass in so many wonderful ways and totally swoony boys. I haven't recounted in a while, but Ally is my 6th most owned author, and I covet each new story as soon as it's announced!

Why I think you should want it:

See above. And then run—RUN—to the nearest bookstore or library for both the Gallager Girls and Embassy Row series. Ally's books are un-put-downable. They're like watching a season of Burn Notice or Chuck or a James Bond marathon, except this time, girls are at the forefront of the story. Seriously, you'll love them!

Waiting on Wednesday: Trouble Never Sleeps by Stephanie Tromly

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

Trouble Never Sleeps
Trouble #3

by Stephanie Tromly

Coming April 24, 2018

Kathy Dawson Books

Summary:

Happily Ever After gets a serious makeover in this swoony, non-stop, thrill-ride of a conclusion to the Trouble Is a Friend of Mine trilogy.

No one makes getting into trouble look as good as Philip Digby—and he looks good doing it. Now that he's back in town, he's plunged Zoe (and their Scooby Gang of wealthy frenemy Sloane, nerd-tastic genius Felix, and aw-shucks-handsome Henry) back into the deep end on the hunt for his kidnapped sister. He's got a lead, but it involves doing a deal with the scion of an alarmingly powerful family, not to mention committing some light treason. Zoe and Digby are officially together now, and she's definitely up for whatever closure this new caper might offer, even though this mystery will come with a twist neither expected.

With acerbic banter, steamy chemistry, and no small amount of sarcasm, Zoe and Digby are the will-they-or-won't-they, charismatic crime solving couple you've been waiting for.

Why I Want It:

Honestly, I was really worried we weren't getting a book 3 because it took forever for news about it to come out so I feel really privileged that I get a conclusion to this amazing series. I'm not usually one for mysteries, but the humor and sloooooowly burning ship of Zigby hooked me from the very beginning. 

Why I think you should want it:

This series is basically Veronica Mars: there's oh so much snark, plenty of swoons, a wonderful ragtag group of misfit characters, and, oh yes, plenty of mystery. You can check out my review of book 1 Trouble is a Friend of Mine, and then I definitely recommend you check out the series for yourself!

Waiting on Wednesday: Obsido by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

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

Obsidio
The Illuminae Files #3

by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Coming March 13, 2018

Knopf Books for Young Readers

Summary:

Kady, Ezra, Hanna, and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With the jump station destroyed and their resources scarce, the only option is to return to Kerenza—but who knows what they'll find seven months after the invasion?

Meanwhile, Kady's cousin, Asha, survived the initial BeiTech assault and has joined Kerenza's ragtag underground resistance. When Rhys—an old flame from Asha's past—reappears on Kerenza, the two find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heros will fall, and hearts will be broken.

Why I Want It:

BECAUSE I HAVE NEEDED IT SINCE JUNE 1, 2016! Because it's one of my all-time favorite series! Because I don't want to have died in vain in Gemina! I want this book. I DESERVE this book.

Why I think you should want it:

Well, if you're not already a fan of The Illuminae Files, I don't think there's much I can do to convince you to read it, but I'll try: this series is one of the most exciting, swooniest, funniest, most unique series I've ever read. The books are amazing, and the audiobooks are incredible. They're gorgeously written AND illustrated, and honestly, I'm just so impressed with the amount of work that has gone into them, from Amie and Jay, of course, to their editors and the artists (like Marie Lu!!!) and the copyeditors and audiobook producers and the full cast of narrators. Everyone who has touched these books made them into the most beautiful pieces of art, and I'm so grateful to all of them for making such a fantastic series for me to obsess over. 

If that hasn't convinced you, I reviewed Illuminae and the Illuminae audiobook and reviewed Gemina via gifs and collected a bunch of amazing Illuminae merch if you're into that sort of thing.

Waiting on Wednesday: Pacifica by Kristen Simmons

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

Pacifica
by Kristen Simmons

Coming March 6, 2018

Tor Teen

Summary:

Marin is cosario royalty, a pirate like her father and his father before him. Sailing the ocean to chase adventure is in her blood. But these days no one cares that the island town her people call home is named after her grandfather. They have a new leader, one who promises an end to their hunger – and one who thinks that girls are meant for the kitchen or the brothel. Marin knows she's meant for more than that, and with the sudden influx of weapons on the island, and rumors of a pending deal with the enemy oil nation in her wake, she knows a big score to gain the council's favor is the only way to save her people, and herself.

Ross lives a life of privilege. As the president's son he wants for nothing, but he longs for a life of adventure. On a dare, he convinces his best friend Adam to sneak out to the Docks, the site of local race riots between the poor Shorlings and the upper class. But when Adam is arrested along with the other Shorlings, and not even the president is willing to find him, Ross finds himself taking matters into his own hands. He journeys back into the Docks, ready to make deals with anyone, even a beautiful pirate, if it means Adam's safe return.

When Marin and Ross meet in dangerous Shoreling territory he sees a way to get his friend back and she sees her ticket home. The ransom a president’s son would command could feed her people for years and restore her family’s legacy. But somewhere in the middle of the ocean, Marin must decide if her heart can handle handing over the only person who has ever seen her as more than a pirate.

Why I Want It:

I fell in love with Kristen's writing way back in 2013 when I binged Article 5 and Breaking Point and had to wait what felt like AGES (it was a few months) for Three. I love her books!

Why I think you should want it:

Pasifika rep! Own voices! Pirates! Boss lady pirates! Take your pick of all the amazing things!

Waiting on Wednesday: Pitch Dark by Courtney Alameda

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

Pitch Dark
by Courtney Alameda

Coming February 20, 2018

Feiwel & Friends

Summary:

Set against a future of marauding space scavengers and deadly aliens who kill with sound, here is a frightening, fast-paced YA adventure from the author of the acclaimed horror novel, Shutter.

Tuck has been in stasis on the USS John Muir, a ship that houses Earth’s most valued artifacts—its natural resources. Parks and mountains are preserved in space.

Laura belongs to a shipraiding family, who are funded by a group used to getting what they want. And they want what’s on the Muir.

Tuck and Laura didn’t bargain on working together, or battling mutant aliens who use sound to kill. But their plan is the only hope for their crews, their families, and themselves.

In space, nobody can hear you scream . . . but on the John Muir, the screams are the last thing you'll hear.

Why I Want It:

MARAUDING. SPACE. SCAVENGERS. Aliens is one of my favorite movies of all time so I'm totally down with space horror.

Why I think you should want it:

MARAUDING. SPACE. SCAVENGERS. I mean seriously, do you need more reasons???

Waiting on Wednesday: Chaotic Good by Whitney Gardner

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

Chaotic Good
by Whitney Gardner

Coming March 13, 2018

Knopf

Summary:

Cosplay, comic shops, and college applications collide in this illustrated novel, perfect for fans of Adam Silvera and Noelle Steveson!

Cameron's cosplay--dressing like a fictional character--is finally starting to earn her attention--attention she hopes to use to get into the CalTech costume department for college. But when she wins a major competition, she inadvertently sets off a firestorm of angry comments from male fans.

When Cameron's family moves the summer before her senior year, she hopes to complete her costume portfolio in peace and quiet away from the abuse. Unfortunately, the only comic shop in town—her main destination for character reference—is staffed by a dudebro owner who challenges every woman who comes into the shop.

At her twin brother's suggestion, Cameron borrows a set of his clothes and uses her costuming expertise to waltz into the shop as Boy Cameron, where she's shocked at how easily she's accepted into the nerd inner sanctum. Soon, Cameron finds herself drafted into a D&D campaign alongside the jerky shop-owner Brody, friendly (almost flirtatiously so) clerk Wyatt, handsome Lincoln, and her bro Cooper, dragged along for good measure.

But as her "secret identity" gets more and more entrenched, Cameron's portfolio falls by the wayside--and her feelings for Lincoln threaten to make a complicated situation even more precarious.

Why I Want It:

I'm loving the increase in "geek" books: books that are unashamed love letters to fandom and include things like cosplay✔, cons, and gaming✔. Plus, I'm all about books that confront dudebros who think that women have to earn cred for their interests, especially when it comes to geeky hobbies or sports. And I haven't played D&D in YEARS, but it was super fun, and I'd love to read a book with a fun campaign in it.

Why I think you should want it:

ALL HAIL FEMINIST GEEKS! Plus, Whitney's writing comes highly recommended.

Waiting on Wednesday: A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

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

A Reaper at the Gates
An Ember in the Ashes #3

by Sabaa Tahir

Coming April 24 May 22, 2018

Razorbill

Summary:

Beyond the Empire and within it, the threat of war looms ever larger.

The Blood Shrike, Helene Aquilla, is assailed on all sides. Emperor Marcus, haunted by his past, grows increasingly unstable, while the Commandant capitalizes on his madness to bolster her own power. As Helene searches for a way to hold back the approaching darkness, her sister’s life and the lives of all those in the Empire hang in the balance.

Far to the east, Laia of Serra knows the fate of the world lies not in the machinations of the Martial court, but in stopping the Nightbringer. But while hunting for a way to bring him down, Laia faces unexpected threats from those she hoped would aid her, and is drawn into a battle she never thought she’d have to fight.

And in the land between the living and the dead, Elias Veturius has given up his freedom to serve as Soul Catcher. But in doing so, he has vowed himself to an ancient power that will stop at nothing to ensure Elias’s devotion—even at the cost of his humanity.

Why I Want It:

First of all, I love Helene so seeing my girl front and center on this cover? GIMME IT RIGHT EFFING NOW. I think she's even more stuck than the others—like obviously Laia wants to fight the Empire and she CAN outright rebel, and Elias is the golden boy so he just does whatever the heck he wants, but Helene... Helene already watched [spoiler: that Thing that happened in Torch] and she's just stuck being Blood Shrike for this total asshole douche of an Emperor. And Torch did NOT answer some questions I had burning from Ember and in fact, gave me MORE questions so DANG IT, I NEED ANSWERS. *bangs fist emphatically on desk*

Why I think you should want it:

This series is so cool. It's a Roman-inspired fantasy with dueling people, teen gladiators, a deadly Triwizard/Hunger Games-esque tournament where even the winners are losers, and lots of magic. Plus, it has one of the most evil and awful and fantastic love-to-hate-her villains since Voldemort/Bellatrix Lestrange. You've never rooted so hard for an evil bitch to get what's coming to her.

Waiting on Wednesday: Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

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

Unearthed
Unearthed #1

by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Coming January 9, 2018

Disney-Hyperion

Summary:

When Earth intercepts a message from a long-extinct alien race, it seems like the solution the planet has been waiting for. The Undying's advanced technology has the potential to undo environmental damage and turn lives around, and Gaia, their former home planet, is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered.

For Jules Addison and his fellow scholars, the discovery of an alien culture offers unprecedented opportunity for study... as long as scavengers like Amelia Radcliffe don't loot everything first. Mia and Jules' different reasons for smuggling themselves onto Gaia put them immediately at odds, but after escaping a dangerous confrontation with other scavvers, they form a fragile alliance.

In order to penetrate the Undying temple and reach the tech and information hidden within, the two must decode the ancient race's secrets and survive their traps. But the more they learn about the Undying, the more their presence in the temple seems to be part of a grand design that could spell the end of the human race...

Why I Want It:

Four years ago, I read one book that would become an instant favorite and introduce me to two amazing authors and a genre that I adore. I've always enjoyed space in general, but These Broken Stars was the first book that showed me how much fun YA space operas can be. Now I'm hooked! Amie and Meagan are an unstoppable duo, and as long as they're writing, I'm going to devour their work! I actually have an ARC of Unearthed, and I don't know how much longer I can keep my hands off it.

Why I think you should want it:

Amie and Meagan write amazing action and adventure that keeps your blood pumping as you read. But they also write tough girls, swoony boys, and lovely romance. Also, Unearthed was pitched as "Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft in space" so if that doesn't do it for you, I honestly don't know what will.

Waiting on Wednesday: Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston

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

Heart of Iron
by Ashley Poston

Coming February 27, 2018

Balzer & Bray

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Ana is a scoundrel by nurture and an outlaw by nature. Found as a child drifting through space with a sentient android called D09, Ana was saved by a fearsome space captain and the grizzled crew she now calls family. But D09—one of the last remaining illegal Metals—has been glitching, and Ana will stop at nothing to find a way to fix him.

Ana’s desperate effort to save D09 leads her on a quest to steal the coordinates to a lost ship that could offer all the answers. But at the last moment, a spoiled Ironblood boy beats Ana to her prize. He has his own reasons for taking the coordinates, and he doesn’t care what he’ll sacrifice to keep them.

When everything goes wrong, she and the Ironblood end up as fugitives on the run. Now their entire kingdom is after them—and the coordinates—and not everyone wants them captured alive.

What they find in a lost corner of the universe will change all their lives—and unearth dangerous secrets. But when a darkness from Ana’s past returns, she must face an impossible choice: does she protect a kingdom that wants her dead or save the Metal boy she loves?

Why I Want It:

I absolutely fell in love with Ash's writing and style when I read Geekerella so I knew I wanted to read more of her work. Then I discovered Heart of Iron is an Anastasia retelling AND it's set in space, and those are two of my very favorite things! Also, Ash is a boss person, and I adore her. 

Why I think you should want it:

ANASTASIA IN SPACE, Y'ALL!!! Also, I heard this book will break you in the greatest way possible. How can you NOT want to sign up for that??

Waiting on Wednesday: Batman: Nightwalker

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

Batman: Nightwalker
DC Icons #2

by Marie Lu

Coming January 2, 2018

Random House Books for Young Readers

Summary:

Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy.

The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

One by one, the city's elites are being executed as their mansions' security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family's fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he's forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city's most brutal criminals.

Madeleine Wallace is a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope.

In Arkham, Bruce meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers. What is she hiding? And why will she speak only to Bruce? Madeleine is the mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees? Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer.

Why I Want It:

Man, I loved Batman as a kid. I adored the animated show and Batman Forever (yes, really. It was the only one of the Batman movies I watched as a kid), and I loved our broody bad boy superhero. He's not my favorite superhero now, but I also love Marie Lu. You know how people always talk about authors whose grocery lists they'd read? Yeah, Marie is on my grocery list author list. She's so talented, and I think she does an AMAZING job writing morally ambiguous characters and spotlighting the good and bad in people. My body is READY.

Why I think you should want it:

Batman is one of the most fascinating superheroes. First of all, he's a normal dude (although rich af) and not super-powered. Instead, he uses his money, connections, and intellect to fight crime. Secondly and more interestingly, he's a good guy, but he's all about the revenge. Guys like Superman and Captain America are the goody two-shoes guys who are altruistic and boy scout-y. Bruce isn't like that. He helps people, yes, but he only got into the game to avenge his parents' murder. Still, not-great intentions or no, Batman does a lot of good. I don't know much about the actual comics, but in the movies, the focus is always on adult Bruce or kid Bruce, but there's very little in the way of teenage Bruce. I think it's really interesting that Gotham is currently exploring that age and now we can add Nightwalker to the mix. Plus, it's Marie Lu. You should want to read her grocery lists too.

Waiting on Wednesday: Meet Cute

After a three year hiatus, I'm bringing back my WoW posts! Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

Meet Cute

by a butt-ton of authors

Coming January 2, 2018

HMH Books for Young Readers

Summary:

Whether or not you believe in fate, or luck, or love at first sight, every romance has to start somewhere. Meet Cute is an anthology of original short stories featuring tales of "how they first met" from some of today’s most popular YA authors. 

Readers will experience Nina LaCour's beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard's glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon's imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno's story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick's charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There’s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants. 

This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

Why I Want It:

In a word: the lineup. This is a SPECTACULARLY assembled group of enormously talented writers. I have a post coming out tomorrow about fluffy books and how I want more of them and I want more diverse fluff. Including authors of color, particular black women, and queer authors, especially trans, lesbian, and bisexual authors, is a huge deal in anthologies, and I'm REALLY excited about this step forward. I've always loved anthologies because it means I get more stories from authors I love, but I am really excited about all the upcoming anthologies that are branching out from the typical. A few other anthologies I can't wait to read include Three Sides of a Heart, Hope Nation, The Radical Element, (Don't) Call Me Crazy, and Toil and Trouble.

Why I think you should want it:

Okay, but do you SEE that lineup?? Also, those teasers! Rock stars! Diners! Missed connections! Library books! Airports! Reality tv! If you need a pick-me-up kind of read, Meet Cute seems like it will hit that mark for sure. 

Waiting on Wednesday: We Can Work It Out by Elizabeth Eulberg

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

We Can Work It Out
Lonely Hearts Club #2

byElizabeth Eulberg

Coming January 27, 2015

Point

Summary:

When Penny Lane started The Lonely Hearts Club, the goal was simple: to show that girls didn’t need to define themselves by how guys look at them, and didn’t have to value boyfriends over everything else. Penny thought she’d be an outcast for life…but then the club became far more popular than she ever imagined it would be.

But what happens when the girl who never thought she’d date a good guy suddenly finds herself dating a great one? She doesn’t need a boyfriend…but she wants it to work out with this particular boyfriend. And he wants it to work out with her.

Only, things keep getting in the way. Feelings keep getting hurt. Words keep getting misunderstood.

Penny Lane worked hard to declare her independence. Now she needs to figure out what to do with it — and how to balance what she wants with what everyone else wants. In We Can Work It Out, Elizabeth Eulberg returns to the world of her first novel, The Lonely Hearts Club, and gets to the heart of how hard relationships can be…and why they are sometimes worth all the drama and comedy they create.

Why I Want It:

Is it an Elizabeth Eulberg novel? Yes? I want it. End of story. But is it a sequel? Yes? To The Lonely Hearts Club?!

Why I think you should want it:

The first reason I ever picked up The Lonely Hearts Club is because of its darling title and cover. I saw it across a Barnes & Noble and fell in love. The premise had me hooked! So naturally, I took myself across the street and bought it at Borders (#neverforget). And thus started my love affair with Elizabeth Eulberg's books. In 2012, months before I started blogging, Elizabeth was one of the first authors I ever met at a signing, and she was so incredibly lovely. Seriously, SO NICE. But it's because of her sweet and fun novels that I even went to that signing. All of Elizabeth's novels explore some interesting facet of romance, and The Lonely Hearts Club explored the single ladies part. It's all about girls being empowered by their singledom, but then also learning to be okay with friends' relationships. It's about the balance between friendship maintenance and crushes and dates and boyfriends. I love that! We Can Work It Out promises to be full of the feels as it goes deeper into these themes (I am simultaneously anticipating and dreading the drama!)!

Bonus:

In April, I finally got to see Elizabeth again at TLA, and this time, I went prepared with extra books to be signed! One lucky winner will received a signed copy of The Lonely Hearts Club, the book that started it all! Open to US and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bonus WoW:

 

  

In addition to We Can Work It Out, Elizabeth also has three Lonely Hearts Club novellas out this year, starting with "A Hard Day's Night," out October 1! Can't wait!! (covers link to Goodreads)

What are you waiting on today? Feel free to share your picks and links in the comments!