Waiting on Wednesday (37) Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme originally created by Jill at Breaking the Spine and now hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings under the heading “Can’t Wait Wednesday” where bloggers share books they're excited for, that have yet to be released. I’m sticking with the original name “Waiting On Wednesday” because I like continuity.

For this Waiting on Wednesday, I picked Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood.

Release Date: October 1, 2024 by Spotify

Book Summary: "Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, a.k.a. her arch-nemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her–and Viola has no idea why.

When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.

But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one."

My Thoughts: Ok, so although I am fairly burned out on the enemies-to-lovers trope right now...being that I am an enormous nerd, a romance involving video games, especially video game developers/designers would be an automatic TBR pile add for me. Having Ali Hazelwood write such a novel, I am sure that the novel will contain a relatable heroine, smoking hot nerd hero, and lots of witty and/or snarky banter that will make me laugh out loud, and stay up way too late.

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Waiting on Wednesday (36)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that was created by Breaking the Spine to spotlight a blogger's eagerly anticipated new books.

For this Waiting on Wednesday, I picked Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron: A Graphic Novel.

Release Date: March 22, 2022

Book Summary: "A madcap romantic adventure, Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron has appeared in several Julia Quinn novels and enthralled some of her most beloved characters. Now this delicious tale of love and peril is available for everyone to enjoy in this wonderfully unconventional graphic novel.

Born into a happy family that is tragically ravaged by smallpox, Miss Priscilla Butterworth uses her wits to survive a series of outlandish trials. Cruelly separated from her beloved mother and grandmother, the young girl is sent to live with a callous aunt who forces her to work for her keep. Eventually, the clever and tenderhearted Miss Butterworth makes her escape . . . a daring journey into the unknown that unexpectedly leads her to the “mad” baron and a lifetime of love.

Delightfully illustrated by Violet Charles, told in Julia Quinn’s playful voice, Miss Butterworth and the Mad Baron is a high-spirited nineteenth-century romp that will entertain and enchant modern readers."

My Thoughts: Ah yeah! I soooo, so very excited when I learned that Julia Quinn was releasing a graphic novel. Foremost, because I am a historical romance nerd and graphic novel fangirl, so the two crossing over is the perfect combo for me. And, I feel like they rarely cross over; although there are some cute, fluffy Harlequin romance comics out there, but that's about it. Secondly, I already love Julia Quinn's sense of humor. So far, the book looks and sounds delightfully silly. Personally, I hope to see more Regency themed comics in the future. Hey, just through it out there, I would totally read a Bridgerton manga adaptation!

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Top Ten Tuesday: Book Titles That Would Make Great Song Titles

 

 Book Titles That Would Make Great Song Titles

Love this topic, btw! One of the best IMO, rock on my book people!

Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi - I think, pretty much, the entire Shatter Me series titles would make good song titles (Shatter Me, Ignite Me, Destroy Me). I could see "Unite Me" as a rock love ballad by someone like Imagine Dragons. The sort of song you could play at a wedding or wedding reception like Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing."

An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn - I think this one could be rock or country. It reminds me of lyrics from The Killers "When You Were Young," but I could also see some pop-country chick like Taylor Swift singing about the ideal country gentleman.

Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton - This title is just so much fun to say. Since reading this collection of comics, I've done my best to work the title into my everyday vocabulary. It'd make a fun punk rock or rap song.

To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - Back in my pop-music-hay-day I'd say this could be a song by Pink or No Doubt. But I could equally see it as a soulful ballad by Adele.

Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli - The sequel to the song “Call Me Maybe,” perhaps? I haven’t read this one yet, so don’t spoil it for me! I get a sassy Megan Trainor vibe, too.

We Keep The Dead Close by Becky Cooper - This one is straight out of the Goodreads Choice Awards best nonfiction nominees. I don't normally read about murder mysteries, but the title and cover of this one made me do a double take and read the synopsis. The title could make for an interesting ska or metal song.

All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols - I’m thinking this title could be an inspirational folk indie song. The kind with boho clothes and fields of flowers.

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle - Ouch, sounds like a break-up song, even though the synopsis sounds like it ends in HEA.

You Had Me At Hola Alexia Daria - Cute title could make a cute Latin-pop crossover. I'm thinking to the tune of Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie."

There's Something About Christmas by Debbie Macomber - Ready for holiday tunes, yet? Anyone? I typically do not crank up Christmas music until December.

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Halloween Costumes For The Very Bookish

Halloween Costumes For The Very Bookish

In past, I've done characters I'd like to costume/cosplay. This year, I'm recommending some offbeat ones that non-bookish people may or may not "get".

Jane Austen - Oh, to own a Regency style dress, throw out Pride & Prejudice quotes, and offer people autographs with a quill!

Bambi - Doesn't everyone love Bambi?? I had a lot of fun reading and writing the review for the classic. Cool example found on Pinterest!

Boo Radley - Southern Literature's man of mystery. Also fairly easy to pull off, just add newspaper, scissors, and maybe some soap dolls.

Edgar Allan Poe's Raven - Be sure to rap at people's door and cry "Nevermore!"

Edgar Allan Poe's Purloined Letter - Not to be outdone by spooky birds, you could also be Poe's mysterious lost letter. Be sure to hide out in the open! I couldn't find an example...but this idea would work if you make it more "antique" looking...

Hogwart's Sorting Hat - Why be judged by the hat, when you can be the hat? Have fun labeling people into groups all night long. Thanks, cosplay dot com.

The Eye of Sauron - Nothing's more creepy than keeping an eye on all Middle-Earth, especially hobbits. Photo credit from Kerry My Heart blog.

Buttercup the Cat - Forget Katniss, Buttercup is the real survivor of The Hunger Games series!

The Twilight Apple - I guess one could argue that the whole series started with that fateful apple...be sure to add some glitter to dazzle everyone.

Dune's Giant Sandworm Shai Hulud - Thank you, instructables.com for actually having this costume! Be sure to have sugar and spice and everything nice for your fellow party go-ers.

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