Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli Series: – Publisher: Penguin First published April 20th 2021 Genres: YA, Fantasy, Romance Pages: 387 Format: Paperback Buy:Book Depository | Amazon
From bestselling YA rom-com queen Becky Albertalli, author ofSimon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Love, Simon), comes a new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life and, yes, theatre.
Contrary to popular belief, best friends Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are not codependent. Carpooling to and from theatre rehearsals? Environmentally sound and efficient. Consulting each other on every single life decision? Basic good judgment. Pining for the same guys from afar? Shared crushes are more fun anyway. But when Kate and Andy’s latest long-distance crush shows up at their school, everything goes off-script. Matt Olsson is talented and sweet, and Kate likes him. She really likes him. The only problem? So does Anderson. Turns out, communal crushes aren’t so fun when real feelings are involved. This one might even bring the curtains down on Kate and Anderson’s friendship.
I loved the premise of this book. Two best friends crushing on the same person? Normal… But one being gay and one straight? Amazing and lovely chaos! They thought their friendship was full prove, but is it, when their summer communal crush stars going to the same school as them?
One by Sarah Crossan Series: – Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s First published September 15th 2015 Genres: YA, Contemporary, Poetry, Fiction Pages: 434 Format: Paperback Buy:Book Depository | Amazon
Here we are. And we are living. Isn’t that amazing? How we manage to be at all.
Grace and Tippi don’t like being stared and sneered at, but they’re used to it. They’re conjoined twins – united in blood and bone.
What they want is to be looked at in turn, like the truly are two people. They want real friends. And what about love?
But a heart-wrenching decision lies ahead for Tippi and Grace. One that could change their lives more than they ever asked for…
I’ve been meaning to read this for years! And I finally got to it. And I’m super glad I did, because this is an incredibly different and beautiful book about conjoined twins!
This is a story written in verse, narrated by a 16 years old girl named Grace, who’s conjoined to her twin sister, Tippi. We get to see them starting public school for the first time after years of homeschooling, making new friends, trying to make the best of life they can even with all the bad looks and awful words. It’s a story of acceptance, love, friendship and family love.
Heartstopper Vol1-4 by Alice Oseman Series: Heartstopper Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books Last one Published May 13th 2021 Genres: YA, LGBTQ+, Romance, Graphic Novel Pages: 353 Format: Audiobook Buy:Book Depository | Amazon
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more…?
Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him.
They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…
Heartstopper is a Young Adult LGBTQ+ graphic novel series about Charlie and Nick, two boys that go to a British all-boys grammar school. They meet in Form Class and become close friends after that. Charlie is already out as gay, even tho not by choice and with a lot of bullying. He has had a tough time and a friend like Nick might just be what he needs. This is a coming of age story about two friends that might become much more!
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren Series: – Publisher: Gallery Books Published May 18th 2021 Genres: YA, Fantasy, Romance Pages: 368 Format: Audiobook Buy:Book Depository | Amazon
Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Raised by her grandparents–who now help raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno–Jess has been left behind too often to feel comfortable letting anyone in. After all, her father’s never been around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before Juno was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close, but working constantly to stay afloat is hard…and lonely.
But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands. At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98% compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Pena. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess–who is barely making ends meet–is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could make GeneticAlly a mint in stock prices, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist–and the science behind a soulmate–than she thought.
Funny, warm, and full of heart, The Soulmate Equation proves that the delicate balance between fate and choice can never be calculated.
I love the premise of this book. It’s so freaking interesting! I instantly wanted to see what would happen from the very first pages.
This tells the story of a single mom named Jess. She kind of quit dating, especially after the father of her child left her with baby Juno – she didn’t seem to be able to do it anymore. With no hope and on a whim she decided to give a chance for a new dating app named GeneticAlly that is dna-based. Being a statistician, she had to do it. There’s something about it being matched by genes that prompt her to try it. After receiving a Diamond Match of 98 percent to the arrogant Dr. River Pena, who founded GeneticAlly, Jess is left dumbstruck. How could he ever be a match for her? She decides to put it behind her, but after they make an offer she can’t refuse, she decides to try it out and see where it goes.
It’s time to unbox LitJoy Crate’s May Box! As you might know, they are quarterly so, I decided to get them since it’s not as much an investment as Fairyloot or Owlcrate and they tend to come with an amazing coffee cup! Are you excited to check it out?? Keep on reading!
I haven’t done a book haul in a while, and I recently went to some secondhand bookstores so… here’s a BIG one!
This is my first book haul of the year and I would say I have been pretty good in terms of not buying books but kind of went overboard now… But oh well… Right?!
Wanna see what I got? Just keep reading!
First I found a couple of Folio Society books!
Next… I got The Black Death by Philip Ziegler, Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy, The Silk Roads by Frances Wood, and Impossible Journeys by Mathew Lyons. I love Folio Society editions and my fav of these is for sure The Black Death!
I got Measure for Measure by Shakespeare, Isaac Asimov Presents: The Great SF Stories 12 (1950), Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, Monsters: History’s Most Evil Men and Women by Simon Sebag, and Who is Who in Mythology by Alexander Murray. I’m especially excited for Monsters!
I got The Renaissance by Paul Johnson, Escape from Ward Six – Russia Facing Past and Present by Alexandra George, In the Beginning Creation Stories from Around the World by Virginia Hamilton, Best Stories of the Underworld by Peter Cheyney, and The Best American Poetry 2010: Series Editor David Lehman.
And this beautiful edition of Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens!
I got The Dark Tower VII: The Dark Tower, The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass by Stephen King, Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) by Robin LaFevers (This one I got for an upcoming post I’m working on!), and I Am a Cat by Soseki Natsume.
I got Princess Academy by Shannon Hale, Varjak Paw by SF Said, I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman, Psycho – Three Complete Novels by Robert Bloch, and The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and with illustrations by David Petersen.
I also got Wake by Lisa McMann and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and illustrated by Anthony Browne!
Both The Wind in the Willows and Wake are signed! The first by the illustrator and the second by the author! I was incredibly happy to find some signed copies since it’s not very easy to come across them where I live!
I got volumes 1 through 11 of Bride’s Story manga collection by Kaoru Mori, which I found quite incredible to find second hand, since they normally are kind of pricey and I’ve been eyeing them for awhile.
I got also by the same previous author, Anything and Something. Lastly, for manga I got new (non second-hand) Strawberry Panic by Sakurako Kimino and Smashed by Junji Ito!
I also got secondhand, three books from the SF Masterworks editions:
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester, The Forever War by Joe Haldeman, and Cities in Flight by James Blish. And as a new book I got Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, which I’m super excited for!
These ones are all new editions, but since I didn’t get that many, I’ll include them in this post!
I got The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager, The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton, If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, One by One by Ruth Ware, and An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi, which are all books I’m super interested in reading asap.
Lastly I got, Pizza Girl by Jean Kyoung Frazier and Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli! Which are the ones I’ll start with for sure!
If you reached the end of this post here’s something to make your day happier:
Have you read any or what would you read from the books I mentioned? Which ones are you most excited to see a review for? Make sure you comment down below!
illustration on the back of the dust jacket by Sallteas
signed by the author!
Synopsis:
Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.
Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Peniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama’s betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.
With the book, we got a beautiful illustration on the other side of the letter from the author designed by Sallteas!
Here’s the foil embossing on the book by Sallteas! Probably one of the best ones to date! So much detail and a beautiful color!
Here’s the beautiful illustration on the back of the dust jacket also designed by Sallteas.
The stencil of the cranes and the sprayed edges are gorgeous! I love stencils even more than just a color.
And finally the author’s signature! This is probably one of the most costumized and beautiful books so far, but then again I say that every time… >.<
Starting the items with some socks inspired by Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron. These were designed by Catarinabookdesigns.
And a beautiful umbrella inspired by Hartless by Marissa Mayer and designed by Fairyloot!
Here are the items in more detail! Aren’t they gorgeous?!
Next we got a beautiful book sleeve with an updated material (same one used in their pencil cases), inspired by the main characters from The Blood of Stars duopoly by Elizabeth Lin. This was designed by Rosiethorns88!
We got another one of their bookish tins with a quote from Sarah J. Maas and designed by Chattynora and it’s a beautiful blue metallic color!
We got a beautiful foiled print featuring Maya from The Star-Touched Queen Series by Roshani Chokshi and illustrated by Kavon Kayleigh!
This month we got Queen and King of Wands! they are inspired by none other than the Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber! They are so freaking beautiful! they were designed by morgana0anagrom!
This box was beautiful. My favorite items were probably the book and the umbrella! Loved the color scheme for this box too!
Next theme will be…
LOVESTRUCK
Romances that pull on your heartstrings are the best kind, whether it wrecks you or completes you! This theme is inspired by characters that fall in love without expecting to, which can lead to wholesome… or sometimes angsty entanglements.
In this box you can expect items inspired by Cemetary Boys, Caraval, These Violent Delights and A River of Royal Blood. We are thrilled to reveal that this box will have TWO books! The second book is a paperback with an EXCLUSIVE COVER, SPRAYED EDGES and a DIGITAL SIGNATURE. We won’t be revealing the title of this amazing book but we will give you this hint: reaper romance!
Our featured book of the month is a sexy, action-packed fantasy about a girl who is caught between two treacherous faerie courts. The FairyLoot exclusive edition will have an EXCLUSIVE COVER, STENCIL & SPRAYED EDGES, ARTWORK ON THE REVERSE OF THE DUST JACKET by @sashac_art, FOIL EMBOSSING ON THE CASE by @sashac_art and will be SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR. It is gorgeous!
Spots for new subscriptions are currently CLOSED, but you can sign up to the waiting list here. The best way to get a subscription at the moment is to sign up to the waiting list – we invite people whenever more spots become available.
Make sure you check out their Instagram, they always post there the new themes!
I hope you guys enjoyed this unboxing!
What’s your favorite item from this box?Is this book on your TBR? Make sure you comment below!
* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions are, as always, my own.*
Who could have predicted this? Being at the same wedding. In Ireland. There’s a reason one-night stands are one-night stands. You’re not supposed to see each other again, especially not when you’re the maid of honor, and he’s the groom’s brother…
Sarah Anderson has never been more excited about anything in her life. She’s going to her best friend’s wedding. And not just any wedding. An Irish wedding. Goodbye New York, hello rolling green hills and men with beautiful accents and twinkling eyes.
But Sarah should have known that not all guests are fairy-tale princes…
There’s the chinless Uncle Trevor, whose idea of small talk is to claim climate change is a conspiracy.
Then there’s Great Aunt Eileen, who doesn’t talk at all (she’s too busy replacing the hotel cutlery with her own set).
Worst of all, there’s Declan Murphy. Best man. Brother of the groom. And the man Sarah last saw naked.
Is there anything more mortifying than bumping into a one-night stand halfway across the world? Especially as Declan seems determined to embarrass Sarah at every turn. At least when the wedding’s over she’ll never have to see him again.
But, back in New York, Sarah finds the more she tries to forget Declan, the more she can’t shake the thought of that infuriatingly charming smile and the way he wears a tux…
Was he really just for one night only, or might Declan Murphy be The One?
Prepare to laugh until you cry with this perfect feel-good romantic comedy about taking a chance on love. Fans of Sophie Ranald, Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes won’t be able to put this down!
This book gripped me from the very beginning! It’s so freaking fun! Sarah is Annie’s best friend and her maid of honor. She is incredibly excited about that and the fact that it’s going to be in Ireland! Except, when she gets there, the groom’s brother is her last one-night stand! And as if that wasn’t enough, he doesn’t leave her alone and keeps trying to embarrass her! Could it get any worse?!
I really enjoyed Sarah for how relatable she is. She is afraid of compromises due to a bad breakup and the divorce of her parents. So she opted for another way that would break her further – one-night stands. But this time things didn’t really go as planned. Enter, Declan! I freaking loved him. He is incredibly funny and easy going. You can see he has his demons but overall he has such a charming personality! I loved seeing them together bickering and learning about each other. I couldn’t stop reading and smiling for how cute it was.
I also really liked Annie’s and Sarah’s friendship. They were so important to each other and I could feel it through the pages. They are very different and that made it even more interesting. Sarah is forward and is not afraid of showing who she is and taking what she wants. While Annie is more shy and more cautious.
I loved that there was a lot more to their story than just the romantic aspect. It really made it not only more relatable with all that was happening but more exciting and complex. And I mean who doesn’t want to read about a big messy Irish family? I know I do.
I found the plot really interesting and although at times I could guess what was going to happen, it was still entertaining and a lot of fun! I really liked the humour and I laughed quite a bit with this one. Especially due to Declan! Did I mention I loved him??
The writing was easy and gripping and the development was just what I needed at the moment. It’s an easy and fun book full of drama, chaos and love, and I could totally see myself re-reading it.
Fave quote: “”We’re taking things slow”. “Have you slept with him?” “Of course,” she says, and reclines on her elbows “slow, not stationary”.”
What did you think of it? Have you read it? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!
Bookneeders 