ANNOUNCING: Courtney Summers Read-Along

Hello you fantastic people you!

Today I'm finally getting to announce something really exciting. Something I've been considering, brain storming, etc. for a long while now. As many of you know, one of my favorite authors is Courtney Summers. I have loved every book she's published, and believe she is one of the most talent writers in YA. I noticed recently that a lot of people either haven't read any books by her OR have only read one or two! That inspired me to get the word out about all her other amazing books and what better way to do that than to have a read along!

Starting SEPTEMBER 1ST and running through the end of DECEMBER, Lost at Midnight Reviews will be hosting a read-along for all four of Courtney Summers' novels! You do not have to be a blogger or have a blog to participate, but it would be awesome if you would post somewhere about the books during the challenge. I want to get more recognition for these awesome books and word of mouth/social media is a great way to do just that. Throughout the read-along here will be reviews, discussions, and other awesome posts as well as a giveaway at the end! You can participate in one month or all four months and read at your own pace. There's no pressure here, just great book talk with great people! 

Important Dates!

Month One (September): CRACKED UP TO BE (Guest hosted by ma bestie Crimson)

Month Two (October): SOME GIRLS ARE

Month Three (November): FALL FOR ANYTHING

Month Four (December): THIS IS NOT A TEST 

Want to participate? Just add a link to your twitter/blog/Goodreads/other social media site below! And after you do that, make sure to enter the contest below! I'm giving away a pre-order of WHAT GOES AROUND the bind-up of Courtney Summers two novels CRACKED UP TO BE and SOME GIRLS ARE releasing on September 3rd!


 

EXTRAS (aka me asking for YOUR HELP)!

That's right readers, I'm looking for your help with this. Do you love Courtney Summers' books? Never read them before? Well, why not be a guest review/poster! I'm looking for people who are both longtime fans, newbies, and anything in between to talk about what you love about the books or what got you interested in the first place. I'm also looking for people to write dicussion posts about the topics, issues, writing, or really anything that relates to the books.

Please email me at bookslostatmidnight@gmail.com if you are interested/if you have any ideas you would like to write about and I will send you all the details. (And virtual hugs because seriously, this read-along will not be as awesome if you guys aren't a part of it)

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I really hope you guys participate!

Giveaway Rules:

- Void where prohibited

- Must be 13 or older

- Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL (where the Book Depository ships)

- Lost at Midnight Reviews is not responsible for lost or damaged items (sorry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Follow the Blog via Bloglovin'!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Hey everyone!

Just giving you guys a heads up that you can now follow this blog via Bloglovin! With Google Reader disappearing I thought it would be a good idea to have a few more options about how to follow!

Hope you're having a good long weekend!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight

Cover Reveal: Forever Us by Sandi Lynn

Hey, blog readers!

My awesome friend Lucy from Moonlight Gleams' Bookshelf messaged me about participating in the cover reveal for Forever Us by Sandi Lynn! I haven't personally read her novels, but I thought I would help spread the word and this pretty cover! New York Times Bestselling Author, Sandi Lynn, is currently writing her third and final installment in the Forever Black Series, Forever Us.

So, without further ado, here is the cover of

FOREVER US BY SANDI LYNN!

  About The Book:

Title: Forever Us (Forever Black #3)  
Author: Sandi Lynn
Publication Date:  November, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

The story of Connor and Ellery Black continues in the last installment of the Forever Black Trilogy, Forever Us.

You took Connor and Ellery’s journey of love, courage, and strength as Ellery’s illness threatened their future in Forever Black. You continued their journey through the eyes of Connor Black in Forever You as you watched them get their happily ever after through marriage and planning for their first child.

Join Connor and Ellery once again as they face the challenges of parenthood. Take their journey in Forever Us as they learn to cope with the demands of a new baby, a demanding career, and the onset of a new challenges in which Connor and Ellery must confront for the sake of their family.

Find Forever Us Online:
Goodreads

 

 About The Author:

I’m a wife and the mother of three teenage girls. I spend all my time balancing the roles of wife, mother, and author. I have two dogs and two cats. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve had many dreams of writing and publishing a book. In just a little under a year, I’ve written and published two novels in which one was a New York Times Bestselling Novel, and the other was a USA Today’s Bestselling Novel. When I’m not writing, I enjoy going on dates with my husband by going to the movies and out to dinner. I have a severe coffee addiction, and you can usually find me hanging out at the local Starbucks with my laptop!

Find Sandi Lynn on the Web:
Twitter | Official Page | Goodreads | Pinterest | Facebook

Happy reading!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Waiting On Wednesday (51): The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for!

This Week's Pick: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 17th 2013

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a wholly original story of rage and revenge, of guilt and horror, and of love and loathing from bestselling and acclaimed author Holly Black.

I'll be honest, I didn't even read the description for this book until I was writing this WoW pick. You see, about four years ago I read a short story by Holly Black by the same name and I absolutely LOVED it. It's still one of my favorite short stories of all time and when I heard Black was writing a novel based on the same idea? Well, I may have freaked out a bit. I adore Holly Black as an author, and the idea is such a great one. After reading the description I'm even more excited for this book, which I didn't even think was possible.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown sounds like a novel I am going to love and I seriously cannot wait to read it!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

All Covered Up: NEW COVER for Stained by Cheryl Rainfield

Hi, everyone!

So, a couple of months back, I was asked to participate in the cover reveal for Cheryl Rainfield's new book Stained. I got an email while I was in Ireland about the re-reveal for the NEW cover, but I was sadly too busy after Ireland to participate on the day of. But, I still wanted to showcase the new cover (which I really really like) so I'm doing that today!

Here it is!

Seventeen-year-old Sarah Meadows covers the walls of her bedroom with images of beautiful faces she clips from magazines—and longs for “normal.” Born with a port-wine stain covering half her face, all her life she’s been plagued by stares, giggles, bullying, and disgust. Why can’t she be like Diamond, the comic-book hero she created? Diamond would never let the insults in. That’s harder for Sarah.

But when she’s abducted on the way home from school, Sarah is forced to uncover the courage she never knew she had. Can she look beyond her face to find the beauty and strength she has inside, somehow becoming a hero rather than a victim? It’s the only way Sarah will have any chance of escaping the prison—both seen and unseen—that this deranged killer has placed around her.

 

 A little note from the author: Like I did with SCARS and HUNTED, I drew on some of my own experiences of bullying, abuse, and trauma to write STAINED and to give it greater emotional depth. Like Sarah in STAINED, I experienced abduction, imprisonment, periods of forced starvation, mind control, and having my life threatened. And like Sarah, I tried hard to fight against my abuser, keep my own sense of self, and escape. I hope readers will see Sarah's strength and courage, and appreciate her emotional growth as she reclaims herself.

“Powerful. I raced through it, wanting to know if Sarah would find a way to escape both her captor and her self-doubts. A real nail-biter! “

 - April Henry, New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die

 

“A compelling, gutting, and ultimately triumphant read. You won't want to stop turning pages -- Or blink. Or breathe. -- until you reach the very last one.”

-Jennifer Brown, award-winning author of Hate List

What do you guys think of the new cover? I'm definitely a fan! Stained is out OCTOBER 1st!

Links to Stained

Amazon Canada

Amazon Canada (ebook)

The Book Depository

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Title: Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1)

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Release Date: December 23rd 2013

Source: Gifted

My Rating: 2.5/5

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart. (Summary from Goodreads)

I'm sad to say I was really disappointed with this one. I had been looking forward to reading it for a very long time, and have heard nothing but praise for Perfect Chemistry. I thought it was going to be one of those heart-melting, swoon-worthy books but it left me unsatisfied. I couldn't commit to the characters, the plot was nothing special, and I just generally didn't care for the book. I really wanted to love it, but I just couldn't.

Now, I expected some cheesy-ness. It is, after all, entitled Perfect Chemistry, has the cover of a Harlequin novel, and is about a gang-member and the golden girl falling in love. But I also expected a bit of creativity and I felt the book was seriously lacking that. There was just nothing particularly interesting about the plot. I didn't feeling emotionally invested in it at all. Instead, I was kind of bored. 

Alex and Brittany as characters were pretty flat. They were cookie-cutter "perfect girl" and "bad boy" types and I didn't feel anything special from them. I think one of the reasons for that was they weren't really developed. I think you learn about a character by what they do and say, NOT by what the author says about them. Cause that's what it really was. The author was telling us what kind of people they were but we never got to figure it out for ourselves. And I simply didn't care. I couldn't connect with them because they didn't seem real to me.

My biggest problem with this book by far was the writing. The first 75-pages had me questioning whether I even wanted to continue reading. It was beyond cheesy. It was cliche and unimaginative. I was rolling my eyes every other page because I found the dialogue and especially the internal monologues ridiculous. I understand the need for set up and background but it was more a statement of facts not character development. All the scenes with the gang members, and even Alex's own thoughts felt so forced. It was someone from the outside trying to write what it was like to be in a gang. And it felt fake to me. I did not believe a moment of it.

On a positive note (I really don't like that most of this review has been negative), Perfect Chemistry despite it's flaws, kept me interested. After the first 75-pages, I kept wanting to read it and to know what would happen next (even though I kind of knew what would happen next). I wanted to see what would happen to these characters, even if I wasn't invested in them. 

Overall, I was really underwhelmed by Perfect Chemistry. It just didn't connect with me like everyone said it would. In saying that though, I seem to be in the minority here. If you were planning on reading this book, I wouldn't let my review dissuade you. Maybe it's your kind of book! It just, sadly, didn't happen to be mine.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight) 

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Simone Elkeles' Website 

Stacking the Shelves (25)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which bloggers share the books they stacked their shelves with during the week!

Well, I haven't done a Stacking the Shelves in a very long time (this seems to be how I start off all these posts). Admittedly, I'm much to lazy to get all my books together for a picture so I keep putting it off until my stack gets...well...insane. Like today. Anyways! Here's my stack for the last month or so!

Bought:

- Mind Games (Mind Games #1) by Kiersten White

- Devil's Bargain (Devil's Due #1) by Rachel Caine (Bought in Ireland!)

- The Forsaken (The Forsaken #1) by Lisa M. Stasse

- Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

- The Oathbreaker's Shadow (The Knots Sequence #1) by Amy McCulloch

I was lucky enough to attend the launch party for The Oathbreaker's Shadow on Thursday with the Ottawa Bloggers! I got to meet the fantastic Amy McCulloch and got my copy signed. Thanks, Amy!

Won:

- Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Taherah Mafi

- Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi

Borrowed:

- Fall of Night (Morganville Vampires #14) by Rachel Caine

- (ARC) Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

- Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

- (ARC) Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan (Thanks, Emilie!)

- (ARC) Teardrop (Teardrop #1) by Lauren Kate

- (ARC) The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

- (ARC) The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

- (ARC) The Waking Dark by Robin Wasserman

- Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen (Thanks, Meaghan!)

- Let the Sky Fall (Let the Sky Fall #1) by Shannon Messenger (Thanks, Katie!)

- (ARC) The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater

I may have had a mini heart-attack when I got this book. I am so insanely excited to read it and so grateful to have been able to borrow a copy. Thanks Kathy! (And thanks for the other awesome books too!)

Received for Review:

- (ARC) Project Cain by Geoffrey Girad (Thank you, Simon & Schuster!)

- Anatomy of a Boyfriend (Anatomy #1) by Daria Snadowsky

- Anatomy of a Single Girl (Anatomy #2) by Daria Snadowsky (Thank you, Daria for sending me these books!)

- (ARC) Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead (Perks of working at a bookstore!)

- (ARC) 3:59 by Gretchen McNeill

- (ARC) The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Coming home to a copy of The Chaos of Stars was the cherry on top of a fantastic vacation. Huge thank you goes out to Shannon from Harper Collins who sent me these awesome ARCs!

Swag:

- Bridge trading card

- Shade series swag

Thank you, Jeri for sending these! 

- Incarnate and Asunder bookmarks 

Huge thanks to Jodi Meadows for sending these bookmarks for book club! Can't wait to discuss Incarnate with everyone!

What books did you get this week?

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Review: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

Title: Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls #2)

Author: Ally Carter

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Release Date: October 2nd 2007

Source: Purchased

My Rating: 4.5/5

Cammie Morgan is back, and it's clear that her life hasn't calmed down since the events of I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You. At first, giddy anticipation is in the air. Gallagher Academy, Cammie's elite spy school, is hosting a visit from a covert training center for boys. Soon after the boys' arrival, though, everything goes dangerously awry when a series of security breaches are discovered at the academy. Worse yet, teenage agent-in-training Cammie is being blamed for the penetration. With the school's top-secret status at risk, the Gallagher Girls have to work quickly to save their beloved school.

I'm sold. I am totally completely sold on this series. I'll admit, the first book made me a bit skeptical. But this one? It stole my heart and probably hid it in some military grade cell in the bottom of a bunker. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy was every shade of brilliant imaginable and has convinced me that my new life goal is to become a Gallagher Girl.

Every time I read an Ally Carter book I am blown away by her talent. Her writing appears so effortless and realistic. I love how interesting and crafty her stories are and how everything seems to be well-thought out. The spy-lingo was so cool and I simply love the humor in this book. The narrator Cammie is absolutely lovable. So endearing, and one of those protagonists that makes the story amazing by how she tells it. I am so excited to read more from the fantastic Cameron Morgan.

After all the hype I've been hearing about the infamous Zach, I was pretty freakin excited to meet him in this installment. And he sure came in in a memorable, hilarious way! I like my guys with a lot sarcasm and wit and a little bit of mystery so I was a Zach fan from the start. Zach and Cammie were adorable. They bantered back and forth, and kept each other on their toes. The two of them together would make such a sweet (and funny) couple.

One of the best parts of this novel is the girls. The books really are about friendship, about trying to do what's right, and about the ups and downs of growing up. Cammie, Bex, Liz, Macey and all the other Gallagher Girls are a supportive and caring team that help each other out and push each other to be the best they can be. They're true friends and great girls. But that's not all the Gallagher Girls are. They are girls who are not just going to sit on the sidelines and watch the action pass them by. They're the type to calculate, and plot and then dive right into the thick of things. The Gallagher Girls can kick ass both with their fists and with her brains and I love that about them. I wish I was one of them. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a spy!

There was a lot of mystery going on in this novel! Everyone seemed to be hiding something and I, just like Cammie, was dying to get to the bottom of it. I found myself reading this book any time I could because I needed to know how it would end. And the final few scenes had me flipping pages like mad! It was a fitting end to the novel and made me itch for the next book.

Cross My Heart And Hope to Spy was simply a great novel. Awesome characters, intelligent plot, and a brilliant writer, I loved this book. This summer, (or winter, or fall, or spring, or life) check out the Gallagher Girls series.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Ally Carter's Website

Waiting On Wednesday (50): The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for! 

This Week's Pick: The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle

Publisher: Amulet Books

Release Date: August 20th 2013

For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now . . . not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are? Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.
 
And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them . . .
 
Sexy, romantic, and oh-so-true to life, this is an unforgettable look at first love from one of young adult fiction’s greatest writers.

After reading Shine two years ago, I am always looking out for more Lauren Myracle books. Although I've only read the one, it was enough to show me to sheer talent she has for story-telling. 

When I read the description for The Infinite Moment of Us, I was instantly interested. I mean, the title alone is awesome but I am a sucker for a coming-of-age story. Throw in a bit of romance, a fantastic author, and a summer setting and you have a book I cannot wait to read!

What are you waiting on this week?

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight) 

Review: The Program by Suzanne Young

Title: The Program (The Program #1)

Author: Suzanne Young

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Release Date: April 30th 2013

Source: Received ARC from Simon Pulse for an Honest Review

My Rating: 5/5

 

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them. (Summary from Goodreads)

It's been two months since I read The Program. It's taken me all this time just to get my thoughts on the page. I keep starting and stopping, starting and stopping because I don't feel my words can really describe this book in all it's glory. It was more than I could have expected, and it has stayed with me all this time. I still think about it. I still get that warm feeling it gave me. I still feel the urge to hug the book. It was spectacular and I connected with it completely. Suzanne Young, you are a star.

I was pretty apprehensive about The Program at first. I have a sensitivity to how mental health is portrayed in media and am always wary about books with them as a main focus. I don't like books that preach. I don't like books that tell me what I feel. I like books that show you the raw reality and nothing more. If the book is good enough, the readers should be able to draw their own conclusion. See the message behind without having it written in neon lights. I didn't have to worry with The Program though, because it handled the issues with grace and honesty. It showed how mental health affects people in different ways, and really focused on the characters and their experiences. 

And those characters. My goodness, those characters. They had me in tears, had me laughing, had my heart aching, and had me feeling hopeful. Sloane was a superb, strong, and admirable narrator. She wasn't a perfect person, but a caring and realistic young girl facing extreme hardships. I just wanted to give her a hug, plant a seed of hope in her world but I didn't have to. She was strong enough to help herself and I was proud of her. And then there was James. My heart honestly hurts just thinking about how amazing he was. Such a genuine person, and a supportive boyfriend despite the deep depression he was suffering. He wasn't strong all the time, he wasn't a typical hero, but he was someone I was rooting for and someone I simply loved.

Things I love in books, and in YA books in particular, are genuine relationships. The kind where they fight, make up, and work together because they truly care about each other. They both have faults, but that makes their relationship stronger. James and Sloane were exactly that kind of couple and ugh, it made my heart go all pitter-pattery. I loved watching their relationship evolve and grow throughout the book, as they were each put through some difficult times. They truly loved each other for who they were and were willing to do anything for each other. It was a real relationship, and it had my heart in tatters.

Watching the scenes with The Program itself were terrifying. I was horrified by what they were doing to these people, and found myself near tears watching Sloane suffer through it. I was disturbed and livid that this was being allowed. But man, did it make for an interesting book.

On of the really interesting thing about The Program was the questions it raises. I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but it definitely address the real-world problems associated with mental health awareness. The stigma of being mentally ill, the inability to talk about it because of that stigma, and what people suffering have to face were all topics that (at least I) saw in the book. Maybe I'm reading a bit into it (it's possible) but honestly, I'm fine with that. I also like that this story doesn't fit into a genre box. Is it dystopian? Is it contemporary? Is it sci-fi? Well, it's a little bit of all of them. It's not confined to a certain idea and it makes the story so much more.

Because the story is something amazing. Suzanne Young is a spectacular writer and created a captivating world. One that will drag you in and never let go. I really and truly adored it. Give this book a read. You will be so happy you did.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Find This Book: Amazon | Chapters/Indigo | Goodreads | Suzanne Young's Website 

Summer Books

Sunset on the Hill of Tara

I happen to have a deep love for summer. I crave the heat, the blistering sunshine, and the refreshing water. I love to lay in my hammock, listen to the birds chip, and enjoy the fact that anything is possible during this time of year. Which is why I adore summer books. Those sweet, heart-breaking books about summer love and beach towns. This year, I have a stack of books I own (and some I'm planning on buying/borrowing) that I want to read during this hopefully hot summer! Here's my summer books list:

- Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

- That Summer by Sarah Dessen

- The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

* I plan on picking up a bunch more Sarah Dessen books this summer!

- Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

* Already read this one!

- Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

- Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions edited by Melissa Marr

- Love Story by Jennifer Echols

- Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols

- Forever Summer by Alyson Noel

- Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

- Stealing Parker (Hundred Oaks #2) by Miranda Kenneally

* Already read this one as well!

- Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) by Miranda Kenneally

- Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

- Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

- The Summer Series by Jenny Han

* I've read these before but I love them so much I'm going to reread them!

Not Pictured:

- Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

- The Au Pairs series by Melissa de la Cruz

- The Distance Between Us by Kasie West

*Not out until July

- Right Of Way by Lauren Barnholdt

*Not out until July

- The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

I know I won't get to all of these books, but I've very excited to read as many as I can! What summer books are you planning on reading?

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Why Bloggers Love What They Do!

Bloggers and Authors at the Smart Chicks Kick it Tour in MTL

A few months back, I asked a few of my fellow bloggers to write simply about why they love to blog! I was going to post it for my blogoversary week, but that plan didn't exactly pan out. I decided instead, to use them as guest post for one of the days I'm over in Ireland! So, today I have some of my favorite bloggers (and favorite people in general) talking about what the best part of blogging is to them!

My favourite thing about being a blogger is meeting my people.  When I say my people I mean the kind of people who feel the need to visit the bookstore weekly and also the need to buy something new in said bookstore every time they walk in.  My people are the kind of people who don't feel ashamed to have crushes on fictional boys/men, who sniff books from time to time and who cry when their favourite character dies.  My people wouldn't mind staying in to read rather than going out on a Saturday night.  My people go nuts when their favourite author tweets them and freak out when going to a book signing. My people actually believe it to be possible to read every book in a bookstore and probably have more books on their TBR list then on their read list.
 
Over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to meet my people and hang out with them regularly. The Ottawa Blogettes have become such a big part of my life and I love that it was blogging that brought us together.  We meet up regularly over dinner, lunch or coffee and when we do it's like time just flies by.  
 
One my best memories is from not too long ago when we all traveled together for the Ontario Blog Squad meetup in Toronto. If we weren't friends then we definitely are now. We spent over 10 hours in a car together and shared a room.  A few of us (Katie, Ciara and I) even went out for a night on the town.  So while I love reading and blogging, my favourite thing about being a blogger is the network of people you meet who are just like you.  - Meaghan @ Feeling a Little Bookish

 

When Ciara asked me to talk about what my favourite thing about being a blogger was, I knew immediately what I was going to talk about. The people I've met. My fellow bloggers. I have met some wonderful people who have become friends.

 

The Ottawa Blogettes especially have made blogging more enjoyable. Our chats, and meet ups are always fun and it's nice to be around people who love books as much as I do. Being part of this amazing, and supportive community really is the best part of being a blogger. - Kathy @ A Glass of Wine

Why do you guys love to blog? Leave a comment and let me know!

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Waiting On Wednesday (49): Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, in which bloggers talk about the books they are most eager for! 

This Week's Pick: Midnight Frost (Mythos Academy #5) by Jennifer Estep

Publisher: K-Teen

Release Date: July 30th, 2013

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there … (Summary from Goodreads)

You may have noticed I'm a bit obsessed with the Mythos Academy series. It's one of those series I just love with abandon. I love the characters, I love the story, I love the suspense, I love every little thing about it. The books just keep getting better and better!

After the events of Crimson Frost I'm desperate to know what will happen next! I cannot wait to get my hands on Midnight Frost so I can devour it in one sitting (as I've done all the previous novels)! Check out the Mythos Academy series! You'll be glad you did.

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)

Books of 2013, Part 6: June

Hi, everyone!

Is anyone else shocked that the year is half over? I feel like it was just New Years! I'm very excited for the nice summer temperatures and the great books that are coming out. Here's my most anticipated books for June!

June 4th

- The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen: I'm hoping to do kind of a Sarah Dessen marathon this summer since I've never read any books by her! I'm sure I'll enjoy them though.

- When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney: This books looks beautiful and heart-breaking and I'm so so excited to finally read it!

- Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead: A new adult book from Richelle Mead! This makes me so insanely happy!

- The Forsaken (The Forsaken #1) (paperback) by Lisa M. Stasse: I have an ARC of the sequel but I'm waiting until it's out in paperback to buy! Really excited to start this series!

- The Oathbreaker's Shadow (The Knot's Sequence #1) by Amy McCulloch: Sounds like a very cool concept, AND the book launch is in Ottawa!
- You Look Different in Real Life by Jennifer Castle: Been meaning to read more contemporary books and this one sounds awesome!

June 11th 

- Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn: Sounds very disturbing and twisted. My kind of book!

- Dance of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #2) by Bethany Griffin: Looking to see how this duology ends!

June 18th

- Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend (Confessions #2) by Louise Rozett: I haven't read the previous novel, but they both sound fantastic and I'm ready to dive right in!

- Defy the Dark edited by Saundra Mitchell: This anthology has some spectacular authors in it (including Courtney Summers!) which is make me very eager to take a peek!

- Proxy (Proxy #1) by Alex London: I very recently heard of this one but it sounds creative and intriguing!

June 25th

- Spartan Frost (Mythos Academy #4.5) by Jennifer Estep: Logan's story. That is all. *swoon*

- The Lost Sun (The United States of Asgard #1) by Tessa Gratton: What a cool idea! I can't wait to see how it's executed.

June 27th

- Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey: It sounds like a cool retelling!

What books are you looking forward to this month?

- Ciara (Lost at Midnight)